Exhibit 10.4
AMENDED & RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This AMENDED & RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), executed on August 11, 2026, and effective as of August 1, 2026 (the “Effective Date”), is between Vistra Corp., Vistra Corporate Services Company (together, the “Company”), and Kristopher E. Moldovan (“Executive”).
Recitals:
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive have previously entered into a written employment agreement dated August 1, 2022 (the “Prior Agreement”) pursuant to which Executive provides services to the Company, and the Company and Executive desire to amend and restate the Prior Agreement in its entirety as set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and covenants contained herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties to this Agreement hereby agree as follows:
1. Term
(a) The term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Date, and shall continue until the three (3)-year anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Initial Expiration Date”); providedthat on the Initial Expiration Date and each subsequent anniversary of the Initial Expiration Date, the term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be automatically extended for one (1) additional year unless either party provides written notice to the other party at least sixty (60) days prior to the Initial Expiration Date (or any such anniversary, as applicable) that Executive’s employment shall not be so extended (in which case, Executive’s employment shall terminate on the Initial Expiration Date or any such anniversary, as applicable); provided, however, that Executive’s employment under this Agreement may be terminated at any earlier time pursuant to the provisions of Section 5. The period of time from the Effective Date through the termination of this Agreement and Executive’s employment hereunder pursuant to its terms is herein referred to as the “Term”; and the date on which the Term is scheduled to expire (i.e., the Initial Expiration Date or the scheduled expiration of the extended term, if applicable) is herein referred to as the “Expiration Date.”
(b) Executive agrees and acknowledges that the Company has no obligation to extend the Term or to continue Executive’s employment following the Expiration Date, and Executive expressly acknowledges that no promises or understandings to the contrary have been made or reached.
2. Definitions.
For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms, as used herein, shall have the definitions set forth below.
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(a) “Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such specified Person.
(b) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(c) “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur upon any of the following events:
(i) the acquisition by any Person or related “group” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor thereto (the “Exchange Act”)) of Beneficial Ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under Section 13 of the Exchange Act) of 30% or more (on a fully diluted basis) of either (A) the then-outstanding shares of the common stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”), including Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options or warrants, the conversion of convertible stock or debt, and the exercise of any similar right to acquire such Common Stock; or (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); but excluding any acquisition by the Company or any of its Affiliates or by any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company or any of its Affiliates;
(ii) a change in the composition of the Board such that members of the Board during any consecutive twelve (12)-month period (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease to constitute a majority of the Board. Any person becoming a director through election or nomination for election approved by a valid vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors shall be deemed an Incumbent Director; provided, however,that no individual becoming a director as a result of an actual or threatened election contest, as such terms are used in Rule 14a-12 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act, or as a result of any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any person other than the Board, shall be deemed an Incumbent Director;
(iii) the approval by the shareholders of the Company of a plan of complete dissolution or liquidation of the Company; or
(iv) the consummation of a reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving the Company (a “Business Combination”), or sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company to an entity that is not an Affiliate of the Company (a “Sale”), unless immediately following such Business Combination or Sale: (A) more than 50% of the total voting power of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or the entity that acquired all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company in such Sale (in either case, the “Surviving Company”), or the ultimate parent entity
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that has Beneficial Ownership of sufficient voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors (or analogous governing body) of the Surviving Company (the “Parent Company”), is represented by the Outstanding Company Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Business Combination or Sale (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which the Outstanding Company Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Business Combination or Sale), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Business Combination or Sale, (B) no Person or related group of Persons (other than any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Company or the Parent Company) is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect members of the board of directors (or the analogous governing body) of the Parent Company (or, if there is no Parent Company, the Surviving Company) and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or the analogous governing body) of the Parent Company (or, if there is no Parent Company, the Surviving Company) following the consummation of the Business Combination or Sale were Board members at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Business Combination or Sale.
(d) “Cause” means (i) Executive’s willful and continued failure to perform Executive’s duties with the Company; (ii) Executive’s willful and continued failure to follow and comply with the written policies of the Company as in effect from time to time; (iii) Executive’s willful commission of an act of fraud or dishonesty resulting in economic or financial injury to the Company; (iv) Executive’s willful engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct; (v) Executive’s willful breach of this Agreement; or (vi) Executive’s indictment for, conviction of, or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any felony or other crime involving moral turpitude. No act or failure to act will be treated as willful if it is done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith and with a good faith belief that such act or omission was in the best interests of the Company.
(e) “Control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “Controlled by” and “under common Control with”), as used with respect to any Person, means the direct or indirect possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or by contract.
(f) “Disability” means Executive would be entitled to long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan as in effect from time to time, without regard to any waiting or elimination period under such plan and assuming for the purpose of such determination that Executive is actually participating in such plan at such time. If the Company does not maintain a long-term disability plan, “Disability” means Executive’s inability to perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder on a full-time basis for a consecutive period of one hundred eighty (180) days due to physical or mental illness or
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incapacity that is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and reasonably acceptable to Executive or Executive’s legal representative.
(g) “Good Reason” means the occurrence, without the consent of Executive, of either of the following events: (i) any material diminution of, or modification to, Executive’s title, duties, responsibilities, authorities, or terms of employment set forth in Section 3or (ii) any breach by the Company of any of its material obligations to Executive. Prior to resigning for Good Reason, Executive shall give written notice to the Company of the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for such resignation not more than sixty (60) days following Executive’s knowledge of such facts and circumstances, and the Company shall have ten (10) business days after receipt of such notice to cure (and if so cured, Executive shall not be permitted to resign for Good Reason in respect thereof) and Executive shall resign within ten (10) business days following the Company’s failure to cure.
(h) “Person” means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, unincorporated entity, or other entity.
3. Duties and Responsibilities.
The Company hereby continues employing Executive, and Executive hereby accepts continued employment, subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, during the Term, as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. During the Term, Executive agrees to be employed by and devote all of Executive’s business time and attention to the Company and the promotion of its interests and to use Executive’s best efforts to faithfully and diligently serve the Company; provided, however, that, to the extent that such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties, services, and responsibilities under this Agreement, Executive shall be permitted to (a) manage Executive’s personal, financial, and legal affairs, (b) serve on civic or charitable boards and committees of such boards and (c) to the extent approved by the Board pursuant to a duly authorized resolution of the Board, serve on corporate boards and committees of such boards. Executive will perform such lawful duties and responsibilities as are commensurate with Executive’s title and position, and such other duties and responsibilities commensurate with Executive’s title and position as may be reasonably requested by the Chief Executive Officer and the Board from time to time. Executive will have the authority customarily exercised by an individual serving as an Executive Vice President of a corporation of the size and nature of the Company. Executive’s place of employment will be in Irving, Texas.
4. Compensation and Related Matters.
(a) Base Salary. During the Term, Executive will receive an aggregate annual base salary (“Base Salary”) at an initial rate of $768,622.05, payable in accordance with the Company’s applicable payroll practices. Base Salary shall be reviewed annually by the Board, or an authorized committee thereof, and increased (but not decreased) in the Board’s (or such committee’s) sole discretion. References in this Agreement to Base Salary shall be deemed to refer to the most recently effective annual base salary rate and references in this Section 4 to the “Board” shall include such committee.
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(b) Annual Bonus
During the Term, Executive shall be eligible to receive a cash bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) for each year (or portion thereof), providedthat, except as otherwise provided herein, Executive has remained employed by the Company through the applicable payment date. Executive’s target bonus opportunity for any particular year (the “Target Bonus”) shall be 95% of Base Salary, and Executive’s maximum bonus opportunity shall be 200% of the Target Bonus. The Annual Bonus shall be subject to performance metrics approved by the Board based on key short-term objectives and shall be at the full discretion of the Board. Any Annual Bonus shall be paid in the fiscal year following the fiscal year to which such Annual Bonus relates, at the same time as annual bonuses are paid to all other senior executives.
(c) Benefits and Perquisites. During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the benefit plans (including, without limitation, life insurance) and programs and receive perquisites that are provided by the Company from time to time for its senior executives generally, subject to the terms and conditions of such plans and programs, as they may be amended from time to time, and commensurate with Executive’s position. During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to up to $15,000 per year for tax and financial planning.
(d) Business Expense Reimbursements. During the Term, the Company shall promptly reimburse Executive for Executive’s reasonable and necessary business expenses in accordance with the Company’s then-prevailing policies and procedures for expense reimbursement (which shall include appropriate itemization and substantiation of expenses incurred).
(e) Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Executive, to the fullest extent permitted by law and the Company’s governing documents, against all claims, expenses, damages, liabilities, and losses incurred by Executive (whether before or after the Effective Date) by reason of the fact that Executive is or was, or had agreed to become, a consultant, director, officer, employee, agent, or fiduciary of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates or predecessors of any of the foregoing, or any benefit plan of any of the foregoing, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a consultant, director, officer, partner, venturer, proprietor, trustee, employee, agent, fiduciary, or similar functionary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, business, person, trust, employee benefit plan, or other entity. The Company shall provide Executive with customary directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage both during and after the Term with regard to matters occurring during employment or while otherwise providing services to, or serving at the request of, the Company or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates, or any benefit plan of any of the foregoing, which coverage shall be at a level at least equal to the greatest level being maintained at such time for any current officer or director and shall continue until such time as suits can no longer be brought against Executive as a matter of law. Executive will be entitled to advancement of expenses in connection with any claim in the same manner and to the same extent to which any other officer or director of the Company is entitled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to indemnify or advance expenses to Executive in connection with (i) any dispute in connection with this Agreement or Executive’s employment hereunder;
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(ii) any action, claim, or proceeding initiated by Executive against the Company unless such action, claim, or proceeding is approved in advance by the Board in writing; or (iii) any liabilities, damages, claims or expenses incurred that are attributable to Executive’s fraud, bad faith, willful misconduct, or gross negligence.
5. Termination of Employment.
(a) Executive’s employment under this Agreement may be terminated by either party at any time and for any reason; provided, however, that Executive shall be required to give the Company at least sixty (60) days’ advance written notice of any voluntary resignation of Executive’s employment hereunder (other than resignation for Good Reason (and in such event the Company in its sole discretion may elect to accelerate Executive’s date of termination of employment, it being understood that such termination shall still be treated as a voluntary resignation without Good Reason for purposes of this Agreement)). Any such written notice shall be delivered in accordance with Section 20and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances providing a basis for the termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon Executive’s death.
(b) Following any termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, except as provided under Sections 5(c), 5(d), and 5(e), the obligations of the Company to pay or provide Executive with compensation and benefits under Section 4shall cease, and the Company shall have no further obligations to provide compensation or benefits to Executive hereunder, except (i) for payment of any accrued but unpaid Base Salary, any accrued but unused vacation, and any unreimbursed expenses under Section 4(d), in each case as accrued or incurred through the date of termination of employment, payable as soon as practicable and in all events within thirty (30) days following the date of termination of employment, (ii) as explicitly set forth in any other benefit plans, programs, or arrangements applicable to terminated employees in which Executive participates (including, without limitation, equity award agreements), other than severance plans or policies , and (iii) as otherwise expressly required by applicable law. For the avoidance of doubt, except as otherwise provided below, any Unpaid Annual Bonus (as defined below) is forfeited if Executive’s employment is terminated for any reason.
(c) If Executive’s employment under this Agreement is terminated (i) by the Company without Cause (other than due to death or Disability), (ii) by Executive for Good Reason, or (iii) due to expiration of the Term on the Expiration Date as a result of the Company delivering a notice of non-renewal as contemplated by Section 1, in addition to the payments and benefits specified in Section 5(b), Executive shall be entitled to receive: (A) severance pay in an aggregate amount (the “Severance Pay”) equal to two times (2x) the sum of (1) Base Salary plus (2) Target Bonus; (B) a prorated Annual Bonus in respect of the fiscal year of termination equal to the product of (x) the amount of Annual Bonus that would have been payable to Executive had Executive’s employment not so terminated based on actual performance measured through the fiscal year of termination, and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed in the Company’s fiscal year in which the termination occurs through such termination and the denominator of which is the number of days in such
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fiscal year (the “Prorated Bonus”); (C) any accrued but unpaid Annual Bonus in respect of the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year of termination (the “Unpaid Annual Bonus”); and (D) continued health insurance benefits under the terms of the applicable Company benefit plans for twenty-four (24) months, subject to Executive’s payment of the cost of such benefits to the same extent that active employees of the Company are required to pay for such benefits from time to time; provided, however, that such continuation coverage shall end earlier upon Executive’s becoming eligible for comparable coverage under another employer’s benefit plans; and provided, further, that, to the extent that the provision of such continuation coverage is not permitted under the terms of the Company benefit plans or would result in an adverse tax consequence to the Company, the Company may alternatively provide Executive with a monthly cash payment in an amount equal to the applicable COBRA premium that Executive would otherwise be required to pay to obtain COBRA continuation coverage for such benefits for twenty-four (24) months (assuming that COBRA continuation coverage were available for such period) (minus the cost of such benefits to the same extent that active employees of the Company are required to pay for such benefits from time to time) (the “Healthcare Severance Benefits”), commencing as provided in Section 23(c). The Severance Pay shall be paid in equal installments during the twenty-four (24)-month period following Executive’s termination in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices, but no less frequently than monthly, and commencing as provided in Section 23(c)below. The Unpaid Annual Bonus shall be paid on the date bonuses are paid to other executives during the fiscal year of Executive’s termination and the Prorated Bonus shall be paid on the date bonuses are paid to other executives of the Company in the year following the fiscal year of Executive’s termination.
(d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time within eighteen (18) months following a Change in Control, Executive’s employment under this Agreement is terminated (i) by the Company without Cause (other than due to death or Disability), (ii) by Executive for Good Reason, or (iii) due to expiration of the Term on the Expiration Date as a result of the Company delivering a notice of non-renewal as contemplated by Section 1, then Executive, in lieu of any of the amounts and benefits described in Section5(c), and in addition to the payments and benefits specified in Section 5(b), shall be entitled to receive (i) the Unpaid Annual Bonus, (ii) 2.99 times the sum of (A) Base Salary plus (B) Target Bonus (the “CIC Severance Pay”), (iii) the product of (x) the Target Bonus, and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed in the Company’s fiscal year in which the termination occurs through such termination and the denominator of which is the number of days in such fiscal year (the “Prorated CIC Bonus”), and (iv) the Healthcare Severance Benefits for twenty-four (24) months (as described above and commencing as provided in Section 23(c)). The CIC Severance Pay and the Prorated CIC Bonus shall be paid in cash in a lump sum on the first payroll following the satisfaction of the Release Condition, subject to Section 23(c); provided, however, if the Change in Control does not constitute a “change in the ownership or effective control of the corporation, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the corporation” within the meaning of Section 409A(a) (2)(A)(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the portion of the CIC Severance Pay that is not in excess of the Severance Pay that would have been payable upon such termination if Section 5(c)applied shall be paid to Executive in equal monthly installments during the twenty-four (24)-month period following Executive’s termination in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll
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practices, but no less frequently than monthly, and commencing as provided in Section 23(c)below, and the portion of the CIC Severance Pay in excess of such amount shall be paid to Executive in cash in a lump sum on the first payroll following the satisfaction of the Release Condition, subject to Section 23(c). The Unpaid Annual Bonus shall be paid on the date bonuses are paid to other executives during the fiscal year of Executive’s termination.
(e) If Executive’s employment under this Agreement is terminated due to death or Disability, in addition to the payments and benefits specified in Section 5(b), Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) the Prorated Bonus, paid on the date bonuses are paid to other executives of the Company in the year following the fiscal year of Executive’s termination, and (ii) the Unpaid Annual Bonus, paid on the date bonuses are paid to other executives of the Company in the fiscal year of Executive’s termination.
(f) Executive’s entitlement to the payments and benefits set forth in Sections 5(c)and 5(d)shall be conditioned upon Executive’s having provided an irrevocable waiver and release of claims in favor of the Company, its Affiliates, their respective predecessors and successors, and all of the respective current or former directors, officers, employees, shareholders, partners, members, agents, or representatives of any of the foregoing, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A(the “Release”), that has become effective in accordance with its terms within sixty (60) days following Executive’s termination of employment (the “Release Condition”), and Executive’s continued compliance with Sections 6and 7hereof.
(g) Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, and regardless of whether Executive continues as a consultant to the Company, Executive shall be deemed to have resigned, as of the date of such termination of employment or such other date requested, from the Board and any committees thereof, and, if applicable, from the board of directors (and any committees thereof) of any Affiliate of the Company to the extent Executive is then serving thereon.
(h) The payment of any amounts accrued under any benefit plan, program, or arrangement in which Executive participates shall be subject to the terms of the applicable plan, program, or arrangement, and any elections Executive has made thereunder.
(i) Following any termination of Executive’s employment, Executive shall have no obligation to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement. There shall be no offset against amounts due Executive under this Agreement on account of any remuneration attributable to later employment, consultancy, or other remunerative activity of Executive. However, the Company’s obligations to make the payments provided for in this Agreement are subject to counterclaim, set-off, and recoupment for amounts owed by Executive to the Company or its Affiliates, to the extent permitted by Section 409A (as defined below) and any Company clawback policy.
6. Confidential Information
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(a) Executive acknowledges that the Company and its Affiliates continually develop Confidential Information (as defined below), that Executive may develop Confidential Information for the Company or its Affiliates and that Executive may be provided and receive access to Confidential Information during the course of Executive’s employment. In addition, Executive understands that the Company and its Affiliates will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”) subject to a duty on the Company’s and its Affiliates’ parts to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. Executive will comply with the policies and procedures of the Company and its Affiliates for protecting Confidential Information and Third Party Information and shall not disclose to any Person or use, other than as required by applicable law or for the proper performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company and its Affiliates, any Confidential Information or Third Party Information obtained by Executive incident to Executive’s employment or other association with the Company or any of its Affiliates. Executive understands that this restriction shall continue to apply after Executive’s employment terminates, regardless of the reason for such termination.
(b) All documents, records, tapes, and other media of every kind and description relating to the business, present or otherwise, of the Company or its Affiliates and any copies, in whole or in part, thereof (the “Documents”), whether or not prepared by Executive, shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company and its Affiliates. Executive shall safeguard all Documents and shall surrender to the Company at the time Executive’s employment terminates, or at such earlier time or times as the Company may specify, all Documents then in Executive’s possession or control. Executive shall immediately return such Documents and other property to the Company upon the termination of Executive’s employment and, in any event, at the Company’s request. Executive further agrees that any property situated on the premises of, and owned by, the Company or its Affiliates, including removable drives and other storage media, filing cabinets, or other work areas, is subject to inspection by the Company’s personnel at any time with or without notice.
(c) Executive understands that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no provision of this Agreement will be interpreted so as to impede Executive (or any other individual) from (i) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Agreement, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law, (ii) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency, legislative body or any self-regulatory organization, including, but not limited to, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, (iii) accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards, or (iv) making other disclosures under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. In addition, nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement or Company policy prohibits or restricts Executive from initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any administrative, governmental, regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation. Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make
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any such reports or disclosures, and Executive will not be required to notify the Company that such reports or disclosures have been made.
(d) Executive also understands that 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) provides: “An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that—(i) is made—(A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.” Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b). Accordingly, Executive has the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, and the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, provided that the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
(e) “Confidential Information” means any and all information of the Company and its Affiliates that is not generally known by others with whom they compete or do business, or with whom any of them plans to compete or do business and any and all information, publicly known in whole or in part or not, which, if disclosed by the Company or its Affiliates would assist in competition against them. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, such information relating to (i) the development, research, testing, manufacturing, marketing and financial activities of the Company and its Affiliates, (ii) all products planned, researched, developed, tested, manufactured, sold, licensed, leased or otherwise distributed or put into use by the Company and its Affiliates, together with all services provided or planned by the Company or any of its Affiliates, during Executive’s employment, (iii) the costs, sources of supply, financial performance and strategic plans of the Company and its Affiliates, (iv) the identity and special needs of the customers of the Company and its Affiliates and (v) the people and organizations with whom the Company and its Affiliates have business relationships and those relationships. Confidential Information also includes any information that the Company or any of its Affiliates have received, or may receive hereafter, belonging to customers or others with any understanding, express or implied, that the information would not be disclosed.
7. Restricted Activities
Executive agrees that restrictions on Executive’s activities during and after Executive’s employment are necessary to protect the goodwill, Confidential Information and other legitimate interests of the Company and itsAffiliates. The Company has provided and will continue to provide Executive with access to and knowledge of Confidential Information and trade secrets and will place Executive in a position of trust and confidence with the Company, and Executive will benefit from the Company’s goodwill. The restrictive covenants below are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests in its Confidential Information, trade secrets and goodwill. Executive further understands and acknowledges that the Company’s ability to reserve these for the exclusive knowledge and use of the Company is of great
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competitive importance and commercial value to the Company and that the Company would be irreparably harmed if Executive violates the restrictive covenants below. In recognition of the consideration provided to Executive as well as the imparting to Executive of Confidential Information, including trade secrets, and for other good and valuable consideration, Executive hereby agrees as follows:
(a) While Executive is employed by the Company and for twenty-four (24) months after Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, whether before or after the Expiration Date (in the aggregate, the “Non-Competition Period”), Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, partner, investor (other than a passive investor of less than 5% in a publicly traded company or through an independently controlled fund such as a mutual fund), consultant, agent, employee, director, co-venturer, or otherwise, (i) compete with the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates in the Restricted Area (a “Competitive Business”) or (ii) undertake any planning for any Competitive Business. With respect to the portion of the Non-Competition Period that follows Executive’s termination of employment, the determination of whether a business is a Competitive Business shall be made based on the scope and location of the businesses conducted or planned to be conducted by the Company and its Affiliates as of the date of such termination.
(b) Executive agrees that, during Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will not undertake any outside activity, whether or not competitive with the business of the Company or its Affiliates, that would reasonably give rise to a conflict of interest or otherwise interfere with Executive’s duties and obligations to the Company or any of its Affiliates.
(c) Executive further agrees that, during the Non-Competition Period, Executive will not solicit, hire, or attempt to solicit or hire any employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates (or any individual who was employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates during the one (1)-year period prior to Executive’s termination), assist in such hiring by any Person, encourage any such employee to terminate his or her relationship with the Company or any of its Affiliates, or solicit or encourage any Covered Customer to terminate or diminish its relationship with them, or, in the case of a Covered Customer, to conduct with any Person any business or activity which such customer conducts with the Company or any of its Affiliates.
(d) Executive shall not, whether in writing or orally, malign, denigrate, or disparage the Company or its Affiliates, or their respective predecessors and successors, or any of the current or former directors, officers, employees, shareholders, partners, members, agents, or representatives of any of the foregoing, with respect to any of their respective past or present activities, or otherwise publish (whether in writing or orally) statements that tend to portray any of the aforementioned parties in an unfavorable light. The Company shall direct its directors and officers not to, whether in writing or orally, malign, denigrate, or disparage Executive with respect to any of Executive’s past or present activities, or otherwise publish (whether in writing or orally) statements that are intended to portray Executive in an unfavorable light. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from discussing or disclosing information about unlawful acts in the workplace, such as harassment or
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discrimination or any other civil or criminal conduct that Executive has reason to believe is unlawful.
(e) Executive’s and the Company’s obligations under this Section 7, as applicable, shall continue beyond the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.
(f) For purposes of thisSection 7, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:
(i) “Covered Customer” means a customer of the Company or any of its Affiliates that Executive had material contact with during the Look Back Period, including customer representatives like, but not limited to, buying groups, brokers, and comparable intermediaries with control over the decision to do business with the Company or any of its Affiliates, as well as active customer prospects as of the date of termination of Executive’s employment. Material contact will be presumed present if in the Look Back Period: Executive (or persons under Executive’s supervision) had contact or similar interaction with the customer, or Executive was provided Confidential Information about the customer, or Executive received commissions, bonuses, or other beneficial credit or consideration for business conducted with the customer.
(ii) “Look Back Period” means the period of Executive’s employment with the Company or any of its Affiliates (including any period of employment with a predecessor entity acquired by the Company) within the one (1) year preceding the date of termination of Executive’s employment.
(iii) “Restricted Area” means each county and state within the United States (and each equivalent geographic subdivision of any other country in which the Company or any of its Affiliates conduct business) in which, during the Look Back Period: (A) Executive performed services for, or had functional, strategic, oversight, or decision-making responsibility on behalf of, the Company or any of its Affiliates; (B) the Company or any of its Affiliates conducted business that Executive managed, supported, supervised, or was responsible for, or as to which Executive received, used, or generated Confidential Information; or (C) the Company or any of its Affiliates had taken substantial steps toward conducting business and as to which Executive received, used, or generated Confidential Information.
8. Notification Requirement.
Through and up to the conclusion of the Non-Competition Period, Executive shall give notice to the Company of each new business activity Executive plans to undertake, at least seven (7) days prior to beginning any such activity. Such notice shall state the name and address of the Person for whom such activity is undertaken and the nature of Executive’s business relationship(s) and position(s) with such Person.
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9. Intellectual Property Rights.
(a) Executive agrees that the results and proceeds of Executive’s services for the Company (including, but not limited to, any trade secrets, products, services, processes, know-how, designs, developments, innovations, analyses, drawings, reports, techniques, formulas, methods, developmental or experimental work, improvements, discoveries, inventions, ideas, source and object codes, programs, writing and other works of authorship) resulting from services performed while an employee of the Company and any works in progress, whether or not patentable or registrable under copyright or similar statutes, that were made, developed, conceived, or reduced to practice or learned by Executive, either alone or jointly with others (collectively, “Inventions”), shall be works-made-for-hire and the Company shall be deemed the sole owner throughout the universe of any and all trade secret, patent, copyright, and other intellectual property rights (collectively, “Proprietary Rights”) of whatsoever nature therein, whether or not now or hereafter known, existing, contemplated, recognized, or developed, with the right to use the same in perpetuity in any manner the Company determines in its sole discretion, without any further payment to Executive whatsoever. If, for any reason, any of such results and proceeds shall not legally be a work-made-for-hire and/or there are any Proprietary Rights which do not accrue to the Company under the immediately preceding sentence, then Executive hereby irrevocably assigns and agrees to assign any and all of Executive’s right, title, and interest thereto, including any and all Proprietary Rights of whatsoever nature therein, whether or not now or hereafter known, existing, contemplated, recognized, or developed, to the Company, and the Company shall have the right to use the same in perpetuity throughout the universe in any manner determined by the Company without any further payment to Executive whatsoever. As to any Invention that Executive is required to assign, Executive shall promptly and fully disclose to the Company all information known to Executive concerning such Invention.
(b) Executive agrees that, from time to time, as may be requested by the Company and at the Company’s sole cost and expense, Executive shall do any and all things that the Company may reasonably deem useful or desirable to establish or document the Company’s exclusive ownership throughout the United States of America or any other country of any and all Proprietary Rights in any such Inventions, including the execution of appropriate copyright and patent applications or assignments. To the extent that Executive has any Proprietary Rights in the Inventions that cannot be assigned in the manner described above, Executive unconditionally and irrevocably waives the enforcement of such Proprietary Rights. This Section 9(b)is subject to and shall not be deemed to limit, restrict, or constitute any waiver by the Company of any Proprietary Rights of ownership to which the Company may be entitled by operation of law by virtue of the Company’s being Executive’s employer. Executive shall execute, verify, and deliver such documents and perform such other acts (including appearances as a witness) as the Company may reasonably request for use in applying for, obtaining, perfecting, evidencing, sustaining, and enforcing such Proprietary Rights and the assignment thereof. In addition, Executive shall execute, verify, and deliver assignments of such Proprietary Rights to the Company or its designees. Executive’s obligations under this Section 9shall continue beyond the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.
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(c) Executive hereby waives and quitclaims to the Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, that Executive now or may hereafter have for infringement of any Proprietary Rights assigned hereunder to the Company.
10. Remedies and Injunctive Relief
Executive acknowledges that a violation by Executive of any of the covenants contained in Sections 6, 7, 8, or 9would cause irreparable damage to the Company in an amount that would be material but not readily ascertainable, and that any remedy at law (including the payment of damages) would be inadequate. Accordingly, Executive agrees that, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall be entitled (without the necessity of showing economic loss or other actual damage) to injunctive relief (including specific performance, temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and permanent injunctions) in any court of competent jurisdiction for any actual or threatened breach of any of the covenants set forth in Sections 6, 7, 8, or 9in addition to any other legal or equitable remedies it may have. The preceding sentence shall not be construed as a waiver of the rights that the Company may have for damages under this Agreement or otherwise, and all of the Company’s rights shall be unrestricted.
11. Representations; Advice of Counsel.
(a) Executive represents, warrants, and covenants that as of the date hereof: (i) Executive has the full right, authority, and capacity to enter into this Agreement and perform Executive’s obligations hereunder, (ii) Executive is not bound by any agreement that conflicts with or prevents or restricts the full performance of Executive’s duties and obligations to the Company hereunder during or after the Term, and (iii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement shall not result in any breach or violation of, or a default under, any existing obligation, commitment, or agreement to which Executive is subject.
(b) Prior to execution of this Agreement, Executive was advised by the Company of Executive’s right to seek independent advice from an attorney of Executive’s own selection regarding this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily and with full knowledge and understanding of the provisions of this Agreement after being given the opportunity to consult with counsel. Executive further represents that in entering into this Agreement, Executive is not relying on any statements or representations made by any of the Company’s directors, officers, employees, or agents that are not expressly set forth herein, and that Executive is relying only upon Executive’s own judgment and any advice provided by Executive’s attorney.
(c) The Company represents, warrants, and covenants that as of the date hereof: (i) the Company has the full right, authority, and capacity to enter into this Agreement and perform the Company’s obligations hereunder, (ii) the Company is not bound by any agreement that conflicts with or prevents or restricts the full performance of the Company’s obligations to Executive hereunder during or after the Term, and (iii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement shall not result in any breach or violation of, or a default under, any existing obligation, commitment, or agreement to which the Company is subject.
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12. Cooperation.
Executive agrees that, upon reasonable notice and without the necessity of the Company’s obtaining a subpoena or court order, Executive shall provide reasonable cooperation in connection with any suit, action, or proceeding (or any appeal from any suit, action, or proceeding), and any investigation or defense of any claims asserted against the Company or its Affiliates, that relates to events occurring during Executive’s employment with the Company and its Affiliates as to which Executive may have relevant information (including but not limited to furnishing relevant information and materials to the Company or its designee and providing testimony at depositions and at trial); providedthat with respect to such cooperation occurring following termination of employment, the Company shall reimburse Executive for expenses reasonably incurred in connection therewith.
13. Withholding.
The Company may deduct and withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state, local, non-U.S., and other taxes as are required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
14. Assignment.
Neither the Company nor Executive may make any assignment of this Agreement or any interest herein, by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other party; providedthat the Company may assign its rights under this Agreement without the consent of Executive to a successor to substantially all of the business of the Company in the event that the Company shall effect a reorganization, consolidate with or merge into any other corporation, partnership, organization, or other entity, or transfer all or substantially all of its properties or assets to any other corporation, partnership, organization, or other entity. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and Executive, and their respective successors, executors, administrators, heirs, and permitted assigns.
15. Governing Law; No Construction Against Drafter
This Agreement shall be deemed made in the State of Texas, and the validity, interpretation, construction, and performance of this Agreement in all respects shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas without regard to its principles of conflicts of law. No provision of this Agreement or any related document will be construed against or interpreted to the disadvantage of any party hereto by any court or other governmental or judicial authority by reason of such party’s having or being deemed to have structured or drafted such provision.
16. Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, Executive and the Company each hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal courts located within the State of Texas (or, if subject matter jurisdiction in such courts is not available, in any state court located within the State of Texas) over any dispute arising out of or relating to
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this Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, the parties undertake not to commence any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in a forum other than a forum described in this Section 16(a); provided, however, that nothing herein shall preclude either party from bringing any suit, action, or proceeding in any other court for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Section 16or enforcing any judgment obtained by either party.
(b) The agreement of the parties to the forum described in Section 16(a)is independent of the law that may be applied in any suit, action, or proceeding, and the parties agree to such forum even if such forum may under applicable law choose to apply non-forum law. The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such suit, action, or proceeding brought in an applicable court described in Section 16(a), and the parties agree that they shall not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court. The parties agree that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, a final and non-appealable judgment in any suit, action, or proceeding brought in any applicable court described in Section 16(a)shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction.
(c) The parties hereto irrevocably consent to the service of any and all process in any suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement by the mailing of copies of such process to such party at such party’s address specified in Section 20.
(d) Each party hereto hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Each party hereto (i) certifies that no representative, agent, or attorney of any other party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such party would not, in the event of any action, suit, or proceeding, seek to enforce the foregoing waiver, and (ii) acknowledges that it and the other party hereto has been induced to enter into this Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waiver and certifications in this Section 16(d).
(e) Each party shall bear his or her or its own costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred in connection with any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement.
17. Amendment; No Waiver; Severability.
(a) No provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified, waived, or discharged except by a written document signed by Executive and a duly authorized officer of the Company (other than Executive). The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver of such party’s rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement. No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right or power hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial
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exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment of any steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power.
(b) If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced by any applicable law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic and legal substance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party; providedthat in the event that any court of competent jurisdiction shall finally hold in a non-appealable judicial determination that any provision of Sections 6through 10(whether in whole or in part) is void or constitutes an unreasonable restriction against Executive, such provision shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make such provision enforceable for the longest duration and the greatest scope as such court may determine constitutes a reasonable restriction under the circumstances. Subject to the foregoing, upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
18. Entire Agreement.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral), including the Prior Agreement, between Executive and the Company, relating to such subject matter. None of the parties shall be liable or bound toany other party in any manner by any representations and warranties or covenants relating to such subject matter except as specifically set forth herein.
19. Survival.
The rights and obligations of the parties under the provisions of this Agreement shall survive, and remain binding and enforceable, notwithstanding the expiration of the Term, the termination of this Agreement, the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder or any settlement of the financial rights and obligations arising from Executive’s employment hereunder, to the extent necessary to preserve the intended benefits of such provisions.
20. Notices.
All notices or other communications required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or sent by facsimile or sent, postage prepaid, by registered, certified, or express mail or overnight courier service and shall be deemed given when so delivered by hand or facsimile, or if mailed, three days after mailing (one (1) business day in the case of express mail or overnight courier service) to the parties at the following addresses or facsimiles (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
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If to the Company: Vistra Corp.
Attn: Corporate Secretary
6555 Sierra Drive
Irving, TX 75039
If to Executive: At the most recent address on file in the
Company’s records.
Notices delivered by facsimile shall have the same legal effect as if such notice had been delivered in person.
21. Interpretation.
The headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only, and neither constitute a part of this Agreement nor affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. When a reference in this Agreement is made to a Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. Unless the context requires otherwise, all references to laws, regulations, contracts, agreements, and instruments refer to such laws, regulations, contracts, agreements, and instruments as they may be amended from time to time, and references to particular provisions of laws or regulations include a reference to the corresponding provisions of any succeeding law or regulation. All references to “dollars” or “$” in this Agreement refer to United States dollars. The word “or” is not exclusive. The words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder,” and other compounds of the word “here” shall refer to the entire Agreement, including all Exhibits attached hereto, and not to any particular provision hereof. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely. All references to “including” shall be construed as meaning “including without limitation.” Neither this Agreement nor any uncertainty or ambiguity herein shall be construed or resolved against any party hereto, whether under any rule of construction or otherwise. On the contrary, this Agreement has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and shall be construed and interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the words used so as to fairly accomplish the purposes and intentions of the parties hereto.
22. Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (including via electronic image scan (.pdf)), each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.
23. Section 409A.
(a) For purposes of this Agreement, “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code, and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder (and such other Treasury or Internal Revenue Service guidance) as in effect from time to time. The parties intend that any amounts payable hereunder that could constitute “deferred compensation” within
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the meaning of Section 409A will be compliant with Section 409A or exempt from Section 409A.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the following special rule shall apply, if and to the extent required by Section 409A, in the event that (i) Executive is deemed to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) (as determined in accordance with the methodology established by the Company as in effect on the date of Executive’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations § 1.409A-1(h)), (ii) amounts or benefits under this Agreement or any other program, plan, or arrangement of the Company or a controlled group affiliate thereof are due or payable on account of separation from service, and (iii) Executive is employed by a public company or a controlled group affiliate thereof: payments hereunder that are “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A that would be made to Executive prior to the date that is six (6)- months after the date of Executive’s separation from service shall be made within ten (10) business days after such six (6)-month date or, if earlier, ten (10) days following the date of Executive’s death; following any applicable delay, all such delayed payments, without interest will be paid in a single lump sum on the earliest permissible payment date.
(c) Except to the extent required to be delayed pursuant to Section 23(b), any payment or benefit due or payable on account of Executive’s separation from service to which this Section 23(c)applies shall be paid or commence, as applicable, upon the first scheduled payroll date immediately after the date the Release Condition is satisfied (the “Release Effective Date”); providedthat, to the extent that such payment or benefit represents a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A and the sixty (60)-day period following Executive’s separation from service spans two (2) taxable years, payment shall not be made or commence prior to January 1 of the second taxable year. The first such cash payment shall include payment of all amounts that otherwise would have been due prior to the Release Effective Date under the terms of this Agreement applied as though such payments commenced immediately upon Executive’s termination of employment, and any payments made thereafter shall continue as provided herein. The delayed benefits shall in any event expire at the time such benefits would have expired had such benefits commenced immediately following Executive’s termination of employment.
(d) Each payment made under this Agreement (including each separate installment payment in the case of a series of installment payments) shall be deemed to be a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A. Amounts payable under this Agreement shall be deemed not to be a “deferral of compensation” subject to Section 409A to the extent provided in the exceptions in Treasury Regulations §§ 1.409A-1(b)(4) (“Short-term deferrals”) and (b)(9) (“Separation pay plans,” including the exception under subparagraph (iii)) and other applicable provisions of Section 409A, and shall be paid under any such exception to the maximum extent permitted. For purposes of this Agreement, with respect to payments of any amounts that are considered to be “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A, references to “termination of employment,” “termination,” or words and phrases of similar import, shall be deemed to refer to Executive’s “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A, and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of Section 409A. In no event may
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Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment under this Agreement.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any payment or benefit under this Agreement or otherwise that is eligible for exemption from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v)(A) or (C) (relating to certain reimbursements and in-kind benefits) shall be paid or provided to Executive only to the extent that the expenses are not incurred, or the benefits are not provided, beyond the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive’s “separation from service” occurs; and providedthat such expenses are reimbursed no later than the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive’s “separation from service” occurs. To the extent that any indemnification payment, expense reimbursement, or provision of any in-kind benefit is determined to be subject to Section 409A (and not exempt pursuant to the prior sentence or otherwise), the amount of any such indemnification payment or expenses eligible for reimbursement, or the provision of any in-kind benefit, in one (1) calendar year shall not affect the indemnification payment or provision of in-kind benefits or expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year (except for any lifetime or other aggregate limitation applicable to medical expenses to the extent permitted by Section 409A), such indemnification, reimbursement, or in-kind benefits shall be provided for the period set forth in this Agreement, or if no such period is set forth, during Executive’s lifetime, in no event shall any indemnification payment or expenses be reimbursed after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurred such indemnification payment or expenses, and in no event shall any right to indemnification payment or reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
24. Section 280G.
To the extent that the exemption under Section 280G(b)(5) of the Code is unavailable at the time of a Change in Control because any Company stock is readily tradeable on an established securities market or otherwise, if it is determined by a reputable service provider selected by the Company that any payment or benefit in the nature of compensation made or provided to Executive in connection with the Executive’s employment with the Company (collectively, “Payments”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Parachute Tax”), then the Executive will be entitled to receive either (a) the full amount of the Payments, or (b) a portion of the Payments having a value equal to $1 less than three times Executive’s “base amount” (as such term is defined in Section 280G(b)(3)(A) of the Code), whichever of clauses (a) and (b), after taking into account applicable federal, state, and local income and employment taxes and the Parachute Tax, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest portion of the Payments.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the parties as of the date first written above.
VISTRA CORP. AND VISTRA CORPORATE SERVICES COMPANY
By: /s/ Amanda DonCarlos
Name: Amanda DonCarlos
Title: Chief Human Resources Officer
KRISTOPHER E. MOLDOVAN
/s/ Kristopher E. Moldovan
Exhibit A
Release of Claims
As used in this Release of Claims (this “Release”), the term “claims” will include all claims, covenants, warranties, promises, undertakings, actions, suits, causes of action, proceedings, obligations, debts, accounts, attorneys’ fees, judgments, losses, and liabilities, of whatsoever kind or nature, in law, in equity, or otherwise. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Release will have the meanings given to them in the Amended & Restated Employment Agreement executed on August 11, 2026, and effective as of August 1, 2026, between Vistra Corp., Vistra Corporate Services Company (together, the “Company”) and Kris Moldovan (my “Agreement”).
For and in consideration of the severance payments and benefits, and other good and valuable consideration, I, for and on behalf of myself and my executors, heirs, administrators, representatives, and assigns, hereby agree to release and forever discharge the Company and each of its direct and indirect parent and subsidiary entities, and all of their respective predecessors, successors, and past, current, and future parent entities, affiliates, subsidiary entities, investors, directors, shareholders, members, officers, general or limited partners, employees, attorneys, agents, and representatives, and the employee benefit plans in which I am or have been a participant by virtue of my employment with or service to the Company (collectively, the “Company Releasees”), from any and all claims that I have or may have had against the Company Releasees based on any events or circumstances arising or occurring on or prior to the date hereof and arising directly or indirectly out of, relating to, or in any other way involving in any manner whatsoever my employment by or service to the Company or the termination thereof, including without limitation any and all claims arising under federal, state, or local laws relating to employment, including without limitation claims of wrongful discharge, breach of express or implied contract, fraud, misrepresentation, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, whistleblowing, or liability in tort, and claims of any kind that may be brought in any court or administrative agency, and any related claims for attorneys’ fees and costs, including, without limitation, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 2000, et seq.; the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.; the Civil Rights Act of 1866, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991; 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, et seq.; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, 29 U.S.C. Section 621, et seq. (the “ADEA”); the Equal Pay Act, as amended, 29 U.S.C. Section 206(d); regulations of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance, 41 C.F.R. Section 60, et seq.; the Family and Medical Leave Act, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq.; the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq.; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq.; and any similar state or local law. I agree further that this Release may be pleaded as a full defense to any action, suit, arbitration, or other proceeding covered by the terms hereof that is or may be initiated, prosecuted, or maintained by me or my descendants, dependents, heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns. By signing this Release, I acknowledge that I intend to waive and release all rights known or unknown that I may have against the Company Releasees under these and any other laws.
I acknowledge and agree that as of the date I execute this Release, I have no knowledge of any facts or circumstances that give rise or could give rise to any claims under any of the laws listed in the preceding paragraph and that I have not filed any claim against any of the Releasees before any local, state, federal, or foreign agency, court, arbitrator, mediator, arbitration or mediation panel, or other body, but excluding claims, reports, disclosures, or complaints brought to any government agencies, (each individually a “Proceeding”). I acknowledge that I will not initiate or cause to be initiated on my behalf any Proceeding and will not participate in any Proceeding, in each case, except as required by law or to the extent such Proceeding relates to a claim not waived hereunder. Further, I understand that, by executing this Release, I will be limiting the availability of certain remedies that I may have against the Company and limiting also my ability to pursue certain claims against the Company Releasees, provided, however, that I understand this Agreement does not limit my right to receive an award for information provided to any governmental agencies that I may be entitled to recover pursuant to whistleblower laws, rules or regulations, including but not limited to Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Rule 21F-17. For the avoidance of doubt, I understand that I am not required to disclose any claims, reports, disclosures, or complaints to government agencies (such as the SEC) to the Company.
By executing this Release, I specifically release all claims relating to my employment and its termination under ADEA, a federal statute that, among other things, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in employment and employee benefit plans.
Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, I do not release (i) claims to receive my severance and termination payments and benefits in accordance with the terms of the Agreement, (ii) claims with respect to benefits to which I am entitled under the employee benefit and compensation plans of the Company and its affiliates, including any rights to equity, (iii) claims to indemnification or coverage under any D&O insurance policy that I may be entitled to, or (iv) claims that cannot be waived by law. Further, nothing in this Release shall prevent me from (x) initiating or causing to be initiated on my behalf any claim against the Company before any local, state, or federal agency, court, or other body challenging the validity of the waiver of my claims under the ADEA (but no other portion of such waiver); (y) initiating or participating in an investigation or proceeding conducted by the EEOC; or (z) reporting possible violations of federal, state, or local law or regulation to any governmental agency (including but not limited to the Department of Justice and the SEC), or making other disclosures to, communicating directly with, responding to an inquiry from, or providing testimony before such governmental agency, regarding possible violations of federal, state, or local law or regulation, without prior notice to the Company.
I acknowledge that I have been given at least [21]/[45] days in which to consider this Release. I acknowledge further that the Company has advised me to consult with an attorney of my choice before signing this Release, and I have had sufficient time to consider the terms of this Release. I represent and acknowledge that if I execute this Release before [21]/[45]1days have
1NTD: To be selected based on whether applicable termination was “in connection with an exit incentive or other employment termination program” (as such phrase is defined in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967).
elapsed, I do so knowingly, voluntarily, and upon the advice and with the approval of my legal counsel (if any), and that I voluntarily waive any remaining consideration period.
I understand that after executing this Release, I have the right to revoke it within seven days after its execution. I understand that this Release will not become effective and enforceable unless the seven-day revocation period passes and I do not revoke the Release in writing. I understand that this Release may not be revoked after the seven (7)-day revocation period has passed. I understand also that any revocation of this Release must be made in writing and delivered to the Company at its principal place of business within the seven (7)-day period.
This Release will become effective, irrevocable, and binding on the eighth day after its execution, so long as I have not timely revoked it as set forth above. I understand and acknowledge that I will not be entitled to the severance payments and benefits unless this Release is effective on or before the date that is sixty (60) days following the date of my termination of employment.
I hereby agree to waive any and all claims to re-employment with the Company or any of its affiliates and affirmatively agree not to seek further employment with the Company or any of its affiliates.
The provisions of this Release will be binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, and assigns. If any provision of this Release will be held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, or unenforceable, such provision will be of no force or effect. The illegality or unenforceability of such provision, however, will have no effect upon and will not impair the enforceability of any other provision of this Release.
This Release will be governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without reference to the principles of conflicts of law. Any dispute or claim arising out of or relating to this Release or claim of breach hereof will be brought exclusively in the federal and state courts located within Texas. By execution of this Release, I am waiving any right to trial by jury in connection with any suit, action, or proceeding under or in connection with this Release.
____________________________________
Kristopher E. Moldovan
____________________________________
DATE