Q: What happens to my unexercised stock options?
A: All unexercised stock options that have an exercise price less than $34.25 per share, whether or not vested, will be paid out in cash based on $34.25 minus the applicable exercise price of such stock option, multiplied by the number of shares subject to the unexercised stock options on the date the transaction closes, subject to applicable tax withholdings, and the stock options will cease to exist. If you hold stock options with an exercise price equal to or greater than $34.25 per share, such unexercised stock options with be canceled for no consideration.
For example, a holder of 100 unexercised stock options at an exercise price of $17.00 would receive $1,725 (100 x ($34.25-$17.00)) in cash, subject to applicable tax withholdings.
Q: May I exercise my stock options between now and closing?
A: You can exercise vested stock options at any time. If you are doing a same-day sale (exercising vested stock options and selling into the open market), you may do so only if you comply with the Switch Insider Trading Compliance Policy and so long as you are not in possession of material non-public information. Depending on your position, you may be subject to black-out periods and/or require preclearance.
Q: Will the payout for unvested RSUs and stock options be through payroll/W-2 or a third party check?
A: Payout for your unvested RSUs and stock options will be made through Switch’s payroll systems. Timing of such payment will be as soon as practicable following the closing. As we get closer to closing, we will provide information on this topic. Until the transaction closes, Switch remains a separate and independent company and will operate as usual, including with respect to compensation.
Q: Will the payout for unvested RSUs and stock options be 401(k) matched?
A: As we get closer to closing we will provide more information on this topic. Until the transaction closes, Switch remains a separate and independent company and will operate as usual, including with respect to compensation.
Q: Will the payout for unvested RSUs and stock options be subject to short-term or long-term capital gains?
A: The payout for unvested RSUs and stock options will be taxed as ordinary income.
Q: May I buy and sell Switch stock between now and closing?
A: You should continue to comply with the Switch Insider Trading Compliance Policy and if in possession of any material non-public information with respect to the transaction or otherwise, you should not trade in the stock. In addition, depending on your position, you may be subject to black-out periods and/or require preclearance before any trades. We remind you that non-compliance with our trading policies could subject you to regulatory scrutiny, criminal prosecution, monetary penalties and/or jail time.