Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Updated: March 26, 2024

Introduction

This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) has been adopted by our Board of Directors and summarizes the standards that must guide our actions. Although they cover a wide range of business practices and procedures, these standards cannot and do not cover every issue that may arise, or every situation in which ethical decisions must be made, but rather set forth key guiding principles that represent Company policies and establish conditions for employment at the Company.
We must strive to foster a culture of honesty and accountability. Our commitment to the highest level of ethical conduct should be reflected in all of the Company’s business activities, including, but not limited to, relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, competitors, the government, the public and our shareholders. All of our employees, officers and directors must conduct themselves according to the language and spirit of this Code and seek to avoid even the appearance of improper behavior. Even well intentioned actions that violate the law or this Code may result in negative consequences for the Company and for the individuals involved.
One of our Company’s most valuable assets is our reputation for integrity, professionalism and fairness. We should all recognize that our actions are the foundation of our reputation and adhering to this Code and applicable law is imperative.

This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) has been adopted by our Board of Directors and summarizes the standards that must guide our actions. Although they cover a wide range of business practices and procedures, these standards cannot and do not cover every issue that may arise, or every situation in which ethical decisions must be made, but rather set forth key guiding principles that represent Company policies and establish conditions for employment at the Company.
We must strive to foster a culture of honesty and accountability. Our commitment to the highest level of ethical conduct should be reflected in all of the Company’s business activities, including, but not limited to, relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, competitors, the government, the public and our shareholders. All of our employees, officers and directors must conduct themselves according to the language and spirit of this Code and seek to avoid even the appearance of improper behavior. Even well intentioned actions that violate the law or this Code may result in negative consequences for the Company and for the individuals involved.
One of our Company’s most valuable assets is our reputation for integrity, professionalism and fairness. We should all recognize that our actions are the foundation of our reputation and adhering to this Code and applicable law is imperative.

Conflicts of Interest

Our employees, officers and directors have an obligation to conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner and to act in the best interest of the Company. All employees, officers and directors should endeavor to avoid situations that present a potential or actual conflict between their interest and the interest of the Company.
A “conflict of interest” occurs when a person’s private interest interferes in any way, or even appears to interfere, with the interests of the Company as a whole, including those of its subsidiaries and affiliates. A conflict of interest may arise when an employee, officer or director takes an action or has an interest that may make it difficult for him or her to perform his or her work objectively and effectively. A conflict of interest may also arise when an employee, officer or director (or a member of his or her family) receives improper personal benefits as a result of the employee’s, officer’s or director’s position in the Company.
Although it would not be possible to describe every situation in which a conflict of interest may arise, the following are examples of situations that may constitute a conflict of interest:

  • Working, in any capacity, for a competitor, customer or supplier while employed by the Company.
  • Accepting gifts of more than modest value or receiving personal discounts (if such discounts are not generally offered to the public) or other benefits as a result of your position in the Company from a competitor, customer or supplier.
  • Competing with the Company for the purchase or sale of property, products, services or other interests.
  • Having an interest in a transaction involving the Company, a competitor, customer or supplier (other than as an employee, officer or director of the Company and not including routine investments in publicly traded companies).
  • Receiving a loan or guarantee of an obligation as a result of your position with the Company.
  • Directing business to a supplier owned or managed by, or which employs, a relative or friend.
    Situations involving a conflict of interest may not always be obvious or easy to resolve. You should report actions that may involve a conflict of interest to the Legal Department.
    In order to avoid conflicts of interests, senior executive officers and directors must disclose to the General Counsel any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to such a conflict, and the General Counsel shall notify the Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors of any such disclosure. Conflicts of interests involving the General Counsel and directors shall be disclosed to the Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors.
    In the event that an actual or apparent conflict of interest arises between the personal and professional relationship or activities of an employee, officer or director, the employee, officer or director involved is required to handle such conflict of interest in an ethical manner in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

Quality of Public Disclosures

The Company has a responsibility to provide full and accurate information in our public disclosures, in all material respects, about the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Our reports and documents filed with or submitted to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and our other public communications shall include full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure, and the Company has established a Disclosure Committee consisting of senior management to assist in monitoring such disclosures.

Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations

We are strongly committed to conducting our business affairs with honesty and integrity and in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. No employee, officer or director of the Company shall commit an illegal or unethical act, or instruct others to do so, for any reason.

Compliance with this Code and Reporting of Any Illegal or Unethical Behavior

All employees, directors and officers are expected to comply with all of the provisions of this Code. The Code will be strictly enforced and violations will be dealt with immediately, including by subjecting persons who violate its provisions to corrective and/or disciplinary action such as dismissal or removal from office. Violations of the Code that involve illegal behavior will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Situations which may involve a violation of ethics, laws, rules, regulations or this Code may not always be clear and may require the exercise of judgment or the making of difficult decisions. Employees, officers and directors should promptly report any concerns about a violation of ethics, laws, rules, regulations or this Code to their supervisors/managers or the General Counsel or, in the case of accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Any concerns about a violation of ethics, laws, rules, regulations or this Code by any senior executive officer or director should be reported promptly to the General Counsel and the General Counsel shall notify the Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors of any violation. Any such concerns involving the General Counsel should be reported to the Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors. Reporting of such violations may also be done anonymously through the Company’s website or in writing to the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. An anonymous report should provide enough information about the incident or situation to allow the Company to investigate properly. If concerns or complaints require confidentiality, including keeping an identity anonymous, the Company will endeavor to protect this confidentiality, subject to applicable law, regulation or legal proceedings.
The Company encourages all employees, officers and directors to report any suspected violations promptly and intends to thoroughly investigate any good faith reports of violations. The Company will not tolerate any kind of retaliation for reports or complaints regarding misconduct that were made in good faith. Open communication of issues and concerns by all employees, officers and directors without fear of retribution or retaliation is vital to the successful implementation of this Code. All employees, officers and directors are required to cooperate in any internal investigations of misconduct and unethical behavior.
The Company recognizes the need for this Code to be applied equally to everyone it covers. The General Counsel of the Company will have primary authority and responsibility for the enforcement of this Code, subject to the supervision of the Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors, or, in the case of accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, and the Company will devote the necessary resources to enable the General Counsel to establish such procedures as may be reasonably necessary to create a culture of accountability and facilitate compliance with this Code. Questions concerning this Code should be directed to the General Counsel.
The provisions of this section are qualified in their entirety by reference to the following section.

Reporting Violations to a Governmental Agency

You have the right under U.S. federal law to certain protections for cooperating with or reporting legal violations to governmental agencies or entities and self-regulatory organizations. As such, nothing in this Code is intended to prohibit you from disclosing or reporting violations to, or from cooperating with, a governmental agency or entity or self-regulatory organization, and you may do so without notifying the Company. The Company may not retaliate against you for any of these activities, and nothing in this Code or otherwise requires you to waive any monetary award or other payment that you might become entitled to from a governmental agency or entity, or self-regulatory organization.

Trading on Inside Information

Using non-public Company information to trade in securities, or providing a family member, friend or any other person with non-public Company information, is illegal. All non-public, Company information should be considered inside information and should never be used for personal gain. You are required to familiarize yourself and comply with the Company’s Policy Against Insider Trading, copies of which are distributed to all employees, officers and directors and are available from the Legal Department. You should contact the Legal Department with any questions about your ability to buy or sell securities.

Protection of Confidential Proprietary Information

Confidential proprietary information generated by and gathered in our business is a valuable Company asset. Protecting this information plays a vital role in our continued growth and ability to compete, and all proprietary information should be maintained in strict confidence, except when disclosure is authorized by the Company or required by law.
Proprietary information includes all non-public information that might be useful to competitors or that could be harmful to the Company, its customers or its suppliers if disclosed. Intellectual property such as trade secrets, patents, trademarks and copyrights, as well as business, research and new product plans, objectives and strategies, records, databases, salary and benefits data, employee medical information, customer, employee and suppliers lists and any unpublished financial or pricing information must also be protected.
Unauthorized use or distribution of proprietary information violates Company policy and could be illegal. Such use or distribution could result in negative consequences for both the Company and the individuals involved, including potential legal and disciplinary actions. We respect the property rights of other companies and their proprietary information and require our employees, officers and directors to observe such rights.
Your obligation to protect the Company’s proprietary and confidential information continues even after you leave the Company, and you must return all proprietary information in your possession upon leaving the Company.
The provisions of this section are qualified in their entirety by the section entitled “Reporting Violations to a Governmental Agency” above.

Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets

Protecting Company assets against loss, theft or other misuse is the responsibility of every employee, officer and director. Loss, theft and misuse of Company assets directly impact our profitability. Any suspected loss, misuse or theft should be reported to a senior manager/supervisor or the Legal Department.
The sole purpose of the Company’s equipment, vehicles, supplies and electronic resources (including hardware, software and the data thereon) is the conduct of our business. They may only be used for Company business consistent with Company guidelines.

Corporate Opportunities

Employees, officers and directors are prohibited from taking for themselves business opportunities that are discovered through the use of corporate property, information or position. No employee, officer or
director may use corporate property, information or position for personal gain, and no employee, officer or director may compete with the Company. Competing with the Company may involve engaging in the same line of business as the Company or any situation in which the employee, officer or director takes away from the Company opportunities for sales or purchases of property, products, services or interests. Employees, officers and directors owe a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises.

Fair Dealing

Each employee, officer and director of the Company should endeavor to deal fairly with customers, suppliers, competitors, the public and one another at all times and in accordance with ethical business practices. No one should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any other unfair dealing practice. No bribes, kickbacks or other similar payments in any form shall be made directly or indirectly to or for anyone for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or obtaining any other favorable action. In the event of a violation of these provisions, the Company and any employee, officer or director involved may be subject to disciplinary action as well as potential civil or criminal liability for violation of this policy.
Occasional business gifts to, or entertainment of, non-government employees in connection with business discussions or the development of business relationships are generally deemed appropriate in the conduct of Company business. However, these gifts should be given infrequently and their value should be modest. Gifts or entertainment in any form that would likely result in a feeling or expectation of personal obligation should not be extended or accepted.
Practices that are acceptable in a commercial business environment may be against the law or the policies governing national or local government employees. Therefore, no gifts or business entertainment of any kind may be given to any government employee without the prior approval of the Legal Department.
Except in certain limited circumstances, the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) prohibits giving anything of value directly or indirectly to any “non-U.S. official” for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. When in doubt as to whether a contemplated payment or gift may violate the FCPA, contact the Legal Department before taking any action.

Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Fair Employment

The Company’s policies for recruitment, advancement and retention of employees forbid discrimination on the basis of any criteria prohibited by law, including but not limited to race, sex and age. Our policies are designed to ensure that employees are treated, and treat each other, fairly and with respect and dignity. In keeping with this objective, conduct involving discrimination or harassment of others will not be tolerated. All employees, officers and directors are required to comply with the Company’s policy on equal opportunity, non-discrimination and fair employment, copies of which were distributed by and are available from the Legal Department.

Compliance with Antitrust Laws

The antitrust laws prohibit agreements among competitors on such matters as prices, terms of sale to customers and the allocation of markets or customers. Antitrust laws can be complex, and violations may subject the Company and its employees to criminal sanctions, including fines, jail time and civil liability. If you have any questions about our antitrust compliance policies, consult the Legal Department.

Political Contributions and Activities

Any political contributions made by or on behalf of the Company and any solicitations for political contributions of any kind must be lawful and in compliance with Company policies. This policy applies solely to the use of Company assets and is not intended to discourage or prevent individual employees, officers or directors from making political contributions or engaging in political activities on their own behalf. No one may be reimbursed directly or indirectly by the Company for personal political contributions.

Environment, Health and Safety

We are committed to conducting our business in compliance with all applicable environmental and workplace health and safety laws and regulations. We strive to provide a safe and healthy work environment for our employees and to avoid adverse impact and injury to the environment and the communities in which we conduct our business. Achieving this goal is the responsibility of all officers, directors and employees.

Accuracy of Company Financial Records

We maintain the highest standards in all matters relating to accounting, financial controls, internal reporting and taxation. All financial books, records and accounts must accurately reflect transactions and events and conform both to required accounting principles and to the Company’s system of internal controls. Records shall not be distorted in any way to hide, disguise or alter the Company’s true financial position.

Retention of Records

All Company business records and communications shall be clear, truthful and accurate. Employees, officers and directors of the Company shall avoid exaggeration, guesswork, legal conclusions and derogatory remarks or characterizations of people and companies. This applies to communications of all kinds, including email and “informal” notes or memos. Records should always be handled according to the Company’s record retention policies. If an employee, officer or director is unsure whether a document should be retained, consult the Legal Department before proceeding.

Social Media

Unless you are authorized by the marketing department, you are discouraged from discussing the Company as part of your personal use of social media. While business should only be conducted through approved channels, we understand that social media is used as a source of information and as a form of communicating with friends, family and workplace contacts.
When you are using social media and identify yourself as a Company employee, officer or director or mention the Company incidentally, for instance on a Facebook page or professional networking site, please remember the following:

  • Never disclose confidential information about the Company or its business, customers or suppliers.
  • Make clear that any views expressed are your own and not those of the Company.
  • Be respectful of your colleagues and all persons associated with the Company, including customers and suppliers.
  • Promptly report to the marketing and legal departments any social media content which inaccurately or inappropriately discusses the Company.
  • Never respond to any information, including information that may be inaccurate about the Company.
  • Never post documents, parts of documents, images or video or audio recordings that have been made with Company property or of Company products, services or people or at Company functions or events.

Waivers and Amendments

Any waiver (including any implicit waiver) of the provisions in this Code for executive officers or directors may only be granted by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof and will be promptly disclosed to the Company’s shareholders. Any such waiver will also be disclosed in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F. Any waiver of this Code for other employees may only be granted by the Legal Department. Amendments to this Code must be approved by the Board of Directors and will also be disclosed in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F.

Review

The Board of Directors shall review this Code annually and make changes as appropriate.