Franklin Templeton Inc 10-Q for FY2025 Q2
Franklin Templeton Inc (BEN)
10-Q
2025-05-02
For: 2025-03-31
View Original
Added on
April 07, 2026
About this 10-Q
Franklin Templeton Inc filed this 10-Q on May 2, 2025, covering the quarter ended March 31, 2025 (FY2025 Q2).
Headline figures
Quarter ended March 31, 2025, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $2.11B
- down 1.9% from $2.15B a year earlier
- Net income
- $151.4M
- up 21.9% from net income of $124.2M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- $0.26
- up 13.0% from $0.23 a year earlier
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025
or
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-09318
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(650 ) 312-2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| ☒ | Accelerated Filer | ☐ | |||||||||||||||
| Non-accelerated Filer | ☐ | Smaller Reporting Company | |||||||||||||||
Emerging Growth Company | |||||||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No
Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding at April 22, 2025: 525,521,295 .
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
| Page | |||||||||||
| Financial Information | |||||||||||
| Item 1. | Financial Statements (unaudited) | ||||||||||
| Item 2. | |||||||||||
| Item 3. | |||||||||||
| Item 4. | |||||||||||
| Other Information | |||||||||||
| Item 1. | |||||||||||
| Item 1A. | |||||||||||
| Item 2. | |||||||||||
| Item 5. | |||||||||||
| Item 6. | |||||||||||
2
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
FRANKLIN RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Unaudited
Three Months Ended March 31, | Six Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share data) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment management fees | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and distribution fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholder servicing fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales, distribution and marketing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Information systems and technology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General, administrative and other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Income (Expenses) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment and other income, net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment and other income (losses) of consolidated investment products, net | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses of consolidated investment products | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expenses), net | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before taxes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Taxes on income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: net income (loss) attributable to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc. | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per Share | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
FRANKLIN RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Unaudited
| (in millions) | Three Months Ended March 31, | Six Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation adjustments, net of tax | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gains (losses) on defined benefit plans, net of tax | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gains on investments, net of tax | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive Income Attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc. | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
FRANKLIN RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Unaudited
| (in millions, except share and per share data) | March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Receivables | ||||||||||||||
Investments (including $ | ||||||||||||||
| Assets of consolidated investment products | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||||||||
| Investments, at fair value | ||||||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | ||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | ||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | ||||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | ||||||||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | ||||||||||||||
| Income taxes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt | ||||||||||||||
| Liabilities of consolidated investment products | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | ||||||||||||||
| Debt | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10) | ||||||||||||||
| Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests | ||||||||||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||
Preferred stock, $ | ||||||||||||||
Common stock, $ | ||||||||||||||
Capital in excess of par | ||||||||||||||
| Retained earnings | ||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Total Franklin Resources, Inc. stockholders’ equity | ||||||||||||||
| Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests | ||||||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | ||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
FRANKLIN RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Unaudited
| Franklin Resources, Inc. | Non- redeemable Non- controlling Interests | Total Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Capital in Excess of Par Value | Retained Earnings | Accum- ulated Other Compre- hensive Loss | Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the six months ended March 31, 2025 | Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at October 1, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on common stock ($ | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net subscriptions and other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net consolidation of investment products | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustment to fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on common stock ($ | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of common stock | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net subscriptions and other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net deconsolidation of investment products | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustment to fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
6
| Franklin Resources, Inc. | Non- redeemable Non- controlling Interests | Total Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Capital in Excess of Par Value | Retained Earnings | Accum- ulated Other Compre- hensive Loss | Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the six months ended March 31, 2024 | Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at October 1, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on common stock ($ | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of common stock | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net subscriptions and other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustment to fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on common stock ($ | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of common stock | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net subscriptions and other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net deconsolidation of investment products | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustment to fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
7
Six Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of deferred sales commissions | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and other amortization | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | ||||||||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets | ||||||||||||||
| Net losses (gains) on investments | ( | |||||||||||||
| Income from investments in equity method investees | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net losses (gains) on investments of consolidated investment products | ( | |||||||||||||
| Net purchase of investments by consolidated investment products | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
| Increase in receivables and other assets | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Decrease in investments, net | ||||||||||||||
| Decrease in accrued compensation and benefits | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Decrease in income taxes payable | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||
| Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of consolidated investment products | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Purchase of investments | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Liquidation of investments | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase of investments by consolidated collateralized loan obligations | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Liquidation of investments by consolidated collateralized loan obligations | ||||||||||||||
| Additions of property and equipment, net | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (including $ | ||||||||||||||
| Payments of deferred consideration liability | ( | |||||||||||||
| Net (deconsolidation) consolidation of investment products | ( | |||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
[Table continued on next page]
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
8
FRANKLIN RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited
[Table continued from previous page]
Six Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Dividends paid on common stock | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Repurchase of common stock | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from debt | ||||||||||||||
| Payment on debt | ( | |||||||||||||
| Proceeds from repurchase agreement | ||||||||||||||
Payments on repurchase agreement | ( | |||||||||||||
| Proceeds from debt of consolidated investment products | ||||||||||||||
| Payments on debt of consolidated investment products | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Payments on contingent consideration liabilities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interests | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | ( | |||||||||||||
| Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information | ||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for income taxes | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | ||||||||||||||
Cash paid for interest by consolidated investment products | ||||||||||||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
9
FRANKLIN RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation
The unaudited interim financial statements of Franklin Resources, Inc. (“Franklin”) and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) included herein have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Under these rules and regulations, some information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been shortened or omitted. Management believes that all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and the results of operations for the periods shown have been made. All adjustments are normal and recurring. Management also believes that the accounting estimates are appropriate, and the resulting balances are reasonable; however, due to the inherent uncertainties in making estimates, actual amounts may differ from these estimates. These financial statements should be read together with the Company’s audited financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 (“fiscal year 2024”).
Note 2 – New Accounting Guidance
Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an amendment to the existing segment reporting guidance. The amendment requires annual and interim disclosures of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker by reportable segment and clarifies that single reportable segment entities are required to apply all existing segment disclosures in the guidance. The Company will adopt the annual disclosures in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 and interim disclosure in its Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending December 31, 2025.
There were no other significant updates to the new accounting guidance that the Company has not yet adopted as disclosed in its Form 10-K for fiscal year 2024.
Note 3 – Earnings per Share
The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows:
| (in millions, except per share data) | Three Months Ended March 31, | Six Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc. | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: allocation of earnings to participating nonvested stock and stock unit awards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Available to Common Stockholders | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dilutive effect of nonparticipating nonvested stock unit awards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per Share | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
There were no nonparticipating nonvested stock unit awards excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would have been antidilutive for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025 and such awards were insignificant for the three and six months ended March 31, 2024.
10
Note 4 – Revenues
Operating revenues by geographic area were as follows:
| (in millions) | United States | Luxembourg | Asia-Pacific | Americas Excluding United States | Europe, Middle East and Africa, Excluding Luxembourg | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
for the three months ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment management fees | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales and distribution fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholder servicing fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | United States | Luxembourg | Asia-Pacific | Americas Excluding United States | Europe, Middle East and Africa, Excluding Luxembourg | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the six months ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment management fees | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales and distribution fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholder servicing fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | United States | Luxembourg | Asia-Pacific | Americas Excluding United States | Europe, Middle East and Africa, Excluding Luxembourg | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
for the three months ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment management fees | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales and distribution fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholder servicing fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | United States | Luxembourg | Asia-Pacific | Americas Excluding United States | Europe, Middle East and Africa, Excluding Luxembourg | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the six months ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment management fees | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales and distribution fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholder servicing fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the locations of the subsidiaries that provide the services, which may differ from the regions in which the related investment products are sold.
Revenues earned from sponsored funds were 83
11
Note 5 – Investments
The disclosures below include details of the Company’s investments, excluding those of consolidated investment products (“CIPs”). See Note 7 – Consolidated Investment Products for information related to the investments held by these entities.
Investments consisted of the following:
| (in millions) | March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Investments, at fair value | ||||||||||||||
| Sponsored funds and separate accounts | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Investments related to long-term incentive plans | ||||||||||||||
| Other equity and debt investments | ||||||||||||||
| Total investments, at fair value | ||||||||||||||
| Investments in equity method investees | ||||||||||||||
| Other investments | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The Company has entered into repurchase agreements with a third-party financing company for certain investments held by the Company. As of March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024, other liabilities includes repurchase agreements of $119.9 million and $111.4 million with investments of $124.1 million and $121.7 million in carrying value pledged as collateral. The repurchase agreements have contractual maturity dates ranging between 2030 to 2038.
Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements
The disclosures below include details of the Company’s fair value measurements, excluding those of CIPs. See Note 7 – Consolidated Investment Products for information related to fair value measurements of the assets and liabilities of these entities.
The assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
| (in millions) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | NAV as a Practical Expedient | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| as of March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments, at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sponsored funds and separate accounts | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments related to long-term incentive plans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other equity and debt investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets Measured at Fair Value | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities sold short | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contingent consideration liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities Measured at Fair Value | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2025, there were $39.7 million of other investments which were adjusted to fair value on a nonrecurring basis and excluded from the table above.
12
| (in millions) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | NAV as a Practical Expedient | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| as of September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments, at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sponsored funds and separate accounts | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments related to long-term incentive plans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other equity and debt investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets Measured at Fair Value | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities sold short | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contingent consideration liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities Measured at Fair Value | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments for which fair value was estimated using reported NAV as a practical expedient primarily consist of nonredeemable private equity, debt and infrastructure funds, and redeemable alternative credit, global equity, private real estate funds and alternatives. These investments were as follows:
| (in millions) | March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Nonredeemable investments1 | ||||||||||||||
| Investments with known liquidation periods | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Investments with unknown liquidation periods | ||||||||||||||
Redeemable investments2 | ||||||||||||||
| Unfunded commitments | ||||||||||||||
_______________
1The investments are expected to be returned through distributions over the life of the funds as a result of liquidations of the funds’ underlying assets. Investments with known liquidation periods have an expected weighted-average life of 2.1 years and 1.9 years at March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024.
2Investments are redeemable on a semi-monthly, monthly and quarterly basis.
Financial instruments that were not measured at fair value were as follows:
| (in millions) | Fair Value Level | March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Value | Estimated Fair Value | Carrying Value | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1 | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Liability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt | 2 | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13
Note 7 – Consolidated Investment Products
CIPs consist of mutual and other investment funds, limited partnerships and similar structures and collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), all of which are sponsored by the Company, and include both voting interest entities and variable interest entities (“VIEs”). The Company had 73 CIPs, including 21 CLOs, as of March 31, 2025 and 77 CIPs, including 22 CLOs, as of September 30, 2024.
The balances related to CIPs included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
| (in millions) | March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Receivables | ||||||||||||||
| Investments, at fair value | ||||||||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Debt | ||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests | ||||||||||||||
Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||
| Franklin Resources, Inc.’s interests | ||||||||||||||
| Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests | ||||||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | ||||||||||||||
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The consolidation of CIPs did not have a significant impact on net income attributable to the Company during the three and six months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.
The Company has no right to the CIPs’ assets, other than its direct equity investments in them and investment management and other fees earned from them. The debt holders of the CIPs have no recourse to the Company’s assets beyond the level of its direct investment; therefore the Company bears no other risks associated with the CIPs’ liabilities.
Fair Value Measurements
Assets of CIPs measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
| (in millions) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | NAV as a Practical Expedient | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| as of March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents of CLOs | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Receivables of CLOs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity and debt securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets Measured at Fair Value | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14
| (in millions) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | NAV as a Practical Expedient | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| as of September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents of CLOs | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Receivables of CLOs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity and debt securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets Measured at Fair Value | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments for which fair value was estimated using reported NAV as a practical expedient consist of nonredeemable private debt and equity funds, a redeemable global hedge fund and a redeemable U.S. equity fund. These investments were as follows:
| (in millions) | March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Nonredeemable investments1 | ||||||||||||||
| Investments with unknown liquidation periods | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Redeemable investments2 | ||||||||||||||
Unfunded commitments3 | ||||||||||||||
_______________
1The investments are expected to be returned through distributions over the life of the funds as a result of liquidations of the funds’ underlying assets.
2Investments are redeemable on a monthly basis and liquidation periods are unknown.
3As of March 31, 2025, there were no investments with unfunded commitments. Of the total unfunded commitments, the Company was contractually obligated to fund $9.9 million based on its ownership percentage in the CIPs, at September 30, 2024.
Changes in Level 3 assets were as follows:
| (in millions) | Equity and Debt Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the three months ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2025 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains included in investment and other income (losses) of consolidated investment products, net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transfers into Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transfers out of Level 3 | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2025 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in unrealized losses included in net income relating to assets held at March 31, 2025 | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
15
| (in millions) | Equity and Debt Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the six months ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at October 1, 2024 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains included in investment and other income (losses) of consolidated investment products, net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net consolidations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transfers into Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transfers out of Level 3 | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2025 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in unrealized gains included in net income relating to assets held at March 31, 2025 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Equity and Debt Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the three months ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2024 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses included in investment and other income of consolidated investment products, net | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net deconsolidations | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in unrealized gains included in net income relating to assets held at March 31, 2024 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Equity and Debt Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the six months ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at October 1, 2023 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses included in investment and other income of consolidated investment products, net | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net deconsolidations | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transfers into Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in unrealized losses included in net income relating to assets held at March 31, 2024 | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
16
Valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements were as follows:
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| as of March 31, 2025 | Fair Value | Valuation Technique | Significant Unobservable Inputs | Range (Weighted Average1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity and debt securities | $ | Market pricing | Private sale pricing | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discount for lack of marketability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market comparable companies | Enterprise value/ Revenue multiple | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discount for lack of marketability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Option pricing model | Volatility | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discount for lack of marketability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| as of September 30, 2024 | Fair Value | Valuation Technique | Significant Unobservable Inputs | Range (Weighted Average1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity and debt securities | $ | Market comparable companies | Enterprise value/ Revenue multiple | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discount for lack of marketability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market pricing | Private sale pricing | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discount for lack of marketability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
__________________
1Based on the relative fair value of the instruments.
If the relevant significant inputs used in the market-based valuations, other than discount for lack of marketability, were independently higher (lower) as of March 31, 2025, the resulting fair value of the assets would be higher (lower). If the relevant significant inputs used in the discounted cash flow, as well as the discount for lack of marketability used in the market-based valuations, were independently higher (lower) as of March 31, 2025, the resulting fair value of the assets would be lower (higher).
17
Financial instruments of CIPs that were not measured at fair value were as follows:
| (in millions) | Fair Value Level | March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Value | Estimated Fair Value | Carrying Value | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Asset | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1 | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt of CLOs1 | 2 or 3 | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1Substantially all was Level 2.
Debt
Debt of CLOs totaled $9,532.3 million and $9,341.5 million at March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024. The debt had fixed and floating interest rates ranging from 2.39 % to 13.04 % with a weighted-average effective interest rate of 6.58 % at March 31, 2025, and from 2.39 % to 13.73 % with a weighted-average effective interest rate of 7.36 % at September 30, 2024. The floating rates were based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate.
The contractual maturities for the debt of CLOs at March 31, 2025 were as follows:
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| for the fiscal years ending September 30, | Amount | |||||||
| 2025 (remainder of year) | $ | |||||||
| 2026 | ||||||||
| 2027 | ||||||||
| 2028 | ||||||||
| 2029 | ||||||||
| Thereafter | ||||||||
| Total | $ | |||||||
Collateralized Loan Obligations
The unpaid principal balance and fair value of the investments of CLOs were as follows:
| (in millions) | March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Unpaid principal balance | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Difference between unpaid principal balance and fair value | ( | |||||||||||||
| Fair Value | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Investments 90 days or more past due were immaterial at March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024.
The Company recognized $15.6 million and $27.3 million of net gains during the three and six months ended March 31, 2025 and $9.7 million and $30.5 million of net gains during the three and six months ended March 31, 2024, related to its own economic interests in the CLOs. The aggregate principal related to the debt of CLOs was $9,481.7 million and $9,282.8 million at March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024.
18
Note 8 – Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests were as follows:
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CIPs | Minority Interests | Total | CIPs | Minority Interests | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net subscriptions (distributions) and other | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net consolidations (deconsolidations) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustment to fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at End of Period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CIPs | Minority Interests | Total | CIPs | Minority Interests | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the six months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net subscriptions (distributions) and other | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net consolidations (deconsolidations) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustment to fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at End of Period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note 9 – Nonconsolidated Variable Interest Entities
VIEs for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary consist of sponsored funds and other investment products in which the Company has an equity ownership interest. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss from these VIEs consists of equity investments, investment management and other fee receivables as follows:
| (in millions) | March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Investments | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Receivables | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
While the Company has no legal or contractual obligation to do so, it routinely makes cash investments in the course of launching sponsored funds. As it has done in the past, the Company also may voluntarily elect to provide its sponsored funds with additional direct or indirect financial support based on its business objectives. The Company did not provide financial or other support to its sponsored funds assessed as VIEs during the six months ended March 31, 2025 or fiscal year 2024.
Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
India Credit Fund Closure Matters. During the six months ended March 31, 2025, there were no significant changes from the disclosure in the Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
19
Western Asset Management Investigations. As previously disclosed, the Company launched an internal investigation into certain trade allocations of treasury derivatives in select Western Asset Management (“WAM”) managed accounts. WAM received notification of parallel investigations by the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”). WAM also received notice of an investigation into these trading activities by the CFTC. As previously disclosed, Ken Leech, the former co-Chief Investment Officer of WAM, received a “Wells Notice” from the staff of the SEC in August 2024 and is now on administrative leave. On November 25, 2024, the SEC filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Mr. Leech alleging violations of certain laws related to trade allocations. Concurrently, the DOJ filed an indictment with the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Mr. Leech for similar allegations and for false statements made to the SEC. The Company and WAM have fully cooperated, and will continue to fully cooperate with these investigations.
Blockchain Litigation. The Company, two of its subsidiaries, the Company’s CEO, and an individual employee were named as defendants in litigation filed by Blockchain Innovation, LLC. The parties reached an agreement to resolve this previously-disclosed matter, pursuant to which the action is expected to be dismissed. The resolution of this matter did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Other Litigation and Regulatory Matters. The Company is from time to time involved in other litigation relating to claims arising in the normal course of business. Management is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of such claims will not materially affect the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity. In management’s opinion, an adequate accrual has been made as of March 31, 2025 to provide for any probable losses that may arise from such matters for which the Company could reasonably estimate an amount.
Indemnifications and Guarantees
In the ordinary course of business or in connection with certain acquisition agreements, the Company enters into contracts that provide for indemnifications by the Company in certain circumstances. In addition, certain Company entities guarantee certain financial and performance-related obligations of various Franklin subsidiaries. The Company is also subject to certain legal requirements and agreements providing for indemnifications of directors, officers and personnel against liabilities and expenses they may incur under certain circumstances in connection with their service. The terms of these indemnities and guarantees vary pursuant to applicable facts and circumstances, and from agreement to agreement. Future payments for claims against the Company under these indemnities or guarantees could negatively impact the Company’s financial condition. In management’s opinion, no material loss was deemed probable or reasonably possible pursuant to such indemnification agreements and/or guarantees as of March 31, 2025.
Other Commitments and Contingencies
At March 31, 2025, there were no other material changes in the other commitments and contingencies as reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2024.
Note 11 – Stock-Based Compensation
Stock and stock unit award activity was as follows:
| (shares in thousands) | Time-Based Shares | Performance- Based Shares | Total Shares | Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the six months ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nonvested balance at October 1, 2024 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited/canceled | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nonvested Balance at March 31, 2025 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock and stock unit awards was $259.1 million at March 31, 2025. This expense is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1.9 years.
20
Note 12 – Investment and Other Income, Net
Investment and other income, net consisted of the following:
Three Months Ended March 31, | Six Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividend and interest income | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on investments, net | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from investments in equity method investees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on derivatives, net | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rental income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency exchange (losses) gains, net | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment and other income, net | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities measured at fair value and trading debt securities that were held by the Company were $82.7 million and $(1.0 ) million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025 and $9.5 million and $86.1 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2024.
Note 13 - Subsequent Event
On April 30, 2025, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) with a five year term and $1.1 billion of aggregate available borrowings. As of April 30, 2025, the $300.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Company’s prior credit facility were transferred to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. For additional information please see Part II. Item 5. Other Information - Entry into Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement.
21
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Form 10-Q and the documents incorporated by reference herein may include forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events, financial performance and market conditions. Such statements are provided under the “safe harbor” protection of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts and generally can be identified by words or phrases written in the future tense and/or preceded by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “depends,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or other similar words or variations thereof, or the negative thereof, but these terms are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.
Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from any future results or outcomes expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including market and volatility risks, investment performance and reputational risks, global operational risks, competition and distribution risks, third-party risks, technology and security risks, human capital risks, cash management risks, and legal and regulatory risks. The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q or that are incorporated by reference herein are qualified in their entirety by reference to the risks and uncertainties disclosed in this Form 10-Q and/or discussed under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 (“fiscal year 2024”).
While forward-looking statements are our best prediction at the time that they are made, you should not rely on them and are cautioned against doing so. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other possible future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them.
The initiation or unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings or other claims and regulatory and other governmental investigations or inquiries, including the Western Asset Management (“WAM”) investigations described under the heading “Risk Factors” and in “Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies” to our audited financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2024, and in “Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies” to our unaudited interim financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q, may result in additional costs, monetary judgments, settlements or other remedies, including fines, penalties, restitution and/or alterations in our business practices or those of our specialist investment managers. In addition, these matters may cause reputational harm to us or our specialist investment managers and could result in additional expenses and collateral costs, outflows of assets under management or other financial impacts that could materially affect our results of operations and the price of our common stock.
If a circumstance occurs after the date of this Form 10-Q that causes any of our forward-looking statements to be inaccurate, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, we undertake no obligation to announce publicly the change to our expectations, or to make any revision to our forward-looking statements, to reflect any change in assumptions, beliefs or expectations, or any change in events, conditions or circumstances upon which any forward-looking statement is based, unless required by law.
In this section, we discuss and analyze the results of operations and financial condition of Franklin Resources, Inc. (“Franklin”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2024 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. Words such as “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to the Company.
22
OVERVIEW
Franklin is a holding company with subsidiaries operating under our Franklin Templeton® and/or subsidiary brand names. We are a global investment management organization that derives operating revenues and net income from providing investment management and related services to investors in jurisdictions worldwide. We deliver our investment capabilities through a variety of investment products, which include our sponsored funds, as well as institutional and high-net-worth separate accounts, retail separately managed account programs, sub-advised products and other investment vehicles. Related services include fund administration, sales and distribution, and shareholder servicing. We may perform services directly or through third parties. We offer our services and products under our various distinct brand names, including, but not limited to, Franklin®, Templeton®, Legg Mason®, Alcentra®, Benefit Street Partners®, Brandywine Global Investment Management®, Canvas®, Clarion Partners®, ClearBridge Investments®, Fiduciary Trust International™, Franklin Mutual Series®, K2®, Lexington Partners®, Martin Currie®, O’Shaughnessy®, Putnam®, Royce® and Western Asset Management Company®. We offer a broad product mix of equity, fixed income, alternative, multi-asset and cash management asset classes and solutions that meet a wide variety of specific investment goals and needs for individual and institutional investors. We also provide sub-advisory services to certain investment products sponsored by other companies which may be sold to investors under the brand names of those other companies or on a co-branded basis.
The level of our revenues depends largely on the level and relative mix of assets under management (“AUM”). As noted in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2024, the amount and mix of our AUM are subject to significant fluctuations, including as a result of reputational harm, that can negatively impact our revenues and income. The level of our revenues also depends on the fees charged for our services, which are based on contracts with our funds and customers, fund sales, and the number of shareholder transactions and accounts. These arrangements could change in the future.
During our second fiscal quarter, global equity markets provided mixed results. U.S. markets declined, reflecting uncertainty regarding trade tariffs and other U.S. economic policies, while European and emerging markets produced gains. The S&P 500 Index and MSCI World Index decreased 4.3% and 1.7% for the quarter and 2.0%,and 1.8% for the fiscal year to date. Global bond markets improved during the quarter, as a result of weaker economic conditions. The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index increased 2.6% during the quarter and decreased 2.6% for the fiscal year to date.
Our total AUM at March 31, 2025 was $1,540.6 billion, 8% lower than at September 30, 2024 and 6% lower than at March 31, 2024. Monthly average AUM (“average AUM”) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025 decreased 1% and increased 8% from the same periods in the prior fiscal year.
The business and regulatory environments in which we operate globally remain complex, uncertain and subject to change. We are subject to various laws, rules and regulations globally that impose restrictions, limitations, registration, reporting and disclosure requirements on our business, and add complexity to our global compliance operations.
Uncertainties regarding the global economy remain for the foreseeable future. As we continue to confront the challenges of the current economic and regulatory environments, we remain focused on the investment performance of our products and on providing high quality service to our clients. We continuously perform reviews of our business model. While we remain focused on expense management, we will also seek to attract, retain and develop personnel and invest strategically in systems and technology that will provide a secure and stable environment. We will continue to seek to protect and further our brand recognition while developing and maintaining broker-dealer and client relationships. The success of these and other strategies may be influenced by the factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 2024.
23
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change | Six Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share data) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 2,111.4 | $ | 2,152.8 | (2 | %) | $ | 4,363.0 | $ | 4,143.9 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 145.6 | 129.3 | 13 | % | 364.6 | 335.8 | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin1 | 6.9 | % | 6.0 | % | 8.4 | % | 8.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc. | $ | 151.4 | $ | 124.2 | 22 | % | $ | 315.0 | $ | 375.5 | (16 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | 0.26 | 0.23 | 13 | % | 0.55 | 0.71 | (23 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As adjusted (non-GAAP):2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating income | $ | 377.2 | $ | 419.6 | (10 | %) | $ | 790.0 | $ | 836.6 | (6 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 23.4 | % | 25.2 | % | 24.0 | % | 26.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 254.4 | $ | 306.6 | (17 | %) | $ | 574.9 | $ | 635.1 | (9 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share | 0.47 | 0.56 | (16 | %) | 1.06 | 1.21 | (12 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_________________
1Defined as operating income divided by operating revenues.
2“Adjusted operating income,” “adjusted operating margin,” “adjusted net income” and “adjusted diluted earnings per share” are based on methodologies other than generally accepted accounting principles. See “Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for definitions and reconciliations of these measures.
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
AUM by asset class was as follows:
| (in billions) | March 31, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||
Equity | $ | 598.1 | $ | 592.7 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Fixed Income | 446.0 | 571.4 | (22 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Alternative | 251.8 | 255.5 | (1 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Multi-Asset | 175.8 | 163.4 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash Management | 68.9 | 61.7 | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,540.6 | $ | 1,644.7 | (6 | %) | ||||||||||||||
Average AUM and the mix of average AUM by asset class are shown below.
| (in billions) | Average AUM 1 | Percent Change | Mix of Average AUM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the three months ended March 31, | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity | $ | 619.7 | $ | 546.0 | 13 | % | 40 | % | 35 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed Income | 456.3 | 553.3 | (18 | %) | 29 | % | 35 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alternative | 250.1 | 256.1 | (2 | %) | 16 | % | 16 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Multi-Asset | 176.3 | 160.3 | 10 | % | 11 | % | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Management | 68.1 | 65.4 | 4 | % | 4 | % | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,570.5 | $ | 1,581.1 | (1 | %) | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
1Average AUM is calculated as the average of the month-end AUM for the trailing four months.
24
| (in billions) | Average AUM 1 | Percent Change | Mix of Average AUM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the six months ended March 31, | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity | $ | 625.1 | $ | 496.2 | 26 | % | 39 | % | 34 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed Income | 488.9 | 522.8 | (6 | %) | 30 | % | 35 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alternative | 249.6 | 255.8 | (2 | %) | 16 | % | 17 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Multi-Asset | 176.2 | 153.7 | 15 | % | 11 | % | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Management | 66.5 | 63.7 | 4 | % | 4 | % | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,606.3 | $ | 1,492.2 | 8 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
_______________
1Average AUM is calculated as the average of the month-end AUM for the trailing seven months.
Components of the change in AUM are shown below. Net market change, distributions and other includes appreciation (depreciation), distributions to investors that represent return on investments and return of capital, and foreign exchange revaluation.
| (in billions) | Three Months Ended March 31, | Six Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2025 1 | 2024 | 2025 1 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning AUM | $ | 1,575.7 | $ | 1,455.5 | $ | 1,678.6 | $ | 1,374.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term inflows | 86.8 | 84.9 | 183.7 | 153.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term outflows | (113.0) | (78.0) | (259.9) | (151.9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term net flows | (26.2) | 6.9 | (76.2) | 1.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash management net flows | 2.7 | (4.8) | 2.7 | (0.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net flows | (23.5) | 2.1 | (73.5) | 1.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition | — | 148.3 | — | 148.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net market change, distributions and other | (11.6) | 38.8 | (64.5) | 120.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ending AUM | $ | 1,540.6 | $ | 1,644.7 | $ | 1,540.6 | $ | 1,644.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_______________
1Cash management at March 31, 2025 includes $6.3 billion of AUM and $3.7 billion of net inflows related to two money market mutual fund share classes previously closed to third-party investors.
Components of the change in AUM by asset class were as follows:
| (in billions) | Equity | Fixed Income | Alternative | Multi-Asset | Cash Management 1 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the three months ended March 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AUM at January 1, 2025 | $ | 620.0 | $ | 469.5 | $ | 248.8 | $ | 174.0 | $ | 63.4 | $ | 1,575.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term inflows | 38.9 | 26.5 | 8.5 | 12.9 | — | 86.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term outflows | (44.3) | (57.0) | (2.1) | (9.6) | — | (113.0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term net flows | (5.4) | (30.5) | 6.4 | 3.3 | — | (26.2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash management net flows | — | — | — | — | 2.7 | 2.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net flows | (5.4) | (30.5) | 6.4 | 3.3 | 2.7 | (23.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net market change, distributions and other | (16.5) | 7.0 | (3.4) | (1.5) | 2.8 | (11.6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AUM at March 31, 2025 | $ | 598.1 | $ | 446.0 | $ | 251.8 | $ | 175.8 | $ | 68.9 | $ | 1,540.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_______________
1Cash management at March 31, 2025 includes $6.3 billion of AUM and $3.7 billion of net inflows related to two money market mutual fund share classes previously closed to third-party investors.
25
AUM decreased $35.1 billion, or 2%, during the three months ended March 31, 2025 due to $26.2 billion of long-term net outflows, inclusive of $33.6 billion of long-term net outflows at WAM and $3.3 billion of long-term reinvested distributions, and the negative impact of $11.6 billion of net market change, distributions and other, partially offset by $2.7 billion of cash management net inflows. Net market change, distributions and other primarily consists of $8.2 billion of distributions, and $8.2 billion of market depreciation, partially offset by a $4.8 billion increase from foreign exchange revaluation. The market depreciation occurred primarily in the equity asset class partially offset by appreciation in the fixed income asset class. Foreign exchange revaluation from AUM in products that are not U.S. dollar denominated was primarily due to a weaker U.S. dollar compared to the Euro and Japanese Yen.
Long-term inflows increased 2% to $86.8 billion, compared to the prior year period, driven by higher inflows in alternative private funds, equity, alternative and multi-asset open end funds, and equity retail separately managed accounts, exchange traded funds, institutional separate accounts and sub-advised mutual funds, partially offset by decreased inflows across multiple fixed income vehicles at WAM. Long-term outflows increased 45% to $113.0 billion, substantially due to higher outflows across multiple fixed income vehicles at WAM, and to a lesser extent, higher outflows from equity sub-advised and open end funds, institutional separate accounts and retail separately managed accounts. WAM outflows have increased significantly following investment performance issues and the announcement of ongoing regulatory investigations.
| (in billions) | Equity | Fixed Income | Alternative | Multi-Asset | Cash Management | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the three months ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AUM at January 1, 2024 | $ | 467.5 | $ | 511.7 | $ | 256.2 | $ | 154.6 | $ | 65.5 | $ | 1,455.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term inflows | 27.5 | 43.8 | 3.4 | 10.2 | — | 84.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term outflows | (32.8) | (35.5) | (2.4) | (7.3) | — | (78.0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term net flows | (5.3) | 8.3 | 1.0 | 2.9 | — | 6.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash management net flows | — | — | — | — | (4.8) | (4.8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net flows | (5.3) | 8.3 | 1.0 | 2.9 | (4.8) | 2.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition | 81.3 | 59.3 | 0.7 | 5.8 | 1.2 | 148.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net market change, distributions and other | 49.2 | (7.9) | (2.4) | 0.1 | (0.2) | 38.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AUM at March 31, 2024 | $ | 592.7 | $ | 571.4 | $ | 255.5 | $ | 163.4 | $ | 61.7 | $ | 1,644.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in billions) | Equity | Fixed Income | Alternative | Multi-Asset | Cash Management 1 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the six months ended March 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AUM at October 1, 2024 | $ | 632.1 | $ | 556.4 | $ | 249.9 | $ | 176.2 | $ | 64.0 | $ | 1,678.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term inflows | 94.8 | 52.9 | 11.9 | 24.1 | — | 183.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term outflows | (87.7) | (150.1) | (4.7) | (17.4) | — | (259.9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term net flows | 7.1 | (97.2) | 7.2 | 6.7 | — | (76.2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash management net flows | — | — | — | — | 2.7 | 2.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net flows | 7.1 | (97.2) | 7.2 | 6.7 | 2.7 | (73.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net market change, distributions and other | (41.1) | (13.2) | (5.3) | (7.1) | 2.2 | (64.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AUM at March 31, 2025 | $ | 598.1 | $ | 446.0 | $ | 251.8 | $ | 175.8 | $ | 68.9 | $ | 1,540.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_______________
1Cash management at March 31, 2025 includes $6.3 billion of AUM and $3.7 billion of net inflows related to two money market mutual fund share classes previously closed to third-party investors.
AUM decreased $138.0 billion, or 8%, during the six months ended March 31, 2025 due to $76.2 billion of long-term net outflows, inclusive of $101.5 billion of long-term net outflows at WAM and $23.4 billion of long-term reinvested distributions, and the negative impact of $64.5 billion of net market change, distributions and other, partially offset by $2.7 billion of cash management net inflows. Net market change, distributions and other primarily consists of $38.3 billion of distributions, primarily from the equity asset class, $16.7 billion of market depreciation and a $9.5 billion decrease from foreign exchange revaluation. The market depreciation occurred primarily in the equity asset class. Foreign exchange revaluation from AUM in products that are not U.S. dollar denominated was primarily due to a stronger U.S. dollar compared to the Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Euro and Japanese Yen.
26
Long-term inflows increased 19% to $183.7 billion, as compared to the prior year period, driven by higher inflows in equity, multi-asset, and alternative perpetual vehicles, and equity sub-advised mutual funds, retail separately managed accounts, institutional separate accounts and exchange traded funds, partially offset by lower inflows across multiple fixed income vehicles at WAM. Long-term outflows increased 71% to $259.9 billion, substantially due to higher outflows across multiple fixed income vehicles at WAM, and to a lesser extent, higher outflows from equity open end funds, sub-advised mutual funds, institutional separate accounts, and retail separately managed accounts.
| (in billions) | Equity | Fixed Income | Alternative | Multi-Asset | Cash Management | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for the six months ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AUM at October 1, 2023 | $ | 430.4 | $ | 483.1 | $ | 254.9 | $ | 145.0 | $ | 60.8 | $ | 1,374.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term inflows | 54.5 | 72.1 | 9.3 | 17.9 | — | 153.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term outflows | (59.6) | (72.2) | (5.6) | (14.5) | — | (151.9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term net flows | (5.1) | (0.1) | 3.7 | 3.4 | — | 1.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash management net flows | — | — | — | — | (0.1) | (0.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net flows | (5.1) | (0.1) | 3.7 | 3.4 | (0.1) | 1.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition | 81.3 | 59.3 | 0.7 | 5.8 | 1.2 | 148.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net market change, distributions and other | 86.1 | 29.1 | (3.8) | 9.2 | (0.2) | 120.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AUM at March 31, 2024 | $ | 592.7 | $ | 571.4 | $ | 255.5 | $ | 163.4 | $ | 61.7 | $ | 1,644.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AUM by sales region was as follows:
| (in billions) | March 31, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||
| United States | $ | 1,071.3 | $ | 1,155.9 | (7 | %) | ||||||||||||||
| International | ||||||||||||||||||||
Europe, Middle East and Africa | 195.8 | 206.3 | (5 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Asia-Pacific | 158.5 | 170.4 | (7 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Americas, excl. U.S. | 115.0 | 112.1 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total international | 469.3 | 488.8 | (4 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,540.6 | $ | 1,644.7 | (6 | %) | ||||||||||||||
27
Investment Performance Overview
A key driver of our overall success is the long-term investment performance of our investment products. A measure of the performance of these products is the percentage of AUM exceeding peer group medians and benchmarks. We compare the relative performance of our mutual funds against peers, and of our strategy composites against benchmarks.
The performance of our mutual fund products against peer group medians and of our strategy composites against benchmarks is presented in the table below.
Peer Group Comparison1 | Benchmark Comparison2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| % of Mutual Fund AUM in Top Two Peer Group Quartiles | % of Strategy Composite AUM Exceeding Benchmark | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| as of March 31, 2025 | 1-Year | 3-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year | 1-Year | 3-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity | 45 | % | 59 | % | 48 | % | 58 | % | 35 | % | 53 | % | 37 | % | 46 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed Income | 58 | % | 69 | % | 61 | % | 61 | % | 54 | % | 53 | % | 88 | % | 85 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total AUM3 | 58 | % | 55 | % | 60 | % | 52 | % | 43 | % | 56 | % | 56 | % | 63 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
__________________
1Mutual fund performance is sourced from Morningstar and measures the percent of ranked AUM in the top two quartiles versus peers. Total mutual fund AUM measured for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods represents 39%, 38%, 38% and 35% of our total AUM as of March 31, 2025.
2Strategy composite performance measures the percent of composite AUM beating its benchmark. The benchmark comparisons are based on each account’s/composite’s (strategy composites may include retail separately managed accounts and mutual fund assets managed as part of the same strategy) return as compared to a market index that has been selected to be generally consistent with the asset class of the account/composite. Total strategy composite AUM measured for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods represents 55%, 55%, 54% and 49% of our total AUM as of March 31, 2025.
3Total mutual fund AUM includes performance of our alternative and multi-asset funds, and total strategy composite AUM includes performance of our alternative composites. Alternative and multi-asset AUM represent 16% and 11% of our total AUM at March 31, 2025.
Mutual fund performance data includes U.S. and cross-border domiciled mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, excludes cash management and fund of funds, and assumes the reinvestment of dividends.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. For strategy composite AUM included in institutional and retail separately managed accounts and investment funds managed in the same strategy as separate accounts, performance comparisons are based on gross-of-fee performance. For investment funds which are not managed in a separate account format, performance comparisons are based on net-of-fee performance. These performance comparisons do not reflect the actual performance of any specific separate account or investment fund; individual separate account and investment fund performance may differ. The information in this presentation is provided solely for use in connection with this document, and is not directed toward existing or potential clients of Franklin.
OPERATING REVENUES
The table below presents the percentage change in each operating revenue category.
| (in millions) | Three Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change | Six Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment management fees | $ | 1,673.6 | $ | 1,713.9 | (2 | %) | $ | 3,472.9 | $ | 3,366.1 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and distribution fees | 364.9 | 358.3 | 2 | % | 740.4 | 654.7 | 13 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholder servicing fees | 61.9 | 68.0 | (9 | %) | 125.4 | 100.5 | 25 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 11.0 | 12.6 | (13 | %) | 24.3 | 22.6 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Operating Revenues | $ | 2,111.4 | $ | 2,152.8 | (2 | %) | $ | 4,363.0 | $ | 4,143.9 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Investment Management Fees
Investment management fees decreased $40.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to a 1% decrease in average AUM and a decrease in performance fees. The decrease in average AUM for the three months ended March 31, 2025 primarily occurred in the fixed income asset class, substantially offset by increases in the equity and multi-asset asset classes. Investment management fees increased $106.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to one additional quarter of revenue earned by Putnam, which was acquired on January 1, 2024, and an 8% increased in average AUM, partially offset by a decrease in performance fees and catch-up fees recognized in the prior year at the closing of fundraising rounds in a secondary private equity fund, which ended in January 2024. The increase in average AUM for the six months ended March 31, 2025 primarily occurred in the equity and multi-asset asset classes, partially offset by a decrease in the fixed income asset class.
Our effective investment management fee rate excluding performance fees (annualized investment management fees excluding performance fees divided by average AUM) was 41.4 basis points for both the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, and decreased to 40.7 basis points for the six months ended March 31, 2025 from 41.7 basis points for the same period in the prior fiscal year. The fee rate remained flat for the three month period and decreased for the six month period primarily due to higher AUM in lower fee equity products, including those from the acquisition of Putnam, partially offset by a reduction in lower fee fixed income AUM at WAM. The decrease for the six month period was also due to catch-up fees recognized in the prior year at the closing of fundraising rounds in a secondary private equity fund,
Performance fees decreased to $71.9 million and $213.5 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025 from $85.2 million and $251.6 million for the same periods in the prior fiscal year due to lower performance fees earned by certain of our alternative specialist investment managers.
Sales and Distribution Fees
Sales and distribution fees by revenue driver are presented below.
| (in millions) | Three Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change | Six Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-based fees | $ | 297.2 | $ | 291.5 | 2 | % | $ | 606.3 | $ | 537.5 | 13 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales-based fees | 67.7 | 66.8 | 1 | % | 134.1 | 117.2 | 14 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and Distribution Fees | $ | 364.9 | $ | 358.3 | 2 | % | $ | 740.4 | $ | 654.7 | 13 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset-based distribution fees increased $5.7 million and $68.8 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to increases of 9% and 13% in the related average AUM, partially offset by a higher mix of lower fee assets. The six months ended March 31, 2025 also includes one additional quarter of revenue related to Putnam products.
Sales-based fees increased $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as commissionable sales remained relatively flat, and increased $16.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to an increase of 13% in commissionable sales and one additional quarter of sales-based revenue related to Putnam products.
Shareholder Servicing Fees
Shareholder servicing fees decreased $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to lower margin-based fees, partially offset by higher AUM-based fees driven by higher levels of related AUM, and increased $24.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to one additional quarter of fees earned by Putnam, partially offset by lower margin-based fees.
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OPERATING EXPENSES
The table below presents the percentage change in each operating expense category.
Three Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change | Six Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | $ | 920.0 | $ | 1,028.2 | (11 | %) | $ | 1,911.4 | $ | 1,996.5 | (4 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales, distribution and marketing | 498.1 | 484.3 | 3 | % | 1,010.4 | 885.1 | 14 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Information systems and technology | 158.7 | 155.1 | 2 | % | 314.7 | 286.1 | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy | 69.3 | 76.2 | (9 | %) | 144.4 | 142.9 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 112.5 | 84.6 | 33 | % | 225.1 | 170.4 | 32 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets | 24.4 | — | 100 | % | 24.4 | — | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General, administrative and other | 182.8 | 195.1 | (6 | %) | 368.0 | 327.1 | 13 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Operating Expenses | $ | 1,965.8 | $ | 2,023.5 | (3 | %) | $ | 3,998.4 | $ | 3,808.1 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The acquisition of Putnam on January 1, 2024 had a significant impact on operating expenses in the six months ended March 31, 2025, however, due to the ongoing integration of the combined businesses, it is not practicable to separately quantify the impact of the legacy Putnam business.
Compensation and Benefits
The components of compensation and benefits expenses are presented below.
Three Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change | Six Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salaries, wages and benefits | $ | 445.9 | $ | 453.8 | (2 | %) | $ | 869.5 | $ | 824.7 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Incentive compensation | 387.0 | 390.5 | (1 | %) | 826.4 | 808.8 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related retention1 | 34.7 | 104.5 | (67 | %) | 80.5 | 173.6 | (54 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related performance fee pass through1 | 16.2 | 14.4 | 13 | % | 85.3 | 87.0 | (2 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other1,2 | 36.2 | 65.0 | (44 | %) | 49.7 | 102.4 | (51 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and Benefits Expenses | $ | 920.0 | $ | 1,028.2 | (11 | %) | $ | 1,911.4 | $ | 1,996.5 | (4 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_______________
1See “Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information.
2Includes impact of gains and losses on investments related to deferred compensation plans, which is offset in investment and other income (losses), net; minority interests in certain subsidiaries, which is offset in net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests; and special termination benefits.
Salaries, wages and benefits decreased $7.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to the impact of headcount reductions, which were partially offset by annual salary increases. Salaries, wages and benefits increased $44.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to annual salary increases and one additional quarter of expenses related to Putnam.
Incentive compensation decreased $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to lower incentive compensation at certain specialist investment managers and a decrease in expense for deferred compensation awards, partially offset by higher sales-related commissions. Incentive compensation increased $17.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to one additional quarter of expenses related to Putnam, higher annual acceleration of deferred compensation expense related to retirement-eligible employees, and higher sales-related commissions, partially offset by lower incentive compensation at certain specialist investment managers and lower ongoing deferred compensation expense.
Acquisition-related retention expenses decreased $69.8 million and $93.1 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to lower costs associated with the acquisition of Putnam, and lower compensation associated with performance-based and time-based awards.
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Other compensation and benefits decreased $28.8 million and $52.7 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to a decrease in special termination benefits and lower net market gains on investments related to our deferred compensation plans. Special termination benefits decreased $23.0 million and $29.3 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to the higher costs associated with workforce optimization initiatives in the prior year.
At March 31, 2025, our global workforce decreased to approximately 10,000 employees from approximately 10,100 at March 31, 2024.
Sales, Distribution and Marketing
Sales, distribution and marketing expenses by cost driver are presented below.
Three Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change | Six Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-based expenses | $ | 411.4 | $ | 405.7 | 1 | % | $ | 839.6 | $ | 746.2 | 13 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales-based expenses | 67.9 | 63.7 | 7 | % | 131.8 | 110.6 | 19 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of deferred sales commissions | 18.8 | 14.9 | 26 | % | 39.0 | 28.3 | 38 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales, Distribution and Marketing | $ | 498.1 | $ | 484.3 | 3 | % | $ | 1,010.4 | $ | 885.1 | 14 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset-based expenses increased $5.7 million and $93.4 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to increases of 3% and 7% in the related average AUM, and higher marketing support fees, partially offset by a higher mix of lower-fee assets. The six months ended March 31, 2025 also includes one additional quarter of expenses related to Putnam products. Distribution expenses are generally not directly correlated with distribution fee revenues due to certain fee structures that do not provide full recovery of distribution costs.
Sales-based expenses increased $4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to higher marketing support expenses, and increased $21.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to increases of 13% in commissionable sales and one additional quarter of expenses related to Putnam products.
Occupancy
Occupancy expenses decreased $6.9 million and increased $1.5 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025. Both the three and six month periods reflect lower costs due to the consolidation of office space in New York City, which were offset by one additional quarter of expenses incurred by Putnam in the six month period.
Information Systems and Technology
Information systems and technology expenses increased $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to higher technology consulting and software costs, partially offset by lower costs for external data services, and increased $28.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to one additional quarter of expenses incurred by Putnam, and higher technology consulting and software costs, partially offset by lower costs for hardware purchases and maintenance.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets increased $27.9 million and $54.7 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to a reduction in the remaining useful life of definite-lived intangible assets related to WAM.
Impairment of intangible assets
During the three months ended March 31, 2025, we recognized an impairment charge of $24.4 million related to certain indefinite-lived intangible assets for acquired mutual fund investment management contracts. See Critical Accounting Policies for additional information.
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General, Administrative and Other
General, administrative and other operating expenses decreased $12.3 million and increased $40.9 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025. The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was primarily due to a $19.5 million decrease in acquisition-related costs, primarily related to the acquisition of Putnam in the prior year quarter, and a $10.7 million decrease in legal and other professional fees, inclusive of $17.6 million of insurance recoveries, partially offset by increases in advertising and promotion costs and placement fees. The increase for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was primarily due to one additional quarter of expenses incurred by Putnam, an $11.7 million increase in advertising and promotion costs, an $8.1 million increase in legal and other professional fees, net of $27.6 million of insurance recoveries, and an increase in fund-related expenses, partially offset by a $19.1 million decrease in acquisition-related costs, primarily related to the acquisition of Putnam.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)
Other income (expenses) consisted of the following:
Three Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change | Six Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment and other income, net: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend and interest income | $ | 19.4 | $ | 38.0 | (49 | %) | $ | 62.5 | $ | 92.8 | (33 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on investments, net | 46.8 | (18.5) | NM | (10.3) | 41.6 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from investments in equity method investees | 23.1 | 24.4 | (5 | %) | 15.5 | 81.3 | (81 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on derivatives, net | (1.1) | (6.4) | (83 | %) | 5.5 | (14.6) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rental income | 10.9 | 10.9 | 0% | 22.1 | 21.7 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency exchange (losses) gains, net | (7.5) | (1.3) | 477 | % | 7.0 | (8.7) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other, net | 2.5 | 5.4 | (54 | %) | 2.3 | 11.6 | (80 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment and other income, net | 94.1 | 52.5 | 79 | % | 104.6 | 225.7 | (54 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (20.8) | (27.7) | (25 | %) | (43.9) | (46.5) | (6 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment and other income (losses) of consolidated investment products, net | (164.7) | 89.9 | NM | (50.6) | 66.1 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses of consolidated investment products | (11.5) | (5.9) | 95 | % | (18.8) | (11.8) | 59 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Income (Expenses), Net | $ | (102.9) | $ | 108.8 | NM | $ | (8.7) | $ | 233.5 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend and interest income decreased $18.6 million and $30.3 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to lower yields and lower average balances.
Investments held by the Company generated net gains of $46.8 million, as compared to net losses of $18.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. The net gains in the three months ended March 31, 2025 were primarily from investments in nonconsolidated funds and separate accounts, partially offset by net losses on investments measured at cost adjusted for observable price changes, while the net losses in the prior year period were primarily from investments in nonconsolidated funds and separate accounts, partially offset by net gains from assets invested for deferred compensation plans. Investments held by the Company generated net losses of $10.3 million, as compared to net gains of $41.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. The net losses in the six months ended March 31, 2025 were primarily from net losses on investments measured at cost adjusted for observable price changes, partially offset by net gains from investments in nonconsolidated funds and separate accounts, while the net gains in the prior year were primarily from assets invested for deferred compensation plans and investments in nonconsolidated funds and separate accounts, partially offset by net losses on investments measured at cost adjusted for observable price changes.
Equity method investees generated income of $23.1 million and $15.5 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to income of $24.4 million and $81.3 million in the prior year, largely related to various global alternative funds and, in the prior year periods, equity funds.
Net foreign currency exchange losses increased $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to the U.S. dollar weakening more in the current year period against the Euro and British Pound, which resulted in higher net foreign exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents denominated in U.S. dollars held by our European subsidiaries. Net
32
foreign currency exchange gains were $7.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to net losses of $8.7 million in the prior year. The U.S. dollar strengthened in the six month period against the Euro and British Pound, which resulted in net foreign exchange gains on cash and cash equivalents denominated in U.S. dollars held by our European subsidiaries, as compared to net losses in the prior year.
Interest expense decreased $6.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to lower accretion on Lexington deferred purchase consideration and lower interest recognized on tax reserves, and $2.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to lower accretion on Lexington deferred purchase consideration and a net decrease in interest on debt, partially offset by an increase in interest recognized on tax reserves.
Investments held by consolidated investment products (“CIPs”) generated losses of $164.7 million and $50.6 million in the three and six months ended March 31, 2025, largely related to losses on holdings of various global equity funds, partially offset by gains on various alternative funds, and for the six month period, global fixed income and multi-asset funds. Investments held by CIPs generated investment gains and other income of $89.9 million and $66.1 million in the three and six months ended March 31, 2024, largely related to gains on holdings of various fixed income, global equity and alternative funds, and for the six month period, multi-asset funds.
Expenses of CIPs increased $5.6 million and $7.0 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025, due to activity of the funds.
Our cash, cash equivalents and investments portfolio by asset class and accounting classification at March 31, 2025, excluding third-party assets of CIPs, was as follows:
Accounting Classification1 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Cash and Cash Equivalents | Investments at Fair Value | Equity Method Investments | Other Investments | Direct Investments in CIPs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | 2,754.0 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,754.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alternative | — | 247.6 | 923.9 | 255.6 | 502.9 | 1,930.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity | — | 217.1 | 182.8 | 118.4 | 293.3 | 811.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed Income | — | 132.7 | 61.8 | 40.3 | 188.0 | 422.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Multi-Asset | — | 39.0 | 10.2 | — | 126.7 | 175.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments | — | 636.4 | 1,178.7 | 414.3 | 1,110.9 | 3,340.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments2, 3 | $ | 2,754.0 | $ | 636.4 | $ | 1,178.7 | $ | 414.3 | $ | 1,110.9 | $ | 6,094.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
______________
1See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2024 for information on investment accounting classifications.
2Total cash and cash equivalents and investments includes $4,362.2 million maintained for operational activities, including investments in sponsored funds and other products, and $446.1 million necessary to comply with regulatory requirements.
3Total cash and cash equivalents and investments includes approximately $365 million attributable to employee-owned and other third-party investments made through partnerships which are offset in noncontrolling interests, approximately $236 million of investments that are subject to long-term repurchase agreements and other net financing arrangements, and approximately $431 million of cash and investments related to deferred compensation plans.
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TAXES ON INCOME
Our effective income tax rate was 72.8% and 31.5% for the three and six months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to 26.4% and 24.2% for the three and six months ended March 31, 2024. The rate increase for the three month period was primarily due to losses of CIPs for which there are no related tax benefits and valuation allowance on net operating losses and capital losses, partially offset by discrete tax benefits from state audit settlements. The rate increase for the six month period was primarily due to losses of CIPs for which there are no related tax benefits, a reduction in foreign rate benefits and tax expenses from stock-based compensation, partially offset by discrete tax benefits from state audit settlements.
Our effective income tax rate reflects the relative contributions of earnings in the jurisdictions in which we operate, which have varying tax rates. Changes in our pre-tax income mix, tax rates or tax legislation in such jurisdictions may affect our effective income tax rate and net income.
SUPPLEMENTAL NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
As supplemental information, we are providing performance measures for “adjusted operating income,” “adjusted operating margin,” “adjusted net income” and “adjusted diluted earnings per share,” each of which is based on methodologies other than generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP measures”). Management believes these non-GAAP measures are useful indicators of our financial performance and may be helpful to investors in evaluating our relative performance against industry peers.
“Adjusted operating income,” “adjusted operating margin,” “adjusted net income” and “adjusted diluted earnings per share” are defined below, followed by reconciliations of operating income, operating margin, net income attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc. and diluted earnings per share on a U.S. GAAP basis to these non-GAAP measures. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as substitutes for, any financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Additional reconciling items may be added in the future to these non-GAAP measures if deemed appropriate.
Adjusted Operating Income
We define adjusted operating income as operating income adjusted to exclude the following:
•Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation of investment products.
•Acquisition-related items:
◦Acquisition-related retention compensation.
◦Other acquisition-related expenses including professional fees, technology costs and fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration assets and liabilities.
◦Amortization of intangible assets.
◦Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, if any.
•Special termination benefits and other expenses related to workforce optimization initiatives related to past acquisitions and certain initiatives undertaken by the Company.
•Impact on compensation and benefits expense from gains and losses on investments related to deferred compensation plans, which is offset in investment and other income (losses), net.
•Impact on compensation and benefits expense related to minority interests in certain subsidiaries, which is offset in net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.
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Adjusted Operating Margin
We calculate adjusted operating margin as adjusted operating income divided by adjusted operating revenues. We define adjusted operating revenues as operating revenues adjusted to exclude the following:
•Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation of investment products.
•Acquisition-related performance-based investment management fees which are passed through as compensation and benefits expense.
•Sales and distribution fees and a portion of investment management fees allocated to cover sales, distribution and marketing expenses paid to the financial advisers and other intermediaries who sell our funds on our behalf.
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
We define adjusted net income as net income attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc. adjusted to exclude the following:
•Activities of CIPs.
•Acquisition-related items:
◦Acquisition-related retention compensation.
◦Other acquisition-related expenses including professional fees, technology costs and fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration assets and liabilities.
◦Amortization of intangible assets.
◦Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, if any.
◦Interest expense for amortization of debt premium from acquisition-date fair value adjustment.
•Special termination benefits and other expenses related to workforce optimization initiatives related to past acquisitions and certain initiatives undertaken by the Company.
•Net gains or losses on investments related to deferred compensation plans which are not offset by compensation and benefits expense.
•Net compensation and benefits expense related to minority interests in certain subsidiaries not offset by net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.
•Unrealized investment gains and losses.
•Net income tax expense of the above adjustments based on the respective blended rates applicable to the adjustments.
We define adjusted diluted earnings per share as diluted earnings per share adjusted to exclude the per share impacts of the adjustments applied to net income in calculating adjusted net income.
In calculating our non-GAAP measures, we adjust for the impact of CIPs because it is not considered reflective of our underlying results of operations. Acquisition-related items and special termination benefits are excluded to facilitate comparability to other asset management firms. We adjust for compensation and benefits expense related to funded deferred compensation plans because it is partially offset in other income (expense), net. We adjust for compensation and benefits expense and net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests to reflect the economics of certain profits interest arrangements. Sales and distribution fees and a portion of investment management fees generally cover sales, distribution and marketing expenses and, therefore, are excluded from adjusted operating revenues. In addition, when calculating adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share we exclude unrealized investment gains and losses included in investment and other income (losses) because the related investments are generally expected to be held long term.
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The calculations of adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share are as follows:
| (in millions) | Three Months Ended March 31, | Six Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 145.6 | $ | 129.3 | $ | 364.6 | $ | 335.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Add (subtract): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation of investment products* | 13.1 | 11.0 | 25.6 | 22.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related retention | 34.7 | 104.5 | 80.5 | 173.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits expense from gains on deferred compensation, net | 3.6 | 14.0 | 4.5 | 33.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other acquisition-related expenses | 10.7 | 25.2 | 20.1 | 32.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 112.5 | 84.6 | 225.1 | 170.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets | 24.4 | — | 24.4 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Special termination benefits | 17.4 | 40.4 | 17.8 | 47.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits expense related to minority interests in certain subsidiaries | 15.2 | 10.6 | 27.4 | 22.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating income | $ | 377.2 | $ | 419.6 | $ | 790.0 | $ | 836.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating revenues | $ | 2,111.4 | $ | 2,152.8 | $ | 4,363.0 | $ | 4,143.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Add (subtract): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related pass through performance fees | (16.2) | (14.4) | (85.3) | (87.0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales and distribution fees | (364.9) | (358.5) | (740.4) | (654.9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Allocation of investment management fees for sales, distribution and marketing expenses | (133.2) | (125.8) | (270.0) | (230.2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation of investment products* | 13.1 | 11.0 | 25.6 | 22.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating revenues | $ | 1,610.2 | $ | 1,665.1 | $ | 3,292.9 | $ | 3,194.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating margin | 6.9% | 6.0% | 8.4% | 8.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 23.4% | 25.2% | 24.0% | 26.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| (in millions, except per share data) | Three Months Ended March 31, | Six Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc. | $ | 151.4 | $ | 124.2 | $ | 315.0 | $ | 375.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Add (subtract): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (income) loss of consolidated investment products* | (8.3) | 3.5 | (4.1) | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related retention | 34.7 | 104.5 | 80.5 | 173.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other acquisition-related expenses | 13.1 | 29.3 | 25.8 | 40.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 112.5 | 84.6 | 225.1 | 170.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets | 24.4 | — | 24.4 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Special termination benefits | 17.4 | 40.4 | 17.8 | 47.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (gains) losses on deferred compensation plan investments not offset by compensation and benefits expense | (1.1) | (3.9) | 0.2 | (9.9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized investment gains | (42.9) | (9.6) | (11.4) | (58.6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense for amortization of debt premium | (5.0) | (6.4) | (9.9) | (12.8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net compensation and benefits expense related to minority interests in certain subsidiaries not offset by net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 7.4 | 0.4 | 11.5 | (1.6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income tax expense of adjustments | (49.2) | (60.4) | (100.0) | (90.0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 254.4 | $ | 306.6 | $ | 574.9 | $ | 635.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.23 | $ | 0.55 | $ | 0.71 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share | 0.47 | 0.56 | 1.06 | 1.21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
__________________
*The impact of CIPs is summarized as follows:
| (in millions) | Three Months Ended March 31, | Six Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation | $ | (13.1) | $ | (11.0) | $ | (25.6) | $ | (22.4) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | (129.8) | 38.6 | (68.3) | 30.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | (151.2) | 31.1 | (98.0) | 8.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 8.3 | $ | (3.5) | $ | 4.1 | $ | (1.3) | ||||||||||||||||||
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash flows were as follows:
Six Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Operating cash flows | $ | (195.3) | $ | (115.3) | ||||||||||
| Investing cash flows | (1,020.6) | (410.8) | ||||||||||||
| Financing cash flows | 380.3 | 232.1 | ||||||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities increased during the six months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to higher payments for incentive compensation and income tax payments, partially offset by higher net income adjusted for non-cash items. Net cash used in investing activities increased primarily due to net purchases of investments as compared to liquidations in the prior year and higher net purchases of investments by collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”). Net cash provided by financing activities increased due to higher net proceeds on debt of CIPs, higher net subscriptions in CIPs by noncontrolling interests and lower repurchases of common stock, partially offset by net repayment of debt.
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The assets and liabilities of CIPs attributable to third-party investors do not impact our liquidity and capital resources. We have no right to the CIPs’ assets, other than our direct equity investment in them and investment management and other fees earned from them. The debt holders of the CIPs have no recourse to our assets beyond the level of our direct investment, therefore we bear no other risks associated with the CIPs’ liabilities. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of CIPs, other than our direct investments in them, are excluded from the amounts and discussion below.
Our liquid assets and debt consisted of the following:
| (in millions) | March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,714.3 | $ | 3,261.1 | ||||||||||
| Receivables | 1,287.9 | 1,261.6 | ||||||||||||
| Investments | 929.3 | 1,141.7 | ||||||||||||
| Total Liquid Assets | $ | 4,931.5 | $ | 5,664.4 | ||||||||||
| Liability | ||||||||||||||
| Debt | $ | 2,671.3 | $ | 2,780.3 | ||||||||||
Liquidity
Liquid assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and certain investments. Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2025 primarily consist of money market funds and deposits with financial institutions. Liquid investments consist of investments in sponsored and other funds, direct investments in redeemable CIPs, other equity and debt securities, and time deposits with maturities greater than three months.
We utilize a significant portion of our liquid assets to satisfy operational and regulatory requirements and fund capital contributions to sponsored and other products. Certain of our subsidiaries are required by our internal policy or regulation to maintain minimum levels of cash and/or capital, and may be restricted in their ability to transfer cash to their parent companies. Should we require more capital than is available for use, we could elect to reduce the level of discretionary activities, such as share repurchases or investments in sponsored and other products, we could raise capital through debt or equity issuances, or utilize existing or new credit facilities. These alternatives could result in increased interest expense, decreased dividend or interest income, or other dilution to our earnings.
Capital Resources
We believe that we can meet our present and reasonably foreseeable operating cash needs and future commitments through existing liquid assets, continuing cash flows from operations, amounts available under the credit facility discussed below, the ability to issue debt or equity securities and borrowing capacity under our uncommitted commercial paper private placement program.
In prior fiscal years, we issued senior unsecured unsubordinated notes for general corporate purposes and to redeem outstanding notes. At March 31, 2025, Franklin’s outstanding senior notes had an aggregate principal amount due of $1,200.0 million. The notes have fixed interest rates from 1.600% to 2.950% with interest paid semi-annually and have an aggregate carrying value, inclusive of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs, of $1,487.8 million. At March 31, 2025, Legg Mason’s outstanding senior notes had an aggregate principal amount due of $1,000.0 million. The notes have fixed interest rates from 4.750% to 5.625% with interest paid semi-annually and have an aggregate carrying value, inclusive of unamortized premium, of $1,183.5 million at March 31, 2025. Franklin unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees all of the outstanding notes issued by Legg Mason. The $400.0 million 2.850% senior notes due March 2025 were repaid on March 31, 2025 using existing cash and borrowings from our revolving credit facility.
The senior notes contain an optional redemption feature that allows us to redeem each series of notes prior to maturity in whole or in part at any time, at a make-whole redemption price. The indentures governing the senior notes contain limitations on our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to pledge voting stock or profit participating equity interests in our subsidiaries to secure other debt without similarly securing the notes equally and ratably. In addition, the indentures include requirements that must be met if we consolidate or merge with, or sell all of our assets to, another entity.
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On April 30, 2025, we entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) with a five year term and $1.1 billion of aggregate available borrowings. As of April 30, 2025, the $300.0 million of borrowings outstanding under our prior credit facility were transferred to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. For additional information please see Part II. Item 5. Other Information - Entry into Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement. Interest is payable semi-annually on any outstanding amounts and is based on the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“Term SOFR”) plus a credit spread of 87.5 basis points and a Term SOFR adjustment of 10 basis points. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains a financial performance covenant requiring that the Company maintain a consolidated net leverage ratio, measured as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, of no greater than 3.25 to 1.00.
We were in compliance with all debt covenants at March 31, 2025.
At March 31, 2025, we had $500.0 million of short-term commercial paper available for issuance under an uncommitted private placement program which has been inactive since 2012 and is unrated.
Our ability to access the capital markets in a timely manner depends on a number of factors, including our credit rating, the condition of the global economy, investors’ willingness to purchase our securities, interest rates, credit spreads and the valuation levels of equity markets. If we are unable to access capital markets in a timely manner, our business could be adversely impacted.
Uses of Capital
We expect that our main uses of cash will be to invest in and grow our business including through acquisitions, pay stockholder dividends, invest in our products, pay income taxes and expenses of the business, enhance technology infrastructure and business processes, repurchase shares of our common stock, and repay and service debt. While we expect to continue to repurchase shares to offset dilution from stock-based compensation, and expect to continue to repurchase shares opportunistically from time to time, we will likely spend more of our post-dividend free cash flow investing in our business, including seed capital and acquiring resources to help grow our investment teams and operations.
We typically declare cash dividends on a quarterly basis, subject to approval by our Board of Directors. We declared regular dividends of $0.64 per share during the six months ended March 31, 2025 and $0.62 per share during the six months ended March 31, 2024. We currently expect to continue paying comparable regular dividends on a quarterly basis to holders of our common stock depending upon earnings and other relevant factors.
We maintain a stock repurchase program to manage our equity capital with the objective of maximizing shareholder value. Our stock repurchase program is effected through open-market purchases and private transactions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and is not subject to an expiration date. The size and timing of these purchases will depend on business conditions, price, market and other factors, including the terms of any 10b5-1 stock purchase plan that may be in effect at any given time. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2025, we repurchased 0.5 million and 0.8 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $10.0 million and $15.8 million. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2024, we repurchased 0.4 million and 2.8 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $11.7 million and $70.5 million. In December 2023, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 27.2 million shares of our common stock in either open market or private transactions, for a total of up to 40.0 million shares available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program. At March 31, 2025, 29.2 million shares remained available for repurchase under this authorization.
We will pay up to $375.0 million related to our acquisition of Putnam between the third and seventh anniversaries of the closing date related to revenue growth targets from the strategic partnership with Great-West Lifeco, Inc. and its affiliates which will be recognized in operating income.
The final deferred cash payment related to our acquisition of Lexington of $100.0 million was paid on April 1, 2025 using existing cash and borrowings from our revolving credit facility.
The funds that we manage have their own resources available for purposes of providing liquidity to meet shareholder redemptions, including securities that can be sold or provided to investors as in-kind redemptions, and lines of credit. Increased liquidity risks and redemptions have required, and may continue to require, increased cash in the form of loans or other lines of credit to help settle redemptions and for other related purposes. While we have no legal or contractual obligation to do so, we have in certain instances voluntarily elected to provide the funds with direct or indirect financial support based on our business objectives. We did not provide significant financial or other support to our sponsored funds during the six months ended March 31, 2025.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. These estimates, judgments and assumptions are affected by our application of accounting policies. Further, concerns about the global economic outlook have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our business, financial condition and results of operations including the estimates and assumptions made by management. Actual results could differ from the estimates. Described below are the updates to our critical accounting policies disclosed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2024.
Consolidation
We consolidate our subsidiaries and investment products in which we have a controlling financial interest. We have a controlling financial interest when we own a majority of the voting interest in a voting interest entity or are the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). Our VIEs are primarily investment products and our variable interests consist of our equity ownership interests in and investment management fees earned from these products. As of March 31, 2025, we were the primary beneficiary of 64 investment product VIEs.
Business Combinations
Business combinations are accounted for by recognizing the acquired assets, including separately identifiable intangible assets, and assumed liabilities at their acquisition-date estimated fair values. Any excess of the purchase consideration over the acquisition-date fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recognized as goodwill. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually and when an event occurs or circumstances change that more likely than not reduce the fair value of the related reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset below its carrying value. Definite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment quarterly.
Subsequent to the annual impairment tests performed as of August 1, 2024, we monitored both macroeconomic and entity-specific factors, including changes in our AUM to determine whether circumstances have changed that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value or indicate that the other indefinite-lived intangible assets might be impaired. We also monitored fluctuations of our common stock per share price to evaluate our market capitalization relative to the reporting unit as a whole. During the six months ended March 31, 2025, there were no events or circumstances which would indicate that goodwill or definite-lived intangible assets were more likely than not impaired. We performed a quantitative impairment test for certain indefinite-lived assets related to acquired mutual fund investment management contracts due to decreased AUM in the related products and recognized an impairment of $24.4 million. There were no other impairments of indefinite-lived intangible assets, as no events occurred or circumstances changed that would indicate these assets might be impaired.
While we believe that the assumptions used to estimate fair value in our impairment tests are reasonable and appropriate, future changes in the assumptions could result in recognition of impairment.
Fair Value Measurements
Our investments are primarily recorded at fair value or amounts that approximate fair value on a recurring basis. We use a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable.
As of March 31, 2025, Level 3 assets represented 4% of total assets measured at fair value, which primarily related to CIPs’ investments in equity and debt securities. There were insignificant transfers into and $39.2 million transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2025.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
During the six months ended March 31, 2025, there were no material changes from the market risk disclosures in our Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
The Company’s management evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of March 31, 2025. Based on their evaluation, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2025 were designed and are functioning effectively to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
For a description of our legal proceedings, please see the description set forth in the “Legal Proceedings” section in Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10‑Q, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
There were no material changes from the Risk Factors previously disclosed in our last Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2024. These Risk Factors could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and our business also could be impacted by other risk factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial. Further, our disclosure of a risk should not be interpreted to imply that the risk has not already developed or materialized.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
The following table provides information with respect to the shares of our common stock that we repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2025.
| Month | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 2025 | 420,338 | $ | 20.29 | 420,338 | 29,252,272 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| February 2025 | 46,811 | 20.62 | 46,811 | 29,205,461 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 2025 | 22,455 | 19.85 | 22,455 | 29,183,006 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 489,604 | 489,604 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Under our stock repurchase program, which is not subject to an expiration date, we can repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market and in private transactions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including without limitation applicable federal securities laws. In order to pay taxes due in connection with the vesting of employee and executive officer stock and stock unit awards, we may repurchase shares under our program using a net stock issuance method. In December 2023, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 27.2 million shares of our common stock in either open market or private transactions, for a total of up to 40.0 million shares available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program.
Item 5. Other Information.
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
During the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025, no director or officer (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) of Franklin adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement
Entry into Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement
On April 30, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), the Company entered into an amended and restated revolving credit agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), by and among the Company, as borrower, the financial institutions from time to time party thereto, as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”), as administrative agent. Capitalized terms used and not defined herein have the meaning given to them in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for a five-year revolving credit facility with $1.1 billion of aggregate commitments.
Amounts outstanding under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement bear interest at an annual rate equal to, at the option of the Company, either (i) a base rate (the “Base Rate”) equal to the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (b) the prime rate of Bank of America, (c) Term SOFR for a 1-month interest period plus 1.00%, and (d) 1.00%; (ii) the Secured Overnight Funding Rate published on such date on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s website (or any successor source) (“Daily Simple SOFR”) or (iii) Term SOFR (provided that Term SOFR shall not be less than 0.00%), plus an applicable margin (“Applicable Rate”) that ranges from (x) in the case of loans bearing interest by reference to the Base Rate, 0.00% to 0.25% and
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(y) in the case of loans bearing interest by reference to Daily Simple SOFR or Term SOFR, 0.625% to 1.25%, in each case based on the Company’s Debt Rating. The Company is also required to pay an annual Commitment Fee ranging from 0.06% to 0.125%, based on the Company’s Debt Rating, on the average unused amount of the revolving credit facility payable quarterly.
At any time, subject to timely prior written notice, the Company may (i) terminate the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility in full or in part, and/or (ii) prepay any loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility in full or in part, without premium or penalty.
The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that affect, among other things, the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and limit the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to create liens, merge or dissolve, dispose of assets and change the nature of their respective business, subject to customary exceptions, thresholds, qualifications and “baskets.” In addition, the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains a financial performance covenant, requiring that, subject to certain adjustments related to qualified acquisitions, the Company maintains a consolidated net leverage ratio, measured as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, of no greater than 3.25 to 1.00.
The repayment obligation under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement may be accelerated (and commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility terminated) upon the occurrence of an event of default thereunder, including, among other things, failure to pay principal or interest on a timely basis, material inaccuracy of any representation or warranty, failure to comply with covenants, cross-default, change of control, certain insolvency or bankruptcy-related events and material judgments, subject, in each case, to any applicable grace and/or cure periods.
Any borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement may be used for general corporate purposes.
The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement replaces the $800.0 million revolving credit agreement (the “Original Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. and the other lenders party thereto. Bank of America, N.A. and the other lenders party to the Original Credit Agreement are parties to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
As of the Closing Date, there were $300.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Original Credit Agreement, which remain outstanding under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
Item 6. Exhibits.
The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index to this Form 10-Q are incorporated herein by reference.
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EXHIBIT INDEX
| Exhibit No. | Description | |||||||
| 3.1 | ||||||||
| 3.2 | ||||||||
| 3.3 | ||||||||
| 3.4 | ||||||||
| 3.5 | ||||||||
| 3.6 | ||||||||
10.1 | ||||||||
| 31.1 | ||||||||
| 31.2 | ||||||||
| 32.1 | ||||||||
| 32.2 | ||||||||
| 101 | The following materials from Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL), include: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) related notes (filed herewith) | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | |||||||
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| FRANKLIN RESOURCES, INC. | ||||||||||||||
| Date: | May 2, 2025 | By: | /s/ Matthew Nicholls | |||||||||||
| Matthew Nicholls | ||||||||||||||
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | ||||||||||||||
| Date: | May 2, 2025 | By: | /s/ Lindsey H. Oshita | |||||||||||
Lindsey H. Oshita | ||||||||||||||
Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | ||||||||||||||
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EXECUTION VERSION 153390730_1 Published CUSIP Number: 35462DAJ7 (Deal) 35462DAK4 (Revolving Facility) AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of April 30, 2025 among FRANKLIN RESOURCES, INC., as the Borrower, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, the Lenders party hereto, HSBC BANK USA, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., and HSBC BANK USA, N.A., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners
- i - 153390730_1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS ............................................................... 1 1.01 Defined Terms .................................................................................................................. 1 1.02 Other Interpretive Provisions ....................................................................................... 21 1.03 Accounting Terms. ......................................................................................................... 22 1.04 Rounding......................................................................................................................... 23 1.05 Times of Day ................................................................................................................... 23 1.06 Interest Rates .................................................................................................................. 23 ARTICLE II THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS ................................................ 23 2.01 Committed Loans ........................................................................................................... 24 2.02 Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Committed Loans. ......................... 24 2.03 Prepayments. .................................................................................................................. 25 2.04 Termination or Reduction of Commitments ............................................................... 26 2.05 Repayment of Loans ...................................................................................................... 26 2.06 Interest. ........................................................................................................................... 26 2.07 Fees .................................................................................................................................. 26 2.08 Computation of Interest and Fees ................................................................................ 27 2.09 Evidence of Debt ............................................................................................................ 27 2.10 Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback. .......................................... 27 2.11 Sharing of Payments by Lenders .................................................................................. 29 2.12 Increase in Commitments.............................................................................................. 30 2.13 Defaulting Lenders. ....................................................................................................... 31 2.14 Defaulting Lender Cure ................................................................................................ 32 ARTICLE III TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY ................................................... 32 3.01 Taxes. .............................................................................................................................. 32 3.02 Illegality .......................................................................................................................... 35 3.03 Inability to Determine Rates. ........................................................................................ 36 3.04 Increased Costs. ............................................................................................................. 38 3.05 Compensation for Losses ............................................................................................... 39 3.06 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders ....................................................... 39 3.07 Survival ........................................................................................................................... 40 ARTICLE IV CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS .......................................... 40 4.01 Conditions of Initial Credit Extension ......................................................................... 40 4.02 Conditions to all Credit Extensions .............................................................................. 41
- ii - 153390730_1 ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES ................................................................ 42 5.01 Existence, Qualification and Power .............................................................................. 42 5.02 Authorization; No Contravention ................................................................................ 42 5.03 Governmental Authorization; Other Consents ........................................................... 42 5.04 Binding Effect ................................................................................................................. 42 5.05 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect. ................................................... 43 5.06 Litigation......................................................................................................................... 43 5.07 No Default ....................................................................................................................... 43 5.08 Taxes ............................................................................................................................... 43 5.09 ERISA Compliance. ....................................................................................................... 43 5.10 Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act. ........................................................ 44 5.11 Disclosure ........................................................................................................................ 44 5.12 Compliance with Laws .................................................................................................. 45 5.13 OFAC .............................................................................................................................. 45 5.14 Anti-Corruption Laws ................................................................................................... 45 5.15 Affected Financial Institutions ...................................................................................... 45 5.16 Covered Entities ............................................................................................................. 45 ARTICLE VI AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS ..................................................................................... 45 6.01 Financial Statements ...................................................................................................... 45 6.02 Certificates; Other Information ................................................................................... 46 6.03 Notices ............................................................................................................................. 47 6.04 Payment of Taxes ........................................................................................................... 48 6.05 Preservation of Existence, Etc ...................................................................................... 48 6.06 Maintenance of Properties ............................................................................................ 48 6.07 Maintenance of Insurance ............................................................................................. 48 6.08 Compliance with Laws .................................................................................................. 48 6.09 Books and Records ......................................................................................................... 48 6.10 Visitation Rights ............................................................................................................. 48 6.11 Use of Proceeds ............................................................................................................... 49 6.12 Anti-Corruption Laws; Sanctions ................................................................................ 49 ARTICLE VII NEGATIVE COVENANTS ............................................................................................ 49 7.01 Liens ................................................................................................................................ 49 7.02 Subsidiary Indebtedness ................................................................................................ 51 7.03 Fundamental Changes ................................................................................................... 53 7.04 Dispositions ..................................................................................................................... 53
- iii - 153390730_1 7.05 Change in Nature of Business ....................................................................................... 54 7.06 Sanctions ......................................................................................................................... 54 7.07 Anti-Corruption Laws ................................................................................................... 55 7.08 Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio ................................................................................. 55 ARTICLE VIII EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES .................................................................. 55 8.01 Events of Default ............................................................................................................ 55 8.02 Remedies Upon Event of Default .................................................................................. 57 8.03 Application of Funds ..................................................................................................... 57 ARTICLE IX ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT ......................................................................................... 58 9.01 Appointment and Authority.......................................................................................... 58 9.02 Rights as a Lender ......................................................................................................... 58 9.03 Exculpatory Provisions .................................................................................................. 58 9.04 Reliance by Administrative Agent ................................................................................ 59 9.05 Delegation of Duties ....................................................................................................... 59 9.06 Resignation of Administrative Agent. .......................................................................... 59 9.07 Non-Reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Other Lenders ........................................................................................................................... 60 9.08 No Other Duties, Etc ...................................................................................................... 61 9.09 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim ......................................................... 61 9.10 Guaranty Matters .......................................................................................................... 62 9.11 Certain ERISA Matters. ................................................................................................ 62 9.12 Recovery of Erroneous Payments. ................................................................................ 63 ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS ........................................................................................................ 63 10.01 Amendments, Etc ........................................................................................................... 63 10.02 Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication. ................................................... 64 10.03 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement ....................................................... 66 10.04 Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver. ....................................................................... 67 10.05 Payments Set Aside ........................................................................................................ 68 10.06 Successors and Assigns. ................................................................................................. 68 10.07 Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality ................................................... 72 10.08 Right of Setoff ................................................................................................................. 73 10.09 Interest Rate Limitation ................................................................................................ 73 10.10 Integration; Effectiveness .............................................................................................. 73 10.11 Survival of Representations and Warranties .............................................................. 74 10.12 Severability ..................................................................................................................... 74
- iv - 153390730_1 10.13 Replacement of Lenders ................................................................................................ 74 10.14 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc ................................................................................ 75 10.15 Waiver of Jury Trial ...................................................................................................... 76 10.16 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility .................................................................... 76 10.17 Electronic Execution; Electronic Records; Counterparts .......................................... 77 10.18 USA PATRIOT Act ....................................................................................................... 78 10.19 Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions ......... 78 10.20 Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs ................................................. 78 10.21 Amendment and Restatement. ...................................................................................... 79
- v - 153390730_1 SCHEDULES 2.01 Commitments and Applicable Percentages 7.01 Existing Liens 7.02 Existing Subsidiary Indebtedness 10.02 Administrative Agent’s Office; Certain Addresses for Notices EXHIBITS A Form of Committed Loan Notice B Form of Note C Form of Compliance Certificate D-1 Assignment and Assumption D-2 Form of Administrative Questionnaire E-1 Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate – Foreign Lenders (Not Partnerships) E-2 Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate – Non-U.S. Participants (Not Partnerships) E-3 Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate – Non-U.S. Participants (Partnerships) E-4 Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate – Foreign Lenders (Partnerships) F Form of Notice of Loan Prepayment
- 1 - 153390730_1 AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT This AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of April 30, 2025, among FRANKLIN RESOURCES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent. The Borrower and Bank of America, as administrative agent, together with the other financial institutions party thereto, entered into a Credit Agreement dated as of July 25, 2023 (as amended, restated, modified or otherwise supplemented prior to the date hereof, the “Existing Credit Agreement”). The Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders have agreed to renew and extend the financing arrangements under the Existing Credit Agreement with the new financing arrangements provided in this Agreement, which amends and restates the Existing Credit Agreement in its entirety. In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree that the Existing Credit Agreement is amended, restated, ratified and confirmed to read in its entirety as follows: ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS 1.01 Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below: “Act” has the meaning specified in Section 10.18. “Administrative Agent” means Bank of America in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent. “Administrative Agent’s Office” means the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02, or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify in writing to the Borrower and the Lenders. “Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in substantially the form of Exhibit D-2 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent. “Affected Financial Institution” means (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution. “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person (other than, with respect to the Borrower, an Excluded Entity of the Borrower) that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. “Aggregate Commitments” means the Commitments of all the Lenders. “Agreement” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto. “Applicable Law” means, as to any Person, all applicable Laws binding upon such Person or to which such a Person is subject. “Applicable Percentage” means with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate Commitments represented by such Lender’s Commitment at
- 2 - 153390730_1 such time, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.13. If the commitment of each Lender to make Loans have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 or if the Aggregate Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments and to any Lender’s status as a Defaulting Lender at the time of determination. The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable. “Applicable Rate” means, from time to time, the following percentages per annum, based upon the Debt Rating as set forth below: Pricing Level Debt Ratings S&P/Moody’s/Fitch Commitment Fee Applicable Rate for Term SOFR Loans and Daily Simple SOFR Loans Applicable Rate for Base Rate Loans 1 ≥ AA- / Aa3 / AA- 0.060% 0.625% 0.000% 2 A+ / A1 / A+ 0.070% 0.750% 0.000% 3 A / A2 / A 0.080% 0.875% 0.000% 4 A- / A3 / A- 0.100% 1.000% 0.000% 5 ≤ BBB+ / Baa1 / BBB+ 0.125% 1.250% 0.250% Initially, the Applicable Rate shall be determined based upon the Debt Rating specified in the certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.01(a)(vii). Thereafter, each change in the Applicable Rate resulting from a publicly announced change in the Debt Rating shall be effective during the period commencing on the date of the public announcement thereof and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change. If the rating system of Moody’s, S&P or Fitch shall change, or if either such rating agency shall cease to be in the business of rating corporate debt obligations, the Borrower and the Lenders shall negotiate in good faith to amend this definition to reflect such changed rating system or the unavailability of ratings from such rating agency and, pending the effectiveness of any such amendment, the Applicable Rate shall be determined by reference to the rating most recently in effect prior to such change or cessation. “Approved Fund” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender. “Arrangers” means each of BofA Securities and HSBC Bank USA, N.A., in each case in its capacity as a joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner. “Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 10.06(b)), in substantially the form of Exhibit D-1 or any other form (including electronic documentation generated by use of an electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent. “Attributable Indebtedness” means, on any date, (a) in respect of any Capital Lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP, and (b) in respect of any Synthetic Lease Obligation, the capitalized amount of the remaining lease or similar payments under the relevant lease or other applicable agreement or instrument that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP if such lease or other agreement or instrument were accounted for as a Capital Lease.
- 3 - 153390730_1 “Audited Financial Statements” means the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto. “Availability Period” means the period from and including the Closing Date to the earliest of (a) the Maturity Date, (b) the date of termination of the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.04, and (c) the date of termination of the commitment of each Lender to make Loans pursuant to Section 8.02. “Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an Affected Financial Institution. “Bail-In Legislation” means, (a) with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law, rule, regulation or requirement for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule, and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, Part I of the United Kingdom Banking Act 2009 (as amended from time to time) and any other law, regulation or rule applicable in the United Kingdom relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates (other than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings). “Bank of America” means Bank of America, N.A. and its successors. “Base Rate” means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America as its “prime rate,” (c) Term SOFR (determined in accordance with clause (b) of the definition thereof) in effect for such day (or if such day is not a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, the immediately preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day) plus one percent (1.00%) and (d) 1.00%. The “prime rate” is a rate set by Bank of America based upon various factors including Bank of America’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate. Any change in such prime rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change. If the Base Rate is being used as an alternate rate of interest pursuant to Section 3.03 hereof, then the Base Rate shall be the greater of clauses (a), (b) and (d) above and shall be determined without reference to clause (c) above. “Base Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate. “Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation. “Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230. “Benefit Plan” means any of (a) an “employee benefit plan” (as defined in ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in and subject to Section 4975 of the Code or (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of ERISA Section 3(42) or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) the assets of any such “employee benefit plan” or “plan”. “BofA Securities” means BofA Securities, Inc. (or any of its designated affiliates). “Borrower” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
- 4 - 153390730_1 “Borrower Materials” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02. “Borrowing” means a Committed Borrowing. “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located. “Capital Lease” means each lease that has been or is required to be, in accordance with GAAP, classified and accounted for as a capital lease or financing lease. “Cash Equivalents” means, at any time (a) debt issued or guaranteed by the United States government or any agency thereof, maturing not more than one (1) year after such time, (b) commercial paper, maturing not more than one (1) year from the date of issue, or corporate demand notes, in each case which is issued by a corporation (other than an Affiliate of the Borrower) rated at least A-1 by S&P, F1 by Fitch or P-1 by Moody’s (or carrying an equivalent rating by an internationally-recognized rating agency), (c) any certificate of deposit (or time deposits represented by such certificates of deposit) or banker’s acceptance, maturing not more than one (1) year after the date of issue, or overnight Federal Funds transactions or money market deposit accounts, which is issued or sold by, or maintained with, a commercial bank or financial institution which is rated at least A- by S&P, A- by Fitch or A3 by Moody’s (or carrying an equivalent rating by an internationally-recognized rating agency), (d) any repurchase agreement entered into with a commercial bank or financial institution meeting the requirements of clause (c) above which (i) is secured by a fully perfected security interest in any obligation of the type described in any of clauses (a) through (c) above and (ii) has a market value at the time such repurchase agreement is entered into of not less than 100% of the repurchase obligation of such commercial bank or financial institution thereunder, (e) securities with maturities of six (6) months or less from the date of acquisition backed by standby letters of credit issued by any commercial bank or financial institution meeting the requirements of clause (c) above, (f) any short-term (or readily marketable or immediately redeemable) investment in a structured investment vehicle, structured investment deposit or similar instrument with financial strength rating of A by S&P or Moody’s, (g) shares of money market mutual or similar funds which invest substantially all of their assets in Cash Equivalents of the types described in clauses (a) through (f) above, or (h) instruments equivalent to those referred to in any of clauses (a) through (g) above that are comparable in credit quality and tenor to that referenced in the applicable clause and are customarily used by corporations similar to the Borrower for cash management purposes outside the United States. “Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement or, with respect to any Lender, such later date on which such Lender became a party to this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented. “Change of Control” means an event or series of events by which any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan
- 5 - 153390730_1 of such person or its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan), in each case, other than any Permitted Holder, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a person or group shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that such person or group has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time (such right, an “option right”)), directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the equity securities of the Borrower entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Borrower on a fully- diluted basis (and taking into account all such securities that such person or group has the right to acquire pursuant to any option right). “CIV” has the meaning assigned to it in the definition of “Non-Recourse CIV Indebtedness.” “Closing Date” means the first date all the conditions precedent in Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 10.01. “CME” means CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. “Commitment” means, as to each Lender, its obligation to make Committed Loans to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01 in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement. “Commitment Fee” has the meaning specified in Section 2.07(a). “Committed Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Committed Loans of the same Type and, in the case of Term SOFR Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01. “Committed Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01. “Committed Loan Notice” means a notice of (a) a Committed Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Term SOFR Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A or such other form as may be approved by the Administrative Agent (including any form on an electronic platform or electronic transmission system as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent), appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. “Communication” means this Agreement, any Loan Document and any document, any amendment, approval, consent, information, notice, certificate, request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to any Loan Document. “Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C. “Conforming Changes” means, with respect to the use, administration of or any conventions associated with SOFR or any proposed Successor Rate, as applicable, any conforming changes to the definitions of “Base Rate”, “Daily Simple SOFR”, “SOFR”, “Term SOFR”, and “Interest Period”, timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest and other technical, administrative or operational matters (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the definitions of “Business Day” and “U.S.
- 6 - 153390730_1 Governmental Securities Business Day”, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices and length of lookback periods) as may be appropriate, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, to reflect the adoption and implementation of such applicable rate, and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent determines that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or that no market practice for the administration of such rate(s) exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent determines is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and any other Loan Document). “Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes. “Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, an amount equal to Consolidated Net Income for such period plus (a) the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income (but without duplication): (i) Consolidated Interest Charges for such period, (ii) the provision for Federal, state, local and foreign income taxes payable by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period, (iii) depreciation and amortization expense, (iv) extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring expenses or losses of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries reducing such Consolidated Net Income, (v) transaction fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with any investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, consolidations or amalgamations (whether or not consummated) not prohibited hereunder, and any debt financing or equity offerings related thereto, (vi) amortization of intangibles (including, but not limited to goodwill), (vii) fees, costs, expenses and all other amounts attributable to, or directly or indirectly in respect of, any restructurings, business process optimizations or other similar actions taken in connection with any acquisition, disposition or joint venture, in an aggregate amount not to exceed 10% of Consolidated EBITDA for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters (calculated prior to giving effect to any adjustment pursuant to this clause (vii)), and (viii) any other non-cash charges, including the cumulative effect of foreign currency losses and minus (b) the following to the extent included in calculating such Consolidated Net Income: (i) Federal, state, local and foreign income tax credits of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period and (ii) all non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, including the cumulative effect of foreign currency gains; provided, that, for purposes of calculating Consolidated EBITDA for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for any period, the Consolidated EBITDA of any Person (or assets or division of such Person) acquired by or disposed of by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries during such period shall be included (or excluded, as the case may be) on a pro forma basis for such period (assuming the consummation of such acquisition or disposition occurred on the first day of such period). “Consolidated Funded Indebtedness” means, as of any date of determination, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the sum of (a) the outstanding principal amount of all obligations, whether current or long-term, for borrowed money (including Obligations hereunder) and the outstanding principal amount of all obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments, (b) the outstanding principal amount of all purchase money Indebtedness, (c) the face amount (or the outstanding principal amount, if applicable) of all direct obligations arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments, except to the extent the underlying instruments remain undrawn or are cash collateralized, (d) the outstanding principal amount of all Attributable Indebtedness, (e) without duplication, all Guarantees with respect to outstanding Indebtedness of the types specified in clauses (a) through (d) above of Persons other than the Borrower or any Subsidiary, and (f) the outstanding principal amount of all Indebtedness of the types referred to in clauses (a) through (e) above of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which the Borrower or a Subsidiary is a general partner or joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to the Borrower or such Subsidiary. Consolidated Funded Indebtedness shall not include (i) any of the foregoing clauses (a)
- 7 - 153390730_1 through (f) of this definition of any Excluded Entity, except to the extent there is recourse for such obligation to the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Entity), (ii) any Non-Recourse Indebtedness or (iii) any obligations or liabilities arising under or in connection with any annuities, insurance policies, insurance contracts or any other similar agreements. Any Indebtedness for which proceeds have been escrowed or otherwise deposited to repay, defease, redeem or satisfy and discharge such Indebtedness shall not be deemed outstanding. “Consolidated Interest Charges” means, for any period, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the sum of (a) all interest, premium payments, amortization or write off of debt discount, fees, charges and related expenses of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in connection with Indebtedness (including capitalized interest but excluding Non-Recourse Indebtedness) or in connection with the deferred purchase price of assets, in each case to the extent treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, and (b) the portion of rent expense of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with respect to such period under Capital Leases that is treated as interest in accordance with GAAP. “Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Funded Indebtedness as of such date minus unrestricted and unencumbered (other than to the extent such restriction or encumbrance is permitted under Section 7.01(q)(i)-(v)) cash and Cash Equivalents of Borrower and its Subsidiaries (which, for clarity, shall not include such cash and Cash Equivalents (i) held by Excluded Entities or (ii) which have been escrowed or otherwise deposited to repay, defease, redeem or satisfy and discharge Indebtedness) to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of the four fiscal quarters most recently ended. “Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the net income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (excluding extraordinary gains and extraordinary losses) for that period. “Consolidated Net Income” shall include the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments received by the Borrower or any Subsidiary from an Excluded Entity (but only to the extent actually received). “Contractual Obligation” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound. “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto. “Covered Entity” has the meaning specified in Section 10.20(b). “Credit Extension” means a Borrowing. “Daily Simple SOFR” with respect to any applicable determination date means the SOFR published on such date on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s website (or any successor source); provided, that if Daily Simple SOFR as determined in accordance the foregoing would otherwise be less than zero, Daily Simple SOFR shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement. “Daily Simple SOFR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on Daily Simple SOFR. “Debt Rating” means, as of any date of determination, the rating as determined by any of S&P, Moody’s or Fitch (collectively, the “Debt Ratings”) of the Borrower’s non-credit-enhanced, senior unsecured long-term debt; provided, that (a) if all three Debt Ratings are in effect, and two or more Debt
- 8 - 153390730_1 Ratings are at the same Pricing Level, that Pricing Level will apply; (b) if all three Debt Ratings are in effect, each at a different Pricing Level, the Pricing Level of the middle Debt Rating shall apply; (c) if only two Debt Ratings are in effect, the Pricing Level of the higher of such Debt Ratings shall apply (with the Debt Rating for Pricing Level 1 being the highest and the Debt Rating for Pricing Level 5 being the lowest), unless the ratings differential is two levels or more, in which case, the Pricing Level associated with the Debt Rating that is one level lower than the higher Debt Rating shall apply; (d) if only one Debt Rating is in effect, the Pricing Level of such Debt Rating shall apply; and (e) if the Borrower does not have any Debt Rating, Pricing Level 5 shall apply. “Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect. “Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default. “Default Rate” means an interest rate equal to (i) the Base Rate plus (ii) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (iii) 2% per annum; provided, however, that with respect to a Term SOFR Loan or Daily Simple SOFR Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any SOFR Adjustment and Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2% per annum. “Defaulting Lender” means, subject to Section 2.14, any Lender that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of its Loans within two Business Days of the date such Loans were required to be funded hereunder unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within two Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified the Borrower or the Administrative Agent in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lender’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied), (c) has failed, within three Business Days after written request by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower, to confirm in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity, or (iii) become the subject of a Bail-In Action; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any Equity Interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender. Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above, and of
- 9 - 153390730_1 the effective date of such status, shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.14) as of the date established therefor by the Administrative Agent in a written notice of such determination, which shall be delivered by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower and each other Lender promptly following such determination. “Designated Jurisdiction” means any country or territory to the extent that such country or territory itself is the subject of any Sanction, including, as of the Closing Date, the Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria. “Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (in one transaction or in a series of transactions and whether effected pursuant to a Division or otherwise) of any property by any Person (including any sale and leaseback transaction), including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith. “Dividing Person” has the meaning assigned to it in the definition of “Division.” “Division” means the division of the assets, liabilities and/or obligations of a Person (the “Dividing Person”) among two or more Persons (whether pursuant to a “plan of division” or similar arrangement), which may or may not include the Dividing Person and pursuant to which the Dividing Person may or may not survive. “Dollar” and “$” mean lawful money of the United States. “EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a Subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent. “EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. “EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any Person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution. “Electronic Copy” has the meaning specified in Section 10.17. “Electronic Record” and “Electronic Signature” shall have the meanings assigned to them, respectively, by 15 USC §7006, as it may be amended from time to time. “Eligible Assignee” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 10.06(b)(iii), and (v) (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 10.06(b)(iii)). “Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or acquisition
- 10 - 153390730_1 from such Person of such shares (or such other interests), and all of the other ownership or profit interests in such Person (including partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such shares, warrants, options, rights or other interests are outstanding on any date of determination. “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. “ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with the Borrower within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code). “ERISA Event” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) the withdrawal of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which such entity was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or the receipt by Borrower of any notification that a Multiemployer Plan is insolvent; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Pension Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 or 4041A of ERISA; (e) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Pension Plan; (f) any event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan; (g) any Pension Plan is an at-risk plan or a plan in endangered or critical status within the meaning of Sections 430, 431 and 432 of the Code or Sections 303, 304 and 305 of ERISA; (h) the imposition of any material liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate; or (i) a material failure by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate to meet all applicable requirements under the Pension Funding Rules in respect of a Pension Plan, whether or not waived, or the failure by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate to make any material required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan. “EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time. “Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01. “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. “Excluded Entity” means (i) any investment fund or other investment vehicle in which the Borrower or any of its Affiliates participates as an investor (including for warehousing, seeding or other similar purposes), or acts as a managing member, adviser, manager, co-manager or any comparable position, or any entity intended to be or become any of the foregoing (any such entity, an “Investment Fund”), (ii) any Subsidiary of such an Investment Fund, and (iii) any entity whose primary purpose is to acquire investments of any nature whatsoever pending their transfer to an Investment Fund. For the avoidance of doubt, each Excluded Entity shall not be subject to any of the covenants contained in Article VII hereof. “Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to any Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case
- 11 - 153390730_1 of any Lender, its Lending Office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 10.13) or (ii) such Lender changes its Lending Office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 3.06(a)(ii), (a)(iii) or (c), amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its Lending Office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 3.01(g) and (d) any withholding Taxes imposed pursuant to FATCA. “Existing Credit Agreement” has the meaning specified in the second introductory paragraph of this Agreement. “Existing Obligations” has the meaning specified in Section 10.21. “FASB ASC” means the Accounting Standards Codification of the Financial Accounting Standards Board. “FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with) and any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof and any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version described above) and any intergovernmental agreement (and related fiscal or regulatory legislation, or related official rules or practices) implementing the foregoing. “Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum calculated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depository institutions (as determined in such manner as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shall set forth on its public website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as the federal funds effective rate; provided that if the Federal Funds Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement. “Fee Letter” means that certain letter agreement dated as of April 1, 2025, among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and BofA Securities. “Fitch” means Fitch Ratings Inc., and any successor thereto. “Foreign Lender” means (a) if the Borrower is a U.S. Person, a Lender that is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if the Borrower is not a U.S. Person, a Lender that is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes. For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction. “FRB” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States. “Fund” means any Person (other than a natural Person (or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural Person)) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its activities.
- 12 - 153390730_1 “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or such other principles as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied. “Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra- national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank). “Guarantee” means, as to any Person, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness payable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness of the payment of such Indebtedness, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning. “Guarantors” means, each Person, if any, that executes a Guaranty. “Guaranty” means, collectively, each guaranty of the Obligations made by a Guarantor in favor of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. “Indebtedness” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or liabilities in accordance with GAAP: (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments; (b) all direct or contingent obligations of such Person arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments; (c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract; (d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business and excluding obligations in respect of deferred compensation or equity-based compensation to employees);
- 13 - 153390730_1 (e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) of the type described in the foregoing clauses (a) through (d) above and (f) through (h) below secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse (provided that, if such Person has not assumed or otherwise become liable in respect of such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness shall be deemed to be in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate unpaid amount of Indebtedness secured by such Lien and (ii) the fair market value of the property to which such Lien relates as determined in good faith by such Person); (f) Capital Leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations; (g) all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise make any payment in respect of any Equity Interest in such Person or any other Person, valued, in the case of a redeemable preferred interest, at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends; and (h) all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing. For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to such Person. The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of any Capital Lease or Synthetic Lease Obligation as of any date shall be deemed to be the amount of Attributable Indebtedness in respect thereof as of such date. Indebtedness shall not include (i) any of the foregoing clauses (a) through (h) of this definition of any Excluded Entity, except to the extent there is recourse for such obligation to the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Entity), (ii) earn-outs and contingent payments in respect of acquisitions except to the extent that the liability on account of such earn- out or contingent payment becomes fixed and is required by GAAP to be reflected on the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and is due and payable and remains unpaid for a period of thirty (30) days, or (iii) any obligations or liabilities arising under or in connection with any annuities, insurance policies, insurance contracts or any other similar agreements. Any Indebtedness for which proceeds have been escrowed or otherwise deposited to repay, defease, redeem or satisfy and discharge such Indebtedness shall not be deemed outstanding. “Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in clause (a), Other Taxes. “Indemnitees” has the meaning specified in Section 10.04(b). “Information” has the meaning specified in Section 10.07. “Increase Effective Date” has the meaning specified in Section 2.12(c). “Increasing Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 2.12(b). “Interest Payment Date” means, (a) as to any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan or a Daily Simple SOFR Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date; provided, however, that if any Interest Period for any such Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall
- 14 - 153390730_1 every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan or Daily Simple SOFR Loan, the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date. “Interest Period” means as to each Term SOFR Loan, the period commencing on the date such Term SOFR Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Term SOFR Loan and ending on the date one, three or six months thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Committed Loan Notice (in the case of each requested Interest Period, subject to availability); provided that: (i) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless, in the case of a Term SOFR Loan, such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day; (ii) any Interest Period pertaining to a Term SOFR Loan that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and (iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date. “IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service. “Joinder Agreement” has the meaning specified in Section 2.12(b). “Laws” means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law. “Lender” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto. “Lender Party” and “Lender Recipient Party” means collectively, the Lenders. “Lending Office” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify in writing the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, which office may include any Affiliate of such Lender or any domestic or foreign branch of such Lender or such Affiliate. Unless the context otherwise requires each reference to a Lender shall include its applicable Lending Office. “Leverage Ratio Increase Election” has the meaning specified in Section 7.08. “Leverage Ratio Increase Period” has the meaning specified in Section 7.08. “Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, collateral assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, easement, right-of-way or other encumbrance on title to real property, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement in the nature of a security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention
- 15 - 153390730_1 agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing). “Loan” means an extension of credit by a Lender to the Borrower under Article II in the form of a Committed Loan. “Loan Documents” means this Agreement, including schedules and exhibits hereto, each Note, any Guaranty, the Fee Letter and any amendments, modifications or supplements hereto or to any other Loan Document or waivers hereof or to any other Loan Document. “Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrower and each Guarantor (if any). “Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, operations, property or financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Borrower to perform its payment obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party or (c) the validity or enforceability against the Borrower of any Loan Document to which it is a party or the rights or remedies of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders hereunder or thereunder. “Material Subsidiary” means, at any time, Subsidiaries of the Borrower which, together with their respective Subsidiaries, individually or in the aggregate, (a) contribute at least ten percent (10%) of the Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower most recently ended or (b) constitute at least ten percent (10%) of the consolidated assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter, in each case, determined by reference to the financial statements most recently delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. “Maturity Date” means April 30, 2030; provided, however, that, in each case, if such date is not a Business Day, the Maturity Date shall be the next preceding Business Day. “Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto. “Multiemployer Plan” means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions. “Multiple Employer Plan” means a Plan which has two or more contributing sponsors (including the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate) at least two of whom are not under common control, as such a plan is described in Section 4064 of ERISA. “Non-Consenting Lender” means any Lender that does not approve any consent, waiver or amendment that (a) requires the approval of all Lenders or all affected Lenders in accordance with the terms of Section 10.01 and (b) has been approved by the Required Lenders. “Non-Defaulting Lender” means, at any time, each Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time. “Non-Recourse CIV Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of any sponsored investment vehicle which is Consolidated and reported on the Borrower’s financial statements (each, a “CIV”) to the extent that the holders of such Indebtedness have no recourse to the general assets (other than the amounts invested by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in each such CIV) or credit of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries.
- 16 - 153390730_1 “Non-Recourse Indebtedness” means (i) Indebtedness of a Permitted Purchaser pursuant to a Permitted True Sale Transaction (so long as the holders of such Indebtedness have no recourse to the general assets or credit of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries (other than such Permitted Purchasers)) and (ii) Non- Recourse CIV Indebtedness. “Note” means a promissory note made by the Borrower in favor of a Lender evidencing Loans made by such Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit B. “Notice of Loan Prepayment” means a notice of prepayment with respect to a Loan, which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit F or such other form as may be approved by the Administrative Agent (including any form on an electronic platform or electronic transmission system as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent), appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer. “Obligations” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding; provided that, without limiting the foregoing, the Obligations include (a) the obligation to pay principal, interest, charges, expenses, fees, indemnities and other amounts payable by any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) the obligation of the Loan Parties to reimburse any amount in respect of any of the foregoing that the Administrative Agent or any Lender, in each case in its sole discretion, may elect to pay or advance on behalf of the Loan Parties. “OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury. “Organization Documents” means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the charter or certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating or limited liability agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity. “Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document). “Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 3.06).
- 17 - 153390730_1 “Outstanding Amount” means with respect to Committed Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Committed Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date. “Participant” has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(d). “Participant Register” has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(d). “PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. “Pension Funding Rules” means the rules of the Code and ERISA regarding minimum funding standards with respect to Pension Plans and set forth in Sections 412, 430, 431, 432 and 436 of the Code and Sections 302, 303, 304 and 305 of ERISA. “Pension Plan” means any employee pension benefit plan (including a Multiple Employer Plan or a Multiemployer Plan) that is maintained or is contributed to by the Borrower and any ERISA Affiliate or with respect to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has any liability and is either covered by Title IV of ERISA or is subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code. “Permitted Holder” means (i) Charles B. Johnson, (ii) Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., (iii) any Permitted Holder Related Party of Charles B. Johnson or Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., and (iv) any “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision) of which any of the foregoing are members; provided that in the case of such “group” and without giving effect to the existence of such “group” or any other “group,” such Persons specified in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above, collectively, have beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the total voting power of the voting Equity Interests of the Borrower or any of its direct or indirect parent entities held by such “group.” “Permitted Holder Related Party” shall mean with respect to Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., (i) any spouse or lineal descendant of such Person, (ii) any trust, corporation or partnership or other entity of which a 50% or more controlling interest is held by the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners or owners who are either Charles B. Johnson, Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., any of the persons described in clause (i) above or any combination of these identified relationships and (iii) any trust or charitable foundation or similar entity controlled by Charles B. Johnson, Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. or any of the persons described in clause (i) above. “Permitted Purchaser” means a Subsidiary or a financial institution or trust that purchases 12b-1 or Other Fees in connection with a Permitted True Sale Transaction. “Permitted Recourse Financing Transaction” means a pledge by the Borrower or a Subsidiary of 12b-1 or Other Fees to a third party in order to secure Indebtedness extended by such third party to the Borrower or such Subsidiary. “Permitted Transaction” means a Permitted True Sale Transaction or a Permitted Recourse Financing Transaction. “Permitted True Sale Transaction” means a sale by the Borrower or a Subsidiary of 12b-1 or Other Fees to a Permitted Purchaser in a true sale transaction without recourse based upon the collectability of the 12b-1 or Other Fees sold and the sale or pledge of such 12b-1 or Other Fees (or an interest therein) by such Permitted Purchaser, in each case without any Guarantee by, or other recourse to or credit support by,
- 18 - 153390730_1 the Borrower or any Subsidiary or recourse to any assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary other than customary recourse in similar transactions. “Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity. “Plan” means any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (including a Pension Plan), maintained for employees of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or any such Plan to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is required to contribute on behalf of any of its employees. “Platform” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02. “PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time. “Public Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02. “Recipient” means the Administrative Agent, any Lender, or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder. “Register” has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(c). “Regulation U” means Regulation U of the FRB, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof. “Related Parties” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, administrators, managers, advisors, consultants, service providers and representatives of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates. “Relevant Governmental Body” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or any successor thereto. “Reportable Event” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the 30 day notice period has been waived. “Request for Credit Extension” means with respect to a Borrowing, conversion or continuation of Committed Loans, a Committed Loan Notice. “Required Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders having Total Credit Exposures representing more than 50% of the Total Credit Exposures of all Lenders; provided, that, additionally, so long as there are three (3) or fewer unaffiliated Lenders, Required Lenders shall be comprised of at least two (2) unaffiliated Lenders. The Total Credit Exposure of any Defaulting Lender shall be disregarded in determining Required Lenders at any time; provided, further that, this definition is subject to Section 3.03. “Rescindable Amount” has the meaning as defined in Section 2.10(b). “Resolution Authority” means an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.
- 19 - 153390730_1 “Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer, controller, senior vice president, or vice president of a Loan Party, solely for purposes of the delivery of incumbency certificates pursuant to Section 4.01, the secretary or any assistant secretary of a Loan Party and, solely for purposes of notices given pursuant to Article II, any other officer or employee of the applicable Loan Party so designated by any of the foregoing officers in a notice to the Administrative Agent or any other officer or employee of the applicable Loan Party designated in or pursuant to an agreement between the applicable Loan Party and the Administrative Agent. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party. “Revolving Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, the aggregate principal amount at such time of its outstanding Committed Loans at such time. “S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of S&P Global Inc., and any successor thereto. “Sanction(s)” means any sanction administered or enforced by the United States Government (including without limitation, OFAC, the United States Department of Treasury or United States Department of State), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury (“HMT”), the Hong Kong Monetary Authority or other relevant sanctions authority. “Scheduled Unavailability Date” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(b). “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions. “SOFR” means the Secured Overnight Financing Rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator). “SOFR Adjustment” means 0.10% (10 basis points). “Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person; provided, however, that a Subsidiary shall not include any Excluded Entity. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower. “Successor Rate” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(b). “Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the
- 20 - 153390730_1 foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement. “Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender). “Synthetic Lease Obligation” means the monetary obligation of a Person under (a) a so-called synthetic, off-balance sheet or tax retention lease, or (b) an agreement for the use or possession of property creating obligations that do not appear on the balance sheet of such Person but which, upon the application of any Debtor Relief Laws to such Person, would be characterized as the indebtedness of such Person (without regard to accounting treatment). “Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto. “Term SOFR” means: (a) for any Interest Period with respect to a Term SOFR Loan, the rate per annum equal to the Term SOFR Screen Rate two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period with a term equivalent to such Interest Period; provided, that if the rate is not published prior to 11:00 a.m. on such determination date then Term SOFR means the Term SOFR Screen Rate on the first U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately prior thereto, in each case, plus the SOFR Adjustment for such Interest Period; and (b) for any interest calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, the rate per annum equal to the Term SOFR Screen Rate two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such date with a term of one month commencing that day; provided that if the rate is not published prior to 11:00 a.m. on such determination date then Term SOFR means the Term SOFR Screen Rate on the first U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately prior thereto, in each case, plus the SOFR Adjustment for such term; provided that if Term SOFR determined in accordance with either of the foregoing clauses (a) or (b) of this definition would otherwise be less than zero, Term SOFR shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement. “Term SOFR Loan” means a Committed Loan that bears interest at a rate based on clause (a) of the definition of Term SOFR. “Term SOFR Screen Rate” means the forward-looking SOFR term rate administered by CME (or any successor administrator satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) and published on the applicable
- 21 - 153390730_1 Reuters screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time). “Threshold Amount” means $300,000,000.00. “Total Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, the unused Commitments and Revolving Credit Exposure of such Lender at such time. “Total Outstandings” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans. “12b-1 or Other Fees” means charges and fees, permitted by Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, payable by an investor in a fund offered by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, and other similar charges and fees. “Type” means, with respect to a Committed Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan, a Daily Simple SOFR Loan or a Term SOFR Loan. “UK Financial Institution” means any BRRD Undertaking (as such term is defined under the PRA Rulebook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority) or any person subject to IFPRU 11.6 of the FCA Handbook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which includes certain credit institutions and investment firms, and certain affiliates of such credit institutions or investment firms. “UK Resolution Authority” means the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution. “United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America. “U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any day except for (a) a Saturday, (b) a Sunday or (c) a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in United States government securities. “U.S. Person” means any Person that is a “United States Person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code. “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(g)(ii)(B)(III). “Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means, (a) with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail- In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule, and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, any powers of the applicable Resolution Authority under the Bail-In Legislation to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of any UK Financial Institution or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers. 1.02 Other Interpretive Provisions. With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:
- 22 - 153390730_1 (a) The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document (including any Organization Document) shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Loan Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (iii) the words “hereto,” “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law, rule or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law, rule or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and (vi) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights. (b) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including;” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including.” (c) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document. (d) Any reference herein to a merger, transfer, consolidation, amalgamation, consolidation, assignment, sale, disposition or transfer, or similar term, shall be deemed to apply to a division of or by a limited liability company, or an allocation of assets to a series of a limited liability company (or the unwinding of such a division or allocation), as if it were a merger, transfer, consolidation, amalgamation, consolidation, assignment, sale, disposition or transfer, or similar term, as applicable, to, of or with a separate Person. Any division of a limited liability company shall constitute a separate Person hereunder (and each division of any limited liability company that is a Subsidiary, joint venture or any other like term shall also constitute such a Person or entity). 1.03 Accounting Terms. (a) Generally. All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) contained herein, Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be carried at 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof, and the effects of FASB ASC 825 and FASB ASC 470-20 on financial liabilities shall be disregarded and (ii) any lease (or similar arrangement conveying the right to use) that was treated as an operating lease for purposes of GAAP prior to the issuance by the Financial Accounting Standards Board on February 25, 2016 of Accounting Standards Update 842 (“ASU 842”) shall not be treated as Indebtedness, Attributable Indebtedness, a Synthetic Lease Obligation or a Capital Lease and shall continue to be treated as an
- 23 - 153390730_1 operating lease (and any future lease or similar arrangement conveying the right to use), without giving effect to the implementation of ASC 842, in each case, for all purposes of Indebtedness, Attributable Indebtedness, Synthetic Lease Obligation or as Capital Lease under this Agreement. (b) Changes in GAAP. If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided that, until so amended, (A) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (B) the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP. (c) Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. All references herein to consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or to the determination of any amount for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis or any similar reference shall, in each case, be deemed to include each variable interest entity that the Borrower is required to consolidate pursuant to FASB ASC 810 as if such variable interest entity were a Subsidiary as defined herein. 1.04 Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number). 1.05 Times of Day. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable). 1.06 Interest Rates. The Administrative Agent does not warrant, nor accept responsibility, nor shall the Administrative Agent have any liability with respect to the administration, submission or any other matter related to any reference rate referred to herein or with respect to any rate (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the selection of such rate and any related spread or other adjustment) that is an alternative or replacement for or successor to any such rate (including, without limitation, any Successor Rate) (or any component of any of the foregoing) or the effect of any of the foregoing, or of any Conforming Changes. The Administrative Agent and its affiliates or other related entities may engage in transactions or other activities that affect any reference rate referred to herein, or any alternative, successor or replacement rate (including, without limitation, any Successor Rate) (or any component of any of the foregoing) or any related spread or other adjustments thereto, in each case, in a manner adverse to the Borrower. The Administrative Agent may select information sources or services in its reasonable discretion to ascertain any reference rate referred to herein or any alternative, successor or replacement rate (including, without limitation, any Successor Rate) (or any component of any of the foregoing), in each case pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other person or entity for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, costs, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise and whether at law or in equity), for any error or other action or omission related to or affecting the selection, determination, or calculation of any rate (or component thereof) provided by any such information source or service. ARTICLE II THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS
- 24 - 153390730_1 2.01 Committed Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make loans in Dollars (each such loan, a “Committed Loan”) to the Borrower from time to time, on any Business Day during the Availability Period, in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such Lender’s Commitment; provided, however, that after giving effect to any Committed Borrowing, (i) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, and (ii) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Lender shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment. Within the limits of each Lender’s Commitment, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01, prepay under Section 2.03, and reborrow under this Section 2.01. Committed Loans may be Base Rate Loans, Daily Simple SOFR Loans or Term SOFR Loans, as further provided herein. 2.02 Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Committed Loans. (a) Each Committed Borrowing, each conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Term SOFR Loans shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by (A) telephone or (B) a Committed Loan Notice; provided, that any telephonic notice must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Committed Loan Notice. Each such Committed Loan Notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) two (2) Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Term SOFR Loans and (ii) on the requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans or Daily Simple SOFR Loans or of any conversion of Term SOFR Loans to Base Rate Loans or Daily Simple SOFR Loans. Each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Term SOFR Loans shall be in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans or Daily Simple SOFR Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof. Each Committed Loan Notice shall specify (i) whether the Borrower is requesting a Committed Borrowing, a conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Term SOFR Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Committed Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Committed Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Committed Loans are to be converted, and (v) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of Committed Loan in a Committed Loan Notice or if the Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Committed Loans shall be made as, or converted to, Daily Simple SOFR Loans. Any such automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Term SOFR Loans. If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of Term SOFR Loans in any such Committed Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month. (b) Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Applicable Percentage of the applicable Committed Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans described in the preceding subsection. In the case of a Committed Borrowing, each Lender shall make the amount of its Committed Loan available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (and, if such Borrowing is the initial Credit Extension, Section 4.01), the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of Bank of America with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower.
- 25 - 153390730_1 (c) Except as otherwise provided herein, a Term SOFR Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Term SOFR Loan. During the existence of a Default, no Loans may be requested as, converted to or continued as Term SOFR Loans or Daily Simple SOFR Loans without the consent of the Required Lenders. (d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Daily Simple SOFR Loans and any Interest Period for Term SOFR Loans upon determination of such interest rate. (e) After giving effect to all Committed Borrowings, all conversions of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Committed Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than ten Interest Periods in effect with respect to Committed Loans. (f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Lender may exchange, continue or rollover all of the portion of its Loans in connection with any refinancing, extension, loan modification or similar transaction permitted by the terms of this Agreement, pursuant to a cashless settlement mechanism approved by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, and such Lender. (g) With respect to SOFR, Daily Simple SOFR or Term SOFR the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Conforming Changes from time to time (in consultation with the Borrower) and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided, that, with respect to any such amendment effected, the Administrative Agent shall post each such amendment implementing such Conforming Changes to the Borrower and the Lenders reasonably promptly after such amendment becomes effective. 2.03 Prepayments. (a) The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Notice of Loan Prepayment, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Committed Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (A) two (2) Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Term SOFR Loans and (B) on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Loans or Daily Simple SOFR Loans; (ii) any prepayment of Term SOFR Loans shall be in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; (iii) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans or Daily Simple SOFR Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding; and (iv) such notice may be conditioned upon the effectiveness of other transactions, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type(s) of Committed Loans to be prepaid and, if Term SOFR Loans are to be prepaid, the Interest Period(s) of such Loans. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of any Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest on the amount prepaid, together with, in the case of any Term SOFR Loan, any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05. Subject to Section 2.13, each such prepayment shall be applied to the Committed Loans of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages.
- 26 - 153390730_1 (b) If for any reason the Total Outstandings at any time exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect, the Borrower shall immediately prepay Loans in an aggregate amount equal to such excess. 2.04 Termination or Reduction of Commitments. The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the Aggregate Commitments, or from time to time permanently reduce the Aggregate Commitments; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. three (3) Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of $10,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (iii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Aggregate Commitments if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the Total Outstandings would exceed the Aggregate Commitments, and (iv) a notice of termination under this Section 2.04 may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities or any other transaction, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of any such notice of termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitments. Any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments shall be applied to the Commitment of each Lender according to its Applicable Percentage. All fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination. 2.05 Repayment of Loans. The Borrower shall repay to the Lenders on the Maturity Date the aggregate principal amount of Committed Loans outstanding on such date. 2.06 Interest. (a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) below, (i) each Term SOFR Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the sum of Term SOFR for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate, (ii) each Daily Simple SOFR Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to Daily Simple SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment plus the Applicable Rate, and (iii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate. (b) (i) If any amount payable by the Borrower under any Loan Document is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, then the Administrative Agent may (or upon the request of the Required Lenders, shall) require that such overdue amount thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Laws. (ii) Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand. (c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law. 2.07 Fees. (a) Commitment Fee. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, a commitment fee (the “Commitment Fee”) equal to the Applicable Rate for the Commitment Fee times the actual daily amount by which the Aggregate
- 27 - 153390730_1 Commitments exceed the Outstanding Amount of Committed Loans, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.13. For the avoidance of doubt, the Commitment Fee shall accrue at all times during the Availability Period, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the last day of the Availability Period. The Commitment Fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect. (b) Other Fees. (i) The Borrower shall pay to BofA Securities and the Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letter. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever. (ii) The Borrower shall pay to any Lender such fees (if any) as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever. 2.08 Computation of Interest and Fees. All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans (including Base Rate Loans determined by reference to Term SOFR) shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365-day year). Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid, provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.10(a), bear interest for one day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. 2.09 Evidence of Debt. The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Administrative Agent shall maintain the Register in accordance with Section 10.06(c). The accounts or records maintained by each Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the Register, the Register shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto. 2.10 Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback. (a) General. All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made free and clear of and without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff (except as set forth in Section 3.01(b)). Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Applicable Percentage (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as
- 28 - 153390730_1 received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. If any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be. (b) (i) Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Committed Borrowing of Term SOFR Loans (or, in the case of any Committed Borrowing of (x) Base Rate Loans, prior to 12:00 noon and (y) Daily Simple SOFR Loans, prior to 12:00 p.m., in each case, on the date of such Committed Borrowing) that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Committed Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.02 (or, in the case of a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, that such Lender has made such share available in accordance with and at the time required by Section 2.02) and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Committed Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing, and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. If the Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrower the amount of such interest paid by the Borrower for such period. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Committed Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Committed Loan included in such Committed Borrowing. Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent. (ii) Payments by Borrower; Presumptions by Administrative Agent. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders, as the case may be, the amount due. With respect to any payment that the Administrative Agent makes for the account of the Lenders hereunder as to which the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that any of the following applies (such payment referred to as the “Rescindable Amount”): (1) the Borrower has not in fact made such payment; (2) the Administrative Agent has made a payment in excess of the amount so paid by the Borrower (whether or not then owed); or (3) the Administrative agent has for any reason otherwise erroneously made such payment; then each of the Lenders, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the Rescindable Amount so distributed to such Lender, in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
- 29 - 153390730_1 A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this clause (b) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error. (c) Failure to Satisfy Conditions Precedent. If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest. (d) Obligations of Lenders Several. The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Committed Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 10.04(c) are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Committed Loan, to fund any such participation or to make any payment under Section 10.04(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Committed Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section 10.04(c). (e) Funding Source. Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner. (f) Insufficient Funds. If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, toward payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii) second, toward payment of principal then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal then due to such parties. 2.11 Sharing of Payments by Lenders. If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of the Committed Loans made by it, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Committed Loans, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Committed Loans and other amounts owing them, provided that: (i) if any such participations or subparticipations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations or subparticipations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and (ii) the provisions of this Section 2.11 shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by or on behalf of the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender) or (y) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Committed Loans to any assignee or participant, other than an assignment to the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section 2.11 shall apply). The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under Applicable Law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may
- 30 - 153390730_1 exercise against the Borrower rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation. 2.12 Increase in Commitments. (a) Request for Increase. Provided no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, upon notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly notify the Lenders), the Borrower may from time to time (including on the Closing Date), request an increase in the Aggregate Commitments by an amount (for all such requests) not exceeding $400,000,000; provided, that (i) any such request for an increase shall be in a minimum amount of $10,000,000 and (ii) no Lender shall be obligated to increase its Commitment. (b) Increasing Lenders. Each increase in the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.12(a) may be provided by the Lenders (other than any Defaulting Lender) or any Eligible Assignees designated by the Borrower that are willing to provide such increase (together with any existing Lender participating in such increase, each, an “Increasing Lender”) and to become Lenders pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (each, a “Joinder Agreement”), pursuant to which such Increasing Lender shall become a party to this Agreement. Nothing contained herein shall constitute, or otherwise be deemed to be, a commitment on the part of any existing Lender to increase its commitments hereunder. (c) Effective Date and Allocations. If the Aggregate Commitments are increased in accordance with this Section 2.12, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall determine the effective date (the “Increase Effective Date”) and the final allocation of such increase. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders (including the Increasing Lenders) of the final allocation of such increase and the Increase Effective Date. Each of the parties hereto agrees that, upon the Increase Effective Date, this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to reflect the existence of the additional Aggregate Commitments and additional Loans evidenced thereby and the Administrative Agent, each applicable Increasing Lender and the Borrower may revise this agreement to evidence such additional Aggregate Commitments and additional Loans (and, for the avoidance of doubt, no consent of any Lender that is not an Increasing Lender will be required to effect the revisions contemplated by this Section 2.12(c)). (d) Conditions to Effectiveness of Increase. As conditions precedent to such increase, (A) each of the representations and warranties contained in Article V and the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of the Increase Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 2.12, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to subsections (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01, (B) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom and (C) if applicable, the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a Joinder Agreement executed by the Borrower, the applicable Increasing Lenders(s) and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent. On the Increase Effective Date (i) each relevant Increasing Lender shall make available to the Administrative Agent such amounts in immediately available funds as the Administrative Agent shall determine, for the benefit of the other Lenders, as being required in order to cause, after giving effect to such increase and the use of such amounts to make payments to such other Lenders, each Lender’s portion of the outstanding Loans to equal its Applicable Percentage of the Loans outstanding after giving
- 31 - 153390730_1 effect to the increase in the Aggregate Commitments, and (ii) the Borrower shall be deemed to have repaid and reborrowed all outstanding Loans as of the Increase Effective Date (with such reborrowing to consist of the Types of Loans, with related Interest Periods if applicable, specified in a notice delivered by the Borrower, in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.02). The deemed payments made pursuant to clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be accompanied by payment of all accrued interest on the amount prepaid and, in respect of each Term SOFR Loan and shall be subject to indemnification by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.05 if the deemed payment occurs other than on the last day of the related Interest Periods. (e) Conflicting Provisions. This Section 2.12 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.11 or Section 10.01 to the contrary. 2.13 Defaulting Lenders. (a) Adjustments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as that Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law: (b) Waivers and Amendments. Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in the definition of “Required Lenders” and Section 10.01. (c) Defaulting Lender Waterfall. Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VIII or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 10.08 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; third, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement; fourth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; fifth, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and sixth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Commitments hereunder. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto. (d) Certain Fees. No Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive any fee payable under Section 2.07 for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not
- 32 - 153390730_1 be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender). 2.14 Defaulting Lender Cure. If the Borrower and the Administrative Agent agree in writing that a Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein, that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Committed Loans to be held pro rata by the Lenders in accordance with the Commitments, whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender. ARTICLE III TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY 3.01 Taxes. (a) Defined Terms. For purposes of this Section 3.01, the term “Applicable Law” includes FATCA. (b) Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by Applicable Law. If any Applicable Law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable withholding agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by the applicable withholding agent, then the applicable withholding agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made. (c) Payment of Other Taxes by Borrower. The Borrower shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes. (d) Indemnification by Borrower. The Borrower shall indemnify each Recipient, within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 3.01) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. (e) Indemnification by the Lenders. Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within 10 days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that the Borrower has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such
- 33 - 153390730_1 Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 10.06(d) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this clause (e). (f) Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by the Borrower to a Governmental Authority as provided in this Section 3.01, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of any return required by Laws to report such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. (g) Status of Lenders; Tax Documentation. (i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by Applicable Law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 3.01(g)(ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender. (ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower is a U.S. Person, (A) any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax; (B) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:
- 34 - 153390730_1 (I) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed copies of IRS Form W- 8BEN-E (or W-8BEN, as applicable) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or W-8BEN, as applicable) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty; (II) executed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI; (III) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or W-8BEN, as applicable); or (IV) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or W-8BEN, as applicable), a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E-2 or Exhibit E-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner; (C) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by Applicable Law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by Applicable Law to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and (D) if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by Applicable Law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA
- 35 - 153390730_1 and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement. (iii) Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered pursuant to this Section 3.01 expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so. (h) Treatment of Certain Refunds. Unless required by Applicable Laws, at no time shall the Administrative Agent have any obligation to file for or otherwise pursue on behalf of a Lender, or have any obligation to pay to any Lender, any refund of Taxes withheld or deducted from funds paid for the account of such Lender, as the case may be. If any Recipient determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Borrower or with respect to which the Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 3.01, it shall pay to the Borrower an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Borrower under this Section 3.01 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) incurred by such Recipient, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that the Borrower, upon the request of the Recipient, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Recipient in the event the Recipient is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this clause (h), in no event will the applicable Recipient be required to pay any amount to the Borrower pursuant to this clause (h) the payment of which would place the Recipient in a less favorable net after-Tax position than such Recipient would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This subsection shall not be construed to require any Recipient to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other Person. (i) Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 3.01 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations. 3.02 Illegality. If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Loans whose interest is determined by reference to SOFR, Daily Simple SOFR or Term SOFR, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon SOFR, Daily Simple SOFR or Term SOFR then, upon notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower (through the Administrative Agent), (a) any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Loans based upon SOFR or to convert Base Rate Loans to Loans based upon SOFR shall be suspended, and (b) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender making or maintaining Base Rate Loans the interest rate on which is determined by reference to the Term SOFR component of the Base Rate, the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Term SOFR component of the Base Rate, in each case until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, (i) the Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all Loans based upon SOFR of such Lender to Base Rate Loans (the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Term SOFR component of the Base Rate), either on the
- 36 - 153390730_1 last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Loans based upon SOFR to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Loans based upon SOFR and (ii) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender determining or charging interest rates based upon SOFR, the Administrative Agent shall during the period of such suspension compute the Base Rate applicable to such Lender without reference to the Term SOFR component thereof until the Administrative Agent is advised in writing by such Lender that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon SOFR. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05. 3.03 Inability to Determine Rates. (a) Inability to Determine Rates. If in connection with any request for a Term SOFR Loan or Daily Simple SOFR Loan or a conversion of Base Rate Loans to Term SOFR Loans or Daily Simple SOFR Loans or a continuation of any of such Loans, as applicable, (i) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that (A) no Successor Rate has been determined in accordance with Section 3.03(b), and the circumstances under clause (i) of Section 3.03(b) or the Scheduled Unavailability Date has occurred or (B) adequate and reasonable means do not otherwise exist for determining Term SOFR for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Term SOFR Loan or Daily Simple SOFR with respect to any Daily Simple SOFR Loan or in connection with an existing or proposed Base Rate Loan, or (ii) the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders determine that for any reason that Term SOFR for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Term SOFR Loan, or Daily Simple SOFR with respect to any Daily Simple SOFR Loan, does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Term SOFR Loans or Daily Simple SOFR Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to Term SOFR Loans or Daily Simple SOFR Loans, shall be suspended (to the extent of the affected Daily Simple SOFR Loans, Term SOFR Loans or Interest Periods), and (y) in the event of a determination described in the preceding sentence with respect to the Term SOFR component of the Base Rate, the utilization of the Term SOFR component in determining the Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until the Administrative Agent (or, in the case of a determination by the Required Lenders described in clause (ii) of this Section 3.03(a), until the Administrative Agent upon instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, (i) the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, or conversion to, or continuation of Daily Simple SOFR Loans or Term SOFR Loans (to the extent of the affected Daily Simple SOFR Loans, Term SOFR Loans or Interest Periods) or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein, (ii) any outstanding Daily Simple SOFR Loans shall be deemed to have been converted to Base Rate Loans immediately and (iii) any outstanding Term SOFR Loans shall be deemed to have been converted to Base Rate Loans immediately at the end of their respective applicable Interest Period. (b) Replacement of Term SOFR or Successor Rate. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Documents, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error), or the Borrower or Required Lenders notify the Administrative Agent (with, in the case of the Required Lenders, a copy to the Borrower) that the Borrower or Required Lenders (as applicable) have determined, that: (i) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining one month, three month and six month interest periods of Term SOFR, including, without limitation, because the Term SOFR Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis and such circumstances are unlikely to be temporary; or
- 37 - 153390730_1 (ii) CME or any successor administrator of the Term SOFR Screen Rate or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent or such administrator with respect to its publication of Term SOFR, in each case acting in such capacity, has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which one month, three month and six month interest periods of Term SOFR or the Term SOFR Screen Rate shall or will no longer be made available, or permitted to be used for determining the interest rate of U.S. dollar denominated syndicated loans, or shall or will otherwise cease; provided, that, at the time of such statement, there is no successor administrator that is satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, that will continue to provide such interest periods of Term SOFR after such specific date (the latest date on which one month, three month and six month interest periods of Term SOFR or the Term SOFR Screen Rate are no longer available permanently or indefinitely, the “Scheduled Unavailability Date”); then, on a date and time determined by the Administrative Agent (any such date, the “Term SOFR Replacement Date”), which date shall be, in the case of Term SOFR Loans, at the end of an Interest Period or on the relevant interest payment date, as applicable, for interest calculated and, solely with respect to clause (ii) above, no later than the Scheduled Unavailability Date, Term SOFR will be replaced hereunder and under any Loan Document with Daily Simple SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment for any payment period for interest calculated that can be determined by the Administrative Agent, in each case, without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document (the “Successor Rate”). If the Successor Rate is Daily Simple SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment, all interest payments will be payable on a quarterly basis. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (A) if the Administrative Agent determines that Daily Simple SOFR is not available on or prior to the Term SOFR Replacement Date, or (B) if the events or circumstances of the type described in Section 3.03(b)(i) or 3.03(b)(ii) have occurred with respect to the Successor Rate then in effect, then in each case, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower may amend this Agreement and the other Loan Documents solely for the purpose of replacing Term SOFR, Daily Simple SOFR or any then current Successor Rate in accordance with this Section 3.03(b) at the end of any Interest Period, relevant interest payment date or payment period for interest calculated, as applicable, with an alternative benchmark rate giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar U.S. dollar denominated credit facilities syndicated and agented in the United States for such alternative benchmark and, in each case, including any mathematical or other adjustments to such benchmark giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar U.S. dollar denominated credit facilities syndicated and agented in the United States for such benchmark. For the avoidance of doubt, any such proposed rate and adjustments, shall constitute a “Successor Rate”. Any such amendment shall become effective at 5:00 p.m. on the fifth Business Day after the Administrative Agent shall have posted such proposed amendment to all Lenders and the Borrower unless, prior to such time, Lenders comprising the Required Lenders have delivered to the Administrative Agent written notice that such Required Lenders object to such amendment. The Administrative Agent will promptly (in one or more notices) notify each Lender of the implementation of any Successor Rate. Any Successor Rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided, that to the extent such market practice is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, such Successor Rate shall be applied in a manner as otherwise reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent.
- 38 - 153390730_1 Notwithstanding anything else herein, if at any time any Successor Rate as so determined would otherwise be less than zero, the Successor Rate will be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. In connection with the implementation of a Successor Rate, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Conforming Changes (in consultation with the Borrower) from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement; provided that, with respect to any such amendment effected, the Administrative Agent shall post each such amendment implementing such Conforming Changes to the Borrower and the Lenders reasonably promptly after such amendment becomes effective. For purposes of this Section 3.03, those Lenders that either have not made, or do not have an obligation under this Agreement to make, the relevant Loans in Dollars shall be excluded from any determination of Required Lenders. 3.04 Increased Costs. (a) Increased Costs Generally. If any Change in Law shall: (i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender; (ii) subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or (iii) impose on any Lender or the applicable interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or any Loans based upon SOFR made by such Lender; and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to increase the cost to such Lender reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender, the Borrower will pay to such Lender, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered. (b) Capital Requirements. If any Lender determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lender’s holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by such Lender, to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.
- 39 - 153390730_1 (c) Certificates for Reimbursement. A certificate of a Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in clauses (a) or (b) of this Section 3.04 and delivered to the Borrower shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 Business Days after receipt thereof. (d) Delay in Requests. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.04 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.04 for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine months prior to the date that such Lender, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof). 3.05 Compensation for Losses. Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense (excluding any loss of profit or margin) incurred by it as a result of: (a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise); (b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower; or (c) any assignment of a Term SOFR Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 10.13; including any loss or expense (excluding any loss of profit or margin) arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained. 3.06 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders. (a) Designation of a Different Lending Office. Each Lender may make any Credit Extension to the Borrower through any Lending Office, provided that the exercise of this option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay the Credit Extension in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or requires the Borrower to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, or if any Lender gives a notice pursuant to Section 3.02, then at the request of the Borrower such Lender shall, as applicable, use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.01 or 3.04, as the case may be, in the future, or eliminate the need for the notice pursuant to Section 3.02, as applicable, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such Lender, as the case may be, to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender, as the case may be. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all
- 40 - 153390730_1 reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment. (b) Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or if the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01 and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different lending office in accordance with Section 3.06(a), the Borrower may replace such Lender in accordance with Section 10.13. 3.07 Survival. All of the Borrower’s obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, repayment of all other Obligations hereunder, and resignation of the Administrative Agent. ARTICLE IV CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS 4.01 Conditions of Initial Credit Extension. The amendment and restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement and the obligation of each Lender to make its initial Credit Extension hereunder is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent: (a) The Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or telecopies (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party, each dated the Closing Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials, a recent date before the Closing Date) and each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders: (i) executed counterparts of this Agreement; (ii) a Note executed by the Borrower in favor each Lender requesting a Note (to the extent requested at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date); (iii) such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party as the Administrative Agent may require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or is to be a party; (iv) such documents and certifications as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party is validly existing and in good standing in its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation, as applicable; (v) a favorable opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP, New York and Delaware counsel to the Loan Parties, addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, in customary form; (vi) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party either (A) attaching copies of all consents, licenses and approvals required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by such Loan Party and the validity against such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and such consents, licenses and approvals shall be in full force and effect, or (B) stating that no such consents, licenses or approvals are so required; (vii) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying (A) that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied, (B) that there has been no
- 41 - 153390730_1 event or circumstance since the date of the Audited Financial Statements that has had or would be reasonably expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and (C) the current Debt Rating; (viii) the Audited Financial Statements and the unaudited financial statements of the Borrower referred to in Section 5.05(a) and (b); and (ix) such other assurances, certificates, documents, consents or opinions as the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders reasonably may require. (b) (i) Upon the reasonable request of any Lender made at least ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date, the Borrower shall have provided to such Lender, and such Lender shall be reasonably satisfied with, the documentation and other information so requested in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the PATRIOT Act, in each case at least three (3) days prior to the Closing Date and (ii) at least three (3) days prior to the Closing Date, any Loan Party that qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation shall have delivered, to each Lender that so requests, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to such Loan Party. (c) All interest and fees accrued prior to the Closing Date pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement and any other fees required to be paid on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid on or substantially concurrently with the Closing Date; provided that the payment of fees and expenses of counsel shall be subject to the receipt of an invoice with respect thereto at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date. (d) Unless waived by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall have paid, on or substantially concurrently with the Closing Date, all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, charges and disbursements of one counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders collectively (directly to such counsel if requested by the Administrative Agent) to the extent invoiced in reasonable detail at least two (2) Business Days prior to or on the Closing Date. Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 9.03, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto. 4.02 Conditions to all Credit Extensions. The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Committed Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Term SOFR Loans) is subject to the following conditions precedent: (a) The representations and warranties of the Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in Article V or any other Loan Document, other than those set forth in Section 5.05(c) and Section 5.06, shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of the date of such Credit Extension, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) as of such earlier date, and except that
- 42 - 153390730_1 for purposes of this Section 4.02, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to subsections (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01. (b) No Default shall exist or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds thereof. (c) The Administrative Agent shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof. Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Committed Loans to the other Type or a continuation of Term SOFR Loans) submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension. ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES The Borrower represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that: 5.01 Existence, Qualification and Power. Each Loan Party (a) is duly organized or formed, validly existing and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority and all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (c) is duly qualified and is licensed and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license; except in each case referred to in clause (b)(i) or (c), to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 5.02 Authorization; No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is or is to be a party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and do not and will not (a) contravene the terms of any of such Person’s Organization Documents; (b) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of (or the requirement to create) any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (i) any Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; or (c) violate any Applicable Law, except in each case referred to in clause (b) or (c), to the extent that such breach, contravention or violation would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 5.03 Governmental Authorization; Other Consents. No approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except those that have been duly obtained, given or made or for which the failure to obtain or make would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 5.04 Binding Effect. This Agreement has been, and each other Loan Document, when delivered hereunder, will have been, duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is party thereto. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document when so delivered will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is party thereto in
- 43 - 153390730_1 accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles (whether enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or at law). 5.05 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect. (a) The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein and (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein. (b) The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries dated December 31, 2024, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal quarter ended on that date (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, and (ii) fairly present, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity for the period covered thereby, subject, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments. (c) Since the date of the Audited Financial Statements, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 5.06 Litigation. There are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower threatened in writing, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or against any of their properties or revenues that (a) purport to affect or pertain to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, or (b) either individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 5.07 No Default. Neither any Loan Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is in default under or with respect to any Contractual Obligation that would, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Default has occurred and is continuing. 5.08 Taxes. The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries have timely filed all federal, state and other material tax returns and reports required to be filed, and have timely paid all federal, state and other material Taxes (whether or not shown on a tax return), including in its capacity as a withholding agent, levied or imposed upon it or its properties, income or assets otherwise due and payable, except (i) where failure to file such tax returns or pay such taxes would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) those which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP. 5.09 ERISA Compliance. (a) Each Plan is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Federal or state laws. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, each Pension Plan that is intended to be a qualified plan under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter or form of opinion letter from the Internal Revenue Service to
- 44 - 153390730_1 the effect that the form of such Plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and the trust related thereto has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(a) of the Code, or an application for such a letter or opinion is currently being processed by the Internal Revenue Service. To the best knowledge of the Borrower, nothing has occurred that would reasonably be expected to prevent or cause the loss of such tax-qualified status. (b) There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There has been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Plan that has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. (c) (i) No ERISA Event has occurred, and neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate is aware of any fact, event or circumstance that would reasonably be expected to constitute or result in an ERISA Event with respect to any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (ii) except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, as of the most recent valuation date for any Pension Plan, the funding target attainment percentage (as defined in Section 430(d)(2) of the Code) is 60% or higher and neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate knows of any facts or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to cause the funding target attainment percentage for any such plan to drop below 60% as of the most recent valuation date; (iii) neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any liability to the PBGC other than for the payment of premiums, and there are no premium payments which have become due that are unpaid; (iv) neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Section 4069 or Section 4212(c) of ERISA; and (v) no Pension Plan has been terminated by the plan administrator thereof nor by the PBGC, and no event or circumstance has occurred or exists that would reasonably be expected to cause the PBGC to institute proceedings under Title IV of ERISA to terminate any Pension Plan. (d) The Borrower represents and warrants as of the Closing Date that the Borrower is not and will not be using “plan assets” (within the meaning of 29 CFR § 2510.3-101, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA or otherwise) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans or the Commitments. 5.10 Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act. (a) Following the application of the proceeds of each Borrowing, not more than 25% of the value of the assets (either of the Borrower only or of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) subject to the provisions of Section 7.01 or Section 7.04 or subject to any restriction contained in any agreement or instrument between the Borrower and any Lender or any Affiliate of any Lender relating to Indebtedness and within the scope of Section 8.01(e) will be margin stock. None of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of buying or carrying any margin stock. (b) Neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940. 5.11 Disclosure. (a) No written report, financial statement, certificate or other written information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (in each case, as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) when taken as a whole, contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the
- 45 - 153390730_1 Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time; it being understood and agreed, however, that projections are as to future events and are not to be viewed as facts, that such projections are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Borrower’s control, that no assurances can be given that any particular projection will be realized and that actual results during the period or periods covered by such projections may differ significantly from the projected results and such differences may be material. (b) As of the Closing Date, the information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification, if applicable, is true and correct in all material respects. 5.12 Compliance with Laws. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary thereof is in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all Applicable Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its properties, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted or (b) the failure to comply therewith, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 5.13 OFAC. Neither the Borrower, nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, any director, officer, employee, agent or affiliate thereof, is an individual or entity that is, or is owned or controlled by one or more individuals or entities that are (a) currently the subject or target of any Sanctions, (b) included on OFAC’s List of Specially Designated Nationals or HMT’s Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets, or any similar list enforced by any other relevant sanctions authority or (c) located, organized or resident in a Designated Jurisdiction. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have conducted their businesses in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Sanctions and have instituted and maintained policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote and achieve compliance with such Sanctions. 5.14 Anti-Corruption Laws. The Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents have conducted their businesses in compliance in all material respects with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the UK Bribery Act 2010, and other applicable anti-corruption legislation in other jurisdictions and have instituted and maintained policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote and achieve compliance with such laws. 5.15 Affected Financial Institutions. No Loan Party is an Affected Financial Institution. 5.16 Covered Entities. No Loan Party is a Covered Entity. ARTICLE VI AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation (other than contingent indemnification Obligations for which no claim has been asserted) hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, the Borrower shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01, 6.02, and 6.03) cause each Subsidiary to: 6.01 Financial Statements. Deliver to the Administrative Agent: (a) as soon as available, but in any event within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a
- 46 - 153390730_1 report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit (except, in each case, as may be required as a result of the impending maturity of this Agreement or any other Indebtedness of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries); and (b) as soon as available, but in any event within 60 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter, the related consolidated statements of income or operations for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of the Borrower’s fiscal year then ended, and the related consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the portion of the Borrower’s fiscal year then ended, in each case setting forth in comparative form, as applicable, the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, certified by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower as fairly presenting, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes. As to any information contained in materials furnished pursuant to Section 6.02(b), the Borrower shall not be separately required to furnish such information under subsection (a) or (b) above, but the foregoing shall not be in derogation of the obligation of the Borrower to furnish the information and materials described in subsections (a) and (b) above at the times specified therein. 6.02 Certificates; Other Information. Deliver to the Administrative Agent: (a) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and (b), a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower (which delivery may, unless the Administrative Agent, or a Lender requests executed originals, be by electronic communication including fax or email and shall be deemed to be an original authentic counterpart thereof for all purposes); (b) promptly after the same are available, copies of each annual report, proxy or financial statement or other report or communication sent to the stockholders of the Borrower, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which the Borrower may file or be required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto; (c) promptly following any request therefor, provide information and documentation reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender for purposes of compliance with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the PATRIOT Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation; and (d) promptly, such additional information regarding the business, financial, legal or corporate affairs of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may from time to time reasonably request. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything contained in Section 6.10, neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to provide any information pursuant to this clause (d) or Section 6.10 to the extent that the provision thereof would violate any law, rule or regulation or result in the breach of any binding contractual obligation or the loss of any professional privilege; provided, that in the event that the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries does not provide information that otherwise would be required to be provided hereunder in reliance on such exception, the Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide notice to the
- 47 - 153390730_1 Administrative Agent promptly upon obtaining knowledge that such information is being withheld (but solely if providing such notice would not violate such law, rule or regulation or result in the breach of any binding contractual obligation or the loss of any professional privilege). Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Sections 6.01(a), 6.01(b) or 6.02(b) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower’s website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 10.02; (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); or (iii) on which such items have been made available on the SEC website or the website of the relevant analogous governmental or private regulatory authority or securities exchange (including, for the avoidance of doubt, by way of “EDGAR”); provided, that the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or any Lender upon its request to the Borrower to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain paper copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request by a Lender for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents. The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Arrangers may, but shall not be obligated to, make available to the Lenders materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, “Borrower Materials”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks, Syndtrak, ClearPar, or a substantially similar electronic transmission system (the “Platform”) and (b) certain of the Lenders (each, a “Public Lender”) may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its Affiliates, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market-related activities with respect to such Persons’ securities. The Borrower hereby agrees that (w) all Borrower Materials that are to be made available to Public Lenders shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws (provided, however, that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 10.07); (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Side Information;” and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Side Information.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall be under no obligation to mark any Borrower Materials “PUBLIC.” 6.03 Notices. Promptly notify the Administrative Agent: (a) of the occurrence of any Default; (b) of the occurrence of any ERISA Event that has had or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) of any announcement by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch of any change in a Debt Rating.
- 48 - 153390730_1 Each notice pursuant to this Section 6.03 shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto. Each notice pursuant to Section 6.03(a) shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached. 6.04 Payment of Taxes. Pay and discharge as the same shall become due and payable, all Tax liabilities, unless (i) the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by the Borrower or such Subsidiary. 6.05 Preservation of Existence, Etc. (a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence and good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except in a transaction permitted by Section 7.03 or 7.04; (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges, permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) preserve or renew all of its registered patents, trademarks, trade names and service marks, the non- preservation of which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 6.06 Maintenance of Properties. (a) Maintain, preserve and protect all of its material properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted and (b) make all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and replacements thereof except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 6.07 Maintenance of Insurance. Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, or, if the Borrower deems it consistent with prudent business practices, maintain self-insurance, in either case, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 6.08 Compliance with Laws. Comply in all material respects with the requirements of all Applicable Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted; or (b) the failure to comply therewith would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 6.09 Books and Records. Maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 6.10 Visitation Rights. At any reasonable time and from time to time, permit the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders or any agents or representatives thereof, to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the records and books of account of, and visit the properties of, the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries with any of their officers or directors and with their independent certified public accountants; provided that (i) the Borrower shall bear no expense for any such visit or inspection, except for any such which occur upon and during the continuance of an Event of Default, (ii) any such visit and inspection shall be during normal business hours and upon at least three (3) days’ prior notice or such lesser period of time
- 49 - 153390730_1 as may be acceptable to the Borrower, (iii) excluding any such visits and inspections which occur during the continuation of an Event of Default, only one such visit and inspection may be conducted during any calendar year, and (iv) excluding any such visits and inspections during the continuation of an Event of Default, only the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders may exercise rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under this Section 6.10. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6.10, none of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries will be required to disclose, permit the inspection, examination or making copies or abstracts of, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter that (i) constitutes non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information, (ii) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by Applicable Law or any binding agreement or (iii) is subject to attorney-client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work product. 6.11 Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of the Credit Extensions for general corporate purposes (including, but not limited to acquisition financing) not in contravention of any Law or of any Loan Document. 6.12 Anti-Corruption Laws; Sanctions. Conduct its businesses in compliance in all material respects with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the UK Bribery Act 2010, and other applicable anti-corruption legislation in other jurisdictions and with all applicable Sanctions, and maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote and achieve compliance with such laws and Sanctions. ARTICLE VII NEGATIVE COVENANTS So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation (other than contingent indemnification Obligations for which no claim has been asserted) hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, the Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly: 7.01 Liens. Create, incur, or assume any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than the following: (a) Liens pursuant to any Loan Document; (b) Liens existing on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 7.01 and any renewals or extensions thereof; (c) Liens for Taxes not yet due or Liens for Taxes which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP; (d) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business which are not overdue for a period of more than 60 days or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP; (e) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation, regulation, other than any Lien imposed by ERISA;
- 50 - 153390730_1 (f) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts and leases (other than Indebtedness), statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds, financial assurances, completion obligations, and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business; (g) leases or subleases granted to others, easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar encumbrances affecting real property which, in the aggregate, are not substantial in amount, and which do not in any case materially detract from the value of the property subject thereto or materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the applicable Person; (h) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under Section 8.01(h); (i) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.02(b); provided, that no such Lien shall extend to or cover any properties of any character other than the property or equipment being acquired; provided, further, that individual financings of real property, fixed or capital property, equipment or other assets provided by a lender may be cross collateralized to other financings of equipment or other assets financed by such lender; (j) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged or consolidated into or consolidated with the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower or becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower or liens on any assets acquired by the Borrower or a Subsidiary in connection with an acquisition or other investment permitted hereunder; provided, that such Liens were not created in contemplation of such merger, consolidation, acquisition or investment and do not extend to any assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated with the Borrower or such Subsidiary or acquired by the Borrower or such Subsidiary; (k) Liens consisting of statutory, common law or contractual setoff rights provided by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business; (l) Liens on assets sold and leased back pursuant to sale and leaseback transactions permitted by Section 7.04(e); (m) Liens not otherwise permitted by this Section 7.01 on assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries securing Indebtedness or other obligations in an aggregate principal amount which, when aggregated with Indebtedness of Subsidiaries of the Borrower permitted by Section 7.02(e), would not exceed the greater of (x) $350,000,000 and (y) 35.0% of Consolidated EBITDA for the most recent period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which consolidated financial statements are available; (n) precautionary or purported Liens evidenced by the filing of UCC financing statements or similar financing statements under applicable requirements of Law relating solely to (i) operating leases or consignment or bailee arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business or (ii) the sale of accounts receivable in the ordinary course of business for which a UCC financing statement or similar financing statement is required; (o) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods; (p) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.02(c) on the relevant acquired assets or on the Equity Interests or assets of the relevant Subsidiary; provided that such Lien (x) shall not extend to or cover any other assets (other than the proceeds or products thereof, accessions or additions
- 51 - 153390730_1 thereto and improvements thereon) and (y) was not created in contemplation of the applicable acquisition of assets or Equity Interests; (q) (i) Liens that are contractual rights of setoff or netting relating to (A) the establishment of depositary relations with banks not granted in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (B) pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, (C) purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business and (D) commodity trading or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business, (ii) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits, (iii) bankers Liens and rights and remedies as to deposit accounts, (iv) Liens of a collection bank arising under Section 4-208 of the UCC on items in the ordinary course of business, (v) Liens in favor of banking or other financial institutions arising as a matter of law or under customary general terms and conditions encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry or arising pursuant to such banking institution’s general terms and conditions and (vi) Liens on the proceeds of any Indebtedness incurred in connection with any transaction permitted hereunder, which proceeds have been deposited into an escrow account on customary terms to secure such Indebtedness pending the application of such proceeds to finance such transaction; (r) Liens arising (i) out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of any asset in the ordinary course of business and permitted by this Agreement or (ii) by operation of law under Article 2 of the UCC (or similar requirement of Law under any jurisdiction); (s) Liens on cash or Cash Equivalents arising in connection with the defeasance, discharge or redemption of Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereunder; (t) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto; and (u) Lien on any property or asset of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries arising in connection with a Permitted Transaction. 7.02 Subsidiary Indebtedness. Permit, at any time, any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Loan Party to create, incur, or assume any Indebtedness other than: (a) Indebtedness owing to (i) the Borrower or a wholly-owned Subsidiary and (ii) any other Subsidiary in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding the greater of (x) $250,000,000 and (y) 10.0% of Consolidated EBITDA for the most recent period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which consolidated financial statements are available; provided, that such Indebtedness shall not have been transferred to any Person other than the Borrower or wholly-owned Subsidiary or any other Subsidiary, as applicable; (b) Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations and purchase money Indebtedness) incurred, issued or assumed to finance the acquisition, purchase, lease, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of real property, fixed or capital property, equipment or other assets acquired or held by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business not exceeding the purchase price of such property or equipment or incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of any such property, equipment or other assets, or Indebtedness existing on any such property or equipment at the time of acquisition (other than any such Liens created in contemplation of such acquisition that were not incurred to finance the acquisition of such property);
- 52 - 153390730_1 (c) Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged into or consolidated with the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower or becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower; provided, that such Indebtedness was not created in contemplation of such merger, consolidation or investment and do not extend to any Person other than the Person merged into or consolidated with the Borrower or such Subsidiary or acquired by the Borrower or such Subsidiary; (d) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 7.02 (and any refinancings, refundings, renewals or extensions thereof (without increasing, or shortening the maturity of, the principal amount thereof)); (e) additional Indebtedness, the aggregate principal amount of which, when combined with the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries secured by any Lien permitted by Section 7.01(m), would not exceed the greater of (x) $350,000,000 and (y) 35.0% of Consolidated EBITDA for the most recent period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which consolidated financial statements are available; (f) Indebtedness in respect of any bankers’ acceptance, bank guarantees, letter of credit or similar facilities entered into in the ordinary course of business and not in support of borrowed money (including in respect of workers compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claims); (g) Guarantees incurred in respect of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is permitted to be incurred under this Agreement; (h) Indebtedness in respect of non-speculative Swap Contracts; (i) Indebtedness in respect of commercial credit cards, stored value cards, purchasing cards, treasury management services, netting services, overdraft protections, check drawing services, automated payment services (including depository, overdraft, controlled disbursement, ACH transactions, return items and interstate depository network services), employee credit card programs, cash pooling services, operational foreign exchange management, current account facilities and any arrangements or services similar to any of the foregoing or otherwise in connection with cash management, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business; (j) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums, (ii) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business or (iii) obligations to reacquire assets or inventory in connection with customer financing arrangements in the ordinary course of business; (k) Indebtedness in respect of customary “spring recourse” or “bad boy” guarantees with respect to real estate financing transactions entered into by the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided, that such Guarantee is non-recourse to the Borrower or such Subsidiary other than with respect to losses resulting from customary “bad acts” of the Borrower or such Subsidiary; (l) Guarantees in favor of clearing agencies, clearing firms, settlement banks and similar entities (acting in their capacities as such) involved in the clearance and settlement of transactions in, and custody of, financial assets;
- 53 - 153390730_1 (m) unfunded pension fund and other employee benefit plan obligations and liabilities incurred by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business to the extent that the unfunded amounts would not otherwise cause an Event of Default under Section 8.01(i); (n) Indebtedness incurred in connection with any Permitted Recourse Financing Transactions; provided, that the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness pursuant to this clause (n) shall not exceed $350,000,000 at any time outstanding; and (o) Indebtedness incurred in connection with any Permitted True Sale Transactions by Permitted Purchasers; provided, that the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness of all such Permitted Purchasers incurred in connection with such true sale transactions shall not exceed $350,000,000 at any time outstanding. 7.03 Fundamental Changes. Merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person (including, in each case, pursuant to a Division), except that, so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom: (a) any Subsidiary may merge with (i) the Borrower, provided that the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person, or (ii) any one or more other Subsidiaries, provided that when any Guarantor is merging with another Subsidiary, a Guarantor shall be the continuing or surviving Person; (b) any Subsidiary may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Borrower or to another Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is a Guarantor, then the transferee must either be the Borrower or a Guarantor; and (c) any Subsidiary of the Borrower may merge or consolidate with any other Person; provided that such merger does not result in the loss by the Borrower in any fiscal year of business operations or assets which, when aggregated with all other such mergers pursuant to this Section 7.03(c) and all dispositions of assets permitted by Section 7.04(f) (taking into account the proviso in such Section 7.04(f)) for such fiscal year, generated more than thirty percent (30%) of the consolidated operating income of the Borrower during the immediately preceding fiscal year of the Borrower; provided, further, that no Default shall exist or would result from such merger or consolidation. 7.04 Dispositions. Make any Disposition or enter into any agreement to make any Disposition, except: (a) Dispositions of obsolete or worn out property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business; (b) Dispositions of equipment or real property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are reasonably promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property; (c) Dispositions of property by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (i) to the Borrower or a wholly- owned Subsidiary and (ii) to any other Subsidiary in an aggregate amount (excluding the value of such Disposition attributable to the equity of such other Subsidiary that is owned by the Borrower or any other wholly-owned Subsidiary) for all such transfers made during any fiscal year not exceeding an amount equal to the greater of (x) $250,000,000 and (y) 10.0% of Consolidated EBITDA for the most recent period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which consolidated financial statements are available;
- 54 - 153390730_1 provided that if the transferor of such property is a Guarantor, the transferee thereof must either be the Borrower or a Guarantor; (d) the sale, transfer or other disposition of cash, cash equivalents and securities in the ordinary course of business; (e) Dispositions by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries of property pursuant to sale-leaseback transactions; (f) Dispositions by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries not otherwise permitted under this Section 7.04; provided that (i) at the time of such Disposition, no Event of Default shall exist or would result from such Disposition and (ii) the assets disposed of pursuant to this Section 7.04(f), when aggregated with all assets subject to mergers and consolidations permitted by Section 7.03(c) (where such merger resulted in the loss by the Borrower or a Subsidiary, as applicable, of business operations or assets), for such fiscal year, did not result in a loss by the Borrower of assets that generated in excess of thirty percent (30%) of the consolidated operating income of the Borrower during the immediately preceding fiscal year of the Borrower; provided, that any determination of compliance with this clause (f) shall take into account contributions to consolidated operating income as measured on a pro forma basis for such immediately preceding fiscal year resulting from any acquisition by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries of operating assets (or acquisition of equity securities of any Person holding such assets) that occurred during such fiscal year or that is anticipated to occur within the twelve (12) month period immediately following the date on which the Borrower or its Subsidiary, as applicable, shall have entered into a definitive agreement for such acquisition if such definitive agreement is entered into during such fiscal year; (g) the sale or other disposition of property in the ordinary course of business; (h) the sale or discount without recourse of accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course of business in connection with the compromise or collection thereof; (i) transactions permitted by Section 7.03(a) or (b); (j) Dispositions of property subject to foreclosure, casualty, eminent domain or condemnation proceedings (including in lieu thereof or any similar proceeding); (k) terminations or unwinds of Swap Contracts; and (l) Dispositions of interests in Excluded Entities after the initial creation thereof to investors. 7.05 Change in Nature of Business. Engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the date hereof or any business reasonably related, similar to, complementary or corollary or incidental thereto or any business activity that is a reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof or ancillary thereto. 7.06 Sanctions. Directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of any Credit Extension, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, to fund any activities of or business with any Person, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of Sanctions, except to the extent permissible for a Person required to comply with Sanctions, or in any other manner that will result in a violation by any Person (including any Person participating in the transaction, whether as Lender, Arranger, Administrative Agent or otherwise) of Sanctions.
- 55 - 153390730_1 7.07 Anti-Corruption Laws. Directly or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, indirectly use the proceeds of any Credit Extension for any purpose which would breach the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the UK Bribery Act 2010, and other anti-corruption legislation in other jurisdictions. 7.08 Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio. Permit the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio as of the end of any period of four fiscal quarters of the Borrower to be greater than 3.25:1.00. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an acquisition or series of acquisitions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $500,000,000 occurs during any fiscal quarter, the Borrower may, at its election, in connection with such acquisition or series of acquisitions and by delivering written notice to the Administrative Agent within thirty (30) days following the closing of such acquisition or series of acquisitions (such notice, a “Leverage Ratio Increase Election”) increase the required Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio pursuant to this Section 7.08 to 3.75 to 1.00, which increase shall be applicable for the fiscal quarter in which such acquisition or series of acquisitions is consummated and the three (3) consecutive fiscal quarters thereafter (the period during which any such increase in the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio shall be in effect being called a “Leverage Ratio Increase Period”); provided, that (a) there shall be no more than two (2) Leverage Ratio Increase Elections during the term of this Agreement and (b) prior to the delivery of the second Leverage Ratio Increase Election, either (x) the maximum Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio permitted pursuant to this Section 7.08 must return to 3.25 to 1.00 for at least two (2) consecutive fiscal quarter ends after the expiration of the first Leverage Ratio Increase Period or (y) the actual Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 2.75 to 1.00 for at least two (2) consecutive fiscal quarter ends after the commencement of a Leverage Ratio Increase Period. ARTICLE VIII EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES 8.01 Events of Default. Any of the following shall constitute an event of default (each, an “Event of Default”): (a) Non-Payment. The Borrower or any other Loan Party fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan, or (ii) within five (5) days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan, or any fee due hereunder, or (iii) within five (5) days after the same becomes due, any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document; or (b) Specific Covenants. The Borrower fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Section 6.05 (with respect to the Borrower’s existence), or Article VII; or (c) Other Defaults. Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in subsection (a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent; or (d) Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Loan Party herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed made; or (e) Cross-Default. (i) The Borrower or any Material Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness or Guarantee (other than Indebtedness hereunder and Indebtedness under Swap Contracts) having an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than the Threshold Amount, or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to
- 56 - 153390730_1 any such Indebtedness or Guarantee or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness or the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such Guarantee (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity, or such Guarantee to become payable or cash collateral in respect thereof to be demanded; provided, that clause (B) of this Section 8.01(e)(i) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary Disposition of, or a casualty or condemnation event in respect of, the property securing such Indebtedness if such Disposition or casualty or condemnation event is permitted hereunder; or (ii) there occurs under any Swap Contract an Early Termination Date (as defined in such Swap Contract) resulting from (A) any event of default under such Swap Contract as to which the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary is the Defaulting Party (as defined in such Swap Contract) or (B) any Termination Event (as so defined) under such Swap Contract as to which the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary is an Affected Party (as so defined) and, in either event, the Swap Termination Value owed by the Borrower or such Material Subsidiary as a result thereof is greater than the Threshold Amount; provided, further, that clauses (i) and (ii) shall not apply to any breach or default that has been cured or waived by the requisite lenders under such Indebtedness or Swap Contract; or (f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. Any Loan Party or any of its Material Subsidiaries institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for 60 calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for 60 calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or (g) Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment. (i) The Borrower or any Material Subsidiary becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of any such Person and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within 60 days after its issue or levy; or (h) Judgments. There is entered against the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount (as to all such judgments or orders) exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage) and any such judgments or orders shall not have been paid, vacated, discharged, stayed or bonded pending appeal within sixty (60) days from the entry thereof; or (i) ERISA. (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries to the Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount, or (ii) the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount; or
- 57 - 153390730_1 (j) Invalidity of Guaranty. In the event that any Guaranty is ever issued in respect of the Obligations, any material provision of any Guaranty, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party or any other Person contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any material provision of any Guaranty; or any Loan Party denies in writing that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Guaranty, or purports to revoke, terminate or rescind any material provision of any Guaranty, in each case, only if such event would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or (k) Change of Control. There occurs any Change of Control. 8.02 Remedies Upon Event of Default. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, at the request of, or may, with the consent of, the Required Lenders, take any or all of the following actions: (a) declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans to be terminated, whereupon such commitments and obligation shall be terminated; (b) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower; and (c) exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of an event described in Section 8.01(f), the obligation of each Lender to make Loans shall automatically terminate, and the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender. 8.03 Application of Funds. After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.02), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall, subject to the provisions of Section 2.13, be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order: First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and amounts payable under Article III) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such; Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them; Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans and other Obligations, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;
- 58 - 153390730_1 Fourth, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them; and Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law. ARTICLE IX ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT 9.01 Appointment and Authority. Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints Bank of America to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article IX are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, and the Borrower shall not have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions. It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” herein or in any other Loan Documents (or any other similar term) with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any Applicable Law. Instead such term is used as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties. 9.02 Rights as a Lender. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders. 9.03 Exculpatory Provisions. The Administrative Agent or the Arrangers, as applicable, shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, and its duties hereunder shall be administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent or the Arrangers, as applicable: (a) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing; (b) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or Applicable Law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law; (c) shall not have any duty or responsibility to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, to any Lender, any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects, operations,
- 59 - 153390730_1 property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of any of the Loan Parties or any of their Affiliates, that is communicated to, obtained or in the possession of, the Administrative Agent, any Arranger or any of their Related Parties in any capacity, except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent herein; (d) shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.01 and 8.02) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice describing such Default is given in writing to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower or a Lender; and (e) shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent. 9.04 Reliance by Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender prior to the making of such Loan. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts. 9.05 Delegation of Duties. The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article IX shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agents except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and nonappealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agents. 9.06 Resignation of Administrative Agent.
- 60 - 153390730_1 (a) The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders and the Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “Resignation Effective Date”), then the retiring Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above, provided that in no event shall any such successor Administrative Agent be a Defaulting Lender. Whether or not a successor has been appointed, such resignation shall become effective in accordance with such notice on the Resignation Effective Date. (b) If the Person serving as Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (d) of the definition thereof, the Required Lenders may, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, by notice in writing to the Borrower and such Person remove such Person as Administrative Agent and, in consultation with the Borrower, appoint a successor. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “Removal Effective Date”), then such removal shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice on the Removal Effective Date. (c) With effect from the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date (as applicable) (1) the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (2) except for any indemnity payments or other amounts then owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent, all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender directly, until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or removed) Administrative Agent (other than as provided in Section 3.01(g) and other than any rights to indemnity payments or other amounts owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent as of the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date, as applicable), and the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section 9.06). The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor. After the retiring or removed Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article IX and Section 10.04 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring or removed Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them (i) while the retiring or removed Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent and (ii) after such resignation or removal for as long as any of them continues to act in any capacity hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, including in respect of any actions taken in connection with transferring the agency to any successor Administrative Agent. 9.07 Non-Reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Other Lenders. Each Lender expressly acknowledges that none of the Administrative Agent nor any Arranger has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act by the Administrative Agent or any Arranger hereafter taken, including any consent to, and acceptance of any assignment or review of the affairs of any Loan Party of any Affiliate thereof, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by the Administrative Agent or any Arranger to any Lender as to any matter, including whether the Administrative Agent or any Arranger have disclosed material information in their (or their Related Parties’) possession.
- 61 - 153390730_1 Each Lender represents to the Administrative Agent and each Arranger that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis of, appraisal of, and investigation into, the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, and all applicable bank or other regulatory Laws relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit to the Borrower hereunder. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder, and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties. Each Lender represents and warrants that (i) the Loan Documents set forth the terms of a commercial lending facility and (ii) it is engaged in making, acquiring or holding commercial loans in the ordinary course and is entering into this Agreement as a Lender for the purpose of making, acquiring or holding commercial loans and providing other facilities set forth herein as may be applicable to such Lender, and not for the purpose of purchasing, acquiring or holding any other type of financial instrument, and each Lender agrees not to assert a claim in contravention of the foregoing. Each Lender represents and warrants that it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to make, acquire and/or hold commercial loans and to provide other facilities set forth herein, as may be applicable to such Lender, and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to make, acquire and/or hold such commercial loans or to provide such other facilities, is experienced in making, acquiring or holding such commercial loans or providing such other facilities. 9.08 No Other Duties, Etc. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the bookrunners, Arrangers or syndication agents listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent or a Lender hereunder. 9.09 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim. In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise (a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 10.04) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and (b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly
- 62 - 153390730_1 to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 10.04. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding. 9.10 Guaranty Matters. Without limiting the provisions of Section 9.09, the Lenders irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents. Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s authority to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.10. 9.11 Certain ERISA Matters. (a) Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, that at least one of the following is and will be true: (i) such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of Section 3(42) of ERISA or otherwise) of one or more Benefit Plans with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments or this Agreement, (ii) the transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement, (iii) (A) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (B) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (D) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84- 14 are satisfied with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement, or (iv) such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.
- 63 - 153390730_1 (b) In addition, unless either (1) sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or (2) a Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant in accordance with sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that the Administrative Agent is not a fiduciary with respect to the assets of such Lender involved in such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related hereto or thereto). 9.12 Recovery of Erroneous Payments. Without limitation of any other provision in this Agreement, if at any time the Administrative Agent makes a payment hereunder in error to any Lender Recipient Party, whether or not in respect of an Obligation due and owing by the Borrower at such time, where such payment is a Rescindable Amount, then in any such event, each Lender Recipient Party receiving a Rescindable Amount severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the Rescindable Amount received by such Lender Recipient Party in immediately available funds in the currency so received, with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such Rescindable Amount is received by it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation. Each Lender Recipient Party irrevocably waives any and all defenses, including any “discharge for value” (under which a creditor might otherwise claim a right to retain funds mistakenly paid by a third party in respect of a debt owed by another) or similar defense to its obligation to return any Rescindable Amount. The Administrative Agent shall inform each Lender Recipient Party promptly upon determining that any payment made to such Lender Recipient Party comprised, in whole or in part, a Rescindable Amount. ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS 10.01 Amendments, Etc. Subject to Sections 2.12 and 3.03, no amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by the Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the Borrower or the applicable Loan Party, as the case may be, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall: (a) waive any condition set forth in Section 4.01(a) without the written consent of each Lender; (b) extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 8.02) without the written consent of such Lender; (c) postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment or mandatory prepayment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due to the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; (d) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan, or (subject to the second proviso to this Section 10.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; provided, however,
- 64 - 153390730_1 that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate; (e) (i) change Section 8.03 or any other provision hereof in a manner that would have the effect of altering the ratable reduction of Commitments, pro rata payments or pro rata sharing of payments required hereunder without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; (f) change any provision of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender; and (g) release all or substantially all of the value of the Guaranty without the written consent of each Lender, except to the extent the release of any Guarantor is permitted pursuant to Section 9.10 (in which case such release may be made by the Administrative Agent acting alone); and, provided, further, that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (ii) the Fee Letter may be amended, or the rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x) the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended or the maturity of any of its Loans may not be extended, the rate of interest on any of its Loans may not be reduced (provided, however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate) and the principal amount of any of its Loans may not be forgiven, in each case without the consent of such Defaulting Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment, consent or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms affects any Defaulting Lender more adversely relative to other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, if the Administrative Agent and the Borrower acting together identify any ambiguity, omission, mistake, typographical error or other defect in any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including the schedules and exhibits thereto), then the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall be permitted to amend, modify or supplement such provision to cure such ambiguity, omission, mistake, typographical error or other defect, and such amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement. 10.02 Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication. (a) Notices Generally. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in clause (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile or electronic mail as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:
- 65 - 153390730_1 (i) if to the Borrower or any other Loan Party, the Administrative Agent, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02; and (ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire (including, as appropriate, notices delivered solely to the Person designated by a Lender on its Administrative Questionnaire then in effect for the delivery of notices that may contain material non-public information relating to the Borrower). Notices and other communications sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices and other communications sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient). Notices and other communications delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in sub clause (b) below, shall be effective as provided in such clause (b). (b) Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail, FpML messaging, and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender pursuant to Article II if such Lender, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article II by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may each, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii), if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice, email or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient. (c) The Platform. THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWER MATERIALS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM. In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “Agent Parties”) have any liability to the Borrower, any Lender, or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrower’s, any Loan Party’s or the
- 66 - 153390730_1 Administrative Agent’s transmission of Borrower Materials or notices through the Platform, any other electronic platform or electronic messaging service, or through the Internet. (d) Change of Address, Etc. Each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent may change its address, facsimile or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by written notice to the other parties hereto. Each other Lender may change its address, facsimile or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by written notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent. In addition, each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent from time to time to ensure that the Administrative Agent has on record (i) an effective address, contact name, telephone number, facsimile number and electronic mail address to which notices and other communications may be sent and (ii) accurate wire instructions for such Lender. Furthermore, each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the “Private Side Information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender’s compliance procedures and Applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws, to make reference to Borrower Materials that are not made available through the “Public Side Information” portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal or state securities laws. (e) Reliance by Administrative Agent and Lenders. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic notices and Committed Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Loan Parties shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Related Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower. All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording. 10.03 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement. No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided, and provided under each other Loan Document, are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, the authority to enforce rights and remedies hereunder and under the other Loan Documents against the Loan Parties or any of them shall be vested exclusively in, and all actions and proceedings at law in connection with such enforcement shall be instituted and maintained exclusively by, the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 8.02 for the benefit of all the Lenders; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit (a) the Administrative Agent from exercising on its own behalf the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as Administrative Agent) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (b) any Lender from exercising setoff rights in accordance with Section 10.08 (subject to the terms of Section 2.11), or (c) any Lender from filing proofs of claim or appearing and filing pleadings on its own behalf during the pendency of a proceeding relative to any Loan Party under any Debtor Relief Law; and provided, further, that if at any time there is no Person acting as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, then (i) the Required Lenders shall have the rights otherwise ascribed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.02 and (ii) in addition to the matters set forth in clauses
- 67 - 153390730_1 (b), and (c) of the preceding proviso and subject to Section 2.11, any Lender may, with the consent of the Required Lenders, enforce any rights and remedies available to it and as authorized by the Required Lenders. 10.04 Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver. (a) Costs and Expenses. The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable, documented and invoiced out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable, documented and invoiced fees charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated) and (ii) all reasonable, documented and invoiced out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and any Lender (including the fees, charges and disbursements of (x) one counsel for the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, collectively, and (y) in the event of one or more conflicts of interest, one additional counsel for each affected Lender or group of Lenders (and, in the case of clauses (x) and (y), as applicable, one additional local counsel in each applicable material jurisdiction)) in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section 10.04, or (B) in connection with the Loans made, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans. (b) Indemnification by the Borrower. The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the reasonable, documented and invoiced fees, charges and disbursements (x) of one counsel for the Indemnitees, collectively, and (y) in the event of one or more conflicts of interest, of one additional counsel for each affected Indemnitee or group of Indemnitees (and, in the case of clauses (x) and (y), as applicable, one additional local counsel in each applicable material jurisdiction)), incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any Person (including the Borrower or any other Loan Party) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, (including, without limitation, the Indemnitee’s reliance on any Communication executed using an Electronic Signature, or in the form of an Electronic Record) the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or, in the case of the Administrative Agent (and any sub agent thereof) and its Related Parties only, the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including in respect of any matters addressed in Section 3.01), (ii) any Loan or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom, or (iii) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by the Borrower or any other Loan Party, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee, (y) brought by the Borrower against an Indemnitee for material breach in bad faith of such Indemnitee’s obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if the Borrower has obtained a final and nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or (z) result from a claim not involving an act or omission of the Borrower and that is brought by an Indemnitee against another Indemnitee (other than against any Arranger or the Administrative Agent in their capacities as such). Without limiting the provisions of
- 68 - 153390730_1 Section 3.01(c), this Section 10.04(b) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim. (c) Reimbursement by Lenders. To the extent that the Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under clauses (a) or (b) of this Section 10.04 to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof) or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s pro rata share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought based on each Lender’s share of the Total Credit Exposure at such time) of such unpaid amount (including any such unpaid amount in respect of a claim asserted by such Lender), such payment to be made severally among them based on such Lenders’ Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought); provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) in connection with such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders under this clause (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.10(d). (d) [Reserved]. (e) Payments. All amounts due under this Section 10.04 shall be payable not later than ten (10) Business Days after demand therefor. (f) Survival. The agreements in this Section 10.04 and the indemnity provisions of Section 10.02(e) shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations. 10.05 Payments Set Aside. To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to the Administrative Agent or any Lender, the Administrative Agent or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement. 10.06 Successors and Assigns. (a) Successors and Assigns Generally. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of clause (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions
- 69 - 153390730_1 of clause (d) of this Section, or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of clause (e) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in clause (d) of this Section 10.06 and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement. (b) Assignments by Lenders. Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions: (i) Minimum Amounts. (A) in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and/or the Loans at the time owing to it or contemporaneous assignments to related Approved Funds (determined after giving effect to such Assignments) that equal at least the amount specified in clause (b)(i)(B) of this Section 10.06 in the aggregate or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and (B) in any case not described in clause (b)(i)(A) of this Section 10.06, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). (ii) Proportionate Amounts. Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loans or the Commitment assigned; (iii) Required Consents. No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by clause (b)(i)(B) of this Section 10.06 and, in addition: (A) the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) shall be required unless (1) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (2) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days after having received notice thereof; and (B) the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) shall be required for assignments to a Person that is not a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender.
- 70 - 153390730_1 (iv) Assignment and Assumption. The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee in the amount of $3,500; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment. The assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire. (v) No Assignment to Certain Persons. No such assignment shall be made (A) to the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries or Excluded Entities, (B) to any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (B), or (C) to a natural Person (or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of one or more natural Persons). (vi) Certain Additional Payments. In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon) and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under Applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this clause (vi), then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs. (vii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to clause (c) of this Section 10.06, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, and 10.04 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment; provided that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no assignment by a Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender. Upon request, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. (c) Register. The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it (or the equivalent thereof in electronic form) and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”).
- 71 - 153390730_1 The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. (d) Participations. Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural Person, or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of one or more natural Persons, a Defaulting Lender or the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries or Excluded Entities) (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, each Lender shall be responsible for the indemnity under Section 10.04(c) without regard to the existence of any participation. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to Section 10.01 that affects such Participant. The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to clause (b) of this Section 10.06 (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 3.01(g) shall be delivered to the Lender who sells the participation) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to clause (b) of this Section 10.06; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Sections 3.06 and 10.13 as if it were an assignee under clause (b) of this Section 10.06 and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 3.01 or 3.04, with respect to any participation, than the Lender from whom it acquired the applicable participation would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation. Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrower’s request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 3.06 with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.08 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.11 as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.
- 72 - 153390730_1 (e) Certain Pledges. Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto. 10.07 Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates, its auditors and its Related Parties (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential and the Administrative Agent or such Lender will be responsible for any the non-compliance with this Section 10.07 of such a Person which it controls), (b) to the extent required or requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over such Person or its Related Parties (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners) and such Person agrees, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, to inform the Borrower promptly thereof prior to disclosure or, if not practicable prior to disclosure and not prohibited by law, to inform the Borrower promptly after disclosure, (c) to the extent required by Applicable Laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process and such Person agrees, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, to inform the Borrower promptly thereof prior to disclosure or, if not practicable prior to disclosure and not prohibited by law, promptly after disclosure, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section 10.07, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective party (or its Related Parties) to any swap, derivative or other transaction under which payments are to be made by reference to the Borrower and its obligations, this Agreement or payments hereunder, (g) on a confidential basis to (i) any rating agency in connection with rating the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided hereunder or (ii) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the application, issuance, publishing and monitoring of CUSIP numbers or other market identifiers with respect to the credit facilities provided hereunder, (h) with the consent of the Borrower or (i) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.07, (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower or (z) is independently discovered or developed by a party hereto without utilizing any Information received from the Borrower or violating the terms of this Section 10.07. In addition, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may disclose the existence of this Agreement and information about this Agreement to market data collectors, similar service providers to the lending industry and service providers to the Agents and the Lenders in connection with the administration of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and the Commitments. For purposes of this Section 10.07, “Information” means all information received from the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their Related Parties relating to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their respective businesses (including, with respect to any proposed acquisition of which the recipient of such information has knowledge, the target of such proposed acquisition), other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrower or any Subsidiary after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section 10.07 shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has
- 73 - 153390730_1 exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders acknowledges that (a) the Information may include material non-public information concerning the Borrower or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (b) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public information and (c) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with Applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws. The obligations set forth in this Section 10.07 shall expire on the first anniversary of the Maturity Date. 10.08 Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, after obtaining the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Borrower may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch, office or Affiliate of such Lender different from the branch, office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.13 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The rights of each Lender and their respective Affiliates under this Section 10.08 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender or their respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application. 10.09 Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by Applicable Law (the “Maximum Rate”). If the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder. 10.10 Integration; Effectiveness. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent, constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01,
- 74 - 153390730_1 this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. 10.11 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by the Administrative Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied. 10.12 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.12, if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited. 10.13 Replacement of Lenders. If the Borrower is entitled to replace a Lender pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.06, or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or a Non-Consenting Lender or if any other circumstance exists hereunder that gives the Borrower the right to replace a Lender as a party hereto, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 10.06), all of its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Sections 3.01 and 3.04) and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that: (a) the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee (if any) specified in Section 10.06(b); (b) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.05) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts); (c) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter; (d) such assignment does not conflict with Applicable Laws; and (e) in the case of an assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable assignee shall have consented to the applicable amendment, waiver or consent.
- 75 - 153390730_1 A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. Each party hereto agrees that (a) an assignment required pursuant to this Section 10.13 may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the assignee and (b) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to an be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided, further that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 10.13 to the contrary, the Lender that acts as the Administrative Agent may not be replaced hereunder except in accordance with the terms of Section 9.06. 10.14 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc. (a) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSE OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT (EXCEPT, AS TO ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH THEREIN) AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. (b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT COMMENCE ANY ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND OR DESCRIPTION, WHETHER IN LAW OR EQUITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT OR OTHERWISE, AGAINST ANY OTHER PARTY HERETO, OR ANY RELATED PARTY OF THE FOREGOING IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATING HERETO OR THERETO, IN ANY FORUM OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. (c) WAIVER OF VENUE. EACH OF THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN CLAUSE (B) OF THIS SECTION 10.14. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE
- 76 - 153390730_1 FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT. (d) SERVICE OF PROCESS. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 10.02. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. (e) WAIVER OF CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ETC. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NO PARTY HERETO SHALL ASSERT, AND EACH HEREBY WAIVES, AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT NO OTHER PERSON SHALL HAVE, ANY CLAIM AGAINST ANY PARTY HERETO OR ANY INDEMNITEE, ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (AS OPPOSED TO DIRECT OR ACTUAL DAMAGES) ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR AS A RESULT OF, THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY AGREEMENT OR INSTRUMENT CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, ANY LOAN OR THE USE OF THE PROCEEDS THEREOF. NO PARTY HERETO OR ANY INDEMMNITEE REFERRED TO IN CLAUSE 10.04(B) SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE USE BY UNINTENDED RECIPIENTS OF ANY INFORMATION OR OTHER MATERIALS DISTRIBUTED TO SUCH UNINTENDED RECIPIENTS BY SUCH INDEMNITEE THROUGH TELECOMMUNICATIONS, ELECTRONIC OR OTHER INFORMATION TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY OTHER THAN FOR DIRECT OR ACTUAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE, BAD FAITH OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF SUCH INDEMNITEE AS DETERMINED BY A FINAL AND NONAPPEALABLE JUDGMENT OF A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION. 10.15 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 10.15. 10.16 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility. In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document), the Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that: (i) (A) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, and the Lenders are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Borrower and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, and the Lenders, on the other hand, (B) the Borrower has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (C) the Borrower is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; (ii) (A) the Administrative Agent, each Arranger and each Lender is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by
- 77 - 153390730_1 the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for the Borrower or any of its Affiliates, or any other Person and (B) neither the Administrative Agent, any Arranger nor any Lender has any obligation to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; and (iii) the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower and its Affiliates, and neither the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, nor any Lender has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Borrower or its Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent, any Arranger or any Lender with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby. 10.17 Electronic Execution; Electronic Records; Counterparts. This Agreement, any Loan Document and any other Communication, including Communications required to be in writing, may be in the form of an Electronic Record and may be executed using Electronic Signatures. The Borrower and each of the Administrative Agent and the Lender Parties agrees that any Electronic Signature on or associated with any Communication shall be valid and binding on such Person to the same extent as a manual, original signature, and that any Communication entered into by Electronic Signature, will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Person enforceable against such Person in accordance with the terms thereof to the same extent as if a manually executed original signature was delivered. Any Communication may be executed in as many counterparts as necessary or convenient, including both paper and electronic counterparts, but all such counterparts are one and the same Communication. For the avoidance of doubt, the authorization under this paragraph may include, without limitation, use or acceptance of a manually signed paper Communication which has been converted into electronic form (such as scanned into PDF format), or an electronically signed Communication converted into another format, for transmission, delivery and/or retention. The Administrative Agent and each of the Lender Parties may, at its option, create one or more copies of any Communication in the form of an imaged Electronic Record (“Electronic Copy”), which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of such Person’s business, and destroy the original paper document. All Communications in the form of an Electronic Record, including an Electronic Copy, shall be considered an original for all purposes, and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Administrative Agent is not under any obligation to accept an Electronic Signature in any form or in any format unless expressly agreed to by such Person pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (a) to the extent the Administrative Agent has agreed to accept such Electronic Signature, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lender Parties shall be entitled to rely on any such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower and/or any Lender Party without further verification and (b) upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender Party, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by such manually executed counterpart. For purposes hereof, “Electronic Record” and “Electronic Signature” shall have the meanings assigned to them, respectively, by 15 USC §7006, as it may be amended from time to time. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into the sufficiency, validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the Administrative Agent’s reliance on any Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed .pdf or any other electronic means). The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely on, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon, any Communication (which writing may be a fax, any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution or signed using an Electronic Signature) or any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent or otherwise authenticated (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the maker thereof).
- 78 - 153390730_1 The Borrower and each Lender Party hereby waives (i) any argument, defense or right to contest the legal effect, validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document based solely on the lack of paper original copies of this Agreement, such other Loan Document, and (ii) any claim against the Administrative Agent, each Lender Party and each Related Party for any liabilities arising solely from the Administrative Agent’s and/or any Lender Party’s reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures, including any liabilities arising as a result of the failure of the Loan Parties to use any available security measures in connection with the execution, delivery or transmission of any Electronic Signature. 10.18 USA PATRIOT Act. Each Lender that is subject to the Act (as hereinafter defined) and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “Act”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower and each other Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and each other Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower and each other Loan Party in accordance with the Act. The Borrower and each other Loan Party shall, promptly following a request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, provide all documentation and other information that the Administrative Agent or such Lender requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Act. 10.19 Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions. Solely to the extent any Lender that is an Affected Financial Institution is a party to this Agreement and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any Lender that is an Affected Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by: (a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any Lender that is an Affected Financial Institution; and (b) the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable: (i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability; (ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such Affected Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or (iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority. 10.20 Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs. To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for any Swap Contract or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support, “QFC Credit Support”, and each such QFC, a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated
- 79 - 153390730_1 thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States): (a) In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support. (b) As used in this Section 10.20, the following terms have the following meanings: “BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party. “Covered Entity” means any of the following: (i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); (ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b). “Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable. “QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D). 10.21 Amendment and Restatement. (a) The terms, conditions, agreements, covenants, representations and warranties set forth in the Existing Credit Agreement are simultaneously amended and restated in their entirety, and as so amended and restated, are hereby replaced and superseded, by the terms, conditions, agreements, covenants, representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, and as of the Closing Date neither the Borrower nor the Administrative Agent and Lenders shall be subject to or bound by any of the terms of the Existing Credit Agreement and shall only be subject to or bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement, except that nothing herein or in the other Loan Documents shall, in any manner, be construed to constitute payment of, or impair, limit, cancel or extinguish, or constitute a novation in respect of any of the “Obligations” existing under (and as defined in) the Existing Credit Agreement (the “Existing Obligations”) or any other obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of the Borrower evidenced by or arising under the Existing Credit Agreement. All Existing Obligations and all other loans, advances and other financial
- 80 - 153390730_1 accommodations under the Existing Credit Agreement of Borrower to Administrative Agent and Lenders that are outstanding and unpaid as of the date hereof pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement or otherwise shall be deemed Obligations of Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. (b) Each of the Lenders party to this Agreement acknowledges and agrees that (i) as of the Closing Date, immediately prior to the occurrence of the Closing Date, the Borrower has one or more outstanding Term SOFR Loans under the Existing Credit Agreement (the “Existing Term SOFR Loans”) and (ii) on, and subject to the occurrence of, the Closing Date, the Borrower may either (A) prepay such Existing Term SOFR Loans or (B) reallocate such Existing Term SOFR Loans among the Lenders party hereto in a manner which ensures that Committed Loans outstanding under this Agreement are maintained on a ratable basis in accordance with the Applicable Percentages of the Lenders party hereto. By executing this Agreement, each of the Lenders party hereto agrees that to the extent the Closing Date is not the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Existing Term Loans, each such Lender waives any right to compensation pursuant to Section 3.05 which such Lender may otherwise be entitled to in connection with such prepayment or reallocation of such Existing Term Loans on the Closing Date. [signature pages follow]
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement] 153390730_1 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written. FRANKLIN RESOURCES, INC. By: /s/ Leeor Avigdor Name: Leeor Avigdor Title: Senior Vice President and Treasurer
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement] 153390730_1 BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent By: /s/ Aamir Saleem Name: Aamir Saleem Title: Vice President
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement] 153390730_1 BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender By: /s/ Daniel Chapman Name: Daniel Chapman Title: Vice President
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement] 153390730_1 HSBC BANK USA, N.A., as a Lender By: /s/ Kieran Patel Name: Kieran Patel Title: Managing Director
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement] 153390730_1 JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as a Lender By: /s/ Kensie Henry Larmond Name: Kensie Henry Larmond Title: Executive Director
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement] 153390730_1 CITIBANK, N.A., as a Lender By: /s/ William Wilson Name: William Wilson Title: Vice President
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement] 153390730_1 WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender By: /s/ Nik Broschofsky Name: Nik Broschofsky Title: Executive Director
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement] 153390730_1 GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, as a Lender By: /s/ Ananda DeRoche Name: Ananda DeRoche Title: Authorized Signatory
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement] 153390730_1 BARCLAYS BANK PLC, as a Lender By: /s/ Ronnie Glenn Name: Ronnie Glenn Title: Director
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement] 153390730_1 MORGAN STANLEY BANK, N.A., as a Lender By: /s/ Michael King Name: Michael King Title: Authorized Signatory
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement] 153390730_1 MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY, as a Lender By: /s/ Macon Heikes Name: Macon Heikes Title: SVP
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Jennifer M. Johnson, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Franklin Resources, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| Date: | May 2, 2025 | /s/ Jennifer M. Johnson | |||||||||
| Jennifer M. Johnson | |||||||||||
| President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | |||||||||||
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION
I, Matthew Nicholls, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Franklin Resources, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| Date: | May 2, 2025 | /s/ Matthew Nicholls | |||||||||
| Matthew Nicholls | |||||||||||
| Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | |||||||||||
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 (FURNISHED HEREWITH)
I, Jennifer M. Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Resources, Inc. (the “Company”), certify, as of the date hereof and solely for purposes of and pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
1.The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company at the dates and for the periods indicated.
This Certification has not been, and shall not be deemed, “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
| Date: | May 2, 2025 | /s/ Jennifer M. Johnson | |||||||||
| Jennifer M. Johnson | |||||||||||
| President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | |||||||||||
EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 (FURNISHED HEREWITH)
I, Matthew Nicholls, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Franklin Resources, Inc. (the “Company”), certify, as of the date hereof and solely for purposes of and pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
1.The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company at the dates and for the periods indicated.
This Certification has not been, and shall not be deemed, “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
| Date: | May 2, 2025 | /s/ Matthew Nicholls | |||||||||
| Matthew Nicholls | |||||||||||
| Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | |||||||||||