| |
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
| |
1311
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
| |
85-0886382
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
|
| |
Samantha H. Crispin
M. Preston Bernhisel Adorys Velazquez Baker Botts L.L.P. 2001 Ross Avenue, Suite 900 Dallas, Texas 75201 (214) 953-6500 |
| |
Michael Chambers
Monica E. White Latham & Watkins LLP 811 Main Street, Suite 3700 Houston, Texas 77002 (713) 546-5400 |
|
| |
Large accelerated filer
☐
|
| |
Accelerated filer
☐
|
|
| |
Non-accelerated filer
☒
|
| |
Smaller reporting company
☐
|
|
| | | | |
Emerging growth company
☒
|
|
| | | |
Page
|
| |||
| | | | | 1 | | | |
| | | | | 45 | | | |
| | | | | 101 | | | |
| | | | | 103 | | | |
| | | | | 104 | | | |
| | | | | 105 | | | |
| | | | | 107 | | | |
| | | | | 109 | | | |
| | | | | 153 | | | |
| | | | | 155 | | | |
| | | | | 219 | | | |
| | | | | 229 | | | |
| | | | | 245 | | | |
| | | | | 247 | | | |
| | | | | 255 | | | |
| | | | | 263 | | | |
| | | | | 266 | | | |
| | | | | 268 | | | |
| | | | | 272 | | | |
| | | | | 279 | | | |
| | | | | 279 | | | |
| | | | | 279 | | | |
| | | | | F-1 | | | |
|
Project
|
| |
Status(1)
|
| |
Actual or Forecasted
Initiation of Sequestration Operations(2) |
| |
Forecasted Annual
Sequestration Volumes (Mtpy CO2e)(3) |
| |||
|
Barnett Zero
|
| |
Operating
|
| |
November 2023
|
| | | | 0.18 | | |
|
Cotton Cove
|
| |
FID
|
| |
Q1 2026
|
| | | | 0.04 | | |
|
8 NGP Projects
|
| |
Pre-FID
|
| |
2025 – 2029
|
| | | | 2.68 | | |
|
3 Industrial Projects
|
| |
Pre-FID
|
| |
2026 – 2027
|
| | | | 11.15 | | |
|
4 Ethanol Projects
|
| |
Pre-FID
|
| |
2027 – 2029
|
| | | | 2.56 | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
| |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues and other operating income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||
|
Natural gas revenues
|
| | | $ | 96,336 | | | | | $ | 157,768 | | | | | $ | 509,846 | | | | | $ | 1,310,339 | | | | | $ | 597,050 | | |
|
NGL revenues
|
| | | | 43,417 | | | | | | 50,040 | | | | | | 187,860 | | | | | | 311,542 | | | | | | 225,135 | | |
|
Oil revenues
|
| | | | 1,934 | | | | | | 2,597 | | | | | | 8,445 | | | | | | 11,866 | | | | | | 7,560 | | |
|
Natural gas, NGL, and oil revenues
|
| | | | 141,687 | | | | | | 210,405 | | | | | | 706,151 | | | | | | 1,633,747 | | | | | | 829,745 | | |
|
Midstream revenues
|
| | | | 4,128 | | | | | | 3,922 | | | | | | 16,168 | | | | | | 12,676 | | | | | | 6,917 | | |
|
Derivative gains (losses), net
|
| | | | (3,679) | | | | | | 97,368 | | | | | | 238,743 | | | | | | (629,701) | | | | | | (383,847) | | |
|
Marketing revenues
|
| | | | 4,921 | | | | | | 2,635 | | | | | | 8,710 | | | | | | 11,001 | | | | | | 52,616 | | |
|
Related party and other
|
| | | | 4,157 | | | | | | 1,774 | | | | | | 8,251 | | | | | | 2,799 | | | | | | 251 | | |
|
Total revenues and other operating income
|
| | | | 151,214 | | | | | | 316,104 | | | | | | 978,023 | | | | | | 1,030,522 | | | | | | 505,682 | | |
| Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Lease operating and workover
|
| | | | 34,468 | | | | | | 43,166 | | | | | | 150,647 | | | | | | 131,497 | | | | | | 86,831 | | |
|
Taxes other than income
|
| | | | 11,365 | | | | | | 24,169 | | | | | | 72,290 | | | | | | 114,668 | | | | | | 45,650 | | |
|
Gathering and transportation
|
| | | | 59,391 | | | | | | 58,284 | | | | | | 248,990 | | | | | | 208,758 | | | | | | 173,587 | | |
|
Depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion(1)
|
| | | | 52,166 | | | | | | 36,747 | | | | | | 223,370 | | | | | | 118,909 | | | | | | 92,277 | | |
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 20,645 | | | | | | 26,286 | | | | | | 114,688 | | | | | | 148,559 | | | | | | 85,740 | | |
|
Other
|
| | | | 8,242 | | | | | | 2,500 | | | | | | 12,625 | | | | | | 3,567 | | | | | | 1,274 | | |
|
Total operating expenses
|
| | | | 186,277 | | | | | | 191,152 | | | | | | 822,610 | | | | | | 725,958 | | | | | | 485,359 | | |
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
| | | | (35,063) | | | | | | 124,952 | | | | | | 155,413 | | | | | | 304,564 | | | | | | 20,323 | | |
| Other income (expense) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Bargain purchase gain
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 170,853 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Gain on settlement of litigation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 16,866 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Gains (losses) on contingent consideration(2)
|
| | | | 6,594 | | | | | | 22,894 | | | | | | 38,375 | | | | | | 6,632 | | | | | | (194,968) | | |
|
Earnings (losses) from equity affiliate
|
| | | | (7,707) | | | | | | (5,399) | | | | | | 16,865 | | | | | | 8,493 | | | | | | 910 | | |
|
Interest income
|
| | | | 1,633 | | | | | | 648 | | | | | | 3,138 | | | | | | 1,143 | | | | | | 8 | | |
|
Interest expense
|
| | | | (16,083) | | | | | | (17,770) | | | | | | (69,942) | | | | | | (26,322) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Interest expense, related party
|
| | | | (1,973) | | | | | | (1,492) | | | | | | (7,078) | | | | | | (10,846) | | | | | | (2,134) | | |
|
Other income
|
| | | | 1,035 | | | | | | 1,636 | | | | | | 8,372 | | | | | | 1,411 | | | | | | 872 | | |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
| | | | (51,564) | | | | | | 125,469 | | | | | | 145,143 | | | | | | 472,794 | | | | | | (174,989) | | |
|
Income tax benefit (expense)
|
| | | | 12,979 | | | | | | (29,307) | | | | | | (28,225) | | | | | | (62,652) | | | | | | 40,526 | | |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to BKV Corporation
|
| | | | (38,585) | | | | | | 96,162 | | | | | | 116,918 | | | | | | 410,142 | | | | | | (134,463) | | |
|
Less accretion of preferred stock to redemption
value |
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (3,745) | | |
|
Less preferred stock dividends
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (9,900) | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
| |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Less deemed dividend on redemption of preferred stock
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (22,606) | | |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
|
| | | | (38,585) | | | | | | 96,162 | | | | | | 116,918 | | | | | | 410,142 | | | | | | (170,714) | | |
| Net income (loss) per common share(3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Basic
|
| | | $ | (0.58) | | | | | $ | 1.64 | | | | | $ | 1.93 | | | | | $ | 6.99 | | | | | $ | (2.92) | | |
|
Diluted
|
| | | $ | (0.58) | | | | | $ | 1.53 | | | | | $ | 1.82 | | | | | $ | 6.62 | | | | | $ | (2.92) | | |
|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding(3)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Basic
|
| | | | 66,287 | | | | | | 58,783 | | | | | | 60,730 | | | | | | 58,659 | | | | | | 58,496 | | |
|
Diluted
|
| | | | 66,287 | | | | | | 62,735 | | | | | | 64,380 | | | | | | 61,990 | | | | | | 58,496 | | |
| Balance sheet information (at period end): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | $ | 21,891 | | | | | $ | 40,647 | | | | | $ | 25,407 | | | | | $ | 153,128 | | | | | $ | 134,667 | | |
|
Restricted cash(4)
|
| | | $ | 140,955 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 139,662 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Total natural gas properties, net
|
| | | $ | 2,091,381 | | | | | $ | 2,249,290 | | | | | $ | 2,125,442 | | | | | $ | 2,209,518 | | | | | $ | 1,176,117 | | |
|
Total assets
|
| | | $ | 2,612,473 | | | | | $ | 2,581,563 | | | | | $ | 2,683,146 | | | | | $ | 2,702,573 | | | | | $ | 1,620,828 | | |
|
Total liabilities
|
| | | $ | 1,164,818 | | | | | $ | 1,288,810 | | | | | $ | 1,197,979 | | | | | $ | 1,506,649 | | | | | $ | 865,889 | | |
|
Total mezzanine equity
|
| | | $ | 190,070 | | | | | $ | 135,200 | | | | | $ | 186,954 | | | | | $ | 151,883 | | | | | $ | 83,847 | | |
|
Total stockholders’ equity
|
| | | $ | 1,257,585 | | | | | $ | 1,157,553 | | | | | $ | 1,298,213 | | | | | $ | 1,044,041 | | | | | $ | 671,092 | | |
| Statement of cash flows information | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
| | | $ | 19,251 | | | | | $ | 13,468 | | | | | $ | 123,076 | | | | | $ | 349,194 | | | | | $ | 358,133 | | |
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
| | | $ | (19,884) | | | | | $ | (81,485) | | | | | $ | (177,848) | | | | | $ | (865,566) | | | | | $ | (161,858) | | |
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
| | | $ | (1,590) | | | | | $ | (44,464) | | | | | $ | 66,713 | | | | | $ | 534,833 | | | | | $ | (79,053) | | |
| Other financial data (unaudited)(5) | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted EBITDAX
|
| | | $ | 47,132 | | | | | $ | 73,970 | | | | | $ | 251,158 | | | | | $ | 575,504 | | | | | $ | 281,024 | | |
|
Upstream capital expenditures (accrued)(6)
|
| | | $ | 12,306 | | | | | $ | 65,975 | | | | | $ | 107,544 | | | | | $ | 253,179 | | | | | $ | 77,634 | | |
|
Upstream Reinvestment Rate(6)
|
| | | | 26% | | | | | | 89% | | | | | | 43% | | | | | | 44% | | | | | | 28% | | |
|
Adjusted Free Cash Flow
|
| | | $ | 47,587 | | | | | $ | (14,545) | | | | | $ | 19,132 | | | | | $ | 169,213 | | | | | $ | 165,090 | | |
|
Adjusted Free Cash Flow Margin
|
| | | | 31% | | | | | | (7)% | | | | | | 3% | | | | | | 10% | | | | | | 19% | | |
|
Total Net Leverage Ratio
|
| | | | 2.60x | | | | | | 2.19x | | | | | | 1.95x | | | | | | 1.00x | | | | | | 0.11x | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
| |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
(in thousands)
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Net income (loss) attributable to BKV Corporation
|
| | | $ | (38,585) | | | | | $ | 96,162 | | | | | $ | 116,918 | | | | | $ | 410,142 | | | | | $ | (134,463) | | |
|
Unrealized derivative (gains)
losses |
| | | | 40,143 | | | | | | (79,347) | | | | | | (148,564) | | | | | | (58,815) | | | | | | 115,161 | | |
|
Forward month gas derivative settlement(1)
|
| | | | (9,048) | | | | | | (14,862) | | | | | | (9,807) | | | | | | (8,826) | | | | | | 15,406 | | |
|
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
|
| | | | 52,259 | | | | | | 37,146 | | | | | | 224,427 | | | | | | 130,038 | | | | | | 98,833 | | |
|
Exploration and impairment expense
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 34 | | |
|
Change in contingent consideration liabilities
|
| | | | (6,594) | | | | | | (22,894) | | | | | | (38,375) | | | | | | (6,632) | | | | | | 194,968 | | |
|
Interest expense
|
| | | | 16,083 | | | | | | 17,770 | | | | | | 69,942 | | | | | | 26,322 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Interest expense, related party
|
| | | | 1,973 | | | | | | 1,492 | | | | | | 7,078 | | | | | | 10,846 | | | | | | 2,134 | | |
|
Income tax expense (benefit)
|
| | | | (12,979) | | | | | | 29,307 | | | | | | 28,225 | | | | | | 62,652 | | | | | | (40,526) | | |
|
Equity-based compensation
expense |
| | | | 1,073 | | | | | | 3,797 | | | | | | 25,756 | | | | | | 31,947 | | | | | | 30,387 | | |
|
Bargain purchase gain
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (170,853) | | | | | | — | | |
|
(Earnings) losses from equity affiliate
|
| | | | 7,707 | | | | | | 5,399 | | | | | | (16,865) | | | | | | (8,493) | | | | | | (910) | | |
|
Total settlements paid (received) for early-terminated derivative contracts during the
period(2) |
| | | | (13,250) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (46,701) | | | | | | 158,448 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Settlements (paid) received for early-terminated derivative contracts related to the period presented(3)
|
| | | | 8,350 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 39,124 | | | | | | (1,272) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Adjusted EBITDAX
|
| | | $ | 47,132 | | | | | $ | 73,970 | | | | | $ | 251,158 | | | | | $ | 575,504 | | | | | $ | 281,024 | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
| |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
Total cash settlements paid (received) for early-terminated
derivative contracts during the period |
| | | $ | (13,250) | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | (46,701) | | | | | $ | 158,448 | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Cash settlements (paid) received for early-terminated derivative contracts related to the period presented
|
| | | | 8,350 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 39,124 | | | | | | (1,272) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Cash settlements paid (received) for early-terminated derivative contracts related to future periods
|
| | | $ | (4,900) | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | (7,577) | | | | | $ | 157,176 | | | | | $ | — | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
| |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
(in thousands)
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
| | | $ | 19,251 | | | | | $ | 13,468 | | | | | $ | 123,076 | | | | | $ | 349,194 | | | | | $ | 358,133 | | |
|
Cash paid for contingent consideration(1)
|
| | | | 20,000 | | | | | | 65,000 | | | | | | 65,000 | | | | | | 45,300 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
|
| | | | 27,875 | | | | | | (8,332) | | | | | | 18,437 | | | | | | 22,816 | | | | | | (126,862) | | |
|
Cash paid for capital expenditures
|
| | | | (19,539) | | | | | | (84,681) | | | | | | (187,381) | | | | | | (248,097) | | | | | | (66,181) | | |
|
Adjusted Free Cash Flow(2)
|
| | | $ | 47,587 | | | | | $ | (14,545) | | | | | $ | 19,132 | | | | | $ | 169,213 | | | | | $ | 165,090 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
| Estimated proved developed reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 2,443,072 | | | | | | 3,798,019 | | | | | | 2,494,925 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 2,290,025 | | | | | | 3,468,896 | | | | | | 2,346,712 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 153,047 | | | | | | 329,123 | | | | | | 148,213 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 156,399 | | | | | | 170,840 | | | | | | 151,433 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 129,260 | | | | | | 157,585 | | | | | | 142,961 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 27,139 | | | | | | 13,255 | | | | | | 8,472 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 992 | | | | | | 1,111 | | | | | | 867 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 802 | | | | | | 1,111 | | | | | | 867 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 190 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Total estimated proved developed reserves (MMcfe)
|
| | | | 3,387,418 | | | | | | 4,829,725 | | | | | | 3,408,725 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 3,070,397 | | | | | | 4,421,072 | | | | | | 3,209,680 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 317,021 | | | | | | 408,653 | | | | | | 199,045 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 986 | | | | | $ | 5,809 | | | | | $ | 2,119 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(3)
|
| | | $ | 1,151 | | | | | $ | 7,389 | | | | | $ | 2,672 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
| Estimated proved undeveloped reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 539,423 | | | | | | 1,057,657 | | | | | | 950,358 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 27,766 | | | | | | 40,660 | | | | | | 13,722 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 59 | | | | | | 758 | | | | | | 58 | | |
|
Total estimated proved undeveloped reserves (MMcfe)(4)(5)
|
| | | | 706,373 | | | | | | 1,306,165 | | | | | | 1,033,038 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 48 | | | | | $ | 1,185 | | | | | $ | 295 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(6)
|
| | | $ | 81 | | | | | $ | 1,566 | | | | | $ | 403 | | |
|
Estimated total proved reserves:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 2,982,495 | | | | | | 4,855,676 | | | | | | 3,445,283 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 184,165 | | | | | | 211,500 | | | | | | 165,155 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 1,051 | | | | | | 1,869 | | | | | | 925 | | |
|
Total estimated proved reserves (MMcfe)
|
| | | | 4,093,791 | | | | | | 6,135,890 | | | | | | 4,441,763 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 1,034 | | | | | $ | 6,994 | | | | | $ | 2,414 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(7)
|
| | | $ | 1,232 | | | | | $ | 8,955 | | | | | $ | 3,075 | | |
|
Estimated probable developed reserves:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 68,385 | | | | | | 367,081 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 7,871 | | | | | | 25,558 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 6 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Total estimated probable developed reserves (MMcfe)(5)(8)
|
| | | | 115,647 | | | | | | 520,429 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 13 | | | | | $ | 281 | | | | | | — | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(9)
|
| | | $ | 18 | | | | | $ | 372 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Estimated probable undeveloped reserves:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 237,236 | | | | | | 572,425 | | | | | | 522,442 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 19,114 | | | | | | 39,319 | | | | | | 31,227 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 548 | | | | | | 1,556 | | | | | | 486 | | |
|
Total estimated probable undeveloped reserves (MMcfe)(5)(8)
|
| | | | 355,208 | | | | | | 817,675 | | | | | | 712,720 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 5 | | | | | $ | 420 | | | | | $ | 146 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(10)
|
| | | $ | 17 | | | | | $ | 563 | | | | | $ | 202 | | |
|
Estimated total probable reserves:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 305,621 | | | | | | 939,506 | | | | | | 522,442 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 26,985 | | | | | | 64,877 | | | | | | 31,227 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 554 | | | | | | 1,556 | | | | | | 486 | | |
|
Total estimated probable reserves (MMcfe)(5)(8)
|
| | | | 470,855 | | | | | | 1,338,104 | | | | | | 712,720 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 18 | | | | | $ | 701 | | | | | $ | 146 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(11)
|
| | | $ | 35 | | | | | $ | 935 | | | | | $ | 202 | | |
|
Estimated possible developed reserves:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 57,114 | | | | | | 84,124 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 3,257 | | | | | | 8,146 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 2 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Total estimated possible developed reserves (MMcfe)(5)(8)
|
| | | | 76,668 | | | | | | 133,000 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 2 | | | | | $ | 53 | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(12)
|
| | | $ | 4 | | | | | $ | 70 | | | | | $ | — | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
Estimated possible undeveloped reserves:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 12,742 | | | | | | 540,878 | | | | | | 381,941 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 16,876 | | | | | | 32,047 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 789 | | | | | | 1,841 | | |
|
Total estimated possible undeveloped reserves (MMcfe)(5)(8)
|
| | | | 12,742 | | | | | | 646,868 | | | | | | 585,269 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 247 | | | | | $ | 51 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(13)
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 330 | | | | | $ | 75 | | |
|
Estimated total possible reserves:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 69,856 | | | | | | 625,002 | | | | | | 381,941 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 3,257 | | | | | | 25,022 | | | | | | 32,047 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 2 | | | | | | 789 | | | | | | 1,841 | | |
|
Total estimated possible reserves (MMcfe)(5)(8)
|
| | | | 89,410 | | | | | | 779,868 | | | | | | 585,269 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 2 | | | | | $ | 300 | | | | | $ | 51 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(14)
|
| | | $ | 4 | | | | | $ | 400 | | | | | $ | 75 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 1,151 | | | | | $ | 7,389 | | | | | $ | 2,672 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (165) | | | | | | (1,580) | | | | | | (553) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 986 | | | | | $ | 5,809 | | | | | $ | 2,119 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 81 | | | | | $ | 1,566 | | | | | $ | 403 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (33) | | | | | | (381) | | | | | | (108) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 48 | | | | | $ | 1,185 | | | | | $ | 295 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 1,232 | | | | | $ | 8,955 | | | | | $ | 3,074 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (198) | | | | | | (1,961) | | | | | | (661) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 1,034 | | | | | $ | 6,994 | | | | | $ | 2,413 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 18 | | | | | $ | 372 | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (5) | | | | | | (91) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 13 | | | | | $ | 281 | | | | | $ | — | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 17 | | | | | $ | 563 | | | | | $ | 202 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (12) | | | | | | (143) | | | | | | (56) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 5 | | | | | $ | 420 | | | | | $ | 146 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 35 | | | | | $ | 935 | | | | | $ | 202 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (17) | | | | | | (234) | | | | | | (56) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 18 | | | | | $ | 701 | | | | | $ | 146 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 4 | | | | | $ | 70 | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (2) | | | | | | (17) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 2 | | | | | $ | 53 | | | | | $ | — | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 330 | | | | | $ | 75 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | — | | | | | | (83) | | | | | | (24) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 247 | | | | | $ | 51 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 4 | | | | | $ | 400 | | | | | $ | 75 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (2) | | | | | | (100) | | | | | | (24) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 2 | | | | | $ | 300 | | | | | $ | 51 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
| Estimated proved developed reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 2,984,949 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 2,791,791 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 193,158 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 164,204 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 134,689 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 29,515 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 1,046 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 808 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 238 | | |
|
Total estimated proved developed reserves (MMcfe)
|
| | | | 3,976,436 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 3,604,773 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 371,663 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 1,651 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(1)
|
| | | $ | 2,015 | | |
| Estimated proved undeveloped reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 790,838 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 30,500 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 59 | | |
|
Total estimated proved undeveloped reserves (MMcfe)(2)(3)
|
| | | | 974,192 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 244 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(4)
|
| | | $ | 335 | | |
| Estimated total proved reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 3,775,787 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 194,704 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 1,105 | | |
|
Total estimated proved reserves (MMcfe)
|
| | | | 4,950,628 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 1,895 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(5)
|
| | | $ | 2,350 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
| Estimated probable developed reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 179,158 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 10,403 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 44 | | |
|
Total estimated probable developed reserves (MMcfe)(3)(6)
|
| | | | 241,840 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 25 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(7)
|
| | | $ | 36 | | |
| Estimated probable undeveloped reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 609,077 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 24,020 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 518 | | |
|
Total estimated probable undeveloped reserves (MMcfe)(3)(6)
|
| | | | 756,305 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 88 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(8)
|
| | | $ | 130 | | |
| Estimated total probable reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 788,235 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 34,423 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 562 | | |
|
Total estimated probable reserves (MMcfe)(3)(6)
|
| | | | 998,145 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 113 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(9)
|
| | | $ | 166 | | |
| Estimated possible developed reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 103,647 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 3,823 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 8 | | |
|
Total estimated possible developed reserves (MMcfe)(3)(6)
|
| | | | 126,633 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 10 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(10)
|
| | | $ | 14 | | |
| Estimated possible undeveloped reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 113,477 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 1,021 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | — | | |
|
Total estimated possible undeveloped reserves (MMcfe)(3)(6)
|
| | | | 119,603 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 12 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(11)
|
| | | $ | 17 | | |
| Estimated total possible reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 217,124 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 4,844 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 8 | | |
|
Total estimated possible reserves (MMcfe)(3)(6)
|
| | | | 246,236 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 22 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(12)
|
| | | $ | 31 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 2,015 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (364) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 1,651 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 335 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (91) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 244 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 2,350 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (455) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 1,895 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 36 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (11) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 25 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 130 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (42) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 88 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 166 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (53) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 113 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 14 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (4) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 10 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 17 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (5) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 12 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 31 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (9) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 22 | | |
| | | |
As of March 31, 2024
|
| |||||||||
| | | |
Actual
|
| |
As Adjusted
|
| ||||||
|
(in thousands, except shares and par value)
|
| |
(unaudited)
|
| |||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash
|
| | | $ | 162,846 | | | | | $ | | | |
| Debt: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Notes payable to related party(1)
|
| | | $ | 75,000 | | | | | $ | | | |
|
Term Loan Credit Agreement
|
| | | | 452,645 | | | | | | | | |
|
Credit facilities
|
| | | | 126,000 | | | | | | | | |
|
Total debt(2)
|
| | | $ | 653,645 | | | | | $ | | | |
| Mezzanine equity(3): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Common stock – minority ownership puttable shares
|
| | | $ | 61,536 | | | | | $ | | | |
|
Equity-based compensation
|
| | | | 128,534 | | | | | | | | |
|
Total mezzanine equity
|
| | | $ | 190,070 | | | | | $ | | | |
| Stockholders’ equity(4): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 300,000,000 authorized shares; 63,872,684 shares issued and outstanding, actual; and shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted(5)
|
| | | $ | 1,283 | | | | | $ | | | |
|
Treasury stock, shares at cost; 213,528 shares
|
| | | | (4,582) | | | | | | | | |
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
| | | | 1,032,101 | | | | | | | | |
|
Retained earnings
|
| | | | 228,783 | | | | | | | | |
|
Total stockholders’ equity
|
| | | $ | 1,257,585 | | | | | $ | | | |
|
Total capitalization
|
| | | $ | 2,264,146 | | | | | $ | | | |
| |
Assumed initial public offering price per share
|
| | | | | | | | | $ | | | |
| |
Net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2024
|
| | | $ | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors in this offering
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Less: As adjusted net tangible book value per share of common stock after giving effect to this offering
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Dilution in as adjusted net tangible book value per share to new investors from this offering
|
| | | | | | | | | $ | | | |
| | | |
SHARES
|
| |
TOTAL CONSIDERATION
|
| |
AVERAGE
PRICE PER SHARE |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
NUMBER
|
| |
PERCENT
|
| |
AMOUNT
|
| |
PERCENT
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
Existing investors
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Existing common stock stockholders
|
| | | | | | | | | | % | | | | | $ | | | | | | | % | | | | | $ | | | |
|
Existing mezzanine equity stockholders(1)
|
| | | | | | | | | % | | | | | | | | | | | % | | | |
|
| |||||
|
Total existing stockholders
|
| | | | | | | | | | % | | | | | | | | | | | | % | | | | | | | | |
|
New investors
|
| | | | | | | | | | % | | | | | | | | | | | | % | | | | | | | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | | | | | | | 100% | | | | | $ | | | | | | 100% | | | | | $ | | | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
| |
Year Ended
December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
Natural gas sales
|
| | | | 68% | | | | | | 75% | | | | | | 72% | | | | | | 80% | | | | | | 72% | | |
|
NGL sales
|
| | | | 31% | | | | | | 24% | | | | | | 27% | | | | | | 19% | | | | | | 27% | | |
|
Oil sales
|
| | | | 1% | | | | | | 1% | | | | | | 1% | | | | | | 1% | | | | | | 1% | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
| |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Production Data
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 59,644 | | | | | | 63,687 | | | | | | 249,766 | | | | | | 217,585 | | | | | | 186,055 | | |
|
NGLs (MBbls)
|
| | | | 2,485 | | | | | | 2,488 | | | | | | 10,554 | | | | | | 10,187 | | | | | | 9,829 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 28 | | | | | | 36 | | | | | | 119 | | | | | | 140 | | | | | | 123 | | |
|
Total volumes (MMcfe)
|
| | | | 74,722 | | | | | | 78,831 | | | | | | 313,804 | | | | | | 279,547 | | | | | | 245,767 | | |
|
Average daily total volumes (MMcfe/d)
|
| | | | 821.1 | | | | | | 875.9 | | | | | | 859.7 | | | | | | 765.9 | | | | | | 673.3 | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
| |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||
| Average prices: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (Mcf):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Average NYMEX Henry Hub price
|
| | | $ | 2.24 | | | | | $ | 3.42 | | | | | $ | 2.74 | | | | | $ | 6.64 | | | | | $ | 3.84 | | |
|
Average natural gas realized price (excluding derivatives)
|
| | | $ | 1.62 | | | | | $ | 2.48 | | | | | $ | 2.04 | | | | | $ | 6.02 | | | | | $ | 3.21 | | |
|
Average natural gas realized price (including derivatives)(1)
|
| | | $ | 2.00 | | | | | $ | 2.79 | | | | | $ | 2.23 | | | | | $ | 3.72 | | | | | $ | 2.29 | | |
|
Differential to NYMEX Henry Hub
|
| | | $ | (0.63) | | | | | $ | (0.94) | | | | | $ | (0.70) | | | | | $ | (0.62) | | | | | $ | (0.63) | | |
|
NGLs (Bbl):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Average NYMEX WTI price
|
| | | $ | 77.50 | | | | | $ | 75.93 | | | | | $ | 77.58 | | | | | $ | 95.03 | | | | | $ | 67.92 | | |
|
Average NGL realized price (excluding
derivatives) |
| | | $ | 17.47 | | | | | $ | 20.11 | | | | | $ | 17.80 | | | | | $ | 30.58 | | | | | $ | 22.90 | | |
|
Average NGL realized price (including derivatives)(1)
|
| | | $ | 17.53 | | | | | $ | 19.27 | | | | | $ | 17.55 | | | | | $ | 27.78 | | | | | $ | 16.03 | | |
|
Differential to NYMEX WTI
|
| | | $ | (60.03) | | | | | $ | (55.82) | | | | | $ | (59.78) | | | | | $ | (64.45) | | | | | $ | (45.02) | | |
|
Oil (Bbl):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Average NYMEX WTI price
|
| | | $ | 77.50 | | | | | $ | 75.93 | | | | | $ | 77.58 | | | | | $ | 95.03 | | | | | $ | 67.92 | | |
|
Average oil realized price (excluding derivatives)
|
| | | $ | 69.07 | | | | | $ | 72.14 | | | | | $ | 70.97 | | | | | $ | 84.76 | | | | | $ | 61.46 | | |
|
Average oil realized price (including derivatives)(1)
|
| | | $ | 69.07 | | | | | $ | 72.14 | | | | | $ | 70.97 | | | | | $ | 84.76 | | | | | $ | 61.46 | | |
|
Differential to NYMEX WTI
|
| | | $ | (8.43) | | | | | $ | (3.79) | | | | | $ | (6.61) | | | | | $ | (10.27) | | | | | $ | (6.46) | | |
| High and low NYMEX prices: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Oil (Bbl):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
High
|
| | | $ | 84.39 | | | | | $ | 81.62 | | | | | $ | 93.67 | | | | | $ | 123.64 | | | | | $ | 84.65 | | |
|
Low
|
| | | $ | 70.62 | | | | | $ | 66.61 | | | | | $ | 66.61 | | | | | $ | 71.05 | | | | | $ | 47.62 | | |
|
Natural gas (Mcf):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
High
|
| | | $ | 13.20 | | | | | $ | 3.78 | | | | | $ | 3.78 | | | | | $ | 9.85 | | | | | $ | 23.86 | | |
|
Low
|
| | | $ | 1.25 | | | | | $ | 1.93 | | | | | $ | 1.74 | | | | | $ | 3.46 | | | | | $ | 2.43 | | |
|
Instrument
|
| |
MMBtu
|
| |
Weighted
Average Price (USD) |
| |
Weighted
Average Price Floor |
| |
Weighted
Average Price Ceiling |
| |
Fair Value as of
March 31, 2024 (in thousands) |
| |||||||||||||||
| 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Swap
|
| | | | 72,887,500 | | | | | $ | 3.52 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 73,898 | | |
| 2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Swap
|
| | | | 26,125,000 | | | | | $ | 3.55 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 2,610 | | |
|
Collars
|
| | | | 14,600,000 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 3.71 | | | | | $ | 4.11 | | | | | $ | 5,211 | | |
| 2026 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Swap
|
| | | | 8,550,000 | | | | | $ | 3.55 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (4,099) | | |
|
Call options
|
| | | | 36,500,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 5.00 | | | | | $ | (11,187) | | |
| 2027 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Call options
|
| | | | 36,500,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 5.00 | | | | | $ | (12,993) | | |
|
Instrument
|
| |
Basis Reference Price
|
| |
MMBtu
|
| |
Weighted
Average Basis Differential |
| |
Fair Value as of
March 31, 2024 (in thousands) |
| |||||||||
| 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
NGPL TXOK Basis
|
| | | | 21,400,000 | | | | | $ | (0.54) | | | | | $ | (5,297) | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
Transco Leidy Basis
|
| | | | 24,750,000 | | | | | $ | (0.89) | | | | | $ | (4,421) | | |
|
Instrument
|
| |
Commodity Reference Price
|
| |
Gallons
|
| |
Weighted
Average Price (USD) |
| |
Fair Value as of
March 31, 2024 (in thousands) |
| | |||||||||||
| 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS Purity Ethane Mont Belvieu | | | | | 144,375,000 | | | | | $ | 0.23 | | | | | $ | 4,693 | | | | ||
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS IsoButane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 9,817,500 | | | | | $ | 0.93 | | | | | $ | (1,172) | | | | ||
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Normal Butane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 14,437,500 | | | | | $ | 0.90 | | | | | $ | (958) | | | | ||
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS Pentane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 23,100,000 | | | | | $ | 1.47 | | | | | $ | (2,623) | | | | ||
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS Propane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 54,862,500 | | | | | $ | 0.80 | | | | | $ | (1,834) | | | | ||
| 2025 | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS Purity Ethane Mont Belvieu | | | | | 92,767,500 | | | | | $ | 0.25 | | | | | $ | 265 | | | | ||
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS IsoButane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 6,599,250 | | | | | $ | 0.87 | | | | | $ | (337) | | | | ||
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Normal Butane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 9,082,500 | | | | | $ | 0.84 | | | | | $ | (364) | | | | ||
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS Pentane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 13,387,500 | | | | | $ | 1.39 | | | | | $ | (1,315) | | | | ||
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS Propane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 35,385,000 | | | | | $ | 0.74 | | | | | $ | (797) | | | | ||
| 2026 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS Purity Ethane Mont Belvieu | | | | | 6,615,000 | | | | | $ | 0.25 | | | | | $ | (226) | | | | ||
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS IsoButane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 472,500 | | | | | $ | 0.83 | | | | | $ | (13) | | | | ||
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Normal Butane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 472,500 | | | | | $ | 0.80 | | | | | $ | (18) | | | | ||
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS Pentane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 945,000 | | | | | $ | 1.40 | | | | | $ | (27) | | | | ||
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS Propane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 2,835,000 | | | | | $ | 0.69 | | | | | $ | (94) | | | | ||
| | | |
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
| Revenues and other operating income | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas revenues
|
| | | $ | 96,336 | | | | | $ | 157,768 | | |
|
NGL revenues
|
| | | | 43,417 | | | | | | 50,040 | | |
|
Oil revenues
|
| | | | 1,934 | | | | | | 2,597 | | |
|
Midstream revenues
|
| | | | 4,128 | | | | | | 3,922 | | |
|
Derivative gains (losses), net
|
| | | | (3,679) | | | | | | 97,368 | | |
|
Marketing revenues
|
| | | | 4,921 | | | | | | 2,635 | | |
|
Related party and other
|
| | | | 4,157 | | | | | | 1,774 | | |
|
Total revenues and other operating income
|
| | | | 151,214 | | | | | | 316,104 | | |
| Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Lease operating and workover
|
| | | | 34,468 | | | | | | 43,166 | | |
|
Taxes other than income
|
| | | | 11,365 | | | | | | 24,169 | | |
|
Gathering and transportation
|
| | | | 59,391 | | | | | | 58,284 | | |
|
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
|
| | | | 52,166 | | | | | | 36,747 | | |
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 20,645 | | | | | | 26,286 | | |
|
Other
|
| | | | 8,242 | | | | | | 2,500 | | |
|
Total operating expenses
|
| | | | 186,277 | | | | | | 191,152 | | |
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
| | | | (35,063) | | | | | | 124,952 | | |
| Other income (expense) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Gains on contingent consideration liabilities
|
| | | | 6,594 | | | | | | 22,894 | | |
|
Losses from equity affiliate
|
| | | | (7,707) | | | | | | (5,399) | | |
|
Interest income
|
| | | | 1,633 | | | | | | 648 | | |
|
Interest expense
|
| | | | (16,083) | | | | | | (17,770) | | |
|
Interest expense, related party
|
| | | | (1,973) | | | | | | (1,492) | | |
|
Other income
|
| | | | 1,035 | | | | | | 1,636 | | |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
| | | | (51,564) | | | | | | 125,469 | | |
|
Income tax benefit (expense)
|
| | | | 12,979 | | | | | | (29,307) | | |
|
Net income (loss)
|
| | | $ | (38,585) | | | | | $ | 96,162 | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
| Revenues and other operating income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas revenues
|
| | | $ | 509,846 | | | | | $ | 1,310,339 | | | | | $ | 597,050 | | |
|
NGL revenues
|
| | | | 187,860 | | | | | | 311,542 | | | | | | 225,135 | | |
|
Oil revenues
|
| | | | 8,445 | | | | | | 11,866 | | | | | | 7,560 | | |
|
Midstream revenues
|
| | | | 16,168 | | | | | | 12,676 | | | | | | 6,917 | | |
|
Derivative gains (losses), net
|
| | | | 238,743 | | | | | | (629,701) | | | | | | (383,847) | | |
|
Marketing revenues
|
| | | | 8,710 | | | | | | 11,001 | | | | | | 52,616 | | |
|
Related party and other
|
| | | | 8,251 | | | | | | 2,799 | | | | | | 251 | | |
|
Total revenues and other operating income
|
| | | | 978,023 | | | | | | 1,030,522 | | | | | | 505,682 | | |
| Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Lease operating and workover
|
| | | | 150,647 | | | | | | 131,497 | | | | | | 86,831 | | |
|
Taxes other than income
|
| | | | 72,290 | | | | | | 114,668 | | | | | | 45,650 | | |
|
Gathering and transportation
|
| | | | 248,990 | | | | | | 208,758 | | | | | | 173,587 | | |
|
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
|
| | | | 223,370 | | | | | | 118,909 | | | | | | 92,277 | | |
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 114,688 | | | | | | 148,559 | | | | | | 85,740 | | |
|
Other
|
| | | | 12,625 | | | | | | 3,567 | | | | | | 1,274 | | |
|
Total operating expenses
|
| | | | 822,610 | | | | | | 725,958 | | | | | | 485,359 | | |
|
Income from operations
|
| | | | 155,413 | | | | | | 304,564 | | | | | | 20,323 | | |
| Other income (expense) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Bargain purchase gain
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 170,853 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Gain on settlement of litigation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 16,866 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Gains (losses) on contingent consideration liabilities
|
| | | | 38,375 | | | | | | 6,632 | | | | | | (194,968) | | |
|
Earnings from equity affiliate
|
| | | | 16,865 | | | | | | 8,493 | | | | | | 910 | | |
|
Interest income
|
| | | | 3,138 | | | | | | 1,143 | | | | | | 8 | | |
|
Interest expense
|
| | | | (69,942) | | | | | | (26,322) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Interest expense, related party
|
| | | | (7,078) | | | | | | (10,846) | | | | | | (2,134) | | |
|
Other income
|
| | | | 8,372 | | | | | | 1,411 | | | | | | 872 | | |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
| | | | 145,143 | | | | | | 472,794 | | | | | | (174,989) | | |
|
Income tax benefit (expense)
|
| | | | (28,225) | | | | | | (62,652) | | | | | | 40,526 | | |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to BKV Corporation
|
| | | $ | 116,918 | | | | | $ | 410,142 | | | | | $ | (134,463) | | |
|
Less accretion of preferred stock to redemption value
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (3,745) | | |
|
Less preferred stock dividends
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (9,900) | | |
|
Less deemed dividend on redemption of preferred stock
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (22,606) | | |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
|
| | | $ | 116,918 | | | | | $ | 410,142 | | | | | $ | (170,714) | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
| | | |||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, other than percentages)
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
$ Change
|
| |
% Change
|
| ||||||||||||
| Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas revenues
|
| | | $ | 96,336 | | | | | $ | 157,768 | | | | | $ | (61,432) | | | | | | (39)% | | |
|
NGL revenues
|
| | | | 43,417 | | | | | | 50,040 | | | | | | (6,623) | | | | | | (13)% | | |
|
Oil revenues
|
| | | | 1,934 | | | | | | 2,597 | | | | | | (663) | | | | | | (26)% | | |
|
Midstream revenues
|
| | | | 4,128 | | | | | | 3,922 | | | | | | 206 | | | | | | 5% | | |
|
Derivative gains (losses), net
|
| | | | (3,679) | | | | | | 97,368 | | | | | | (101,047) | | | | | | * | | |
|
Marketing revenues
|
| | | | 4,921 | | | | | | 2,635 | | | | | | 2,286 | | | | | | 87% | | |
|
Related party and other
|
| | | | 4,157 | | | | | | 1,774 | | | | | | 2,383 | | | | | | * | | |
|
Total revenues and other operating income
|
| | | $ | 151,214 | | | | | $ | 316,104 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
|
(in thousands, other than percentages and average costs)
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
$ Change
|
| |
% Change
|
| ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Lease operating and workover
|
| | | $ | 34,468 | | | | | $ | 43,166 | | | | | $ | (8,698) | | | | | | (20)% | | |
|
Taxes other than income
|
| | | | 11,365 | | | | | | 24,169 | | | | | | (12,804) | | | | | | (53)% | | |
|
Gathering and transportation
|
| | | | 59,391 | | | | | | 58,284 | | | | | | 1,107 | | | | | | 2% | | |
|
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
|
| | | | 52,166 | | | | | | 36,747 | | | | | | 15,419 | | | | | | 42% | | |
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 20,645 | | | | | | 26,286 | | | | | | (5,641) | | | | | | (21)% | | |
|
Other
|
| | | | 8,242 | | | | | | 2,500 | | | | | | 5,742 | | | | | | * | | |
|
Total operating expenses
|
| | | $ | 186,277 | | | | | $ | 191,152 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Average costs per Mcfe | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Lease operating and workover
|
| | | $ | 0.46 | | | | | $ | 0.55 | | | | | $ | (0.09) | | | | | | (16)% | | |
|
Taxes other than income
|
| | | | 0.15 | | | | | | 0.31 | | | | | | (0.16) | | | | | | (52)% | | |
|
Gathering and transportation
|
| | | | 0.79 | | | | | | 0.74 | | | | | | 0.05 | | | | | | 7% | | |
|
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
|
| | | | 0.70 | | | | | | 0.47 | | | | | | 0.23 | | | | | | 49% | | |
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 0.28 | | | | | | 0.33 | | | | | | (0.05) | | | | | | (15)% | | |
|
Other
|
| | | | 0.11 | | | | | | 0.03 | | | | | | 0.08 | | | | | | * | | |
|
Total
|
| | | $ | 2.49 | | | | | $ | 2.43 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
| | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
$ Change
|
| |
% Change
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, other than percentages and average costs)
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Per Mcfe
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Per Mcfe
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||
|
Lease operating expenses
|
| | | $ | 32,463 | | | | | $ | 0.43 | | | | | $ | 40,651 | | | | | $ | 0.52 | | | | | $ | (8,188) | | | | | | (20)% | | |
|
Workover expense
|
| | | | 2,005 | | | | | | 0.03 | | | | | | 2,515 | | | | | | 0.03 | | | | | | (510) | | | | | | (20)% | | |
|
Total lease operating and workover expense
|
| | | $ | 34,468 | | | | | $ | 0.46 | | | | | $ | 43,166 | | | | | $ | 0.55 | | | | | $ | (8,698) | | | | | | (20)% | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
|
(in thousands, other than percentages)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
$ Change
|
| |
% Change
|
| ||||||||||||
| Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas revenues
|
| | | $ | 509,846 | | | | | $ | 1,310,339 | | | | | $ | (800,493) | | | | | | (61)% | | |
|
NGL revenues
|
| | | | 187,860 | | | | | | 311,542 | | | | | | (123,682) | | | | | | (40)% | | |
|
Oil revenues
|
| | | | 8,445 | | | | | | 11,866 | | | | | | (3,421) | | | | | | (29)% | | |
|
Midstream revenues
|
| | | | 16,168 | | | | | | 12,676 | | | | | | 3,492 | | | | | | 28% | | |
|
Derivative gains (losses), net
|
| | | | 238,743 | | | | | | (629,701) | | | | | | 868,444 | | | | | | * | | |
|
Marketing revenues
|
| | | | 8,710 | | | | | | 11,001 | | | | | | (2,291) | | | | | | (21)% | | |
|
Related party and other
|
| | | | 8,251 | | | | | | 2,799 | | | | | | 5,452 | | | | | | * | | |
|
Total revenues and other operating income
|
| | | $ | 978,023 | | | | | $ | 1,030,522 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
|
(in thousands, other than percentages and average costs)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
$ Change
|
| |
% Change
|
| ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Lease operating and workover
|
| | | $ | 150,647 | | | | | $ | 131,497 | | | | | $ | 19,150 | | | | | | 15% | | |
|
Taxes other than income
|
| | | | 72,290 | | | | | | 114,668 | | | | | | (42,378) | | | | | | (37)% | | |
|
Gathering and transportation
|
| | | | 248,990 | | | | | | 208,758 | | | | | | 40,232 | | | | | | 19% | | |
|
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
|
| | | | 223,370 | | | | | | 118,909 | | | | | | 104,461 | | | | | | 88% | | |
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 114,688 | | | | | | 148,559 | | | | | | (33,871) | | | | | | (23)% | | |
|
Other
|
| | | | 12,625 | | | | | | 3,567 | | | | | | 9,058 | | | | | | * | | |
|
Total operating expenses
|
| | | $ | 822,610 | | | | | $ | 725,958 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Average costs per Mcfe | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Lease operating and workover
|
| | | $ | 0.48 | | | | | $ | 0.47 | | | | | $ | 0.01 | | | | | | 2% | | |
|
Taxes other than income
|
| | | | 0.23 | | | | | | 0.41 | | | | | | (0.18) | | | | | | (44)% | | |
|
Gathering and transportation
|
| | | | 0.79 | | | | | | 0.75 | | | | | | 0.04 | | | | | | 5% | | |
|
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
|
| | | | 0.71 | | | | | | 0.43 | | | | | | 0.28 | | | | | | 65% | | |
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 0.37 | | | | | | 0.53 | | | | | | (0.16) | | | | | | (30)% | | |
|
Other
|
| | | | 0.04 | | | | | | 0.01 | | | | | | 0.03 | | | | | | * | | |
|
Total
|
| | | $ | 2.62 | | | | | $ | 2.60 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
$ Change
|
| |
% Change
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, other than percentages and average costs)
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Per Mcfe
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Per Mcfe
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||
|
Lease operating expenses
|
| | | $ | 142,911 | | | | | $ | 0.46 | | | | | | 123,386 | | | | | $ | 0.44 | | | | | | 19,525 | | | | | | 16% | | |
|
Workover expense
|
| | | | 7,736 | | | | | | 0.02 | | | | | | 8,111 | | | | | | 0.03 | | | | | | (375) | | | | | | (5)% | | |
|
Total lease operating and workover expense
|
| | | $ | 150,647 | | | | | $ | 0.48 | | | | | | 131,497 | | | | | $ | 0.47 | | | | | | 19,150 | | | | | | 15% | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, other than percentages)
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |
$ Change
|
| |
% Change
|
| ||||||||||||
| Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas revenues
|
| | | $ | 1,310,339 | | | | | $ | 597,050 | | | | | $ | 713,289 | | | | | | * | | |
|
NGL revenues
|
| | | | 311,542 | | | | | | 225,135 | | | | | | 86,407 | | | | | | 38% | | |
|
Oil revenues
|
| | | | 11,866 | | | | | | 7,560 | | | | | | 4,306 | | | | | | 57% | | |
|
Midstream revenues
|
| | | | 12,676 | | | | | | 6,917 | | | | | | 5,759 | | | | | | 83% | | |
|
Derivative losses, net
|
| | | | (629,701) | | | | | | (383,847) | | | | | | (245,854) | | | | | | 64% | | |
|
Marketing revenues
|
| | | | 11,001 | | | | | | 52,616 | | | | | | (41,615) | | | | | | (79)% | | |
|
Related party and other
|
| | | | 2,799 | | | | | | 251 | | | | | | 2,548 | | | | | | * | | |
|
Total revenues and other operating income
|
| | | $ | 1,030,522 | | | | | $ | 505,682 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, other than percentages and average costs)
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |
$ Change
|
| |
% Change
|
| ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Lease operating and workover
|
| | | $ | 131,497 | | | | | $ | 86,831 | | | | | $ | 44,666 | | | | | | 51% | | |
|
Taxes other than income
|
| | | | 114,668 | | | | | | 45,650 | | | | | | 69,018 | | | | | | * | | |
|
Gathering and transportation
|
| | | | 208,758 | | | | | | 173,587 | | | | | | 35,171 | | | | | | 20% | | |
|
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
|
| | | | 118,909 | | | | | | 92,277 | | | | | | 26,632 | | | | | | 29% | | |
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 148,559 | | | | | | 85,740 | | | | | | 62,819 | | | | | | 73% | | |
|
Other
|
| | | | 3,567 | | | | | | 1,274 | | | | | | 2,293 | | | | | | * | | |
|
Total operating expenses
|
| | | $ | 725,958 | | | | | $ | 485,359 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Average costs per Mcfe | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Lease operating and workover
|
| | | $ | 0.47 | | | | | $ | 0.35 | | | | | $ | 0.12 | | | | | | 33% | | |
|
Taxes other than income
|
| | | | 0.41 | | | | | | 0.19 | | | | | | 0.22 | | | | | | * | | |
|
Gathering and transportation
|
| | | | 0.75 | | | | | | 0.71 | | | | | | 0.04 | | | | | | 6% | | |
|
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
|
| | | | 0.43 | | | | | | 0.37 | | | | | | 0.06 | | | | | | 16% | | |
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 0.53 | | | | | | 0.35 | | | | | | 0.18 | | | | | | 51% | | |
|
Other
|
| | | | 0.01 | | | | | | 0.01 | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | |
|
Total
|
| | | $ | 2.60 | | | | | $ | 1.98 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |
$ Change
|
| |
% Change
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, other than percentages and average costs)
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Per Mcfe
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Per Mcfe
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Lease operating expenses
|
| | | $ | 123,386 | | | | | $ | 0.44 | | | | | $ | 83,028 | | | | | $ | 0.33 | | | | | $ | 40,358 | | | | | | 49% | | |
|
Workover expense
|
| | | | 8,111 | | | | | | 0.03 | | | | | | 3,802 | | | | | | 0.02 | | | | | | 4,309 | | | | | | * | | |
|
Total lease operating and workover expense
|
| | | $ | 131,497 | | | | | $ | 0.47 | | | | | $ | 86,831 | | | | | $ | 0.35 | | | | | $ | 44,666 | | | | | | 51% | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
| |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities |
| | | $ | 19,251 | | | | | $ | 13,468 | | | | | $ | 123,076 | | | | | $ | 349,194 | | | | | $ | 358,133 | | |
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
| | | | (19,884) | | | | | | (81,485) | | | | | | (177,848) | | | | | | (865,566) | | | | | | (161,858) | | |
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
| | | | (1,590) | | | | | | (44,464) | | | | | | 66,713 | | | | | | 534,833 | | | | | | (79,053) | | |
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
|
| | | $ | (2,223) | | | | | $ | (112,481) | | | | | $ | 11,941 | | | | | $ | 18,461 | | | | | $ | 117,222 | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
| |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
(in thousands)
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total use of cash and cash equivalents for development of natural gas properties
|
| | | $ | (14,272) | | | | | $ | (79,306) | | | | | $ | (134,428) | | | | | $ | (235,406) | | | | | $ | (63,932) | | |
|
(Increase) decrease in accrued development of natural gas properties
|
| | | | 1,966 | | | | | | 13,331 | | | | | | 26,884 | | | | | | (17,773) | | | | | | (13,702) | | |
|
Upstream capital expenditures (accrued)
|
| | | $ | (12,306) | | | | | $ | (65,975) | | | | | $ | (107,544) | | | | | $ | (253,179) | | | | | $ | (77,634) | | |
|
Project
|
| |
Status(1)
|
| |
Actual or Forecasted
Initiation of Sequestration Operations(2) |
| |
Forecasted
Annual Sequestration Volumes (Mtpy CO2e)(3) |
| |||
|
Barnett Zero
|
| |
Operating
|
| |
November 2023
|
| | | | 0.18 | | |
|
Cotton Cove
|
| |
FID
|
| |
Q1 2026
|
| | | | 0.04 | | |
|
8 NGP Projects
|
| |
Pre-FID
|
| |
2025 – 2029
|
| | | | 2.68 | | |
|
3 Industrial Projects
|
| |
Pre-FID
|
| |
2026 – 2027
|
| | | | 11.15 | | |
|
4 Ethanol Projects
|
| |
Pre-FID
|
| |
2027 – 2029
|
| | | | 2.56 | | |
| | | |
December 31, 2023
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Estimated Total Proved Reserves
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Operating Region
|
| |
Natural Gas
(MMcf) |
| |
Natural
Gas Liquids (MBbls) |
| |
Oil
(MBbls) |
| |
Total
(MMcfe) |
| |
Average
Net Daily Production (MMcfe/d) |
| |
Average
Reserves Life (years) |
| |
Producing
Wells |
| |
Net Acres
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Barnett
|
| | | | 2,557,868 | | | | | | 184,165 | | | | | | 1,051 | | | | | | 3,669,164 | | | | | | 718.2 | | | | | | 15.3 | | | | | | 6,786 | | | | | | 459,912 | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 424,627 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 424,627 | | | | | | 141.5 | | | | | | 21.7 | | | | | | 427 | | | | | | 36,865 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 2,982,495 | | | | | | 184,165 | | | | | | 1,051 | | | | | | 4,093,791 | | | | | | 859.7 | | | | | | 16.2 | | | | | | 7,213 | | | | | | 496,777 | | |
| | | |
December 31, 2022
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Estimated Total Proved Reserves
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Operating Region
|
| |
Natural Gas
(MMcf) |
| |
Natural
Gas Liquids (MBbls) |
| |
Oil
(MBbls) |
| |
Total
(MMcfe) |
| |
Average
Net Daily Production (MMcfe/d)(1) |
| |
Average
Reserves Life (years) |
| |
Producing
Wells |
| |
Net Acres
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Barnett
|
| | | | 3,955,330 | | | | | | 211,500 | | | | | | 1,868 | | | | | | 5,235,544 | | | | | | 732.7 | | | | | | 19.6 | | | | | | 6,825 | | | | | | 457,787 | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 900,346 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 900,346 | | | | | | 139.2 | | | | | | 17.7 | | | | | | 397 | | | | | | 36,886 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 4,855,676 | | | | | | 211,500 | | | | | | 1,868 | | | | | | 6,135,890 | | | | | | 871.9 | | | | | | 19.3 | | | | | | 7,222 | | | | | | 494,673 | | |
| | | |
December 31, 2023
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Operating Region
|
| |
Estimated
Total Proved Reserves (MMcfe) |
| |
% Natural
Gas |
| |
% Natural
Gas Liquids |
| |
% Oil
|
| |
Weighted
Average Annual PDP Decline(1) |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| |
Five
Year |
| |
Ten
Year |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Barnett
|
| | | | 3,669,164 | | | | | | 69.7% | | | | | | 30.1% | | | | | | 0.2% | | | | | | 8.5% | | | | | | 7.7% | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 424,627 | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 12.2% | | | | | | 10.1% | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 4,093,791 | | | | | | 72.8% | | | | | | 27% | | | | | | 0.2% | | | | | | 9.1% | | | | | | 8.1% | | |
| | | |
December 31, 2022
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Operating Region
|
| |
Estimated
Total Proved Reserves (MMcfe) |
| |
% Natural
Gas |
| |
% Natural
Gas Liquids |
| |
% Oil
|
| |
Weighted
Average Annual PDP Decline(1) |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| |
Five
Year |
| |
Ten
Year |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Barnett
|
| | | | 5,235,544 | | | | | | 75.6% | | | | | | 24.2% | | | | | | 0.2% | | | | | | 7.8% | | | | | | 6.7% | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 900,346 | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 13.5% | | | | | | 10.3% | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 6,135,890 | | | | | | 79.2% | | | | | | 20.6% | | | | | | 0.2% | | | | | | 8.7% | | | | | | 7.3% | | |
| | | |
December 31, 2021
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Operating Region
|
| |
Estimated
Total Proved Reserves (MMcfe) |
| |
% Natural
Gas |
| |
% Natural
Gas Liquids |
| |
% Oil
|
| |
Weighted Average
Annual PDP Decline(1) |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| |
Five
Year |
| |
Ten
Year |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Barnett
|
| | | | 3,496,235 | | | | | | 71.5% | | | | | | 28.3% | | | | | | 0.2% | | | | | | 7.0% | | | | | | 6.3% | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 945,528 | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 12.4% | | | | | | 9.9% | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 4,441,763 | | | | | | 77.6% | | | | | | 22.3% | | | | | | 0.1% | | | | | | 8.3% | | | | | | 7.2% | | |
| | | |
Developed
|
| |
Undeveloped
|
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Operating Region
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| Barnett(1) | | | | | 638,180 | | | | | | 421,491 | | | | | | 40,933 | | | | | | 38,421 | | | | | | 679,113 | | | | | | 459,912 | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 58,441 | | | | | | 28,535 | | | | | | 21,851 | | | | | | 7,113 | | | | | | 80,292 | | | | | | 35,648 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 696,621 | | | | | | 450,026 | | | | | | 62,784 | | | | | | 45,534 | | | | | | 759,405 | | | | | | 495,559 | | |
| | | |
Developed
|
| |
Undeveloped
|
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Operating Region
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| Barnett(1) | | | | | 638,193 | | | | | | 421,491 | | | | | | 41,113 | | | | | | 38,421 | | | | | | 679,306 | | | | | | 459,912 | | |
| NEPA | | | | | 63,739 | | | | | | 29,501 | | | | | | 18,774 | | | | | | 7,364 | | | | | | 82,513 | | | | | | 36,865 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 701,932 | | | | | | 450,992 | | | | | | 59,887 | | | | | | 45,785 | | | | | | 761,819 | | | | | | 496,777 | | |
| | | |
Developed
|
| |
Undeveloped
|
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Operating Region
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| Barnett(1) | | | | | 638,099 | | | | | | 418,919 | | | | | | 41,625 | | | | | | 38,868 | | | | | | 679,724 | | | | | | 457,787 | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 62,191 | | | | | | 28,162 | | | | | | 20,823 | | | | | | 8,723 | | | | | | 83,014 | | | | | | 36,885 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 700,290 | | | | | | 447,081 | | | | | | 62,448 | | | | | | 47,591 | | | | | | 762,738 | | | | | | 494,672 | | |
| | | |
Developed
|
| |
Undeveloped
|
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Operating Region
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| Barnett(1) | | | | | 453,584 | | | | | | 261,810 | | | | | | 32,120 | | | | | | 30,771 | | | | | | 485,704 | | | | | | 292,581 | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 61,971 | | | | | | 28,162 | | | | | | 20,890 | | | | | | 8,816 | | | | | | 82,861 | | | | | | 36,978 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 515,555 | | | | | | 289,972 | | | | | | 53,010 | | | | | | 39,587 | | | | | | 568,565 | | | | | | 329,559 | | |
| | | |
Producing Natural
Gas Wells |
| |
Producing Oil Wells
|
| |
Total
|
| |
Average
Working Interest |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operated Wells: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Barnett
|
| | | | 5,614 | | | | | | 5,437 | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | 5,620 | | | | | | 5,443 | | | | | | 96.9% | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 142 | | | | | | 127 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 142 | | | | | | 127 | | | | | | 89.4% | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 5,756 | | | | | | 5,564 | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | 5,762 | | | | | | 5,570 | | | | | | 96.7% | | |
| Non-operated Wells: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Barnett
|
| | | | 993 | | | | | | 95 | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 994 | | | | | | 95 | | | | | | 9.6% | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 272 | | | | | | 37 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 272 | | | | | | 37 | | | | | | 13.6% | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 1,265 | | | | | | 132 | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,266 | | | | | | 132 | | | | | | 10.4% | | |
| Total Wells: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Barnett
|
| | | | 6,607 | | | | | | 5,532 | | | | | | 7 | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | 6,614 | | | | | | 5,538 | | | | | | 83.7% | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 414 | | | | | | 164 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 414 | | | | | | 164 | | | | | | 39.6% | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 7,021 | | | | | | 5,696 | | | | | | 7 | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | 7,028 | | | | | | 5,702 | | | | | | 81.1% | | |
| | | |
Producing Natural
Gas Wells |
| |
Producing Oil Wells
|
| |
Total
|
| |
Average
Working Interest |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operated Wells: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Barnett
|
| | | | 5,822 | | | | | | 5,597 | | | | | | 9 | | | | | | 9 | | | | | | 5,831 | | | | | | 5,606 | | | | | | 96.1% | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 142 | | | | | | 126 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 142 | | | | | | 126 | | | | | | 88.7% | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 5,964 | | | | | | 5,723 | | | | | | 9 | | | | | | 9 | | | | | | 5,973 | | | | | | 5,732 | | | | | | 96.0% | | |
| Non-operated Wells: | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Barnett
|
| | | | 1,122 | | | | | | 95 | | | | | | 22 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,144 | | | | | | 95 | | | | | | 8.3% | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 266 | | | | | | 36 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 266 | | | | | | 36 | | | | | | 13.5% | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 1,388 | | | | | | 131 | | | | | | 22 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,410 | | | | | | 131 | | | | | | 9.3% | | |
| Total Wells: | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Barnett
|
| | | | 6,944 | | | | | | 5,692 | | | | | | 31 | | | | | | 9 | | | | | | 6,975 | | | | | | 5,701 | | | | | | 81.7% | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 408 | | | | | | 162 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 408 | | | | | | 162 | | | | | | 39.7% | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 7,352 | | | | | | 5,854 | | | | | | 31 | | | | | | 9 | | | | | | 7,383 | | | | | | 5,863 | | | | | | 79.4% | | |
| | | |
Producing Natural
Gas Wells |
| |
Producing Oil Wells
|
| |
Total
|
| |
Average
Working Interest |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| |
Gross
|
| |
Net
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operated Wells: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Barnett
|
| | | | 3,950 | | | | | | 3,170 | | | | | | 8 | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | 3,958 | | | | | | 3,176 | | | | | | 80.2% | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 138 | | | | | | 101 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 138 | | | | | | 101 | | | | | | 73.2% | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 4,088 | | | | | | 3,271 | | | | | | 8 | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | 4,096 | | | | | | 3,277 | | | | | | | | |
| Non-operated Wells: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Barnett
|
| | | | 838 | | | | | | 672 | | | | | | 8 | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | 846 | | | | | | 678 | | | | | | 80.1% | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 256 | | | | | | 189 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 256 | | | | | | 189 | | | | | | 73.8% | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 1,094 | | | | | | 861 | | | | | | 8 | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | 1,102 | | | | | | 867 | | | | | | | | |
| Total Wells: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Barnett
|
| | | | 4,788 | | | | | | 3,842 | | | | | | 16 | | | | | | 12 | | | | | | 4,804 | | | | | | 3,854 | | | | | | 80.2% | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | | 394 | | | | | | 290 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 394 | | | | | | 290 | | | | | | 73.6% | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 5,182 | | | | | | 4,132 | | | | | | 16 | | | | | | 12 | | | | | | 5,198 | | | | | | 4,144 | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Three Months
Ended March 31, |
| |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volumes | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Barnett: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 47,555.7 | | | | | | 49,794.2 | | | | | | 198,099.4 | | | | | | 166,771.0 | | | | | | 129,960.0 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbl)
|
| | | | 2,484.9 | | | | | | 2,487.7 | | | | | | 10,553.6 | | | | | | 10,187.0 | | | | | | 9,829.3 | | |
|
Oil (MBbl)
|
| | | | 27.9 | | | | | | 36.0 | | | | | | 118.6 | | | | | | 140.0 | | | | | | 123.0 | | |
|
Total Barnett (Bcfe)
|
| | | | 62.6 | | | | | | 64.9 | | | | | | 262.1 | | | | | | 228.7 | | | | | | 189.7 | | |
| NEPA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 12,088.3 | | | | | | 13,892.4 | | | | | | 51,666.9 | | | | | | 50,814.0 | | | | | | 56,095.1 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbl)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Oil (MBbl)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Total NEPA (Bcfe)
|
| | | | 12.1 | | | | | | 13.9 | | | | | | 51.7 | | | | | | 50.8 | | | | | | 56.1 | | |
|
Total Company (Bcfe)
|
| | | | 74.7 | | | | | | 78.8 | | | | | | 313.8 | | | | | | 279.5 | | | | | | 245.8 | | |
|
Average Sales Prices (excluding the impact
of derivative settlements) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Barnett: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (per Mcf)
|
| | | $ | 1.76 | | | | | $ | 2.62 | | | | | $ | 2.28 | | | | | $ | 6.38 | | | | | $ | 3.58 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)
|
| | | $ | 17.47 | | | | | $ | 20.11 | | | | | $ | 17.80 | | | | | $ | 30.58 | | | | | $ | 22.90 | | |
|
Oil (per Bbl)
|
| | | $ | 69.34 | | | | | $ | 72.14 | | | | | $ | 71.21 | | | | | $ | 84.76 | | | | | $ | 61.46 | | |
| NEPA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (per Mcf)
|
| | | $ | 1.03 | | | | | $ | 1.96 | | | | | $ | 1.12 | | | | | $ | 4.85 | | | | | $ | 2.34 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Oil (per Bbl)
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Total Company (per Mcfe)
|
| | | $ | 1.90 | | | | | $ | 2.67 | | | | | $ | 2.25 | | | | | $ | 5.84 | | | | | $ | 3.38 | | |
|
Average Sales Prices (including the impact
of derivative prices)(1) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (per Mcf)
|
| | | $ | 2.00 | | | | | $ | 2.79 | | | | | $ | 2.23 | | | | | $ | 3.72 | | | | | $ | 2.29 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)
|
| | | $ | 17.53 | | | | | $ | 19.27 | | | | | $ | 17.55 | | | | | $ | 27.78 | | | | | $ | 16.03 | | |
| | | |
Three Months
Ended March 31, |
| |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
Oil (per Bbl)
|
| | | $ | 69.07 | | | | | $ | 72.14 | | | | | $ | 70.97 | | | | | $ | 84.76 | | | | | $ | 61.46 | | |
|
Total Company (per Mcfe)
|
| | | $ | 2.21 | | | | | $ | 2.92 | | | | | $ | 2.39 | | | | | $ | 3.95 | | | | | $ | 2.41 | | |
| Average Production Cost (per Mcfe)(2) | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Barnett
|
| | | $ | 1.48 | | | | | $ | 1.51 | | | | | $ | 1.48 | | | | | $ | 1.43 | | | | | $ | 1.31 | | |
|
NEPA
|
| | | $ | 0.10 | | | | | $ | 0.24 | | | | | $ | 0.24 | | | | | $ | 0.26 | | | | | $ | 0.23 | | |
|
Total Company
|
| | | $ | 1.26 | | | | | $ | 1.29 | | | | | $ | 1.27 | | | | | $ | 1.22 | | | | | $ | 1.06 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
| Estimated proved developed reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 2,443,072 | | | | | | 3,798,019 | | | | | | 2,494,925 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 2,290,025 | | | | | | 3,468,896 | | | | | | 2,346,712 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 153,047 | | | | | | 329,123 | | | | | | 148,213 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 156,399 | | | | | | 170,840 | | | | | | 151,433 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 129,260 | | | | | | 157,585 | | | | | | 142,961 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 27,139 | | | | | | 13,255 | | | | | | 8,472 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 992 | | | | | | 1,111 | | | | | | 867 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 802 | | | | | | 1,111 | | | | | | 867 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 190 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Total estimated proved developed reserves (MMcfe)
|
| | | | 3,387,418 | | | | | | 4,829,725 | | | | | | 3,408,725 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 3,070,397 | | | | | | 4,421,072 | | | | | | 3,209,680 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 317,021 | | | | | | 408,653 | | | | | | 199,045 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 986 | | | | | $ | 5,809 | | | | | $ | 2,119 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(3)
|
| | | $ | 1,151 | | | | | $ | 7,389 | | | | | $ | 2,672 | | |
| Estimated proved undeveloped reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 539,423 | | | | | | 1,057,657 | | | | | | 950,358 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 27,766 | | | | | | 40,660 | | | | | | 13,722 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 59 | | | | | | 758 | | | | | | 58 | | |
|
Total estimated proved undeveloped reserves (MMcfe)(4)(5)
|
| | | | 706,373 | | | | | | 1,306,165 | | | | | | 1,033,038 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 48 | | | | | $ | 1,185 | | | | | $ | 295 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(6)
|
| | | $ | 81 | | | | | $ | 1,566 | | | | | $ | 403 | | |
| Estimated total proved reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 2,982,495 | | | | | | 4,855,676 | | | | | | 3,445,283 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 184,165 | | | | | | 211,500 | | | | | | 165,155 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 1,051 | | | | | | 1,869 | | | | | | 925 | | |
|
Total estimated proved reserves (MMcfe)
|
| | | | 4,093,791 | | | | | | 6,135,890 | | | | | | 4,441,763 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 1,034 | | | | | $ | 6,994 | | | | | $ | 2,414 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(7)
|
| | | $ | 1,232 | | | | | $ | 8,955 | | | | | $ | 3,075 | | |
| Estimated probable developed reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 68,385 | | | | | | 367,081 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 7,871 | | | | | | 25,558 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 6 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Total estimated probable developed reserves (MMcfe)(5)(8)
|
| | | | 115,647 | | | | | | 520,429 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 13 | | | | | $ | 281 | | | | | | — | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(9)
|
| | | $ | 18 | | | | | $ | 372 | | | | | | — | | |
| Estimated probable undeveloped reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 237,236 | | | | | | 572,425 | | | | | | 522,442 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 19,114 | | | | | | 39,319 | | | | | | 31,227 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 548 | | | | | | 1,556 | | | | | | 486 | | |
|
Total estimated probable undeveloped reserves (MMcfe)(5)(8)
|
| | | | 355,208 | | | | | | 817,675 | | | | | | 712,720 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 5 | | | | | $ | 420 | | | | | $ | 146 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(10)
|
| | | $ | 17 | | | | | $ | 563 | | | | | $ | 202 | | |
| Estimated total probable reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 305,621 | | | | | | 939,506 | | | | | | 522,442 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 26,985 | | | | | | 64,877 | | | | | | 31,227 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 554 | | | | | | 1,556 | | | | | | 486 | | |
|
Total estimated probable reserves (MMcfe)(5)(8)
|
| | | | 470,855 | | | | | | 1,338,104 | | | | | | 712,720 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 18 | | | | | $ | 701 | | | | | $ | 146 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(11)
|
| | | $ | 35 | | | | | $ | 935 | | | | | $ | 202 | | |
| Estimated possible developed reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 57,114 | | | | | | 84,124 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 3,257 | | | | | | 8,146 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 2 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Total estimated possible developed reserves (MMcfe)(5)(8)
|
| | | | 76,668 | | | | | | 133,000 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 2 | | | | | $ | 53 | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(12)
|
| | | $ | 4 | | | | | $ | 70 | | | | | $ | — | | |
| Estimated possible undeveloped reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 12,742 | | | | | | 540,878 | | | | | | 381,941 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 16,876 | | | | | | 32,047 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 789 | | | | | | 1,841 | | |
|
Total estimated possible undeveloped reserves (MMcfe)(5)(8)
|
| | | | 12,742 | | | | | | 646,868 | | | | | | 585,269 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 247 | | | | | $ | 51 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(13)
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 330 | | | | | $ | 75 | | |
| Estimated total possible reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 69,856 | | | | | | 625,002 | | | | | | 381,941 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 3,257 | | | | | | 25,022 | | | | | | 32,047 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 2 | | | | | | 789 | | | | | | 1,841 | | |
|
Total estimated possible reserves (MMcfe)(5)(8)
|
| | | | 89,410 | | | | | | 779,868 | | | | | | 585,269 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 2 | | | | | $ | 300 | | | | | $ | 51 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(2)(14)
|
| | | $ | 4 | | | | | $ | 400 | | | | | $ | 75 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 1,151 | | | | | $ | 7,389 | | | | | $ | 2,672 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (165) | | | | | | (1,580) | | | | | | (553) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 986 | | | | | $ | 5,809 | | | | | $ | 2,119 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 81 | | | | | $ | 1,566 | | | | | $ | 403 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (33) | | | | | | (381) | | | | | | (108) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 48 | | | | | $ | 1,185 | | | | | $ | 295 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 1,232 | | | | | $ | 8,955 | | | | | $ | 3,074 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (198) | | | | | | (1,961) | | | | | | (661) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 1,034 | | | | | $ | 6,994 | | | | | $ | 2,413 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 18 | | | | | $ | 372 | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (5) | | | | | | (91) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 13 | | | | | $ | 281 | | | | | $ | — | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 17 | | | | | $ | 563 | | | | | $ | 202 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (12) | | | | | | (143) | | | | | | (56) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 5 | | | | | $ | 420 | | | | | $ | 146 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 35 | | | | | $ | 935 | | | | | $ | 202 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (17) | | | | | | (234) | | | | | | (56) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 18 | | | | | $ | 701 | | | | | $ | 146 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 4 | | | | | $ | 70 | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (2) | | | | | | (17) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 2 | | | | | $ | 53 | | | | | $ | — | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 330 | | | | | $ | 75 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | — | | | | | | (83) | | | | | | (24) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 247 | | | | | $ | 51 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 4 | | | | | $ | 400 | | | | | $ | 75 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (2) | | | | | | (100) | | | | | | (24) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 2 | | | | | $ | 300 | | | | | $ | 51 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
| Estimated proved developed reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 2,984,949 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 2,791,791 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 193,158 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 164,204 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 134,689 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 29,515 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 1,046 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 808 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 238 | | |
|
Total estimated proved developed reserves (MMcfe)
|
| | | | 3,976,436 | | |
|
Producing
|
| | | | 3,604,773 | | |
|
Non-producing
|
| | | | 371,663 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 1,651 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(1)
|
| | | $ | 2,015 | | |
| Estimated proved undeveloped reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 790,838 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 30,500 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 59 | | |
|
Total estimated proved undeveloped reserves (MMcfe)(2)(3)
|
| | | | 974,192 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 244 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(4)
|
| | | $ | 335 | | |
| Estimated total proved reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 3,775,787 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 194,704 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 1,105 | | |
|
Total estimated proved reserves (MMcfe)
|
| | | | 4,950,628 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 1,895 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(5)
|
| | | $ | 2,350 | | |
| Estimated probable developed reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 179,158 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 10,403 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 44 | | |
|
Total estimated probable developed reserves (MMcfe)(3)(6)
|
| | | | 241,840 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 25 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(7)
|
| | | $ | 36 | | |
| Estimated probable undeveloped reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 609,077 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 24,020 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 518 | | |
|
Total estimated probable undeveloped reserves (MMcfe)(3)(6)
|
| | | | 756,305 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 88 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(8)
|
| | | $ | 130 | | |
| Estimated total probable reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 788,235 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 34,423 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 562 | | |
|
Total estimated probable reserves (MMcfe)(3)(6)
|
| | | | 998,145 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 113 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(9)
|
| | | $ | 166 | | |
| Estimated possible developed reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 103,647 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 3,823 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 8 | | |
|
Total estimated possible developed reserves (MMcfe)(3)(6)
|
| | | | 126,633 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 10 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(10)
|
| | | $ | 14 | | |
| Estimated possible undeveloped reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 113,477 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 1,021 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | — | | |
|
Total estimated possible undeveloped reserves (MMcfe)(3)(6)
|
| | | | 119,603 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 12 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(11)
|
| | | $ | 17 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
| Estimated total possible reserves at NYMEX Strip Pricing: | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas (MMcf)
|
| | | | 217,124 | | |
|
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
|
| | | | 4,844 | | |
|
Oil (MBbls)
|
| | | | 8 | | |
|
Total estimated possible reserves (MMcfe)(3)(6)
|
| | | | 246,236 | | |
|
Standardized Measure (millions)
|
| | | $ | 22 | | |
|
PV-10 (millions)(12)
|
| | | $ | 31 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 2,015 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (364) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 1,651 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 335 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (91) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 244 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 2,350 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (455) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 1,895 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 36 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (11) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 25 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 130 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (42) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 88 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 166 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (53) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 113 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 14 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (4) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 10 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 17 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (5) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 12 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
2023 |
| |||
|
PV-10 (millions)
|
| | | $ | 31 | | |
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
| | | | (9) | | |
|
Standardized Measure
|
| | | $ | 22 | | |
|
Name
|
| |
Age
|
| |
Current Position(s) with the Company
|
|
| Christopher P. Kalnin | | |
46
|
| |
Chief Executive Officer and Director
|
|
| John T. Jimenez | | |
55
|
| | Chief Financial Officer | |
| Eric S. Jacobsen | | |
54
|
| | Chief Operating Officer | |
| Barry S. Turcotte | | |
53
|
| | Chief Accounting Officer | |
| Lindsay B. Larrick | | |
41
|
| | Chief Legal Officer | |
| Ethan Ngo | | |
42
|
| | Chief Technical Services Officer | |
| Mary Rita Valois | | |
63
|
| | Chief Information Officer | |
| Chanin Vongkusolkit | | |
70
|
| | Chairman of the Board | |
| Somruedee Chaimongkol | | |
62
|
| | Director | |
| Joseph R. Davis | | |
74
|
| | Director | |
| Akaraphong Dayananda | | |
65
|
| | Director | |
| Kirana Limpaphayom | | |
48
|
| | Director | |
| Carla S. Mashinski | | |
61
|
| | Director | |
| Thiti Mekavichai | | |
62
|
| | Director | |
| Charles C. Miller III | | |
72
|
| | Director | |
| Sunit S. Patel | | |
62
|
| | Director | |
| Anon Sirisaengtaksin | | |
71
|
| | Director | |
| Sinon Vongkusolkit | | |
34
|
| | Director | |
|
Name and Position (as of December 31, 2023)
|
| |
Year
|
| |
Salary
($) |
| |
Bonus
($) |
| |
Stock
awards ($)(1) |
| |
Nonequity
incentive plan compensation ($)(2) |
| |
All other
compensation ($)(3) |
| |
Total
($) |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Christopher Kalnin
Chief Executive Officer |
| | | | 2023 | | | | | | 692,692 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 772,800 | | | | | | 19,860 | | | | | | 1,485,352 | | |
| | | | 2022 | | | | | | 510,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 800,700 | | | | | | 18,383 | | | | | | 1,329,083 | | | ||
|
John Jimenez
Chief Financial Officer |
| | | | 2023 | | | | | | 398,346 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 308,016 | | | | | | 19,860 | | | | | | 726,222 | | |
| | | | 2022 | | | | | | 357,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 210,183 | | | | | | 18,376 | | | | | | 585,559 | | | ||
|
Eric Jacobsen
Chief Operating Officer |
| | | | 2023 | | | | | | 424,500 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 380,052 | | | | | | 17,731 | | | | | | 822,283 | | |
| | | | 2022 | | | | | | 412,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 223,159 | | | | | | 18,383 | | | | | | 653,542 | | | ||
| | | |
Company
401(k) Contribution ($)(a) |
| |
Life Insurance
Premiums ($)(b) |
| ||||||
|
Christopher P. Kalnin
|
| | | | 19,800 | | | | | | 60 | | |
|
John T. Jimenez
|
| | | | 19,800 | | | | | | 60 | | |
|
Eric S. Jacobsen
|
| | | | 17,671 | | | | | | 60 | | |
| | | |
Stock Awards
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Name
|
| |
Number of
shares or units of stock that have not vested (#) |
| |
Market value of
shares or units of stock that have not vested ($) |
| |
Equity incentive
plan awards: Number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested (#) |
| |
Equity incentive
plan awards: Market or payout value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested ($) |
| ||||||||||||
|
Christopher P. Kalnin
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 456,260(1) | | | | | | 12,889,345 | | |
|
Christopher P. Kalnin
|
| | | | 36,664(2) | | | | | | 1,035,758 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Christopher P. Kalnin
|
| | | | 24,442(3) | | | | | | 690,487 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Christopher P. Kalnin
|
| | | | 12,222(4) | | | | | | 345,272 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
John T. Jimenez
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 216,300(1) | | | | | | 6,110,475 | | |
|
John T. Jimenez
|
| | | | 17,381(5) | | | | | | 491,014 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
John T. Jimenez
|
| | | | 11,587(6) | | | | | | 327,333 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
John T. Jimenez
|
| | | | 5,794(7) | | | | | | 163,681 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Eric S. Jacobsen
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 259,000(1) | | | | | | 7,316,750 | | |
|
Eric S. Jacobsen
|
| | | | 20,812(2) | | | | | | 587,939 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Eric S. Jacobsen
|
| | | | 13,875(3) | | | | | | 391,969 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Eric S. Jacobsen
|
| | | | 6,937(4) | | | | | | 195,971 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Name(1)
|
| |
2023 Fees earned
or paid in cash ($)(2)(3) |
| |
Total
($) |
| ||||||
|
Chanin Vongkusolkit
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Somruedee Chaimongkol
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Joseph R. Davis
|
| | | | 266,795 | | | | | | 266,795 | | |
|
Akaraphong Dayananda
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Kirana Limpaphayom
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Carla S. Mashinski
|
| | | | 261,795 | | | | | | 261,795 | | |
|
Thiti Mekavichai
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Charles C. Miller III
|
| | | | 271,795 | | | | | | 271,795 | | |
|
Sunit S. Patel
|
| | | | 261,795 | | | | | | 261,795 | | |
|
Anon Sirisaengtaksin
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Sinon Vongkusolkit
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
| | | |
Beneficial Ownership
Before the Offering |
| |
Beneficial Ownership
After the Offering |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Common
Stock |
| |
Total
Voting Power Before the Offering |
| |
Common
Stock |
| |
Total
Voting Power After the Offering |
| |||||||||||||||
|
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
| |
Shares
|
| |
%
|
| |
%
|
| |
Shares
|
| |
%
|
| |
%
|
| |||||||||
| Named Executive Officers and Directors: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Christopher P. Kalnin
|
| | | | 2,518,549(1) | | | | | | 3.6% | | | | | | 3.6% | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
John T. Jimenez
|
| | | | 358,841(2) | | | | | | * | | | | | | * | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Eric S. Jacobsen
|
| | | | 435,083(3) | | | | | | * | | | | | | * | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Barry S. Turcotte
|
| | | | — | | | | | | —% | | | | | | —% | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Somruedee Chaimongkol
|
| | | | — | | | | | | —% | | | | | | —% | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Joseph R. Davis
|
| | | | 23,000 | | | | | | * | | | | | | * | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Akaraphong Dayananda
|
| | | | — | | | | | | —% | | | | | | —% | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Kirana Limpaphayom
|
| | | | — | | | | | | —% | | | | | | —% | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Carla S. Mashinski
|
| | | | — | | | | | | —% | | | | | | —% | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Thiti Mekavichai
|
| | | | 18,500 | | | | | | * | | | | | | * | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Charles C. Miller III
|
| | | | 87,500 | | | | | | * | | | | | | * | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Sunit S. Patel
|
| | | | — | | | | | | —% | | | | | | —% | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Anon Sirisaengtaksin
|
| | | | — | | | | | | —% | | | | | | —% | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Chanin Vongkusolkit
|
| | | | — | | | | | | —% | | | | | | —% | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Sinon Vongkusolkit
|
| | | | — | | | | | | —% | | | | | | —% | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
All executive officers and directors as a group (16 persons)
|
| | | | 4,103,288 | | | | | | 5.8% | | | | | | 5.8% | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 5% Stockholders: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Banpu North America Corporation(4)
|
| | | | 63,877,614 | | | | | | 90.6% | | | | | | 90.6% | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Underwriter
|
| |
Number
of Shares |
| |||
|
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
|
| | | | | | |
|
Barclays Capital Inc.
|
| | | | | | |
|
Evercore Group L.L.C.
|
| | | | | | |
|
Jefferies LLC
|
| | | | | | |
|
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
|
| | | | | | |
|
Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. Securities, LLC
|
| | | | | | |
|
Susquehanna Financial Group, LLLP
|
| | | | | | |
|
Capital One Securities, Inc.
|
| | | | | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | | | |
| | | |
Per Share
|
| |
Total
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Without
Option |
| |
With
Option |
| |
Without
Option |
| |
With
Option |
| ||||||||||||
|
Underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us
|
| | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | ||||
| | | | | | F-2 | | | |
| | | | | | F-3 | | | |
| | | | | | F-5 | | | |
| | | | | | F-6 | | | |
| | | | | | F-8 | | | |
| | | | | | F-10 | | | |
| | Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | F-54 | | | |
| | | | | | F-56 | | | |
| | | | | | F-57 | | | |
| | | | | | F-59 | | | |
| | | | | | F-61 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
| Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Current assets
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | $ | 25,407 | | | | | $ | 153,128 | | |
|
Restricted cash
|
| | | | 139,662 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
| | | | 48,500 | | | | | | 143,537 | | |
|
Accounts receivable, related parties
|
| | | | 559 | | | | | | 416 | | |
|
Commodity derivative assets, current
|
| | | | 84,039 | | | | | | 2,651 | | |
|
Other current assets
|
| | | | 13,990 | | | | | | 20,408 | | |
|
Total current assets
|
| | | | 312,157 | | | | | | 320,140 | | |
|
Natural gas properties and equipment
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Developed properties
|
| | | | 2,370,156 | | | | | | 2,252,681 | | |
|
Undeveloped properties
|
| | | | 15,846 | | | | | | 15,511 | | |
|
Midstream assets
|
| | | | 318,855 | | | | | | 317,109 | | |
|
Accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization
|
| | | | (579,415) | | | | | | (375,783) | | |
|
Total natural gas properties, net
|
| | | | 2,125,442 | | | | | | 2,209,518 | | |
|
Other property and equipment, net
|
| | | | 83,935 | | | | | | 39,865 | | |
|
Goodwill
|
| | | | 18,417 | | | | | | 18,417 | | |
|
Investment in joint venture
|
| | | | 104,750 | | | | | | 97,885 | | |
|
Commodity derivative assets
|
| | | | 18,508 | | | | | | 816 | | |
|
Other noncurrent assets
|
| | | | 19,937 | | | | | | 15,932 | | |
|
Total assets
|
| | | $ | 2,683,146 | | | | | $ | 2,702,573 | | |
| Liabilities, mezzanine equity, and stockholders’ equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Current liabilities
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
| | | $ | 149,173 | | | | | $ | 272,475 | | |
|
Contingent consideration payable
|
| | | | 20,000 | | | | | | 65,000 | | |
|
Commodity derivative liabilities, current
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 49,484 | | |
|
Income taxes payable to related party
|
| | | | 864 | | | | | | 5,227 | | |
|
Credit facilities
|
| | | | 127,000 | | | | | | 90,000 | | |
|
Current portion of long-term debt, net
|
| | | | 112,373 | | | | | | 112,001 | | |
|
Other current liabilities
|
| | | | 2,849 | | | | | | 2,446 | | |
|
Total current liabilities
|
| | | | 412,259 | | | | | | 596,633 | | |
|
Asset retirement obligations
|
| | | | 193,205 | | | | | | 181,135 | | |
|
Contingent consideration
|
| | | | 29,676 | | | | | | 88,051 | | |
|
Note payable to related party
|
| | | | 75,000 | | | | | | 75,000 | | |
|
Deferred tax liability, net
|
| | | | 136,524 | | | | | | 104,130 | | |
|
Long-term debt, net
|
| | | | 339,663 | | | | | | 452,036 | | |
|
Other noncurrent liabilities
|
| | | | 11,652 | | | | | | 9,664 | | |
|
Total liabilities
|
| | | | 1,197,979 | | | | | | 1,506,649 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Mezzanine equity
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Common stock – Minority ownership puttable shares; 2,403 authorized shares; 2,403 and 2,290 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively
|
| | | | 59,988 | | | | | | 62,712 | | |
|
Equity-based compensation
|
| | | | 126,966 | | | | | | 89,171 | | |
|
Total mezzanine equity
|
| | | | 186,954 | | | | | | 151,883 | | |
|
Stockholders’ equity
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 300,000 authorized shares; 63,873 and 56,373 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively
|
| | | | 1,283 | | | | | | 1,132 | | |
|
Treasury stock, shares at cost; 213 shares and 193 shares as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively
|
| | | | (4,582) | | | | | | (3,974) | | |
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
| | | | 1,034,144 | | | | | | 896,433 | | |
|
Retained earnings
|
| | | | 267,368 | | | | | | 150,450 | | |
|
Total stockholders’ equity
|
| | | | 1,298,213 | | | | | | 1,044,041 | | |
|
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity, and stockholders’ equity
|
| | | $ | 2,683,146 | | | | | $ | 2,702,573 | | |
| | |||||||||||||
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
| Revenues and other operating income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas, NGL, and oil sales
|
| | | $ | 706,151 | | | | | $ | 1,633,747 | | | | | $ | 829,745 | | |
|
Midstream revenues
|
| | | | 16,168 | | | | | | 12,676 | | | | | | 6,917 | | |
|
Derivative gains (losses), net
|
| | | | 238,743 | | | | | | (629,701) | | | | | | (383,847) | | |
|
Marketing revenues
|
| | | | 8,710 | | | | | | 11,001 | | | | | | 52,616 | | |
|
Related party and other
|
| | | | 8,251 | | | | | | 2,799 | | | | | | 251 | | |
|
Total revenues and other operating income
|
| | | | 978,023 | | | | | | 1,030,522 | | | | | | 505,682 | | |
| Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Lease operating and workover
|
| | | | 150,647 | | | | | | 131,497 | | | | | | 86,831 | | |
|
Taxes other than income
|
| | | | 72,290 | | | | | | 114,668 | | | | | | 45,650 | | |
|
Gathering and transportation
|
| | | | 248,990 | | | | | | 208,758 | | | | | | 173,587 | | |
|
Depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion
|
| | | | 223,370 | | | | | | 118,909 | | | | | | 92,277 | | |
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 114,688 | | | | | | 148,559 | | | | | | 85,740 | | |
|
Other
|
| | | | 12,625 | | | | | | 3,567 | | | | | | 1,274 | | |
|
Total operating expenses
|
| | | | 822,610 | | | | | | 725,958 | | | | | | 485,359 | | |
|
Income from operations
|
| | | | 155,413 | | | | | | 304,564 | | | | | | 20,323 | | |
| Other income (expense) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Bargain purchase gain
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 170,853 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Gain on settlement of litigation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 16,866 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Gains (losses) on contingent consideration liabilities
|
| | | | 38,375 | | | | | | 6,632 | | | | | | (194,968) | | |
|
Earnings from equity affiliate
|
| | | | 16,865 | | | | | | 8,493 | | | | | | 910 | | |
|
Interest income
|
| | | | 3,138 | | | | | | 1,143 | | | | | | 8 | | |
|
Interest expense
|
| | | | (69,942) | | | | | | (26,322) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Interest expense, related party
|
| | | | (7,078) | | | | | | (10,846) | | | | | | (2,134) | | |
|
Other income
|
| | | | 8,372 | | | | | | 1,411 | | | | | | 872 | | |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
| | | | 145,143 | | | | | | 472,794 | | | | | | (174,989) | | |
|
Income tax benefit (expense)
|
| | | | (28,225) | | | | | | (62,652) | | | | | | 40,526 | | |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to BKV Corporation
|
| | | | 116,918 | | | | | | 410,142 | | | | | | (134,463) | | |
|
Less accretion of preferred stock to redemption value
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (3,745) | | |
|
Less preferred stock dividends
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (9,900) | | |
|
Less deemed dividend on redemption of preferred stock
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (22,606) | | |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
|
| | | $ | 116,918 | | | | | $ | 410,142 | | | | | $ | (170,714) | | |
| Net income (loss) per common share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Basic
|
| | | $ | 1.93 | | | | | $ | 6.99 | | | | | $ | (2.92) | | |
|
Diluted
|
| | | $ | 1.82 | | | | | $ | 6.62 | | | | | $ | (2.92) | | |
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Basic
|
| | | | 60,730 | | | | | | 58,659 | | | | | | 58,496 | | |
|
Diluted
|
| | | | 64,380 | | | | | | 61,990 | | | | | | 58,496 | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Net income (loss)
|
| | | $ | 116,918 | | | | | $ | 410,142 | | | | | $ | (134,463) | | |
|
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion
|
| | | | 224,427 | | | | | | 130,038 | | | | | | 98,833 | | |
|
Equity-based compensation expense
|
| | | | 25,756 | | | | | | 31,947 | | | | | | 30,387 | | |
|
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
|
| | | | 32,394 | | | | | | 89,065 | | | | | | (72,753) | | |
|
Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, net
|
| | | | (148,564) | | | | | | (58,815) | | | | | | 115,161 | | |
|
(Gains) losses on contingent consideration liabilities
|
| | | | (38,375) | | | | | | (6,632) | | | | | | 194,968 | | |
|
Settlement of contingent consideration
|
| | | | (65,000) | | | | | | (45,300) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Gain on bargain purchase
|
| | | | — | | | | | | (170,853) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Earnings from equity affiliate
|
| | | | (16,865) | | | | | | (8,493) | | | | | | (910) | | |
|
Distribution from equity affiliate
|
| | | | 10,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Other, net
|
| | | | 822 | | | | | | 911 | | | | | | 48 | | |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
| | | | 86,477 | | | | | | (39,394) | | | | | | (24,689) | | |
|
Accounts receivable, related parties
|
| | | | (143) | | | | | | 3,082 | | | | | | (3,498) | | |
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
| | | | (98,238) | | | | | | 62,539 | | | | | | 137,550 | | |
|
Other changes in operating assets and liabilities
|
| | | | (6,533) | | | | | | (49,043) | | | | | | 17,499 | | |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
| | | | 123,076 | | | | | | 349,194 | | | | | | 358,133 | | |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Business combination
|
| | | | — | | | | | | (619,437) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Investment in joint venture
|
| | | | — | | | | | | (72) | | | | | | (88,410) | | |
|
Acquisition of natural gas properties
|
| | | | (4,889) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2,528) | | |
|
Investment in other property and equipment
|
| | | | (52,066) | | | | | | (11,787) | | | | | | (2,249) | | |
|
Development of natural gas properties
|
| | | | (134,428) | | | | | | (235,406) | | | | | | (63,932) | | |
|
Loan advanced to equity affiliate
|
| | | | (8,000) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Loan repayment from equity affiliate
|
| | | | 8,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Other investing activities
|
| | | | 13,535 | | | | | | 1,136 | | | | | | (4,739) | | |
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
| | | | (177,848) | | | | | | (865,566) | | | | | | (161,858) | | |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Proceeds from notes payable from related party
|
| | | | 17,000 | | | | | | 75,000 | | | | | | 166,000 | | |
|
Payments on notes payable to related party
|
| | | | (17,000) | | | | | | (166,000) | | | | | | (24,000) | | |
|
Proceeds under term loan agreement
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 570,000 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Payment on term loan agreement
|
| | | | (114,000) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Payment of debt issuance costs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | (7,738) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Proceeds from draws on credit facilities
|
| | | | 375,500 | | | | | | 190,000 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Payments on credit facilities
|
| | | | (338,500) | | | | | | (100,000) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Settlement of contingent consideration
|
| | | | — | | | | | | (19,700) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Payments of deferred offering costs
|
| | | | (2,901) | | | | | | (5,625) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Redemption of minority ownership puttable shares
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2,754) | | |
|
Issuance of minority ownership puttable shares
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 78 | | | | | | 3,177 | | |
|
Dividends paid to preferred stock shareholders
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (10,330) | | |
|
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
|
| | | | 150,005 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (121,275) | | |
|
Dividends paid to common stock shareholders
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (88,126) | | |
|
Redemption of common stock
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (1,106) | | |
|
Redemption of common stock issued upon vesting of equity-based compensation and other
|
| | | | (426) | | | | | | (4) | | | | | | (110) | | |
|
Shares repurchased in conjunction with reverse stock split
|
| | | | (4) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Net share settlements, equity-based compensation
|
| | | | (2,961) | | | | | | (1,178) | | | | | | (529) | | |
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
| | | | 66,713 | | | | | | 534,833 | | | | | | (79,053) | | |
|
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
|
| | | | 11,941 | | | | | | 18,461 | | | | | | 117,222 | | |
|
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period
|
| | | | 153,128 | | | | | | 134,667 | | | | | | 17,445 | | |
|
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period
|
| | | $ | 165,069 | | | | | $ | 153,128 | | | | | $ | 134,667 | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
| Supplemental cash flow information: | | | | | |||||||||||||||
|
Cash payments for:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Interest
|
| | | $ | 68,480 | | | | | $ | 32,086 | | | | | $ | 393 | | |
|
Income tax
|
| | | $ | 1,545 | | | | | $ | 400 | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Increase (decrease) in accrued capital expenditures
|
| | | $ | (23,863) | | | | | $ | 19,247 | | | | | $ | 12,297 | | |
|
Additions to asset retirement obligations
|
| | | $ | 89 | | | | | $ | 302 | | | | | $ | 923 | | |
|
Revisions to asset retirement obligation estimates
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 36,516 | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets
|
| | | $ | 3,061 | | | | | $ | 1,218 | | | | | $ | 11,249 | | |
|
Increase (decrease) in accrued offering costs
|
| | | $ | (604) | | | | | $ | 945 | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Fair value of contingent consideration from acquisitions
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 17,150 | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Adjustment of minority ownership puttable shares to redemption
value |
| | | $ | 2,722 | | | | | $ | 12,793 | | | | | $ | 7,042 | | |
|
Adjustment of equity-based compensation to redemption value
|
| | | $ | 15,602 | | | | | $ | 24,400 | | | | | $ | 4,236 | | |
|
Impact of redemption of minority interest puttable shares on additional paid-in capital, common stock, and treasury stock
|
| | | $ | 781 | | | | | $ | 4 | | | | | $ | 2,754 | | |
|
Accretion of preferred stock to redemption value
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 3,745 | | |
| | | |
Stockholders’ Equity
|
| |
Mezzanine Equity
|
| | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Common Stock
|
| |
Treasury
|
| |
Additional
Paid-in Capital |
| |
Retained
Earnings (Deficit) |
| |
Total
Stockholders’ Equity |
| |
Preferred
Stock |
| |
Common Stock
|
| |
Equity-based
Compensation |
| |
Total
Mezzanine Equity |
| | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Shares
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Shares
|
| |
Amount
|
| | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balances, December 31, 2020
|
| | | | 56,428 | | | | | $ | 1,129 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 968,500 | | | | | $ | (26,773) | | | | | $ | 942,856 | | | | | $ | 94,924 | | | | | | 2,114 | | | | | $ | 42,288 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 137,212 | | | | | ||||
|
Net loss
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (134,463) | | | | | | (134,463) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | ||||
|
Dividend declared, preferred stock shareholders ($0.50 per share)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (10,330) | | | | | | (10,330) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | ||||
|
Accretion of preferred stock to redemption value
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (3,745) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (3,745) | | | | | | 3,745 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 3,745 | | | | | ||||
|
Deemed dividend, preferred stock shareholders
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (22,606) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (22,606) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | ||||
|
Redemption of preferred stock
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (98,669) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (98,669) | | | | | ||||
|
Redemption of common stock
|
| | | | (50) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (1,106) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (1,106) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | ||||
|
Purchase of vested equity-based compensation
award shares of common stock |
| | | | (5) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (110) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (110) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | ||||
|
Redemption of minority ownership puttable common stock shares
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 3 | | | | | | (2,754) | | | | | | 2,751 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (138) | | | | | | (2,754) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2,754) | | | | | ||||
|
Dividend declared
($1.50 per share) |
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (88,126) | | | | | | (88,126) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | ||||
|
Issuance of common stock from employee stock purchase plan
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 144 | | | | | | 3,265 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 3,265 | | | | | ||||
|
Adjustment of minority ownership puttable shares to redemption value
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (7,042) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (7,042) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 7,042 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 7,042 | | | | | ||||
|
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of equity-based compensation awards
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 58 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | ||||
|
Impact of modification of equity-based compensation plan
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 25,342 | | | | | | 25,342 | | | | | ||||
|
Capital contribution from modification of equity-based compensation plan
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 780 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 780 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | ||||
|
Equity-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 3,648 | | | | | | 3,648 | | | | | ||||
|
Adjustment of equity-based compensation to
redemption value |
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (5,016) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (5,016) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 5,016 | | | | | | 5,016 | | | | | ||||
|
Balances, December 31, 2021
|
| | | | 56,373 | | | | | $ | 1,132 | | | | | $ | (3,970) | | | | | $ | 933,622 | | | | | $ | (259,692) | | | | | $ | 671,092 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | | 2,178 | | | | | $ | 49,841 | | | | | $ | 34,006 | | | | | $ | 83,847 | | | | | ||||
|
Net income
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 410,142 | | | | | | 410,142 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | ||||
|
Redemption of common stock issued upon vesting of equity-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (4) | | | | | | 4 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (4) | | | | | | (4) | | | | | ||||
|
Issuance of common stock from employee stock purchase plan
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 2 | | | | | | 78 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 78 | | | | | ||||
|
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of equity-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for income
taxes |
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 110 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (1,178) | | | | | | (1,178) | | | | | ||||
|
Adjustment of minority ownership puttable shares to redemption value
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (12,793) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (12,793) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 12,793 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 12,793 | | | | | ||||
|
Adjustment of equity-based compensation to
redemption value |
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (24,400) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (24,400) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 24,400 | | | | | | 24,400 | | | | | ||||
|
Equity-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 31,947 | | | | | | 31,947 | | | | | ||||
|
Balances, December 31, 2022
|
| | | | 56,373 | | | | | $ | 1,132 | | | | | $ | (3,974) | | | | | $ | 896,433 | | | | | $ | 150,450 | | | | | $ | 1,044,041 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | | 2,290 | | | | | $ | 62,712 | | | | | $ | 89,171 | | | | | $ | 151,883 | | | | | ||||
|
Net income
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 116,918 | | | | | | 116,918 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | ||||
|
Redemption of common stock issued upon vesting of equity-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | (604) | | | | | | 736 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 133 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (21) | | | | | | (2) | | | | | | (602) | | | | | | (604) | | | | | ||||
| | | |
Stockholders’ Equity
|
| |
Mezzanine Equity
|
| | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Common Stock
|
| |
Treasury
|
| |
Additional
Paid-in Capital |
| |
Retained
Earnings (Deficit) |
| |
Total
Stockholders’ Equity |
| |
Preferred
Stock |
| |
Common Stock
|
| |
Equity-based
Compensation |
| |
Total
Mezzanine Equity |
| | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Shares
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Shares
|
| |
Amount
|
| | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of equity-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for income taxes
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 134 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2,961) | | | | | | (2,961) | | | | | ||||
|
Adjustment of minority ownership puttable shares to redemption value
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 2,722 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 2,722 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2,722) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2,722) | | | | | ||||
|
Adjustment of equity-based compensation to
redemption value |
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (15,602) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (15,602) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 15,602 | | | | | | 15,602 | | | | | ||||
|
Issuance of common stock
|
| | | | 7,500 | | | | | | 150 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 149,855 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 150,005 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | ||||
|
Shares repurchased with reverse stock split
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (4) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (4) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | |||||||||
|
Equity-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 25,756 | | | | | | 25,756 | | | | | ||||
|
Balances, December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 63,873 | | | | | $ | 1,283 | | | | | $ | (4,582) | | | | | $ | 1,034,144 | | | | | $ | 267,368 | | | | | $ | 1,298,213 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | | 2,403 | | | | | $ | 59,988 | | | | | $ | 126,966 | | | | | $ | 186,954 | | | | | ||||
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | $ | 25,407 | | | | | $ | 153,128 | | |
|
Restricted cash
|
| | | | 139,662 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
|
| | | $ | 165,069 | | | | | $ | 153,128 | | |
| | | |
Useful Life
|
|
|
Buildings
|
| |
39 years
|
|
|
Furniture, fixtures, equipment, vehicles, and other
|
| |
5 years
|
|
|
Computer hardware and software
|
| |
3 – 5 years
|
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
| |
7 – 10 years
|
|
| |
Cash
|
| | | $ | 619,437 | | |
| |
Contingent consideration
|
| | | | 17,150 | | |
| |
Total consideration
|
| | | $ | 636,587 | | |
| | Assets acquired and liabilities assumed: | | | | | | | |
| |
Inventory
|
| | | $ | 150 | | |
| |
Natural gas properties – developed
|
| | | | 657,935 | | |
| |
Midstream assets
|
| | | | 260,843 | | |
| |
Other property and equipment
|
| | | | 8,856 | | |
| |
Property taxes
|
| | | | (6,296) | | |
| |
Deferred tax liability
|
| | | | (50,569) | | |
| |
Revenues payable
|
| | | | (16,612) | | |
| |
Asset retirement obligations
|
| | | | (46,867) | | |
| |
Total identifiable net assets
|
| | | $ | 807,440 | | |
| |
Bargain purchase gain
|
| | | $ | (170,853) | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| ||||||
|
Total revenues and other operating income
|
| | | $ | 1,253,623 | | | | | $ | 820,173 | | |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to BKV Corporation
|
| | | $ | 476,567 | | | | | $ | (113,181) | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
| Credit facilities | | | | ||||||||||
|
OCBC Credit Facility
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 45,000 | | |
|
SCB Credit Facility
|
| | | | 31,000 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Revolving Credit Agreement
|
| | | | 96,000 | | | | | | 45,000 | | |
| Term loan | | | | ||||||||||
|
Current portion of Term Loan Credit Agreement
|
| | | | 114,000 | | | | | | 114,000 | | |
|
Current portion of unamortized debt issuance costs
|
| | | | (1,627) | | | | | | (1,999) | | |
|
Total current debt, net
|
| | | | 239,373 | | | | | | 202,001 | | |
|
Term Loan Credit Agreement
|
| | | | 342,000 | | | | | | 456,000 | | |
|
Long-term portion of unamortized debt issuance costs
|
| | | | (2,337) | | | | | | (3,964) | | |
|
Total long-term debt, net
|
| | | | 339,663 | | | | | | 452,036 | | |
|
Total debt, net
|
| | | $ | 579,036 | | | | | $ | 654,037 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
|
Compressor station
|
| | | $ | 37,280 | | | | | $ | 37,130 | | |
|
Meter station
|
| | | | 721 | | | | | | 654 | | |
|
Pipelines
|
| | | | 280,854 | | | | | | 279,325 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 318,855 | | | | | | 317,109 | | |
|
Accumulated depreciation
|
| | | | (19,399) | | | | | | (11,951) | | |
|
Midstream assets, net
|
| | | $ | 299,456 | | | | | $ | 305,158 | | |
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
|
Carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration
|
| | | $ | 59,142 | | | | | $ | — | | |
| Buildings | | | | | 15,707 | | | | | | 16,788 | | |
|
Furniture, fixtures, equipment, and vehicles
|
| | | | 15,101 | | | | | | 14,368 | | |
|
Computer software
|
| | | | 4,844 | | | | | | 4,844 | | |
| Land | | | | | 3,090 | | | | | | 3,090 | | |
|
Leasehold improvements
|
| | | | 1,685 | | | | | | 1,627 | | |
|
Construction in process
|
| | | | 76 | | | | | | 9,845 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 99,645 | | | | | | 50,562 | | |
|
Accumulated depreciation
|
| | | | (15,710) | | | | | | (10,697) | | |
|
Other property and equipment, net
|
| | | $ | 83,935 | | | | | $ | 39,865 | | |
| | | |
As of December 31, 2023
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
Fair Value Measurements Using:
|
| | | | | | | |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
Significant Other
Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
| |
Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||
| Financial assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Derivative instruments
|
| | | $ | 102,547 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 102,547 | | |
| Financial liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Derivative instruments
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Contingent consideration
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 29,676 | | | | | | 29,676 | | |
| Mezzanine equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Minority ownership puttable shares
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 59,988 | | | | | | 59,988 | | |
|
Equity-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 126,966 | | | | | | 126,966 | | |
| | | |
As of December 31, 2022
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
Fair Value Measurements Using:
|
| | | | | | | |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
Significant Other
Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
| |
Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||
| Financial assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Derivative instruments
|
| | | $ | 3,467 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 3,467 | | |
| Financial liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Derivative instruments
|
| | | | 49,484 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 49,484 | | |
|
Contingent consideration
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 88,051 | | | | | | 88,051 | | |
| Mezzanine equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Minority ownership puttable shares
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 62,712 | | | | | | 62,712 | | |
|
Equity-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 89,171 | | | | | | 89,171 | | |
|
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
| |
Fair Value
|
| |
Valuation
Technique |
| |
Unobservable
Input |
| |
Range or Actual
|
| |||
|
Market condition equity-based compensation per share, as of December 31, 2022
|
| | | $ | 35.54 | | | |
Monte Carlo
Simulation |
| |
Performance
period dividends |
| |
3.0% equity capital,
annually |
|
|
Common stock – per share value, as of December 31, 2022(1)
|
| | | $ | 29.54 | | | |
Enterprise
value |
| |
Discount rate
|
| |
10.0% – 11.0%
|
|
|
Contingent consideration, as of December 31, 2022
|
| | | $ | 88,051 | | | |
Monte Carlo
Simulation |
| |
Risk free rate(2)
|
| |
4.8%
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Credit spread
|
| |
4.8%
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discount rate
|
| |
9.6%
|
|
|
Common stock – per share value, as of December 31, 2023(1)
|
| | | $ | 28.25 | | | |
Enterprise
value |
| |
Discount rate
|
| |
11.5% – 12.5%
|
|
|
Contingent consideration, as of December 31, 2023
|
| | | $ | 29,676 | | | |
Monte Carlo
Simulation |
| |
Risk free rate(2)
|
| |
5.2%
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Credit spread
|
| |
4.7%
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discount rate
|
| |
9.9%
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
Balance, as of January 1,
|
| | | $ | 239,934 | | | | | $ | 226,380 | | | | | $ | 54,853 | | |
|
Contingent consideration – additions through acquisitions
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 17,150 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Contingent consideration – settled
|
| | | | (20,000) | | | | | | (65,000) | | | | | | (65,000) | | |
|
Minority ownership puttable share activity
|
| | | | (2) | | | | | | 78 | | | | | | 511 | | |
|
Grant date fair value of equity-based compensation
|
| | | | 22,193 | | | | | | 30,765 | | | | | | 28,990 | | |
|
Change in fair market value (all instruments)
|
| | | | (25,495) | | | | | | 30,561 | | | | | | 207,026 | | |
|
Balance, as of December 31,
|
| | | $ | 216,630 | | | | | $ | 239,934 | | | | | $ | 226,380 | | |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2023
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
Balance Sheet Location
|
| |
Gross
Amounts of Assets and Liabilities |
| |
Offset
Adjustments |
| |
Net Amounts
of Assets and Liabilities |
| |||||||||
|
Current derivative assets
|
| |
Commodity derivative assets, current
|
| | | $ | 90,540 | | | | | $ | (6,501) | | | | | $ | 84,039 | | |
|
Noncurrent derivative assets
|
| |
Commodity derivative assets
|
| | | | 18,615 | | | | | | (107) | | | | | | 18,508 | | |
|
Current derivative liabilities
|
| |
Commodity derivative liabilities, current
|
| | | | 6,501 | | | | | | (6,501) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Noncurrent derivative liabilities
|
| |
Other noncurrent liabilities
|
| | | | 107 | | | | | | (107) | | | | | | — | | |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2022
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
Balance Sheet Location
|
| |
Gross
Amounts of Assets and Liabilities |
| |
Offset
Adjustments |
| |
Net Amounts
of Assets and Liabilities |
| |||||||||
|
Current derivative assets
|
| |
Commodity derivative assets, current
|
| | | $ | 3,719 | | | | | $ | (1,068) | | | | | $ | 2,651 | | |
|
Noncurrent derivative assets
|
| |
Commodity derivative assets
|
| | | | 816 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 816 | | |
|
Current derivative liabilities
|
| |
Commodity derivative liabilities, current
|
| | | | 50,552 | | | | | | (1,068) | | | | | | 49,484 | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
Total gain (loss) on settled derivatives
|
| | | $ | 90,179 | | | | | $ | (688,516) | | | | | $ | (268,686) | | |
|
Total gain (loss) on unsettled derivatives
|
| | | | 148,564 | | | | | | 58,815 | | | | | | (115,161) | | |
|
Total gain (loss) on derivatives, net
|
| | | $ | 238,743 | | | | | $ | (629,701) | | | | | $ | (383,847) | | |
|
Instrument
|
| |
MMBtu
|
| |
Weighted
Average Price (USD) |
| |
Weighted
Average Price Floor |
| |
Weighted
Average Price Ceiling |
| |
Fair Value as of
December 31, 2023 (in thousands) |
| |||||||||||||||
| 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Swap
|
| | | | 99,662,500 | | | | | $ | 3.52 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 82,071 | | |
| 2025 | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Collars
|
| | | | 49,275,000 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 3.73 | | | | | $ | 4.13 | | | | | $ | 16,447 | | |
|
Instrument
|
| |
Basis
Reference Price |
| |
MMBtu
|
| |
Weighted
Average Basis Differential |
| |
Fair Value as of
December 31, 2023 (in thousands) |
| |||||||||
| 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
NGPL TXOK Basis
|
| | | | 21,400,000 | | | | | $ | (0.54) | | | | | $ | (5,059) | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
Transco Leidy Basis
|
| | | | 32,940,000 | | | | | $ | (0.89) | | | | | $ | (795) | | |
|
Instrument
|
| |
Commodity
Reference Price |
| |
Gallons
|
| |
Weighted
Average Price (USD) |
| |
Fair Value
as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands) |
| |||||||||
| 2024 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS Purity Ethane Mont Belvieu | | | | | 115,290,000 | | | | | $ | 0.25 | | | | | $ | 5,346 | | |
| Swap | | | OPIS IsoButane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 7,686,000 | | | | | $ | 0.88 | | | | | $ | (468) | | |
| Swap | | |
OPIS Normal Butane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 11,529,000 | | | | | $ | 0.87 | | | | | $ | (149) | | |
| Swap | | | OPIS Pentane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 19,215,000 | | | | | $ | 1.48 | | | | | $ | 1,163 | | |
| Swap | | | OPIS Propane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 23,058,000 | | | | | $ | 0.77 | | | | | $ | 1,930 | | |
|
Instrument
|
| |
Commodity
Reference Price |
| |
Gallons
|
| |
Weighted
Average Price (USD) |
| |
Fair Value
as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands) |
| |||||||||
| 2025 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||
| Swap | | | OPIS Purity Ethane Mont Belvieu | | | | | 53,655,000 | | | | | $ | 0.27 | | | | | $ | 908 | | |
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS IsoButane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 3,832,500 | | | | | $ | 0.84 | | | | | $ | (74) | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Normal Butane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 5,748,750 | | | | | $ | 0.82 | | | | | $ | (34) | | |
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS Pentane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 7,665,000 | | | | | $ | 1.37 | | | | | $ | 203 | | |
|
Swap
|
| | OPIS Propane Mont Belvieu Non-TET | | | | | 19,162,500 | | | | | $ | 0.73 | | | | | $ | 1,058 | | |
|
Instrument
|
| |
MMBtu
|
| |
Weighted Average
Price (USD) |
| |
Weighted
Average Price Floor |
| |
Weighted
Average Price Ceiling |
| |
Settlement Value
(in thousands) |
| ||||||||||||
|
2024
|
| | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Swap
|
| | 12,000,000 | | | | $ | 3.52 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 8,350 | | |
| 2025 | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Collars
|
| | 34,770,000 | | | | | | | | | | $ | 3.74 | | | | | $ | 4.14 | | | | | $ | 4,900 | | |
|
Instrument
|
| |
Index
|
| |
Daily Volume
|
| |
Weighted Average
Price Ceiling |
| ||||||
| 2026 | | | | | ||||||||||||
|
Collars
|
| |
NYMEX Henry Hub
|
| | | | 100,000 | | | | | $ | 5.00 | | |
| 2027 | | | | | ||||||||||||
|
Collars
|
| |
NYMEX Henry Hub
|
| | | | 100,000 | | | | | $ | 5.00 | | |
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
Balance, as of January 1,
|
| | | $ | 182,300 | | | | | $ | 158,968 | | | | | $ | 148,826 | | |
|
Additions through business combination
|
| | | | 640 | | | | | | 46,867 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Liabilities incurred
|
| | | | 89 | | | | | | 303 | | | | | | 923 | | |
|
Liabilities settled
|
| | | | (759) | | | | | | (156) | | | | | | (811) | | |
|
Revision of estimates
|
| | | | — | | | | | | (36,516) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Accretion of discount
|
| | | | 13,206 | | | | | | 12,834 | | | | | | 10,030 | | |
|
Balance, as of December 31,
|
| | | | 195,476 | | | | | | 182,300 | | | | | | 158,968 | | |
|
Less current portion
|
| | | | (2,271) | | | | | | (1,165) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Asset retirement obligations, long-term
|
| | | $ | 193,205 | | | | | $ | 181,135 | | | | | $ | 158,968 | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31, 2023
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
Pennsylvania
|
| |
Texas
|
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||
|
Natural gas
|
| | | $ | 57,678 | | | | | $ | 452,168 | | | | | $ | 509,846 | | |
|
NGLs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 187,860 | | | | | | 187,860 | | |
|
Oil
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 8,445 | | | | | | 8,445 | | |
|
Total natural gas, NGL, and oil sales
|
| | | $ | 57,678 | | | | | $ | 648,473 | | | | | $ | 706,151 | | |
|
Marketing revenues
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 8,710 | | | | | | 8,710 | | |
|
Midstream revenues
|
| | | | 4,635 | | | | | | 11,533 | | | | | | 16,168 | | |
|
Related party and other
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 8,251 | | | | | | 8,251 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | $ | 62,313 | | | | | $ | 676,967 | | | | | $ | 739,280 | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31, 2022
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
Pennsylvania
|
| |
Texas
|
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||
|
Natural gas
|
| | | $ | 246,200 | | | | | $ | 1,064,139 | | | | | $ | 1,310,339 | | |
|
NGLs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 311,542 | | | | | | 311,542 | | |
|
Oil
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 11,866 | | | | | | 11,866 | | |
|
Total natural gas, NGL, and oil sales
|
| | | $ | 246,200 | | | | | $ | 1,387,547 | | | | | $ | 1,633,747 | | |
|
Marketing revenues
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 11,001 | | | | | | 11,001 | | |
|
Midstream revenues
|
| | | | 5,845 | | | | | | 6,831 | | | | | | 12,676 | | |
|
Related party and other
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 2,799 | | | | | | 2,799 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | $ | 252,045 | | | | | $ | 1,408,178 | | | | | $ | 1,660,223 | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31, 2021
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
Pennsylvania
|
| |
Texas
|
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||
|
Natural gas
|
| | | $ | 131,207 | | | | | $ | 465,843 | | | | | $ | 597,050 | | |
|
NGLs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 225,135 | | | | | | 225,135 | | |
|
Oil
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 7,560 | | | | | | 7,560 | | |
|
Total natural gas, NGL, and oil sales
|
| | | $ | 131,207 | | | | | $ | 698,538 | | | | | $ | 829,745 | | |
|
Marketing revenues
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 52,616 | | | | | | 52,616 | | |
|
Midstream revenues
|
| | | | 6,917 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 6,917 | | |
|
Related party and other
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 251 | | | | | | 251 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | $ | 138,124 | | | | | $ | 751,405 | | | | | $ | 889,529 | | |
| | | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
|
Accounts payable
|
| | | $ | 47,504 | | | | | $ | 74,957 | | |
|
Commodity derivative settlements payable
|
| | | | 347 | | | | | | 44,754 | | |
|
Commodity derivative monetizations payable
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 56,972 | | |
|
Oil and gas production and other taxes payable
|
| | | | 48,857 | | | | | | 37,530 | | |
|
Revenues payable
|
| | | | 21,765 | | | | | | 28,976 | | |
|
Other accrued liabilities
|
| | | | 30,700 | | | | | | 29,286 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | $ | 149,173 | | | | | $ | 272,475 | | |
|
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
| |
Shares
|
| |
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value |
| ||||||
|
Unvested PRSUs as of January 1, 2023
|
| | | | 5,910 | | | | | $ | 22.20 | | |
| Adjustment(1) | | | | | (1,673) | | | | | $ | 19.02 | | |
| Forfeited | | | | | (270) | | | | | $ | 21.80 | | |
|
Unvested PRSUs as of December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 3,967 | | | | | $ | 19.02 | | |
|
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
| |
Shares
|
| |
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value |
| ||||||
|
Unvested TRSUs as of January 1, 2023
|
| | | | 1,034 | | | | | $ | 22.32 | | |
| Vested(1) | | | | | (235) | | | | | $ | 22.24 | | |
| Forfeited | | | | | (72) | | | | | $ | 22.12 | | |
|
Unvested TRSUs as of December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 727 | | | | | $ | 22.37 | | |
|
Reconciliation of Equity Method Investment
(in thousands) |
| | | | | | |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2021
|
| | | $ | 89,320 | | |
|
Equity in earnings of Joint Venture
|
| | | | 8,493 | | |
|
Direct transaction costs
|
| | | | 72 | | |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2022
|
| | | | 97,885 | | |
|
Equity in earnings of Joint Venture
|
| | | | 16,865 | | |
|
Dividends from Joint Venture
|
| | | | (10,000) | | |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2023
|
| | | $ | 104,750 | | |
|
Balance Sheet
(in thousands) |
| |
As of December 31,
|
| |||||||||
| |
2023(1)
|
| |
2022(2)
|
| ||||||||
|
Current assets
|
| | | $ | 142,672 | | | | | $ | 45,341 | | |
|
Noncurrent assets
|
| | | | 880,097 | | | | | | 434,455 | | |
|
Total assets
|
| | | $ | 1,022,769 | | | | | $ | 479,796 | | |
|
Current liabilities
|
| | | $ | 122,334 | | | | | $ | 287,432 | | |
|
Noncurrent liabilities
|
| | | | 694,203 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Total liabilities
|
| | | | 816,537 | | | | | | 287,432 | | |
|
Members’ equity
|
| | | | 206,232 | | | | | | 192,364 | | |
|
Total liabilities and members’ equity
|
| | | $ | 1,022,769 | | | | | $ | 479,796 | | |
|
Income Statement
(in thousands) |
| |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| |
2023(1)
|
| |
2022(2)
|
| |
2021(2)
|
| |||||||||||
|
Total revenues, net
|
| | | $ | 326,604 | | | | | $ | 294,736 | | | | | $ | 23,918 | | |
|
Operating expenses
|
| | | | 243,075 | | | | | | 255,230 | | | | | | 23,140 | | |
|
Income from operations
|
| | | | 83,529 | | | | | | 39,506 | | | | | | 778 | | |
|
Interest expense
|
| | | | (50,524) | | | | | | (19,662) | | | | | | (2,599) | | |
|
Other income
|
| | | | 863 | | | | | | 377 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Net income (loss)
|
| | | $ | 33,868 | | | | | $ | 20,221 | | | | | $ | (1,821) | | |
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2025
|
| |
2026
|
| |
2027
|
| |
2028
|
| |
Thereafter
|
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Term loan payments
|
| | | $ | 114,000 | | | | | $ | 114,000 | | | | | $ | 114,000 | | | | | $ | 114,000 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 456,000 | | |
|
Credit facilities
|
| | | | 127,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 127,000 | | |
|
Interest payable
|
| | | | 1,117 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,117 | | |
|
Notes payable to related party
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 75,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 75,000 | | |
|
Interest on related party notes
|
| | | | 11,394 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 11,394 | | |
|
Operating lease payments
|
| | | | 1,104 | | | | | | 1,082 | | | | | | 961 | | | | | | 908 | | | | | | 924 | | | | | | 4,608 | | | | | | 9,587 | | |
|
Volume commitments
|
| | | | 53,542 | | | | | | 33,214 | | | | | | 31,376 | | | | | | 23,477 | | | | | | 17,704 | | | | | | 49,566 | | | | | | 208,879 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | $ | 308,157 | | | | | $ | 148,296 | | | | | $ | 146,337 | | | | | $ | 213,385 | | | | | $ | 18,628 | | | | | $ | 54,174 | | | | | $ | 888,977 | | |
| | | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
| Current tax (expense) benefit | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||
|
United States federal income tax
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 30,165 | | | | | $ | (29,051) | | |
|
Various state income taxes
|
| | | | 4,169 | | | | | | (3,752) | | | | | | (3,176) | | |
|
Total current income tax (expense) benefit
|
| | | | 4,169 | | | | | | 26,413 | | | | | | (32,227) | | |
| Deferred tax (expense) benefit | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||
|
United States federal income tax
|
| | | | (29,569) | | | | | | (86,772) | | | | | | 66,362 | | |
|
Various state taxes
|
| | | | (2,825) | | | | | | (2,293) | | | | | | 6,391 | | |
|
Total deferred income tax (expense) benefit
|
| | | | (32,394) | | | | | | (89,065) | | | | | | 72,753 | | |
|
Income tax (expense) benefit
|
| | | $ | (28,225) | | | | | $ | (62,652) | | | | | $ | 40,526 | | |
| | | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
| | | $ | 145,143 | | | | | $ | 472,794 | | | | | $ | (174,989) | | |
|
Federal statutory rate
|
| | | | 21.0% | | | | | | 21.0% | | | | | | 21.0% | | |
|
Income tax (provision) benefit based on statutory rate
|
| | | $ | (30,480) | | | | | $ | (99,287) | | | | | $ | 36,748 | | |
| (Increase) decrease in income taxes resulting from: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||
|
State tax (expense) benefit, net of federal benefit
|
| | | | (4,002) | | | | | | (9,948) | | | | | | 4,114 | | |
|
Change in state tax rate, net of federal effect
|
| | | | 1,177 | | | | | | 3,005 | | | | | | (227) | | |
|
Deferred tax activity
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 520 | | |
|
Bargain purchase gain
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 38,139 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Marginal well credit
|
| | | | 94 | | | | | | 6,417 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Payable true-up
|
| | | | 4,067 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Other, including tax credits
|
| | | | 919 | | | | | | (978) | | | | | | (629) | | |
|
Income tax (expense) benefit
|
| | | $ | (28,225) | | | | | $ | (62,652) | | | | | $ | 40,526 | | |
| | | |
As of December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
| Deferred tax assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Fair value of derivative financial instruments
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 49,869 | | |
|
Asset retirement obligations
|
| | | | 43,578 | | | | | | 41,315 | | |
|
Equity-based compensation
|
| | | | 17,220 | | | | | | 13,002 | | |
|
Contingent consideration
|
| | | | 12,338 | | | | | | 36,203 | | |
|
Interest expense carryforward
|
| | | | 21,769 | | | | | | 4,959 | | |
|
Net operating loss carryforward
|
| | | | 27,583 | | | | | | 4,231 | | |
|
Other(1)
|
| | | | 10,387 | | | | | | 6,345 | | |
|
Total deferred tax asset
|
| | | $ | 132,875 | | | | | $ | 155,924 | | |
| Deferred tax liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Property and equipment
|
| | | $ | (206,576) | | | | | $ | (211,892) | | |
|
Investment in joint venture
|
| | | | (37,283) | | | | | | (47,215) | | |
|
Fair value of derivative financial instruments
|
| | | | (24,307) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Other(1)
|
| | | | (1,233) | | | | | | (947) | | |
|
Total deferred tax liability
|
| | | $ | (269,399) | | | | | $ | (260,054) | | |
|
Deferred tax liability, net
|
| | | $ | (136,524) | | | | | $ | (104,130) | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
|
| | | | 60,730 | | | | | | 58,659 | | | | | | 58,496 | | |
|
Add: dilutive effect of TRSUs
|
| | | | 172 | | | | | | 351 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Add: dilutive effect of PRSUs
|
| | | | 3,478 | | | | | | 2,980 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Diluted weighted average of common shares outstanding
|
| | | | 64,380 | | | | | | 61,990 | | | | | | 58,496 | | |
|
Weighted average number of outstanding securities excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
TRSUs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 237 | | |
|
PRSUs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 711 | | |
| | | |
As of December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
|
Developed properties
|
| | | $ | 2,370,156 | | | | | $ | 2,252,681 | | |
|
Undeveloped properties
|
| | | | 15,846 | | | | | | 15,511 | | |
|
Total capitalized costs
|
| | | | 2,386,002 | | | | | | 2,268,192 | | |
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization
|
| | | | (560,016) | | | | | | (363,832) | | |
|
Net capitalized costs
|
| | | $ | 1,825,986 | | | | | $ | 1,904,360 | | |
| | | |
For the year ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
Undeveloped property acquisition costs
|
| | | $ | 335 | | | | | $ | 290 | | | | | $ | 3,569 | | |
|
Acquisitions
|
| | | | 9,885 | | | | | | 431,897 | | | | | | 2,928 | | |
|
Development costs
|
| | | | 107,544 | | | | | | 253,179 | | | | | | 77,634 | | |
|
Total cost incurred
|
| | | | 117,764 | | | | | | 685,366 | | | | | | 84,131 | | |
|
Asset retirement obligations(1)
|
| | | | 89 | | | | | | 38,337 | | | | | | 923 | | |
|
Total costs incurred, including asset retirement obligations
|
| | | $ | 117,853 | | | | | $ | 723,703 | | | | | $ | 85,054 | | |
| | | |
Natural Gas
(MMcf) |
| |
NGL
(MBbls) |
| |
Oil
(MBbls) |
| |
Total
(MMcfe) |
| ||||||||||||
|
January 1, 2021
|
| | | | 1,985,532 | | | | | | 107,234 | | | | | | 723 | | | | | | 2,633,274 | | |
|
Revision of previous estimates
|
| | | | 828,360 | | | | | | 45,234 | | | | | | 258 | | | | | | 1,101,312 | | |
|
Extensions and discoveries
|
| | | | 645,338 | | | | | | 13,722 | | | | | | 58 | | | | | | 728,018 | | |
|
Purchase of minerals in place
|
| | | | 19,511 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 19,511 | | |
|
Improved recoveries
|
| | | | 152,597 | | | | | | 8,794 | | | | | | 9 | | | | | | 205,415 | | |
|
Production
|
| | | | (186,055) | | | | | | (9,829) | | | | | | (123) | | | | | | (245,767) | | |
|
December 31, 2021
|
| | | | 3,445,283 | | | | | | 165,155 | | | | | | 925 | | | | | | 4,441,763 | | |
|
Revision of previous estimates
|
| | | | (119,200) | | | | | | (388) | | | | | | 43 | | | | | | (121,270) | | |
|
Extensions and discoveries
|
| | | | 364,494 | | | | | | 30,037 | | | | | | 786 | | | | | | 549,432 | | |
|
Purchase of minerals in place
|
| | | | 1,323,059 | | | | | | 23,406 | | | | | | 255 | | | | | | 1,465,025 | | |
|
Improved recoveries
|
| | | | 59,625 | | | | | | 3,477 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 80,487 | | |
|
Production
|
| | | | (217,585) | | | | | | (10,187) | | | | | | (140) | | | | | | (279,547) | | |
|
December 31, 2022
|
| | | | 4,855,676 | | | | | | 211,500 | | | | | | 1,869 | | | | | | 6,135,890 | | |
|
Revision of previous estimates
|
| | | | (1,828,619) | | | | | | (25,570) | | | | | | (704) | | | | | | (1,986,263) | | |
|
Extensions and discoveries
|
| | | | 188,572 | | | | | | 6,539 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 227,806 | | |
|
Improved recoveries
|
| | | | 16,632 | | | | | | 2,250 | | | | | | 5 | | | | | | 30,162 | | |
|
Production
|
| | | | (249,766) | | | | | | (10,554) | | | | | | (119) | | | | | | (313,804) | | |
|
December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 2,982,495 | | | | | | 184,165 | | | | | | 1,051 | | | | | | 4,093,791 | | |
| Proved developed reserves as of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
January 1, 2022
|
| | | | 2,494,925 | | | | | | 151,433 | | | | | | 867 | | | | | | 3,408,725 | | |
|
December 31, 2022
|
| | | | 3,798,027 | | | | | | 170,840 | | | | | | 1,111 | | | | | | 4,829,733 | | |
|
December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 2,443,072 | | | | | | 156,399 | | | | | | 992 | | | | | | 3,387,418 | | |
| Proved undeveloped reserves as of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
January 1, 2022
|
| | | | 950,358 | | | | | | 13,722 | | | | | | 58 | | | | | | 1,033,038 | | |
|
December 31, 2022
|
| | | | 1,057,649 | | | | | | 40,660 | | | | | | 758 | | | | | | 1,306,157 | | |
|
December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 539,423 | | | | | | 27,766 | | | | | | 59 | | | | | | 706,373 | | |
| | | |
Developed
|
| |
Undeveloped
|
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||
| | | |
(MMcfe)
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
January 1, 2021
|
| | | | 2,540,900 | | | | | | 92,374 | | | | | | 2,633,274 | | |
|
Revision of previous estimates
|
| | | | 855,750 | | | | | | 245,562 | | | | | | 1,101,312 | | |
|
Extensions and discoveries
|
| | | | 15,399 | | | | | | 712,619 | | | | | | 728,018 | | |
|
Purchase of minerals in place
|
| | | | 17,664 | | | | | | 1,847 | | | | | | 19,511 | | |
|
Improved recoveries
|
| | | | 205,415 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 205,415 | | |
|
Production
|
| | | | (245,767) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (245,767) | | |
|
Undeveloped reserves converted to developed
|
| | | | 19,364 | | | | | | (19,364) | | | | | | — | | |
|
December 31, 2021
|
| | | | 3,408,725 | | | | | | 1,033,038 | | | | | | 4,441,763 | | |
|
Revision of previous estimates
|
| | | | 234,914 | | | | | | (356,184) | | | | | | (121,270) | | |
|
Extensions and discoveries
|
| | | | 74,094 | | | | | | 475,338 | | | | | | 549,432 | | |
|
Purchase of minerals in place
|
| | | | 1,237,142 | | | | | | 227,883 | | | | | | 1,465,025 | | |
|
Improved recoveries
|
| | | | 80,487 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 80,487 | | |
|
Production
|
| | | | (279,547) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (279,547) | | |
|
Undeveloped reserves converted to developed
|
| | | | 73,924 | | | | | | (73,924) | | | | | | — | | |
|
December 31, 2022
|
| | | | 4,829,739 | | | | | | 1,306,151 | | | | | | 6,135,890 | | |
|
Revision of previous estimates
|
| | | | (1,159,956) | | | | | | (826,307) | | | | | | (1,986,263) | | |
|
Extensions and discoveries
|
| | | | 1,289 | | | | | | 226,517 | | | | | | 227,806 | | |
|
Improved recoveries
|
| | | | 30,162 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 30,162 | | |
|
Production
|
| | | | (313,804) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (313,804) | | |
|
Undeveloped reserves converted to developed
|
| | | | 31,931 | | | | | | (31,931) | | | | | | — | | |
|
December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 3,419,361 | | | | | | 674,430 | | | | | | 4,093,791 | | |
|
Future cash flows
(in thousands) |
| |
As of December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||
|
Future cash inflows
|
| | | $ | 9,691,057 | | | | | $ | 34,992,383 | | | | | $ | 15,029,839 | | |
|
Future production costs
|
| | | | (5,799,209) | | | | | | (11,967,176) | | | | | | (6,840,969) | | |
|
Future development costs(1)
|
| | | | (977,333) | | | | | | (1,859,661) | | | | | | (1,051,911) | | |
|
Income tax expense
|
| | | | (406,937) | | | | | | (4,572,275) | | | | | | (1,501,984) | | |
|
Future net cash flows
|
| | | | 2,507,578 | | | | | | 16,593,271 | | | | | | 5,634,975 | | |
|
10% annual discount for estimated timing of cash flows
|
| | | | (1,445,245) | | | | | | (9,599,669) | | | | | | (3,222,086) | | |
|
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows related to proved reserves
|
| | | $ | 1,062,333 | | | | | $ | 6,993,602 | | | | | $ | 2,412,889 | | |
| | | |
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
|
Balance, beginning of period
|
| | | $ | 6,993,602 | | | | | $ | 2,412,889 | | | | | $ | 510,410 | | |
|
Net change in sales and transfer prices and in production (lifting)
costs related to future production |
| | | | (5,386,961) | | | | | | 4,656,150 | | | | | | 1,768,893 | | |
|
Changes in estimated future development costs
|
| | | | 91,657 | | | | | | 43,101 | | | | | | (393,235) | | |
|
Sales and transfers of natural gas, NGLs, and oil produced during the period
|
| | | | (201,884) | | | | | | (1,293,492) | | | | | | (522,403) | | |
|
Net change due to extensions, discoveries, and improved
recoveries |
| | | | 36,107 | | | | | | 824,295 | | | | | | 183,332 | | |
|
Purchase of minerals in place
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 1,649,737 | | | | | | 19,050 | | |
|
Net change due to revisions in quantity estimates
|
| | | | (3,058,900) | | | | | | (86,088) | | | | | | 1,266,086 | | |
|
Previously estimated development costs incurred during the
period |
| | | | 27,598 | | | | | | 37,784 | | | | | | 60,406 | | |
|
Net change in future income taxes
|
| | | | 1,790,684 | | | | | | (1,299,320) | | | | | | (611,031) | | |
|
Accretion of discount
|
| | | | 861,914 | | | | | | 322,498 | | | | | | 56,096 | | |
|
Changes in timing and other
|
| | | | (91,484) | | | | | | (273,952) | | | | | | 75,285 | | |
|
Total discounted cash flow as end of period
|
| | | $ | 1,062,333 | | | | | $ | 6,993,602 | | | | | $ | 2,412,889 | | |
| | | |
March 31, 2024
|
| |
December 31, 2023
|
| ||||||
| Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Current assets
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | $ | 21,891 | | | | | $ | 25,407 | | |
|
Restricted cash
|
| | | | 140,955 | | | | | | 139,662 | | |
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
| | | | 54,695 | | | | | | 48,500 | | |
|
Accounts receivable, related parties
|
| | | | 1,300 | | | | | | 559 | | |
|
Commodity derivative assets, current
|
| | | | 62,605 | | | | | | 84,039 | | |
|
Other current assets
|
| | | | 13,997 | | | | | | 13,990 | | |
|
Total current assets
|
| | | | 295,443 | | | | | | 312,157 | | |
|
Natural gas properties and equipment
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Developed properties
|
| | | | 2,382,484 | | | | | | 2,370,156 | | |
|
Undeveloped properties
|
| | | | 16,168 | | | | | | 15,846 | | |
|
Midstream assets
|
| | | | 319,255 | | | | | | 318,855 | | |
|
Accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization
|
| | | | (626,526) | | | | | | (579,415) | | |
|
Total natural gas properties, net
|
| | | | 2,091,381 | | | | | | 2,125,442 | | |
|
Other property and equipment, net
|
| | | | 87,580 | | | | | | 83,935 | | |
|
Goodwill
|
| | | | 18,417 | | | | | | 18,417 | | |
|
Investment in joint venture
|
| | | | 97,043 | | | | | | 104,750 | | |
|
Commodity derivative assets
|
| | | | 1,857 | | | | | | 18,508 | | |
|
Other noncurrent assets
|
| | | | 20,752 | | | | | | 19,937 | | |
|
Total assets
|
| | | $ | 2,612,473 | | | | | $ | 2,683,146 | | |
| Liabilities, mezzanine equity, and stockholders’ equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Current liabilities
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
| | | $ | 126,497 | | | | | $ | 149,173 | | |
|
Contingent consideration payable
|
| | | | 23,082 | | | | | | 20,000 | | |
|
Income taxes payable to related party
|
| | | | 1,008 | | | | | | 864 | | |
|
Credit facilities
|
| | | | 126,000 | | | | | | 127,000 | | |
|
Current portion of long-term debt, net
|
| | | | 112,512 | | | | | | 112,373 | | |
|
Other current liabilities
|
| | | | 5,075 | | | | | | 2,849 | | |
|
Total current liabilities
|
| | | | 394,174 | | | | | | 412,259 | | |
|
Asset retirement obligations
|
| | | | 195,533 | | | | | | 193,205 | | |
|
Contingent consideration
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 29,676 | | |
|
Note payable to related party
|
| | | | 75,000 | | | | | | 75,000 | | |
|
Deferred tax liability, net
|
| | | | 123,402 | | | | | | 136,524 | | |
|
Long-term debt, net
|
| | | | 340,133 | | | | | | 339,663 | | |
|
Other noncurrent liabilities
|
| | | | 36,576 | | | | | | 11,652 | | |
|
Total liabilities
|
| | | | 1,164,818 | | | | | | 1,197,979 | | |
| | | |
March 31, 2024
|
| |
December 31, 2023
|
| ||||||
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Mezzanine equity
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Common stock – minority ownership puttable shares; 2,472
authorized shares; 2,472 and 2,403 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively |
| | | | 61,536 | | | | | | 59,988 | | |
|
Equity-based compensation
|
| | | | 128,534 | | | | | | 126,966 | | |
|
Total mezzanine equity
|
| | | | 190,070 | | | | | | 186,954 | | |
|
Stockholders’ equity
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 300,000 authorized shares; 63,873
shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 |
| | | | 1,283 | | | | | | 1,283 | | |
|
Treasury stock, shares at cost; 213 shares as of March 31, 2024 and
December 31, 2023 |
| | | | (4,582) | | | | | | (4,582) | | |
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
| | | | 1,032,101 | | | | | | 1,034,144 | | |
|
Retained earnings
|
| | | | 228,783 | | | | | | 267,368 | | |
|
Total stockholders’ equity
|
| | | | 1,257,585 | | | | | | 1,298,213 | | |
|
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity, and stockholders’ equity
|
| | | $ | 2,612,473 | | | | | $ | 2,683,146 | | |
| | |||||||||||||
| | | |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
| |||||||||
| | | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
| Revenues and other operating income | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Natural gas, NGL, and oil sales
|
| | | $ | 141,687 | | | | | $ | 210,405 | | |
|
Midstream revenues
|
| | | | 4,128 | | | | | | 3,922 | | |
|
Derivative gains (losses), net
|
| | | | (3,679) | | | | | | 97,368 | | |
|
Marketing revenues
|
| | | | 4,921 | | | | | | 2,635 | | |
|
Related party and other
|
| | | | 4,157 | | | | | | 1,774 | | |
|
Total revenues and other operating income
|
| | | | 151,214 | | | | | | 316,104 | | |
| Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Lease operating and workover
|
| | | | 34,468 | | | | | | 43,166 | | |
|
Taxes other than income
|
| | | | 11,365 | | | | | | 24,169 | | |
|
Gathering and transportation
|
| | | | 59,391 | | | | | | 58,284 | | |
|
Depreciation, depletion, amortization, and
accretion |
| | | | 52,166 | | | | | | 36,747 | | |
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 20,645 | | | | | | 26,286 | | |
|
Other
|
| | | | 8,242 | | | | | | 2,500 | | |
|
Total operating expenses
|
| | | | 186,277 | | | | | | 191,152 | | |
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
| | | | (35,063) | | | | | | 124,952 | | |
| Other income (expense) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Gains on contingent consideration
liabilities |
| | | | 6,594 | | | | | | 22,894 | | |
|
Losses from equity affiliate
|
| | | | (7,707) | | | | | | (5,399) | | |
|
Interest income
|
| | | | 1,633 | | | | | | 648 | | |
|
Interest expense
|
| | | | (16,083) | | | | | | (17,770) | | |
|
Interest expense, related party
|
| | | | (1,973) | | | | | | (1,492) | | |
|
Other income
|
| | | | 1,035 | | | | | | 1,636 | | |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
| | | | (51,564) | | | | | | 125,469 | | |
|
Income tax benefit (expense)
|
| | | | 12,979 | | | | | | (29,307) | | |
|
Net income (loss)
|
| | | $ | (38,585) | | | | | $ | 96,162 | | |
| Net income (loss) per common share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Basic
|
| | | $ | (0.58) | | | | | $ | 1.64 | | |
|
Diluted
|
| | | $ | (0.58) | | | | | $ | 1.53 | | |
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Basic
|
| | | | 66,287 | | | | | | 58,783 | | |
|
Diluted
|
| | | | 66,287 | | | | | | 62,735 | | |
| | | |
Three Months
Ended March 31, |
| |||||||||
| | | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Net income (loss)
|
| | | $ | (38,585) | | | | | $ | 96,162 | | |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion
|
| | | | 52,259 | | | | | | 37,146 | | |
|
Equity-based compensation expense
|
| | | | 1,073 | | | | | | 3,797 | | |
|
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
|
| | | | (13,122) | | | | | | 29,123 | | |
|
Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, net
|
| | | | 40,143 | | | | | | (79,347) | | |
|
Gains on contingent consideration liabilities
|
| | | | (6,594) | | | | | | (22,894) | | |
|
Settlement of contingent consideration
|
| | | | (20,000) | | | | | | (65,000) | | |
|
Proceeds from the sale of call options
|
| | | | 23,502 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Losses from equity affiliate
|
| | | | 7,707 | | | | | | 5,399 | | |
|
Other, net
|
| | | | 743 | | | | | | 750 | | |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
| | | | (6,195) | | | | | | 83,097 | | |
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
| | | | (20,701) | | | | | | (72,726) | | |
|
Other changes in operating assets and liabilities
|
| | | | (979) | | | | | | (2,039) | | |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
| | | | 19,251 | | | | | | 13,468 | | |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Acquisition of natural gas properties
|
| | | | — | | | | | | (4,889) | | |
|
Investment in other property and equipment
|
| | | | (4,958) | | | | | | (5,161) | | |
|
Development of natural gas properties
|
| | | | (14,272) | | | | | | (79,306) | | |
|
Other investing activities
|
| | | | (654) | | | | | | 7,871 | | |
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
| | | | (19,884) | | | | | | (81,485) | | |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Proceeds from draws on credit facilities
|
| | | | 30,000 | | | | | | 57,500 | | |
|
Payments on credit facilities
|
| | | | (31,000) | | | | | | (97,500) | | |
|
Payments of deferred offering costs
|
| | | | (590) | | | | | | (1,379) | | |
|
Redemption of common stock issued upon vesting of equity-based compensation and other
|
| | | | — | | | | | | (349) | | |
|
Net share settlements, equity-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | (2,736) | | |
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
| | | | (1,590) | | | | | | (44,464) | | |
|
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
|
| | | | (2,223) | | | | | | (112,481) | | |
|
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period
|
| | | | 165,069 | | | | | | 153,128 | | |
|
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period
|
| | | $ | 162,846 | | | | | $ | 40,647 | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
Supplemental cash flow information:
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
| Cash payments for: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Interest
|
| | | $ | 3,988 | | | | | $ | 4,263 | | |
| Non-cash investing and financing activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Decrease in accrued capital expenditures
|
| | | $ | (1,833) | | | | | $ | (12,129) | | |
|
Additions to asset retirement obligations
|
| | | $ | 20 | | | | | $ | 57 | | |
|
Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets
|
| | | $ | 494 | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Decrease in accrued offering costs
|
| | | $ | (142) | | | | | $ | (602) | | |
|
Adjustment of minority ownership puttable shares to redemption value
|
| | | $ | 1,548 | | | | | $ | 6,871 | | |
|
Adjustment of equity-based compensation to redemption value
|
| | | $ | 495 | | | | | $ | 10,346 | | |
|
Impact of redemption of shares issued in settlement of equity-based
compensation and other on additional paid-in capital, common stock, and treasury stock |
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 527 | | |
| | | |
Stockholders’ Equity
|
| |
Mezzanine Equity
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Common Stock
|
| |
Treasury
|
| |
Additional
Paid-In Capital |
| |
Retained
Earnings |
| |
Total
Stock-holders’ Equity |
| |
Common Stock
|
| |
Equity-based
Compensation |
| |
Total
Mezzanine Equity |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Shares
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Shares
|
| |
Amount
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance, December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 63,873 | | | | | $ | 1,283 | | | | | $ | (4,582) | | | | | $ | 1,034,144 | | | | | $ | 267,368 | | | | | $ | 1,298,213 | | | | | | 2,403 | | | | | $ | 59,988 | | | | | $ | 126,966 | | | | | $ | 186,954 | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (38,585) | | | | | | (38,585) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Adjustment of minority ownership puttable shares to
redemption value |
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (1,548) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (1,548) | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,548 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,548 | | |
|
Adjustment of equity-based compensation to redemption value
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (495) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (495) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 495 | | | | | | 495 | | |
|
Common stock issued upon settlement of RSUs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 69 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Equity-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,073 | | | | | | 1,073 | | |
|
Balance, March 31, 2024
|
| | | | 63,873 | | | | | $ | 1,283 | | | | | $ | (4,582) | | | | | $ | 1,032,101 | | | | | $ | 228,783 | | | | | $ | 1,257,585 | | | | | | 2,472 | | | | | $ | 61,536 | | | | | $ | 128,354 | | | | | $ | 190,070 | | |
| | | |
Stockholders’ Equity
|
| |
Mezzanine Equity
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Common Stock
|
| |
Treasury
|
| |
Additional
Paid-In Capital |
| |
Retained
Earnings |
| |
Total
Stock-holders’ Equity |
| |
Common Stock
|
| |
Equity-based
Compensation |
| |
Total
Mezzanine Equity |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Shares
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Shares
|
| |
Amount
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance, December 31, 2022
|
| | | | 56,373 | | | | | $ | 1,132 | | | | | $ | (3,974) | | | | | $ | 896,433 | | | | | $ | 150,450 | | | | | $ | 1,044,041 | | | | | | 2,290 | | | | | $ | 62,712 | | | | | $ | 89,171 | | | | | $ | 151,883 | | |
|
Net income
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 96,162 | | | | | | 96,162 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Redemption of common stock issued upon vesting of equity-based compensation and other
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | (527) | | | | | | 659 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 133 | | | | | | (18) | | | | | | (2) | | | | | | (525) | | | | | | (527) | | |
|
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of equity-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for income taxes
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 122 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2,736) | | | | | | (2,736) | | |
|
Adjustment of minority ownership puttable shares to redemption value
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 6,871 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 6,871 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (6,871) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (6,871) | | |
|
Adjustment of equity-based compensation to redemption value
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 10,346 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 10,346 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (10,346) | | | | | | (10,346) | | |
|
Equity-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 3,797 | | | | | | 3,797 | | |
|
Balance, March 31, 2023
|
| | | | 56,373 | | | | | $ | 1,133 | | | | | $ | (4,501) | | | | | $ | 914,309 | | | | | $ | 246,612 | | | | | $ | 1,157,553 | | | | | | 2,394 | | | | | $ | 55,839 | | | | | $ | 79,361 | | | | | $ | 135,200 | | |
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
March 31,
2024 |
| |
December 31,
2023 |
| ||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | $ | 21,891 | | | | | $ | 25,407 | | |
|
Restricted cash
|
| | | | 140,955 | | | | | | 139,662 | | |
|
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
|
| | | $ | 162,846 | | | | | $ | 165,069 | | |
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
March 31, 2024
|
| |
December 31, 2023
|
| ||||||
| Credit facilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
SCB Credit Facility(1)
|
| | | $ | 35,000 | | | | | $ | 31,000 | | |
|
Revolving Credit Agreement(2)
|
| | | | 91,000 | | | | | | 96,000 | | |
| Term loan | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Current portion of Term Loan Credit Agreement
|
| | | | 114,000 | | | | | | 114,000 | | |
|
Current portion of unamortized debt issuance costs
|
| | | | (1,488) | | | | | | (1,627) | | |
|
Total current debt, net
|
| | | | 238,512 | | | | | | 239,373 | | |
|
Term Loan Credit Agreement
|
| | | | 342,000 | | | | | | 342,000 | | |
|
Long-term portion of unamortized debt issuance costs
|
| | | | (1,867) | | | | | | (2,337) | | |
|
Total long-term debt, net
|
| | | | 340,133 | | | | | | 339,663 | | |
|
Total debt, net
|
| | | $ | 578,645 | | | | | $ | 579,036 | | |
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
March 31, 2024
|
| |
December 31, 2023
|
| ||||||
|
Carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration
|
| | | $ | 63,746 | | | | | $ | 59,142 | | |
| Buildings | | | | | 15,707 | | | | | | 15,707 | | |
|
Furniture, fixtures, equipment, and vehicles
|
| | | | 15,497 | | | | | | 15,101 | | |
|
Computer software
|
| | | | 4,844 | | | | | | 4,844 | | |
| Land | | | | | 3,090 | | | | | | 3,090 | | |
|
Leasehold improvements
|
| | | | 1,685 | | | | | | 1,685 | | |
|
Construction in process
|
| | | | 76 | | | | | | 76 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | 104,645 | | | | | | 99,645 | | |
|
Accumulated depreciation
|
| | | | (17,065) | | | | | | (15,710) | | |
|
Other property and equipment, net
|
| | | $ | 87,580 | | | | | $ | 83,935 | | |
| | | |
As of March 31, 2024
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
Fair Value Measurements Using:
|
| | | | | | | |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
Significant Other
Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
| |
Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||
| Financial assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Derivative instruments
|
| | | $ | 64,462 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 64,462 | | |
| Financial liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Derivative instruments
|
| | | | 25,560 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 25,560 | | |
|
Contingent consideration
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 23,082 | | | | | | 23,082 | | |
| Mezzanine equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Minority ownership puttable shares
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 61,536 | | | | | | 61,536 | | |
|
Equity-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 128,534 | | | | | | 128,534 | | |
| | | |
As of December 31, 2023
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
Fair Value Measurements Using:
|
| | | | | | | |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
Significant Other
Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
| |
Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||
| Financial assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Derivative instruments
|
| | | $ | 102,547 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 102,547 | | |
| Financial liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Contingent consideration
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 29,676 | | | | | | 29,676 | | |
| Mezzanine equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Minority ownership puttable shares
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 59,988 | | | | | | 59,988 | | |
|
Equity-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 126,966 | | | | | | 126,966 | | |
|
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
| |
Fair Value
|
| |
Valuation
Technique |
| |
Unobservable
Input |
| |
Range or
Actual |
| |||
|
Common stock – per share value, as
of December 31, 2023(1) |
| | | $ | 28.25 | | | |
Enterprise value
|
| |
Discount rate
|
| |
11.5% – 12.5%
|
|
| Contingent consideration, as of December 31, 2023 | | | | $ | 29,676 | | | |
Monte Carlo
Simulation |
| |
Risk free rate(2)
|
| |
5.2%
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Credit spread
|
| |
4.7%
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discount rate
|
| |
9.9%
|
|
|
Common stock – per share value, as
of March 31, 2024(1) |
| | | $ | 28.98 | | | |
Enterprise value
|
| |
Discount rate
|
| |
11.5% – 12.5%
|
|
| Contingent consideration, as of March 31, 2024 | | | | $ | 23,082 | | | |
Monte Carlo
Simulation |
| |
Risk free rate(2)
|
| |
5.4%
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Credit spread
|
| |
4.8%
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discount rate
|
| |
10.2%
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
|
Balance, beginning of period
|
| | | $ | 216,630 | | | | | $ | 239,934 | | |
|
Grant date fair value of equity-based compensation
|
| | | | 1,073 | | | | | | 536 | | |
|
Change in fair market value (all instruments)
|
| | | | (4,551) | | | | | | (40,112) | | |
|
Balance, end of period
|
| | | $ | 213,152 | | | | | $ | 200,358 | | |
| | | | | | |
As of March 31, 2024
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
Balance Sheet Location
|
| |
Gross
Amounts of Assets and Liabilities |
| |
Offset
Adjustments |
| |
Net
Amounts of Assets and Liabilities |
| |||||||||
|
Current derivative assets
|
| |
Commodity derivative assets, current
|
| | | $ | 79,960 | | | | | $ | (17,355) | | | | | $ | 62,605 | | |
|
Noncurrent derivative assets
|
| |
Commodity derivative assets
|
| | | | 4,736 | | | | | | (2,879) | | | | | | 1,857 | | |
|
Current derivative liabilities
|
| |
Other current liabilities
|
| | | | 18,134 | | | | | | (17,355) | | | | | | 779 | | |
|
Noncurrent derivative liabilities
|
| |
Other noncurrent liabilities
|
| | | | 27,660 | | | | | | (2,879) | | | | | | 24,781 | | |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2023
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
Balance Sheet Location
|
| |
Gross
Amounts of Assets and Liabilities |
| |
Offset
Adjustments |
| |
Net
Amounts of Assets and Liabilities |
| |||||||||
|
Current derivative assets
|
| |
Commodity derivative assets, current
|
| | | $ | 90,540 | | | | | $ | (6,501) | | | | | $ | 84,039 | | |
|
Noncurrent derivative assets
|
| |
Commodity derivative assets
|
| | | | 18,615 | | | | | | (107) | | | | | | 18,508 | | |
|
Current derivative liabilities
|
| |
Other current liabilities
|
| | | | 6,501 | | | | | | (6,501) | | | | | | — | | |
|
Noncurrent derivative liabilities
|
| |
Other noncurrent liabilities
|
| | | | 107 | | | | | | (107) | | | | | | — | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
| |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
|
Total gains on settled derivatives
|
| | | $ | 36,464 | | | | | $ | 18,021 | | |
|
Total gains (losses) on unsettled derivatives
|
| | | | (40,143) | | | | | | 79,347 | | |
|
Total gains (losses) on derivatives, net
|
| | | $ | (3,679) | | | | | $ | 97,368 | | |
|
Instrument
|
| |
MMBtu
|
| |
Weighted
Average Price (USD) |
| |
Weighted
Average Price Floor |
| |
Weighted
Average Price Ceiling |
| |
Fair Value as of
March 31, 2024 (in thousands) |
| |||||||||||||||
| 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Swap
|
| | | | 72,887,500 | | | | | $ | 3.52 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 73,898 | | |
| 2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Swap
|
| | | | 26,125,000 | | | | | $ | 3.55 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 2,610 | | |
|
Collars
|
| | | | 14,600,000 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 3.71 | | | | | $ | 4.11 | | | | | $ | 5,211 | | |
| 2026 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Swap
|
| | | | 8,550,000 | | | | | $ | 3.55 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (4,099) | | |
|
Call options
|
| | | | 36,500,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 5.00 | | | | | $ | (11,187) | | |
| 2027 | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Call options
|
| | | | 36,500,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 5.00 | | | | | $ | (12,993) | | |
|
Instrument
|
| |
Basis Reference Price
|
| |
MMBtu
|
| |
Weighted
Average Basis Differential |
| |
Fair Value as of
March 31, 2024 (in thousands) |
| |||||||||
| 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
NGPL TXOK Basis
|
| | | | 21,400,000 | | | | | $ | (0.54) | | | | | $ | (5,297) | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
Transco Leidy Basis
|
| | | | 24,750,000 | | | | | $ | (0.89) | | | | | $ | (4,421) | | |
|
Instrument
|
| |
Commodity Reference Price
|
| |
Gallons
|
| |
Weighted
Average Price (USD) |
| |
Fair
Value as of March 31, 2024 (in thousands) |
| |||||||||
| 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Purity Ethane Mont Belvieu
|
| | | | 144,375,000 | | | | | $ | 0.23 | | | | | $ | 4,693 | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS IsoButane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 9,817,500 | | | | | $ | 0.93 | | | | | $ | (1,172) | | |
|
Instrument
|
| |
Commodity Reference Price
|
| |
Gallons
|
| |
Weighted
Average Price (USD) |
| |
Fair
Value as of March 31, 2024 (in thousands) |
| |||||||||
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Normal Butane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 14,437,500 | | | | | $ | 0.90 | | | | | $ | (958) | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Pentane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 23,100,000 | | | | | $ | 1.47 | | | | | $ | (2,623) | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Propane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 54,862,500 | | | | | $ | 0.80 | | | | | $ | (1,834) | | |
| 2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Purity Ethane Mont Belvieu
|
| | | | 92,767,500 | | | | | $ | 0.25 | | | | | $ | 265 | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS IsoButane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 6,599,250 | | | | | $ | 0.87 | | | | | $ | (337) | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Normal Butane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 9,082,500 | | | | | $ | 0.84 | | | | | $ | (364) | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Pentane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 13,387,500 | | | | | $ | 1.39 | | | | | $ | (1,315) | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Propane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 35,385,000 | | | | | $ | 0.74 | | | | | $ | (797) | | |
| 2026 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Purity Ethane Mont Belvieu
|
| | | | 6,615,000 | | | | | $ | 0.25 | | | | | $ | (226) | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS IsoButane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 472,500 | | | | | $ | 0.83 | | | | | $ | (13) | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Normal Butane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 472,500 | | | | | $ | 0.80 | | | | | $ | (18) | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Pentane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 945,000 | | | | | $ | 1.40 | | | | | $ | (27) | | |
|
Swap
|
| |
OPIS Propane Mont Belvieu Non-TET
|
| | | | 2,835,000 | | | | | $ | 0.69 | | | | | $ | (94) | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
Pennsylvania
|
| |
Texas
|
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||
|
Natural gas
|
| | | $ | 12,493 | | | | | $ | 83,843 | | | | | $ | 96,336 | | |
|
NGLs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 43,417 | | | | | | 43,417 | | |
|
Oil
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 1,934 | | | | | | 1,934 | | |
|
Total natural gas, NGL, and oil sales
|
| | | | 12,493 | | | | | | 129,194 | | | | | | 141,687 | | |
|
Marketing revenues
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 4,921 | | | | | | 4,921 | | |
|
Midstream revenues
|
| | | | 1,243 | | | | | | 2,885 | | | | | | 4,128 | | |
|
Related party and other
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 4,157 | | | | | | 4,157 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | $ | 13,736 | | | | | $ | 141,157 | | | | | $ | 154,893 | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
Pennsylvania
|
| |
Texas
|
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||
|
Natural gas
|
| | | $ | 27,271 | | | | | $ | 130,497 | | | | | $ | 157,768 | | |
|
NGLs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 50,040 | | | | | | 50,040 | | |
|
Oil
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 2,597 | | | | | | 2,597 | | |
|
Total natural gas, NGL, and oil sales
|
| | | | 27,271 | | | | | | 183,134 | | | | | | 210,405 | | |
|
Marketing revenues
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 2,635 | | | | | | 2,635 | | |
|
Midstream revenues
|
| | | | 1,346 | | | | | | 2,576 | | | | | | 3,922 | | |
|
Related party and other
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 1,774 | | | | | | 1,774 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | $ | 28,617 | | | | | $ | 190,119 | | | | | $ | 218,736 | | |
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
March 31, 2024
|
| |
December 31, 2023
|
| ||||||
|
Accounts payable
|
| | | $ | 61,026 | | | | | $ | 47,504 | | |
|
Accrued payroll
|
| | | | 8,504 | | | | | | 18,189 | | |
|
Oil and gas production and other taxes payable
|
| | | | 8,302 | | | | | | 48,857 | | |
|
Revenues payable
|
| | | | 21,907 | | | | | | 21,765 | | |
|
Other accrued liabilities
|
| | | | 26,758 | | | | | | 12,858 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | $ | 126,497 | | | | | $ | 149,173 | | |
|
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
| |
Shares
|
| |
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value |
| ||||||
|
Unvested PRSUs as of December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 3,967 | | | | | $ | 19.02 | | |
| Vested | | | | | (3,963) | | | | | $ | 19.02 | | |
| Forfeited | | | | | (4) | | | | | $ | 19.02 | | |
|
Unvested PRSUs as of March 31, 2024
|
| | | | — | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
| |
Shares
|
| |
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value |
| ||||||
|
Unvested TRSUs as of December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 727 | | | | | $ | 22.37 | | |
| Vested(1) | | | | | (258) | | | | | $ | 22.12 | | |
|
Forfeited
|
| | | | (12) | | | | | $ | 22.12 | | |
|
Unvested TRSUs as of March 31, 2024
|
| | | | 457 | | | | | $ | 22.37 | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
| |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
| | | |
(unaudited)
|
| |||||||||
|
Total revenues, net
|
| | | $ | 84,969 | | | | | $ | 34,450 | | |
|
Operating expenses
|
| | | | 83,203 | | | | | | 38,876 | | |
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
| | | | 1,766 | | | | | | (4,426) | | |
|
Interest expense
|
| | | | (18,182) | | | | | | (6,460) | | |
|
Other income
|
| | | | 1,002 | | | | | | 89 | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (15,414) | | | | | $ | (10,797) | | |
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2025
|
| |
2026
|
| |
2027
|
| |
2028
|
| |
Thereafter
|
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Term loan payments
|
| | | $ | 114,000 | | | | | $ | 114,000 | | | | | $ | 114,000 | | | | | $ | 114,000 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 456,000 | | |
|
Credit facilities
|
| | | | 126,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 126,000 | | |
|
Interest payable
|
| | | | 12,548 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 12,548 | | |
|
Notes payable to related party
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 75,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 75,000 | | |
|
Interest on related party notes
|
| | | | 13,367 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 13,367 | | |
|
Operating lease payments
|
| | | | 830 | | | | | | 1,082 | | | | | | 961 | | | | | | 908 | | | | | | 924 | | | | | | 4,608 | | | | | | 9,313 | | |
|
Volume commitments
|
| | | | 37,961 | | | | | | 33,430 | | | | | | 31,376 | | | | | | 23,477 | | | | | | 17,704 | | | | | | 49,566 | | | | | | 193,514 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | $ | 304,706 | | | | | $ | 148,512 | | | | | $ | 146,337 | | | | | $ | 213,385 | | | | | $ | 18,628 | | | | | $ | 54,174 | | | | | $ | 885,742 | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
|
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
|
| | | | 66,287 | | | | | | 58,783 | | |
|
Add: dilutive effect of TRSUs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 182 | | |
|
Add: dilutive effect of PRSUs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 3,770 | | |
|
Diluted weighted average of common shares outstanding
|
| | | | 66,287 | | | | | | 62,735 | | |
|
Weighted average number of outstanding securities excluded from the
calculation of diluted loss per share: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
TRSUs
|
| | | | 281 | | | | | | — | | |
|
PRSUs
|
| | | | 3,899 | | | | | | — | | |
| |
SEC registration fee
|
| | | $ | 11,020 | | |
| |
FINRA filing fee
|
| | | | 15,500 | | |
| |
NYSE listing fees
|
| | | | * | | |
| |
Transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses
|
| | | | * | | |
| |
Printing fees and expenses
|
| | | | * | | |
| |
Legal fees and expenses
|
| | | | * | | |
| |
Accounting fees and expenses
|
| | | | * | | |
| |
Engineering expenses
|
| | | | * | | |
| |
Miscellaneous
|
| | | | * | | |
| |
Total
|
| | | $ | * | | |
| |
Exhibit
Number |
| |
Description
|
|
| | 1.1** | | | | |
| | 2.1**+‡ | | | | |
| | 2.2**+ | | | First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated April 13, 2020, among Devon Energy Production Company, L.P., BKV Barnett, LLC and, solely with respect to the sections listed therein, BKV Oil & Gas Capital Partners, L.P. | |
| | 2.3**+ | | | | |
| | 2.4+‡ | | | | |
| | 3.1** | | | | |
| | 3.2** | | | | |
| | 3.3** | | | | |
| | 3.4** | | | | |
| | 3.5** | | | | |
| | 4.1** | | | | |
| | 5.1** | | | | |
| | 10.1**+ | | | | |
| | 10.2** | | | | |
| | 10.3** | | | | |
| | 10.4**+ | | | Revolving Credit Agreement, dated August 24, 2022, among BKV Corporation, the lenders party thereto and Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, New York Branch | |
| | 10.5** | | | | |
| | 10.6** | | | | |
| | 10.7**†‡ | | | | |
| | 10.8**† | | | | |
| | 10.9**†‡ | | | | |
| | 10.10**† | | | | |
| | 10.11**† | | | | |
| | 10.12**† | | | |
| |
Exhibit
Number |
| |
Description
|
|
| | 99.9** | | | | |
| | 99.10** | | | | |
| | 99.11** | | | | |
| | 99.12** | | | | |
| | 99.13** | | | | |
| | 99.14 | | | Ryder Scott Company, L.P., Summary of Reserves at December 31, 2023 (SEC Pricing) (Total Company Assets) | |
| | 99.15 | | | Ryder Scott Company, L.P., Summary of Reserves at December 31, 2023 (NYMEX Strip Pricing) (Total Company Assets) | |
| | 107** | | | |
| |
Name
|
| |
Title
|
| |
Date
|
|
| |
/s/ Christopher P. Kalnin
Christopher P. Kalnin
|
| |
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer) |
| |
July 5, 2024
|
|
| |
*
John T. Jimenez
|
| |
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer) |
| |
July 5, 2024
|
|
| |
*
Barry S. Turcotte
|
| |
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer) |
| |
July 5, 2024
|
|
| |
*
Chanin Vongkusolkit
|
| |
Chairman of the Board
|
| |
July 5, 2024
|
|
| |
*
Somruedee Chaimongkol
|
| |
Director
|
| |
July 5, 2024
|
|
| |
*
Joseph R. Davis
|
| |
Director
|
| |
July 5, 2024
|
|
| |
*
Akaraphong Dayananda
|
| |
Director
|
| |
July 5, 2024
|
|
| |
*
Kirana Limpaphayom
|
| |
Director
|
| |
July 5, 2024
|
|
| |
*
Carla S. Mashinski
|
| |
Director
|
| |
July 5, 2024
|
|
| |
*
Thiti Mekavichai
|
| |
Director
|
| |
July 5, 2024
|
|
| |
*
Charles C. Miller III
|
| |
Director
|
| |
July 5, 2024
|
|
| |
Name
|
| |
Title
|
| |
Date
|
|
| |
*
Sunit S. Patel
|
| |
Director
|
| |
July 5, 2024
|
|
| |
*
Anon Sirisaengtaksin
|
| |
Director
|
| |
July 5, 2024
|
|
| |
*
Sinon Vongkusolkit
|
| |
Director
|
| |
July 5, 2024
|
|
| |
*By:
/s/ Christopher P. Kalnin
Christopher P. Kalnin
Attorney-in-fact |
| | | ||||
Exhibit 2.4
| Portions of this document have been redacted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K because it is both not material and is the type that the registrant treats as private or confidential. Redacted portions are indicated with the notation “[***]”. |
Execution Version
Agreement of Sale and Purchase of Membership Interests
BKV Corporation
as Seller
and
Sabre Energy Development LLC
as Buyer
Dated May 13, 2024
Table of Contents
| Page | |||
| 1. | MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS TO BE SOLD AND PURCHASED | 1 | |
| 2. | PURCHASE PRICE | 1 | |
| (a) | Purchase Price to be Paid for the Interests | 1 | |
| (b) | Deposit | 1 | |
| (c) | Payments Made at Closing | 2 | |
| (d) | Withholding | 2 | |
| 3. | REPRESENTATIONS OF SELLER | 2 | |
| (a) | Representations | 2 | |
| (b) | Disclaimers | 14 | |
| (c) | Disclosures | 15 | |
| 4. | REPRESENTATIONS OF BUYER | 15 | |
| (a) | Organization and Qualification | 15 | |
| (b) | Due Authorization | 15 | |
| (c) | Valid, Binding and Enforceable | 15 | |
| (d) | No Conflicts | 15 | |
| (e) | No Litigation | 16 | |
| (f) | No Distribution | 16 | |
| (g) | Knowledge and Experience | 16 | |
| (h) | Merits and Risks of an Investment in the Properties | 16 | |
| (i) | Funds | 16 | |
| (j) | Independent Investigation | 16 | |
| (k) | Brokers | 17 | |
| (l) | Bankruptcy | 17 | |
| 5. | CERTAIN COVENANTS OF SELLER AND BUYER PENDING CLOSING | 17 | |
| (a) | Access by Buyer | 17 | |
| (b) | Interim Operation | 19 | |
| (c) | Consents | 21 | |
| (d) | Preferential Rights | 21 | |
| (e) | Schedule II | 22 | |
| (f) | Public Announcements | 22 | |
| (g) | Confidentiality | 22 | |
| (h) | Termination of Affiliate Contracts | 23 | |
| (i) | Insurance | 23 | |
| (j) | Financing Cooperation | 24 | |
| (k) | Non-Negotiation | 25 | |
| (l) | Amendment to Disclosure Schedule | 26 | |
| (m) | Audit Cooperation | 26 | |
i
| 6. | DEFECTS | 27 | |
| (a) | Notice of Defects | 27 | |
| (b) | Nature of Title Defects | 27 | |
| (c) | Seller’s Response | 30 | |
| 7. | CERTAIN PRICE ADJUSTMENTS | 30 | |
| (a) | Procedures | 30 | |
| (b) | Certain Adjustments | 31 | |
| (c) | Title Benefits | 33 | |
| (d) | Limitations on Adjustments | 34 | |
| (e) | Defect Disputes | 35 | |
| 8. | CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF BUYER | 36 | |
| (a) | Representations True and Correct | 36 | |
| (b) | Compliance with Covenants and Agreements | 36 | |
| (c) | Certain Claims; No Injunction | 36 | |
| (d) | Price Adjustment Limitations | 36 | |
| (e) | Closing Deliverables | 36 | |
| 9. | CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER | 37 | |
| (a) | Representations True and Correct | 37 | |
| (b) | Compliance With Covenants and Agreements | 37 | |
| (c) | No Injunction | 37 | |
| (d) | Price Adjustment Limitations | 37 | |
| (e) | Closing Deliverables | 37 | |
| 10. | CLOSING | 37 | |
| (a) | Actions At Closing | 37 | |
| 11. | ADJUSTMENTS TO THE PURCHASE PRICE | 39 | |
| (a) | Adjustments to the Initial Purchase Price | 39 | |
| (b) | Initial Adjustment at Closing | 41 | |
| (c) | Adjustment Post Closing | 42 | |
| 12. | CHANGE OF COMPANY NAME | 44 | |
| 13. | TERMINATION | 44 | |
| (a) | Termination | 44 | |
| (b) | Effect of Termination | 45 | |
| 14. | INDEMNIFICATION | 46 | |
| (a) | Seller Indemnification | 46 | |
| (b) | Buyer Indemnification | 47 | |
| (c) | Indemnification Procedures | 47 | |
| (d) | Limits on Indemnification | 48 | |
| (e) | EXPRESS NEGLIGENCE | 49 | |
ii
| 15. | COMMISSIONS | 50 | |
| 16. | CASUALTY LOSS | 50 | |
| 17. | NOTICES | 50 | |
| 18. | RECORDS | 51 | |
| 19. | TAX MATTERS | 51 | |
| (a) | Company Taxes | 51 | |
| (b) | Tax Returns | 52 | |
| (c) | Cooperation | 52 | |
| (d) | Tax Refunds | 53 | |
| (e) | Intended U.S. Federal Income Tax Treatment; Purchase Price Allocation | 53 | |
| (f) | Tax Contests | 54 | |
| (g) | Tax-Deferred Exchange | 54 | |
| (h) | Transfer Taxes | 55 | |
| 20. | MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS | 55 | |
| (a) | Further Assurances | 55 | |
| (b) | Regulatory Approvals | 55 | |
| (c) | Parties Bear Own Expenses/No Special Damages | 55 | |
| (d) | Entire Agreement | 56 | |
| (e) | Amendments, Waivers | 56 | |
| (f) | Choice of Law | 56 | |
| (g) | Venue; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial | 57 | |
| (h) | Headings, Time of Essence, Etc. | 57 | |
| (i) | No Assignment | 58 | |
| (j) | Successors and Assigns | 58 | |
| (k) | Counterpart Execution | 58 | |
| (l) | Exclusive Remedy; Waiver | 58 | |
| (m) | No Third-Person Beneficiaries | 58 | |
| (n) | Severability | 59 | |
| (o) | No Recourse | 59 | |
| (p) | Retention of Counsel | 60 | |
| (q) | Definitions | 60 | |
| (r) | Interpretation | 74 | |
iii
AGREEMENT OF SALE AND PURCHASE
This Agreement of Sale and Purchase (“Agreement”) dated May 13, 2024 is by and among BKV Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Seller”), and Sabre Energy Development LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( “Buyer”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Seller owns 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interests (the “Interests”) of BKV Chaffee Corners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”);
WHEREAS, the Company owns the Properties (as defined herein), which include certain properties located in Bradford and Susquehanna Counties, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Buyer desires to purchase and Seller desires to sell the Interests pursuant and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements contained herein, the benefits to be derived by each party hereunder and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Buyer and Seller (each, a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”) agree as follows:
W I T N E S S E T H:
1. Membership Interests to be Sold and Purchased. Seller agrees to sell and Buyer agrees to purchase, for the consideration hereinafter set forth, and subject to the terms, conditions and provisions herein contained, the Interests.
2. Purchase Price.
(a) Purchase Price to be Paid for the Interests. The purchase price for the Interests shall consist of One Hundred and Five Million U.S. Dollars (U.S. $105,000,000.00) in cash (such amount, unadjusted by any adjustments provided for in this Agreement or agreed to by the Parties, being herein called the “Initial Purchase Price”). The Initial Purchase Price shall be adjusted as provided in Section 11 hereof (the Initial Purchase Price, as so adjusted, and as the same may otherwise be adjusted by mutual agreement of the parties, being herein called the “Purchase Price”). The Purchase Price shall be paid as hereinafter provided.
(b) Deposit.
(i) Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Buyer shall deliver via wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account designated by the Escrow Agreement cash equal to ten percent (10%) of the Initial Purchase Price as a deposit (such amount, together with any and all interest and earnings accrued thereon under the Escrow Agreement after the date of this Agreement, the “Deposit”).
1
(ii) The Deposit shall be retained by the Escrow Agent to be held and distributed by the Escrow Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement, including, that, in the event of a termination of this Agreement, the Deposit shall be disbursed to Seller or Buyer as provided in Section 13(b). Buyer shall be responsible for the fees of the Escrow Agent in connection with the Escrow Agreement.
(c) Payments Made at Closing. In the event that Closing occurs, at the Closing Buyer shall pay to Seller (or its designees as set forth in the Preliminary Settlement Statement) cash equal to the remainder of (A) the Purchase Price as determined pursuant to Section 11(b) minus (B) the Deposit (the “Closing Payment”). All cash payments by Buyer pursuant to this Section 2 shall be made in immediately available funds by confirmed wire transfer to a bank account or accounts designated by Seller in the Preliminary Settlement Statement.
(d) Withholding. Seller, Buyer, and any other Person that has any withholding obligation with respect to any payment made pursuant to this Agreement (each, a “Withholding Agent”) shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any amounts payable or deliverable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as are required to be withheld and paid over to the applicable Governmental Authority under the Code, or any other applicable provision of Tax law; provided, that other than with respect to withholding Taxes owed as a result of the failure of Seller to deliver the IRS Form W-9 described in Section 10(a)(viii), the applicable Withholding Agent shall, prior to any deduction or withholding, use commercially reasonable efforts to notify the applicable payee of any anticipated deduction or withholding, and reasonably cooperate with the applicable payee to minimize the amount of any applicable deduction or withholding to such affected Person. To the extent that amounts are so deducted and withheld and paid over to the applicable Governmental Authority, such deducted and withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of which such deduction or withholding was made.
3. Representations of Seller.
(a) Representations. Seller represents and warrants to Buyer that, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, the following statements are and shall be true and correct:
(i) Organization and Qualification.
(1) Seller is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Company is qualified to own the Properties with all applicable Governmental Authorities having jurisdiction over the Properties or the Company, to the extent such qualification is necessary or appropriate to carry on the Company’s business as now being conducted (including, without limitation, meeting all bonding requirements of any applicable Governmental Authorities).
2
(2) The Company was formed as a Delaware limited liability company on February 11, 2016 for the sole purpose of acquiring and owning the Oil and Gas Properties described on Exhibit A-1, Exhibit A-2 and Exhibit A-3 and the Midstream Assets described and depicted on Exhibit A-4, together with any other ancillary or associated assets or properties, and except as set forth on Schedule 3(a)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule (herein called the “Disclosure Schedule”) attached hereto as Schedule I, since such date the Company has not engaged in any other material business or operations.
(ii) Due Authorization. Seller has full power and authority to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be at the Closing a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. Seller has taken all proper and necessary action to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be at the Closing a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The Company has full power and authority to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under each of the Transaction Documents to which it will be at the Closing a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby. The Company has taken all proper and necessary action to authorize the execution and delivery of each of the Transaction Documents to which it will be at the Closing a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby.
(iii) Valid, Binding and Enforceable. This Agreement constitutes (and the other Transaction Documents provided for herein to be delivered by Seller and the Company at Closing will, when executed and delivered, constitute) the legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller and the Company, as applicable, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except as limited by bankruptcy or other Applicable Laws governing creditor’s rights or as limited by general equity principles (regardless of whether that enforceability is considered in a Proceeding at law or in equity) (the “Enforceability Exceptions”).
(iv) Litigation. Except as set forth in Schedule 3(a)(iv), (1) there are no pending, or to Seller’s Knowledge, threatened, Proceedings (A) against Seller that would prevent or materially impair or delay, or would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair or delay, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or by the other Transaction Documents to which Seller is, or will be at Closing, a party, (B) in which the Company is a party or (C) in which any of Seller or its Affiliates (including the Company) is a party that affect the Properties (including, without limitation, any actions challenging or pertaining to the Company’s title to any of the Properties), and (2) there are no Orders (I) binding on Seller that would prevent or materially impair or delay, or would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair or delay, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or by the other Transaction Documents to which Seller is, or will be at Closing, a party or (II) binding on the Company or, to Seller’s Knowledge, any of the Properties.
3
(v) Capitalization of the Company. The Interests constitute all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of the Company. All of the Interests have been validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and have not been issued in violation of any Applicable Law or preemptive or similar rights. No preemptive rights or rights of first refusal exist with respect to the Interests, and no such rights arise by virtue of or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. There are no outstanding or authorized rights, options, warrants, convertible securities, subscription rights, conversion rights, exchange rights, preemptive rights, repurchase rights, rights of first refusal or offer, tag along or drag along rights or other agreements or commitments of any kind that could require the Company to issue or sell any ownership interest or entitle any Person to purchase or otherwise acquire any equity interest of the Company. There are no proxies, voting rights, member agreements, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings with respect to any of the Interests. There are no Contracts obligating the Company to issue, deliver, sell, purchase, redeem or acquire, cause to be issued, delivered, sold, purchased, redeemed or acquired, any limited liability company interests or obligating the Company to grant, extend, or enter into any option, warrant, call, right, commitment or agreement of any kind to acquire any limited liability company interests. The Company has no, and never has had any, Subsidiaries, and owns no, and never has owned any, equity interest in any other entity. Prior to the date of this Agreement, Seller has made available to Buyer true and complete copies of each Governing Document of the Company and all amendments or modifications thereto.
(vi) No Conflicts.
(A) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seller does not, and the execution and delivery by Seller and the Company of each of the other Transaction Documents to which such Person is or will be at the Closing a party and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby by such Person will not, (I) violate or be in conflict with, or require the consent of any Person which has not been obtained under, any provision of Seller’s Governing Documents, (II) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, or give rise (or an event that with the lapse of time or notice, or both would constitute a default or give rise) to any right of termination, cancellation, or acceleration under, any bond, debenture, note, guaranty, mortgage or indenture, or any Contract to which Seller is a party or by which Seller may be bound, or (III) violate any provision of, or require any consent, authorization or approval under, any judgment, decree, judicial or administrative order, award, writ, injunction, statute, rule or regulation (an “Order”) applicable to Seller or any Applicable Law, except in the cases of clauses (II) and (III), where the violation, breach, conflict, default, acceleration or failure to give notice or obtain consent would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(B) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seller does not, and the execution and delivery by Seller and the Company of each of the other Transaction Documents to which such Person is or will be at the Closing a party and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby by such Person will not, (I) violate or be in conflict with, or require the consent of any Person under, any provision of the Company’s Governing Documents, (II) conflict with in any material respect, result in a material breach of, constitute a default under, or give rise (or an event that with the lapse of time or notice, or both would constitute a default or give rise) to any right of termination, cancellation, or acceleration under, any bond, debenture, note, guaranty, mortgage or indenture, or any Contract to which the Company is a party or by which the Company may be bound or by which the Interests or the Properties are bound, (III) violate in any material respect any provision of, or require any consent, authorization or approval under, any Order applicable to the Company or any Applicable Law, or (IV) result in the creation of any Lien on any of the Interests or, to Seller’s Knowledge, any material Lien (other than Permitted Encumbrances) on any of the Properties.
4
(C) Seller has delivered to Buyer true, correct and complete copies of each of the consents described on Schedule 3(a)(vi)(C) prior to the date hereof, and each of such consents is in full force and effect.
(vii) Contracts. Part 1 of Schedule 3(a)(vii) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and accurate list of all Material Contracts as of the date of this Agreement; provided that with respect to any Material Contract entered into by a Third Party operator of the Properties on behalf of the Company, this representation and warranty is limited to such Material Contracts of Seller’s Knowledge. Prior to the date of this Agreement, Seller has made available to Buyer true and complete copies of each Material Contract and all amendments or modifications thereto; provided that with respect to any Material Contract entered into by a Third Party operator of the Properties on behalf of the Company, this representation and warranty is limited to such Material Contracts of Seller’s Knowledge. Except as disclosed on Part 2 of Schedule 3(a)(vii) of the Disclosure Schedule, (A) each Material Contract is in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms against the Company and, to Seller’s Knowledge, the other parties thereto, except as such enforceability may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions, (B) the Company is not in material breach or material default under any Material Contract, (C) no written notice of material breach or material default has been received or delivered by the Company or its Affiliates under any Material Contract, (D) there are no current notices that have been received by the Company or its Affiliates of the exercise of any premature termination, price redetermination, market-out, or curtailment of any Material Contract, and (E) solely during the period of Seller’s indirect ownership of the Properties, no event has occurred nor has any party to a Material Contract taken or failed to take any action that, with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both, would constitute a material breach or material default by the Company or, to Seller’s Knowledge, any other party to such Material Contract.
(viii) Preferential Rights; Consents.
(A) Except as set forth in Schedule 3(a)(viii) of the Disclosure Schedule, there are no preferential rights to purchase, rights of purchase, rights of first refusal or rights of first offer (I) affecting any of the Interests, (II) affecting any of the Properties that, individually or in the aggregate, have Allocated Amounts in excess of twenty-five percent (25%) of the Initial Purchase Price, or (III) to Seller’s Knowledge, other than any Preferential Rights described in clause (II), affecting any of the Properties, in any case of the foregoing clauses (I), (II) and (III), that could be or have been invoked in connection with the sale and purchase of the Interests (“Preferential Rights”).
(B) Except as set forth in Schedule 3(a)(viii) of the Disclosure Schedule, there are no Required Consents necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder at Closing, including the assignment of the Interests from Seller to Buyer.
(ix) Permits. To Seller’s Knowledge, the applicable Third Party operator of the Properties has obtained, and is and has been in material compliance with, all material federal, state and local governmental licenses, authorizations, consents, certificates, registrations, approvals and permits (collectively, “Permits”) necessary or appropriate to operate the Properties and operate its business and, to Seller’s Knowledge, such Permits are in full force and effect.
5
(x) Wells. Except for Wells listed on Schedule 3(a)(x) of the Disclosure Schedule, to Seller’s Knowledge, (A) there are no dry holes, or shut in or otherwise inactive Wells, located on the Oil and Gas Properties or on lands pooled or unitized therewith, except for Wells that have been properly plugged and abandoned in accordance with all Applicable Laws, (B) no Well is subject to penalties on allowable production after the Effective Date because of any overproduction, and (C) there is no Well included in the Oil and Gas Properties that has been drilled and completed in a manner that is not within the limits permitted by all Applicable Laws, Permits, Leases and Contracts.
(xi) Payment of Expenses. To Seller’s Knowledge, all expenses of $100,000 or more (including all bills for labor, materials and supplies used or furnished for use in connection with the Properties, but excluding Taxes) relating to the ownership of the Properties, have been, and are being, paid (timely, and before the same become delinquent) by the Company in a manner consistent with the Company’s customary practices and procedures, except such expenses as are disputed in good faith by the Company and for which adequate accounting reserves have been established by the Company, which are set forth in Schedule 3(a)(xi) of the Disclosure Schedule.
(xii) Compliance with Laws. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3(a)(xii) of the Disclosure Schedule, the Company and, to Seller’s Knowledge, the Properties have been and currently are in compliance in all material respects with the provisions and requirements of all Applicable Laws. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3(a)(xii) of the Disclosure Schedule, neither Seller, the Company nor any Affiliates of Seller or the Company have received any written notice from any Governmental Authority or any other Person that Seller, the Company, any Affiliates of Seller, or, to Seller’s Knowledge, the Properties are in violation of, or has violated, any Applicable Laws. None of the representations and warranties contained in this Section 3(a)(xii) shall be deemed to relate to environmental matters (which are governed by Section 3(a)(xxiii)) or Tax matters (which are governed by Section 3(a)(xv)).
(xiii) Financial Statements. Seller has delivered to Buyer complete and accurate copies of the unaudited financial statements of the Company, which comprise the balance sheets of the Company for the fiscal years ended 2023 and 2022 and as of March 31, 2024, and the related statement of income and members’ equity for each of the applicable years or period then ended (collectively, the “Financial Statements”). The Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations and members’ equity of the Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied (except with respect to the pro forma adjustment to eliminate receivables from the parent and that the unaudited financial statements included in the Financial Statements have been presented without any notes thereto, and do not include normal, recurring year-end adjustments, none of which, if made, would be material). The balance sheet of the Company as of March 31, 2024 is referred to herein as the “Balance Sheet” and the date thereof as the “Balance Sheet Date.”
(xiv) Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except for (a) Liabilities reflected or reserved against in the Financial Statements, (b) Liabilities disclosed on Schedule 3(a)(xiv) of the Disclosure Schedule, and (c) Liabilities incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business since the Balance Sheet Date (other than such Liabilities that relate to or arise from any tortious conduct or the breach or violation of any Contract, Permit or Applicable Law), the Company has no Liabilities that are of a type required to be reflected on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP, other than Liabilities which are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Company.
6
(xv) Taxes. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3(a)(xv) of the Disclosure Schedule:
(A) All Tax Returns required to have been filed by the Company or with respect to the Properties, in each case, have been duly and timely filed with the appropriate Taxing Authority in all jurisdictions in which such Tax Returns are required to be filed (after taking into account any valid extension of time in which to make such filings), and all such Tax Returns are true, complete and correct in all material respects. All Taxes that are required to have been paid by or with respect to the Company or the Properties (whether or not shown on any Tax Return), in each case, have been duly and timely paid.
(B) The Company has complied with all Applicable Laws relating to the payment and withholding of Taxes and has duly and timely withheld and paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority all amounts required to be so withheld and paid under all Applicable Laws.
(C) No claim has been made by a Taxing Authority in a jurisdiction where the Company does not file Tax Returns that the Company is or may be subject to taxation in that jurisdiction.
(D) All deficiencies asserted or assessments made as a result of any examinations (or otherwise) by any Taxing Authority with respect to the Tax Returns or Taxes of the Company or the Properties have been fully paid, and there are no audits, investigations, examinations or other proceedings conducted by any Taxing Authority currently in progress or pending, and neither Seller nor the Company has received any written notice from any Taxing Authority that it intends to conduct such an audit, investigation, examination or proceeding.
(E) Seller is not a foreign person within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Code.
(F) The Company is not a party to or bound by any tax sharing, allocation, indemnity or similar agreement or arrangement (whether or not written) (other than, in each case, commercial agreements or contracts containing customary provisions and entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business that are not primarily related to Taxes).
(G) The Company does not have any liability for the Taxes of any other Person (I) under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of U.S. state or local or non-U.S. law) or (II) as a transferee or successor, by contract or otherwise (other than, in each case, with respect to any commercial agreements or contracts containing customary provisions and entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business that are not primarily related to Taxes).
(H) There are no outstanding Liens or other encumbrances on the Interests or any of the Properties (other than Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable), in each case, that arose in connection with any failure (or alleged failure) to pay any Tax.
7
(I) The Company has not made an election to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and at all times since its formation, the Company has been owned entirely by Seller and classified for U.S. federal income tax purposes as an entity disregarded as separate from Seller, as described in Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-2(c)(2).
(J) None of the Properties are subject to any tax partnership agreement or are otherwise treated, or required to be treated, as held in an arrangement requiring a partnership income Tax Return to be filed under Subchapter K of Chapter 1 of Subtitle A of the Code.
(K) Neither the Company nor any Person on its behalf has (i) executed or entered into any closing agreement with any Taxing Authority, (ii) granted any extensions or waivers of any statute of limitations of any jurisdiction for the assessment or collection of any Taxes of the Company or Taxes imposed on the Properties, which Taxes have not since been paid, or (iii) granted to any Person any power of attorney that is currently in force with respect to any Tax matter.
(L) Neither the Company nor any predecessor of the Company has participated (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(c)(3)) in any “listed transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(2) (and all predecessor regulations) or under any similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. law.
(M) The Company has not conducted any business, owned any property, or established nexus for Tax purposes, in any state other than Pennsylvania.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the representations and warranties in this Section 3(a)(xv) and Section 3(a)(xvii) are the only representations and warranties in this Agreement with respect to the Tax matters of the Seller and the Company.
(xvi) Lease Provisions. To Seller’s Knowledge, all material Royalties and other payments due under the Leases described in Exhibit A-1 and Exhibit A-3 have been promptly and fully paid to the proper Person or Governmental Authority, except amounts that are being properly held in suspense or contested in good faith (1) attributable to overriding royalty interests which are subject to pending litigation, or (2) as a result of title issues and that do not provide any third party a right to cancel any such Lease as disclosed on Schedule 3(a)(iv) of the Disclosure Schedule.
(xvii) Employee Matters.
(A) The Company does not employ nor has it at any time employed any Person. The Company is not and has never been a party or subject to any labor union or collective bargaining Contract or obligations under any such Contract. There is no pending, and there has not been any, or, to the Seller’s Knowledge, threatened strike, lockout, boycott, picketing, work stoppage, unfair labor practice charge, or other labor dispute affecting the Company. The Company is and has been in compliance with all Applicable Laws relating to terms or conditions of employment or labor or employment practices, including as it relates to hiring, worker classification as exempt or non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act or similar state law, worker classification as employee or independent contractor, compensation, training, wage and hour, immigration, employment eligibility verification, privacy, occupational health and safety, accommodations, equal employment opportunity, pay equity, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, record retention, notice, wage payment and deduction, unemployment, collective bargaining, Taxes, discipline and termination. The Company has properly classified each of its current and former independent contractors as independent contractors and not employees for all purposes, and has paid each such independent contractor all compensation due and payable.
8
(B) The Company does not sponsor, maintain, contribute to or have any Liability with respect to, nor has it at any time sponsored, maintained, contributed to or had any Liability with respect to (nor is it or has it ever been obligated to contribute to) any Benefit Plan. The Company does not owe, nor is it obligated to pay any time after the Effective Date, any payments or other compensation to, nor has it at any time paid or compensated, any officers, managers or directors of the Company, and the Company after Closing shall owe no obligations to any officers, managers or directors of the Company.
(xviii) Insurance. Part 1 of Schedule 3(a)(xviii) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth all insurance policies maintained by the Company (or maintained by Seller or any Affiliate of Seller or the Company with respect to the business of the Company) (collectively, “Insurance Policies”). Except as set forth on Part 2 of Schedule 3(a)(xviii) of the Disclosure Schedule, all Insurance Policies are in full force and effect on the date of this Agreement and there is no material claim pending under any such policies as to which coverage has been denied by the insurer other than customary indications as to reservation of rights. The Company is not in material default under any provisions of any such Insurance Policy, nor the Company or any of its Affiliates received written notice of cancellation of any Insurance Policy, nor has the Company failed to timely report any material claim or reportable incident under such Insurance Policies.
(xix) Production Sales Contracts. To Seller’s Knowledge, the Third Party operator of the Oil and Gas Properties is presently receiving a price for all production from (or attributable to) each Well covered by a production sales contract or other arrangement computed in accordance with the terms of such Contract, and deliveries of gas from any Oil and Gas Property subject to such a Contract are not being curtailed substantially below such Property’s delivery capacity except as noted in Schedule 3(a)(xix) of the Disclosure Schedule and except to the extent of temporary and occasional operational curtailments. To Seller’s Knowledge, the Third Party operator of the Properties is not withholding from, or failing to remit to, the Company any material amounts required under applicable Contracts to be remitted to the Company.
(xx) AFE’s. To Seller’s Knowledge, (A) except as set forth on Part 1 of Schedule 3(a)(xx) of the Disclosure Schedule, as of the date of this Agreement, there is no individual outstanding drilling proposal, call for payment under an authority for expenditures or budgeted capital expenditure under any Contract relating to the Company’s interest in the Oil and Gas Properties or the Midstream Systems which exceeds $100,000 (net to the Company’s interest in the Oil and Gas Properties or the Midstream Systems, as applicable); and (B) Part 2 of Schedule 3(a)(xx) sets forth, as of the date of this Agreement, the aggregate amount of all Property Costs actually paid by or on behalf of Seller or any of its Affiliates (including the Company) or for which there is an outstanding drilling proposal, call for payment under an authority for expenditure or similar request or invoice for funding, in each case, in connection with the operations described on Schedule 3(a)(xx).
9
(xxi) Payout Balances. To Seller’s Knowledge, Schedule 3(a)(xxi) sets forth the payout balances (net to the Working Interest of the Company) as of the date set forth on such schedule, for each Well listed on Exhibit A-2 that is subject to a Working Interest or Net Revenue Interest reversion or other Working Interest or Net Revenue Interest adjustment at some level of cost recovery or payout.
(xxii) Title to the Interests. Seller is the record and beneficial owner of all of the Interests, free and clear of all Liens, other than (a) as of the date hereof only, Liens securing the obligations of the Seller or the Company under the Credit Agreement or any hedge agreement that may be secured by the same collateral as the Credit Agreement, in each case, that will be released at or prior to the Closing or (b) as of the date hereof and as of Closing, restrictions on transfer that may be imposed by federal or state securities laws. At the Closing, the delivery by Seller to Buyer of the Assignment will vest Buyer with good and valid title to, all of the Interests, free and clear of all Liens, other than restrictions on transfer that may be imposed by federal or state securities laws.
(xxiii) Environmental Laws. Except as provided in Sections 6 and 7, this Section 3(a)(xxiii) shall be the sole and exclusive representation or warranty that shall apply to all matters relating to Applicable Environmental Laws.
(A) To Seller’s Knowledge, the Properties and Company’s and its Affiliate’s ownership and (any Third Party operator’s) operation of Properties are in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all Applicable Environmental Laws;
(B) Neither Seller nor its Affiliates has caused, nor to Seller’s Knowledge, have any applicable Third Parties operating the Properties caused, the generation, use, treatment, manufacture, storage or disposal of any Hazardous Substance at, on or from the Properties, except in accordance in all material respects with all Applicable Environmental Laws;
(C) All material permits, licenses, approvals, consents, certificates and other authorizations required by Applicable Environmental Laws with respect to the ownership or, to Seller’s Knowledge, the operation of the Properties by applicable Third Parties, or for the generation, use or disposal of Hazardous Substances arising from operations on the Properties (the “Environmental Permits”) have been properly obtained and are valid and in full force and effect, to Seller’s Knowledge, are not subject to challenge that would result in any adverse modification or termination, and the Properties and Seller’s or any Affiliates of Seller ownership of the Properties, and to Seller’s Knowledge, the operation of the Properties by applicable Third Parties, are in compliance in all material respects with the Environmental Permits;
(D) (i) To Seller’s Knowledge, there are no facts, conditions, or circumstances in connection with, related to or associated with the Properties, or otherwise associated with operation on the Properties, in violation or potential violation of Applicable Environmental Laws, and (ii) to Seller’s Knowledge, there are no Proceedings or claims by any Person alleging noncompliance with or violation of any Applicable Environmental Law or otherwise asserting that Seller, any Affiliate of Seller, any Third Party operator or the ownership or operation of any thereof, gives rise to any liability under or in connection with any Applicable Environmental Law, Environmental Permit or authorization issued pursuant to Applicable Environmental Laws; and
10
(E) To Seller’s Knowledge, there are no (i) Hazardous Substances that have been disposed of or released on, in, from or under the Properties that could reasonably be expected to result in noncompliance with or a violation of any Applicable Environmental Law, (ii) claims of exposure to or damage from any Hazardous Substances or any other material arising from the Properties or operations on the Properties, or (iii) liabilities or obligations under any Applicable Environmental Law or Environmental Permits to perform remediation, removal, response, restoration, abatement, investigation or monitoring.
(xxiv) Absence of Changes. Since the Balance Sheet Date, except as set forth on Schedule 3(a)(xxiv) of the Disclosure Schedule, (A) the business of the Company has been conducted in all material respects in the Ordinary Course of Business and (B) there has not been an event, occurrence or development that has had a Material Adverse Effect.
(xxv) Bank Accounts; Officers; Powers of Attorney. Schedule 3(a)(xxv) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth (A) the names and locations of all banks and other financial institutions and depositories at which the Company maintains accounts of any type or safe deposit boxes, and also lists the account number of each such account, the number of each such safe deposit box and the current authorized signatory or signatories on each such account or safe deposit box, (B) an accurate and complete list of all officers, directors and managers of the Company and (C) a complete list of all Persons holding powers of attorney issued by the Company that will remain in effect as of the Closing Date.
(xxvi) Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Seller for which Buyer or any of its Affiliates (or, after the Effective Date, the Company) will be responsible.
(xxvii) Credit Support Obligations. Except as set forth on Schedule 3(a)(xxvii), there are no cash deposits, guarantees, letters of credit, surety bonds, and other forms of credit assurance or credit support provided by the Company, or by Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than the Company) on behalf of the Company, in support of the obligations of the Company to any Governmental Authority, Contract counterparty, or other Person related to the ownership of the Properties.
(xxviii) Suspense Funds. Neither the Company, Seller nor any Affiliate of Seller is holding in suspense any share of Hydrocarbon proceeds attributable to the Company’s interests in the Oil and Gas Properties. To Seller’s Knowledge, as of the date of this Agreement and except as set forth on Schedule 3(a)(xxviii), no share of Hydrocarbon proceeds attributable to the Company’s interests in the Oil and Gas Properties to which the Company is entitled is currently being held in suspense by the applicable Third Party operator or payor thereof.
(xxix) Imbalances. To Seller’s Knowledge, except as set forth in Schedule 3(a)(xxix), the Properties are not subject to any material Imbalances as of the date set forth on such Schedule.
11
(xxx) Payments for Production. To Seller’s Knowledge, except for Imbalances, which are addressed in Section 3(a)(xxix), the Company is not obligated by virtue of a take-or-pay payment, advance payment or other similar payment (other than gas balancing agreements) to deliver Hydrocarbons, or proceeds from the sale thereof, attributable to the Company’s interest in the Properties at some future time without receiving full payment therefor at or after the time of delivery.
(xxxi) Leases. (A) Neither the Company nor any Affiliate of the Company has received any unresolved written notices alleging any material default or breach under any Lease by the Company or, to Seller’s Knowledge, the Company’s predecessor in interest; and (B) neither the Company nor any Affiliate of the Company has received any unresolved written notice seeking to terminate or materially amend any of the Leases. To the Seller’s Knowledge, no event has occurred which (with notice or lapse of time, or both) would constitute a material default under any Lease or give the Company or any other party to any Lease the right to terminate or modify any Lease, in each case, that remains unresolved.
(xxxii) Non-Consent Elections. Except as set forth on Schedule 3(a)(xxxii), the Company and its Affiliates have not elected (and were not deemed to have elected) not to participate in any operation or activity proposed with respect to the Properties and with respect to which the Company or its Affiliates have not yet recovered its full participation.
(xxxiii) Condemnation. As of the date of this Agreement, to Seller’s Knowledge, there is no actual or threatened taking (whether permanent, temporary, whole or partial) of any part of the Properties by reason of condemnation.
(xxxiv) Books and Records. The Company maintains all books of account and other business records (including the Records) required by (and in accordance with) Applicable Law and necessary to conduct the business of the Company in accordance with its past practices, consistently applied, and in compliance with all Applicable Laws.
(xxxv) Indebtedness. Except for any Indebtedness under the Credit Agreements, as of the date of this Agreement, the Company has no outstanding Indebtedness. As of the Closing, the Company has no outstanding Indebtedness.
(xxxvi) Bankruptcy. There are no bankruptcy, reorganization, or receivership Proceedings pending against, being contemplated by, or, to Seller’s Knowledge, threatened in writing against, the Company. The Company (A) is not insolvent, (B) is not in receivership or dissolution, (C) has not made any assignment for the benefit of creditors, (D) has not admitted in writing its inability to pay its debts as they mature, (E) has not been adjudicated bankrupt and (F) has not filed a petition in voluntary bankruptcy, a petition or answer seeking reorganization, or an arrangement with creditors under the federal bankruptcy laws or any other similar laws, nor has any such petition been filed against the Company. In completing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Seller does not intend to hinder, delay or defraud any present or future creditors of the Company.
(xxxvii) Sufficiency of Assets. The Properties (including the Midstream Assets) currently owned by the Company are sufficient for the continued conduct of the Company’s business after the Closing in substantially the same manner as conducted in the twelve month period prior to the Closing, and the Company owns no other material assets or properties other than the Properties.
12
(xxxviii) Midstream Assets.
(A) The Company has good and valid right, title and interest in and to (i) the Midstream Assets and (ii) the Surface Rights and Rights of Way appurtenant to and used or held for use in connection with the ownership or operation of the Midstream Assets, in each case described in subsections (i) and (ii), free and clear of all Liens except for Permitted Encumbrances. The Company has not transferred, conveyed or sold to any Person any interest in any Midstream Asset or in any other asset that is included in the definition of “Midstream Assets” under and subject to that certain Agreement for the Construction, Ownership and Operation of Midstream Assets in Northern Pennsylvania, between Talisman Energy USA, Inc., Range Resources-Appalachia, LLC and Abarta Oil & Gas Co., Inc., dated October 1, 2010.
(B) To Seller’s Knowledge, (i) the tangible Midstream Assets are in good condition and repair taken as a whole (ordinary wear and tear excepted and taking into account the age, history, and use) and (ii) maintenance has not been deferred on any such assets in contemplation of the transaction contemplated hereby.
(C) Except as set forth on Schedule 3(a)(xxxviii)(C), (i) neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates has received any unresolved written notices alleging any material default or material breach under any Surface Rights and Rights of Way by the Company or any of its Affiliates, or, to Seller’s Knowledge, their predecessors in interest, (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates has received any unresolved written notice seeking to terminate any of the Surface Rights and Rights of Way except where such termination would not reasonably be expected to have a material and adverse impact on the business of the Company as currently conducted, and (iii) to Seller’s Knowledge, none of the Surface Rights and Rights of Way contain express provisions that materially impede or restrict operations as currently conducted on the lands underlying the Leases.
(xxxix) Special Warranty. The Company holds Defensible Title to each of the Oil and Gas Properties, in each case, free and clear of any claims against any Person whatsoever lawfully claims or purports to claim title to the same or any part thereof, solely to the extent arising by, through or under the company or its Affiliates (including, prior to Closing, Seller or its Affiliates), but not otherwise, subject, however to Permitted Encumbrances (the representation and warranty set forth in this Section 3(a)(xxxix) is referred to as the “Special Warranty of Title”).
(xl) Certain Real Property Interests. The Company owns no, and has never owned any, Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property.
(xli) Anti-Corruption Matters. (A) Seller, the Company and, to Seller’s knowledge (as defined in the FCPA), their respective officers, directors and employees, are currently, and for the past five (5) years have been, in compliance with all Anti-Corruption Laws applicable to Seller or the Company, and (B) neither Seller, the Company nor, to Seller’s knowledge (as defined in the FCPA), any of their respective officers, directors, employees, or any other Person working on behalf of the Seller or Company have, directly or indirectly, corruptly offered, paid, given, promised to pay or give, or authorized the payment or giving of any money or anything of value (including any facilitation payment) to: (i) any Government Official; (ii) any person acting for or on behalf of any Government Official; or (iii) any other Person, for the purpose of securing any improper business advantage or otherwise in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws applicable to Seller or the Company.
13
(xlii) Trade Control Laws. None of the Seller, the Company, nor any of their respective directors, officers, or employees, nor, to Seller’s Knowledge, any other Person working on behalf of the Company (A) has directly or, to Seller’s Knowledge, indirectly, during the past five (5) years violated any export, reexport, import, antiboycott, or economic sanctions applicable to Seller or the Company (“Trade Control Laws”); (B) is targeted, blocked, or otherwise the subject of sanctions prohibitions or restrictions under any applicable Trade Control Laws (including but not limited to being, or being owned 50% or more by one or more Specially Designated Nationals or other U.S. sanctions targets); (C) is located, organized, or resident in any country or territory subject to a comprehensive economic sanctions embargo under applicable Trade Control Laws (currently, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, and so-called Luhansk People’s Republic regions of Ukraine); or (D) has during the past five (5) years been the subject or target of any enforcement, administrative, civil or criminal action, disclosure, or, to Seller’s Knowledge, investigation, relating to applicable Trade Control Laws.
(b) Disclaimers. THE EXPRESS REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER CONTAINED IN SECTION 3(a) ABOVE AND SET FORTH IN THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS ARE EXCLUSIVE AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPERTIES, THE COMPANY AND THE INTERESTS, AND SELLER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL SUCH OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. WITHOUT LIMITATION OF THE FOREGOING, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, RELATING TO THE CONDITION, QUANTITY, QUALITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, CONFORMITY TO THE MODELS OR SAMPLES OF MATERIALS OR MERCHANTABILITY OF ANY EQUIPMENT OR ITS FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE, AND, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED OTHERWISE IN THE FIRST SENTENCE OF THIS PARAGRAPH, SELLER MAKES NO OTHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHER WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION WHATSOEVER. AT CLOSING (ASSUMING COMPLIANCE BY SELLER WITH ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT) BUYER SHALL HAVE INSPECTED OR WAIVED ITS RIGHT TO INSPECT THE PROPERTIES FOR ALL PURPOSES AND SATISFIED ITSELF AS TO THEIR PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION, BOTH SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CONDITIONS SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO THE PRESENCE, RELEASE OR DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES, SOLID WASTES, ASBESTOS AND OTHER MAN MADE FIBERS, OR NATURALLY OCCURRING RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS (“NORM”). ALSO WITHOUT LIMITATION OF THE FOREGOING, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY DATA, REPORTS, RECORDS, PROJECTIONS, INFORMATION OR MATERIALS NOW, HERETOFORE OR HEREAFTER FURNISHED OR MADE AVAILABLE TO BUYER IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, RELATIVE TO PRICING ASSUMPTIONS, OR QUALITY OR QUANTITY OF HYDROCARBON RESERVES (IF ANY) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE PROPERTIES OR THE ABILITY OR POTENTIAL OF THE PROPERTIES TO PRODUCE HYDROCARBONS OR THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF THE PROPERTIES OR ANY OTHER MATTERS CONTAINED IN ANY MATERIALS FURNISHED OR MADE AVAILABLE TO BUYER BY SELLER OR BY SELLER’S AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES (INCLUDING THE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION MEMORANDUM PREPARED BY EVERCORE GROUP L.L.P. DATED DECEMBER 14, 2023 AND ANY INFORMATION, DOCUMENTS OR MATERIAL MADE AVAILABLE TO BUYER IN THE DATA ROOM). EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY REPRESENTED OR WARRANTED HEREIN, ANY AND ALL SUCH DATA, RECORDS, REPORTS, PROJECTIONS, INFORMATION AND OTHER MATERIALS (WRITTEN OR ORAL) FURNISHED BY SELLER OR OTHERWISE MADE AVAILABLE OR DISCLOSED TO BUYER ARE PROVIDED TO BUYER AS A CONVENIENCE AND SHALL NOT CREATE OR GIVE RISE TO ANY LIABILITY OF OR AGAINST SELLER AND ANY RELIANCE ON OR USE OF THE SAME SHALL BE AT BUYER’S SOLE RISK TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
14
(c) Disclosures. The matters set forth on the Disclosure Schedule are not necessarily matters that Seller is required to disclose or matters that would constitute a breach of any representation or warranty had such matters not been disclosed. Each disclosure in the Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to qualify the other representations and warranties of Seller notwithstanding the lack of a specific cross-reference where the applicability of such disclosure to such other representation or warranty is readily apparent on the face of such disclosure.
4. Representations of Buyer. Buyer represents and warrants to Seller that, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, the following statements are and shall be true and correct:
(a) Organization and Qualification. Buyer is a limited liability company duly organized and legally existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
(b) Due Authorization. Buyer has full power to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and has taken all proper action to authorize entering into this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder.
(c) Valid, Binding and Enforceable. This Agreement constitutes (and the other Transaction Documents provided for herein to be delivered by Buyer at Closing will, when executed and delivered, constitute) the legal, valid and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as limited by bankruptcy or other laws applicable generally to creditor’s rights and as limited by Enforceability Exceptions.
(d) No Conflicts. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer does not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not, (i) violate or be in conflict with, or require the consent of any Person under, any provision of Buyer’s Governing Documents, (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, or give rise (or an event that with the lapse of time or notice, or both would constitute a default or give rise) to any right of termination, cancellation, or acceleration under, any bond, debenture, note, guaranty, mortgage or indenture, or any Contract to which Buyer is a party or by which Buyer may be bound or (iii) violate any provision of or require any consent, authorization or approval under any Order applicable to Buyer, except in the cases of clauses (ii) and (iii), where the violation, breach, conflict, default, acceleration or failure to give notice or obtain consent would not have a material adverse effect on Buyer’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
15
(e) No Litigation. There are no pending Proceedings in which Buyer is a party (or, to Buyer’s Knowledge, which have been threatened to be instituted against Buyer) which would be reasonably likely to prevent or materially delay the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer or the ability of Buyer to consummate of the transactions contemplated hereby or perform its obligations hereunder.
(f) No Distribution. Buyer is acquiring the Interests for its own account and not with the intent to make a distribution in violation of the Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the “Securities Act”) (and the rules and regulations pertaining thereto), or in violation of any other applicable securities laws, rules or regulations.
(g) Knowledge and Experience. Buyer has (and had prior to negotiations regarding the Interests) such knowledge and experience in the ownership and the operation of oil and gas properties and financial and business matters as to be able to evaluate the merits and risks of an investment in the Interests. Buyer is able to bear the risks of the acquisition of the Interests, and assumption of the obligations, in accordance with and as set forth in this Agreement. Buyer acknowledges that the Interests are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and that the Interests may not be transferred or sold except pursuant to the registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or pursuant to an applicable exemption therefrom and subject to state securities laws and regulations, as applicable.
(h) Merits and Risks of an Investment in the Properties. Buyer understands and acknowledges that: (i) an investment in the Interests involves certain risks; (ii) neither the United States Securities and Exchange Commission nor any federal, state or foreign agency has passed upon the Interests or made any findings or determination as to the fairness of an investment in the Interests or the accuracy or adequacy of the disclosures made to Buyer, and (iii) except as expressly set forth in Section 13 of this Agreement, Buyer shall not be entitled to cancel, terminate or revoke this Agreement.
(i) Funds. Buyer has or will have at Closing sufficient cash, available lines of credit or other sources of immediately available funds (in United States dollars) to pay the amounts due at Closing.
(j) Independent Investigation. Buyer has conducted its own independent investigation, review and analysis of the business, results of operations, prospects, condition (financial or otherwise) or assets of the Company, and acknowledges that at Closing (assuming compliance by Seller with its obligations under this Agreement) it will have been provided adequate access to the personnel, properties, assets, premises, books and records, and other documents and data of Seller and the Company for such purpose. Buyer acknowledges and agrees that: (a) in making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Buyer has relied solely upon its own investigation and the express representations and warranties of Seller set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement (including the related portions of the Disclosure Schedule); and (b) none of Seller, the Company or any other Person has made any representation or warranty as to Seller, the Company or this Agreement, or to the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding Seller or the Company furnished or made available to Buyer and its Representatives, except as expressly set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement (including the related portions of the Disclosure Schedule) or the other Transaction Documents.
16
(k) Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Buyer for which Seller or any of its Affiliates will be responsible.
(l) Bankruptcy. There are no bankruptcy, reorganization, or receivership Proceedings pending against, being contemplated by or threatened in writing against, Buyer. Buyer (A) is not insolvent, (B) is not in receivership or dissolution, (C) has not made any assignment for the benefit of creditors, (D) has not admitted in writing its inability to pay its debts as they mature, (E) has not been adjudicated bankrupt and (F) has not filed a petition in voluntary bankruptcy, a petition or answer seeking reorganization, or an arrangement with creditors under the federal bankruptcy laws or any other similar laws, nor has any such petition been filed against the Buyer.
5. Certain Covenants of Seller and Buyer Pending Closing. Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date:
(a) Access by Buyer.
(i) Access. From the date hereof until the Closing Date, Seller will or will cause the Company to (A) give Buyer, or Buyer’s authorized representatives, at all reasonable times before the Closing Date, access to personnel of Seller or its Affiliates who are familiar with the Properties and all Records pertaining to the Company or the ownership of the Properties (including, without limitation, title files, division order files, and Tax records) in the possession or control of Seller or the Company, for the purpose of conducting a customary due diligence review of the Properties and the Company and (B) reasonably cooperate and assist Buyer in obtaining permission from the Third Party operator(s) of the Properties for Buyer and its Representatives to have reasonable access to the Properties, but in each case (x) only to the extent that Seller may do so without violating any obligations to any Third Party or Applicable Laws and (y) only to the extent that Seller has authority to grant such access or assist without breaching any restriction legally or contractually binding on Seller, and provided that Seller shall not be required to bear any costs payable to third Persons as part of such cooperation or assistance (and, subject to such limitations, so long as Seller and its Affiliates have reasonably cooperated and assisted in accordance with this Section 5(a)(i)), Seller shall have no liability to Buyer for failure to obtain any such other Person’s permission; and provided further, however, that any access or cooperation requested by Buyer shall be conducted during normal business hours upon reasonable advance notice to Seller, under the supervision of Seller’s personnel and in such a manner as not to interfere with the normal operations of the Company or Seller or its Affiliates. Buyer acknowledges that any access to the Properties operated by a Third Party may be subject to any required consent of such Third Party operator (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any such consent required in connection with Buyer’s exercise of its inspection rights under Section 5(a)(ii)), which consent Buyer shall be solely responsible for obtaining at its own cost and expense (other than Seller’s commercially reasonable cooperation and assistance to facilitate negotiations between Buyer and any such Third Party as described above); Buyer further acknowledges that such Third Party may require Buyer to agree to certain terms and conditions (e.g., indemnification) to obtain its consent, and that Buyer shall be solely responsible for negotiating any such terms and conditions at its sole cost and expense. Buyer may make copies of such Records, at its expense, but shall, if Seller so requests, promptly return all copies so made if the Closing does not occur; and all costs of copying such items shall be borne by Buyer. Seller shall not be obligated to provide Buyer with access to any Records or data that constitute corporate, financial, Tax, or legal data and Records that relate primarily to the businesses of Seller or any Affiliate of Seller other than the Company or the Properties or that Seller reasonably expects it cannot provide to Buyer without, in its opinion, breaching, or risking a breach of, agreements with Third Parties or waiving or risking waiving legal privilege (and other than the disclosure of title opinions); provided, that Seller shall, if requested by Buyer, use commercially reasonable efforts (without an obligation to pay money) to seek a consent or waiver to permit disclosure of Records or data without breach of any applicable Third Party agreement. WITHOUT LIMITING THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER SET FORTH IN SECTION 3(A) OR IN ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, BUYER RECOGNIZES AND AGREES THAT ALL MATERIALS MADE AVAILABLE TO IT IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, WHETHER MADE AVAILABLE PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION OR OTHERWISE, ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO IT AS AN ACCOMMODATION, AND WITHOUT REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND AS TO THE ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS OF SUCH MATERIALS EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND IS MADE BY SELLER AS TO THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED TO BUYER OR WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTIES TO WHICH THE INFORMATION RELATES, AND BUYER EXPRESSLY AGREES THAT ANY CONCLUSIONS DRAWN THEREFROM SHALL BE THE RESULT OF ITS OWN INDEPENDENT REVIEW AND JUDGMENT.
17
(ii) Buyer’s Environmental Assessment. Buyer’s inspection right with respect to the environmental condition of the Properties shall be limited to conducting a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment in accordance with the ASTM International Standard Practice Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process (Publication Designation: E1527 or E2247) or a similar non-invasive assessment that does not include sampling or testing of any environmental media (“Phase I”) but, with prior written notice to Seller and subject to the Third Party operator’s consent, may include the use of infrared cameras, drones, electromagnetic sensors and other non-invasive equipment. No Buyer Representative shall be entitled to conduct any sampling or testing of any environmental media in a manner similar to ASTM International Practice Environmental Site Assessments: Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Process (Publication Designation: E1903), or any other invasive or intrusive testing, or sampling on or relating to the Properties (“Phase II”), without submitting notice to Seller and obtaining the prior written consent of Seller, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, however, it shall be reasonable for Seller to withhold its consent if consent for the testing or sampling is required from a Third Party operator of the Properties and Buyer is unable to obtain such consent in accordance with Section 5(a)(i). Buyer shall be responsible for obtaining from any applicable Governmental Authorities all permits necessary or required to conduct any approved invasive activities permitted by Seller and such Third Party operator; provided that, upon request, Seller shall provide Buyer with assistance (at no cost or liability to Seller) as reasonably requested by Buyer that may be necessary to secure such permits. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 13 (and except solely as necessary to support or enforce its rights under this Agreement), Buyer shall promptly return to Seller or destroy all copies of the Records, reports, summaries, evaluations, due diligence memos, and derivative materials related thereto in the possession or control of Buyer or any of Buyer’s Representatives and shall keep and shall cause each of Buyer’s Representatives to keep, any and all information obtained by or on behalf of Buyer confidential in accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement.
(iii) Exculpation and Indemnification. To the extent Buyer is permitted to do so by the Third Party operator, if Buyer exercises rights of access to the Properties under this Section 5, then (A) such access shall be at Buyer’s sole risk, cost and expense and Buyer waives and releases all claims against the Seller Indemnified Parties arising in any way therefrom or in any way connected therewith or arising in connection with the conduct of Buyer’s directors, officers, employees, attorneys, contractors and agents in connection therewith and (B) Buyer shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Seller Indemnified Parties from any and all Losses, or Liens for labor or materials, arising out of or in any way connected with such matters, but in each case of clauses (A) and (B), only to the extent any such claims or Losses, or Liens for labor or materials claims are not attributable to (I) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Seller Indemnified Parties or their respective directors, officers, employees, attorneys, contractors or agents or (II) the mere discovery (but not the exacerbation) of any environmental condition, including any Environmental Defects or Environmental Liabilities. THE FOREGOING RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION SHALL APPLY WHETHER OR NOT SUCH CLAIMS, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTION, LIABILITIES, DAMAGES, LOSSES, COSTS OR EXPENSES ARISE OUT OF NEGLIGENCE (INCLUDING SOLE NEGLIGENCE, SINGLE NEGLIGENCE, CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE, ACTIVE OR PASSIVE NEGLIGENCE BUT IN EACH CASE EXCLUDING THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT) OF THE SELLER INDEMNIFIED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEYS, CONTRACTORS OR AGENTS.
(iv) Upon the termination of this Agreement, Buyer shall, at its sole cost and expense and without any cost or expense to Seller or an of its Affiliates, (A) repair all damage done to the Properties in connection with Buyer’s or Buyer’s Representative’s due diligence, and (B) remove all equipment, tools or other property brought onto the Properties in connection with Buyer’s or Buyer’s Representative’s due diligence.
(v) During all periods that Buyer or any of Buyer’s Representatives are on the Properties pursuant to this Section 5(a), Buyer shall maintain, at its sole expense, policies of insurance of the types and in the amounts reasonably sufficient to cover the obligations of Buyer’s obligations under this Section 5(a). Buyer shall provide reasonable evidence of such insurance to Seller upon Seller’s request prior to entering the Properties.
18
(b) Interim Operation. Except as set forth on Schedule 5(b), or as consented to in writing by Buyer (which consent (I) in the case of the following clauses (ii), (iv), (vii), (viii), and (xxi) shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned and (II) in all other instances, may be granted or withheld in Buyer’s sole discretion) or otherwise expressly required under this Agreement, from the date of this Agreement until the Closing, Seller shall cause the Company to:
(i) use commercially reasonable efforts to carry on its business in the Ordinary Course of Business in all material respects;
(ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve the Company’s business organization intact, retain its present officers, managers and directors and maintain its relationships with independent contractors, suppliers, vendors, customers, creditors and others having business relations with it;
(iii) not incur any new Indebtedness;
(iv) not propose, make or commit to make any capital expenditures in excess of $250,000 (provided that any Title Defect that arises solely by reason of Buyer’s failure to consent to an operation covered by this clause (iv) may not be asserted in a Defect Notice or give rise to any other remedy under this Agreement);
(v) not transfer, sell, hypothecate, encumber, novate or otherwise dispose of any of the Properties, except for (A) sales and dispositions of Hydrocarbons in the Ordinary Course of Business, or (B) sales and dispositions of equipment and materials that are no longer necessary in the operation of the Properties or for which replacement equipment has been obtained;
(vi) not mortgage or pledge any of the Interests or Properties or create any Lien thereupon (other than, in the case of the Properties, Permitted Encumbrances);
(vii) except for operations for which Buyer’s consent is required under Section 5(b)(iv) and such consent has not been granted by Buyer, not elect to be a non-consenting party as to any operation proposed by a Third Party on the Properties;
(viii) not enter into, execute, terminate (other than terminations based on the expiration without any affirmative action by the Company), novate, materially amend, or extend any Material Contract (or any other Contract, that if executed prior to the date of this Agreement, would be a Material Contract) or affirmatively waive, assign or release any material rights or material claims under any Material Contract (or other Contract, that if executed prior to the date of this Agreement, would be a Material Contract); for the avoidance of doubt, this Section 5(b)(viii) shall not apply to any such Contract entered into by a Third Party operator of the Properties on behalf of the Company where such Third Party operator has the right to enter into such Contract pursuant to a Contract in effect as of the date hereof between a Third Party operator and the Company;
(ix) not issue any equity interests or split, combine or reclassify any of the Company’s outstanding equity interests;
(x) not make any investment in the equity interests of any other Person or form any Subsidiary;
(xi) not grant or create any preferential purchase or similar right with respect to the Properties;
19
(xii) not acquire by merger or consolidation with, or merge or consolidate with, or purchase substantially all of the assets of or otherwise acquire any business of, or acquire any equity interests in any Person;
(xiii) not change in any material respect the material accounting principles, practices or methods of the Company, except as required by the Accounting Principles;
(xiv) not adopt a plan or agreement of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution or wind-up of the Company;
(xv) not hire any employees or engage any independent contractors and not adopt, enter into, or incur any Liability with respect to any Benefit Plan;
(xvi) maintain the books of accounts and Records of the Company in the Ordinary Course of Business;
(xvii) use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the current Insurance Policies of the Company and not voluntarily reduce or terminate any existing insurance of the Company;
(xviii) use commercially reasonable efforts to keep Buyer apprised of any drilling, re-drilling or completion operations proposed or conducted by the Third Party operator with respect to the Properties during the period between the date of this Agreement and the Closing;
(xix) give written notice to Buyer as soon as practicable of any written notice received or given by the Company or its Affiliates with respect to any (A) alleged breach by the Company, its Affiliates or any Third Party of any Material Contract, Lease or any of the Surface Rights and Rights of Way, (B) alleged material violation of Applicable Law by the Company, any of its Affiliates or a Third Party operator with respect to any of the Properties or (C) material Proceeding with respect to any Property;
(xx) except to the extent required under any Material Contract, not (A) enter into or consummate any transaction to acquire oil and gas leases or mineral interests via trade, swap or acreage exchange or (B) otherwise acquire (whether directly or indirectly, through asset purchase, merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination or otherwise) any material assets or properties, except for (1) inventory in the ordinary course of business, or (2) acquisitions of assets or properties for which the consideration does not exceed $250,000;
(xxi) not institute any Proceeding, or enter into, or offer to enter into, any compromise, release or settlement of any Proceeding pertaining to the Properties or the Company, or waive or release any material right of the Company, for which the amount in controversy is reasonably expected to be in excess of $250,000 other than any settlement, release or compromise that involves only a payment from Seller to a Third Party and does not pertain to the Company or the Properties; and
(xxii) not commit to do any activity or matter that is prohibited by the foregoing.
20
(c) Consents.
(i) To the extent either Party discovers any Required Consent between the date hereof and the date of Closing, Seller shall promptly thereafter prepare and send, or cause the Company to prepare and send, as applicable, notices to the holders of such Required Consents requesting consent to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Seller shall, and shall cause the Company to, use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such consents to assignment to be obtained and delivered prior to Closing, provided that neither Seller nor the Company shall be required to make payments or undertake obligations to or for the benefit of the holders of such rights in order to obtain the Required Consents. Seller shall not permit the Company to make any payments or undertake any obligation to or for the benefit of the holders of such rights in order to obtain the Required Consents, in any case, without the prior written consent of Buyer. The Parties shall cooperate in good faith in seeking to obtain such Required Consents; provided that neither Party shall be obligated to make payments or undertake obligations to or for the benefit of the holders of such rights in order to obtain the Required Consents.
(ii) In cases in which a Property is subject to a Required Consent which is not obtained on or prior to Closing and which Required Consent applies as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Initial Purchase Price shall be reduced at the Closing by an amount equal to the Allocated Amount of all such affected Properties. If an unsatisfied Required Consent with respect to which an adjustment to the Initial Purchase Price is made pursuant to the preceding sentence is subsequently satisfied prior to the date of the final adjustment to the Purchase Price under Section 11(c), Seller shall be reimbursed in that final adjustment for the amount of any previous deduction from the Purchase Price with respect to such Required Consent.
(iii) Nothing in this Section 5(c) shall limit Buyer’s Closing conditions set forth in Section 8 or Buyer’s rights and remedies set forth in Section 13 and Section 14 (provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall Buyer be entitled to any duplicative recovery for the same underlying Loss).
(d) Preferential Rights.
(i) Subject to Section 5(d)(ii), to the extent either Party discovers any Preferential Rights between the date hereof and the date of Closing, Seller shall promptly thereafter prepare and send, or cause the Company to prepare and send, as applicable, notices to the holders (and in accordance with the documents creating such rights) requesting waivers of Preferential Rights so identified.
(ii) If the Third Party operator of the Properties takes any action to enforce a claim (or purported claim) with respect to a Preferential Right affecting any Properties, then the Parties shall meet to discuss in good faith appropriate actions to be taken by the Parties with respect to such Preferential Right (or purported Preferential Right). If the Parties mutually agree, then Seller shall promptly thereafter prepare and send, or cause the Company to prepare and send, as applicable, notices to the holders (and in accordance with the documents creating such rights) requesting waivers of such Preferential Rights.
(iii) Other than a Preferential Right described in Section 5(d)(ii), if a party that has a Preferential Right exercises such Preferential Right prior to the Closing, the affected Properties will be assigned from the Company to Seller or an Affiliate of Seller prior to Closing, the Initial Purchase Price shall be reduced by the Allocated Amount of the affected Properties and Seller (and not Buyer or the Company) shall thereafter be responsible for (and Seller shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Buyer Indemnified Parties in connection with any claims or Losses related to) compliance with such Preferential Right.
21
(iv) Other than a Preferential Right described in Section 5(d)(ii), if a Property affected by such Preferential Right is not excluded from the transaction contemplated hereby (including because the time period for exercising a Preferential Right has not expired and no notice of waiver or exercise of such Preferential Right has been received from the holder of such Preferential Right prior to the Closing), then, upon the exercise of any Preferential Right after the Closing, the Company will tender the required interest in the Properties affected by such unwaived Preferential Right to the holder thereof, at the Allocated Amount for such affected Property (or portion thereof) to the holder, or holders, of such right. In return for tendering the Property to such holder(s), Buyer shall collect and retain such amount from such purchaser.
(v) The consideration payable under this Agreement for any particular Property for purposes of Preferential Rights notices shall be the Allocated Amount for such Property unless a different amount shall be otherwise required by the terms of such Preferential Right. Any Preferential Right must be exercised subject to all terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, including the successful Closing of this Agreement.
(vi) Nothing in this Section 5(c) shall limit Buyer’s Closing conditions set forth in Section 8 or Buyer’s rights and remedies set forth in Section 13 and Section 14 (provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall Buyer be entitled to any duplicative recovery for the same underlying Loss).
(e) Schedule II. Schedule II attached hereto, as prepared by Buyer and agreed to by Seller, sets forth the Allocated Amount of the Properties.
(f) Public Announcements. Except (i) as otherwise required by Applicable Law (based upon the reasonable advice of counsel) or the applicable rules of any stock exchange having jurisdiction over a Party or (ii) consistent with prior press releases or other public announcements made in compliance with this Section 5(f), no Party to this Agreement shall make any public announcements or otherwise communicate with any news media in respect of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without the prior written consent of the other Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, except that Buyer and Seller may each withhold its consent in its sole discretion to any public announcement that includes the identity of such Party or its Affiliates or the Purchase Price), and the Parties shall cooperate as to the timing and contents of any such announcement.
(g) Confidentiality.
(i) The Confidentiality Agreement will terminate on the Closing Date and will thereafter be of no further force or effect.
22
(ii) Each Party will keep confidential, and cause its Affiliates, Representatives, lenders, and equity providers, to keep confidential, all terms and provisions of this Agreement, except (A) as required by Applicable Law or any standards or rules of any stock exchange to which such Party or any of its Affiliates is subject; (B) for information that is available to the public on the Closing Date or thereafter becomes available to the public other than as a result of a breach of this Section 5(g); (C) to the extent required to be disclosed in connection with complying with or obtaining a waiver of any Preferential Right or Required Consent or other rights that may be applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as reasonably necessary to provide notices, seek waivers, amendments, or terminations of such rights, or seek such consents; (D) to a prospective assignee or transferee of an interest in the Company or the Properties from Buyer, its Affiliates or their respective successors and permitted assigns after Closing; (E) to the extent that such Party must disclose the same in any Proceeding brought by it to enforce its rights under this Agreement and/or (F) to its Affiliates, Representatives and existing or prospective lenders (including by Buyer in connection with the Financing), and/or equity providers.
(iii) From and after Closing, Seller will keep confidential and not use or disclose, and cause its Affiliates, Representatives, lenders, and equity providers, to keep confidential, all Records, except (A) as required by Applicable Law or any standards or rules of any stock exchange to which such Party or any of its Affiliates is subject; (B) for information that is available to the public on the Closing Date or thereafter becomes available to the public other than as a result of a breach of this Section 5(g); (C) to the extent required to be disclosed in connection with complying with or obtaining a waiver of any Preferential Right or Required Consent, or other rights that may be applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as reasonably necessary to provide notices, seek waivers, amendments, or terminations of such rights, or seek such consents; and (D) to the extent that such Party must disclose the same in any Proceeding brought by it to enforce its rights under this Agreement.
(iv) This Section 5(g) will not prevent either Party from complying with any disclosure requirements of Governmental Authorities that are applicable to the transfer of the Interests. The covenant set forth in this Section 5(g) will terminate two (2) years after the Closing Date. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event the Closing does not occur, the Confidentiality Agreement will continue in full effect pursuant to its terms.
(h) Termination of Affiliate Contracts.Unless otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties in writing, prior to or at the Closing, pursuant to the Mutual Release and Termination Agreement, Seller shall, and shall cause the Company to, (i) cause all Affiliate Contracts to be terminated without any further force or effect and in a manner such that the Company has no liability or obligation with respect to an Affiliate or under any Affiliate Contract at or following the Closing, and (ii) cause any Liabilities under any intercompany accounts between Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than the Company), on the one hand, and any of the Company, on the other hand, to be settled, canceled, forgiven or released.
(i) Insurance. Seller (at the Company’s sole cost and expense) shall reasonably cooperate with Buyer and the Company on any claim for coverage by Buyer or the Company under the Insurance Policies with respect to claims arising from events that occurred or were alleged to have occurred prior to the Closing (“Pre-Closing Occurrences”). Seller and its Affiliates shall take no action to exclude or remove the Company from coverage that may be available under any such Insurance Policy with respect to Pre-Closing Occurrences. Seller and its Affiliates (at the Company’s sole cost and expense) shall reasonably cooperate with Buyer and the Company in, and use their commercially reasonable efforts to pursue, the collection of all insurance proceeds in respect of claims made by Buyer or the Company with respect to Pre-Closing Occurrences.
23
(j) Financing Cooperation.
(i) Seller acknowledges that Buyer may obtain debt financing (the “Financing”) to finance a portion of the Purchase Price, which may include, among other forms, bank or other indebtedness of any kind (and commitments in respect thereof); provided, however, that Buyer confirms that it is not a condition to Closing or any of its obligations under this Agreement that Buyer obtain the Financing (or any other financing) for or in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(ii) Prior to the Closing (or until the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof), Seller shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to, and to cause its Affiliates and its Affiliates’ Representatives to, provide Buyer with such cooperation as may be reasonably requested by Buyer with respect to the Financing, in all cases at Buyer’s sole expense, which cooperation may include the following:
(A) provide monthly production reports based on estimated volume allocations promptly after the receipt of such reports provided by the Third Party operator;
(B) providing lease operating statements in respect of the Properties prior to the Closing Date only to the extent such statements are prepared by Seller promptly after they are prepared; and
(C) facilitating Buyer’s preparation of the customary documentation necessary to pledge and mortgage the Properties that will be collateral under the Financing; provided, that (1) none of such documents shall be executed and/or delivered except in connection with, or contingent upon, the Closing, (2) the effectiveness thereof shall be conditioned upon, or become operative after, the occurrence of the Closing, and (3) no liability shall be imposed on Seller or any Affiliate thereof or any of their respective Representatives involved;
provided, that, in each case, such requested cooperation does not unreasonably interfere with the ongoing operations of any of Seller or its Affiliates or the Properties and that any information requested by Buyer is reasonably available without undue cost or burden to Seller or any of its Affiliates or its or their Representatives.
24
(iii) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary (including this Section 5(j)), none of Seller or any of its Affiliates or any of their respective Representatives shall: (A) be required to pay any commitment or other fee or pay or reimburse any expenses in connection with the Financing prior to the Closing; (B) be required to incur any liability or give any indemnity in connection with the Financing; (C) be required to take any action that would require any director, manager, officer or employee of any of Seller or any of its Affiliates (including the Company) or any of their respective Representatives to execute, or be required to enter into, any document, agreement, certificate or instrument in connection with the Financing; (D) be required to take or refrain from taking any action to the extent, in the Seller’s reasonable judgment, it could result in Seller or any of its Affiliates or any of their respective Representatives incurring any liability with respect to the matters relating to the Financing or cause any director, manager, officer or employee or other Representative of Seller or any of its Affiliates to incur any personal liability in connection with the Financing; (E) be required to provide any information if (I) doing so could reasonably be expected to violate any Applicable Law, (II) doing so could reasonably be expected to violate any binding agreement with a Third Party or (III) doing so would reasonably be expected to result in the loss of the ability to successfully assert attorney-client, work product or similar privileges; provided, that the Seller or the applicable Affiliate shall, in the case of clauses (I), (II) and (III), notify the Buyer of the nature of the information that is not being provided on the basis of such law, binding agreement, legal privilege or attorney-client privilege solely to the extent the Seller is able to do so without violating the applicable obligation or privilege); or (F) take any corporate or other similar actions which will violate any Applicable Law or any Governing Documents, or that would become effective prior to the Closing to permit the consummation of the Financing. Buyer shall be responsible for all fees and expenses related to any Financing, including the compensation of any contractor or advisor of Buyer or Seller directly related to actions taken pursuant to this Section 5(j). Accordingly, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Buyer shall promptly, upon written request by the Seller, reimburse the Seller for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Financing incurred by Seller and its Affiliates and their respective Representatives in connection with the Financing, including the cooperation of the Seller and the Affiliates thereof contemplated by this Section 5(j), and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Seller Indemnified Parties from and against any and all Losses suffered or incurred by any of them in connection with this Section 5(j), the arrangement of the Financing or any information used in connection therewith, in each case, except to the extent suffered or incurred as a result of the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct by the Seller Indemnified Parties, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgement.
(iv) All non-public or otherwise confidential information regarding Seller, the Company or the Properties obtained by Buyer or any of its Representatives pursuant to this Section 5(j) shall be kept confidential in accordance with this Agreement; provided that Buyer may disclose confidential information regarding Seller, the Company or the Properties obtained by Buyer or its Representatives pursuant to this Section 5(j) to potential lenders and investors (including, without limitation, the providers of the Financing) in connection with the marketing and syndication of the Financing; provided, that (1) each of the foregoing are informed by Buyer that such information is being disclosed on a confidential basis and have agreed to confidentiality arrangements applicable to such information that are no less restrictive than the terms and conditions of the Confidentiality Agreement and (2) the Parties acknowledge and agree that the disclosure of such information shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Confidentiality Agreement, including that Buyer and its Affiliates shall assume responsibility for any disclosure of such information by the recipients thereof in contravention of the Confidentiality Agreement.
(k) Non-Negotiation. From and after the date of this Agreement until the Closing (or earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms), Seller shall not, and Seller shall cause its Affiliates (including the Company) and each such Person’s respective directors, officers, employees or owners (and will instruct its advisors and representatives), not to, (i) directly or indirectly solicit, entertain or encourage inquiries or proposals or participate or engage in any negotiations or discussions with Third Parties concerning an acquisition or purchase of all or substantially all of the Interests or all or substantially all of the Properties (including through the sale of any equity interests, a merger transaction or other business combination that would effectively transfer the Interests or the Properties to a Third Party, in whole or in part) (an “Alternate Transaction”), or (ii) enter into any agreement, letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle or other agreement constituting or directly related to, or which is reasonably likely to lead to, an Alternate Transaction or any proposal for an Alternate Transaction.
25
(l) Amendment to Disclosure Schedule. At any time prior to 11:59 PM Central Time on the day immediately preceding the Closing Date, Seller shall have the right but not the obligation to supplement the Disclosure Schedule relating to the representations and warranties set forth in Section 3(a) with respect to any matters occurring subsequent to the date of this Agreement by delivering to the Buyer an updated or supplemental Disclosure Schedule. However, all such supplements shall be disregarded for all purposes of this Agreement, including determining whether the condition to Buyer’s obligation to close the transaction pursuant to Section 8 has been satisfied; provided, however, that if, based solely on the matters relating to such supplements, Buyer’s obligation to Close the transaction pursuant to Section 8 has not been satisfied, as certified in writing by Seller to Buyer prior to Closing, but Buyer nevertheless elects to Close, Buyer will be deemed to have waived the matters relating to such supplements in regard to Buyer’s obligation to Close and shall not be entitled to make an indemnity claim under this Agreement with respect to any such matter.
(m) Audit Cooperation. From and after Closing until the two (2) year anniversary of the Closing Date, Buyer shall, and shall cause its Affiliates, including on and after the Closing Date, the Company, to use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to provide Seller and its Affiliates with such cooperation as may be reasonably requested by Seller with respect to the audits described on Schedule 5(m) for all periods on or prior to the Effective Date (such audits, the “Pre-Effective Date Audits”), in all cases at Seller’s sole cost and expense, including causing the Company to exercise the Company’s rights under the Contracts described on Schedule 5(m) to complete such Pre-Effective Date Audits; provided, that, in providing such cooperation, Buyer and its Affiliates (including the Company) shall not be required to take any action or incur any obligation or liability, or agree to any enter into or amend any Contract or settlement of the audit, that in any such case would (i) adversely impact the Company’s entitlement to any revenues or (ii) impose any obligation or liability upon the Company, in each case, with respect to the Properties that is attributable to any period from and after the Effective Date (or modify the interpretation of any of the foregoing) or that would otherwise result in a different treatment of Post-Effective Date revenues and expenses of the Company as compared to Pre-Effective Date revenues and expenses of the Company. Seller shall promptly, upon written request by Buyer, reimburse Buyer for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Buyer and its Affiliates in connection with the cooperation contemplated by this Section 5(m).
26
6. Defects.
(a) Notice of Defects. Buyer may conduct, at its sole cost, such title examination or investigation, and other examinations and investigations, as it may in its sole discretion choose to conduct with respect to the Properties in order to determine whether Defects (as below defined) exist. Should, as a result of such examinations and investigations, or otherwise, one or more matters come to Buyer’s attention which would constitute a Defect (as below defined), Buyer shall notify Seller in writing (a “Defect Notice”) of any matters that Buyer intends to assert as Defects (such Defects of which Buyer so provides notice are herein called “Asserted Defects”) after the discovery thereof by Buyer, but in no event later than 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on June 10, 2024 (“Defect Date”). Such notification shall include, for each Asserted Defect, (i) a description of the Asserted Defect and the Properties to which it relates and all supporting documentation in Buyer’s possession or control reasonably necessary to describe the basis for the Asserted Defect, (ii) with respect to any alleged Title Defect, for each applicable Well or Unit, the size of any variance from “Net Revenue Interest” or “Working Interest” which does or could result from such Asserted Defect, (iii) with respect to any alleged Title Defect, for each Undeveloped Lease, the size of any variance from the Net Leasehold Acres shown on Exhibit A-3 for such Undeveloped Lease which does or could result from such Asserted Defect, (iv) the amount by which Buyer would propose to adjust the Purchase Price, and (v) with respect to any alleged Environmental Defect, if applicable, reference to the Applicable Environmental Laws, if known, that have been violated or that require Remediation with respect to the applicable Properties and a reasonably detailed description of and the assumptions made in determining the Lowest Cost Response proposed for the matter or condition that gives rise to the asserted Environmental Defect. To give Seller an opportunity to commence reviewing and curing Defects, Buyer agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to give Seller, on a bi-weekly basis prior to the Defect Date, written notice of all alleged Defects discovered by Buyer during the preceding two weeks; provided, however, that Buyer’s failure to provide such preliminary notice with respect to any Defect) shall not prejudice or restrict in any respect Buyer’s right to subsequently assert such Defect in a Defect Notice on or before the Defect Date, nor shall such failure be deemed a breach of this Agreement. Without limitation of Buyer’s closing conditions set forth in Section 8 and Buyer’s rights and remedies set forth in Section 13 and Section 14, all Defects with respect to which Buyer fails to validly give Seller a Defect Notice thereof by the Defect Date will be deemed waived for all purposes. All access to Seller’s and the Company’s Records and the Properties in connection with such due diligence shall be subject to Section 5(a) (including, without limitation, the exculpation and indemnification provisions contained in Section 5(a)(iii)).
(b) Nature of Title Defects. For all purposes of this Section 6 and Section 7, for determination of the Company’s ownership of the Oil and Gas Properties, “Defensible Title” to such Oil and Gas Properties shall be the title held by the Company in and to the Wells and Units listed on Exhibit A-2 and the Undeveloped Leases listed on Exhibit A-3 that, in each case, as of the Effective Date and the Closing Date and is (x) deducible of record according to the official land records of the counties of Bradford and Susquehanna, Pennsylvania where such Properties are located or in the federal lease file and/or (y) beneficial title evidenced by unrecorded assignments, written elections, pooling authority (either under Applicable Law or evidenced in writing pursuant to applicable Contracts) in each case, made or delivered pursuant to Applicable Laws, communitization agreements, joint operating agreements, pooling agreements, or unitization agreements provided by the Company, and that:
(i) with respect to the Wells and Units listed on Exhibit A-2 hereto, (A) entitles the Company to receive, as to any period or periods during the duration of the productive life of such Wells and Units, a Net Revenue Interest of Hydrocarbons produced from each such Well or Unit that is no less than the Net Revenue Interest set forth on Exhibit A-2 for such Well or Unit, as applicable, except for decreases in connection with those operations in which the Company or its successors or assigns may from and after the date hereof elect to be a non-consenting co-owner in compliance with this Agreement, and (B) causes the Company to be obligated to bear, as to any period or periods during the duration of the productive life of such Wells and Units, a Working Interest as to each such Well or Unit that is no greater than the Working Interest set forth on Exhibit A-2 for such Well or Unit, as applicable, in the column headed “Working Interest” (without at least a proportionate increase in the Net Revenue Interest to which the Company is entitled to receive from such Well or Unit), except for increases resulting from contribution requirements arising after the date hereof with respect to defaulting co-owners under applicable agreements;
27
(ii) with respect to an “Undeveloped Lease” identified as such on Exhibit A-3, (A) entitles the Company to receive, as to any period or periods during the duration of the term of such Lease, a number of Net Leasehold Acres (defined below) for each such Undeveloped Lease no less than that shown on Exhibit A-3 for such Undeveloped Lease, and (B) entitles the Company to receive, as to any period or periods during the duration of the term of such Undeveloped Lease, a Net Revenue Interest of the Hydrocarbons produced from each such Undeveloped Lease that is no less than the Net Revenue Interest set forth on Exhibit A-3 with respect to such Undeveloped Lease; and
(iii) is free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Encumbrances.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the following matters shall not constitute, and shall not be asserted as, a Title Defect (collectively referred to herein as “Permitted Encumbrances”):
(1) defects or irregularities arising out of lack of corporate authorization, unless Buyer provides affirmative evidence that such corporate action was not authorized and results in another Person’s competing claim of title to the relevant Property;
(2) defects or irregularities that have been cured or remedied by the passage of time, including, without limitation, applicable statutes of limitation or statutes for prescription;
(3) conventional rights of reassignment normally actuated by an intent to abandon or release a lease and requiring notice to the holders of such rights (excepting circumstances where such rights have already been triggered);
(4) normal and customary liens of co-owners under joint operating agreements, unitization agreements, and pooling orders relating to the Oil and Gas Properties, which obligations are not yet due and pursuant to which the Company is not in default;
(5) all approvals required to be obtained from Governmental Authorities that are lessors under the Leases (or who administer such Leases on behalf of such lessors), which are customarily obtained post-Closing;
28
(6) easements, rights of way, servitudes, permits, surface leases and other rights in respect of surface operations, pipelines, grazing, logging, canals, ditches, reservoirs or the like, and easements for streets, alleys, highways, pipelines, telephone lines, power lines, railways and other easements and rights of way, on, over or in respect of any of the Oil and Gas Properties to the extent such matters do not, individually or in the aggregate, (A) materially interfere with the current or future operations on the Oil and Gas Properties, (B) operate to reduce the Company’s Net Revenue Interest in any Well, Unit or Undeveloped Lease below that set forth, as applicable, on Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-3, (C) operate to reduce the Company’s Net Leasehold Acres in any Undeveloped Lease below that set forth, as applicable, on Exhibit A-3 or (E) operate to increase the Company’s Working Interest in any Well or Unit above that set forth, as applicable, on Exhibit A-2, without at least a proportionate increase to the Company’s Net Revenue Interest in such Well or Unit, as applicable;
(7) defects or irregularities in the chain of title consisting of the failure to recite marital status in documents or omissions of heirship Proceedings unless Buyer provides affirmative evidence of a competing chain of title exists as to the Properties subject to such Defect;
(8) defects or irregularities resulting from or related to probate Proceedings or the lack thereof, which defects or irregularities have been outstanding for seven (7) years or more unless Buyer provides affirmative evidence of a competing chain of title exists as to the Properties subject to such Defect;
(9) Customary post-closing consents and Required Consents of leases and other agreements;
(10) Preferential Rights;
(11) defects Buyer has waived in writing;
(12) defects arising out of lack of survey or lack of metes and bounds description unless a survey or metes and bounds description is expressly required by Applicable Laws;
(13) defects based solely on a gap in Seller’s chain of title in the applicable records of any relevant Governmental Authority, unless (i) such gap is affirmatively shown to exist in such records by an abstract of title, title opinion or landman’s title chain or (ii) Buyer otherwise provides affirmative evidence that such gap is less than 50 years old;
(14) defects arising from prior oil and gas leases (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, the Leases) relating to the lands covered by a Lease that are terminated, expired or invalid but not surrendered of record;
(15) in the case of any wells to be drilled after the Effective Date, any permits, easements (other than subsurface easements), rights-of-way, unit designations or production and drilling units or consents to the location of such wells, in each case, not required to be obtained, formed or created as of the Effective Date;
29
(16) any defect that affects only which Person has the right to receive Royalty payments (rather than the amount of such Royalty) and that does not affect the validity of the underlying Lease; and to the extent the same does not, (A) operate to reduce the Company’s Net Revenue Interest in any Well, Unit or Undeveloped Lease below that set forth, as applicable, on Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-3, (B) operate to reduce the Company’s Net Leasehold Acres in any Undeveloped Lease below that set forth, as applicable, on Exhibit A-3 or (C) operate to increase the Company’s Working Interest in any Well or Unit above that set forth, as applicable, on Exhibit A-2, without at least a proportionate increase to the Company’s Net Revenue Interest in such Well or Unit, as applicable; and
(17) ownership of only coal rights severed from the remainder of the surface rights or the oil and gas estate relating to an of the Leases, unless Buyer provides affirmative evidence that any such severance has resulted in another Person’s competing claim to title to the relevant Oil and Gas Properties and to the extent the such matters do not, individually or in the aggregate, (A) materially interfere with the current or future operations on the Oil and Gas Properties, (B) operate to reduce the Company’s Net Revenue Interest in any Well, Unit or Undeveloped Lease below that set forth, as applicable, on Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-3, (C) operate to reduce the Company’s Net Leasehold Acres in any Undeveloped Lease below that set forth, as applicable, on Exhibit A-3 or (E) operate to increase the Company’s Working Interest in any Well or Unit above that set forth, as applicable, on Exhibit A-2, without at least a proportionate increase to the Company’s Net Revenue Interest in such Well or Unit, as applicable.
(c) Seller’s Response. In the event that Buyer notifies Seller of Asserted Defects, Seller shall have the right (but shall have no obligation to) attempt, or cause the Company to attempt, to cure, prior to Closing, one or more Asserted Defects. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that Seller cures any Asserted Defect, (A) Seller shall not, without the prior written consent of Buyer, permit the Company to pay, incur or assume any liabilities or obligations in connection with the cure or attempted cure of any Asserted Defects, except for liabilities or obligations with respect to the payment of liquidated amounts and (B) to the extent that the Company pays, incurs or assumes any liabilities or obligations for the payment of liquidated amounts in connection with the cure or attempted cure of any Asserted Defects, then the Initial Purchase Price shall be reduced by an amount equal to such liquidated amount.
7. Certain Price Adjustments.
(a) Procedures. In the event that, as a part of the due diligence reviews provided for in Sections 5 and 6 above, any Asserted Defect is presented to Seller and Seller does not cure such Asserted Defect prior to Closing, then:
(i) Purchase Price Adjustments. Subject to Section 7(d) and Seller’s rights under Section 7(e), the Initial Purchase Price shall be decreased by the sum of the aggregate Defect Amounts attributable to all such Defects; or
30
(ii) Exclude Property. In lieu of the remedy for a Defect set forth in Section 7(a)(i) (on a Defect-by-Defect basis), if and only if (A) the Defect Amount of any Asserted Defect exceeds the Allocated Amount of the affected Property and either Seller or Buyer elects this remedy by providing written notice to the other Party thereof prior to the Closing Date, or (B) the Parties otherwise mutually agree in writing to this remedy, then, in either case, the Properties affected by any such Asserted Defect will be excluded from the transaction contemplated hereby and, prior to the Closing, Seller shall cause any such Property to be assigned from the Company to Seller or an Affiliate of Seller, prior to Closing, effective as of the Effective Date (and pursuant to a mutually agreeable form of assignment), and the Initial Purchase Price will be reduced by the Allocated Amount attributed on Schedule II to all such excluded Properties (or, in the case of a Property which is an interest in an Undeveloped Lease described in Exhibit A-3, the Initial Purchase Price will be reduced by the Net Acre Defect Amount (as calculated pursuant to Section 7(b)(ii) below)). For clarity, if an oil and gas lease constitutes part of both an Undeveloped Lease and part of a Unit, but the Asserted Defect resulting in an exclusion of an Oil and Gas Property under this Section 7(a)(ii) affects only the Undeveloped Lease, then only the Undeveloped Lease (and not any portion of the oil and gas lease in the Unit) shall be excluded from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and vice versa. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, adjustments to the Initial Purchase Price pursuant to this Section 7(a)(ii) shall not be subject to the Title Defect Deductible or Environmental Defect Deductible (as applicable), nor shall the Defect Amounts attributable to any Properties excluded from the Company pursuant to this Section 7(a)(ii) count towards the Title Defect Deductible or Environmental Defect Deductible (as applicable). Notwithstanding the foregoing, (I) Seller shall not have the right pursuant to this Section 7(a)(ii) to exclude any Midstream Assets from the transaction contemplated by this Agreement and (II) no Party shall have the right to exclude a Property from the Company as contemplated in this Section 7(a)(ii) to the extent the same would be reasonably likely to cause the Company to be in material breach of or otherwise violate any Contract, Permit or Applicable Law.
(b) Certain Adjustments. Subject to the remainder of this Section 7, the amount of the adverse economic effect of any Asserted Defect that burdens a Property (such amount, the “Defect Amount”) shall be determined as follows:
(i) NRI Variance/Proportionate Price Reductions. If the Asserted Defect is a Title Defect affecting any Well or Unit that represents a negative discrepancy between (x) the actual Net Revenue Interest for the applicable Well or Unit and (y) the Net Revenue Interest stated on Exhibit A-2 for such Well or Unit, as applicable, and in such case there is a proportionate decrease in the actual Working Interest with respect to such Well or Unit, the Defect Amount in respect thereof shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying the Allocated Amount for such Well or Unit (as applicable) by a fraction (A) the numerator of which is an amount equal to the “Net Revenue Interest” shown on Exhibit A-2 for such Well or Unit less the actual Net Revenue Interest that the Company is actually entitled to as to such Well or Unit after giving effect to such Defect and (B) the denominator of which is the “Net Revenue Interest” shown for such Well or Unit on Exhibit A-2; provided that if the Defect does not affect such Property throughout entire productive life of such Property, the Defect Amount determined shall be reduced to take into account the applicable time period only;
31
(ii) Net Leasehold Acre Variation/Proportionate Price Reduction. If the Asserted Defect is a Title Defect affecting any Undeveloped Lease that represents a negative discrepancy between (x) the actual Net Leasehold Acres for the applicable Undeveloped Lease and (y) the Net Leasehold Acres stated on Exhibit A-3 for such Undeveloped Lease, the Defect Amount in respect thereof shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying the Allocated Amount for such Undeveloped Lease by an amount equal to the difference between (A) the Net Leasehold Acres as shown on Exhibit A-3 for such Undeveloped Lease and (B) the total number of Net Leasehold Acres that the Company is actually entitled to for such Undeveloped Lease after giving effect to such Defect; provided that if the Asserted Defect does not affect such Property throughout the entire term of such Property, the Defect Amount determined shall be reduced to take into account the applicable time period only (such adjustment referred to as the “Net Acre Defect Amount”);
(iii) NRI Undeveloped Lease Variance/Proportionate Price Reduction. If the Asserted Defect is a Title Defect affecting any Undeveloped Lease that represents a negative discrepancy between (x) the actual Net Revenue Interest for the applicable Undeveloped Lease and (y) the Net Revenue Interest stated on Exhibit A-3 for such Undeveloped Lease, and in such case there is a proportionate decrease in the actual Working Interest with respect to such Undeveloped Lease, the Defect Amount in respect thereof shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying the Allocated Amount (less the amount of any Net Acre Defect Amount as to such Undeveloped Lease) for such Undeveloped Lease by a fraction (A) the numerator of which is the “Net Revenue Interest” shown on Exhibit A-3 for such Undeveloped Lease less the actual Net Revenue Interest that the Company is actually entitled to as to such Undeveloped Lease after giving effect to such Defect and (B) the denominator of which is the Net Revenue Interest shown for such Undeveloped Lease on Exhibit A-3; provided that if the Defect does not affect such Property throughout the term of such Property, the Defect Amount determined shall be reduced to take into account the applicable time period only;
(iv) Liens/Payoff Amount. If the Asserted Defect is a Title Defect that represents a Lien that is liquidated in amount, the Defect Amount in respect thereof shall be equal to the amount required to be paid to remove or release such Lien (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding Permitted Encumbrances);
(v) Other Title Defects. If the Asserted Defect is a Title Defect that represents an obligation, Lien, encumbrance, burden or charge upon or other defect in title to the affected Property of a type not described in subsections (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above (but, for the avoidance of doubt, not including any Permitted Encumbrances), the Defect Amount in respect thereof shall be determined by taking into account the Allocated Amount of the Property so affected, the portion of Company’s interest in such Property, the legal effect of the Title Defect, the potential economic effect of the Title Defect over the life of the affected Property, the asserted Defect Amount placed upon the Defect by Buyer and Seller and such other factors as are necessary to make a proper evaluation; and
32
(vi) Environmental Defects. If the Asserted Defect is an Environmental Defect, the Defect Amount shall be equal to the costs and expenses chargeable to the Company’s Working Interest or other interest (as of the Closing Date) to Remediate the Property subject to such Environmental Defect (or group of Properties subject to the same Environmental Defect) using the Lowest Cost Response; provided, however, such Defect Amount shall expressly exclude (A) the overhead costs of Buyer or its Affiliates, and (B) any Remediation costs, fees or expenses charged or chargeable to the Working Interest of any other Working Interest owner or co-tenant or joint owner of the underlying Properties burdened by such Environmental Defect.
Anything to the contrary in this Section 7(b) notwithstanding, if a Defect is reasonably susceptible of being cured, the Defect Amount in respect thereof determined under subsections (i), (ii), (iii) or (v) above shall not be greater than the amount that can reasonably be shown to be the reasonable cost and expense of curing such Defect. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Defect Amount with respect to a Defect shall be determined without duplication of any other costs or losses included in another Defect Amount hereunder, or for which Buyer otherwise receives credit in the calculation of the Purchase Price with respect to any such Defect.
(c) Title Benefits. Should Seller discover any right, circumstance or condition that causes (i) the Company’s ownership of any Well or Unit to entitle the Company to a Net Revenue Interest of Hydrocarbons produced from a Well or Unit listed on Exhibit A-2 greater than the Net Revenue Interest shown for such Well or Unit under the column headed “Net Revenue Interest” on such Exhibit A-2 (to the extent the same does not cause a greater than proportionate increase in the Company’s Working Interest for such Well or Unit above that shown in Exhibit A-2), or (ii) the ownership by the Company of an Undeveloped Lease to entitle the Company to a number of Net Leasehold Acres (calculated as provided in Section 7 above) for such Undeveloped Lease which is greater than that shown for the Undeveloped Lease on Exhibit A-3, or (iii) the ownership of the Company of an Undeveloped Lease listed on Exhibit A-3 to entitle the Company to a Net Revenue Interest of Hydrocarbons produced from such Undeveloped Lease that is greater than the Net Revenue Interest shown for such Undeveloped Lease under the column entitled “Net Revenue Interest” on Exhibit A-3 (to the extent the same does not cause a greater than proportionate increase in the Company’s Working Interest for such Undeveloped Lease above that shown in Exhibit A-3) (each, a “Title Benefit”), then Seller shall provide written notice to Buyer prior to the Defect Date a written notice of such Title Benefit that sets forth the same manner of information with respect thereto as required under Section 6(a) with respect to Asserted Defects, mutatis mutandis. Subject to Section 7(e), the amount by which a Title Benefit increases the value of an affected Oil and Gas Property (as determined applying the same principles as provided in Sections 7(a) and Section 7(b) above with respect to adjustments for Asserted Defects, mutatis mutandis) (the “Title Benefit Amount”) shall (i) first be applied to offset any Defect Amounts of Title Defects that individually exceed the Individual Defect Threshold, including in respect of all Defect Amounts of Title Defects that do not exceed the Title Defect Deductible and (ii) thereafter, once all such Defect Amounts of Title Defects have been offset, the excess of any such Title Benefit Amounts shall be applied to increase the Initial Purchase Price. If any increase in Seller’s title to any Properties does not affect such Property throughout the duration of the productive life of such Property or, as applicable, the entirety of the term of any Undeveloped Lease, the adjustment to the Initial Purchase Price attributable to such Title Benefit shall be reduced to take into account the applicable time period only. The Individual Defect Threshold shall apply in the same manner to any Title Benefits pursuant to this Section 7(c), mutatis mutandis. All Title Benefits with respect to which Seller fails to validly give Buyer notice thereof by the Defect Date in accordance with this Section 7(c) will be deemed waived for all purposes. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall there be any increase to the Initial Purchase Price under this Section 7(c) with respect to any additional interests in Oil and Gas Properties or properties that are acquired by the Company on or after the date hereof.
33
(d) Limitations on Adjustments. If the Defect Amount with respect to a particular Asserted Defect does not exceed $[***] (the “Individual Defect Threshold”), then no adjustment to the Purchase Price shall be made pursuant to this Section 7 for such Asserted Defect.
(i) With respect to all valid Environmental Defects (where the individual Defect Amount thereof exceeds the Individual Defect Threshold), there shall be no adjustment to the Initial Purchase Price under Section 7(a)(i) with respect to any and all such Environmental Defects unless and until the aggregate Environmental Defect Amounts exceed [***] percent ([***]%) of the Initial Purchase Price (the “Environmental Defect Deductible”) and then only to the extent such aggregate Defect Amounts exceeds the Environmental Defect Deductible (it being the intention of the Parties that the Environmental Defect Deductible represents a deductible and not a threshold). Buyer is permitted to aggregate the Defect Amounts of individual Environmental Defects for the purpose of meeting the Individual Defect Threshold if the individual Environmental Defects affecting multiple assets arise from the same facts, circumstances, or conditions and are not a physical condition (e.g., failure to obtain the same type of permit required under Applicable Environmental Laws or preparation and filing of the same type of plan (for example, spill, prevention, control and countermeasure plans and reports) as required by Applicable Environmental Laws).
(ii) With respect to all valid Title Defects (where the individual Defect Amount thereof exceeds the Individual Defect Threshold), there shall be no adjustment to the Initial Purchase Price under Section 7(a)(i) with respect to any and all such Title Defects unless and until the aggregate Title Defect Amounts exceed [***] percent ([***]%) of the Initial Purchase Price (the “Title Defect Deductible”) and then only to the extent such aggregate Defect Amounts exceeds the Title Defect Deductible (it being the intention of the Parties that the Title Defect Deductible represents a deductible and not a threshold). For purposes of determining whether any Title Defect meets the Individual Defect Threshold, the Defect Amount for the applicable Title Defect shall be considered to be, to the extent a single Title Defect relates to more than Property, the aggregate of the Defect Amount(s) attributable to such Properties affected by such Defect.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Individual Defect Threshold and Title Defect Deductible shall not apply and shall be disregarded for purposes of calculating any adjustments to the Initial Purchase Price with respect to any Title Defects asserted prior to the Defect Date that Seller does not cure prior to the Closing and that, if asserted after the Closing, would constitute a breach of the Special Warranty of Title.
34
(e) Defect Disputes.
(i) Seller and Buyer shall each use their good faith efforts to attempt to agree on the interpretation and effect of Section 6 and this Section 7 and the validity and determination of all Title Benefits, Title Benefit Amounts, Defects and Defect Amounts (or the cure thereof) by the Closing Date. If Seller and Buyer fail to agree on the existence, cure, or amount of (A) any disputed Title Benefits, Title Benefit Amounts, Title Defects, or Defect Amounts associated with Title Defects, and any other disputes as to the interpretation and effect of Section 6 or this Section 7 on any of the foregoing matters in this clause (each, a “Title Disputed Matter”), or (B) any disputed Environmental Defects or Defect Amounts associated with Environmental Defects, and any other disputes as to the interpretation and effect of Section 6 or this Section 7 on any of the foregoing matters in this clause (each, an “Environmental Disputed Matter”, and together with the Title Disputed Matters, the “Disputed Defect Matters”) by that date, then subject to Section 7(b), the Allocated Amount shall be used to determine the Purchase Price paid at Closing in respect of the Disputed Defect Matter, and the Defect Amounts in dispute shall be exclusively and finally resolved by arbitration pursuant to this Section 7(e).
(ii) During the 30-day period following the Closing Date, (I) either Party may submit any Title Disputed Matters to a title attorney with at least 10 years of experience in oil and gas titles in the state in which the Properties in question are located as selected by mutual agreement of Buyer and Seller or absent such agreement during the 20-day period, by the Houston office of the American Arbitration Association (the “Title Arbitrator”), and (II) either Party may submit any Environmental Disputed Matters to a nationally recognized independent environmental consulting firm or environmental attorney with at least 10 years of experience in resolving Environmental Liabilities as selected by mutual agreement of Buyer and Seller or absent such agreement during the 20-day period, by the Houston office of the American Arbitration Association (the “Environmental Arbitrator”, and each of the Title Arbitrator and Environmental Arbitrator, a “Defect Arbitrator”). The Defect Arbitrator shall not have worked as a consultant, employee, outside counsel or in any other capacity for either Party or its Affiliates during the ten (10) year period preceding the arbitration or have any financial interest in the dispute and agree in writing to keep strictly confidential the specifics and existence of the dispute as well as all proprietary records of the Parties reviewed by the Defect Arbitrator in the process of resolving such dispute. The arbitration Proceeding shall be held in Houston, Texas and shall be conducted in accordance with (but not under the auspices of or administered by) the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, to the extent such rules do not conflict with the terms of this Section 7(e). Neither Buyer nor Seller may have any ex parte communications with the applicable Defect Arbitrator’s determination of the applicable Disputed Defect Matters. The Defect Arbitrator’s determination shall be made within thirty (30) days after submission of the matters in dispute and shall be final and binding upon the Parties, without right of appeal. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Defect Arbitrator shall have exclusive, final and binding authority with respect to the scope of the Defect Arbitrator’s authority regarding any Title Disputed Matter (with respect to the Title Arbitrator) or Environmental Disputed Matter (with respect to the Environmental Arbitrator), as applicable, and in no event shall any dispute as to the authority of the Defect Arbitrator to determine any such disputes be subject to resolution or the provisions of Section 20(g). In making his determination, the Defect Arbitrator shall be bound by the rules set forth in Section 7(b) and may consider such other matters as in the opinion of the Defect Arbitrator are necessary or helpful to make a proper determination. The Defect Arbitrator shall act as an expert for the limited purpose of determining the specific disputed Defect Amounts submitted by any Party and may not award damages, interest or penalties to any Party with respect to any matter. Seller and Buyer shall each bear its own legal fees and other costs of presenting its case. Buyer shall bear one-half of the costs and expenses of the Defect Arbitrator, and Seller shall be responsible for the remaining one-half of the costs and expenses.
35
8. Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Buyer. The obligations of Buyer to consummate the transaction contemplated by this Agreement (except for the obligations of Buyer to be performed prior to the Closing and obligations that survive termination of this Agreement), including the obligations of Buyer to consummate the Closing, are subject to each of the following conditions being met, unless waived in writing by Buyer:
(a) Representations True and Correct. The (i) Fundamental Representations of Seller set forth herein shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except, in each case, for such representations and warranties that are made as of a specific date, which shall be true and correct as of such specific date), and (ii) the other representations and warranties of Seller set forth herein shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except, in each case, for such representations and warranties that are made as of a specific date, which shall be true and correct as of such specific date) without regard to any Material Adverse Effect or other materiality qualifier set forth therein, except to the extent the failure of any such representations or warranties to be so true and correct would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Compliance with Covenants and Agreements. Seller shall have performed and complied in all material respects with (or compliance therewith shall have been waived in writing by Buyer or failure to comply therewith shall have been cured by Seller prior to Closing at Seller’s sole cost and expense) each and every covenant and agreement required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by Seller prior to the Closing.
(c) Certain Claims; No Injunction. No Proceeding initiated by or on behalf of the Third Party operator of the Properties and seeking to enforce a claim (or purported claim) with respect to a Preferential Right affecting any Properties shall be pending (excluding any such matter initiated or instigated by or on behalf of Buyer or any of its Affiliates) before any Governmental Authority. No Applicable Law or Order (whether such Order is temporary, preliminary or permanent) shall, on the Closing Date, be in effect restraining, enjoining, or prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No Preferential Right described in Section 5(d)(ii) shall have been exercised by the holder thereof prior to Closing.
(d) Price Adjustment Limitations. The aggregate downward adjustment (if any) of the Initial Purchase Price which results from the procedures set forth in Section 5(c), Section 5(d), Section 7 and Section 16 does not exceed an amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the Initial Purchase Price.
(e) Closing Deliverables. Seller shall (i) have delivered to Buyer the certificate described in Section 10(a)(i) and (ii) be ready, willing and able to (A) deliver to Buyer at the Closing the other documents and items required to be delivered by Seller under Section 10 and (B) consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur at the Closing.
36
9. Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Seller. The obligations of Seller to consummate the transaction contemplated by this Agreement (except for the obligations of such Seller to be performed prior to the Closing and obligations that survive termination of this Agreement), including the obligations of Seller to consummate the Closing, are subject to each of the following conditions being met, unless waived in writing by Seller:
(a) Representations True and Correct. The (i) Fundamental Representations of Buyer set forth herein shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except, in each case, for such representations and warranties that are made as of a specific date, which shall be true and correct as of such specific date), and (ii) the other representations and warranties of Buyer set forth herein shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than any representation that is subject to a materiality qualifier, which shall be true and accurate in all respects after giving effect to such materiality qualification) as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except, in each case, for such representations and warranties that are made as of a specific date, which shall be true and correct as of such specific date).
(b) Compliance With Covenants and Agreements. Buyer shall have performed and complied in all material respects with (or compliance therewith shall have been waived in writing by Seller or failure to comply therewith shall have been cured by Buyer prior to Closing at Buyer’s sole cost and expense) each and every covenant and agreement required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by Buyer prior to the Closing.
(c) No Injunction. No Applicable Law or Order (whether such Order is temporary, preliminary or permanent) shall, on the Closing Date, be in effect restraining, enjoining, or prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(d) Price Adjustment Limitations. The aggregate downward adjustment (if any) of the Initial Purchase Price which results from the procedures set forth in Section 5(c), Section 5(d), Section 7 and Section 16 does not exceed an amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the Initial Purchase Price.
(e) Closing Deliverables. Buyer shall (i) have delivered to Seller the certificate described in Section 10(a)(ii) and (ii) be ready, willing and able to (A) deliver to Seller at the Closing the other documents and items required to be delivered by Buyer under Section 10 and (B) consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur at the Closing.
10. Closing.
(a) Actions At Closing. The closing (herein called the “Closing”) of the transaction contemplated hereby shall take place in the offices of Baker Botts L.L.P. at 910 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77002, on June 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time, or if all conditions in Section 8 and Section 9 to be satisfied prior to Closing have not yet been satisfied or waived, as soon thereafter as such conditions have been satisfied or waived, subject to the provisions of Section 13 (the date on which the Closing actually occurs, being herein called the “Closing Date”). At the Closing, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement:
(i) Seller’s Officers Certificate. Seller shall deliver to Buyer a certificate of Seller dated as of the Closing Date signed by an executive officer of Seller stating that the conditions specified in Sections 8(a) and 8(b) have been satisfied.
37
(ii) Buyer’s Officers Certificate. Buyer shall deliver to Seller a certificate of Buyer dated as of the Closing Date signed by an executive officer of Buyer stating that the conditions specified in Sections 9(a) and 9(b) have been satisfied.
(iii) Assignment of Membership Interests. Seller shall deliver to Buyer a counterpart to an assignment of the Interests in the form attached hereto as Schedule III (the “Assignment”), duly executed by Seller.
(iv) Assignment of Membership Interests. Buyer shall deliver to Seller a counterpart to the Assignment, duly executed by Buyer.
(v) Company Records. Seller shall deliver to Buyer the originals of all minute books, membership interest transfer ledgers (if any), seals (if any) and limited liability company records of the Company.
(vi) Resignation of Officers and Managers. Seller shall deliver to Buyer the resignation of each of the present managers, officers and directors of the Company, in the form attached hereto as Schedule IV, duly executed by each such individual.
(vii) Payment of Purchase Price to Seller. Buyer shall deliver to Seller, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account(s) designated by Seller in a bank located in the United States pursuant to the Preliminary Settlement Statement, an amount equal to the Closing Payment.
(viii) IRS Form W-9. Seller shall deliver to Buyer a duly completed and executed IRS Form W-9 of Seller dated as of the Closing Date.
(ix) Releases, Consents. Seller shall deliver to Buyer all releases and all other evidence of termination, from such Persons and each in such form as are reasonably required by Buyer, of (A) all deeds of trust, mortgages and all other Liens under any Credit Agreement or any hedging agreement, in each case, burdening any of the Interests, the Properties or the Company, including authorizations to file UCC-3 termination statements releases in all applicable jurisdictions to evidence the release of all such Liens, if applicable, and (B) the Company as a Loan Party and as a Subsidiary Guarantor under each Credit Agreement and all other obligations of the Company under any Credit Agreement, in each case, concurrently with the payment of the Purchase Price.
(x) Secretary’s Certificate. Seller shall deliver to Buyer a certificate of Buyer dated as of the Closing Date signed by an executive officer of Seller certifying (A) the resolutions of the Board of Managers of Seller approving the execution of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder, (B) the certificates of formation of Seller and the Company, (C) the limited liability company agreement of the Company and (D) all other documents evidencing other necessary corporate action, if any, with respect to the execution of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
(xi) Preliminary Settlement Statement. Seller shall deliver to Buyer a counterpart to the Preliminary Settlement Statement, duly and validly executed by Seller.
(xii) Preliminary Settlement Statement. Buyer shall deliver to Seller a counterpart to the Preliminary Settlement Statement, duly and validly executed by Buyer.
38
(xiii) Bank Account Authorizations. Seller shall deliver to Buyer evidence of terminations of the powers of attorney and bank authorizations listed on Schedule 3(a)(xxv).
(xiv) Joint Written Instructions. Seller shall deliver to the Escrow Agent a counterpart of joint written instructions pursuant to the Escrow Agreement authorizing the release of the Deposit to Seller, duly executed by Seller.
(xv) Joint Written Instructions. Buyer shall deliver to the Escrow Agent a counterpart of joint written instructions pursuant to the Escrow Agreement authorizing the release of the Deposit to Seller, duly executed by Buyer.
(xvi) Mutual Release and Termination Agreement. Seller shall deliver to Buyer a counterpart to a mutual release and termination agreement (the “Mutual Release and Termination Agreement”), in the form attached hereto as Schedule V.
11. Adjustments to the Purchase Price.
(a) Adjustments to the Initial Purchase Price. The Initial Purchase Price shall be adjusted, without duplication, as follows:
(i) increased or decreased with respect to income, revenues, proceeds and Property Costs with respect to the Properties as follows:
(A) decreased, by an amount equal to the aggregate revenues received by Seller or any of its Affiliates (including, prior to the Closing, the Company) and (I) earned from the sale of Hydrocarbons produced from or attributable to the Oil and Gas Properties during any period from and after the Effective Date (net of any (x) Royalties paid or paid on behalf of Seller or any of its Affiliates (including, prior to the Closing, the Company), (y) gathering, processing, and transportation costs paid in connection with sales of Hydrocarbons, and (z) Property Costs that are deducted by the applicable purchasers of production) or (II) otherwise with respect to the Midstream Assets or the other Properties that is attributable any period from and after the Effective Date;
(B) increased, by an amount equal to the aggregate revenues received by Buyer or any of its Affiliates following the Closing (and in each case to the extent not remitted to Seller or its Affiliates) and (I) earned from the sale of Hydrocarbons produced from or attributable to the Oil and Gas Properties during any period prior to the Effective Date (net of any (x) Royalties paid or paid on behalf of Buyer or any of its Affiliates (including, after the Closing, the Company), (y) gathering, processing, and transportation costs paid in connection with sales of Hydrocarbons (including Post-Production Cost Sales Taxes but excluding Company Taxes and Income Taxes), and (z) Property Costs that are deducted by the applicable purchasers of production) or (II) otherwise with respect to the Midstream Assets or the other Properties that is attributable any period prior to the Effective Date;
(C) increased, by an amount equal to the amount of all Property Costs actually paid by or on behalf of Seller or any of its Affiliates (including, prior to the Closing, the Company) in connection with the ownership and operation of any Properties from and after the Effective Date, except in each case any costs already deducted in the determination of proceeds in Section 11(a)(i)(A);
39
(D) decreased, by an amount equal to the amount of all Property Costs (I) actually paid by or on behalf of Buyer or any of its Affiliates following the Closing or (II) incurred by the Company and unpaid as of immediately prior to the Closing, in each case, in connection with the ownership and operation of any Properties prior to the Effective Date, except in each case any costs already deducted in the determination of proceeds in Section 11(a)(i)(B) and any costs that are paid by or on behalf of Seller or any of its Affiliates (including, prior to the Closing, the Company) or that are incurred by the Company and unpaid as of immediately prior to the Closing relating to the operations described on Schedule 11(a)(i)(E); and
(E) increased by the amount of all Property Costs actually paid by or on behalf of Seller or any of its Affiliates (including, prior to the Closing, the Company) in connection with the operations described on Schedule 11(a)(i)(E);
(ii) adjusted for Imbalances, Hydrocarbon inventory and Hydrocarbons in storage, in each case, as of the Effective Date as follows:
(A) decreased by the aggregate amount owed by the Company to Third Parties for Imbalances attributable to periods prior to the Effective Date (on the basis of the applicable Settlement Price);
(B) increased by the aggregate amount owed to the Company by Third Parties for Imbalances attributable to periods prior to the Effective Date (on the basis of the applicable Settlement Price); and
(C) increased by the aggregate amount equal to the Company’s share of any Hydrocarbons in tanks or storage facilities produced from or credited to the Oil and Gas Properties as of the Effective Date based upon the quantities in tanks or storage facilities as of the Effective Date multiplied by the applicable Settlement Price, except to the extent the proceeds thereof are received by Seller or any of its Affiliates (including, prior to the Closing, the Company);
(iii) decreased with respect to Defects in accordance with Section 7(a)(i) and Section 7(a)(ii);
(iv) decreased, by an amount equal to the aggregate amount, if any, of Indebtedness of the Company as of immediately prior to the Closing;
(v) decreased, by an amount equal to the aggregate amount, if any, of any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Seller that are payable by the Company (whether before, on or after the Closing Date) and unpaid as of immediately prior to the Closing or paid by the Company prior to the Closing (excluding any such fees or commissions that are satisfied out of the proceeds of the Closing Payment);
(vi) adjusted in accordance with Section 16, as applicable;
40
(vii) decreased by an amount equal to the aggregate amount, if any, of all (I) Excluded Costs incurred by the Company but unpaid as of immediately prior to the Closing or (II) costs or expenses incurred by the Company but unpaid as of immediately prior to the Closing unrelated to the Properties or the business of the Company;
(viii) increased or decreased, as applicable, with respect to certain Taxes as follows:
(A) increased, by the amount of all Post-Effective Date Company Taxes that are paid or otherwise economically borne by Seller or its Affiliates (including, prior to the Closing, the Company);
(B) decreased, by the amount of all Pre-Effective Date Company Taxes that are paid, payable or otherwise economically borne by Buyer or its Affiliates (including, after the Closing, the Company); and
(ix) increased, or decreased, as applicable, by any other amounts provided for elsewhere in this Agreement or otherwise agreed upon in writing by Seller and Buyer.
(b) Initial Adjustment at Closing. At least five (5) days before the Closing Date, Seller shall provide to Buyer a draft statement (the “Preliminary Settlement Statement”) showing (i) Seller’s good faith estimate of the Purchase Price as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the adjustments provided for in Section 11(a) above, including Seller’s computations upon which such estimate is based, (ii) the accounts and amounts of disbursements that Seller designates and nominates to receive the portions of the Closing Payment, if other than Seller, and (iii) the wiring instructions for all such payments and disbursements. Seller shall supply to Buyer reasonable documentation in the possession of Seller or any of its Affiliates to support the items for which adjustments are proposed or made in the Preliminary Settlement Statement delivered by Seller and a brief explanation of any such adjustments and the reasons therefor. Seller shall cause its Representatives to be available upon reasonable advance notice and during normal business hours to answer any reasonable questions that Buyer may have with respect to the Preliminary Settlement Statement delivered by Seller and any adjustments set forth therein. Within three (3) Business Days after receipt of Seller’s draft Preliminary Settlement Statement, Buyer may deliver to Seller a written report containing all changes that Buyer proposes to be made to the Preliminary Settlement Statement, if any, together with a brief explanation of any such changes. Buyer and Seller shall attempt in good faith to agree upon such adjustments prior to Closing. The Preliminary Settlement Statement, as agreed upon by the Parties, will be used to adjust the Initial Purchase Price at Closing; provided that if agreement is not reached, Seller’s computation with respect to any such unagreed matters shall be used at Closing, absent manifest error, subject to further adjustment under subsection (c) below.
41
(c) Adjustment Post Closing. On or before one hundred twenty (120) days after Closing, but no earlier than ninety (90) days after the Closing, Buyer shall prepare and deliver to Seller a draft final settlement statement (the “Final Settlement Statement”) setting forth the final calculation of the Purchase Price and showing the calculation of each adjustment under Section 11(a), based on the most recent actual figures for each adjustment. Seller shall reasonably assist Buyer in preparation of the Final Settlement Statement by furnishing invoices, receipts, reasonable access to personnel, and such other assistance as may be reasonably requested by Buyer to facilitate such process post-Closing. Buyer shall, at Seller’s request, make reasonable documentation in Buyer’s possession available to Seller to support the final figures. Buyer shall cause its Representatives to be available upon reasonable advance notice and during normal business hours to answer any questions that Seller may have with respect to the Final Settlement Statement delivered by Buyer and any adjustments set forth therein. As soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than the thirtieth (30th) day following receipt of the Final Settlement Statement, Seller shall deliver to Buyer a written report containing any changes that Seller proposes be made in such statement. Any changes not so specified in such written report shall be deemed waived and Buyer’s determinations with respect to all such elements of the Final Settlement Statement that are not addressed specifically in such report shall prevail. If Seller fails to timely deliver a written report to Buyer containing changes Seller proposes to be made to the Final Settlement Statement, the Final Settlement Statement as delivered by Buyer will be deemed to be correct and mutually agreed upon by the Parties and, without limiting the application of Section 19(a)(iii) or Buyer’s right to indemnity under Section 14(a)(iii) for Seller Taxes, will be final and binding on the Parties and not subject to further audit or arbitration. The Parties shall undertake to agree on the final statement of the Purchase Price no later than thirty (30) days following Seller’s receipt of Buyer’s Final Settlement Statement delivered hereunder. In the event that the Parties cannot reach agreement as to the Final Settlement Statement of the Purchase Price within such period of time, either Party may refer the items of adjustment which are in dispute or the interpretation or effect of this Section 11(c) to a nationally recognized independent accounting firm or consulting firm mutually acceptable to both Buyer and Seller (the “Accounting Arbitrator”) for review and final determination by arbitration. The Accounting Arbitrator shall conduct the arbitration proceedings in Houston, Texas in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the AAA, to the extent such rules do not conflict with the terms of this Section 11(d). The Accounting Arbitrator’s determination shall be made as soon as reasonably practicable after submission of the matters in dispute and, without limiting the application of Section 19(a)(iii) or Buyer’s right to indemnity under Section 14(a)(iii) for Seller Taxes, shall be final and binding on all Parties, without right of appeal. In determining the amount of any adjustment to the Purchase Price, the Accounting Arbitrator shall be bound by the terms of Section 11 and may not increase the Purchase Price more than the increase proposed by Seller nor decrease the Purchase Price more than the decrease proposed by Buyer, as applicable. The Accounting Arbitrator shall act as an expert for the limited purpose of determining the specific disputed aspects of Purchase Price adjustments submitted by any Party and may not award damages, interest (except to the extent expressly provided for in this Section 11(c)), or penalties to any Party with respect to any matter. Seller, on the one hand, and Buyer, on the other hand, shall each bear its own legal fees and other costs of presenting its case. Seller shall bear one half and Buyer shall bear one-half of the fees, costs, and expenses of the Accounting Arbitrator. Within five (5) Business Days after the earlier of (x) the expiration of Seller’s thirty (30) day review period without delivery of any written report or (y) the date on which the Parties or the Accounting Arbitrator finally determines the Purchase Price, (i) if the adjusted Purchase Price exceeds the sum of the Closing Payment plus the Deposit, Buyer shall pay to the Persons as directed by Seller by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account(s) designated by Seller in writing an amount in cash equal to such excess or (ii) if the sum of the Closing Payment plus the Deposit exceeds the adjusted Purchase Price, Seller shall pay to Buyer by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account(s) designated by Buyer in writing an amount in cash equal to such excess. The post-Closing adjustment of the Purchase Price pursuant to the Final Settlement Statement is not intended to permit the introduction of different accounting principles, methods, policies, practices, procedures, classifications, conventions, categorizations, definitions, judgments, assumptions, techniques or estimation methods with respect to financial statements from the Accounting Principles.
42
All adjustments to the Initial Purchase Price shall be made (i) in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and, to the extent not inconsistent with this Agreement and otherwise applicable, in accordance with GAAP and COPAS (provided, however, in the event of any conflict between GAAP and COPAS, GAAP shall control), as consistently applied by the Company and Seller prior to Closing (the “Accounting Principles”), except that the Accounting Principles shall not apply to any adjustments under Section 11(a)(viii) to the extent inconsistent with the provisions of Section 19(a), and (ii) without duplication. When available, actual figures will be used for the adjustments to the Initial Purchase Price at Closing. To the extent actual figures are unavailable at Closing, Seller’s good faith estimates will be used subject to final adjustments in accordance with the terms hereof.
For purposes of allocating Hydrocarbon production (and accounts receivable with respect thereto), (i) liquid Hydrocarbons shall be deemed to be “from or attributable to” the Oil and Gas Properties when they are produced into the tank batteries related to each Well and (ii) gaseous Hydrocarbons shall be deemed to be “from or attributable to” the Oil and Gas Properties when they pass through the delivery point sales meters or similar meters at the point of entry into the pipelines through which they are transported. The Parties shall use reasonable interpolative procedures to arrive at an allocation of Hydrocarbon production when exact meter readings, gauging or strapping data are not available. Surface use or damage fees and other Property Costs that are paid periodically shall be prorated based on the number of days in the applicable period falling on or before, or after, the Effective Date. The terms “earned” and “incurred,” as used in this Section 11, shall be interpreted in accordance with accounting recognition guidance under the Accounting Principles. Subject to the foregoing and except for amounts for which the Purchase Price is adjusted hereunder and without limiting the other provisions of this Agreement: (A) Seller shall remain entitled to all of the rights of ownership (including the right to all production, proceeds of production and other proceeds, if any) and shall remain responsible for all Property Costs, in each case attributable to the Properties for the period of time prior to the Effective Date and all assets or properties excluded from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (B) subject to the occurrence of the Closing, Buyer (via the Company) shall be entitled to all of the rights of ownership (including the right to all production, proceeds of production and other proceeds) attributable to the Properties for the period of time from and after the Effective Date, and shall be responsible for all Property Costs attributable to the Properties for the period of time from and after the Effective Date. From and after the date of the Final Settlement Statement for a period of twenty-four (24) months after the Closing, (1) Buyer shall cause the Company to fully disclose, account for and remit to Seller any revenues to which Seller is entitled pursuant to this Section 11(e) (including any amounts that may result from Pre-Effective Date Audits) reasonably promptly after Company’s or its Affiliates’ receipt of same, (2) Seller shall fully disclose, account for and remit to Buyer (for the benefit of the Company) any revenues to which Buyer and the Company is entitled pursuant to this Section 11(e) reasonably promptly after Seller’s or its Affiliates’ receipt of same, (3) should Buyer, or any Affiliate of Buyer (including the Company), pay or receive any invoice or claim for any Property Costs for which Seller is responsible pursuant to this Section 11(e) (including any amounts that may result from Pre-Effective Date Audits), then Buyer shall promptly forward such invoice or claim or proof of payment thereof to Seller, and Seller shall promptly thereafter reimburse or pay Buyer such Property Costs, and (4) should Seller, or any Affiliate of Seller, after Closing pay or receive any invoice or claim for any Property Costs for which Buyer is responsible pursuant to this Section 11(e), then Seller shall promptly forward such invoice or claim or proof of payment thereof to Buyer, and Buyer shall promptly thereafter reimburse or pay Seller such Property Costs.
43
12. Change of Company Name. Buyer agrees that (a) within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the Closing Date, it will cause the Company to take all necessary steps to change the Company’s names so as not to include, and cease doing business under any name that includes, the word “BKV,” or any derivative thereof, (b) at any time after the Closing Date, Seller and any of Seller’s Affiliates may engage in business in the oil and gas industry or any other activity using a name that includes the word “BKV,” and (c) after the Closing Date, Buyer will and will cause the Company, at the expense of Seller or any of Seller’s Affiliates, as applicable, to take all necessary steps to consent to the formation by Seller or any of Seller’s Affiliates of any entity under a name, and the use of a name by that entity, that includes the word “BKV” in any jurisdiction, to the extent contemplated by clause (b) of this Section.
13. Termination.
(a) Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to Closing:
(i) by the mutual prior written consent of Seller and Buyer;
(ii) by either Seller or Buyer upon written notice to the other Party, if Closing has not occurred on or before June 21, 2024 (the “Outside Date”); provided, however, that if the Closing has not occurred prior to such date solely as a result of the Third Party operator of the Properties seeking to enforce a claim (or purported claim) with respect to a Preferential Right affecting any Properties prior to such date, then, without any further action by the Parties, the Outside Date shall automatically be extended to the date that is five (5) Business Days after the earlier of (A) the date on which the time period for exercising such Preferential Right (or purported Preferential Right) expires without exercise by such Third Party operator and (B) such Preferential Right (or purported Preferential Right) is waived in writing or exercised by such Third Party operator; or
(iii) by either Seller or Buyer upon notice to the other Party, if a final non-appealable Order has been entered restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
provided, however, that no Party shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement under Section 13(a)(ii) if (A) the Closing has failed to occur as a result of such Party’s material breach of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements hereunder that would give rise to a failure of any of the conditions specified in Section 8 or Section 9, as applicable, or (B) Buyer is entitled to and is enforcing its right to specific performance of this Agreement under Section 13(b)(ii) below.
44
(b) Effect of Termination.
(i) If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 13, this Agreement shall become void and of no further force or effect (except for the provisions of Sections 5(a)(iii), 13, 15, 17, 20(c) through 20(k), 20(m) through 20(r), all of which shall survive and continue in full force and effect indefinitely).
(ii) In the event that (A) Buyer is entitled to terminate this Agreement under Section 13(a)(ii) and (B) the Closing has not occurred as a result of Seller’s material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Seller contained in this Agreement (including Seller’s failure to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement at the Closing upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 9 herein) and (C) all conditions precedent of Seller set forth in Section 9 have been satisfied or waived in writing by Seller (or would have been satisfied except for the breach or failure of any of Seller’s representations, warranties, covenants or agreements hereunder), then Buyer, at its sole option, may elect to (1) be entitled to specific performance of the terms of this Agreement (plus the recovery from Seller of all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, incurred by Buyer in enforcing such right of specific performance) or (2) if Buyer does not seek and successfully enforce specific performance, terminate this Agreement, in which case (y) Buyer shall be entitled to receive the entirety of the Deposit, and (z) Buyer shall be entitled to all other remedies to which Buyer is legally entitled at law or in equity by virtue of such material breach or failure by Seller, provided that Buyer may not recover any amounts in excess of an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the Initial Purchase Price (it being understood by the Parties that such limitation is in addition to, and not in lieu of, the obligation of Seller to return the entirety of the Deposit to Buyer as required hereunder). If Buyer delivers to Seller written notice of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 13(a)(ii) and is entitled to receive the Deposit pursuant to this Section 13(b)(ii), then the Parties shall, within two (2) Business Days after Buyer’s termination election, execute and deliver to the Escrow Agent a joint instruction letter directing the Escrow Agent to release the Deposit to Buyer.
(iii) In the event that (A) Seller is entitled to terminate this Agreement under Section 13(a)(ii), (B) the Closing has not occurred as a result of Buyer’s material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Buyer contained in this Agreement (including Buyer’s failure to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement at the Closing upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8 herein), and (C) all conditions precedent of Buyer set forth in Section 8 have been satisfied or waived in writing by Buyer (or would have been satisfied except for the breach or failure of any of Buyer’s representations, warranties, covenants or agreements hereunder), then Seller shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement and thereupon receive the entirety of the Deposit, it being understood and agreed by the Parties that Seller’s receipt of the Deposit shall constitute liquidated damages hereunder, and Seller’s right to terminate this Agreement under Section 13(a)(ii) and receive the Deposit as liquidated damages shall be the sole and exclusive remedy available to Seller for any breach or failure of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Buyer contained in this Agreement if the Closing does not occur (including any Buyer’s failure to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein). THE PARTIES HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE EXTENT OF DAMAGES TO SELLER OCCASIONED BY THE FAILURE OF THIS TRANSACTION TO BE CONSUMMATED WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE OR EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ASCERTAIN AND THAT THE AMOUNT OF THE DEPOSIT IS A FAIR AND REASONABLE ESTIMATE OF SUCH DAMAGES UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A PENALTY. If Seller delivers to Buyer written notice of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 13(a)(ii) and is entitled to receive the Deposit pursuant to this Section 13(b)(iii), then the Parties shall, within two (2) Business Days after Seller’s termination election, execute and deliver to the Escrow Agent a joint instruction letter directing the Escrow Agent to release the Deposit to Seller.
45
(iv) In the event that this Agreement is terminated for any reason and Seller is not entitled to the Deposit under Section 13(b)(iii) above, then the Parties shall, within two (2) Business Days after said termination, execute and deliver to the Escrow Agent a joint instruction letter directing the Escrow Agent to release the Deposit to Buyer.
(v) Seller acknowledges that as express consideration for Buyer entering into this Agreement and Seller’s representations, warranties and covenants set forth herein, Seller covenants and agrees that solely with respect to Buyer’s rights under Section 13(b)(ii), (i) the rights of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are special, unique and of extraordinary character and that, if Seller violates or fails or refuses to perform any covenant or agreement made by it herein, Buyer may be without an adequate remedy at law, (ii) Buyer would be irreparably harmed by any breaches by Seller of its respective obligations to consummate the transactions hereunder as and when required by Seller hereunder, (iii) monetary damages would not be a sufficient remedy for any violation of the terms of this Agreement with respect to Buyer’s rights under Section 13(b)(ii), (iv) Buyer shall be entitled to equitable relief, including injunction (without the posting of any bond and without proof of actual damages) and specific performance, in the event of any breach of the provisions of this Agreement with respect to Buyer’s rights under Section 13(b)(ii), including all other remedies available at law or in equity, including monetary damages, (v) no Seller nor any of its Affiliates, nor their respective Representatives, shall oppose the granting of specific performance or any such relief as a remedy with respect to Buyer’s rights under Section 13(b)(ii) and (vi) Seller agrees to waive any requirement for the security or posting of any bond in connection with the remedies described in Section 13(b)(ii). Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit Buyer from first seeking specific performance, but thereafter terminating this Agreement pursuant to Section 13(a).
14. Indemnification.
(a) Seller Indemnification. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 14(d) hereof, from and after the Closing, Seller hereby agrees to be responsible for, pay and indemnify, defend and hold harmless Buyer and its Affiliates (including the Company), and the respective shareholders, members, equityholders, officers, directors, employees, attorneys, contractors and agents thereof (the “Buyer Indemnified Parties”), from and against any and all claims, judgments, awards, causes of action, liabilities, obligations, Taxes, guarantees, damages, losses, deficiencies, costs, penalties, fines, interest and expenses of any kind or character, including without limitation, cost of investigation, monitoring, settlement and defense, and reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses (collectively, “Losses”), arising out of, based upon, attributable to or resulting from (i) any breach of any representation or warranty on the part of Seller contained in this Agreement; (ii) any breach of any covenant of Seller contained in or pursuant to this Agreement or (iii) any of the Specified Liabilities.
46
(b) Buyer Indemnification. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 14(d) hereof, from and after Closing, Buyer hereby agrees to be responsible for, pay indemnify, defend and hold Seller and its Affiliates, and the respective shareholders, members, equityholders, officers, directors, employees, attorneys, contractors and agents thereof (the “Seller Indemnified Parties”), harmless from and against any and all Losses arising out of, based upon, attributable to or resulting from any breach of any representation, warranty, agreement or covenant on the part of Buyer contained in this Agreement.
(c) Indemnification Procedures.
(i) If a Party is entitled to indemnification under this Section 14 (the “Indemnified Party”), it shall give notice of such claim (“Claim”) to the Party from whom it intends to seek indemnification (the “Indemnifying Party”) and the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume the defense and, subject to Section 14(d)(ii), settlement of such Claim at its expense by Representatives of its own choosing acceptable to the Indemnified Party (which acceptance shall not be unreasonably withheld). The failure of the Indemnified Party to notify the Indemnifying Party of such claim shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of any liability that the Indemnifying Party may have with respect to such claim, except to the extent that the defense of such Claim is materially prejudiced by such failure. The Indemnified Party shall have the right to participate in the defense of such Claim at its expense (which expense shall not be deemed to be a Loss), in which case the Indemnifying Party shall cooperate in providing information to and consulting with the Indemnified Party about the Claim. If the Indemnifying Party fails or does not assume the defense of any such Claim within fifteen (15) days after written notice of such Claim has been given by the Indemnified Party to the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party may defend against or, subject to Section 14(d)(ii), settle such Claim with counsel of its own choosing at the expense (to the extent reasonable under the circumstances) of the Indemnifying Party.
(ii) If the Indemnifying Party does not assume the defense of a Claim involving the asserted liability of the Indemnified Party under this Section 14, no settlement of such Claim shall be made by the Indemnified Party without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of such a Claim, (i) no settlement thereof may be effected by the Indemnifying Party without the Indemnified Party’s consent unless (A) there is no finding or admission of any violation of Applicable Law or any violation of the rights of any Person and no effect on any other Claim that may be made against the Indemnified Party, (B) the sole relief provided is monetary damages that have been paid in full by the Indemnifying Party, and (C) the settlement includes, as an unconditional term thereof, the giving by the claimant or the plaintiff to the Indemnified Party of a release in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, from all liability in respect of such Claim, and (ii) the Indemnified Party shall have no liability with respect to any compromise or settlement thereof effected without its consent.
(iii) In calculating any amount to be paid by an Indemnifying Party by reason of the provisions of this Agreement, the amount shall be reduced by all insurance proceeds actually received by the Indemnified Party related to the applicable Losses less the reasonable out of pocket costs incurred by the Indemnified Party in pursuing and obtaining any such insurance proceeds. The Indemnified Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to recover under insurance policies or indemnity, contribution or other similar agreements for any Losses the subject of indemnification under this Agreement.
47
(iv) With respect to any Title Defect that also constitutes a breach or inaccuracy of the Special Warranty of Title, Seller shall not be obligated to provide indemnification for any Losses pursuant to Section 14(a)(i) with respect to such breach or inaccuracy of the Special Warranty of Title in duplication of any amounts by which the Purchase Price is adjusted downward in respect of such Title Defect pursuant to Section 11(a)(iii).
(v) To the extent the provisions of this Section 14(c) are inconsistent with Section 19(f), Section 19(f) shall control with respect to such matter.
(d) Limits on Indemnification. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement:
(i) Seller shall not have any obligation to provide indemnification pursuant to Section 14(a)(i) for any individual Loss (i) unless the amount of such Loss exceeds two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00) and (ii) until and unless the aggregate amount of all such Losses exceeds [***] percent ([***]%) of the Purchase Price (the “Deductible”), after which point Seller shall only be liable for such indemnification to the extent such Losses exceed the Deductible.
(ii) Seller shall not be obligated to indemnify or hold Buyer harmless pursuant to Section 14(a)(i) for an aggregate amount in excess of the twenty (20%) percent of the Purchase Price.
(iii) Seller shall not be obligated to indemnify or hold Buyer harmless pursuant to this Agreement for an aggregate amount in excess of the Purchase Price.
(iv) The limitations set forth in Section 14(d)(i) and Section 14(d)(ii) shall not apply to or otherwise limit any Losses arising out of, or based upon, any breach or inaccuracy of any of Seller’s Fundamental Representations, the Special Warranty of Title, or the representations and warranties in Section 3(a)(xv) (or any of Seller’s indemnity obligations related thereto).
(v) (A) the Fundamental Representations of each Party shall survive the Closing until the date which is six (6) years after the Closing Date, (B) the Special Warranty of Title shall survive the Closing Date until the date that is eighteen (18) calendar months after the Closing Date, (C) the representations and warranties of Seller set forth in Section 3(a)(xv) shall survive the Closing until the date which is thirty (30) days after the expiration of the statutes of limitations applicable to such matters, (D) the other representations and warranties of any Party contained in this Agreement that are not described in the foregoing clauses (A) through (C) shall survive the Closing until the date which is twelve (12) calendar months after the Closing Date, and, in each case, thereafter neither Seller, Buyer, nor any officer, director, employee, Affiliate or of Seller or Buyer (as applicable) shall have any liability whatsoever (whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to such representations and warranties. The covenants and agreements of each Party that contemplate performance on or prior to Closing shall survive the Closing until the date which is twelve (12) calendar months after the Closing Date. The covenants and agreements of Seller under Section 14(a)(iii) shall survive the Closing until (I) with respect to the “Specified Liabilities” set forth in subparts (c) of the definition thereof, the date that is twelve (12) months after the Closing Date, (II) with respect to the “Specified Liabilities” set forth in subpart (a) of the definition thereof, the date that is four (4) years after the Closing Date, (III) with respect to the “Specified Liabilities” set forth in subpart (e) of the definition thereof, the date that is thirty (30) days after the expiration of the statutes of limitations applicable to such matters, (IV) with respect to the “Specified Liabilities” set forth in subpart (b) of the definition thereof, until resolved, and (V) with respect to the “Specified Liabilities” set forth in subpart (d) of the definition thereof, indefinitely. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement shall not expire with respect to any Claim for indemnification timely made with respect to such representation, warranty, covenant or agreement prior to the expiration of the applicable survival period, until such Claim is finally resolved. The other covenants and agreements of each Party that contemplate performance after Closing shall survive the Closing for the period contemplated by its terms, or if no such period is contemplated, until the expiration of the statute of limitations period applicable thereto.
48
(vi) Each Indemnified Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to take, and cause its Affiliates to use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to take, all reasonable steps to mitigate any Loss upon becoming aware of any event or circumstance that would be reasonably expected to, or does, give rise thereto; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 14(d)(iv) regarding such mitigation efforts shall require any Indemnified Party to expend any material amount of money or incur any material obligation, nor shall anything in this Section 14(d)(iv) regarding such mitigation efforts require Buyer or the Company to own the Properties in a manner that is not in the Ordinary Course of Business or that is inconsistent with the Company’s ownership of the Properties in any material respect.
(vii) Any payments made to Seller or Buyer pursuant to this Section 14 shall constitute an adjustment of the Purchase Price for U.S. federal and applicable state income Tax purposes, unless otherwise required by Applicable Law.
(viii) Losses for which an Indemnifying Party is obligated to indemnify an Indemnified Party under this Section 14 with respect to breaches of such Party’s representations, warranties or covenants shall be calculated without giving effect to any qualifiers as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect set forth in any such representations or warranties. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 14(d)(viii) shall not be deemed to disregard any dollar amounts or monetary thresholds set forth in any representation or warranty in Article 3 or Article 4 (and, for the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall “Material Contract” be read to mean “Contract” nor shall “Material Adverse Effect” in Section 3(a)(xxiv)(B) be disregarded).
(e) EXPRESS NEGLIGENCE. THE INDEMNIFICATION PROVISIONS PROVIDED FOR IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE APPLICABLE WHETHER OR NOT THE LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES AND DAMAGES IN QUESTION AROSE SOLELY OR IN PART FROM THE ACTIVE, PASSIVE OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER FAULT OF ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY. SELLER AND BUYER ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS STATEMENT COMPLIES WITH THE EXPRESS NEGLIGENCE RULE AND IS CONSPICUOUS.
49
15. Commissions. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, including any limitations set forth in Section 14, Seller agrees to be responsible for, pay and indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Buyer Indemnified Parties from and against any and all Losses arising out of or resulting from any agreement, arrangement or understanding made or alleged to have been made by, or on behalf of, Seller, the Company or any Affiliate of either Seller or the Company or any of their respective members or shareholders with any advisor, broker or finder in connection with this Agreement or the transaction contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, including any limitations set forth in Section 14, Buyer agrees to be responsible for, pay and indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Seller Indemnified Parties from and against any and all Losses arising out of or resulting from any agreement, arrangement or understanding made or alleged to have been made by, or on behalf of, Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer (other than the Company), with any advisor, broker or finder in connection with this Agreement or the transaction contemplated hereby.
16. Casualty Loss. If prior to the Closing, any Properties are subject to damage by fire or other casualty event or any Properties are expropriated or taken in condemnation or under right of eminent domain (a “Casualty Event”), this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. In the event that the amount of the aggregate adverse economic effect (including the costs and expenses of repair or restoration) associated with any Casualty Event with respect to any Properties exceeds individually or in the aggregate one million Dollars ($1,000,000), then the Purchase Price shall be reduced by an amount equal to the remainder of (a) aggregate adverse economic effect (including the costs and expenses of repair or restoration) associated with any Casualty Event minus (b) the aggregate amount of insurance proceeds, claims and recoveries that the Company would reasonably be likely to receive from any Person (other than Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer) with respect to such Casualty Event. In the event that the amount of the aggregate adverse economic effect (including the costs and expenses of repair or restoration) associated with any Casualty Event with respect to any Properties does not exceed individually or in the aggregate one million Dollars ($1,000,000), then the Purchase Price shall not be reduced on account of such Casualty Event, and Seller shall pay or cause to be paid to the Company all sums received by Seller or any of its Affiliates as of the Closing from Third Parties by reason of such Casualty Event and assign to the Company all of the right, title and interest of Seller or any of its Affiliates, if any, in and to any claims against or unpaid proceeds or other payments from Third Parties arising out of such Casualty Event, including, insurance proceeds with respect to such Casualty Event.
17. Notices. All notices and other communications required under this Agreement shall (unless otherwise specifically provided herein) be in writing and be delivered personally, by recognized commercial courier or delivery service which provides a receipt, by electronic mail (“email”), or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid), at the following addresses:
| If to Buyer: | Sabre Energy Development LLC | |
| 1400 Post Oak Blvd Suite 1000 | ||
| Houston, Texas 77056 | ||
| Phone: (713) 217-2725 | ||
| Email: [***] | ||
| Attention: Stephanie Divin |
| If to Seller: | BKV Corporation | |
| 1200 17th Street, Suite 2100 | ||
| Denver, Colorado 80202 | ||
| Telephone: (720) 375-9680 | ||
| Email: [***] | ||
| Attention: Lindsay Larrick |
50
| With copies to: | Baker Botts L.L.P. | |
| 910 Louisiana Street | ||
| Houston, TX 77002 | ||
| Telephone: (713) 229-1227 | ||
| Email: [***] | ||
| Attention: Scott Looper |
and shall be considered delivered on the date of receipt except if not delivered on a Business Day, in which case notice shall be considered delivered on the next Business Day after the date of receipt. Either Buyer or Seller may specify as its proper address any other post office address within the continental limits of the United States by giving notice to the other Party, in the manner provided in this Section 17, at least ten (10) days prior to the effective date of such change of address.
18. Records. Within ten (10) days after the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver, or cause to be delivered to Buyer, any and all Records that are in the possession or control of Seller or any Affiliate of Seller and that are not already in the possession of the Company as of the Closing Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing but subject to Section 5(g)(iii), upon reasonable prior notice, Seller shall have the right, at the sole cost and expense of Seller, to make copies of such Records delivered to Buyer and, upon request and during normal business hours, Seller shall have the right to inspect or make copies of such Records in Buyer’s possession from and after the Closing Date until the date twelve (12) months after the Closing Date.
19. Tax Matters.
(a) Company Taxes.
(i) Seller shall be allocated and bear all Pre-Effective Date Company Taxes, and Buyer shall be allocated and bear all Post-Effective Date Company Taxes.
(ii) For purposes of determining the amounts of any Pre-Effective Date Company Taxes and any Post-Effective Date Company Taxes: (A) Company Taxes that are attributable to the severance or production of Hydrocarbons (other than such Company Taxes that are Income Taxes, that are Pennsylvania impact fees or that are ad valorem, property or similar Company Taxes imposed on a periodic basis) shall be allocated to the Tax period (or portion of any Straddle Period) in which the severance or production giving rise to such Company Taxes occurred; (B) Company Taxes that are based upon or related to payments, sales or receipts or imposed on a transactional basis (other than such Company Taxes that are Income Taxes, are Pennsylvania impact fees, are ad valorem, property or similar Company Taxes imposed on a periodic basis, or described in clause (A)), shall be allocated to the Tax period (or portion of any Straddle Period) in which the transaction giving rise to such Company Taxes occurred; (C) Company Taxes that are ad valorem, property or other similar Company Taxes imposed on a periodic basis, including Pennsylvania impact fees, pertaining to a Straddle Period shall be allocated between the portion of such Straddle Period ending immediately prior to the Effective Date and the portion of such Straddle Period beginning at the Effective Date by prorating each such Company Tax based on the number of days in the portion of the Straddle Period that occur before the date on which the Effective Date occurs, on the one hand, and the number of days in the portion of the Straddle Period that occur on or after the date on which the Effective Date occurs, on the other hand; and (D) Company Taxes that are Income Taxes payable with respect to any Straddle Period shall be allocated between the portion of such Straddle Period ending immediately prior to the Effective Date and the portion of such Straddle Period beginning at the Effective Date by determining (I) the amount of such Company Taxes that would be payable if the Straddle Period ended on the date immediately preceding the date on which the Effective Date occurs, which amount shall be a Pre-Effective Date Company Tax, and (II) the amount of such Company Taxes that would be payable if the Straddle Period began on the date on which the Effective Date occurs, which amount shall be a Post-Effective Date Company Tax. For purposes of applying this Section 19(a)(ii) with respect to Company Taxes that consist of Pennsylvania impact fees, each Tax period shall begin on January 1st and end on December 31st of the year for which such Pennsylvania impact fees are assessed.
51
(iii) To the extent the actual amount of a Company Tax is not known at the time an adjustment is to be made with respect to such Company Tax pursuant to Section 11(b) or Section 11(c), as applicable, the Parties shall utilize the most recent information available in estimating the amount of such Company Tax for purposes of such adjustment. To the extent the actual amount of a Company Tax (or the amount thereof paid or economically borne by a Party) is ultimately determined to be different than the amount (if any) that was taken into account in the Final Settlement Statement as finally determined pursuant to Section 11(c), timely payments will be made from one Party to the other Party to the extent necessary to cause each Party to bear the amount of such Company Tax that is allocable to such Party under this Section 19(a).
(b) Tax Returns. After the Closing Date, excluding any Tax Returns and Company Taxes required to be filed and/or paid by a Third Party operator, Buyer shall prepare or cause to be prepared all Tax Returns with respect to Company Taxes for all Pre-Effective Date Periods and Straddle Periods, in each case, that are required to be filed after the Closing Date (“Buyer-Prepared Returns”) and shall pay or cause to be paid all Taxes shown thereon. Each such Buyer Prepared Return shall be prepared on a basis consistent with past practice except to the extent otherwise required by Applicable Law. Buyer shall, reasonably in advance of the due date of each Buyer Prepared Return (taking into account any applicable extensions), deliver a draft of any such Buyer Prepared Return (together with all supporting documentation and workpapers) to Seller for its review and comment and Buyer will cause such Buyer Prepared Return (as revised to incorporate Seller’s reasonable comments) to be timely filed and provide a copy thereof to Seller. The Parties acknowledge and agree that (i) this Section 19(b) is intended to solely address the timing and manner in which certain Tax Returns and Company Taxes shown thereon are paid to the applicable Governmental Authority, and (ii) nothing in this Section 19(b) shall be interpreted as altering the manner in which Company Taxes are allocated to and economically borne by the Parties.
(c) Cooperation. The Parties shall cooperate fully, as and to the extent reasonably requested by the other Party, in connection with the filing of Tax Returns and any audit, litigation or other proceeding with respect to Taxes imposed on or with respect to the assets, operations or activities of the Company or the Properties. Such cooperation shall include the retention and (upon the other Party’s request) the provision of records and information that are reasonably relevant to any such Tax Return or audit, litigation or other proceeding and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material provided hereunder.
52
(d) Tax Refunds. Seller shall be entitled to any and all refunds and credits attributable to Company Taxes economically borne (directly or indirectly) by Seller, and Buyer shall be entitled to any and all refunds and credits attributable to Company Taxes economically borne (directly or indirectly) by Buyer. If a Party or its Affiliate (i) receives a refund of Company Taxes or (ii) receives or realizes a Tax benefit attributable to any credit, in each case, to which another Party is entitled pursuant to this Section 19(d), such recipient Party shall forward to the entitled Party the amount of such refund or Tax benefit within thirty (30) days after such refund is received or such Tax benefit is received or realized, as applicable, net of any reasonable costs or expenses incurred by such recipient Party in procuring such refund or Tax benefit.
(e) Intended U.S. Federal Income Tax Treatment; Purchase Price Allocation. Each of Seller and Buyer intend for the transactions contemplated in this Agreement to be treated as a sale of the Properties by Seller to Buyer for U.S. federal, and applicable state and local, income tax purposes. Seller and Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to agree on an allocation of the Purchase Price among the six categories of assets specified in Part II of IRS Form 8594 (Asset Acquisition Statement Under Section 1060) within thirty (30) days after the date on which the Purchase Price is finally determined pursuant to Section 11 (the “Purchase Price Allocation”). The Purchase Price Allocation shall be prepared in accordance with Section 1060 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. To the extent allowed under applicable U.S. federal income tax law, the Purchase Price Allocation shall be consistent with the Allocated Amounts (as ultimately adjusted hereunder). If the Parties reach an agreement with respect to the Purchase Price Allocation: (i) the Parties shall, and shall cause their respective Affiliates to, report consistently with the Purchase Price Allocation on Internal Revenue Service Form 8594 (Asset Acquisition Statement Under Section 1060), which Buyer and Seller shall timely file with the Internal Revenue Service unless otherwise required by a change in Applicable Law occurring after the date the Parties agree to the Purchase Price Allocation; (ii) the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to update the Purchase Price Allocation in accordance with Section 1060 of the Code following any adjustment to the purchase consideration for Tax purposes pursuant to this Agreement; (iii) the Parties shall not assert, and cause their respective Affiliates not to assert, in connection with any audit or Proceeding with respect to Taxes, any asset values or other items inconsistent with the amounts set forth in the Purchase Price Allocation; and (iv) if the Purchase Price Allocation is disputed by any Taxing Authority, the Party receiving notice of such dispute will promptly notify and consult the other Party and keep such other Party apprised of material developments concerning the resolution of such dispute; provided, however, that neither Party shall be unreasonably impeded in its ability and discretion to negotiate, compromise and/or settle any Tax audit, claim or similar proceedings in connection with the Purchase Price Allocation. If Buyer and Seller cannot mutually agree on the Purchase Price Allocation, each Party shall be entitled to determine its own allocation and file its IRS Form 8594 consistent therewith.
53
(f) Tax Contests. If, after the Closing Date, a Party or its Affiliate receives notice of an audit or administrative or judicial proceeding with respect to any Company Tax or Tax Return with respect to Company Taxes related to a Pre-Effective Date Period (a “Pre-Effective Date Tax Contest”), such Party shall notify the other Party within ten (10) days of receipt of such notice; provided, that the failure to provide such notice by such Party shall not relieve the other Party of its obligations under this Agreement, except to the extent such failure materially prejudices such other Party’s ability to defend against such Pre-Effective Date Tax Contest. Seller shall have the option, at Seller’s sole cost and expense, to control any such Pre-Effective Date Tax Contest and may exercise such option by providing written notice to Buyer within ten (10) days of receiving notice of such Pre-Effective Date Tax Contest. Buyer shall control, at Seller’s sole cost and expense, any Pre-Effective Date Tax Contest that Seller does not elect (or does not timely elect) to control pursuant to the preceding sentence. The Party that controls a Pre-Effective Date Tax Contest shall (i) keep the other Party reasonably informed of the progress of such Pre-Effective Date Tax Contest, (ii) permit the other Party (and its counsel) to participate, at the other Party’s sole cost and expense, in such Pre-Effective Date Tax Contest, including in meetings with the applicable Governmental Authority and (iii) not settle, compromise and/or concede any portion of such Pre-Effective Date Tax Contest without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. If, after the Closing Date, a Party or its Affiliate receives notice of an audit or administrative or judicial proceeding with respect to any Company Tax or Tax Return with respect to Company Taxes related to a Straddle Period (a “Straddle Period Tax Contest”), such Party shall notify the other Party within ten (10) days of receipt of such notice. Buyer shall control any Straddle Period Tax Contest; provided, that Buyer shall (x) keep Seller reasonably informed of the progress of such Straddle Period Tax Contest, (y) permit Seller (or Seller’s counsel) to participate, at Seller’s sole cost and expense, in such Straddle Period Tax Contest, including in meetings with the applicable Governmental Authority, and (z) not settle, compromise and/or concede any portion of such Straddle Period Tax Contest without the prior written consent of Seller, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
(g) Tax-Deferred Exchange. Each Party shall have the right to elect to use the acquisition contemplated herein to complete a tax-deferred exchange under Section 1031 of the Code (a “Tax Deferred Exchange”), provided, that the Closing shall not be delayed by reason of a Tax Deferred Exchange. If a Party (“Exchanging Party”) elects to effect a Tax Deferred Exchange, the other Party agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Exchanging Party to effect the transaction as a Tax Deferred Exchange. The Exchanging Party may assign any of its rights and delegate performance of any of its duties under this Agreement in whole or in part to a third party in order to effect such an exchange; provided, that the Exchanging Party shall remain responsible to the other Party for the full and prompt performance of its delegated duties. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, notwithstanding any other provision in this Section 19(g) to the contrary, neither any assignment of this Agreement to a Qualified Intermediary (as that term is defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.1031 (k)-1(g)(4)(iii)) nor any other actions taken by a Party in connection with a Tax Deferred Exchange shall release the Exchanging Party from any of its respective liabilities and obligations to the other Party under this Agreement. No Party makes any representation or warranty with respect to the qualification of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including this Section 19(g), as qualifying as a “like-kind exchange” under Section 1031 of the Code. In consideration for the cooperation of the other Party, the Exchanging Party shall agree to pay all reasonable additional costs of the other Party associated with the Exchanging Party’s election to engage in a Tax Deferred Exchange and shall indemnify and hold the other Party, its Affiliates and their respective shareholders, members, equityholders, officers, directors, employees, attorneys, contractors and agents harmless from and against all Losses resulting from its participation in any Tax Deferred Exchange undertaken pursuant to this Section 19(g) pursuant to the request of the Exchanging Party.
54
(h) Transfer Taxes. If any sales, transfer, document recording or similar Taxes are incurred or imposed with respect to the transactions described in this Agreement (“Transfer Taxes”) for any reason, Buyer, on the one hand, and Seller, on the other hand, shall each bear 50% of any such Transfer Taxes. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 19(h), the entity primarily responsible under Applicable Law for the filing of any Tax Return in respect of Transfer Taxes shall be responsible for the timely filing of all such Tax Returns and payment of such Transfer Taxes. If such entity is Buyer or an Affiliate of Buyer (including the Company), then Seller will reimburse Buyer for 50% of such Transfer Taxes, and if such entity is Seller or an Affiliate of Seller, then Buyer will reimburse Seller for 50% of such Transfer Taxes, in each case, at least three (3) Business Days prior to the date (including any extensions that have been obtained) that such Transfer Taxes would become delinquent if not paid by such date; provided that (i) the entity seeking reimbursement shall submit a reimbursement request to the Party from whom reimbursement is sought at least ten (10) days prior to the date such reimbursement is required pursuant to this sentence, which request shall set forth the calculation of such Transfer Taxes to be paid, and (ii) any such reimbursement request must be submitted within three (3) years of the Closing Date, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Article 14 or elsewhere herein. The Parties shall cooperate in good faith to minimize, to the extent permissible under Applicable Law, the amount of any such Transfer Taxes.
20. Miscellaneous Matters.
(a) Further Assurances. After the Closing, Seller shall execute and deliver, and shall otherwise cause to be executed and delivered, from time to time, such further instruments, notices and other documents, and do such other and further acts and things, as may be reasonably necessary to more fully and effectively grant, convey and assign the Interests to Buyer or to fully vest title to the Properties in the Company.
(b) Regulatory Approvals. Each Party shall cooperate and use its commercially reasonable efforts to promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation to effect all necessary applications, notices, petitions, filings and other documents, and use all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain (and will cooperate with each other in obtaining) any consent, acquiescence, authorization, order or approval of, and any exemption or nonopposition by, any Governmental Authority required to be obtained or made by Seller or Buyer or any of their respective Affiliates in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or the taking of any action contemplated thereby or by this Agreement.
(c) Parties Bear Own Expenses/No Special Damages. Except as otherwise provided herein, each Party shall bear and pay all expenses (including, without limitation, legal fees) incurred by it in connection with the transaction contemplated by this Agreement (including that Seller shall bear and pay all such expenses incurred by the Company prior to or at the Closing). NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, NONE OF BUYER, SELLER OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES SHALL BE ENTITLED TO LOST PROFITS, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND EACH OF BUYER AND SELLER, FOR ITSELF AND ON BEHALF OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES, HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO LOST PROFITS, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (other than lost profits, indirect, consequential, special or punitive damages (i) suffered by third Persons for which responsibility is allocated between the Parties under this Agreement or (ii) that constitute direct damages under Applicable Law).
55
(d) Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement (subject to the terms hereof), the Assignment, the Mutual Release and Termination Agreement, the Escrow Agreement and the other documents, certificates and instruments to be executed and delivered to Buyer and Seller pursuant to the terms hereof (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”) constitute the entire understanding of the Parties with respect to subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations, and discussions, both oral and written, among the Parties with respect to such subject matter. IN THE EVENT OF A CONFLICT BETWEEN THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF ANY SCHEDULE OR EXHIBIT HERETO, THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL GOVERN AND CONTROL; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE INCLUSION IN ANY OF THE SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS HERETO OF TERMS AND PROVISIONS NOT ADDRESSED IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT BE DEEMED A CONFLICT, AND ALL SUCH ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS SHALL BE GIVEN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 20(d).
(e) Amendments, Waivers. This Agreement may be amended, modified, supplemented, restated or discharged (and provisions hereof may be waived) only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of the amendment, modification, supplement, restatement or discharge (or waiver) is sought. No waiver of, or consent to a change in or modification of, any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of, or consent to a change in or modification, other provisions hereof (whether or not similar), nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided.
(f) Choice of Law. Without regard to principles of conflicts of law, this Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware (without regard to principles of conflicts of laws that would direct the application of the laws of another jurisdiction), except that, as to matters relating to title to and conveyancing of the Properties, the laws of the State of Pennsylvania shall apply as to the property located in (or otherwise subject to the laws of) such state.
56
(g) Venue; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(i) Except as to any dispute, controversy, matter or claim arising out of or in relation to or in connection with (A) the calculation or determination of the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 11 (which shall be resolved exclusively in accordance with Section 11(c)) or (ii) any Disputed Defect Matters (which shall be resolved exclusively in accordance with Section 7(e)), any dispute, controversy, matter or claim between the Parties (each, subject to such exceptions, a “Dispute”), that cannot be resolved between the Parties, will be instituted exclusively in the Delaware Court of Chancery and if the Delaware Court of Chancery shall be unavailable, any other court of the State of Delaware or, in the case of claims to which the federal courts have exclusive subject matter jurisdiction, any federal court of the United States of America sitting in the State of Delaware, and each Party hereby irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court in connection with any Dispute or Proceeding arising out of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated thereby. All Disputes between the Parties to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall have exclusive jurisdiction and venue only in the Delaware Court of Chancery and if the Delaware Court of Chancery shall be unavailable, any other court of the State of Delaware or, in the case of claims to which the federal courts have exclusive subject matter jurisdiction, any federal court of the United States of America sitting in the State of Delaware.
(ii) To the extent that any Party or any of its Affiliates has acquired, or hereafter may acquire, immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, such Party (on its own behalf and on behalf of its Affiliates) hereby irrevocably (A) waives such immunity in respect of its obligations with respect to this Agreement and (B) submits to the personal jurisdiction of any court described in Section 20(g)(i). Further, each of the Parties agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document hand delivered or sent by U.S. registered mail to such Party’s respective address set forth in Section 17 shall be effective service of process for any Proceeding in Delaware with respect to any matters to which it has submitted to jurisdiction as set forth in this Section 20(g).
(iii) The Parties agree that a Dispute under this Agreement may raise issues that are common with one or more of the other Transaction Documents or other documents executed by the Parties in connection herewith or which are substantially the same or interdependent and interrelated or connected with issues raised in a related dispute, controversy or claim between or among the Parties and their Affiliates. Accordingly, any Party to a new Dispute under this Agreement may elect in writing within fifteen (15) days after the initiation of a new Dispute to refer such new Dispute for resolution by the applicable court together with any existing Dispute arising under this Agreement, other Transaction Documents or other documents executed by the Parties in connection herewith or which are substantially the same or interdependent and interrelated or connected. If the applicable court does not determine to consolidate such new Dispute with the existing Dispute within thirty (30) days of receipt of written request, then the new Dispute shall not be consolidated, and the resolution of the new Dispute shall proceed separately.
(iv) EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY VOLUNTARILY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT (WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE).
(h) Headings, Time of Essence, Etc. The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this Agreement. Within this Agreement words of any gender shall be held and construed to cover any other gender, and words in the singular shall be held and construed to cover the plural, unless the context otherwise requires. Time is of the essence in this Agreement.
57
(i) No Assignment. Except as provided in Section 19(g), no Party shall have the right to assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the other Party first having been obtained and any transfer or delegation made without such consent shall be void; provided that Buyer shall have the right to assign this Agreement to any Affiliate. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the non-assigning Party, no assignment of this Agreement shall relieve the assigning Party of any obligations and responsibilities hereunder, including obligations and responsibilities arising following such assignment.
(j) Successors and Assigns. Subject to the limitation on assignment contained in Section 20(i) above, the Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
(k) Counterpart Execution. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, all of which are identical and all of which constitute one and the same instrument. It shall not be necessary for Buyer and Seller to sign the same counterpart. Facsimile or other electronic copies of signatures shall constitute original signatures for all purposes of this Agreement and any enforcement hereof.
(l) Exclusive Remedy; Waiver. If the Closing occurs, the sole and exclusive remedies of each of Buyer and Seller for any (i) claim relating to any representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement that survives the Closing (other than for Fraud of Seller or Buyer, as applicable), (ii) other claim pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement (other than for Fraud of Seller or Buyer, as applicable) and (iii) other claim relating to the Interests or the purchase and sale thereof (other than for Fraud of Seller or Buyer, as applicable), shall be (A) any right to indemnification for such claim that is expressly provided in this Agreement, (B) the rights set forth in Section 7(e) with respect to Disputed Defect Matters, (C) the rights set forth in Section 11 with respect to Purchase Price adjustments post-Closing, (D) the right to seek specific performance for the breach or failure of Seller or Buyer to perform any covenants under this Agreement required to be performed by Seller or Buyer, respectively, after Closing or (E) as otherwise set forth in any other Transaction Document. If no such right of indemnification for such claim is expressly provided in this Agreement or in any other Transaction Document, then (other than for Fraud of Seller or Buyer, as applicable) as of the Closing, any such claim is hereby waived and released to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, and if the Closing occurs, Buyer shall also be deemed to have waived and released, to the fullest extent permitted under Applicable Law, any right to contribution against Seller (including, without limitation, any contribution claim arising under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act or corresponding or comparable state law) and any and all other rights, claims and causes of action it may have against Seller arising under or based on any Applicable Law or otherwise (other than any claims arising out or attributable to Fraud or the willful misconduct of Seller), in each case, relating to the claims described in this Section 20(l).
(m) No Third-Person Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement shall entitle any Person other than Buyer and Seller to any claim, cause of action, remedy or right of any kind, except the rights expressly provided herein (including, without limitation, rights to indemnity expressly granted herein to the Seller Indemnified Parties and Buyer Indemnified Parties); provided that only a Party and its successors and assigns will have the right to enforce the provisions of this Agreement on its own behalf or on behalf of any of its related Indemnified Parties (but shall not be obligated to do so).
58
(n) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application of any such provision to any Person or circumstance shall be declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable in any respect, all other provisions of this Agreement, or the application of such provision to Persons or circumstances other than those as to which it has been held invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby. Upon such determination that any provision, or the application of any such provision, is invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the greatest extent possible. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, under no circumstance shall the obligation of Seller to deliver the Interests be enforceable absent enforceability of the obligation of Buyer to pay the Purchase Price as provided herein, and vice versa.
(o) No Recourse. Notwithstanding anything that may be expressed or implied in this Agreement or any Transaction Document, and notwithstanding the fact that Buyer may be a partnership or limited liability company, Seller, by its acceptance of the benefits of this Agreement, covenants, agrees and acknowledges that, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or any Transaction Document, no Persons other than Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer to whom this Agreement is validly assigned pursuant to Section 20(i) (and their respective permitted successors and assigns, collectively, the “Buyer Recourse Parties”) shall have any obligation hereunder and that they have no rights of recovery hereunder against, and no recourse hereunder or under any Transaction Document or in respect of any oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith or therewith against (i) any former, current or future director, officer, agent, Affiliate, manager, incorporator, controlling Person, fiduciary, representative or employee of Buyer (or any of the foregoing Persons successors or permitted assignees), (ii) any former, current, or future general or limited partner, owner, manager, stockholder or member of Buyer (or any of the foregoing Persons successors or permitted assignees) or any Affiliate thereof or (iii) any former, current or future director, owner, officer, agent, employee, Affiliate, manager, incorporator, controlling Person, fiduciary, representative, general or limited partner, stockholder, manager or member of any of the foregoing, but in each case not including Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer to whom this Agreement is validly assigned pursuant to Section 20(i) (each, but excluding for the avoidance of doubt, the Buyer Recourse Parties, a “Buyer Party Affiliate”), whether by or through attempted piercing of the corporate veil, by or through a claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) by or on behalf of Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer to whom this Agreement is validly assigned pursuant to Section 20(i) against the Buyer Party Affiliates, by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any statute, regulation or other Applicable Law, or otherwise; it being expressly agreed and acknowledged that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, be imposed on, or otherwise be incurred by any Buyer Party Affiliate, as such, for any obligations of Buyer (or any Affiliate of Buyer to whom this Agreement is validly assigned pursuant to Section 20(i)) under this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, under any Transaction Document, in respect of any oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith or therewith, or for any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation.
59
(p) Retention of Counsel. The Parties acknowledge that Baker Botts L.L.P. has represented Seller in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Buyer, for itself and its successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees to cause the Company after the Closing Date to irrevocably waive, any actual or potential conflict arising from any representation by Baker Botts L.L.P. of Seller against Buyer in connection with any dispute or proceeding arising under or in connection with this Agreement after the Closing Date to the extent such actual or potential conflict arises solely on the basis that Baker Botts L.L.P. also represented the Company in connection with the preparation of this Agreement prior to the Closing, even in the event of any adversity between the interests of Seller, on the one hand, and Buyer and/or the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, on the other hand, in any such matter. Buyer also agrees that, as to all communications among Baker Botts L.L.P. and Seller prior to Closing that relate in any way to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the attorney-client privilege and the expectation of client confidence belongs to Seller and may be controlled by Seller and shall not pass to or be claimed by Buyer or the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that a dispute arises between Buyer or the Company, on the one hand, and a third party other than a Party to this Agreement, on the other hand, after the Closing, Buyer may cause the Company to assert the attorney-client privilege to prevent disclosure of confidential communications by Baker Botts L.L.P. to such third party; provided, however, that Buyer may not cause the Company to waive such privilege without the prior written consent of Seller.
(q) Definitions.
(i) Certain Defined Terms. When used in this Agreement the following terms shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in this Section 20(q):
“Affiliate” means, as to any Person, any other Person which, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person, with control in such context meaning the ability to direct the management or policies of a Person through ownership of voting securities, pursuant to a written agreement, or otherwise; provided, however, the Company shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of Seller (and not of Buyer or its Affiliates) for all periods prior to the Closing, and the Company shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of Buyer (and not of Seller or its Affiliates) for all periods after the Closing.
“Affiliate Contract” means any Contract between Seller or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand.
“Allocated Amount” means the amount of the Purchase Price allocated to each Oil and Gas Property on Schedule II.
“Anti-Corruption Laws” shall mean all Applicable Laws relating to domestic or foreign corruption or bribery, political contributions, or money laundering, including without limitation the FCPA and the UK Bribery Act 2010.
60
“Applicable Environmental Laws” means any law, common law, ordinance, or regulation of any Governmental Authority, as well as any order, decree, permit, judgment or injunction issued, promulgated, approved or entered thereunder, relating to the environment, health and safety, Hazardous Substances (including the use, handling, transportation, production, disposal, discharge or storage thereof), the environmental conditions on, under, or about any real property including soil, groundwater, and indoor and ambient air conditions or the reporting or remediation of environmental contamination.
“Applicable Law” means any domestic or foreign, federal, state or local statute, law, ordinance, rule, code, regulation, requirement, order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitrator.
“Business Day” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in Houston, Texas and Denver, Colorado are authorized or obligated by Applicable Law to close.
“Buyer’s Knowledge” means the actual knowledge of Buyer’s officers or any of its respective management-level employees, without any duty of inquiry.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Company Taxes” means any Taxes imposed on or with respect to the Company or the Properties; provided, however, that Company Taxes shall not include (a) Flow-Through Income Taxes, (b) Transfer Taxes or (c) Post-Production Cost Sales Taxes.
“Confidentiality Agreement” means that certain Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2024, by and between the Company and Sabre Energy Partners LLC.
“Contract” means any legally binding agreement, contract, lease, sublease, easement, right-of-way, indenture, mortgage, license, instrument, arrangement or commitment.
“COPAS” means the COPAS 2005 Accounting Procedure recommended by the Council of Petroleum Accountants Societies, as interpreted by the Council of Petroleum Accountants Societies of North America under MFI-51 2005 COPAS Accounting Procedure.
“Credit Agreements” means, collectively, (a) that certain Credit Agreement, dated June 16, 2022, among BKV Corporation, Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, as administrative agent, and certain other financial institutions, as lenders, as amended from time to time, and all Loan Documents (as defined in such Credit Agreement) associated therewith, and (b) that certain Credit Agreement, dated August 24, 2022, among BKV Corporation, Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, as administrative agent, and certain other financial institutions, as lenders, as amended from time to time, and all Loan Documents (as defined in such Credit Agreement) associated therewith.
“Data Room” means the electronic documentation site entitled “Project Bronco” established by DFS Venue on behalf of Seller.
“Defect” means an Environmental Defect or Title Defect, as the context requires.
“Effective Date” means 9:00 a.m., local time at the location of the Properties, on April 1, 2024.
61
“Environmental Defect” means any event occurring or condition with respect to the Properties that represents a violation of, or otherwise gives rise to current liability under, any Applicable Environmental Law, or that presently requires (or if known, would presently require) Remediation under Applicable Environmental Laws, other than (a) any plugging and abandonment obligations associated with the Wells (including surface equipment removal and restoration obligations) or (b) any event or condition to the extent caused by or relating to asbestos, asbestos containing materials or NORM (except in each case of clauses (a)-(b) to the extent any failure to perform such obligations or conditions currently require corrective action under or otherwise represent a current violation of Applicable Environmental Laws).
“Environmental Liabilities” means all reasonable costs (including remedial, removal, response, clean-up, investigation or monitoring costs), Losses, expenses, liabilities, obligations, and other responsibilities arising from or under either Applicable Environmental Laws or Third Party claims relating to the environment, and which relate to the Properties or the ownership or operation of the same, including all reasonable costs and expenses of assessment, investigation, remediation, or other corrective action associated with obligations to remediate releases of Hazardous Substances or to correct a condition of noncompliance with Applicable Environmental Laws.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“Escrow Agent” means U.S. Bank, National Association.
“Escrow Agreement” means that certain Escrow Agreement dated as of the date of this Agreement among Seller, Buyer and the Escrow Agent, as such may be amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time.
“FCPA” means the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.
“Flow-Through Income Taxes” means U.S. federal Income Taxes and any similar Income Taxes imposed by any state or local laws on the direct or indirect owners of any entity on a flow-through basis by allocating or attributing to such owners all or certain of such entity’s items of income, gain, loss, deduction and other relevant tax attributes.
“Fraud” means, with respect to a party, common law fraud involving an actual and intentional misrepresentation of a material fact with respect to the making of any representation or warranty in this Agreement.
“Fundamental Representations” means, as applicable (a) with respect to Seller, the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 3(a)(i), 3(a)(ii), 3(a)(iii), 3(a)(v), 3(a)(vi)(A)(I), 3(a)(vi)(B)(I)-(III), 3(a)(vi)(C), 3(a)(xxii), 3(a)(xxvi), 3(a)(xxxv) and 3(a)(xxxvi), and (b) with respect to Buyer, the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 4(a), 4(b), 4(c), 4(d)(i), 4(i) and 4(l).
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America from time to time, consistently applied.
62
“Governing Documents” means, when used with respect to an entity, the documents governing the formation and operation of such entity, including (a) in the instance of a corporation, the articles of incorporation and bylaws of such corporation, (b) in the instance of a partnership, the partnership agreement, and (c) in the instance of a limited liability company, the certificate of formation and limited liability company agreement.
“Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, municipal, judicial, legislative or regulatory authority, commission or agency.
“Government Official” means any officer or employee of a government, a public international organization, or any department or agency thereof or any Person acting in an official capacity for such government or organization, including (a) a “foreign official” as defined in the FCPA, (b) an officer or employee of a government-owned, controlled, operated enterprise, such as a national oil company, and (c) any non-U.S. political party or party official or any candidate for foreign political office.
“Hazardous Substances” means, with the exception of all water and constituted thereof produced from the Oil and Gas Properties, (i) any substance that is designated, defined or classified under any Applicable Environmental Law as a hazardous waste, solid waste, hazardous material, pollutant, contaminant or toxic or hazardous substance, or terms of similar meaning, or that is otherwise regulated under any Applicable Environmental Law, including any hazardous substance as defined under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended, (ii) oil as defined in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended, including oil, gasoline, natural gas, fuel oil, motor oil, waste oil, diesel fuel, jet fuel and other refined Hydrocarbons and petroleum products and (iii) radioactive materials, asbestos, asbestos-containing materials, per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or polychlorinated biphenyls.
“Hydrocarbons” means oil, gas, minerals, and other gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons or any combination of the foregoing.
“Imbalance” means any over-production, under-production, over-delivery, under delivery or similar imbalance of Hydrocarbons produced from or allocated to the Properties, regardless of whether such over-production, under-production, over-delivery, under-delivery, or similar imbalance arises at the wellhead, pipeline, gathering system, transportation system, processing plant or other location, including any imbalances under gas balancing or similar agreements, processing agreements and gathering or transportation agreements.
“Income Taxes” means (i) all Taxes based upon, measured by, or calculated with respect to gross or net income, gross or net receipts or profits (including franchise Taxes and any capital gains, alternative minimum, and net worth Taxes, but excluding ad valorem, property, excise, severance, production, sales, use, real or personal property transfer or other similar Taxes), (ii) Taxes based upon, measured by, or calculated with respect to multiple bases (including corporate franchise, doing business or occupation Taxes) if one or more of the bases upon which such Tax may be based, measured by or calculated with respect to is included in clause (i) above (but excluding ad valorem, property, excise, severance, production, sales, use, real or personal property transfer or other similar Taxes), or (iii) withholding Taxes measured with reference to or as a substitute for any Tax included in clauses (i) or (ii) above.
63
“Indebtedness” means all obligations of the Company (a) for money borrowed, whether or not evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments (including any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance or related reimbursement agreement, to the extent drawn, and any seller notes issued in connection with any acquisition undertaken by the Company); (b) relating to any lease that is required to be classified as a capital lease in accordance with GAAP; (c) under any interest rate protection agreement or similar agreement (valued on a fair market value basis); (d) all obligations of such Person evidenced by loans, bonds, mortgages, debentures, indentures, notes or debt securities or other debt instrument; (e) to guarantee or be liable for obligations of the types described in clause (a)-(c), of any other Person; and (f) for any accrued interest, prepayment premium or penalty or other costs, fees or expenses related to any of the foregoing; provided, however, that the “Indebtedness” of the Company shall not include obligations that were incurred by the Company on ordinary trade terms to vendors, suppliers or other Persons providing goods and services for use by the Company in the Ordinary Course of Business.
“Leased Real Property” means all leasehold or subleasehold estates and other similar rights to use or occupy any land, buildings, structures, improvements, fixtures or other interest in real property, in each case, other than any Oil and Gas Properties, Midstream Assets and/or Surface Rights and Rights of Way.
“Liabilities” means any and all debts, liabilities and obligations, whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, known or unknown, matured or unmatured or determined or determinable, wherever and whenever asserted, including those arising under any Applicable Law or Proceeding and those arising under any Contract or permit.
“Lien” means any lien, encumbrance, security interest, pledge, adverse claim, charge, mortgage, deed of trust, collateral assignment, restriction, option, conditional sales contract, right of first refusal, easement, adverse interest or encumbrance whatsoever and any agreement, option, trust or other preferential arrangement to give effect to, or having the practical effect of, any of the foregoing.
“Lowest Cost Response” means the response required or allowed under Applicable Environmental Laws then-in effect that addresses and resolves (for current and future use consistent with currently use) the identified Environmental Defect in the most cost-effective manner (considered as a whole) as compared to any other applicable response that is required or allowed under Applicable Environmental Laws. The Lowest Cost Response may include taking no action, leaving the condition unaddressed, periodic monitoring, or the recording of notices in lieu of remediation, if any such actions are allowed by Applicable Environmental Laws with respect to the applicable Environmental Defect. The Lowest Cost Response shall not include (a) the costs of Buyer’s or any of its Affiliate’s employees; (b) expenses for matters that would ordinarily be incurred in the day-to-day operations of the Properties, or in connection with permit renewal/amendment activities; (c) overhead costs of Buyer or its Affiliates; (d) costs and expenses that would not have been required under Applicable Environmental Laws as they exist on the Closing Date; and (e) costs or expenses incurred in connection with remedial or corrective action that is designed to achieve standards that are more stringent than those required for similar facilities or that fail to reasonably take advantage of applicable risk reduction or risk assessment principles allowed under Applicable Environmental Laws.
64
“Material Adverse Effect” means any change, circumstance, effect, event or fact that, individually or in the aggregate, has a material and adverse effect on (i) the business, assets, ownership, operation, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Company or the Properties, taken as a whole or (ii) prevents or materially impairs or delays, or would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair or delay, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or the performance of Seller’s obligations and covenants hereunder that are to be performed at Closing; provided, however, that for purposes of the foregoing clause (i), no change, circumstance, effect, event or fact shall be deemed (individually or in the aggregate) to constitute, nor shall any of the foregoing be taken into account in determining whether there has been or may be, a Material Adverse Effect, to the extent that such change, circumstance, effect, event or fact results from, arises out of, or relates to (a) a general deterioration in the economy or changes in Hydrocarbon prices or other changes affecting the oil and gas industry generally; (b) the outbreak or escalation of hostilities involving the United States, the declaration by the United States of a national emergency or war or the occurrence of any other calamity or crisis, including acts of terrorism; (c) any change in Applicable Laws, or the interpretation thereof, after the date of this Agreement (except to the extent the same materially and disproportionately affects the Company relative to other participants in the industries in which the Company operates); or (d) the taking of any action expressly required by this Agreement.
“Material Contracts” means the following types of Contracts to which the Company is a party or by which the Company, the Interests or any of the Properties are bound (or any of the following types of Contracts to which Seller or any of its Affiliates is a party, to the extent related to the Company, the Interests, or its business or operations with respect to ownership of the Properties); provided that with respect to any Contract entered into by a Third Party operator of the Properties on behalf of the Company, this definition is limited to such Contracts of which Seller has Knowledge:
| (a) | any (i) Contract that contains or constitutes an existing area of mutual interest agreement or an agreement that includes non-competition or non-solicit restrictions or other similar restrictions on doing business or from hiring or soliciting any employees; and (ii) farmout or farm-in agreement, participation agreement, exploration agreement, development agreement, joint operating agreement, unit agreement, pooling agreement, communitization agreement, joint ownership agreement, or any similar Contract; |
| (b) | all Hydrocarbon or water sales, marketing, transportation, storage, gathering, supply, exchange, processing and similar agreements that are not terminable by the Company without penalty on sixty (60) or fewer days’ notice without the payment of money or delivery of other consideration and (ii) any futures, options, swaps or other derivatives with respect to the sale of production that will be binding on the Company, the Interests or the Properties after Closing; |
| (c) | any Contracts between the Company and any Affiliate of the Company that will be binding on the Company, the Interests or the Properties after Closing; |
| (d) | any Contracts related to the Properties under which (i) the Company has received in excess of $200,000 of revenues within one (1) year prior to the date of this Agreement or (ii) the Company would reasonably be expected to receive in excess of $200,000 of revenues during the current or any subsequent one (1) year period; |
65
| (e) | any Contract to acquire, sell, lease (other than the Leases) or otherwise dispose of (1) assets or properties with a purchase or sales price in excess of $200,000 or (2) any capital stock or other equity interest of the Company or other business or entity, including any acquisition, lease or disposition pursuant to which the Company has any remaining obligation (including obligations in respect of deferred purchase price) or potential Liability; |
| (f) | any partnership, including any tax partnerships, joint venture contract, participation, exploration or development contract, joint operating agreement, salt water or produced water disposal agreement, bottom hole agreement, acreage contribution agreement, unitization, pooling and other communitization agreement, transportation, disposal and water injection agreement or similar Contract with any remaining drilling or development obligations or unexpired acreage or wellbore earning rights; |
| (g) | any Contract providing for forced or voluntary pooling, forced or voluntary unitization, a carry, a backin, earnout, reversionary Working Interests in favor of Third Parties, or other contingent payment or obligation; |
| (h) | any loan agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, security agreement, financing statement or other Lien filing and any other Contract relating to Indebtedness; |
| (i) | any lease (other than a Lease) under which the Company is the lessor or lessee of real or personal property, which lease (i) cannot be terminated by such Person without penalty upon not more than sixty (60) days’ notice, and (ii) involves an annual base rental in excess of $200,000; |
| (j) | any employment, independent contractor or consulting Contract for employees, officers, directors, independent contractors or consultants of the Company; |
| (k) | any Contract with a professional employer organization, employee staffing services or leasing agency, or other similar provider of contract labor to the Company; |
| (l) | any Contract for the pending purchase by or sale of real or personal property of the Company (other than sales of Hydrocarbons or items of inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business) for an amount in excess of $200,000; |
| (m) | any Contract containing an acreage dedication, volume commitment or take-or-pay, advance payment, prepayment or similar provision or requiring Hydrocarbons to be gathered, delivered, processed or transported without then or thereafter receiving full payment therefore or similar provision; |
| (n) | any Contract that constitutes a pipeline interconnect, transportation or facility operating agreement; |
66
| (o) | any Contract providing for any call upon, option to purchase or similar rights with respect to the Properties or to the production therefrom or the processing thereof; |
| (p) | any Contract that can reasonably be expected to involve expenditures by the Company in excess of $200,000 during the current or any subsequent one (1) year period; |
| (q) | any hedging contract; and |
| (r) | any other Contracts with a value in excess of $200,000. |
“Midstream Assets” has the meaning set forth in the definition of Properties.
“Midstream Systems” means each of those certain Midstream Assets that are operated as a single unit as described and depicted on Exhibit A-4.
“Net Leasehold Acres” shall be computed separately for each Lease which is described in Exhibit A-3 and shall mean, for each such Lease, (a) the number of acres of lands covered by such Lease (i.e. gross acres), multiplied by (b) the lessor’s mineral interests in oil and gas covered by such Lease in such lands, multiplied by (c) the Company’s undivided interest in such Lease insofar as it covers such lands (provided that if items (b) or (c) vary as to different areas covered by the Lease, a separate calculation shall be done for each such area).
“Net Revenue Interest” means, with respect to any Well or Unit set forth on Exhibit A-2 or Undeveloped Lease set forth on Exhibit A-3, the interest (expressed as a decimal) in and to all Hydrocarbons produced, saved and sold from or allocated to such Well, Unit or Undeveloped Lease (as applicable) after giving effect to all Royalties.
“Oil and Gas Properties” means all of the Company’s right, title, interest and estate, real or personal, recorded or unrecorded, movable or immovable, tangible or intangible, in and to: (i) oil and gas leases and top leases, oil, gas and mineral leases and top leases, subleases and other leaseholds, royalties, overriding royalties, net profit interests, mineral fee interests, carried interests and other properties and interests, including those described on Exhibit A-1 and A-3 (the “Leases”) and the lands covered thereby (“Land(s)”) and any and all oil, gas, water or injection wells thereon, including those listed on Exhibit A-2 (the “Wells”) and (ii) any pools or units which include all or a part of any Land or include any Well (the “Units”) and including without limitation all right, title and interest in production from any such Unit, whether such Unit production comes from wells located on or off of the Lands, and all tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances belonging to, used or useful in connection with the Leases, Lands and Units.
“Ordinary Course of Business” means the ordinary course of business of Seller and the Company, consistent with their past practices and customs, including, with respect to any category, quantity or dollar amount, term and frequency of payment, delivery, accrual or expense.
“Owned Real Property” means real property owned in fee, together with all buildings, structures, improvements and fixtures located thereon, and all easements and other rights and interests appurtenant thereto, in each case, other than any Oil and Gas Properties, Midstream Assets and/or Surface Rights and Rights of Way.
67
“Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority or other entity.
“Post-Effective Date Company Taxes” means all Company Taxes attributable to any Post-Effective Date Period and the portion of any Straddle Period beginning at the Effective Date, as determined in accordance with Section 19(a).
“Post-Effective Date Period” means any Tax period beginning at or after the Effective Date.
“Post-Production Cost Sales Taxes” means any sales, use or similar Taxes that are imposed on or with respect to gathering, processing, and transportation activities in connection with sales of Hydrocarbons, the costs of which are or were actually taken into account as “gathering, processing, and transportation costs” in the application of Section 11(a)(i)(B).
“Pre-Effective Date Company Taxes” means all Company Taxes attributable to any Pre-Effective Date Period and the portion of any Straddle Period ending immediately prior to the Effective Date, as determined in accordance with Section 19(a).
“Pre-Effective Date Period” means any Tax period ending before the Effective Date.
“Proceeding” means any arbitration, litigation, action, proceeding, investigation, audit or suit (whether civil, criminal or administrative) commenced, brought or conducted by or before, or otherwise involving, any Governmental Authority or arbitrator.
“Properties” means all of the Company’s assets and properties of every kind, nature, character and description (whether real, personal or mixed, whether tangible or intangible and wherever situated), including (a) all goodwill related thereto and (b) the Company’s right, title, and interest in and to the following: (i) the Oil and Gas Properties; (ii) interests under or derived from all Contracts to the extent binding on the Company or the Properties; (iii) easements, permits, licenses, servitudes, rights-of-way, surface leases and other surface rights appurtenant to, and used or held for use in connection with the ownership or operation of the Oil and Gas Properties or the Midstream Assets (the “Surface Rights and Rights of Way”); (iv) equipment, machinery, fixtures and other tangible personal property and improvements located on or used in connection with the Oil and Gas Properties; and (v) any gathering, transportation, gas compression and other similar assets used or held for use in connection with the ownership and operation of the Oil and Gas Properties, including such assets described and depicted on Exhibit A-4 and including the Company’s interest in the Midstream Systems (collectively, the “Midstream Assets”).
68
“Property Costs” means (a) all out-of-pocket operating expenses and capital expenses (including costs of insurance, employees, rentals, shut-in payments, and title examination and curative actions and capital expenditures, and costs of drilling and completing wells, and costs of acquiring equipment) incurred by the Company in the ownership and operation of the Properties, and (b) any COPAS overhead costs charged to the Company by Third Party operators in respect of the Oil and Gas Properties under any applicable Contracts that are consistent with or included in the methodologies and categories set forth in the lease operating statements provided in the Data Room, but in all cases excluding any liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses attributable to: (i) Taxes; (ii) curing and/or Remediating (or attempting to cure and/or Remediate) any Defects asserted by Buyer pursuant to this Agreement; (iii) the cure or attempt to cure any breach of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document; (iv) any amount of general or administrative costs, overhead costs, management costs, fees or expenses or similar amounts that are paid or payable to Seller or any Affiliate of Seller (other than the Company) or charged or chargeable by Seller or any Affiliate of Seller (other than the Company); (v) personal injury or death, property damage, torts, breach of Contract, or violation of or non-compliance with any Applicable Law; (vi) obligations relating to the abandonment or plugging of Wells, dismantling or decommissioning of facilities, closing pits, and restoring the surface around such Wells, facilities, and pits; (vii) obligations with respect to Imbalances; (viii) obligations to pay Royalties or other co-interest owners revenues or proceeds relating to suspense funds (including any escheat payments or related fines or penalties); (ix) repair or replacement of any Properties as a result of any Casualty Event; (x) costs incurred for the acquisition of the Oil and Gas Properties described on Schedule 5(b); (xi) any Losses that constitute Specified Liabilities or, subject to the limitations set forth in Article 14, for which Seller has agreed hereunder to indemnify, defend or hold harmless any Buyer Indemnified Parties; or (xii) claims for indemnification or reimbursement from any Third Party with respect to costs of the types described in the preceding clauses (i) through (xi) (the liabilities, costs and expenses described in the foregoing clauses (ii)-(vi) and (x)-(xii) are referred to as the “Excluded Costs”).
“Records” means all books, files, records, corporate records and books, data, information and correspondence of or related to the Company or the Properties, including, to the extent transferable without material restriction (including a material restriction against assignment without prior consent), or payment of a transfer or licensing fee under third party agreements not advanced or reimbursed by Buyer, all studies, surveys, reports, proprietary geologic, geophysical and seismic data (with respect to seismic, whether now existing or acquired by Company, Seller or any of the Affiliates following the date hereof) (including raw data and any interpretative data or information relating to such geologic, geophysical and seismic data) and other proprietary data (in each case whether in written or electronic format) in the actual possession or control of Seller or the Company or an Affiliate of Seller or the Company or which Seller or the Company or an Affiliate of Seller or the Company has the right to obtain (either without the payment of money or delivery of other consideration or unduly burdensome effort or, upon Buyer’s written election, at Buyer’s expense) and all records, information, data and files relating to the ownership, development and operation of the Properties, including all title records, prospect information, title opinions, title insurance reports/policies, property ownership reports, customer lists, supplier lists, sales materials, promotional materials, operational records, maps, drawings technical records, production and processing records, division order, lease, land and right-of-way files, accounting files and contract.
“Required Consent” means, any requirement that a Third Party’s consent be obtained in order for Seller to convey the Interests if the failure to obtain such consent could reasonably be expected to (i) render the conveyance of the Interests or any interest in the Properties invalid, void or voidable, or (ii) give rise to the right to terminate, or result in the termination of, a Property under the express terms thereof.
“Remediate” means any remedial, removal, response, investigation, monitoring, cure, construction, closure, disposal, testing, integrity testing, or other corrective actions required under Applicable Environmental Laws to cure or remove Hazardous Substances or a violation of or liability under Applicable Environmental Laws. The terms “Remediation” and “Remediated” shall have correlative meanings.
69
“Representative” means with respect to a particular Person, any director, officer, manager, employee, agent, consultant, advisor, or other representative of such Person, including legal counsel, accountants, and financial advisors.
“Royalties” means all royalties, overriding royalties, reversionary interests, net profit interests, production payments, carried interests, non-participating royalty interests, reversionary interests and other royalty burdens and other interests payable out of production of Hydrocarbons from or allocated to the Oil and Gas Properties or the proceeds thereof to Third Parties; provided, however that Royalties shall expressly exclude Taxes.
“Seller Plan” means any plan, program, policy, practice, Contract or other arrangement providing for compensation, severance, change-in-control, termination pay, deferred compensation, retirement or pension payments, bonuses, performance awards, retention payments, incentive compensation, equity or equity-related awards, fringe benefits or other employee benefits or remuneration of any kind, whether written or unwritten or otherwise, funded or unfunded, including without limitation, each “employee benefit plan,” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA and any plans that would be “employee benefit plans” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA if they were subject to ERISA (such as foreign plans and plans for directors) (each such plan, program, policy, practice, Contract or other arrangement, a “Benefit Plan”) which, in each case, is or ever has been sponsored, maintained, contributed to, or required to be contributed to, by Seller or any of its Affiliates for the benefit of any present or former employee or officer, director, consultant, other individual service provider or similar representative of Seller or any of its Affiliates (or their respective beneficiaries or dependents), and with respect to which Seller or any of its Affiliates has or may have any Liability or obligation on behalf of any of such individuals.
“Seller Taxes” means (i) any and all Pre-Effective Date Company Taxes, (ii) any and all Taxes (other than Company Taxes and Transfer Taxes) of or imposed on Seller or any of its direct or indirect owners or Affiliates (other than the Company) for any Tax period, (iii) any Taxes imposed on the Company or for which the Company otherwise becomes liable by reason of having been a member of any affiliated, combined, consolidated, unitary or similar group with respect to any Taxes on or prior to the Closing Date, (iv) any and all Taxes imposed on or with respect to the ownership or operation of any assets expressly excluded from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or (v) Taxes of a Person (other than the Company) for which the Company is or becomes liable as a transferee or successor, by contract or other agreement or arrangement, assumption, or operation of law, which Taxes relate to an event or transaction occurring, or a contract or other agreement or arrangement entered into, prior to the Closing Date; provided, however, that no such Tax will constitute a Seller Tax to the extent such Tax was economically borne by Seller after taking into account the combined effect of any adjustments made pursuant to Section 11, together with any payments made from one Party to another Party with respect to such Tax pursuant to Section 19(a)(iii).
“Seller’s Knowledge” means the actual knowledge of those persons listed on Schedule K of the Disclosure Schedule.
70
“Settlement Price” means the actual price as of the Effective Date under the applicable Hydrocarbon sales or marketing Contract applicable to the relevant Hydrocarbons, or if there is no such Contract, the applicable monthly settlement price published in S&P Global Platt’s Inside FERC Gas Market Report for the Tennessee Zone 4 300L Index.
“Specified Liabilities” means any Losses related to or arising out of:
| (a) | (i) the employment or engagement, or termination of employment or engagement, of any employee or independent contractor of Seller or its Affiliates or other individual providing services to the Company during any period on or prior to Closing, including misclassification or failure to pay wages or compensation to any such employee or independent contractor or other individual providing services to the Company, in each case, to the extent incurred or arising on or prior to the Closing Date, or (ii) any Seller Plan and Seller’s and its Affiliates’ responsibilities under ERISA; |
| (b) | any Proceeding or other matter described on Schedule 3(a)(iv) or required to be set forth on Schedule 3(a)(iv) in order for the representation and warranty in Section 3(a)(iv) to be true and correct when made; |
| (c) | the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Company or any of its Affiliates with respect to the Company’s or its Affiliate’s ownership or operation of the Properties prior to the Closing Date; |
| (d) | any assets or properties expressly excluded from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; or |
| (e) | Seller Taxes. |
“Straddle Period” means any Tax period beginning before and ending after the Effective Date.
“Subsidiary” or “Subsidiaries” means, with respect to any Person, another Person or Persons in which such first Person owns, directly or indirectly, an amount of the voting securities, other voting ownership or voting partnership interests of which is sufficient to elect at least a majority of its board of directors or other governing body (or, if there are no such voting interests, fifty percent (50%) or more of the equity interests of such Person or Persons).
“Tax” or “Taxes” means (i) any and all federal, state, local or foreign taxes, charges, fees, imposts, levies, assessments and other governmental charges in the nature of a tax imposed by any Governmental Authority, including all income, gross receipts, capital, sales, use, ad valorem, value added, transfer, franchise, profits, inventory, capital stock, license, withholding, payroll, employment, social security, unemployment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, property, excise, estimated taxes, customs duties and fees (including the Pennsylvania impact fee), (ii) any and all interest, penalties, fines, additions to tax or additional amounts imposed by any Governmental Authority in connection with any of the items described in the preceding clause (i), and (iii) any liability in respect of any items described in the preceding clauses (i) or (ii) payable by reason of contract, assumption, transferee or successor liability, operation of Applicable Law, Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6(a) (or any predecessor or successor thereof of any analogous or similar provision of Applicable Law) or otherwise.
71
“Taxing Authority” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and any other Governmental Authority responsible for the administration of any Tax.
“Tax Return” means any return, report or statement required to be filed with a Governmental Authority with respect to any Tax (including any schedules and attachments thereto, and any amendment thereof), including any information return, claim for refund, amended return or declaration of estimated Tax, and including, where permitted or required, combined, consolidated or unitary returns for any group of entities that includes Seller or the Company.
“Third Party” means any Person other than Seller, Buyer, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates as of the applicable date of determination.
“Title Defect” means any individual Lien, obligation, burden, or defect or other matter, including a discrepancy in Net Leasehold Acres, Net Revenue Interest or Working Interest that results in the failure of the Company to have Defensible Title to any individual Well, Unit or Undeveloped Lease, but shall not include any Permitted Encumbrances.
“Treasury Regulations” means the Income Tax Regulations promulgated under the Code.
“Working Interest” means, with respect to any Well or Unit, the interest (expressed as a decimal) in and to such Well or Unit that is burdened with the obligation to bear and pay costs and expenses of maintenance, development and operations on or in connection with such Well or Unit, but without regard to the effect of any Royalties.
(ii) Additional Definitions. Each of the following terms is defined in the Section set forth opposite such term:
| Term | Section |
| Agreement | Introduction |
| Accounting Arbitrator | 11(c) |
| Accounting Principles | 11(d) |
| Alternate Transaction | 5(k) |
| Asserted Defects | 6(a) |
| Assignment | 10(a)(iii) |
| Balance Sheet | 3(a)(xiii) |
| Balance Sheet Date | 3(a)(xiii) |
| Buyer | Introduction |
| Buyer-Prepared Returns | 19(b) |
| Buyer Indemnified Parties | 14(a) |
| Buyer Recourse Parties | 20(o) |
| Buyer Party Affiliate | 20(o) |
| Casualty Event | 16 |
| Claim | 14(c)(i) |
| Closing | 10(a) |
| Closing Date | 10(a) |
| Closing Payment | 2(c) |
| Company | Introduction |
72
| Deductible | 14(d)(i) |
| Defect Amount | 7(b) |
| Defect Arbitrator | 7(e)(ii) |
| Defect Date | 6(a) |
| Defect Notice | 6(a) |
| Defensible Title | 6(b) |
| Deposit | 2(b)(i) |
| Disclosure Schedule | 3(a)(i)(2) |
| Dispute | 20(g) |
| Disputed Defect Matters | 7(e)(i) |
| Enforceability Exceptions | 3(a)(iii) |
| Environmental Arbitrator | 7(e)(ii) |
| Environmental Defect Deductible | 7(d)(i) |
| Environmental Disputed Matter | 7(e)(i) |
| Environmental Permits | 3(a)(xxiii)(C) |
| Exchanging Party | 19(g) |
| Excluded Costs | 20(q) |
| Final Settlement Statement | 11(c) |
| Financial Statements | 3(a)(xiii) |
| Indemnified Party | 14(c)(i) |
| Indemnifying Party | 14(c)(i) |
| Individual Defect Threshold | 7(d) |
| Initial Purchase Price | 2(a) |
| Insurance Policies | 3(a)(xviii) |
| Interests | Recitals |
| Land(s) | 20(q) |
| Leases | 20(q) |
| Losses | 14(a) |
| Midstream Assets | 20(q) |
| Mutual Release and Termination Agreement | 10(a)(xvi) |
| Net Acre Defect Amount | 7(b)(ii) |
| NORM | 3(b) |
| Order | 3(a)(vi) |
| Party(ies) | Recitals |
| Permits | 3(a)(ix) |
| Phase I | 5(a)(ii) |
| Phase II | 5(a)(ii) |
| Permitted Encumbrance | 6(b)(iii) |
| Pre-Closing Occurrences | 5(i) |
| Pre-Effective Date Audits | 5(m) |
| Pre-Effective Date Tax Contest | 19(f) |
| Preferential Rights | 3(a)(viii) |
| Preliminary Settlement Statement | 11(b) |
| Purchase Price | 2(a) |
| Purchase Price Allocation | 19(e) |
| Securities Act | 4(f) |
73
| Seller | Introduction |
| Seller Indemnified Parties | 14(b) |
| Special Warranty of Title | 3(a)(xxxix) |
| Straddle Period Tax Contest | 19(f) |
| Surface Rights and Rights of Way | 20(q) |
| Tax Deferred Exchange | 19(g) |
| Transfer Taxes | 19(h) |
| Title Arbitrator | 7(e)(ii) |
| Title Benefit | 7(c) |
| Title Benefit Amount | 7(c) |
| Title Defect Deductible | 7(d)(ii) |
| Title Disputed Matter | 7(e)(i) |
| Trade Control Laws | 3(a)(xlii) |
| Transaction Documents | 20(d) |
| Undeveloped Lease | 6(b)(ii) |
| Units | 20(q) |
| Wells | 20(q) |
| Withholding Agent | 2(d) |
(r) Interpretation. In this Agreement, unless a clear contrary intention appears:
(i) the singular number includes the plural number and vice versa;
(ii) reference to any Person includes such Person’s successors and assigns but only if such successors and assigns are not prohibited by this Agreement, and reference to a Person in a particular capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity or individually;
(iii) reference to any gender includes each other gender;
(iv) except for in the Disclosure Schedule, reference to any agreement (including this Agreement), document or instrument means, unless specifically provided otherwise, such agreement, document or instrument as amended or modified and in effect from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof;
(v) reference to any law means, unless specifically provided otherwise, such law as amended, modified, codified, replaced or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect from time to time, including rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and reference to any section or other provision of any law means, unless specifically provided otherwise, that provision of such law from time to time in effect and constituting the substantive amendment, modification, codification, replacement or reenactment of such section or other provision;
(vi) reference in this Agreement to any Section, Schedule or Exhibit means such Section hereof or Schedule or Exhibit thereto;
(vii) “hereunder”, “hereof”, “hereto” and words of similar import shall be deemed references to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other provision thereof;
74
(viii) “including” (and with correlative meaning “include”) and “including, without limitation” means including without limiting the generality of any description preceding such term;
(ix) “or” is not exclusive;
(x) the Schedules and Exhibits attached to this Agreement shall be construed with and as an integral part of this Agreement to the same extent as if the same had been set forth verbatim herein; provided that in the event a word or phrase defined in this Agreement is expressly given a different meaning in any Schedule or Exhibit, such different definition shall apply only to such Schedule or Exhibit defining such word or phrase independently, and the meaning given such word or phrase in this Agreement shall control for purposes of this Agreement, and such alternative meaning shall have no bearing or effect, on the interpretation of this Agreement;
(xi) except as otherwise provided herein, all actions which any Person may take and all determinations which any Person may make pursuant to this Agreement may be taken and made at the sole and absolute discretion of such Person;
(xii) all references to “$” or “dollars” shall be deemed references to United States Dollars;
(xiii) each accounting term not defined herein will have the meaning given to it under the Accounting Principles as interpreted as of the date of this Agreement;
(xiv) If any period of days referred to in this Agreement shall end on a day that is not a Business Day, then the expiration of such period shall automatically be extended until the end of the first succeeding Business Day.
[Remainder of this Page Intentionally Left Blank]
[Signature Page Follows]
75
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed by the parties hereto on the date first set forth above.
| SELLER: | ||
| BKV CORPORATION | ||
| By: | /s/ Chris Kalnin | |
| Name: | Chris Kalnin | |
| Title: | CEO | |
[Signature Page to Agreement of Sale and Purchase of Membership Interests]
| BUYER: | ||
| SABRE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ James Obulaney | |
| Name: | James Obulaney | |
| Title: | Vice President | |
[Signature Page to Agreement of Sale and Purchase of Membership Interests]
LIST OF SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS
| Schedule I | Disclosure Schedule |
| Schedule II | Allocated Amount |
| Schedule III | Form of Assignment |
| Schedule IV | Form of Resignation Letter |
| Schedule V | Form of Mutual Release and Termination Agreement |
| Schedule K | Seller Knowledge Individuals |
| Schedule 3(a)(i) | Other Material Business or Operations |
| Schedule 3(a)(iv) | Pending Litigation |
| Schedule 3(a)(vi)(C) | No Conflicts |
| Schedule 3(a)(vii) | Material Contracts |
| Schedule 3(a)(viii) | Required Consents and Preferential Rights |
| Schedule 3(a)(x) | Inactive Wells |
| Schedule 3(a)(xi) | Payment of Expenses |
| Schedule 3(a)(xii) | Compliance with Laws |
| Schedule 3(a)(xiii) | Financial Statements |
| Schedule 3(a)(xiv) | Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities |
| Schedule 3(a)(xv) | Taxes |
| Schedule 3(a)(xvi) | Lease Provisions |
| Schedule 3(a)(xviii) | Insurance |
| Schedule 3(a)(xix) | Production Sales Contracts |
| Schedule 3(a)(xx) | AFEs |
| Schedule 3(a)(xxi) | Payout Balances |
| Schedule 3(a)(xxiii) | Environmental Laws |
| Schedule 3(a)(xxiv) | Absence of Changes |
| Schedule 3(a)(xxv) | Bank Accounts; Officers; Powers of Attorney |
| Schedule 3(a)(xxvii) | Credit Support Obligations |
| Schedule 3(a)(xxviii) | Suspense Funds |
| Schedule 3(a)(xxix) | Imbalances |
| Schedule 3(a)(xxxii) | Non-Consent Elections |
| Schedule 3(a)(xxxviii)(C) | Midstream Asset Matters |
| Schedule 5(b) | Interim Operations |
| Schedule 5(m) | Pre-Effective Date Audits |
| Schedule 11(a)(i)(E) | Rockefeller AFE Costs |
| Exhibit A-1 | Leases |
| Exhibit A-2 | Wells and Units with WI and NRI |
| Exhibit A-3 | Undeveloped Lease with Net Leasehold Acres and NRI |
| Exhibit A-4 | Midstream Assets |
Exhibit 10.44
CREDIT AGREEMENT
dated as of June 11, 2024
among
BKV CORPORATION,
as Holdings,
BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC,
as the Borrower,
CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent,
and
The Lenders Party Hereto
CITIBANK, N.A.,
BARCLAYS BANK PLC
KEYBANC CAPITAL MARKETS INC.
MIZUHO BANK, LTD.
CITIZENS BANK, N.A.
SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION
TRUIST SECURITIES, INC.
and
BANGKOK BANK PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED, NEW YORK BRANCH // BANGKOK BANK
PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED,
as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
| ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING MATTERS | 1 | |
| Section 1.01 | Terms Defined Above | 1 |
| Section 1.02 | Certain Defined Terms | 1 |
| Section 1.03 | Types of Loans and Borrowings | 41 |
| Section 1.04 | Terms Generally; Rules of Construction | 42 |
| Section 1.05 | Accounting Terms and Determinations; GAAP | 42 |
| Section 1.06 | Divisions | 43 |
| Section 1.07 | Rates | 43 |
| Section 1.08 | Rounding | 43 |
| Section 1.09 | Letter of Credit Amounts | 43 |
| ARTICLE II THE CREDITS | 43 | |
| Section 2.01 | Commitments | 43 |
| Section 2.02 | Loans and Borrowings | 44 |
| Section 2.03 | Requests for Borrowings | 45 |
| Section 2.04 | Interest Elections | 45 |
| Section 2.05 | Funding of Borrowings | 46 |
| Section 2.06 | Termination, Revision and Reduction of Commitments and Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts; Increase, Reduction and Termination of Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts | 47 |
| Section 2.07 | Borrowing Base | 51 |
| Section 2.08 | Letters of Credit | 54 |
| Section 2.09 | Defaulting Lenders | 60 |
| ARTICLE III PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST; PREPAYMENTS; FEES | 62 | |
| Section 3.01 | Repayment of Loans | 62 |
| Section 3.02 | Interest | 62 |
| Section 3.03 | Benchmark Replacement Setting | 63 |
| Section 3.04 | Prepayments | 65 |
| Section 3.05 | Fees | 67 |
| ARTICLE IV PAYMENTS; PRO RATA TREATMENT; SHARING OF SET-OFFS | 69 | |
| Section 4.01 | Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs | 69 |
| Section 4.02 | Presumption of Payment by the Borrower | 70 |
| Section 4.03 | Certain Deductions by the Administrative Agent | 70 |
| Section 4.04 | Disposition of Proceeds | 70 |
| ARTICLE V INCREASED COSTS; BREAK FUNDING PAYMENTS; TAXES; ILLEGALITY | 70 | |
| Section 5.01 | Increased Costs | 70 |
| Section 5.02 | Break Funding Payments | 72 |
| Section 5.03 | Taxes | 72 |
| Section 5.04 | Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders | 75 |
| Section 5.05 | Illegality | 76 |
| ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS PRECEDENT | 77 | |
| Section 6.01 | Effective Date | 77 |
| Section 6.02 | Each Credit Event | 80 |
| i |
| ARTICLE VII REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | 80 | |
| Section 7.01 | Organization; Powers | 80 |
| Section 7.02 | Authority; Enforceability | 81 |
| Section 7.03 | Approvals; No Conflicts | 81 |
| Section 7.04 | Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change | 81 |
| Section 7.05 | Litigation | 82 |
| Section 7.06 | Environmental Matters | 82 |
| Section 7.07 | Compliance with Laws and Agreements; No Defaults | 83 |
| Section 7.08 | Investment Company Act | 83 |
| Section 7.09 | Taxes | 83 |
| Section 7.10 | ERISA | 84 |
| Section 7.11 | Disclosure; No Material Misstatements | 84 |
| Section 7.12 | Insurance | 85 |
| Section 7.13 | Restriction on Liens | 85 |
| Section 7.14 | Subsidiaries | 85 |
| Section 7.15 | Location of Business and Offices | 85 |
| Section 7.16 | Properties; Titles, Etc. | 85 |
| Section 7.17 | Maintenance of Properties | 86 |
| Section 7.18 | Gas Imbalances, Prepayments | 87 |
| Section 7.19 | Marketing of Production | 87 |
| Section 7.20 | Swap Agreements and Qualified ECP Guarantor | 87 |
| Section 7.21 | Use of Loans and Letters of Credit | 87 |
| Section 7.22 | Solvency | 87 |
| Section 7.23 | Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions | 88 |
| Section 7.24 | Affected Financial Institutions | 88 |
| Section 7.25 | Security Instruments | 88 |
| Section 7.26 | Minimum Volume Contracts | 88 |
| Section 7.27 | Senior Debt Status | 89 |
| Section 7.28 | Accounts | 89 |
| ARTICLE VIII AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS | 89 | |
| Section 8.01 | Financial Statements; Other Information | 89 |
| Section 8.02 | Notices of Material Events | 93 |
| Section 8.03 | Existence; Conduct of Business | 94 |
| Section 8.04 | Payment of Obligations | 94 |
| Section 8.05 | Operation and Maintenance of Properties; Subordination of Affiliated Operators’ Liens | 94 |
| Section 8.06 | Insurance | 95 |
| Section 8.07 | Books and Records; Inspection Rights | 95 |
| Section 8.08 | Compliance with Laws | 96 |
| Section 8.09 | Environmental Matters | 96 |
| Section 8.10 | Further Assurances | 96 |
| Section 8.11 | Reserve Reports | 97 |
| Section 8.12 | Title Information | 98 |
| Section 8.13 | Additional Collateral and Additional Guarantors | 99 |
| Section 8.14 | ERISA Compliance | 100 |
| Section 8.15 | Unrestricted Subsidiaries | 100 |
| Section 8.16 | Deposit Accounts; Commodity Accounts and Securities Accounts | 101 |
| Section 8.17 | Commodity Exchange Act Keepwell Provisions | 101 |
| Section 8.18 | Commodity Hedging | 101 |
| Section 8.19 | Post-Closing Covenants | 101 |
| ii |
| ARTICLE IX NEGATIVE COVENANTS | 102 | |
| Section 9.01 | Financial Covenants | 102 |
| Section 9.02 | Debt | 104 |
| Section 9.03 | Liens | 105 |
| Section 9.04 | Dividends and Distributions | 106 |
| Section 9.05 | Investments, Loans and Advances | 109 |
| Section 9.06 | Designation and Conversion of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries; Debt of Unrestricted Subsidiaries | 110 |
| Section 9.07 | Nature of Business; No International Operations | 111 |
| Section 9.08 | Proceeds of Loans | 111 |
| Section 9.09 | ERISA Compliance | 112 |
| Section 9.10 | Sale or Discount of Receivables | 112 |
| Section 9.11 | Mergers, Etc. | 112 |
| Section 9.12 | Sale of Properties and Termination of Swap Agreements | 112 |
| Section 9.13 | Environmental Matters | 114 |
| Section 9.14 | Transactions with Affiliates | 114 |
| Section 9.15 | Subsidiaries | 115 |
| Section 9.16 | Negative Pledge Agreements; Dividend Restrictions | 115 |
| Section 9.17 | Gas Imbalances, Take-or-Pay or Other Prepayments | 115 |
| Section 9.18 | Swap Agreements | 115 |
| Section 9.19 | Marketing Activities | 117 |
| Section 9.20 | Changes in Fiscal Year; Amendments to Organizational Documents | 117 |
| Section 9.21 | Non-Qualified ECP Guarantors | 118 |
| Section 9.22 | Sales and Leasebacks | 118 |
| Section 9.23 | Limitation on the Activities of the Borrower | 118 |
| Section 9.24 | Holdings Subordination | 118 |
| ARTICLE X EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES | 118 | |
| Section 10.01 | Events of Default | 118 |
| Section 10.02 | Remedies | 121 |
| ARTICLE XI THE AGENTS | 122 | |
| Section 11.01 | Appointment; Powers | 122 |
| Section 11.02 | Duties and Obligations of Administrative Agent | 122 |
| Section 11.03 | Action by Administrative Agent | 123 |
| Section 11.04 | Reliance by Administrative Agent | 123 |
| Section 11.05 | Subagents | 123 |
| Section 11.06 | Resignation of Administrative Agent | 124 |
| Section 11.07 | Agents as Lenders | 124 |
| Section 11.08 | No Reliance | 124 |
| Section 11.09 | Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim | 124 |
| Section 11.10 | Authority of Administrative Agent to Release Collateral, Liens and Guarantors | 125 |
| Section 11.11 | The Arrangers | 126 |
| Section 11.12 | Erroneous Payments | 126 |
| Section 11.13 | Subordination Agreements | 128 |
| Section 11.14 | Credit Bidding | 128 |
| ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS | 129 | |
| Section 12.01 | Notices | 129 |
| Section 12.02 | Waivers; Amendments | 130 |
| Section 12.03 | Expenses, Indemnity; Damage Waiver | 133 |
| iii |
| Section 12.04 | Successors and Assigns | 136 |
| Section 12.05 | Survival; Revival; Reinstatement | 139 |
| Section 12.06 | Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness | 140 |
| Section 12.07 | Severability | 141 |
| Section 12.08 | Right of Setoff | 141 |
| Section 12.09 | GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS | 141 |
| Section 12.10 | Headings | 143 |
| Section 12.11 | Confidentiality | 143 |
| Section 12.12 | Interest Rate Limitation | 144 |
| Section 12.13 | EXCULPATION PROVISIONS | 144 |
| Section 12.14 | Collateral Matters; Swap Agreements | 145 |
| Section 12.15 | No Third Party Beneficiaries | 145 |
| Section 12.16 | USA Patriot Act Notice | 145 |
| Section 12.17 | No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility | 145 |
| Section 12.18 | Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions | 146 |
| Section 12.19 | Certain ERISA Matters | 146 |
| Section 12.20 | Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs | 147 |
| Section 12.21 | Personal Data Protection | 148 |
Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules
| Annex I | List of Maximum Credit Amounts and Elected Commitments |
| Annex II | List of LC Issuance Limits |
| Exhibit A | Form of Note |
| Exhibit B | Form of Borrowing Request |
| Exhibit C | Form of Interest Election Request |
| Exhibit D | Form of Compliance Certificate |
| Exhibit E | Security Instruments as of the Effective Date |
| Exhibit F | Form of Guarantee and Collateral Agreement |
| Exhibit G | Form of Assignment and Assumption |
| Exhibit H-1 | Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Lenders; not partnerships) |
| Exhibit H-2 | Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Participants; not partnerships) |
| Exhibit H-3 | Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Participants; partnerships) |
| Exhibit H-4 | Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Lenders; partnerships) |
| Exhibit I | [Reserved] |
| Exhibit J | Form of Elected Commitment Increase Certificate |
| Exhibit K | Form of Additional Lender Certificate |
| Exhibit L | Form of Solvency Certificate |
| Exhibit M | Form of Reserve Report Certificate |
| Schedule 1.01 | Existing Letters of Credit |
| Schedule 7.04 | Financial Condition |
| Schedule 7.05 | Litigation |
| Schedule 7.06 | Environmental Matters |
| Schedule 7.14 | Subsidiaries |
| Schedule 7.15 | Location of Business and Offices |
| Schedule 7.16 | Properties; Titles |
| Schedule 7.18 | Gas Imbalances, Prepayments |
| iv |
| Schedule 7.19 | Marketing of Production |
| Schedule 7.20 | Swap Agreements and Qualified ECP Guarantor |
| Schedule 7.26 | Minimum Volume Contracts |
| Schedule 7.28 | Accounts |
| Schedule 9.02 | Existing Debt |
| Schedule 9.03 | Existing Liens |
| Schedule 9.05 | Existing Investments |
| Schedule 9.14 | Existing Transactions with Affiliates |
| Schedule 9.16 | Existing Negative Pledge Agreements |
| v |
THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of June 11, 2024, is among BKV Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), BKV Upstream Midstream, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), each of the Lenders from time to time party hereto and Citibank, N.A. (in its individual capacity, “Citi”), as administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, together with its successors in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”).
R E C I T A L S
A. The Borrower has requested that the Lenders provide certain loans to and extensions of credit on behalf of the Borrower.
B. The Lenders have agreed to make such loans and extensions of credit subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
C. In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and of the loans, extensions of credit and commitments hereinafter referred to, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING MATTERS
Section 1.01 Terms Defined Above. As used in this Agreement, each term defined above has the meaning indicated above.
Section 1.02 Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
“ABR”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.
“ABR Term SOFR Determination Day” has the meaning assigned such term in the definition of “Term SOFR”.
“Account Control Agreement” means a control agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, which grants the Administrative Agent “control” as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the applicable jurisdiction over any Deposit Account, Securities Account or Commodity Account maintained by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case, among the Administrative Agent, the applicable Borrower or Subsidiary and the applicable financial institution at which such Deposit Account, Securities Account or Commodity Account is maintained.
“Additional Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.06(c)(i).
“Additional Lender Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.06(c)(ii)(F).
“Additional Mortgaged Property” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.04(c)(ii).
“Adjusted Term SOFR” means, for purposes of any calculation, the rate per annum equal to (a) Term SOFR for such calculation plus (b) the Term SOFR Adjustment; provided that if Adjusted Term SOFR as so determined shall ever be less than the Floor, then Adjusted Term SOFR shall be deemed to be the Floor.
| 1 |
“Administrative Agent” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereto.
“Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.
“Affected Financial Institution” means any (a) EEA Financial Institution or (b) UK Financial Institution.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.
“Agents” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent and each other agent appointed hereunder from time to time; and “Agent” shall mean either the Administrative Agent or such other agent, as the context requires.
“Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts” at any time shall equal the sum of the Elected Commitments, as the same may be increased, reduced or terminated pursuant to Section 2.06(c). As of the Effective Date, the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts are $600,000,000.
“Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts” at any time shall equal the sum of the Maximum Credit Amounts, as the same may be reduced or terminated pursuant to Section 2.06. The Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts of the Lenders as of the Effective Date is $1,500,000,000.
“Agreement” means this Credit Agreement, as the same may from time to time be amended, modified, supplemented or restated.
“Allocated Taxable Income” has the meaning assigned such term in the definition of “Permitted Tax Distribution”.
“Alternate Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1% and (c) the Adjusted Term SOFR for a one month Interest Period beginning on such day plus 1.0%. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate or the Adjusted Term SOFR shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate or the Adjusted Term SOFR, respectively.
“Ancillary Document” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 12.06(d).
“Anti-Corruption Laws” means all state or federal laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries from time to time concerning or relating to bribery, corruption or anti-money laundering, including the FCPA.
| 2 |
“Applicable Margin” means, for any day, with respect to any ABR Loan or SOFR Loan, or with respect to the commitment fee rate (the “Commitment Fee Rate”), as the case may be, the rate per annum set forth in the Borrowing Base Utilization Grid below based upon the Borrowing Base Utilization Percentage then in effect:
| Borrowing Base Utilization Grid | |||||
| Borrowing
Base Utilization Percentage |
<25% | >25%
<50% |
>50%
<75% |
>75%
<90% |
>90% |
| SOFR Loans | 2.75% | 3.00% | 3.25% | 3.50% | 3.75% |
| ABR Loans | 1.75% | 2.00% | 2.25% | 2.50% | 2.75% |
| Commitment Fee Rate | 0.500% | 0.500% | 0.500% | 0.500% | 0.500% |
Each change in the Applicable Margin and the Commitment Fee Rate shall apply during the period commencing on the effective date of such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change.
“Applicable Percentage” means, with respect to any Lender, the percentage of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts represented by such Lender’s Elected Commitment as such percentage is set forth on Annex I or in an Assignment and Assumption, as the case may be; provided that in the case of Section 2.09 when a Defaulting Lender shall exist, “Applicable Percentage” as used in such Section 2.09 shall mean the percentage of Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts (disregarding any Defaulting Lender’s Elected Commitment) represented by such Lender’s Elected Commitment Amount, as applicable. If the Commitments have terminated or expired, the “Applicable Percentage”, with respect to each Lender, shall mean the value, expressed as a percentage, of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure hereunder divided by the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure of all Lenders hereunder.
“Applicable Tax Rate” has the meaning assigned such term in the definition of “Permitted Tax Distribution”.
“Approved Accountant” means (a) Deloitte, (b) Ernst & Young LLP, (c) KPMG LLP, (d) PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and any other independent certified public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
“Approved Counterparty” means (a) any Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender and (b) any other Person if such Person or its credit support provider with respect to its Swap Agreements with the Credit Parties long term senior unsecured debt rating is BBB-/Baa3 by S&P or Moody’s (or their equivalent) or higher.
“Approved Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and 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.
“Approved Petroleum Engineers” means (a) Ryder Scott Company, L.P., (b) Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., (c) DeGolyer and MacNaughton and (d) any other independent petroleum engineers proposed by Borrower and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
“Arrangers” means Citibank, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Citizens Bank, N.A., Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Truist Securities, Inc., and Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, New York Branch // Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited in their capacities as the joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners hereunder.
“ASC” means the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification, as in effect from time to time.
“Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 12.04(b)), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit G or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
| 3 |
“Availability” means, as of any date, the Loan Limit then in effect less the total Revolving Credit Exposures.
“Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the Termination Date.
“Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, (a) if such Benchmark is a term rate, any tenor for such Benchmark (or component thereof) that is or may be used for determining the length of an interest period pursuant to this Agreement or (b) otherwise, any payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark (or component thereof) that is or may be used for determining any frequency of making payments of interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark pursuant to this Agreement, in each case, as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to Section 3.03.
“Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of any 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, regulation, rule 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 Price Deck” means the Administrative Agent’s internal price deck on a forward curve basis for each of oil, natural gas and other Hydrocarbons, as applicable, furnished to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Bank Products” means any of the following bank services: (a) commercial and corporate credit cards, merchant card services and purchase or debit cards, (b) stored value cards, (c) treasury management services and cash management agreements (including, without limitation, depository transactions, controlled disbursement, automated clearinghouse transactions, electronic funds transfers, return items, overdrafts and interstate depository network services) and (d) any other demand deposit account or operating account relationships and any other cash management services, including for collections and for operating, payroll and trust accounts of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries.
“Bank Products Provider” means any Lender or Affiliate of a Lender that provides Bank Products to the Borrower, any other Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary in its capacity as a provider of such Bank Products.
“Bankruptcy Event” means, with respect to any Person, such Person becomes the subject of a voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with the reorganization or liquidation of its business appointed for it, or, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such proceeding or appointment or has had any order for relief in such proceeding entered in respect thereof; provided that a Bankruptcy Event shall not result solely by virtue of any ownership interest, or the acquisition of any ownership interest, in such Person by a Governmental Authority or instrumentality thereof, unless such ownership interest results in or provides such Person 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 permits such Person (or such Governmental Authority or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made by such Person.
| 4 |
“Benchmark” means, initially, the Term SOFR Reference Rate; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event has occurred with respect to the Term SOFR Reference Rate or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to Section 3.03.
“Benchmark Replacement” means, with respect to any Benchmark Transition Event, the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement to the then-current Benchmark for dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; provided that, if such Benchmark Replacement as so determined would be less than the Floor, such Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement, the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower giving due consideration to (a) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body or (b) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time.
“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earlier to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(a) in the case of clause (a) or (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (i) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (ii) the date on which the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or
(b) in the case of clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the first date on which such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) has been determined and announced by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) to be non-representative; provided that such non-representativeness will be determined by reference to the most recent statement or publication referenced in such clause (c) and even if any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) continues to be provided on such date.
For the avoidance of doubt, the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (a) or (b) with respect to any Benchmark upon the occurrence of the applicable event or events set forth therein with respect to all then-current Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
| 5 |
“Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(a) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof), permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof);
(b) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof), the NYFRB, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or
(c) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are not, or as of a specified future date will not be, representative.
For the avoidance of doubt, a “Benchmark Transition Event” will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
“Benchmark Transition Start Date” means, in the case of a Benchmark Transition Event, the earlier of (a) the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and (b) if such Benchmark Transition Event is a public statement or publication of information of a prospective event, the 90th day prior to the expected date of such event as of such public statement or publication of information (or if the expected date of such prospective event is fewer than ninety (90) days after such statement or publication, the date of such statement or publication).
“Benchmark Unavailability Period” means, the period (if any) (a) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 3.03 and (b) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 3.03.
“Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership as 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 Section 3(3) of ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in 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”.
| 6 |
“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.
“Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America or any successor Governmental Authority.
“Borrower” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereto.
“Borrowing” means Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of SOFR Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.
“Borrowing Base” means at any time an amount equal to the amount determined in accordance with Section 2.07, as the same may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the Borrowing Base Adjustment Provisions. As of the Effective Date, the Borrowing Base is $800,000,000.
“Borrowing Base Adjustment Provisions” means Section 2.07(e), Section 2.07(f) or Section 2.07(g) and any other provision hereunder which adjusts (as opposed to redetermines) the amount of the Borrowing Base.
“Borrowing Base Asset Disposition” means (a) the sale, assignment, farm-out, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of Borrowing Base Properties, including any of the foregoing to an Unrestricted Subsidiary or due to a Casualty Event, (b) the designation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary that owns Borrowing Base Properties and (c) the sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition of Equity Interests in any Subsidiary that owns any Borrowing Base Properties or any interest in Hydrocarbons produced or to be produced therefrom, provided that no such sale, assignment, farm-out, transfer or other disposition between or among the Credit Parties shall constitute a Borrowing Base Asset Disposition.
“Borrowing Base Deficiency” occurs if at any time the total Revolving Credit Exposures exceeds the Loan Limit then in effect; provided, that, for purposes of determining the existence and amount of any Borrowing Base Deficiency, obligations under any Letter of Credit will not be deemed to be outstanding to the extent such obligations are cash collateralized in the manner set forth in Section 2.08(j).
“Borrowing Base Properties” means (a) the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries included in the most recently delivered Engineering Reports or otherwise evaluated for purposes of determining or adjusting the Borrowing Base then in effect, including in connection with the Borrowing Base Adjustment Provisions and (b) the Midstream Assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to which Borrowing Base value has been given (by way of, among other things, lease operating expense reductions of the other Oil and Gas Properties of the Credit Parties) in the most recently delivered Engineering Reports or otherwise evaluated for purposes of determining or adjusting the Borrowing Base then in effect, including in connection with the Borrowing Base Adjustment Provisions.
“Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation” means the liquidation, monetization, unwinding, termination or transfer (by novation or otherwise) of any commodity Swap Agreement, or the amendment of any such Swap Agreement in any way that could reasonably be expected to reduce the Borrowing Base value thereof, as determined by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition of Equity Interests in any Restricted Subsidiary that is a party to any such commodity Swap Agreement to a party that is not a Credit Party; provided that none of the following shall constitute a Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation: (a) any transfer (by novation or otherwise) of a Swap Agreement between or among the Credit Parties, (b) any novation of a Swap Agreement on the same terms from the existing counterparty to an Approved Counterparty, with a Credit Party being the “remaining party” for purposes of such novation, (c) the termination of a Swap Agreement at the end of its stated term and (d) any replacement, in a substantially contemporaneous transaction, of one or more Swap Agreements of any Credit Party with one or more Swap Agreements with any Credit Party covering Hydrocarbons of the type that were hedged pursuant to such replaced Swap Agreement(s) and with notional volumes, prices, tenors and economic effect during such tenors not less favorable to the applicable Credit Party as those set forth in such replaced Swap Agreement(s) and without cash payments or other consideration provided to any Credit Party in connection therewith; provided that if a Swap Agreement shall be partially replaced pursuant to clause (d) of this definition, then only the part of such Swap Agreement that is not so replaced shall be treated as the subject of a Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation.
| 7 |
“Borrowing Base Utilization Percentage” means, as of any day, the fraction expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the sum of the Revolving Credit Exposures of the Lenders on such day, and the denominator of which is the Borrowing Base in effect on such day.
“Borrowing Base Value” means (a) with respect to the Borrowing Base Properties that are acquired in a Specified Acquisition or transferred in any Borrowing Base Asset Disposition, the value that the Administrative Agent allocates to such Borrowing Base Properties (which, in the case of Midstream Assets, among other things, is determined by reference to the discounted present value of the net effect of such transfer on the amount of lease operating expenses of the other Oil and Gas Properties of the Credit Parties on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such transfer) in connection with the most recent determination or adjustment of the Borrowing Base hereunder and (b) with respect to the commodity Swap Agreement that is the subject of any Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation, the value that the Administrative Agent, allocates to such Swap Agreement in connection with the Borrowing Base existing at the time of such Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation.
“Borrowing Request” means a request by the Borrower for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03, which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
“Building” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulation.
“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day that is a legal holiday under the laws of the State of New York or in Thailand or is a day on which banking institutions in New York or Thailand are authorized or required by law to close.
“Cash Equivalents” means:
(a) direct obligations of the United States or any agency thereof, or obligations guaranteed by the United States or any agency thereof, in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;
(b) commercial paper maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof rated in the highest grade by S&P or Moody’s;
(c) demand deposits, and time deposits maturing within one year from the date of creation thereof, with or issued by any Lender or any office located in the United States of any other bank or trust company which is organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, has capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least $100,000,000 (as of the date of such bank or trust company’s most recent financial reports) and has a short term deposit rating of at least A2 or P2, as such rating is set forth from time to time, by S&P or Moody’s, respectively; and
| 8 |
(d) deposits in money market funds at least 95% of whose assets are cash and Investments described in the preceding clauses (a), (b) and (c) or otherwise complying with Rule 2a-7 of the SEC.
“Casualty Event” means any loss, casualty or other insured damage to, or any nationalization, taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any Property (including any improvements thereon) of any Credit Party or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries.
“CERCLA” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Environmental Laws.”
“CFC” shall mean a “controlled foreign corporation” as defined in Section 957 of the Code.
“Change in Law” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement of (a) the adoption of 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) compliance by any Lender or an Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 5.01(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any) with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided, however, for the purposes of this Agreement, (i) 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 (ii) 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, are deemed to have gone into effect and to have been adopted after the date of this Agreement.
“Change of Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events:
(a) at any time prior to consummation of a Qualified IPO, the Permitted Holders fail to “beneficially own”, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate, more than 60% on a fully diluted basis of the ordinary voting interests in the Equity Interests in Holdings;
(b) at any time on or after consummation of a Qualified IPO, any Person or “group” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) other than the Permitted Holders shall have (x) acquired beneficial ownership or control of 35% or more on a fully diluted basis of the voting and/or economic interest in the Equity Interests of Holdings; (y) acquired beneficial ownership or control of voting and/or economic interests in the Equity Interests of Holdings in excess of those interests owned and controlled by the Permitted Holders at such time; or (z) obtained the power (whether or not exercised) to elect a majority of the members of the board of directors (or similar governing body) of Holdings;
(c) Holdings shall cease to beneficially own and control, directly, 100% on a fully diluted basis of each class of voting Equity Interests of the Borrower; or
(d) a “change of control”, “change in control” or any other defined term describing a similar concept or having a similar purpose or meaning shall have occurred in respect of any Material Debt.
“Citi” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereto.
| 9 |
“Closing Date Financial Statements” means the consolidated financial statement or statements of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries referred to in Section 7.04(a).
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Collateral” means all Property of the Credit Parties, now owned or hereafter acquired, upon which a Lien is created or purported to be created by any Security Instrument, including without limitation, the Mortgaged Property, but excluding any Excluded Property.
“Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment of such Lender to make Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum aggregate amount of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) modified from time to time pursuant to Section 2.06, (b) modified from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 12.04(b) or (c) modified by any other amendment or modification of such Commitments permitted under this Agreement; and “Commitments” means the aggregate amount of the Commitments of all Lenders. The amount representing each Lender’s Commitment shall at any time be such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Loan Limit.
“Commitment Fee Rate” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Applicable Margin”.
“Commodity Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Commodity Exchange Act” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Conforming Changes” means, with respect to either the use or administration of Term SOFR or the use, administration, adoption or implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Alternate Base Rate,” the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “U.S. Government Securities Business Day,” the definition of “Interest Period” or any similar or analogous definition (or the addition of a concept of “interest period”), timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, the applicability and length of lookback periods, the applicability of Section 5.02 and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of any such rate or to permit the use and administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Administrative Agent determines that no market practice for the administration of any such rate exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents).
“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 Current Assets” means, as of any date of determination, the sum of (a) the consolidated current assets under GAAP of the Borrower and its Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date (including the unused amount of the Commitments to the extent that the Borrower is permitted to borrow such amount under the terms of this Agreement, including Section 6.02 hereof, but excluding (i) non-cash assets under ASC 410 and ASC 815 and (ii) deferred tax assets) and (b) to the extent not otherwise constituting current assets under GAAP, any Cash Equivalents of the Borrower and its Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date.
| 10 |
“Consolidated Current Liabilities” means, as of any date of determination, the consolidated current liabilities under GAAP of the Borrower and its Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date, but excluding (a) non-cash obligations under ASC 410 and ASC 815, (b) current maturities under this Agreement or any other long-term Debt for borrowed money, (c) any deferred tax liabilities and (d) the current portion of interest.
“Consolidated Net Income” means with respect to the Borrower and its Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, for any period and without duplication, the aggregate of the net income (or loss) of the Borrower and its Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries after allowances for Taxes for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded from such net income (to the extent otherwise included therein) the following: (a) the net income of any Person in which the Borrower or any Consolidated Restricted Subsidiary has an interest (which interest does not cause the net income of such other Person to be consolidated with the net income of the Borrower and its Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP) or of any Unrestricted Subsidiary, except to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions actually paid in cash during such period by such other Person to the Borrower or to a Consolidated Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be; (b) the net income (but not loss) during such period of any Consolidated Restricted Subsidiary to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions or transfers or loans by that Consolidated Restricted Subsidiary is not at the time permitted by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument or Governmental Requirement applicable to such Consolidated Restricted Subsidiary or is otherwise restricted or prohibited, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP; (c) the net income (or loss) of any Person acquired in a pooling-of-interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such transaction; (d) any gains or losses attributable to writeups or writedowns of assets; (e) any non-cash, mark-to-market gains or losses under ASC 815 as the result of changes in the fair market value of derivatives (and any statements replacing, modifying or superseding such statement); (f) any cancellation of indebtedness income; and (g) the net income (or loss) of any Person resulting from asset sales, including Swap Liquidations (solely to the extent such Swap Liquidation is in respect of volumes for calendar years following the year in which the Swap Liquidation is effective) but excluding the sale of Hydrocarbons in the ordinary course of business.
“Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries” means any Restricted Subsidiaries that are Consolidated Subsidiaries.
“Consolidated Subsidiaries” means each Subsidiary of the Borrower (whether now existing or hereafter created or acquired) the financial statements of which shall be (or should have been) consolidated with the financial statements of the Borrower in accordance with GAAP.
“Consolidated Unrestricted Subsidiaries” means any Unrestricted Subsidiaries that are Consolidated Subsidiaries.
“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. For the purposes of this definition, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any Person that owns directly or indirectly 10% or more of the Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of the directors or other governing body of a Person (other than as a limited partner of such other Person) will be deemed to “control” such other Person. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.
| 11 |
“Covered Entity” means any of the following: (a) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); (b) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (c) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).
“Credit Parties” means, collectively, the Borrower and each Guarantor, and “Credit Party” means any one of the foregoing.
“Cure Amount” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.01(c).
“Cure Period” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.01(c).
“Current Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Current Assets as of such date to (b) Consolidated Current Liabilities as of such date.
“Debt” means, for any Person, the sum of the following (without duplication):
(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, bankers’ acceptances, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;
(b) all obligations of such Person (whether contingent or otherwise) in respect of letters of credit, surety or other bonds and similar instruments;
(c) all accounts payable and all accrued expenses, liabilities or other obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of Property or services (excluding (i) any earn out obligation until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and (ii) accounts payable and accrued expenses, liabilities or other obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of Property or services, from time to time incurred in the ordinary course of business which are not greater than ninety (90) days past due or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with GAAP);
(d) all obligations under Finance Leases;
(e) all obligations under Synthetic Leases;
(f) all Swap Obligations;
(g) all Debt (as defined in the other clauses of this definition) of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Debt has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) a Lien on any Property of such Person, whether or not such Debt is assumed by such Person, to the extent of the lesser of (i) the amount of such Debt and (ii) the fair market value (as determined by the Borrower in good faith) of the Property of such Person securing such Debt;
(h) all Debt (as defined in the other clauses of this definition) of others guaranteed by such Person or in which such Person otherwise assures a creditor against loss of the Debt (howsoever such assurance shall be made) to the extent of the lesser of the amount of such Debt and the maximum stated amount of such guarantee or assurance against loss;
(i) all obligations or undertakings of such Person to maintain or cause to be maintained the financial position or covenants of others and, to the extent entered into as a means of providing credit support for the obligations of others and not primarily to enable such Person to acquire any such Property, all obligations or undertakings of such Person to purchase the Debt or Property of others;
| 12 |
(j) obligations to deliver commodities, goods or services, including, without limitation, Hydrocarbons, in consideration of one or more advance payments, other than gas balancing arrangements in the ordinary course of business;
(k) obligations to pay for goods or services even if such goods or services are not actually received or utilized by such Person;
(l) any Debt of a partnership for which such Person is liable either by agreement, by operation of law or by a Governmental Requirement but only to the extent of such liability;
(m) Disqualified Capital Stock; and
(n) the undischarged balance of any production payment created by such Person or for the creation of which such Person directly or indirectly received payment;
provided that Debt shall not include any obligations described in clause (k) of this definition to the extent such obligations are in respect of Minimum Volume Contracts, firm transportation agreements, take or pay contracts or other similar arrangements in the ordinary course of business.
Except as explicitly set forth above, the Debt of any Person shall include all obligations of such Person of the character described above to the extent such Person remains legally liable in respect thereof notwithstanding that any such obligation is not included as a liability of such Person under GAAP.
“Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.
“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.
“Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed, within two (2) Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Loans, (ii) fund any portion of its participations in Letters of Credit or (iii) pay over to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless, in the case of clause (i) above, such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent to funding (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) has not been satisfied; (b) has notified the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any other Lender in writing, or has made a public statement, to the effect that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement (unless such writing or public statement indicates that such position is based on such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) to funding a loan under this Agreement cannot be satisfied) or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit; (c) has failed, within three (3) Business Days after request by the Administrative Agent or a Credit Party, acting in good faith, to provide a certification in writing from an authorized officer of such Lender that it will comply with its obligations to fund prospective Loans and participations in then outstanding Letters of Credit under this Agreement; provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon the Administrative Agent’s and such Credit Party’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to it and the Administrative Agent; or (d) has (or whose parent company has) become the subject of (i) a Bankruptcy Event or (ii) 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.
| 13 |
“Deposit Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Disqualified Capital Stock” means any Equity Interest that (a) by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable) or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable for any consideration other than other Equity Interests (which would not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of any change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders of such Equity Interests upon the change of control or asset sale (including a condemnation or casualty event) shall be subject to the prior occurrence of Payment in Full), or is convertible or exchangeable for Debt or redeemable for any consideration other than other Equity Interests (which would not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock) at the option of the holder thereof (except as a result of any change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders of such Equity Interests upon the change of control or asset sale shall be subject to the prior occurrence of Payment in Full), in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is one year after the earlier of (i) the Final Maturity Date and (ii) Payment in Full, (b) provides for the scheduled payment of dividends in cash or other Property on or prior to the date that is one year after the earlier of (i) the Final Maturity Date and (ii) Payment in Full or (c) is or becomes convertible or exchangeable for Debt or any other Equity Interest that would constitute Disqualified Capital Stock; provided that any Equity Interests held by any future, present or former employee, director, manager or consultant of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any other entity in which a Credit Party has an Investment and is designated in good faith as an “affiliate” by the board of directors or managers of the Borrower, in each case pursuant to any equity holders’ agreement, management equity plan or stock incentive plan or any other compensation or employee benefit plan or agreement shall not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock solely because it may be repurchased or redeemed by Holdings, the Borrower or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
“Distributable Free Cash Flow” means, as of any time of determination following the first fiscal quarter for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent following the Effective Date, an amount equal to:
(a) Free Cash Flow for the period starting on the later to occur of (x) the Effective Date and (y) the first day of the most recently ended Test Period and ending on the last day of the most recently ended Test Period, minus
(b) the difference (if positive) of
(i) the aggregate amount of the Free Cash Flow Utilizations that have occurred during such Test Period and through such time of determination, minus
(ii) the aggregate amount of any Free Cash Flow Utilizations that occurred during such Test Period and which are attributable to Free Cash Flow generated during the four fiscal quarter period ending immediately prior to such Test Period.
“dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the United States of America.
| 14 |
“Domestic Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia.
“EBITDAX” means, for any period, the sum of Consolidated Net Income for such period plus the following expenses or charges to the extent deducted from Consolidated Net Income in such period: (a) Interest Expense, depreciation, depletion, amortization and exploration expenses (to the extent the Borrower adopts the successful efforts method of accounting), and all Taxes based on income, profits or capital, franchise and margin Taxes and other similar Taxes, including federal and state and local Taxes, foreign income and withholding Taxes, (b) other noncash charges and losses (provided that if any such noncash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from EBITDAX to such extent), (c) cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenditures) not representing EBITDAX or Consolidated Net Income in any period to the extent non-cash gains relating to such income were deducted in the calculation of EBITDAX or Consolidated Net Income for any previous period and not added back, (d) Transaction Costs with respect to Transactions occurring on the Effective Date, (e) the amount of any extraordinary or non-recurring gains or losses not already governed by clauses (a) through (d) above, minus all noncash income and gains to the extent added to Consolidated Net Income in such period; provided that if the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall acquire or dispose of any Property having a fair market value equal to 5.0% of the then effective Borrowing Base during such period, then Consolidated Net Income shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect to such acquisition or disposition, as if such acquisition or disposition had occurred on the first day of such period and if during such period a Subsidiary shall be designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary, EBITDAX shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect to such designation or redesignation, as if such designation or redesignation had occurred on the first day of such period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, EBITDAX shall be deemed to be $47,580,000, $72,321,000, $80,925,000 and $56,469,000, for the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2023, September 30, 2023, December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024, respectively.
“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 clause (a) or clause (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.
“Effective Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 6.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 12.02).
“Elected Commitment” means, as to each Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Annex I under the caption “Elected Commitment”, as the same may be increased, reduced or terminated from time to time in connection with an optional increase, reduction or termination of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts pursuant to Section 2.06(c).
“Elected Commitment Increase Certificate” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.06(c)(ii)(E).
| 15 |
“Electronic Signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to, or associated with, a contract or other record and adopted by a Person with the intent to sign, authenticate or accept such contract or record.
“Engineering Reports” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.07(c)(i).
“Environmental Laws” means any and all Governmental Requirements pertaining to the protection of the environment or human health and safety (to the extent relating to exposure to Hazardous Materials), the preservation or reclamation of natural resources, or the generation, use, treatment, storage, management, transportation, Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials, in effect in any and all jurisdictions in which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is conducting business, or where any Property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary is located, including, without limitation, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended, the Clean Air Act, as amended, the Comprehensive Environmental, Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”), as amended, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (“RCRA”), as amended, the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, as amended, and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended, and any foreign, state, provincial or local counterparts or analogues.
“Environmental Permit” means any permit, registration, license, notice, approval, consent, exemption, waiver, variance, or other authorization required under, or issued to any Credit Party by any Governmental Authority pursuant to, applicable Environmental Laws.
“Equity Interests” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any such Equity Interest.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, any successor statute thereto, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“ERISA Affiliate” means each trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which together with the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary would be deemed to be a “single employer” within the meaning of sections 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of section 302 of ERISA or section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under sections 414(m) or (o) of the Code. Any entity that qualified as an ERISA Affiliate on any date prior to the date hereof, shall continue to be an ERISA Affiliate, under this definition, for any period during which any of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary could remain liable under the Code or ERISA on account of such prior ERISA Affiliate status.
“ERISA Event” means (a) the occurrence of a “Reportable Event” described in section 4043(c) of ERISA with respect to a Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA that is a single employer plan as defined in section 4001 of ERISA, other than a Reportable Event as to which the provisions of thirty (30) days’ notice to the PBGC is expressly waived under applicable regulations, (b) the filing by the Borrower, a Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate pursuant to section 412(c) of the Code or section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan, (c) the withdrawal of the Borrower, a Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Plan during a plan year in which it was a “substantial employer” as defined in section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA or the incurrence by the Borrower, a Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Plan, (d) a determination that a Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent, or in “endangered” or “critical” status (within the meaning of sections 431 or 432 of the Code), (e) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Plan or the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under section 4041 of ERISA, (f) the institution of proceedings to terminate a Plan by the PBGC, (g) receipt by the Borrower, a Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate of a notice of withdrawal liability pursuant to section 4202 of ERISA, (h) the occurrence of any other event or condition which would reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan or (i) the assessment or imposition of any other liability under Title IV of ERISA.
| 16 |
“Erroneous Payment” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 11.12(a).
“Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 11.12(d).
“Erroneous Payment Impacted Class” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 11.12(d).
“Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 11.12(d).
“Erroneous Payment Subrogation Rights” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 11.12(d).
“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 assigned to such term in Section 10.01.
“Excepted Liens” means: (a) Liens for Taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or levies which are not delinquent or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP; (b) Liens in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance or other social security, old age pension, public liability, or environmental, health or safety obligations which are not overdue by more than thirty (30) days or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with GAAP; (c) statutory landlord’s liens, operators’, vendors’, carriers’, warehousemen’s, repairmen’s, mechanics’, suppliers’, workers’, materialmen’s, construction or other like Liens, in each case, arising by operation of law in the ordinary course of business or incident to the exploration, development, operation and maintenance of Oil and Gas Properties each of which is in respect of obligations that are not overdue by more than thirty (30) days or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with GAAP; (d) contractual Liens which arise in the ordinary course of business under operating agreements, joint venture agreements, oil and gas partnership agreements, oil and gas leases, farm-out agreements, division orders, contracts for the sale, transportation or exchange of oil and natural gas, unitization and pooling declarations and agreements, area of mutual interest agreements, overriding royalty agreements, marketing agreements, processing agreements, net profits agreements, development agreements, gas balancing or deferred production agreements, injection, repressuring and recycling agreements, salt water or other disposal agreements, seismic or other geophysical permits or agreements, and other agreements which are usual and customary in the oil and gas business and are for claims which are not delinquent or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with GAAP, provided that any such Lien referred to in this clause (d) does not materially impair the use of the Property covered by such Lien for the purposes for which such Property is held by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or materially impair the value of such Property subject thereto; (e) Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provision relating to banker’s liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies and burdening only deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a creditor depository institution, provided that no such deposit account is a dedicated cash collateral account or is subject to restrictions against access by the depositor in excess of those set forth by regulations promulgated by the Board and no such deposit account is intended by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to provide collateral to the depository institution; (f) easements, restrictions, servitudes, permits, conditions, covenants, exceptions or reservations in any Property of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of roads, pipelines, transmission lines, transportation lines, distribution lines for the removal of gas, oil, coal or other minerals or timber, and other like purposes, or for the joint or common use of real estate, rights of way, facilities and equipment, that do not secure any monetary obligations and which in the aggregate do not materially impair the use of such Property for the purposes for which such Property is held by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or materially impair the value of such Property subject thereto; (g) Liens on cash or securities pledged to secure performance of tenders, surety and appeal bonds, government contracts, performance and return of money bonds, bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, regulatory obligations and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business; (h) judgment and attachment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default, provided that any appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment shall not have been finally terminated or the period within which such proceeding may be initiated shall not have expired and no action to enforce such Lien has been commenced; (i) encumbrances consisting of deed restrictions, zoning restrictions, and other similar restrictions on the use of Oil and Gas Properties, none of which, in the aggregate, materially impairs the use of such property by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the operation of its business or materially detracts from the value of such properties, and none of which, in the aggregate, is or shall be violated in any material respect by existing proposed operations; (j) purported Liens evidenced by the filing of UCC financing statements solely as a precautionary measure in connection with operating leases of personal property; (k) Immaterial Title Deficiencies; and (1) Liens on cash earnest money deposited pursuant to the terms of an agreement to acquire assets used in, or Persons engaged in, the oil and gas business, as permitted by this Agreement; provided, further, that (i) Liens described in clauses (a) through (e) shall remain “Excepted Liens” only for so long as no action to enforce such Lien has been commenced (or if commenced, has been stayed) and no intention to subordinate the first priority Lien granted in favor of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties is to be hereby implied or expressed by the permitted existence of such Excepted Liens and (ii) the term “Excepted Liens” shall not include any Lien securing Debt for borrowed money other than the Obligations.
| 17 |
“Excess Cash” means, as of any date of determination, cash and Cash Equivalents of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Excluded Cash) in excess of $75,000,000.
“Excluded Accounts” means (a) Deposit Accounts the balance of which consists exclusively of (i) withheld Taxes and federal, state or local employment Taxes required to be paid to the IRS or state or local government agencies with respect to employees of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) amounts required to be paid over to a Benefit Plan pursuant to DOL Reg. Sec. 2510.3 102 on behalf of or for the benefit of employees of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (b) all segregated Deposit Accounts constituting (and the balance of which consists solely of funds set aside in connection with) payroll accounts, trust accounts, and accounts dedicated to the payment of accrued employee benefits, medical, dental and employee benefits claims to employees of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (c) trust and suspense accounts of Holdings, the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary holding royalty obligations owed to a person other than Holdings, the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary and (d) de minimis Deposit Accounts the balance of which is equal to or less than $1,000,000 for any individual accounts and $5,000,000 in the aggregate for all such accounts, in each case of the end of each day.
“Excluded Cash” means, at any time, (a) any cash set aside to pay royalty obligations, obligations to non-operating working interest owners, suspense payments, similar payments as are customary in the oil and gas industry, severance and ad valorem taxes, payroll, payroll taxes, other Taxes, and employee wage and benefit payment obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary then due and owing (or to be due and owing within five (5) Business Days) and for which the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary has issued checks or has initiated wires or ACH transfers or will issue checks or initiate wires or ACH transfers within five (5) Business Days in order to make such payments, (b) to the extent the payment of such amounts are not prohibited by this Agreement, other amounts in respect of which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary has issued checks or has initiated wires or ACH transfers to Persons that are not Affiliates of a Credit Party but that have not yet been subtracted from the balance in the relevant account of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (c) any cash of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries constituting pledges and/or deposits securing any binding and enforceable purchase and sale agreement with any Persons who are not Affiliates of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, in each case to the extent permitted by this Agreement, (d) cash or Cash Equivalents of any Credit Party to be used by any Credit Party within five (5) Business Days to pay the purchase price for any acquisition of any assets or property by such Credit Party pursuant to an executed and binding agreement between such Credit Party and a third-party seller that is not an Affiliate of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (e) cash deposited with an Issuing Bank to cash collateralize Letters of Credit in accordance with Section 2.08(j) and (f) any cash or Cash Equivalents subject to a Lien pursuant to clause (g) of the definition of “Excepted Liens”.
| 18 |
“Excluded Property” means (a) any motor vehicles, rolling stock or other assets in which a lien can only be perfected by action with respect to a certificate of title (except to the extent the security interest in such assets can be perfected by the filing of an “all assets” UCC-1 financing statement); (b) any assets to the extent that, and only for so long as, the granting of security interests in such assets would be prohibited by an enforceable contractual obligation binding on the assets that existed at the time of the acquisition thereof and was not created or made binding on the assets in contemplation or in connection with the acquisition of such assets, applicable law or regulation (in each case, except to the extent such prohibition (i) could be waived by the Borrower, any other Credit Party, any Restricted Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing, (ii) is the result of an attempt to circumvent the collateral requirements of the Loan Documents or (iii) is unenforceable after giving effect to all applicable provisions of the UCC or any other applicable Governmental Requirement, other than proceeds thereof, the assignment of which is expressly deemed effective under the UCC notwithstanding such prohibitions) or to the extent that such security interests would require obtaining the consent of any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such property or assets; provided that, immediately upon the ineffectiveness, waiver, lapse or termination of any such provision, the Collateral shall include, and such Credit Party shall be deemed to have granted a security interest in, all such rights and interests as if such provision had never been in effect; (c) margin stock and, to the extent prohibited by the terms of any applicable organizational documents, joint venture agreement or shareholders’ agreement with an unaffiliated third parties, equity interests in any person other than Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries or Restricted Subsidiaries (but only for so long as such restriction, or any replacement or renewal thereof, is in effect and was not entered into in contemplation of such property becoming Excluded Property); (d) any Trademark application filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the basis of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary’s intent-to-use such trademark prior to the filing of a “Statement of Use” pursuant to Section 1(d) of the Lanham Act or an “Amendment to Allege Use” pursuant to Section 1(c) of the Lanham Act with respect thereto, to the extent, and only for so long as, the granting by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of a security interest therein would result in the loss by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of any material rights therein, or impair the validity or enforceability of any registration that issues therefrom under applicable federal law; (e) any contract, license, agreement, instrument or other document (or any items of property, subject thereto) to the extent that, and only for so long as, the grant of a security interest therein is prohibited thereby, or constitutes a default thereunder (other than to the extent that the term in such contract, license, agreement, instrument or other document providing for such termination or default is ineffective under Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the UCC or any successor provision or provisions of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law or regulation or principles of equity); provided that, immediately upon the ineffectiveness, waiver, lapse or termination of any such provision, the Collateral shall include, and the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to have granted a security interest in, all such rights and interests as if such provision had never been in effect; (f) any equipment or other asset owned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that is subject to a purchase money lien or a Finance Lease, in each case, as permitted under the Loan Documents, if the contract or other agreement in which such Lien is granted (or the documentation providing for such Finance Lease) prohibits or requires the consent of any Person other than Holdings, the Borrower, the Restricted Subsidiaries or any Affiliate of the foregoing as a condition to the creation of any other security interest on such equipment or asset, such consent has not been obtained, and, in each case, such prohibition or requirement is permitted by the Loan Documents; (g) any Letter-of-Credit Rights (other than to the extent a Lien thereon can be perfected by filing an “all assets” UCC-1 or automatically as a supporting obligation for other collateral required to be perfected under the Loan Documents); (h) those assets as to which the Administrative Agent and the Borrower reasonably determine in writing that the cost of obtaining such a security interest or perfection thereof are excessive in relation to the benefit to the Secured Parties of the security to be afforded thereby; (i) Equity Interests in any CFC or FSHCO representing in excess of 65% of the voting Equity Interests in such CFC or FSHCO; (j) any assets located outside of the United States to the extent that such assets require action under the law of any non-U.S. jurisdiction to create or perfect a security interest in such assets under such non-U.S. jurisdiction, including any intellectual property registered in any non-U.S. jurisdiction; and (k) any Building or Manufactured (Mobile) Home; provided that “Excluded Property” shall, in the case of clauses (b) and (d) of this definition, not be construed to limit, impair or otherwise affect the Administrative Agent’s continuing security interests in the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary’s rights to or interests of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in (x) monies due or to become due under any such contract, license, agreement, instrument or other document (to the extent not prohibited by such contract, license, agreement, instrument or other document and applicable law), or (y) any proceeds from the sale, license, lease or other disposition of any such contract, license, agreement, instrument or other document, in each case, unless such monies or proceeds would constitute Excluded Property.
| 19 |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Excluded Property shall not include, and therefore the Collateral shall include (i) any right to receive proceeds from the sale or other disposition of Excluded Property, (ii) any Proceeds, products, substitutes or replacements of any Excluded Property (unless such Proceeds, products, substitutes or replacements independently constitute Excluded Property), (iii) real property, including Hydrocarbon Interests except those assets as to which the Required Lenders and the Borrower reasonably determine that the cost of obtaining such a security interest or perfection thereof are excessive in relation to the benefit to the Lenders of the security to be afforded thereby, (iv) all equity interests in Subsidiaries of Holdings, the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than margin stock), (v) the right to any distributions (whether periodic or in liquidation or dissolution) with respect to any Equity Interests, (vi) Hydrocarbons, (vii) as-extracted collateral, (viii) fixtures and (xi) all rights of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries under (A) any oil and gas leases or (B) any agreement between such Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries and any Affiliate thereof.
“Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Credit Party individually determined on a Credit Party by Credit Party basis, any Debt in respect of any Swap Agreement if, and solely to the extent that, all or a portion of the guarantee by such Credit Party of, or the grant by such Credit Party of a security interest or other Lien to secure, such Debt in respect of any Swap Agreement (or any guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under, the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Credit Party’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act at the time such guarantee or grant of a security interest or other Lien becomes effective with respect to such related Debt in respect of any Swap Agreement. If any Debt in respect of any Swap Agreement arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Debt in respect of any Swap Agreement that is attributable to swaps for which such guarantee or security interest or other Lien is or becomes illegal.
| 20 |
“Excluded Taxes” means, any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, or any Issuing Bank, as applicable (each, a “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 of any Lender, applicable 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, any U.S. federal withholding Taxes that are 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 (1) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 5.04(b)) or (2) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 5.03, 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 5.03(f), and (d) any withholding Taxes imposed by FATCA.
“Existing Credit Facilities” means the Credit Agreement dated as of June 16, 2022 among Holdings, as borrower, the lenders party thereto and Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, New York Branch, as administrative agent, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the Credit Agreement dated as of August 24, 2022, among Holdings, as borrower, the lenders party thereto and Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, New York Branch, as administrative agent, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, and the Facility Letter dated as of February 7, 2022 among Holdings, as borrower, and Standard Chartered Bank as lender, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Existing Letters of Credit” means those certain letters of credit set forth on Schedule 1.01 hereto.
“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the Effective Date (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among Governmental Authorities and implementing such Sections of the Code.
“FCPA” means the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.
“Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the greater of (a) the rate calculated by the NYFRB based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depositary institutions (as determined in such manner as the NYFRB shall set forth on its public website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as the federal funds effective rate and (b) zero percent (0.00%).
“Fee Letters” means (a) that certain Fee Letter dated as of May 20, 2024, by and among the Holdings and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and (b) any other fee letters that may be entered into from time to time between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and/or any Arranger.
“Final Maturity Date” means June 12, 2028.
“Finance Leases” means, in respect of any Person, all leases which shall have been, or should have been, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as finance leases on the balance sheet of the Person liable (whether contingent or otherwise) for the payment of rent thereunder.
| 21 |
“Financial Officer” means, for any Person, the president, any vice president, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, principal accounting officer or treasurer of such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a Financial Officer mean a Financial Officer of the Borrower.
“Flood Insurance Regulations” means (a) the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (b) the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (c) the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (amending 42 USC § 4001, et seq.), as the same may be amended or recodified from time to time or any successor statute thereto, (d) the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, and (e) the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, together with all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing, implementing or interpreting any of the foregoing, as amended or modified from time to time.
“Floor” means a rate of interest equal to 0.00%.
“Foreign Lender” means any Lender that is not a U.S. Person.
“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.
“Free Cash Flow” means, for any Test Period, to the extent generated after the Effective Date, EBITDAX of the Borrower and its Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries for such Test Period minus the increase (or plus the decrease) in working capital from the previous Test Period as would be shown in the cash flow from operating activities section of the Borrower’s statement of cash flows prepared using the indirect method in accordance with GAAP for such Test Period minus the sum, in each case without duplication, of the following amounts for such period:
(a) voluntary, mandatory and scheduled cash prepayments and repayments of any outstanding principal of Debt for borrowed money of the Borrower and the Consolidated Group (other than the Loans) which cannot be reborrowed pursuant to the terms of such Debt (other than any Free Cash Flow Utilization pursuant to clause (c) of the definition of “Free Cash Flow Utilization”), (excluding such payments financed by any issuance or incurrence of Debt, debt securities or other similar debt instruments (in each case other than proceeds of the Loans),
(b) capital expenditures made in cash, (excluding such capital expenditures financed by any issuance or incurrence of Debt, debt securities or other similar debt instruments (in each case other than proceeds of the Loans)),
(c) Interest Expense paid in cash minus cash interest income,
(d) Taxes paid in cash,
(e) exploration expenses or costs paid in cash,
(f) Investments made in cash (other than any Free Cash Flow Utilization pursuant to clause (a) of the definition of “Free Cash Flow Utilization”),
(g) Restricted Payments made in cash (other than any Free Cash Flow Utilization pursuant to clause (b) of the definition of “Free Cash Flow Utilization”), and
| 22 |
(h) to the extent not included in the foregoing and added back in the definition of EBITDAX, any other cash charge that reduces the earnings of the Borrower and its Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries.
“Free Cash Flow Utilizations” means each of the following: (a) any Investment made pursuant to Section 9.05(g)(i), (b) any Restricted Payment made pursuant to Section 9.04(a)(iv)(A) and (c) any Redemption made pursuant to Section 9.04(b)(i)(D)(1).
“FSHCO” means a Subsidiary that owns (directly or indirectly) no material assets other than Equity Interests (or Equity Interests and debt interests) of one or more CFCs and/or other FSHCOs.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect from time to time subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 1.05.
“Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States of America, any other nation (including any tribal nation) or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, commission, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supranational bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).
“Governmental Requirement” means any law, statute, code, ordinance, order, determination, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, injunction, franchise, permit, certificate, license, rules of common law, authorization or other directive or requirement, whether now or hereinafter in effect, of any Governmental Authority.
“Guarantee and Collateral Agreement” means a Guarantee and Collateral Agreement among each Credit Party and the Administrative Agent in substantially the form of Exhibit F unconditionally guarantying, on a joint and several basis, payment of the Obligations and granting Liens and security interests in the Equity Interests in the Restricted Subsidiaries owned by such Credit Parties and the Credit Parties’ other personal property constituting Collateral (as defined therein) in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties to secure the Obligations.
“Guarantors” means (a) the Borrower, (b) Holdings and (c) each Material Subsidiary or other Domestic Subsidiary that guarantees the Obligations pursuant to Section 8.13(b).
“Hazardous Material” means (a) any chemical, compound, material, product, byproduct, substance or waste defined as or included in the definition or meaning of “hazardous substance,” “hazardous material,” “hazardous waste,” “solid waste,” “toxic waste,” “extremely hazardous substance,” “toxic substance,” “contaminant,” “pollutant,” or words of similar meaning, import or regulatory effect found in, or for which liability or standards of conduct may be imposed pursuant to, any Environmental Law; (b) Hydrocarbons, petroleum products, petroleum substances, natural gas, oil, oil and gas waste, crude oil, and any components, fractions, or derivatives thereof; and (c) radioactive materials, explosives, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, radon, infectious or regulated medical wastes.
“Highest Lawful Rate” means, with respect to each Lender, the maximum nonusurious interest rate, if any, that at any time or from time to time may be contracted for, taken, reserved, charged or received on the Loans or on other Obligations under laws applicable to such Lender which are presently in effect or, to the extent allowed by law, under such applicable laws which may hereafter be in effect and which allow a higher maximum nonusurious interest rate than applicable laws allow as of the date hereof.
| 23 |
“Holdings” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereto.
“Holdings Intercompany Debt” means the indebtedness, payables or other obligations, incurred by Holdings, pursuant to that certain Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2022, by and between Banpu North America Corporation, as lender and BKV Corporation, as borrower.
“Hydrocarbon Interests” means all rights, titles, interests and estates now or hereafter acquired in and to oil and gas leases, oil, gas and mineral leases, or other liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon leases, mineral fee interests, overriding royalty and royalty interests, net profit interests and production payment interests, including any reserved or residual interests of whatever nature.
“Hydrocarbons” means oil, gas, casinghead gas, drip gasoline, natural gasoline, condensate, distillate, liquid hydrocarbons, gaseous hydrocarbons and all products refined or separated therefrom.
“Immaterial Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary that is not a Material Subsidiary.
“Immaterial Title Deficiencies” shall mean, with respect to Oil and Gas Properties, defects or clouds on title, discrepancies in reported net revenue and working interest ownership percentage and other Liens, defects, discrepancies and similar matters which do not, individually or in the aggregate, affect Oil and Gas Properties with a present value greater than five percent (5.0%) of the present value of all Oil and Gas Properties.
“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 Credit Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a), Other Taxes.
“Indemnitee” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 12.03(b).
“Information” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 12.11.
“Initial Reserve Report” means the Reserve Report prepared by Ryder Scott Company, L.P. as of January 1, 2024.
“Interest Election Request” means a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.04, which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit C or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
“Interest Expense” means, for any period, the sum (determined without duplication) of the aggregate gross interest expense of the Borrower and its Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, including to the extent included in interest expense under GAAP: (a) amortization of debt discount, (b) capitalized interest and (c) the portion of any payments or accruals under Finance Leases allocable to interest expense, plus the portion of any payments or accruals under Synthetic Leases allocable to interest expense whether or not the same constitutes interest expense under GAAP.
“Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan, the last day of each March, June, September and December and the Termination Date and (b) with respect to any SOFR Loan, the last day of each Interest Period therefor and, in the case of any Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period and the Termination Date.
| 24 |
“Interest Period” means, as to any SOFR Loan or Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Loan or Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, three or six months thereafter (in each case, subject to the availability thereof), as specified in the applicable Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request; provided that (a) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, (b) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period, (c) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date and (d) no tenor that has been removed from this definition pursuant to Section 3.03 shall be available for specification in such Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request. For purposes hereof, the date of a Loan or Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Loan or Borrowing is made and thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Loan or Borrowing.
“Interim Redetermination” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.07(b).
“Interim Redetermination Date” means the date on which a Borrowing Base that has been redetermined pursuant to an Interim Redetermination becomes effective as provided in Section 2.07(d).
“Internal Petroleum Engineer” means the Corporate Reserves Lead of the Borrower or another officer of the Borrower reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
“Investment” means, for any Person: (a) the acquisition (whether for cash, Property, services or securities or otherwise) of Equity Interests in any other Person (including, without limitation, any “short sale” or any sale of any securities at a time when such securities are not owned by the Person entering into such short sale); (b) the making of any deposit with, or advance, loan or capital contribution to, assumption of Debt of, purchase or other acquisition of any other Debt or equity participation or interest in, or other extension of credit to, any other Person (including the purchase of Property from another Person subject to an understanding or agreement, contingent or otherwise, to resell such Property to such Person, but excluding any such advance, loan or extension of credit having a term not exceeding ninety (90) days representing the purchase price of inventory or supplies sold by such Person in the ordinary course of business); (c) the purchase or acquisition (in one or a series of transactions) of Property (other than Equity Interests) of another Person that constitutes a business unit; or (d) the entering into of any guarantee of, or other contingent obligation (including the deposit of any Equity Interests to be sold) with respect to, any Debt or other liability of any other Person and (without duplication) any amount committed to be advanced, lent or extended to such Person.
“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
“Issuing Banks” means each of Citi, Barclays Bank PLC and any other Lender that agrees in writing with the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to issue Letters of Credit under this Agreement, in each case in their capacity as the issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, and any successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.08(i). Any Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of such Issuing Bank, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate.
“LC Commitment” means, at any time, the lesser of (a) the Loan Limit in effect at such time and (b) $50,000,000.
“LC Disbursement” means a payment made by an Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.
25
“LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time. The LC Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total LC Exposure at such time.
“LC Issuance Limit” means, with respect to each Issuing Bank, the amount set forth on Annex II opposite such Issuing Bank’s name.
“Lender Parent” means, with respect to any Lender, any Person as to which such Lender is, directly or indirectly, a subsidiary.
“Lender-Related Person” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 12.03(d).
“Lenders” means the Persons listed on Annex I, any Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or any amendment or modification to this Agreement and any Person that shall have become a party hereto as an Additional Lender pursuant to Section 2.06(c), in each case other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption.
“Letter of Credit” means any standby letter of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement.
“Letter of Credit Agreements” means all letter of credit applications and other agreements (including any amendments, modifications or supplements thereto) submitted by the Borrower, or entered into by the Borrower, with the Issuing Banks relating to any Letter of Credit.
“Liabilities” means any losses, claims (including intraparty claims), demands, damages or liabilities of any kind.
“Lien” means any interest in Property securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of the Property, whether such interest is based on the common law, statute or contract, and whether such obligation or claim is fixed or contingent, and including but not limited to (a) the lien or security interest arising from a deed of trust, mortgage, encumbrance, pledge, security agreement, conditional sale or trust receipt or a lease, consignment or bailment for security purposes or (b) production payments and the like payable out of Oil and Gas Properties. The term “Lien” shall include easements, restrictions, dedications, servitudes, permits, conditions, covenants, exceptions or reservations. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be the owner of any Property which it has acquired or holds subject to a conditional sale agreement, or leases under a financing lease or other arrangement pursuant to which title to the Property has been retained by or vested in some other Person in a transaction intended to create a financing.
“Liquidity” means, as of any date, Unrestricted Cash plus the Loan Limit then in effect less the total Revolving Credit Exposures.
“Loan Documents” means this Agreement, the Fee Letters, the Notes, the Letter of Credit Agreements, the Letters of Credit, the Security Instruments and any other agreement or document executed by a Credit Party in favor of the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and/or one or more Lenders in connection with any of the foregoing, or which has been designated by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent as a “Loan Document”.
“Loan Limit” means the least of (a) the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amount, (b) the then effective Borrowing Base and (c) the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts at such time.
26
“Loans” means the loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.
“Majority Lenders” means, (a) if there are less than three Lenders at such time, all Lenders, and (b) if there are three or more Lenders at such time, (i) at any time while no Loans or LC Exposure is outstanding, Lenders having greater than fifty percent (50%) of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts; and (ii) at any time while any Loans or LC Exposure is outstanding, Lenders holding greater than fifty percent (50%) of the Revolving Credit Exposure (without regard to any sale by a Lender of a participation in any Loan under Section 12.04(c)); provided that the Maximum Credit Amounts and the Revolving Credit Exposure of the Defaulting Lenders (if any) shall be excluded from the determination of Majority Lenders; provided further that a Lender and any Affiliates of such Lender that are also Lenders shall be treated as a single Lender for the purposes of clause (a) of this definition.
“Manufactured (Mobile) Home” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulation.
“Material Adverse Effect” means an event, circumstance or condition that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse change in, or material adverse effect on (a) the business, operations, assets, Property, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Credit Parties, taken as a whole, to perform their payment obligations under any Loan Document, (c) the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or (d) the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, the Issuing Banks or any Lender under any Loan Document.
“Material Debt” means (a) any Specified Additional Debt, (b) the Holdings Intercompany Debt and (c) any other Debt (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of Holdings, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $25,000,000. For purposes of determining Material Debt, the “principal amount” of the obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the Swap Termination Value of such Swap Agreement.
“Material Subsidiary” means, as of any date, any Restricted Subsidiary that (a) is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary or (b)(i) is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary and (ii) together with its subsidiaries, owns Property having a fair market value of $5,000,000 or more, (c) becomes a guarantor or an obligor under any Specified Additional Debt, (d) otherwise is or becomes a Guarantor pursuant to Section 8.13 or (e) owns Oil and Gas Properties. In no event shall the aggregate fair market value of all Property owned by all Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Material Subsidiaries exceed $10,000,000.
“Maturity Date” means the Springing Maturity Date unless at any time prior to the Springing Maturity Date, the unpaid principal balance of the Holdings Intercompany Debt has been reduced to an amount equal to or less than $50,000,000, in which event the Maturity Date shall be the Final Maturity Date.
“Maximum Credit Amount” means, as to each Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Annex I under the caption “Maximum Credit Amounts”, as the same may be (a) reduced or terminated from time to time in connection with a reduction or termination of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts pursuant to Section 2.06(b), (b) modified from time to time pursuant to Section 2.06(c) or (c) increased, created or modified from time to time pursuant to any assignment permitted by Section 12.04(b) or amendment or other modification to this Agreement.
“Midstream Assets” means Property used in connection with the following activities: ownership, operation, maintenance, expansion, construction, commissioning and decommissioning of, and acquisition of, natural gas, oil, condensate, and water conditioning, treating, processing, and, as applicable, compression facilities, gathering systems and pipelines, marketing of capacity on such gathering systems and pipelines, buying and selling natural gas, oil, condensate, and water in connection therewith, the provision of compression services in connection therewith, and all other acts or activities incidental or related to any of the foregoing.
27
“Minimum Volume Contract” means any contract or analogous arrangement containing a “take-or-pay”, “ship-or-pay”, purchase and sale agreement, advance payment, prepayment or similar provision that (a) contains a commitment by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to a minimum capacity in a gathering system, pipeline, processing, compression, treatment, disposal or other midstream, downstream, transportation or similar facility or otherwise guarantees a fixed fee or minimum thru-put volume, minimum revenue or minimum return in respect of a marketing or purchase and sale arrangement or a gathering system, pipeline, processing, compression treatment, disposal or other midstream, downstream, transportation or similar facility or arrangement or the capital utilized to construct or acquire any of the foregoing, (b) includes an agreement by such Person to pay for such commitment regardless of whether such capacity or thru-put is actually utilized or otherwise pay for such fixed fee or guaranteed amount irrespective of the utilization of facilities or volumes provided for sale under a purchase and sale arrangement or similar marketing arrangement and (c) is not cancellable or terminable on less than six (6) months’ notice.
“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto that is a nationally recognized rating agency.
“Mortgaged Property” means any Property owned by any Credit Party which is subject to the Liens existing and to exist under the terms of the Mortgages.
“Mortgages” means all mortgages, deeds of trust and similar documents, instruments and agreements creating, evidencing, perfecting or otherwise establishing the Liens on Mortgaged Property to secure payment of the Obligations or any part thereof, in each case, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
“MVC Obligations” means the obligation of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to perform and/or pay for services under a Minimum Volume Contract.
“Net Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a)(i) Total Debt as of such date minus (ii) Unrestricted Cash as of such date in an amount not to exceed $50,000,000 to (b) EBITDAX for the Rolling Period then ending.
“Net Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds actually received by a the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of any issuance or sale of Equity Interests, any issuance or incurrence of Debt, debt securities or other instruments, any sale, lease, conveyance, disposition or other transfer of Property (including any cash subsequently received upon the sale or other disposition or collection of any non-cash consideration received in any sale), any Swap Liquidation, or Casualty Event, net of (a) the direct costs relating to such event (including legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and sales commissions paid to unaffiliated third parties), (b) Taxes paid or payable as a result thereof, including Permitted Tax Distributions arising as a result thereof and (c) the principal amount of, and accrued and unpaid interest and premiums on, Debt (other than the Obligations) which is secured by a Lien upon any of the assets being sold and which must mandatorily be repaid as a result of such sale.
“New Borrowing Base Notice” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.07(d).
28
“Non-Consenting Lender” means any Lender that does not approve any consent, waiver, amendment or increase to the Borrowing Base that (a) requires the approval of all affected Lenders or all Lenders in accordance with the terms of Section 12.02 and (b) has been approved by the Required Lenders.
“Notes” means the promissory notes of the Borrower described in Section 2.02(d) and being substantially in the form of Exhibit A, together with all amendments, modifications, replacements, extensions and rearrangements thereof.
“NYFRB” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
“Obligations” means any and all amounts owing or to be owing (including any Erroneous Payment Subrogation Rights) by any Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary (whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising): (a) to any Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender under any Loan Document, including, without limitation, all interest on any of the Loans (including any interest at the post-default rate pursuant to Section 3.02(c) and any interest that accrues after the commencement of any case, proceeding or other action relating to the bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of any Credit Party or a Restricted Subsidiary (or could accrue but for the operation of applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws), whether or not such interest is allowed or allowable as a claim in any such case, proceeding or other action); (b) to any Secured Swap Provider under any Swap Agreement including any Swap Agreement in existence prior to the Effective Date, but excluding any additional transactions or confirmations entered into (i) after such Secured Swap Provider ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or (ii) after assignment by a Secured Swap Provider to another Person that is not a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender; (c) to any Bank Products Provider in respect of Bank Products; and (d) all renewals, extensions and/or rearrangements of any of the above; provided that solely with respect to any Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary that is not an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act, Excluded Swap Obligations of such Credit Party or Restricted Subsidiary shall in any event be excluded from “Obligations” owing by such Credit Party or Restricted Subsidiary.
“Oil and Gas Properties” means (a) Hydrocarbon Interests; (b) the Properties now or hereafter pooled or unitized with Hydrocarbon Interests; (c) all presently existing or future unitization agreements, communitization agreements, pooling agreements and declarations of pooled units and the units created thereby (including without limitation all units created under orders, regulations and rules of any Governmental Authority) which may affect all or any portion of the Hydrocarbon Interests; (d) all operating agreements, contracts and other agreements, including production sharing contracts and agreements, productions sales agreements, farmout agreements, farm in agreements, area of mutual interest dedications, equipment leases and other agreements, which relate to any of the Hydrocarbon Interests or to the production, sale, purchase, exchange, processing, handling, storage, transporting or marketing of any Hydrocarbons from or attributable to such Hydrocarbon Interests; (e) all Hydrocarbons in and under and which may be produced and saved or attributable to the Hydrocarbon Interests, including all oil in tanks, and all rents, issues, profits, proceeds, products, revenues and other incomes from or attributable to the Hydrocarbon Interests; (f) all tenements, hereditaments, appurtenances and Properties in any manner appertaining, belonging, affixed or incidental to the Hydrocarbon Interests, including all compressor sites, settling ponds and equipment or pipe yards; and (g) all Properties, rights, titles, interests and estates described or referred to above, including any and all Property, real or personal, immovable or moveable, now owned or hereinafter acquired and situated upon, used, held for use or useful in connection with the operating, working or development of any of such Hydrocarbon Interests or Property (excluding drilling rigs, automotive equipment, rental equipment or other personal Property which may be on such premises for the purpose of drilling a well or for other similar temporary uses) and including any and all Midstream Assets, wellbores, oil wells, gas wells, injection wells, disposal wells or other wells, structures, fuel separators, liquid extraction plants, plant compressors, pumps, pumping units, pipelines, gathering systems, field gathering systems, sales and flow lines, water disposal systems, tanks and tank batteries, fixtures, valves, fittings, machinery and parts, engines, boilers, steam generation facilities, meters, apparatus, equipment, appliances, tools, implements, cables, wires, towers, casing, tubing and rods, surface leases, rights-of-way, easements, servitudes, licenses and other surface and subsurface rights, together with all additions, substitutions, replacements, accessions and attachments to any and all of the foregoing. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references in this Agreement to “Oil and Gas Properties” refer to Oil and Gas Properties owned by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the context requires.
29
“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 any and all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or other similar Taxes arising from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement and any other 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 5.04(b)).
“Parent Entity” means any Person, including Holdings, that is a direct or indirect parent company (which may be organized as a partnership) of Holdings or the Borrower, as applicable.
“Participant” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.04(c)(i).
“Participant Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.04(c)(i).
“Payment in Full” means (a) the Commitments have expired or been terminated, (b) the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder and all other amounts payable under the Loan Documents shall have been paid in full in cash (other than contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has been made), (c) all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated (or are cash collateralized or otherwise arrangements in respect of which have been made to the satisfaction of the applicable Issuing Bank) and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, (d) all Secured Swap Agreements have expired or terminated and all amounts then due and owing under Secured Swap Agreements shall have been paid in full in cash (or, to the extent that any such Secured Swap Agreement is intended to or would remain outstanding following Payment in Full, such Secured Swap Agreement is cash collateralized or otherwise arrangements in respect of which shall have been made, in each case, to the satisfaction of the applicable Secured Swap Provider) and (e) all amounts then due and owing under Bank Products owing to a Bank Products Provider shall have been paid in full in cash (or otherwise arrangements in respect of which have been made to the satisfaction of the applicable Bank Products Provider).
“Payment Recipient” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 11.12(a).
“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or any successor thereto.
“Permitted Holders” means the Sponsor and its controlled affiliates excluding portfolio and operating companies.
30
“Permitted Refinancing Debt” means any Debt (for purposes of this definition, “New Debt”) issued or incurred for any refinancing or replacement of any other Debt (the “Refinanced Debt”) that complies with all of the following requirements:
(a) such New Debt is in an aggregate principal amount not in excess of the sum of (i) the aggregate principal of (or accreted value, if applicable), plus accrued interest on, the amount then outstanding of the Refinanced Debt and (ii) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such exchange or refinancing;
(b) such New Debt does not (i) have a stated maturity date prior to the later of (A) the stated maturity date of the Refinanced Debt and (B) one year after the Final Maturity Date, (ii) have a weighted average life to maturity that is shorter than the weighted average life to maturity of the Refinanced Debt, (iii) have any scheduled principal amortization prior to the date that is one year after the Final Maturity Date, or (iv) contain any mandatory prepayment or redemption provisions providing for payments prior to one year after the Final Maturity Date (other than (A) customary change of control offer provisions and (B) asset sale, casualty and condemnation event provisions, to the extent (i) such provisions in this clause (B) first permit, at the option of the Borrower, Payment in Full (or permit at the option of the Borrower the Net Proceeds to be applied first to the prepayment of the Obligations)) prior to the prepayment of any such Debt and only require such prepayments of such Debt to be made to the extent such prepayments are expressly permitted to be made pursuant to the terms of this Agreement;
(c) no Person other than a Guarantor or a Person who becomes a Guarantor in connection therewith is an obligor under such New Debt;
(d) the covenants, guarantees and events of default contained in the documentation governing such New Debt (i) do not include financial maintenance covenants and (ii) are, taken as a whole, not materially more restrictive to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries than the corresponding terms of this Agreement (as in effect at the time of such issuance or incurrence), unless, in connection with this clause (ii), the Borrower offers to amend this Agreement to incorporate such more restrictive covenants, guarantees and events of default (and executes an amendment giving effect to such terms);
(e) such New Debt (and any guarantees thereof) is subordinated in right of payment and in priority of liens to the Obligations to at least the same extent (if any) as the Refinanced Debt was and shall be unsecured if the Refinanced Debt was; and
(f) the terms of such New Debt do not prohibit the prepayment or repayment of the Obligations.
“Permitted Tax Distribution” means the payment of any dividend or distribution to a Parent Entity (a) in the amount of any franchise Taxes and other Taxes required to maintain its (or any of its direct or indirect parents’) corporate existence; and (b) so long as the Borrower is treated as a pass-through or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) on a quarterly basis prior to the due date for federal estimated tax payments under Section 6654(c) of the Code, in an amount equal to (A) the estimated taxable income and gain of the Borrower (or, if the Borrower is a disregarded entity, the amount of taxable income included in the taxable income of its regarded owner) for such quarter (taking into account all items of income, gain, deduction, loss and tax credits of the Borrower and such Subsidiaries for such quarter, and any U.S. federal, state, and/or local (as applicable) loss carryforwards of such Parent Entity attributable to its direct or indirect ownership of the Borrower and its subsidiaries for prior taxable periods to the extent such loss is of a character that would allow such loss to be available to reduce taxes in the current taxable period (taking into account any limitations on the utilization of such loss to reduce such taxes and to the extent such loss had not already been utilized) (such income and gain, “Allocated Taxable Income”), multiplied by (B) the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income tax rate in effect in such taxable year prescribed for an individual, or, if higher, a corporation, residing in New York City, New York (taking into consideration (a) tax rates imposed on “net investment income” by Section 1411 of the Code and (b) the character of such income) (the “Applicable Tax Rate”), and (ii) after the end of any taxable year, in an amount equal to the excess of (A) the Allocated Taxable Income multiplied by the Applicable Tax Rate, over (B) quarterly tax distributions previously made with respect to such taxable year.
31
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
“Plan” means any employee pension benefit plan, as defined in section 3(2) of ERISA, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA and (a) which is (or was at any time during the six calendar years preceding the date hereof) sponsored, maintained or contributed to by the Borrower, a Restricted Subsidiary or an ERISA Affiliate, or (b) in respect of which the Borrower, a Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate is (or was at any time during the six calendar years preceding the date hereof, or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.
“Prime Rate” means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by Citi as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in New York, New York; each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced as being effective. Such rate is set by the Administrative Agent as a general reference rate of interest, taking into account such factors as the Administrative Agent may deem appropriate; it being understood that many of the Administrative Agent’s commercial or other loans are priced in relation to such rate, that it is not necessarily the lowest or best rate actually charged to any customer and that the Administrative Agent may make various commercial or other loans at rates of interest having no relationship to such rate.
“Property” means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible, including, without limitation, cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
“Proposed Borrowing Base” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.07(c)(i).
“Proposed Borrowing Base Notice” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.07(c)(ii).
“Proved Developed Producing Reserves” means “proved developed producing oil and gas reserves” as such term is defined by the SEC in its standards and guidelines.
“Proved Reserves” or “Proved” means collectively, “proved oil and gas reserves,” “proved developed producing oil and gas reserves,” “proved developed non-producing oil and gas reserves” (consisting of proved developed shut-in oil and gas reserves and proved developed behind pipe oil and gas reserves), and “proved undeveloped oil and gas reserves,” as such terms are defined by the SEC in its standards and guidelines.
“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.
“Purchase Money Indebtedness” means Debt, the proceeds of which are used to finance the acquisition, construction, or improvement of inventory, equipment or other property in the ordinary course of business.
32
“PV-9” means, on any date of determination, with respect to any Proved Reserves expected to be produced from any Borrowing Base Properties, the net present value, discounted at 9% per annum, of the future net revenues expected to accrue to the Borrower’s and the Restricted Subsidiaries’ collective interests in such Proved Reserves during the remaining expected economic lives of such reserves, calculated in accordance with the most recent Bank Price Deck provided to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent.
“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).
“Qualified ECP Guarantor” means, in respect of any Swap Agreement, each Credit Party that (a) has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time any guaranty of obligations under such Swap Agreement or grant of the relevant security interest becomes effective or (b) otherwise constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act and can cause another Person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
“Qualified IPO” shall mean the issuance and sale by Holdings of its common Equity Interests (and the contribution of any proceeds of such issuance to the Borrower) in an underwritten primary public offering (other than a public offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8) pursuant to an effective registration statement (whether alone or in connection with a secondary public offering) filed with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act pursuant to which net proceeds of at least $100,000,000 are received by Holdings and contributed to the Borrower and such Equity Interests are listed on a nationally-recognized stock exchange in the United States of America.
“RCRA” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Environmental Laws”.
“Recipient” has the meaning assigned such term in the definition of “Excluded Taxes”.
“Redemption” means with respect to any Debt, the repurchase, redemption, prepayment, repayment, defeasance or any other acquisition or retirement for value (or the segregation of funds with respect to any of the foregoing) of such Debt. “Redeem” has the correlative meaning thereto.
“Redetermination Date” means, with respect to any Scheduled Redetermination or any Interim Redetermination, the date that the redetermined Borrowing Base related thereto becomes effective pursuant to Section 2.07(d).
“Register” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 12.04(b)(iv).
“Regulation D” means Regulation D of the Board, as the same may be amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time.
“Related Parties” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors (including attorneys, accountants and experts) of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.
“Release” means any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, migrating, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into or through the environment.
“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Board or the NYFRB, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Board or the NYFRB, or any successor thereto.
33
“Remedial Work” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 8.09(a).
“Required Lenders” means, (a) if there are fewer than three Lenders at such time, all Lenders, and (b) if there are three or more Lenders at such time, (i) at any time while no Loans or LC Exposure is outstanding, Lenders having at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts; and (ii) at any time while any Loans or LC Exposure is outstanding, Lenders holding at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the Revolving Credit Exposure (without regard to any sale by a Lender of a participation in any Loan under Section 12.04(c)); provided that the Maximum Credit Amounts and the Revolving Credit Exposure of the Defaulting Lenders (if any) shall be excluded from the determination of Required Lenders; provided further that a Lender and any Affiliates of such Lender that are also Lenders shall be treated as a single Lender for the purposes of clause (a) of this definition.
“Reserve Report” means a report, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, setting forth, as of the dates set forth in Section 8.11(a) (or such other date in the event of an Interim Redetermination), the crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquid reserves attributable to the Oil and Gas Properties constituting Proved Reserves of the Credit Parties, together with a projection of the rate of production and future net income, operating expenses and capital expenditures with respect thereto as of such date, based upon the pricing assumptions set forth in the most recent Bank Price Deck provided to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent.
“Resolution Authority” means an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.
“Responsible Officer” means, as to any Person, (a) any president, vice president, chief executive officer, general counsel, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, chief technical officer, treasurer and assistant treasurer, (b) any manager, managing member or general partner, in each case, of such Person, (c) any other authorized officer designated as such in writing to the Administrative Agent by such Person and (d) as to any corporate document, any secretary or assistant secretary of such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references to a Responsible Officer herein shall mean a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.
“Restricted Payment” means (a) any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other Property) with respect to any Equity Interests in the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other Property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interests in the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests in the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and (b) any payment of management fees, advisory fees or similar fees by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to the holders of their Equity Interests.
“Restricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
“Revolving Credit Exposure” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Loans and its LC Exposure at such time.
“Rolling Period” means any period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the last day of such applicable fiscal quarter; provided that prior to the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2024, the financial information applicable to the use of the term Rolling Period in this Agreement shall be the deemed to be the historical information provided to Administrative Agent to determine EBITDAX for the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2023, September 30, 2023, December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024, respectively.
34
“S&P” means S&P Global Ratings, a division of S&P Global Inc., and any successor thereto that is a nationally recognized rating agency.
“Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the subject or target of any comprehensive Sanctions (as of the Effective Date, the Crimea region of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Regions of Ukraine).
“Sanctioned Person” means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state or, His Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other applicable sanctions authority, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country or (c) any Person owned or controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b).
“Sanctions” means economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by the U.S. government, including those administered by (a) the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state or, His Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other applicable sanctions authority.
“Scheduled Redetermination” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.07(b).
“Scheduled Redetermination Date” means the date on which a Borrowing Base that has been redetermined pursuant to a Scheduled Redetermination becomes effective as provided in Section 2.07(d).
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor Governmental Authority.
“Secured Parties” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, each Issuing Bank, the Bank Products Providers and Secured Swap Providers, and “Secured Party” means any of them individually.
“Secured Swap Agreement” means any Swap Agreement (other than any guaranty or Lien that constitutes a Swap Agreement) between Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and a Secured Swap Provider to the extent that such Swap Agreement constitutes an Obligation under clause (b) of the definition thereof.
“Secured Swap Provider” means any (a) Person that is a party to a Swap Agreement with the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Effective Date and is a Lender or Affiliate of a Lender on the Effective Date, (b) Person that is a party to a Swap Agreement with the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that entered into such Swap Agreement before or while such Person was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, whether or not such Person at any time ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, as the case may be, or (c) assignee of any Persons described in clauses (a) and (b) above so long as such assignee is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time of such assignment.
“Securities Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 8 of the UCC.
“Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
35
“Securities Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Security Instruments” means the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, the Mortgages and other agreements, instruments or certificates described or referred to in Exhibit E, the Account Control Agreements and any and all other agreements, instruments, consents or certificates now or hereafter executed and delivered by any Credit Party or any other Person on its behalf (other than Swap Agreements with the Lenders or any Affiliate of a Lender or participation or similar agreements between any Lender and any other lender or creditor with respect to any Obligations pursuant to this Agreement) in connection with, or as security for the payment or performance of the Obligations, the Notes, this Agreement, or reimbursement obligations under the Letters of Credit, as such agreements may be amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time.
“SOFR” means a rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the SOFR Administrator. When “SOFR” is used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, such usage refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to Adjusted Term SOFR, other than pursuant to clause (c) of the definition of “Alternative Base Rate”.
“SOFR Administrator” means the NYFRB (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).
“Specified Acquisition” means any proposed acquisition by any Credit Party of Proved Oil and Gas Properties (or of 100% of the Equity Interests in a Person that owns Proved Oil and Gas Properties) for which a binding and enforceable purchase and sale agreement has been signed by a Credit Party.
“Specified Additional Debt” means (x) any unsecured senior or unsecured senior subordinated Debt of Holdings, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred after the Effective Date; provided that:
(a) no Default or Event of Default exists at the time of the incurrence of such Debt or would result therefrom;
(b) such Debt does not require any scheduled amortization of principal or have a stated maturity date in either case prior to one year after the Final Maturity Date;
(c) after giving effect to the incurrence of such Debt (including after giving effect to any automatic reduction in the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 2.07(f)), the Borrower is in pro forma compliance with Section 9.01(a) and no Borrowing Base Deficiency exists (unless the Net Proceeds of such Specified Additional Debt are applied to repay the Borrowing Base Deficiency in full);
(d) the covenants, guarantees and events of default contained in the documentation governing such Debt (i) do not include financial maintenance covenants and (ii) are, in the case of other covenants, guarantees and events of default, taken as a whole, not materially more restrictive to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries than the corresponding terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (as in effect at the time of such issuance or incurrence), unless, in respect of this clause (ii), the Borrower offers to amend this Agreement to incorporate such more restrictive covenants, guarantees and events of default (and executes an amendment giving effect to such terms to the extent agreed to by the number of Lenders required by Section 12.02);
(e) the terms of such Debt do not contain any mandatory prepayment or redemption provisions providing for payments prior to one year after the Final Maturity Date (other than (i) customary change of control offer provisions and (ii) asset sale, casualty and condemnation event provisions, to the extent such provisions in this clause (ii) first permit, at the option of the Borrower, Payment in Full (or permit at the option of the Borrower the Net Proceeds to be applied first to the prepayment of the Obligations) prior to the prepayment of any such Debt and only require such prepayments of such Debt to be made to the extent such prepayments are expressly permitted to be made pursuant to the terms of this Agreement);
36
(f) the terms of such Debt do not prohibit the prepayment or repayment of the Obligations;
(g) if such Debt is subordinated Debt in right of payment, the terms of such Debt provide for customary subordination of such Debt to the Obligations and an agent, trustee or representative of the holders of such Debt enter into a Subordination Agreement;
(h) no Person other than a Guarantor or a Person who becomes a Guarantor in connection therewith is an obligor under such Debt; and
(i) the net cash proceeds of such Specified Additional Debt shall be contributed to the Borrower substantially simultaneously and in any event within three (3) Business Days after the incurrence of such Specified Additional Debt; and
(y) any Permitted Refinancing Debt in respect of Specified Additional Debt.
For the avoidance of doubt, any Permitted Refinancing Debt in respect of Specified Additional Debt or in respect of any Permitted Refinancing Debt incurred in respect thereof shall constitute “Specified Additional Debt” for all purposes herein (other than for purposes of determining compliance with Section 9.02(g)(i)).
“Specified Asset Sale Proceeds” means the net cash proceeds of (x) the sale of Equity Interests in BKV Chaffee Corners, LLC and/or (y) the sale of the non-operated working interests owned by BKV Chelsea, LLC.
“Sponsor” means Banpu Public Company Limited.
“Sponsor Fund Affiliate” means (a) each Controlled Affiliate, as applicable, of the Sponsor, that is neither a portfolio company nor a company Controlled by a portfolio company and (b) each general partner or managing member of any such Affiliate.
“Springing Maturity Date” means the date that is 180 days prior to the final maturity date of the Holdings Intercompany Debt.
“Subordination Agreement” means a subordination agreement among the Administrative Agent, the representative on behalf of any holders of unsecured senior or unsecured senior subordinated Debt of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary incurred after the Effective Date, the Borrower, the applicable Restricted Subsidiaries and the other parties party thereto from time to time, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Majority Lenders and the Borrower.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any other Person the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other Person (a) of which Equity Interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power (irrespective of whether or not at the time Equity Interests of any other class or classes of such Person shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) or, in the case of a partnership, any general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) the management decisions of which, as of such date, are otherwise controlled, in each case, directly, indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by the parent. Unless otherwise specified, each reference to “Subsidiary” shall mean a Subsidiary of the Borrower.
37
“Subsidiary Guarantor” means a Subsidiary of the Borrower that is a Guarantor.
“Swap Agreement” means (a) any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement, whether exchange traded, “over-the-counter” or otherwise, involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, basis differentials, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions (including any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act) and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and any confirmations or trades, 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; provided that no (x) phantom stock, incentive unit or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or (y) near term spot market sale of a commodity for actual physical delivery in the ordinary course of business based on a price determined by a rate quoted on an organized exchange for the location of physical delivery, shall be a Swap Agreement.
“Swap Liquidation” means the sale, assignment, novation, liquidation, unwind, cancellation, modification or termination of all or any part of a Swap Agreement in respect of commodities.
“Swap Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, all debt, liabilities and obligations of such Person under Swap Agreements to the counterparties under such Swap Agreements.
“Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Agreements, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement or rights of offset under such Swap Agreements, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Agreements 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 Agreements, as determined in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner by the counterparties to such Swap Agreements.
“Synthetic Leases” means, in respect of any Person, all leases which shall have been, or should have been, in accordance with GAAP, treated as operating leases on the financial statements of the Person liable (whether contingently or otherwise) for the payment of rent thereunder and which were properly treated as indebtedness for borrowed money for purposes of U.S. federal income Taxes, if the lessee in respect thereof is obligated to either purchase for an amount in excess of, or pay upon early termination an amount in excess of, 80% of the residual value of the Property subject to such operating lease upon expiration or early termination of such lease.
“Taxes” means any and 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.
38
“Term SOFR” means,
(a) for any calculation with respect to a SOFR Loan, the Term SOFR Reference Rate for a tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period on the day (such day, the “Periodic Term SOFR Determination Day”) that is two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, as such rate is published by the Term SOFR Administrator; provided, however, that if as of 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on any Periodic Term SOFR Determination Day the Term SOFR Reference Rate for the applicable tenor has not been published by the Term SOFR Administrator and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Term SOFR Reference Rate has not occurred, then Term SOFR will be the Term SOFR Reference Rate for such tenor as published by the Term SOFR Administrator on the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which such Term SOFR Reference Rate for such tenor was published by the Term SOFR Administrator so long as such first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day is not more than three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such Periodic Term SOFR Determination Day, and
(b) for any calculation with respect to an ABR Loan on any day, the Term SOFR Reference Rate for a tenor of one month on the day (such day, the “ABR Term SOFR Determination Day”) that is two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such day, as such rate is published by the Term SOFR Administrator; provided, however, that if as of 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on any ABR Term SOFR Determination Day the Term SOFR Reference Rate for the applicable tenor has not been published by the Term SOFR Administrator and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Term SOFR Reference Rate has not occurred, then Term SOFR will be the Term SOFR Reference Rate for such tenor as published by the Term SOFR Administrator on the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which such Term SOFR Reference Rate for such tenor was published by the Term SOFR Administrator so long as such first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day is not more than three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such ABR Term SOFR Determination Day.
“Term SOFR Adjustment” means, for any calculation with respect to an ABR Loan or a SOFR Loan, 0.10% per annum.
“Term SOFR Administrator” means CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited (CBA) (or a successor administrator of the Term SOFR Reference Rate selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion).
“Term SOFR Reference Rate” means the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR.
“Termination Date” means the earlier of the Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Commitments.
“Test Period” shall mean, prior to June 30, 2025, the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the last date of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrower for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Sections 8.01(a) or 8.01(b), and on and after June 30, 2025, for any date of determination, the latest four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Sections 8.01(a) or 8.01(b).
“Total Debt” means, at any date, the sum of (without duplication) the aggregate principal amount of Debt of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on such date in an amount that would be reflected on a consolidated balance sheet (excluding the notes thereto) prepared as of such date on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, consisting only of Debt (a) of a type described in clauses (a) (including (i) the Loans, (ii) any Specified Additional Debt and (iii) deferred purchase price obligations which should be classified as “debt” on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP, to the extent such deferred purchase price obligations are then due and payable), (b) (but only to the extent such letters of credit, surety or other bonds and similar agreements have been drawn and have not been reimbursed within two (2) Business Days after the date of such drawing), (d) and (e) of the definition of “Debt”, (b) of a type described in clause (g) of the definition of “Debt” to the extent such Liens secures Debt of the type described in clauses (a), (b), (d) and (e) of the definition of “Debt” and (c) of a type described in clauses (h) or (i) of the definition of “Debt” to the extent such guarantees, obligations or undertakings are with respect to Debt of the type described in clauses (a), (b), (d) and (e) of the definition of “Debt”.
39
“Transaction Costs” means, upfront (including original issue discount), legal, professional and advisory fees paid by the Credit Parties (whether or not incurred by the Credit Parties) in connection with the negotiation and execution, delivery and performance of the Credit Parties’ obligations under (a) the Transactions (including any amendments, supplements or restatements), (b) any acquisition or Investment permitted under this Agreement, (c) the incurrence, modification or repayment of Debt permitted to be incurred by this Agreement (including a refinancing thereof), (d) any disposition permitted under this Agreement or (e) any issuance of Equity Interests, in each case, whether or not successful.
“Transactions” means, (a) with respect to the Borrower, the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which it is a party, the borrowing of Loans, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder, and the grant of Liens by the Borrower on Mortgaged Properties pursuant to the Security Instruments and (b) with respect to each Guarantor, the execution, delivery and performance by such Guarantor of each Loan Document to which it is a party, the guaranteeing of the Obligations and the other obligations under the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement by such Guarantor and such Guarantor’s grant of Liens on Mortgaged Properties pursuant to the Security Instruments.
“Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate or Adjusted Term SOFR.
“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time, of the State of New York or of any other state the laws of which are required as a result thereof to be applied in connection with the attachment, perfection or priority of, or remedies with respect to, Administrative Agent’s or any Secured Party’s Lien pursuant to any Security Instrument.
“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 falling within 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.
“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
“Uncured Title Defect Notice” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 8.12(c).
“United States” means the United States of America.
40
“Unrestricted Cash” means unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents of the Borrower and the Borrower’s Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries that would appear on a consolidated balance sheet prepared on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP on such date; provided that (a) cash and Cash Equivalents that would appear as “restricted” on a consolidated balance sheet solely because such cash or Cash Equivalents are subject to an Account Control Agreement in favor of the Administrative Agent shall be deemed to be Unrestricted Cash for purposes hereof, (b) such cash and Cash Equivalents shall be considered Unrestricted Cash only to the extent that such cash and Cash Equivalents are maintained in accounts that are subject to an Account Control Agreement in favor of the Administrative Agent and (c) cash and Cash Equivalents that are maintained in accounts to the extent required under this Agreement to cash collateralize LC Exposure shall not be considered Unrestricted Cash.
“Unrestricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower designated as such on Schedule 7.14 or which the Borrower has designated in writing to the Administrative Agent to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 9.06.
“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” shall mean 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 set forth in Section 5.03(f)(ii)(B)(3).
“USA Patriot Act” means the USA PATRIOT ACT (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)).
“Wholly-Owned Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary of which all of the outstanding Equity Interests (other than any directors’ qualifying shares mandated by applicable law), on a fully-diluted basis, are owned by the Borrower or one or more of the Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries or are owned by the Borrower and one or more of the Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries.
“Withholding Agent” means any Credit Party or the Administrative Agent.
“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.
Section 1.03 Types of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans and Borrowings, respectively, may be classified and referred to by Type (e.g., a “SOFR Loan” or a “SOFR Borrowing”).
41
Section 1.04 Terms Generally; Rules of Construction. 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” as used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “will” as used in this Agreement shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements, restatements or modifications set forth in the Loan Documents), (b) any reference herein to any law shall be construed as referring to such law as amended, modified, codified or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect from time to time, (c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to the restrictions contained in the Loan Documents), (d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import as used in this Agreement, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (e) with respect to the determination of any time period, the word “from” as used in this Agreement means “from and including” and the word “to” means “to and including”, (f) the term “continuing” means, with respect to a Default or Event of Default, that the Default or Event of Default has not been waived, (g) any reference herein to Articles, Sections, Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (h) the words “pro forma”, “pro forma basis”, “pro forma effect” and variations thereof as used herein shall mean, unless the context otherwise requires, a calculation or determination made on a pro forma basis in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and taking into account the transaction to which such pro forma treatment is being applied as well as all other transactions or changes as if they had occurred on the first day of the reference period being measured. No provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be interpreted or construed against any Person solely because such Person or its legal representative drafted such provision.
Section 1.05 Accounting Terms and Determinations; GAAP. Unless otherwise specified in the relevant Loan Document, all accounting terms used herein and in the other Loan Documents shall be interpreted, all determinations with respect to accounting matters hereunder and thereunder shall be made, and all financial statements and certificates and reports as to financial matters required to be furnished to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders hereunder shall be prepared, in accordance with GAAP, applied on a basis consistent with the Closing Date Financial Statements, except for changes in which the Borrower’s independent certified public accountants concur and which are disclosed to Administrative Agent on the next date on which financial statements are required to be delivered to the Lenders pursuant to Section 8.01(a); provided that, unless the Borrower and the Majority Lenders shall otherwise agree in writing, no such change shall modify or affect the manner in which compliance with the covenants contained herein is computed such that all such computations shall be conducted utilizing financial information presented consistently with prior periods; provided, further leases shall continue to be classified and accounted for on a basis consistent with that reflected in the financial statements referred to in Section 7.04(a)(i) for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding any change in accounting principles required by the promulgation of any rule, regulation, pronouncement or opinion by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or, if applicable, the SEC relating thereto, unless the parties hereto shall enter into a mutually acceptable amendment addressing such changes, as provided for above. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, for the purposes of calculating any of the ratios tested under Section 9.01, and the components of each of such ratios, all Unrestricted Subsidiaries, and their subsidiaries (including their assets, liabilities, income, losses, cash flows, and the elements thereof) shall be excluded, except for any cash dividends or distributions actually paid by any Unrestricted Subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, which shall be deemed to be income to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary when actually received by it.
42
Section 1.06 Divisions. For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized and acquired on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Interests at such time.
Section 1.07 Rates. The Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to (a) the continuation of, administration of, submission of, calculation of or any other matter related to the Alternate Base Rate, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, the Adjusted Term SOFR or Term SOFR, or any component definition thereof or rates referred to in the definition thereof, or any alternative, successor or replacement rate thereto (including any Benchmark Replacement), including whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement rate (including any Benchmark Replacement) will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, or have the same volume or liquidity as, the Alternate Base Rate, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR, Term SOFR or any other Benchmark prior to its discontinuance or unavailability, or (b) the effect, implementation or composition of any Conforming Changes. The Administrative Agent and its affiliates or other related entities may engage in transactions that affect the calculation of the Alternate Base Rate, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Term SOFR, Adjusted Term SOFR, any alternative, successor or replacement rate (including any Benchmark Replacement) or any relevant 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 Alternate Base Rate, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Term SOFR, Adjusted Term SOFR or any other Benchmark, 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 calculation of any such rate (or component thereof) provided by any such information source or service.
Section 1.08 Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement (or required to be satisfied in order for a specific action to be permitted under 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).
Section 1.09 Letter of Credit Amounts. Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the amount of such Letter of Credit available to be drawn at such time; provided that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms, provides for one or more automatic increases in the available amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum amount is available to be drawn at such time.
ARTICLE II
THE CREDITS
Section 2.01 Commitments. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally, and not jointly agrees to make Loans in dollars to the Borrower during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in (a) such Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure exceeding its Commitment or (b) the total Revolving Credit Exposures exceeding the Loan Limit then in effect. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow the Loans.
43
Section 2.02 Loans and Borrowings.
(a) Borrowings; Several Obligations. Each Loan shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Loans as required.
(b) Types of Loans. Subject to Section 3.03, each Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans or SOFR Loans as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith. Each Lender at its option may make any SOFR Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(c) Minimum Amounts; Limitation on Number of Borrowings. At the commencement of each Interest Period for any SOFR Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $500,000. At the time that each ABR Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $500,000; provided that a Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the total Commitments or that is required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.08(e). Borrowings of more than one Type may be outstanding at the same time, provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of ten (10) SOFR Borrowings outstanding. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any SOFR Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date.
(d) Notes. If requested by a Lender, the Loans made by each Lender shall be evidenced by a single promissory note of the Borrower in substantially the form of Exhibit A, dated, in the case of (i) any Lender party hereto as of the Effective Date, as of the Effective Date, (ii) any Lender that becomes a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or amendment or other modification to this Agreement, as of the effective date of the Assignment and Assumption, amendment or other modification, as applicable, or (iii) in the case of any Lender that becomes a party hereto in connection with an increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts pursuant to Section 2.06(c), as of the effective date of such increase, in each case, payable to such Lender in a principal amount equal to its Maximum Credit Amount as in effect on such date, and otherwise duly completed. In the event that any Lender’s Maximum Credit Amount increases or decreases for any reason (whether pursuant to Section 2.06, Section 12.04(b) or otherwise), the Borrower shall, upon request of such Lender, deliver or cause to be delivered, to the extent such Lender is then holding a Note, on the effective date of such increase or decrease, a new Note payable to such Lender in a principal amount equal to its Maximum Credit Amount after giving effect to such increase or decrease, and otherwise duly completed and such Lender shall promptly return to the Borrower the previously issued Note held by such Lender. The date, amount, Type, interest rate and, if applicable, Interest Period of each Loan made by each Lender, and all payments made on account of the principal thereof, shall be recorded by such Lender on its books and/or its Note, if applicable. Failure to make any such recordation shall not affect any Lender’s or the Borrower’s rights or obligations in respect of Loans by a Lender or affect the validity of any transfer by a Lender of its Note.
44
Section 2.03 Requests for Borrowings. To request a Borrowing, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by submitting a Borrowing Request in writing (a) in the case of a SOFR Borrowing, not later than 2:00 p.m., New York, New York time, three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days (or such shorter period of time as may be acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion) before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York, New York time, on the Business Day of the proposed Borrowing; provided that no such notice shall be required for any deemed request of an ABR Borrowing to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.08(e). Each such Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Each such Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing;
(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;
(iii) whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a SOFR Borrowing;
(iv) in the case of a SOFR Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”;
(v) the amount of the then effective Borrowing Base, the amount of the then effective Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts, the current total Revolving Credit Exposures (without regard to the requested Borrowing) and the pro forma total Revolving Credit Exposures (giving effect to the requested Borrowing); and
(vi) the location and number of the Borrower’s account(s) (or an account designated by the Borrower and approved by the Administrative Agent) to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.05.
If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested SOFR Borrowing, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration. Each Borrowing Request shall constitute a representation by the Borrower that the amount of the requested Borrowing shall not cause the total Revolving Credit Exposures to exceed the Loan Limit.
Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section 2.03, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.
Section 2.04 Interest Elections.
(a) Conversion and Continuance. Each Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a SOFR Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a SOFR Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section 2.04. The Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing.
(b) Interest Election Requests. To make an election pursuant to this Section 2.04, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by submitting an Interest Election Request in writing by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrower were requesting a Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.
45
(c) Information in Interest Election Requests. Each written Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to Section 2.04(c)(iii) and (iv) shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);
(ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;
(iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a SOFR Borrowing; and
(iv) if the resulting Borrowing is a SOFR Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”.
If any such Interest Election Request requests a SOFR Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.
(d) Notice to Lenders by the Administrative Agent. Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of such Lender’s portion of each resulting Borrowing.
(e) Effect of Failure to Deliver Timely Interest Election Request and Events of Default on Interest Election. If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a SOFR Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Majority Lenders, so notifies the Borrower, then, so long as such Event of Default is continuing: (i) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a SOFR Borrowing (and any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a SOFR Borrowing shall be ineffective) and (ii) unless repaid, each SOFR Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.
Section 2.05 Funding of Borrowings.
(a) Funding by Lenders. Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 2:00 p.m., New York, New York time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrower by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to one or more accounts designated by the Borrower and approved by the Administrative Agent maintained with the Administrative Agent that is subject to an Account Control Agreement or to such other account that is subject to an Account Control Agreement (or otherwise approved by the Administrative Agent) as may be designated by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request; provided that, to the extent such funding is made prior to the Borrower’s satisfaction of the covenant set forth in Section 8.19(a), the account receiving such funds shall not be required to be subject to an Account Control Agreement; provided, further, that ABR Loans made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.08(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the applicable Issuing Banks. Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for its 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 its Loan in any particular place or manner.
46
(b) Presumption of Funding by the Lenders. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.05(a) 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 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 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 (i) in the case of 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 or (ii) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to ABR 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 such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such 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.
Section 2.06 Termination, Revision and Reduction of Commitments and Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts; Increase, Reduction and Termination of Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts.
(a) Scheduled Termination of Commitments. Unless previously terminated, the Commitments shall terminate on the Maturity Date. If at any time the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts, the Borrowing Base or the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts is terminated or reduced to zero, then the Commitments shall terminate on the effective date of such termination or reduction.
(b) Optional Termination and Reduction of Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts.
(i) The Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time reduce, the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts; provided that (A) each reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $5,000,000 and not less than $10,000,000 and (B) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 3.04(c), the total Revolving Credit Exposures would exceed the Loan Limit, and (C) upon any reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts that would otherwise result in the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts being less than the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts, the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts shall be automatically reduced (ratably among the Lenders in accordance with each Lender’s Applicable Percentage) so that they equal the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts as so reduced.
(ii) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts under Section 2.06(b)(i) at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction (or such shorter time period as may be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent), specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.06(b)(ii) shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts delivered by the Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities or a Change of Control or the closing of one or more dispositions, 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. Any termination or reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts shall be permanent and may not be reinstated. Each reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with each Lender’s Applicable Percentage.
47
(c) Increases, Reductions and Terminations of Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts.
(i) Subject to the conditions set forth in Section 2.06(c)(ii), the Borrower may increase the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts then in effect by increasing the Elected Commitment of a Lender and/or by causing a Person that is acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks (with the consent of the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed, denied or conditioned) that at such time is not a Lender to become a Lender (any such Person that is not at such time a Lender and becomes a Lender, an “Additional Lender”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, in no case shall an Additional Lender be a natural person, Holdings, the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower. For the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower may, but shall not be required to, seek commitments in respect of such increase, in its sole discretion, from existing Lenders (each of which shall be entitled to agree or decline to participate in its sole discretion) or from Additional Lenders, or from both existing Lenders and Additional Lenders.
(ii) Any increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts shall be subject to the following additional conditions:
(A) such increase shall not be less than $10,000,000 (and in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000) unless the Administrative Agent otherwise consents, and no such increase shall be permitted if after giving effect thereto the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts exceed the Borrowing Base then in effect;
(B) following any Scheduled Redetermination Date, the Borrower may not increase the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts more than once before the next Scheduled Redetermination Date (for the sake of clarity, all increases in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount effective on a single date shall be deemed a single increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount for purposes of this Section 2.06(c)(ii)(B)) unless the Administrative Agent otherwise consents;
(C) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the effective date of such increase;
(D) no Lender’s Elected Commitment may be increased without the consent of such Lender;
(E) if the Borrower elects to increase the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts by increasing the Elected Commitment of a Lender, the Borrower and such Lender shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J (an “Elected Commitment Increase Certificate”);
48
(F) if the Borrower elects to increase the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts by causing an Additional Lender to become a party to this Agreement, then the Borrower and such Additional Lender shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit K (an “Additional Lender Certificate”), together with an Administrative Questionnaire and a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 (provided that the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in connection with any such increase), and the Borrower shall (1) if requested by the Additional Lender, deliver a Note payable to such Additional Lender in a principal amount equal to its Maximum Credit Amount, and otherwise duly completed and (2) pay any applicable fees as may have been agreed to between the Borrower and the Additional Lender, and, to the extent applicable and agreed to by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent;
(G) all of the terms and conditions applicable to such increased Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts (and the Loans made pursuant thereto), including the maturity date thereof, shall be identical to the terms and conditions applicable to the existing Commitments and Loans under this Agreement (other than with respect to any arrangement, structuring, upfront or other fees or discounts payable in connection with such increased commitment as may have been agreed to between the Borrower and the increasing Lender or Additional Lender, as applicable, and/or the Administrative Agent), provided that if the Applicable Margin of such increased Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts is higher than that for the then existing Commitments and Loans, then the Applicable Margin shall be increased for all existing Commitments and Loans to be consistent with such increased Applicable Margin;
(H) the representations and warranties of the Credit Parties set forth in this Agreement and in the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of, and after giving effect to, such increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts, except to the extent any such representations and warranties (i) are expressly limited to an earlier date, in which case, on and as of the date of such increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts, such representations and warranties shall continue to be true and correct in all material respects as of such specified earlier date or (ii) are already qualified by materiality, Material Adverse Effect or a similar qualification, in which case, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects; and
(I) the Borrower shall deliver or cause to be delivered customary legal opinions or other documents (including, without limitation, a resolution duly adopted by the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of each Credit Party authorizing such increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts) reasonably requested by Administrative Agent.
(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to Section 2.06(c)(iv), from and after the effective date specified in the Elected Commitment Increase Certificate or the Additional Lender Certificate: (A) the amount of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts shall be increased as set forth therein, and (B) in the case of an Additional Lender Certificate, any Additional Lender party thereto shall be a party to this Agreement and have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. In addition, the Lender or the Additional Lender, as applicable, shall purchase a pro rata portion of the outstanding Loans (and participation interests in Letters of Credit) of each of the other Lenders (and such Lenders hereby agree to sell and to take all such further action to effectuate such sale) such that each Lender (including any Additional Lender, if applicable) shall hold its Applicable Percentage of the outstanding Loans (and participation interests) after giving effect to the increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts (and the resulting modifications of each Lender’s Maximum Credit Amount pursuant to Section 2.06(c)(v)).
49
(iv) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Elected Commitment Increase Certificate or an Additional Lender Certificate, executed by the Borrower and the Lender or by the Borrower and the Additional Lender party thereto, as applicable, the processing and recording fee referred to in Section 2.06(c)(ii), if applicable, the written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks, if required, the Administrative Questionnaire referred to in Section 2.06(c)(ii) and the break-funding payments from the Borrower, if any, required by Section 5.02, if applicable, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Elected Commitment Increase Certificate or Additional Lender Certificate and record the information contained therein in the Register required to be maintained by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 12.04(b)(iv). No increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this Section 2.06(c)(iv).
(v) Upon any increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts pursuant to Section 2.06(c)(iv), (A) each Lender’s Maximum Credit Amount shall be automatically deemed amended to the extent necessary so that each such Lender’s Applicable Percentage equals the percentage of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts represented by such Lender’s Elected Commitment, in each case after giving effect to such increase, and (B) Annex I to this Agreement shall be deemed amended to reflect the Elected Commitment of each Lender (including any Additional Lender) as thereby increased, any changes in the Lenders’ Maximum Credit Amounts pursuant to the foregoing clause (A), and any resulting changes in the Lenders’ Applicable Percentages.
(vi) The Borrower may from time to time terminate or reduce the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts; provided that (A) each reduction of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $5,000,000 and not less than $10,000,000 and (B) the Borrower shall not reduce the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 3.04(c), the total Revolving Credit Exposures would exceed the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts as reduced.
(vii) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts under Section 2.06(c)(vi) at least three Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction (or such lesser period as may be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent), specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(vii) shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts delivered by the Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities or the closing of a specified 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 of such termination) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts shall be permanent and may not be reinstated, except pursuant to Section 2.06(c)(i). Each reduction of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with each Lender’s Applicable Percentage.
(viii) Upon any redetermination or other adjustment in the Borrowing Base pursuant to this Agreement that would otherwise result in the Borrowing Base becoming less than the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts, the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts shall be automatically reduced (ratably among the Lenders in accordance with each Lender’s Applicable Percentage) so that they equal such redetermined Borrowing Base (and Annex I shall be deemed amended to reflect such amendments to each Lender’s Elected Commitment and the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts).
(ix) Contemporaneously with any increase in the Borrowing Base pursuant to this Agreement, if (A) the Borrower elects to increase the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount and (B) each Lender has consented to such increase in its Elected Commitment, then the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount shall be increased (ratably among the Lenders in accordance with each Lender’s Applicable Percentage) by the amount requested by the Borrower without the requirement that any Lender deliver an Elected Commitment Increase Certificate or that the Borrower pay any amounts under Section 5.02, and Annex I shall be deemed amended to reflect such amendments to each Lender’s Elected Commitment and the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount. The Administrative Agent shall record the information regarding such increases in the Register required to be maintained by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 12.04(b)(iv).
50
Section 2.07 Borrowing Base.
(a) Initial Borrowing Base. For the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the first Redetermination Date, the amount of the Borrowing Base shall be $800,000,000. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrowing Base may be subject to further adjustments between the Effective Date and the first Scheduled Redetermination and in between subsequent Scheduled Redeterminations from time to time pursuant to Interim Redeterminations and the Borrowing Base Adjustment Provisions.
(b) Scheduled and Interim Redeterminations. The Borrowing Base shall be redetermined semi-annually in accordance with this Section 2.07 (each such scheduled redetermination, a “Scheduled Redetermination”), and, subject to Section 2.07(d), such redetermined Borrowing Base shall become effective and applicable to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders on or about April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on or about October 15, 2024 (or, in each case, such date promptly thereafter as reasonably practicable). In addition, the Borrower may, by notifying the Administrative Agent thereof, and the Administrative Agent may, at the direction of the Required Lenders, by notifying the Borrower thereof, each request to cause the Borrowing Base to be redetermined only once in any fiscal year of the Borrower (each, an “Interim Redetermination”) in accordance with this Section 2.07; provided that the Borrower may, by notifying the Administrative Agent thereof, at any time following the consummation of an acquisition by any Credit Party (including in connection with the designation of an unrestricted subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary) of domestic Oil and Gas Properties with an aggregate value (together with the economic value of any earlier such acquisitions during such period) exceeding 5% of the Borrowing Base in effect prior to such acquisition, elect an Interim Redetermination to be effectuated in accordance with this Section 2.07; provided further, that in connection with an Interim Redetermination requested by the Borrower following a Specified Acquisition, the Borrower shall be permitted, for purposes of providing the Reserve Report pursuant to Section 8.11(b), to set forth only such additional Proved Reserves and related information as are the subject of such Specified Acquisition. For purposes of this Agreement the determination of the Borrowing Base on the Effective Date provided for herein shall be deemed and considered to be a Scheduled Redetermination.
(c) Scheduled and Interim Redetermination Procedure.
(i) Each Scheduled Redetermination and each Interim Redetermination shall be effectuated as follows: upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of (A) the Reserve Report and the certificate required to be delivered by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, in the case of a Scheduled Redetermination, pursuant to Section 8.11(a) and (c), and, in the case of an Interim Redetermination, pursuant to Section 8.11(b) and (c), and (B) such other reports, data and supplemental information, including, without limitation, the information provided pursuant to Section 8.11(c), as may, from time to time, be reasonably requested by the Required Lenders (the Reserve Report, such certificate and such other reports, data and supplemental information being the “Engineering Reports”), the Administrative Agent shall evaluate the information contained in the Engineering Reports and shall, in good faith and in its sole discretion, propose a new Borrowing Base (the “Proposed Borrowing Base”) based upon such information and such other information (including, without limitation, the status of title information with respect to the Oil and Gas Properties as described in the Engineering Reports and the existence of any other Debt or MVC Obligations, the Credit Parties’ other assets (including the Midstream Assets), liabilities, fixed charges, cash flow, business, properties, prospects, permit issuances, management and ownership, hedged and unhedged exposure to price, price, production and regulatory scenarios, interest rate and operating cost changes) as the Administrative Agent deems appropriate in good faith and in its sole discretion and consistent with its usual and customary oil and gas lending criteria as it exists at the particular time. For the avoidance of doubt, in the case of an Interim Redetermination (other than an Interim Redetermination requested by the Borrower), the Administrative Agent may utilize the Engineering Reports delivered in connection with the last Scheduled Redetermination, provided, however, the Administrative Agent may in its sole discretion request Borrower-generated supplemental Engineering Reports in connection with such Interim Redetermination.
51
(ii) The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the Proposed Borrowing Base (the “Proposed Borrowing Base Notice”):
(A) in the case of a Scheduled Redetermination, (I) if the Administrative Agent shall have received the Engineering Reports required to be delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Sections 8.11(a) and Section 8.11(c), in a timely and complete manner, then on or about March 15 or September 15 (commencing on or about September 15, 2024) (or, in each case, such date promptly thereafter as reasonably practicable), as the case may be, of such year following the date of delivery or (II) if the Administrative Agent shall not have received the Engineering Reports required to be delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Sections 8.11(a) and Section 8.11(c), in a timely and complete manner, then after the Administrative Agent has received complete Engineering Reports from the Borrower and has had a reasonable opportunity to determine the Proposed Borrowing Base in accordance with Section 2.07(c)(i); and
(B) in the case of an Interim Redetermination, such date which the Administrative Agent may determine in its sole discretion or at the direction of the Required Lenders.
(iii) Any Proposed Borrowing Base that would increase the Borrowing Base then in effect must be approved by all of the Lenders (other than any Defaulting Lenders) as provided in this Section 2.07(c)(iii); and any Proposed Borrowing Base that would decrease or maintain the Borrowing Base then in effect must be approved or be deemed to have been approved by the Required Lenders as provided in this Section 2.07(c)(iii). Such decisions will be made by each Lender based upon such information and such other information (including, without limitation, the status of title information with respect to the Oil and Gas Properties as described in the Engineering Reports and the existence of any other Debt or MVC Obligations, the Credit Parties’ other assets (including Midstream Assets), liabilities, fixed charges, cash flow, business, properties, prospects, permit issuances, management and ownership, hedged and unhedged exposure to price, price, production and regulatory scenarios, interest rate and operating cost changes) as such Lender deems appropriate in good faith and in its sole discretion and consistent with its usual and customary oil and gas lending criteria as it exists at the particular time. Upon receipt of the Proposed Borrowing Base Notice, each Lender shall have fifteen (15) days to agree with the Proposed Borrowing Base or disagree with the Proposed Borrowing Base by proposing an alternate Borrowing Base. If, in the case of any Proposed Borrowing Base that would decrease or maintain the Borrowing Base then in effect, at the end of such fifteen (15) days, any Lender has not communicated its approval or disapproval in writing to the Administrative Agent, such silence shall be deemed to be an approval of the Proposed Borrowing Base. If, in the case of any Proposed Borrowing Base that would increase the Borrowing Base then in effect, at the end of such fifteen (15) days, any Lender has not communicated its approval or disapproval in writing to the Administrative Agent, such silence shall be deemed to be a disapproval of the Proposed Borrowing Base. If, at or prior to the end of such 15-day period, all of the Lenders (other than any Defaulting Lenders), in the case of a Proposed Borrowing Base that would increase the Borrowing Base then in effect, or the Required Lenders, in the case of a Proposed Borrowing Base that would decrease or maintain the Borrowing Base then in effect, have approved or, in the case of a decrease or reaffirmation, have not been deemed to have approved, as aforesaid, then the Proposed Borrowing Base shall become the new Borrowing Base, effective on the date specified in Section 2.07(d). If, however, at the end of such 15-day period, all of the Lenders (other than any Defaulting Lenders) or the Required Lenders, as applicable, have not approved or, in the case of a decrease or reaffirmation, deemed to have approved, as aforesaid, then the Administrative Agent shall poll the Lenders to ascertain the highest Borrowing Base then acceptable to (A) in the case of a decrease or reaffirmation, a number of Lenders sufficient to constitute the Required Lenders and (B) in the case of an increase, all of the Lenders (other than any Defaulting Lenders), and such amount shall become the new Borrowing Base, effective on the date specified in Section 2.07(d) (it being understood that, if a Lender proposes an alternative Borrowing Base in connection with its disapproval of the Borrowing Base, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to separately poll such Lender).
52
(d) Effectiveness of a Redetermined Borrowing Base. After a redetermined Borrowing Base is approved or is deemed to have been approved by all of the Lenders or the Required Lenders, as applicable, pursuant to Section 2.07(c)(iii), the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the amount of the redetermined Borrowing Base (the “New Borrowing Base Notice”), and such amount shall become the new Borrowing Base, effective and applicable to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders on the date specified in such New Borrowing Base Notice. Such amount shall then become the Borrowing Base until the next Scheduled Redetermination Date, the next Interim Redetermination Date or the next adjustment to the Borrowing Base pursuant to the Borrowing Base Adjustment Provisions, whichever occurs first. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Scheduled Redetermination or Interim Redetermination shall become effective until the New Borrowing Base Notice related thereto is received by the Borrower.
(e) Automatic Reduction of the Borrowing Base on Borrowing Base Asset Dispositions and Borrowing Base Swap Liquidations. In addition to the redeterminations and other adjustments of the Borrowing Base provided for herein, to the extent that, in any period since the later of (x) the Effective Date and (y) the most recent redetermination of the Borrowing Base or adjustment of the Borrowing Base pursuant to this Section 2.07(e), Borrowing Base Asset Dispositions and/or Borrowing Base Swap Liquidations occur with an aggregate Borrowing Base Value in excess of five percent (5%) of the Borrowing Base, as established on the Effective Date or the most recent of such Redetermination Dates (or adjustment dates), as applicable, then, unless the Required Lenders make an election to the contrary, the Borrowing Base will be reduced, effective immediately upon the consummation of the Borrowing Base Asset Disposition or Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation that caused such 5% threshold to be exceeded, by the Borrowing Base Value of the Oil and Gas Properties or Swap Agreements subject of such Borrowing Base Asset Disposition or Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation (as proposed by the Administrative Agent and approved by the Required Lenders, which shall take into account any other Swap Agreements executed by the Credit Parties contemporaneously with the Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation) and the Borrower shall make any mandatory prepayment required under Section 3.04(c)(iii) as a result of such reduction; provided that the Borrowing Base Value for purposes of this Section 2.07(e) shall be determined by the Administrative Agent and such amount shall be submitted to the Lenders and shall be deemed approved if the Required Lenders have not objected to such amount within ten (10) Business Days of such submission. Upon any such reduction in the Borrowing Base, the Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders.
53
(f) Automatic Reduction of the Borrowing Base on the Issuance or Incurrence of Specified Additional Debt. In addition to the redeterminations and other adjustments of the Borrowing Base provided for herein, upon the issuance or incurrence of any Specified Additional Debt (and not, for the avoidance of doubt, (x) any Permitted Refinancing Debt in respect of any Specified Additional Debt or (y) any Specified Additional Debt issued prior to the first Scheduled Redetermination in an aggregate principal amount up to $600,000,000), the Borrowing Base then in effect shall be automatically reduced by an amount equal to the product of 0.25 multiplied by the stated principal amount of such Specified Additional Debt (without regard to any initial issue discount), and the Borrowing Base as so reduced shall become the new Borrowing Base immediately upon the date of such issuance and/or incurrence, effective and applicable to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank and the Lenders on such date until the next redetermination or other adjustment of the Borrowing Base pursuant to this Agreement.
(g) Reduction of the Borrowing Base Related to Title. In addition to the redeterminations and other adjustments of the Borrowing Base provided for herein, if the Administrative Agent or Required Lenders have adjusted the Borrowing Base in accordance with Section 8.12(c), so that, after giving effect to such reduction, the Borrower will satisfy the requirements of Section 8.12(c), the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower in writing and, upon receipt of such notice, the new Borrowing Base will simultaneously become effective.
Section 2.08 Letters of Credit.
(a) General. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may request the issuance of dollar denominated Letters of Credit for its own account or for the account of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed the LC Commitment; provided that (x) the aggregate amount of LC Exposures with respect to Letters of Credit issued and outstanding at any time by any Issuing Bank shall not exceed its LC Issuance Limit (unless otherwise agreed to in writing by such Issuing Bank) and (y) the Borrower may not request the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of Letters of Credit hereunder if a Borrowing Base Deficiency exists at such time or would exist as a result thereof. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any form of letter of credit application or other agreement submitted by the Borrower to, or entered into by the Borrower with, any Issuing Bank relating to any Letter of Credit, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Issuing Banks shall have no obligation hereunder to issue, and (in the case of clause (i)) shall not issue, any Letter of Credit (i) the proceeds of which would be made available to any Person (A) to fund any activity or business of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country or (B) in any manner that would result in a violation of any Sanctions by any party to this Agreement (provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, this clause (i) shall not operate to invalidate any Letter of Credit or impose any liability on the applicable Issuing Bank for issuing same if the proceeds of such Letter of Credit are ultimately used in contravention of the representations and warranties made by the Borrower to such Issuing Bank at the time of the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit), (ii) if any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain any Issuing Bank from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Governmental Requirement relating to any Issuing Bank or any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over any Issuing Bank shall prohibit, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon any Issuing Bank with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which such Issuing Bank is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Effective Date, or shall impose upon any Issuing Bank any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Effective Date and which such Issuing Bank in good faith deems material to it or (iii) if the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of any Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements 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 not to be in effect on the Effective Date for purposes of clause (ii) above, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.
54
(b) Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Conditions. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Borrower shall transmit by electronic communication to an Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (prior to 2:00 p.m. New York, New York time three (3) Business Days in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (or such shorter period agreed to by such Issuing Bank)) a notice:
(i) requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended;
(ii) specifying the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (which shall be a Business Day);
(iii) specifying the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with Section 2.08(c));
(iv) specifying the amount of such Letter of Credit;
(v) specifying the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit;
(vi) specifying the amount of the then effective Borrowing Base and the then effective Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts and whether a Borrowing Base Deficiency exists at such time, the current total Revolving Credit Exposures (without regard to the requested Letter of Credit or the requested amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit) and the pro forma total Revolving Credit Exposures (giving effect to the requested Letter of Credit or the requested amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit); and
(vii) if a Letter of Credit is to be issued for the account of a Restricted Subsidiary, (x) accompanied by information about such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations reasonably requested by such Issuing Bank and (y) naming the Borrower as a joint applicant on the applicable Letter of Credit Agreements.
Each notice shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that after giving effect to the requested issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, as applicable, (x) the LC Exposure shall not exceed the LC Commitment, (y) the aggregate amount of LC Exposures with respect to Letters of Credit issued and outstanding at any time by any Issuing Bank shall not exceed its LC Issuance Limit (unless such Issuing Bank shall have otherwise agreed in writing) and (z) the total Revolving Credit Exposures shall not exceed the then effective Loan Limit.
If requested by an Issuing Bank, the Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application on such Issuing Bank’s standard form in connection with any request for a Letter of Credit; provided that, in the event of any conflict between such application or any Letter of Credit Agreement and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control.
55
(c) Expiration Date. Each Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date that is one year (or fifteen (15) months if the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit is the Texas Railroad Commission) after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one year (or fifteen (15) months if the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit is the Texas Railroad Commission) after such renewal or extension) and (ii) the date that is five (5) Business Days prior to the Maturity Date. If the Borrower so requests in any applicable notice given pursuant to Section 2.08(b) and an Issuing Bank agrees to do so, such Issuing Bank may issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic renewal provisions; provided, however, that any Letter of Credit that has automatic renewal provisions must permit such Issuing Bank to prevent any such renewal at least once in each twelve-month period (or fifteen (15) month period if the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit is the Texas Railroad Commission) (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day in each such twelve-month (or fifteen month) period to be agreed upon by the Borrower and such Issuing Bank at the time such Letter of Credit is issued and any such Letter of Credit may not have an expiration date later than the date that is five (5) Business Days prior to the Maturity Date (except to the extent cash collateralized or backstopped on or prior to the Maturity Date pursuant to arrangements reasonably acceptable to the applicable Issuing Bank). Once any such Letter of Credit that has automatic renewal provisions has been issued, the Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) such Issuing Bank to permit the renewal of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than thirty (30) days prior to the Maturity Date; provided, further, that (i) such Issuing Bank shall not be obligated to permit any such renewal if such Issuing Bank has determined that it would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its renewed form under the terms hereof, or (ii) such Issuing Bank shall not permit any such renewal if it has received notice (on or before the day that is two (2) Business Days before the date that such Issuing Bank is permitted to send a notice of non-renewal from the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 6.02 is not then satisfied.
(d) Participations. By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of the Issuing Banks or the Lenders, the Issuing Banks hereby grants to each Lender, and each Lender hereby acquires from the Issuing Banks, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Issuing Banks, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement made by the Issuing Banks and not reimbursed by the Borrower on the date due as provided in Section 2.08(e), or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason. Each Lender acknowledges, and severally agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this Section 2.08(d) in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default, the existence of a Borrowing Base Deficiency or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.
(e) Reimbursement. If any Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 12:00 noon, New York, New York time, on the next Business Day following the day that the Borrower receives such notice; provided that the Borrower shall, subject to the conditions to Borrowing set forth herein (other than the requirement to deliver a Borrowing Request), be deemed to have requested, and the Borrower does hereby request under such circumstances, that such payment be financed with an ABR Borrowing in an amount equal to such LC Disbursement and, to the extent so financed, the Borrower’s obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Borrowing. If the Borrower fails to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrower in respect thereof and such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the payment then due from the Borrower, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.05 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.05 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to such Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.08(e), the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to such Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Lenders have made payments pursuant to this Section 2.08(e) to reimburse such Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and such Issuing Bank as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Lender pursuant to this Section 2.08(e) to reimburse an Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of ABR Loans as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement.
56
(f) Obligations Absolute. The Borrower’s obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in Section 2.08(e) shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit, any Letter of Credit Agreement or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) payment by the applicable Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit or any Letter of Credit Agreement, or (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section 2.08(f), constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrower’s obligations hereunder or any obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary under the Loan Documents or any other transaction. Neither the Administrative Agent, the Lenders nor any Issuing Bank, nor any of their Related Parties shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of any Issuing Bank; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse any Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by the Issuing Bank’s failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof. The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Issuing Banks (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), the Issuing Banks shall be deemed to have exercised all requisite care in each such determination. In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented which appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, the applicable Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.
(g) Disbursement Procedures. Each Issuing Bank shall, within the period stipulated by terms and condition of Letter of Credit, following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit. After such examination and provided that such document(s) are compliant, the applicable Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing of such demand for payment and whether such Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such Issuing Bank and the Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement.
57
(h) Interim Interest. If the applicable Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement, then, until the Borrower shall have reimbursed such Issuing Bank for such LC Disbursement (either with its own funds or a Borrowing under Section 2.08(e)), the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that the Borrower reimburses such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to ABR Loans and such interest shall be due and payable on the date when such reimbursement is payable; provided that, if the Borrower fails to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section, then Section 3.02(c) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this Section 2.08(h) shall be for the account of such Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Lender pursuant to Section 2.08(e) to reimburse such Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.
(i) Removal, Replacement or Resignation of an Issuing Bank.
(i) Any Issuing Bank may be removed at any time by written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the removed Issuing Bank; provided, that if there is only one Issuing Bank, such Issuing Bank may not be removed, but may be replaced. Any Issuing Bank may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Issuing Bank and the successor Issuing Bank. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of any such removal or replacement of such Issuing Bank. At the time any such removal or replacement shall become effective, the Borrower shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the removed or replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 3.05(b). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (A) the successor Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of such Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued thereafter and (B) references herein to the term “Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Issuing Bank, or to such successor and all previous Issuing Banks, as the context shall require. After the removal or replacement of an Issuing Bank hereunder, the replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit. Annex II shall be amended upon the written agreement of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and any successor Issuing Bank to set forth such Issuing Bank’s LC Issuance Limit, and no successor Issuing Bank shall be an “Issuing Bank” hereunder until such amendment is effective.
(ii) Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Issuing Bank, any Issuing Bank may resign as an Issuing Bank at any time upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Lenders, in which case, such resigning Issuing Bank shall be replaced in accordance with Section 2.08(i)(i) above.
58
(j) Cash Collateralization. If (i) any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing and the Borrower receives notice from the Administrative Agent, in its discretion or at the direction of the Required Lenders, demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this Section 2.08(j), (ii) the LC Exposure exceeds the LC Commitment at any time as a result of a reduction in the Borrowing Base or (iii) the Borrower is required to pay to the Administrative Agent the excess attributable to any LC Exposure in connection with any prepayment pursuant to Section 3.04(c), then the Borrower shall deposit, in the case of clause (i) or (ii), on demand, or in the case of clause (iii), by the date specified therefor in Section 3.04(c), in an account with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Lenders, an amount in cash (or, if acceptable to the Administrative Agent, Cash Equivalents) equal to 103% of, (A) in the case of an Event of Default, the LC Exposure, (B) in the case of the LC Exposure exceeding the LC Commitment, the amount of such excess, and (C) in the case of a payment required by Section 3.04(c), the amount of such excess as provided in Section 3.04(c), as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary described in Section 10.01(h) or Section 10.01(i). The Borrower hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Issuing Banks and the Lenders, an exclusive first priority and continuing perfected security interest in and Lien on such account and all cash, checks, drafts, certificates and instruments, if any, from time to time deposited or held in such account, all deposits or wire transfers made thereto, any and all investments purchased with funds deposited in such account, all interest, dividends, cash, instruments, financial assets and other Property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise payable in respect of, or in exchange for, any or all of the foregoing, and all proceeds, products, accessions, rents, profits, income and benefits therefrom, and any substitutions and replacements therefor. The Borrower’s obligation to deposit amounts pursuant to this Section 2.08(j) shall be absolute and unconditional, without regard to whether any beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit has attempted to draw down all or a portion of such amount under the terms of a Letter of Credit, and, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, shall not be subject to any defense or be affected by a right of set-off, counterclaim or recoupment which the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may now or hereafter have against any such beneficiary, the Issuing Banks, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders or any other Person for any reason whatsoever. Such deposit shall be held as collateral securing the payment and performance of the Credit Parties’ obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over such account. Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and at the Borrower’s risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account. Moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the Issuing Banks for LC Disbursements for which they have not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, be applied to satisfy other obligations of the Credit Parties under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents. If the Borrower is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, and the Borrower is not otherwise required to transfer to the Administrative Agent the excess attributable to any LC Exposure in connection with any prepayment pursuant to Section 3.04(c), then such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrower within three (3) Business Days after all Events of Default have been cured or waived.
(k) LC Exposure Determination. For all purposes of this Agreement, the amount of a Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at the time of determination.
(1) Reports from Issuing Banks. Each Issuing Bank (other than the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates) shall, at least once each month, provide the Administrative Agent with a list of all Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank that are outstanding at such time; provided that, upon written request from the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank shall thereafter notify the Administrative Agent in writing on each Business Day of all Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank that are outstanding at such time.
59
Section 2.09 Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:
(a) 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 Section 10.02(c) or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 12.08 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, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to any Issuing Bank hereunder; third, to cash collateralize the Issuing Banks’ LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with this Section 2.09; fourth, 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; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a Deposit Account and released pro rata in order to (i) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement and (ii) cash collateralize the Issuing Banks’ future LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement, in accordance with this Section 2.09; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender or the Issuing Banks against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; seventh, 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 or under any other Loan Document; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (i) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or LC Disbursements in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (ii) such Loans were made or the related Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 6.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and LC Disbursements owed to, all non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or LC Disbursements owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in the Borrower’s obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Commitments without giving effect to Section 2.09(c). 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 or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section 2.09 shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto;
(b) the Commitment and Revolving Credit Exposure of such Defaulting Lender shall not be included in determining whether the Majority Lenders or Required Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder (including any consent to any amendment, waiver or other modification pursuant to Section 12.02); provided that this clause (b) shall not apply to the vote of a Defaulting Lender in the case of an amendment, waiver or other modification requiring the consent of such Lender or each Lender affected thereby;
(c) if any LC Exposure exists at the time such Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender then:
(i) all or any part of such LC Exposure of such Defaulting Lender shall automatically be reallocated among the non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages but only to the extent any non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure does not exceed its Commitment;
60
(ii) if the reallocation described in clause (i) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall, within one (1) Business Day following notice by the Administrative Agent, cash collateralize such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (i) above) in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.08(j) for so long as such LC Exposure is outstanding;
(iii) if the Borrower cash collateralizes any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure pursuant to clause (ii) above, the Borrower shall not be required to pay any fees to such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 3.05(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure during the period such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is cash collateralized;
(iv) if the LC Exposure of the non-Defaulting Lenders is reallocated pursuant to clause (i) above, then the fees payable to the Lenders pursuant to Section 3.05(a) and Section 3.05(b) shall be adjusted in accordance with such non-Defaulting Lenders’ Applicable Percentages; or
(v) if all or any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is neither cash collateralized nor reallocated pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) above, then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of the Issuing Banks or any Lender hereunder, all commitment fees that otherwise would have been payable to such Defaulting Lender (solely with respect to the portion of such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment that was utilized by such LC Exposure) under Section 3.05(a) and letter of credit fees payable under Section 3.05(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure shall be payable to the Issuing Banks until such LC Exposure is cash collateralized and/or reallocated; and
(d) so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender, no Issuing Bank shall be required to issue, amend, extend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless it is satisfied that the related exposure and the Defaulting Lender’s then outstanding LC Exposure will be 100% covered by the Commitments of the non-Defaulting Lenders and/or cash collateral will be provided by the Borrower in accordance with Section 2.09(c), and LC Exposure related to any newly issued, extended or increased Letter of Credit shall be allocated among non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.09(c)(i) (and such Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein).
If (i) a Bankruptcy Event or a Bail-In Action with respect to a Lender Parent shall occur following the date hereof and for so long as such event shall continue or (ii) any Issuing Bank has a good faith belief that any Lender has defaulted in fulfilling its obligations under one or more other agreements in which such Lender commits to extend credit, no Issuing Bank shall be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless the Issuing Banks shall have entered into arrangements with the Borrower or such Lender, satisfactory to such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, to defease any risk to it in respect of such Lender hereunder.
In the event that each of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and each Issuing Bank agree that a Defaulting Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender, then the LC Exposure of the Lenders shall be readjusted to reflect the inclusion of such Lender’s Commitment and on such date such Lender shall purchase at par such of the Loans of the other Lenders as the Administrative Agent shall determine may be necessary in order for such Lender to hold such Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.
61
ARTICLE III
PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST; PREPAYMENTS; FEES
Section 3.01 Repayment of Loans. The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Loan on the Termination Date.
Section 3.02 Interest.
(a) ABR Loans. The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin, but in no event to exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.
(b) SOFR Loans. The Loans comprising each SOFR Borrowing shall bear interest at the Adjusted Term SOFR for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Margin, but in no event to exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.
(c) Post-Default Rate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) if any Event of Default of the type described in Section 10.01(a), Section 10.01(b), Section 10.01(h), Section 10.01(i) or Section 10.01(j) occurs, then (A) all outstanding principal, fees and other obligations under any Loan Document (other than fees payable pursuant to Section 3.05(b)) shall automatically bear interest at a rate per annum of two percent (2%) plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in Section 3.02(a) (including the Applicable Margin) and (B) all fees payable pursuant to Section 3.05(b) shall increase by two percent (2%) per annum over the then-applicable rate, but in no event to exceed the Highest Lawful Rate, and shall be payable on demand by the Administrative Agent and (ii) if any Event of Default occurs (other than an Event of Default described in Section 10.01(a), Section 10.01(b), Section 10.01(h), Section 10.01(i) or Section 10.01(j)), then at the election of the Majority Lenders (or the Administrative Agent at the direction of Majority Lenders), (A) all outstanding principal, fees and other obligations under any Loan Document (other than fees payable pursuant to Section 3.05(b)) shall bear interest at a rate per annum of two percent (2%) plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in Section 3.02(a) (including the Applicable Margin) and (B) all fees payable pursuant to Section 3.05(b) shall increase by two percent (2%) per annum over the then-applicable rate, but in no event to exceed the Highest Lawful Rate, and shall be payable on demand by the Administrative Agent.
(d) Interest Payment Dates. Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and on the Termination Date; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to Section 3.02(c) shall be payable on demand, or if no demand has been made, on each Interest Payment Date, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than an optional prepayment of an ABR Loan prior to the Termination Date), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment, and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any SOFR Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.
(e) Interest Rate Computations. All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, unless such computation would exceed the Highest Lawful Rate, in which case interest shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), except that interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). All interest hereunder on any Loan shall be computed on a daily basis based upon the outstanding principal amount of such Loan as of the applicable date of determination. The applicable Alternate Base Rate or Adjusted Term SOFR shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and be binding upon the parties hereto.
62
(f) Term SOFR Conforming Changes. In connection with the use or administration of Term SOFR, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Conforming Changes 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 or any other Loan Document. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the effectiveness of any Conforming Changes in connection with the use or administration of Term SOFR.
Section 3.03 Benchmark Replacement Setting.
(a) Subject to clauses (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) of this Section 3.03, if prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a SOFR Borrowing:
(i) the Administrative Agent determines that Adjusted Term SOFR cannot be determined pursuant to the definition thereof; or
(ii) the Majority Lenders determine that for any reason in connection with any request for a SOFR Loan or a conversion thereto or a continuation thereof that Adjusted Term SOFR for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed SOFR Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, and the Majority Lenders have provided notice of such determination to the Administrative Agent;
the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender.
Upon notice thereof by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower, any obligation of the Lenders to make SOFR Loans, and any right of the Borrower to continue SOFR Loans or to convert ABR Loans to SOFR Loans, shall be suspended (to the extent of the affected SOFR Loans or affected Interest Periods) until the Administrative Agent (with respect to clause (ii), at the instruction of the Majority Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, (i) the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of SOFR Loans (to the extent of the affected SOFR Loans or affected Interest Periods) or, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any such request into a request for a Borrowing of or conversion to ABR Loans in the amount specified therein and (ii) any outstanding affected SOFR Loans will be deemed to have been converted into ABR Loans at the end of the applicable Interest Period. Upon any such conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so converted, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 5.02. Subject to clauses (b), (d), (c) and (f) of this Section 3.03, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that Adjusted Term SOFR cannot be determined pursuant to the definition thereof on any given day, the interest rate on ABR Loans shall be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to clause (c) of the definition of “Alternate Base Rate” until the Administrative Agent revokes such determination.
(b) Benchmark Replacement.
(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower may amend this Agreement to replace the then-current Benchmark with a Benchmark Replacement. Any such amendment with respect to a Benchmark Transition Event will become effective at 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the Administrative Agent has posted such proposed amendment to all affected Lenders and the Borrower so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such amendment from Lenders comprising the Majority Lenders. No replacement of a Benchmark with a Benchmark Replacement pursuant to this Section 3.03(b)(i) will occur prior to the applicable Benchmark Transition Start Date.
63
(ii) No Swap Agreement shall be deemed to be a “Loan Document” for purposes of this Section 3.03.
(c) Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. In connection with the use, administration, adoption or implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Conforming Changes 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 or any other Loan Document.
(d) Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determinations. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of (i) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement and (ii) the effectiveness of any Conforming Changes in connection with the use, administration, adoption or implementation of a Benchmark Replacement. The Administrative Agent will notify the Borrower of (A) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to Section 3.03(e) and (B) the commencement of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Administrative Agent or, if applicable, any Lender (or group of Lenders) pursuant to this Section 3.03, including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its or their sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 3.03.
(e) Unavailability of Tenor of Benchmark. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including the Term SOFR Reference Rate) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion or (B) the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark has provided a public statement or publication of information announcing that any tenor for such Benchmark is not or will not be representative, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” (or any similar or analogous definition) for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative tenor and (ii) if a tenor that was removed pursuant to clause (i) above either (A) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (B) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is not or will not be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” (or any similar or analogous definition) for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.
(f) Benchmark Unavailability Period. Upon the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a SOFR Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of SOFR Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any such request into a request for a Borrowing of or conversion to ABR Loans. During a Benchmark Unavailability Period or at any time that a tenor for the then-current Benchmark is not an Available Tenor, the component of ABR based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of ABR.
64
Section 3.04 Prepayments.
(a) Optional Prepayments. The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part, subject to prior notice in accordance with Section 3.04(b).
(b) Notice and Terms of Optional Prepayment. The Borrower shall provide written notice to the Administrative Agent by electronic transmission acceptable to the Administrative Agent of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a SOFR Borrowing, not later than 2:00 p.m., New York, New York time, three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days before the date of prepayment, or (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York, New York time, one Business Day before the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a notice of prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Commitments as contemplated by Sections 2.06(b) or 2.06(c), then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Sections 2.06(b) or 2.06(c). Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02. Each prepayment of a Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing. Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 3.02.
(c) Mandatory Prepayments; Additional Mortgaged Property.
(i) If, after giving effect to any termination or reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts pursuant to Section 2.06(b) or any termination or reduction of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amounts pursuant to Section 2.06(c), the total Revolving Credit Exposures exceeds the then effective Loan Limit, then the Borrower shall (A) prepay the Borrowings on the date of such termination or reduction in an aggregate principal amount equal to such excess, and (B) if any excess remains after prepaying all of the Borrowings as a result of any LC Exposure, transfer to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders an amount equal to such excess to be held as cash collateral as provided in Section 2.08(j).
65
(ii) Upon any redetermination of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 2.07(c)(iii) or reduction of the Borrowing Base in connection with Section 2.07(g), if the total Revolving Credit Exposures exceeds the Loan Limit after giving effect to the redetermined or adjusted Borrowing Base, then the Borrower shall eliminate such excess by either prepaying the Borrowings in an aggregate principal amount equal to such excess (and if any excess remains after prepaying all of the Borrowings as a result of any LC Exposure, transferring to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such excess to be held as cash collateral as provided in Section 2.08(j) or granting, or causing Restricted Subsidiaries to grant, to the Administrative Agent by instruments reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent as security for the Obligations a first-priority Lien interest (provided that Liens permitted by Section 9.03 may exist) on additional Oil and Gas Properties which Oil and Gas Properties are not already subject to a Lien of the Security Instruments and which Oil and Gas Properties were not previously included in a Reserve Report evaluated by the Lenders in connection with the then-existing Borrowing Base, with value and quality satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders in their respective individual sole discretion sufficient to eliminate such excess (such additional Oil and Gas Properties, “Additional Mortgaged Property”)). The Borrower may make such prepayment, at its election, (1) in one lump sum payment on or before the date that is 30 days following the receipt by the Borrower of the New Borrowing Base Notice in accordance with Section 2.07(d) or (2) in six equal payments (the “Borrowing Base Amortization Payments”), the first of which being due on the date that is 30 days following the date of receipt by the Borrower of the New Borrowing Base Notice in accordance with Section 2.07(d) and each subsequent payment being due and payable on the same day in each of the subsequent calendar months (subject to any reductions or increases of the Borrowing Base Deficiency during such six-month period as a result of any other adjustments or redeterminations of the Borrowing Base during such period); provided that all payments required to be made pursuant to this Section 3.04(c)(ii) must be made on or prior to the Termination Date. Alternatively, the Borrower may grant or cause the granting of such Liens with respect to the Additional Mortgaged Property, within thirty (30) days (or such longer period as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion) following the receipt by the Borrower of the New Borrowing Base Notice in accordance with Section 2.07(d). All such Liens will be created and perfected by and in accordance with the provisions of deeds of trust, mortgages, security agreements and financing statements or other Security Instruments, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and in sufficient executed (and acknowledged where necessary or appropriate) counterparts for recording purposes. In order to comply with the foregoing, if any Restricted Subsidiary places a Lien on its Proved Oil and Gas Properties and such Restricted Subsidiary is not a Guarantor, then it shall become a Guarantor and comply with Section 8.13(b). The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent in writing of the Borrower’s election in respect of clause (1) or (2) of the preceding sentence, its election to grant Liens in Additional Mortgaged Properties approved by the Administrative Agent and Required Lenders, or any combination of the actions set forth in this sentence, within 10 Business Days following the receipt of the New Borrowing Base Notice in accordance with Section 2.07(d). Failure to provide such notification shall be deemed an election to prepay the Borrowing Base Deficiency pursuant to clause (2) above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Credit Parties shall not make any principal payment or other Redemption in respect of the Holdings Intercompany Debt while a Borrowing Base Deficiency or Event of Default exists.
(iii) Upon any adjustment to the amount of the Borrowing Base in accordance with the Borrowing Base Adjustment Provisions (other than Section 2.07(g)), if the total Revolving Credit Exposures exceeds the Borrowing Base as adjusted, then the Borrower shall (A) prepay the Borrowings in an aggregate principal amount equal to such excess and (B) if any excess remains after prepaying all of the Borrowings as a result of any LC Exposure, transfer to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders an amount equal to such excess to be held as cash collateral as provided in Section 2.08(j). The Borrower shall be obligated to make such prepayment in one lump sum payment on the third Business Day after the consummation of such Borrowing Base Asset Disposition, Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation or incurrence of Specified Additional Debt. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to permit any Credit Party to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose Property other than pursuant to Section 9.12, and any such non-permitted sale, transfer or disposition will constitute a breach of this Agreement.
(iv) Reserved.
(v) Promptly following the incurrence of any Debt by any Credit Party (other than Debt permitted under Section 9.02), the Borrower shall prepay the Loans (and if any excess remains after prepaying all of the Borrowings as a result of any LC Exposure, transferring to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such excess to be held as cash collateral as provided in Section 2.08(j)) in an aggregate amount equal to the lesser of (A) one hundred percent (100%) of the Net Proceeds received in respect of such Debt and (B) the amount of Loans then outstanding. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to permit any Credit Party to incur Debt other than as permitted under Section 9.02, and any such incurrence of Debt shall be a violation of Section 9.02 and a breach of this Agreement.
66
(vi) In addition to the foregoing mandatory prepayments set forth in this Section 3.04(c), at any time that Specified Additional Debt (other than Permitted Refinancing Debt in respect thereof) shall be incurred or issued while a Borrowing Base Deficiency exists, the Borrower shall to the extent necessary to cure such Borrowing Base Deficiency (with the Borrowing Base being calculated after giving effect to the Borrowing Base adjustment required pursuant to Section 2.07(f) in connection with such Specified Additional Debt) (A) prepay the Borrowings in an aggregate principal amount equal to such excess and (B) if any excess remains after prepaying all of the Borrowings as a result of any LC Exposure, transfer to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders an amount equal to such excess to be held as cash collateral as provided in Section 2.08(j). The Borrower shall be obligated to make such prepayment in one lump sum payment on the first Business Day after Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries receives any Net Proceeds from such incurrence of Specified Additional Debt.
(vii) Each prepayment of Borrowings pursuant to this Section 3.04(c) shall be applied, first, ratably to any ABR Borrowings then outstanding, and, second, to any SOFR Borrowings then outstanding, and if more than one SOFR Borrowing is then outstanding, to each such SOFR Borrowing in order of priority beginning with the SOFR Borrowing with the least number of days remaining in the Interest Period applicable thereto and ending with the SOFR Borrowing with the most number of days remaining in the Interest Period applicable thereto.
(viii) Without limiting any other provision of this Section 3.04(c), if at the time of the receipt of such Net Proceeds a Borrowing Base Deficiency then exists, then promptly following the receipt of Net Proceeds by any Credit Party in respect of any Asset Sale in an amount exceeding $5,000,000, in each case on an individual basis or the basis of a series of related transactions, the Borrower shall prepay the Loans in an aggregate amount equal to the lesser of (A) one hundred percent (100%) of such Net Proceeds and (B) the amount of the Borrowing Base Deficiency, with any such payment that is made when Borrowing Base Amortization Payments are required under Section 3.04(c)(ii), such payment shall be applied in inverse order of maturity to such Borrowing Base Amortization Payments.
(ix) Without limiting any other provision of this Section 3.04(c), if at the time of the receipt of such Net Proceeds a Borrowing Base Deficiency then exists, then promptly following the receipt of Net Proceeds by any Credit Party in respect of any Casualty Event in an amount exceeding $5,000,000, on an individual basis or the basis of a series of related payments in respect of one or more Casualty Events, the Borrower shall prepay the Loans in an aggregate amount equal to the lesser of (A) one hundred percent (100%) of such Net Proceeds and (B) the amount of the Borrowing Base Deficiency, with any such payment that is made when Borrowing Base Amortization Payments are required under Section 3.04(c)(ii), such payment shall be applied in inverse order of maturity to such Borrowing Base Amortization Payments.
(x) Each prepayment of Borrowings pursuant to this Section 3.04(c) shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowings. Prepayments pursuant to this Section 3.04(c) shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 3.02.
(d) No Premium or Penalty. Prepayments permitted or required under this Section 3.04 shall be without premium or penalty, except as required under Section 5.02.
Section 3.05 Fees.
(a) Commitment Fees. Except as otherwise provided in Section 3.05(d), the Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the applicable Commitment Fee Rate on the average daily amount of the unused amount of the Commitment of such Lender during the Availability Period. For the avoidance of doubt, LC Exposure shall constitute usage of the Commitments for purposes of this Section 3.05(a). Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year and on the Termination Date, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof. All commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, unless such computation would exceed the Highest Lawful Rate, in which case such fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).
67
(b) Letter of Credit Fees. Except as otherwise provided in Section 3.05(d), the Borrower agrees to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit, which shall accrue at the same Applicable Margin used to determine the interest rate applicable to SOFR Loans on the average daily amount of such Lender’s LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the date of this Agreement to but excluding the later of the date on which such Lender’s Commitment terminates and the date on which such Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure, (ii) to each Issuing Bank a fronting fee, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.15% per annum on the average daily amount of the LC Exposure of such Issuing Bank (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the date of this Agreement to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure, and (iii) to the Issuing Bank, for its own account, its standard fees with respect to the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder. Participation fees and fronting fees accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable on the third Business Day following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date of this Agreement; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the Termination Date and any such fees accruing after the Termination Date shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to any Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section 3.05(b) shall be payable within 10 days after demand. All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, unless such computation would cause interest hereunder to exceed the Highest Lawful Rate, in which case such participation and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).
(c) Administrative Agent and Arranger Fees. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent and/or the Arrangers, as applicable, the fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and/or such Arrangers in the Fee Letters.
(d) Defaulting Lender Fees. Subject to Section 2.09, the Borrower shall not be obligated to pay the Administrative Agent any Defaulting Lender’s ratable share of the fees described in Section 3.05(a) and (b) for the period commencing on the day such Defaulting Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender and continuing for so long as such Lender continues to be a Defaulting Lender.
(e) Borrowing Base Increase Fees. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of each Lender then party to this Agreement and whose Commitment, if any, is increasing, a Borrowing Base increase fee in an amount to be set forth in a separate written agreement on the amount of any increase of the Borrowing Base, payable on the effective date of any such increase to the Borrowing Base.
68
ARTICLE IV
PAYMENTS; PRO RATA TREATMENT; SHARING OF SET-OFFS
Section 4.01 Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs.
(a) Payments by the Borrower. The Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Section 5.01, Section 5.02, Section 5.03 or otherwise) prior to 1:00 p.m., New York, New York time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without defense, deduction, recoupment, set-off or counterclaim. Fees, once paid, shall be fully earned and shall not be refundable under any circumstances, absent manifest error. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at its offices specified in Section 12.01, except payments to be made directly to an Issuing Bank as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Section 5.01, Section 5.02, Section 5.03 and Section 12.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. All payments hereunder shall be made in dollars.
(b) Application of Insufficient Payments. If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, unreimbursed LC Disbursements, interest and fees then due hereunder then, subject to Section 10.02(c), such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards 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, towards payment of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due to such parties.
(c) Sharing of Payments by Lenders. If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and participations in LC Disbursements of other Lenders to the extent necessary 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 Loans and participations in LC Disbursements; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this Section 4.01(c) shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by 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 any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements to any assignee or Participant, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section 4.01(c) 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 exercise against the Borrower rights of set-off 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.
69
Section 4.02 Presumption of Payment by the Borrower. 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 or the Issuing Banks 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 or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or Issuing Bank 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.
Section 4.03 Certain Deductions by the Administrative Agent. If a Defaulting Lender (or a Lender who would be a Defaulting Lender but for the expiration of the relevant grace period) as a result of the exercise of a set off shall have received a payment in respect of its Revolving Credit Exposure which results in its Revolving Credit Exposure being less than its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposures, then no payment will be made to such Defaulting Lender until all amounts due and owing to the Lenders have been equalized in accordance with each Lender’s respective pro rata share of the Obligations. Further, if any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.05(a), Section 2.08(d), Section 2.08(e) or Section 4.02, or otherwise hereunder, then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lender’s obligations under such Sections until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid. If at any time prior to the acceleration or maturity of the Loans, the Administrative Agent shall receive any payment in respect of principal of a Loan or a reimbursement of an LC Disbursement while one or more Defaulting Lenders shall be party to this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall apply such payment first to the Borrowing(s) for which such Defaulting Lender(s) shall have failed to fund its pro rata share until such time as such Borrowing(s) are paid in full or each Lender (including each Defaulting Lender) is owed its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure then outstanding. After acceleration or maturity of the Loans, all principal will be paid ratably as provided in Section 10.02(c).
Section 4.04 Disposition of Proceeds. The Mortgages contain an assignment by the Borrower and/or the other Credit Parties unto and in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties of all of such Credit Party’s interest in and to production and all proceeds attributable thereto which may be produced from or allocated to the Mortgaged Property. The Mortgages further provide in general for the application of such proceeds to the satisfaction of the Obligations and other obligations described therein and secured thereby. Notwithstanding the assignment contained in such Mortgages, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (a) the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agree that they will neither notify the purchaser or purchasers of such production nor take any other action to cause such proceeds to be remitted to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders, but the Lenders will instead permit such proceeds to be paid to the applicable Credit Party and (b) the Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to take such actions as may be necessary to cause such proceeds to be paid to the applicable Credit Party.
ARTICLE V
INCREASED COSTS; BREAK FUNDING PAYMENTS; TAXES; ILLEGALITY
Section 5.01 Increased Costs.
70
(a) Increased Costs Generally. If any Change in Law shall:
(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve (including pursuant to regulations issued from time to time by the Board for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including any emergency, special, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) with respect to eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency liabilities” in Regulation D)), 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, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or
(iii) impose on any Lender or any Issuing Bank any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation in any such Loan or Letter of Credit;
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such Issuing Bank 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 or such Issuing Bank, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrower will pay to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
(b) Capital Requirements. If any Lender or Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or Issuing Bank or any lending office of such Lender or Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’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 or Issuing Bank’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by any Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy or liquidity), then from time to time, upon receipt of a certificate described in the following subsection (c), the Borrower will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.
(c) Certificates. A certificate of a Lender or an Issuing Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or such Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in Section 5.01(a) or (b) shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.
(d) Effect of Failure or Delay in Requesting Compensation. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or any Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 5.01 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or an Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section 5.01 for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than nine months prior to the date that such Lender or the Issuing Bank, 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 or the Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided, further 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.
71
Section 5.02 Break Funding Payments. In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any SOFR Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (b) the conversion of any SOFR Loan into an ABR Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any SOFR Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto, or (d) the assignment of any SOFR Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 5.04(b), then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event, including any loss, cost or expense arising from the liquidation or redeployment of funds.
A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 5.02 shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.
Section 5.03 Taxes.
(a) Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Credit Party under any Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law; provided that if any Withholding Agent shall be required to deduct or withhold any Taxes from such payments, then (i) the applicable Withholding Agent shall make such deductions or withholdings, (ii) the applicable Withholding Agent shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, and (iii) if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax or Other Tax, the sum payable to the applicable Recipient shall be increased as necessary by the applicable Credit Party so that after making all required deductions and withholdings (including deductions and withholdings of Taxes applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 5.03(a)), the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions or withholdings been made.
(b) Payment of Other Taxes by the 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.
(c) Indemnification by the Borrower. Without duplication of the amounts paid pursuant to Section 5.03(a) or (b), the Borrower shall indemnify each Recipient, within ten (10) Business Days after written 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 5.03) 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 by a Recipient (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent, on its own behalf or on behalf of a Recipient, to the Borrower shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
72
(d) Indemnification by the Lenders. Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within thirty (30) days after written 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 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 12.04(c) 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 paragraph (d).
(e) Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes by any Credit Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 5.03, the Credit Party 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 the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(f) Status of Lenders. (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 and 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 5.03(f)(ii)(A), Section 5.03(f)(ii)(B) and Section 5.03(f)(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,
(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;
73
(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:
(1) 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 (or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, 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 (or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, 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;
(2) executed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI;
(3) 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 H-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” related to the Borrower as 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 (or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable); or
(4) 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 (or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable), a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit H-2 or Exhibit H-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 H-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner; and
(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 about 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.
(D) FATCA. 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 and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount, if any, to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this Section 5.03(f)(ii)(D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.
74
(iii) On or before the date on which Citibank, N.A. (and any successor or replacement Administrative Agent) becomes the Administrative Agent hereunder, it shall deliver to the Borrower two (2) executed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Administrative Agent is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding Tax.
(iv) Each Lender and the Administrative Agent agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered 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.
(g) Treatment of Certain Refunds. If any party 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 pursuant to this Section 5.03 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 5.03), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 5.03 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (g) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (g), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (g) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party 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 paragraph shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.
(h) Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 5.03 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 obligations under any Loan Document.
(i) Defined Terms. For purposes of this Section 5.03, the term “Lender” includes each Issuing Bank and the term “applicable law” includes FATCA.
Section 5.04 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.
(a) Designation of Different Lending Office. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 5.01, 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 5.03, or if any Lender’s obligation to make or maintain SOFR Loans is suspended pursuant to Section 5.01, then such Lender shall 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 5.01 or Section 5.03, as the case may be, in the future or would allow the Lender to make SOFR Loans and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.
75
(b) Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 5.01, 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 5.03, or if any Lender’s obligation to make or maintain SOFR Loans is suspended pursuant to Section 5.01, or if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender or Non-Consenting Lender hereunder, 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 Section 12.04(b)), all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Issuing Bank, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, 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), (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 5.01 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 5.03, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments and (iv) in the case of any assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable assignee shall have consented to the applicable amendment, waiver or consent. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if such Lender (or its Affiliate) is a Secured Swap Provider with any outstanding Swap Agreements with any Credit Party (to the extent obligations under such Swap Agreements constitute Debt), unless on or prior thereto, all such Swap Agreements have been terminated or novated to another Person and such Lender (or its Affiliate) shall have received payment of all amounts, if any, payable to it in connection with such termination or novation.
Section 5.05 Illegality. If any Lender determines that any Governmental Requirement 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, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR or Term SOFR, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon SOFR, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR or Term SOFR, then, upon notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower (through the Administrative Agent), (a) any obligation of the Lenders to make SOFR Loans, and any right of the Borrower to continue SOFR Loans, or to convert ABR Loans to SOFR Loans, shall be suspended, and (b) the interest rate on which ABR Loans shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to clause (c) of the definition of “Alternate 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, the Borrower shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, upon demand from any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all SOFR Loans to ABR Loans (the interest rate on which ABR Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to clause (c) of the definition of “Alternate Base Rate”), on the last day of the Interest Period therefor in the case of SOFR Loans, if all affected Lenders may lawfully continue to maintain such SOFR Loans to such day, or if any Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such SOFR Loans to such day until the Administrative Agent is advised in writing by each affected Lender that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon SOFR, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR or Term 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 5.02.
76
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
Section 6.01 Effective Date. The effectiveness of this Agreement and obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 12.02):
(a) The Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Lenders shall have received all commitment, facility and agency fees and all other fees and amounts due and payable on or prior to the Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrower hereunder (including, to the extent invoiced at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Effective Date, the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel to the Administrative Agent).
(b) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of Responsible Officer, dated as of the Effective Date, of each Credit Party setting forth (i) resolutions of its board of directors (or comparable governing body) with respect to the authorization of such Credit Party to execute and deliver the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to enter into the transactions contemplated in those documents, (ii) the officers of such Credit Party (A) who are authorized to sign the Loan Documents to which such Credit Party is a party and (B) who will, until replaced by another officer or officers duly authorized for that purpose, act as its representative for the purposes of signing documents and giving notices and other communications in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) specimen signatures of such authorized officers, and (iv) the bylaws, limited liability company agreements, limited partnership agreements, certificates of incorporation, certificates of formation and certificates of limited partnership, as applicable, of such Credit Party, certified as being true and complete. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders may conclusively rely on such certificate until the Administrative Agent receives notice in writing from the Borrower to the contrary.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received certificates of the appropriate State agencies with respect to the existence, qualification and good standing of each Credit Party from its state of incorporation or formation and with respect to foreign qualification in any other jurisdiction in which such Credit Party owns Oil and Gas Properties.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received from the Borrower and each other party hereto counterparts (in such number as may be requested by the Administrative Agent) of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party.
(e) The Administrative Agent shall have received duly executed Notes payable to each Lender requesting a Note in a principal amount equal to its Maximum Credit Amount dated as of the date hereof.
(f) The Administrative Agent shall have received from each party thereto duly executed counterparts (in such number as may be requested by the Administrative Agent) of the Security Instruments required as of the Effective Date, including the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement and the other Security Instruments described on Exhibit E. In connection with the execution and delivery of the Security Instruments, the Administrative Agent shall:
(i) have received the Security Instruments which will, when properly recorded (or when the applicable financing statements related thereto are properly filed or such other actions needed to perfect are taken) create first priority, perfected Liens (subject only to Liens permitted by Section 9.03) (A) on at least 90% of the PV-9 of the Borrowing Base Properties of the type set forth in clause (a) of the definition thereof evaluated in the Initial Reserve Report, (B) those Midstream Assets material to the operation of the Borrowing Base Properties to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, and (C) on all other Property purported to be pledged as collateral pursuant to the Security Instruments; and
77
(ii) have received certificates, together with undated, blank stock or equity powers for each such certificate, representing all of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in each of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries that are evidenced by certificates, to the extent such Equity Interests are certificated.
(g) The Administrative Agent shall have received an opinion, dated as of the Effective Date, of Baker & Hostetler LLP, special counsel to the Credit Parties, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and its counsel, addressed to the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks.
(h) The Administrative Agent shall have received certificates of insurance coverage of the Credit Parties evidencing that the Credit Parties are carrying insurance in accordance with Section 7.12.
(i) The Administrative Agent shall have received title information setting forth the status of title to at least 85% of the PV-9 of the Borrowing Base Properties of the type set forth in clause (a) of the definition thereof evaluated in the Initial Reserve Report.
(j) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying that the Credit Parties have received all consents and approvals required by Section 7.03.
(k) The Administrative Agent shall have received the Initial Reserve Report accompanied by a certificate covering the matters described in Section 8.11(c).
(1) After giving effect to any Borrowing to be made on the Effective Date, Liquidity shall be equal to or greater than the amount that is 25% of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount.
(m) The Administrative Agent shall have received appropriate tax, judgment and UCC search certificates and county-level real property record search results reflecting no prior Liens encumbering the Properties of Holdings, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for each jurisdiction requested by the Administrative Agent other than those being assigned or released on or prior to the Effective Date or Liens permitted by Section 9.03.
(n) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of a Responsible Officer, dated as of the Effective Date, of the Borrower certifying:
(i) that the representations and warranties set forth in Article VII are true and correct in all material respects on the Effective Date except to the extent any such representations and warranties (A) are expressly limited to an earlier date, in which case, on and as of Effective Date, such representations and warranties shall continue to be true and correct in all material respects as of such specified earlier date or (B) are already qualified by materiality, Material Adverse Effect or a similar qualification, in which case, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects;
(ii) that, after giving effect to the Transactions on the Effective Date, since December 31, 2023, there has been no event, development or circumstance that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
78
(iii) that, after giving effect to the Transactions on the Effective Date, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
(iv) that, after giving effect to the Transactions on the Effective Date, the Borrower is in pro forma compliance with Sections 9.01(a) and 9.01(b); and
(v) that after giving effect to the Transactions contemplated hereby to occur on the Effective Date, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries have no indebtedness outstanding other than (A) the Loans and other extensions of credit hereunder and (B) any other Debt permitted by Section 9.02.
(o) (i) the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have received, at least five (5) days prior to the Effective Date, all documentation and other information about the Credit Parties required under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act that has been requested by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date and (ii) to the extent the Borrower qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, any Lender that has requested, in a written notice to the Borrower at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to the Borrower shall have received such Beneficial Ownership Certification at least five (5) days prior to the Effective Date.
(p) The Administrative Agent shall have received a Borrowing Request in accordance with Section 2.03 and a request for a Letter of Credit in accordance with Section 2.08(b), if applicable.
(q) The Administrative Agent shall have received a solvency certificate from the Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit L.
(r) The Administrative Agent shall have received a payoff letter and/or termination letter in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent evidencing that, contemporaneously with the effectiveness of this Agreement and the making of any Loans on the Effective Date, (A) the Existing Credit Facilities have been repaid in full, (B) the commitments under the Existing Credit Facilities have been terminated, and (C) the liens securing the Debt under the Existing Credit Facilities have been released and terminated.
(s) The Administrative Agent shall have received a Subordination Agreement executed by the lenders under the Holdings Intercompany Debt, the Administrative Agent and Holdings in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 11.04, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 6.01, 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 under this Section 6.01 to be consented to or approved by or reasonably acceptable or reasonably satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the Effective Date specifying its objection thereto. All documents executed or submitted pursuant to this Section 6.01 by and on behalf of any of the Credit Parties shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel. The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of any Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective unless each of the foregoing conditions is satisfied (or waived pursuant to Section 12.02) at or prior to 4:00 p.m., New York, New York time, on June 14, 2024 (and in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived, the Commitments shall terminate at such time). The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding.
79
Section 6.02 Each Credit Event. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing after the initial Borrowing to be made on the Effective Date, and of any Issuing Bank to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
(b) The representations and warranties of the Credit Parties set forth in this Agreement and in the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, except to the extent any such representations and warranties (i) are expressly limited to an earlier date, in which case, on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, such representations and warranties shall continue to be true and correct in all material respects as of such specified earlier date or (ii) are already qualified by materiality, Material Adverse Effect or a similar qualification, in which case, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects;
(c) The receipt by the Administrative Agent of a Borrowing Request in accordance with Section 2.03 or a request for a Letter of Credit (or an amendment, extension or renewal of a Letter of Credit) in accordance with Section 2.08(b), as applicable; and
(d) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to any such Borrowing the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries do not have any Excess Cash.
Each request for a Borrowing and each request for the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in Section 6.02(a), (b), and (d).
ARTICLE VII
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
In order to induce the Lenders to enter into this Agreement, to make the Loans and issue or participate in Letters of Credit as provided for herein, Holdings, the Borrower and each of its Restricted Subsidiaries makes, on the Effective Date and each date specified in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents for representations and warranties to be made or deemed made, the following representations and warranties, all of which shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of the Loans and the issuance of the Letters of Credit:
Section 7.01 Organization; Powers. Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority, and has all governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals necessary, to own its assets and to carry on its business as now conducted, and is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required, except where failure to have such power, authority, licenses, authorizations, consents, approvals and qualifications could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
80
Section 7.02 Authority; Enforceability. The Transactions are within each of Holdings’, the Borrower’s and each Restricted Subsidiary’s corporate, limited liability company or partnership powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company or partnership action and, if required, action by any holders of its Equity Interests (including, without limitation, any action required to be taken by any class of directors, managers or supervisors of the Borrower or any other Person, whether interested or disinterested, in order to ensure the due authorization of the Transactions). Each Loan Document to which Holdings, the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary is a party has been duly executed and delivered by Holdings, the Borrower and such Restricted Subsidiary and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Holdings, the Borrower and such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.
Section 7.03 Approvals; No Conflicts. The Transactions (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority or any other third Person (including holders of its Equity Interests or any class of directors, managers or supervisors, as applicable, whether interested or disinterested, of the Borrower or any other Person), nor is any such consent, approval, registration, filing or other action necessary for the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect other than (i) the recording and filing of the Security Instruments as required by this Agreement and (ii) those third party approvals or consents which, if not made or obtained, would not cause a Default hereunder, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or do not have an adverse effect on the enforceability of the Loan Documents, (b) will not violate any applicable law or regulation or the charter, bylaws or other organizational documents of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or any order of any Governmental Authority, except to the extent such violation could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument evidencing Material Debt binding upon Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or any of their Properties, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, except for violations that could not individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any Property of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Liens created by the Loan Documents).
Section 7.04 Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change.
(a) The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Administrative Agent (i) the audited financial statements of Holdings for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and (ii) the unaudited balance sheet and statements of income, members’ equity and cash flow of Holdings as of and for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2024. Such financial statements, and all financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 8.01(a) and Section 8.01(b), have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the applicable period covered thereby and present fairly and accurately the consolidated financial condition and results of operations and cash flows of Holdings or the Borrower, as applicable, as of the dates and for the periods to which they relate (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes).
(b) The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders financial projections for the Borrower and its Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, with such projections being on a quarterly and annual basis through calendar year 2029. Such projections and financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the projected financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods and such projections were prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable at the time made available to the Lenders, it being understood that such projections are not to be viewed as facts and that actual results may vary materially from such projections and that the Borrower makes no representation that such projections will be realized.
81
(c) Since December 31, 2023, there has been no event, development or circumstance that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 7.04 or as set forth in the financial statements referred to in this Section 7.04, other than the Obligations, neither Holdings, the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary has on the date hereof any Material Debt (including Disqualified Capital Stock).
Section 7.05 Litigation.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 7.05, there are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened in writing against or affecting Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (i) not fully covered by insurance (except for normal deductibles) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) that involve any Loan Document or the Transactions.
(b) Since the date of this Agreement, there has been no change in the status of the matters disclosed in Schedule 7.05 that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 7.06 Environmental Matters. Except for such matters as set forth on Schedule 7.06 or that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect:
(a) Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and each of their respective Properties and operations thereon are, and within all applicable statute of limitation periods have been, in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws;
(b) Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have obtained all Environmental Permits required for their respective operations and each of their Properties, with all such Environmental Permits being currently in full force and effect, and none of Holdings, the Borrower or its Subsidiaries has received any written notice or otherwise has knowledge that any such existing Environmental Permit will be revoked, rescinded or adversely modified, or that any application for any new Environmental Permit or renewal of any existing Environmental Permit will be denied or unreasonably delayed or conditioned;
(c) there are no claims, demands, suits, orders, inquiries, investigations, or proceedings concerning any violation of, or any liability (including as a potentially responsible party) under, any applicable Environmental Laws that are pending or, to the Borrower’s knowledge, threatened against Holdings, the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or any of their respective Properties or as a result of any operations at such Properties;
(d) none of the Properties of Holdings, the Borrower or its Subsidiaries contain or, to the Borrower’s knowledge, since December 31, 2023, have contained any: (A) underground storage tanks requiring permits under applicable Environmental Law which have not been obtained and from which there have been Releases of Hazardous Materials; (B) asbestos-containing materials present in violation of applicable Environmental Laws and requiring removal pursuant to applicable Environmental Law; (C) landfills or dumps requiring an Environmental Permit pursuant to Environmental Law which have not been obtained or which are in violation of applicable Environmental Laws; (D) hazardous waste management units as defined pursuant to RCRA or any comparable state law which are in violation of applicable Environmental Laws; or (E) sites on, or to the Borrower’s knowledge nominated for, the National Priority List promulgated pursuant to CERCLA or any comparable state remedial priority list promulgated or published pursuant to any comparable state law;
82
(e) there has been no Release or, to the Borrower’s knowledge, threatened Release, of Hazardous Materials at, on, under or from any Property currently owned, leased or operated by Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary, there is no investigation (to the Borrower’s knowledge), remediation, abatement, removal, or monitoring of Releases of Hazardous Materials required of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary under applicable Environmental Laws at such Properties and, to the knowledge of the Borrower, none of such Properties are adversely affected by any Release or threatened Release of a Hazardous Material originating or emanating from any other real property;
(f) neither Holdings, the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice asserting an alleged liability or obligation under any applicable Environmental Laws with respect to the investigation, remediation, abatement, removal, or monitoring of any Hazardous Materials at, on, under, or Released or threatened to be Released from any real properties offsite Holdings’, the Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiary’s Properties (including any real properties formerly owned, leased, or operated by the Borrower or any Subsidiary) and, to the Borrower’s knowledge, there are no conditions or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in the receipt of such written notice; and
(g) to the Borrower’s knowledge, there has been no exposure of any Person or Property to any Hazardous Materials as a result of or in connection with the operations and businesses of any of Holdings’, the Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ Properties that would reasonably be expected to result in a claim for damages or compensation pursuant to applicable Environmental Laws.
Section 7.07 Compliance with Laws and Agreements; No Defaults.
(a) Holdings, the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary is in compliance with all Governmental Requirements applicable to it or its Property and all agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its Property, and possesses all licenses, permits, franchises, exemptions, approvals and other governmental authorizations necessary for the ownership of its Property and the conduct of its business, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. For clarity, the representations and warranties in this Section 7.07(a) do not relate to matters involving Environmental Laws, Environmental Permits or Hazardous Material; the representations and warranties of the Borrower with respect to such matters are set forth in Section 7.06.
(b) No Default has occurred and is continuing.
Section 7.08 Investment Company Act. Neither Holdings, the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company,” within the meaning of, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Section 7.09 Taxes. Each of Holdings, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which Holdings, the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP or (b) to the extent that the failure to file such Tax returns or pay such Taxes could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There is no proposed tax assessment against Holdings, the Borrower or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries that would, if made, have a Material Adverse Effect.
83
Section 7.10 ERISA. Except, individually or in the aggregate, as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect:
(a) Each Plan that is a single employer plan as defined in section 4001 of ERISA is, and has been, established and maintained in substantial compliance with its terms, ERISA and, where applicable, the Code;
(b) No ERISA Event has occurred with respect to any Plan within the last six (6) years and no ERISA Event with respect to any Plan is reasonably expected to occur; and
(c) The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each underfunded Plan that is a single employer plan as defined in section 4001 of ERISA (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Accounting Standards Codification No. 715) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed the fair market value of the assets of such Plan, and the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations of all underfunded Plans that are single employer plans as defined in section 4001 of ERISA (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Accounting Standards Codification No. 715) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed the fair market value of the assets of all such underfunded Plans; and
(d) Neither the Borrower nor its Restricted Subsidiaries sponsors, maintains, or contributes to a retiree medical plan that may not be terminated by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in its sole discretion at any time without any liability to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, other than for benefits accrued or claims incurred on or before such termination.
Section 7.11 Disclosure; No Material Misstatements. None of the written reports, financial statements, certificates or other information, furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in writing to the Administrative Agent or any Lender or any of their Affiliates in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), 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 materially misleading as of the date such information is dated or certified; provided that (a), with respect to financial projections, prospect information, geological and geophysical data, engineering projections and other forward looking information and information of a general economic or industry specified nature, the Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time (it being recognized by the Lenders, however, that projections as to future events are not to be viewed as facts and that results during the period(s) covered by such projections may differ from the projected results and that such differences may be material and that, with respect to Reserve Reports, projections concerning volumes attributable to the Oil and Gas Properties and production and cost estimates contained in each Reserve Report are necessarily based upon professional opinions, estimates and projections and that the Borrower makes no representation that such projections will be realized) and (b) as to statements, information and reports supplied by third parties, the Borrower represents only that it is not aware of any material misstatement or omission therein. There are no statements or conclusions in any Reserve Report which are based upon or include materially misleading information or fail to take into account material information known to the Borrower regarding the matters reported therein, provided that (i) with respect to any Reserve Report prepared by one or more Approved Petroleum Engineers, the Borrower represents only that it exercised due care in furnishing information to such Approved Petroleum Engineers so that they could prepare such Reserve Report, and that such information was not misleading and did not fail to take into account material information known to the Borrower regarding the matters reported therein, and (ii) it being understood that projections concerning volumes attributable to the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and production and cost estimates contained in each Reserve Report are necessarily based upon professional opinions, estimates and projections and that the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries do not warrant that such opinions, estimates and projections will ultimately prove to have been accurate. As of the Effective Date, the information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification is true and correct in all material respects.
84
Section 7.12 Insurance. The Borrower has, and has caused all of the Restricted Subsidiaries to have, (a) all insurance policies sufficient for the compliance by each of them with all material Governmental Requirements and all material agreements and (b) insurance coverage in at least amounts and against such risk that are customarily insured against by companies similarly situated and engaged in the same or a similar business for the assets and operations of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries.
Section 7.13 Restriction on Liens. Neither Holdings, the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary is a party to any material agreement or arrangement (other than such agreements or arrangements permitted by Section 9.16), or subject to any order, judgment, writ or decree, which either restricts or purports to restrict its ability to grant Liens to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties on or in respect of their Properties to secure the Obligations and the Loan Documents.
Section 7.14 Subsidiaries. Except as set forth on Schedule 7.14 or as disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly furnish a copy to the Lenders), which shall be a supplement to Schedule 7.14, neither Holdings nor the Borrower has any Subsidiaries, and the Borrower has no Foreign Subsidiaries. Schedule 7.14, as so supplemented, correctly identifies each Subsidiary as either “Restricted” or “Unrestricted”, and each Restricted Subsidiary on such schedule is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary.
Section 7.15 Location of Business and Offices. Schedule 7.15 sets forth Holdings’, the Borrower’s and each Restricted Subsidiary’s jurisdiction of organization, name as listed in the public records of its jurisdiction of organization, organizational identification number in its jurisdiction of organization, and the location of its principal place of business and chief executive office is stated on Schedule 7.15 (or as set forth in a notice delivered pursuant to Section 8.01(o)).
Section 7.16 Properties; Titles, Etc.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 7.16, each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries has good and defensible title to the Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in the most recently delivered Reserve Report (except for those Oil and Gas Properties that have been disposed of since the date of such Reserve Report in accordance with this Agreement or leases which have expired in accordance with their terms), and good title to all its personal Properties material to its business, in each case, free and clear of all Liens except Liens permitted by Section 9.03. After giving full effect to the Excepted Liens, Holdings, the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiary specified as the owner owns at least the net interests in production attributable to the Hydrocarbon Interests as reflected in the most recently delivered Reserve Report (except for those Oil and Gas Properties that have been disposed of since the date of such Reserve Report in accordance with this Agreement or leases which have expired in accordance with their terms), and the ownership of such Properties shall not in the aggregate in any material respect obligate Holdings, the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary to bear the costs and expenses relating to the maintenance, development and operations of each such Property in an amount in excess of the working interest of each Property set forth in the most recently delivered Reserve Report that is not offset by a corresponding proportionate increase in the Borrower’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s net revenue interest in such Property.
(b) All material leases and agreements necessary for the conduct of the business of Holdings, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries are valid and subsisting, in full force and effect, and there exists no default or event or circumstance which with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both would give rise to a default under any such leases or agreements, which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
85
(c) The rights and Properties presently owned, leased or licensed by Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries including, without limitation, all easements and rights of way, include all rights and Properties necessary to permit Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to conduct their business in all material respects in the same manner as their business has been conducted prior to the date hereof.
(d) All of the material Properties of Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries which are reasonably necessary for the operation of their businesses are in good working condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) or are maintained in accordance with prudent business standards.
(e) Holdings, the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual Property material to its business, and the use thereof by Holdings, the Borrower and such Restricted Subsidiary does not infringe upon the rights of any other Person, except for any such infringements that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries either own or have valid licenses or other rights to use all databases, geological data, geophysical data, engineering data, seismic data, maps, interpretations and other technical information used in their businesses as presently conducted, subject to the limitations contained in the agreements governing the use of the same, which limitations are customary for companies engaged in the business of the exploration and production of Hydrocarbons, with such exceptions as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 7.17 Maintenance of Properties. Except for such acts or failures to act as could not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Oil and Gas Properties (and Properties unitized therewith) of Holdings, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries have been maintained, operated and developed in a good and workmanlike manner and in conformity with all Governmental Requirements and in conformity with the provisions of all leases, subleases or other contracts comprising a part of the Hydrocarbon Interests and other contracts and agreements forming a part of such Oil and Gas Properties of Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries. Specifically in connection with the foregoing, except for those as could not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (a) no Oil and Gas Property of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary is subject to having allowable production reduced below the full and regular allowable (including the maximum permissible tolerance) because of any overproduction (whether or not the same was permissible at the time) and (b) none of the wells comprising a part of the Oil and Gas Properties (or Properties unitized therewith) of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary is deviated from the vertical more than the maximum permitted by Governmental Requirements, and such wells are, in fact, bottomed under and are producing from, and the well bores are wholly within, the Oil and Gas Properties (or in the case of wells located on Properties unitized therewith, such unitized Properties) of Holdings, the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary. All pipelines, wells, gas processing plants, platforms and other material improvements, fixtures and equipment owned in whole or in part by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries that are necessary to conduct normal operations are being maintained in a state adequate to conduct normal operations, and with respect to such of the foregoing which are operated by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, in a manner consistent with the Borrower’s or the Restricted Subsidiaries’ past practices (other than those the failure of which to maintain in accordance with this Section 7.17 could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect).
86
Section 7.18 Gas Imbalances, Prepayments. Except as set forth on Schedule 7.18 or on the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to Section 8.11(c), on a net aggregate basis there are no gas imbalances, take or pay or other prepayments which would require Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to deliver Hydrocarbons produced from their Oil and Gas Properties at some future time without then or thereafter receiving full payment therefor exceeding two percent (2.0%) of the aggregate volumes of gas (on an mcf equivalent basis) listed in the most recent Reserve Report.
Section 7.19 Marketing of Production. Except for contracts listed and in effect on the date hereof on Schedule 7.19, and thereafter either disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent or included in the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to Section 8.11(c) (with respect to all of which contracts the Borrower represents that it or the Restricted Subsidiaries are receiving a price for all production sold thereunder which is computed substantially in accordance with the terms of the relevant contract and are not having deliveries curtailed substantially below the subject Property’s delivery capacity), no material agreements exist which are not cancelable on 60 days’ notice or less without penalty or detriment for the sale of production from the Borrower’s or the Restricted Subsidiaries’ Hydrocarbons (including, without limitation, calls on or other rights to purchase, production, whether or not the same are currently being exercised) that (a) pertain to the sale of production at a fixed price and (b) have a maturity or expiry date of longer than six (6) months from the date of such contract.
Section 7.20 Swap Agreements and Qualified ECP Guarantor. Schedule 7.20, as of the date hereof, and after the date hereof, each report required to be delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 8.01(e), as of the date thereof, sets forth a true and complete list of all Swap Agreements of Holdings, the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary, the material terms thereof (including the type, term, effective date, termination date and notional amounts or volumes), the net mark to market value thereof, all credit support agreements relating thereto (including any margin required or supplied) and the counterparty to each such agreement. The Borrower is a Qualified ECP Guarantor. For purposes of this Section 7.20, the net mark to market value shall be calculated as of the “as of” date of the financial statements concurrently delivered pursuant to Section 8.01(a) or 8.01(b), as applicable.
Section 7.21 Use of Loans and Letters of Credit. The proceeds of the Loans and the Letters of Credit shall be used to refinance the amounts outstanding under the Existing Credit Facilities, to provide for the working capital needs of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, to fund capital expenditures, for the acquisitions, development and exploration of Oil and Gas Properties permitted hereunder, for general company purposes and to pay Transaction Costs. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries are not engaged principally, or as one of its or their important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of buying or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation T, U or X of the Board). No part of the proceeds of any Loan or Letter of Credit will be used for any purpose which violates the provisions of Regulations T, U or X of the Board.
Section 7.22 Solvency. After giving effect to the Transactions contemplated hereby and thereafter (including at the time of and after giving effect to the making of each Borrowing hereunder and each issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit), (a) the fair value of the assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, exceeds, on a consolidated basis, their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability, on a consolidated basis, of their debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured, (c) the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such liabilities become absolute and matured, and (d) the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are not engaged in, and are not about to engage in, business for which they have unreasonably small capital.
87
Section 7.23 Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions.
(a) Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries have implemented and maintain in effect such policies and procedures, if any, as each of them reasonably deems appropriate, in light of its business and international activities (if any), designed to ensure compliance by the Borrower, the Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.
(b) Holdings, the Borrower, the Subsidiaries, their respective officers and employees and, to the knowledge of each of the foregoing after due care and inquiry, its directors and agents are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects and are not engaged in any activity that would reasonably be expected to result in any Credit Party being designated as a Sanctioned Person.
(c) None of (i) Holdings, the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or (ii) to the knowledge of the Borrower, any agent of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person or located in a Sanctioned Country. The Borrower will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds from the Loans or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, to finance the activities of any Person subject to any applicable Sanctions.
(d) None of the proceeds of the Loans or the Letters of Credit shall be used in violation of Anti-Corruption Laws.
Section 7.24 Affected Financial Institutions. No Credit Party is an Affected Financial Institution.
Section 7.25 Security Instruments. The Security Instruments are effective to create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Collateral and proceeds thereof, subject, in the case of enforceability, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity and principles of good faith and fair dealing. Each of the Mortgages is effective to create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a legal, valid, binding and enforceable Lien on the Mortgaged Properties described therein and proceeds and products thereof, and when the Mortgages are filed in the recording office where such Mortgaged Property is located, each Mortgage shall constitute a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the applicable Credit Party in the Mortgaged Properties described therein and the proceeds and products thereof, as security for the Obligations.
Section 7.26 Minimum Volume Contracts. Except as set forth on Schedule 7.26 and thereafter either disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent or included in the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to Section 8.11(c), there are no Minimum Volume Contracts. Schedule 7.26 or the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to Section 8.11(c) sets forth (a) the counterparty(ies) to each such Minimum Volume Contract, (b) the tenor of the contract and related MVC Obligations, (c) the commodity subject to such Minimum Volume Contract, (d) the volume quantum of MVC Obligation for each such Minimum Volume Contract on a quarterly basis through its expiration, (e) current projected volume deficiencies, if any, for each quarter associated with each MVC Obligation through its expiration and (f) the Oil and Gas Properties dedicated to performance of such MVC Obligations.
88
Section 7.27 Senior Debt Status. The Obligations constitute “Senior Indebtedness”, “Designated Senior Indebtedness” or any similar designation under and as defined in any agreement governing any unsecured, senior subordinated or subordinated Debt and the subordination provisions set forth in each such agreement, if any, are legally valid and enforceable against the parties thereto subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.
Section 7.28 Accounts. As of the Effective Date, Schedule 7.28 lists all Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts and Commodity Accounts maintained by or for the benefit of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary together with the deposit bank or securities or commodity intermediary for any such account, the account name, the account type, the account number and whether such account is an Excluded Account (and, if any such account is listed as an Excluded Account, the subcategory in the “Excluded Account” definition to which such account applies).
ARTICLE VIII
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
Until Payment in Full, each of the Borrower and Holdings covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:
Section 8.01 Financial Statements; Other Information. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and, except in the case of Section 8.01(q), each Lender:
(a) Annual Financial Statements. As soon as available, but in any event in accordance with then applicable law and not later than the earlier of (i) one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower and (ii) five (5) days after the date on which such financial statements are required to be filed with the SEC (after giving effect to any permitted extensions), beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, the audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, members’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form (to the extent available) the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by an Approved Accountant or other independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception, and without any exception as to the scope of such audit other than a “going concern” or other qualification that results from the Maturity Date or the maturity date of any Debt being scheduled to occur within one year from the time such opinion is delivered) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations set forth in this Section 8.01(a) may be satisfied with respect to the delivery of financial statements of the Borrower and its Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries by furnishing to the Administrative Agent and each Lender: (A) Holdings’ audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, partners’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form (to the extent available) the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by an Approved Accountant or other independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception, and without any exception as to the scope of such audit other than a “going concern” or other qualification that results from the Maturity Date or the maturity date of any Debt being scheduled to occur within one year from the time such opinion is delivered) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Holdings and its Consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and (B) concurrently with the financial information required by this clause (a), the Borrower’s unaudited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, members’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form (to the extent available) the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes and accompanied by a letter from the Approved Accountant in form satisfactory to the Administrative Agent indicating that such financials were prepared based on the audited financials described above in connection with agreed upon procedures reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
89
(b) Quarterly Financial Statements. As soon as available, but in any event in accordance with then applicable law and not later the earlier of (i) sixty (60) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower and (ii) five (5) days after the date on which such financial statements are required to be filed with the SEC (after giving effect to any permitted extensions), commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2024, the Borrower’s consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, members’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form (to the extent available) the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations set forth in this Section 8.01(b) may be satisfied with respect to the delivery of financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries by furnishing to the Administrative Agent and each Lender: (A) Holdings’ consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, partners’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form (to the extent available) the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Holdings and its Consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes, and (B) concurrently with the financial information required by this clause (b), the consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, partners’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form (to the extent available) the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal yearend audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.
(c) Certificate of Financial Officer - Compliance. Concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under Section 8.01(a) or Section 8.01(b), a certificate of a Financial Officer in substantially the form of Exhibit D hereto (i) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and, if a Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Section 9.01, (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the most recent financial statements previously delivered in connection with this Agreement and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate, and (iv) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations of Distributable Free Cash Flow for the most recently ended Test Period.
90
(d) Certificate of Financial Officer - Consolidating Information. If, at any time, all of the Consolidated Subsidiaries of the Borrower are not Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, then concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under Section 8.01(a) or Section 8.01(b), a certificate of a Financial Officer setting forth consolidating spreadsheets that show all Consolidated Unrestricted Subsidiaries and the eliminating entries, in such form as would be presentable to the auditors of the Borrower.
(e) Certificate of Financial Officer - Swap Agreements. Concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under Section 8.01(a) and Section 8.01(b), a certificate of a Financial Officer, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, setting forth (i) as of the last Business Day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter or fiscal year, a true and complete list of all material Swap Agreements of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary, the material terms thereof (including the type, term, effective date, termination date and notional amounts or volumes), the estimated net mark-to-market value therefor, any new credit support agreements relating thereto not listed on Schedule 7.20 or previously disclosed to the Administrative Agent, any margin required or supplied under any credit support document, and the counterparty to each such agreement and (ii) (A) a report setting forth a comparison of (1) the actual volume of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids produced and sold during such fiscal quarter from the Oil and Gas Properties to (2) the notional volumes of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, as applicable, hedged by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries under their Swap Agreements for such fiscal quarter, (B) reasonably detailed calculations with respect to Section 8.18 and (C) a report, in detail reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, setting forth the information, to the extent not previously provided to the Administrative Agent, required pursuant to Section 7.26.
(f) Certificate of Insurer - Insurance Coverage. Annually upon the request of the Administrative Agent, a certificate of insurance coverage from each insurer with respect to the insurance required by Section 8.06, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and, if requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, all copies of the applicable policies.
(g) Other Accounting Reports. Promptly upon receipt thereof, a copy of each other report or letter submitted to Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by independent accountants in connection with any annual, interim or special audit made by them of the books of Holdings, the Borrower or any such Subsidiary, and a copy of any response by Holdings, the Borrower or any such Subsidiary, or the board of directors (or comparable governing body) of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary, to such letter or report.
(h) SEC and Other Filings; Reports to Shareholders. Promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary with the SEC, or with any national securities exchange, or distributed by Holdings, the Borrower to its public equityholders generally, as the case may be.
(i) Notices Under Material Instruments. Promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any financial statement, report or notice furnished to or by any Person pursuant to the terms of any preferred stock designation, indenture, loan or credit or other similar agreement governing Material Debt, and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant to any other provision of this Section 8.01.
(j) Lists of Purchasers. If requested by the Administrative Agent, concurrently with the delivery of any Reserve Report to the Administrative Agent, a list of all Persons purchasing material quantities of Hydrocarbons from the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, which Persons, in the aggregate, represent purchasers of at least 70% of the aggregate production of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries.
91
(k) Notice of Sales of Borrowing Base Asset Dispositions and Borrowing Base Swap Liquidations. In the event that the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary since the most recent determination of the Borrowing Base, intends to consummate any Borrowing Base Asset Disposition or Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation, whether in a series of transactions or in a single transaction, in accordance with Section 9.12(d) that will yield Net Proceeds in excess of the dollar amount equal to five percent (5.0%) of the Borrowing Base then in effect (when aggregated with all other Borrowing Base Asset Dispositions or Borrowing Base Swap Liquidations since the later of (x) the Effective Date and (y) the most recent redetermination of the Borrowing Base), determined as of the time of such Borrowing Base Asset Disposition or Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation, reasonable prior written notice of such transaction, the price thereof and the anticipated date of closing and any other details thereof reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent.
(1) Notice of Casualty Events. Prompt written notice, and in any event within five (5) Business Days, of the occurrence of any Casualty Event.
(m) Information Regarding the Borrower and Guarantors. (i) Prompt written notice (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days or such longer time as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent) of any change (A) in any Credit Party’s organizational name, (B) in the location of any Credit Party’s chief executive office or principal place of business and (C) in any Credit Party’s identity or organizational structure or in the jurisdiction in which such Person is incorporated or formed and (ii) prompt written notice (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days thereafter or such longer time as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent) of any change, (A) in any Credit Party’s organizational identification number in such jurisdiction of organization, and (B) in any Credit Party’s federal taxpayer identification number.
(n) Production Report; Lease Operating Statements. Concurrently with the delivery of any Reserve Report under Section 8.11(a), a report setting forth, for each calendar month during the then current fiscal year to date, on a month by month basis the volume of production and sales attributable to production (and the average prices at which such sales were made and the revenues derived from such sales) for each such calendar quarter from the Oil and Gas Properties, and setting forth the related ad valorem, severance and production Taxes and lease operating expenses attributable thereto and incurred for such quarter.
(o) Notices of Certain Changes. Promptly, but in any event within ten (10) Business Days (or such longer time as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent) after the execution thereof, copies of any amendment, modification or supplement to the certificate or articles of incorporation or formation, bylaws, certificate or articles of organization, regulations or limited liability company agreement, any preferred stock designation or any other organizational document of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, if such amendment, modification or supplement could reasonably be expected to be material to the Lenders or would have a direct impact on provisions set forth in the Loan Documents.
(p) Deposit Accounts, Commodity Accounts and Securities Accounts. Prompt written notice (such notice to include reasonably detailed information regarding the account number, purpose and applicable bank or other institution in respect of such Deposit Account, Commodity Account or Securities Account) of any Deposit Account, Commodity Account or Securities Account intended to be opened or acquired by any Credit Party (other than if any such account will be an Excluded Account).
92
(q) Incurrence of Specified Additional Debt or Permitted Refinancing Debt. In the event the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary intends to incur Specified Additional Debt or Permitted Refinancing Debt in respect thereof, in either case in a face principal amount equal to or greater than $5,000,000, at least five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice of such intended incurrence, the intended principal amount thereof and the anticipated date of closing.
(r) 12-Month Cash Flow Forecast. Concurrently with any delivery of a Reserve Report under Section 8.11(a), a forecast of cash flows and capital expenditures of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for the immediately succeeding 12-month period, including assumptions used in calculating such projections and such other information as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, which shall be in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(s) Minimum Volume Contracts. At least five (5) Business Days’ (or such later date as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion) prior written notice of the entry into any Minimum Volume Contract by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary specifying the commercial terms of such Minimum Volume Contract and whether such Minimum Volume Contract will be associated with a dedication of Oil and Gas Properties.
(t) Holdings Intercompany Debt Information. Promptly, but in any event within five (5) Business Days after the furnishing, receipt or execution thereof, copies of any amendment, waiver, consent or other written modification of any of the Holdings Intercompany Debt_not otherwise required to be furnished to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders pursuant to any other provisions of this Agreement.
(u) Other Requested Information. Promptly following any request therefor, (i) such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the Borrower or any Subsidiary (including, without limitation, any Plan and any reports or other information required to be filed with respect thereto under the Code or under ERISA), and (ii) 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 the USA Patriot Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.
Section 8.02 Notices of Material Events. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Lender prompt (and in any event within five (5) Business Days after the Borrower obtains knowledge thereof) written notice of the following:
(a) the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default;
(b) the filing or commencement of, or the threat in writing of, any action, suit, proceeding, investigation or arbitration by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries thereof not previously disclosed in writing to the Lenders or any material adverse development in any action, suit, proceeding, investigation or arbitration (whether or not previously disclosed to the Lenders) that, in either case, has a reasonable probability of an adverse determination and, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in liability in excess of $5,000,000, in each case, not fully covered by insurance, subject to normal deductibles;
(c) any action, investigation or inquiry by any Governmental Authority of which a Responsible Officer of the Borrower has knowledge or any written threat, demand or lawsuit by any Person against Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or their Properties in connection with any Environmental Laws if the Borrower could reasonably anticipate that such action will result in liability (whether individually or in the aggregate) in excess of $5,000,000, in each case, not fully covered by insurance, subject to normal deductibles;
93
(d) any other development that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect; and
(e) to the best of the Borrower’s knowledge, any change in the information provided in the Beneficial Ownership Certification that would result in a change to the list of beneficial owners identified in parts (c) or (d) of such certification.
Each notice delivered under this Section 8.02 shall specify that it is “a notice under Section 8.02” of this Agreement, identify the specific clause above and be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.
Section 8.03 Existence; Conduct of Business. Holdings and he Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges and franchises material to the conduct of its business and maintain, if necessary, its qualification to do business in each other jurisdiction in which its Oil and Gas Properties are located or the ownership of its Properties requires such qualification, except where the failure to so qualify could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 9.11.
Section 8.04 Payment of Obligations. Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, pay all of its Tax liabilities of Holdings, the Borrower and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries as the same shall become due and payable, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP or (b) the failure to make such payment could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrower will pay the Loans in accordance with the terms hereof, and Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, do and perform every act and discharge all of the obligations to be performed and discharged by them under the Loan Documents, including, without limitation, this Agreement, at the time or times and in the manner specified, taking into consideration any grace periods therein.
Section 8.05 Operation and Maintenance of Properties; Subordination of Affiliated Operators’ Liens. The Borrower, at its own expense, will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to:
(a) operate its Oil and Gas Properties and other Properties or cause such Oil and Gas Properties and other Properties to be operated in a careful and efficient manner in accordance with the practices of the industry and in compliance with all applicable contracts and agreements and in compliance with all Governmental Requirements, including, without limitation, applicable proration requirements, and all applicable laws, rules and regulations of every other Governmental Authority from time to time constituted to regulate the development and operation of its Oil and Gas Properties and the production and sale of Hydrocarbons and other minerals therefrom, except, in each case, where the failure to operate in a careful and efficient manner or the failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(b) maintain and keep in good repair, working order and efficiency (ordinary wear and tear and obsolescence excepted) all of its Properties, except, in each case, where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
94
(c) promptly pay and discharge, or make reasonable and customary efforts to cause to be paid and discharged, all delay rentals, royalties, expenses and indebtedness accruing under the leases or other agreements affecting or pertaining to its Oil and Gas Properties and will do all other things necessary to keep unimpaired its rights with respect thereto and prevent any forfeiture thereof or default thereunder, except, in each case, where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(d) promptly perform or make reasonable and customary efforts to cause to be performed, in accordance with industry standards, the obligations required by each and all of the assignments, deeds, leases, sub-leases, contracts and agreements affecting its interests in its Oil and Gas Properties and other Properties, except, in each case, where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and
(e) cause each Affiliate of the Borrower which operates any of the Borrower’s or its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Oil and Gas Properties to subordinate, pursuant to agreements in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, any operators’ Liens or other Liens in favor of such Affiliate in respect of such Oil and Gas Properties to the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties;
provided that to the extent the Borrower is not the operator of any Property, the Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the operator to comply with this Section 8.05 but failure of the operator to so comply will not constitute a Default or Event of Default.
Section 8.06 Insurance. Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance (a) in such amounts and against such risks as are customarily maintained by companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations and (b) in accordance with all Governmental Requirements. The loss payable clauses or provisions in said insurance policy or policies insuring any of the Collateral for the Loans shall be endorsed in favor of and made payable to the Administrative Agent as its interests may appear and such policies shall name the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as “additional insureds” (and “mortgagee”, if applicable) and the Administrative Agent as lender loss payee and use commercially reasonable efforts to provide that the insurer will endeavor to give at least thirty (30) days’ prior notice of any cancellation to the Administrative Agent (or ten (10) days’ prior written notice in the event of cancellation for nonpayment of premium).
Section 8.07 Books and Records; Inspection Rights. Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its Properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants; provided, that, 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 under this Section 8.07 and the Administrative Agent shall not exercise such rights more often than two times during any calendar year absent the existence of a continuing Event of Default and only one such visit per fiscal year shall be at the Borrower’s expense; provided, further that, when an Event of Default exists, the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any respective representatives or independent contractors of the Administrative Agent or any Lender may do any of the foregoing at any time during normal business hours upon reasonable advance notice.
95
Section 8.08 Compliance with Laws. Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, (i) comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its Property (other than Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions), except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect and (ii) materially comply with all Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain in effect and enforce such policies and procedures, if any, as they reasonably deem appropriate, in light of their businesses and international activities (if any), designed to ensure compliance by Holdings, the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and each of their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.
Section 8.09 Environmental Matters.
(a) The Borrower shall at its expense: (i) comply, and shall take reasonable action to cause its Properties and operations and each Subsidiary and each Subsidiary’s Properties and operations to comply, with all applicable Environmental Laws, the breach of which would be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) not Release or threaten to Release, and shall take reasonable action to cause each Subsidiary not to Release or threaten to Release, any Hazardous Material on, under, about or from any of the Properties owned, leased, or operated by Borrower or the Subsidiaries or any other property offsite such Property to the extent caused by the Borrower’s or any of the Subsidiaries’ operations except in compliance with applicable Environmental Laws, the Release or threatened Release of which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (iii) timely obtain or file, and shall take reasonable action to cause each Subsidiary to timely obtain or file, all Environmental Permits, if any, required under applicable Environmental Laws to be obtained or filed in connection with the operation or use of the Borrower’s or the Subsidiaries’ Properties, which failure to obtain or file would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (iv) reasonably promptly commence and diligently prosecute to completion, and shall take reasonable action to cause each Subsidiary to reasonably promptly commence and diligently prosecute to completion, any assessment, evaluation, investigation, monitoring, containment, cleanup, removal, repair, restoration, remediation or other remedial obligations (collectively, the “Remedial Work”) in the event any Remedial Work is required of them under applicable Environmental Laws because of or in connection with the actual or suspected past, present or future Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Material on, under, about or from any of the Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ Properties, which failure to reasonably commence and diligently prosecute to completion would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (v) conduct, and take reasonable action to cause its Subsidiaries to conduct, their respective operations and businesses in a manner that will not unreasonably or unlawfully expose any Person to Hazardous Materials that would reasonably be expected to result in a claim for damages or compensation pursuant to applicable Environmental Laws, the exposure of which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The Borrower will reasonably promptly, but in no event later than five (5) days after the Borrower obtains knowledge thereof, notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in writing of any threatened action, investigation or inquiry by any Governmental Authority or any threatened demand or lawsuit by any Person against the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or their Properties of which the Borrower has knowledge in connection with any Environmental Laws if the Borrower reasonably anticipates it would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 8.10 Further Assurances.
(a) Holdings and the Borrower at its sole expense will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, promptly execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent all such other documents, agreements and instruments reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to comply with, cure any defects or accomplish the conditions precedent, covenants and agreements of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, in the Loan Documents, including the Notes, or to further evidence and more fully describe the Collateral intended as security for the Obligations, or to correct any omissions in this Agreement or the Security Instruments, or to state more fully the obligations secured therein, or to perfect, protect or preserve any Liens created pursuant to this Agreement or any of the Security Instruments or the priority thereof, or to make any recordings, file any notices or obtain any consents, all as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate, in connection therewith.
96
(b) Holdings and the Borrower hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to file one or more financing or continuation statements, and amendments thereto, relative to all or any part of the Mortgaged Property without the signature of the Borrower or any other Guarantor where permitted by law. A carbon, photographic or other reproduction of the Security Instruments or any financing statement covering the Mortgaged Property or any part thereof shall be sufficient as a financing statement where permitted by law. The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that any such financing statement may describe the collateral as “all assets” of the applicable Credit Party or words of similar effect as may be required by the Administrative Agent.
Section 8.11 Reserve Reports.
(a) On or before each March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing September 1, 2024, the Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders a Reserve Report evaluating the Oil and Gas Properties of the Credit Parties as of the immediately preceding January 1st and July 1st, respectively. The January 1 Reserve Report of each year shall be prepared by one or more Approved Petroleum Engineers that have completed an independent engineering evaluation of the reserves attributable to the Credit Parties’ Oil and Gas Properties, and the July 1 Reserve Report of each year shall be prepared, at the option of the Borrower, either by one or more Approved Petroleum Engineers that have completed an independent engineering evaluation of the reserves attributable to the Credit Parties’ Oil and Gas Properties or by or under the supervision of the Internal Petroleum Engineer of the Borrower who shall certify such Reserve Report to be true and accurate in all material respects and, to have been prepared in accordance with the procedures used in the immediately preceding January 1 Reserve Report.
(b) In the event of an Interim Redetermination, the Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders a Reserve Report prepared, at the option of the Borrower, either by one or more Approved Petroleum Engineers that have completed an independent engineering evaluation of the reserves attributable to the Credit Parties’ Oil and Gas Properties or by or under the supervision of the Internal Petroleum Engineer of the Borrower who shall certify such Reserve Report to be true and accurate in all material respects and to have been prepared in accordance with the procedures used in the immediately preceding January 1 Reserve Report. For any Interim Redetermination requested by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.07(b), the Borrower shall provide such Reserve Report with an “as of” date as required by the Administrative Agent as soon as possible, but in any event no later than thirty (30) days following the receipt of such request.
(c) With the delivery of each Reserve Report, the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent a certificate from a Responsible Officer to be substantially in the form of Exhibit M (or such other form as the Administrative Agent may agree) certifying that in all material respects: (i) the information contained in the Reserve Report and any other information delivered in connection therewith is true and correct, it being understood that projections concerning volumes and production and cost estimates contained in each Reserve Report are necessarily based upon opinions, estimates and projections and that neither the Borrower nor such Responsible Officer warrants that such opinions, estimates and projections will ultimately prove to have been accurate, (ii) the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries has, or in respect of to-be-acquired assets in connection with a permitted acquisition, will have, prior to the effectiveness of the Scheduled Redetermination or Interim Redetermination, as applicable, good and defensible title to the Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in such Reserve Report (other than those Oil and Gas Properties (A) disposed of in compliance with Section 9.12, and, other than as previously disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent, set forth on an exhibit to such certificate (other than Hydrocarbons sold in the ordinary course of business) (B) that constitute leases that have expired in accordance with their terms or (C) that have title defects disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent (including through the provision of title information pursuant to Section 8.11(a)) and such Properties are free of all Liens except for Liens permitted by Section 9.03, (iii) except as previously disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent or as set forth on an exhibit to the certificate, on a net basis there are no gas imbalances, take or pay or other prepayments in excess of the volume specified in Section 7.18 with respect to its Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in such Reserve Report which would require the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to deliver Hydrocarbons either generally or produced from such Oil and Gas Properties at some future time without then or thereafter receiving full payment therefor, (iv) none of their Oil and Gas Properties have been sold since the date of the last Borrowing Base determination except as previously disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent or as set forth on an exhibit to the certificate, which certificate shall list all of its Oil and Gas Properties sold and in such detail as reasonably required by the Administrative Agent, (v) attached thereto is a list of all marketing agreements entered into subsequent to the later of the date hereof or the most recently delivered Reserve Report which the Borrower could reasonably be expected to have been obligated to list on Schedule 7.19 had such agreement been in effect on the Effective Date, (vi) attached thereto is a schedule of the Oil and Gas Properties evaluated by such Reserve Report that are Mortgaged Properties and demonstrating the percentage of the total PV-9 of the Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in such Reserve Report that are Mortgaged Properties and, to the extent that the value of such Mortgaged Properties represent is not in compliance with Section 8.13(a), a reasonably detailed description of the steps that the Borrower will take to come into compliance with Section 8.13(a) in accordance with the terms hereof, and (vii) attached thereto is a list of all Minimum Volume Contracts entered into subsequent to the later of the date hereof or the most recently delivered Reserve Report or the date on which the Borrower disclosed the existence of Minimum Volume Contracts to the Administrative Agent, as applicable, which the Borrower could reasonably be expected to have been obligated to list on Schedule 7.26 had such agreement been in effect on the Effective Date.
97
Section 8.12 Title Information.
(a) On or before the delivery to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of each Reserve Report required by Section 8.11(a), the Borrower will deliver title information in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent covering enough of the Borrowing Base Properties of the type set forth in clause (a) of the definition thereof evaluated by such Reserve Report that were not included in the immediately preceding Reserve Report, so that the Administrative Agent shall have received, together with title information previously delivered to the Administrative Agent, reasonably satisfactory title information on at least 85% of the PV-9 of the Borrowing Base Properties of the type set forth in clause (a) of the definition thereof evaluated by such Reserve Report.
(b) If the Borrower has provided title information for additional Properties under Section 8.12(a), the Borrower shall, within thirty (30) days (or such longer time period as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion) after notice from the Administrative Agent that title defects or exceptions exist with respect to such additional Properties, either (i) cure any such title defects or exceptions (including defects or exceptions as to priority) which are not permitted by Section 9.03 raised by such information, (ii) substitute acceptable Mortgaged Properties with no title defects or exceptions except for Excepted Liens having an equivalent value or (iii) deliver title information in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent so that the Administrative Agent shall have received, together with title information previously delivered to the Administrative Agent, reasonably satisfactory title information on at least 85% of the PV-9 of the Borrowing Base Properties of the type set forth in clause (a) of the definition thereof evaluated by such Reserve Report.
98
(c) If the Borrower is unable to cure any title defect requested by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders to be cured within the period of time required by clause (b) above or the Borrower does not comply with the requirements to provide acceptable title information covering at least 85% of the PV-9 of the Borrowing Base Properties of the type set forth in clause (a) of the definition thereof evaluated in the most recent Reserve Report, such failure shall not be a Default or Event of Default, but instead the Administrative Agent and/or the Required Lenders shall have the right to exercise the following remedy in their sole discretion from time to time, and any failure to so exercise this remedy at any time shall not be a waiver as to future exercise of the remedy by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders. To the extent that the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders are not satisfied with title to any Mortgaged Property after such period of time has elapsed, such unacceptable Mortgaged Property shall not count towards the 85% requirement, and the Administrative Agent may, or the Required Lenders may direct the Administrative Agent to, send a notice (such notice, an “Uncured Title Defect Notice”) to the Borrower and the Lenders that the then outstanding Borrowing Base shall be reduced by an amount as determined by the Required Lenders to cause the Borrower to be in compliance with the requirement to provide acceptable title information covering at least 85% of the PV-9 of the Borrowing Base Properties of the type set forth in clause (a) of the definition thereof evaluated by such Reserve Report. This new Borrowing Base shall become effective in accordance with Section 2.07(g).
Section 8.13 Additional Collateral and Additional Guarantors.
(a) In connection with each redetermination of the Borrowing Base, the Borrower shall review the Reserve Report and the list of current Mortgaged Properties (as described in Section 8.11(c)(vi)) to ascertain whether the Mortgaged Properties represent at least 90% of the PV-9 of the Borrowing Base Properties of the type set forth in clause (a) of the definition thereof evaluated in the most recently delivered Reserve Report after giving effect to exploration and production activities, acquisitions, dispositions and production. In the event that the Mortgaged Properties do not represent at least 90% of the PV-9 of the Borrowing Base Properties of the type set forth in clause (a) of the definition thereof, then the Borrower shall, and shall cause its Restricted Subsidiaries to, grant, within thirty (30) days (or such longer period as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion) of delivery of the certificate required under Section 8.11(c), to the Administrative Agent as security for the Obligations a first-priority Lien interest (subject only to Excepted Liens) on additional Oil and Gas Properties of the Credit Parties and which Oil and Gas Properties are not already subject to a Lien of the Security Instruments such that, after giving effect thereto, the Mortgaged Properties will represent at least 90% of the PV-9 of the Borrowing Base Properties of the type set forth in clause (a) of the definition thereof. All such Liens will be created and perfected by and in accordance with the provisions of Mortgages and financing statements or other Security Instruments, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and in sufficient executed (and acknowledged where necessary or appropriate) counterparts for recording purposes. In order to comply with the foregoing, if any Restricted Subsidiary places a Lien on its Oil and Gas Properties and such Restricted Subsidiary is not a Guarantor, then it shall become a Guarantor and comply with Section 8.13(b).
(b) In the event that (i) the Borrower determines that any Restricted Subsidiary is a Material Subsidiary, (ii) the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary creates, forms or acquires any Material Subsidiary (or any Unrestricted Subsidiary becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or owns Borrowing Base Property), or (iii) any Domestic Subsidiary that is not already a Guarantor incurs or guarantees any Specified Additional Debt, the Borrower shall promptly (and in any event, within thirty (30) days or such longer time period as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion) cause such Restricted Subsidiary to guarantee the Obligations pursuant to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement. In connection with any such guaranty, the Borrower shall, or shall cause such Restricted Subsidiary (and, if the Borrower is not the owner of the Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary, cause the owners of such Equity Interests) to, (A) execute and deliver a supplement to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement executed by such Restricted Subsidiary, (B) pledge, or cause the owners of the Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary to pledge, all of the Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary (including, without limitation, delivery of original stock certificates evidencing the Equity Interests in such Subsidiary, together with appropriate undated stock powers for each certificate duly executed in blank by the registered owner thereof); and (C) execute and deliver such other additional closing documents, certificates and legal opinions as shall reasonably be requested by the Administrative Agent.
99
(c) The Borrower shall cause any Person guaranteeing Specified Additional Debt or Permitted Refinancing Debt in respect thereof to contemporaneously become a Guarantor hereunder in accordance with Section 8.13(b).
(d) At the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall and shall cause any Credit Party to grant, within thirty (30) days (or such longer period as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), a mortgage over any Midstream Assets owned by such Credit Party to which Borrowing Base Value is attributed which are not then currently the subject of a Mortgage.
(e) Notwithstanding any provision in any of the Loan Documents to the contrary, in no event is any Building (as defined in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulations) or Manufactured (Mobile) Home (as defined in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulations) owned by any Credit Party included in the Mortgaged Property and no Building or Manufactured (Mobile) Home shall be encumbered by any Security Instrument; provided that (A) the applicable Credit Party’s interests in all lands and Hydrocarbons situated under any such Building or Manufactured (Mobile) Home shall be included in the Mortgaged Property and shall be encumbered by the Security Instruments and (B) the Borrower shall not permit, and shall not permit any other Credit Party to permit, to exist any Lien on any Building or Manufactured (Mobile) Home except Liens permitted by Section 9.03.
Section 8.14 ERISA Compliance. The Borrower will promptly furnish and will cause the Restricted Subsidiaries and any ERISA Affiliate (to the extent the Borrower has the legal authority to compel an ERISA Affiliate) to promptly furnish to the Administrative Agent (a) upon request thereof by the Administrative Agent, copies of each annual and other report with respect to each Plan or any trust created thereunder required to be filed with the United States Secretary of Labor or the Internal Revenue Service (provided, however, that any such report with respect to a multiemployer plan as defined in section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA shall be provided only to the extent such report is reasonably available to the Borrower), and (b) upon becoming aware of the occurrence of any ERISA Event or any nonexempt “prohibited transaction,” as described in section 406 of ERISA or in section 4975 of the Code, in connection with any Plan or any trust created thereunder, that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, a written notice signed by the President or the principal Financial Officer of the Borrower, the Restricted Subsidiary or the ERISA Affiliate, as the case may be, specifying the nature thereof, what action the Borrower, the Restricted Subsidiary or the ERISA Affiliate is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto, and, when known, any action taken or proposed by the Internal Revenue Service or the Department of Labor with respect thereto.
Section 8.15 Unrestricted Subsidiaries. The Borrower:
(a) will cause the management, business and affairs of each of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to be conducted in such a manner (including, without limitation, by keeping separate books of account, furnishing separate financial statements of Unrestricted Subsidiaries to creditors and potential creditors thereof and by not permitting Properties of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to be commingled) so that each Unrestricted Subsidiary will be treated as an entity separate and distinct from the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;
100
(b) will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, incur, assume, guarantee or be or become liable for any Debt of any of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries; and
(c) will not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to (i) hold any Equity Interest in, or any Debt of, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) own any Borrowing Base Property.
Section 8.16 Deposit Accounts; Commodity Accounts and Securities Accounts. Subject to Section 8.19(a), the Borrower will, and will cause each of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, cause each of their respective Deposit Accounts, Commodity Accounts or Securities Accounts (in each case, other than Excluded Accounts for so long as they are Excluded Accounts) to at all times be subject to an Account Control Agreement.
Section 8.17 Commodity Exchange Act Keepwell Provisions. The Borrower hereby guarantees the payment and performance of all Obligations of each Credit Party (other than the Borrower) and absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each Credit Party (other than the Borrower) that is not otherwise an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act in order for such Credit Party to honor its obligations under the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement including obligations with respect to Swap Agreements (provided, however, that the Borrower shall only be liable under this Section 8.17 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 8.17, or otherwise under this Agreement or any Loan Document, as it relates to such other Credit Parties, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). The obligations of the Borrower under this Section 8.17 shall remain in full force and effect until Payment in Full. The Borrower intends that this Section 8.17 constitute, and this Section 8.17 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other Credit Party for all purposes of Section la(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
Section 8.18 Commodity Hedging. Concurrently with the date that financial statements are required to be delivered under Section 8.01(a) or Section 8.01(b), commencing with such required delivery date for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2024, the Borrower shall, and shall cause the Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into and maintain Swap Agreements with Approved Counterparties in the form of swaps, collars (other than “three-way collars”), floors or other types reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent pursuant to which the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall hedge notional volumes covering 50% of the reasonably anticipated projected production calculated on a quarterly basis (as forecasted based on the then most recently delivered Reserve Report hereunder) from the Borrowing Base Properties constituting Proved Developed Producing Reserves for natural gas and natural gas liquids for the subsequent 24 calendar month period immediately following such required delivery date.
Section 8.19 Post-Closing Covenants.
(a) Notwithstanding the requirements set forth in Section 8.16, with respect to each Deposit Account, Commodity Account and Securities Account of the Credit Parties in existence on the Effective Date (other than Excluded Accounts), the Borrower shall, and shall cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, no later than thirty (30) days after the Effective Date (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may agree to in its sole discretion), deliver to the Administrative Agent duly executed Account Control Agreements in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
101
(b) On or prior to the date thirty (30) days following the Effective Date (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion), the Borrower shall enter into (and shall thereafter maintain) Swap Agreements with Approved Counterparties in the form of swaps, collars (other than “three-way collars”), floors or other types reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent pursuant to which the Borrower shall hedge notional volumes covering at least 50% (rounded to the nearest whole percentage point) of the aggregate of the reasonably anticipated projected production of natural gas and natural gas liquids, calculated on a quarterly basis (as forecasted based on the Initial Reserve Report) from the Borrowing Base Properties constituting Proved Developed Producing Reserves for natural gas and natural gas liquids for the period beginning on July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025. For purposes of this paragraph, if the Borrower becomes party to a Swap Agreement by novation of such Swap Agreement from Holdings to the Borrower as the remaining party, the Borrower shall be deemed to have entered into such Swap Agreement.
(c) On or prior to the date sixty (60) days following the Effective Date (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion), the Borrower shall enter into (and shall thereafter maintain) Swap Agreements with Approved Counterparties in the form of swaps, collars (other than “three-way collars”), floors or other types reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent pursuant to which the Borrower shall hedge notional volumes covering at least 50% (rounded to the nearest whole percentage point) of the aggregate of the reasonably anticipated projected production of natural gas and natural gas liquids, calculated on a quarterly basis (as forecasted based on the Initial Reserve Report) from the Borrowing Base Properties constituting Proved Developed Producing Reserves for natural gas and natural gas liquids for the period beginning on July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. For purposes of this paragraph, if the Borrower becomes party to a Swap Agreement by novation of such Swap Agreement from Holdings to the Borrower as the remaining party, the Borrower shall be deemed to have entered into such Swap Agreement.
ARTICLE IX
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
Until Payment in Full, the Borrower and Holdings (with respect to Section 9.23 only) covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:
Section 9.01 Financial Covenants.
(a) Net Leverage Ratio. The Borrower will not, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter commencing with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2024, permit the Net Leverage Ratio to be greater than 3.25 to 1.00.
(b) Current Ratio. The Borrower will not permit, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter commencing with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2024, the Current Ratio as of such date to be less than 1.00 to 1.00.
102
(c) Right to Cure. In the event the Borrower fails to comply with the requirements of Section 9.01(a) and/or Section 9.01(b) during any fiscal quarter, then during the period beginning on the first day after the subject fiscal quarter until the expiration of the tenth Business Day subsequent to the date the compliance certificate for calculating the Net Leverage Ratio or Current Ratio, as applicable, is required to be delivered pursuant to Section 8.01(c) (the “Cure Period”), the Borrower shall be permitted to cure such failure to comply by requesting that the Net Leverage Ratio and/or Current Ratio, as applicable, be recalculated by increasing the Borrower’s EBITDAX and/or Consolidated Current Assets, as the case may be, by an amount equal to the proceeds of equity issued by Holdings to one or more of the holders of the Equity Interests in Holdings or by contributions to the equity of Holdings by one or more of the holders of the Equity Interests in Holdings, and in each case the net cash proceeds of which are contributed to the Borrower, during the Cure Period (such net cash proceeds amount so contributed to the Borrower, the “Cure Amount”); provided that (i) the proceeds of the equity cure shall be used to repay the Loans, (ii) the Borrower shall deliver written notice to the Administrative Agent concurrently with delivery of a timely delivered certificate required by Section 8.01(c) that it has elected to cure the failure to comply and clearly setting forth such equity contribution in the computation required by clause (ii) of such Section 8.01(c); (iii) the amount of the Cure Amount added to EBITDAX and/or Consolidated Current Assets, as the case may be, shall not be greater than the amount required to cause the Borrower to be in compliance with the Net Leverage Ratio and/or the Current Ratio, as applicable (but the amount of such Cure Amount deemed to apply to the applicable financial covenant shall not exceed the minimum amount necessary to cure such financial covenant breach and that, in demonstrating compliance with each financial covenant, only the minimum amount necessary to cure such financial covenant shall be included in the calculation for such financial covenant); and (iv) the Borrower may not cure any default of the Net Leverage Ratio or Current Ratio by an equity cure more than (A) two (2) times in the aggregate for all such cures during any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, with the simultaneous cure of both the Net Leverage Ratio and the Current Ratio in a single quarter counting as a single cure for purposes of this clause (A) or (B) four (4) times in the aggregate for all such cures prior to the Maturity Date with the simultaneous cure of both the Net Leverage Ratio and the Current Ratio in a single quarter counting as one cure for purposes of this clause (B) (provided that, if the Borrower exercises its cure right prior to the date financial statements are required to be delivered for a relevant fiscal quarter solely with respect to an anticipated Net Leverage Ratio default or Current Ratio default and the cure amount associated therewith is insufficient to cure a Net Leverage Ratio default or Current Ratio default with respect to such quarter, any subsequent exercise of a cure right prior to the cure deadline to ‘top-up’ such cure amount shall not count as an additional exercise of the cure right). The Borrower may apply a Cure Amount to either increase EBITDAX or increase Consolidated Current Assets in the same fiscal quarter; provided that to both increase EBITDAX and increase Consolidated Current Assets, separate Cure Amounts must be applied to each increase. With respect to a Cure Amount applied to EBITDAX, the resulting increase in the Borrower’s EBITDAX, shall be taken into account in calculating the Net Leverage Ratio for any Rolling Period that includes any fiscal quarter with respect to which such cure right was exercised. If after giving effect to the foregoing recalculations, the Borrower would then be in compliance with Section 9.01(a) or Section 9.01(b), as the case may be, the Borrower shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of Section 9.01(a) or Section 9.01(b), as applicable, as of the relevant earlier required date of determination with the same effect as though there had been no failure to comply therewith at such date, and the applicable breach, Default or Event of Default of any such covenant that had occurred shall be deemed cured for the purpose of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. After receiving the notice provided above, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall exercise the right to accelerate the Loans or terminate the Commitments and none of Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Secured Party shall exercise any right to foreclose on or take possession of the Collateral or exercise any other remedy pursuant to Section 10.02, the other Loan Documents or applicable law prior to the end of the applicable Cure Period solely on the basis of an Event of Default having occurred and continuing under Section 9.01 (except to the extent that the Borrower has confirmed in writing that it is not going to receive a Cure Amount). The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that (x) this Section 9.01(c) may not be relied on or used for purposes of determining permitted amounts with respect to covenants in this Agreement other than Section 9.01(a) and Section 9.01(b) and (y) that such deemed increase to EBITDAX or Consolidated Current Assets, in any fiscal quarter shall be applied solely for the purpose of determining the existence of a Default or Event of Default under Section 9.01(a) and Section 9.01(b) with respect to any Rolling Period that includes such fiscal quarter and not for any other purpose under any Loan Document (including any determination of pro forma compliance with the Net Leverage Ratio for the purposes of incurring any Specified Additional Debt or making any Restricted Payment or any other purpose (even if the proceeds of any Cure Amount are actually used to reduce Debt or Consolidated Current Liabilities)). For the avoidance of doubt, no Lender or Issuing Bank shall be required to make any extension of credit hereunder during the Cure Period, unless the Borrower shall have received the Cure Amount.
103
Section 9.02 Debt. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, incur, create, assume or suffer to exist any Debt, except:
(a) the Notes, the Loans or other Obligations, including those arising under the Loan Documents or any guaranty of or suretyship arrangement for the Notes, the Loans or other Obligations, including those arising under the Loan Documents;
(b) Debt of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries existing on the date hereof that is reflected on Schedule 9.02 and any Permitted Refinancing Debt incurred in respect thereof;
(c) Debt under Finance Leases and Purchase Money Indebtedness not to exceed $25,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;
(d) Debt in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds and completion guarantees and similar obligations that are (i) required by Governmental Requirements or by Governmental Authorities in connection with the operation of the Oil and Gas Properties and (ii) not incurred in connection with money borrowed, which are provided in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice, including those incurred to secure health, safety and environmental obligations in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;
(e) intercompany Debt incurred by (i) the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor owing to the Borrower, any Subsidiary; provided that any such Debt owed by a Credit Party to a Subsidiary or Parent Entity that is not a Guarantor shall be subject to subordination terms substantially identical to the subordination terms in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement or (ii) any Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor owing to the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that such Debt is not held, assigned, transferred, negotiated or pledged to any Person other than the Borrower or one of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries; provided further that this clause (e) shall not permit the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to incur the Holdings Intercompany Debt;
(f) endorsements of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business;
(g) (i) Specified Additional Debt; provided that on the date of any such incurrence of Debt after the Effective Date, unless such adjustment is waived pursuant to Section 12.02, the Borrowing Base shall be adjusted to the extent required by Section 2.07(f) and prepayment shall be made to the extent required by Section 3.04(c); provided that, after giving effect to the incurrence of such Debt, the Net Leverage Ratio on a pro forma basis is less than 3.25 to 1.00, and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing Debt incurred in respect of such Specified Additional Debt or in respect of any Permitted Refinancing Debt incurred in respect thereof;
(h) Debt constituting a guarantee by the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor of any Debt incurred by another Credit Party so long as the incurrence of such Debt by such other Credit Party is otherwise permitted by this Section 9.02;
(i) Debt arising under Swap Agreements permitted by Section 9.18;
104
(j) Debt owed to any Person providing workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance, pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such Person, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(k) Debt incurred to finance premiums due or to become due on any property, casualty, liability or other insurance policies for the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(1) Debt consisting of indemnities or obligations in respect of purchase price adjustments or similar obligations;
(m) other Debt (and Permitted Refinancing Debt incurred in respect thereof) not to exceed, in the aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding, $10,000,000 plus, in the case of Permitted Refinancing Debt, Additional Amounts, in each case, so long as, to the extent secured, secured solely by Property other than Oil and Gas Properties; and
(n) Debt in respect of the Existing Letters of Credit.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary shall incur any obligations in connection with the Holdings Intercompany Debt and (y) the principal amount of the Holdings Intercompany Debt may not be reborrowed or otherwise increased after the Effective Date once repaid.
Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement to the contrary, none of the Credit Parties nor their Restricted Subsidiaries shall incur or assume any debt that is lent or held by Holdings, any Parent Entity or the Sponsor or any of their respective Affiliates unless such debt is both unsecured and subordinated to the Obligations on terms and conditions reasonable satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
Section 9.03 Liens. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any of its Properties (now owned or hereafter acquired), except:
(a) Liens arising under the Loan Documents securing any Obligations;
(b) Excepted Liens; provided that with respect to any dedications entered into in connection with any Minimum Volume Contracts entered into after the Effective Date, such dedications shall be permitted to apply only to property that is Mortgaged Property at the time such dedication is entered into;
(c) Liens securing Debt permitted by Section 9.02(b) and set forth on Schedule 9.03;
(d) Liens securing Finance Leases or Purchase Money Indebtedness permitted by Section 9.02(c) but only on the Property under lease or the Property purchased, constructed or improved with such Purchase Money Indebtedness, as applicable;
(e) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business securing liabilities to insurance carriers in respect of insurance policies;
(f) Liens arising under Governmental Requirements securing the obligations of purchasers of Hydrocarbons to secure their sale at the wellhead in the ordinary course of business;
105
(g) Liens on cash earnest money deposits made in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement;
(h) Liens on Property not constituting Oil and Gas Properties and not otherwise permitted by the foregoing clauses of this Section 9.03; provided that the aggregate principal or face amount of all Debt secured under this Section 9.03(h) shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding; and
(i) Liens on cash or Cash Equivalents securing Debt in respect of the Existing Letters of Credit.
This Section 9.03 shall be construed to allow the above Liens to cover and encumber all improvements, fixtures and/or accessions to the Property which are permitted to be subject to such Liens and all proceeds of such Property (including any insurance for such property) as determined in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the Liens permitted pursuant to this Section 9.03 (other than Excepted Liens, Liens securing the Obligations and Section 9.03(f)) may at any time attach to any Oil and Gas Properties.
Section 9.04 Dividends and Distributions; Redemptions or Amendments in Respect of Specified Additional Debt.
(a) Dividends and Distributions. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, declare or make, or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, return any capital to its stockholders or make any distribution of its Property to its Equity Interest holders, except:
(i) the Borrower may distribute any Specified Asset Sale Proceeds before September 30, 2024;
(ii) the Restricted Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends ratably with respect to their Equity Interests;
(iii) as long as no Event of Default exists at the time of such Restricted Payment or would result therefrom, the Borrower may make cash Permitted Tax Distributions;
(iv) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments with respect to its Equity Interests (A) in an amount not to exceed 100% of Distributable Free Cash Flow (after giving pro forma effect to such payment and any other Free Cash Flow Utilizations occurring on such date) so long as (1) after giving effect to such payment (and any Borrowings incurred in connection therewith) on a pro forma basis, Commitments available to be drawn are greater than or equal to 20% of the Loan Limit in effect at such time and (2) after giving effect to such payment (and any Debt incurred in connection therewith), the Net Leverage Ratio on a pro forma basis is less than or equal to 1.75 to 1.00 and (B) without limit so long as (1) after giving effect to such payment (and any Borrowings incurred in connection therewith) on a pro forma basis, Commitments available to be drawn are greater than or equal to 25% of the Loan Limit in effect at such time and (2) after giving effect to such payment (and any Borrowings incurred in connection therewith), the Net Leverage Ratio on a pro forma basis is less than or equal to 1.50 to 1.00; provided that the Borrower may not make any Restricted Payments in reliance on this clause (iv) if any Default, Event of Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency exists at the time of such Restricted Payment or would result therefrom;
106
(v) as long as no Event of Default exists at the time of such Restricted Payment or would result therefrom, the Borrower may make cash Restricted Payments to redeem, acquire, retire or repurchase shares of Equity Interests of Holdings or the Borrower held by any present or former officer, manager, consultant, director or employee (or their respective Affiliates, estates, spouses, former spouses, successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legatees, distributees or immediate family members) of Holdings or the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, upon the death, disability, retirement or termination of employment of any such Person or otherwise in accordance with any equity option or equity appreciation rights plan, any management, director and/or employee equity ownership, benefit or incentive plan or agreement, equity subscription plan, employment termination agreement or any other employment agreements or equity holders’ agreement, and to pay taxes in connection with the foregoing (collectively, “LTIP Expenses”); provided that the aggregate amount of all cash paid in respect of all such LTIP Expenses in any calendar year does not exceed the sum of (1) (x) to the extent such LTIP Expenses relate to any agreements or plans in place prior to the Effective Date, $20,000,000 (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the next succeeding calendar year subject to a maximum of $30,000,000 in any calendar year) and (y) to the extent such LTIP Expenses relate to any agreements or plans in place after the Effective Date, $5,000,000 (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the next succeeding calendar year subject to a maximum of $7,500,000 in any calendar year) plus (2) all net cash proceeds obtained by or contributed to the Borrower during such calendar year from the sales of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) to other present or former officers, consultants, employees, directors and managers in connection with any permitted compensation and incentive arrangements in the ordinary course of business, but excluding proceeds constituting a Cure Amount or utilized pursuant to Section 9.04(b)(i)(C), plus (3) all net cash proceeds obtained from any key-man life insurance policies received during such calendar year plus (4) the amount of any cash bonuses otherwise payable to members of management, directors or consultants of Holdings, the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any acquisition permitted hereunder that are foregone in return for the receipt of Equity Interests; and provided, further, that cancellation of Debt owing to Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary from members of management of Holdings, the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of Holdings or the Borrower will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this Section 9.04; and
(vi) as long as no Event of Default exists at the time of such Restricted Payment or would result therefrom, Restricted Payments made by the Borrower in cash during such fiscal year to pay Holdings’ operating costs and expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business and other corporate overhead costs and expenses (including administrative, legal, accounting and similar expenses provided by third parties) which are reasonable and customary and incurred in the ordinary course of business and attributable to (x) the ownership or operations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and (y) the operations of Holdings and the ownership or operations of its Subsidiaries in an annual amount not to exceed $15,000,000; and
(vii) prior to December 31, 2024, and as long as no Event of Default exists at the time of such Restricted Payment or would result therefrom, Restricted Payments made by the Borrower in cash in an aggregate amount not to exceed the lesser of $15,000,000 and the amount of capital expenditures budgeted for Holdings and its Subsidiaries or joint ventures that are not Credit Parties in fiscal year 2024.
(b) Redemptions or Amendments in Respect of Specified Additional Debt.
(i) The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, call, make or offer to make any optional or voluntary Redemption of, or otherwise optionally or voluntarily Redeem (whether in whole or in part), any Specified Additional Debt, provided that the Borrower may voluntarily Redeem Specified Additional Debt:
107
(A) by converting Specified Additional Debt into Equity Interests in Holdings (other than Disqualified Capital Stock);
(B) in the form of cash with Net Proceeds from any incurrence of additional Specified Additional Debt or Permitted Refinancing Debt in respect of existing Specified Additional Debt so long as (I) such Redemption occurs substantially contemporaneously with the receipt of such Net Proceeds and (II) such Redemption is in an amount no greater than the amount of the Net Proceeds of such incurrence of Specified Additional Debt or Permitted Refinancing Debt;
(C) in the form of cash with Net Proceeds from any capital contributions to, or of an issuance or offering of, Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) in Holdings, which are further contributed to the Borrower, so long as (I) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing both before and after, and no Borrowing Base Deficiency would occur after giving effect to such Redemption and (II) such Redemption occurs substantially contemporaneously with the receipt of such Net Proceeds; and
(D) (1) in an amount not to exceed 100% of Distributable Free Cash Flow after giving pro forma effect to such Redemption (and any other Free Cash Flow Utilizations occurring on such date) so long as, (x) after giving effect to such Redemption (and any Debt incurred in connection therewith), Commitments available to be drawn are greater than or equal to 20% of the Loan Limit in effect at such time and (y) after giving effect to such Redemption (and any Debt incurred in connection therewith), the Net Leverage Ratio on a pro forma basis is less than or equal to 1.75 to 1.00 and (2) without limit so long as (x) after giving effect to such Redemption (and any Borrowings incurred in connection therewith), Commitments available to be drawn are greater than or equal to 25% of the Loan Limit in effect at such time and (y) after giving effect to such Redemption (and any Borrowings incurred in connection therewith), the Net Leverage Ratio on a pro forma basis is less than or equal to 1.50 to 1.00; provided that no such Redemption may be made in reliance on this clause (D) if any Default, Event of Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency exits at the time of such Redemption or would result therefrom.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Credit Parties shall not make any principal payment or other Redemption in respect of the Holdings Intercompany Debt while a Borrowing Base Deficiency or Event of Default exists.
(ii) The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to amend or modify, or consent or agree to any amendment or modification to, any of the terms governing any Specified Additional Debt, if the effect of such amendment or modification is (A) that the Borrower would not be able to incur such Specified Additional Debt in accordance with Section 9.02(g) if such Debt were being incurred in the first instance and (B)(I) to cause such Specified Additional Debt to have any scheduled principal payments prior to the date that is one year following the Final Maturity Date, (II) to reduce the weighted average life to maturity of such Debt, (III) to make the covenants, events of default and guarantees more materially restrictive on the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries than the terms of such Specified Additional Debt (as in effect at the time of such amendment or modification) when taken as a whole or to add a financial maintenance covenant, (IV) to add an additional Subsidiary (other than a Guarantor or Person who becomes a Guarantor in connection therewith) as an obligor under such Specified Additional Debt or (V) otherwise materially adverse to the Lenders; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit the correction of defects, ambiguities or deficiencies which can be adopted without consent of all or any portion of the holders of the Specified Additional Debt or which, if implemented when such Specified Additional Debt were incurred, would have been permitted hereunder.
108
Section 9.05 Investments, Loans and Advances. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, make or permit to remain outstanding any Investments in or to any Person, except that the foregoing restriction shall not apply to:
(a) Investments as of the Effective Date which are disclosed to the Lenders in Schedule 9.05;
(b) (i) accounts or notes receivable arising in the ordinary course of business; (ii) advances in the form of a prepayment of fees and expenses by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, so long as such expenses are being paid in accordance with customary trade terms of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, (iii) advances of payroll payments to employees, consultants or independent contractors or other advances of salaries or compensation to employees, consultants or independent contractors, in each case in the ordinary course of business and (iv) Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from account debtors and other credits to suppliers in the ordinary course of business arising from the settlement of delinquent obligations or disputes in respect of a secured Investment;
(c) Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents;
(d) Investments (i) made by the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor in or to the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor, (ii) made by any Restricted Subsidiary in or to the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor and (iii) made by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor in or to any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor;
(e) subject to the limits in Section 9.07, Investments in direct ownership interests in additional Oil and Gas Properties and gas gathering systems related thereto or related to farm-out, farm-in, joint operating, joint venture or area of mutual interest agreements, gathering systems, pipelines or other similar arrangements which are usual and customary in the oil and gas exploration and production business located within the geographic boundaries of the United States of America;
(f) Investments in stock, obligations or securities received in settlement of debts arising from Investments permitted under this Section 9.05 or from accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course of business, which Investments are obtained by the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary as a result of a bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding of, or difficulties in collecting from, the obligor in respect of such obligations, provided that the Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent prompt written notice in the event that the aggregate amount of all Investments held at any one time under this Section 9.05(f) exceeds $2,000,000;
(g) the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries may make other cash Investments (i) to the extent clause (ii) below does not apply, in an amount not to exceed 100% of Distributable Free Cash Flow after giving pro forma effect to such Investment (and any other Free Cash Flow Utilizations occurring on or prior to such date) so long as (A) after giving effect to such Investment (and any Borrowings incurred in connection therewith), Commitments available to be drawn are greater than or equal to 20% of the Loan Limit in effect at such time and (B) after giving effect to such Investment (and any Debt incurred in connection therewith), the Net Leverage Ratio on a pro forma basis is less than or equal to 1.75 to 1.00 and (ii) without limit so long as (A) after giving effect to such Investment (and any Borrowings incurred in connection therewith), Commitments available to be drawn are greater than or equal to 25% of the Loan Limit in effect at such time and (B) after giving effect to such Investment (and any Borrowings incurred in connection therewith), the Net Leverage Ratio on a pro forma basis is less than or equal to 1.50 to 1.00; provided that (x) no such Investment may be made in reliance on this clause (h) if any Default, Event of Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency exits at the time of such Investment or would result therefrom and (y) no Investment may be made in any Unrestricted Subsidiary in reliance on this clause (g);
109
(h) subject to the limits in Section 9.06 and Section 9.07, Investments (including, without limitation, capital contributions) in (i) Unrestricted Subsidiaries or (ii) in general or limited partnerships or other types of entities (each in this clause (ii), a “venture”) formed or incorporated, as the case may be, under applicable state law, by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, on the one hand, and any other Person, on the other hand, in the ordinary course of business; provided that (A) any such Unrestricted Subsidiary or venture is engaged exclusively in the ownership, operation or development of Oil and Gas Properties, and any other oil and gas exploration, development, production, processing, treatment, compression, storage and related activities, including gathering and transportation, (B) the interest in such Unrestricted Subsidiary or venture is acquired in the ordinary course of business and on fair and reasonable terms and (C) such Unrestricted Subsidiary or venture interests acquired and capital contributions made (valued as of the date such interest was acquired or the contribution made) do not exceed, in the aggregate at any one time outstanding, an amount equal to $5,000,000;
(i) loans and advances to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Borrower (or Holdings) or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (i) for reasonable and customary business-related travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes (including employee payroll advances), (ii) in connection with such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower (or Holdings); provided that, to the extent such loans and advances are made in cash, the amount of such loans and advances used to acquire such Equity Interests shall be contributed to the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor in cash or (iii) in the ordinary course of business in an aggregate principal amount at any time for all amounts incurred under this Section 9.05(i) outstanding not to exceed $1,000,000;
(j) Investments held by a Person acquired (including by way of merger or consolidation) after the Effective Date otherwise in accordance with this Section 9.05 to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation;
(k) Investments constituting non-cash proceeds of dispositions of assets permitted by Section 9.12; and
(1) other Investments not to exceed in the aggregate at any one time outstanding an amount equal to $5,000,000.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, make any Investments (other than Investments made in cash) in any Unrestricted Subsidiaries or any other Subsidiaries or Persons that are not Guarantors.
Section 9.06 Designation and Conversion of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries; Debt of Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
(a) Unless designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary on Schedule 7.14 as of the date hereof or thereafter, assuming compliance with Section 9.06(b), any Person that becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall be classified as a Restricted Subsidiary.
110
(b) The Borrower may designate by written notification thereof to the Administrative Agent, any Restricted Subsidiary, including a newly formed or newly acquired Subsidiary, as an Unrestricted Subsidiary if (i) prior, and after giving effect, to such designation, no Default, Event of Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency exists or would result therefrom, (ii) such designation is deemed to be an Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount equal to the fair market value as of the date of such designation of the Borrower’s direct and indirect ownership interest in such Subsidiary and such Investment would be permitted to be made at the time of such designation under Section 9.05(h), (iii) the Borrower is in compliance with Section 9.01(a) on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such designation and (iv) the representations and warranties of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries contained in each of the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of such date as if made on and as of the date of such designation (except to the extent any such representations and warranties (A) are expressly limited to an earlier date, in which case, on and as of the date of such designation, such representations and warranties shall continue to be true and correct in all material respects as of such specified earlier date or (B) are already qualified by materiality, Material Adverse Effect or a similar qualification, in which case, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects). Except as provided in this Section 9.06(b), no Restricted Subsidiary may be designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Subsidiary may be designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary (x) does not own any Oil and Gas Properties and (y) is also designated as an “unrestricted subsidiary” under any Specified Additional Debt.
(c) The Borrower may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary if after giving effect to such designation and any contemporaneous transactions, (i) the representations and warranties of Holdings, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries contained in each of the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of such date as if made on and as of the date of such designation (except to the extent any such representations and warranties (A) are expressly limited to an earlier date, in which case, on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, such representations and warranties shall continue to be true and correct in all material respects as of such specified earlier date or (B) are already qualified by materiality, Material Adverse Effect or a similar qualification, in which case, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects), (ii) no Default would exist, and (iii) the Borrower complies with the requirements of Section 8.13, Section 8.16 and Section 9.15. Any such designation shall be treated as a cash dividend received by the owner(s) of the Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary in an amount equal to the lesser of the fair market value of the Borrower’s direct and indirect ownership interest in such Subsidiary or the amount of the Borrower’s cash investment previously made for purposes of the limitation on Investments under Section 9.05(h).
Section 9.07 Nature of Business; No International Operations. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, allow any material change to be made in the character of its business as an independent oil and gas exploration and production company, which may include sales to Persons located outside of the geographical boundaries of the United States. From and after the date hereof, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries will not acquire or make any other expenditure (whether such expenditure is capital, operating or otherwise) in or related to, any Oil and Gas Properties not located within the geographical boundaries of the United States. The Borrower shall at all times remain organized under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof or the District of Columbia.
Section 9.08 Proceeds of Loans.
(a) The Borrower will not permit the proceeds of the Loans or Letters of Credit to be used for any purpose other than those permitted by Section 7.21. Neither the Borrower nor any Person acting on behalf of the Borrower has taken or will take any action which might cause any of the Loan Documents to violate Regulation T, Regulation U or Regulation X or any other regulation of the Board or to violate Section 7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any rule or regulation thereunder, in each case as now in effect or as the same may hereinafter be in effect.
(b) The Borrower will not request any Borrowing or Letter of Credit, and the Borrower shall not use, and shall procure that the Subsidiaries and its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the proceeds of any Borrowing or Letter of Credit (i) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws, (ii) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, to the extent such activities, business or transaction would be prohibited by Sanctions if conducted by a corporation incorporated in the United States or (iii) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.
111
Section 9.09 ERISA Compliance. Except for actions that would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary (or any other controlled subsidiary of Holdings) to:
(a) engage in, any transaction with respect to a Plan which results in imposition on the Borrower, a Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate of a civil penalty assessed pursuant to subsections (c), (i), (1) or (m) of section 502 of ERISA;
(b) fail to satisfy the minimum funding standards with respect to any Plan; and
(c) contribute to or assume an obligation to contribute to any retiree medical plan that may not be terminated by such entities in their sole discretion at any time without liability to the Borrower, a Restricted Subsidiary, other than for benefits accrued or claims incurred on or before such termination.
Section 9.10 Sale or Discount of Receivables. Except for receivables obtained by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary outside of the ordinary course of business or the settlement of joint interest billing accounts in the ordinary course of business or discounts granted to settle collection of accounts receivable or the sale of defaulted accounts arising in the ordinary course of business in connection with the compromise or collection thereof and not in connection with any financing transaction, the Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, discount or sell (with or without recourse) to any Person other than the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor any of its notes receivable or accounts receivable.
Section 9.11 Mergers, Etc. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, merge into or with or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its Property to any other Person (whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate, wind-up or dissolve (any such transaction listed in the foregoing, a “consolidation”); provided that (a) any Restricted Subsidiary may participate in a consolidation with the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor (provided that the Borrower or such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be the continuing or surviving entity), (b) any Restricted Subsidiary may participate in a consolidation with another Restricted Subsidiary so long as, if a Guarantor is participating in such consolidation, a Guarantor shall be the continuing or surviving entity and (c) any Subsidiary of the Borrower may liquidate, wind-up or dissolve so long as its assets (if any) are distributed to the Borrower or another Subsidiary Guarantor prior to or concurrently with such liquidation or dissolution.
Section 9.12 Sale of Properties and Termination of Swap Agreements. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, sell, assign, farm-out, convey or otherwise transfer any Property or to terminate or otherwise monetize any Swap Agreement in respect of commodities except for:
(a) the sale of Hydrocarbons in the ordinary course of business;
(b) farmouts of undeveloped acreage and assignments in connection with such farmouts, or the abandonment, farm-out, trade, exchange, lease, sublease or other disposition in the ordinary course of business of Oil and Gas Properties not containing Proved Reserves;
112
(c) the sale or transfer of equipment or other personal property that is obsolete, worn out or no longer necessary for the business of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary or is replaced by equipment of at least comparable value and use;
(d) any Borrowing Base Asset Disposition (including pursuant to a Casualty Event) or any Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation; provided that:
(i) no Default, Event of Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency exists or results from such Borrowing Base Asset Disposition or Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation (unless the Net Proceeds thereof are applied to repay the Borrowing Base Deficiency in an amount equal to the lesser of such Net Proceeds and the amount of such Borrowing Base Deficiency);
(ii) at least 75% of the consideration received in respect of such Borrowing Base Asset Disposition or Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation shall be cash or Cash Equivalents;
(iii) the consideration received in respect of such Borrowing Base Asset Disposition or Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation shall be equal to or greater than the fair market value of the Oil and Gas Property, interest therein or Equity Interests that are the subject of such Borrowing Base Asset Disposition, or Swap Agreement subject of such Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation (as reasonably determined by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and, if requested by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall deliver a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying to that effect);
(iv) if the Borrowing Base Value of such Oil and Gas Properties subject to any Borrowing Base Asset Disposition and Swap Agreements subject of such Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation pursuant to this clause (d) in any period between the Effective Date and the first Scheduled Redetermination Date or between two successive Scheduled Redetermination Dates exceeds five percent (5%) of the Borrowing Base then in effect, then the Borrowing Base shall be reduced in accordance with Section 2.07(e); and
(v) if any such Borrowing Base Asset Disposition is of a Restricted Subsidiary owning Borrowing Base Properties, such Borrowing Base Asset Disposition shall include all the Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary;
(e) the sale or other disposition (including Casualty Events) (i) of any Oil and Gas Property not included in the Reserve Report most recently delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (or Restricted Subsidiaries or Affiliates which own or lease Oil and Gas Property not included in the most recently delivered Reserve Report) and (ii) not constituting a Borrowing Base Asset Disposition or Swap Liquidation not constituting a Borrowing Base Swap Liquidation; provided that:
(i) no Default, Event of Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency exists or results from such sale or disposition of Property (unless the Net Proceeds thereof are applied to repay the Borrowing Base Deficiency in an amount equal to the lesser of such Net Proceeds and the amount of such Borrowing Base Deficiency);
(ii) at least 75% of the consideration received in respect of such sale, liquidation or monetization shall be cash or Cash Equivalents; and
(iii) the consideration received in respect of such sale or disposition shall be equal to or greater than the fair market value of the Oil and Gas Properties that are the subject of such sale or disposition (as reasonably determined by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and, if requested by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall deliver a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying to that effect);
113
(f) the sale or transfer of Equity Interests in Unrestricted Subsidiaries; provided that (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) any such sale or transfer shall be for fair market value and (iii) no Borrowing Base Deficiency then exists;
(g) transfers of Property by any Credit Party to the Borrower and any Subsidiary Guarantor;
(h) dispositions of the non-cash portion of consideration (other than Oil and Gas Properties) received for any disposition of assets permitted by Section 9.12(d); provided that consideration received in respect of such sale or other disposition shall be cash, Cash Equivalents or other Oil and Gas Properties of comparable value (as reasonably determined by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and, if requested by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall deliver a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying to that effect);
(i) Investments permitted by Section 9.05, Restricted Payments permitted by Section 9.04 and consolidations permitted by Section 9.11; and
(j) other dispositions of Properties (other than Borrowing Base Properties) not to exceed in the aggregate at any one time outstanding an amount equal to $25,000,000.
For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 9.12 shall not limit the ability of any Unrestricted Subsidiary to (and shall not require that the Borrower not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to), sell, assign, farm-out, convey or otherwise transfer any Property or to terminate or otherwise monetize any Swap Agreement in respect of commodities.
Section 9.13 Environmental Matters. The Borrower will not, and will take reasonable action to not permit any Subsidiary to, cause or permit any of its Property to be in violation of applicable Environmental Laws, or cause or permit a Release of Hazardous Materials at any such Property that, assuming disclosure to the applicable Governmental Authority of all relevant facts, conditions and circumstances, if any, pertaining to such relevant Property, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 9.14 Transactions with Affiliates. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any transaction, including, without limitation, any purchase, sale, lease or exchange of Property or the rendering of any service, with any Affiliate unless such transactions are otherwise permitted under this Agreement and are upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to it than it would obtain in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate. The restrictions set forth in this Section 9.14 shall not apply to (a) transactions among the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, (b) the execution and delivery of any Loan Document, (c) compensation to, and the terms of any employment contracts with, individuals who are officers, managers or directors of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, provided such compensation is approved by the Borrower’s board of managers (or other governing body) or Holdings’ Board of Directors or provided for in the limited liability company agreement, articles or certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other applicable organizational documents of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, (d) payments made pursuant to Section 9.04, Section 9.05 or otherwise expressly permitted under this Agreement, (e) the issuance and sale of Equity Interests in the Borrower (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) or the amendment of the terms of any Equity Interests issued by the Borrower (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) including the issuance, sale or transfer of Equity Interests of the Borrower to Holdings in connection with capital contributions by Holdings to the Borrower, (f) transactions permitted under Section 9.12 and (g) transactions in effect on the Effective Date and set forth on Schedule 9.14.
114
Section 9.15 Subsidiaries. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create or acquire any additional Restricted Subsidiary or redesignate an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary unless the Borrower gives written notice to the Administrative Agent of such creation, acquisition or redesignation and complies with Section 8.13(b). None of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall have any Foreign Subsidiaries. The Borrower will not permit any other Person other than another Subsidiary Guarantor to own any Equity Interests in any Subsidiary Guarantor.
Section 9.16 Negative Pledge Agreements; Dividend Restrictions. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any contract, agreement or understanding (other than (a) this Agreement and the Security Instruments, (b) agreements and understandings evidencing or related to Specified Additional Debt or Permitted Refinancing Debt in respect thereof, (c) agreements or arrangements evidencing or related to Debt permitted by Section 9.02(c) to the extent such agreement or arrangement applies only to the Property subject to such Lien; (d) customary restrictions and conditions with respect to the sale or disposition of Property or Equity Interests permitted under Section 9.12 pending the consummation of such sale or disposition, (e) any leases or licenses or similar contracts as they affect any Property or Lien subject to a lease or license, (f) agreements and understandings contained in joint venture agreements or other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business in respect of the disposition or distribution of assets of such joint venture, (g) as imposed by Governmental Requirements and (h) those existing on the Effective Date and as listed on Schedule 9.16) which in any way prohibits or restricts the granting, conveyance, creation or imposition of any Lien on any of its Property in favor of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties or restricts any Restricted Subsidiary from paying dividends or making distributions to the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor, or which requires the consent of or notice to other Persons in connection therewith.
Section 9.17 Gas Imbalances, Take-or-Pay or Other Prepayments. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, allow gas imbalances, take-or-pay or other prepayments with respect to the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that would require the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary to deliver Hydrocarbons at some future time without then or thereafter receiving full payment therefor to exceed two percent (2.0%) of the aggregate volumes of Hydrocarbons (on an Mcf equivalent basis) listed in the most recent Reserve Report.
Section 9.18 Swap Agreements.
(a) The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Swap Agreements with any Person other than:
(i) Subject to clause (b) of this Section 9.18, Swap Agreements with an Approved Counterparty in respect of commodities entered into not for speculative purposes the notional volumes for which (when aggregated with other commodity Swap Agreements then in effect other than basis differential swaps on volumes already hedged pursuant to other Swap Agreements and put contracts) do not exceed, for the 48-month period as of the date such Swap Agreement is entered into (and for each month during the such period), 85% of the reasonably anticipated production from the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries’ Oil and Gas Properties constituting Proved Reserves (as set forth in the most recent Reserve Report delivered pursuant to the terms of this Agreement) of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, calculated separately; provided, however, that such Swap Agreements shall not, in any case, have a tenor of longer than 48 months;
115
(ii) Swap Agreements that would be permitted by clause (i) hereof pertaining to Oil and Gas Properties to be acquired pursuant to a Specified Acquisition; provided that (A) Swap Agreements pursuant to this Section 9.18(a)(ii) must be liquidated, terminated or otherwise monetized upon the earlier to occur of: (I) the date that is ninety (90) days after the execution of the purchase and sale agreement relating to the Specified Acquisition to the extent that such Specified Acquisition has not been consummated by such date, and (II) the date that any Credit Party knows with reasonable certainty that the Specified Acquisition will not be consummated, (B) the aggregate notional volumes hedged with respect to the reasonably anticipated projected production from Oil and Gas Properties to be acquired in such Specified Acquisition shall not exceed 15% of the Borrower’s and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ reasonably anticipated projected production from Oil and Gas Properties constituting Proved Reserves from crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, calculated separately, as set forth in the most recent Reserve Report delivered pursuant to the terms of this Agreement for the period not exceeding twenty-four (24) months (without giving effect to any such pending Specified Acquisitions) and (C) the aggregate notional volumes hedged with respect to the reasonably anticipated projected production from Oil and Gas Properties to be acquired in such Specified Acquisition shall not exceed 85% of the reasonably anticipated projected production from Oil and Gas Properties constituting Proved Reserves from crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, calculated separately, to be acquired in such Specified Acquisition, as set forth in the reserve report delivered to the Administrative Agent in connection with such Specified Acquisition; provided further, that such Swap Agreements entered into pursuant to this Section 9.18(a)(ii) shall not, in any case, have a tenor longer than twenty-four (24) months; and
(iii) Swap Agreements in respect of interest rates with an Approved Counterparty, as follows:
(A) Swap Agreements effectively converting interest rates from fixed to floating, the notional amounts of which (when aggregated with all other Swap Agreements of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries then in effect effectively converting interest rates from fixed to floating and netted against all other Swap Agreements of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries then in effect effectively converting interest rates from floating to fixed) do not exceed 75% of the then outstanding principal amount of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries’ Debt for borrowed money which bears interest at a fixed rate, and which Swap Agreements shall not, in any case, have a tenor beyond the maturity date of such Debt, and
(B) Swap Agreements effectively converting interest rates from floating to fixed, the notional amounts of which (when aggregated with all other Swap Agreements of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries then in effect effectively converting interest rates from floating to fixed) do not exceed 75% of the then outstanding principal amount of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries’ Debt for borrowed money which bears interest at a floating rate, and which Swap Agreements shall not, in any case, have a tenor beyond the maturity date of such Debt.
(b) If the Borrower determines that the notional volumes of all Swap Agreements in respect of commodities for a calendar quarter (other than basis differential swaps on volumes already hedged pursuant to other Swap Agreements and put contracts) exceeded 100% of actual production of Hydrocarbons in such calendar quarter for any of crude oil, natural gas or natural gas liquids, calculated separately, then the Borrower (i) shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such determination and (ii) shall, within thirty (30) days of such determination, terminate, create off-setting positions, or otherwise unwind or monetize existing Swap Agreements such that, after giving effect to such actions, future hedging volumes will not exceed 100% of such reasonably anticipated projected production for the then-current and any succeeding calendar quarters.
116
(c) In no event shall any Lien secure the Swap Agreements except pursuant to the Loan Documents, nor shall any Swap Agreement contain any requirement, agreement or covenant for the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to post collateral, credit support (including in the form of letters of credit) or margin (other than, in each case, pursuant to the Security Instruments) to secure their obligations under such Swap Agreement or to cover market exposures, nor shall any Swap Agreement be secured by any collateral other than Collateral pursuant to the Loan Documents.
(d) For purposes of entering into Swap Agreements under Section 9.18(a)(i) or Section 9.18(a)(ii) or determining required unwinds, terminations and transfers of Swap Agreements under Section 9.18(b), forecasts of reasonably anticipated production from the Borrower’s and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Oil and Gas Properties constituting Proved Reserves as applicable, as set forth on the most recent Reserve Report delivered pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be deemed to be updated to account for any increase or decrease in production anticipated because of information obtained by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and delivered to the Administrative Agent subsequent to the publication of such Reserve Report including (i) the Borrower’s or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ internal forecasts of production decline rates for existing wells, (ii) additions to or deletions from anticipated future production from new wells, (iii) completed dispositions, (iv) completed acquisitions, and (v) other production coming on stream or failing to come on stream; provided that any such supplemental information shall be (A) presented in the form of a summary of engineering cash flows prepared by or under the supervision of the Internal Petroleum Engineer of the Borrower as a “roll forward” of the most recently delivered Reserve Report presented on a comparison basis and substantially in the form of the summary of engineering cash flows delivered to the Administrative Agent prior to the Effective Date (or such other form that is acceptable to the Administrative Agent), (B) presented on a net basis (i.e., it shall take into account both increases and decreases in anticipated production subsequent to publication of the most recent Reserve Report) and (C) accompanied by a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying as to the content thereof (which certificate shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent).
(e) It is understood that Swap Agreements in respect of commodities permitted under Section 9.18(a)(i), Section 9.18(a)(ii) and Section 9.18(b) which may, from time to time, “hedge” the same volumes, but different elements of commodity risk thereof (such as, for example, basis risk and price risk), shall not be aggregated together when calculating the limitations on notional volumes contained in Section 9.18(a)(i), Section 9.18(a)(ii) and Section 9.18(b).
Section 9.19 Marketing Activities. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, engage in marketing activities for any Hydrocarbons or enter into any contracts related thereto other than (a) contracts for the sale of Hydrocarbons scheduled or reasonably estimated to be produced from their Oil and Gas Properties constituting Proved Reserves during the period of such contract, (b) contracts for the sale of Hydrocarbons scheduled or reasonably estimated to be produced from Oil and Gas Properties constituting Proved Reserves of third parties during the period of such contract associated with the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries that the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary has the right to market pursuant to joint operating agreements, unitization agreements or other similar contracts that are usual and customary in the oil and gas business, and (c) other contracts for the purchase and/or sale of Hydrocarbons of third parties (i) which have generally offsetting provisions (i.e., corresponding pricing mechanics, delivery dates and points and volumes) such that no “position” is taken and (ii) for which appropriate credit support has been taken to alleviate the material credit risks of the counterparty thereto.
Section 9.20 Changes in Fiscal Year; Amendments to Organizational Documents. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to (a) have its fiscal year end on a date other than December 31 or change its method of determining fiscal quarters or (b) alter, amend or modify in any manner materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders, its certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement, articles of incorporation, by-laws or any other similar organizational document.
117
Section 9.21 Non-Qualified ECP Guarantors. The Borrower will not permit any Credit Party that is not a Qualified ECP Guarantor to own, at any time, any Proved Oil and Gas Properties or any Equity Interests in any Subsidiaries.
Section 9.22 Sales and Leasebacks. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any arrangement with any Person providing for the leasing by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of real or personal property that has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary to such Person or to any other Person to whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such Person on the security of such property or rental obligations of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary.
Section 9.23 Limitation on the Activities of the Borrower. The Borrower will not engage in any material operating or business activities; provided that the following and activities incidental thereto shall be permitted in any event: (a) its ownership of the Equity Interests of Borrower and activities incidental thereto, (b) the maintenance of its legal existence (including the ability to incur fees, costs and expenses relating to such maintenance), (c) the performance of its obligations with respect to the Loan Documents and guaranty obligations in respect of any other Debt permitted to be incurred by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary hereunder; provided that the net proceeds of such Debt are contributed to the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor, (d) any public offering of its common stock or any other issuance or sale of its Equity Interests and, in each case, the redemption thereof, (e) payment of taxes, dividends, making contributions to the capital of the Borrower, extending debt for borrowed money to the Borrower or otherwise acting as a conduit for the transmissions of funds between any other Parent Entity and the Borrower and guaranteeing the obligations of the Borrower, (f) participating in tax, accounting and other administrative matters as a member of the consolidated group of Holdings and its Subsidiaries or the making and filing of any reports required by Governmental Authority, (g) holding any cash incidental to any activities permitted under this Section 9.23, (h) providing indemnification to officers, managers and directors and (i) any other activities incidental to the foregoing or customary for passive holding companies. For the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower shall not incur or suffer to exist any Liens on its Property securing Indebtedness for borrowed money other than the Obligations.
Section 9.24 Holdings Subordination. Holdings will ensure that the Holdings Intercompany Debt remains at all times subject to a Subordination Agreement.
ARTICLE X
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES
Section 10.01 Events of Default. One or more of the following events shall constitute an “Event of Default”:
(a) the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof, by acceleration or otherwise.
(b) the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in Section 10.01(a)) payable under any Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of five (5) Business Days.
118
(c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification of any Loan Document or waiver under such Loan Document, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made (or, to the extent that any such representation and warranty is qualified by materiality, Material Adverse Effect or a similar qualification, such representation and warranty shall prove to have been incorrect when made or deemed made).
(d) Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 8.01(m), Section 8.02(a), Section 8.03, Section 8.13, Section 8.16, Section 8.19 or in Article IX.
(e) Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement applicable to it contained in this Agreement (other than those specified in Section 10.01(a), Section 10.01(b) or Section 10.01(d)) or any other Loan Document, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after the earlier to occur of (i) notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender) and (ii) a Responsible Officer of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary otherwise becoming aware of such default.
(f) the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Debt, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure to pay shall extend beyond any applicable cure period or grace period.
(g) any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Debt becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or holders of such Material Debt or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause such Material Debt to become due, or to require the Redemption thereof or any offer to Redeem to be made in respect thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity or require the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to make an offer in respect thereof.
(h) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any applicable Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for sixty (60) days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered.
(i) Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in Section 10.01(h), (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.
119
(j) Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due.
(k) (i) one or more final, non-appealable judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $25,000,000 (to the extent not covered by independent third party insurance provided by insurers of the highest claims paying rating or financial strength as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage and is not subject to an insolvency proceeding) or (ii) any one or more final, non-appealable non-monetary judgments that have, or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, shall be rendered against Holdings, the Borrower, any Restricted Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment.
(1) the Loan Documents after delivery thereof shall for any reason, except to the extent permitted by the terms thereof, cease to be in full force and effect and valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms against Holdings, the Borrower or any other Guarantor party thereto or shall be repudiated by any of them, or cease to create a valid and perfected Lien of the priority required thereby on any material part of the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, except to the extent permitted by the terms of this Agreement, or Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or any of their Affiliates shall so state in writing.
(m) a Change of Control shall occur.
(n) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $25,000,000 that is not covered by independent third party insurance (other than the PBGC) as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage.
(o) (i) Any of the Obligations of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries under the Loan Documents for any reason shall cease to be “Senior Debt,” “Senior Indebtedness,” “Guarantor Senior Debt” or “Senior Secured Financing” (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in, any document governing other Debt or (ii) the subordination provisions set forth in any Subordination Agreement or other document governing other Debt shall, in whole or in part, cease to be effective or cease to be legally valid, binding and enforceable against the holders of such other Debt or parties to (or purported to be bound by) the Subordination Agreement, in each case, if applicable.
120
Section 10.02 Remedies.
(a) If an Event of Default (other than one described in Section 10.01(h), Section 10.01(i) or Section 10.01(j), and in the case of an Event of Default arising under Section 9.01, subject to Section 9.01(c)), has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders, shall, by notice to the Borrower, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Notes and the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower and the Guarantors accrued hereunder and under the Notes and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, the payment of cash collateral to secure the LC Exposure as provided in Section 2.08(j)), shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower and each Guarantor; and in case of an Event of Default described in Section 10.01(h), Section 10.01(i) or Section 10.01(j), the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the Notes and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and the other obligations of the Borrower and the Guarantors accrued hereunder and under the Notes and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, the payment of cash collateral to secure the LC Exposure as provided in Section 2.08(j)), shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower and each Guarantor.
(b) In the case of the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders will have all other rights and remedies available at law and equity.
(c) All proceeds realized from the liquidation or other disposition of Collateral or otherwise received after maturity of the Loans, whether by acceleration or otherwise, shall be applied:
(i) first, to payment or reimbursement of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, expenses and indemnities payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;
(ii) second, pro rata to payment or reimbursement of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, expenses and indemnities payable to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks in their capacities as such;
(iii) third, pro rata to payment of accrued interest on the Loans and LC Disbursements;
(iv) fourth, pro rata to payment of principal outstanding on the Loans, LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time, together with additional amounts to serve as cash collateral to be held by the Administrative Agent to secure the remaining LC Exposure, and Obligations referred to in clause (b) of the definition of Obligations owing to Secured Swap Providers and in clause (c) of the definition of Obligations owing to Bank Products Providers;
(v) fifth, pro rata to any other Obligations; and
(vi) sixth, any excess, after all of the Obligations shall have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash (other than contingent indemnity obligations for which no claims have been made), shall be paid to the Borrower or as otherwise required by any Governmental Requirement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, amounts received from the Borrower or any Guarantor that is not an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act shall not be applied to any Excluded Swap Obligations (it being understood that, in the event that any amount is applied to Obligations other than Excluded Swap Obligations as a result of this clause, the Administrative Agent shall make such adjustments as it determines are appropriate to distributions pursuant to clause fourth above from amounts received from “eligible contract participants” under the Commodity Exchange Act to ensure, as nearly as possible, that the proportional aggregate recoveries with respect to Obligations described in clause fourth above by the holders of any Excluded Swap Obligations are the same as the proportional aggregate recoveries with respect to other Obligations pursuant to clause fourth above).
121
ARTICLE XI
THE AGENTS
Section 11.01 Appointment; Powers. Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its agent 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 and the other Loan Documents, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Each Secured Party hereby authorizes and directs the Administrative Agent to enter into the Security Instruments on behalf of such Secured Party as needed to effectuate the transactions permitted by this Agreement and agrees that the Administrative Agent may take such actions on its behalf as is contemplated by the terms of such applicable Security Instrument. Without limiting the provisions of Sections 11.02 and 12.03, each Secured Party hereby consents to the Administrative Agent and any successor serving in such capacity and agrees not to assert any claim (including as a result of any conflict of interest) against the Administrative Agent, or any such successor, arising from the role of the Administrative Agent or such successor under the Loan Documents so long as it is either acting in accordance with the terms of such documents and otherwise has not engaged in gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Section 11.02 Duties and Obligations of Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) the Administrative Agent shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing (the use of the term “agent” herein and in the other Loan Documents 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; rather, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties), (b) the Administrative Agent shall have no duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except as provided in Section 11.03, and (c) except as expressly set forth herein, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that is communicated to or obtained by the bank serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have (A) notice of any of the events or circumstances set forth or described in Section 8.02 unless and until written notice thereof stating that it is a “notice under Section 8.02” in respect of this Agreement and identifying the specific clause under said Section is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower or a Lender or (B) knowledge of any Default or Event of Default unless and until written notice thereof is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower or a Lender, and 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 under any other Loan Document 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 in any other Loan Document, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article VI or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or as to those conditions precedent expressly required to be to the Administrative Agent’s satisfaction, (vi) the existence, value, perfection or priority of any collateral security or the financial or other condition of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries or any other obligor or guarantor, or (vii) any failure by the Borrower or any other Person (other than itself) to perform any of its obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document or the performance or observance of any covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein. For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in Article VI, each Lender 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 written notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Effective Date specifying its objection thereto.
122
Section 11.03 Action by Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall have no 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 in writing as directed by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 12.02) and in all cases the Administrative Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to act hereunder or under any other Loan Documents unless it shall (a) receive written instructions from the Majority Lenders, Required Lenders or the Lenders, as applicable, (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 12.02) specifying the action to be taken and (b) be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expenses which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. The instructions as aforesaid and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto by the Administrative Agent shall be binding on all of the Lenders. If a Default has occurred and is continuing, then the Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default as shall be directed by the requisite Lenders in the written instructions (with indemnities) described in this Section 11.03; provided that, unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have received such directions, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of the Lenders. In no event, however, shall the Administrative Agent be required to take any action which exposes the Administrative Agent to personal liability or which is contrary to this Agreement, the Loan Documents or applicable law. The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it with the consent or at the request of the Majority Lenders or the Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 12.02), and otherwise the Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it hereunder or under any other Loan Document or under any other document or instrument referred to or provided for herein or therein or in connection herewith or therewith INCLUDING ITS OWN ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE, except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Section 11.04 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 believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or sent 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 be made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon and each of the Borrower, the Lenders and each Issuing Bank hereby waives the right to dispute the Administrative Agent’s record of such statement, except in the case of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Administrative Agent. 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. The Administrative Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Note as the holder thereof for all purposes hereof unless and until a written notice of the assignment or transfer thereof permitted hereunder shall have been filed with the Administrative Agent.
Section 11.05 Subagents. The Administrative Agent may perform any and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers 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 its duties and exercise its rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of the preceding Sections of this Article XI 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.
123
Section 11.06 Resignation of Administrative Agent. Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Administrative Agent as provided in this Section 11.06, the Administrative Agent may resign at any time by notifying the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the Majority Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower, to appoint a successor. If no successor shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, appoint a successor Administrative Agent which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York, or an Affiliate of any such bank. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder. 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 Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Article XI and Section 12.03 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring 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 while it was acting as Administrative Agent.
Section 11.07 Agents as Lenders. Each bank serving as an 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 an Agent, and such bank and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if it were not an Agent hereunder.
Section 11.08 No Reliance. Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any other Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which it is a party. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any other Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document, any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder. The Agents shall not be required to keep themselves informed as to the performance or observance by Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of this Agreement, the Loan Documents or any other document referred to or provided for herein or to inspect the Properties or books of Holdings, the Borrower or its Subsidiaries. Except for notices, reports and other documents and information expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent hereunder, no Agent or the Arrangers shall have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the affairs, financial condition or business of Holdings, the Borrower (or any of its Affiliates) which may come into the possession of such Agent or any of its Affiliates. In this regard, each Lender acknowledges that Latham & Watkins LLP is acting in this transaction as special counsel to the Administrative Agent only, except to the extent otherwise expressly stated in any legal opinion or any Loan Document. Each other party hereto will consult with its own legal counsel to the extent that it deems necessary in connection with the Loan Documents and the matters contemplated therein.
Section 11.09 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim. In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, 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:
124
(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 Section 12.03) 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 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 Section 12.03.
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 or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.
Section 11.10 Authority of Administrative Agent to Release Collateral, Liens and Guarantors. Each Secured Party hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to (a) release any Collateral that is permitted to be sold or released pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents (including, without limitation, any Collateral owned by a Restricted Subsidiary that is redesignated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with Section 9.06(b)); provided that with respect to the release of any Restricted Subsidiary from its obligations under the Loan Documents because such Restricted Subsidiary no longer is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, such release shall only be permitted if (x) it is pursuant to the formation of a bona fide joint venture with a third party and (y) after giving pro forma effect to such release and the consummation of the transaction that causes such Person to be released, the Borrower is deemed to have made a new Investment in such Person (as if such Person were then newly acquired) and such Investment is permitted at such time; provided, further, that no such release shall occur if such Restricted Subsidiary continues to be a guarantor in respect of any Specified Additional Debt or any Permitted Refinancing Debt in respect thereof; (b) release any Guarantor if 100% of the Equity Interests in such Guarantor are sold in a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents, (c) subordinate (or release) any Lien on any Property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to any Lien on such Property that is permitted by Section 9.03(b) and (d) release all Collateral and Guarantors upon termination of this Agreement and the occurrence of Payment in Full. Each Secured Party hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver to the Borrower, at the Borrower’s sole cost and expense (and the Administrative Agent hereby agrees to take such actions at the request of the Borrower), any and all releases of Liens, termination statements, assignments or other documents reasonably requested by the Borrower in connection with any sale or other disposition of Property to the extent such sale or other disposition is permitted by the terms of Section 9.12 or is otherwise authorized by the terms of the Loan Documents. If any of the Collateral shall be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by any Credit Party in a transaction permitted by the Loan Documents, or in the event that all the Equity Interests of such Credit Party shall be sold, and such Collateral or Equity Interests shall no longer constitute or be required to be Collateral under the Loan Documents, then the Administrative Agent, at the request and sole expense of the Borrower and the applicable Credit Party, shall promptly execute and deliver to such Credit Party all releases or other documents reasonably necessary or desirable for the release of the Liens created by the applicable Security Instrument on such Collateral; provided that the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent, no later than concurrently with execution and delivery of such releases and other documents, a written request for release identifying the relevant Credit Party, together with a certification by the Borrower stating (i) that such transaction is in compliance with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (ii) the Borrower has complied with its obligations under Section 8.01(k), if applicable and (iii) no Collateral other than the Collateral required to be released is being released.
125
Section 11.11 The Arrangers. The Arrangers shall have no duties, responsibilities or liabilities under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents other than their duties, responsibilities and liabilities in their capacities as Lenders hereunder.
Section 11.12 Erroneous Payments.
(a) If the Administrative Agent notifies a Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party, or any Person who has received funds on behalf of a Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party such Lender or Issuing Bank (any such Lender, Issuing Bank, Secured Party or other recipient, a “Payment Recipient”) that the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion (whether or not after receipt of any notice under immediately succeeding clause (b)) that any funds received by such Payment Recipient from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates were erroneously transmitted to, or otherwise erroneously or mistakenly received by, such Payment Recipient (whether or not known to such Lender, Issuing Bank, Secured Party or other Payment Recipient on its behalf) (any such funds, whether received as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees, distribution or otherwise, individually and collectively, an “Erroneous Payment”) and demands the return of such Erroneous Payment (or a portion thereof), such Erroneous Payment shall at all times remain the property of the Administrative Agent and shall be segregated by the Payment Recipient and held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, and such Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party shall (or, with respect to any Payment Recipient who received such funds on its behalf, shall cause such Payment Recipient to) promptly, but in no event later than two (2) Business Days thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made, in same day funds (in the currency so received), together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Payment Recipient to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent in same day funds 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 from time to time in effect. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Payment Recipient under this clause (a) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
(b) Without limiting immediately preceding clause (a), each Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party, or any Person who has received funds on behalf of a Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party such Lender or Issuing Bank, hereby further agrees that if it receives a payment, prepayment or repayment (whether received as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees, distribution or otherwise) from the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) (x) that is in a different amount than, or on a different date from, that specified in a notice of payment, prepayment or repayment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such payment, prepayment or repayment, (y) that was not preceded or accompanied by a notice of payment, prepayment or repayment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates), or (z) that such Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party, or other such recipient, otherwise becomes aware was transmitted, or received, in error or by mistake (in whole or in part) in each case:
126
(i) (A) in the case of immediately preceding clauses (x) or (y), an error shall be presumed to have been made (absent written confirmation from the Administrative Agent to the contrary) or (B) an error has been made (in the case of immediately preceding clause (z)), in each case, with respect to such payment, prepayment or repayment; and
(ii) such Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party shall (and shall cause any other recipient that receives funds on its respective behalf to) promptly (and, in all events, within one (1) Business Day of its knowledge of such error) notify the Administrative Agent of its receipt of such payment, prepayment or repayment, the details thereof (in reasonable detail) and that it is so notifying the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 11.12(b).
(c) Each Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off, net and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party under any Loan Document, or otherwise payable or distributable by the Administrative Agent to such Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party from any source, against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under immediately preceding clause (a) or under the indemnification provisions of this Agreement.
(d) In the event that an Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) is not recovered by the Administrative Agent for any reason, after demand therefor by the Administrative Agent in accordance with immediately preceding clause (a), from any Lender or Issuing Bank that has received such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) (and/or from any Payment Recipient who received such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) on its respective behalf) (such unrecovered amount, an “Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency”), upon the Administrative Agent’s notice to such Lender or Issuing Bank at any time, (i) such Lender or Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have assigned its Loans (but not its Commitments) with respect to which such Erroneous Payment was made (the “Erroneous Payment Impacted Class”) in an amount equal to the Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency (or such lesser amount as the Administrative Agent may specify) (such assignment of the Loans (but not Commitments) of the Erroneous Payment Impacted Class, the “Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment”) at par plus any accrued and unpaid interest (with the assignment fee to be waived by the Administrative Agent in such instance), and is hereby (together with the Borrower) deemed to execute and deliver an Assignment and Assumption (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to electronic communications as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants) with respect to such Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment, and such Lender or Issuing Bank shall deliver any Notes evidencing such Loans to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, (ii) the Administrative Agent as the assignee Lender shall be deemed to acquire the Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment, (iii) upon such deemed acquisition, the Administrative Agent as the assignee Lender shall become a Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, hereunder with respect to such Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment and the assigning Lender or assigning Issuing Bank shall cease to be a Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, hereunder with respect to such Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment, excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, its obligations under the indemnification provisions of this Agreement and its applicable Commitments which shall survive as to such assigning Lender or assigning Issuing Bank and (iv) the Administrative Agent may reflect in the Register its ownership interest in the Loans subject to the Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment. The Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, sell any Loans acquired pursuant to an Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment and upon receipt of the proceeds of such sale, the Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency owing by the applicable Lender or Issuing Bank shall be reduced by the net proceeds of the sale of such Loan (or portion thereof), and the Administrative Agent shall retain all other rights, remedies and claims against such Lender or Issuing Bank (and/or against any recipient that receives funds on its respective behalf). For the avoidance of doubt, no Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment will reduce the Commitments of any Lender or Issuing Bank and such Commitments shall remain available in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. In addition, each party hereto agrees that, except to the extent that the Administrative Agent has sold a Loan (or portion thereof) acquired pursuant to an Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment, and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent may be equitably subrogated, the Administrative Agent shall be contractually subrogated to all the rights and interests of the applicable Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party under the Loan Documents with respect to each Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency (the “Erroneous Payment Subrogation Rights”).
127
(e) The parties hereto agree that an Erroneous Payment shall not pay, prepay, repay, discharge or otherwise satisfy any Obligations owed by the Borrower or any other Credit Party, except, in each case, to the extent such Erroneous Payment is, and solely with respect to the amount of such Erroneous Payment that is, comprised of funds received by the Administrative Agent from the Borrower or any other Credit Party for the purpose of making such Erroneous Payment.
(f) To the extent permitted by applicable law, no Payment Recipient shall assert any right or claim to an Erroneous Payment, and hereby waives, and is deemed to waive, any claim, counterclaim, defense or right of set-off or recoupment with respect to any demand, claim or counterclaim by the Administrative Agent for the return of any Erroneous Payment received, including without limitation waiver of any defense based on “discharge for value” or any similar doctrine
(g) Each party’s obligations, agreements and waivers under this Section 11.12 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any transfer of rights or obligations by, or the replacement of, a Lender or Issuing Bank, the termination of the Commitments and/or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations (or any portion thereof) under any Loan Document.
Section 11.13 Subordination Agreements. The Administrative Agent is authorized to enter into any Subordination Agreement or similar agreement contemplated hereby with respect to any Debt required or permitted to be subordinated hereunder and which contemplates a subordination or similar agreement, and the Secured Parties party hereto acknowledge that any Subordination Agreement is binding upon them. Each Secured Party that is a party hereto hereby authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent to enter into any Subordination Agreement.
Section 11.14 Credit Bidding. The Secured Parties hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Majority Lenders, to credit bid all or any portion of the Obligations (including by accepting some or all of the Collateral in satisfaction of some or all of the Obligations pursuant to a deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise) and in such manner purchase (either directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral (a) at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including under Sections 363, 1123 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any similar laws in any other jurisdictions to which a Credit Party is subject, or (b) at any other sale, foreclosure or acceptance of collateral in lieu of debt conducted by (or with the consent or at the direction of) the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with any applicable law. In connection with any such credit bid and purchase, the Obligations owed to the Secured Parties shall be entitled to be, and shall be, credit bid by the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Majority Lenders on a ratable basis (with Obligations with respect to contingent or unliquidated claims receiving contingent interests in the acquired assets on a ratable basis that shall vest upon the liquidation of such claims in an amount proportional to the liquidated portion of the contingent claim amount used in allocating the contingent interests) for the asset or assets so purchased (or for the equity interests or debt instruments of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles that are issued in connection with such purchase). In connection with any such bid, (i) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to form one or more acquisition vehicles and to assign any successful credit bid to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, (ii) each of the Secured Parties’ ratable interests in the Obligations which were credit bid shall be deemed without any further action under this Agreement to be assigned to such vehicle or vehicles for the purpose of closing such sale, (iii) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to adopt documents providing for the governance of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles (provided that any actions by the Administrative Agent with respect to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, including any disposition of the assets or equity interests thereof, shall be governed, directly or indirectly, by, and the governing documents shall provide for, control by the vote of the Majority Lenders or their permitted assignees under the terms of this Agreement or the governing documents of the applicable acquisition vehicle or vehicles, as the case may be, irrespective of the termination of this Agreement and without giving effect to the limitations on actions by the Majority Lenders contained in Section 12.02 of this Agreement), (iv) the Administrative Agent on behalf of such acquisition vehicle or vehicles shall be authorized to issue to each of the Secured Parties, ratably on account of the relevant Obligations which were credit bid, interests, whether as equity, partnership interests, limited partnership interests or membership interests, in any such acquisition vehicle and/or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle, all without the need for any Secured Party or acquisition vehicle to take any further action, and (v) to the extent that Obligations that is assigned to an acquisition vehicle are not used to acquire Collateral for any reason (as a result of another bid being higher or better, because the amount of Obligations assigned to the acquisition vehicle exceeds the amount of Obligations credit bid by the acquisition vehicle or otherwise), such Obligations shall automatically be reassigned to the Secured Parties pro rata with their original interest in such Obligations and the equity interests and/or debt instruments issued by any acquisition vehicle on account of such Obligations shall automatically be cancelled, without the need for any Secured Party or any acquisition vehicle to take any further action. Notwithstanding that the ratable portion of the Obligations of each Secured Party are deemed assigned to the acquisition vehicle or vehicles as set forth in clause (ii) above, each Secured Party shall execute such documents and provide such information regarding the Secured Party (and/or any designee of the Secured Party which will receive interests in or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection with the formation of any acquisition vehicle, the formulation or submission of any credit bid or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such credit bid.
128
ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 12.01 Notices.
(a) Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and subject to Section 12.01(b)), 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 fax or by email, as follows:
(i) if to the Borrower (or any other Credit Party), to:
BKV Corporation
1200 17th Street, Suite 2100
Denver, CO 80202
Attention of Legal
Email: legal@bkvcorp.com
With a copy to:
Baker & Hostetler, LLP
811 Main Street, Suite 1100
Houston, TX 77002
Attention of Gary M. Alletag
Email: galletag@bakerlaw.com
129
(ii) if to the Administrative Agent, to:
Citibank, N.A.
811 Main Street, Suite 4000
Houston, TX 77002
Attention of Cliff Vaz (Email: cliff.vaz@citi.com);
(iii) if to an Issuing Bank, to:
Citibank, N.A.
811 Main Street, Suite 4000
Houston, TX 77002
Attention of Cliff Vaz (Email: cliff.vaz@citi.com);
(iv) if to any other Lender or Issuing Bank, to it at its address (or fax number or email address) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.
(b) Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communications (including email and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II, Article III, Article IV and Article V unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, 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.
(c) Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices 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 delivered through electronic communications, to the extent provided in Section 12.01(b), shall be effective as provided in said Section 12.01(b).
(d) 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.
(e) Any party hereto may change its email address, address or fax number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto (except that a Lender need only provide such notice to the Administrative Agent).
Section 12.02 Waivers; Amendments.
(a) No failure on the part of the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender to exercise and no delay in exercising, and no course of dealing with respect to, any right, power or privilege, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such right, power or privilege, under any of the Loan Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege under any of the Loan Documents preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by Section 12.02(b), and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.
130
(b) Subject to Section 3.02(f) and Section 3.03 (including the incorporation of Conforming Changes) neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof nor any Loan Document nor any provision thereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the Majority Lenders or by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Majority Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (and any such agreements shall be void ab initio if they):
(i) increase the Commitment or the Maximum Credit Amount of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender,
(ii) (A) increase the Borrowing Base without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender; provided that no Lender (including any Defaulting Lender) shall have its Commitments increased without its consent), (B) decrease or maintain the Borrowing Base without the consent of the Required Lenders (other than a decrease pursuant to the Borrowing Base Adjustment Provisions), or (C) modify Section 2.07 in any manner that results in an increase in the Borrowing Base without the consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender); provided that a Borrowing Base redetermination may be delayed by the Required Lenders; provided, further, that it is understood that any waiver (or amendment or modification that would have the effect of a waiver) of the reduction or of the right of the Required Lenders to adjust (through a reduction of) the Borrowing Base or the amount of such adjustment in the form of a reduction to the Borrowing Base pursuant to the Borrowing Base Adjustment Provisions in connection with the occurrence of a relevant event giving rise to such reduction or right shall require the consent of the Required Lenders,
(iii) reduce the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any fees payable hereunder, or reduce any other Obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby; provided that any interest at the post-default rate pursuant to Section 3.02(c) may be waived with the consent of the Majority Lenders,
(iv) postpone the scheduled date of payment or prepayment of the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement, or any interest thereon, or any fees payable hereunder, or any other Obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone or extend the Termination Date without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby; provided that (A) any interest at the post-default rate pursuant to Section 3.02(c) and (B) any mandatory prepayment required by Section 3.04(c) may be postponed or waived with the consent of the Majority Lenders,
131
(v) change Section 2.06(b)(i) or Section 2.06(b)(ii) in a manner that would alter the pro rata reduction of Commitments, Section 4.01(a) in a manner that would alter the pro rata distribution of payments, Section 4.01(b) or Section 4.01(c) in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby, in each case, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby,
(vi) waive or amend Section 10.02(c) (or amend any of the defined terms in such Section if the result would be to alter the priority of payments in respects of Collateral proceeds) or Section 5.04(b), Section 12.14 or change the definition of the terms “Applicable Percentage”, “Excluded Swap Obligation”, “Non-Consenting Lender”, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), or change the definition of the terms “Obligations”, “Payment in Full”, “Secured Swap Agreement”, “Secured Parties”, “Secured Swap Provider”, “Swap Agreement” or “Swap Obligations” without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) that is either adversely affected thereby or has an Affiliate that is adversely affected thereby,
(vii) (A) release any Guarantor (except as set forth in Section 11.10 or in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement), (B) release all or substantially all of the Collateral (other than as provided in Section 11.10), or (C) reduce the percentage set forth in Section 8.13(a) to less than 90%, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender),
(viii) change any of the provisions of this Section 12.02(b) or the definitions of “Majority Lenders”, “Required Lenders”, “Domestic Subsidiary”, “Foreign Subsidiary”, “Material Subsidiary” or “Subsidiary” or any provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights hereunder or under any other Loan Documents or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder or any other Loan Documents, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender),
(ix) waive or amend Section 6.01, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), or
(x) subordinate the payment priority of the Obligations or subordinate the Liens granted to the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) in the Collateral without the written consent of each Lender;
provided, further, that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, or any Issuing Bank hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, such other Agent or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be.
132
Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (A) any supplement to Schedule 7.14 (Subsidiaries) shall be effective simply by delivering to the Administrative Agent a supplemental schedule clearly marked as such and, upon receipt, the Administrative Agent will promptly deliver a copy thereof to the Lenders, (B) the Borrower (or other applicable Credit Party) and the Administrative Agent may amend this Agreement or any other Loan Document without the consent of the Lenders in order to correct, amend or cure any ambiguity, inconsistency or defect or correct any typographical error or other manifest error in any Loan Document, (C) the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (or other applicable Credit Party) may enter into any amendment, modification or waiver of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or enter into any agreement or instrument to effect the granting, perfection, protection, expansion or enhancement of any security interest in any Mortgaged Property or Property to become Mortgaged Property to secure the Obligations for the benefit of the Lenders or as required by any Governmental Requirement to give effect to, protect or otherwise enhance the rights or benefits of any Lender under the Loan Documents without the consent of any Lender, (D) the Fee Letters may be waived, amended or modified pursuant to their terms, (E) a Letter of Credit Agreement or Letter of Credit may be waived, amended or modified with the consent of the relevant Issuing Bank and the Borrower (but such waiver, amendment or modification must comply with the provisions herein generally applicable to Letter of Credit Agreements), (F) a Note may be waived, amended or modified with the consent of only the Lender named in such Note and the Borrower (but such waiver, amendment or modification must comply with the provisions herein generally applicable to Notes) and (G) the Borrower and the Administrative Agent may amend this Agreement without the consent of the Lenders in order to add financial ratio covenants, negative covenants or Events of Default to cause such financial ratio covenants, negative covenants or Events of Default to be more onerous to the Borrower than those contained in this Agreement in connection with any incurrence of Debt permitted by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to Section 2.08(i), Annex II may be amended to add an Issuing Bank, remove an Issuing Bank or modify the LC Issuance Limit of any Issuing Bank with the consent solely of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and such Issuing Bank (and the consent of the Majority Lenders or any other class of Lenders shall not be required).
Section 12.03 Expenses, Indemnity; Damage Waiver.
(a) The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, including, without limitation, the reasonable and documented fees, charges and disbursements of counsel (but limited, in the case of legal fees and expenses, to the reasonable and documented fees, disbursements and other charges of one counsel to the Administrative Agent, and, if necessary, of one local counsel to the Administrative Agent, in each case in any relevant material jurisdiction and, solely in the event of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel (and, if necessary, one local counsel in each relevant material jurisdiction or for each matter)) and other outside consultants for the Administrative Agent, the reasonable and documented travel, photocopy, mailing, courier, telephone and other similar expenses in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration (both before and after the execution hereof and including advice of counsel to the Administrative Agent as to the rights and duties of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders with respect thereto) of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and any amendments, modifications or waivers of or consents related to the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all out-of-pocket costs, expenses, assessments and other charges incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with any filing, registration, recording or perfection of any security interest contemplated by this Agreement or any Security Instrument or any other document referred to therein, (iii) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder, (iv) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender (including the fees, charges and disbursements of one counsel for each Agent, each Issuing Bank and each Lender, taken as a whole, and, solely in the event of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel and, if necessary, one local counsel for each of the foregoing, taken as a whole and, solely in the event of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel in any relevant jurisdiction), in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, including its rights under this Section 12.03, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including, without limitation, all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit.
133
(b) THE BORROWER SHALL INDEMNIFY EACH AGENT, THE ARRANGERS, THE ISSUING BANKS AND EACH LENDER, AND EACH RELATED PARTY OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING PERSONS (EACH SUCH PERSON BEING CALLED AN “INDEMNITEE”) AGAINST, AND DEFEND AND HOLD EACH INDEMNITEE HARMLESS FROM, ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES AND RELATED EXPENSES, INCLUDING THE REASONABLE FEES, CHARGES AND DISBURSEMENTS OF ANY COUNSEL FOR ANY INDEMNITEE (BUT LIMITED, IN THE CASE OF LEGAL FEES AND EXPENSES, TO THE REASONABLE AND DOCUMENTED OUT-OF-POCKET FEES, DISBURSEMENTS AND OTHER CHARGES OF ONE COUNSEL TO ALL INDEMNITEES TAKEN AS A WHOLE AND, IF REASONABLY NECESSARY, A SINGLE LOCAL COUNSEL FOR ALL INDEMNITEES TAKEN AS A WHOLE IN EACH RELEVANT MATERIAL JURISDICTION, AND IN THE CASE OF A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, ONE ADDITIONAL COUNSEL (AND IF REASONABLY NECESSARY, ONE ADDITIONAL LOCAL COUNSEL IN EACH RELEVANT MATERIAL JURISDICTION) TO EACH GROUP OF AFFECTED INDEMNITEES SIMILARLY SITUATED TAKEN AS A WHOLE), INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR AS A RESULT OF (i) THE EXECUTION OR DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY AGREEMENT OR INSTRUMENT CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, THE PERFORMANCE BY THE PARTIES HERETO OR THE PARTIES TO ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER OR THE CONSUMMATION OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR BY ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, (ii) THE FAILURE OF THE BORROWER, ANY CREDIT PARTY OR ANY OF THEIR SUBSIDIARIES TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, INCLUDING THIS AGREEMENT, OR WITH ANY GOVERNMENTAL REQUIREMENT, (iii) ANY INACCURACY OF ANY REPRESENTATION OR ANY BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY OR COVENANT OF THE BORROWER OR ANY GUARANTOR SET FORTH IN ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY INSTRUMENTS, DOCUMENTS OR CERTIFICATIONS DELIVERED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, (iv) ANY LOAN OR LETTER OF CREDIT OR THE USE OF THE PROCEEDS THEREFROM, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, (A) ANY REFUSAL BY AN ISSUING BANK TO HONOR A DEMAND FOR PAYMENT UNDER A LETTER OF CREDIT IF THE DOCUMENTS PRESENTED IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH DEMAND DO NOT STRICTLY COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF SUCH LETTER OF CREDIT, OR (B) THE PAYMENT OF A DRAWING UNDER ANY LETTER OF CREDIT NOTWITHSTANDING THE NON-COMPLIANCE, NON-DELIVERY OR OTHER IMPROPER PRESENTATION OF THE DOCUMENTS PRESENTED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, (v) ANY OTHER ASPECT OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, (vi) THE OPERATIONS OF THE BUSINESS OF THE BORROWER AND THE SUBSIDIARIES BY THE BORROWER AND THE SUBSIDIARIES, (vii) ANY ASSERTION THAT THE LENDERS WERE NOT ENTITLED TO RECEIVE THE PROCEEDS RECEIVED PURSUANT TO THE SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, (viii) ANY ENVIRONMENTAL LAW APPLICABLE TO THE BORROWER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY OR ANY OF THEIR PROPERTIES OR OPERATIONS, INCLUDING, THE PRESENCE, GENERATION, STORAGE, RELEASE, THREATENED RELEASE, USE, TRANSPORT, DISPOSAL, ARRANGEMENT OF DISPOSAL OR TREATMENT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ON OR AT ANY OF THEIR PROPERTIES, (ix) THE BREACH OR NON-COMPLIANCE BY THE BORROWER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY WITH ANY ENVIRONMENTAL LAW APPLICABLE TO THE BORROWER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY, (x) THE PAST OWNERSHIP BY THE BORROWER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY OF ANY OF THEIR PROPERTIES OR PAST ACTIVITY ON ANY OF THEIR PROPERTIES WHICH, THOUGH LAWFUL AND FULLY PERMISSIBLE AT THE TIME, COULD RESULT IN PRESENT LIABILITY, (xi) THE PRESENCE, USE, RELEASE, STORAGE, TREATMENT, DISPOSAL, GENERATION, THREATENED RELEASE, TRANSPORT, ARRANGEMENT FOR TRANSPORT OR ARRANGEMENT FOR DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ON OR AT ANY OF THE PROPERTIES OWNED OR OPERATED BY THE BORROWER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY OR ANY ACTUAL OR ALLEGED PRESENCE OR RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ON OR FROM ANY PROPERTY OWNED OR OPERATED BY THE BORROWER OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, (xii) ANY ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY RELATED IN ANY WAY TO THE BORROWER OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, OR (xiii) ANY OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH OR SAFETY CONDITION IN CONNECTION WITH THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, OR (xiv) ANY ACTUAL OR PROSPECTIVE CLAIM, LITIGATION, INVESTIGATION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ANY INDEMNITEE IS A PARTY THERETO OR WHETHER OR NOT THE MATTER IS BROUGHT BY THE BORROWER, ITS EQUITYHOLDERS, ITS AFFILIATES, CREDITORS OR ANY OTHER PERSON, AND SUCH INDEMNITY SHALL EXTEND TO EACH INDEMNITEE NOTWITHSTANDING THE SOLE OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE OF EVERY KIND OR CHARACTER WHATSOEVER, WHETHER ACTIVE OR PASSIVE, WHETHER AN AFFIRMATIVE ACT OR AN OMISSION, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ALL TYPES OF NEGLIGENT CONDUCT IDENTIFIED IN THE RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF TORTS OF ONE OR MORE OF THE INDEMNITEES OR BY REASON OF STRICT LIABILITY IMPOSED WITHOUT FAULT ON ANY ONE OR MORE OF THE INDEMNITEES; PROVIDED THAT SUCH INDEMNITY SHALL NOT, AS TO ANY INDEMNITEE, BE AVAILABLE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH LOSSES, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LIABILITIES OR RELATED EXPENSES (A) ARE DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION BY FINAL AND NONAPPEALABLE JUDGMENT TO HAVE RESULTED FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF SUCH INDEMNITEE OR (B) RESULT FROM A PROCEEDING SOLELY BETWEEN OR AMONG INDEMNITEES THAT DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY ACTION OR OMISSION BY THE BORROWER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, OTHER THAN CLAIMS AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE IN ITS CAPACITY OR IN FULFILLING ITS ROLE AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, AN ISSUING BANK, AN ARRANGER, AN AGENT OR ANY SIMILAR ROLE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. THIS SECTION 12.03(b) SHALL NOT APPLY WITH RESPECT TO TAXES OTHER THAN ANY TAXES THAT REPRESENT LOSSES, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, ETC. ARISING FROM ANY NON-TAX CLAIM.
134
(c) To the extent that the Borrower fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it to any Agent, any Arranger, the Issuing Banks or any Related Party of any of the foregoing under Section 12.03(a), (b) or (d), each Lender severally agrees to pay to such Agent, such Arranger such Issuing Bank or such Related Party (each, an “Agent-Related Person”), as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought or, if such payment is sought after Payment in Full, ratably in accordance with such Applicable Percentage immediately prior to such date) of such unpaid amount and agrees to indemnify and hold each Agent-Related Person harmless from and against any and all Liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any kind whatsoever that may at any time (whether before or after the payment of the Loans) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person in any way relating to or arising out of the Commitments, this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted by such Agent-Related Person under or in connection with any of the foregoing; 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 such Agent, such Arranger or such Issuing Bank in its capacity as such. The agreements in this Section 12.03(c) shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.
(d) To the extent permitted by applicable law (i) the Borrower and any other Credit Party shall not assert, and the Borrower and each other Credit Party hereby waives, any claim against the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Agent, any Issuing Bank and any Lender, and any Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called a “Lender-Related Person”) for any Liabilities arising from the use by others of information or other materials (including, without limitation, any personal data) obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), and (ii) no party hereto shall assert, and each such party hereby waives, any Liabilities against any Lender-Related Person or any party hereto, 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 or thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof; provided that nothing in this Section 12.03(d) shall relieve the Borrower of any obligation it may have to indemnify an Indemnitee, as provided in Section 12.03(b), against any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages asserted against such Indemnitee by a third party.
135
(e) All amounts due under this Section 12.03 shall be payable promptly, but in any event within ten (10) days, after receipt by the Borrower of a written demand therefor accompanied by appropriate documentation.
Section 12.04 Successors and Assigns.
(a) 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 (including any Affiliate of an Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that (i) the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by the Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section 12.04 (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party 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 (including any Affiliate of any Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in Section 12.04(c)) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in Section 12.04(b)(ii), any Lender may 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 at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of:
(A) the Borrower, provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required if such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default of the type described in Section 10.01(a), Section 10.01(b), Section 10.01(h), Section 10.01(i) or Section 10.01(j) has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee; provided, further, that if the Borrower has not responded within ten (10) Business Days after the delivery of any request for a consent, such consent shall be deemed to have been given; and
(B) the Administrative Agent and each Issuing Bank, provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment to an Approved Fund or an assignee that is a Lender immediately prior to giving effect to such assignment.
(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:
(A) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans, the amount of the Commitment or 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) shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent, provided that no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;
136
(B) 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;
(C) each total assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, its Commitment, Maximum Credit Amount, LC Exposure, participations in Letters of Credit and outstanding Loans;
(D) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500;
(E) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire; and
(F) in no event may any Lender assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to the Borrower, any Affiliate of the Borrower, any Defaulting Lender, any natural person or any holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person.
(iii) Subject to Section 12.04(b)(iv) and the acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto 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 Section 5.01, Section 5.02, Section 5.03 and Section 12.03); provided, that except to the extent expressly agreed by the affected parties, no such assignment by a Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from the Lender having been a Defaulting Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 12.04 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 12.04(c).
(iv) The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Maximum Credit Amount and Elected Commitment of, and principal amount (and stated interest) of the Loans and LC Disbursements owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders may 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, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, any Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. In connection with any changes to the Register, if necessary, the Administrative Agent will reflect the revisions on Annex I and forward a copy of such revised Annex I to the Borrower, each Issuing Bank and each Lender.
137
(v) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire and applicable tax forms required by Section 5.03(f) (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in Section 12.04(b) and any written consent to such assignment required by Section 12.04(b), the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this Section 12.04(b).
(c) (i) Any Lender may, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Banks, sell participations to one or more banks or other Persons (other than the Borrower, any Affiliate of the Borrower, any Defaulting Lender, any natural person or any holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person) (a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans owing to it); provided that (A) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (C) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. 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, modification or waiver described in clauses (i), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii) and (viii) of the proviso to Section 12.02(b) that adversely affects such Participant and for which such Lender has a consent right. In addition such agreement must provide that the Participant be bound by the provisions of Section 12.03. Subject to Section 12.04(c)(ii), the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 5.01, Section 5.02 and Section 5.03 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 5.03(f) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 5.03(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Section 5.04 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 5.01 or 5.03, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender 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 5.04 with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 12.08 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 4.01 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, letters of credit 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, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5£103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations (and any amended or successor version). 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.
138
(ii) Each Participant agrees (A) to be subject to the provisions of Sections 5.03 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 5.03(f) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 5.03(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section; and (B) that it shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 5.01 or 5.03, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender 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.
(d) Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including, without limitation, any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank or other central bank having jurisdiction over such Lender, and this Section 12.04 shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 12.04, no transfer or assignment of the interests or obligations of any Lender or any grant of participations therein shall be permitted if such transfer, assignment or grant would require any Credit Party to file a registration statement with the SEC or to qualify the Loans under the “Blue Sky” laws of any state.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time any Issuing Bank (or the Lender affiliated with such Issuing Bank) assigns all of its Commitment and Loans pursuant to paragraph (b) above, such Issuing Bank may, upon 30 days’ notice to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Lenders, resign as an Issuing Bank. In the event of any such resignation as an Issuing Bank, the Borrower shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders a successor Issuing Bank; provided that no failure by the Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of the applicable Issuing Bank as an Issuing Bank. If an Issuing Bank resigns as an Issuing Bank, it shall retain all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of an Issuing Bank hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit issued by it and outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as an Issuing Bank and all LC Exposures with respect thereto (including the right to receive risk participations in LC Disbursements pursuant to Section 2.08(d)). Upon the appointment of a successor Issuing Bank, (x) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Issuing Bank, and (y) the successor Issuing Bank shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to the applicable retiring Issuing Bank to effectively assume the obligations of the applicable retiring Issuing Bank with respect to such Letters of Credit.
Section 12.05 Survival; Revival; Reinstatement.
(a) All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Borrower herein and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Section 5.01 (subject to Section 5.01(d)), Section 5.02 (subject to the provisos in the last sentence thereof), Section 5.03 and Section 12.03 and Article XI shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any provision hereof or thereof.
139
(b) To the extent that any payments on the Obligations or proceeds of any Collateral are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required to be repaid to a trustee, debtor in possession, receiver or other Person under the Bankruptcy Code, any bankruptcy law, common law or equitable cause, then to such extent, the Obligations so satisfied shall be revived and continue as if such payment or proceeds had not been received and the Administrative Agent’s and the Lenders’ Liens, security interests, rights, powers and remedies under this Agreement and each Loan Document shall continue in full force and effect. In such event, each Loan Document shall be automatically reinstated and the Borrower shall take such action as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to effect such reinstatement.
Section 12.06 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness.
(a) This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.
(b) 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 thereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof and thereof. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO AND THERETO AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
(c) Except as provided in Section 6.01, 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 which, 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.
(d) Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of (A) this Agreement, (B) any other Loan Document and/or (C) any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any notice delivered pursuant to Section 12.01), certificate, request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or the transactions contemplated hereby and/or thereby (each an “Ancillary Document”) that is an Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement, such other Loan Document or such Ancillary Document, as applicable. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall be deemed to include Electronic Signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in any electronic form (including deliveries by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be; provided that nothing herein shall require the Administrative Agent to accept Electronic Signatures in any form or format without its prior written consent and pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (i) to the extent the Administrative Agent has agreed to accept any Electronic Signature, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders shall be entitled to rely on such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower without further verification thereof and without any obligation to review the appearance or form of any such Electronic Signature and (ii) upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed counterpart. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Borrower hereby (i) agrees that, for all purposes, including without limitation, in connection with any workout, restructuring, enforcement of remedies, bankruptcy proceedings or litigation among the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Borrower and the Credit Parties, Electronic Signatures transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page and/or any electronic images of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as any paper original, (ii) the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders may, at its option, create one or more copies of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document in the form of an imaged electronic record in any format, which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of such Person’s business, and destroy the original paper document (and all such electronic records shall be considered an original for all purposes and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record), (iii) waives any argument, defense or right to contest the legal effect, validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document based solely on the lack of paper original copies of this Agreement, such other Loan Document and/or such Ancillary Document, respectively, including with respect to any signature pages thereto and (iv) waives any claim against any Indemnitee for any losses, claims (including intraparty claims), demands, damages or liabilities of any kind arising solely from the Administrative Agent’s and/or any Lender’s reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures and/or transmissions by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page, including any losses, claims (including intraparty claims), demands, damages or liabilities of any kind arising as a result of the failure of the Borrower and/or any Credit Party to use any available security measures in connection with the execution, delivery or transmission of any Electronic Signature.
140
Section 12.07 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof or thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Section 12.08 Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of its Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other obligations (of whatsoever kind including, without limitation, obligations under Swap Agreements) at any time owing by such Lender or Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary against any of and all the obligations of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary owed to such Lender now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations may be unmatured. The rights of each Lender (or its Affiliates) under this Section 12.08 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) which such Lender or its Affiliates may have.
Section 12.09 GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS.
(a) THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
141
(b) EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS (AND THE BORROWER SHALL CAUSE EACH CREDIT PARTY TO SUBMIT) FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS TO WHICH IT IS A PARTY, OR FOR RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT IN RESPECT THEREOF, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK IN EACH CASE, LOCATED IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, AND APPELLATE COURTS FROM ANY THEREOF; PROVIDED THAT NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT WILL PREVENT ANY LENDER, ANY ISSUING BANK OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT FROM BRINGING ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE ANY AWARD OR JUDGMENT OR EXERCISE ANY RIGHT UNDER THE SECURITY INSTRUMENTS OR AGAINST ANY COLLATERAL OR ANY OTHER PROPERTY OF ANY CREDIT PARTY IN ANY OTHER FORUM IN WHICH JURISDICTION CAN BE ESTABLISHED. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS.
(c) EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS OF ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED COURTS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES THEREOF BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, TO IT AT THE ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 12.01 OR SUCH OTHER ADDRESS AS IS SPECIFIED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12.01 (OR ITS ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION), SUCH SERVICE TO BECOME EFFECTIVE THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER SUCH MAILING (OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS IS PROVIDED BY APPLICABLE LAW). NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF A PARTY OR ANY HOLDER OF A LOAN TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW.
(d) EACH PARTY HEREBY (i) IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN; (ii) IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO CLAIM OR RECOVER IN ANY SUCH LITIGATION ANY SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR DAMAGES OTHER THAN, OR IN ADDITION TO, ACTUAL DAMAGES; PROVIDED THAT NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION 12.09(d)(ii) SHALL LIMIT THE BORROWER’S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS TO THE EXTENT SET FORTH IN SECTION 12.03 TO THE EXTENT SUCH SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARE INCLUDED IN ANY THIRD PARTY CLAIM IN CONNECTION WITH WHICH SUCH INDEMNITEE IS OTHERWISE ENTITLED TO INDEMNIFICATION HEREUNDER; (iii) CERTIFIES THAT NO PARTY HERETO NOR ANY REPRESENTATIVE OR AGENT OR COUNSEL FOR ANY PARTY HERETO HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, OR IMPLIED THAT SUCH PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVERS, AND (iv) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT, THE LOAN DOCUMENTS AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION 12.09.
142
Section 12.10 Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.
Section 12.11 Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (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), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority (including any self-regulatory authority such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, provided that, subject to the Borrower’s obligation to reimburse expenses pursuant to Section 12.03, it shall use commercially reasonable efforts to seek to obtain confidential treatment of such Information, provided further, that it shall not be liable for failure to obtain confidential treatment, (d) to any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any suit, 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 12.11, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any Swap Agreement relating to the Borrower, any Restricted Subsidiary and their obligations or (iii) to any insurers, re-insurers, brokers, underwriters, sub-participants, risk mitigation partners, as applicable, (g) with the consent of the Borrower, or (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 12.11 or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower. For the purposes of this Section 12.11, “Information” means all information received from the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary relating to Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary and their businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrower or any Restricted 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 12.11 shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, “Information” shall not include, and the Borrower, the Subsidiaries, the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the respective Affiliates of each of the foregoing (and the respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and other representatives of the aforementioned Persons), and any other party, may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind (A) any information with respect to the U.S. federal and state income tax treatment of the transactions contemplated hereby and any facts that may be relevant to understanding the U.S. federal or state income tax treatment of such transactions (“tax structure”), which facts shall not include for this purpose the names of the parties or any other person named herein, or information that would permit identification of the parties or such other persons, or any pricing terms or other nonpublic business or financial information that is unrelated to such tax treatment or tax structure, and (B) all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or such Lender relating to such tax treatment or tax structure.
143
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 12.11, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks 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 or any Issuing Bank or Lender in connection with the administration of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and the Commitments.
Section 12.12 Interest Rate Limitation. It is the intention of the parties hereto that each Lender shall conform strictly to usury laws applicable to it. Accordingly, if the transactions contemplated hereby would be usurious as to any Lender under laws applicable to it (including the laws of the United States of America and the State of New York or any other jurisdiction whose laws may be mandatorily applicable to such Lender notwithstanding the other provisions of this Agreement), then, in that event, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any of the Loan Documents or any agreement entered into in connection with or as security for the Loans, it is agreed as follows: (a) the aggregate of all consideration which constitutes interest under law applicable to any Lender that is contracted for, taken, reserved, charged or received by such Lender under any of the Loan Documents or agreements or otherwise in connection with the Loans shall under no circumstances exceed the maximum amount allowed by such applicable law, and any excess shall be canceled automatically and if theretofore paid shall be credited by such Lender on the principal amount of the Obligations (or, to the extent that the principal amount of the Obligations shall have been or would thereby be paid in full, refunded by such Lender to the Borrower); and (b) in the event that the maturity of the Loans is accelerated by reason of an election of the holder thereof resulting from any Event of Default under this Agreement or otherwise, or in the event of any required or permitted prepayment, then such consideration that constitutes interest under law applicable to any Lender may never include more than the maximum amount allowed by such applicable law, and excess interest, if any, provided for in this Agreement or otherwise shall be canceled automatically by such Lender as of the date of such acceleration or prepayment and, if theretofore paid, shall be credited by such Lender on the principal amount of the Obligations (or, to the extent that the principal amount of the Obligations shall have been or would thereby be paid in full, refunded by such Lender to the Borrower). All sums paid or agreed to be paid to any Lender for the use, forbearance or detention of sums due hereunder shall, to the extent permitted by law applicable to such Lender, be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the stated term of the Loans evidenced by the Loan Documents until Payment in Full so that the rate or amount of interest on account of any Loans hereunder does not exceed the maximum amount allowed by such applicable law. If at any time and from time to time (i) the amount of interest payable to any Lender on any date shall be computed at the Highest Lawful Rate applicable to such Lender pursuant to this Section 12.12 and (ii) in respect of any subsequent interest computation period the amount of interest otherwise payable to such Lender would be less than the amount of interest payable to such Lender computed at the Highest Lawful Rate applicable to such Lender, then the amount of interest payable to such Lender in respect of such subsequent interest computation period shall continue to be computed at the Highest Lawful Rate applicable to such Lender until the total amount of interest payable to such Lender shall equal the total amount of interest which would have been payable to such Lender if the total amount of interest had been computed without giving effect to this Section 12.12.
Section 12.13 EXCULPATION PROVISIONS. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO SPECIFICALLY AGREES THAT IT HAS A DUTY TO READ THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND AGREES THAT IT IS CHARGED WITH NOTICE AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS; THAT IT HAS IN FACT READ THIS AGREEMENT AND IS FULLY INFORMED AND HAS FULL NOTICE AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE TERMS, CONDITIONS AND EFFECTS OF THIS AGREEMENT; THAT IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED BY INDEPENDENT LEGAL COUNSEL OF ITS CHOICE THROUGHOUT THE NEGOTIATIONS PRECEDING ITS EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS; AND HAS RECEIVED THE ADVICE OF ITS ATTORNEY IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS; AND THAT IT RECOGNIZES THAT CERTAIN OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS RESULT IN ONE PARTY ASSUMING THE LIABILITY INHERENT IN SOME ASPECTS OF THE TRANSACTION AND RELIEVING THE OTHER PARTY OF ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH LIABILITY. EACH PARTY HERETO AGREES AND COVENANTS THAT IT WILL NOT CONTEST THE VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF ANY EXCULPATORY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS ON THE BASIS THAT THE PARTY HAD NO NOTICE OR KNOWLEDGE OF SUCH PROVISION OR THAT THE PROVISION IS NOT “CONSPICUOUS.”
144
Section 12.14 Collateral Matters; Swap Agreements. The benefit of the Security Instruments and of the provisions of this Agreement relating to any Collateral securing the Obligations shall also extend to and be available to (a) the Secured Swap Providers with respect to any Swap Agreement including any Swap Agreement in existence prior to the date hereof, but excluding any additional transactions or confirmations entered into (i) after such Secured Swap Provider ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or (ii) after assignment by a Secured Swap Provider to another Person that is not a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender and (b) the Bank Products Providers. No Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender shall have any voting or consent rights under any Loan Document as a result of the existence of obligations owed to it under any such Swap Agreements or with respect to Bank Products. The Administrative Agent shall not be required to verify the payment of, or that other satisfactory arrangements have been made with respect to, any Swap Agreements or Bank Products.
Section 12.15 No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and the agreement of the Lenders to make Loans and the Issuing Banks to issue, amend, renew or extend Letters of Credit hereunder are solely for the benefit of the Borrower, and no other Person (including, without limitation, any Subsidiary of the Borrower, any obligor, contractor, subcontractor, supplier or materialman) shall have any rights, claims, remedies or privileges hereunder or under any other Loan Document against the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender for any reason whatsoever. Except as specified in Section 12.03 and Section 12.14, there are no third party beneficiaries.
Section 12.16 USA Patriot Act Notice. Each Lender hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender to identify the Borrower in accordance with the USA Patriot Act and Beneficial Ownership Regulations.
Section 12.17 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), Holdings and the Borrower acknowledge and agree, and acknowledge the Subsidiaries’ understanding, that: (a)(i) no fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship between Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries and the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Arranger or any Lender is intended to be or has been created in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents, irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent or any Lender has advised or is advising Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary on other matters; (ii) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, the Arrangers and the Lenders are arm’s-length commercial transactions between Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, the Arrangers and the Lenders, on the other hand; (iii) each Credit Party has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent that it has deemed appropriate; and (iv) each Credit Party is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; and (b)(i) the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, the Arrangers and the Lenders each are and have been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries or any other Person; (ii) neither the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, the Arrangers nor the Lenders has any obligation to Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries 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 Issuing Banks, the Arrangers and the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged, for their own accounts or the accounts of customers, in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, and neither the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, the Arrangers nor the Lenders have any obligation to disclose any of such interests to Holdings, the Borrower or the Subsidiaries. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Holdings and the Borrower each hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Arranger and the Lenders with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.
145
Section 12.18 Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions. 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 Affected Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document 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 party hereto 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.
Section 12.19 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, 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 Lender party, 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 Letters of Credit, the Commitments or this Agreement,
146
(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 Letters of Credit, 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 Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, 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 Letters of Credit, 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.
(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 Lender party hereto, 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 Letters of Credit, 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).
Section 12.20 Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs. To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for any Swap Agreement 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 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):
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.
147
Section 12.21 Personal Data Protection.
(a) If any Credit Party provides Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any Arranger with personal data of any individual as required by or pursuant to the Loan Documents, each of the Credit Parties represents and warrants to Administrative Agent, each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each Arranger that it has, to the extent required by law (i) notified the relevant individual of the purposes for which data will be collected, processed, used or disclosed; and (ii) has the lawful right to, or has obtained such individual’s consent for, and hereby consents on behalf of such individual to, the collection, processing, use and disclosure of his/her personal data by Administrative Agent, each Lender each Issuing Bank and each Arranger, in each case, in accordance with or for the purposes of the Loan Documents.
(b) Each of the Credit Parties agrees and undertakes to notify Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any Arranger promptly upon its becoming aware of the withdrawal by the relevant individual of his/her consent to the collection, processing, use and/or disclosure by Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any Arranger of any personal data provided by such Credit Party to Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any Arranger.
(c) Any consent given pursuant to this Agreement in relation to personal data shall, subject to all applicable laws and regulations, survive death, incapacity, bankruptcy or insolvency of any such individual and the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
[SIGNATURES BEGIN NEXT PAGE]
148
The parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
| BORROWER: | BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC | |
| By: | /s/ Christopher P. Kalnin | |
| Name: Christopher P. Kalnin | ||
| Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||
| HOLDINGS: | BKV CORPORATION | |
| By: | /s/ Christopher P. Kalnin | |
| Name: Christopher P. Kalnin | ||
| Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
| ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT/LENDER/ISSUING BANK: | CITIBANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, a Lender and Issuing Bank | |
| By: | /s/ Cliff Vaz | |
| Name: | Cliff Vaz | |
| Title: | Vice President | |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
| LENDER / ISSUING BANK: | BARCLAYS BANK PLC, as a Lender and Issuing Bank | |
| By: | /s/ Sydney G. Dennis | |
| Name: | Sydney G. Dennis | |
| Title: | Director | |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
| LENDER: | KeyBank National Association, as a Lender | |
| By: | /s/ George McKean | |
| Name: | George McKean | |
| Title: | Senior Vice President | |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
| LENDER: | MIZUHO BANK, LTD., as a Lender | |
| By: | /s/ Edward Sacks | |
| Name: | Edward Sacks | |
| Title: | Authorized Signatory | |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
| LENDER: | CITIZENS BANK, N.A., as a Lender | |
| By: | /s/ David Baron | |
| Name: | David Baron | |
| Title: | Senior Vice President | |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
| LENDER: | Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as a Lender | |
| By: | /s/ Alkesh Nanavaty | |
| Name: | Alkesh Nanavaty | |
| Title: | Executive Director | |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
| LENDER: | TRUIST BANK, as a Lender | |
| By: | /s/ John Kovarik | |
| Name: | John Kovarik | |
| Title: | Managing Director | |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
| LENDER: | Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, New York Branch, as a Lender | |
| By: | /s/ Thitipong Prasertsilp | |
| Name: | Thitipong Prasertsilp | |
| Title: | VP & Branch Manager | |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
| LENDER: | Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, as a Lender | |
| By: | /s/ Niramarn Laisathit | |
| Name: | Niramarn Laisathit | |
| Title: | Director & Senior Executive Vice President | |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
| LENDER: | Texas Capital Bank, as a Lender | |
| By: | /s/ Jared Mills | |
| Name: | Jared Mills | |
| Title: | Managing Director | |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
| LENDER: | FIRST HORIZON BANK, as a Lender | |
| By: | /s/ W. David McCarver IV | |
| Name: | W. David McCarver IV | |
| Title: | Senior Vice President | |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
| LENDER: | MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC., as a Lender | |
| By: | /s/ Michael King | |
| Name: | Michael King | |
| Title: | Vice President | |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
| LENDER: | GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, as a Lender | |
| By: | /s/ Andrew Vernon | |
| Name: | Andrew Vernon | |
| Title: | Authorized Signatory | |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
| LENDER: | BP Energy Company, as a Lender | |
| By: | /s/ Will Shappley | |
| Name: | Will Shappley | |
| Title: | Vice President | |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT — BKV UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM, LLC]
ANNEX I
LIST OF MAXIMUM CREDIT AMOUNTS
| Name of Lender | Applicable
Percentage | Maximum
Credit Amount | Elected
Commitment | |||||||||
| Citibank, N.A. | 11.666666667 | % | $ | 175,000,000 | $ | 70,000,000.00 | ||||||
| Barclays Bank PLC | 10.833333333 | % | $ | 162,500,000 | $ | 65,000,000.00 | ||||||
| KeyBank, National Association | 10.833333333 | % | $ | 162,500,000 | $ | 65,000,000.00 | ||||||
| Mizuho Bank, Ltd. | 10.833333333 | % | $ | 162,500,000 | $ | 65,000,000.00 | ||||||
| Citizens Bank, N.A. | 10.833333333 | % | $ | 162,500,000 | $ | 65,000,000.00 | ||||||
| Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation | 10.833333333 | % | $ | 162,500,000 | $ | 65,000,000.00 | ||||||
| Truist Bank | 10.833333333 | % | $ | 162,500,000 | $ | 65,000,000.00 | ||||||
| Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, New York Branch | 7.500000000 | % | $ | 112,500,000 | $ | 45,000,000.00 | ||||||
| Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited | 3.333333333 | % | $ | 50,000,000 | $ | 20,000,000.00 | ||||||
| Texas Capital Bank | 5.833333333 | % | $ | 87,500,000 | $ | 35,000,000.00 | ||||||
| First Horizon Bank | 4.166666667 | % | $ | 62,500,000 | $ | 25,000,000.00 | ||||||
| Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. | 0.833333333 | % | $ | 12,500,000 | $ | 5,000,000.00 | ||||||
| Goldman Sachs Bank USA | 0.833333333 | % | $ | 12,500,000 | $ | 5,000,000.00 | ||||||
| BP Energy Company | 0.833333333 | % | $ | 12,500,000 | $ | 5,000,000.00 | ||||||
| TOTAL | 100.000000000 | % | $ | 1,500,000,000 | $ | 600,000,000 | ||||||
Annex I
ANNEX II
LC ISSUANCE LIMIT
| Name of Issuing Bank | LC Issuance Limit | |||
| Citibank, N.A. | $ | 30,000,000.00 | ||
| Barclays Bank PLC | $ | 10,000,000.00 | ||
| TOTAL | $ | 40,000,000.00 | ||
Annex II
Exhibit 21.1
List of Subsidiaries of BKV Corporation
| Name | State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization | |
| BKV Barnett, LLC | Delaware | |
| BKV Chelsea, LLC | Delaware | |
| BKV dCarbon Barnett Zero, LLC | Delaware | |
| BKV dCarbon High West, LLC | Delaware | |
| BKV dCarbon Las Tiendas, LLC | Delaware | |
| BKV dCarbon Temple, LLC | Delaware | |
| BKV dCarbon Ventures, LLC | Delaware | |
| BKV High West Sequestration, LLC | Delaware | |
| BKV Midstream, LLC | Delaware | |
| BKV North Texas, LLC | Delaware | |
| BKV Operating, LLC | Delaware | |
| BKV Upstream Midstream, LLC | Delaware | |
| BKV-BPP Cotton Cove, LLC | Delaware | |
| BKVerde, LLC | Delaware | |
| High West Sequestration, LLC | Louisiana | |
| Kalnin Ventures LLC | Colorado |
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of BKV Corporation of our report dated April 29, 2024, relating to the financial statements of BKV Corporation, which appears in this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Dallas, Texas
July 5, 2024
Exhibit 23.2
![]() |
| ||
| TBPELS REGISTERED ENGINEERING FIRM F-1580 | |||
| 633 17TH STREET SUITE 1700 | DENVER, COLORADO 80202 | TELEPHONE (303) 339-8110 | |
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
We hereby consent to the references to our firm in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 for BKV Corporation, and to the use of information from, and the inclusion of, our reports, (i) dated October 21, 2022, with respect to the estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves, future production and income attributable to certain leasehold and royalty interests of BKV Corporation referred to as the Barnett Assets as of December 31, 2021, (ii) dated October 21, 2022, with respect to the estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves, future production and income attributable to certain leasehold interests of BKV Corporation referred to as the Chaffee Corners Assets as of December 31, 2021, (iii) dated October 21, 2022, with respect to the estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves, future production and income attributable to certain leasehold interests of BKV Corporation referred to as the Chelsea Assets as of December 31, 2021, (iv) dated October 21, 2022, with respect to the estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves, future production and income attributable to certain leasehold interests of BKV Corporation referred to as the BKV Assets as of December 31, 2021, (v) dated December 17, 2022, with respect to the estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves, future production and income attributable to certain leasehold and royalty interests of BKV Corporation referred to as the Barnett Assets as of December 31, 2022, (vi) dated December 17, 2022, with respect to the estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves, future production and income attributable to certain leasehold interests of BKV Corporation referred to as the Chaffee Corners Assets as of December 31, 2022, (vii) dated December 17, 2022, with respect to the estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves, future production and income attributable to certain leasehold and royalty interests of BKV Corporation referred to as the Chelsea Assets as of December 31, 2022, (viii) dated December 17, 2022, with respect to the estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves, future production and income attributable to certain leasehold and royalty interests of BKV Corporation referred to as the BKV Assets as of December 31, 2022, (ix) dated December 17, 2022, with respect to the estimates of proved and probable reserves, future production and income attributable to certain leasehold and royalty interests of BKV Corporation referred to as the North Texas Assets as of December 31, 2022, (x) dated December 19, 2023, with respect to the estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves, future production and income attributable to certain leasehold and royalty interests of BKV Corporation referred to as the Total Company Assets as of December 31, 2023, and (xi) dated January 2, 2024, with respect to the estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves, future production and income attributable to certain leasehold and royalty interests of BKV Corporation referred to as the Total Company Assets, using a NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme, as of December 31, 2023, each in this Registration Statement. We further consent to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in this Registration Statement and related prospectus.
| /s/ Ryder Scott Company | |
| RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, L.P. | |
| TBPELS Firm Registration No. F-1580 |
Denver, Colorado
July 5, 2024
| 1100 LOUISIANA, SUITE 4600 | HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-5294 | TEL (713) 651-9191 | FAX (713) 651-0849 |
| SUITE 2800, 350 7TH AVENUE, S.W. | CALGARY, ALBERTA T2P 3N9 | TEL (403) 262-2799 |
Exhibit 99.14
BKV CORPORATION
Estimated
Future Reserves and Income
Attributable to Certain
Leasehold and Royalty Interests
SEC Parameters
As of
December 31, 2023
| /s/ Stephen E. Gardner, P.E. |
| |
| Stephen E. Gardner, P.E. Colorado License No. 44720 Managing Senior Vice President RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, L.P. TBPELS Firm Registration No. F-1580 |
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCUSSION
PETROLEUM RESERVES DEFINITIONS
| TABLE NO. | |
| PROPERTY RANKING | A |
| SUMMARY OF GROSS AND NET RESERVE AND INCOME DATA | B |
| SUMMARY OF INITIAL BASIC DATA | C |
| GRAND SUMMARIES | |
| TOTAL PROVED | 1 |
| PROVED PRODUCING | 2 |
| PROVED SHUT-IN | 3 |
| PROVED BEHIND PIPE | 4 |
| PROVED UNDEVELOPED | 5 |
| TOTAL PROBABLE | 6 |
| PROBABLE BEHIND PIPE | 7 |
| PROBABLE UNDEVELOPED | 8 |
| TOTAL POSSIBLE | 9 |
| POSSIBLE BEHIND PIPE | 10 |
| POSSIBLE UNDEVELOPED | 11 |
| BARNETT SUMMARIES | |
| TOTAL PROVED | 12 |
| PROVED PRODUCING | 13 |
| PROVED BEHIND PIPE | 14 |
| PROVED UNDEVELOPED | 15 |
| TOTAL PROBABLE | 16 |
| PROBABLE BEHIND PIPE | 17 |
| PROBABLE UNDEVELOPED | 18 |
| TOTAL POSSIBLE | 19 |
| POSSIBLE BEHIND PIPE | 20 |
| POSSIBLE UNDEVELOPED | 21 |
| NEPA SUMMARIES | |
| TOTAL PROVED | 22 |
| PROVED PRODUCING | 23 |
| PROVED SHUT-IN | 24 |
| PROVED UNDEVELOPED | 25 |
| PROBABLE UNDEVELOPED | 26 |
| POSSIBLE UNDEVELOPED | 27 |
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS - TBPE FIRM LICENSE No. F-1580
![]() |
| ||
| TBPELS REGISTERED ENGINEERING FIRM F-1580 | |||
| 633 17TH STREET SUITE 1700 | DENVER, COLORADO 80202 | TELEPHONE (303) 339-8110 | |
December 19, 2023
BKV Corporation
1200 17th Street, Suite 1850
Denver, CO 80202
Ladies and Gentlemen:
At your request, Ryder Scott Company, L.P. (Ryder Scott) has prepared an estimate of the proved, probable and possible reserves, future production, and income attributable to certain leasehold and royalty interests of BKV Corporation (BKV) as of December 31, 2023. The subject properties are located in the states of Pennsylvania and Texas. The reserves and income data were estimated based on the definitions and disclosure guidelines of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) contained in Title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting, Final Rule released January 14, 2009 in the Federal Register (SEC regulations). Our third party study, completed on December 19, 2023 and presented herein, was prepared for public disclosure by BKV in filings made with the SEC in accordance with the disclosure requirements set forth in the SEC regulations.
The properties evaluated by Ryder Scott account for 100 percent of BKV’s total net proved, probable and possible liquid hydrocarbon and gas reserves as of December 31, 2023.
The estimated reserves and future net income amounts presented in this report, as of December 31, 2023 are related to hydrocarbon prices. The hydrocarbon prices used in the preparation of this report are based on the average prices during the 12-month period prior to the “as of date” of this report, determined as the unweighted arithmetic averages of the prices in effect on the first-day-of-the-month for each month within such period, as required by the SEC regulations. Actual future prices may vary considerably from the prices required by SEC regulations. The reserves volumes and the income attributable thereto have a direct relationship to the hydrocarbon prices actually received; therefore, volumes of reserves actually recovered and the amounts of income actually received may differ significantly from the estimated quantities presented in this report. The results of this study are summarized as follows.
| 1100 LOUISIANA, SUITE 4600 | HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-5294 | TEL (713) 651-9191 | FAX (713) 651-0849 |
| SUITE 2800, 350 7TH AVENUE, S.W. | CALGARY, ALBERTA T2P 3N9 | TEL (403) 262-2799 |
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters
December 19, 2023
Page 2
SEC PARAMETERS
Estimated Net Reserves and Income Data
Certain Leasehold and Royalty Interests of
BKV Corporation
As of December 31, 2023
| Proved | ||||||||||||||||
| Developed | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Producing | Non-Producing | Undeveloped | Proved | |||||||||||||
| Net Reserves | ||||||||||||||||
| Oil/Condensate – Mbbl | 802 | 190 | 59 | 1,051 | ||||||||||||
| Plant Products – Mbbl | 129,260 | 27,139 | 27,766 | 184,165 | ||||||||||||
| Gas – MMcf | 2,290,025 | 153,047 | 539,423 | 2,982,495 | ||||||||||||
| MMCFE | 3,070,397 | 317,021 | 706,373 | 4,093,791 | ||||||||||||
| Income Data ($M) | ||||||||||||||||
| Future Gross Revenue | $ | 6,899,019 | $ | 804,693 | $ | 1,611,903 | $ | 9,315,615 | ||||||||
| Deductions | 4,840,400 | 454,463 | 1,106,237 | 6,401,100 | ||||||||||||
| Future Net Income (FNI) | $ | 2,058,619 | $ | 350,230 | $ | 505,666 | $ | 2,914,515 | ||||||||
| Discounted FNI @ 10% | $ | 1,085,102 | $ | 66,139 | $ | 81,308 | $ | 1,232,549 | ||||||||
| Probable | ||||||||||||
| Developed | Total | |||||||||||
| Non-Producing | Undeveloped | Probable | ||||||||||
| Net Reserves | ||||||||||||
| Oil/Condensate – Mbbl | 6 | 548 | 554 | |||||||||
| Plant Products – Mbbl | 7,871 | 19,114 | 26,985 | |||||||||
| Gas – MMcf | 68,385 | 237,236 | 305,621 | |||||||||
| MMCFE | 115,647 | 355,208 | 470,855 | |||||||||
| Income Data ($M) | ||||||||||||
| Future Gross Revenue | $ | 279,693 | $ | 864,374 | $ | 1,144,067 | ||||||
| Deductions | 159,088 | 606,864 | 765,952 | |||||||||
| Future Net Income (FNI) | $ | 120,605 | $ | 257,510 | $ | 378,115 | ||||||
| Discounted FNI @ 10% | $ | 18,306 | $ | 17,191 | $ | 35,497 | ||||||
| Possible | ||||||||||||
| Developed | Total | |||||||||||
| Non-Producing | Undeveloped | Possible | ||||||||||
| Net Reserves | ||||||||||||
| Oil/Condensate – Mbbl | 2 | 0 | 2 | |||||||||
| Plant Products – Mbbl | 3,257 | 0 | 3,257 | |||||||||
| Gas – MMcf | 57,114 | 12,742 | 69,856 | |||||||||
| MMCFE | 76,668 | 12,742 | 89,410 | |||||||||
| Income Data ($M) | ||||||||||||
| Future Gross Revenue | $ | 174,964 | $ | 21,400 | $ | 196,364 | ||||||
| Deductions | 119,370 | 17,317 | 136,687 | |||||||||
| Future Net Income (FNI) | $ | 55,594 | $ | 4,083 | $ | 59,677 | ||||||
| Discounted FNI @ 10% | $ | 3,909 | $ | 376 | $ | 4,285 | ||||||
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters
December 19, 2023
Page 3
PERCENTAGE OF PROVED RESERVES PER HYDROCARBON PHASE
| OPERATED | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Estimated | % | Average Annual | |||||||||||||||
| Total Proved | % | Natural | PDP Decline | ||||||||||||||
| Operating | Reserves | Natural | Gas | % | Five | Ten | |||||||||||
| Region | (MMCFE) | Gas | Liquids | Oil | Year | Year | |||||||||||
| Barnett | 3,620,862 | 69.6 | % | 30.2 | % | 0.2 | % | 8 | % | 7 | % | ||||||
| NEPA | 272,855 | 100.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 11 | % | 10 | % | ||||||
| Total | 3,893,717 | 71.7 | % | 28.1 | % | 0.2 | % | 8 | % | 8 | % | ||||||
| NON OPERATED |
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Estimated | % | Average Annual | |||||||||||||||
| Total Proved | % | Natural | PDP Decline | ||||||||||||||
| Operating | Reserves | Natural | Gas | % | Five | Ten | |||||||||||
| Region | (MMCFE) | Gas | Liquids | Oil | Year | Year | |||||||||||
| Barnett | 48,302 | 77.5 | % | 22.1 | % | 0.4 | % | 10 | % | 9 | % | ||||||
| NEPA | 151,772 | 100.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 9 | % | 8 | % | ||||||
| Total | 200,074 | 94.6 | % | 5.3 | % | 0.1 | % | 9 | % | 8 | % | ||||||
| TOTAL
COMPANY |
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Estimated | % | Average Annual | |||||||||||||||
| Total Proved | % | Natural | PDP Decline | ||||||||||||||
| Operating | Reserves | Natural | Gas | % | Five | Ten | |||||||||||
| Region | (MMCFE) | Gas | Liquids | Oil | Year | Year | |||||||||||
| Barnett | 3,669,164 | 69.7 | % | 30.1 | % | 0.2 | % | 8 | % | 7 | % | ||||||
| NEPA | 424,627 | 100.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 11 | % | 9 | % | ||||||
| Total | 4,093,791 | 72.8 | % | 27.0 | % | 0.2 | % | 8 | % | 8 | % | ||||||
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters
December 19, 2023
Page 4
PERCENTAGE OF PROBABLE RESERVES PER HYDROCARBON PHASE
| OPERATED | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating Region | Estimated Total Probable Reserves (MMCFE) | % Natural Gas | % Natural Gas Liquids | % Oil | ||||||||||||
| Barnett | 470,855 | 64.9 | % | 34.4 | % | 0.7 | % | |||||||||
| NEPA | 0 | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total | 470,855 | 64.9 | % | 34.4 | % | 0.7 | % | |||||||||
| NON OPERATED | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating Region | Estimated Total Probable Reserves (MMCFE) | % Natural Gas | % Natural Gas Liquids | % Oil | ||||||||||||
| Barnett | 0 | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| NEPA | 0 | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total | 0 | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
TOTAL COMPANY | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating Region | Estimated Total Probable Reserves (MMCFE) | % Natural Gas | % Natural Gas Liquids | % Oil | ||||||||||||
| Barnett | 470,855 | 64.9 | % | 34.4 | % | 0.7 | % | |||||||||
| NEPA | 0 | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total | 470,855 | 64.9 | % | 34.4 | % | 0.7 | % | |||||||||
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters
December 19, 2023
Page 5
PERCENTAGE OF POSSIBLE RESERVES PER HYDROCARBON PHASE
| OPERATED | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating Region | Estimated Total Possible Reserves (MMCFE) | % Natural Gas | % Natural Gas Liquids | % Oil | ||||||||||||
| Barnett | 76,668 | 74.5 | % | 25.5 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| NEPA | 12,742 | 100.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total | 89,410 | 78.1 | % | 21.9 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| NON OPERATED | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating Region | Estimated Total Possible Reserves (MMCFE) | % Natural Gas | % Natural Gas Liquids | % Oil | ||||||||||||
| Barnett | 0 | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| NEPA | 0 | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total | 0 | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| TOTAL COMPANY | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating Region | Estimated Total Possible Reserves (MMCFE) | % Natural Gas | % Natural Gas Liquids | % Oil | ||||||||||||
| Barnett | 76,668 | 74.5 | % | 25.5 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| NEPA | 12,742 | 100.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total | 89,410 | 78.1 | % | 21.9 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
Liquid hydrocarbons are expressed in standard 42 U.S. gallon barrels and shown herein as thousands of barrels (Mbbl). All gas volumes are expressed in millions of cubic feet (MMcf) at the official temperature and pressure bases of the areas in which the gas volumes are located. All gas reserves volumes are reported on an “as sold” basis. In this report, the revenues, deductions, and income data are expressed as thousands of U.S. dollars ($M). The net reserves volumes are also shown herein on an equivalent unit basis wherein hydrocarbon liquid is converted to natural gas equivalent using a factor of 1 barrel of liquid per 6,000 cubic feet of natural gas equivalent. MMCFE means million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent.
The estimates of the reserves, future production, and income attributable to properties in this report were prepared using the economic software package ARIESTM Petroleum Economics and Reserves Software, a copyrighted program of Halliburton. The program was used at the request of BKV. Ryder Scott has found this program to be generally acceptable, but notes that certain summaries and calculations may vary due to rounding and may not exactly match the sum of the properties being summarized. Furthermore, one line economic summaries may vary slightly from the more detailed cash flow projections of the same properties, also due to rounding. The rounding differences are not material.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters
December 19, 2023
Page 6
The future gross revenue is after the deduction of production taxes. The deductions incorporate the normal direct costs of operating the wells, ad valorem taxes (including the Pennsylvania Impact Fee), development costs, and certain abandonment costs net of salvage. The future net income is before the deduction of state and federal income taxes and general administrative overhead, and has not been adjusted for outstanding loans that may exist nor does it include any adjustment for cash on hand or undistributed income.
Gas reserves account for approximately 64 percent and liquid hydrocarbon reserves account for the remaining 36 percent of total future gross revenue from proved reserves. Gas reserves account for approximately 55 percent and liquid hydrocarbon reserves account for the remaining 45 percent of total future gross revenue from probable reserves. Gas reserves account for approximately 71 percent and liquid hydrocarbon reserves account for the remaining 29 percent of total future gross revenue from possible reserves.
The discounted future net income shown above was calculated using a discount rate of 10 percent per annum compounded monthly. Future net income was discounted at four other discount rates, which were also compounded monthly. These results are shown in summary form as follows.
| Discounted Future Net Income ($M) | |||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Discount Rate | Total | Total | Total | ||||||||||
| Percent | Proved | Probable | Possible | ||||||||||
| 8 | $ | 1,409,977 | $ | 60,971 | $ | 7,320 | |||||||
| 12 | $ | 1,090,539 | $ | 17,541 | $ | 2,385 | |||||||
| 15 | $ | 924,494 | $ | (337 | ) | $ | 756 | ||||||
| 20 | $ | 729,281 | $ | (16,274 | ) | $ | (370 | ) | |||||
The results shown above are presented for your information and should not be construed as our estimate of fair market value.
Reserves Included in This Report
The proved, probable and possible reserves included herein conform to the definitions as set forth in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulations Part 210.4-10(a). An abridged version of the SEC reserves definitions from 210.4-10(a) entitled “PETROLEUM RESERVES DEFINITIONS” is included as an attachment to this report.
The various reserves status categories are defined in the attachment entitled “PETROLEUM RESERVES STATUS DEFINITIONS AND GUIDELINES” in this report. The proved, probable, and possible developed non-producing reserves included herein consist of the behind pipe status category.
No attempt was made to quantify or otherwise account for any accumulated gas production imbalances that may exist. The proved, probable and possible gas volumes presented herein do not include volumes of gas consumed in operations as reserves.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters
December 19, 2023
Page 7
Reserves are “estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations.” All reserves estimates involve an assessment of the uncertainty relating the likelihood that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the estimated quantities determined as of the date the estimate is made. The uncertainty depends primarily on the amount of reliable geologic and engineering data available at the time of the estimate and the interpretation of these data. The relative degree of uncertainty may be conveyed by placing reserves into one of two principal categories, either proved or unproved. Unproved reserves are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves and may be further sub-categorized as probable and possible reserves to denote progressively increasing uncertainty in their recoverability. At BKV’s request, this report addresses the proved, probable and possible reserves attributable to the properties evaluated herein.
Proved oil and gas reserves are “those quantities of oil and gas which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward.” The SEC has defined reasonable certainty for proved reserves, when based on deterministic methods, as a “high degree of confidence that the quantities will be recovered.” Probable reserves are “those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.” Possible reserves are “those additional reserves which are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves” and thus the probability of achieving or exceeding the proved plus probable plus possible reserves is low.
The reserves included herein were estimated using deterministic methods and are presented as incremental quantities. Under the deterministic incremental approach, discrete quantities of reserves are estimated and assigned separately as proved, probable or possible based on their individual level of uncertainty. Because of the differences in uncertainty, caution should be exercised when aggregating quantities of oil and gas from different reserves categories. Furthermore, the reserves and income quantities attributable to the different reserves categories that are included herein have not been adjusted to reflect these varying degrees of risk associated with them and thus are not comparable.
Reserves estimates will generally be revised only as additional geologic or engineering data become available or as economic conditions change. For proved reserves, the SEC states that “as changes due to increased availability of geoscience (geological, geophysical, and geochemical), engineering, and economic data are made to the estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) with time, reasonably certain EUR is much more likely to increase or remain constant than to decrease.” Moreover, estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves may be revised as a result of future operations, effects of regulation by governmental agencies or geopolitical or economic risks. Therefore, the proved, probable and possible reserves included in this report are estimates only and should not be construed as being exact quantities, and if recovered, the revenues therefrom, and the actual costs related thereto, could be more or less than the estimated amounts.
BKV’s operations may be subject to various levels of governmental controls and regulations. These controls and regulations may include, but may not be limited to, matters relating to land tenure and leasing, the legal rights to produce hydrocarbons, drilling and production practices, environmental protection, marketing and pricing policies, royalties, various taxes and levies including income tax and are subject to change from time to time. Such changes in governmental regulations and policies may cause volumes of reserves actually recovered and amounts of income actually received to differ significantly from the estimated quantities.
The estimates of reserves presented herein were based upon a detailed study of the properties in which BKV owns an interest; however, we have not made any field examination of the properties. No consideration was given in this report to potential environmental liabilities that may exist nor were any costs included for potential liabilities to restore and clean up damages, if any, caused by past operating practices.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters
December 19, 2023
Page 8
Estimates of Reserves
The estimation of reserves involves two distinct determinations. The first determination results in the estimation of the quantities of recoverable oil and gas and the second determination results in the estimation of the uncertainty associated with those estimated quantities in accordance with the definitions set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulations Part 210.4-10(a). The process of estimating the quantities of recoverable oil and gas reserves relies on the use of certain generally accepted analytical procedures. These analytical procedures fall into three broad categories or methods: (1) performance-based methods, (2) volumetric-based methods and (3) analogy. These methods may be used individually or in combination by the reserves evaluator in the process of estimating the quantities of reserves. Reserves evaluators must select the method or combination of methods, which in their professional judgment is most appropriate given the nature and amount of reliable geoscience and engineering data available at the time of the estimate, the established or anticipated performance characteristics of the reservoir being evaluated, and the stage of development or producing maturity of the property.
In many cases, the analysis of the available geoscience and engineering data and the subsequent interpretation of this data may indicate a range of possible outcomes in an estimate, irrespective of the method selected by the evaluator. When a range in the quantity of reserves is identified, the evaluator must determine the uncertainty associated with the incremental quantities of the reserves. If the reserves quantities are estimated using the deterministic incremental approach, the uncertainty for each discrete incremental quantity of the reserves is addressed by the reserves category assigned by the evaluator. Therefore, it is the categorization of reserves quantities as proved, probable and/or possible that addresses the inherent uncertainty in the estimated quantities reported. For proved reserves, uncertainty is defined by the SEC as reasonable certainty wherein the “quantities actually recovered are much more likely to be achieved than not.” The SEC states that “probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.” The SEC states that “possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves and the total quantities ultimately recovered from a project have a low probability of exceeding proved plus probable plus possible reserves.” All quantities of reserves within the same reserves category must meet the SEC definitions as noted above.
Estimates of reserves quantities and their associated reserves categories may be revised in the future as additional geoscience or engineering data become available. Furthermore, estimates of reserves quantities and their associated reserves categories may also be revised due to other factors such as changes in economic conditions, results of future operations, effects of regulation by governmental agencies or geopolitical or economic risks as previously noted herein.
The reserves for the properties included herein were estimated by performance methods or analogy. In general, the proved reserves attributable to producing wells and/or reservoirs were estimated by decline curve analysis, a performance method which utilized extrapolations of historical production and pressure data ending between August and October 2023, depending on the availability of data for a given case and in those cases where such data were considered to be definitive. For certain early-life cases, where there were inadequate historical performance data to establish a definitive trend and where the use of production performance data as a basis for the estimates was considered to be inappropriate, producing reserves were estimated by analogy. The data utilized in our analysis were furnished to Ryder Scott by BKV or obtained from public data sources and were considered sufficient for the purpose thereof.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters
December 19, 2023
Page 9
All of the proved, probable, and possible developed non-producing as well as all of the proved, probable, and possible undeveloped reserves included herein were estimated by analogy. The data utilized from the analogues were furnished to Ryder Scott by BKV or obtained from public data sources and were considered sufficient for the purpose thereof.
To estimate economically producible proved, probable and possible oil and gas reserves and related future net cash flows, we consider many factors and assumptions including, but not limited to, the use of reservoir parameters derived from geological, geophysical and engineering data which cannot be measured directly, economic criteria based on current costs and SEC pricing requirements, and forecasts of future production rates. Under the SEC regulations 210.4-10(a)(22)(v) and (26), proved, probable and possible reserves must be anticipated to be economically producible from a given date forward based on existing economic conditions including the prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined. While it may reasonably be anticipated that the future prices received for the sale of production and the operating costs and other costs relating to such production may increase or decrease from those under existing economic conditions, such changes were, in accordance with rules adopted by the SEC, omitted from consideration in making this evaluation.
BKV has informed us that they have furnished us all of the material accounts, records, geological and engineering data, and reports and other data required for this investigation. In preparing our forecast of future proved, probable and possible production and income, we have relied upon data furnished by BKV with respect to property interests owned, production and well tests from examined wells, normal direct costs of operating the wells or leases, other costs such as transportation and/or processing fees, ad valorem taxes (including the Pennsylvania Impact Fee), production taxes, development costs, development plans, certain abandonment costs after salvage, product prices based on the SEC regulations, adjustments or differentials to product prices, geological structure and isochore maps, and base maps. Ryder Scott reviewed such factual data for its reasonableness; however, we have not conducted an independent verification of the data furnished by BKV. We consider the factual data used in this report appropriate and sufficient for the purpose of preparing the estimates of reserves and future net revenues herein.
In summary, we consider the assumptions, data, methods and analytical procedures used in this report appropriate for the purpose hereof, and we have used all such methods and procedures that we consider necessary and appropriate to prepare the estimates of reserves herein. The proved, probable and possible reserves included herein were determined in conformance with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting; Final Rule, including all references to Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K, referred to herein collectively as the “SEC Regulations.” In our opinion, the proved, probable and possible reserves presented in this report comply with the definitions, guidelines and disclosure requirements as required by the SEC regulations.
Future Production Rates
For the producing wells included herein, our forecasts of future production rates and decline trends are based on the historical performance data of each well. If no production decline trend has been established, future decline trends were based on analogy to older, more established wells.
The initial performance of analogous wells was used to estimate the anticipated initial production rates for those wells or locations that are not currently producing. For reserves not yet on production, sales were estimated to commence at an anticipated date furnished by BKV. Wells or locations that are not currently producing may start producing earlier or later than anticipated in our estimates due to unforeseen factors causing a change in the timing to initiate production. Such factors may include delays due to weather, the availability of rigs, the sequence of drilling, well completions, and/or constraints set by regulatory bodies.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters
December 19, 2023
Page 10
The future production rates from wells currently on production or wells or locations that are not currently producing may be more or less than estimated because of changes including, but not limited to, reservoir performance, operating conditions related to surface facilities, compression and artificial lift, pipeline capacity and/or operating conditions, producing market demand and/or allowables or other constraints set by regulatory bodies.
Hydrocarbon Prices
The hydrocarbon prices used herein are based on SEC price parameters using the average prices during the 12-month period prior to the “as of date” of this report, determined as the unweighted arithmetic averages of the prices in effect on the first-day-of-the-month for each month within such period.
We furnished BKV with the above mentioned average benchmark prices in effect on December 31, 2023. These initial SEC hydrocarbon prices were determined using the 12-month average first-day-of-the-month benchmark prices appropriate to the geographic area where the hydrocarbons are sold. These benchmark prices are prior to the adjustments for differentials as described herein. The table below summarizes the “benchmark prices” and “price reference” used for the geographic area included in the report.
The product prices that were actually used to determine the future gross revenue for each property reflect adjustments to the benchmark prices for gravity, quality, local conditions, certain gas firm transportation fees, certain NGL fractionation and transportation fees, and/or distance from market, referred to herein as “differentials.” The differentials used in the preparation of this report were furnished to us by BKV. The differentials furnished by BKV were reviewed by us for their reasonableness using information furnished by BKV for this purpose.
In addition, the table below summarizes the net volume weighted benchmark prices adjusted for differentials and referred to herein as the “average realized prices.” The average realized prices shown in the table below were determined from the total future gross revenue before production taxes and the total net reserves by reserves category for the geographic area and presented in accordance with SEC disclosure requirements for the geographic area included in the report.
| Geographic Area | Product | Price Reference |
Average
Benchmark Prices |
Average Proved Realized Prices |
Average
Probable Realized Prices |
Average Possible Realized Prices |
| North America | ||||||
| United States | Oil/Condensate | WTI Cushing | $78.22/bbl | $70.80/bbl | $70.61/bbl | $70.61/bbl |
| NGLs | WTI Cushing | $78.22/bbl | $18.40/bbl | $18.44/bbl | $18.44/bbl | |
| Gas | Henry Hub | $2.637/MMBTU | $2.09/Mcf | $2.15/Mcf | $2.07/Mcf |
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters
December 19, 2023
Page 11
The effects of derivative instruments designated as price hedges of oil and gas quantities are not reflected in our individual property evaluations.
Costs
Operating costs for the leases and wells in this report were furnished by BKV and are based on the operating expense reports of BKV and include only those costs directly applicable to the leases or wells. Certain gas gathering and transportation costs were included as operating expenses. The operating costs furnished by BKV were reviewed by us for their reasonableness using information furnished by BKV for this purpose. No deduction was made for loan repayments, interest expenses, or exploration and development prepayments that were not charged directly to the leases or wells.
Development costs were furnished to us by BKV and are based on authorizations for expenditure for the proposed work or actual costs for similar projects. The development costs furnished to us were accepted as factual data and reviewed by us for their reasonableness using information furnished by BKV for this purpose.
The estimated net cost of abandonment after salvage was included for properties where certain abandonment costs net of salvage were provided by BKV, and which they requested be included in our report. The estimates of the net abandonment costs furnished by BKV were accepted without independent verification. We have made no inspections to determine if any other abandonment, decommissioning, and /or restoration costs may be necessary, in addition to the costs provided by BKV and included herein.
The proved, probable, and possible developed non-producing and undeveloped reserves in this report have been incorporated herein in accordance with BKV’s plans to develop these reserves as of December 31, 2023. The implementation of BKV’s development plans as presented to us and incorporated herein is subject to the approval process adopted by BKV’s management. As the result of our inquiries during the course of preparing this report, BKV has informed us that the development activities included herein have been subjected to and received the internal approvals required by BKV’s management at the appropriate local, regional and/or corporate level. In addition to the internal approvals as noted, certain development activities may still be subject to specific partner AFE processes, Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) requirements or other administrative approvals external to BKV. BKV has provided written documentation supporting their commitment to proceed with the development activities as presented to us. Additionally, BKV has informed us that they are not aware of any legal, regulatory, or political obstacles that would significantly alter their plans. While these plans could change from those under existing economic conditions as of December 31, 2023, such changes were, in accordance with rules adopted by the SEC, omitted from consideration in making this evaluation.
Current costs used by BKV were held constant throughout the life of the properties.
Standards of Independence and Professional Qualification
Ryder Scott is an independent petroleum engineering consulting firm that has been providing petroleum consulting services throughout the world since 1937. Ryder Scott is employee-owned and maintains offices in Houston, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We have approximately eighty engineers and geoscientists on our permanent staff. By virtue of the size of our firm and the large number of clients for which we provide services, no single client or job represents a material portion of our annual revenue. We do not serve as officers or directors of any privately-owned or publicly-traded oil and gas company and are separate and independent from the operating and investment decision-making process of our clients. This allows us to bring the highest level of independence and objectivity to each engagement for our services.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters
December 19, 2023
Page 12
Ryder Scott actively participates in industry-related professional societies and organizes an annual public forum focused on the subject of reserves evaluations and SEC regulations. Many of our staff have authored or co-authored technical papers on the subject of reserves related topics. We encourage our staff to maintain and enhance their professional skills by actively participating in ongoing continuing education.
Prior to becoming an officer of the Company, Ryder Scott requires that staff engineers and geoscientists receive professional accreditation in the form of a registered or certified professional engineer’s license or a registered or certified professional geoscientist’s license, or the equivalent thereof, from an appropriate governmental authority or a recognized self-regulating professional organization. Regulating agencies require that, in order to maintain active status, a certain amount of continuing education hours be completed annually, including an hour of ethics training. Ryder Scott fully supports this technical and ethics training with our internal requirement mentioned above.
We are independent petroleum engineers with respect to BKV. Neither we nor any of our employees have any financial interest in the subject properties and neither the employment to do this work nor the compensation is contingent on our estimates of reserves for the properties which were reviewed.
The results of this study, presented herein, are based on technical analyses conducted by teams of geoscientists and engineers from Ryder Scott. The professional qualifications of the undersigned, the technical person primarily responsible for overseeing the evaluation of the reserves information discussed in this report, are included as an attachment to this letter.
Terms of Usage
The results of our third party study, presented in report form herein, were prepared in accordance with the disclosure requirements set forth in the SEC regulations and intended for public disclosure as an exhibit in filings made with the SEC by BKV.
For filings made with the SEC under the 1933 securities Act, we have provided our written consent for the references to our name as well as to the references to our third party report in the registration statement on Form S-1 by BKV. Our consent for such use is included as a separate exhibit to the filings made with the SEC by BKV.
We have provided BKV with a digital version of the original signed copy of this report letter. In the event there are any differences between the digital version included in filings made by BKV and the original signed report letter, the original signed report letter shall control and supersede the digital version.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters
December 19, 2023
Page 13
The data and work papers used in the preparation of this report are available for examination by authorized parties in our offices. Please contact us if we can be of further service.
| Very truly yours, | ||
| RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, L.P. | ||
| TBPELS Firm Registration No. F-1580 | ||
| /s/ Stephen E. Gardner, P.E. | ||
| SEG (FWZ)/pl | Stephen E. Gardner, P.E. Colorado License No. 44720 Managing Senior Vice President |
|
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
Professional Qualifications of Primary Technical Person
The conclusions presented in this report are the result of technical analysis conducted by teams of geoscientists and engineers from Ryder Scott Company, L.P. Mr. Stephen E. Gardner is the primary technical person responsible for the estimate of the reserves, future production and income.
Mr. Gardner, an employee of Ryder Scott Company, L.P. (Ryder Scott) since 2006, is a Managing Senior Vice President responsible for ongoing reservoir evaluation studies worldwide. Before joining Ryder Scott, Mr. Gardner served in a number of engineering positions with Exxon Mobil Corporation. For more information regarding Mr. Gardner’s geographic and job specific experience, please refer to the Ryder Scott Company website at https://ryderscott.com/employees/denver-employees.
Mr. Gardner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University in 2001 (summa cum laude). He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the States of Colorado and Texas. Mr. Gardner is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and a former chairperson of the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers for the Denver Chapter. He also currently serves on the latter organization’s board of directors at the international level.
In addition to gaining experience and competency through prior work experience, the Texas Board of Professional Engineers requires a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education annually, including at least one hour in the area of professional ethics, which Mr. Gardner fulfills. As part of his 2022 continuing education hours, Mr. Gardner participated in the annual Ryder Scott Reserves Conference, which covered a variety of reserves topics including analysis techniques for unconventional reservoirs, ESG issues, reserves definitions and guidelines, SEC comment letter trends, and others. In addition, Mr. Gardner attended the annual SPEE meeting held in Napa Valley, California as well as participated in various local SPEE and SIPES technical seminars and other internal company training courses throughout the year covering topics such as reserves evaluation methods and evaluation software, ethics, SEC perspectives and other regulatory issues, geothermal energy, SRMS, and more.
Based on his educational background, professional training and more than 17 years of practical experience in the estimation and evaluation of petroleum reserves, Mr. Gardner has attained the professional qualifications as a Reserves Estimator set forth in Article III of the “Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information” promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers as of June 2019.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
PETROLEUM RESERVES DEFINITIONS
As Adapted From:
RULE 4-10(a) of REGULATION S-X PART 210
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC)
PREAMBLE
On January 14, 2009, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published the “Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting; Final Rule” in the Federal Register of National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The “Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting; Final Rule” includes revisions and additions to the definition section in Rule 4-10 of Regulation S-X, revisions and additions to the oil and gas reporting requirements in Regulation S-K, and amends and codifies Industry Guide 2 in Regulation S-K. The “Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting; Final Rule”, including all references to Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K, shall be referred to herein collectively as the “SEC regulations”. The SEC regulations take effect for all filings made with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission as of December 31, 2009, or after January 1, 2010. Reference should be made to the full text under Title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, Regulation S-X Part 210, Rule 4-10(a) for the complete definitions (direct passages excerpted in part or wholly from the aforementioned SEC document are denoted in italics herein).
Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations. All reserve estimates involve an assessment of the uncertainty relating the likelihood that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the estimated quantities determined as of the date the estimate is made. The uncertainty depends chiefly on the amount of reliable geologic and engineering data available at the time of the estimate and the interpretation of these data. The relative degree of uncertainty may be conveyed by placing reserves into one of two principal classifications, either proved or unproved. Unproved reserves are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves and may be further sub-classified as probable and possible reserves to denote progressively increasing uncertainty in their recoverability. Under the SEC regulations as of December 31, 2009, or after January 1, 2010, a company may optionally disclose estimated quantities of probable or possible oil and gas reserves in documents publicly filed with the SEC. The SEC regulations continue to prohibit disclosure of estimates of oil and gas resources other than reserves and any estimated values of such resources in any document publicly filed with the SEC unless such information is required to be disclosed in the document by foreign or state law as noted in §229.1202 Instruction to Item 1202.
Reserves estimates will generally be revised only as additional geologic or engineering data become available or as economic conditions change.
Reserves may be attributed to either natural energy or improved recovery methods. Improved recovery methods include all methods for supplementing natural energy or altering natural forces in the reservoir to increase ultimate recovery. Examples of such methods are pressure maintenance, natural gas cycling, waterflooding, thermal methods, chemical flooding, and the use of miscible and immiscible displacement fluids. Other improved recovery methods may be developed in the future as petroleum technology continues to evolve.
Reserves may be attributed to either conventional or unconventional petroleum accumulations. Petroleum accumulations are considered as either conventional or unconventional based on the nature of their in-place characteristics, extraction method applied, or degree of processing prior to sale. Examples of unconventional petroleum accumulations include coalbed or coalseam methane (CBM/CSM), basin-centered gas, shale gas, gas hydrates, natural bitumen and oil shale deposits. These unconventional accumulations may require specialized extraction technology and/or significant processing prior to sale.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
PETROLEUM RESERVES DEFINITIONS
Page 2
Reserves do not include quantities of petroleum being held in inventory.
Because of the differences in uncertainty, caution should be exercised when aggregating quantities of petroleum from different reserves categories.
RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)
Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(26) defines reserves as follows:
Reserves. Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations. In addition, there must exist, or there must be a reasonable expectation that there will exist, the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in the production, installed means of delivering oil and gas or related substances to market, and all permits and financing required to implement the project.
Note to paragraph (a)(26): Reserves should not be assigned to adjacent reservoirs isolated by major, potentially sealing, faults until those reservoirs are penetrated and evaluated as economically producible. Reserves should not be assigned to areas that are clearly separated from a known accumulation by a non-productive reservoir (i.e., absence of reservoir, structurally low reservoir, or negative test results). Such areas may contain prospective resources (i.e., potentially recoverable resources from undiscovered accumulations).
PROVED RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)
Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(22) defines proved oil and gas reserves as follows:
Proved oil and gas reserves. Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.
(i) The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes:
(A) The area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts, if any, and
(B) Adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
PETROLEUM RESERVES DEFINITIONS
Page 3
(ii) In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (LKH) as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower contact with reasonable certainty.
(iii) Where direct observation from well penetrations has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher contact with reasonable certainty.
(iv) Reserves which can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when:
(A) Successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based; and
(B) The project has been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.
(v) Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined. The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.
PROBABLE RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)
Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(18) defines probable oil and gas reserves as follows:
Probable reserves. Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.
(i) When deterministic methods are used, it is as likely as not that actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of estimated proved plus probable reserves. When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 50% probability that the actual quantities recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable reserves estimates.
(ii) Probable reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to proved reserves where data control or interpretations of available data are less certain, even if the interpreted reservoir continuity of structure or productivity does not meet the reasonable certainty criterion.
Probable reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.
(iii) Probable reserves estimates also include potential incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than assumed for proved reserves.
(iv) See also guidelines in paragraphs (a)(17)(iv) and (a)(17)(vi) of this section.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
PETROLEUM RESERVES DEFINITIONS
Page 4
POSSIBLE RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)
Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(17) defines possible oil and gas reserves as follows:
Possible reserves. Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves.
(i) When deterministic methods are used, the total quantities ultimately recovered from a project have a low probability of exceeding proved plus probable plus possible reserves. When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 10% probability that the total quantities ultimately recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates.
(ii) Possible reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to probable reserves where data control and interpretations of available data are progressively less certain. Frequently, this will be in areas where geoscience and engineering data are unable to define clearly the area and vertical limits of commercial production from the reservoir by a defined project.
(iii) Possible reserves also include incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than the recovery quantities assumed for probable reserves.
(iv) The proved plus probable and proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates must be based on reasonable alternative technical and commercial interpretations within the reservoir or subject project that are clearly documented, including comparisons to results in successful similar projects.
(v) Possible reserves may be assigned where geoscience and engineering data identify directly adjacent portions of a reservoir within the same accumulation that may be separated from proved areas by faults with displacement less than formation thickness or other geological discontinuities and that have not been penetrated by a wellbore, and the registrant believes that such adjacent portions are in communication with the known (proved) reservoir. Possible reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher or lower than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.
(vi) Pursuant to paragraph (a)(22)(iii) of this section, where direct observation has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves should be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir above the HKO only if the higher contact can be established with reasonable certainty through reliable technology. Portions of the reservoir that do not meet this reasonable certainty criterion may be assigned as probable and possible oil or gas based on reservoir fluid properties and pressure gradient interpretations.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
PETROLEUM RESERVES STATUS DEFINITIONS AND GUIDELINES
As Adapted From:
RULE 4-10(a) of REGULATION S-X PART 210
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC)
and
2018 PETROLEUM RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SPE-PRMS)
Sponsored and Approved by:
SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS (SPE)
WORLD PETROLEUM COUNCIL (WPC)
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGISTS (AAPG)
SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM EVALUATION ENGINEERS (SPEE)
SOCIETY OF EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICISTS (SEG)
SOCIETY OF PETROPHYSICISTS AND WELL LOG ANALYSTS (SPWLA)
EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF GEOSCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS (EAGE)
Reserves status categories define the development and producing status of wells and reservoirs. Reference should be made to Title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, Regulation S-X Part 210, Rule 4-10(a) and the SPE-PRMS as the following reserves status definitions are based on excerpts from the original documents (direct passages excerpted from the aforementioned SEC and SPE-PRMS documents are denoted in italics herein).
DEVELOPED RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)
Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(6) defines developed oil and gas reserves as follows:
Developed oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that can be expected to be recovered:
(i) Through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods or in which the cost of the required equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well; and
(ii) Through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well.
Developed Producing (SPE-PRMS Definitions)
While not a requirement for disclosure under the SEC regulations, developed oil and gas reserves may be further sub-classified according to the guidance contained in the SPE-PRMS as Producing or Non-Producing.
Developed Producing Reserves
Developed Producing Reserves are expected quantities to be recovered from completion intervals that are open and producing at the effective date of the estimate.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
PETROLEUM RESERVES STATUS DEFINITIONS AND GUIDELINES
Page 2
Improved recovery reserves are considered producing only after the improved recovery project is in operation.
Developed Non-Producing
Developed Non-Producing Reserves include shut-in and behind-pipe Reserves.
Shut-In
Shut-in Reserves are expected to be recovered from:
| (1) | completion intervals that are open at the time of the estimate but which have not yet started producing; |
| (2) | wells which were shut-in for market conditions or pipeline connections; or |
| (3) | wells not capable of production for mechanical reasons. |
Behind-Pipe
Behind-pipe Reserves are expected to be recovered from zones in existing wells that will require additional completion work or future re-completion before start of production with minor cost to access these reserves.
In all cases, production can be initiated or restored with relatively low expenditure compared to the cost of drilling a new well.
UNDEVELOPED RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)
Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(31) defines undeveloped oil and gas reserves as follows:
Undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.
(i) Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those directly offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of economic producibility at greater distances.
(ii) Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, unless the specific circumstances, justify a longer time.
(iii) Under no circumstances shall estimates for undeveloped reserves be attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir, as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, or by other evidence using reliable technology establishing reasonable certainty.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
Exhibit 99.15
BKV CORPORATION
Estimated
Future Reserves and Income
Attributable to Certain
Leasehold and Royalty Interests
SEC Parameters
(NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme)
As of
December 31, 2023
| /s/ Stephen E. Gardner, P.E. | ![]() | |
| Stephen E. Gardner, P.E. Colorado License No. 44720 Managing Senior Vice President RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, L.P. TBPELS Firm Registration No, F-1580 |
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCUSSION
PETROLEUM RESERVES DEFINITIONS
| TABLE NO. | |
| PROPERTY RANKING | A |
| SUMMARY OF GROSS AND NET RESERVE AND INCOME DATA | B |
| SUMMARY OF INITIAL BASIC DATA | C |
| GRAND SUMMARIES | |
| TOTAL PROVED | 1 |
| PROVED PRODUCING | 2 |
| PROVED SHUT-IN | 3 |
| PROVED BEHIND PIPE | 4 |
| PROVED UNDEVELOPED | 5 |
| TOTAL PROBABLE | 6 |
| PROBABLE BEHIND PIPE | 7 |
| PROBABLE UNDEVELOPED | 8 |
| TOTAL POSSIBLE | 9 |
| POSSIBLE BEHIND PIPE | 10 |
| POSSIBLE UNDEVELOPED | 11 |
| BARNETT SUMMARIES | |
| TOTAL PROVED | 12 |
| PROVED PRODUCING | 13 |
| PROVED BEHIND PIPE | 14 |
| PROVED UNDEVELOPED | 15 |
| TOTAL PROBABLE | 16 |
| PROBABLE BEHIND PIPE | 17 |
| PROBABLE UNDEVELOPED | 18 |
| TOTAL POSSIBLE | 19 |
| POSSIBLE BEHIND PIPE | 20 |
| POSSIBLE UNDEVELOPED | 21 |
| NEPA SUMMARIES | |
| TOTAL PROVED | 22 |
| PROVED PRODUCING | 23 |
| PROVED SHUT-IN | 24 |
| PROVED UNDEVELOPED | 25 |
| PROBABLE UNDEVELOPED | 26 |
| POSSIBLE UNDEVELOPED | 27 |
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS - TBPE FIRM LICENSE No. F-1580
![]() |
![]() | ||
| TBPELS REGISTERED ENGINEERING FIRM F-1580 | |||
| 633 17TH STREET SUITE 1700 | DENVER, COLORADO 80202 | TELEPHONE (303) 339-8110 | |
January 2, 2024
BKV Corporation
1200 17th Street, Suite 1850
Denver, CO 80202
Ladies and Gentlemen:
At your request, Ryder Scott Company, L.P. (Ryder Scott) has prepared an estimate of the proved, probable and possible reserves, future production, and income attributable to certain leasehold and royalty interests of BKV Corporation (BKV) as of December 31, 2023. The subject properties are located in the states of Pennsylvania and Texas. The reserves and income data were estimated based on the definitions and disclosure guidelines of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) contained in Title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting, Final Rule released January 14, 2009 in the Federal Register (SEC regulations); except that they were based on varying price and constant cost assumptions provided by BKV. This pricing scenario is considered an “Alternate Pricing Scheme” in accordance with the above referenced Final Rule, Section II, Item B, Paragraph 3. Such forecasts were based on projected escalations or other forward-looking changes to current prices as noted. Our third party study, completed on January 2, 2024 and presented herein was prepared for public disclosure by BKV, as an alternate pricing scheme, in filings made with the SEC in accordance with the disclosure requirements set forth by the SEC regulations. The income data for the reserves volumes were estimated using NYMEX Futures Strip prices as of December 31, 2023.
The properties evaluated by Ryder Scott account for 100 percent of BKV’s total net proved, probable and possible liquid hydrocarbon and gas reserves as of December 31, 2023.
The estimated reserves and future net income amounts presented in this report, as of December 31, 2023 are related to hydrocarbon prices. The hydrocarbon prices used in the preparation of this report are based on varying NYMEX Futures Strip pricing assumptions provided by BKV and are explained in more detail later in this report. As a result of both economic and political forces, there is substantial uncertainty regarding the forecasting of future hydrocarbon prices. Consequently, actual future prices may vary considerably from the prices assumed in this report. The reserves volumes and the income attributable thereto have a direct relationship to the hydrocarbon prices actually received; therefore, volumes of reserves actually recovered and the amounts of income actually received may differ significantly from the estimated quantities presented in this report. The results of this study are summarized as follows.
| 1100 LOUISIANA, SUITE 4600 | HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-5294 | TEL (713) 651-9191 | FAX (713) 651-0849 |
| SUITE 2800, 350 7TH AVENUE, S.W. | CALGARY, ALBERTA T2P 3N9 | TEL (403) 262-2799 |
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters (NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme)
January 2, 2024
Page 2
SEC PARAMETERS (NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme)
Estimated Net Reserves and Income Data
Certain Leasehold and Royalty Interests of
BKV Corporation
As of December 31, 2023
| Proved | ||||||||||||||||
| Developed | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Producing | Non-Producing | Undeveloped | Proved | |||||||||||||
| Net Reserves | ||||||||||||||||
| Oil/Condensate – Mbbl | 808 | 237 | 59 | 1,104 | ||||||||||||
| Plant Products – Mbbl | 134,689 | 29,514 | 30,500 | 194,703 | ||||||||||||
| Gas – MMcf | 2,791,791 | 193,157 | 790,838 | 3,775,786 | ||||||||||||
| MMCFE | 3,604,773 | 371,663 | 974,192 | 4,950,628 | ||||||||||||
| Income Data ($M) | ||||||||||||||||
| Future Gross Revenue | $ | 9,950,018 | $ | 986,815 | $ | 2,790,946 | $ | 13,727,779 | ||||||||
| Deductions | 6,120,763 | 554,591 | 1,593,023 | 8,268,377 | ||||||||||||
| Future Net Income (FNI) | $ | 3,829,255 | $ | 432,224 | $ | 1,197,923 | $ | 5,459,402 | ||||||||
| Discounted FNI @ 10% | $ | 1,929,841 | $ | 85,654 | $ | 334,932 | $ | 2,350,427 | ||||||||
| Probable | ||||||||||||
| Developed | Total | |||||||||||
| Non-Producing | Undeveloped | Probable | ||||||||||
| Net Reserves | ||||||||||||
| Oil/Condensate – Mbbl | 44 | 518 | 562 | |||||||||
| Plant Products – Mbbl | 10,403 | 24,020 | 34,423 | |||||||||
| Gas – MMcf | 179,158 | 609,078 | 788,236 | |||||||||
| MMCFE | 241,840 | 756,306 | 998,146 | |||||||||
| Income Data ($M) | ||||||||||||
| Future Gross Revenue | $ | 676,675 | $ | 2,140,499 | $ | 2,817,174 | ||||||
| Deductions | 381,142 | 1,350,558 | 1,731,700 | |||||||||
| Future Net Income (FNI) | $ | 295,533 | $ | 789,941 | $ | 1,085,474 | ||||||
| Discounted FNI @ 10% | $ | 35,610 | $ | 130,012 | $ | 165,622 | ||||||
| Possible | ||||||||||||
| Developed | Total | |||||||||||
| Non-Producing | Undeveloped | Possible | ||||||||||
| Net Reserves | ||||||||||||
| Oil/Condensate – Mbbl | 8 | 0 | 8 | |||||||||
| Plant Products – Mbbl | 3,823 | 1,021 | 4,844 | |||||||||
| Gas – MMcf | 103,647 | 113,477 | 217,124 | |||||||||
| MMCFE | 126,633 | 119,603 | 246,236 | |||||||||
| Income Data ($M) | ||||||||||||
| Future Gross Revenue | $ | 360,175 | $ | 336,153 | $ | 696,328 | ||||||
| Deductions | 208,365 | 220,977 | 429,342 | |||||||||
| Future Net Income (FNI) | $ | 151,810 | $ | 115,176 | $ | 266,986 | ||||||
| Discounted FNI @ 10% | $ | 14,083 | $ | 16,978 | $ | 31,061 | ||||||
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters (NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme)
January 2, 2024
Page 3
PERCENTAGE OF PROVED RESERVES PER HYDROCARBON PHASE
| OPERATED | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated Total Proved | % | % Natural | Average Annual PDP Decline | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Region | Reserves (MMCFE) | Natural Gas | Gas Liquids | % Oil | Five Year | Ten Year | ||||||||||||||||||
| Barnett | 4,233,889 | 72.5 | % | 27.3 | % | 0.2 | % | 7 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||
| NEPA | 500,525 | 100.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 10 | % | 9 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total | 4,734,414 | 75.4 | % | 24.5 | % | 0.1 | % | 7 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||
| NON OPERATED |
December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated Total Proved |
% | % Natural |
Average
Annual PDP Decline |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Region |
Reserves (MMCFE) |
Natural Gas |
Gas Liquids |
% Oil |
Five Year |
Ten
Year |
||||||||||||||||||
| Barnett | 57,350 | 80.1 | % | 19.5 | % | 0.4 | % | 9 | % | 8 | % | |||||||||||||
| NEPA | 158,864 | 100.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 9 | % | 8 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total | 216,214 | 94.7 | % | 5.2 | % | 0.1 | % | 9 | % | 8 | % | |||||||||||||
| TOTAL COMPANY |
December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated Total Proved |
% | % Natural |
Average
Annual PDP Decline |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Region |
Reserves (MMCFE) |
Natural Gas |
Gas Liquids |
% Oil |
Five Year |
Ten
Year |
||||||||||||||||||
| Barnett | 4,291,239 | 72.6 | % | 27.2 | % | 0.2 | % | 7 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||
| NEPA | 659,389 | 100.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 10 | % | 8 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total | 4,950,628 | 76.3 | % | 23.6 | % | 0.1 | % | 7 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters (NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme)
January 2, 2024
Page 4
PERCENTAGE OF PROBABLE RESERVES PER HYDROCARBON PHASE
| OPERATED | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Estimated Total Probable |
% | % Natural |
||||||||||||||
| Operating Region |
Reserves (MMCFE) |
Natural Gas |
Gas Liquids |
% Oil |
||||||||||||
| Barnett | 860,122 | 75.6 | % | 24.0 | % | 0.4 | % | |||||||||
| NEPA | 138,024 | 100.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total | 998,146 | 79.0 | % | 20.7 | % | 0.3 | % | |||||||||
| NON OPERATED |
December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Estimated Total Probable |
% | % Natural |
||||||||||||||
| Operating Region |
Reserves (MMCFE) |
Natural Gas |
Gas Liquids |
% Oil |
||||||||||||
| Barnett | 0 | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| NEPA | 0 | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total | 0 | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| TOTAL
COMPANY |
December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Estimated Total Probable |
% | % Natural |
||||||||||||||
| Operating Region |
Reserves (MMCFE) |
Natural Gas |
Gas Liquids |
% Oil |
||||||||||||
| Barnett | 860,122 | 75.6 | % | 24.0 | % | 0.4 | % | |||||||||
| NEPA | 138,024 | 100.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total | 998,146 | 79.0 | % | 20.7 | % | 0.3 | % | |||||||||
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters (NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme)
January 2, 2024
Page 5
PERCENTAGE OF POSSIBLE RESERVES PER HYDROCARBON PHASE
| OPERATED | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Estimated Total Possible |
% | % Natural |
||||||||||||||
| Operating Region |
Reserves (MMCFE) |
Natural Gas |
Gas Liquids |
% Oil |
||||||||||||
| Barnett | 156,434 | 81.4 | % | 18.6 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| NEPA | 63,920 | 100.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total | 220,354 | 86.8 | % | 13.2 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| NON OPERATED |
December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Estimated Total Possible |
% | % Natural |
||||||||||||||
| Operating Region |
Reserves (MMCFE) |
Natural Gas |
Gas Liquids |
% Oil |
||||||||||||
| Barnett | 0 | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| NEPA | 25,882 | 100.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total | 25,882 | 100.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| TOTAL COMPANY |
December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Estimated Total Possible |
% | % Natural |
||||||||||||||
| Operating Region |
Reserves (MMCFE) |
Natural Gas |
Gas Liquids |
% Oil |
||||||||||||
| Barnett | 156,434 | 81.4 | % | 18.6 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| NEPA | 89,802 | 100.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total | 246,236 | 88.2 | % | 11.8 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
Liquid hydrocarbons are expressed in standard 42 U.S. gallon barrels and shown herein as thousands of barrels (Mbbl). All gas volumes are expressed in millions of cubic feet (MMcf) at the official temperature and pressure bases of the areas in which the gas volumes are located. All gas reserves volumes are reported on an “as sold” basis. In this report, the revenues, deductions, and income data are expressed as thousands of U.S. dollars ($M). The net reserves volumes are also shown herein on an equivalent unit basis wherein hydrocarbon liquid is converted to natural gas equivalent using a factor of 1 barrel of liquid per 6,000 cubic feet of natural gas equivalent. MMCFE means million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent.
The estimates of the reserves, future production, and income attributable to properties in this report were prepared using the economic software package ARIESTM Petroleum Economics and Reserves Software, a copyrighted program of Halliburton. The program was used at the request of BKV. Ryder Scott has found this program to be generally acceptable, but notes that certain summaries and calculations may vary due to rounding and may not exactly match the sum of the properties being summarized. Furthermore, one line economic summaries may vary slightly from the more detailed cash flow projections of the same properties, also due to rounding. The rounding differences are not material.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters (NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme)
January 2, 2024
Page 6
The future gross revenue is after the deduction of production taxes. The deductions incorporate the normal direct costs of operating the wells, ad valorem taxes (including the Pennsylvania Impact Fee), development costs, and certain abandonment costs net of salvage. The future net income is before the deduction of state and federal income taxes and general administrative overhead, and has not been adjusted for outstanding loans that may exist nor does it include any adjustment for cash on hand or undistributed income.
Gas reserves account for approximately 81 percent and liquid hydrocarbon reserves account for the remaining 19 percent of total future gross revenue from proved reserves. Gas reserves account for approximately 83 percent and liquid hydrocarbon reserves account for the remaining 17 percent of total future gross revenue from probable reserves. Gas reserves account for approximately 91 percent and liquid hydrocarbon reserves account for the remaining 9 percent of total future gross revenue from possible reserves.
The discounted future net income shown above was calculated using a discount rate of 10 percent per annum compounded monthly. Future net income was discounted at four other discount rates which were also compounded monthly. These results are shown in summary form as follows.
| Discounted Future Net Income ($M) | |||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Discount Rate | Total | Total | Total | ||||||||||
| Percent | Proved | Probable | Possible | ||||||||||
| 8 | $ | 2,681,816 | $ | 236,185 | $ | 46,490 | |||||||
| 12 | $ | 2,084,259 | $ | 115,094 | $ | 20,714 | |||||||
| 15 | $ | 1,771,666 | $ | 63,545 | $ | 10,997 | |||||||
| 20 | $ | 1,401,416 | $ | 14,973 | $ | 2,996 | |||||||
The results shown above are presented for your information and should not be construed as our estimate of fair market value.
Reserves Included in This Report
The proved, probable and possible reserves included herein conform to the definitions as set forth in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulations Part 210.4-10(a), except that they are based on price parameters which allow for future changes in current economic conditions as discussed in other sections of this report, whereas the definition approved by the SEC assumes constant price parameters using the average prices during the 12-month period prior to the “as of date” of this report, determined as the unweighted arithmetic averages of the prices in effect on the first-day-of-the-month for each month within such period, unless prices were defined by contractual arrangements. An abridged version of the SEC reserves definitions from 210.4-10(a) entitled “PETROLEUM RESERVES DEFINITIONS” is included as an attachment to this report.
The various reserves status categories are defined in the attachment entitled “PETROLEUM RESERVES STATUS DEFINITIONS AND GUIDELINES” in this report. The proved, probable and possible developed non-producing reserves included herein consist of the behind pipe status category.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters (NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme)
January 2, 2024
Page 7
No attempt was made to quantify or otherwise account for any accumulated gas production imbalances that may exist. The proved, probable and possible gas volumes presented herein do not include volumes of gas consumed in operations as reserves.
Reserves are “estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations.” All reserves estimates involve an assessment of the uncertainty relating the likelihood that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the estimated quantities determined as of the date the estimate is made. The uncertainty depends primarily on the amount of reliable geologic and engineering data available at the time of the estimate and the interpretation of these data. The relative degree of uncertainty may be conveyed by placing reserves into one of two principal categories, either proved or unproved. Unproved reserves are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves and may be further sub-categorized as probable and possible reserves to denote progressively increasing uncertainty in their recoverability. At BKV’s request, this report addresses the proved, probable and possible reserves attributable to the properties evaluated herein.
Proved oil and gas reserves are “those quantities of oil and gas which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward.” The SEC has defined reasonable certainty for proved reserves, when based on deterministic methods, as a “high degree of confidence that the quantities will be recovered.” Probable reserves are “those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.” Possible reserves are “those additional reserves which are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves” and thus the probability of achieving or exceeding the proved plus probable plus possible reserves is low.
The reserves included herein were estimated using deterministic methods and are presented as incremental quantities. Under the deterministic incremental approach, discrete quantities of reserves are estimated and assigned separately as proved, probable or possible based on their individual level of uncertainty. Because of the differences in uncertainty, caution should be exercised when aggregating quantities of oil and gas from different reserves categories. Furthermore, the reserves and income quantities attributable to the different reserves categories that are included herein have not been adjusted to reflect these varying degrees of uncertainty associated with them and thus are not comparable.
Reserves estimates will generally be revised only as additional geologic or engineering data become available or as economic conditions change. For proved reserves, the SEC states that “as changes due to increased availability of geoscience (geological, geophysical, and geochemical), engineering, and economic data are made to the estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) with time, reasonably certain EUR is much more likely to increase or remain constant than to decrease.” Moreover, estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves may be revised as a result of future operations, effects of regulation by governmental agencies or geopolitical or economic risks. Therefore, the proved, probable and possible reserves included in this report are estimates only and should not be construed as being exact quantities, and if recovered, the revenues therefrom, and the actual costs related thereto, could be more or less than the estimated amounts.
It should be noted that the estimated quantities of reserves presented in this report, which were based on NYMEX Futures Strip prices and constant current cost assumptions, may differ from the quantities of reserves which would be estimated using the price parameters prescribed by the SEC guidelines.
BKV’s operations may be subject to various levels of governmental controls and regulations. These controls and regulations may include, but may not be limited to, matters relating to land tenure and leasing, the legal rights to produce hydrocarbons, drilling and production practices, environmental protection, marketing and pricing policies, royalties, various taxes and levies including income tax and are subject to change from time to time. Such changes in governmental regulations and policies may cause volumes of reserves actually recovered and amounts of income actually received to differ significantly from the estimated quantities.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters (NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme)
January 2, 2024
Page 8
The estimates of reserves presented herein were based upon a detailed study of the properties in which BKV owns an interest; however, we have not made any field examination of the properties. No consideration was given in this report to potential environmental liabilities that may exist nor were any costs included for potential liabilities to restore and clean up damages, if any, caused by past operating practices.
Estimates of Reserves
The estimation of reserves involves two distinct determinations. The first determination results in the estimation of the quantities of recoverable oil and gas and the second determination results in the estimation of the uncertainty associated with those estimated quantities in accordance with the definitions set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulations Part 210.4-10(a). The process of estimating the quantities of recoverable oil and gas reserves relies on the use of certain generally accepted analytical procedures. These analytical procedures fall into three broad categories or methods: (1) performance-based methods, (2) volumetric-based methods and (3) analogy. These methods may be used individually or in combination by the reserves evaluator in the process of estimating the quantities of reserves. Reserves evaluators must select the method or combination of methods which in their professional judgment is most appropriate given the nature and amount of reliable geoscience and engineering data available at the time of the estimate, the established or anticipated performance characteristics of the reservoir being evaluated, and the stage of development or producing maturity of the property.
In many cases, the analysis of the available geoscience and engineering data and the subsequent interpretation of this data may indicate a range of possible outcomes in an estimate, irrespective of the method selected by the evaluator. When a range in the quantity of reserves is identified, the evaluator must determine the uncertainty associated with the incremental quantities of the reserves. If the reserves quantities are estimated using the deterministic incremental approach, the uncertainty for each discrete incremental quantity of the reserves is addressed by the reserves category assigned by the evaluator. Therefore, it is the categorization of reserves quantities as proved, probable and/or possible that addresses the inherent uncertainty in the estimated quantities reported. For proved reserves, uncertainty is defined by the SEC as reasonable certainty wherein the “quantities actually recovered are much more likely to be achieved than not.” The SEC states that “probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.” The SEC states that “possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves and the total quantities ultimately recovered from a project have a low probability of exceeding proved plus probable plus possible reserves.” All quantities of reserves within the same reserves category must meet the SEC definitions as noted above.
Estimates of reserves quantities and their associated reserves categories may be revised in the future as additional geoscience or engineering data become available. Furthermore, estimates of reserves quantities and their associated reserves categories may also be revised due to other factors such as changes in economic conditions, results of future operations, effects of regulation by governmental agencies or geopolitical or economic risks as previously noted herein.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters (NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme)
January 2, 2024
Page 9
The reserves for the properties included herein were estimated by performance methods or analogy. In general, the proved reserves attributable to producing wells and/or reservoirs were estimated by decline curve analysis, a performance method which utilized extrapolations of historical production and pressure data ending between August and October 2023, depending on the availability of data for a given case and in those cases where such data were considered to be definitive. For certain early-life cases, where there were inadequate historical performance data to establish a definitive trend and where the use of production performance data as a basis for the estimates was considered to be inappropriate, producing reserves were estimated by analogy. The data utilized in our analysis were furnished to Ryder Scott by BKV or obtained from public data sources and were considered sufficient for the purpose thereof.
All of the proved, probable, and possible developed non-producing as well as all of the proved, probable, and possible undeveloped reserves included herein were estimated by analogy. The data utilized from the analogues were furnished to Ryder Scott by BKV or obtained from public data sources and were considered sufficient for the purpose thereof.
To estimate economically producible proved, probable and possible oil and gas reserves and related future net cash flows, we consider many factors and assumptions including, but not limited to, the use of reservoir parameters derived from geological, geophysical and engineering data which cannot be measured directly, economic criteria based on current costs and the pricing assumptions provided to us, and forecasts of future production rates. Under the SEC regulations 210.4-10(a)(22)(v) and (26), proved, probable and possible reserves must be anticipated to be economically producible from a given date forward based on existing economic conditions including the prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined; which for this report, as stated previously, are based on pricing and cost parameters provided by and requested to be used by BKV.
BKV has informed us that they have furnished us all of the material accounts, records, geological and engineering data, and reports and other data required for this investigation. In preparing our forecast of future proved, probable and possible production and income, we have relied upon data furnished by BKV with respect to property interests owned, production and well tests from examined wells, normal direct costs of operating the wells or leases, other costs such as transportation and/or processing fees, ad valorem taxes (including the Pennsylvania Impact Fee), production taxes, development costs, development plans, abandonment costs after salvage, product price assumptions, adjustments or differentials to product prices, and base maps. Ryder Scott reviewed such factual data for its reasonableness; however, we have not conducted an independent verification of the data furnished by BKV. We consider the factual data used in this report appropriate and sufficient for the purpose of preparing the estimates of reserves and future net revenues herein.
In summary, we consider the assumptions, data, methods and analytical procedures used in this report appropriate for the purpose hereof, and we have used all such methods and procedures that we consider necessary and appropriate to prepare the estimates of reserves herein. The proved, probable and possible reserves included herein were determined in conformance with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting; Final Rule, including all references to Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K, referred to herein collectively as the “SEC Regulations.” In our opinion, the proved, probable and possible reserves presented in this report comply with the definitions, guidelines and disclosure requirements as required by the SEC regulations and are included as a price sensitivity case as allowed by SEC regulations.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters (NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme)
January 2, 2024
Page 10
Future Production Rates
For the producing wells included herein, our forecasts of future production rates and decline trends are based on the historical performance data of each well. If no production decline trend has been established, future decline trends were based on analogy to older, more established wells.
The initial performance of analogous wells was used to estimate the anticipated initial production rates for those wells or locations that are not currently producing. For reserves not yet on production, sales were estimated to commence at an anticipated date furnished by BKV. Wells or locations that are not currently producing may start producing earlier or later than anticipated in our estimates due to unforeseen factors causing a change in the timing to initiate production. Such factors may include delays due to weather, the availability of rigs, the sequence of drilling, well completions, and/or constraints set by regulatory bodies.
The future production rates from wells currently on production or wells or locations that are not currently producing may be more or less than estimated because of changes including, but not limited to, reservoir performance, operating conditions related to surface facilities, compression and artificial lift, pipeline capacity and/or operating conditions, producing market demand and/or allowables or other constraints set by regulatory bodies.
Hydrocarbon Prices
The forecast hydrocarbon price parameters used in this report, based on NYMEX Futures Strip prices, were specified by BKV and are noted below. Estimates of future price parameters have been revised in the past because of changes in governmental policies, changes in hydrocarbon supply and demand, and variations in general economic conditions. The price parameters used in this report may be revised in the future for similar reasons. Gas prices may be subject to seasonal variations and other factors and may lead to periodic curtailments by both buyers and sellers.
BKV furnished us with the forecast of the average benchmark prices assumed to be in effect beginning on December 31, 2023 and throughout the life of the properties.
The product prices that were actually used to determine the future gross revenue for each property reflect adjustments to the benchmark prices for gravity, quality, local conditions, certain gas firm transportation fees, certain NGL fractionation and transportation fees, and/or distance from market, referred to herein as “differentials.” The differentials used in the preparation of this report were furnished to us by BKV. The differentials furnished by BKV were reviewed by us for their reasonableness using information furnished by BKV for this purpose.
In addition, the table below summarizes the annual net volume weighted benchmark prices adjusted for differentials and referred to herein as the “average realized prices.” The average realized prices shown in the table below were determined from the annual total future gross revenue before production taxes and the total net reserves, by reserves category for these properties.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters (NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme)
January 2, 2024
Page 11
| Geographic | AVERAGE BENCHMARK | AVERAGE REALIZED PRICES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Area | PRICES | Proved | Probable | Possible | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United | WTI - | Henry | Plant | Plant | Plant | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| States | Cushing | Hub | Oil/Cond | Products | Gas | Oil/Cond | Products | Gas | Oil/Cond | Products | Gas | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year | $/Bbl | $/MMBtu | $/Bbl | $/Bbl | $/Mcf | $/Bbl | $/Bbl | $/Mcf | $/Bbl | $/Bbl | $/Mcf | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | $ | 71.60 | $ | 2.67 | $ | 64.17 | $ | 16.44 | $ | 2.07 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | $ | 68.32 | $ | 3.49 | $ | 60.89 | $ | 15.48 | $ | 2.91 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | $ | 65.37 | $ | 3.82 | $ | 57.95 | $ | 14.61 | $ | 3.26 | N/A | N/A | $ | 2.89 | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2027 | $ | 63.32 | $ | 3.85 | $ | 55.90 | $ | 14.01 | $ | 3.29 | $ | 55.71 | $ | 14.05 | $ | 3.26 | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2028 | $ | 62.02 | $ | 3.80 | $ | 54.59 | $ | 13.62 | $ | 3.24 | $ | 54.41 | $ | 13.67 | $ | 3.26 | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2029 | $ | 61.28 | $ | 3.70 | $ | 53.86 | $ | 13.40 | $ | 3.14 | $ | 53.67 | $ | 13.45 | $ | 3.15 | N/A | N/A | $ | 2.91 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2030+ | $ | 60.93 | $ | 3.64 | $ | 53.52 | $ | 13.30 | $ | 3.08 | $ | 53.32 | $ | 13.34 | $ | 3.04 | N/A | N/A | $ | 2.88 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Future Average Prices | $ | 55.72 | $ | 13.74 | $ | 3.05 | $ | 53.48 | $ | 13.39 | $ | 3.09 | $ | 53.32 | $ | 13.34 | $ | 3.00 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The effects of derivative instruments designated as price hedges of oil and gas quantities are not reflected in our individual property evaluations.
Costs
Operating costs for the leases and wells in this report were furnished by BKV and are based on the operating expense reports of BKV and include only those costs directly applicable to the leases or wells. Certain gas gathering and transportation costs were included as operating expenses. The operating costs furnished by BKV were reviewed by us for their reasonableness using information furnished by BKV for this purpose. No deduction was made for loan repayments, interest expenses, or exploration and development prepayments that were not charged directly to the leases or wells.
Development costs were furnished to us by BKV and are based on authorizations for expenditure for the proposed work or actual costs for similar projects. The development costs furnished to us were accepted as factual data and reviewed by us for their reasonableness using information furnished by BKV for this purpose.
The estimated net cost of abandonment after salvage was included for properties where certain abandonment costs net of salvage were provided by BKV, and which they requested be included in our report. The estimates of the net abandonment costs furnished by BKV were accepted without independent verification. We have made no inspections to determine if any other abandonment, decommissioning, and /or restoration costs may be necessary, in addition to the costs provided by BKV and included herein.
The proved, probable, and possible developed non-producing and undeveloped reserves in this report have been incorporated herein in accordance with BKV’s plans to develop these reserves as of December 31, 2023. The implementation of BKV’s development plans as presented to us and incorporated herein is subject to the approval process adopted by BKV’s management. As the result of our inquiries during the course of preparing this report, BKV has informed us that the development activities included herein have been subjected to and received the internal approvals required by BKV’s management at the appropriate local, regional and/or corporate level. In addition to the internal approvals as noted, certain development activities may still be subject to specific partner AFE processes, Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) requirements or other administrative approvals external to BKV. BKV has provided written documentation supporting their commitment to proceed with the development activities as presented to us. Additionally, BKV has informed us that they are not aware of any legal, regulatory, or political obstacles that would significantly alter their plans.
Current costs used by BKV were held constant throughout the life of the properties.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters (NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme)
January 2, 2024
Page 12
Standards of Independence and Professional Qualification
Ryder Scott is an independent petroleum engineering consulting firm that has been providing petroleum consulting services throughout the world since 1937. Ryder Scott is employee-owned and maintains offices in Houston, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We have approximately eighty engineers and geoscientists on our permanent staff. By virtue of the size of our firm and the large number of clients for which we provide services, no single client or job represents a material portion of our annual revenue. We do not serve as officers or directors of any privately-owned or publicly-traded oil and gas company and are separate and independent from the operating and investment decision-making process of our clients. This allows us to bring the highest level of independence and objectivity to each engagement for our services.
Ryder Scott actively participates in industry-related professional societies and organizes an annual public forum focused on the subject of reserves evaluations and SEC regulations. Many of our staff have authored or co-authored technical papers on the subject of reserves related topics. We encourage our staff to maintain and enhance their professional skills by actively participating in ongoing continuing education.
Prior to becoming an officer of the Company, Ryder Scott requires that staff engineers and geoscientists receive professional accreditation in the form of a registered or certified professional engineer’s license or a registered or certified professional geoscientist’s license, or the equivalent thereof, from an appropriate governmental authority or a recognized self-regulating professional organization. Regulating agencies require that, in order to maintain active status, a certain amount of continuing education hours be completed annually, including an hour of ethics training. Ryder Scott fully supports this technical and ethics training with our internal requirement mentioned above.
We are independent petroleum engineers with respect to BKV. Neither we nor any of our employees have any financial interest in the subject properties and neither the employment to do this work nor the compensation is contingent on our estimates of reserves for the properties which were reviewed.
The results of this study, presented herein, are based on technical analyses conducted by teams of geoscientists and engineers from Ryder Scott. The professional qualifications of the undersigned, the technical person primarily responsible for overseeing the evaluation of the reserves information discussed in this report, are included as an attachment to this letter.
Terms of Usage
The results of our third party study, presented in report form herein, were prepared in accordance with the disclosure requirements set forth in the SEC regulations and intended for public disclosure as an exhibit in filings made with the SEC by BKV. This report was based on forward looking price forecasts and may be filed as an additional pricing scenario to the SEC constant prices and costs case according to SEC guidelines.
For filings made with the SEC under the 1933 securities Act, we have provided our written consent for the references to our name as well as to the references to our third party report in the registration statement on Form S-1 by BKV. Our consent for such use is included as a separate exhibit to the filings made with the SEC by BKV.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
BKV Corporation – SEC Parameters (NYMEX Alternate Pricing Scheme)
January 2, 2024
Page 13
We have provided BKV with a digital version of the original signed copy of this report letter. In the event there are any differences between the digital version included in filings made by BKV and the original signed report letter, the original signed report letter shall control and supersede the digital version.
The data and work papers used in the preparation of this report are available for examination by authorized parties in our offices. Please contact us if we can be of further service.
| Very truly yours, | ||
| RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, L.P. TBPELS Firm Registration No. F-1580 | ||
| /s/ Stephen E. Gardner, P.E. | ![]() | |
| Stephen E. Gardner, P.E. Colorado License No. 44720 Managing Senior Vice President | ||
SEG (HGA)/pl
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
Professional Qualifications of Primary Technical Person
The conclusions presented in this report are the result of technical analysis conducted by teams of geoscientists and engineers from Ryder Scott Company, L.P. Mr. Stephen E. Gardner is the primary technical person responsible for the estimate of the reserves, future production and income.
Mr. Gardner, an employee of Ryder Scott Company, L.P. (Ryder Scott) since 2006, is a Managing Senior Vice President responsible for ongoing reservoir evaluation studies worldwide, as well as for coordinating and supervising the evaluations of staff and consulting engineers of the company. Mr. Gardner is also a member of Ryder Scott’s Board of Directors. Before joining Ryder Scott, Mr. Gardner served in a number of engineering positions with Exxon Mobil Corporation. For more information regarding Mr. Gardner’s geographic and job specific experience, please refer to the Ryder Scott Company website at https://ryderscott.com/employees/denver-employees.
Mr. Gardner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University in 2001 (summa cum laude). He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the States of Colorado and Texas. Mr. Gardner is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and a former director of the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (SPEE). He currently serves as an officer for SPEE at the international level.
In addition to gaining experience and competency through prior work experience, the Texas Board of Professional Engineers requires a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education annually, including at least one hour in the area of professional ethics, which Mr. Gardner fulfills. As part of his 2023 continuing education hours, Mr. Gardner attended multiple technical conferences, which covered a variety of reserves topics including analysis techniques for unconventional reservoirs, ESG issues, reserves definitions and guidelines, SEC comment letter trends, and others. Mr. Gardner was a featured speaker for geothermal resource evaluation and classification at an SPE technical workshop in August 2023. In addition, Mr. Gardner participated in various local technical seminars and other internal company training courses throughout the year covering topics such as reserves evaluation methods and evaluation software, ethics, M&A trends, regulatory issues, geothermal energy, SRMS, and more.
Based on his educational background, professional training and more than 18 years of practical experience in the estimation and evaluation of petroleum reserves, Mr. Gardner has attained the professional qualifications as a Reserves Estimator set forth in Article III of the “Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information” promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers as of June 2019.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
PETROLEUM RESERVES DEFINITIONS
As Adapted From:
RULE 4-10(a) of REGULATION S-X PART 210
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC)
PREAMBLE
On January 14, 2009, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published the “Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting; Final Rule” in the Federal Register of National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The “Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting; Final Rule” includes revisions and additions to the definition section in Rule 4-10 of Regulation S-X, revisions and additions to the oil and gas reporting requirements in Regulation S-K, and amends and codifies Industry Guide 2 in Regulation S-K. The “Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting; Final Rule”, including all references to Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K, shall be referred to herein collectively as the “SEC regulations”. The SEC regulations take effect for all filings made with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission as of December 31, 2009, or after January 1, 2010. Reference should be made to the full text under Title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, Regulation S-X Part 210, Rule 4-10(a) for the complete definitions (direct passages excerpted in part or wholly from the aforementioned SEC document are denoted in italics herein).
Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations. All reserve estimates involve an assessment of the uncertainty relating the likelihood that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the estimated quantities determined as of the date the estimate is made. The uncertainty depends chiefly on the amount of reliable geologic and engineering data available at the time of the estimate and the interpretation of these data. The relative degree of uncertainty may be conveyed by placing reserves into one of two principal classifications, either proved or unproved. Unproved reserves are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves and may be further sub-classified as probable and possible reserves to denote progressively increasing uncertainty in their recoverability. Under the SEC regulations as of December 31, 2009, or after January 1, 2010, a company may optionally disclose estimated quantities of probable or possible oil and gas reserves in documents publicly filed with the SEC. The SEC regulations continue to prohibit disclosure of estimates of oil and gas resources other than reserves and any estimated values of such resources in any document publicly filed with the SEC unless such information is required to be disclosed in the document by foreign or state law as noted in §229.1202 Instruction to Item 1202.
Reserves estimates will generally be revised only as additional geologic or engineering data become available or as economic conditions change.
Reserves may be attributed to either natural energy or improved recovery methods. Improved recovery methods include all methods for supplementing natural energy or altering natural forces in the reservoir to increase ultimate recovery. Examples of such methods are pressure maintenance, natural gas cycling, waterflooding, thermal methods, chemical flooding, and the use of miscible and immiscible displacement fluids. Other improved recovery methods may be developed in the future as petroleum technology continues to evolve.
Reserves may be attributed to either conventional or unconventional petroleum accumulations. Petroleum accumulations are considered as either conventional or unconventional based on the nature of their in-place characteristics, extraction method applied, or degree of processing prior to sale.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
PETROLEUM RESERVES DEFINITIONS
Page 2
Examples of unconventional petroleum accumulations include coalbed or coalseam methane (CBM/CSM), basin-centered gas, shale gas, gas hydrates, natural bitumen and oil shale deposits. These unconventional accumulations may require specialized extraction technology and/or significant processing prior to sale.
Reserves do not include quantities of petroleum being held in inventory.
Because of the differences in uncertainty, caution should be exercised when aggregating quantities of petroleum from different reserves categories.
RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)
Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(26) defines reserves as follows:
Reserves. Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations. In addition, there must exist, or there must be a reasonable expectation that there will exist, the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in the production, installed means of delivering oil and gas or related substances to market, and all permits and financing required to implement the project.
Note to paragraph (a)(26): Reserves should not be assigned to adjacent reservoirs isolated by major, potentially sealing, faults until those reservoirs are penetrated and evaluated as economically producible. Reserves should not be assigned to areas that are clearly separated from a known accumulation by a non-productive reservoir (i.e., absence of reservoir, structurally low reservoir, or negative test results). Such areas may contain prospective resources (i.e., potentially recoverable resources from undiscovered accumulations).
PROVED RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)
Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(22) defines proved oil and gas reserves as follows:
Proved oil and gas reserves. Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.
| (i) | The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes: |
| (A) | The area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts, if any, and |
(B) Adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
PETROLEUM RESERVES DEFINITIONS
Page 3
(ii) In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (LKH) as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower contact with reasonable certainty.
(iii) Where direct observation from well penetrations has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher contact with reasonable certainty.
(iv) Reserves which can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when:
(A) Successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based; and
(B) The project has been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.
(v) Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined. The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.
PROBABLE RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)
Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(18) defines probable oil and gas reserves as follows:
Probable reserves. Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.
(i) When deterministic methods are used, it is as likely as not that actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of estimated proved plus probable reserves. When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 50% probability that the actual quantities recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable reserves estimates.
(ii) Probable reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to proved reserves where data control or interpretations of available data are less certain, even if the interpreted reservoir continuity of structure or productivity does not meet the reasonable certainty criterion.
Probable reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.
(iii) Probable reserves estimates also include potential incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than assumed for proved reserves.
(iv) See also guidelines in paragraphs (a)(17)(iv) and (a)(17)(vi) of this section.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
PETROLEUM RESERVES DEFINITIONS
Page 4
POSSIBLE RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)
Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(17) defines possible oil and gas reserves as follows:
Possible reserves. Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves.
(i) When deterministic methods are used, the total quantities ultimately recovered from a project have a low probability of exceeding proved plus probable plus possible reserves. When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 10% probability that the total quantities ultimately recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates.
(ii) Possible reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to probable reserves where data control and interpretations of available data are progressively less certain. Frequently, this will be in areas where geoscience and engineering data are unable to define clearly the area and vertical limits of commercial production from the reservoir by a defined project.
(iii) Possible reserves also include incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than the recovery quantities assumed for probable reserves.
(iv) The proved plus probable and proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates must be based on reasonable alternative technical and commercial interpretations within the reservoir or subject project that are clearly documented, including comparisons to results in successful similar projects.
(v) Possible reserves may be assigned where geoscience and engineering data identify directly adjacent portions of a reservoir within the same accumulation that may be separated from proved areas by faults with displacement less than formation thickness or other geological discontinuities and that have not been penetrated by a wellbore, and the registrant believes that such adjacent portions are in communication with the known (proved) reservoir. Possible reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher or lower than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.
(vi) Pursuant to paragraph (a)(22)(iii) of this section, where direct observation has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves should be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir above the HKO only if the higher contact can be established with reasonable certainty through reliable technology. Portions of the reservoir that do not meet this reasonable certainty criterion may be assigned as probable and possible oil or gas based on reservoir fluid properties and pressure gradient interpretations.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
PETROLEUM RESERVES STATUS DEFINITIONS AND GUIDELINES
As Adapted From:
RULE 4-10(a) of REGULATION S-X PART 210
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC)
and
2018 PETROLEUM RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SPE-PRMS)
Sponsored and Approved by:
SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS (SPE)
WORLD PETROLEUM COUNCIL (WPC)
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGISTS (AAPG)
SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM EVALUATION ENGINEERS (SPEE)
SOCIETY OF EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICISTS (SEG)
SOCIETY OF PETROPHYSICISTS AND WELL LOG ANALYSTS (SPWLA)
EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF GEOSCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS (EAGE)
Reserves status categories define the development and producing status of wells and reservoirs. Reference should be made to Title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, Regulation S-X Part 210, Rule 4-10(a) and the SPE-PRMS as the following reserves status definitions are based on excerpts from the original documents (direct passages excerpted from the aforementioned SEC and SPE-PRMS documents are denoted in italics herein).
DEVELOPED RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)
Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(6) defines developed oil and gas reserves as follows:
Developed oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that can be expected to be recovered:
(i) Through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods or in which the cost of the required equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well; and
(ii) Through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well.
Developed Producing (SPE-PRMS Definitions)
While not a requirement for disclosure under the SEC regulations, developed oil and gas reserves may be further sub-classified according to the guidance contained in the SPE-PRMS as Producing or Non-Producing.
Developed Producing Reserves
Developed Producing Reserves are expected quantities to be recovered from completion intervals that are open and producing at the effective date of the estimate.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
PETROLEUM RESERVES STATUS DEFINITIONS AND GUIDELINES
Page 2
Improved recovery reserves are considered producing only after the improved recovery project is in operation.
Developed Non-Producing
Developed Non-Producing Reserves include shut-in and behind-pipe Reserves.
Shut-In
Shut-in Reserves are expected to be recovered from:
| (1) | completion intervals that are open at the time of the estimate but which have not yet started producing; | |
| (2) | wells which were shut-in for market conditions or pipeline connections; or | |
| (3) | wells not capable of production for mechanical reasons. |
Behind-Pipe
Behind-pipe Reserves are expected to be recovered from zones in existing wells that will require additional completion work or future re-completion before start of production with minor cost to access these reserves.
In all cases, production can be initiated or restored with relatively low expenditure compared to the cost of drilling a new well.
UNDEVELOPED RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)
Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(31) defines undeveloped oil and gas reserves as follows:
Undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.
(i) Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those directly offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of economic producibility at greater distances.
(ii) Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, unless the specific circumstances, justify a longer time.
(iii) Under no circumstances shall estimates for undeveloped reserves be attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir, as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, or by other evidence using reliable technology establishing reasonable certainty.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS