Friedman Industries Inc 10-K for FY2021
Friedman Industries Inc (FRD)
About this 10-K
Friedman Industries Inc filed this 10-K on July 7, 2021, covering the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 (FY2021).
Headline figures
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $126.1M
- down 11.3% from $142.1M a year earlier
- Net income
- $11.42M
- compared with a net loss of $5.25M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- $1.63
- compared with -$0.75 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
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☒ |
Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 |
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☐ |
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from to |
Commission File No. 1-7521
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Texas |
74-1504405 |
|
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
|
1121 Judson Road Suite 124, Longview, TX |
75601 |
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(Address of principal executive offices) |
(Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (903) 758-3431
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class |
Trading Symbol |
Name of each exchange |
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Common Stock, $1 Par Value |
FRD |
NYSE American |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer ☐ |
Accelerated filer ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer ☒ |
Smaller reporting company ☒ |
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Emerging growth company ☐ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of September 30, 2020 (based upon the closing price on the NYSE American on September 30, 2020) was approximately $42,802,000.
The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding at July 7, 2021 was 6,899,537 shares.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Annual Report to Shareholders of Friedman Industries, Incorporated for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 — Part II.
Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Friedman Industries, Incorporated — Part III.
PART I
Item 1. Business
Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”), a Texas corporation incorporated in 1965, is a manufacturer and processor of steel products and operates in two reportable segments: coil products and tubular products. Significant financial information relating to the Company’s business segments for the last two years is contained in Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, which financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in Item 8 hereof.
Coil Products
The coil product segment consists of the operation of two hot-rolled coil processing facilities; one in Hickman, Arkansas (“Hickman”) and the other in Decatur, Alabama (“Decatur”). The Hickman facility operates a temper mill and a cut-to-length line. The temper mill improves the flatness and surface qualities of the coils and the cut-to-length line levels the steel and cuts the coils into sheet and plate of prescribed lengths. The Hickman facility is capable of cutting sheet and plate with thicknesses ranging from 14 gauge to ½” thick in widths ranging from 36” wide to 72” wide. The Decatur facility previously operated a temper mill and a cut-to-length line but during the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the equipment was removed to allow the foundation to be prepared for a new stretcher leveler line. In March 2021, the new stretcher leveler line was placed into service. The estimated total cost of this project is $7,200,000 with approximately $6,733,000 having been paid as of March 31, 2021. The new equipment expands the coil segment’s processing capabilities to include material up to 96” wide and material of higher grades and will allow the Decatur facility to cut material that is up to ½” thick compared to the previous equipment’s capability of 5/16” thick. In addition, sheet and plate that has been stretcher leveled is preferable to some customers and applications compared to material that has been leveled through the temper mill process. The coil product segment sells its prime grade inventory under the Friedman Industries name but also maintains an inventory of non-standard coil products, consisting primarily of mill secondary and excess prime coils, which are sold through the Company’s XSCP division. The coil product segment also processes customer-owned coils on a fee basis.
The Hickman and Decatur facilities are substantially similar with respect to products produced. The Company makes shipments of coil products based on which facility offers the desired product or, if the product is available at both facilities, based on other factors, such as customer location, freight conditions and the ability of the facility to fulfill the order on a timely basis. Coil products are sold on a wholesale, rapid-delivery basis in competition with other processors of hot-rolled steel coils. Shipments are made via unaffiliated truckers or by rail.
On May 25, 2021, the Company announced plans for a new facility in Sinton, Texas that will be part of the coil product segment. The new facility will be on the campus of Steel Dynamics, Inc.'s ("SDI") new flat roll steel mill currently under construction in Sinton, Texas. The Company's new location will consist of an approximately 70,000 square foot building located on approximately 26.5 acres leased from SDI under a 99-year agreement. The Company has selected Red Bud Industries to build one of the world’s largest stretcher leveler cut-to-length lines, capable of handling material up to 1” thick, widths up to 96” and yields exceeding 100,000 psi. The Company expects the location to commence operations in April 2022 and estimates the total cost of the project to be $21 million.
The coil segment purchases its inventory from a limited number of suppliers. Loss of any of these suppliers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
Tubular Products
The tubular product segment consists of the Company’s Texas Tubular Products division (“TTP”) located in Lone Star, Texas. TTP operates two electric resistance welded pipe mills with a combined outside diameter (“OD”) size range of 2 3/8” OD to 8 5/8” OD. Both pipe mills are American Petroleum Institute (“API”) licensed to manufacture line pipe and oil country pipe and also manufacture pipe for structural purposes that meets other recognized industry standards. TTP has an API licensed pipe finishing facility that threads and couples oil country tubular goods and performs other services that are customary in the pipe finishing process. The pipe finishing facility is currently idled due to market conditions. TTP’s inventory consists of raw materials and finished goods. Raw material inventory consists of hot-rolled steel coils that TTP will manufacture into pipe. Finished goods inventory consists of pipe TTP has manufactured and mill reject pipe that TTP purchased from U.S. Steel Tubular Products, Inc.
TTP purchases its inventory from a limited number of suppliers. Loss of any of these suppliers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
Marketing
The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of total sales contributed by each group of products and services during each of the Company’s last two fiscal years:
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Product and Service Groups |
2021 | 2020 | ||||||
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Coil Products |
76 | % | 70 | % | ||||
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Tubular Products |
24 | % | 30 | % | ||||
Coil Products. The Company sells coil products and processing services to approximately 200 customers located primarily in the midwestern, southwestern and southeastern regions of the United States. The Company’s principal customers for these products and services are steel distributors and customers manufacturing steel products such as steel buildings, railroad cars, barges, tanks and containers, trailers, component parts and other fabricated steel products. No individual coil products customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company's total sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, sales of coil products to Trinity Industries, Inc. accounted for approximately 18% of the Company's total sales.
The Company sells substantially all of its coil products through its own sales force. At March 31, 2021, the sales force was comprised of the Vice President of Sales – Coil Divisions and four professional sales personnel. Sales personnel are paid on a salary and commission basis.
Tubular Products. The Company sells its tubular products nationally to approximately 125 customers. The Company’s principal customers for these products are steel and pipe distributors. In fiscal years 2021 and 2020, no individual tubular customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s total sales.
The Company sells substantially all of its tubular products through its own sales force. At March 31, 2021, the sales force was comprised of the Vice President of Sales – Tubular Division and three professional sales personnel. Sales personnel are paid on a salary and commission basis.
Competition
The Company is engaged in a non-seasonal, highly-competitive business. The Company competes with other processors of hot-rolled steel coils, tubular manufacturers, steel distributors and brokers.
The Company believes that, generally, its ability to compete is dependent upon its ability to offer products at prices competitive with or below those of other steel suppliers, as well as its ability to provide products meeting customer specifications on a rapid-delivery basis.
Human Capital Resources
At March 31, 2021, the Company had 93 full-time employees and 1 part-time employee.
Executive Officers of the Company
The following table sets forth as of March 31, 2021, for each executive officer of the Company, the name, age, officer positions and arrangements with other persons regarding his selection as an officer, if any, and the period during which such officer has served in such capacity:
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Name |
Age |
Position, Offices with the Company and Other Arrangements, if any |
||
|
Michael J. Taylor |
62 |
President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2019; formerly Interim President and Interim Chief Executive Officer since February 2019; Chairman of the Board of Directors since June 2017; member of the Board of Directors since December 2016 |
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Alex LaRue |
35 |
Chief Financial Officer – Secretary and Treasurer since March 2018; formerly Vice President — Secretary and Treasurer since 2014; formerly Assistant Vice President — Secretary and Treasurer since 2013; formerly Controller — Texas Tubular Products since 2011 |
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Not required.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not required.
Item 2. Properties
The principal real properties of the Company are described in the following table:
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Location |
Approximate Size |
Ownership |
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Lone Star, Texas |
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Plant — Texas Tubular Products |
161,000 sq. feet |
Owned(1) |
|||
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Offices — Texas Tubular Products |
12,200 sq. feet |
Owned(1) |
|||
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Land — Texas Tubular Products |
122.4 acres |
Owned(1) |
|||
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Longview, Texas |
|
|
|||
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Offices |
5,100 sq. feet |
Leased(2) |
|||
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Hickman, Arkansas |
|
|
|||
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Plant and Warehouse — Coil Products |
64,600 sq. feet |
Owned(1) |
|||
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Offices — Coil Products |
2,500 sq. feet |
Owned(1) |
|||
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Land — Coil Products |
26.2 acres |
Owned(1) |
|||
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Decatur, Alabama |
|
|
|||
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Plant and Warehouse — Coil Products |
48,000 sq. feet |
Owned(1) |
|||
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Offices — Coil Products |
2,000 sq. feet |
Owned(1) |
|||
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Land — Coil Products |
47.3 acres |
Owned(1) |
|
||
| Sinton, Texas | |||||
| Land — Coil Products | 26.5 acres | Leased(3) |
|
(1) |
All of the Company’s owned real properties, plants and offices are held in fee and are not subject to any mortgage or deed of trust. |
|
(2) |
The office lease is with a non-affiliated party, expires on April 30, 2024, and requires a monthly rental payment by the Company of $4,878. |
| (3) | This lease is a 99 year lease with Steel Dynamics Inc. that calls for an annual rental payment of $1 and has an expiration date of February 19, 2120. |
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company is not, and during fiscal year 2021 was not, a party to, nor is its property the subject of, any material pending legal proceedings.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Company’s Common Stock is traded principally on the NYSE – American (Symbol: FRD).
Reference is hereby made to the sections of the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, entitled “Description of Business — Range of High and Low Sales Prices of Common Stock” and “Description of Business — Cash Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock”, which sections are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The approximate number of shareholders of record of Common Stock of the Company as of April 23, 2021 was 175. Because many of the Company’s common shares are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of shareholders, the Company is unable to estimate the total number of individual shareholders represented by these record holders.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Not required.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Information with respect to Item 7 is hereby incorporated herein by reference from the section of the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Not required.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The following financial statements and notes thereto of the Company included in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, are hereby incorporated herein by reference:
Consolidated Balance Sheets — March 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Operations — Years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) — Years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity — Years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Information with respect to supplementary financial information relating to the Company appears in Note 15 — Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements incorporated herein by reference above in this Item 8 from the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021.
The following supplementary schedule for the Company for the years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, is included elsewhere in this report:
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 2021. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2021.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). We have established disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission and that any material information relating to us is recorded, processed, summarized and reported to our management including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving desired control objectives. In reaching a reasonable level of assurance, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report and, during the audit process related to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2021.
Notwithstanding the identified material weakness, the Company's management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have determined, based on the procedures we have performed, that the audited consolidated financial statements included in this report fairly present in all material respects our financial condition and results of operations as of and for the years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
During the audit process related to our fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, management, in connection with our independent auditors, identified a material weakness in our controls related to the review of the annual income tax provision prepared by a third-party firm. Specifically, we did not maintain effective controls to sufficiently review the completeness and accuracy of the annual tax provision. Our review was not sufficiently detailed to identify a material misstatement in deferred income taxes. The Company recorded an audit adjustment of approximately $3.5 million impacting the balance sheet items of deferred tax assets and accumulated other comprehensive loss. The audit adjustment caused the Company to change from a net deferred income tax liability position to a net deferred income tax asset position. Additionally, the Company’s review of the annual income tax provision did not include a process to sufficiently evaluate deferred tax assets to determine if a valuation allowance was necessary. The Company has since performed an analysis to consider if a valuation allowance is necessary in relation to the Company’s deferred tax assets and concluded that no valuation allowance is necessary due to anticipated recoverability through future taxable income.
Plan for Remediation of Material Weakness
Our Company is relatively small. As disclosed in our Form 10-K, we had 93 full-time employees as of March 31, 2021. Our accounting and finance team consisted of two degreed accountants as of March 31, 2021. Leading up to, and during the financial statement audit period, considerable time was expended by our accounting and finance team to finalize the asset-based credit facility described in Note 3 and to select our general contractor and equipment manufacturer related to our planned new facility in Sinton, Texas disclosed in Note 5 and to finalize contracts with such parties. This resulted in the Company falling behind in the timeline necessary to complete the audit process and regulatory filings in a timely manner. In an effort to meet regulatory deadlines, the Company did not perform a sufficient review of third-party materials. The Company concludes that the best remediation of the material weakness is an investment in human capital that will allow it to meet its regulatory requirements and growth objectives. On May 24, 2021, the Company hired an additional degreed accountant. The timing of this hire in relation to the audit process made it difficult for the hire to have a beneficial impact on the process related to our fiscal year end March 31, 2021. However, the Company believes the investment in human capital will provide sufficient remediation in future periods and the Company will continue to evaluate the appropriate level of staffing to ensure the controls over financial reporting are adhered to and the Company can meet its regulatory requirements in a timely manner.
We will continue to monitor the design and effectiveness of these procedures and controls and make any further changes the Company determines appropriate. We believe the additional investment in human capital described above will remediate the material weakness the Company has identified. However, this material weakness will not be considered remediated until the applicable remedial actions operate effectively for a sufficient period of time
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
Pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 308(b), this Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our Company's independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Except for the matter discussed above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Except as otherwise set forth below, information with respect to Item 10 is hereby incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s proxy statement in respect of the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, definitive copies of which are expected to be filed with the SEC on or before 120 days after the end of the Company’s 2021 fiscal year.
Information with respect to Item 10 regarding executive officers is hereby incorporated by reference from the information set forth under the caption “Executive Officers of the Company” in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company has adopted the Friedman Industries, Incorporated Code of Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”), which applies to the Company’s employees, directors and officers, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Code is filed as an exhibit hereto.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information with respect to Item 11 is hereby incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s proxy statement in respect of the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, definitive copies of which are expected to be filed with the SEC on or before 120 days after the end of the Company’s 2021 fiscal year.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The disclosure required pursuant to Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is hereby incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s proxy statement in respect of the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, definitive copies of which are expected to be filed with the SEC on or before 120 days after the end of the Company’s 2021 fiscal year.
Additional information with respect to Item 12 regarding equity compensation plan information relating to the Company is hereby incorporated herein by reference from Note 2 — Equity Compensation Plans and Capital Stock included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021.
Security Ownership Information
The additional information with respect to Item 12 regarding the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management, and related matters, is hereby incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s proxy statement in respect to the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, definitive copies of which are expected to be filed with the SEC on or before 120 days after the end of the Company’s 2021 fiscal year.
Item 13. Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence
Information with respect to Item 13 is hereby incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s proxy statement in respect of the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, definitive copies of which are expected to be filed with the SEC on or before 120 days after the end of the Company’s 2021 fiscal year.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information with respect to Item 14 is hereby incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s proxy statement in respect of the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, definitive copies of which are expected to be filed with the SEC on or before 120 days after the end of the Company’s 2021 fiscal year.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Documents included in this report
1. Financial Statements
The following financial statements and notes thereto of the Company are included in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference:
Consolidated Balance Sheets — March 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Operations — Years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) — Years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity — Years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
2. Financial Statement Schedules
The following financial statement schedule of the Company is included in this report at page S-1:
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
3. Exhibits
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**101.INS |
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XBRL Instance Document. |
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**101.SCH |
— |
XBRL Taxonomy Schema Document. |
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**101.CAL |
— |
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document. |
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**101.DEF |
— |
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document. |
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**101.LAB |
— |
XBRL Label Linkbase Document. |
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**101.PRE |
— |
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document. |
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** |
Filed herewith. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Friedman Industries, Incorporated has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED |
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By: |
/S/ MICHAEL J. TAYLOR |
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Michael J. Taylor |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Dated: July 7, 2021 |
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Friedman Industries, Incorporated in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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Signature |
Title |
Date |
||
|
/S/ MICHAEL J. TAYLOR |
President and Chief Executive Officer and |
July 7, 2021 | ||
| Michael J. Taylor | Director (Principal Executive Officer) | |||
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/S/ ALEX LARUE |
Chief Financial Officer — Secretary and |
July 7, 2021 | ||
| Alex LaRue | Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer | |||
| and Principal Accounting Officer) | ||||
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/S/ DURGA D. AGRAWAL |
Director |
July 7, 2021 | ||
| Durga D. Agrawal | ||||
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/S/ MAX REICHENTHAL |
Director |
July 7, 2021 | ||
| Max Reichenthal | ||||
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/S/ JOEL SPIRA |
Director |
July 7, 2021 | ||
| Joel Spira | ||||
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/S/ TIM STEVENSON |
Director |
July 7, 2021 | ||
| Tim Stevenson | ||||
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/S/ JOE L. WILLIAMS |
Director |
July 7, 2021 | ||
| Joe L. Williams |
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
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Column A |
Column B |
Column C |
Column D |
Column E |
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Additions |
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Description |
Balance at |
Charged to |
Charged to |
|||||||||||||||||
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Beginning |
Costs and |
Other Accounts— |
Deductions— |
Balance at |
||||||||||||||||
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of Period |
Expenses |
Describe(A) |
Describe(B) |
End of Period |
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Year ended March 31, 2021 |
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Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and cash discounts (deducted from related asset account) |
$ | 82,417 | $ | — | $ | 351,270 | $ | 400,853 | $ | 32,834 | ||||||||||
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Year ended March 31, 2020 |
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Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and cash discounts (deducted from related asset account) |
$ | 29,178 | $ | — | $ | 677,652 | $ | 624,413 | $ | 82,417 | ||||||||||
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(A) |
Allowance for doubtful accounts charged to bad debt expense of $0 and $53,239 during fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively. Cash discounts allowed on sales and charged against revenue of $351,270 and $624,413 during fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively. |
|
(B) |
Accounts receivable written off of $49,583 and $0 during fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively. Cash discounts taken on sales of $351,270 and $624,413 during fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively. |
Exhibit 10.4
 |
Credit Agreement |
This agreement dated as of March 4, 2021 is between JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (together with its successors and assigns, the "Bank"), whose address is 1935 Airline Dr, Floor 01, Bossier City, LA 71112-2407, and FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED (individually, the "Borrower" and if more than one, collectively, the "Borrowers"), whose address is 1121 Judson Road Suite 124, Longview, TX 75601.
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1. |
Credit Facilities. |
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1.1 |
Scope. This agreement governs Facility A, and, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Bank and the Borrower or prohibited by any Legal Requirement, governs the Credit Facilities as defined below. The Bank has established procedures for the Borrower to obtain advances under any Credit Facilities. Any other procedures that the Bank agrees to regarding obtaining advances, including automatic loan sweeps, shall not change the terms or conditions of this agreement or the other Related Documents regarding the Credit Facilities. |
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1.2 |
Facility A (Line of Credit). The Bank has approved a credit facility to the Borrower in a principal amount not to exceed $10,000,000.00, at any one time outstanding ("Facility A"). Credit under Facility A shall be repaid as described in a Line of Credit Note executed at the same time as this agreement, along with any renewals, modifications, extensions, rearrangements, restatements and replacements or substitutions. |
Non Usage Fee. The Borrower will pay "non-usage fee," calculated on the average daily unused portion of Facility A at a rate of 0.35% per annum (based on a year deemed to be comprised of 360 days, unless the calculation would result in a usurious interest rate, in which case interest will be calculated on the basis of a 365 or 366 day year, as the case may be), payable in arrears within ten (10) days of the end of each calendar month for which the fee is owing. The Bank may begin to accrue the foregoing fee on the date the Borrower signs or otherwise authenticates this agreement.
Origination Fee. The Borrower shall pay an origination fee in the amount of $20,000.00 on the maturity date set forth in the Line of Credit Note evidencing Facility A, which fee the Borrower acknowledges has been earned by the Bank and is non-refundable. This fee shall be waived in the event Facility A is refinanced by another loan extended by the Bank prior to the maturity date; provided however, this is not a commitment to refinance Facility A.
Letter of Credit Sub-Limit. At any time the Borrower is entitled to an advance under Facility A, the Bank agrees to issue letters of credit (all letters of credit issued for the account of the Borrower which are outstanding on the date of this agreement and any letter of credit issued under this agreement, together with any and all amendments, modifications, renewals, extensions, increases, restatements and rearrangements of and substitutions and replacements for, any of the foregoing, a "Letter of Credit" or "Letters of Credit") for the account of the Borrower in an amount not in excess of the maximum advance that it would then be entitled to obtain under Facility A, provided that (a) the aggregate maximum amount which is drawn and remains unreimbursed under all Letters of Credit plus the aggregate maximum available amount which may be drawn under all Letters of Credit which are outstanding at any time (the "L/C Obligations"), shall not exceed $7,500,000.00, (b) the issuance of any Letter of Credit with an expiration date beyond the maturity date of the Line of Credit Note shall be subject to the approval of the Bank, (c) any Letter of Credit shall be a standby letter of credit and the form of the requested Letter of Credit shall be satisfactory to the Bank, and (d) the Borrower shall have executed an application and reimbursement agreement for any Letter of Credit in a form satisfactory to the Bank. While any Letter of Credit is outstanding, the maximum amount of advances that may be outstanding under the Line of Credit Note shall be automatically reduced by the L/C Obligations. The Borrower shall pay the Bank a fee for each standby letter of credit that is issued, such fee to be agreed upon for each letter of credit from time to time by the Bank and the Borrower, provided, however, that if an agreement is not reached, the Bank shall be under no obligation to issue any letter of credit hereunder. No credit shall be given for fees paid due to early termination of any Letter of Credit. The Borrower shall also pay the Bank's standard transaction fees with respect to any transactions occurring on account of any Letter of Credit. Each fee shall be payable when the related letter of credit is issued, and transaction fees shall be payable upon completion of the transaction as to which they are charged. All fees may be debited by the Bank to any deposit account of the Borrower with the Bank without further authority and, in any event, shall be paid by the Borrower within ten (10) days following billing. The Bank is authorized, but not obligated to make an advance under the Line of Credit Note without notice to the Borrower, to make payment on a drawing under any Letter of Credit. References in this agreement to the principal amount outstanding under the Credit Facilities shall include L/C Obligations.
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1.3 |
Borrowing Base. The aggregate principal amount of advances outstanding at any one time under the Line of Credit Note evidencing Facility A plus L/C Obligations (the "Aggregate Outstanding Amount") shall not exceed the Borrowing Base or the maximum amount then available under Facility A, whichever is less (the "Maximum Available Amount"). If at any time the Aggregate Outstanding Amount exceeds the Maximum Available Amount, the Borrower shall immediately pay the Bank an amount equal to the difference. If the Aggregate Outstanding Amount still exceeds the Maximum Available Amount after the Line of Credit Note balance is reduced to zero (that is, L/C Obligations exceed the Maximum Available Amount), the Borrower shall provide cash collateral to the Bank for the L/C Obligations in an amount sufficient to eliminate the excess. "Borrowing Base" means the aggregate of: |
A. 80% of the book value of all Eligible Accounts; plus
B. 50% of the lower of cost (determined using the weighted average inventory method of inventory accounting) or wholesale market value, as determined by the Bank, of all Eligible Inventory, not to exceed an aggregate amount equal to 50% of the total amount advanced under 1.3 A above.
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2. |
Definitions and Interpretations. |
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2.1 |
Definitions. As used in this agreement, the following terms have the following respective meanings: |
A. "Account" means as defined under the Uniform Commercial Code of Louisiana.
B. "Account Debtor" means the Person obligated on an Account.
C. "Affiliate" means any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with, another Person.
D. "Anti-Corruption Laws" means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption.
E. "Collateral" means all Property, now or in the future subject to any Lien in favor of the Bank, securing or intending to secure, any of the Liabilities.
F. "Credit Facilities" means all extensions of credit from the Bank to the Borrower, existing or extended with this agreement, or hereafter arising.
G. "Distributions" means all dividends and other distributions made to any Equity Owners, other than salary, bonuses, and other compensation for services expended in the current accounting period.
H. "Eligible Accounts" means, at any time, all of the Borrower's Accounts in which the Bank has a first priority continuing perfected Lien and which are earned, delivered or shipped and invoiced within thirty (30) days of being earned and which contain selling terms and conditions satisfactory to the Bank, and are not evidenced by a promissory note or other instrument or chattel paper. The net amount of any Eligible Account against which the Borrower may borrow shall exclude all returns, discounts, credits, and offsets of any nature.
Eligible Accounts do not include Accounts:
(1) which are not owned by the Borrower free and clear of all claims of Persons other than the Bank;
(2) when the Account Debtor is an Affiliate of the Borrower or employee, officer, director, Equity Owner or agent of the Borrower;
(3) when the Account Debtor is not a resident of the United States or Canada, or the account is not payable in U.S. Dollars;
(4) subject to the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control Special Designated Nationals and Blocked Person's List, or when the Account Debtor is otherwise a Person with whom the Borrower or the Bank is prohibited from doing business by any applicable Legal Requirement;
(5) when the Bank determines the creditworthiness, financial or business condition of the Account Debtor to be unsatisfactory, including but not limited to any bankrupt Account Debtor;
(6) when the Account Debtor is the United States government or any department or agency of the United States (unless, with the Bank's consent, the Assignment of Claims Act has been fully complied with);
(7) otherwise determined to be ineligible by the Bank; and
(8) which have not been paid in full within ninety (90) days from the invoice date.
I. "Eligible Inventory" means, at any time, all of the Borrower's Inventory in which the Bank has a first priority continuing perfected Lien except Inventory which is:
(1) not owned by it free and clear of all claims of Persons other than the Bank;
(2) slow moving, obsolete, unsalable, or unfit for further processing;
(3) work in process;
(4) subject to consignment or otherwise in the possession of another Person;
(5) in transit or located outside of the United States;
(6) subject to licensing, intellectual property, or any requirements that would make it difficult to sell, lease or use;
(7) comprised of samples, returns, rejected items, re-work items, non-standard items, odd-lots, or repossessed goods;
(8) produced in violation of applicable Legal Requirements, including the Fair Labor Standards Act and the regulations and orders of the Department of Labor; or
(9) otherwise determined ineligible by the Bank; provided, however, that transportation and storage charges shall be excluded from amounts otherwise included in Eligible Inventory.
J. "Equity Interests" means equity ownership interests in a business or not for profit entity, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any such equity interest.
K. "Equity Owner" means an owner of any Equity Interests.
L. "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time in the United States of America, consistently applied.
M. "Inventory" means as defined under the Uniform Commercial Code of Louisiana.
N. "Legal Requirement" means any law, order, Sanctions, regulation (or interpretation of any of the foregoing) of any federal, state or local governmental authority or self regulatory organization having jurisdiction over the Bank, any Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective Properties or any agreement by which any of them is bound.
O. "Liabilities" means all indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of every kind and character of the Borrower to the Bank, whether the obligations, indebtedness and liabilities are individual, joint and several (solidary), contingent or otherwise, now or hereafter existing, including, without limitation, all liabilities, interest, costs and fees, arising under or from any note, open account, overdraft, credit card, lease, Rate Management Transaction, letter of credit application, endorsement, surety agreement, guaranty, acceptance, foreign exchange contract or depository service contract, whether payable to the Bank or to a third party and subsequently acquired by the Bank, any monetary obligations (including interest) incurred or accrued during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceedings, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding, and all renewals, extensions, modifications, consolidations, rearrangements, restatements, replacements or substitutions of any of the foregoing.
P. "Lien" means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, charge, encumbrance, security interest, collateral assignment or other lien or restriction of any kind.
Q. "Maintenance Capital Expenditures" means an amount equal to 50% of depreciation expense.
R. "Net Income" means net income under GAAP, but excluding extraordinary or non-recurring items, as reasonably determined by the Bank.
S. "Notes" means all promissory notes, instruments and/or contracts now or hereafter evidencing the Credit Facilities.
T. "Obligor" means any Borrower, guarantor, surety, co-signer, endorser, general partner or other Person who may now or in the future be obligated to pay any of the Liabilities, and any Person providing Collateral.
U. "Organizational Documents" means, with respect to any Person, certificates of existence or formation, documents establishing or governing the Person including all amendments, and modifications.
V. "Person" means any individual, business or other entity, or any governmental authority.
W. "Property" means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible.
X. "Rate Management Transaction" means any transaction (including an agreement with respect thereto) that is a rate swap, basis swap, forward rate transaction, commodity swap, commodity option, equity or equity index swap, equity or equity index option, bond option, interest rate option, foreign exchange transaction, cap transaction, floor transaction, collar transaction, forward transaction, currency swap transaction, cross-currency rate swap transaction, currency option, derivative transaction or any other similar transaction (including any option with respect to any of these transactions) or any combination thereof, whether linked to one or more interest rates, foreign currencies, commodity prices, equity prices or other financial measures.
Y. "Related Documents" means this agreement, and any other instrument or document executed in connection with this agreement or with any of the Liabilities.
Z. "Sanctions" means economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State, and (b) if the Borrower has operations outside of the United States, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state, Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority.
AA. "Sanctioned Country" means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is the subject or target of any Sanctions.
BB. "Sanctioned Person" means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by (i) the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Department of State, and (ii) if the Borrower has operations outside of the United States, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state, Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country (c) any Person controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b), or (d) any Person otherwise the subject of any Sanction.
CC. "Subsidiary" means, as to any particular Person (the "parent"), a 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 well as any other Person of which fifty percent (50%) or more of the Equity Interests is directly or indirectly owned, controlled or held, by the parent or by any Person or Persons controlled by the parent, either alone or together with the parent.
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2.2 |
Interpretations. If any provision of this agreement cannot be enforced, the remaining portions of this agreement shall continue in effect. The provisions of this agreement shall control in the event of any conflict or inconsistency between this agreement and the provisions of any other Related Documents. Any reference to a particular document includes all modifications, supplements, replacements, renewals or extensions of that document. Whenever the Bank's determination, consent, or approval is required under this agreement or the other Related Documents or whenever the Bank may at its option take or refrain from taking any action under this agreement or the other Related Documents, such decision shall be in the sole discretion of the Bank. |
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3. |
Conditions Precedent to Extensions of Credit. |
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3.1 |
The following conditions must be satisfied before any extension of credit governed by this agreement must be made by the Bank: |
A. Representations. The Borrower and any other parties, represent that all statements and information contained in the Related Documents is true and accurate as of the date of the request for credit;
B. No Event of Default. There has been no default, event of default or event that would constitute a default or event of default (pending giving of notice or a lapse of time or both), of any provision of this agreement, the Notes or any other Related Documents or would result from the extension of credit;
C. Loan Documents. The Notes, and any other documents which the Bank may reasonably require to give effect to the transactions described in this agreement or the other Related Documents have been delivered to the Bank in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank;
D. Organizational and Authorizing Documents. The Organizational Documents and all certificates of authority to transact business, certificates of good standing, borrowing resolutions, appointments, officer’s certificates, certificates of incumbency, and other documents which empower and authorize or evidence the power and authority of the Borrower or any Obligor to execute and deliver the Notes and Related Documents (i) are within its powers, (ii) have been duly authorized by all necessary action of its governing body, (iii) do not contravene the terms of its Organizational Documents or other agreement or document governing its affairs, and (iv) have been delivered to the Bank in a form and substance satisfactory to the Bank; and
E. No Prohibition or Onerous Conditions. The making of the extension of credit is not prohibited by and does not subject the Bank, any Obligor, or any Subsidiary of the Borrower to any penalty or onerous condition.
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4. |
Affirmative Covenants. The Borrower agrees to do, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to do, each of the following: |
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4.1 |
Insurance. Maintain insurance with financially sound and reputable insurers, that are satisfactory to the Bank. The insurance will cover its Property and business against those casualties and contingencies and in the types and amounts according to sound business and industry practices, and furnish to the Bank, upon request, reports on each existing insurance policy showing such information as the Bank may reasonably request. |
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4.2 |
Financial Records. Maintain proper books and records according to GAAP, that are consistent with financial statements previously submitted to the Bank. |
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4.3 |
Inspection. Permit the Bank, and its agents to: (a) inspect and photograph its Property, to examine and copy files, books and records, and to discuss its business, operations, prospects, assets, and financial condition with the Borrower's or its Subsidiaries' officers and accountants, at times and intervals as the Bank reasonably determines; (b) perform audits, appraisals or other inspections of the Collateral, including the records and documents related to the Collateral; and (c) confirm with any Person any obligations and liabilities of the Person to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries. The Borrower will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to cooperate with any inspection, appraisal or audit. The Borrower will promptly pay the Bank the reasonable costs and expenses of any audit or inspection of the Collateral (including fees and expenses charged internally by the Bank). |
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4.4 |
Other Agreements. Comply with all terms and conditions of all other agreements, whether now or hereafter existing, between it and any other Person. |
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4.5 |
Financial Reports. Furnish to the Bank whatever information, statements, books and records the Bank may from time to time reasonably request, including at a minimum: |
A. Within forty-five (45) days after and as of the end of each fiscal quarter, the consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP, including a balance sheet as of the end of that period, and income statement for that period, and, if requested by the Bank, statements of cash flow and retained earnings for that period, all certified as correct by one of its authorized agents.
B. Within one hundred and twenty (120) days after and as of the end of each of its fiscal years, the consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP, including a balance sheet and statements of income, cash flow and retained earnings, such financial statements to be audited by an independent certified public accountant of recognized standing satisfactory to the Bank.
C. Within twenty (20) days after and as of the end of each calendar month, the following lists, each certified as correct by one of its authorized agents:
(1) a list of Accounts, aged from date of invoice, and
(2) a list of Inventory, valued at the lower of cost (determined using the weighted average inventory method of inventory accounting) or wholesale market value.
D. Within twenty (20) days after and as of the end of each calendar month, a borrowing base certificate, in form and detail satisfactory to the Bank, along with such supporting documentation as the Bank may request.
E. Compliance Certificates. Provide the Bank, together with each financial statement required under this agreement and at such other times as the Bank may request, a Compliance Certificate in form satisfactory to the Bank, certified and executed by Borrower’s chief financial officer, or other officer satisfactory to the Bank. In the event of a conflict between this agreement and the Compliance Certificate, the terms of this agreement shall control.
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4.6 |
Notices of Claims, Litigation, Defaults, etc. Promptly inform the Bank in writing of: (1) all existing and threatened litigation, claims, investigations, administrative proceedings and similar actions or changes in Legal Requirements affecting it, of which it has knowledge, and could materially affect its business, assets, affairs, prospects or financial condition; (2) the occurrence of any event which gives rise to the Bank's option to terminate the Credit Facilities; (3) any additions to or changes in the locations of its businesses; and (4) any alleged breach by the Bank of any provision of this agreement or of any other Related Document. |
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4.7 |
Title to Assets and Property. Maintain good and marketable title to all of its Properties, and defend them against all claims and demands of all Persons at any time claiming any interest in them. |
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4.8 |
Additional Assurances. Promptly make, execute and deliver any and all agreements, documents, and instruments that the Bank may request to evidence any of the Credit Facilities, cure any defect in the execution and delivery of any of the Related Documents, perfect any Lien or comply with any Legal Requirement applicable to the Bank or the Credit Facilities. |
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4.9 |
Employee Benefit Plans. Maintain each employee benefit plan as to which it may have any liability, in compliance with all Legal Requirements. |
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4.10 |
Banking Relationship. Establish and maintain its primary banking depository and disbursement relationship with the Bank. |
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4.11 |
Compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. Maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions. |
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5. |
Negative Covenants. |
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5.1 |
Without the Bank's prior written consent, the Borrower will not and no Subsidiary of the Borrower will: |
A. Distributions. Redeem, retire, purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of its Equity Interests, return any contribution to an Equity Owner or, other than stock dividends and dividends paid to any Borrower, declare or pay any Distributions; provided, however, that if there is no existing default under this agreement or any other Related Document and to do so will not cause a default under this agreement or any other Related Document any Borrower may pay Distributions to its Equity Owners.
B. Debt. Incur, contract for, assume, or permit to remain outstanding, indebtedness for borrowed money, installment obligations, or obligations under capital leases or operating leases, other than (1) unsecured trade debt incurred in the ordinary course of business, (2) indebtedness owing to the Bank, and (3) indebtedness outstanding as of the date hereof that has been disclosed to the Bank in writing and that is not to be paid with proceeds of borrowings under the Credit Facilities.
C. Guaranties. Guarantee or otherwise become or remain liable on the undertaking of another.
D. Liens. Create or permit to exist any Lien on any of its Property except: existing Liens known to and approved by the Bank; Liens to the Bank; Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business securing current non- delinquent liabilities for taxes, worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, social security and pension liabilities.
E. Use of Proceeds. Use any proceeds of the Credit Facilities: (1) for any personal, family or household purpose; (2) for the purpose of "purchasing or carrying any margin stock" within the meaning of Federal Reserve Board Regulation U; (3) 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; (4) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country except to the extent permitted for a person required to comply with Sanctions; or (5) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions.
F. Business Operations and Continuity of Operations. (1) Engage in any business activities (a) in violation of any Legal Requirement; (b) substantially different from those in which it is presently engaged; (2) fail to maintain its existence, cease operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or consolidate with any other Person, change its name, dissolve, divide, or allocate any assets under any plan of division or similar arrangement, create any series limited liability company, allocate any property to any series, or sell any assets out of the ordinary course of business; (3) enter into or permit to exist any arrangement with any Person providing for the leasing by it of Property which has been sold or transferred by it to such Person; (4) change its business organization, the jurisdiction under which its business organization is formed or organized, or its chief executive office, or any places of its businesses; or (5) if the Borrower is an individual, change the name on his/her driver’s license or state issued identification card, as applicable, without notifying the Bank within thirty (30) days of the change, or change the state of his/her principal residence, without notifying the Bank within thirty (30) days of the change.
G. Limitation on Negative Pledge Clauses. Enter into or permit to exist any agreement with any Person other than the Bank which prohibits or limits its ability to create or permit to exist any Lien on any of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired.
H. Conflicting Agreements. Enter into or permit to exist any agreement containing any provision which would be violated or breached by the performance of its obligations under this agreement or any of the other Related Documents.
I. Transfer of Ownership. Permit any pledge, sale or other transfer of any Equity Interest in it.
J. Limitation on Loans, Advances, Investments, and Receivables. Purchase, hold or acquire any Equity Interest or evidence of indebtedness of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, permit to exist any receivable from, or make or permit to exist any investment or acquire any interest whatsoever in, any Person, except: (1) extensions of trade credit to customers in the ordinary course of business on ordinary terms; (2) commercial paper, certificates of deposit, US Treasury or other governmental agency obligations; and (3) loans, advances, investments and receivables existing as of the date of this agreement that have been disclosed to and approved by the Bank in writing and that are not to be paid with proceeds of borrowings under the Credit Facilities.
K. Organizational Documents. Unless at least thirty (30) day prior written notice is provided to the Bank, amend or modify any of its Organizational Documents.
L. Government Regulation. (1) Be or become subject at any time to any Legal Requirement or list of any government agency (including, without limitation, the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control list) that prohibits or limits the Bank from making any advance or extension of credit to it or from otherwise conducting business with it, or (2) fail to provide documentary and other evidence of its identity as may be requested by the Bank at any time to enable the Bank to verify its identity or to comply with any applicable Legal Requirement, including, without limitation, Section 326 of the USA Patriot Act of 2001, 31 U.S.C. Section 5318.
M. Subsidiaries. Form, create or acquire any Subsidiary.
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5.2 |
Financial Covenants. Without the prior written consent of the Bank, the Borrower will not: |
A. Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. Permit at any fiscal quarter end its Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio to be less than 1.25 to 1.00. As used in this subsection, the term "Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" means the ratio of
(a) Net Income plus income tax expense, amortization expense, depreciation expense, and interest expense, minus Maintenance Capital Expenditures not financed by long-term debt, all computed for the twelve month period then ending, to
(b) scheduled principal payments made, plus scheduled capital lease payments made, interest expense paid, income tax expense paid, and cash Distributions paid, all computed for the same twelve month period then ending.
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5.3 |
Financial Statement Calculations. The financial covenant(s) set forth in Section 5.2 entitled "Financial Covenants", except as may be otherwise expressly provided with respect to any particular financial covenant, shall be calculated on the basis of the Borrower’s financial statements prepared on a consolidated basis with its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, provided that, if after the date hereof there occurs any change in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of any provision hereof and the Bank notifies the Borrower that the Bank requests an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose, regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such provision is amended in accordance herewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with any financial covenant contained herein, the effects of FASB Accounting Standards Update 2016- 02 (Topic 842) shall be disregarded. |
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6. |
Representations. |
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6.1 |
Representations and Warranties by the Borrower. To induce the Bank to enter into this agreement, the Borrower represents and warrants as of the date of this agreement and as of the date of each request for credit under the Credit Facilities that each of the following statements is true and correct and shall remain so until all Credit Facilities and all Liabilities under the Notes and other Related Documents are paid in full: |
(a) its name as it appears in this agreement is its exact name as it appears in its most recently filed public organic record and other Organizational Documents,
(b) the execution and delivery of this agreement and the other Related Documents to which it is a party, and the performance of the obligations they impose, do not violate any Legal Requirement, conflict with any agreement by which it is bound, or require the consent or approval of any other Person,
(c) this agreement and the other Related Documents have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by all parties thereto (other than the Bank) and are valid, enforceable and binding agreements, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity,
(d) all balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and other financial statements and other information furnished to the Bank are accurate and fairly reflect the financial condition of the Persons to which they apply on their effective dates, which financial condition has not changed materially and adversely since those dates,
(e) no litigation, claim, investigation, administrative proceeding or similar action is pending or threatened against it, and no other event has occurred which may materially affect it or any of its Subsidiaries' financial condition, properties, business, affairs or operations, other than litigation, claims, or other events, if any, that have been disclosed to and acknowledged by the Bank in writing,
(f) all of its tax returns and reports that are or were required to be filed, have been filed, and all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges have been paid in full, except those presently being contested by it in good faith and for which adequate reserves have been provided,
(g) it is not an "investment company" or a company "controlled" by an "investment company", within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
(h) there are no defenses or counterclaims, offsets or adverse claims, demands or actions of any kind, personal or otherwise, that it could assert with respect to this agreement or the Credit Facilities,
(i) it owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, trade names, copyrights, technology, know-how and processes necessary for the continued current conduct of its business, and
(j) there has been no default, event of default or event that would constitute a default or event of default (pending giving of notice or a lapse of time or both), of any provision of this agreement, the Notes or any other Related Documents.
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6.2 |
Representations and Warranties Regarding Borrowing Base. The Borrower represents and warrants as of the date of this agreement and as of the date of each request for credit under the Credit Facilities that with respect to the Borrowing Base, (i) each asset represented by it to be eligible for Borrowing Base purposes of this agreement conforms to the eligibility definitions set forth in this agreement; (ii) all asset values delivered to the Bank will be true and correct, subject to immaterial variance; and be determined on a consistent accounting basis; (iii) except as agreed to the contrary by the Bank in writing, each asset is now and at all times hereafter will be in its physical possession and shall not be held by others on consignment, sale or approval, or sale or return; (iv) except as reflected in schedules delivered to the Bank, each asset is now and at all times hereafter will be of good and merchantable quality, free from defects; and (v) each asset is not now and will not at any time hereafter be stored with a bailee, warehouseman, or similar Person without the Bank's prior written consent, and in such event, it will concurrently at the time of bailment cause any such bailee, warehouseman, or similar Person to issue and deliver to the Bank, warehouseman receipts in the Bank's name evidencing the storage of the assets. |
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6.3 |
Representations and Warranties Regarding Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. The Borrower represents and warrants as of the date of this agreement and as of the date of each request for credit under the Credit Facilities that the Borrower has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors and officers and to the knowledge of the Borrower its employees and agents, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects. None of (a) the Borrower, any Subsidiary, any of their respective directors, officers or to the knowledge of the Borrower employees, or (b) to the knowledge of the Borrower, any agent of 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. No advance, letter of credit, use of proceeds or other transaction contemplated by the Credit Facilities will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions. |
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7. |
Default/Remedies. |
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7.1 |
Events of Default/Acceleration. If any of the following events occurs, the Notes shall become due immediately, without notice, at the Bank's option: |
A. Any Obligor fails to pay when due any of the Liabilities, or any amount payable with respect to any of the Liabilities, or under any Note, any other Related Document.
B. Any Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries: (i) fails to observe or perform any term, covenant, condition or agreement of any of the Related Documents or any other agreement, now or hereafter in effect, with the Bank, or any Affiliate of the Bank or their respective successors and assigns; or (ii) makes any materially incorrect or misleading representation to the Bank.
C. Any Obligor (i) terminates or revokes or purports to terminate or revoke its guaranty or any Obligor's guaranty becomes unenforceable in whole or in part; or (ii) fails to perform promptly under its guaranty.
D. Any Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries (i) defaults under the terms of any agreement or instrument relating to any debt for borrowed money (other than the debt evidenced by the Related Documents) and the effect of such default will allow the creditor to declare the debt due before its stated maturity; or (ii) fails to pay when due any other debt to any Person (including the Bank), or under any agreement or instrument evidencing other debt to any Person.
E. There is any loss, theft, damage, or destruction of any Collateral not covered by insurance.
F. Any event occurs that would permit the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to terminate any employee benefit plan of any Obligor or any Subsidiary of any Obligor.
G. Any Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries: (i) becomes insolvent or unable to pay its debts as they become due; (ii) makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; (iii) consents to or commences any proceeding under any bankruptcy, reorganization, liquidation, insolvency or similar laws; (iv) conceals or removes any of its Property, with intent to hinder, delay or defraud any of its creditors; (v) makes or permits a transfer of any of its Property, which may be fraudulent under any bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance or similar law; or (vi) makes a transfer of any of its Property to or for the benefit of a creditor at a time when other creditors similarly situated have not been paid.
H. A custodian, receiver, or trustee is appointed for any Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries or for a substantial part of their respective Property.
I. Any Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries, without the Bank's prior written consent: (i) liquidates, divides or allocates any assets under a plan of division or similar arrangement, creates any series limited liability company, allocates any property to any series, or is dissolved; (ii) merges or consolidates with any other Person; (iii) leases, sells or otherwise conveys a material part of its assets or business outside the ordinary course of its business; (iv) leases, purchases, or otherwise acquires a material part of the assets of any other Person, except in the ordinary course of its business; or (v) agrees to do any of the foregoing; provided, however, that any Subsidiary of an Obligor may merge or consolidate with any other Subsidiary of that Obligor, or with the Obligor, so long as the Obligor is the survivor.
J. Proceedings are commenced under any bankruptcy, reorganization, liquidation, or similar laws against any Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries and remain undismissed for sixty (60) days after commencement; or any Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries consents to the commencement of those proceedings.
K. Any judgment is entered against any Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries, or any attachment, seizure, sequestration, levy, or garnishment is issued against any Property of any Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries or any Collateral.
L. Any individual Obligor dies, or a guardian or conservator is appointed for any individual Obligor or all or any portion of their respective Property, or the Collateral.
M. Any material adverse change occurs in: (i) the Property, financial condition, business, assets, prospects, liabilities, or operations of any Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries; (ii) any Obligor's ability to perform its obligations under the Related Documents; or (iii) the Collateral.
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7.2 |
Remedies. At any time after the occurrence of a default, the Bank may do one or more of the following: (a) cease permitting the Borrower to incur any Liabilities; (b) terminate any commitment of the Bank evidenced by any of the Notes; (c) declare any of the Notes to be immediately due and payable, without notice of acceleration, presentment and demand or protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived; (d) exercise all rights of setoff; and (e) exercise any and all other rights pursuant to any of the Related Documents. |
A. Generally. The rights of the Bank under this agreement and the other Related Documents are in addition to other rights (including without limitation, other rights of setoff) the Bank may have contractually, by law, in equity or otherwise, all of which are cumulative and hereby retained by the Bank. Each Obligor agrees to stand still with regard to the Bank's enforcement of its rights, including taking no action to delay, impede or otherwise interfere with the Bank's rights to realize on any Collateral.
B. Bank’s Right of Setoff. If default shall have occurred, the Bank 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 at any time owing by the Bank or any Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of any Borrower against any of and all the Liabilities, irrespective of whether or not the Bank shall have made any demand under the Related Documents and although such obligations may be unmatured. The rights of the Bank under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) which the Bank may have.
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8. |
Miscellaneous. |
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8.1 |
Notice. Any notices and demands under or related to this agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the Borrower at its address stated in this agreement and if to the Bank, Manager Wholesale Lending Services, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 10 S. Dearborn, IL1-1145 (Floor L2), Chicago, IL 60603-2300 with a copy addressed to Robert Stephen Roop, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 1935 Airline Dr, Floor 01, Bossier City, LA 71112-2407, by one of the following means: (a) by hand; (b) by overnight courier service; or (c) by certified or registered mail. Notice shall be deemed given upon receipt. Any party may change its address for purposes of the receipt of notices and demands by giving notice of the change in the manner provided in this provision. |
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8.2 |
Statements. The Bank may provide the Borrower with account statements or invoices with respect to any of the Liabilities ("Statements"). Unless otherwise agreed to herein, the Bank is under no duty or obligation to provide Statements, which, if provided, will be solely for the Borrower’s convenience. Statements may contain estimates of the amounts owed during the relevant billing period, whether of principal, interest, fees or other Liabilities. If the Borrower pays the full amount indicated on a Statement on or before the due date indicated on such Statement, the Borrower shall not be in default of payment with respect to the billing period indicated on such Statement; provided, that acceptance by the Bank of any payment that is less than the total amount actually due at that time (including but not limited to any past due amounts) shall not constitute a waiver of the Bank’s right to receive payment in full at another time. |
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8.3 |
No Waiver. No delay on the part of the Bank in the exercise of any right or remedy waives that right or remedy. No single or partial exercise by the Bank of any right or remedy precludes any other future exercise of it or the exercise of any other right or remedy. The making of an advance during the existence of any default or subsequent to the occurrence of a default or when all conditions precedent have not been met shall not constitute a waiver of the default or condition precedent. No waiver or indulgence by the Bank of any default is effective unless it is in writing and signed by the Bank, nor shall a waiver on one occasion bar or waive that right on any future occasion. |
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8.4 |
Integration; Severability. This agreement, the Notes, and the other Related Documents embody the entire agreement and understanding between the Borrower and the Bank and supersede all prior agreements and understandings relating to their subject matter. If any one or more of the obligations of the Borrower under this agreement, the Notes, or the other Related Documents or any provision thereof is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining obligations of the Borrower and the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired; and the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability in one jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of such obligations or provisions in any other jurisdiction. |
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8.5 |
Governing Law and Venue. This agreement and (unless stated otherwise therein) all Related Documents shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana (without giving effect to its laws of conflicts). The Borrower agrees that any legal action or proceeding with respect to any of its obligations under this agreement may be brought by the Bank in any state or federal court located in the State of Louisiana, as the Bank in its sole discretion may elect. By the execution and delivery of this agreement, the Borrower submits to and accepts, for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the non-exclusive jurisdiction of those courts. The Borrower waives any claim that the State of Louisiana is not a convenient forum or the proper venue for any such suit, action or proceeding. |
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8.6 |
Non-Liability of the Bank. The relationship between the Borrower on one hand and the Bank on the other hand shall be solely that of borrower and lender. The Bank shall have no fiduciary obligations to the Borrower. The Bank is not to be deemed an Affiliate of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. |
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8.7 |
Indemnification of the Bank. The Borrower agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Bank, its parent companies, Subsidiaries, Affiliates, their respective successors and assigns and each of their respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the "Indemnified Persons ") harmless for, from any and against any and all loss, liability, obligation, damage, penalty, judgment, claim, deficiency, expense, interest, penalties, attorneys' fees (including the fees and expenses of any attorneys engaged by the Indemnified Person) and amounts paid in settlement ("Claims") to which any Indemnified Person may become subject arising out of or relating to the Credit Facilities, the Liabilities under this agreement or any other Related Documents or the Collateral, except to the limited extent that the Claims are proximately caused by the Indemnified Person's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The indemnification provided for in this paragraph shall survive the termination of this agreement and shall not be affected by the presence, absence or amount of or the payment or nonpayment of any claim under, any insurance. |
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8.8 |
Counterparts. This agreement and any Related Document may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts, taken together, shall constitute one and the same of such agreement or document. |
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8.9 |
Advice of Counsel. The Borrower acknowledges that it has had the opportunity to be advised by counsel, in the negotiation, execution and delivery of this agreement and any other Related Documents. |
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8.10 |
Recovery of Additional Costs. If the imposition of or any change in any Legal Requirement, or the interpretation or application of any thereof by any court or administrative or governmental authority (including any request or policy not having the force of law) shall impose, modify, or make applicable any taxes (except federal, state, or local income or franchise taxes imposed on the Bank), reserve requirements, liquidity requirements, capital adequacy requirements, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) deposit insurance premiums or assessments, or other obligations which would (A) increase the cost to the Bank for extending, maintaining or funding the Credit Facilities, (B) reduce the amounts payable to the Bank under the Credit Facilities, or (C) reduce the rate of return on the Bank's capital as a consequence of the Bank's obligations with respect to the Credit Facilities, then the Borrower agrees to pay the Bank such additional amounts as will compensate the Bank therefor, within five (5) days after the Bank's written demand for such payment. The Bank's demand shall be accompanied by an explanation of such imposition or charge and a calculation in reasonable detail of the additional amounts payable by the Borrower, which explanation and calculations shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. |
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8.11 |
Expenses. To the extent not prohibited by law, and regardless of whether the transactions contemplated by this agreement are consummated, the Borrower is liable to the Bank and agrees to pay on demand all reasonable costs and expenses of every kind incurred (or charged by internal allocation) in connection with the negotiating, preparing, making, servicing and collection (in bankruptcy or otherwise) of the Credit Facilities and the realization on any Collateral and any other amounts owed under this agreement or the Related Documents, including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs. The obligations of the Borrower under this section shall survive the termination of this agreement. |
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8.12 |
Assignments. The Borrower agrees that the Bank may at any time sell, assign or transfer one or more interests or participations in all or any part of its rights and obligations in the Notes to one or more purchasers whether or not related to the Bank. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this agreement, the Bank may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all of any portion of its rights under this agreement to secure obligations of the Bank to a Federal Reserve Bank or a Federal Home Loan Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release the Bank from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for the Bank as a party hereto. |
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8.13 |
Marketing Consent. The Borrower hereby authorizes the Bank, at Bank's sole expense, and without any prior approval by or compensation to the Borrower, to include the Borrower's name and logo in advertising, marketing, tombstones, case studies and training materials, posted on the Internet (including social media), on the Bank's Intranet, in pitchbooks and materials sent to prospective and existing customers, in newspapers or journals and to give such other publicity to this agreement and any related products and services, as Bank may from time to time determine in its sole discretion. |
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8.14 |
Waivers. To the maximum extent not prohibited by applicable Legal Requirements, each Obligor waives (a) any right to receive notice of the following matters before the Bank enforces any of its rights: (i) any demand, diligence, presentment, dishonor and protest, or (ii) any action that the Bank takes regarding any Person, any Collateral, or any of the Liabilities, that it might be entitled to by law or under any other agreement; (b) any right to require the Bank to proceed against the Borrower, any other Obligor or any Collateral, or pursue any remedy in the Bank's power to pursue; (c) any defense based on any claim that any Obligor's obligations exceed or are more burdensome than those of the Borrower; (d) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting liability of any Obligor or the enforcement hereof; (e) any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of the Borrower or by reason of the cessation from any cause whatsoever (other than payment in full) of the obligation of the Borrower for the Liabilities; and (f) any defense based on or arising out of any defense that the Borrower may have to the payment or performance of the Liabilities or any portion thereof. Each Obligor consents to any extension or postponement of time of its payment without limit as to the number or period, to any substitution, exchange or release of all or any part of any Collateral, to the addition of any other party, and to the release or discharge of, or suspension of any rights and remedies against, any Obligor. |
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8.15 |
Confidentiality. The Bank agrees that it will treat information provided by the Borrower or its representatives to the Bank (the "Information") as confidential; provided, however, that the Bank may disclose the Information (a) to its Affiliates and its and its Affiliates’ directors, employees, officers, auditors, consultants, agents, counsel and advisors (such Affiliates and such Persons collectively, "Representatives"), it being understood that its Representatives shall be informed by the Bank of the confidential nature of such Information and be instructed to comply with the terms of this section to the same extent as is required of the Bank hereunder; (b) in response to a subpoena or other legal process, or as may otherwise be required by law, order or regulation, or upon the request or demand of any governmental or regulatory agency or authority having jurisdiction over the Bank or its Representatives or to defend or prosecute a claim brought against or by the Bank and/or its Representatives; (c) to actual and prospective assignees, actual and prospective participants, and actual and prospective swap counterparties, provided that all such participants, assignees or swap counterparties execute an agreement with the Bank containing provisions substantially the same as those contained in this section; (d) to holders of Equity Interests in the Borrower, other than holders of any Equity Interest in a publicly traded company; (e) to any Obligor; and (f) with the Borrower's consent. The restrictions contained in this section shall not apply to Information which (a) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by the Bank or its Representatives in breach of this section, or (b) becomes available to the Bank or its Representatives from a source, other than the Borrower or one of its agents, who is not known to the Bank or its Representatives to be bound by any obligations of confidentiality to the Borrower, or (c) was known to the Bank or its Representatives prior to its disclosure to the Bank or its Representatives by the Borrower or one of its agents or was independently developed by the Bank or its Representatives, or (d) was or is, after the date hereof, disclosed (or required to be disclosed) by the Borrower to the Bank or any of its Representatives under or in connection with any existing financing relationship between the Borrower and the Bank or any of its Representatives, the disclosure of which shall be governed by the agreements executed in connection with such financing relationship. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of the Information as provided in this section 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. |
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8.16 |
Electronic Signature. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this document and any Related 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 such document. The words "execution," "signed," "signature," "delivery," and words of like import in or relating to this document and any Related 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 Bank to accept Electronic Signatures in any form or format without its prior written consent and pursuant to procedures approved by it. If the Bank agrees to accept any Electronic Signature, it shall be entitled to rely on such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of the signer(s) without further verification thereof and without any obligation to review the appearance or form of any such Electronic Signature and any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed counterpart. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the signer(s) 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 Bank and signer(s) of this document or any Related Document, 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 document and any Related Document shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as any paper original, (ii) agrees that the Bank may, at its option, create one or more copies of this document and any Related 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 document and any Related Document based solely on the lack of paper original copies of this document and any Related Document, respectively, including with respect to any signature pages thereto and (iv) waives any claim against the Bank for any liabilities arising solely from the Bank’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 liabilities arising as a result of the failure of the signer(s) hereto to use any available security measures in connection with the execution, delivery or transmission of any Electronic Signature. For purposes of this section, "Electronic Signature" shall mean, 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. |
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8.17 |
Limitation of Liability. To the extent permitted by applicable law (i) the signer(s) hereto shall not assert, and the signer(s) hereto hereby waives, any claim against the Bank 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 other 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 Related Document, or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the Credit Facilities or the use of the proceeds thereof; provided that, nothing in this clause shall relieve the Borrower of any obligation it may have to indemnify an Indemnified Person against special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages asserted against such Indemnified Person by a third party. |
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9. |
USA PATRIOT ACT NOTIFICATION. The following notification is provided to the Borrower pursuant to Section 326 of the USA Patriot Act of 2001, 31 U.S.C. Section 5318: |
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT. To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each Person that opens an account, including any deposit account, treasury management account, loan, other extension of credit, or other financial services product. What this means for the Borrower: When the Borrower opens an account, if it is an individual the Bank will ask for its name, taxpayer identification number, residential address, date of birth, and other information that will allow the Bank to identify it, and, if it is not an individual the Bank will ask for its name, taxpayer identification number, business address, and other information that will allow the Bank to identify it. The Bank may also ask, if the Borrower is an individual, to see its driver’s license or other identifying documents, and if it is not an individual, to see its Organizational Documents or other identifying documents.
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10. |
WAIVER OF SPECIAL DAMAGES. WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT AND ALL RELATED DOCUMENTS, THE BORROWER WAIVES, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT THE UNDERSIGNED MAY HAVE TO CLAIM OR RECOVER FROM THE BANK IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ANY SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. |
[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
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11. |
JURY WAIVER. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE BORROWER AND THE BANK (BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF) HEREBY VOLUNTARILY, KNOWINGLY, IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE) BETWEEN THE BORROWER AND THE BANK ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER RELATED DOCUMENTS. THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT TO THE BANK TO PROVIDE THE FINANCING DESCRIBED HEREIN. |
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Borrower: FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED |
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By: |
/s/ Alex LaRue |
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Alex LaRue |
CFO |
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Printed Name |
Title |
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| Date Signed: | March 8, 2021 |
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Bank:
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
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| By: | /s/ Michael Mattson | |||
| Michael Mattson | Authorized Signer | |||
| Printed Name | Title | |||
| Date Signed: | March 8, 2021 |
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
To: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
This Compliance Certificate ("Certificate"), for the period ended , 20 , is furnished pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of March 4, 2021 (as amended, modified, renewed or extended from time to time, the "Agreement") among FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED (the "Borrower"), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the "Bank"). Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Compliance Certificate have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement.
THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT:
1. I am the of the Borrower and I am authorized to deliver this Certificate on behalf of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries;
2. I have reviewed the terms of the Agreement and I have made, or have caused to be made under my supervision, a detailed review of the compliance of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with the Agreement during the accounting period covered by the attached financial statements (the "Relevant Period");
3. The attached financial statements of the Borrower and, as applicable, its Subsidiaries and/or Affiliates for the Relevant Period: (a) have been prepared on an accounting basis consistent with the requirements of the Agreement, and (b) to the extent that the attached are not the Borrower’s annual fiscal year end statements, are subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
4. The examinations described in paragraph 2 did not disclose and I have no knowledge of, except as set forth below, (a) the existence of any condition or event which constitutes a default or an event of default under the Agreement or any other Related Document during or at the end of the Relevant Period or as of the date of this Certificate, or which would, subject to the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, constitute a default or event of default under the Agreement or any other Related Document during or at the end of the Relevant Period or as of the date of this Certificate or (b) any change in the accounting basis or in the application thereof that has occurred since the date of the annual financial statements delivered to the Bank in connection with the closing of the Agreement or subsequently delivered as required in the Agreement;
5. I hereby certify that, except as set forth below, no Obligor has, if applicable, changed its (i) name, (ii) chief executive office, (iii) principal place of business, (iv) the type of entity it is or (v) state of incorporation or organization without having received the Bank’s prior written consent;
6. Schedule I attached hereto sets forth financial data and computations evidencing the Borrower’s compliance with certain covenants of the Agreement, all of which data and computations are true, complete and correct; and
7. Described below are the exceptions, if any, referred to in paragraph 4 hereof by listing, in detail, the (i) nature of the condition or event, the period during which it has existed and the action which the Borrower has taken, is taking, or proposes to take with respect to each such condition or event or (ii) change in the accounting basis or the application thereof and the effect of such change on the attached financial statements:
The foregoing certifications, together with the computations set forth in Schedule I hereto and the financial statements delivered with this Certificate in support hereof, are made and delivered this day of , .
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FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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Compliance Certificate Form as of March 4, 2021
Schedule I to Compliance Certificate for FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED Financial Covenants
Compliance as of , 20 (the "Compliance Test Date") with
Certain covenants contained in the Agreement and
Supporting calculations attached hereto
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5.2 |
Financial Covenants. Without the prior written consent of the Bank, the Borrower will not: |
A. Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. Permit at any fiscal quarter end its Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio to be less than 1.25 to 1.00.
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A) Net Income |
$ |
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plus income tax expense |
$ |
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plus amortization expense |
$ |
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plus depreciation expense |
$ |
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plus interest expense |
$ |
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minus Maintenance Capital Expenditures not financed by long-term debt |
$ |
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A TOTAL |
$ |
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B) scheduled principal payments made |
$ |
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plus scheduled capital lease payments made |
$ |
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plus interest expense paid |
$ |
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plus income tax expense paid |
$ |
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plus cash Distributions paid |
$ |
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B TOTAL |
$ |
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A Total / B Total = Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio |
:1.00 |
As of the Compliance Test Date shown above, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is . to 1.00
Compliance as of the Compliance Test Date shown above: [ ] Yes [ ] No
Exhibit 10.5
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Line of Credit Note |
$10,000,000.00
Date: March 4, 2021
Promise to Pay. On or before July 15, 2021, for value received, FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED (the "Borrower") promises to pay to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., whose address is 1935 Airline Dr, Floor 01, Bossier City, LA 71112-2407 (the "Bank") or order, in lawful money of the United States of America, the sum of Ten Million and 00/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00) or so much thereof as may be advanced and outstanding, plus interest on the unpaid principal balance computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed in a year of 360 days at the "Adjusted LIBOR Rate" (the "Note Rate") and at the rate of 3.00% Per Annum above the Note Rate, at the Bank's option, upon the occurrence of any default under this Note, whether or not the Bank elects to accelerate the maturity of this Note, from the date such increased rate is imposed by the Bank.
Definitions. As used in this Note, the following terms have the following respective meanings:
"Adjusted LIBOR Rate" means, with respect to the relevant Interest Period, the sum of (i) the Applicable Margin plus (ii) (a) the LIBOR Rate applicable to such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.
"Applicable Margin" means 2.25% Per Annum.
"Benchmark Transition Event" means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to LIBOR:
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(i) |
a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of LIBOR announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide LIBOR, permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide LIBOR; or |
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a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of LIBOR, the U.S. Federal Reserve System, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for LIBOR, a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for LIBOR or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for LIBOR, which states that the administrator of LIBOR has ceased or will cease to provide LIBOR permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide LIBOR; or |
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a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of LIBOR announcing that LIBOR is no longer representative. |
"Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that the term "Business Day" shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for general business in London.
"Federal Reserve Board" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.
"Interest Period" means each consecutive one month period, the first of which shall commence on the date of this Note, ending on the day which corresponds numerically to such date one (1) month thereafter, provided, however, that if there is no such numerically corresponding day in such first succeeding month, such Interest Period shall end on the last Business Day of such first succeeding month. If an Interest Period would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall end on the next succeeding Business Day, provided, however, that if said next succeeding Business Day falls in a new calendar month, such Interest Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day.
"LIBOR Rate" means with respect to any LIBOR advance for any Interest Period, the London interbank offered rate ("LIBOR") as administered by ICE Benchmark Administration (or any other person that takes over the administration of such rate for Dollars, the "IBA") for a period equal in length to such Interest Period as displayed on pages LIBOR01 or LIBOR02 of the Reuters screen that displays such rate (or, in the event such rate does not appear on a Reuters page or screen, on any successor or substitute page on such screen that displays such rate, or on the appropriate page of such other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as shall be selected by the Bank in its reasonable discretion; in each case, the "LIBOR Screen Rate") at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided that , if any LIBOR Screen Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Note. If no LIBOR Screen Rate is available to the Bank, the applicable LIBOR Rate for the relevant Interest Period shall instead be the rate determined by the Bank to be the rate at which the Bank offers to place U.S. dollar deposits having a maturity equal to such Interest Period with first-class banks in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 A.M. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period.
LIBOR is intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings from each other in the London interbank market. In July 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that, after the end of 2021, it would no longer persuade or compel contributing banks to make rate submissions to the IBA for purposes of the IBA setting LIBOR. As a result, it is possible that commencing in 2022, LIBOR may no longer be available or deemed an appropriate reference rate upon which to determine the interest rate on LIBOR Rate advances. In light of this eventuality, public and private sector industry initiatives are currently underway to identify new or alternative reference rates to be used in place of LIBOR. In the event that a Benchmark Transition Event occurs, the "Alternate Rate of Interest" provision below provides a mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest. The Bank will notify the Borrower in advance of any change to the reference rate upon which the interest rate on LIBOR Rate advances is based. However, the Bank does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission or any other matter related to LIBOR or other rates in the definition of "LIBOR Rate" or with respect to any alternative, successor rate thereto, or replacement rate thereof, including without limitation, whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement reference rate will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, the LIBOR Rate or have the same volume or liquidity as did LIBOR prior to its discontinuance or unavailability.
"Per Annum" means for a year deemed to be comprised of 360 days.
"Prime Rate" means the rate of interest last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the "Prime Rate" in the U.S. or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Federal Reserve Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the "bank prime loan" rate or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by the Bank) or any similar release by the Federal Reserve Board (as determined by the Bank). Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced or quoted as being effective.
"Statutory Reserve Rate" means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentage (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) established by the Federal Reserve Board to which the Bank is subject with respect to the Adjusted LIBOR Rate, for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as "Eurocurrency Liabilities" in Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board). Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board. LIBOR Rate advances shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to the Bank under such Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.
Illegality/Temporary Unavailability. If:
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any applicable domestic or foreign law, treaty, rule or regulation now or later in effect (whether or not it now applies to the Bank) or the interpretation or administration thereof by a governmental authority charged with such interpretation or administration, or compliance by the Bank with any guideline, request or directive of such an authority (whether or not having the force of law), shall make it unlawful or impossible for the Bank to maintain or fund the advances evidenced by this Note, or |
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the Bank determines that quotations of interest rates for the relevant deposits referred to in the definition of Adjusted LIBOR Rate are not being provided for purposes of determining the interest rate on the advances evidenced by this Note, or |
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the Bank determines that the relevant interest rates referred to in the definition of Adjusted LIBOR Rate do not accurately cover the cost to the Bank of making funding or maintaining the advances evidenced by this Note, |
then, upon notice of such circumstances from the Bank to the Borrower: (a) the obligation of the Bank to make advances shall be suspended until the Bank notifies the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to the suspension no longer exists, and (b) subject to the terms and conditions of this Note and the other Related Documents, the entire outstanding balance of any advance shall be replaced with an advance bearing interest at the greater of (x) Prime Rate and (y) 2.50% (the "Interim Rate"), and the Borrower may request advances upon this Note bearing interest at the Interim Rate.
Alternate Rate of Interest. If a Benchmark Transition Event occurs, Bank may, by notice to Borrower, select an alternate rate of interest for LIBOR that gives due consideration to the then-evolving or prevailing market convention for determining a rate of interest for loans in US Dollars at such time (the "Alternate Rate"); Borrower acknowledges that the Alternate Rate may include a mathematical adjustment using any then-evolving or prevailing market convention or method for determining a spread adjustment for the replacement of LIBOR. For avoidance of doubt, all references to LIBOR shall be deemed to be references to the Alternate Rate when the Alternate Rate becomes effective in accordance with this section. In addition, the Bank will have the right, from time to time by notice to Borrower to make technical, administrative or operational changes (including, without limitation, changes to the definition of "Interest Period", timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest and other administrative matters) that the Bank decides in its reasonable discretion may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of the Alternate Rate. The Alternate Rate, together with all such technical, administrative and operational changes as specified in any notice, shall become effective at the later of (i) the fifth Business Day after the Bank has provided notice (including without limitation for this purpose, by electronic means) to the Borrower (the "Notice Date") and (ii) a date specified by the Bank in the notice, without any further action or consent of the Borrower, so long as Bank has not received, by 5:00 pm Eastern time on the Notice Date, written notice of objection to the Alternate Rate from the Borrower. Any determination, decision, or election that may be made by the Bank pursuant to this section, including any determination with respect to a rate or adjustment or the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date, and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its sole discretion and without consent from the Borrower. Until an Alternate Rate shall be determined in accordance with this section, the interest rate shall be the Interim Rate. In no event shall the Alternate Rate be less than zero.
Interest/Usury. In no event shall the interest rate exceed the maximum rate allowed by law. Any interest payment that would for any reason be unlawful under applicable law shall be applied to principal.
Interest will be computed on the unpaid principal balance from the date of each borrowing.
Interest Payments. Until maturity, the Borrower will pay consecutive monthly installments of interest only commencing March 31, 2021.
The Borrower shall make all payments on this Note and the other Related Documents, without setoff, deduction, or counterclaim, to the Bank at the Bank's address above or at such other place as the Bank may designate in writing. If any payment of principal or interest on this Note shall become due on a day that is not a Business Day, the payment will be made on the next succeeding Business Day. Payments shall be allocated among principal, interest and fees at the discretion of the Bank unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law. Acceptance by the Bank of any payment that is less than the payment due at that time shall not constitute a waiver of the Bank's right to receive payment in full at that time or any other time.
Authorization for Direct Payments (ACH Debits). To effectuate any payment due under this Note or under any other Related Documents, the Borrower hereby authorizes the Bank to initiate debit entries to Account Number at the Bank and to debit the same to such account. This authorization to initiate debit entries shall remain in full force and effect until the Bank has received written notification of its termination in such time and in such manner as to afford the Bank a reasonable opportunity to act on it. The Borrower represents that the Borrower is and will be the owner of all funds in such account. The Borrower acknowledges: (1) that such debit entries may cause an overdraft of such account which may result in the Bank's refusal to honor items drawn on such account until adequate deposits are made to such account; (2) that the Bank is under no duty or obligation to initiate any debit entry for any purpose; and (3) that if a debit is not made because the above-referenced account does not have a sufficient available balance, or otherwise, the payment may be late or past due.
Late Fee. Any principal or interest which is not paid within 10 days after its due date (whether as stated, by acceleration or otherwise) shall be subject to a late payment charge of five percent (5.00%) of the total payment due, in addition to the payment of interest, up to the maximum amount of One Thousand Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($1,500.00) per late charge. The Borrower agrees to pay and stipulates that five percent (5.00%) of the total payment due is a reasonable amount for a late payment charge. The Borrower shall pay the late payment charge upon demand by the Bank or, if billed, within the time specified.
Purpose of Loan. The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that this Note evidences a loan for a business, commercial, agricultural or similar commercial enterprise purpose, and that no advance shall be used for any personal, family or household purpose. The proceeds of the loan shall be used only for the Borrower's working capital purposes.
Credit Facility. The Bank has approved a credit facility to the Borrower in a principal amount not to exceed the face amount of this Note. The credit facility is in the form of advances made from time to time by the Bank to the Borrower. This Note evidences the Borrower's obligation to repay those advances. The aggregate principal amount of debt evidenced by this Note is the amount reflected from time to time in the records of the Bank. Until the earliest to occur of maturity, any default, event of default, or any event that would constitute a default or event of default but for the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both, the Borrower may borrow, pay down and reborrow under this Note subject to the terms of the Related Documents.
Miscellaneous. This Note binds the Borrower and its successors, and benefits the Bank, its successors and assigns. Any reference to the Bank includes any holder of this Note. This Note is subject to that certain Credit Agreement by and between the Borrower and the Bank, dated March 4, 2021, and all amendments, restatements and replacements thereof (the "Credit Agreement") to which reference is hereby made for a more complete statement of the terms and conditions under which the loan evidenced hereby is made and is to be repaid. The terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement are hereby incorporated and made a part hereof by this reference thereto with the same force and effect as if set forth at length herein. No reference to the Credit Agreement and no provisions of this Note or the Credit Agreement shall alter or impair the absolute and unconditional obligation of the Borrower to pay the principal and interest on this Note as herein prescribed. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement. If any one or more of the obligations of the Borrower under this Note or any provision hereof is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining obligations of the Borrower and the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired; and the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability in one jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of such obligations or provisions in any other jurisdiction. Time is of the essence under this Note and in the performance of every term, covenant and obligation contained herein.
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Address: 1121 Judson Road Suite 124 |
Borrower:
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED |
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Longview, TX 75601 |
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By: |
/s/ Alex LaRue |
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Alex LaRue |
CFO |
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Printed Name |
Title |
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| Date Signed: | March 8, 2021 | |||
Exhibit 10.6
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Continuing Security Agreement |
Dated as of March 4, 2021
Grant of Security Interest. To secure the payment and performance of the Liabilities, FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED (whether one or more, the "Borrower", individually and collectively if more than one) pledges, assigns and grants to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., whose address is 1935 Airline Dr, Floor 01, Bossier City, LA 71112-2407 (together with its successors and assigns, the "Bank") a continuing security interest in, all of its right, title and interest in the Collateral (as hereinafter defined), whether now owned or hereafter acquired and whether now existing or hereafter arising.
"Liabilities" means all obligations, indebtedness and liabilities of the Borrower whether individual, joint and several (solidary), absolute or contingent, direct or indirect, liquidated or unliquidated, now or hereafter existing in favor of the Bank, including without limitation, all liabilities, all interest, costs and fees arising under or from any note, open account, overdraft, letter of credit application, endorsement, surety agreement, guaranty, credit card, lease, Rate Management Transaction, acceptance, foreign exchange contract or depository service contract, whether payable to the Bank or to a third party and subsequently acquired by the Bank, any monetary obligations (including interest) incurred or accrued during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceedings, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding, and all renewals, extensions, modifications, consolidations, rearrangements, restatements, replacements or substitutions of any of the foregoing. "Rate Management Transaction" means any transaction (including an agreement with respect thereto) that is a rate swap, basis swap, forward rate transaction, commodity swap, commodity option, equity or equity index swap, equity or equity index option, bond option, interest rate option, foreign exchange transaction, cap transaction, floor transaction, collar transaction, forward transaction, currency swap transaction, cross-currency rate swap transaction, currency option, derivative transaction or any other similar transaction (including any option with respect to any of these transactions) or any combination thereof, whether linked to one or more interest rates, foreign currencies, commodity prices, equity prices or other financial measures. The Borrower and the Bank specifically contemplate that Liabilities include indebtedness hereafter incurred by the Borrower to the Bank.
The term "Collateral" means all of the Borrower's "accounts"; "chattel paper"; "deposit accounts" and other payment obligations of financial institutions (including the Bank); "documents"; "equipment", including any documents and certificates of title issued with respect to any of the equipment; "general intangibles" and any right to a refund of taxes paid at any time to any governmental entity; "instruments"; "inventory", including any documents and certificates of title issued with respect to any of the inventory; "investment property"; "financial assets"; "letter of credit rights"; all as defined in the UCC, whether owned or consigned by or to, or leased from or to the Borrower, and wherever located. In addition, the term "Collateral" includes all "proceeds", "products" and "supporting obligations" (as such terms are defined in the UCC) of the Collateral, including but not limited to all stock rights, subscription rights, dividends, stock dividends, stock splits, or liquidating dividends, and all cash, accounts, chattel paper, "instruments," "investment property," "financial assets," and "general intangibles" (as such terms are defined in the UCC) arising from the sale, rent, lease, casualty loss or other disposition of the Collateral, and any Collateral returned to, repossessed by or stopped in transit by the Borrower, and all insurance claims relating to any of the Collateral. The term "Collateral" further includes all of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to all books, records and data relating to the Collateral, regardless of the form of media containing such information or data, and all software necessary or desirable to use any of the Collateral or to access, retrieve, or process any of such information or data. Where the Collateral is in the possession of the Bank or the Bank's agent, the Borrower agrees to deliver to the Bank any property that represents an increase in the Collateral or profits or proceeds of the Collateral.
The term "UCC" means the Louisiana Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time.
Representations, Warranties and Covenants. The Borrower represents, warrants, and covenants to the Bank that each of the following is true and will remain true until termination of this agreement and payment in full of all Liabilities and agrees with the Bank that:
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At its own expense, it shall maintain comprehensive casualty insurance on the Collateral against such risks, in such amounts, with such deductibles and with such companies as may be satisfactory to the Bank. Each insurance policy on the Collateral shall contain a lender's loss payable endorsement satisfactory to the Bank and a prohibition against cancellation or amendment of the policy or removal of the Bank as loss payee without at least thirty (30) days' prior written notice to the Bank. In all events, the amounts of such insurance coverages on the Collateral shall be in such minimum amounts that the Borrower will not be deemed a co-insurer. The policies on the Collateral, or certificates evidencing them, shall, if the Bank so requests, be deposited with the Bank. |
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It shall permit the Bank, at the Borrower's expense, to inspect and examine the Collateral and to check and test the same as to quality, quantity, value, and condition. |
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It shall maintain the Collateral in good repair; use the Collateral in accordance with law and in compliance with any policy of insurance thereon; and exhibit the Collateral to the Bank on demand. |
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Until the Bank gives notice to the Borrower to the contrary or until the Borrower is in default, it may use the funds collected in its business. Upon notice from the Bank or upon default, the Borrower agrees that all sums of money it receives on account of or in payment or settlement of the accounts, chattel paper, certificated securities, negotiable certificates of deposit, documents, general intangibles and instruments shall be held by it as trustee for the Bank without commingling with any of the Borrower's other funds, and shall immediately be delivered to the Bank with endorsement to the Bank's order of any check or similar instrument. It is agreed that, at any time the Bank so elects, the Bank shall be entitled, in its own name or in the name of the Borrower or otherwise, but at the expense and cost of the Borrower, to collect, demand, receive, sue for or compromise any and all accounts, chattel paper, certificated securities, negotiable certificates of deposit, documents, general intangibles, and instruments, and to give good and sufficient releases, to endorse any checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money payable to the Borrower and, in the Bank's discretion, to file any claims or take any action or proceeding which the Bank may deem necessary or advisable. It is expressly understood and agreed, however, that the Bank shall not be required or obligated in any manner to make any demand or to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment received by it or to present or file any claim or take any other action to collect or enforce the payment of any amounts which may have been assigned to the Bank or to which the Bank may be entitled at any time or times. All notices required in this paragraph will be immediately effective when sent. Such notices need not be given prior to the Bank's taking action. The Borrower irrevocably appoints the Bank or the Bank's designee as the Borrower's attorney-in-fact to do all things with reference to the Collateral as provided for in this agreement including without limitation (1) to sign the Borrower's name on any invoice or bill of lading relating to any Collateral, on assignments and verifications of account and on notices to the Borrower's customers, and (2) to do all things necessary to carry out this agreement or to perform any of the Borrower's obligations under this agreement, (3) to notify the post office authorities to change the Borrower's mailing address to one designated by the Bank, and (4) to receive, open and dispose of mail addressed to the Borrower. The Borrower ratifies and approves all acts of the Bank as attorney-in-fact. This power of attorney appointment is irrevocable, coupled with an interest, and shall survive the death or disability of Borrower. The Bank shall not be liable for any act or omission, nor any error of judgment or mistake of fact or law, but only for its gross negligence or willful misconduct. This power being coupled with an interest is irrevocable until all of the Liabilities have been fully satisfied. Immediately upon its receipt of any Collateral evidenced by an agreement, "instrument," "chattel paper," certificated "security" or "document" (as such terms are defined in the UCC) (collectively, "Special Collateral"), it shall mark the Special Collateral to show that it is subject to the Bank's security interest, pledge and assignment and shall deliver the original to the Bank together with appropriate endorsements and other specific evidence of assignment or transfer in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank. |
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It will not, sell, lease, license or offer to sell, lease, license, grant as security to anyone other than the Bank, or otherwise transfer the Collateral or any rights in or to the Collateral, without the prior written consent of the Bank, except for the sale of inventory in the ordinary course of business; or change the location of the Collateral from the locations of the Collateral disclosed to the Bank, without providing at least ten (10) days' prior written notice to the Bank. |
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No financing statement or similar record covering all or any part of the Collateral or any proceeds is on file in any public office, unless the Bank has approved that filing. |
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When the Collateral is located at, used in or attached to a facility leased by the Borrower, the Borrower will, at the request of the Bank, obtain from the lessor a consent to the granting of this security interest and a release or subordination of the lessor's interest in any of the Collateral, in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank. |
Remedies Regarding Collateral. The Bank shall have the right to require the Borrower to assemble the Collateral and make it available to the Bank at a place to be designated by the Bank which is reasonably convenient to both parties, the right to take possession of the Collateral with or without demand and with or without process of law, and the right to sell and dispose of it and distribute the proceeds according to law. The Borrower agrees that upon default the Bank may dispose of any of the Collateral in its then present condition, that the Bank has no duty to repair or clean the Collateral prior to sale, and that the disposal of the Collateral in its present condition or without repair or clean-up shall not affect the commercial reasonableness of such sale or disposition. The Bank's compliance with any applicable state or federal law requirements in connection with the disposition of the Collateral will not adversely affect the commercial reasonableness of any sale of the Collateral. The Bank may disclaim warranties of title, possession, quiet enjoyment, and the like, and the Borrower agrees that any such action shall not affect the commercial reasonableness of the sale. In connection with the right of the Bank to take possession of the Collateral, the Bank may take possession of any other items of property in or on the Collateral at the time of taking possession, and hold them for the Borrower without liability on the part of the Bank. The Borrower expressly agrees that the Bank may enter upon the premises where the Collateral is believed to be located without any obligation of payment to the Borrower, and that the Bank may, without cost, use any and all of the Borrower's "equipment" (as defined in the UCC) in the manufacturing or processing of any "inventory" (as defined in the UCC) or in growing, raising, cultivating, caring for, harvesting, loading and transporting of any of the Collateral that constitutes "farm products" (as defined in the UCC). If there is any statutory requirement for notice, that requirement shall be met if the Bank sends notice to the Borrower at least ten (10) days prior to the date of sale, disposition or other event giving rise to the required notice, and such notice shall be deemed commercially reasonable. Without limiting any other remedy, the Borrower is liable for any deficiency remaining after disposition of the Collateral. The Bank is authorized to cause all or any part of the Collateral to be transferred to or registered in its name or in the name of any other person or business entity, with or without designating the capacity of that nominee. The Bank shall be entitled to the appointment of a receiver as a matter of right, without notice and without regard to the value of the Collateral. Without limitation, the receiver shall have the power to (i) protect and preserve the Collateral, (ii) operate the business of the Borrower, (iii) collect and apply the proceeds, over and above the costs of the receivership, to the Liabilities, (iv) close the business of the Borrower and liquidate all Collateral, and/or (v) sell the business of the Borrower as a going concern. The receiver shall serve without bond, if permitted by law. At its option the Bank may, but shall be under no duty or obligation to, discharge taxes, liens, security interests or other encumbrances at any time levied or placed on the Collateral, pay for insurance on the Collateral, and pay for the maintenance and preservation of the Collateral, and the Borrower agrees to reimburse the Bank on demand for any such payment made or expense incurred by the Bank with interest at the highest rate at which interest may accrue under any of the instruments evidencing the Liabilities. The Borrower authorizes the Bank to endorse on the Borrower's behalf and to negotiate drafts reflecting proceeds of insurance of the Collateral, provided that the Bank shall remit to the Borrower such surplus, if any, as remains after the proceeds have been applied, at the Bank's option, to the satisfaction of all of the Liabilities (in such order of application as the Bank may elect) or to the establishment of a cash collateral account for the Liabilities. The Bank shall have the right now, and at any time in the future in its sole and absolute discretion, without notice to the Borrower to (a) prepare, file and sign the Borrower's name on any proof of claim in bankruptcy or similar document against any owner of the Collateral and (b) prepare, file and sign the Borrower's name on any notice of lien, assignment or satisfaction of lien or similar document in connection with the Collateral.
Additional Remedies in Louisiana. At or following default under the terms of any agreement relating to any of the Liabilities, the Bank may cause the Collateral to be immediately seized wherever found, and sold, whether in term of court or in vacation, under ordinary or executory process, in accordance with applicable Louisiana law, to the highest bidder for cash, with or without appraisement, and without the necessity of making additional demand, or of notifying the Borrower, or placing the Borrower in default. Louisiana law permits repossession of motor vehicles without judicial process. For purposes of foreclosure under Louisiana executory process procedures, the Borrower confesses judgment and acknowledges to be indebted unto and in favor of the Bank up to the full amount of the Liabilities, in principal, interest, costs, expenses, attorneys' fees and other fees and charges if the Liabilities are not paid at maturity. To the extent permitted under applicable Louisiana law, the Borrower additionally waives: (1) the benefit of appraisal as provided in Articles 2332, 2336, 2723 and 2724 of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure and all other laws with regard to appraisal upon judicial sale; (2) the notice of seizure as provided under Articles 2293 and 2721 of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure; (3) the three (3) days' delay provided under Articles 2331 and 2722 of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure; and (4) all other benefits provided under Articles 2331, 2722 and 2723 of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure and all other similar provisions of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure not specifically listed hereinabove. Should any of the Collateral be seized as an incident to an action for the recognition or enforcement of the Liabilities, or this agreement, by executory process, sequestration, attachment, writ of fieri facias, or otherwise, the Borrower agrees that the court issuing any such order shall, if requested by the Bank, appoint the Bank or any person or entity named by the Bank at the time such seizure is requested, or at any time thereafter, as keeper of the Collateral as provided under La. R.S. §§ 9:5136, et seq. The Borrower agrees to pay the reasonable fees of such keeper, which compensation to the keeper shall also be a part of the Liabilities secured. Should it become necessary for the Bank to foreclose against the Collateral, all declarations of fact that are made under an authentic act before a notary public in the presence of two witnesses by a person declaring such facts to lie within his or her knowledge, shall constitute authentic evidence for purposes of executory process, and also for purposes of La. R.S. § 9:3509.1, La. R.S. § 9:3504(D)(6), and La. R.S. § 10:9-629, as applicable.
The following notice is given pursuant to Texas Finance Code Section 307.052: COLLATERAL PROTECTION INSURANCE NOTICE: (A) THE BORROWER IS REQUIRED TO: (I) KEEP THE COLLATERAL INSURED AGAINST DAMAGE IN THE AMOUNT THE BANK SPECIFIES; (II) PURCHASE THE INSURANCE FROM AN INSURER THAT IS AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN TEXAS OR AN ELIGIBLE SURPLUS LINES INSURER; AND (III) NAME THE BANK AS THE PERSON TO BE PAID UNDER THE POLICY IN THE EVENT OF A LOSS; (B) THE BORROWER IS REQUIRED TO DELIVER TO THE BANK, UPON REQUEST, A COPY OF THE POLICY AND PROOF OF THE PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS; AND (C) IF THE BORROWER FAILS TO MEET ANY REQUIREMENT LISTED IN CLAUSE (A) OR (B), THE BANK MAY OBTAIN COLLATERAL PROTECTION INSURANCE ON BEHALF OF THE BORROWER AT SUCH PERSON'S EXPENSE AND SUCH AMOUNTS SHALL BE ADDED TO THE LIABILITIES.
Miscellaneous. A carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this agreement is sufficient as, and can be filed as, a financing statement or similar record. The Borrower authorizes the Bank to file one or more financing statements or similar records covering the Collateral or such lesser amount of assets as the Bank may determine, or the Bank may, at its option, file financing statements or similar records containing any collateral description which reasonably describes the Collateral, and the Borrower will pay the cost of filing them in all public offices where filing is deemed by the Bank to be necessary or desirable. In addition, the Borrower shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such other documents as the Bank may from time to time request to perfect or to further evidence the pledge, security interest and assignment created in the Collateral by this agreement. If any provision of this agreement cannot be enforced, the remaining portions of this agreement shall continue in effect. The provisions of this agreement are severable, and if any one or more of the provisions of this agreement are held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired; and the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability in one jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision(s) in any other jurisdiction. Time is of the essence under this agreement and in the performance of every term, covenant and obligation contained herein. Any notices and demands under or related to this agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the Borrower at 1121 Judson Road Suite 124, Longview, TX 75601 and if to the Bank, shall be addressed to Manager Wholesale Lending Services, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 10 S. Dearborn, IL1-1145 (Floor L2), Chicago, IL 60603-2300 with a copy addressed to Robert Stephen Roop, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 1935 Airline Dr, Floor 01, Bossier City, LA 71112-2407 by one of the following means: (a) by hand; (b) by a nationally recognized overnight courier service; or (c) by certified mail, postage prepaid, with return receipt requested. Notice (other than any Subordinated Creditor Termination Notice) shall be deemed given: (i) upon receipt if delivered by hand; (ii) on
the Delivery Day after the day of deposit with a nationally recognized courier service; or (iii) on the third Delivery Day after the notice is deposited in the mail. "Delivery Day" means a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, or any other day on which national banking associations are authorized to be closed. Any party may change the party's address for purposes of the receipt of notices and demands by giving notice of the change in the manner provided in this provision.
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Borrower:
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED |
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By: |
/s/ Alex LaRue |
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Alex LaRue |
CFO |
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Printed Name |
Title |
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Date Signed: |
March 8, 2021 |
Exhibit 10.7
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First Amendment to Credit Agreement |
This First Amendment to Credit Agreement (this "Amendment") is dated as of April 12, 2021, by and between FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED (the "Borrower") and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (together with its successors and assigns the "Bank"). The provisions of this Amendment are effective on the date that this Amendment has been executed by all of the signers and delivered to the Bank (the "Effective Date").
WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Bank entered into a Credit Agreement dated March 4, 2021, (the "Credit Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested and the Bank has agreed to amend the Credit Agreement as set forth in this Amendment;
NOW, THEREFORE, in mutual consideration of the agreements contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:
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1. |
DEFINED TERMS. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment shall have the same meanings as in the Credit Agreement, unless otherwise defined in this Amendment. |
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2. |
MODIFICATION OF CREDIT AGREEMENT. The Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows: |
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2.1 |
The first grammatical paragraph of Section 1.2 of the Credit Agreement captioned "Facility A (Line of Credit)" is hereby amended and restated to read as follows: |
Facility A (Line of Credit). The Bank has approved a credit facility to the Borrower in a principal amount not to exceed $20,000,000.00, at any one time outstanding ("Facility A"). Credit under Facility A shall be repaid as described in a Line of Credit Note executed on March 4, 2021, along with any renewals, modifications, extensions, rearrangements, restatements and replacements or substitutions.
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3. |
RATIFICATION. The Borrower ratifies and reaffirms the Credit Agreement and the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect as modified by this Amendment. |
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4. |
BORROWER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Borrower represents and warrants that (a) the representations and warranties contained in the Credit Agreement are true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Amendment, (b) no condition, event, act or omission which could constitute a default or an event of default under the Credit Agreement, as modified by this Amendment, or any other Related Document exists, and (c) no condition, event, act or omission has occurred and is continuing that with the giving of notice, or the passage of time or both, would constitute a default or an event of default under the Credit Agreement, as modified by this Amendment, or any other Related Document. |
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5. |
FEES AND EXPENSES. The Borrower agrees to pay all fees and out-of-pocket disbursements incurred by the Bank in connection with this Amendment, including legal fees incurred by the Bank in the preparation, consummation, administration and enforcement of this Amendment. |
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6. |
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY BY THE BANK. The Bank shall not be bound by this Amendment until (i) the Bank has executed this Amendment and (ii) the Borrower has executed and delivered this Amendment together with all other related documents requested by the Bank, and the Borrower has fully satisfied all other conditions precedent, as determined by the Bank in its sole discretion. |
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7. |
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF BORROWER / RELEASE. The Borrower acknowledges that as of the date of this Amendment it has no offsets with respect to all amounts owed by the Borrower to the Bank arising under or related to the Credit Agreement, as modified by this Amendment, or any other Related Document on or prior to the date of this Amendment. The Borrower fully, finally and forever releases and discharges the Bank, its successors and assigns and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives (each a "Bank Party") from any and all claims, causes of action, debts, demands and liabilities, of whatever kind or nature, in law or in equity, of the Borrower, whether now known or unknown to the Borrower, which may have arisen in connection with the Credit Agreement or the actions or omissions of any Bank Party related to the Credit Agreement on or prior to the date hereof. The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that this Amendment is limited to the terms outlined above, and shall not be construed as an agreement to change any other terms or provisions of the Credit Agreement. This Amendment shall not establish a course of dealing or be construed as evidence of any willingness on the Bank's part to grant other or future agreements, should any be requested. |
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8. |
STATEMENTS. The Bank may from time to time provide the Borrower with account statements or invoices with respect to any of the Liabilities ("Statements"). The Bank is under no duty or obligation to provide Statements, which, if provided, will be solely for the Borrower’s convenience. Statements may contain estimates of the amounts owed during the relevant billing period, whether of principal, interest, fees or other Liabilities. If the Borrower pays the full amount indicated on a Statement on or before the due date indicated on such Statement, the Borrower shall not be in default of payment with respect to the billing period indicated on such Statement; provided, that acceptance by the Bank of any payment that is less than the total amount actually due at that time (including but not limited to any past due amounts) shall not constitute a waiver of the Bank’s right to receive payment in full at another time. |
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9. |
INTEGRATION, ENTIRE AGREEMENT, CHANGE, DISCHARGE, TERMINATION, OR WAIVER. The Credit Agreement, as modified by this Amendment, and the other Related Documents contain the complete understanding and agreement of the Borrower and the Bank in respect of the Credit Facilities and supersede all prior understandings and negotiations. If any one or more of the obligations of the Borrower under this Amendment or the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining obligations of the Borrower shall not in any way be affected or impaired, and the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability in one jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the obligations of the Borrower under this Amendment, the Credit Agreement, as modified by this Amendment, or any other Related Document in any other jurisdiction. No provision of the Credit Agreement, as modified by this Amendment, or the other Related Documents, may be changed, discharged, supplemented, terminated, or waived except in a writing signed by the party against whom it is being enforced. |
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10. |
Governing Law and Venue. This Amendment and (unless stated otherwise therein) all Related Documents shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana (without giving effect to its laws of conflicts). The Borrower agrees that any legal action or proceeding with respect to any of its obligations under this Amendment may be brought by the Bank in any state or federal court located in the State of Louisiana, as the Bank in its sole discretion may elect. By the execution and delivery of this Amendment, the Borrower submits to and accepts, for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the non-exclusive jurisdiction of those courts. The Borrower waives any claim that the State of Louisiana is not a convenient forum or the proper venue for any such suit, action or proceeding. |
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11. |
NOT A NOVATION. This Amendment is a modification only and not a novation. Except as expressly modified by this Amendment, the Credit Agreement, any other Related Documents, and all the terms and conditions thereof, shall be and remain in full force and effect with the changes herein deemed to be incorporated therein. This Amendment is to be considered attached to the Credit Agreement and made a part thereof. This Amendment shall not release or affect the liability of any guarantor of any promissory note or credit facility executed in reference to the Credit Agreement or release any owner of collateral granted as security for the Credit Agreement. The validity, priority and enforceability of the Credit Agreement shall not be impaired hereby. To the extent that any provision of this Amendment conflicts with any term or condition set forth in the Credit Agreement, or any other Related Documents, the provisions of this Amendment shall supersede and control. The Bank expressly reserves all rights against all parties to the Credit Agreement and the other Related Documents. |
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12. |
COUNTERPART EXECUTION. This Amendment may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts, taken together, shall constitute one and the same agreement. |
[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
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13. |
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Time is of the essence under this Amendment and in the performance of every term, covenant and obligation contained herein. |
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Borrower:
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED |
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By: |
/s/ Alex LaRue |
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Alex LaRue |
CFO |
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Printed Name |
Title |
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| Date Signed: | April 14, 2021 |
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Bank:
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
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By: |
/s/ Michael Mattson |
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Michael Mattson | Authorized Signer |
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Printed Name |
Title |
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| Date Signed: | April 14, 2021 |
Exhibit 10.8
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Note Modification Agreement |
This agreement is dated as of April 12, 2021 (the "Agreement Date"), by and between FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED (the "Borrower") and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (together with its successors and assigns, the "Bank"). The provisions of this agreement are effective on the date that this agreement has been executed by all of the signers and delivered to the Bank (the "Effective Date").
WHEREAS, the Borrower executed a Line of Credit Note dated as of March 4, 2021 in the original principal amount of Ten Million and 00/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00), (as same may have been amended or modified from time to time, the "Note") as evidence of an extension of credit from the Bank to the Borrower, which Note has at all times been, and is now, continuously and without interruption outstanding in favor of the Bank; and,
WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested and the Bank has agreed that the Note be modified to the limited extent as hereinafter set forth in this agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, in mutual consideration of the agreements contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:
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1. |
ACCURACY OF RECITALS. The Borrower acknowledges the accuracy of the Recitals stated above. |
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2. |
DEFINITIONS. Capitalized terms used in this agreement shall have the same meanings as in the Note, unless otherwise defined in this agreement. |
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3. |
MODIFICATION OF NOTE. |
3.1 From and after the Effective Date, the provision in the Note captioned "Promise to Pay" is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:
Promise to Pay. On or before July 15, 2021, for value received, FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED (the "Borrower") promises to pay to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., whose address is 1935 Airline Dr, Floor 01, Bossier City, LA 71112-2407 (the "Bank") or order, in lawful money of the United States of America, the sum of Twenty Million and 00/100 Dollars ($20,000,000.00) or so much thereof as may be advanced and outstanding, plus interest on the unpaid principal balance computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed in a year of 360 days at the "Adjusted LIBOR Rate" (the "Note Rate") and at the rate of 3.00% Per Annum above the Note Rate, at the Bank's option, upon the occurrence of any default under this Note, whether or not the Bank elects to accelerate the maturity of this Note, from the date such increased rate is imposed by the Bank.
3.2 Each of the Related Documents is modified to provide that it shall be a default or an event of default thereunder if the Borrower shall fail to comply with any of the covenants of the Borrower herein or if any representation or warranty by the Borrower herein or by any guarantor in any Related Documents is materially incomplete, incorrect, or misleading as of the date hereof. As used in this agreement, the "Related Documents" shall include the Note and all applications for letters of credit, loan agreements, credit agreements, reimbursement agreements, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, pledge agreements, assignments, guaranties, or any other instrument or document executed in connection with the Note or in connection with any other obligations of the Borrower to the Bank.
3.3 Each reference in the Related Documents to any of the Related Documents shall be a reference to such document as modified by this agreement.
4. RATIFICATION OF RELATED DOCUMENTS AND COLLATERAL. The Related Documents are ratified and reaffirmed by the Borrower and shall remain in full force and effect as they may be modified by this agreement. All property described as security in the Related Documents shall remain as security for the Note, as modified by this agreement, and the Liabilities under the other Related Documents.
5. BORROWER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Borrower represents and warrants to the Bank that each of the representations and warranties made in the Note and the other Related Documents and each of the following representations and warranties are and will remain, true and correct until the later of maturity or the date on which all Liabilities evidenced by the Note are paid in full:
5.1 No default, event of default or event that would constitute a default or event of default but for the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both, has occurred and is continuing under any provision of the Note, as modified by this agreement, or any other Related Document.
5.2 No event has occurred which may in any one case or in the aggregate materially and adversely affect the financial condition, properties, business, affairs, prospects or operations of the Borrower or any guarantor or any subsidiary of the Borrower.
5.3 The Borrower has no defenses or counterclaims, offsets or adverse claims, demands or actions of any kind, personal or otherwise, that it could assert with respect to the Note or any other Liabilities.
5.4 The Note, as modified by this agreement, and the other Related Documents are the legal, valid, and binding obligations of the Borrower and the other parties, enforceable against the Borrower and other parties in accordance with their terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity.
5.5 The Borrower, other than any Borrower who is a natural person, is validly existing under the laws of the State of its formation or organization. The Borrower has the requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this agreement and to perform the obligations described in the Related Documents as modified herein. The execution and delivery of this agreement and the performance of the obligations described in the Related Documents as modified herein have been duly authorized by all requisite action by or on behalf of the Borrower. This agreement has been duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Borrower.
6. BORROWER COVENANTS. The Borrower covenants with the Bank:
6.1 The Borrower shall execute, deliver, and provide to the Bank such additional agreements, documents, and instruments as reasonably required by the Bank to effectuate the intent of this agreement.
6.2 The Borrower fully, finally, and forever releases and discharges the Bank, its successors, and assigns and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives (each a "Bank Party") from any and all causes of action, claims, debts, demands, and liabilities, of whatever kind or nature, in law or equity, of the Borrower, whether now known or unknown to the Borrower, (i) in respect of the loan evidenced by the Note and the Related Documents, or of the actions or omissions of any Bank Party in any manner related to the loan evidenced by the Note or the Related Documents and (ii) arising from events occurring prior to the date of this agreement.
6.3 To the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Borrower shall pay to the Bank:
6.3.1 All the internal and external costs and expenses incurred (or charged by internal allocation) by the Bank in connection with this agreement (including, without limitation, inside and outside attorneys, appraisal, appraisal review, processing, title, filing, and recording costs, expenses, and fees).
7. EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF AGREEMENT BY THE BANK. The Bank shall not be bound by this agreement until (i) the Bank has executed this agreement and (ii) the Borrower has executed and delivered this agreement together with all other related documents requested by the Bank, and the Borrower has fully satisfied all other conditions precedent, as determined by the Bank in its sole discretion.
8. STATEMENTS. The Bank may from time to time provide the Borrower with account statements or invoices with respect to any of the Liabilities ("Statements"). The Bank is under no duty or obligation to provide Statements, which, if provided, will be solely for the Borrower's convenience. Statements may contain estimates of the amounts owed during the relevant billing period, whether of principal, interest, fees or other Liabilities. If the Borrowers pay the full amount indicated on a Statement on or before the due date indicated on such Statement, the Borrower shall not be in default of payment with respect to the billing period indicated on such Statement; provided, that acceptance by the Bank of any payment that is less than the total amount actually due at that time (including but not limited to any past due amounts) shall not constitute a waiver of the Bank's right to receive payment in full at another time.
9. INTEGRATION, ENTIRE AGREEMENT, CHANGE, DISCHARGE, TERMINATION, OR WAIVER. The Note, as modified by this agreement, and the other Related Documents contain the complete understanding and agreement of the Borrower and the Bank in respect of any Liabilities evidenced by the Note and supersede all prior understandings, and negotiations. If any one or more of the obligations of the Borrower under this agreement or the Note, as modified by this Agreement, is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining obligations of the Borrower shall not in any way be affected or impaired, and the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability in one jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the obligations of the Borrower under this agreement, the Note as modified by this agreement and the other Related Documents in any other jurisdiction. No provision of the Note, as modified by this agreement, or any other Related Documents may be changed, discharged, supplemented, terminated, or waived except in a writing signed by the party against whom it is being enforced.
10. GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE. This agreement and (unless stated otherwise therein) all Related Documents shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana (without giving effect to its laws of conflicts). The Borrower agrees that any legal action or proceeding with respect to any of its obligations under the Note or this agreement may be brought by the Bank in any state or federal court located in the State of Louisiana, as the Bank in its sole discretion may elect. By the execution and delivery of this agreement, the Borrower submits to and accepts, for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the non-exclusive jurisdiction of those courts. The Borrower waives any claim that the State of Louisiana is not a convenient forum or the proper venue for any such suit, action or proceeding. This agreement binds the Borrower and its successors, and benefits the Bank, its successors and assigns. The Borrower shall not, however, have the right to assign the Borrower's rights under this agreement or any interest therein, without the prior written consent of the Bank.
11. COUNTERPART EXECUTION. This agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts, taken together, shall constitute one and the same agreement.
12. NOT A NOVATION. This agreement is a modification only and not a novation. In addition to all amounts hereafter due under the Note, as modified by this agreement, and the other Related Documents, all accrued interest evidenced by the Note being modified by this agreement and all accrued amounts due and payable under the Related Documents shall continue to be due and payable until paid. Except for the modification(s) set forth in this agreement, the Note, the other Related Documents and all the terms and conditions thereof, shall be and remain in full force and effect with the changes herein deemed to be incorporated therein. This agreement is to be considered attached to the Note and made a part thereof. This agreement shall not release or affect the liability of any guarantor, surety or endorser of the Note or release any owner of collateral securing the Note. The validity, priority and enforceability of the Note shall not be impaired hereby. References to the Related Documents and to other agreements shall not affect or impair the absolute and unconditional obligation of the Borrower to pay the principal and interest on the Note when due. The Bank reserves all rights against all parties to the Note and the other Related Documents.
13. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Time is of the essence under this agreement and in the performance of every term, covenant and obligation contained herein.
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Address: 1121 Judson Road Suite 124 |
Borrower:
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED |
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Longview, TX 75601 |
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By: |
/s/ Alex LaRue |
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Alex LaRue |
CFO |
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Printed Name |
Title |
| Date Signed: | April 14, 2021 | ||
BANK'S ACCEPTANCE
The foregoing agreement is hereby agreed to and acknowledged.
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Bank:
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
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By: |
/s/ Michael Mattson |
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Michael Mattson | Authorized Signer |
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Printed Name |
Title |
| Date Signed: | April 14, 2021 | ||
Exhibit 10.9
J.P. Morgan
AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
dated as of
May 19, 2021
among
Friedman Industries, Incorporated
each of the other Persons party hereto as a Borrower,
each of the Persons party hereto as a Loan Guarantor,
The Lenders Party Hereto
and
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as Sole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page |
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ARTICLE I – Definitions |
5 |
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SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms |
5 |
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SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings |
43 |
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SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally |
44 |
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SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP |
44 |
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SECTION 1.05. Interest Rates; LIBOR Notifications |
45 |
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SECTION 1.07. Status of Obligations |
45 |
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SECTION 1.08. Letters of Credit |
46 |
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SECTION 1.09. Divisions |
46 |
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ARTICLE II – The Credits |
46 |
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SECTION 2.01. Commitments |
46 |
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SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings |
47 |
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SECTION 2.03. Requests for Revolving Borrowings |
47 |
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SECTION 2.04. Protective Advances |
48 |
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SECTION 2.05. Swingline Loans and Overadvances. |
49 |
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SECTION 2.06. Letters of Credit |
50 |
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SECTION 2.07. Funding of Borrowings |
55 |
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SECTION 2.08. Interest Elections |
55 |
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SECTION 2.09. Termination of Commitments; Increase in Revolving Commitments |
56 |
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SECTION 2.10. Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt |
58 |
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SECTION 2.11. Prepayment of Loans |
58 |
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SECTION 2.12. Fees |
60 |
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SECTION 2.13. Interest |
61 |
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SECTION 2.14. Alternate Rate of Interest; Illegality |
62 |
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SECTION 2.15. Increased Costs |
64 |
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SECTION 2.16. Break Funding Payments |
65 |
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SECTION 2.17. Withholding of Taxes; Gross-Up |
65 |
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SECTION 2.18. Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Set-offs |
69 |
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SECTION 2.19. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders |
71 |
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SECTION 2.20. Defaulting Lenders |
72 |
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SECTION 2.21. Returned Payments |
74 |
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SECTION 2.22. Banking Services and Swap Agreements |
74 |
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ARTICLE III – Representations and Warranties |
74 |
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SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers |
74 |
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SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability |
75 |
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SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts |
75 |
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SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change |
75 |
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SECTION 3.05. Properties |
75 |
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SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters |
76 |
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SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements; No Default |
76 |
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SECTION 3.08. Investment Company Status |
76 |
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SECTION 3.09. Taxes |
76 |
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SECTION 3.10. ERISA |
76 |
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SECTION 3.11. Disclosure |
76 |
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SECTION 3.12. Material Agreements |
77 |
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SECTION 3.13. Solvency |
77 |
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SECTION 3.14. Insurance |
77 |
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SECTION 3.15. Capitalization and Subsidiaries |
77 |
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SECTION 3.16. Security Interest in Collateral |
78 |
|
SECTION 3.17. Employment Matters |
78 |
|
SECTION 3.18. Margin Regulations |
78 |
|
SECTION 3.19. Use of Proceeds |
78 |
|
SECTION 3.20. No Burdensome Restrictions |
78 |
|
SECTION 3.21. Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions |
78 |
|
SECTION 3.22. Common Enterprise |
79 |
|
SECTION 3.23. EEA Financial Institutions |
79 |
|
SECTION 3.24. Plan Assets; Prohibited Transactions |
79 |
|
ARTICLE IV - Conditions |
79 |
|
SECTION 4.01. Effective Date |
79 |
|
SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event |
83 |
|
ARTICLE V – Affirmative Covenants |
83 |
|
SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements; Borrowing Base and Other Information |
83 |
|
SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events |
87 |
|
SECTION 5.03. Existence; Conduct of Business |
88 |
|
SECTION 5.04. Payment of Obligations |
88 |
|
SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Properties |
89 |
|
SECTION 5.06. Books and Records; Inspection Rights |
89 |
|
SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws and Material Contractual Obligations |
89 |
|
SECTION 5.08. Use of Proceeds |
89 |
|
SECTION 5.09. Accuracy of Information |
90 |
|
SECTION 5.10. Insurance |
90 |
|
SECTION 5.11. Casualty and Condemnation |
90 |
|
SECTION 5.12. Appraisals |
90 |
|
SECTION 5.13. Depository Banks |
91 |
|
SECTION 5.14. Additional Collateral; Further Assurances |
91 |
|
ARTICLE VI – Negative Covenants |
92 |
|
SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness |
92 |
|
SECTION 6.02. Liens |
93 |
|
SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes |
94 |
|
SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions |
95 |
|
SECTION 6.05. Asset Sales |
96 |
|
SECTION 6.06. Sale and Leaseback Transactions |
97 |
|
SECTION 6.07. Swap Agreements |
97 |
|
SECTION 6.08. Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness |
97 |
|
SECTION 6.09. Transactions with Affiliates |
98 |
|
SECTION 6.10. Restrictive Agreements |
98 |
|
SECTION 6.11. Amendment of Material Documents |
98 |
|
SECTION 6.13. Financial Covenants |
|
ARTICLE VII – Events of Default |
99 |
|
ARTICLE VIII – The Administrative Agent |
101 |
|
SECTION 8.01. Authorization and Action |
101 |
|
SECTION 8.02. Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Limitation of Liability, Etc. |
104 |
|
SECTION 8.03. Posting of Communications |
105 |
|
SECTION 8.04. The Administrative Agent Individually |
106 |
|
SECTION 8.05. Successor Administrative Agent |
106 |
|
SECTION 8.06. Acknowledgements of Lenders and Issuing Bank |
107 |
|
SECTION 8.07. Collateral Matters |
108 |
|
SECTION 8.08. Credit Bidding |
109 |
|
SECTION 8.09. Certain ERISA Matters |
110 |
|
SECTION 8.10. Flood Laws |
111 |
|
ARTICLE IX - Miscellaneous |
112 |
|
SECTION 9.01. Notices |
112 |
|
SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments |
113 |
|
SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Limitation of Liability; Indemnity; Etc. |
115 |
|
SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns |
117 |
|
SECTION 9.05. Survival |
120 |
|
SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution |
121 |
|
SECTION 9.07. Severability |
122 |
|
SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff |
122 |
|
SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process |
122 |
|
SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL |
123 |
|
SECTION 9.11. Headings |
123 |
|
SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality |
123 |
|
SECTION 9.13. Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law |
124 |
|
SECTION 9.14. USA PATRIOT Act |
125 |
|
SECTION 9.15. Disclosure |
125 |
|
SECTION 9.16. Appointment for Perfection |
125 |
|
SECTION 9.17. Interest Rate Limitation |
125 |
|
SECTION 9.18. Marketing Consent |
125 |
|
SECTION 9.19. Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions |
125 |
|
SECTION 9.20. No Fiduciary Duty, Etc. |
126 |
|
SECTION 9.21. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs |
127 |
|
SECTION 9.22. Joint and Several |
127 |
|
SECTION 9.23. Renewal, Extension or Rearrangement |
128 |
|
ARTICLE X – Loan Guaranty |
128 |
|
SECTION 10.01. Guaranty |
128 |
|
SECTION 10.02. Guaranty of Payment |
129 |
|
SECTION 10.03. No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty |
129 |
|
SECTION 10.04. Defenses Waived |
129 |
|
SECTION 10.05. Rights of Subrogation |
130 |
|
SECTION 10.06. Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration |
130 |
|
SECTION 10.07. Information |
130 |
|
SECTION 10.08. Termination |
130 |
|
SECTION 10.09. Taxes |
130 |
|
SECTION 10.10. Maximum Liability |
131 |
|
SECTION 10.11. Contribution |
131 |
|
SECTION 10.12. Liability Cumulative |
131 |
|
SECTION 10.13. Keepwell |
132 |
|
ARTICLE XI – The Borrower Representative |
132 |
|
SECTION 11.01. Appointment; Nature of Relationship |
132 |
|
SECTION 11.02. Powers |
132 |
|
SECTION 11.03. Employment of Agents |
132 |
|
SECTION 11.04. Notices |
132 |
|
SECTION 11.05. Successor Borrower Representative |
132 |
|
SECTION 11.06. Execution of Loan Documents; Borrowing Base Certificate |
133 |
|
SECTION 11.07. Reporting |
133 |
SCHEDULES:
Commitment Schedule
| Schedule 3.05 | -- Properties |
| Schedule 3.06 | -- Disclosed Matters |
| Schedule 3.12 | -- Material Agreements |
| Schedule 3.14 | -- Insurance |
| Schedule 3.15 | -- Capitalization and Subsidiaries |
| Schedule 6.01 | -- Existing Indebtedness |
| Schedule 6.02 | -- Existing Liens |
| Schedule 6.04 | -- Existing Investments |
| Schedule 6.10 | -- Existing Restrictions |
EXHIBITS:
| Exhibit A | -- Form of Assignment and Assumption |
| Exhibit B | -- Form of Borrowing Base Certificate |
| Exhibit C | -- Form of Compliance Certificate |
| Exhibit D | -- Joinder Agreement |
| Exhibit E-1 | -- U.S. Tax Certificate (For Foreign Lenders that are not Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes) |
| Exhibit E-2 | -- U.S. Tax Certificate (For Foreign Participants that are not Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes) |
| Exhibit E-3 | -- U.S. Tax Certificate (For Foreign Participants that are Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes) |
| Exhibit E-4 | -- U.S. Tax Certificate (For Foreign that are Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes) |
AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of May 19, 2021 (as it may be amended or modified from time to time, this “Agreement”) among Friedman Industries, Incorporated, a Texas corporation (the “Company”) and each other Person joined hereto from time to time as a borrower (together with the Company, collectively, the “Borrowers” and each, individually, a “Borrower”), the other Loan Parties party hereto, the Lenders party hereto, and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
WHEREAS, the Lenders have extended to the Company a line of credit in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000 at one time outstanding pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement, dated March 4, 2021, by and between the Company and the Lenders, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated April 12, 2021, by and between the Company and the Lenders (the “Existing Credit Agreement”);
WHEREAS, amounts advanced to the Company by the Lenders pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement are evidenced by, and are payable in accordance with the terms of, that certain Line of Credit Note, dated March 4, 2021 and executed by the Company, as amended by that certain Note Modification Agreement, dated April 12, 2021, by and between the Company and the Lenders (the “Existing Note”); and
WHEREAS, the Company and the other Loan Parties desire to amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement in the form of this Agreement, and in connection therewith, repay all indebtedness outstanding under the Existing Note.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Borrowers, the Loan Parties, Administrative Agent and Lenders hereby agree that the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety on the terms and conditions set forth herein. It is the intention of the Borrowers, the Loan Parties, Administrative Agent and Lenders that this Agreement supersede and replace the Existing Credit Agreement in its entirety; provided, that, (a) such amendment and restatement shall operate to renew, amend and modify the rights and obligations of the parties under the Existing Credit Agreement, as applicable and as provided herein, but shall not effect a novation thereof, and (b) the liens securing the Obligations under and as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement shall not be extinguished, but shall be carried forward and shall secure such Obligations as renewed, amended, restated, modified and increased hereby. The Borrowers, the Loan Parties, Administrative Agent and Lenders hereby further agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions
SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
“Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.
“Account Debtor” means any Person obligated on an Account.
“Acquisition” means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated on or after the Effective Date, by which any Loan Party (a) acquires any going business or all or substantially all of the assets of any Person, whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise or (b) directly or indirectly acquires (in one transaction or as the most recent transaction in a series of transactions) at least a majority (in number of votes) of the Equity Interests of a Person which has ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other similar management personnel of a Person (other than Equity Interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) or a majority of the outstanding Equity Interests of a Person.
“Adjusted LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period or for any CBFR Borrowing bearing interest based on, or determined by reference to, the Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period (or one month interest period in the case of such a CBFR Borrowing) multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.
“Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate” means, for any day, an interest rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) 2.50% plus (ii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for a one month interest period on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Adjusted LIBO Rate for any day shall be based on the LIBO Screen Rate at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time on such day; provided, further, that, if the LIBO Screen Rate at such time shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.
“Administrative Agent” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.
“Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.
“Affected Financial Institution” means (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the specified Person.
“Agent-Related Person” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.03(d).
“Aggregate Credit Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate Credit Exposure of all the Lenders at such time.
“Aggregate Revolving Commitment” means, at any time, the aggregate of the Revolving Commitments of all of the Lenders, as increased or reduced from time to time pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof. As of the Effective Date, the Aggregate Revolving Commitment is $40,000,000.
“Aggregate Revolving Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate Revolving Exposure of all the Lenders at such time.
“Ancillary Document” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.06(b).
“Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption.
“Applicable Parties” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.03(c).
“Applicable Percentage” means, with respect to any Lender, (a) with respect to Revolving Loans, LC Exposure, Overadvances or Swingline Loans, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender's Revolving Commitment and the denominator of which is the Aggregate Revolving Commitment (provided that, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon such Lender’s share of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure at that time), and (b) with respect to Protective Advances or with respect to the Aggregate Credit Exposure, a percentage based upon its share of the Aggregate Credit Exposure and the unused Commitments; provided that, in accordance with Section 2.20, so long as any Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment shall be disregarded in the calculations under clauses (a) and (b) above.
“Applicable Rate” means, for any day, with respect to any Loan, or with respect to the commitment fees payable hereunder, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth under the applicable caption below:
|
Revolver CBFR Spread (REVLIBOR30) |
Revolver CBFR Spread (CB Floating Rate) |
Revolver Eurodollar Spread |
Commitment Fee Rate |
|
1.70% |
0.00% |
1.70% |
0.25% |
“Approved Electronic Platform” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.03(a).
“Approved Fund” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04.
“Arranger” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. in its capacity as sole bookrunner and sole lead arranger hereunder.
“Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption agreement entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form (including electronic records generated by the use of an electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent.
“Availability” means, at any time, an amount equal to (a) the lesser of (i) the Aggregate Revolving Commitment and (ii) the Borrowing Base minus (b) the Aggregate Revolving Exposure, all as determined by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.
“Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Commitments.
“Available Revolving Commitment” means, at any time, the Aggregate Revolving Commitment minus the Aggregate Revolving Exposure.
“Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark, as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period pursuant to this Agreement 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 clause (g) of Section 2.14.
“Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an Affected Financial Institution.
“Bail-In Legislation” means (a) with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law, 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).
“Banking Services” means each and any of the following bank services provided to any Loan Party by any Lender or any of its Affiliates: (a) credit cards for commercial customers (including, without limitation, “commercial credit cards” and purchasing cards), (b) stored value cards, (c) merchant processing services, and (d) treasury management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, any direct debit scheme or arrangement, overdrafts, cash pooling services, and interstate depository network services).
“Banking Services Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Loan Parties, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor) in connection with Banking Services.
“Banking Services Reserves” means all Reserves which the Administrative Agent from time to time establishes in its Permitted Discretion for Banking Services then provided or outstanding.
“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy”, as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor statute.
“Bankruptcy Event” means, with respect to any Person, when 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 U.S. 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.
“Benchmark” means, initially, LIBO Rate; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to LIBO 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 clause (c) or clause (d) of Section 2.14.
“Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date:
(1) the sum of: (a) Term SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;
(2) the sum of: (a) Daily Simple SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;
(3) the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor 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 for the then-current Benchmark for dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;
provided that, in the case of clause (1), such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is 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; provided further that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, upon the occurrence of a Term SOFR Transition Event, and the delivery of a Term SOFR Notice, on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date the “Benchmark Replacement” shall revert to and shall be deemed to be the sum of (a) Term SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment, as set forth in clause (1) of this definition (subject to the first proviso above).
If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (1), (2) or (3) above would be less than the Floor, the 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 for any applicable Interest Period and Available Tenor for any setting of such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement:
(1) for purposes of clauses (1) and (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent:
(a) the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for the applicable Corresponding Tenor;
(b) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that would apply to the fallback rate for a derivative transaction referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon an index cessation event with respect to such Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor; and
(2) for purposes of clause (3) of the definition of “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 Representative for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) 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 on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date or (ii) 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;
provided that, in the case of clause (1) above, such adjustment is displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such Benchmark Replacement Adjustment from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.
“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “CB Floating Rate,” the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent decides in its reasonable discretion may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the 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 such Benchmark Replacement 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).
“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) 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);
(2) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein;
(3) in the case of a Term SOFR Transition Event, the date that is thirty (30) days after the date a Term SOFR Notice is provided to the Lenders and the Borrower Representative pursuant to Section 2.14(d); or
(4) in the case of an Early Opt-in Election, the sixth (6th) Business Day after the date notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Lenders, so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Lenders, written notice of objection to such Early Opt-in Election from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders.
For the avoidance of doubt, (i) if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination and (ii) the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (1) or (2) 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).
“Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(1) 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);
(2) 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 Federal Reserve Board, 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
(3) 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 no longer 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 Unavailability Period” means the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (1) or (2) of that definition 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 2.14 and (y) 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 2.14.
“Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership or control 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 to which Section 4975 of the Code applies, and (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of the Plan Asset Regulations 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”.
“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.
“Blocking Regulation” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 3.21.
“Borrower” or “Borrowers” have the meanings assigned to such terms in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Borrower Representative” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 11.01.
“Borrowing” means (a) Revolving Borrowing, (b) a Swingline Loan, (c) a Protective Advance and (d) an Overadvance.
“Borrowing Base” means, at any time, the sum of (a) 85% of the Borrowers’ Eligible Accounts at such time, plus (b) the product of 85% multiplied by the Net Orderly Liquidation Value percentage identified in the most recent inventory appraisal ordered by the Administrative Agent multiplied by the Borrowers’ Eligible Inventory, valued at the lower of cost or market value, determined on a weighted average cost basis, plus (c) the M&E Component at such time, minus (d) Reserves.
The Borrowing Base at any time shall be determined by reference to the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01(g) of this Agreement
“Borrowing Base Certificate” means a certificate, signed and certified as accurate and complete by a Financial Officer of the Borrower Representative, in substantially the form of Exhibit B or another form which is acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.
“Borrowing Request” means a request by the Borrower Representative for a Revolving Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03.
“Burdensome Restrictions” means any consensual encumbrance or restriction of the type described in clause (a) or (b) of Section 6.10.
“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that, when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan or a Loan accruing interest at REVLIBOR30 Rate without giving effect to the proviso contained in the definition for “REVLIBOR30 Rate”, the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for general business in London.
“Capital Expenditures” means, without duplication, any expenditure or commitment to expend money for any purchase or other acquisition of any asset which would be classified as a fixed or capital asset on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP.
“Capital Lease Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases or financing leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.
“CB Floating Rate” means the Prime Rate; provided that the CB Floating Rate in effect for any day shall never be less than the Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day). Any change in the CB Floating Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate or the Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate or the Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate, respectively.
“CBFR”, when used in reference to: (a) a rate of interest, refers to the REVLIBOR30 Rate and (b) any Loan or Borrowing, refers to such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the REVLIBOR30 Rate.
“Change in Control” means (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof) other than Permitted Holders, of Equity Interests representing more than 30% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Company; (b) occupation at any time of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the Company by Persons who were not (i) directors of the Company on the date of this Agreement, nominated, appointed or approved for consideration by shareholders for election by the board of directors of the Company (ii) approved by the board of directors of the Company as director candidates prior to their election, nor (iii) appointed by directors so nominated, appointed or approved; or (c) the acquisition of direct or indirect Control of the Company by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof) other than Permitted Holders; or (d) the Company shall cease to own, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all Liens or other encumbrances, at least 100% of the outstanding voting Equity Interests of the other Loan Parties on a fully diluted basis.
“Change in Law” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement of any of the following: (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 the Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 2.15(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company, if any) with any request, guideline, requirement or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; 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 to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.
“Charges” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17.
“Class”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans, Protective Advances or Overadvances.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
“Collateral” means any and all property owned, leased or operated by a Person covered by the Collateral Documents and any and all other property of any Loan Party, now existing or hereafter acquired, that may at any time be, become or be intended to be, subject to a security interest or Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and the Lenders and other Secured Parties, to secure the Secured Obligations, provided that, Collateral shall not include any real property owned by such Person.
“Collateral Access Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.
“Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Security Agreement and any other agreements, instruments and documents executed in connection with this Agreement that are intended to create, perfect or evidence Liens to secure the Secured Obligations, including, without limitation, all other security agreements, pledge agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, loan agreements, notes, guarantees, subordination agreements, pledges, powers of attorney, consents, assignments, contracts, fee letters, notices, leases, financing statements and all other written matter whether theretofore, now or hereafter executed by any Loan Party and delivered to the Administrative Agent.
“Collection Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.
“Commercial LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding commercial Letters of Credit plus (b) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements relating to commercial Letters of Credit that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrowers. The Commercial LC Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate Commercial LC Exposure at such time.
“Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the sum of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment, together with the commitment of such Lender to acquire participations in Protective Advances hereunder. The initial amount of each Lender's Commitment is set forth on the Commitment Schedule, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(70) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) as provided in Section 9.04(b)(ii)(C), pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Commitment, as applicable.
“Commitment Schedule” means the Schedule attached hereto identified as such.
“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.
“Commodities Intermediary” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.03(c)
“Commodities Intermediary Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01(j).
“Communications” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01(j).
“Company” has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Compliance Certificate” means a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower Representative in substantially the form of Exhibit C.
“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.
“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.
“Controlled Disbursement Account” means the account maintained with the Administrative Agent having an account # ending in -XXXX, and any replacement or additional accounts of the Borrowers maintained with the Administrative Agent as a zero balance, cash management account pursuant to and under any agreement between a Borrower and the Administrative Agent, as modified and amended from time to time, and through which all disbursements of a Borrower, any other Loan Party and any designated Subsidiary of a Borrower are made and settled on a daily basis with no uninvested balance remaining overnight.
“Corresponding Tenor” with respect to any Available Tenor means, as applicable, either a tenor (including overnight) or an interest payment period having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as such Available Tenor.
“Covered Entity” means any of the following:
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(i) |
a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); |
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(ii) |
a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or |
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(iii) |
a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b). |
“Covered Party” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21.
“Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, the sum of such Lender’s Revolving Exposure at such time.
“Credit Party” means the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or any other Lender.
“Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day, SOFR, with the conventions for this rate (which will include a lookback) being established by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the conventions for this rate selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for determining “Daily Simple SOFR” for business loans; provided, that if the Administrative Agent decides that any such convention is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, then the Administrative Agent may establish another convention in its reasonable discretion.
“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 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 Swingline Loans or (iii) pay over to any Credit Party 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 any Borrower or any Credit Party 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 Business Days after request by 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 (and is financially able to meet such obligations as of the date of certification) to fund prospective Loans and participations in then outstanding Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans under this Agreement, provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon such Credit Party’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to it and the Administrative Agent, or (d) has become the subject of (i) a Bankruptcy Event or (ii) a Bail-In Action.
“Deficiency Funding Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(a).
“Designated Account Debtor” means any Account Debtor obligated with respect to Accounts having 90-day payment terms that is approved in writing by Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, and for which such approval has not been rescinded in writing by Administrative Agent.
“Disclosed Matters” means the actions, suits, proceedings and environmental matters disclosed in Schedule 3.06.
“Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (in one transaction or in a series of transactions and whether effected pursuant to a Division or otherwise) of any property by any Person (including any sale and leaseback transaction and any issuance of Equity Interests by a Subsidiary of such Person), including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.
“Dividing Person” has the meaning assigned to it in the definition of “Division.”
“Division” means the division of the assets, liabilities and/or obligations of a Person (the “Dividing Person”) among two or more Persons (whether pursuant to a “plan of division” or similar arrangement), which may or may not include the Dividing Person and pursuant to which the Dividing Person may or may not survive.
“Division Successor” means any Person that, upon the consummation of a Division of a Dividing Person, holds all or any portion of the assets, liabilities and/or obligations previously held by such Dividing Person immediately prior to the consummation of such Division. A Dividing Person which retains any of its assets, liabilities and/or obligations after a Division shall be deemed a Division Successor upon the occurrence of such Division.
“Document” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.
“dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the U.S.
“Domestic Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary organized under the laws of a jurisdiction located in the U.S.
“Early Opt-in Election” means, if the then-current Benchmark is LIBO Rate, the occurrence of:
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(1) |
a notification by the Administrative Agent to (or the request by the Borrower Representative to the Administrative Agent to notify) each of the other parties hereto that at least five currently outstanding dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time contain (as a result of amendment or as originally executed) a SOFR-based rate (including SOFR, a term SOFR or any other rate based upon SOFR) as a benchmark rate (and such syndicated credit facilities are identified in such notice and are publicly available for review), and |
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(2) |
the joint election by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative to trigger a fallback from LIBO Rate and the provision by the Administrative Agent of written notice of such election to the Lenders. |
“EBITDA” means, for any period, Net Income for such period plus (a) without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining Net Income for such period, the sum of (i) Interest Expense for such period, (ii) income tax expense for such period net of tax refunds, (iii) all amounts attributable to depreciation and amortization expense for such period, (iv) any extraordinary non-cash charges for such period and (v) any other non-cash charges for such period (but excluding any non-cash charge in respect of an item that was included in Net Income in a prior period and any non-cash charge that relates to the write-down or write-off of inventory), minus (b) without duplication and to the extent included in Net Income, (i) any cash payments made during such period in respect of non-cash charges described in clause (a)(v) taken in a prior period and (ii) any extraordinary gains and any non-cash items of income for such period, all calculated for the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
“ECP” means an “eligible contract participant” as defined in Section 1(a)(18) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and the applicable rules issued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or the SEC.
“EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.
“EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
“EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any Person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.
“Effective Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).
“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.
“Electronic System” means any electronic system, including e-mail, e-fax, web portal access for such Borrower and any other Internet or extranet-based site, whether such electronic system is owned, operated or hosted by the Administrative Agent or any Issuing Bank and any of its respective Related Parties or any other Person, providing for access to data protected by passcodes or other security system.
“Eligible Accounts” means, at any time, the Accounts of a Borrower which the Administrative Agent determines in its Permitted Discretion are eligible as the basis for the extension of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans and the issuance of Letters of Credit. Without limiting the Administrative Agent’s discretion provided herein, Eligible Accounts shall not include any Account of a Borrower:
(a) which is not subject to a first priority perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent;
(b) which is subject to any Lien other than (i) a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent and (ii) a Permitted Encumbrance which does not have priority over the Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent;
(c) (i) with respect to which the scheduled due date is more than 60 days (or, with respect to Accounts owing by any Designated Account Debtor, 90 days) after the date of the original invoice therefor, (ii) which is unpaid more than 90 days after the date of the original invoice therefor or more than 60 days after the original due date therefor (“Overage”), provided, that when calculating the amount under this clause (ii), for the same Account Debtor, the Administrative Agent shall include the net amount of such Overage and add back any credits, but only to the extent that such credits do not exceed the total gross receivables from such Account Debtor, or (iii) which has been written off the books of such Borrower or otherwise designated as uncollectible;
(d) which is owing by an Account Debtor for which more than 50% of the Accounts owing from such Account Debtor and its Affiliates are ineligible pursuant to clause (c) above;
(e) which is owing by an Account Debtor to the extent the aggregate amount of Accounts owing from such Account Debtor and its Affiliates to all Borrowers exceeds 20% of the aggregate amount of Eligible Accounts of all Borrowers;
(f) with respect to which any covenant, representation or warranty contained in this Agreement or in the Security Agreement has been breached or is not true in each case in any material respect (other than any covenant, representation or warranty that is expressly qualified by a Material Adverse Effect or other materiality, in which case such covenant, representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects);
(g) which (i) does not arise from the sale of goods or performance of services in the ordinary course of business, (ii) is not evidenced by an invoice or other documentation satisfactory to the Administrative Agent which has been sent to the Account Debtor, (iii) represents a progress billing, (iv) is contingent upon such Borrower’s completion of any further performance, (v) represents a sale on a bill-and-hold, guaranteed sale, sale-and-return, sale on approval, consignment, cash-on-delivery or any other repurchase or return basis or (vi) relates to payments of interest;
(h) for which the goods giving rise to such Account have not been shipped to the Account Debtor or for which the services giving rise to such Account have not been performed by such Borrower or if such Account was invoiced more than once;
(i) with respect to which any check or other instrument of payment has been returned uncollected for any reason;
(j) which is owed by an Account Debtor which has (i) applied for, suffered, or consented to the appointment of any receiver, custodian, trustee, or liquidator of its assets, (ii) had possession of all or a material part of its property taken by any receiver, custodian, trustee or liquidator, (iii) filed, or had filed against it, any request or petition for liquidation, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debts, adjudication as bankrupt, winding-up, or voluntary or involuntary case under any state or federal bankruptcy laws, (iv) admitted in writing its inability, or is generally unable to, pay its debts as they become due, (v) become insolvent, or (vi) ceased operation of its business;
(k) which is owed by any Account Debtor which has sold all or substantially all of its assets;
(l) which is owed by an Account Debtor which (i) does not maintain its chief executive office in the U.S. or Canada or (ii) is not organized under applicable law of the U.S., any state of the U.S., or the District of Columbia, Canada, or any province of Canada unless, in any such case, such Account is backed by a Letter of Credit acceptable to the Administrative Agent which is in the possession of, and is directly drawable by, the Administrative Agent;
(m) which is owed in any currency other than U.S. dollars;
(n) which is owed by (i) any government (or any department, agency, public corporation, or instrumentality thereof) of any country other than the U.S. unless such Account is backed by a Letter of Credit acceptable to the Administrative Agent which is in the possession of, and is directly drawable by, the Administrative Agent, or (ii) any government of the U.S., or any department, agency, public corporation, or instrumentality thereof, unless the Federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended (31 U.S.C. § 3727 et seq. and 41 U.S.C. § 15 et seq.), and any other steps necessary to perfect the Lien of the Administrative Agent in such Account have been complied with to the Administrative Agent’s satisfaction;
(o) which is owed by any Affiliate of any Loan Party or any employee, officer, director, agent or stockholder of any Loan Party or any of its Affiliates;
(p) which, for any Account Debtor, exceeds a credit limit determined by the Administrative Agent, to the extent of such excess;
(q) which is owed by an Account Debtor or any Affiliate of such Account Debtor to which any Loan Party is indebted, but only to the extent of such indebtedness, or is subject to any security, deposit, progress payment, retainage or other similar advance made by or for the benefit of an Account Debtor, in each case to the extent thereof;
(r) which is subject to any counterclaim, deduction, defense, setoff or dispute (in each case, only to the extent of such counterclaim, deduction, defense, setoff or dispute);
(s) which is evidenced by any promissory note, chattel paper or instrument;
(t) which is owed by an Account Debtor (i) located in any jurisdiction which requires filing of a “Notice of Business Activities Report” or other similar report in order to permit such Borrower to seek judicial enforcement in such jurisdiction of payment of such Account, unless such Borrower has filed such report or qualified to do business in such jurisdiction or (ii) which is a Sanctioned Person;
(u) with respect to which such Borrower has made any agreement with the Account Debtor for any reduction thereof, other than discounts and adjustments given in the ordinary course of business and only to the extent of such reduction, or any Account which was partially paid and such Borrower created a new receivable for the unpaid portion of such Account;
(v) which does not comply in all material respects with the requirements of all applicable laws and regulations, whether Federal, state or local, including without limitation the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act, the Federal Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z of the Board;
(w) which is for goods that have been sold under a purchase order or pursuant to the terms of a contract or other agreement or understanding (written or oral) that indicates or purports that any Person other than such Borrower has or has had an ownership interest in such goods, or which indicates any party other than such Borrower as payee or remittance party;
(x) which was created on cash on delivery terms;
(y) if acquired in connection with a Permitted Acquisition, (i) the Administrative Agent shall have received a field examination of such Account, the results of which shall are satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) such Account does not secure any Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(j); or
(z) which the Administrative Agent determines may not be paid by reason of the Account Debtor’s inability to pay or which the Administrative Agent otherwise reasonably determines is unacceptable for any reason whatsoever.
In the event that an Account of a Borrower which was previously an Eligible Account ceases to be an Eligible Account hereunder, such Borrower or the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof on and at the time of submission to the Administrative Agent of the next Borrowing Base Certificate. In determining the amount of an Eligible Account of a Borrower, the face amount of an Account may, in the Administrative Agent’s Permitted Discretion, be reduced by, without duplication, to the extent not reflected in such face amount, (i) the amount of all accrued and actual discounts, claims, credits or credits pending, promotional program allowances, price adjustments, finance charges or other allowances (including any amount that such Borrower may be obligated to rebate to an Account Debtor pursuant to the terms of any agreement or understanding (written or oral)) and (ii) the aggregate amount of all cash received in respect of such Account but not yet applied by such Borrower to reduce the amount of such Account.
“Eligible Equipment” means the Equipment owned by a Borrower and meeting each of the following requirements:
(a) Administrative Agent shall have received the results of an appraisal with respect to such Equipment, conducted by an appraiser selected and engaged by the Administrative Agent, and prepared on a basis satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(b) such Borrower has good title to such Equipment;
(c) such Borrower has the right to subject such Equipment to a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent; such Equipment is subject to a first priority perfected Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent and is free and clear of all other Liens of any nature whatsoever (except for Permitted Encumbrances which do not have priority over the Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent);
(d) the full purchase price for such Equipment has been paid by such Borrower;
(e) such Equipment is located on premises (i) owned by such Borrower, or (ii) leased by such Borrower where (x) the lessor has delivered to the Administrative Agent a Collateral Access Agreement or (y) a Reserve for rent, charges, and other amounts due or to become due with respect to such facility has been established by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion;
(f) such Equipment is in good working order and condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and is used or held for use by such Borrower in the ordinary course of business of such Borrower;
(g) such Equipment (i) is not subject to any agreement which restricts the ability of such Borrower to use, sell, transport or dispose of such Equipment or which restricts the Administrative Agent's ability to take possession of, sell or otherwise dispose of such Equipment and (ii) has not been purchased from a Sanctioned Person; and
(h) such Equipment does not constitute “Fixtures” under the applicable laws of the jurisdiction in which such Equipment is located.
“Eligible Finished Goods” means, Eligible Inventory constituting finished goods to be sold by a Borrower in the ordinary course of business of such Borrower.
“Eligible Inventory” means, at any time, the Inventory of a Borrower which the Administrative Agent determines in its Permitted Discretion is eligible as the basis for the extension of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans and the issuance of Letters of Credit. Without limiting the Administrative Agent’s discretion provided herein, Eligible Inventory of a Borrower shall not include any Inventory:
(a) which is not subject to a first priority perfected Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent;
(b) which is subject to any Lien other than (i) a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent and (ii) a Permitted Encumbrance which does not have priority over the Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent;
(c) which is, in the Administrative Agent’s Permitted Discretion, slow moving, obsolete, unmerchantable, defective, used, unfit for sale, not salable at prices approximating at least the cost of such Inventory in the ordinary course of business or unacceptable due to age, type, category and/or quantity;
(d) with respect to which any covenant, representation or warranty contained in this Agreement or in the Security Agreement has been breached or is not true in each case in any material respect (other than any covenant, representation or warranty that is expressly qualified by a Material Adverse Effect or other materiality, in which case such covenant, representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) and which does not conform in all material respects to all standards imposed by any Governmental Authority;
(e) in which any Person other than such Borrower shall (i) have any direct or indirect ownership, interest or title or (ii) be indicated on any purchase order or invoice with respect to such Inventory as having or purporting to have an interest therein;
(f) which, unless such Inventory is Eligible Finished Goods or Eligible Raw Materials, does not constitute finished goods, work-in-process, raw materials, spare or replacement parts, subassemblies, packaging and shipping material, manufacturing supplies, samples, prototypes, displays or display items, bill-and-hold or ship-in-place goods, goods that are returned or marked for return, repossessed goods, defective or damaged goods, goods held on consignment, or goods which are not of a type held for sale in the ordinary course of business;
(g) which is not located in the U.S. or is in transit with a common carrier from vendors and suppliers.
(h) which is located in any location leased by such Borrower unless (i) the lessor has delivered to the Administrative Agent a Collateral Access Agreement or (ii) a Reserve for rent, charges and other amounts due or to become due with respect to such facility has been established by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion;
(i) which is located in any third party warehouse or is in the possession of a bailee (other than a third party processor) and is not evidenced by a Document, unless (i) such warehouseman or bailee has delivered to the Administrative Agent a Collateral Access Agreement and such other documentation as the Administrative Agent may require or (ii) an appropriate Reserve has been established by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion;
(j) which is being processed offsite at a third party location or outside processor, or is in-transit to or from such third party location or outside processor;
(k) which is a discontinued product or component thereof;
(l) which is the subject of a consignment by such Borrower as consignor;
(m) which is perishable;
(n) which contains or bears any intellectual property rights licensed to such Borrower unless the Administrative Agent is satisfied that it may sell or otherwise dispose of such Inventory without (i) infringing the rights of such licensor, (ii) violating any contract with such licensor, or (iii) incurring any liability with respect to payment of royalties other than royalties incurred pursuant to sale of such Inventory under the current licensing agreement;
(o) which is not reflected in a current perpetual inventory report of such Borrower;
(p) for which reclamation rights have been asserted by the seller;
(q) which has been acquired from a Sanctioned Person;
(r) if acquired in connection with a Permitted Acquisition, (i) the Administrative Agent shall have received an appraisal and field examination of such Inventory, the results of which shall be satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion and (ii) such Inventory does not secure any Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(j); and
(s) which the Administrative Agent otherwise determines in its Permitted Discretion is unacceptable for any reason whatsoever.
In the event that Inventory of a Borrower which was previously Eligible Inventory ceases to be Eligible Inventory hereunder, such Borrower or the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof on and at the time of submission to the Administrative Agent of the next Borrowing Base Certificate.
“Eligible Raw Materials” means, Eligible Inventory of a Borrower constituting raw materials used or consumed by a Borrower in the ordinary course of business in the manufacture or production of other inventory, excluding Eligible Finished Goods of such Borrower.
“Environmental Laws” means all laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to (a) the environment, (b) preservation or reclamation of natural resources, (c) the management, Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Material or (d) health and safety matters.
“Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of any Borrower or Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) any violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) any exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
“Equipment” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.
“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 of the foregoing, but excluding any debt securities convertible into any of the foregoing.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with a Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or Section 4001(14) of ERISA or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.
“ERISA Event” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30‑day notice period is waived); (b) the failure to satisfy the “minimum funding standard” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing 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; (d) the incurrence by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal of any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition upon any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent, in critical status or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.
“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.
“Eurodollar”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, bears interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate.
“Event of Default” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.
“Excess Availability” means, at any time, an amount equal to (a) Availability minus (b) aggregate amount of all outstanding trade payables of the Borrowers which have been unpaid for more than 60 days after the due date therefor (other than trade payables being contested or disputed in good faith), all as determined by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.
“Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Loan Guarantor, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Loan Guarantor of, or the grant by such Loan Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (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 Loan Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an ECP at the time the Guarantee of such Loan Guarantor or the grant of such security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal.
“Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to 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, its 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, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrowers under Section 2.19) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.17, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender's assignor immediately before such Lender acquired the applicable interest in a Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office; (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient's failure to comply with Section 2.17(f); and (d) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.
“Extenuating Circumstance” means any period during which the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion (a) that due to unforeseen and/or nonrecurring circumstances, it is impractical and/or not feasible to submit or receive a Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request by email or fax or through Electronic System, and (b) to accept a Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request telephonically.
“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof and any agreement 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.
“Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the rate calculated by the NYFRB based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depositary institutions (as determined in such manner as shall be set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as the effective federal funds rate, provided that, if the Federal Funds Effective Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement.
“Federal Reserve Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.
“Fee Letter” means that certain Fee Letter by and among Administrative Agent and the Borrowers, dated as of May 19, 2021, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Financial Officer” means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of a Borrower.
“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, at any date, the ratio of (a) EBITDA minus Unfinanced Capital Expenditures to (b) Fixed Charges plus an amount equal to the M&E Component Reduction for such period, all calculated for the period of twelve consecutive calendar months ended on such date (or, if such date is not the last day of a calendar month, ended on the last day of the calendar month most recently ended prior to such date).
“Fixed Charges” means, for any period, without duplication, cash Interest Expense, plus scheduled principal payments on Indebtedness actually made, plus expenses for Taxes paid in cash, plus Restricted Payments paid in cash, plus Capital Lease Obligation payments, plus cash contributions to any Plan, all calculated for the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
“Flood Laws” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.10.
“Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement initially (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to LIBO Rate.
“Foreign Lender” means (a) if a Borrower is a U.S. Person, a Lender, with respect to such Borrower, that is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if a Borrower is not a U.S. Person, a Lender, with respect to such Borrower, that is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which such Borrower is resident for tax purposes.
“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary which is not a Domestic Subsidiary.
“Funding Accounts” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01(h).
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.
“Governmental Authority” means the government of the U.S., any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
“Guarantee” of or by any Person (the “guarantor”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided, that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.
“Guaranteed Obligations” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.01.
“Hazardous Materials” means: (a) any substance, material, or waste that is included within the definitions of “hazardous substances,” “hazardous materials,” “hazardous waste,” “toxic substances,” “toxic materials,” “toxic waste,” or words of similar import in any Environmental Law; (b) those substances listed as hazardous substances by the United States Department of Transportation (or any successor agency) (49 C.F.R. 172.101 and amendments thereto) or by the Environmental Protection Agency (or any successor agency) (40 C.F.R. Part 302 and amendments thereto); and (c) any substance, material, or waste that is petroleum, petroleum-related, or a petroleum by-product, asbestos or asbestos-containing material, polychlorinated biphenyls, flammable, explosive, radioactive, freon gas, radon, or a pesticide, herbicide, or any other agricultural chemical.
“IBA” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.05.
“Impacted Interest Period” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “LIBO Rate”.
“Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding current accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (f) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (g) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (h) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty, (j) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers' acceptances, (k) obligations under any earn-out (which for all purposes of this Agreement shall be valued at the maximum potential amount payable with respect to such earn-out) (i) any other Off-Balance Sheet Liability and (m) obligations, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (i) any and all Swap Agreements, and (ii) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction. The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person's ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor.
“Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by, or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in the foregoing clause (a) hereof, Other Taxes.
“Indemnitee” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(c).
“Ineligible Institution” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).
“Information” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.12.
“Interest Election Request” means a request by the Borrower Representative to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.08.
“Interest Expense” means, for any period, total interest expense (including that attributable to Capital Lease Obligations) of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such period with respect to all outstanding Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries (including all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances and net costs under Swap Agreements in respect of interest rates to the extent such net costs are allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP), calculated on a consolidated basis for the Company and its Subsidiaries for such period in accordance with GAAP.
“Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any CBFR Loan (other than a Swingline Loan), the first Business Day of each calendar month and the Maturity Date, and (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part (and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing with an 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 Maturity Date.
“Interest Period” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Eurodollar Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, three or six months thereafter, as the Borrower Representative may elect; 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 and (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. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.
“Interpolated Rate” means, at any time, for any Interest Period, the rate per annum (rounded to the same number of decimal places as the LIBO Screen Rate) determined by the Administrative Agent (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) to be equal to the rate that results from interpolating on a linear basis between: (a) the LIBO Screen Rate for the longest period (for which the LIBO Screen Rate is available) that is shorter than the Impacted Interest Period and (b) the LIBO Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which the LIBO Screen Rate is available) that exceeds the Impacted Interest Period, in each case, at such time; provided, that if any Interpolated Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.
“Inventory” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.
“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
“ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or such successor thereto.
“Issuing Bank” means, individually and collectively, each of JPMCB, in its capacity as the issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder and any other Revolving Lender from time to time designated by the Borrower Representative as an Issuing Bank, with the consent of such Revolving Lender and the Administrative Agent, and their respective successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.06(i). Any Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by its Affiliates, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate (it being agreed that such Issuing Bank shall, or shall cause such Affiliate to, comply with the requirements of Section 2.06 with respect to such Letters of Credit). At any time there is more than one Issuing Bank, all singular references to the Issuing Bank shall mean any Issuing Bank, either Issuing Bank, each Issuing Bank, the Issuing Bank that has issued the applicable Letter of Credit, or both (or all) Issuing Banks, as the context may require.
“Issuing Bank Sublimit” means, as of the Effective Date, (a) $1,500,000, in the case of JPMCB and (b) such amount as shall be designated to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative in writing by an Issuing Bank; provided that any Issuing Bank shall be permitted at any time to increase or reduce its Issuing Bank Sublimit upon providing five (5) days’ prior written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative.
“Joinder Agreement” means a Joinder Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit D.
“JPMCB” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a national banking association, in its individual capacity, and its successors.
“LC Collateral Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.06(j).
“LC Disbursement” means any payment made by an Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.
“LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of the Commercial LC Exposure and the Standby LC Exposure at such time. The LC Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate LC Exposure at such time.
“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 to such term in Section 9.03(b).
“Lenders” means the Persons listed on the Commitment Schedule and any other Person that shall have become a Lender hereunder pursuant to Section 2.09 or an Assignment and Assumption or otherwise, other than any such Person that ceases to be a Lender hereunder pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or otherwise. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Lenders” includes the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank.
“Letters of Credit” means the letters of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement, and the term “Letter of Credit” means any one of them or each of them singularly, as the context may require.
“Letter of Credit Agreement” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.06(b).
“Liabilities” means any losses, claims (including intraparty claims), demands, damages or liabilities of any kind.
“LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any applicable Interest Period or for any CBFR Borrowing bearing interest based on, or determined by reference to, the Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate, the LIBO Screen Rate at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period (or one month interest period in the case of such a CBFR Borrowing); provided that, if the LIBO Screen Rate shall not be available at such time for such Interest Period or one month interest period, as applicable (an “Impacted Interest Period”), then the LIBO Rate shall be the Interpolated Rate, subject to Section 2.14 in the event that the Administrative Agent shall conclude that it shall not be possible to determine such Interpolated Rate (which conclusion shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error). Notwithstanding the above, to the extent that “LIBO Rate” or “Adjusted LIBO Rate” is used in connection with a CBFR Borrowing bearing interest based on, or determined by reference to, the Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate, such rate shall be determined as modified by the definition of Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate.
“LIBO Screen Rate” means, for any day and time, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period or for any CBFR Borrowing bearing interest based on, or determined by reference to, the Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate, the London interbank offered rate as administered by ICE Benchmark Administration (or any other Person that takes over the administration of such rate for Dollars) for a period equal in length to such Interest Period (or one month interest period in the case of such a CBFR Borrowing) as displayed on such day and time on pages LIBOR01 or LIBOR02 of the Reuters screen that displays such rate (or, in the event such rate does not appear on a Reuters page or screen, on any successor or substitute page on such screen that displays such rate, or on the appropriate page of such other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion); provided that if the LIBO Screen Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement.
“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.
“Loan Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, any promissory notes issued pursuant to this Agreement, any Letter of Credit Agreement, the Collateral Documents, each Compliance Certificate, the Loan Guaranty, the Fee Letter and all other agreements, instruments, documents and certificates executed and delivered to, or in favor of, the Administrative Agent or any Lender and including all other pledges, powers of attorney, consents, assignments, contracts, notices, letter of credit agreements, letter of credit applications and any agreements between the Borrower Representative and the Issuing Bank regarding the Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit or the respective rights and obligations between the applicable Borrower and the Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance by the Issuing Bank of Letters of Credit, and all other written matter whether heretofore, now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of any Loan Party, or any employee of any Loan Party, and delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Any reference in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to a Loan Document shall include all appendices, exhibits or schedules thereto, and all amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto, and shall refer to this Agreement or such Loan Document as the same may be in effect at any and all times such reference becomes operative.
“Loan Guarantor” means each Loan Party.
“Loan Guaranty” means Article X of this Agreement.
“Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrowers, the Borrowers’ Domestic Subsidiaries and any other Person who becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to a Joinder Agreement and their respective successors and assigns, and the term “Loan Party” shall mean any one of them or all of them individually, as the context may require.
“Loans” means the loans and advances made by the Lenders pursuant to this Agreement, including Swingline Loans, Overadvances and Protective Advances.
“M&E Component” means, at the time of any determination, an amount equal to the lessor of (a) 85% of the Net Orderly Liquidation Value of the Borrowers’ Eligible Equipment and (b) the M&E Component Limit.
The M&E Component shall be updated (i) from time to time upon receipt of periodic valuation updates received from the Administrative Agent’s asset valuation experts, (ii) concurrently with the sale or commitment to sell any assets constituting part of the M&E Component, (iii) in the event such assets are idled for any reason other than routine maintenance or repairs for a period in excess of ten (10) consecutive days, and (iv) in the event that the value of such assets is otherwise impaired, as determined by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion.
“M&E Component Limit” means, initially, $5,000,000, provided, that such amount shall be reduced by an amount equal to $83,333.33 (the “M&E Component Reduction”) on the first Business Day of each calendar month occurring after the Effective Date.
“Margin Stock” means margin stock within the meaning of Regulations T, U and X, as applicable.
“Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, operations, prospects or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Company and the other Loan Parties taken as a whole, (b) the ability of any Loan Party to perform any of its Obligations, (c) the Collateral, or the Administrative Agent’s Liens (on behalf of itself and other Secured Parties) on the Collateral or the priority of such Liens, or (d) the rights of or benefits available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Lenders under any of the Loan Documents.
“Material Agreements” means all material agreements and contracts identified in Section 3.12 of the Disclosure Certificate.
“Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of the Company and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $1,000,000. For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the obligations of the Borrowers or any Subsidiary in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that such Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.
“Maturity Date” means May 19, 2026 or any earlier date on which the Commitments are reduced to zero or otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.
“Maximum Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17.
“Moody's” means Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
“Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
“Net Income” means, for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) of the Company and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded (a) the income (or deficit) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (b) the income (or deficit) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income is actually received by the Company or such Subsidiary in the form of dividends or similar distributions and (c) the undistributed earnings of any Subsidiary to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Subsidiary is not at the time permitted by the terms of any contractual obligation (other than under any Loan Document) or Requirement of Law applicable to such Subsidiary.
“Net Orderly Liquidation Value” means, with respect to Inventory, Equipment or intangibles of any Person, the orderly liquidation value thereof as determined in a manner acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion by an appraiser acceptable to the Administrative Agent, net of all costs of liquidation thereof.
“Net Proceeds” means, with respect to any event, (a) the cash proceeds received in respect of such event including (i) any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise, but excluding any interest payments), but only as and when received, (ii) in the case of a casualty, insurance proceeds and (iii) in the case of a condemnation or similar event, condemnation awards and similar payments, minus (b) the sum of (i) all reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses paid to third parties (other than Affiliates) in connection with such event, (ii) in the case of a Disposition of an asset (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction or a casualty or a condemnation or similar proceeding), the amount of all payments required to be made as a result of such event to repay Indebtedness (other than Loans) secured by such asset or otherwise subject to mandatory prepayment as a result of such event and (iii) the amount of all Taxes paid (or reasonably estimated to be payable) and the amount of any reserves established to fund contingent liabilities reasonably estimated to be payable, in each case during the year that such event occurred or the next succeeding year and that are directly attributable to such event (as determined reasonably and in good faith by a Financial Officer of the Borrower Representative).
“Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.02(d).
“NYFRB” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
“NYFRB Rate” means, for any day, the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day and (b) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate in effect on such day(or for any day that is not a Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day); provided that if none of such rates are published for any day that is a Business Day, the term “NYFRB Rate” means the rate for a federal funds transaction quoted at 11:00 a.m. on such day received by the Administrative Agent from a federal funds broker of recognized standing selected by it; provided, further, that if any of the aforesaid rates as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.
“NYFRB’s Website” means the website of the NYFRB at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.
“Obligated Party” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.02.
“Obligations” means all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, all LC Exposure, all accrued and unpaid fees and all expenses, reimbursements, indemnities and other obligations and indebtedness (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), obligations and liabilities of any of the Loan Parties to any of the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any indemnified party, individually or collectively, existing on the Effective Date or arising thereafter, direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise, arising or incurred under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or in respect of any of the Loans made or reimbursement or other obligations incurred or any of the Letters of Credit or other instruments at any time evidencing any thereof.
“OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.
“Off-Balance Sheet Liability” of a Person means (a) any repurchase obligation or liability of such Person with respect to accounts or notes receivable sold by such Person, (b) any indebtedness, liability or obligation under any so-called “synthetic lease” transaction entered into by such Person, or (c) any indebtedness, liability or obligation arising with respect to any other transaction which is the functional equivalent of or takes the place of borrowing but which does not constitute a liability on the balance sheet of such Person (other than operating leases)
“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 Taxes (other than a connection 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, Letter of Credit or any Loan Document).
“Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 2.19).
“Overadvance” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(b).
“Overnight Bank Funding Rate” means, for any day, the rate comprised of both overnight federal funds and overnight Eurodollar borrowings by U.S.-managed banking offices of depository institutions (as such composite rate shall be determined by the NYFRB as set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as an overnight bank funding rate.
“Paid in Full” or “Payment in Full” means, (a) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all outstanding Loans and LC Disbursements, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (b) the termination, expiration, or cancellation and return of all outstanding Letters of Credit (or alternatively, with respect to each such Letter of Credit, the furnishing to the Administrative Agent of a cash deposit, or at the discretion of the Administrative Agent a backup standby letter of credit satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, in an amount equal to 105% of the LC Exposure as of the date of such payment), (c) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the accrued and unpaid fees, (d) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all reimbursable expenses and other Secured Obligations (other than Unliquidated Obligations for which no claim has been made and other obligations expressly stated to survive such payment and termination of this Agreement), together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (e) the termination of all Commitments, and (f) the termination of the Swap Agreement Obligations and the Banking Services Obligations or entering into other arrangements satisfactory to the Secured Parties counterparties thereto.
“Participant” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).
“Participant Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).
“Payment Condition” shall be deemed to be satisfied in connection with a Subject Transaction if:
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(a) |
no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result immediately after giving effect to such Subject Transaction; |
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(b) |
immediately after giving effect to and at all times during the 30-day period immediately prior to such Subject Transaction, the Borrowers shall have (A) Availability calculated on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such Subject Transaction of not less than the greater of (1) 25% of the Aggregate Revolving Commitment and (2) $10,000,000 and (B) a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the most recently completed trailing twelve month period for which the Borrowers are required to have delivered financial statements to the Administrative Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, calculated on a pro forma basis as if such Subject Transaction had been made on the last day of such period, of not less than 1.25 to 1.00; and |
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(c) |
the Borrower Representative shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent certifying as to the items described in (a) and (b) above and attaching calculations for item (b). |
With respect to any Subject Transaction that is a Permitted Acquisition, item (b) above shall be calculated as if all consideration given in connection with such Acquisition, other than Equity Interests of the applicable Borrower delivered to the seller(s) in such Acquisition, is paid in cash at the time of making such Acquisition.
For purposes of this definition, “Subject Transaction” shall mean any (i) Restricted Payment, (ii) Permitted Acquisition or (iii) an investment, loan, advance or guaranty described in Section 6.04(c), (d) or (e).
“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.
“Permitted Acquisition” means any Acquisition by any Loan Party in a transaction that satisfies each of the following requirements:
(a) such Acquisition is not a hostile or contested acquisition;
(b) the business acquired in connection with such Acquisition is (i) located in the U.S., (ii) organized under applicable U.S. and state laws, and (iii) not engaged, directly or indirectly, in any line of business other than the businesses in which the Loan Parties are engaged on the Effective Date and any business activities that are substantially similar, related, or incidental thereto;
(c) both before and after giving effect to such Acquisition and the Loans (if any) requested to be made in connection therewith, each of the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents is true and correct (except any such representation or warranty which relates to a specified prior date) in all material respects (other than any representation or warranty that is expressly qualified by a Material Adverse Effect or other materiality, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) and no Default (including any Default in compliance (on a pro forma basis) with the covenants contained in Section 6.12(a)) exists, will exist, or would result therefrom;
(d) as soon as available, but not less than thirty (30) days prior to such Acquisition, the Borrower Representative has provided the Administrative Agent (i) notice of such Acquisition and (ii) a copy of all business and financial information reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent including pro forma financial statements, statements of cash flow, and Availability projections;
(e) if such Acquisition is an acquisition of the Equity Interests of a Person, such Acquisition is structured so that the acquired Person shall become a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of a Borrower or a Loan Party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement;
(f) if such Acquisition is an acquisition of assets, such Acquisition is structured so that a Borrower or another Loan Party shall acquire such assets;
(g) if such Acquisition is an acquisition of Equity Interests, such Acquisition will not result in any violation of Regulation U;
(h) if such Acquisition involves a merger or a consolidation involving a Borrower or any other Loan Party, such Borrower or such Loan Party, as applicable, shall be the surviving entity;
(i) no Loan Party shall, as a result of or in connection with any such Acquisition, assume or incur any direct or contingent liabilities (whether relating to environmental, Tax, litigation, or other matters) that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(j) in connection with an Acquisition of the Equity Interests of any Person, all Liens on property of such Person (other than Liens permitted by Section 6.02) shall be terminated unless the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in their sole discretion consent otherwise, and in connection with an Acquisition of the assets of any Person, all Liens on such assets (other than Liens permitted by Section 6.02) shall be terminated;
(k) unless (i) the total consideration (including the maximum potential total amount of all deferred payment obligations (including earn-outs) and Indebtedness assumed or incurred) of such Acquisition does not exceed $2,000,000 or (ii) the purchase price for such Acquisition is paid exclusively with (a) the proceeds of a cash equity contribution to the Company (b) the proceeds of the issuance by the Company of any Equity Interests, (c) Equity Interests of the Company delivered to the seller(s) in such Acquisition, or a combination thereof, then, with respect to such Acquisition, the Payment Condition has been satisfied;
(l) all actions required to be taken with respect to any newly acquired or formed Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of a Borrower or a Loan Party, as applicable, required under Section 5.14 shall have been taken; and
(m) the Borrower Representative shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent the final executed material documentation relating to such Acquisition within 10 days following the consummation thereof.
“Permitted Discretion” means a determination made in good faith and in the exercise of reasonable (from the perspective of a secured asset-based lender) business judgment.
“Permitted Encumbrances” means:
(a) Liens imposed by law for Taxes that are not yet delinquent or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;
(b) carriers', warehousemen's, mechanics', materialmen's, repairmen's and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than thirty (30) days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;
(c) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;
(d) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;
(e) judgment Liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (k) of Article VII;
(f) Liens of the Commodities Intermediary in the Commodities Intermediary Account, provided that such Liens secure obligations permitted by this Agreement.
provided that the term “Permitted Encumbrances” shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness, except with respect to clause (e) above.
“Permitted Holders” shall mean (i) Dimensional Fund Advisors LP and their Affiliates (ii) Renaissance Technologies Holdings Corporation and their Affiliates and (iii) members of management of the Company who are holders of Equity Interests of the Company on the Effective Date.
“Permitted Investments” means:
(a) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the U.S. (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;
(b) investments in commercial paper maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, the highest credit rating obtainable from S&P or from Moody's;
(c) investments in certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits maturing within 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the U.S. or any State thereof which has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000;
(d) fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than 30 days for securities described in clause (a) above and entered into with a financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above; and
(e) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000.
“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 (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is (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.
“Plan Asset Regulations” means 29 CFR § 2510.3-101 et seq., as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA, as amended from time to time.
“Prepayment Event” means:
(a) any Disposition (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction) of any property or asset of any Loan Party or Subsidiary, other than Dispositions described in Section 6.05; or
(b) any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of any Loan Party or Subsidiary with a fair value immediately prior to such event equal to or greater than $100,000.
(c) the issuance by the Company of any Equity Interests, or the receipt by the Company of any capital contribution (unless, in each case, the proceeds thereof are used to finance a substantially contemporaneous Permitted Acquisition); or
(d) the incurrence by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01.
“Prime Rate” means the rate of interest last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the U.S. or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Federal Reserve Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the “bank prime loan” rate or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by the Administrative Agent) or any similar release by the Federal Reserve Board (as determined by the Administrative Agent). Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced or quoted as being effective.
“Proceeding” means any claim, litigation, investigation, action, suit, arbitration or administrative, judicial or regulatory action or proceeding in any jurisdiction.
“Projections” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.01(f).
“Protective Advance” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.04.
“PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.
“Public-Sider” means a Lender whose representatives may trade in securities of the Company or its Controlling Person or any of its Subsidiaries while in possession of the financial statements provided by the Company under the terms of this Agreement.
“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).
“QFC Credit Support” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21.
“Qualified ECP Guarantor” means, in respect of any Swap Obligation, each Loan Party that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time the relevant Loan Guaranty or grant of the relevant security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation or such other person as constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder 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.
“Recipient” means, as applicable, (a) the Administrative Agent, (b) any Lender and (c) any Issuing Bank, or any combination thereof (as the context requires).
“Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (1) if such Benchmark is LIBO Rate, 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the day that is two London banking days preceding the date of such setting, and (2) if such Benchmark is not LIBO Rate, the time determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.
“Refinance Indebtedness” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(f).
“Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).
“Regulation D” means Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.
“Regulation T” means Regulation T of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.
“Regulation U” means Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.
“Regulation X” means Regulation X of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.
“Related Parties” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person's Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, partners, members, trustees, employees, agents, administrators, managers, representatives and advisors of such Person and such Person's Affiliates.
“Release” means any releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, migrating, disposing or dumping of any substance into the environment.
“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board or the NYFRB, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board or the NYFRB or any successor thereto.
“Report” means reports prepared by the Administrative Agent or another Person showing the results of appraisals, field examinations or audits pertaining to the assets of the Loan Parties from information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrowers, after the Administrative Agent has exercised its rights of inspection pursuant to this Agreement, which Reports may be distributed to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent.
“Required Lenders” means, subject to Section 2.20, (a) at any time prior to the earlier of the Loans becoming due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Commitments terminating or expiring, Lenders having Credit Exposures and Unfunded Commitments representing at least 66.70% of the sum of the Aggregate Credit Exposure and Unfunded Commitments at such time; provided that, as long as there are only two Lenders, Required Lenders shall mean both Lenders; provided further that, solely for purposes of declaring the Loans to be due and payable pursuant to Article VII, the Unfunded Commitment of each Lender shall be deemed to be zero in determining the Required Lenders and (b) for all purposes after the Loans become due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Commitments expire or terminate, Lenders having Credit Exposures representing at least 66.70% of the Aggregate Credit Exposure at such time; provided that, as long as there are only two Lenders, Required Lenders shall mean both Lenders.
“Required Revolving Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders (other than Defaulting Lenders) having Revolving Exposures and unused Revolving Commitments representing at least 66.70%% of the sum of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure and unused Revolving Commitments at such time; provided that, as long as there are only two Revolving Lenders, Required Revolving Lenders shall mean both Revolving Lenders
“Requirement of Law” means, with respect to any Person, (a) the charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation and bylaws or operating, management or partnership agreement, or other organizational or governing documents of such Person and (b) any statute, law (including common law), treaty, rule, regulation, code, ordinance, order, decree, writ, judgment, injunction or determination of any arbitrator or court or other Governmental Authority (including Environmental Laws), in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.
“Reserves” means any and all reserves which the Administrative Agent deems necessary, in its sole discretion, to maintain (including, without limitation, an availability reserve, reserves for accrued and unpaid interest on the Secured Obligations, Banking Services Reserves, volatility reserves, reserves for rent at locations leased by any Loan Party and for consignee's, warehousemen’s and bailee’s charges, reserves for dilution of Accounts, reserves for Inventory shrinkage, reserves for customs charges and shipping charges related to any Inventory in transit, reserves for Swap Agreement Obligations, reserves for contingent liabilities of any Loan Party, reserves for uninsured losses of any Loan Party, reserves for uninsured, underinsured, un-indemnified or under-indemnified liabilities or potential liabilities with respect to any litigation and reserves for Taxes, fees, assessments, and other governmental charges) with respect to the Collateral or any Loan Party.
“Resolution Authority” means an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.
“Responsible Officer” means the president, Financial Officer or other executive officer of a Borrower.
“Restricted Payment” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests in the Company or any Subsidiary, 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 or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests.
“Reuters” means, as applicable, Thomson Reuters Corp, Refinitiv, or any successor thereto.
“REVLIBOR30 Rate” means the London interbank offered rate administered by ICE Benchmark Administration (or any other Person that takes over the administration of such rate for Dollars) for a one (1) month period as displayed on pages LIBOR01 or LIBOR02 of the Reuters screen that displays such rate (or, in the event such rate does not appear on a Reuters page or screen, on any successor or substitute page on such screen that displays such rate, or on the appropriate page of such other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as shall be selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion; in each case the “REVLIBOR30 Screen Rate”) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the first (1st) Business Day of each month, adjusted monthly on the first (1st) Business Day of each month; provided that, (x) if the REVLIBOR30 Screen Rate shall be less than zero, the REVLIBOR30 Screen Rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement and (y) if the REVLIBOR30 Screen Rate shall not be available at such time for such a period, then the REVLIBOR30 Rate shall be equal to the CB Floating Rate.
“Revolving Borrowing” means Revolving Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.
“Revolving Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the amount set forth on the Commitment Schedule opposite such Lender’s name, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(70) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) as provided in Section 9.04(b)(ii)(C) pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Commitment, as applicable, as such Revolving Commitment may be reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to (a) Section 2.09 and (b) assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04; provided, that at no time shall the Revolving Exposure of any Lender exceed its Revolving Commitment. The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Revolving Commitment is $40,000,000.
“Revolving Exposure” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of (a) the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Revolving Loans, its LC Exposure and its Swingline Exposure at such time, plus (b) an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Protective Advances outstanding at such time plus (c) an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Overadvances outstanding at such time.
“Revolving Lender” means, as of any date of determination, a Lender with a Revolving Commitment or, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, a Lender with Revolving Exposure.
“Revolving Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.01.
“S&P” means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business.
“Sale and Leaseback Transaction” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.06.
“Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions (at the time of this Agreement, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria).
“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, Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country, (c) any Person owned or controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b), or (d) any Person otherwise the subject of any Sanctions.
“Sanctions” means all economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by 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, Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority.
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission of the U.S.
“Secured Obligations” means all Obligations, together with all (a) Banking Services Obligations and (b) Swap Agreement Obligations owing to one or more Lenders or their respective Affiliates; provided, however, that the definition of “Secured Obligations” shall not create any guarantee by any Guarantor of (or grant of security interest by any Guarantor to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Guarantor.
“Secured Parties” means (a) the Administrative Agent, (b) the Lenders, (c) each Issuing Bank, (d) each provider of Banking Services, to the extent the Banking Services Obligations in respect thereof constitute Secured Obligations, (e) each counterparty to any Swap Agreement, to the extent the obligations thereunder constitute Secured Obligations, (f) the beneficiaries of each indemnification obligation undertaken by any Loan Party under any Loan Document, and (g) the successors and assigns of each of the foregoing.
“Security Agreement” means that certain Pledge and Security Agreement (including any and all supplements thereto), dated as of the date hereof, among the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, and any other pledge or security agreement entered into, after the date of this Agreement by any other Loan Party (as required by this Agreement or any other Loan Document) or any other Person for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Settlement” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(d).
“Settlement Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(d).
“SOFR” means, with respect to any Business Day, a rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate for such Business Day published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website at approximately 8:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the immediately succeeding Business Day.
“SOFR Administrator” means the NYFRB (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).
“SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the NYFRB’s Website, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the SOFR Administrator from time to time.
“Standby LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all standby Letters of Credit outstanding at such time plus (b) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements relating to standby Letters of Credit that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrowers at such time. The Standby LC Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate Standby LC Exposure at such time.
“Statements” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.18(f).
“Statutory Reserve Rate” means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentage (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) established by the Federal Reserve Board to which the Administrative Agent is subject with respect to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency liabilities” in Regulation D). Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to Regulation D of the Board. Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under Regulation D of the Board or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.
“Subordinated Indebtedness” of a Person means any Indebtedness of such Person the payment of which is subordinated to payment of the Secured Obligations to the written satisfaction of the Administrative Agent.
“subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity 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 corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent and/or one or more subsidiaries of the parent.
“Subsidiary” means any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company or a Loan Party, as applicable.
“Supported QFC” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21.
“Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, spot, future, credit default or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, 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; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Borrowers or the Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.
“Swap Agreement Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Loan Parties, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (a) any and all Swap Agreements permitted hereunder with a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, and (b) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction permitted hereunder with a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender.
“Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Loan Guarantor, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Swingline Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time. The Swingline Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total Swingline Exposure at such time.
“Swingline Lender” means JPMCB, in its capacity as lender of Swingline Loans hereunder. Any consent required of the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank shall be deemed to be required of the Swingline Lender and any consent given by JPMCB in its capacity as Administrative Agent or Issuing Bank shall be deemed given by JPMCB in its capacity as Swingline Lender.
“Swingline Loan” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(a).
“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.
“Term SOFR” means, for the applicable Corresponding Tenor as of the applicable Reference Time, the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.
“Term SOFR Notice” means a notification by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders and the Borrower Representative of the occurrence of a Term SOFR Transition Event.
“Term SOFR Transition Event” means the determination by the Administrative Agent that (a) Term SOFR has been recommended for use by the Relevant Governmental Body, (b) the administration of Term SOFR is administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent and (c) a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, has previously occurred resulting in a Benchmark Replacement in accordance with Section 2.14 that is not Term SOFR.
“Transactions” means the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrowers of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the borrowing of Loans and other credit extensions, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder.
“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 Adjusted LIBO Rate or the CBFR.
“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York or in any other state the laws of which are required to be applied in connection with the issue of perfection of security interests.
“UK Financial Institutions” 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.
“Unfinanced Capital Expenditures” means, for any period, Capital Expenditures made during such period which are not financed from the proceeds of any Indebtedness (other than the Revolving Loans; it being understood and agreed that, to the extent any Capital Expenditures are financed with Revolving Loans, such Capital Expenditures shall be deemed Unfinanced Capital Expenditures).
“Unfunded Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the Revolving Commitment of such Lender less its Revolving Exposure.
“Unliquidated Obligations” means, at any time, any Secured Obligations (or portion thereof) that are contingent in nature or unliquidated at such time, including any Secured Obligation that is: (a) an obligation to reimburse a bank for drawings not yet made under a letter of credit issued by it; (b) any other obligation (including any guarantee) that is contingent in nature at such time; or (c) an obligation to provide collateral to secure any of the foregoing types of obligations.
“U.S.” means the United States of America.
“U.S. Person” means a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.
“U.S. Special Resolution Regime” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21.
“U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.17(f)(ii)(B)(3).
“USA PATRIOT Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001.
“Withdrawal Liability” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.
“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 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Loan”) or by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Loan”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Revolving Loan”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Borrowing”) or by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Borrowing”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing”).
SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally. 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 mascu‐line, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “law” shall be construed as referring to all statutes, rules, regulations, codes and other laws (including official rulings and interpretations thereunder having the force of law or with which affected Persons customarily comply) and all judgments, orders and decrees of all Governmental Authorities. The word “will” 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, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, restatements, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any definition of or reference to any statute, rule or regulation shall be construed as referring thereto as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (including by succession of comparable successor laws), (c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person's successors and assigns (subject to any restrictions on assignments set forth herein) and, in the case of any Governmental Authority, any other Governmental Authority that shall have succeeded to any or all functions thereof, (d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (e) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement, (f) any reference in any definition to the phrase “at any time” or “for any period” shall refer to the same time or period for all calculations or determinations within such definition, and (g) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP. (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if after the date hereof there occurs any change in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of any provision hereof and the Borrower Representative notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrowers request an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of such change in GAAP or in the application thereof (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower Representative that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such migration or change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith. In the event that historical accounting practices, systems or reserves relating to the components of the Borrowing Base are modified in a manner that is adverse to the Lenders in any material respect, the Borrowers will agree to maintain such additional reserves (for purposes of computing the Borrowing Base) in respect of the components of the Borrowing Base and make such other adjustments (which may include maintaining additional reserves, modifying the advance rates or modifying the eligibility criteria for the components of the Borrowing Base). Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made (i) without giving effect to any election under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 825-10-25 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Company or any Subsidiary at “fair value”, as defined therein and (ii) without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 or 2105-03 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 1.04(a) or in the definition of “Capital Lease Obligations,” any change in accounting for leases pursuant to GAAP resulting from the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“FAS 842”), to the extent such adoption would require treating any lease (or similar arrangement conveying the right to use) as a capital lease where such lease (or similar arrangement) would not have been required to be so treated under GAAP as in effect on December 31, 2015, such lease shall not be considered a capital lease, and all calculations and deliverables under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be made or delivered, as applicable, in accordance therewith.
SECTION 1.05. Interest Rates; LIBOR Notifications. The interest rate on Eurodollar Loans is determined by reference to the LIBO Rate, which is derived from the London interbank offered rate. The London interbank offered rate is intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings from each other in the London interbank market. In July 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that, after the end of 2021, it would no longer persuade or compel contributing banks to make rate submissions to the ICE Benchmark Administration (together with any successor to the ICE Benchmark Administrator, the “IBA”) for purposes of the IBA setting the London interbank offered rate. As a result, it is possible that commencing in 2022, the London interbank offered rate may no longer be available or may no longer be deemed an appropriate reference rate upon which to determine the interest rate on Eurodollar Loans. In light of this eventuality, public and private sector industry initiatives are currently underway to identify new or alternative reference rates to be used in place of the London interbank offered rate. Upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, such Section 2.14(c) and (d) provide the mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower Representative, pursuant to Section 2.14(f), of any change to the reference rate upon which the interest rate on Eurodollar Loans is based. However, the Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission or any other matter related to the London interbank offered rate or other rates in the definition of “LIBO Rate” or with respect to any alternative or successor rate thereto, or replacement rate thereof (including, without limitation, (a) any such alternative, successor or replacement rate implemented pursuant to Section 2.14(c) or (d), whether upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, and (b) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes pursuant to Section 2.14(e)), including without limitation, whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement reference rate will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, the LIBO Rate or have the same volume or liquidity as did the London interbank offered rate prior to its discontinuance or unavailability.
SECTION 1.06. Reserved.
SECTION 1.07. Status of Obligations. In the event that any Borrower or any other Loan Party shall at any time issue or have outstanding any Subordinated Indebtedness, such Borrower shall take or cause such other Loan Party to take all such actions as shall be necessary to cause the Secured Obligations to constitute senior indebtedness (however denominated) in respect of such Subordinated Indebtedness and to enable the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to have and exercise any payment blockage or other remedies available or potentially available to holders of senior indebtedness under the terms of such Subordinated Indebtedness. Without limiting the foregoing, the Secured Obligations are hereby designated as “senior indebtedness” and as “designated senior indebtedness” and words of similar import under and in respect of any indenture or other agreement or instrument under which such Subordinated Indebtedness is outstanding and are further given all such other designations as shall be required under the terms of any such Subordinated Indebtedness in order that the Lenders may have and exercise any payment blockage or other remedies available or potentially available to holders of senior indebtedness under the terms of such Subordinated Indebtedness.
SECTION 1.08. Letters of Credit. 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 or the terms of any Letter of Credit Agreement related thereto, 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. For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Article 29(a) of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time) or Rule 3.13 or Rule 3.14 of the International Standby Practices, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time) or similar terms of the Letter of Credit itself, or if compliant documents have been presented but not yet honored, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” and “undrawn” in the amount so remaining available to be paid, and the obligations of the Borrowers and each Lender shall remain in full force and effect until the Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall have no further obligations to make any payments or disbursements under any circumstances with respect to any Letter of Credit.
SECTION 1.09. 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.
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 Revolving Loans in dollars to the Borrowers from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in (i) such Lender's Revolving Exposure exceeding such Lender's Revolving Commitment or (ii) the Aggregate Revolving Exposure exceeding the lesser of (x) the Aggregate Revolving Commitment and (y) the Borrowing Base, subject to the Administrative Agent’s authority, in its sole discretion, to make Protective Advances and Overadvances pursuant to the terms of Section 2.04, by making immediately available funds available to the Administrative Agent’s designated account, not later than 2:00 p.m., Chicago time. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrowers may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans.
SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings. (a) Each Loan (other than a Swingline Loan) shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments of the applicable Class. 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 of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Loans as required. Any Protective Advance, Overadvance and any Swingline Loan shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in Sections 2.04 and 2.05.
(b) Subject to Section 2.14, each Revolving Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of CBFR Loans or Eurodollar Loans as the Borrower Representative may request in accordance herewith, provided that all Borrowings made on the Effective Date must be made as CBFR Borrowings but may be converted into Eurodollar Borrowings in accordance with Section 2.08. Each Swingline Loan shall be a CBFR Loan. Each Lender at its option may make any Eurodollar Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan (and in the case of an Affiliate, the provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 shall apply to such Affiliate to the same extent as to such Lender); provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrowers to repay such Loan in accord‐ance with the terms of this Agreement. After giving effect to each requested Eurodollar Borrowing, including those which are converted from a CBFR Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.08, there shall not be outstanding more than five (5) Eurodollar Borrowings, in the aggregate at any time
(c) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $1,000,000. CBFR Borrowings may be in any amount.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrower Representative shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date.
SECTION 2.03. Requests for Revolving Borrowings . To request a Revolving Borrowing, the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request either in writing (delivered by hand or fax) by delivering a Borrowing Request signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative or through Electronic System if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent (or if an Extenuating Circumstance shall exist, by telephone) not later than (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, 10:00 a.m., Chicago time, three (3) Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (b) in the case of a CBFR Borrowing, noon, Chicago time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing; provided that any such notice of a CBFR Borrowing to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e) may be given not later than 9:00 a.m., Chicago time, on the date of such proposed Borrowing. Each such Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and each such telephonic Borrowing Request, if permitted, shall be confirmed immediately upon the cessation of the Extenuating Circumstance by hand delivery, facsimile or a communication through Electronic System to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative. Each such written (or if permitted, telephonic) Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the name of the applicable Borrower(s);
(ii) the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing and a breakdown of the separate wires comprising such Borrowing;
(iii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;
(iv) whether such Borrowing is to be a CBFR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing; and
(v) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period.”
If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be a CBFR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Eurodollar Borrowing, then the applicable Borrower(s) shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month's duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, 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. Protective Advances. (a) Subject to the limitations set forth below, the Administrative Agent is authorized by the Borrowers and the Lenders, from time to time in the Administrative Agent’s sole discretion (but shall have absolutely no obligation to), to make Loans to the Borrowers, on behalf of all Lenders, which the Administrative Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, deems necessary or desirable (i) to preserve or protect the Collateral, or any portion thereof, (ii) if an Event of Default under clauses (a), (b), (h) or (i) of the definition thereof or resulting from a breach of Section 6.12 has occurred and is continuing, to enhance the likelihood of, or maximize the amount of, repayment of the Loans and other Obligations, or (iii) to pay any other amount chargeable to or required to be paid by the Borrowers pursuant to the terms of this Agreement that have not been paid by Borrowers on or before the date required, including payments of reimbursable expenses (including costs, fees, and expenses as described in Section 9.03) and other sums payable under the Loan Documents (any of such Loans are herein referred to as “Protective Advances”); provided that, the Aggregate Revolving Exposure after giving effect to the Protective Advances being made shall not exceed the Aggregate Revolving Commitment. Protective Advances may be made even if the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02 have not been satisfied. The Protective Advances shall be secured by the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent in and to the Collateral and shall constitute Obligations hereunder. All Protective Advances shall be CBFR Borrowings. The making of a Protective Advance on any one occasion shall not obligate the Administrative Agent to make any Protective Advance on any other occasion. The Administrative Agent’s authorization to make Protective Advances may be revoked at any time by 100% of the Lenders (other than any Defaulting Lender). Any such revocation must be in writing and shall become effective prospectively upon the Administrative Agent’s receipt thereof. At any time that there is sufficient Availability and the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02 have been satisfied, the Administrative Agent may request the Revolving Lenders to make a Revolving Loan to repay a Protective Advance. At any other time the Administrative Agent may require the Lenders to fund their risk participations described in Section 2.04(b).
(b) Upon the making of a Protective Advance by the Administrative Agent (whether before or after the occurrence of a Default), each Lender shall be deemed, without further action by any party hereto, to have unconditionally and irrevocably purchased from the Administrative Agent, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in such Protective Advance in proportion to its Applicable Percentage. From and after the date, if any, on which any Lender is required to fund its participation in any Protective Advance purchased hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall promptly distribute to such Lender, such Lender's Applicable Percentage of all payments of principal and interest and all proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent in respect of such Protective Advance.
SECTION 2.05. Swingline Loans and Overadvances.
(a) The Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and the Revolving Lenders agree that in order to facilitate the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, promptly after the Borrower Representative requests a CBFR Borrowing, the Swingline Lender may elect to have the terms of this Section 2.05(a) apply to such Borrowing Request by advancing, on behalf of the Revolving Lenders and in the amount requested, same day funds to the Borrowers, on the date of the applicable Borrowing to a Funding Accounts (each such Loan made solely by the Swingline Lender pursuant to this Section 2.05(a) is referred to in this Agreement as a “Swingline Loan”), with settlement among them as to the Swingline Loans to take place on a periodic basis as set forth in Section 2.05(d). Each Swingline Loan shall be subject to all the terms and conditions applicable to other CBFR Loans funded by the Revolving Lenders, except that all payments thereon shall be payable to the Swingline Lender solely for its own account. In addition, the Borrowers hereby authorize the Swingline Lender to, and the Swingline Lender may, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein (but without any further written notice required), not later than 1:00 p.m., Chicago time, on each Business Day, make available to the Borrowers by means of a credit to a Funding Accounts, the proceeds of a Swingline Loan to the extent necessary to pay items to be drawn on any Controlled Disbursement Account that Business Day; provided that, if on any Business Day there is insufficient borrowing capacity to permit the Swingline Lender to make available to the Borrowers a Swingline Loan in the amount necessary to pay all items to be so drawn on any such Controlled Disbursement Account on such Business Day, then the Borrowers shall be deemed to have requested a CBFR Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.03 in the amount of such deficiency to be made on such Business Day. The Swingline Lender shall not make any Swingline Loan if the requested Swingline Loan exceeds Availability (before or after giving effect to such Swingline Loan). All Swingline Loans shall be CBFR Borrowings.
(b) Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, at the request of the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent may in its sole discretion (but with absolutely no obligation), on behalf of the Revolving Lenders, (x) make Revolving Loans to the Borrowers in amounts that exceed Availability (any such excess Revolving Loans are herein referred to collectively as “Overadvances”) or (y) deem the amount of Revolving Loans outstanding to the Borrowers that are in excess of Availability to be Overadvances; provided that, no Overadvance shall result in a Default due to Borrowers’ failure to comply with Section 2.01 for so long as such Overadvance remains outstanding in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, but solely with respect to the amount of such Overadvance. In addition, Overadvances may be made even if the condition precedent set forth in Section 4.02(c) has not been satisfied. All Overadvances shall constitute CBFR Borrowings. The making of an Overadvance on any one occasion shall not obligate the Administrative Agent to make any Overadvance on any other occasion. The authority of the Administrative Agent to make Overadvances is limited to an aggregate amount not to exceed an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of Availability at any time, no Overadvance may remain outstanding for more than thirty days and no Overadvance shall cause any Revolving Lender's Revolving Exposure to exceed its Revolving Commitment; provided that, the Required Revolving Lenders may at any time revoke the Administrative Agent’s authorization to make Overadvances. Any such revocation must be in writing and shall become effective prospectively upon the Administrative Agent’s receipt thereof.
(c) Upon the making of a Swingline Loan or an Overadvance (whether before or after the occurrence of a Default and regardless of whether a Settlement has been requested with respect to such Swingline Loan or Overadvance), each Revolving Lender shall be deemed, without further action by any party hereto, to have unconditionally and irrevocably purchased from the Swingline Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in such Swingline Loan or Overadvance in proportion to its Applicable Percentage of the Revolving Commitment. The Swingline Lender or the Administrative Agent may, at any time, require the Revolving Lenders to fund their participations. From and after the date, if any, on which any Revolving Lender is required to fund its participation in any Swingline Loan or Overadvance purchased hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall promptly distribute to such Lender, such Lender's Applicable Percentage of all payments of principal and interest and all proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent in respect of such Swingline Loan or Overadvance.
(d) The Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Swingline Lender, shall request settlement (a “Settlement”) with the Revolving Lenders on at least a weekly basis or on any date that the Administrative Agent elects, by notifying the Revolving Lenders of such requested Settlement by facsimile, telephone, or e-mail no later than 12:00 noon Chicago time on the date of such requested Settlement (the “Settlement Date”). Each Revolving Lender (other than the Swingline Lender, in the case of the Swingline Loans) shall transfer the amount of such Revolving Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding principal amount of the applicable Loan with respect to which Settlement is requested to the Administrative Agent, to such account of the Administrative Agent as the Administrative Agent may designate, not later than 2:00 p.m., Chicago time, on such Settlement Date. Settlements may occur during the existence of a Default and whether or not the applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02 have then been satisfied. Such amounts transferred to the Administrative Agent shall be applied against the amounts of the Swingline Lender’s Swingline Loans and, together with Swingline Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan, shall constitute Revolving Loans of such Revolving Lenders, respectively. If any such amount is not transferred to the Administrative Agent by any Revolving Lender on such Settlement Date, the Swingline Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Lender on demand such amount, together with interest thereon, as specified in Section 2.07.
SECTION 2.06. Letters of Credit. (a) General. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower Representative may request any Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit for its own account or for the account of another Borrower denominated in dollars as the applicant thereof for the support of its or its Subsidiaries’ obligations, in a form reasonably acceptable to such Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period, and such Issuing Bank may, but shall have no obligation, to issue such requested Letters of Credit pursuant to this Agreement.
(b) Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Extension; Certain Conditions. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Borrower Representative shall deliver by hand or facsimile (or transmit through Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the respective Issuing Bank) to an Issuing Bank selected by it and to the Administrative Agent (reasonably in advance of, but in any event prior to 9:00 am, Chicago time, at least three (3) Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance, amendment or extension) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend or extend such Letter of Credit. In addition, as a condition to any such Letter of Credit issuance, the applicable Borrower shall have entered into a continuing agreement (or other letter of credit agreement) for the issuance of letters of credit and/or shall submit a letter of credit application in each case, as required by the respective Issuing Bank and using such Issuing Bank's standard form (each, a “Letter of Credit Agreement”). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any Letter of Credit Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment or extension of each Letter of Credit the Borrowers shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment or extension (i) the aggregate LC Exposure shall not exceed $1,500,000, (ii) no Revolving Lender’s Revolving Exposure shall exceed its Revolving Commitment and (iii) the Aggregate Revolving Exposure shall not exceed the lesser of (x) the Aggregate Revolving Commitment and (y) the Borrowing Base. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary contained herein, no Issuing Bank shall be obligated to issue or modify any Letter of Credit if, immediately after giving effect thereto, the outstanding LC Exposure in respect of all Letters of Credit issued by such Person and its Affiliates would exceed such Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit. Without limiting the foregoing and without affecting the limitations contained herein, it is understood and agreed that the Borrower Representative may from time to time request that an Issuing Bank issue Letters of Credit in excess of its individual Issuing Bank Sublimit in effect at the time of such request, and each Issuing Bank agrees to consider any such request in good faith. Any Letter of Credit so issued by an Issuing Bank in excess of its individual Issuing Bank Sublimit then in effect shall nonetheless constitute a Letter of Credit for all purposes of this Agreement, and shall not affect the Issuing Bank Sublimit of any other Issuing Bank, subject to the limitations on the aggregate LC Exposure set forth in clause (i) of this Section 2.06(b).
An Issuing Bank shall not be under any obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if:
(i) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain such Issuing Bank from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Requirement of Law relating to such Issuing Bank or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such Issuing Bank shall prohibit, or request that such Issuing Bank refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such 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 such 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
(ii) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of such Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally.
(c) Expiration Date. Each Letter of Credit shall expire (or be subject to termination or non-renewal by notice from the applicable Issuing Bank to the beneficiary thereof) at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any extension of the expiration thereof, including, without limitation, any automatic renewal provision, one year after such extension) and (ii) the date that is five Business Days prior to the Maturity Date.
(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 applicable Issuing Bank or the Revolving Lenders, such Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Revolving Lender, and each Revolving Lender hereby acquires from such Issuing Bank, 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 Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Issuing Bank, such Lender's Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement made by such Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the Borrowers on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrowers for any reason, including after the Maturity Date. Each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments.
(e) Reimbursement. If an Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrowers shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 11:00 a.m., Chicago time, on (a) (i) the Business Day that the Borrower Representative receives notice of such LC Disbursement, if such notice is received prior to 9:00 a.m., Chicago time, on the day of receipt, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower Representative receives such notice, if such notice is received after 9:00 a.m. Chicago time on the day of receipt; provided that the Borrowers may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 that such payment be financed with a CBFR Borrowing in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, the Borrowers’ obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting CBFR Borrowing or Swingline Loan. If the Borrowers fail to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Revolving Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrowers in respect thereof and such Lender's Applicable Percentage thereof. Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Revolving Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the payment then due from the Borrowers, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Revolving Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the respective Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrowers pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the respective Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Revolving Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse such Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and such Issuing Bank, as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Revolving Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse an Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of CBFR Revolving Loans or Swingline Loans as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrowers of their obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement.
(f) Obligations Absolute. The Borrowers’ joint and several obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section 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 or herein, (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) any payment by the respective 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 (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, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrowers’ obligations hereunder. Neither the Administrative Agent, the Revolving Lenders, nor any Issuing Bank or any of their respective 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, any error in translation or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the respective Issuing Bank; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse an Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrowers to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by any Borrower that are caused by such 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 an Issuing Bank (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), such Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have exercised 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, an 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. The Issuing Bank for any Letter of Credit shall, within the time allowed by applicable law or the specific terms of the Letter of Credit following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under such Letter of Credit. Such Issuing Bank shall promptly after such examination notify the Administrative Agent and the applicable Borrower by telephone (confirmed by fax or through Electronic Systems) of such demand for payment if 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 Borrowers of their obligation to reimburse such Issuing Bank and the Revolving Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement.
(h) Interim Interest. If the Issuing Bank for any Letter of Credit shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrowers shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full on the date such LC Disbursement is made, 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 Borrowers reimburse such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to CBFR Revolving Loans and such interest shall be due and payable on the date when such reimbursement is payable; provided that, if the Borrowers fail to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section, then Section 2.13(d) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of such Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Revolving Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section to reimburse such Issuing Bank for such LC Disbursement shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.
(i) Replacement and Resignation of an Issuing Bank.
(i) An Issuing Bank may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Issuing Bank and the successor Issuing Bank. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Revolving Lenders of any such replacement of an Issuing Bank. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrowers shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.12(c). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (A) the successor Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of an 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 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 then outstanding and issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit or extend or otherwise amend any existing Letter of Credit.
(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 thirty days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower Representative and the Lenders, in which case, such resigning Issuing Bank shall be replaced in accordance with Section 2.06(i)(i) above.
(j) Cash Collateralization. If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day that the Borrower Representative receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the aggregate LC Exposure) demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Borrowers shall deposit in an account with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Revolving Lenders (the “LC Collateral Account”), an amount in cash equal to 105% of the amount of the LC Exposure as of such date plus 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 any Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of Article VII. Such Borrower also shall deposit cash collateral in accordance with this paragraph as and to the extent required by Sections 2.10(b), 2.11(b) or 2.20. Each such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations. In addition, and without limiting the foregoing or paragraph (c) of this Section, if any LC Exposure remains outstanding after the expiration date specified in said paragraph (c), the Borrowers shall immediately deposit in the LC Collateral Account an amount in cash equal to 105% of such LC Exposure as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon. The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over the LC Collateral Account and the Borrowers hereby grant the Administrative Agent a security interest in the LC Collateral Account and all money or other assets on deposit therein or credited thereto. 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 Borrowers’ risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in the LC Collateral Account. Moneys in the LC Collateral Account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse each Issuing Bank for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed, together with related fees, costs, and customary processing charges, and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrowers for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the aggregate LC Exposure), be applied to satisfy other Secured Obligations. If the Borrowers are required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrowers within three (3) Business Days after all such Events of Default have been cured or waived as confirmed in writing by the Administrative Agent.
(k) Issuing Bank Reports to the Administrative Agent. Unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank that is not the Administrative Agent shall, in addition to its notification obligations set forth elsewhere in this Section, report in writing to the Administrative Agent (i) periodic activity (for such period or recurrent periods as shall be requested by the Administrative Agent) in respect of Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, including all issuances, extensions, and amendments, all expirations and cancelations and all disbursements and reimbursements, (ii) reasonably prior to the time that such Issuing Bank issues, amends or extends any Letter of Credit, the date of such issuance, amendment or extension, and the stated amount of the Letters of Credit issued, amended or extended by it and outstanding after giving effect to such issuance, amendment or extension (and whether the amounts thereof shall have changed), (iii) on each Business Day on which such Issuing Bank makes any LC Disbursement, the date and amount of such LC Disbursement, (iv) on any Business Day on which any Borrower fails to reimburse an LC Disbursement required to be reimbursed to such Issuing Bank on such day, the date of such failure and the amount of such LC Disbursement, and (v) on any other Business Day, such other information as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request as to the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank.
(l) Letters of Credit Issued for Account of Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder supports any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Subsidiary, or states that a Subsidiary is the “account party,” “applicant,” “customer,” “instructing party,” or the like of or for such Letter of Credit, and without derogating from any rights of the Issuing Bank (whether arising by contract, at law, in equity or otherwise) against such Subsidiary in respect of such Letter of Credit, the Borrowers (i) shall reimburse, indemnify and compensate the Issuing Bank hereunder for such Letter of Credit (including to reimburse any and all drawings thereunder) as if such Letter of Credit had been issued solely for the account of a Borrower and (ii) irrevocably waives any and all defenses that might otherwise be available to it as a guarantor or surety of any or all of the obligations of such Subsidiary in respect of such Letter of Credit. Each Borrower hereby acknowledges that the issuance of such Letters of Credit for its Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of the Borrowers, and that each Borrower’s business derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such Subsidiaries.
SECTION 2.07. Funding of Borrowings. (a) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by such Lender hereunder on the proposed date thereof solely by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 2:00 p.m., Chicago time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders in an amount equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage; provided that, Swingline Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.05. The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrower Representative by promptly crediting the funds so received in the aforesaid account of the Administrative Agent to a Funding Account; provided that CBFR Revolving Loans made to finance the reimbursement of (i) an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Issuing Bank and (ii) a Protective Advance or an Overadvance shall be retained by the Administrative Agent.
(b) 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 paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the applicable 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 Borrowers each 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 applicable Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation and (ii) in the case of the Borrowers, the interest rate applicable to CBFR Loans. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender's Loan included in such Borrowing, provided, that any interest received from a Borrower by the Administrative Agent during the period beginning when Administrative Agent funded the Borrowing until such Lender pays such amount shall be solely for the account of the Administrative Agent.
SECTION 2.08. Interest Elections. (a) Each Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the Borrower Representative may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. The Borrower Representative 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. This Section shall not apply to Swingline Borrowings, Overadvances or Protective Advances, which may not be converted or continued.
(b) To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election either in writing (delivered by hand or fax) by delivering an Interest Election Request signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative or through Electronic System if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent (or if an Extenuating Circumstance shall exist, by telephone) by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrowers 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 each such telephonic Interest Election Request, if permitted, shall be confirmed immediately upon the cessation of the Extenuating Circumstance by hand delivery, Electronic System or facsimile to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative.
(c) Each written (or if permitted, telephonic) Interest Election Request (including requests submitted through Electronic System) shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the name of the applicable Borrower and 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 clauses (iii) and (iv) below 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 a CBFR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing; and
(iv) if the resulting Borrowing is a Eurodollar 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 Eurodollar Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrowers shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month's duration.
(d) 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) If the Borrower Representative fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurodollar 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 a CBFR 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 Required Lenders, so notifies the Borrower Representative, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each Eurodollar Borrowing shall be converted to a CBFR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.
SECTION 2.09. Termination of Commitments; Increase in Revolving Commitments. (a) Unless previously terminated, the Revolving Commitments shall terminate on the Maturity Date.
(b) The Borrowers may at any time terminate the Revolving Commitments upon the Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations.
(c) The Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate the Commitments under paragraph (b) of this Section at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination, 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 Representative pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Commitments delivered by the Borrower Representative may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower Representative (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination of the Commitments shall be permanent. Each reduction of the Commitments shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments.
(d) The Borrowers shall have the right to increase the Revolving Commitments by obtaining additional Revolving Commitments, either from one or more of the Lenders or another lending institution provided that (i) any such request for an increase shall be in a minimum amount of $5,000,000, (ii) the Borrower Representative, on behalf of the Borrowers, may make a maximum of two (2) such requests, (iii) after giving effect thereto, the sum of the total of the additional Commitments does not exceed $10,000,000, (iv) the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank have approved the identity of any such new Lender, such approvals not to be unreasonably withheld, (v) any such new Lender assumes all of the rights and obligations of a “Lender” hereunder, and (vi) the procedure described in Section 2.09(f) have been satisfied. Nothing contained in this Section 2.09 shall constitute, or otherwise be deemed to be, a commitment on the part of any Lender to increase its Commitment hereunder at any time.
(e) Any amendment hereto for such an increase or addition shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and shall only require the written signatures of the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers and each Lender being added or increasing its Commitment subject only to the approval of all Lenders if any such increase or addition would cause the Revolving Commitments to exceed $50,000,000. As a condition precedent to such an increase or addition, the Borrowers shall deliver to the Administrative Agent (i) a certificate of each Loan Party signed by an authorized officer of such Loan Party (A) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase, and (B) in the case of the Borrowers, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase or addition, (1) the representations and warranties contained in Article III and the other Loan Documents are true and correct, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct as of such earlier date, (2) no Default exists and (3) the Borrowers are in compliance (on a pro forma basis) with the covenants contained in Section 6.12(a) and (ii) legal opinions and documents consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent.
(f) On the effective date of any such increase or addition, (i) any Lender increasing (or, in the case of any newly added Lender, extending) its Revolving Commitment shall make available to the Administrative Agent such amounts in immediately available funds as the Administrative Agent shall determine, for the benefit of the other Lenders, as being required in order to cause, after giving effect to such increase or addition and the use of such amounts to make payments to such other Lenders, each Lender’s portion of the outstanding Revolving Loans of all the Lenders to equal its revised Applicable Percentage of such outstanding Revolving Loans, and the Administrative Agent shall make such other adjustments among the Lenders with respect to the Revolving Loans then outstanding and amounts of principal, interest, commitment fees and other amounts paid or payable with respect thereto as shall be necessary, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, in order to effect such reallocation and (ii) the Borrowers shall be deemed to have repaid and reborrowed all outstanding Revolving Loans as of the date of any increase (or addition) in the Revolving Commitments (with such reborrowing to consist of the Types of Revolving Loans, with related Interest Periods if applicable, specified in a notice delivered by the Borrower Representative, in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.03). The deemed payments made pursuant to clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be accompanied by payment of all accrued interest on the amount prepaid and, in respect of each Eurodollar Loan, shall be subject to indemnification by the Borrowers pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 if the deemed payment occurs other than on the last day of the related Interest Periods. Within a reasonable time after the effective date of any increase or addition, the Administrative Agent shall, and is hereby authorized and directed to, revise the Commitment Schedule to reflect such increase or addition and shall distribute such revised Commitment Schedule to each of the Lenders and the Borrower Representative, whereupon such revised Commitment Schedule shall replace the old Commitment Schedule and become part of this Agreement.
SECTION 2.10. Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt. (a) The Borrowers hereby unconditionally promise to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan on the Maturity Date, and (ii) to the Administrative Agent the then unpaid amount of each Protective Advance on the earlier of the Maturity Date and demand by the Administrative Agent.
(b) At all times that full cash dominion is in effect pursuant to Section 7.3 of the Security Agreement, on each Business Day, the Administrative Agent shall apply all funds credited to the Collection Account on the immediately preceding Business Day (at the discretion of the Administrative Agent, whether or not immediately available) first to prepay any Protective Advances and Overadvances that may be outstanding, pro rata, and second to prepay the Revolving Loans (including Swingline Loans) and third if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to cash collateralize outstanding LC Exposure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent any funds credited to the Collection Account constitute Net Proceeds, the application of such Net Proceeds shall be subject to Section 2.11(c).
(c) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the Indebtedness of the Borrowers to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrowers to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lender's share thereof.
(e) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (c) or (d) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrowers to repay the Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(f) Any Lender may request that Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, the Borrowers shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and in a form approved by the Administrative Agent. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form.
SECTION 2.11. Prepayment of Loans. (a) The Borrowers 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 paragraph (e) of this Section and, if applicable, payment of any break funding expenses under Section 2.16.
(b) Except for Overadvances permitted under Section 2.05, in the event and on such occasion that the Aggregate Revolving Exposure exceeds the lesser of (i) the Aggregate Revolving Commitment and (ii) the Borrowing Base, the Borrowers shall prepay the Revolving Loans, LC Exposure and/or Swingline Loans or cash collateralize the LC Exposure in an account with the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.06(j), as applicable, in an aggregate amount equal to such excess.
(c) In the event and on each occasion that any Net Proceeds are received by or on behalf of any Loan Party in respect of any Prepayment Event, the Borrowers shall, immediately after such Net Proceeds are received by any Loan Party, prepay the Obligations and cash collateralize the LC Exposure as set forth in Section 2.11(d) below in an aggregate amount equal to (x) in the case of a prepayment event described in clause (c) of the definition of the term “Prepayment Event”, 20% of such Net Proceeds and (y) in the case of all other Prepayment Events, 100% of such Net Proceeds, provided that, (x) in the case of a prepayment event described in clause (c) of the definition of the term “Prepayment Event”, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, there shall be no requirement to cash collateralize the LC Exposure, and (y) in the case of any event described in clause (a) or (b) of the definition of the term “Prepayment Event”, if the Borrower Representative shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer to the effect that the Loan Parties intend to apply the Net Proceeds from such event (or a portion thereof specified in such certificate), within 180 days after receipt of such Net Proceeds, to acquire (or replace or rebuild) equipment or other tangible assets (excluding inventory) to be used in the business of the Loan Parties, and certifying that no Default has occurred and is continuing, then either (i) so long as full cash dominion is not in effect, no prepayment shall be required pursuant to this paragraph in respect of the Net Proceeds specified in such certificate or (ii) if full cash dominion is in effect, then, if the Net Proceeds specified in such certificate are to be applied to acquire, replace or rebuild such assets by (A) the Borrowers, such Net Proceeds shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reduce the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Loans (without a permanent reduction of the Revolving Commitment) and upon such application, the Administrative Agent shall establish a Reserve against the Borrowing Base in an amount equal to the amount of such proceeds so applied and (B) any Loan Party that is not a Borrower, such Net Proceeds shall be deposited in a cash collateral account, and in the case of either (A) or (B), thereafter, such funds shall be made available to the applicable Loan Party as follows:
(1) the Borrower Representative shall request a Revolving Borrowing (specifying that the request is to use Net Proceeds pursuant to this Section) or the applicable Loan Party shall request a release from the cash collateral account be made in the amount needed;
(2) so long as the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 have been met, the Revolving Lenders shall make such Revolving Borrowing or the Administrative Agent shall release funds from the cash collateral account; and
(3) in the case of Net Proceeds applied against the Revolving Borrowing, the Reserve established with respect to such insurance proceeds shall be reduced by the amount of such Revolving Borrowing;
provided that to the extent of any such Net Proceeds therefrom that have not been so applied by the end of such 180‑day period, a prepayment shall be required at such time in an amount equal to such Net Proceeds that have not been so applied.
(d) All prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.11(a) shall be applied, if made with respect to the Revolving Loans or the Swingline Loans, to prepay such Loans in accordance with the Lenders’ respective Applicable Percentages without a corresponding reduction in the Revolving Commitments and to cash collateralize outstanding LC Exposure. All such amounts pursuant to Section 2.11(c) shall be applied, first to prepay any Protective Advances and Overadvances that may be outstanding, pro rata, second to prepay the Revolving Loans (including Swingline Loans) without a corresponding reduction in the Revolving Commitments and, if required in accordance with Section 2.11(c), to cash collateralize outstanding LC Exposure.
(e) The Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, the Swingline Lender) by telephone (confirmed by fax) or through Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, of any prepayment hereunder not later than 10:00 a.m., Chicago time, (A) in the case of prepayment of a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, three (3) Business Days before the date of prepayment, or (B) in the case of prepayment of a CBFR Revolving Borrowing, one (1) 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 Revolving Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.09, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.09. Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Revolving Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Revolving Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Revolving Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02. Each prepayment of a Revolving Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Revolving Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing. Prepayments shall be accompanied by (i) accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.13 and (ii) break funding payments pursuant to Section 2.16.
SECTION 2.12. Fees. (a) The Borrowers agree to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the Applicable Rate on the average daily amount of the Available Revolving Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate. Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the first Business Day of each calendar month and on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate, 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 and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).
(b) The Borrowers agree to pay Administrative Agent for its own account, all fees and other amounts required to be paid pursuant to the Fee Letter, at the times and in the amounts as specified therein.
(c) The Borrowers agree to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in each outstanding Letter of Credit, which shall accrue on the daily maximum amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit at the same Applicable Rate used to determine the interest rate applicable to Eurodollar Revolving Loans during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Lender's Revolving Commitment terminates and the date on which such Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure, and (ii) to each Issuing Bank for its own account a fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.125% per annum on the daily maximum amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit, during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, as well as such Issuing Bank’s standard fees and commissions with respect to the issuance, amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit and other processing fees and other standard costs and charges, of such Issuing Bank relating to Letters of Credit as from time to time in effect. Participation fees and fronting fees accrued through and including the last day of each calendar month shall be payable on the first Business Day of each calendar month following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to an Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within ten (10) days after demand. All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).
(d) The Borrowers agree to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent.
(e) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in dollars in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent (or to an Issuing Bank, in the case of fees payable to it) for distribution, in the case of commitment fees and participation fees, to the Lenders. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances.
SECTION 2.13. Interest. (a) The Loans comprising CBFR Borrowings (including all Swingline Loans) shall bear interest at the CBFR plus the Applicable Rate.
(b) The Loans comprising each Eurodollar Borrowing shall bear interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate.
(c) Each Protective Advance and each Overadvance shall bear interest at the CBFR plus the Applicable Rate for Revolving Loans plus 2%.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may, at their option, by notice to the Borrower Representative (which notice may be revoked at the option of the Required Lenders notwithstanding any provision of Section 9.02 requiring the consent of “each Lender affected thereby” for reductions in interest rates), declare that (i) all Loans shall bear interest at 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loans as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount outstanding hereunder, such amount shall accrue at 2% plus the rate applicable to such fee or other obligation as provided hereunder.
(e) Accrued interest on each Loan (for CBFR Loans, accrued through the last day of the prior calendar month) shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and upon termination of the Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of a CBFR Revolving Loan prior to the end of the Availability Period), 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 Eurodollar 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.
(f) All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest computed by reference to the CB Floating 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). The applicable CB Floating Rate, Adjusted LIBO Rate, REVLIBOR30 Rate, or LIBO Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
SECTION 2.14. Alternate Rate of Interest; Illegality.
(a) Subject to clauses (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) of this Section 2.14, if prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Borrowing:
(i) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate, as applicable (including, without limitation, by means of an Interpolated Rate or because the LIBO Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis) for such Interest Period; provided that no Benchmark Transition Event shall have occurred at such time; or
(ii) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;
then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower Representative and the Lenders through Electronic System as provided in Section 9.01 as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower Representative and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (A) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Eurodollar Borrowing shall be ineffective and any such Eurodollar Borrowing shall be repaid or converted into a CBFR Borrowing on the last day of the then current Interest Period applicable thereto, and (B) if any Borrowing Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made as a CBFR Borrowing.
(b) If any Lender determines that any Requirement of Law has made it unlawful, or if any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable lending office to make, maintain, fund or continue any Eurodollar Borrowing, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower Representative through the Administrative Agent, any obligations of such Lender to make, maintain, fund or continue Eurodollar Loans or to convert CBFR Borrowings to Eurodollar Borrowings will be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrowers will upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), either convert or prepay all Eurodollar Borrowings of such Lender to CBFR Borrowings, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Borrowings to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Loans. Upon any such conversion or prepayment, the Borrowers will also pay accrued interest on the amount so converted or prepaid.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document (and any Swap Agreement shall be deemed not to be a “Loan Document” for purposes of this Section 2.14), if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Lenders without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document and subject to the proviso below in this paragraph, if a Term SOFR Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then the applicable Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder or under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings, without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided that, this clause (c) shall not be effective unless the Administrative Agent has delivered to the Lenders and the Borrower Representative a Term SOFR Notice. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to deliver a Term SOFR Notice after a Term SOFR Transition Event and may do so in its sole discretion.
(e) In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
(f) The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower Representative and the Lenders of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (iv) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to clause (d) below and (v) the commencement or conclusion 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 2.14, 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 2.14.
(g) 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 Term SOFR or LIBO 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 or will be no longer representative, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” 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 or will no longer be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.
(h) Upon the Borrower Representative’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrowers may revoke any request for a Eurodollar Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrowers will be deemed to have converted any such request into a request for a Borrowing of or conversion to CBFR Loans. During any Benchmark Unavailability Period or at any time that a tenor for the then-current Benchmark is not an Available Tenor, the component of CBFR based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of CBFR
SECTION 2.15. Increased Costs. (a) If any Change in Law shall:
(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, liquidity or similar requirement (including any compulsory loan requirement, insurance charge or other assessment) against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate) or the Issuing Bank;
(ii) impose on any Lender or the Issuing Bank or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein; or
(iii) 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;
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, continuing, converting into or main‐taining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to increase the cost to such Lender, the Issuing Bank or such other Recipient of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receiv‐able by such Lender, the Issuing Bank or such other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrowers will pay to such Lender, the Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, the Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
(b) If any Lender or the Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's capital or on the capital of such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of, or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's policies and the policies of such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time the Borrowers will pay to such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company for any such reduction suffered.
(c) A certificate of a Lender or the Issuing Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower Representative and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.
(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 270 days prior to the date that such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower Representative 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 270-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.
SECTION 2.16. Break Funding Payments. In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or as a result of any prepayment pursuant to Section 2.11), (b) the conversion of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Eurodollar Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.09(c) and is revoked in accordance therewith), or (d) the assignment of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower Representative pursuant to Section 2.19 or 9.02(d), then, in any such event, the Borrowers shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. In the case of a Eurodollar Loan, such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Eurodollar Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate that would have been applicable to such Eurodollar Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Eurodollar Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the eurodollar market. A certifi‐cate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower Representative and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.
SECTION 2.17. Withholding of Taxes; Gross-Up. (a) Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law. If any applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable withholding agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a withholding agent, then the applicable withholding agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.17) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.
(b) Payment of Other Taxes by the Loan Parties. The Loan Parties 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, Other Taxes.
(c) Evidence of Payment. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Loan Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 2.17, such Loan 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.
(d) Indemnification by the Loan Parties. The Loan Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) 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 (other than (i) Indemnified Taxes that a court of competent jurisdiction finally determines to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Recipient or (ii) interest or penalties attributable to the failure or delay by such Recipient to make a written demand to the Loan Party within 180 days of receiving written notice that such Taxes subject to indemnification under this Section 2.17 have been levied, imposed or asserted against it). A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Loan Party by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(e) Indemnification by the Lenders. Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that any Loan Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Loan Parties to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender's failure to comply with the provisions of Section 9.04(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 setoff 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 such Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this paragraph (e).
(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 Representative and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative 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 Representative or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 2.17(f)(ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender's reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.
(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that any Borrower is a U.S. Person,
(A) any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower Representative 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 Representative or the Administrative Agent), an executed copy of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;
(B) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower Representative 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 Representative 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, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or Form W-8IMY (or successor form), 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, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or Form W-8IMY (or successor form), 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) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming that its extension of credit will generate U.S. effectively connected income, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8ECI (or successor form);
(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 E-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of a Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or Form W-8IMY (or successor form) (with proper attachments), as applicable; or
(4) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8IMY (or successor form), accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or successor form), as applicable, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E-2 or Exhibit E-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;
(C) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower Representative 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 Representative 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 Borrowers or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and
(D) if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative 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 Representative or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrowers 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 to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.
Each Lender 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 Representative 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 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section), 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 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all reasonable 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 giving rise to such refund had never been paid. This paragraph (g) 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 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 (including the Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations).
SECTION 2.18. Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Setoffs. (a) The Borrowers shall make each payment or prepayment required to be made by them hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Section 2.15, 2.16 or 2.17, or otherwise) prior to 2:00 p.m., Chicago time, on the date when due or the date fixed for any prepayment hereunder, in immediately available funds, without setoff, recoupment or counterclaim. 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 at 10 South Dearborn Street, Floor L2, Chicago, Illinois, except payments to be made directly to the Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 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. Unless otherwise provided for herein, 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) All payments and any proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent (i) not constituting either (A) a specific payment of principal, interest, fees or other sum payable under the Loan Documents (which shall be applied as specified by the Borrowers), (B) a mandatory prepayment (which shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.11) or (C) amounts to be applied from the Collection Account when full cash dominion is in effect (which shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.10(b)) or (ii) after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent so elects or the Required Lenders so direct, shall be applied ratably first, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements then due to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank from the Borrowers (other than in connection with Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations), second, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements then due to the Lenders from the Borrowers (other than in connection with Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations), third, to pay interest due in respect of the Overadvances and Protective Advances, fourth, to pay the principal of the Overadvances and Protective Advances, fifth, to pay interest then due and payable on the Loans (other than the Overadvances and Protective Advances) ratably, sixth, to prepay principal on the Loans (other than the Overadvances and Protective Advances) and unreimbursed LC Disbursements, to pay an amount to the Administrative Agent equal to one hundred five percent (105%) of the aggregate LC Exposure, to be held as cash collateral for such Obligations, and to pay any amounts owing in respect of Swap Agreement Obligations up to and including the amount most recently provided to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.22, for which Reserves have been established, ratably, seventh, to payment of any amounts owing in respect of Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations up to and including the amount most recently provided to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.22 and to the extent not paid pursuant to clause sixth above, and eighth, to the payment of any other Secured Obligation due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender by the Borrowers. Notwithstanding the foregoing amounts received from any Loan Party shall not be applied to any Excluded Swap Obligation of such Loan Party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, unless so directed by the Borrower Representative, or unless a Default is in existence, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall apply any payment which it receives to any Eurodollar Loan of a Class, except (a) on the expiration date of the Interest Period applicable thereto or (b) in the event, and only to the extent, that there are no outstanding CBFR Loans of the same Class and, in any such event, the Borrowers shall pay the break funding payment required in accordance with Section 2.16. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have the continuing and exclusive right to apply and reverse and reapply any and all such proceeds and payments to any portion of the Secured Obligations.
(c) At the election of the Administrative Agent, all payments of principal, interest, LC Disbursements, fees, premiums, reimbursable expenses (including, without limitation, all reimbursement for fees, costs and expenses pursuant to Section 9.03), and other sums payable under the Loan Documents, may be paid from the proceeds of Borrowings made hereunder whether made following a request by the Borrower Representative pursuant to Section 2.03 or a deemed request as provided in this Section or may be deducted from any deposit account of any Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent. The Borrowers hereby irrevocably authorize (i) the Administrative Agent to make a Borrowing for the purpose of paying each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents and agrees that all such amounts charged shall constitute Loans (including Swingline Loans and Overadvances, but such a Borrowing may only constitute a Protective Advance if it is to reimburse costs, fees and expenses as described in Section 9.03) and that all such Borrowings shall be deemed to have been requested pursuant to Section 2.03, 2.04 or 2.05, as applicable, and (ii) the Administrative Agent to charge any deposit account of any Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent for each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents.
(d) If, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of 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 Swingline Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other similarly situated Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by all such Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans; 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 paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrowers pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement 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 or Swingline Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrowers or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). Each 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 such Borrower rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Borrower in the amount of such participation.
(e) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received, prior to any date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the Issuing Bank pursuant to the terms hereof or any other Loan Document (including any date that is fixed for prepayment by notice from the Borrower Representative to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.11(e)), notice from the Borrower Representative that the Borrowers will not make such payment or prepayment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrowers have 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 Borrowers have 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 NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
(f) The Administrative Agent may from time to time provide the Borrowers with account statements or invoices with respect to any of the Secured Obligations (the “Statements”). The Administrative Agent is under no duty or obligation to provide Statements, which, if provided, will be solely for the Borrowers’ convenience. Statements may contain estimates of the amounts owed during the relevant billing period, whether of principal, interest, fees or other Secured Obligations. If the Borrowers pay the full amount indicated on a Statement on or before the due date indicated on such Statement, the Borrowers shall not be in default of payment with respect to the billing period indicated on such Statement; provided, that acceptance by the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, of any payment that is less than the total amount actually due at that time (including but not limited to any past due amounts) shall not constitute a waiver of the Administrative Agent’s or the Lenders’ right to receive payment in full at another time.
SECTION 2.19. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.
(a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Borrowers are 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 2.17, 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 reasonable judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrowers hereby agree to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.
(b) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Borrowers are 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 2.17, and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different lending office in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section, or if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrowers may, at their 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 9.04), all its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17) and obligations under this Agreement and other Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrowers shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (and in circumstances where its consent would be required under Section 9.04, the Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender), which consent shall not unrea‐sonably 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 and Swingline Loans, 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 Borrowers (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.15 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.17, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. 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 Borrowers to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. Each party hereto agrees that (x) an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (y) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to an be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.
SECTION 2.20. 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) fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Revolving Commitment of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(a);
(b) 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 2.18(b) or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 9.08 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 or Swingline Lender hereunder; third, to cash collateralize the LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with this Section; fourth, as the Borrower Representative 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 Representative, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement and (y) cash collateralize 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; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or Swingline Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, the Issuing Banks or Swingline Lender 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 Borrowers as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any 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 (x) 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 (y) such Loans were made or the related Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, 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 Borrowers’ obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure and Swingline Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Commitments without giving effect to clause (d) below. 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 shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto;
(c) such Defaulting Lender shall not have the right to vote on any issue on which voting is required (other than to the extent expressly provided in Section 9.02(b)) and the Commitment and Revolving Exposure of such Defaulting Lender shall not be included in determining whether the Required Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder (including any consent to any amendment, waiver or other modification pursuant to Section 9.02) or under any other Loan Document; provided, that, except as otherwise provided in Section 9.02, this clause (c) 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 directly affected thereby;
(d) if any Swingline Exposure or LC Exposure exists at the time such Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender then:
(i) all or any part of the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of such Defaulting Lender shall be reallocated among the non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages but only to the extent that such reallocation does not, as to any non-Defaulting Lender, cause such non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Exposure to exceed its Revolving Commitment;
(ii) if the reallocation described in clause (i) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrowers shall within five (5) Business Days following notice by the Administrative Agent (x) first, prepay such Swingline Exposure and (y) second, cash collateralize, for the benefit of the Issuing Bank, the Borrowers’ obligations corresponding to 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 2.06(j) for so long as such LC Exposure is outstanding;
(iii) if the Borrowers cash collateralize any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure pursuant to clause (ii) above, the Borrowers shall not be required to pay any fees to such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(c) 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 Sections 2.12(a) and 2.12(c) shall be adjusted in accordance with such non-Defaulting Lenders’ Applicable Percentages; and
(v) if all or any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is neither reallocated nor cash collateralized pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) above, then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of the Issuing Bank or any other Lender hereunder, all letter of credit fees payable under Section 2.12(c) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure shall be payable to the Issuing Bank until and to the extent that such LC Exposure is reallocated and/or cash collateralized; and
(e) so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender, the Issuing Bank shall not be required to issue, amend, renew, extend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless it is satisfied that the related exposure and such 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 Borrowers in accordance with Section 2.20(d), and LC Exposure related to any newly issued or increased Letter of Credit shall be allocated among non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.20(d)(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) the 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, the Issuing Bank shall not be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless the Issuing Bank shall have entered into arrangements with the Borrowers or such Lender, satisfactory to the Issuing Bank to defease any risk to it in respect of such Lender hereunder.
In the event that each of the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers and the Issuing Bank agrees that a Defaulting Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender, then LC Exposure of the Lenders shall be readjusted to reflect the inclusion of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and on the date of such readjustment such Lender shall purchase at par such of the Loans of the other Lenders (other than Swingline Loans) as the Administrative Agent shall determine may be necessary in order for such Lender to hold such Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.
SECTION 2.21. Returned Payments. If after receipt of any payment which is applied to the payment of all or any part of the Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff), the Administrative Agent or any Lender is for any reason compelled to surrender such payment or proceeds to any Person because such payment or application of proceeds is invalidated, declared fraudulent, set aside, determined to be void or voidable as a preference, impermissible setoff, or a diversion of trust funds, or for any other reason (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion), then the Obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued and this Agreement shall continue in full force as if such payment or proceeds had not been received by the Administrative Agent or such Lender. The provisions of this Section 2.21 shall be and remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may have been taken by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in reliance upon such payment or application of proceeds. The provisions of this Section 2.21 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 2.22. Banking Services and Swap Agreements. Each Lender or Affiliate thereof providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, promptly after entering into such Banking Services or Swap Agreements, written notice setting forth the aggregate amount of all Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations of such Loan Party to such Lender or Affiliate (whether matured or unmatured, absolute or contingent). In addition, each such Lender or Affiliate thereof shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, from time to time after a significant change therein or upon a request therefor, a summary of the amounts due or to become due in respect of such Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations. The most recent information provided to the Administrative Agent shall be used in determining the amounts to be applied in respect of such Banking Services Obligations and/or Swap Agreement Obligations pursuant to Section 2.18(b) and which tier of the waterfall, contained in Section 2.18(b), such Banking Services Obligations and/or Swap Agreement Obligations will be placed. For the avoidance of doubt, so long as JPMCB or its Affiliate is the Administrative Agent, neither JPMCB nor any of its Affiliates providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party shall be required to provide any notice described in this Section 2.22 in respect of such Banking Services or Swap Agreements.
ARTICLE III
Representations and Warranties.
Each Loan Party represents and warrants to the Lenders that:
SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary is duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business, and is in good standing, in every juris‐diction where such qualification is required.
SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability. The Transactions are within each Loan Party's corporate or other organizational powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational actions and, if required, actions by equity holders. Each Loan Document to which each Loan Party is a party has been duly executed and delivered by such Loan Party and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, 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 3.03. Governmental 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, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect and except for filings necessary to perfect Liens created pursuant to the Loan Documents, (b) will not violate any Requirement of Law applicable to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or the assets of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of, or the requirement to create, any Lien on any asset of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, except Liens created pursuant to the Loan Documents.
SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change. (a) The Company has heretofore furnished to the Lenders its consolidated balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders equity and cash flows (i) as of and for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, reported on by Moss Adams LLP, independent public accountants, (ii) as of and for the fiscal month and the portion of the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021, certi‐fied by a Financial Officer and (iii) a draft of the consolidated balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders equity and cash flows of the Company for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. Such financial state‐ments present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP, subject to normal year‑end audit adjustments (all of which, when taken as a whole, would not be materially adverse) and the absence of footnotes in the case of the statements referred to in clause (ii) and (iii) above.
(b) No event, change or condition has occurred that has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect, since March 31, 2020.
SECTION 3.05. Properties. (a) As of the date of this Agreement, Schedule 3.05 sets forth the address of each parcel of real property that is owned or leased by any Loan Party. Each of such leases and subleases is valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms and is in full force and effect, and no default by any party to any such lease or sublease exists. Each of the Loan Parties and each of its Subsidiar‐ies has good and indefeasible title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all of its real and personal property, free of all Liens other than those permitted by Section 6.02.
(b) Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property necessary to its business as currently conducted, a correct and complete list of which, as of the date of this Agreement, is set forth on Schedule 3.05, and the use thereof by each Loan Party and each Subsidiary does not infringe in any material respect upon the rights of any other Person, and each Loan Party’s and each Subsidiary’s rights thereto are not subject to any licensing agreement or similar arrangement.
SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters. (a) There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened against or affecting any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (i) as to which there is a reasonable possi‐bility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely deter‐mined, could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect (other than the Disclosed Matters) or (ii) that involve any Loan Document or the Transactions.
(b) Except for the Disclosed Matters (i) no Loan Party or any Subsidiary has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability and (ii) except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, no Loan Party or any Subsidiary (A) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (B) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (C) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (D) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.
(c) Since the date of this Agreement, there has been no change in the status of the Disclosed Matters that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in, or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements; No Default. Except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Loan Party and each Subsidiary is in compliance with (a) all Requirements of Law applicable to it or its property and (b) all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property. No Default has occurred and is continuing.
SECTION 3.08. Investment Company Status. No Loan Party or any Subsidiary is an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.
SECTION 3.09. Taxes. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary has timely filed (taking into account extensions) or caused to be filed all income and other material Tax returns required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all income and other material Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which such Loan Party or such Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves or (b) to the extent that the failure to do so could not be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.10. ERISA. No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $50,000 the fair market value of the assets of such Plan, and the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations of all underfunded Plans (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87 or subsequent recodification thereof, as applicable) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $50,000 the fair market value of the assets of all such underfunded Plans.
SECTION 3.11. Disclosure. (a) The Loan Parties have disclosed to the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which any Loan Party or any Subsidiary is subject, and all other matters known to it, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. None of the reports, financial statements, certificates or other information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Loan Parties represent only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time delivered and, if such projected financial information was delivered prior to the Effective Date, as of the Effective Date.
(b) As of the Effective Date, to the best knowledge of any Borrower, the information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification provided on or prior to the Effective Date to any Lender in connection with this Agreement is true and correct in all respects.
SECTION 3.12. Material Agreements. All material agreements and contracts to which any Loan Party is a party or is bound as of the date of this Agreement are listed on Schedule 3.12. No Loan Party is in default in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or conditions contained in (a) any material agreement to which it is a party or (b) any agreement or instrument evidencing or governing Indebtedness, in each case which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.13. Solvency. (a) Immediately after the consummation of the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, (i) the fair value of the assets of each Loan Party, at a fair valuation, will exceed its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise; (ii) the present fair saleable value of the property of each Loan Party will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of its debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured; (iii) each Loan Party will be able to pay its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured; and (iv) no Loan Party will have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which it is engaged as such business is now conducted and is proposed to be conducted after the Effective Date.
(b) No Loan Party intends to, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, and no Loan Party believes that it or any Subsidiary will, incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature, taking into account the timing of and amounts of cash to be received by it or any such Subsidiary and the timing of the amounts of cash to be payable on or in respect of its Indebtedness or the Indebtedness of any such Subsidiary.
SECTION 3.14. Insurance. Schedule 3.14 sets forth a description of all insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries as of the Effective Date. As of the Effective Date, all premiums in respect of such insurance have been paid. Each Borrower maintains, and has caused each Subsidiary to maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance on all their real and personal property in such amounts, subject to such deductibles and self-insurance retentions and covering such properties and risks as are adequate and customarily maintained by companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations.
SECTION 3.15. Capitalization and Subsidiaries. Schedule 3.15 sets forth as of the Effective Date (a) a correct and complete list of the name and relationship to the Company of each and all of the Company’s Subsidiaries, (b) a true and complete listing of each class of each Borrower’s authorized Equity Interests, all of which issued Equity Interests are validly issued, outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable, and owned beneficially and of record by the Persons identified on Schedule 3.15, and (c) the type of entity of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries. All of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests owned by any Loan Party have been (to the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such ownership interests) duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non‑assessable. As of the Effective Date, there are no outstanding commitments or other obligations of any Loan Party to issue, and no options, warrants or other rights of any Person to acquire, any shares of any class of capital stock or other equity interests of any Loan Party.
SECTION 3.16. Security Interest in Collateral. The provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents create legal and valid Liens on all of the Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and such Liens constitute perfected and continuing Liens on the Collateral, securing the Secured Obligations, enforceable against the applicable Loan Party and all third parties, and having priority over all other Liens on the Collateral except in the case of (a) Permitted Encumbrances, to the extent any such Permitted Encumbrances would have priority over the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to any applicable law and (b) Liens perfected only by possession (including possession of any certificate of title) to the extent the Administrative Agent has not obtained or does not maintain possession of such Collateral.
SECTION 3.17. Employment Matters. As of the Effective Date, there are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened. The hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters. All payments due from any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or for which any claim may be made against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary.
SECTION 3.18. Margin Regulations. No Loan Party is engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no part of the proceeds of any Borrowing or Letter of Credit hereunder will be used to buy or carry any Margin Stock. Following the application of the proceeds of each Borrowing or drawing under each Letter of Credit, not more than 25% of the value of the assets (either of any Loan Party only or of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) will be Margin Stock.
SECTION 3.19. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans have been used and will be used, whether directly or indirectly as set forth in Section 5.08.
SECTION 3.20. No Burdensome Restrictions. No Loan Party is subject to any Burdensome Restrictions except Burdensome Restrictions permitted under Section 6.10.
SECTION 3.21. Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. Each Loan Party has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective officers and directors and, to the knowledge of such Loan Party, its employees and agents, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects. None of (a) any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any of their respective directors, officers or, to the knowledge of any such Loan Party or Subsidiary, employees, or (b) to the knowledge of any such Loan Party or Subsidiary, any agent of such Loan Party or any Subsidiary that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. No Borrowing or Letter of Credit, use of proceeds, Transaction or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions.
SECTION 3.22. Common Enterprise. The successful operation and condition of each of the Loan Parties is dependent on the continued successful performance of the functions of the group of the Loan Parties as a whole and the successful operation of each of the Loan Parties is dependent on the successful performance and operation of each other Loan Party. Each Loan Party expects to derive benefit (and its board of directors or other governing body has determined that it may reasonably be expected to derive benefit), directly and indirectly, from (a) successful operations of each of the other Loan Parties and (b) the credit extended by the Lenders to the Borrowers hereunder, both in their separate capacities and as members of the group of companies. Each Loan Party has determined that execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and any other Loan Documents to be executed by such Loan Party is within its purpose, in furtherance of its direct and/or indirect business interests, will be of direct and/or indirect benefit to such Loan Party, and is in its best interest.
SECTION 3.23. EEA Financial Institutions. No Loan Party is an EEA Financial Institution.
SECTION 3.24. Plan Assets; Prohibited Transactions. No Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is an entity deemed to hold “plan assets” (within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations), and neither the execution, delivery nor performance of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, including the making of any Loan and the issuance of any Letter of Credit hereunder, will give rise to a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.
ARTICLE IV
Conditions.
SECTION 4.01. Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders to amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement in the form of this Agreement, and the obligation to make Loans and of the Issuing Bank 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 9.02):
(a) Credit Agreement and Other Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received (i) from each party hereto a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party (which, subject to Section 9.06(b), may include any Electronic Signatures transmitted by facsimile, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page), (ii) either (A) a counterpart of each other Loan Document signed on behalf of each party thereto or (B) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include facsimile or other electronic transmission of a signed signature page thereof) that each such party has signed a counterpart of such Loan Document and (iii) such other certificates, documents, instruments and agreements as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including any promissory notes requested by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.10 payable to the order of each such requesting Lender and a customary legal opinion of the Loan Parties' counsel, addressed to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.
(b) Financial Statements and Projections. The Lenders shall have received (i) audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal years ending March 2018, March 2019, March 2020 (ii) to the extent available as of the Effective Date, a draft of the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ending March 2021, (iii) unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the Company for each fiscal month ended after the date of the latest applicable financial statements delivered pursuant to clause (i) of this paragraph and on or prior to February 28, 2021, and such financial statements shall not, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent, reflect any material adverse change in the consolidated financial condition of the Company, as reflected in the audited, consolidated financial statements described in clause (i) of this paragraph and (iv) satisfactory projections for the fiscal years of the Company ending March 2022 and March 2023.
(c) Closing Certificates; Certified Certificate of Incorporation; Good Standing Certificates. The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) a certificate of each Loan Party, dated the Effective Date and executed by its Secretary or Assistant Secretary, which shall (A) certify the resolutions of its Board of Directors, members or other body authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (B) identify by name and title and bear the signatures of the officers of such Loan Party authorized to sign the Loan Documents to which it is a party and, in the case of each Borrower, its Financial Officers, and (C) contain appropriate attachments, including the certificate or articles of incorporation or organization of each Loan Party certified by the relevant authority of the jurisdiction of organization of such Loan Party and a true and correct copy of its by‑laws or operating, management or partnership agreement, or other organizational or governing documents, and (ii) a good standing certificate for each Loan Party from its jurisdiction of organization or the substantive equivalent available in the jurisdiction of organization for each Loan Party from the appropriate governmental officer in such jurisdiction.
(d) No Default Certificate. The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, signed by a Financial Officer of the Company, dated as of the Effective Date (i) stating that no Default has occurred and is continuing, (ii) stating that the representations and warranties contained in the Loan Documents are true and correct as of such date, and (iii) certifying as to any other factual matters as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent.
(e) Fees. The Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall have received all fees required to be paid, and all expenses for which invoices have been presented (including the reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel), on or before the Effective Date. All such amounts will be paid with proceeds of Loans made on the Effective Date and will be reflected in the funding instructions given by the Borrower Representative to the Administrative Agent on or before the Effective Date.
(f) Lien Searches. The Administrative Agent shall have received the results of a recent lien search in each jurisdiction where the Loan Parties are organized and where the assets of the Loan Parties are located, and such search shall reveal no Liens on any of the assets of the Loan Parties except for Liens permitted by Section 6.02 or discharged on or prior to the Effective Date pursuant to a pay-off letter or other documentation satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(g) Pay-Off Letter. The Administrative Agent shall have received satisfactory pay-off letters for all existing Indebtedness to be repaid from the proceeds of the initial Borrowing, confirming that all Liens upon any of the property of the Loan Parties constituting Collateral will be terminated concurrently with such payment and all letters of credit issued or guaranteed as part of such Indebtedness shall have been cash collateralized or supported by a Letter of Credit.
(h) Funding Account. The Administrative Agent shall have received a notice setting forth the deposit accounts of the Borrowers (the “Funding Accounts”) to which the Administrative Agent is authorized by the Borrowers to transfer the proceeds of any Borrowings requested or authorized pursuant to this Agreement.
(i) Customer List. The Administrative Agent shall have received a true and complete customer list for each Borrower and its Subsidiaries, which list shall state the customer’s name, mailing address and phone number and shall be certified as true and correct by a Financial Officer of the Borrower Representative.
(j) Collateral Access and Control Agreements. The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) each Collateral Access Agreement required to be provided pursuant to Section 4.13 of the Security Agreement, (ii) each Deposit Account Control Agreement required to be provided pursuant to Section 4.14 of the Security Agreement and (iii) a control agreement acceptable to Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion, executed by StoneX Financial Inc. (the “Commodities Intermediary”) with respect to Account #462-24461 maintained with the Commodities Intermediary (the “Commodities Intermediary Account”).
(k) Solvency. The Administrative Agent shall have received a solvency certificate signed by a Financial Officer dated the Effective Date.
(l) Borrowing Base Certificate. The Administrative Agent shall have received a Borrowing Base Certificate which calculates the Borrowing Base as of a recent date determined by the Administrative Agent.
(m) Closing Availability. After giving effect to all Borrowings to be made on the Effective Date, the issuance of any Letters of Credit on the Effective Date and the payment of all fees and expenses due hereunder, and with all of the Loan Parties’ indebtedness, liabilities, and obligations current, the Excess Availability shall not be less than $20,000,000.
(n) Pledged Equity Interests; Stock Powers; Pledged Notes. The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) the certificates representing the Equity Interests pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement, together with an undated stock power for each such certificate executed in blank by a duly authorized officer of the pledgor thereof and (ii) each promissory note (if any) pledged to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Security Agreement endorsed (without recourse) in blank (or accompanied by an executed transfer form in blank) by the pledgor thereof.
(o) Filings, Registrations and Recordings. Each document (including any Uniform Commercial Code financing statement) required by the Collateral Documents or under law or requested by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion to be filed, registered or recorded in order to create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of itself, the Lenders and the other Secured Parties, a perfected Lien on the Collateral described therein, prior and superior in right to any other Person (other than with respect to Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02), shall be in proper form for filing, registration or recordation.
(p) Insurance. Unless required to be delivered by a later date pursuant to Section 5.16, the Administrative Agent shall have received evidence of insurance coverage in form, scope, and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and otherwise in compliance with the terms of Section 5.10 hereof and Section 4.12 of the Security Agreement.
(p) Letter of Credit Application. If a Letter of Credit is requested to be issued on the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received a properly completed letter of credit application (whether standalone or pursuant to a master agreement, as applicable). The Borrowers shall have executed the Issuing Bank’s master agreement for the issuance of commercial Letters of Credit.
(q) Tax Withholding. The Administrative Agent shall have received a properly completed and signed IRS Form W-8 or W-9, as applicable, for each Loan Party.
(x) Corporate Structure. The corporate structure, capital structure and other material debt instruments, material accounts and governing documents of the Borrowers and their Affiliates shall be acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.
(y) Field Examination. The Administrative Agent or its designee shall have conducted, at the sole cost and expense of the Lenders, a field examination of the Borrower’s Accounts, Inventory and related working capital matters and of the Borrowers’ related data processing and other systems, the results of which shall be satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion. The Loan Parties shall have no obligation to reimburse the Administrative Agent or the Lenders for the cost of such field examination notwithstanding Section 4.01(e).
(z) Legal Due Diligence. The Administrative Agent and its counsel shall have completed all legal due diligence, the results of which shall be satisfactory to Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.
(aa) Appraisals. The Administrative Agent shall have received an appraisal of the Borrowers’ Inventory from one or more firms satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, which appraisal shall be satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.
(bb) USA PATRIOT Act, Etc. (i) The Administrative Agent shall have received, at least five (5) days prior to the Effective Date, all documentation and other information regarding the Borrowers requested in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act, to the extent requested in writing of the Borrowers at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date, and (ii) to the extent any Borrower qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, at least five (5) days prior to the Effective Date, any Lender that has requested, in a written notice to the Borrowers at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to each Borrower shall have received such Beneficial Ownership Certification (provided that, upon the execution and delivery by such Lender of its signature page to this Agreement, the condition set forth in this clause (ii) shall be deemed to be satisfied).
(cc) Other Documents. The Administrative Agent shall have received such other documents as the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, any Lender or their respective counsel may have reasonably requested.
The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrowers, the Lenders and the Issuing Bank of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the 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 9.02) at or prior to 2:00 p.m., Chicago time, on the 5th Business Day following the date of this Agreement (and, in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived, the Commitments may be terminated at such time by written notice to Borrower Representative delivered by Administrative Agent.).
SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, and of the Issuing Bank to issue, amend or extend any Letter of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) The representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct with the same effect as though made on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable (it being understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct only as of such specified date).
(b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, (i) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (ii) no Protective Advance shall be outstanding.
(c) After giving effect to any Borrowing or the issuance of any Letter of Credit, Availability shall not be less than zero.
(d) No event shall have occurred and no condition shall exist which has or could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Each Borrowing and each issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrowers on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this Section.
Notwithstanding the failure to satisfy the conditions precedent set forth in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Section, unless otherwise directed by the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent may, but shall have no obligation to, continue to make Loans and an Issuing Bank may, but shall have no obligation to, issue, amend or extend, or cause to be issued, amended or extended, any Letter of Credit for the ratable account and risk of Lenders from time to time if the Administrative Agent believes that making such Loans or issuing, amending or extending, or causing the issuance, amendment or extension of, any such Letter of Credit is in the best interests of the Lenders.
ARTICLE V
Affirmative Covenants.
Until all of the Secured Obligations have been Paid in Full, each Loan Party executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Loan Parties, with the Lenders that:
SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements; Borrowing Base and Other Information. The Borrowers will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender:
(a) As soon as available and in any event within 5 days after the date on which such financial statements are required to be filed with the SEC for such fiscal year (after giving effect to any permitted extensions) (or, if such financial statements are not required to be filed with the SEC, on or before the date that is 90 days after the end of each such fiscal year) the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries and related statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows as of the end of and for each fiscal year of the Company, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a “going concern” or like qualification, commentary or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;
(b) As soon as available and in any event within 5 days after the date on which such financial statements are required to be filed with the SEC for such fiscal quarter (after giving effect to any permitted extensions) (or, if such financial statements are not required to be filed with the SEC, on or before the date that is 45 days after the end of each such fiscal quarter), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries and related statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows as of the end of and for each fiscal quarter of the Company and the then elapsed portion of such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form 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 a Finan‐cial Officer of the Borrower Representative as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consis‐tently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
(c) within thirty (30) days after the end of each fiscal month of the Company, the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries and related statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal month and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form 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 a Finan‐cial Officer of the Borrower Representative as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consis‐tently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
(d) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a), (b) or (c) above, a Compliance Certificate (i) certifying, in the case of the financial statements delivered under clause (b) or (c), as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consis‐tently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes, (ii) 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, (iii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Section 6.12 and (iv) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;
(e) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) above, a certificate of the accounting firm that reported on such financial statements stating whether they obtained knowledge during the course of their examination of such financial statements of any Default (which certificate may be limited to the extent required by accounting rules or guidelines);
(f) as soon as available but in any event no later than 30 days following the end of each fiscal year of the Company, a copy of the plan and forecast (including a projected consolidated and consolidating balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement) of the Company for each month of the upcoming fiscal year (the “Projections”) in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(g) as soon as available but in any event within 20 days of the end of each calendar month, as of the period then ended, a Borrowing Base Certificate and supporting information in connection therewith, together with any additional reports with respect to the Borrowing Base as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, provided that, at any time that Availability is less than the greater of (1) 15% of the Aggregate Revolving Commitment or (2) $6,000,000, Borrowers shall deliver the reports set forth in this clause (g) on a weekly basis within 3 Business Days of the end of each calendar week;
(h) as soon as available but in any event within 20 days of the end of each calendar month and at such other times as may be requested by the Administrative Agent, as of the period then ended, all delivered electronically in a text formatted file acceptable to the Administrative Agent:
(i) a detailed aging of the Borrowers’ Accounts, including all invoices aged by invoice date and due date (with an explanation of the terms offered), prepared in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, together with a summary specifying the name, address, and balance due for each Account Debtor;
(ii) a schedule detailing the Borrowers’ Inventory, in form satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (1) by location (showing Inventory in transit, any Inventory located with a third party under any consignment, bailee arrangement, or warehouse agreement), by class (raw material, work-in-process and finished goods), by product type, and by volume on hand, which Inventory shall be valued at the lower of cost (determined on a weighted average cost basis) or market and adjusted for Reserves as the Administrative Agent has previously indicated to the Borrower Representative are deemed by the Administrative Agent to be appropriate, and (2) including a report of any variances or other results of Inventory counts performed by the Borrowers since the last Inventory schedule (including information regarding sales or other reductions, additions, returns, credits issued by Borrowers and complaints and claims made against the Borrowers);
(iii) a worksheet of calculations prepared by the Borrowers to determine Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory, such worksheets detailing the Accounts and Inventory excluded from Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory and the reason for such exclusion;
(iv) a reconciliation of the Borrowers’ Accounts and Inventory between (A) the amounts shown in the Borrowers’ general ledger and financial statements and the reports delivered pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above and (B) the amounts and dates shown in the reports delivered pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above and the Borrowing Base Certificate delivered pursuant to clause (g) above as of such date; and
(v) a reconciliation of the loan balance per the Borrowers’ general ledger to the loan balance under this Agreement;
(i) as soon as available but in any event within 20 days of the end of each calendar month and at such other times as may be requested by the Administrative Agent, as of the month then ended, a schedule and aging of the Borrowers’ accounts payable, delivered electronically in a text formatted file acceptable to the Administrative Agent;
(j) promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request:
(i) copies of invoices issued by the Borrowers in connection with any Accounts, credit memos, shipping and delivery documents, and other information related thereto;
(ii) copies of purchase orders, invoices, and shipping and delivery documents in connection with any Inventory or Equipment purchased by any Loan Party; and
(iii) a schedule detailing the balance of all intercompany accounts of the Loan Parties;
(iv) an updated customer list for each Borrower and its Subsidiaries, which list shall state the customer’s name, mailing address and phone number, delivered electronically in a text formatted file acceptable to the Administrative Agent and certified as true and correct by a Financial Officer of the Borrower Representative.
(k) [Reserved.];
(l) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary with the SEC, or any Govern‐mental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of the SEC, or with any national securities exchange, as the case may be; and
(m) promptly after any request therefor by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, copies of (i) any documents described in Section 101(k)(1) of ERISA that any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate may request with respect to any Multiemployer Plan and (ii) any notices described in Section 101(l)(1) of ERISA that any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate may request with respect to any Multiemployer Plan;
(n) if requested by Administrative Agent, as soon as possible and in any event within twenty (20) Business Days of filing thereof, copies of all U.S. federal income tax returns filed by any Loan Party with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
(o) promptly after receipt thereof by any Borrower or any Subsidiary, copies of each notice or other correspondence received from the SEC (or comparable agency in any applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction) concerning any investigation or possible investigation or other inquiry by the SEC or such other agency regarding financial or other operational results of any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof;
(p) promptly following any request therefor and to the extent requested, copies of any detailed audit reports, management letters or recommendations submitted to the board of directors (or the audit committee of the board of directors) of any Borrower by independent accountants in connection with the accounts or books of such Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any audit of any of them as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request.
Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a), (b) or (l) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and, if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which such materials are publicly available as posted on the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (EDGAR); or (ii) on which such documents are posted on a Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether made available by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (A) upon written request by the Administrative Agent (or any Lender through the Administrative Agent) to the Borrower Representative, the Borrower Representative shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or such Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and (B) the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by fax or through Electronic Systems) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent through Electronic Systems electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain paper copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by any Borrower with any such request by a Lender for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery of paper copies of such documents to it and maintaining its copies of such documents.
The Company represents and warrants that each of it, and its Controlling and Controlled entities, in each case, if any (collectively with the Borrowers, the “Relevant Entities”), either (i) has no SEC registered or unregistered, publicly traded securities outstanding, or (ii) files its financial statements with the SEC and/or makes its financial statements available to potential holders of its securities, and, accordingly, the Company hereby (A) authorizes the Administrative Agent to make the financial statements to be provided under Section 5.01(a) and (b) above (collectively or individually, as the context requires, the “Financial Statements”), along with the Loan Documents, available to Public-Siders and (B) agree that at the time such Financial Statements are provided hereunder, they shall already have been made available to holders of any such securities. The Company will not request that any other material be posted to Public-Siders without expressly representing and warranting to the Administrative Agent in writing that such materials do not constitute material non-public information within the meaning of the federal securities laws or that the Relevant Entities have no outstanding SEC registered or unregistered, publicly traded securities. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall the Company request that the Administrative Agent make available to Public-Siders budgets or any certificates, reports or calculations with respect to the Borrowers’ compliance with the covenants contained herein or with respect to the Borrowing Base.
SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events. The Borrowers will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender prompt (but in any event within any time period that may be specified below) written notice of the following:
(a) within two (2) Business Days after obtaining knowledge thereof, the occurrence of any Default;
(b) within ten (10) Business Days following receipt, receipt of any notice of any investigation by a Governmental Authority or any litigation or Proceeding commenced or threatened against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary that (i) seeks damages in excess of $100,000, (ii) seeks injunctive relief, (iii) is asserted or instituted against any Plan, its fiduciaries or its assets, (iv) alleges criminal misconduct by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, (v) alleges the violation of, or seeks to impose remedies under, any Environmental Law or related Requirement of Law, or seeks to impose Environmental Liability, (vi) asserts liability on the part of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary in excess of $100,000 in respect of any Tax, fee, assessment, or other governmental charge, or (vii) involves any product recall;
(c) within two (2) Business Days after obtaining knowledge thereof, any Lien (other than Permitted Encumbrances) or claim made or asserted against any of the Collateral;
(d) within two (2) Business Days after obtaining knowledge thereof, any loss, damage, or destruction to the Collateral in the amount of $100,000 or more, whether or not covered by insurance;
(e) within five (5) Business Days of receipt thereof, any and all default notices received under or with respect to any leased location or public warehouse where Collateral is located;
(f) within ten (10) Business Days after the execution thereof, all material amendments to any Material Agreement, together with a copy of each such amendment;
(g) within five (5) Business Days after the execution thereof, any Loan Party entering into a Swap Agreement or an amendment thereto, together with copies of all agreements evidencing such Swap Agreement or amendment;
(h) within ten (10) Business Days after obtaining knowledge thereof, the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $100,000;
(i) within ten (10) Business Days after the implementation thereof, any material change in accounting or financial reporting practices by any Borrower or any Subsidiary;
(j) within two (2) Business Days after obtaining knowledge thereof, any other development that results, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect;
(k) within two (2) Business Days after the occurrence thereof, any change in the information provided in the Beneficial Ownership Certification delivered to such Lender that would result in a change to the list of beneficial owners identified in such certification; and
(l) within five (5) Business Days following the formation or acquisition thereof, any Subsidiary is formed or acquired after the date of this Agreement.
Each notice delivered under this Section (i) shall be in writing, (ii) shall contain a heading or a reference line that reads “Notice under Section 5.02 of Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated May 19, 2021” and (iii) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower Representative 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 5.03. Existence; Conduct of Business. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, (a) do or cause to be done all things necessary to maintain its legal existence, (b) except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, do all things necessary to maintain and preserve the rights, qualifications, licenses, permits, franchises, governmental authorizations, intellectual property rights, licenses and permits material to the conduct of its business, and all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is currently conducted, provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03, and (c) carry on and conduct its business in substantially the same manner and in substantially the same fields of enterprise as it is presently conducted.
SECTION 5.04. Payment of Obligations. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, pay or discharge all Material Indebtedness and all other material liabilities and obligations, including Taxes, before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropri‐ate proceedings, (b) such Loan Party or Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (c) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Properties . Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
SECTION 5.06. Books and Records; Inspection Rights. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, (a) 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 and (b) permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender (including employees of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any consultants, accountants, lawyers, agents and appraisers retained by the Administrative Agent), upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to conduct at such Loan Party’s premises field examinations of such Loan Party’s assets, liabilities, books and records, including examining and making extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants (and hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent and each Lender to contact its independent accountants directly) and to provide contact information for each bank where each Loan Party has a depository and/or securities account and each such Loan Party hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent and each Lender to contact the bank(s) in order to request bank statements and/or balances, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested. Each Loan Party acknowledges that the Administrative Agent, after exercising its rights of inspection, may prepare and distribute to the Lenders certain Reports pertaining to each Loan Party’s assets for internal use by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. The Loan Parties shall be responsible for the costs and expenses of one (1) field examination during any 12-month period and one (1) additional field examination (for the total of two (2) such field examinations during any 12-month period) conducted at any time after Availability falls below the greater of (i) $6,000,000 and (ii)15% of the Aggregate Revolving Commitment; provided, that the Loan Parties shall be responsible for the costs and expenses of all field examinations conducted while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; provided, further, the Loan Parties shall not be responsible for the costs and expenses of the initial field examination conducted in connection with entering into this Agreement.
SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws and Material Contractual Obligations. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, (a) comply with each Requirement of Law applicable to it or its property (including without limitation Environmental Laws) except, in each case, where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (b) perform in all material respects its obligations under material agreements to which it is a party, except, in each case, where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Each Loan Party will maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.
SECTION 5.08. Use of Proceeds.
(a) The proceeds of the Loans and the Letters of Credit will be used only (i) to repay certain indebtedness of the Company existing prior to the Effective Date, (ii) to finance certain Capital Expenditures related to the businesses in which the Loan Parties are engaged on the Effective Date and (iii) other working capital and general organizational purposes in the ordinary course of business. No part of the proceeds of any Loan and no Letter of Credit will be used, whether directly or indirectly, (i) for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, including Regulations T, U and X or (ii) to make any Acquisition other than Permitted Acquisitions.
(b) No Borrower will request any Borrowing or Letter of Credit, and no Borrower shall use, and each Borrower shall procure that its Subsidiaries and its and 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, except to the extent permitted for a Person required to comply with Sanctions, or (iii) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.
SECTION 5.09. Accuracy of Information. The Loan Parties will ensure that any information, including financial statements or other documents, furnished to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder contains no material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and the furnishing of such information shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Borrowers on the date thereof as to the matters specified in this Section; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Loan Parties will only ensure that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time.
SECTION 5.10. Insurance. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, maintain with financially sound and reputable carriers having a financial strength rating of at least A- by A.M. Best Company (a) insurance in such amounts (with no greater risk retention) and against such risks (including, without limitation: loss or damage by fire and loss in transit; theft, burglary, pilferage, larceny, embezzlement, and other criminal activities; business interruption; and general liability) and such other hazards, as is customarily maintained by companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations and (b) all insurance required pursuant to the Collateral Documents. The Borrowers will furnish to the Lenders, upon request of the Administrative Agent, information in reasonable detail as to the insurance so maintained.
SECTION 5.11. Casualty and Condemnation. The Borrowers will (a) furnish to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders prompt written notice of any casualty or other insured damage to any material portion of the Collateral or the commencement of any action or proceeding for the taking of any material portion of the Collateral or interest therein under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding and (b) ensure that the Net Proceeds of any such event (whether in the form of insurance proceeds, condemnation awards or otherwise) are collected and applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents.
SECTION 5.12. Appraisals. Subject to the limitations below, at the request of the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers will provide the Administrative Agent with appraisals or updates thereof of the Inventory and/or Equipment of the Loan Parties from an appraiser selected and engaged by the Administrative Agent, and prepared on a basis satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion, such appraisals and updates to include, without limitation, information required by any applicable Requirement of Law. The Loan Parties shall be obligated to arrange or facilitate, and shall be responsible for the costs and expenses of, up to one (1) Inventory and one (1) Equipment appraisal during any calendar year, and one (1) additional Inventory and one (1) additional Equipment appraisal (for the total of two (2) such Inventory and such Equipment appraisals during any calendar year) during any calendar year during which Availability falls below the greater of (i) $6,000,000 and (ii) 15% of the Aggregate Revolving Commitment. Additionally, there shall be no limitation on the number or frequency of Inventory and/or Equipment appraisals if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and the Loan Parties shall be responsible for the costs and expenses of any such appraisals conducted while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an appraisal of the Equipment of the Loan Parties shall be required as a condition to the inclusion thereof in the Borrowing Base, but no appraisal of Equipment shall be required unless and until the Borrowers elect to so include such Equipment in the Borrowing Base.
SECTION 5.13. Depository Banks. Each Borrower and each Subsidiary will maintain the Administrative Agent as its principal depository bank, including for the maintenance of operating, administrative, cash management, collection activity and other deposit accounts for the conduct of its business. Additionally, the Administrative Agent shall be the principal provider of other Banking Services to the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries.
SECTION 5.14. Additional Collateral; Further Assurances. (a) Subject to applicable Requirement of Law, each Loan Party will cause each Domestic Subsidiary formed or acquired after the date of this Agreement to become a Loan Party by executing a Joinder Agreement. In connection therewith, the Administrative Agent shall have received all documentation and other information regarding such newly formed or acquired Domestic Subsidiaries as may be required to comply with the applicable “know your customer” rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act. Upon execution and delivery thereof, each such Person (i) shall automatically become a Loan Guarantor hereunder and thereupon shall have all of the rights, benefits, duties and obligations in such capacity under the Loan Documents and (ii) will grant Liens to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, in any property of such Loan Party which constitutes Collateral.
(b) Each Loan Party will cause 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of each of its Domestic Subsidiaries to be subject at all times to a first priority, perfected Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents or other security documents as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request.
(c) Without limiting the foregoing, each Loan Party will, and will cause each Domestic Subsidiary to, execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to the Administrative Agent such documents, agreements and instruments, and will take or cause to be taken such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements, fixture filings and other documents and such other actions or deliveries of the type required by Section 4.01, as applicable), which may be required by any Requirement of Law or which the Administrative Agent may, from time to time, request in its sole discretion to carry out the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to ensure perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Collateral Documents, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and all at the expense of the Loan Parties.
(d) If any material assets are acquired by any Loan Party after the Effective Date (other than real property and other than assets constituting Collateral under the Security Agreement that become subject to the Lien under the Security Agreement upon acquisition thereof), the Borrower Representative will (i) notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders thereof and, if requested by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, cause such assets to be subjected to a Lien securing the Secured Obligations and (ii) take, and cause each applicable Loan Party to take, such actions as shall be necessary or requested by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion to grant and perfect such Liens, including actions described in paragraph (c) of this Section, all at the expense of the Loan Parties.
SECTION 5.15. Merger of Subsidiary. Within sixty (60) days after the Effective Date, Borrowers shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a plan of merger and certificate of merger, satisfactory to Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion, filed with and accepted by the Secretary of State of the state of Texas and giving effect to the merger of Friedman/Decatur L.L.C., an Alabama limited liability company, with and into the Company, with the Company being the surviving entity following the effectiveness of such merger.
SECTION 5.16. Insurance. Within twenty (20) days after the Effective Date, or such longer period as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion, Borrowers shall deliver to the Administrative Agent all endorsements necessary to comply with the provisions of Section 4.12(b) of the Security Agreement, in each case, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion.
ARTICLE VI
Negative Covenants.
Until all of the Secured Obligations have been Paid in Full, each Loan Party executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Loan Parties, with the Lenders that:
SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:
(a) the Secured Obligations;
(b) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.01 and any extensions, renewals, refinancings and replacements of any such Indebtedness in accordance with clause (f) hereof;
(c) Indebtedness of any Borrower to any Subsidiary and of any Subsidiary to any Borrower or any other Subsidiary, provided that (i) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to any Borrower or any other Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (ii) Indebtedness of any Loan Party to any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be subordinated to the Secured Obligations on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(d) Guarantees by any Borrower of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary and by any Subsidiary of Indebtedness of any Borrower or any other Subsidiary, provided that (i) the Indebtedness so Guaranteed is permitted by this Section 6.01, (ii) Guarantees by any Borrower or any other Loan Party of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (iii) Guarantees permitted under this clause (d) shall be subordinated to the Secured Obligations on the same terms as the Indebtedness so Guaranteed is subordinated to the Secured Obligations;
(e) Indebtedness of any Borrower or any Subsidiary incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of any fixed or capital assets (whether or not constituting purchase money Indebtedness), including Capital Lease Obligations and any Indebtedness assumed in connection with the acquisition of any such assets or secured by a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness in accordance with clause (f) below; provided that (i) such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (e) together with any Refinance Indebtedness in respect thereof permitted by clause (f) below, shall not exceed $8,000,000 at any time outstanding;
(f) Indebtedness which represents extensions, renewals, refinancing or replacements (such Indebtedness being so extended, renewed, refinanced or replaced being referred to herein as the “Refinance Indebtedness”) of any of the Indebtedness described in clauses (b), (e), (i), (j) and (k) hereof (such Indebtedness being referred to herein as the “Original Indebtedness”); provided that (i) such Refinance Indebtedness does not increase the principal amount or interest rate of the Original Indebtedness, (ii) any Liens securing such Refinance Indebtedness are not extended to any additional property of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, (iii) no Loan Party or any Subsidiary that is not originally obligated with respect to repayment of such Original Indebtedness is required to become obligated with respect to such Refinance Indebtedness, (iv) such Refinance Indebtedness does not result in a shortening of the average weighted maturity of such Original Indebtedness, (v) the terms of such Refinance Indebtedness other than fees and interests are not less favorable to the obligor thereunder than the original terms of such Original Indebtedness and (vi) if such Original Indebtedness was subordinated in right of payment to the Secured Obligations, then the terms and conditions of such Refinance Indebtedness must include subordination terms and conditions that are at least as favorable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as those that were applicable to such Original Indebtedness;
(g) Indebtedness 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;
(h) Indebtedness of any Loan Party in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds and similar obligations, in each case provided in the ordinary course of business;
(i) Subordinated Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $5,000,000 at any time outstanding;
(j) Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the date hereof in connection with a Permitted Acquisition or that is assumed by a Borrower in connection with a Permitted Acquisition; provided that (i) such Indebtedness exists at the time such Permitted Acquisition is consummated and is not created in contemplation of or in connection therewith and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by clause (i) above, together with any Refinance Indebtedness in respect thereof permitted by Section 6.01(f) (it being understood that Indebtedness under clause (i) above shall constitute “Original Indebtedness” for purposes of Section 6.01(f)), shall not exceed $10,000,000 at any time outstanding;
(k) other unsecured Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $5,000,000 at any time outstanding.
SECTION 6.02. Liens. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including Accounts) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:
(a) Liens created pursuant to any Loan Document;
(b) Permitted Encumbrances;
(c) any Lien on any property or asset of any Borrower or any Subsidiary existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.02; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of such Borrower or Subsidiary or any other Borrower or Subsidiary and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date hereof, and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;
(d) Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by any Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that (i) such Liens secure Indebtedness permitted by clause (e) of Section 6.01, (ii) such Liens and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed 80% of the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets and (iv) such Liens shall not apply to any other property or assets of such Borrower or Subsidiary or any other Borrower or Subsidiary;
(e) any Lien existing on any property or asset (other than Accounts and Inventory) prior to the acquisition thereof by any Borrower or any Subsidiary or existing on any property or asset (other than Accounts and Inventory) of any Person that becomes a Loan Party after the date hereof prior to the time such Person becomes a Loan Party; provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisi‐tion or such Person becoming a Loan Party, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Loan Party and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Loan Party, as the case may be, and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;
(f) Liens of a collecting bank arising in the ordinary course of business under Section 4‑210 of the UCC in effect in the relevant jurisdiction covering only the items being collected upon;
(g) Liens arising out of Sale and Leaseback Transactions permitted by Section 6.06; and
(h) Liens granted by a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in favor of any Borrower or another Loan Party in respect of Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the Liens permitted pursuant to this Section 6.02 may at any time attach to any Loan Party’s (1) Accounts, other than those permitted under clause (a) of the definition of Permitted Encumbrances and clause (a) above and (2) Inventory, other than those permitted under clauses (a) and (b) of the definition of Permitted Encumbrances and clause (a) above.
SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes. (a) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or otherwise Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, or all or substantially all of the stock of any of its Subsidiaries (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (i) with respect to an acquisition of assets or Equity Interests of another Person in connection with a Permitted Acquisition, any Person may merge into a Borrower in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Borrower, (ii) any Person may merge into any Subsidiary in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Subsidiary and, if any party to such merger is a Loan Party, such surviving entity is a Loan Party or becomes a Loan Party concurrently with such merger and (iii) any Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve if the Borrower which owns such Subsidiary determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of such Borrower and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders; provided that any such merger involving a Person that is not a wholly owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger shall not be permitted unless also permitted by Section 6.04.
(b) No Loan Party will consummate a Division as the Dividing Person, without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent. Without limiting the foregoing, if any Loan Party that is a limited liability company consummates a Division (with or without the prior consent of Administrative Agent as required above), each Division Successor shall be required to comply with the obligations set forth in Section 5.14 and the other further assurances obligations set forth in the Loan Documents and become a Loan Party under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
(c) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries on the date hereof and businesses reasonably related thereto.
(d) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, change its fiscal year from the basis in effect on the Effective Date.
SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, form any subsidiary after the Effective Date, or purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger with any Person that was not a Loan Party and a wholly owned Subsidiary prior to such merger) any evidences of Indebtedness or Equity Interests (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any assets of any other Person constituting a business unit (whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise), except:
(a) Permitted Investments, subject to control agreements in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties or otherwise subject to a perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties;
(b) investments in existence on the date hereof and described in Schedule 6.04;
(c) investments by the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries in Equity Interests in their respective Subsidiaries, provided that (i) any such Equity Interests held by a Loan Party shall be pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement (provided that the foregoing shall not be applicable to Equity Interests of a Foreign Subsidiary) and (ii) the aggregate amount of investments by Loan Parties in Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties (together with outstanding intercompany loans permitted under clause (ii) to the proviso to Section 6.04(d) and outstanding Guarantees permitted under the proviso to Section 6.04(e)) shall not exceed $1,000,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs); provided, further, if after giving effect to such investment, the Loan Parties would fail to comply with clause (ii) of the above proviso, such investment shall be permitted under this Section 6.04(c) if the Payment Condition is satisfied with respect thereto;
(d) loans or advances made by any Loan Party to any Subsidiary and made by any Subsidiary to a Loan Party or any other Subsidiary, provided that (i) any such loans and advances made by a Loan Party shall be evidenced by a promissory note pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement and (ii) the amount of such loans and advances made by Loan Parties to Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties (together with outstanding investments permitted under clause (ii) to the proviso to Section 6.04(c) and outstanding Guarantees permitted under the proviso to Section 6.04(e)) shall not exceed $1,000,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs); provided, further, if after giving effect to such loan or advance, the Loan Parties would fail to comply with clause (ii) of the above proviso, such loan or advance shall be permitted under this Section 6.04(d) if the Payment Condition is satisfied with respect thereto;
(e) Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01, provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties that is Guaranteed by any Loan Party (together with outstanding investments permitted under clause (ii) to the proviso to Section 6.04(c) and outstanding intercompany loans permitted under clause (ii) to the proviso to Section 6.04(d)) shall not exceed $1,000,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs); provided, further, if after giving effect to such guarantee, the Loan Parties would fail to comply with the above proviso, such guarantee shall be permitted under this Section 6.04(e) if the Payment Condition is satisfied with respect thereto;
(f) loans or advances made by a Loan Party to its employees on an arms-length basis in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices for travel and entertainment expenses, relocation costs and similar purposes up to a maximum of $50,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;
(g) notes payable, or stock or other securities issued by Account Debtors to a Loan Party pursuant to negotiated agreements with respect to settlement of such Account Debtor's Accounts in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practices;
(h) investments in the form of Swap Agreements permitted by Section 6.07;
(i) investments of any Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of a Borrower or consolidates or merges with a Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries (including in connection with a Permitted Acquisition) so long as such investments were not made in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary or of such merger;
(j) investments received in connection with Dispositions permitted by Section 6.05;
(k) investments constituting deposits described in clauses (c) and (d) of the definition of the term “Permitted Encumbrances”; and
(l) Permitted Acquisitions.
SECTION 6.05. Asset Sales. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, Dispose of any asset (other than real property), including any Equity Interest owned by it, nor will any Borrower permit any Subsidiary to issue any additional Equity Interest in such Subsidiary (other than to another Borrower or another Subsidiary in compliance with Section 6.04), except:
(a) Dispositions of (i) Inventory in the ordinary course of business and (ii) used, obsolete, worn out or surplus equipment or property in the ordinary course of business;
(b) Dispositions of assets to any Borrower or any Subsidiary, provided that any such Dispositions involving a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be made in compliance with Section 6.09;
(c) Dispositions of Accounts in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof;
(d) Dispositions of Permitted Investments and other investments permitted by Section 6.04 (other than other than Equity Interests in a Subsidiary);
(e) Sale and Leaseback Transactions permitted by Section 6.06;
(f) Dispositions resulting from any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of any Borrower or any Subsidiary; and
(g) Dispositions of assets (other than Equity Interests in a Subsidiary unless all Equity Interests in such Subsidiary are sold) that are not permitted by any other clause of this Section, provided that the aggregate fair market value of all assets Disposed of in reliance upon this paragraph (g) shall not exceed $1,000,000 during any fiscal year of the Company;
provided that all Dispositions permitted hereby (other than those permitted by paragraphs (b) and (f) above) shall be made for fair value and for at least 75% cash consideration.
SECTION 6.06. Sale and Leaseback Transactions. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, whereby it shall sell or transfer any property (other than real property) used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property that it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property sold or transferred (a “Sale and Leaseback Transaction”), except for any such sale of any fixed or capital assets by any Borrower or any Subsidiary that is made for cash consideration in an amount not less than the fair value of such fixed or capital asset and is consummated within 90 days after such Borrower or such Subsidiary acquires or completes the construction of such fixed or capital asset.
SECTION 6.07. Swap Agreements. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any Swap Agreement, except (a) Swap Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks to which any Borrower or any Subsidiary has actual exposure (other than those in respect of Equity Interests of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries), and (b) Swap Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from floating to fixed rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of any Borrower or any Subsidiary.
SECTION 6.08. Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness. (a) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, declare or make, or agree to declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, except (i) the Borrowers may declare and pay dividends with respect to its common stock payable solely in additional shares of its common stock, and, with respect to its preferred stock, payable solely in additional shares of such preferred stock or in shares of its common stock, (ii) Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends ratably with respect to their Equity Interests, (iii) the Borrowers may make Restricted Payments, not exceeding $500,000 during any fiscal year of the Company, pursuant to and in accordance with stock option plans or other benefit plans for management or employees of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries and (iv) the Borrowers may make other Restricted Payments subject to the satisfaction of the Payment Condition with respect to any such Restricted Payment.
(b) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, make or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) of or in respect of principal of or interest on any Indebtedness, or any payment or other distribution (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 Indebtedness, except:
(i) payment of Indebtedness created under the Loan Documents;
(ii) payment of regularly scheduled interest and principal payments as and when due in respect of any Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01, other than payments in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness prohibited by the subordination provisions thereof;
(iii) refinancings of Indebtedness to the extent permitted by Section 6.01; and
(iv) payment of secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness to the extent such sale or transfer is permitted by the terms of Section 6.05.
SECTION 6.09. Transactions with Affiliates. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (a) transactions that (i) are in the ordinary course of business and (ii) are at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to such Loan Party or such Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties, (b) transactions between or among any Loan Parties not involving any other Affiliate, (c) any investment permitted by Sections 6.04(c) or 6.04(d), (d) any Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(c), (e) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 6.08, (f) loans or advances to employees permitted under Section 6.04, (g) the payment of reasonable fees to directors of any Borrower or any Subsidiary who are not employees of such Borrower or Subsidiary, and compensation and employee benefit arrangements paid to, and indemnities provided for the benefit of, directors, officers or employees of the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and (h) any issuances of securities or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment agreements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by a Borrower’s board of directors.
SECTION 6.10. Restrictive Agreements. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of such Loan Party or any Subsidiary to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets, or (b) the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any of its Equity Interests or to make or repay loans or advances to any Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of any Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by any Requirement of Law or by any Loan Document, (ii) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions existing on the date hereof identified on Schedule 6.10 (but shall apply to any extension or renewal of, or any amendment or modification expanding the scope of, any such restriction or condition), (iii) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of a Subsidiary pending such sale, provided that such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary that is to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (iv) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness and (v) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions in leases and other contracts restricting the assignment thereof.
SECTION 6.11. Amendment of Material Documents. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, amend, modify or waive any of its rights under (a) any agreement relating to any Subordinated Indebtedness or (b) its charter, articles or certificate of incorporation or organization, by-laws, operating, management or partnership agreement or other organizational or governing documents, to the extent any such amendment, modification or waiver would be adverse to the Lenders.
SECTION 6.12. Financial Covenants.
(a) Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. The Borrowers will not permit the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, as of the end of any calendar month, to be less than 1.10 to 1.00 for the trailing twelve month period then ending.
ARTICLE VII
Events of Default.
If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur:
(a) the Borrowers 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 or otherwise;
(b) the Borrowers shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure continues unremedied for a period of three (3) Business Days;
(c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary in, or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder, shall prove to have been materially incorrect when made or deemed made;
(d) any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.02(a), 5.03(a) (with respect to a Loan Party’s existence) or 5.08 or in Article VI;
(e) any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those which constitute a default under another Section of this Article), or any other Loan Document, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of (i) 5 days after the earlier of any Loan Party’s knowledge of such breach or notice thereof from the Administrative Agent (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender) if such breach relates to terms or provisions of Section 5.01, 5.02 (other than Section 5.02(a)), 5.03, 5.04, 5.06, 5.10, 5.11 or 5.13 of this Agreement or (ii) 30 days after the earlier of any Loan Party’s knowledge of such breach or notice thereof from the Administrative Agent (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender) if such breach relates to terms or provisions of any other Section of this Agreement or any other Loan Document;
(f) [Reserved];
(g) any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness 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 any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity; provided that this clause (g) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness to the extent such sale or transfer is permitted by Section 6.05;
(h) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of a Loan Party or Subsidiary or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any 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 any Loan Party or 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) any Loan Party or 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 clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar offi‐cial for such Loan Party or Subsidiary or for a substan‐tial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admit‐ting 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 fore‐going;
(j) any Loan Party or Subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing its inability, or publicly declare its intention not to, or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;
(k) (i) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $3,000,000 shall be rendered against any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of thirty (30) 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 any Loan Party or Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment; or (ii) any Loan Party or Subsidiary shall fail within thirty (30) days to discharge one or more non-monetary judgments or orders which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, which judgments or orders, in any such case, are not stayed on appeal or otherwise being appropriately contested in good faith by proper proceedings diligently pursued;
(l) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
(m) a Change in Control shall occur;
(n) the occurrence of any “Event of Default”, as defined in the Security Agreement.
(o) the Loan Guaranty shall fail to remain in full force or effect or any action shall be taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of the Loan Guaranty, or any Loan Guarantor shall fail to comply in any material respect with any of the terms or provisions of the Loan Guaranty to which it is a party, or any Loan Guarantor shall deny that it has any further liability under the Loan Guaranty to which it is a party, or shall give notice to such effect, including, but not limited to notice of termination delivered pursuant to Section 10.08;
(p) except as permitted by the terms of any Collateral Document, (i) any Collateral Document shall for any reason fail to create a valid security interest in any Collateral purported to be covered thereby, or (ii) any Lien securing any Secured Obligation shall cease to be a perfected, first priority Lien;
(q) any Collateral Document shall fail to remain in full force or effect or any action shall be taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of any Collateral Document;
(r) any material provision of any Loan Document for any reason ceases to be valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms (or any Loan Party shall challenge the enforceability of any Loan Document or shall assert in writing, or engage in any action or inaction that evidences its assertion, that any provision of any of the Loan Documents has ceased to be or otherwise is not valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms); or
(s) any Loan Party is criminally indicted or convicted under any law that may reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrowers described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrower Representative, take any or all of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments whereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, (ii) declare the Loans then out‐standing to be due and payable in whole (or in part, but ratably as among the Classes of Loans and the Loans of each Class at the time outstanding, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), whereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any break funding payments) and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Document, shall become due and payable immediately, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers, and (iii) require cash collateral for the LC Exposure in accordance with Section 2.06(j) hereof; and in the case of any event with respect to the Borrowers described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding and the cash collateral for the LC Exposure, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any break funding payments) and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Documents, shall automatically become due and payable, in each case without present‐ment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, increase the rate of interest applicable to the Loans and other Obligations as set forth in this Agreement and exercise any rights and remedies provided to the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents or at law or equity, including all remedies provided under the UCC.
ARTICLE VIII
The Administrative Agent.
SECTION 8.01. Authorization and Action.
(a) Each Lender, on behalf of itself and any of its Affiliates that are Secured Parties and each Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably appoints the entity named as Administrative Agent in the heading of this Agreement and its successors and assigns to serve as the administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and each Lender and each Issuing Bank authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to the Administrative Agent under such agreements and to exercise such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. In addition, to the extent required under the laws of any jurisdiction other than within the United States, each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby grants to the Administrative Agent any required powers of attorney to execute and enforce any Collateral Document governed by the laws of such jurisdiction on such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s behalf. Without limiting the foregoing, each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, each of the Loan Documents to which the Administrative Agent is a party, and to exercise all rights, powers and remedies that the Administrative Agent may have under such Loan Documents.
(b) As to any matters not expressly provided for herein and in the other Loan Documents (including enforcement or collection), the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the written instructions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, pursuant to the terms in the Loan Documents), and, unless and until revoked in writing, such instructions shall be binding upon each Lender and each Issuing Bank; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that (i) the Administrative Agent in good faith believes exposes it to liability unless the Administrative Agent receives an indemnification and is exculpated in a manner satisfactory to it from the Lenders and the Issuing Banks with respect to such action or (ii) is contrary to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or applicable law, including any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors; provided, further, that the Administrative Agent may seek clarification or direction from the Required Lenders prior to the exercise of any such instructed action and may refrain from acting until such clarification or direction has been provided. Except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to any Borrower, any other Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Administrative Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
(c) In performing its functions and duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent is acting solely on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks (except in limited circumstances expressly provided for herein relating to the maintenance of the Register), and its duties are entirely mechanical and administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:
(i) the Administrative Agent does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation or duty or any other relationship as the agent, fiduciary or trustee of or for any Lender, Issuing Bank, any other Secured Party or holder of any other obligation other than as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, regardless of whether a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (and it is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” (or any similar term) herein or in any other Loan Document with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary duty or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law, and that such term is used as a matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties); additionally, each Lender agrees that it will not assert any claim against the Administrative Agent based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Agreement and/or the transactions contemplated hereby; and
(ii) nothing in this Agreement or any Loan Document shall require the Administrative Agent to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by the Administrative Agent for its own account.
(d) The Administrative Agent may perform any of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any of their respective duties and exercise their respective rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article 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 pursuant to this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub agent except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and non-appealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agent.
(e) No Arranger shall have obligations or duties whatsoever in such capacity under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and shall incur no liability hereunder or thereunder in such capacity, but all such persons shall have the benefit of the indemnities provided for hereunder.
(f) In case of the pendency of any proceeding with respect to any Loan Party under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement 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 any Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated) by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:
(iii) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, LC Disbursements 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, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent (including any claim under Sections 2.12, 2.13, 2.15, 2.17 and 9.03) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and
(iv) 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 proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each other Secured Party 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, the Issuing Banks or the other Secured Parties, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due to it, in its capacity as the Administrative Agent, under the Loan Documents (including under Section 9.03). 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 or Issuing Bank any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or Issuing Bank or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or Issuing Bank in any such proceeding.
(g) The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, and, except solely to the extent of the Borrowers’ right to consent pursuant to and subject to the conditions set forth in this Article, no Borrower nor any Subsidiary, or any of their respective Affiliates, shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary under any such provisions. Each Secured Party, whether or not a party hereto, will be deemed, by its acceptance of the benefits of the Collateral and of the Guarantees of the Secured Obligations provided under the Loan Documents, to have agreed to the provisions of this Article.
SECTION 8.02. Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Limitation of Liability, Etc.’
(a) Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its Related Parties shall be (i) liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by such party, the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties under or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (x) with the consent of or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith to be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in the Loan Documents) or (y) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct (such absence to be presumed unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and non-appealable judgment) or (ii) responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by any Loan Party or any officer thereof contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the Administrative Agent’s reliance on any Electronic Signature transmitted by facsimile, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page) or for any failure of any Loan Party to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.
(b) The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any (i) notice of any of the events or circumstances set forth or described in Section 5.02 unless and until written notice thereof stating that it is a “notice under Section 5.02” in respect of this Agreement and identifying the specific clause under said Section is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower Representative, or (ii) notice of any Default or Event of Default unless and until written notice thereof (stating that it is a “notice of Default” or a “notice of an Event of Default”) is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower Representative, a Lender or the Issuing Bank. Further, the Administrative Agent 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 any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, (iv) the sufficiency, validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items (which on their face purport to be such items) expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or satisfaction of any condition that expressly refers to the matters described therein being acceptable or satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, or (vi) the creation, perfection or priority of Liens on the Collateral.
(c) Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrative Agent (i) may treat the payee of any promissory note as its holder until such promissory note has been assigned in accordance with Section 9.04, (ii) may rely on the Register to the extent set forth in Section 9.04(b), (iii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel to the Borrowers), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts, (iv) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender or Issuing Bank and shall not be responsible to any Lender or Issuing Bank for any statements, warranties or representations made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (v) in determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or an Issuing Bank, may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or Issuing Bank unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or Issuing Bank sufficiently in advance of the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit and (vi) shall be entitled to rely on, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon, any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which writing may be a fax, any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) or any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper party or parties (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the maker thereof).
SECTION 8.03. Posting of Communications.
(a) The Borrowers agree that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make any Communications available to the Lenders and the Issuing Bank by posting the Communications on IntraLinks™, DebtDomain, SyndTrak, ClearPar or any other electronic system chosen by the Administrative Agent to be its electronic transmission system (the “Approved Electronic Platform”).
(b) Although the Approved Electronic Platform and its primary web portal are secured with generally-applicable security procedures and policies implemented or modified by the Administrative Agent from time to time (including, as of the Effective Date, a user ID/password authorization system) and the Approved Electronic Platform is secured through a per-deal authorization method whereby each user may access the Approved Electronic Platform only on a deal-by-deal basis, each of the Lenders, the Issuing Bank and each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure, that the Administrative Agent is not responsible for approving or vetting the representatives or contacts of any Lender that are added to the Approved Electronic Platform, and that there may be confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution. Each of the Lenders, the Issuing Bank and each Borrower hereby approves distribution of the Communications through the Approved Electronic Platform and understands and assumes the risks of such distribution.
(c) THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. THE APPLICABLE PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS, OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY THE APPLICABLE PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY ARRANGER OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PARTIES (COLLECTIVELY, “APPLICABLE PARTIES”) HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY LOAN PARTY, ANY LENDER, ANY ISSUING BANK OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF ANY LOAN PARTY’S OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNET OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM.
“Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Loan Party pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or Issuing Bank by means of electronic communications pursuant to this Section, including through an Approved Electronic Platform.
(d) Each Lender and Issuing Bank agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) specifying that Communications have been posted to the Approved Electronic Platform shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to such Lender for purposes of the Loan Documents. Each Lender and Issuing Bank agrees (i) to notify the Administrative Agent in writing (which could be in the form of electronic communication) from time to time of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s (as applicable) email address to which the foregoing notice may be sent by electronic transmission and (ii) that the foregoing notice may be sent to such email address.
(e) Each of the Lenders, Issuing Bank and each Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but (except as may be required by applicable law) shall not be obligated to, store the Communications on the Approved Electronic Platform in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s generally applicable document retention procedures and policies.
(f) Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or Issuing Bank to give any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Document in any other manner specified in such Loan Document.
SECTION 8.04. The Administrative Agent Individually. With respect to its Commitment, Loans (including Swingline Loans) and Letters of Credit, the Person serving as the Administrative Agent shall have and may exercise the same rights and powers hereunder and is subject to the same obligations and liabilities as and to the extent set forth herein for any other Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be. The terms “Issuing Bank”, “Lenders”, “Required Lenders” and any similar terms shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity as a Lender, Issuing Bank or as one of the Required Lenders, as applicable. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust or other business with, any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing as if such Person was not acting as the Administrative Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders or the Issuing Bank.
SECTION 8.05. Successor Administrative Agent.
(a) The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving 30 days’ prior written notice thereof to the Lenders, the Issuing Bank and the Borrower Representative, whether or not a successor Administrative Agent has been appointed. Upon any such resignation, (i) the Administrative Agent may appoint one of its Affiliates as a successor Administrative Agent and (ii) if the Administrative Agent has not appointed one of its Affiliates as a successor Administrative Agent within 10 days of such resignation pursuant to clause (i) above, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank, 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. In either case, (other than if the Administrative Agent appoints one of its Affiliates as a successor Administrative Agent pursuant to clause (i) above), such appointment shall be subject to the prior written approval of the Borrower Representative (which approval may not be unreasonably withheld and shall not be required while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing). Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall succeed to, and become vested with, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent. Upon the acceptance of appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Prior to any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall take such action as may be reasonably necessary to assign to the successor Administrative Agent its rights as Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section, in the event no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its intent to resign, the retiring Administrative Agent may give notice of the effectiveness of its resignation to the Lenders, the Issuing Bank and the Borrowers, whereupon, on the date of effectiveness of such resignation stated in such notice, (i) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents; provided that, solely for purposes of maintaining any security interest granted to the Administrative Agent under any Collateral Document for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the retiring Administrative Agent shall continue to be vested with such security interest as collateral agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties and continue to be entitled to the rights set forth in such Collateral Document and Loan Document, and, in the case of any Collateral in the possession of the Administrative Agent, shall continue to hold such Collateral, in each case until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed and accepts such appointment in accordance with this Section (it being understood and agreed that the retiring Administrative Agent shall have no duty or obligation to take any further action under any Collateral Document, including any action required to maintain the perfection of any such security interest), and (ii) the Required Lenders shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent; provided that (A) all payments required to be made hereunder or under any other Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for the account of any Person other than the Administrative Agent shall be made directly to such Person and (B) all notices and other communications required or contemplated to be given or made to the Administrative Agent shall directly be given or made to each Lender and Issuing Bank. Following the effectiveness of the Administrative Agent's resignation from its capacity as such, the provisions of this Article, Section 2.17(d) and Section 9.03, as well as any exculpatory, reimbursement and indemnification provisions set forth in any other Loan Document, 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 the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent and in respect of the matters referred to in the proviso under clause (a) above.
SECTION 8.06. Acknowledgements of Lenders and Issuing Bank.
(a) Each Lender and each Issuing Bank represents and warrants that (i) the Loan Documents set forth the terms of a commercial lending facility, (ii) it is engaged in making, acquiring or holding commercial loans and in providing other facilities set forth herein as may be applicable to such Lender or Issuing Bank, in each case in the ordinary course of business, and not for the purpose of purchasing, acquiring or holding any other type of financial instrument (and each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees not to assert a claim in contravention of the foregoing), (iii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement as a Lender, and to make, acquire or hold Loans hereunder and (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to make, acquire and/or hold commercial loans and to provide other facilities set forth herein, as may be applicable to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to make, acquire and/or hold such commercial loans or to provide such other facilities, is experienced in making, acquiring or holding such commercial loans or providing such other facilities. Each Lender and each Issuing Bank also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and informa‐tion (which may contain material, non-public information within the meaning of the United States securities laws concerning the Borrowers and their Affiliates) 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 or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.
(b) Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Agreement on the Effective Date, or delivering its signature page to an Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall become a Lender hereunder, shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and consented to and approved, each Loan Document and each other document required to be delivered to, or be approved by or satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders on the Effective Date or the effective date of any such Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall have become a Lender hereunder.
(c) Each Lender hereby agrees that (i) it has requested a copy of each Report prepared by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent; (ii) the Administrative Agent (A) makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the completeness or accuracy of any Report or any of the information contained therein or any inaccuracy or omission contained in or relating to a Report and (B) shall not be liable for any information contained in any Report; (iii) the Reports are not comprehensive audits or examinations, and that any Person performing any field examination will inspect only specific information regarding the Loan Parties and will rely significantly upon the Loan Parties’ books and records, as well as on representations of the Loan Parties’ personnel and that the Administrative Agent undertakes no obligation to update, correct or supplement the Reports; (iv) it will keep all Reports confidential and strictly for its internal use, not share the Report with any Loan Party or any other Person except as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Agreement; and (v) without limiting the generality of any other indemnification provision contained in this Agreement, (A) it will hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Person preparing a Report harmless from any action the indemnifying Lender may take or conclusion the indemnifying Lender may reach or draw from any Report in connection with any extension of credit that the indemnifying Lender has made or may make to a Borrower, or the indemnifying Lender’s participation in, or the indemnifying Lender’s purchase of, a Loan or Loans; and (B) it will pay and protect, and indemnify, defend, and hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Person preparing a Report harmless from and against, the claims, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, and other amounts (including reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by the Administrative Agent or any such other Person as the direct or indirect result of any third parties who might obtain all or part of any Report through the indemnifying Lender.
SECTION 8.07. Collateral Matters.
(a) Except with respect to the exercise of setoff rights in accordance with Section 9.08 or with respect to a Secured Party’s right to file a proof of claim in an insolvency proceeding, no Secured Party shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce any Guarantee of the Secured Obligations, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies under the Loan Documents may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties in accordance with the terms thereof. In its capacity, the Administrative Agent is a “representative” of the Secured Parties within the meaning of the term “secured party” as defined in the UCC. In the event that any Collateral is hereafter pledged by any Person as collateral security for the Secured Obligations, the Administrative Agent is hereby authorized, and hereby granted a power of attorney, to execute and deliver on behalf of the Secured Parties any Loan Documents necessary or appropriate as determined by Administrative Agent in its sole discretion to grant and perfect a Lien on such Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties.
(b) In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation thereof, no arrangements in respect of Banking Services the obligations under which constitute Secured Obligations and no Swap Agreement the obligations under which constitute Secured Obligations, will create (or be deemed to create) in favor of any Secured Party that is a party thereto any rights in connection with the management or release of any Collateral or of the obligations of any Loan Party under any Loan Document. By accepting the benefits of the Collateral, each Secured Party that is a party to any such arrangement in respect of Banking Services or Swap Agreement, as applicable, shall be deemed to have appointed the Administrative Agent to serve as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and agreed to be bound by the Loan Documents as a Secured Party thereunder, subject to the limitations set forth in this paragraph.
(c) The Secured Parties irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Section 6.02(b). The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have a duty to ascertain or inquire into any representation or warranty regarding the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Lien thereon or any certificate prepared by any Loan Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders or any other Secured Party for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.
SECTION 8.08. Credit Bidding. The Secured Parties hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Required 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 Loan 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 Required 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 Required 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 Required Lenders contained in Section 9.02 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 are 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.
SECTION 8.09. 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 each Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of any Borrower or any other Loan 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 the Plan Asset Regulations) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments,
(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 sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or such Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant as provided in 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 each Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of any Borrower or any other Loan Party, that none of the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, or any of their respective Affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the Collateral or the assets of such Lender (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 to hereto or thereto).
(c) The Administrative Agent and each Arranger hereby informs the Lenders that each such Person is not undertaking to provide investment advice or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that such Person has a financial interest in the transactions contemplated hereby in that such Person or an Affiliate thereof (i) may receive interest or other payments with respect to the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments, this Agreement and any other Loan Documents, (ii) may recognize a gain if it extended the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments for an amount less than the amount being paid for an interest in the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments by such Lender or (iii) may receive fees or other payments in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the Loan Documents or otherwise, including structuring fees, commitment fees, arrangement fees, facility fees, upfront fees, underwriting fees, ticking fees, agency fees, administrative agent or collateral agent fees, utilization fees, minimum usage fees, letter of credit fees, fronting fees, deal-away or alternate transaction fees, amendment fees, processing fees, term out premiums, banker’s acceptance fees, breakage or other early termination fees or fees similar to the foregoing.
SECTION 8.10. Flood Laws. JPMCB has adopted internal policies and procedures that address requirements placed on federally regulated lenders under the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 and related legislation (the “Flood Laws”). JPMCB, as administrative agent or collateral agent on a syndicated facility, will post on the applicable electronic platform (or otherwise distribute to each Lender in the syndicate) documents that it receives in connection with the Flood Laws. However, JPMCB reminds each Lender and Participant in the facility that, pursuant to the Flood Laws, each federally regulated Lender (whether acting as a Lender or Participant in the facility) is responsible for assuring its own compliance with the flood insurance requirements.
ARTICLE IX
Miscellaneous.
SECTION 9.01. Notices. (a) Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone or Electronic Systems (and subject in each case to paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile, as follows:
|
(i) |
if to any Loan Party, to the Borrower Representative at: |
|
| Friedman Industries, Incorporated | ||
| 1121 Judson Road Suite 124, | ||
| Longview, TX | ||
| Attention: Alex LaRue | ||
| Facsimile No: 903 758 2265 |
| (ii) | if to the Administrative Agent, JPMCB in its capacity as an Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. at: | |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | ||
| 2200 Ross Avenue, 9th Floor | ||
| Dallas, TX 75201 | ||
| Attention: Timothy J. Whitefoot | ||
| Facsimile No: 214 965 4731 | ||
| (iii) | if to any other Lender or Issuing Bank, to it at its address or facsimile number set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire. |
All such notices and other communications (A) sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received, (B) sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent, provided that if not given during normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient, or (C) delivered through Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, to the extent provided in paragraph (b) below shall be effective as provided in such paragraph.
(b) Notices and other communications to any Borrower, any Loan Party, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereunder may be delivered or furnished by using Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, or pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative (on behalf of the Loan Parties) may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise proscribes, all such notices and other communications (i) 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), provided that if not given during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient, and (ii) posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient, at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i), of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, e-mail or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient.
(c) Any party hereto may change its address, facsimile number or e-mail address for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.
SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments. (a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders hereunder and under any other Loan Document are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effec‐tive 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 Lender or the Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.
(b) Except as provided in the first sentence of Section 2.09(f) (with respect to any commitment increase) and subject to Section 2.14(c), (d) and (e) and Section 9.02(e) below, neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except (i) in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrowers and the Required Lenders or (ii) in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties that are parties thereto, with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (A) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender), (B) reduce or forgive the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce or forgive any interest or fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby (provided that any amendment or modification of the financial covenants in this Agreement (or any defined term used therein) shall not constitute a reduction in the rate of interest or fees for purposes of this clause (B)), (C) postpone any scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement, or any date for the payment of any interest, fees or other Obligations payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby, (D) change Section 2.09(c) or Section 2.18(b) or (d) in a manner that would alter the ratable reduction of Commitments or the manner in which payments are shared, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), (E) increase the advance rates set forth in the definition of Borrowing Base or add new categories of eligible assets, without the written consent of the Required Revolving Lenders, (F) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders (or Lenders of any Class) required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby, (G) release any Loan Guarantor from its obligation under its Loan Guaranty (except as otherwise permitted herein or in the other Loan Documents), without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), or (H) except as provided in clause (c) of this Section or in any Collateral Document, release all or substantially all of the Collateral, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender); provided, further, that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be (it being understood that any amendment to Section 2.20 shall require the consent of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender); provided further that no such agreement shall amend or modify the provisions of Section 2.06 without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks. The Administrative Agent may also amend the Commitment Schedule to reflect assignments entered into pursuant to Section 9.04. Any amendment, waiver or other modification of this Agreement or any other Loan Document that by its terms affects the rights or duties under this Agreement of the Lenders of one or more Classes (but not the Lenders of any other Class), may be effected by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrowers and the requisite number or percentage in interest of each affected Class of Lenders that would be required to consent thereto under this Section if such Class of Lenders were the only Class of Lenders hereunder at the time.
(c) The Lenders and the Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its sole discretion, to release any Liens granted to the Administrative Agent by the Loan Parties on any Collateral (i) upon the Payment in Full of all Secured Obligations, and the cash collateralization of all Unliquidated Obligations in a manner satisfactory to each affected Lender, (ii) constituting property being sold or disposed of by a Loan Party in compliance with the terms of this Agreement (and the Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on any certificate of such Loan Party certifying that the sale or disposition is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement, without further inquiry), and to the extent that the property being sold or disposed of constitutes 100% of the Equity Interests of a Subsidiary, the Administrative Agent is authorized to release any Loan Guaranty provided by such Subsidiary, (iii) constituting property leased to a Loan Party under a lease which has expired or been terminated in a transaction permitted under this Agreement, or (iv) as required to effect any sale or other disposition of such Collateral in connection with any exercise of remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Article VII. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent will not release any Liens on Collateral without the prior written authorization of the Required Lenders; provided that, the Administrative Agent may in its discretion, release its Liens on Collateral valued in the aggregate not in excess of $1,000,000 during any calendar year without the prior written authorization of the Required Lenders (it being agreed that the Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on one or more certificates of the Borrowers as to the value of any Collateral to be so released, without further inquiry). Any such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect, or impair the Obligations or any Liens (other than those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of the Loan Parties in respect of) all interests retained by the Loan Parties, including the proceeds of any sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral. Any execution and delivery by the Administrative Agent of documents in connection with any such release shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.
(d) If, in connection with any proposed amendment, waiver or consent requiring the consent of “each Lender” or “each Lender affected thereby,” the consent of the Required Lenders is obtained, but the consent of other necessary Lenders is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is necessary but has not been obtained being referred to herein as a “Non-Consenting Lender”), then the Borrowers may elect to replace a Non-Consenting Lender as a Lender party to this Agreement, provided that, concurrently with such replacement, (i) another bank or other entity which is reasonably satisfactory to the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank shall agree, as of such date, to purchase for cash the Loans and other Obligations due to the Non-Consenting Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption and to become a Lender for all purposes under this Agreement and to assume all obligations of the Non-Consenting Lender to be terminated as of such date and to comply with the requirements of clause (b) of Section 9.04, and (ii) the Borrowers shall pay to such Non-Consenting Lender in same day funds on the day of such replacement (1) all interest, fees and other amounts then accrued but unpaid to such Non-Consenting Lender by the Borrowers hereunder to and including the date of termination, including without limitation payments due to such Non-Consenting Lender under Sections 2.15 and 2.17, and (2) an amount, if any, equal to the payment which would have been due to such Lender on the day of such replacement under Section 2.16 had the Loans of such Non-Consenting Lender been prepaid on such date rather than sold to the replacement Lender. Each party hereto agrees that an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to an be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein the Administrative Agent may, with the consent of the Borrower Representative only, amend, modify or supplement this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency.
SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Limitation of Liability; Indemnity; Etc. (a) Expenses. The Loan Parties shall, jointly and severally, pay all (i) reasonable out‑of‑pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent, in connection with the syndication and distribution (including, without limitation, via the internet or through any Electronic System or Approved Electronic Platform) of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents and any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provi‐sions of the Loan Documents (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement, collection or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of‑pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit. Expenses being reimbursed by the Loan Parties under this Section include, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with:
(A) Subject to the terms of Section 5.12, appraisals and insurance reviews;
(B) Subject to the terms of Section 5.06, field examinations and the preparation of Reports based on the fees charged by a third party retained by the Administrative Agent or the internally allocated fees for each Person employed by the Administrative Agent with respect to each field examination;
(C) background checks regarding senior management and/or key investors, as deemed necessary or appropriate in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent;
(D) Taxes, fees and other charges for (1) lien and title searches and title insurance and (2) filing financing statements and continuations, and other actions to perfect, protect, and continue the Administrative Agent’s Liens;
(E) sums paid or incurred to take any action required of any Loan Party under the Loan Documents that such Loan Party fails to pay or take; and
(F) forwarding loan proceeds, collecting checks and other items of payment, and establishing and maintaining the accounts and lock boxes, and costs and expenses of preserving and protecting the Collateral.
All of the foregoing fees, costs and expenses may be charged to the Borrowers as Revolving Loans or to another deposit account, all as described in Section 2.18(c).
(b) Limitation of Liability. To the extent permitted by applicable law (i) neither any Borrower nor any Loan Party shall assert, and each Borrower and each Loan Party hereby waives, any claim against the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, 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 other 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 9.03(b) shall relieve any Borrower or any Loan Party of any obligation it may have to indemnify an Indemnitee, as provided in Section 9.03(c), against any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages asserted against such Indemnitee by a third party.
(c) Indemnity. The Loan Parties shall, jointly and severally, indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Arranger, the Issuing Bank and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all Liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee (but excluding Taxes, which shall be governed exclusively by Section 2.17, and Excluded Taxes), incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of the Loan Documents or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the 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), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or Release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, or (iv) any actual or prospective Proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether or not such Proceeding is brought by any Loan Party or their respective equity holders, Affiliates, creditors or any other third Person and whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such Liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment to have resulted primarily from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee. WITHOUT LIMITATION OF THE FOREGOING, IT IS THE INTENTION OF EACH LOAN PARTY AND EACH LOAN PARTY AGREES THAT THE FOREGOING INDEMNITIES SHALL APPLY TO EACH INDEMNITEE WITH RESPECT TO LOSSES, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, PENALTIES, LIABILITIES AND RELATED EXPENSES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ALL EXPENSES OF LITIGATION OR PREPARATION THEREFOR), WHICH IN WHOLE OR IN PART ARE CAUSED BY OR ARISE OUT OF THE NEGLIGENCE OF SUCH (AND/OR ANY OTHER) INDEMNITEE. This Section 9.03(c) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses or damages arising from any non-Tax claim.
(d) Lender Reimbursement. Each Lender severally agrees to pay any amount required to be paid by any Loan Party under paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 9.03 to the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each, an “Agent-Related Person”) (to the extent not reimbursed by a Loan Party and without limiting the obligation of any Loan Party to do so), ratably according to their respective Applicable Percentage in effect on the date on which such payment is sought under this Section (or, if such payment is sought after the date upon which the Commitments shall have terminated and the Loans shall have been paid in full, ratably in accordance with such Applicable Percentage immediately prior to such date), 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 Liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person in its capacity as such; provided, further, that no Lender shall be liable for the payment of any portion of such Liabilities, costs, expenses or disbursements that are found by a final and non‑appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from such Agent-Related Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The agreements in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations. (e) Payments. All amounts due under this Section 9.03 shall be payable promptly after written demand therefor.
SECTION 9.04. 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 the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that (i) no Borrower may 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 any 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. 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 the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank 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 paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more Persons (other than an Ineligible Institution) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment, participations in Letters of Credit 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 Representative, provided that the Borrower Representative shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment of all or a portion of the Revolving Loans and Commitments unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof, and provided further that no consent of the Borrower Representative shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee;
(B) the Administrative Agent; and
(C) the Issuing Bank.
(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 or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, 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 Representative (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent, provided that no such consent of the Borrower Representative shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;
(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) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent (x) an Assignment and Assumption or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; and
(D) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire in which the assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Company, the other Loan Parties and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including Federal and state securities laws.
For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the terms “Approved Fund” and “Ineligible Institution” have the following meanings:
“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.
“Ineligible Institution” means (a) a natural person, (b) a Defaulting Lender or its Lender Parent, (c) a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person or relative(s) thereof; provided that, with respect to clause (c), such holding company, investment vehicle or trust shall not constitute an Ineligible Institution if it (x) has not been established for the primary purpose of acquiring any Loans or Commitments, (y) is managed by a professional advisor, who is not such natural person or a relative thereof, having significant experience in the business of making or purchasing commercial loans, and (z) has assets greater than $25,000,000 and a significant part of its activities consist of making or purchasing commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business or (d) a Loan Party or a Subsidiary or other Affiliate of a Loan Party.
(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section, 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 obliga‐tions under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 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 paragraph (c) of this Section.
(iv) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, 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 Commitment of, and principal amount 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, and the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrowers, the Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
(v) Upon its receipt of (x) a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.05, 2.06(d) or (e), 2.07(b), 2.18(d) or 9.03(d), the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.
(c) Any Lender may, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a “Participant”) other than a Loan Party or a Subsidiary or other Affiliate of a Loan Party in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender's obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged; (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations; and (iii) the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and/or 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 the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. The Borrowers agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 2.17(f) and (g) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 2.17(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender and the information and documentation required under Section 2.17(g) will be delivered to the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent)) 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 Sections 2.18 and 2.19 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.15 or 2.17, 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 Borrowers’ request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrowers to effectuate the provisions of Section 2.19(b) with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.18(b) 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 Borrowers, 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 this Agreement or any other Loan Document (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 this Agreement) 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 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.
(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, and this Section 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.
SECTION 9.05. Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instru‐ments 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 the Loan Documents 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, the 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 outstand‐ing and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 and Article VIII 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 or any other Loan Document or any provision hereof or thereof.
SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution. (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. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to (i) fees payable to the Administrative Agent and (ii) increases or reductions of the Issuing Bank Sublimit of the Issuing Bank constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, 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.
(b) Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of (x) this Agreement, (y) any other Loan Document and/or (z) any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any notice delivered pursuant to Section 9.01), 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 facsimile, 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 facsimile, 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 any Borrower or any other Loan Party 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, each Borrower and each Loan Party hereby (A) 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 Borrowers and the Loan Parties, Electronic Signatures transmitted by facsimile, 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, (B) 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), (C) 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 (D) waives any claim against any Lender-Related Person for any Liabilities arising solely from the Administrative Agent’s and/or any Lender’s reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures and/or transmissions by facsimile, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page, including any Liabilities arising as a result of the failure of any Borrower and/or any Loan Party to use any available security measures in connection with the execution, delivery or transmission of any Electronic Signature. THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES 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.
SECTION 9.07. Severability. Any provision of any 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 thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.
SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, the Issuing Bank and each of their respective 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 at any time owing, by such Lender, the Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate, to or for the credit or the account of any Loan Party against any and all of the Secured Obligations held by such Lender, the Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender, the Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates shall have made any demand under the Loan Documents and although such obligations may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch office or Affiliate of such Lender or the Issuing Bank different from the branch office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.20 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Secured Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The applicable Lender, the Issuing Bank or such Affiliate shall notify the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent of such setoff or application, provided that any failure to give or any delay in giving such notice shall not affect the validity of any such setoff or application under this Section. The rights of each Lender, the Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, the Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates may have.
SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process. (a) The Loan Documents (other than those containing a contrary express choice of law provision) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, but giving effect to federal laws applicable to national banks.
(b) Each of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that, notwithstanding the governing law provisions of any applicable Loan Document, any claims brought against the Administrative Agent by any Secured Party relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, the Collateral or the consummation or administration of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.
(c) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of any U.S. federal or New York state court sitting in New York, New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to any Loan Documents, the transactions relating hereto or thereto, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may (and any such claims, cross-claims or third party claims brought against the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties may only) be heard and determined in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Loan Party or its proper‐ties in the courts of any jurisdiction.
(d) Each Loan Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or here‐after have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (c) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.
(e) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE OR OTHER AGENT (INCLUDING ANY ATTORNEY) OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREE‐MENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
SECTION 9.11. 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 9.12. Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its 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 Governmental Authority (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by any Requirement of Law or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies under this Agreement or 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, 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 or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Loan Parties and their obligations, (g) with the consent of the Borrower Representative (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Borrowers, or (i) on a confidential basis to (1) any rating agency in connection with rating any Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided for herein or (2) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of identification numbers with respect to the credit facilities provided for herein.
For the purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Borrowers relating to the Borrowers or their business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender on a non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrowers and other than information pertaining to this Agreement provided by arrangers to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry; provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrowers 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 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.
EACH LENDER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT INFORMATION (AS DEFINED IN THIS SECTION 9.12) FURNISHED TO IT PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY INCLUDE MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION CONCERNING THE COMPANY, AND ITS AFFILIATES, THE OTHER LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES, AND CONFIRMS THAT IT HAS DEVELOPED COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES REGARDING THE USE OF MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION AND THAT IT WILL HANDLE SUCH MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THOSE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.
ALL INFORMATION, INCLUDING REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS, FURNISHED BY THE BORROWERS OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PURSUANT TO, OR IN THE COURSE OF ADMINISTERING, THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE SYNDICATE-LEVEL INFORMATION, WHICH MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY, THE LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES. ACCORDINGLY, EACH LENDER REPRESENTS TO THE BORROWERS AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT THAT IT HAS IDENTIFIED IN ITS ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE A CREDIT CONTACT WHO MAY RECEIVE INFORMATION THAT MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.
SECTION 9.13. Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law. The respective obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint and the failure of any Lender to make any Loan or perform any of its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender from any of its obligations hereunder. Each Lender hereby represents that it is not relying on or looking to any margin stock (as defined in Regulation U of the Board) for the repayment of the Borrowings provided for herein. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, neither the Issuing Bank nor any Lender shall be obligated to extend credit to the Borrowers in violation of any Requirement of Law.
SECTION 9.14. USA PATRIOT Act. Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act hereby notifies each Loan Party that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of such Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act.
SECTION 9.15. Disclosure. Each Loan Party, each Lender and the Issuing Bank hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent and/or its Affiliates from time to time may hold investments in, make other loans to or have other relationships with any of the Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates.
SECTION 9.16. Appointment for Perfection. Each Lender hereby appoints each other Lender as its agent for the purpose of perfecting Liens, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC or any other applicable law can be perfected only by possession or control. Should any Lender (other than the Administrative Agent) obtain possession or control of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to the Administrative Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s instructions.
SECTION 9.17. Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under appli‐cable law (collectively the “Charges”), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “Maximum Rate”) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the NYFRB Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.
SECTION 9.18. Marketing Consent.
The Borrowers hereby authorize JPMCB and its affiliates (collectively, the “JPMCB Parties”), at their respective sole expense, and without any prior approval by the Borrowers, to include any Borrower’s name and logo in advertising, marketing, tombstones, case studies and training materials, and to give such other publicity to this Agreement as the JPMCB Parties may from time to time determine in their sole discretion. The foregoing authorization shall remain in effect unless and until the Borrower Representative notifies JPMCB in writing that such authorization is revoked.
SECTION 9.19. 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 entity, 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
(v) 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 9.20. No Fiduciary Duty, Etc.. (a) Each Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that no Credit Party will have any obligations except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents and each Credit Party is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to each Borrower with respect to the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated herein and therein and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, any Borrower or any other person. Each Borrower agrees that it will not assert any claim against any Credit Party based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by such Credit Party in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Additionally, each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that no Credit Party is advising any Borrower as to any legal, Tax, investment, accounting, regulatory or any other matters in any jurisdiction. Each Borrower shall consult with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated herein or in the other Loan Documents, and the Credit Parties shall have no responsibility or liability to any Borrower with respect thereto.
(b) Each Borrower further acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party, together with its Affiliates, is a full service securities or banking firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities as well as providing investment banking and other financial services. In the ordinary course of business, any Credit Party may provide investment banking and other financial services to, and/or acquire, hold or sell, for its own accounts and the accounts of customers, equity, debt and other securities and financial instruments (including bank loans and other obligations) of, any Borrower and other companies with which any Borrower may have commercial or other relationships. With respect to any securities and/or financial instruments so held by any Credit Party or any of its customers, all rights in respect of such securities and financial instruments, including any voting rights, will be exercised by the holder of the rights, in its sole discretion.
(c) In addition, each Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party and its affiliates may be providing debt financing, equity capital or other services (including financial advisory services) to other companies in respect of which a Borrower may have conflicting interests regarding the transactions described herein and otherwise. No Credit Party will use confidential information obtained from any Borrower by virtue of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or its other relationships with such Borrower in connection with the performance by such Credit Party of services for other companies, and no Credit Party will furnish any such information to other companies. Each Borrower also acknowledges that no Credit Party has any obligation to use in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, or to furnish to any Borrower, confidential information obtained from other companies.
SECTION 9.21. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs. To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Swap Agreements 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.
SECTION 9.22. Joint and Several. Each Borrower hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees it is jointly and severally liable to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders for the Secured Obligations. In furtherance thereof, each Borrower agrees that wherever in this Agreement it is provided that a Borrower is liable for a payment, such obligation is the joint and several obligation of each Borrower. Each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that its joint and several liability under this Agreement and the Loan Documents is absolute and unconditional and shall not in any manner be affected or impaired by any acts or omissions whatsoever by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Lender or any other Person. Each Borrower’s liability for the Secured Obligations shall not in any manner be impaired or affected by who receives or uses the proceeds of the credit extended hereunder or for what purposes such proceeds are used, and each Borrower waives notice of borrowing requests issued by, and loans or other extensions of credit made to, other Borrowers. Each Borrower hereby agrees not to exercise or enforce any right of exoneration, contribution, reimbursement, recourse or subrogation available to such Borrower against any party liable for payment under this Agreement and the Loan Documents unless and until the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and each Lender have been paid in full and all of the Secured Obligations are satisfied and discharged following termination or expiration of all commitments of the Lenders to extend credit to the Borrowers. Each Borrower’s joint and several liability hereunder with respect to the Secured Obligations shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the unconditional liability of such Borrower irrespective of (i) the validity, enforceability, avoidance or subordination of any of the Secured Obligations or of any other document evidencing all or any part of the Secured Obligations, (ii) the absence of any attempt to collect any of the Secured Obligations from any other Loan Party or any Collateral or other security therefor, or the absence of any other action to enforce the same, (iii) the amendment, modification, waiver, consent, extension, forbearance or granting of any indulgence by the Administrative Agent or any Lender with respect to any provision of any instrument executed by any other Loan Party evidencing or securing the payment of any of the Secured Obligations, or any other agreement now or hereafter executed by any other Loan Party and delivered to the Administrative Agent, (iv) the failure by the Administrative Agent or any Lender to take any steps to perfect or maintain the perfected status of its Lien upon, or to preserve its rights to, any of the Collateral or other security for the payment or performance of any of the Secured Obligations or the Administrative Agent’s release of any Collateral or of its Liens upon any Collateral, (v) the release or compromise, in whole or in part, of the liability of any other Loan Party for the payment of any of the Secured Obligations, (vi) any increase in the amount of the Secured Obligations beyond any limits imposed herein or in the amount of any interest, fees or other charges payable in connection therewith, in each case, if consented to by any other Borrower, or any decrease in the same, or (vii) any other circumstance that might constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of any Loan Party. After the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may proceed directly and at once, without notice to any Borrower, against any or all of Loan Parties to collect and recover all or any part of the Secured Obligations, without first proceeding against any other Loan Party or against any Collateral or other security for the payment or performance of any of the Secured Obligations, and each Borrower waives any provision that might otherwise require the Administrative Agent or the Lenders under applicable law to pursue or exhaust remedies against any Collateral or other Loan Party before pursuing such Borrower or its property. Each Borrower consents and agrees that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall be under any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Loan Party or against or in payment of any or all of the Secured Obligations.
SECTION 9.23. Renewal, Extension or Rearrangement. This Agreement amends and restates in its entirety the Existing Credit Agreement. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents govern the present relationship among the Loan Parties, Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the other Persons a signatory hereto. This Agreement, however, is in no way intended, nor shall it be construed, to affect, replace, impair or extinguish the creation, attachment, perfection or priority of the security interests in, and other Liens on, the Collateral, which security interests and other Liens each of the Loan Parties, by this Agreement, acknowledges, reaffirms and confirms to Administrative Agent and the Lenders. The Loan Parties agree that any outstanding commitment under the Existing Credit Agreement to make advances or otherwise extend credit or credit support to any Loan Party and each other obligation under the Existing Credit Agreement of any Person (other than a Loan Party) which is a party to the Existing Credit Agreement are hereby terminated.
ARTICLE X
Loan Guaranty.
SECTION 10.01. Guaranty. Each Loan Guarantor (other than those that have delivered a separate Guaranty) hereby agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and, as a primary obligor and not merely as surety, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to the Secured Parties, the prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of the Secured Obligations and all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, all court costs and attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees and expenses paid or incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders in endeavoring to collect all or any part of the Secured Obligations from, or in prosecuting any action against, any Borrower, any Loan Guarantor or any other guarantor of all or any part of the Secured Obligations (such costs and expenses, together with the Secured Obligations, collectively the “Guaranteed Obligations”; provided, however, that the definition of “Guaranteed Obligations” shall not create any guarantee by any Loan Guarantor of (or grant of security interest by any Loan Guarantor to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Loan Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Loan Guarantor). Each Loan Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed in whole or in part without notice to or further assent from it, and that it remains bound upon its guarantee notwithstanding any such extension or renewal. All terms of this Loan Guaranty apply to and may be enforced by or on behalf of any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of any Lender that extended any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations.
SECTION 10.02. Guaranty of Payment. This Loan Guaranty is a guaranty of payment and not of collection. Each Loan Guarantor waives any right to require the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender to sue any Borrower, any Loan Guarantor, any other guarantor of, or any other Person obligated for, all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations (each, an “Obligated Party”), or otherwise to enforce its payment against any collateral securing all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations.
SECTION 10.03. No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty. (a) Except as otherwise provided for herein, the obligations of each Loan Guarantor hereunder are unconditional and absolute and not subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations), including: (i) any claim of waiver, release, extension, renewal, settlement, surrender, alteration or compromise of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, by operation of law or otherwise; (ii) any change in the corporate existence, structure or ownership of any Borrower or any other Obligated Party liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting any Obligated Party or their assets or any resulting release or discharge of any obligation of any Obligated Party; or (iv) the existence of any claim, setoff or other rights which any Loan Guarantor may have at any time against any Obligated Party, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, any Lender or any other Person, whether in connection herewith or in any unrelated transactions.
(b) The obligations of each Loan Guarantor hereunder are not subject to any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise, or any provision of applicable law or regulation purporting to prohibit payment by any Obligated Party, of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof.
(c) Further, the obligations of any Loan Guarantor hereunder are not discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by: (i) the failure of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy with respect to all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; (ii) any waiver or modification of or supplement to any provision of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any release, non-perfection or invalidity of any indirect or direct security for the obligations of any Borrower for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or any obligations of any other Obligated Party liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iv) any action or failure to act by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender with respect to any collateral securing any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (v) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the payment or performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any other circumstance, act, omission or delay that might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Loan Guarantor or that would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Loan Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations).
SECTION 10.04. Defenses Waived. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Guarantor hereby waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of any Borrower or any Loan Guarantor or the unenforceability of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of any Borrower, any Loan Guarantor or any other Obligated Party, other than Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Loan Guarantor irrevocably waives acceptance hereof, presentment, demand, protest and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any notice not provided for herein, as well as any requirement that at any time any action be taken by any Person against any Obligated Party or any other Person. Each Loan Guarantor confirms that it is not a surety under any state law and shall not raise any such law as a defense to its obligations hereunder. The Administrative Agent may, at its election, foreclose on any Collateral held by it by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such Collateral in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise act or fail to act with respect to any collateral securing all or a part of the Guaranteed Obligations, compromise or adjust any part of the Guaranteed Obligations, make any other accommodation with any Obligated Party or exercise any other right or remedy available to it against any Obligated Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of such Loan Guarantor under this Loan Guaranty except to the extent the Guaranteed Obligations have been Paid in Full. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though that election may operate, pursuant to applicable law, to impair or extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of any Loan Guarantor against any Obligated Party or any security.
SECTION 10.05. Rights of Subrogation. No Loan Guarantor will assert any right, claim or cause of action, including, without limitation, a claim of subrogation, contribution or indemnification, that it has against any Obligated Party or any collateral, until the Loan Parties and the Loan Guarantors have fully performed all their obligations to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders.
SECTION 10.06. Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration. If at any time any payment of any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff) is rescinded, or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Borrower or otherwise (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by a Secured Party in its discretion), each Loan Guarantor's obligations under this Loan Guaranty with respect to that payment shall be reinstated at such time as though the payment had not been made and whether or not the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders are in possession of this Loan Guaranty. If acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Borrower, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations shall nonetheless be payable by the Loan Guarantors forthwith on demand by the Administrative Agent.
SECTION 10.07. Information. Each Loan Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrowers’ financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that each Loan Guarantor assumes and incurs under this Loan Guaranty, and agrees that none of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender shall have any duty to advise any Loan Guarantor of information known to it regarding those circumstances or risks.
SECTION 10.08. Termination. Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank may continue to make loans or extend credit to the Borrowers based on this Loan Guaranty until five (5) days after it receives written notice of termination from any Loan Guarantor. Notwithstanding receipt of any such notice, each Loan Guarantor will continue to be liable to the Lenders for any Guaranteed Obligations created, assumed or committed to prior to the fifth day after receipt of the notice, and all subsequent renewals, extensions, modifications and amendments with respect to, or substitutions for, all or any part of such Guaranteed Obligations. Nothing in this Section 10.08 shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of, or eliminate, limit, reduce or otherwise impair any rights or remedies the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have in respect of, any Default or Event of Default that shall exist under clause (o) of Article VII hereof as a result of any such notice of termination.
SECTION 10.09. Taxes. Each payment of the Guaranteed Obligations will be made by each Loan Guarantor without withholding for any Taxes, unless such withholding is required by law. If any Loan Guarantor determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it is so required to withhold Taxes, then such Loan Guarantor may so withhold and shall timely pay the full amount of withheld Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law. If such Taxes are Indemnified Taxes, then the amount payable by such Loan Guarantor shall be increased as necessary so that, net of such withholding (including such withholding applicable to additional amounts payable under this Section), the Administrative Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank (as the case may be) receives the amount it would have received had no such withholding been made.
SECTION 10.10. Maximum Liability. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Loan Guaranty, the amount guaranteed by each Loan Guarantor hereunder shall be limited to the extent, if any, required so that its obligations hereunder shall not be subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, Uniform Voidable Transactions Act or similar statute or common law. In determining the limitations, if any, on the amount of any Loan Guarantor’s obligations hereunder pursuant to the preceding sentence, it is the intention of the parties hereto that any rights of subrogation, indemnification or contribution which such Loan Guarantor may have under this Loan Guaranty, any other agreement or applicable law shall be taken into account.
SECTION 10.11. Contribution.
(d) To the extent that any Loan Guarantor shall make a payment under this Loan Guaranty (a “Guarantor Payment”) which, taking into account all other Guarantor Payments then previously or concurrently made by any other Loan Guarantor, exceeds the amount which otherwise would have been paid by or attributable to such Loan Guarantor if each Loan Guarantor had paid the aggregate Guaranteed Obligations satisfied by such Guarantor Payment in the same proportion as such Loan Guarantor’s “Allocable Amount” (as defined below) (as determined immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment) bore to the aggregate Allocable Amounts of each of the Loan Guarantors as determined immediately prior to the making of such Guarantor Payment, then, following indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guarantor Payment and the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations and the termination of this Agreement, such Loan Guarantor shall be entitled to receive contribution and indemnification payments from, and be reimbursed by, each other Loan Guarantor for the amount of such excess, pro rata based upon their respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment.
(e) As of any date of determination, the “Allocable Amount” of any Loan Guarantor shall be equal to the excess of the fair saleable value of the property of such Loan Guarantor over the total liabilities of such Loan Guarantor (including the maximum amount reasonably expected to become due in respect of contingent liabilities, calculated, without duplication, assuming each other Loan Guarantor that is also liable for such contingent liability pays its ratable share thereof), giving effect to all payments made by other Loan Guarantors as of such date in a manner to maximize the amount of such contributions.
(f) This Section 10.11 is intended only to define the relative rights of the Loan Guarantors, and nothing set forth in this Section 10.11 is intended to or shall impair the obligations of the Loan Guarantors, jointly and severally, to pay any amounts as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Loan Guaranty.
(g) The parties hereto acknowledge that the rights of contribution and indemnification hereunder shall constitute assets of the Loan Guarantor or Loan Guarantors to which such contribution and indemnification is owing.
(h) The rights of the indemnifying Loan Guarantors against other Loan Guarantors under this Section 10.11 shall be exercisable upon the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 10.12. Liability Cumulative. The liability of each Loan Party as a Loan Guarantor under this Article X is in addition to and shall be cumulative with all liabilities of each Loan Party to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or in respect of any obligations or liabilities of the other Loan Parties, without any limitation as to amount, unless the instrument or agreement evidencing or creating such other liability specifically provides to the contrary.
SECTION 10.13. Keepwell. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each other Loan Party to honor all of its obligations under this Guarantee in respect of a Swap Obligation (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 10.13 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 10.13 or otherwise under this Loan Guaranty voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). Except as otherwise provided herein, the obligations of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section 10.13 shall remain in full force and effect until the termination of all Swap Obligations. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 10.13 constitute, and this Section 10.13 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other Loan Party for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
ARTICLE XI
The Borrower Representative.
SECTION 11.01. Appointment; Nature of Relationship. Friedman Industries, Incorporated is hereby appointed by each of the Borrowers as its contractual representative (herein referred to as the “Borrower Representative”) hereunder and under each other Loan Document, and each of the Borrowers irrevocably authorizes the Borrower Representative to act as the contractual representative of such Borrower with the rights and duties expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. The Borrower Representative agrees to act as such contractual representative upon the express conditions contained in this Article XI. Additionally, the Borrowers hereby appoint the Borrower Representative as their agent to receive all of the proceeds of the Loans in the Funding Accounts, at which time the Borrower Representative shall promptly disburse such Loans to the appropriate Borrower(s), provided that, in the case of a Revolving Loan, such amount shall not exceed Availability. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and their respective officers, directors, agents or employees, shall not be liable to the Borrower Representative or any Borrower for any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Borrower Representative or the Borrowers pursuant to this Section 11.01.
SECTION 11.02. Powers. The Borrower Representative shall have and may exercise such powers under the Loan Documents as are specifically delegated to the Borrower Representative by the terms of each thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The Borrower Representative shall have no implied duties to the Borrowers, or any obligation to the Lenders to take any action thereunder except any action specifically provided by the Loan Documents to be taken by the Borrower Representative.
SECTION 11.03. Employment of Agents. The Borrower Representative may execute any of its duties as the Borrower Representative hereunder and under any other Loan Document by or through authorized officers.
SECTION 11.04. Notices. Each Borrower shall immediately notify the Borrower Representative of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default hereunder referring to this Agreement describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default”. In the event that the Borrower Representative receives such a notice, the Borrower Representative shall give prompt notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. Any notice provided to the Borrower Representative hereunder shall constitute notice to each Borrower on the date received by the Borrower Representative.
SECTION 11.05. Successor Borrower Representative. Upon the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower Representative may resign at any time, such resignation to be effective upon the appointment of a successor Borrower Representative. The Administrative Agent shall give prompt written notice of such resignation to the Lenders.
SECTION 11.06. Execution of Loan Documents; Borrowing Base Certificate. The Borrowers hereby empower and authorize the Borrower Representative, on behalf of the Borrowers, to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders the Loan Documents and all related agreements, certificates, documents, or instruments as shall be necessary or appropriate to effect the purposes of the Loan Documents, including, without limitation, the Borrowing Base Certificates and the Compliance Certificates. Each Borrower agrees that any action taken by the Borrower Representative or the Borrowers in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and the exercise by the Borrower Representative of its powers set forth therein or herein, together with such other powers that are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be binding upon all of the Borrowers.
SECTION 11.07. Reporting. Each Borrower hereby agrees that such Borrower shall furnish promptly after each fiscal month to the Borrower Representative a copy of its Borrowing Base Certificate and any other certificate or report required hereunder or requested by the Borrower Representative on which the Borrower Representative shall rely to prepare the Borrowing Base Certificates and Compliance Certificate required pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.
(Signature Pages Follow)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
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BORROWER:
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED, a Texas corporation
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| By | /s/ Alex LaRue | ||
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Name: Alex LaRue Title: Chief Financial Officer |
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Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
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JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., individually and as Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender
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| By | /s/ Timothy Whitefoot | ||
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Name: Timothy Whitefoot Title: Authorized Officer |
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Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
COMMITMENT SCHEDULE
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Lender
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Revolving Commitment |
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JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
$40,000,000 |
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Total |
$40,000,000 |
Commitment Schedule
EXHIBIT A
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
This Assignment and Assumption (the “Assignment and Assumption”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [Insert name of Assignor] (the “Assignor”) and [Insert name of Assignee] (the “Assignee”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.
For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below, (i) all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below (including any letters of credit, guarantees and swingline loans included in such facilities) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and other rights of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as the “Assigned Interest”). Such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.
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1. Assignor:
2. Assignee:
3. Borrowers:
4. Administrative Agent:
5. Credit Agreement:
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______________________________
______________________________ [and is an Affiliate/Approved Fund of [identify Lender]1]
______________________________
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement
The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2021 among Friedman Industries, Incorporated and each other Person party thereto from time to time as a borrower, the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders parties thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other agents parties thereto |
1 Select as applicable.
EXHIBIT A
| 6. Assigned Interest: |
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Facility Assigned2 |
Aggregate Amount of Commitment/Loans for all Lenders |
Amount of Commitment/Loans Assigned |
Percentage Assigned of Commitment/Loans3 |
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$ |
$ |
% |
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$ |
$ |
% |
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$ |
$ |
% |
Effective Date: _____________ ___, 20___ [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]
The Assignee agrees to deliver to the Administrative Agent a completed Administrative Questionnaire in which the Assignee designates one or more Credit Contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Company, the other Loan Parties and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the Assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including Federal and state securities laws.
The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:
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ASSIGNOR
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]
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| By: | |||
| Title: | |||
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ASSIGNEE
[NAME OF ASSIGNEE] |
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| By: | |||
| Title: | |||
2 Fill in the appropriate terminology for the types of facilities under the Credit Agreement that are being assigned under this Assignment (e.g. “Revolving Commitment,” etc.)
3 Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.
EXHIBIT A
[Consented to and]4 Accepted:
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as
[Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender]
| By |
Title:
[Consented to:]5
[NAME OF RELEVANT PARTY]
| By |
Title:
4 To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and/or Swingline Lender, as applicable, is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.
5 To be added only if the consent of the Borrowers and/or other parties (e.g. Swingline Lender, Issuing Bank) is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.
EXHIBIT A
ANNEX 1
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
1. Representations and Warranties.
1.1. Assignor. The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of any Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document, (iv) any requirements under applicable law for the Assignee to become a lender under the Credit Agreement or to charge interest at the rate set forth therein from time to time, or (v) the performance or observance by any Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.
1.2. Assignee. The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it satisfies the requirements, if any, specified in the Credit Agreement and under applicable law that are required to be satisfied by it in order to acquire the Assigned Interest and become a Lender, (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire the Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of this type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, the Assignor or any other Lender or any of their respective Related Parties, (vi) attached to the Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by the Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, the Assignor or any other Lender or any of their respective Related Parties, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.
2. Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to the Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.
3. General Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Acceptance and adoption of the terms of this Assignment and Assumption by the Assignee and the Assignor by Electronic Signature or delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by any Approved Electronic Platform shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT B
BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE
EXHIBIT C
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
To: The Lenders parties to the
Credit Agreement Described Below
This Compliance Certificate is furnished pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of , (as amended, modified, renewed or extended from time to time, the “Agreement”) among Friedman Industries, Incorporated and each other Person party thereto from time to time as a borrower (collectively, the “Borrowers”), the other Loan Parties, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Compliance Certificate have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement.
THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY CERTIFIES, ON ITS BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF THE BORROWERS, THAT:
1. I am the duly elected of the Borrower Representative;
2. I have reviewed the terms of the Agreement and I have made, or have caused to be made under my supervision, a detailed review of the transactions and conditions of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the accounting period covered by the attached financial statements [for quarterly or monthly financial statements add: and such financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrowers and their consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consis‐tently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes];
3. The examinations described in paragraph 2 did not disclose, except as set forth below, and I have no knowledge of (i) the existence of any condition or event which constitutes a Default during or at the end of the accounting period covered by the attached financial statements or as of the date of this Certificate or (ii) any change in GAAP or in the application thereof that has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 of the Agreement;
4. I hereby certify that no Loan Party has changed (i) its name, (ii) its chief executive office, (iii) principal place of business, (iv) the type of entity it is or (v) its state of incorporation or organization without having given the Administrative Agent the notice required by Section 4.15 of the Security Agreement; and
5. Schedule I attached hereto sets forth financial data and computations evidencing the Borrowers’ compliance with certain covenants of the Agreement, all of which data and computations are true, complete and correct29;
Described below are the exceptions, if any, to paragraph 3 by listing, in detail, the (i) nature of the condition or event, the period during which it has existed and the action which the Borrowers have taken, are taking, or propose to take with respect to each such condition or event or (i) the change in GAAP or the application thereof and the effect of such change on the attached financial statements:
29 Schedule I must include detailed calculation tables for all components of the financial covenant calculations.
EXHIBIT C
The foregoing certifications, together with the computations set forth in Schedule I and Schedule II hereto and the financial statements delivered with this Certificate in support hereof, are made and delivered this __ day of _______,____.
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_____________________________
___________________________, as Borrower Representative
By:__________________________________ Name: ________________________ Title:__________________________ |
EXHIBIT C
SCHEDULE I
Compliance as of _________, ____ with
Provisions of and of the Agreement
[Schedule I must include detailed calculation tables for all components of the financial covenant calculations.]
EXHIBIT C
EXHIBIT D
JOINDER AGREEMENT
THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of __________, ____, 20__, is entered into between ________________________________, a _________________ (the “New Subsidiary”) and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) under that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2021 (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among Friedman Industries, Incorporated and each other Person party thereto from time to time as a borrower (the “Borrowers”), the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent for the Lenders. All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.
The New Subsidiary and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, hereby agree as follows:
1. The New Subsidiary hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Agreement, the New Subsidiary will be deemed to be a [Borrower][Loan Party] under the Credit Agreement and a “Loan Guarantor” for all purposes of the Credit Agreement and shall have all of the obligations of a Loan Party and a Loan Guarantor thereunder as if it had executed the Credit Agreement. The New Subsidiary hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Credit Agreement, including without limitation (a) all of the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in Article III of the Credit Agreement, (b) all of the covenants set forth in Articles V and VI of the Credit Agreement and (c) all of the guaranty obligations set forth in Article X of the Credit Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing terms of this paragraph 1, the New Subsidiary, subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 10.10 and 10.13 of the Credit Agreement, hereby guarantees, jointly and severally with the other Loan Guarantors, to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, as provided in Article X of the Credit Agreement, the prompt payment and performance of the Guaranteed Obligations in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) strictly in accordance with the terms thereof and agrees that if any of the Guaranteed Obligations are not paid or performed in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise), the New Subsidiary will, jointly and severally together with the other Loan Guarantors, promptly pay and perform the same, without any demand or notice whatsoever, and that in the case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due (whether at extended maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension or renewal.
2. If required, the New Subsidiary is, simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, executing and delivering such Collateral Documents (and such other documents and instruments) as requested by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the Credit Agreement.
3. The address of the New Subsidiary for purposes of Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement is as follows:
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
EXHIBIT D
4. The New Subsidiary hereby waives acceptance by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of the guaranty by the New Subsidiary upon the execution of this Agreement by the New Subsidiary.
5. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
6. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary has caused this Agreement to be duly executed by its authorized officer, and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, has caused the same to be accepted by its authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.
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Acknowledged and accepted:
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent
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EXHIBIT D
EXHIBIT E-1
[FORM OF]
U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2021 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among Friedman Industries, Incorporated and each other Person party thereto from time to time as a borrower (the “Borrowers”), the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as Administrative Agent for the Lenders.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of any Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to any Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.
The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or Form W-8IMY (or successor form), as applicable. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate prior to the first payment to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.
Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.
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[NAME OF LENDER] |
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Date: ________, __, 20[ ]
EXHIBIT E-1
EXHIBIT E-2
[FORM OF]
U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2021 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among Friedman Industries, Incorporated and each other Person party thereto from time to time as a borrower (the “Borrowers”), the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as Administrative Agent for the Lenders.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of any Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to any Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.
The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or Form W-8IMY (or successor form), as applicable. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate prior to the first payment to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.
Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.
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Date: ________, __, 20[ ]
EXHIBIT E-2
EXHIBIT E-3
[FORM OF]
U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2021 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among Friedman Industries, Incorporated and each other Person party thereto from time to time as a borrower (the “Borrowers”), the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as Administrative Agent for the Lenders.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such participation, (iii) with respect such participation, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of any Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to any Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.
The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by a withholding statement together with an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such partner's/member's beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate prior to the first payment to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.
Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.
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[NAME OF PARTICIPANT] |
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Date: ________, __, 20[ ]
EXHIBIT E-3
EXHIBIT E-4
[FORM OF]
U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2021 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among Friedman Industries, Incorporated and each other Person party thereto from time to time as a borrower (the “Borrowers”), the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as Administrative Agent for the Lenders.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)), (iii) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of any Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to any Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.
The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such partner's/member's beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate prior to the first payment to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.
Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.
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[NAME OF LENDER] |
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Date: ________, __, 20[ ]
Exhibit 10.10
EXECUTION VERSION
PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
THIS PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Security Agreement”) is entered into as of May 19, 2021 by and among FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED, a Texas corporation (the “Company”), and any additional entities which become parties to this Security Agreement by executing a Security Agreement Supplement hereto in substantially the form of Annex I hereto (such additional entities, together with the Company, each a “Grantor”, and collectively, the “Grantors”), and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) for the lenders party to the Credit Agreement referred to below.
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
The Grantors, the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders are entering into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2021 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”). Each Grantor is entering into this Security Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to enter into and extend credit to the Company and each other Person joined thereto from time to time as a borrower (collectively, the “Borrowers” and each, individually, a “Borrower”) under the Credit Agreement and to secure the Secured Obligations that it has agreed to guarantee pursuant to Article X of the Credit Agreement.
ACCORDINGLY, the Grantors and the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1. Terms Defined in Credit Agreement. All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
1.2. Terms Defined in UCC. Terms defined in the UCC which are not otherwise defined in this Security Agreement are used herein as defined in the UCC.
1.3. Definitions of Certain Terms Used Herein. As used in this Security Agreement, in addition to the terms defined in the first paragraph hereof and in the Preliminary Statement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
“Accounts” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Applicable IP Office” means the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office or any similar office or agency within or, solely in the case of Section 4.7, outside the United States.
“Article” means a numbered article of this Security Agreement, unless another document is specifically referenced.
“Assigned Contracts” means, collectively, all of the Grantors’ rights and remedies under, and all moneys and claims for money due or to become due to the Grantors under those contracts set forth on Exhibit J hereto, and any other material contracts, and any and all amendments, supplements, extensions, and renewals thereof including all rights and claims of the Grantors now or hereafter existing: (a) under any insurance, indemnities, warranties, and guarantees provided for or arising out of or in connection with any of the foregoing agreements; (b) for any damages arising out of or for breach or default under or in connection with any of the foregoing contracts; (c) to all other amounts from time to time paid or payable under or in connection with any of the foregoing agreements; or (d) to exercise or enforce any and all covenants, remedies, powers and privileges thereunder.
“Chattel Paper” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Closing Date” means the date of the Credit Agreement.
“Collateral” shall have the meaning set forth in Article II.
“Collateral Access Agreement” means any landlord waiver or other agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, between the Administrative Agent and any third party (including any bailee, consignee, customs broker, or other similar Person) in possession of any Collateral or any landlord of any real property where any Collateral is located, as such landlord waiver or other agreement may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Collateral Deposit Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
“Collateral Report” means any certificate (including any Borrowing Base Certificate), report or other document delivered by any Grantor to the Administrative Agent or any Lender with respect to the Collateral pursuant to any Loan Document.
“Collection Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
“Commercial Tort Claims” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Confirmatory Grant” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.10(e).
“Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 8 of the UCC or, if applicable, in Section 9-104, 9-105, 9-106 or 9-107 of Article 9 of the UCC.
“Copyrights” means all rights, title and interests (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to copyrights and all mask works, database and design rights, whether or not registered or published, all registrations and recordations thereof and all applications in connection therewith.
“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.
“Deposit Account Control Agreement” means an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, among any Loan Party, a banking institution holding such Loan Party’s funds, and the Administrative Agent with respect to collection and control of all deposits and balances held in a deposit account maintained by such Loan Party with such banking institution.
“Deposit Accounts” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Equipment” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Event of Default” means an event described in Section 5.1.
“Exhibit” refers to a specific exhibit to this Security Agreement, unless another document is specifically referenced.
“Fixtures” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“General Intangibles” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Goods” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Industrial Designs” means all right, title and interest (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to registered industrial designs and industrial design applications.
“Instruments” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Intellectual Property” means all rights, title and interests in or relating to intellectual property and industrial property arising under any Requirement of Law and all IP Ancillary Rights relating thereto, including all Copyrights, Patents, Industrial Designs, Software, Trademarks, Internet Domain Names, Trade Secrets and IP Licenses.
“Internet Domain Name” means all right, title and interest (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to internet domain names.
“Inventory” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Investment Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“IP Ancillary Rights” means, with respect to any Intellectual Property, as applicable, all foreign counterparts to, and all divisionals, reversions, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, reexaminations, renewals and extensions of, such Intellectual Property and all income, royalties, proceeds and Liabilities at any time due or payable or asserted under or with respect to any of the foregoing or otherwise with respect to such Intellectual Property throughout the world, including all rights to sue or recover at law or in equity for any past, present or future infringement, misappropriation, dilution, violation or other impairment thereof, and, in each case, all rights to obtain any other IP Ancillary Right throughout the world.
“IP License” means all contractual obligations (and all related IP Ancillary Rights), whether written or oral, granting any right, title and interest in or relating to any Intellectual Property.
“Lenders” means the lenders party to the Credit Agreement and their successors and assigns.
“Letter-of-Credit Rights” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Liabilities” means all claims (including intraparty claims), actions, suits, judgments, demands, damages, losses, liability, obligations, responsibilities, fines, penalties, sanctions, costs, fees, Taxes, commissions, charges, disbursements and expenses (including those incurred upon any appeal or in connection with the preparation for and/or response to any subpoena or request for document production relating thereto), in each case of any kind or nature (including interest accrued thereon or as a result thereto and fees, charges and disbursements of financial, legal and other advisors and consultants), whether joint or several, whether or not indirect, contingent, consequential, actual, punitive, treble or otherwise.
“Lock Boxes” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
“Lock Box Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
“Material Intellectual Property” means Intellectual Property that is owned by or licensed to any Grantor and material to the conduct of such Grantor’s business.
“Patents” means all rights, title and interests (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to letters patent and applications therefor.
“Pledged Collateral” means all Instruments, Securities and other Investment Property owned by the Grantors, except for membership interests in Friedman/Decatur, L.L.C., whether or not physically delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Security Agreement.
“Receivables” means the Accounts, Chattel Paper, Documents, Investment Property, Instruments and any other rights or claims to receive money which are General Intangibles or which are otherwise included as Collateral.
“Required Lenders” means (a) prior to an acceleration of the Obligations under the Credit Agreement, the Required Lenders, (b) after an acceleration of the Obligations under the Credit Agreement but prior to the date upon which the Credit Agreement has terminated by its terms and all of the obligations thereunder have been Paid in Full, Lenders holding in the aggregate at least 66.70% of the total of the Aggregate Credit Exposure, and (c) after the Credit Agreement has terminated by its terms and all of the Obligations thereunder have been Paid in Full (whether or not the Obligations under the Credit Agreement were ever accelerated), the Secured Parties holding in the aggregate at least 66.70% of the aggregate net early termination payments and all other amounts then due and unpaid from any Grantor to the Secured Parties in respect of the Secured Obligations, as determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion; provided that, as long as there are only two Lenders, Required Lenders shall mean both Lenders.
“Section” means a numbered section of this Security Agreement, unless another document is specifically referenced.
“Security” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 8 of the UCC.
“Security Agreement Supplement” shall mean any Security Agreement Supplement to this Security Agreement in substantially the form of Annex I hereto executed by an entity that becomes a Grantor under this Security Agreement after the date hereof.
“Software” means (a) all computer programs, including source code and object code versions, (b) all data, databases and compilations of data, whether machine readable or otherwise, and (c) all documentation, training materials and configurations related to any of the foregoing.
“Stock Rights” means all dividends, instruments or other distributions and any other right or property which the Grantors shall receive or shall become entitled to receive for any reason whatsoever with respect to, in substitution for or in exchange for any Equity Interest constituting Collateral, any right to receive an Equity Interest and any right to receive earnings, in which the Grantors now have or hereafter acquire any right, issued by an issuer of such Equity Interest.
“Supporting Obligations” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Trademarks” means all rights, title and interests (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to trademarks, trade names, corporate names, company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, service marks, logos and other source or business identifiers and, in each case, all goodwill associated therewith, all registrations and recordations thereof and all applications in connection therewith.
“Trade Secrets” mean all right, title and interest (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to proprietary, confidential and/or non-public information, however documented, including but not limited to confidential ideas, know-how, concepts, methods, processes, formulae, reports, data, customer lists, mailing lists, business plans and all other trade secrets.
“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 other Secured Party’s Lien on any Collateral.
The foregoing definitions shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.
ARTICLE II
GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST
Each Grantor hereby pledges, assigns and grants to the Administrative Agent, on behalf of and for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in all of its right, title and interest in, to and under all personal property and other assets, whether now owned by or owing to, or hereafter acquired by or arising in favor of such Grantor (including under any trade name or derivations thereof), and whether owned or consigned by or to, or leased from or to, such Grantor, and regardless of where located (all of which will be collectively referred to as the “Collateral”), including:
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(i) |
all Accounts; |
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(ii) |
all Chattel Paper; |
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(iii) |
all Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks; |
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(iv) |
all Documents; |
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(v) |
all Equipment; |
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(vi) |
all Fixtures; |
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(vii) |
all General Intangibles; |
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all Goods; |
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(ix) |
all Instruments; |
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(x) |
all Inventory; |
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(xi) |
all Investment Property; |
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(xii) |
all cash or cash equivalents; |
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(xiii) |
all letters of credit, Letter-of-Credit Rights and Supporting Obligations; |
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(xiv) |
all Deposit Accounts with any bank or other financial institution; |
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(xv) |
all Commercial Tort Claims; |
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(xvi) |
all Assigned Contracts; |
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(xvii) |
All Farm Products; and |
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(xviii) |
all accessions to, substitutions for and replacements, proceeds (including Stock Rights), insurance proceeds and products of the foregoing, together with all books and records, customer lists, credit files, computer files, programs, printouts and other computer materials and records related thereto and any General Intangibles at any time evidencing or relating to any of the foregoing; |
to secure the prompt and complete payment and performance of the Secured Obligations.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Each Grantor represents and warrants, as of the date hereof, and as of the date of each Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit, as applicable, and each Grantor that becomes a party to this Security Agreement pursuant to the execution of a Security Agreement Supplement represents and warrants (after giving effect to supplements, if any, to each of the Exhibits hereto with respect to such Grantor as attached to such Security Agreement Supplement), to the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties, that:
3.1. Title, Authorization, Validity, Enforceability, Perfection and Priority. Such Grantor has good and valid rights in or the power to transfer the Collateral and title to the Collateral with respect to which it has purported to grant a security interest hereunder, free and clear of all Liens except for Liens permitted under Section 4.1(e), and has full power and authority to grant to the Administrative Agent the security interest in the Collateral pursuant hereto. The execution and delivery by such Grantor of this Security Agreement has been duly authorized by proper corporate or limited liability company proceedings of such Grantor, and this Security Agreement constitutes a legal valid and binding obligation of such Grantor and creates a security interest which is enforceable against such Grantor in all Collateral it now owns or hereafter acquires, 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. When financing statements have been filed in the appropriate offices against such Grantor in the locations listed on Exhibit H, the Administrative Agent will have a fully perfected first priority security interest in that Collateral of such Grantor in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, subject only to Liens permitted under Section 4.1(e).
3.2. Type and Jurisdiction of Organization, Organizational and Identification Numbers. The type of entity of such Grantor, its state of organization, the organizational number issued to it by its state of organization and its federal employer identification number are set forth on Exhibit A.
3.3. Principal Location. Such Grantor’s mailing address and the location of its place of business (if it has only one) or its chief executive office (if it has more than one place of business), is disclosed in Exhibit A; such Grantor has no other places of business except those set forth in Exhibit A.
3.4. Collateral Locations. All of such Grantor’s locations where Collateral is located are listed on Exhibit A. All of said locations are owned by such Grantor except for locations (a) which are leased by such Grantor as lessee and designated in Part VII(b) of Exhibit A and (b) at which Inventory is held in a public warehouse or is otherwise held by a bailee or on consignment as designated in Part VII(c) of Exhibit A.
3.5. Deposit Accounts. All of such Grantor’s Deposit Accounts are listed on Exhibit B.
3.6. Exact Names. Such Grantor’s name in which it has executed this Security Agreement is the exact name as it appears in such Grantor’s organizational documents, as amended, as filed with such Grantor’s jurisdiction of organization. Such Grantor has not, during the past five years, been known by or used any other corporate or fictitious name, or been a party to any merger or consolidation, or been a party to any acquisition.
3.7. Letter-of-Credit Rights and Chattel Paper. Exhibit C lists all Letter-of-Credit Rights and Chattel Paper of such Grantor. Upon the request of Administrative Agent, Grantor shall take all actions necessary or desirable to protect and perfect the Administrative Agent’s Lien on each item listed on Exhibit C (including the delivery of all originals and the placement of a legend on all Chattel Paper as required hereunder).
3.8. Accounts and Chattel Paper.
(a) The names of the obligors, amounts owing, due dates and other information with respect to its Accounts and Chattel Paper are and will be correctly stated in all material respects in all records of such Grantor relating thereto and in all invoices and Collateral Reports with respect thereto furnished to the Administrative Agent by such Grantor from time to time.
(b) With respect to its Accounts, except as specifically disclosed on the most recent Collateral Report, (i) to such Grantor’s knowledge, there are no facts, events or occurrences which in any way impair the validity or enforceability thereof or could reasonably be expected to reduce the amount payable thereunder as shown on such Grantor’s books and records and any invoices, statements and Collateral Reports with respect thereto and (ii) such Grantor has not received any notice of proceedings or actions which are threatened or pending against any Account Debtor which might result in any adverse change in such Account Debtor’s financial condition.
3.9. Inventory. With respect to any of its Inventory scheduled or listed on the most recent Collateral Report, (a) such Inventory (other than Inventory in transit) is located at one of such Grantor’s locations set forth on Exhibit A, (b) no Inventory (other than Inventory in transit) is now, or shall at any time or times hereafter be stored at any other location except as permitted by Section 4.1(g), (c) such Inventory has been produced in accordance with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, and all rules, regulations and orders thereunder and (d) the completion of manufacture, sale or other disposition of such Inventory by the Administrative Agent following an Event of Default shall not require the consent of any Person and shall not constitute a breach or default under any contract or agreement to which such Grantor is a party or to which such property is subject.
3.10. Intellectual Property.
(a) Exhibit D contains a complete and accurate listing as of the Effective Date of the following Intellectual Property such Grantor owns, licenses or otherwise has the right to use: (i) Intellectual Property that is registered or subject to applications for registration, (ii) Internet Domain Names and (iii) Material Intellectual Property and material Software, separately identifying that owned and licensed to such Grantor and including for each of the foregoing items (A) the owner, (B) the title, (C) the jurisdiction in which such item has been registered or otherwise arises or in which an application for registration has been filed, (D) as applicable, the registration or application number and registration or application date and (E) any IP Licenses or other rights (including franchises) granted by such Grantor with respect thereto. Such Grantor owns directly or is entitled to use, by license or otherwise, all Intellectual Property necessary for the conduct of such Grantor’s business as currently conducted. All of the U.S. registrations, applications for registration or applications for issuance of the Intellectual Property are in good standing and are recorded or in the process of being recorded in the name of such Grantor.
(b) On the Effective Date, all Material Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor is valid, in full force and effect, subsisting, unexpired and enforceable, and no Material Intellectual Property has been abandoned. None of the following shall limit or impair the ownership, use, validity or enforceability of, or any rights of such Grantor in, any Material Intellectual Property: (i) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by any Loan Documents or (ii) any holding, decision, judgment or order rendered by any Governmental Authority. There are no pending (or, to the knowledge of such Grantor, threatened in writing) actions, investigations, suits, proceedings, audits, claims, demands, orders or disputes challenging the ownership, use, validity, enforceability of, or such Grantor’s rights in, any Material Intellectual Property of such Grantor. To such Grantor’s knowledge, no Person has been or is infringing, misappropriating, diluting, violating or otherwise impairing any Intellectual Property of such Grantor.
(c) Such Grantor has taken or caused to be taken steps so that none of its Intellectual Property, the value of which to such Grantor is contingent upon maintenance of the confidentiality thereof, has been disclosed by such Grantor to any Person other than employees, contractors, customers, representatives and agents of such Grantor who are parties to customary confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements with such Grantor. Each employee and contractor of such Grantor involved in development or creation of any Material Intellectual Property has assigned any and all inventions and ideas of such Person in and to such Intellectual Property to such Grantor.
(d) No settlement or consents, covenants not to sue, nonassertion assurances, or releases have been entered into by such Grantor or exist to which such Grantor is bound that adversely affect its rights to own or use any Intellectual Property except as could not be reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, in each case individually or in the aggregate.
(e) This Security Agreement is effective to create a valid and continuing Lien on such Copyrights, IP Licenses, Patents and Trademarks and, upon filing with the Applicable IP Office of the Confirmatory Grant of Security Interest in Copyrights, the Confirmatory Grant of Security Interest in Patents and the Confirmatory Grant of Security Interest in Trademarks (each, a “Confirmatory Grant”), and the filing of appropriate financing statements in the jurisdictions listed in Exhibit H hereto, all action necessary or desirable to protect and perfect the security interest in, to and on such Grantor’s Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights or IP Licenses have been taken and such perfected security interest is enforceable as such as against any and all creditors of and purchasers from such Grantor. Such Grantor has no interest in any Copyright that is necessary in connection with the operation of such Grantor’s business, except for those Copyrights identified in Exhibit D attached hereto which have been registered with the United States Copyright Office.
3.11. Filing Requirements. None of its Equipment is covered by any certificate of title, except for the vehicles described in Part I of Exhibit E. None of the Collateral owned by it is of a type for which security interests or liens may be perfected by filing under any federal statute except for (a) the vehicles described in Part II of Exhibit E and (b) Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights held by such Grantor and described in Exhibit D. The legal description, county and street address of each property on which any Fixtures are located is set forth in Exhibit F together with the name and address of the record owner of each such property.
3.12. No Financing Statements, Security Agreements. No financing statement or security agreement describing all or any portion of the Collateral which has not lapsed or been terminated (by a filing authorized by the secured party in respect thereof) naming such Grantor as debtor has been filed or is of record in any jurisdiction except for financing statements or security agreements (a) naming the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties as the secured party and (b) in respect to other Liens permitted under Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement.
3.13. Pledged Collateral.
(a) Exhibit G sets forth a complete and accurate list of all Pledged Collateral owned by such Grantor. Such Grantor is the direct, sole beneficial owner and sole holder of record of the Pledged Collateral listed on Exhibit G as being owned by it, free and clear of any Liens, except for any Liens permitted by Section 4.1(e). Such Grantor further represents and warrants that (i) all Pledged Collateral owned by it constituting an Equity Interest has been (to the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such Pledged Collateral) duly authorized, validly issued, are fully paid and non‑assessable, (ii) with respect to any certificates delivered to the Administrative Agent representing an Equity Interest, either such certificates are Securities as defined in Article 8 of the UCC as a result of actions by the issuer or otherwise, or, if such certificates are not Securities, such Grantor has so informed the Administrative Agent so that the Administrative Agent may take steps to perfect its security interest therein as a General Intangible, (iii) all such Pledged Collateral held by a securities intermediary is covered by a control agreement among such Grantor, the securities intermediary and the Administrative Agent pursuant to which the Administrative Agent has Control and (iv) all Pledged Collateral which represents Indebtedness owed to such Grantor has been duly authorized, authenticated or issued and delivered by the issuer of such Indebtedness, is the legal, valid and binding obligation of such issuer and such issuer is not in default thereunder.
(b) In addition, (i) none of the Pledged Collateral owned by it has been issued or transferred in violation of the securities registration, securities disclosure or similar laws of any jurisdiction to which such issuance or transfer may be subject, (ii) no options, warrants, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever (A) exist relating to such Pledged Collateral or (B) obligate the issuer of any Equity Interest included in the Pledged Collateral to issue additional Equity Interests, and (iii) no consent, approval, authorization, or other action by, and no giving of notice, filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person (other than filings required under the UCC) is required for the pledge by such Grantor of such Pledged Collateral pursuant to this Security Agreement or for the execution, delivery and performance of this Security Agreement by such Grantor, or for the exercise by the Administrative Agent of the voting or other rights provided for in this Security Agreement or for the remedies in respect of the Pledged Collateral pursuant to this Security Agreement, except as may be required in connection with such disposition by laws affecting the offering and sale of securities generally.
(c) Except as set forth in Exhibit G, such Grantor owns 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests which constitute Pledged Collateral owned by it and none of the Pledged Collateral which represents Indebtedness owed to such Grantor is subordinated in right of payment to other Indebtedness or subject to the terms of an indenture.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
From the date of this Security Agreement and thereafter until this Security Agreement is terminated pursuant to the terms hereof, each Grantor party hereto as of the date hereof agrees, and from and after the effective date of any Security Agreement Supplement applicable to any Grantor (and after giving effect to supplements, if any, to each of the Exhibits hereto with respect to such subsequent Grantor as attached to such Security Agreement Supplement) and thereafter until this Security Agreement is terminated pursuant to the terms hereof, each such additional Grantor agrees that:
4.1. General.
(a) Collateral Records. Such Grantor will maintain complete and accurate books and records with respect to the Collateral owned by it, and furnish to the Administrative Agent, with sufficient copies for each of the Lenders, such reports relating to such Collateral as the Administrative Agent shall from time to time request in its Permitted Discretion.
(b) Authorization to File Financing Statements; Ratification. Such Grantor hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to file, and if requested will deliver to the Administrative Agent, all financing statements and other documents and take such other actions as may from time to time be requested by the Administrative Agent in order to maintain a first perfected security interest in and, if applicable, Control of, the Collateral owned by such Grantor. Any financing statement filed by the Administrative Agent may be filed in any filing office in any UCC jurisdiction and may (i) indicate such Grantor’s Collateral (A) as all assets of the Grantor or words of similar effect, regardless of whether any particular asset comprised in the Collateral falls within the scope of Article 9 of the UCC of such jurisdiction, or (B) by any other description which reasonably approximates the description contained in this Security Agreement, and (ii) contain any other information required by part 5 of Article 9 of the UCC for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance of any financing statement or amendment, including (A) whether such Grantor is an organization, the type of organization and any organization identification number issued to such Grantor, and (B) in the case of a financing statement filed as a fixture filing or indicating such Grantor’s Collateral as as-extracted collateral or timber to be cut, a sufficient description of real property to which the Collateral relates. Such Grantor also agrees to furnish any such information described in the foregoing sentence to the Administrative Agent promptly upon request. Such Grantor also ratifies its authorization for the Administrative Agent to have filed in any UCC jurisdiction any initial financing statements or amendments thereto if filed prior to the date hereof.
(c) Further Assurances. Such Grantor will, if so requested by the Administrative Agent, furnish to the Administrative Agent, as often as the Administrative Agent requests in its Permitted Discretion, statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Collateral owned by it and such other reports and information in connection with its Collateral as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, all in such detail as the Administrative Agent may specify in its Permitted Discretion. Such Grantor also agrees to take any and all actions necessary to defend title to the Collateral against all persons and to defend the security interest of the Administrative Agent in its Collateral and the priority thereof against any Lien not expressly permitted hereunder.
(d) Disposition of Collateral. Such Grantor will not sell, lease or otherwise Dispose of the Collateral owned by it except for Dispositions specifically permitted pursuant to Section 6.05 of the Credit Agreement.
(e) Liens. Such Grantor will not create, incur, or suffer to exist any Lien on the Collateral owned by it except (i) the security interest created by this Security Agreement, and (ii) other Liens permitted under Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement.
(f) Other Financing Statements. Such Grantor will not authorize the filing of any financing statement naming it as debtor covering all or any portion of the Collateral owned by it, except for financing statements (i) naming the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties as the secured party, and (ii) in respect to other Liens permitted under Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement. Such Grantor acknowledges that it is not authorized to file any financing statement or amendment or termination statement with respect to any financing statement without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, subject to such Grantor’s rights under Section 9-509(d)(2) of the UCC.
(g) Locations. Such Grantor will not (i) maintain any Collateral (other than Inventory in transit) owned by it at any location other than those locations listed on Exhibit A or disclosed to Administrative Agent pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section, (ii) otherwise change, or add to, such locations without at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, and following delivery of such notice, such Grantor will exercise commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a Collateral Access Agreement for each such location to the extent required by Section 4.13), or (iii) change its principal place of business or chief executive office from the location identified on Exhibit A, without first giving fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent.
(h) Compliance with Terms. Such Grantor will perform and comply in all material respects with all obligations in respect of the Collateral owned by it and all agreements to which it is a party or by which it is bound relating to such Collateral.
4.2. Receivables.
(a) Certain Agreements on Receivables. Such Grantor will not make or agree to make any discount, credit, rebate or other reduction in the original amount owing on a Receivable or accept in satisfaction of a Receivable less than the original amount thereof, except that, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, such Grantor may reduce the amount of Accounts arising from the sale of Inventory in accordance with its present policies and in the ordinary course of business.
(b) Collection of Receivables. Except as otherwise provided in this Security Agreement, such Grantor will collect and enforce, at such Grantor’s sole expense, all amounts due or hereafter due to such Grantor under the Receivables owned by it.
(c) Delivery of Invoices. Such Grantor will deliver to the Administrative Agent promptly upon its request duplicate invoices with respect to each Account owned by it bearing such language of assignment as the Administrative Agent shall specify.
(d) Disclosure of Counterclaims on Receivables. If (i) any discount, credit or agreement to make a rebate or to otherwise reduce the amount owing on any Receivable owned by such Grantor exists or (ii) if, to the knowledge of such Grantor, any dispute, setoff, claim, counterclaim or defense exists or has been asserted or threatened in writing with respect to any such Receivable, such Grantor will disclose such fact on the Borrowing Base Certificates submitted by it.
(e) Electronic Chattel Paper. Such Grantor shall take all steps necessary to grant the Administrative Agent Control of all electronic chattel paper in accordance with the UCC and all “transferable records” as defined in each of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.
4.3. Inventory and Equipment.
(a) Maintenance of Goods. Such Grantor will do all things necessary to maintain, preserve, protect and keep its Inventory and the Equipment in good repair and working and saleable condition, except for damaged or defective goods arising in the ordinary course of such Grantor’s business and except for ordinary wear and tear in respect of the Equipment.
(b) Returned Inventory. If an Account Debtor returns any Inventory to such Grantor when no Event of Default exists, then such Grantor shall promptly determine the reason for such return and shall issue a credit memorandum to the Account Debtor in the appropriate amount. Such Grantor shall promptly report to the Administrative Agent any return involving an amount in excess of $1,000,000. Each such report shall indicate the reasons for the returns and the locations and condition of the returned Inventory. In the event any Account Debtor returns Inventory to such Grantor when an Event of Default exists, such Grantor, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, shall: (i) hold the returned Inventory in trust for the Administrative Agent; (ii) segregate all returned Inventory from all of its other property; (iii) dispose of the returned Inventory solely according to the Administrative Agent’s written instructions; and (iv) not issue any credits or allowances with respect thereto without the Administrative Agent’s prior written consent. All returned Inventory shall be subject to the Administrative Agent’s Liens thereon. Whenever any Inventory is returned, the related Account shall be deemed ineligible to the extent of the amount owing by the Account Debtor with respect to such returned Inventory and such returned Inventory shall not be Eligible Inventory.
(c) Inventory Count; Perpetual Inventory System. Such Grantor will conduct a physical count of its Inventory at least once per fiscal year, and after and during the continuation of an Event of Default, at such other times as the Administrative Agent reasonably requests. Such Grantor, at its own expense, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the results of each physical verification, which such Grantor has made, or has caused any other Person to make on its behalf, of all or any portion of its Inventory. Such Grantor will maintain a perpetual inventory reporting system at all times.
(d) Equipment. Such Grantor shall promptly inform the Administrative Agent of any additions to or deletions from Equipment included in the calculation of the M&E Component which individually or in the aggregate exceed $1,000,000. Such Grantor shall not permit any such Equipment to become a fixture with respect to real property or to become an accession with respect to other personal property with respect to which real or personal property the Administrative Agent does not have a Lien. Such Grantor will not, without the Administrative Agent’s prior written consent, alter or remove any identifying symbol or number on any of such Grantor’s Equipment constituting Collateral.
(e) Titled Vehicles. Such Grantor will give the Administrative Agent notice of its acquisition of any vehicle (other than any vehicle subject to a Lien that is permitted under Section 6.02(d) of the Credit Agreement) covered by a certificate of title and deliver to the Administrative Agent, upon request, the original of any vehicle title certificate and provide and/or file all other documents or instruments necessary to have the Lien of the Administrative Agent noted on any such certificate or with the appropriate state office.
4.4. Delivery of Instruments, Securities, Chattel Paper and Documents. Such Grantor will (a) deliver to the Administrative Agent promptly upon execution of this Security Agreement the originals of all Chattel Paper, Securities and Instruments constituting Collateral owned by it (if any then exist), (b) hold in trust for the Administrative Agent upon receipt and promptly thereafter deliver to the Administrative Agent any such Chattel Paper, Securities and Instruments constituting Collateral, (c) upon the Administrative Agent’s request, deliver to the Administrative Agent (and thereafter hold in trust for the Administrative Agent upon receipt and promptly deliver to the Administrative Agent) any Document evidencing or constituting Collateral and (d) promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request, deliver to the Administrative Agent a duly executed amendment to this Security Agreement, in the form of Exhibit I hereto (the “Amendment”), pursuant to which such Grantor will pledge such additional Collateral. Such Grantor hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to attach each Amendment to this Security Agreement and agrees that all additional Collateral owned by it set forth in such Amendments shall be considered to be part of the Collateral.
4.5. Uncertificated Pledged Collateral. Such Grantor will permit the Administrative Agent from time to time take commercially reasonable efforts to cause the appropriate issuers (and, if held with a securities intermediary, such securities intermediary) of uncertificated securities or other types of Pledged Collateral owned by it not represented by certificates to mark their books and records with the numbers and face amounts of all such uncertificated securities or other types of Pledged Collateral not represented by certificates and all rollovers and replacements therefor to reflect the Lien of the Administrative Agent granted pursuant to this Security Agreement. With respect to any Pledged Collateral owned by it, such Grantor will take any actions necessary to cause (a) the issuers of uncertificated securities which are Pledged Collateral and (b) any securities intermediary which is the holder of any such Pledged Collateral, to cause the Administrative Agent to have and retain Control over such Pledged Collateral. Without limiting the foregoing, such Grantor will, with respect to any such Pledged Collateral held with a securities intermediary, cause such securities intermediary to enter into a control agreement with the Administrative Agent, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, giving the Administrative Agent Control.
4.6. Pledged Collateral.
(a) Changes in Capital Structure of Issuers. Such Grantor will not (i) permit or suffer any issuer of an Equity Interest constituting Pledged Collateral owned by it to dissolve, merge, liquidate, retire any of its Equity Interests or other Instruments or Securities evidencing ownership, reduce its capital, sell or encumber all or substantially all of its assets (except for Permitted Encumbrances and Dispositions permitted pursuant to Section 4.1(d)) or merge or consolidate with any other entity, or (ii) vote any such Pledged Collateral in favor of any of the foregoing.
(b) Issuance of Additional Securities. Such Grantor will not permit or suffer the issuer of an Equity Interest constituting Pledged Collateral owned by it to issue additional Equity Interests, any right to receive the same or any right to receive earnings, except to such Grantor.
(c) Registration of Pledged Collateral. Such Grantor will permit any registerable Pledged Collateral owned by it to be registered in the name of the Administrative Agent or its nominee at any time at the option of the Required Lenders.
(d) Exercise of Rights in Pledged Collateral.
(i) Without in any way limiting the foregoing and subject to clause (ii) below, such Grantor shall have the right to exercise all voting rights or other rights relating to the Pledged Collateral owned by it for all purposes not inconsistent with this Security Agreement, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided however, that no vote or other right shall be exercised or action taken which would have the effect of impairing the rights of the Administrative Agent in respect of such Pledged Collateral.
(ii) Such Grantor will permit the Administrative Agent or its nominee at any time when an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, without notice, to exercise all voting rights or other rights relating to the Pledged Collateral owned by it, including, without limitation, exchange, subscription or any other rights, privileges, or options pertaining to any Equity Interest or Investment Property constituting such Pledged Collateral as if it were the absolute owner thereof.
(iii) Such Grantor shall be entitled to collect and receive for its own use all cash dividends and interest paid in respect of the Pledged Collateral owned by it to the extent not in violation of the Credit Agreement other than any of the following distributions and payments (collectively referred to as the “Excluded Payments”): (A) dividends and interest paid or payable other than in cash in respect of such Pledged Collateral, and instruments and other property received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Collateral; (B) dividends and other distributions paid or payable in cash in respect of such Pledged Collateral in connection with a partial or total liquidation or dissolution or in connection with a reduction of capital, capital surplus or paid-in capital of an issuer; and (C) cash paid, payable or otherwise distributed, in respect of principal of, or in redemption of, or in exchange for, such Pledged Collateral; provided however, that until actually paid, all rights to such distributions shall remain subject to the Lien created by this Security Agreement.
(iv) All Excluded Payments and all other distributions in respect of any Pledged Collateral owned by such Grantor, whenever paid or made, shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent to hold as Pledged Collateral and shall, if received by such Grantor, be received in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, be segregated from the other property or funds of such Grantor, and be forthwith delivered to the Administrative Agent as Pledged Collateral in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement).
(e) Interests in Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships. Each Grantor agrees that no ownership interests in a limited liability company or a limited partnership which are included within the Collateral owned by such Grantor shall at any time constitute a Security under Article 8 of the UCC of the applicable jurisdiction.
4.7. Intellectual Property.
(a) After any change to Exhibit D (or the information required to be disclosed thereon), such Grantor shall provide the Administrative Agent notification thereof in the next compliance certificate required to be delivered under the Credit Agreement and the respective Confirmatory Grant as described in this Section 4.7 and any other documents that Administrative Agent reasonably requests with respect thereto.
(b) Such Grantor shall (and shall cause all its licensees to) (i) (A) continue to use each Trademark included in the Material Intellectual Property in order to maintain such Trademark in full force and effect with respect to each class of goods for which such Trademark is currently used, free from any claim of abandonment for non-use, (B) maintain at least the same standards of quality of products and services offered under such Trademark as are currently maintained, (C) use such Trademark with the appropriate notice of registration and all other notices and legends required by applicable Requirements of Law and (D) not adopt or use any other Trademark that is confusingly similar or a colorable imitation of such Trademark unless Administrative Agent shall obtain a perfected security interest in such other Trademark pursuant to this Security Agreement and (ii) not do any act or omit to do any act whereby (A) such Trademark (or any goodwill associated therewith) may become destroyed, invalidated, impaired or harmed in any way, (B) any Patent included in the Material Intellectual Property may become forfeited, misused, unenforceable, abandoned or dedicated to the public, (C) any portion of the Copyrights included in the Material Intellectual Property may become invalidated, otherwise impaired or fall into the public domain or (D) any Trade Secret that is Material Intellectual Property may become publicly available or otherwise unprotectable.
(c) Such Grantor shall notify the Administrative Agent promptly if it knows, or has reason to know, that any application or registration relating to any Patent, Trademark, Copyright or other Material Intellectual Property may become forfeited, misused, unenforceable, abandoned or dedicated to the public, or of any adverse determination or development regarding the validity or enforceability or such Grantor’s ownership of, interest in, right to use, register, own or maintain any Patent, Trademark, Copyright or other Material Intellectual Property (including the institution of, or any such determination or development in, any proceeding relating to the foregoing in any Applicable IP Office). Such Grantor shall take all actions that are necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to maintain and pursue each application (and to obtain the relevant registration or recordation) and to maintain each registration and recordation included in the Material Intellectual Property.
(d) Such Grantor shall not knowingly do any act or omit to do any act to infringe, misappropriate, dilute, violate or otherwise impair the Intellectual Property of any other Person. In the event that any Material Intellectual Property of such Grantor is or has been infringed, misappropriated, violated, diluted or otherwise impaired by a third party, such Grantor shall promptly sue for infringement, misappropriation or dilution and to recover any and all damages for such infringement, misappropriation or dilution, and shall take such other actions as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate under the circumstances to protect such Material Intellectual Property.
(e) Such Grantor shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent and suitable for (i) filing in the Applicable IP Office the respective Confirmatory Grant in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent for all Copyrights, Trademarks, and Patents of such Grantor.
(f) Such Grantor shall take all actions necessary or requested by the Administrative Agent to maintain and pursue each application, to obtain the relevant registration and to maintain the registration of all Material Intellectual Property (now or hereafter existing), including the filing of applications for renewal, affidavits of use, affidavits of noncontestability and opposition and interference and cancellation proceedings.
4.8 Commercial Tort Claims. Such Grantor shall promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days after the same is acquired by it, notify the Administrative Agent of any commercial tort claim (as defined in the UCC) with a potential value in excess of $250,000 acquired by it and, unless the Administrative Agent otherwise consents, such Grantor shall enter into an amendment to this Security Agreement, in the form of Exhibit I hereto, granting to Administrative Agent a first priority security interest in such commercial tort claim.
4.9. Letter-of-Credit Rights. If such Grantor is or becomes the beneficiary of a letter of credit with a value in excess of $250,000, it shall promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days after becoming a beneficiary, notify the Administrative Agent thereof and upon the request of Administrative Agent, make commercial reasonable efforts to cause the issuer and/or confirmation bank to (a) consent to the assignment of any Letter-of-Credit Rights to the Administrative Agent and (b) agree to direct all payments thereunder to a Deposit Account at the Administrative Agent or subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement for application to the Secured Obligations, in accordance with Section 2.18 of the Credit Agreement, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
4.10. Federal, State or Municipal Claims. Such Grantor will promptly notify the Administrative Agent of any Collateral which constitutes a claim against the United States government or any state or local government or any instrumentality or agency thereof, the assignment of which claim is restricted by federal, state or municipal law.
4.11. No Interference. Such Grantor agrees that it will not interfere with any right, power and remedy of the Administrative Agent provided for in this Security Agreement or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise, or the exercise or beginning of the exercise by the Administrative Agent of any one or more of such rights, powers or remedies.
4.12. Insurance.
(a) In the event any Collateral is located in any area that has been designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a “Special Flood Hazard Area”, such Grantor shall purchase and maintain flood insurance on such Collateral (including any personal property which is located on any real property leased by such Loan Party within a “Special Flood Hazard Area”). The amount of flood insurance required by this Section shall be in an amount equal to the greater of the total replacement cost of such Collateral and the minimum amount required to comply with applicable law, including the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended.
(b) All insurance policies required hereunder and under Section 5.10 of the Credit Agreement shall name the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) as an additional insured or as lender loss payee, as applicable, and shall contain lender loss payable clauses or mortgagee clauses, through endorsements in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, which provide that: (i) all proceeds thereunder with respect to any Collateral shall be payable to the Administrative Agent; (ii) no such insurance shall be affected by any act or neglect of the insured or owner of the property described in such policy; and (iii) such policy and lender loss payable or mortgagee clauses may be canceled, amended, or terminated only upon at least thirty (30) days prior written notice given to the Administrative Agent.
(c) All premiums on any such insurance shall be paid when due by such Grantor, and copies of the policies delivered to the Administrative Agent. If such Grantor fails to obtain or maintain any insurance as required by this Section, the Administrative Agent may obtain such insurance at the Borrowers’ expense. By purchasing such insurance, the Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have waived any Default arising from such Grantor’s failure to maintain such insurance or pay any premiums therefor.
4.13. Collateral Access Agreements. Such Grantor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a Collateral Access Agreement, from the lessor of each leased property, mortgagee of owned property or bailee or consignee with respect to any warehouse, processor or converter facility or other location where Collateral is stored or located, which agreement or letter shall provide access rights, contain a waiver or subordination of all Liens or claims that the landlord, mortgagee, bailee or consignee may assert against the Collateral at that location, and shall otherwise be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent. With respect to such locations or warehouse space leased as of the Closing Date and thereafter, if the Administrative Agent has not received a Collateral Access Agreement as of the Effective Date (or, if later, as of the date such location is acquired or leased), the Borrowers’ Eligible Inventory at that location shall be subject to such Reserves as may be established by the Administrative Agent. After the Closing Date, no real property or warehouse space shall be leased by such Grantor and no Inventory shall be shipped to a processor or converter under arrangements established after the Closing Date, unless and until a satisfactory Collateral Access Agreement shall first have been obtained with respect to such location and if it has not been obtained, the Borrowers’ Eligible Inventory at that location shall be subject to the establishment of Reserves by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion. Such Grantor shall timely and fully pay and perform its obligations under all leases and other agreements with respect to each leased location or third party warehouse where any Collateral is or may be located.
4.14. Deposit Account Control Agreements. Such Grantor will provide to the Administrative Agent promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request, a Deposit Account Control Agreement duly executed on behalf of each financial institution holding a deposit account of such Grantor as set forth in this Security Agreement.
4.15. Change of Name or Location; Change of Fiscal Year. Such Grantor shall not (a) change its name as it appears in official filings in the state of its incorporation or organization, (b) change its chief executive office, principal place of business, mailing address, corporate offices or warehouses or locations at which Collateral is held or stored, or the location of its records concerning the Collateral as set forth in this Security Agreement, (c) change the type of entity that it is, (d) change its organization identification number, if any, issued by its state of incorporation or other organization, or (e) change its state of incorporation or organization, in each case, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received at least fifteen (15) days prior written notice and, prior to making any such change, such Grantor shall, take all actions requested by the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, to maintain the perfection and priority of the security interest of the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties in the Collateral intended to be granted hereunder and such other actions as are required pursuant to Section 4.1(g), provided that, any new location shall be in the continental U.S. Such Grantor shall not change its fiscal year which currently ends on March 31.
4.16 Assigned Contracts. Upon the Administrative Agent’s request, such Grantor will use commercially reasonable efforts to secure all consents and approvals necessary or appropriate for the assignment to or for the benefit of the Administrative Agent of any Assigned Contract held by such Grantor and to enforce the security interests granted hereunder. Such Grantor shall fully perform all of its obligations under each of its Assigned Contracts, and shall enforce all of its rights and remedies thereunder, in each case, as it deems appropriate in its business judgment; provided however, that such Grantor shall not take any action or fail to take any action with respect to its Assigned Contracts which would cause the termination of an Assigned Contract. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, such Grantor shall take all action necessary or appropriate to permit, and shall not take any action which would have any materially adverse effect upon, the full enforcement of all indemnification rights under its Assigned Contracts. Such Grantor shall notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in writing, promptly after such Grantor becomes aware thereof, of any event or fact which could give rise to a material claim by it for indemnification under any of its Assigned Contracts, and shall diligently pursue such right and report to the Administrative Agent on all further developments with respect thereto. Such Grantor shall deposit into a Deposit Account at the Administrative Agent or subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement for application to the Secured Obligations, in accordance with Section 2.18 of the Credit Agreement, all amounts received by such Grantor as indemnification or otherwise pursuant to its Assigned Contracts. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may, and at the direction of the Required Lenders shall, directly enforce such right in its own or such Grantor’s name and may enter into such settlements or other agreements with respect thereto as the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, as applicable, shall determine. In any suit, proceeding or action brought by the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties under any Assigned Contract for any sum owing thereunder or to enforce any provision thereof, such Grantor shall indemnify and hold the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties harmless from and against all expense, loss or damage suffered by reason of any defense, setoff, counterclaims, recoupment, or reduction of liability whatsoever of the obligor thereunder arising out of a breach by such Grantor of any obligation thereunder or arising out of any other agreement, indebtedness or liability at any time owing from such Grantor to or in favor of such obligor or its successors. All such obligations of such Grantor shall be and remain enforceable only against such Grantor and shall not be enforceable against the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, such Grantor shall at all times remain liable to observe and perform all of its duties and obligations under its Assigned Contracts, and the Administrative Agent’s or any other Secured Party’s exercise of any of their respective rights with respect to the Collateral shall not release such Grantor from any of such duties and obligations. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any other Secured Party shall be obligated to perform or fulfill any of such Grantor’s duties or obligations under its Assigned Contracts or to make any payment thereunder, or to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment or property received by it thereunder or the sufficiency of performance by any party thereunder, or to present or file any claim, or to take any action to collect or enforce any performance, any payment of any amounts, or any delivery of any property.
ARTICLE V
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
5.1. Events of Default. The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder:
(a) Any representation or warranty made by or on behalf of any Grantor under or in connection with this Security Agreement shall be materially false as of the date on which made.
(b) Any Grantor shall fail to observe or perform any of the terms or provisions of Article VII.
(c) Any Grantor shall fail to observe or perform any of the terms or provisions of this Security Agreement (other than a breach which constitutes an Event of Default under any other Section of this Article V) and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of ten (10) days after the earlier of knowledge of such breach or notice thereof from the Administrative Agent.
(d) The occurrence of any “Event of Default” under, and as defined in, the Credit Agreement.
(e) Any Equity Interest which is included within the Collateral shall at any time constitute a Security or the issuer of any such Equity Interest shall take any action to have such interests treated as a Security unless (i) all certificates or other documents constituting such Security have been delivered to the Administrative Agent and such Security is properly defined as such under Article 8 of the UCC of the applicable jurisdiction, whether as a result of actions by the issuer thereof or otherwise, or (ii) the Administrative Agent has entered into a control agreement with the issuer of such Security or with a securities intermediary relating to such Security and such Security is defined as such under Article 8 of the UCC of the applicable jurisdiction, whether as a result of actions by the issuer thereof or otherwise.
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5.2. |
Remedies. |
(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of Required Lenders will, exercise any or all of the following rights and remedies:
(i) those rights and remedies provided in this Security Agreement, the Credit Agreement, or any other Loan Document; provided that, this Section 5.2(a) shall not be understood to limit any rights or remedies available to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties prior to an Event of Default;
(ii) those rights and remedies available to a secured party under the UCC (whether or not the UCC applies to the affected Collateral) or under any other applicable law (including, without limitation, any law governing the exercise of a bank’s right of setoff or bankers’ lien) when a debtor is in default under a security agreement;
(iii) give notice of sole control or any other instruction under any Deposit Account Control Agreement or and other control agreement with any securities intermediary and take any action therein with respect to such Collateral;
(iv) without notice (except as specifically provided in Section 8.1 or elsewhere herein), demand or advertisement of any kind to any Grantor or any other Person, enter the premises of any Grantor where any Collateral is located (through self-help and without judicial process) to collect, receive, assemble, process, appropriate, sell, lease, assign, grant an option or options to purchase or otherwise dispose of, deliver, or realize upon, the Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale or sales (which sales may be adjourned or continued from time to time with or without notice and may take place at any Grantor’s premises or elsewhere), for cash, on credit or for future delivery without assumption of any credit risk, and upon such other terms as the Administrative Agent may deem commercially reasonable; and
(v) concurrently with written notice to the applicable Grantor, transfer and register in its name or in the name of its nominee the whole or any part of the Pledged Collateral, exchange certificates or instruments representing or evidencing Pledged Collateral for certificates or instruments of smaller or larger denominations, exercise the voting and all other rights as a holder with respect thereto, to collect and receive all cash dividends, interest, principal and other distributions made thereon and to otherwise act with respect to the Pledged Collateral as though the Administrative Agent was the outright owner thereof.
(b) The Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, may comply with any applicable state or federal law requirements in connection with a disposition of the Collateral and compliance will not be considered to adversely affect the commercial reasonableness of any sale of the Collateral.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall have the right upon any such public sale or sales and, to the extent permitted by law, upon any such private sale or sales, to purchase for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, the whole or any part of the Collateral so sold, free of any right of equity redemption, which equity redemption each Grantor hereby expressly releases.
(d) Until the Administrative Agent is able to effect a sale, lease, or other disposition of Collateral, the Administrative Agent shall have the right to hold or use Collateral, or any part thereof, to the extent that it deems appropriate for the purpose of preserving Collateral or its value or for any other purpose deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may, if it so elects, seek the appointment of a receiver or keeper to take possession of Collateral and to enforce any of the Administrative Agent’s remedies (for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties), with respect to such appointment without prior notice or hearing as to such appointment.
(e) Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Required Lenders, if, after the Credit Agreement has terminated by its terms and all of the Obligations have been Paid in Full, there remain Swap Agreement Obligations outstanding, the Required Lenders may exercise the remedies provided in this Section 5.2 upon the occurrence of any event which would allow or require the termination or acceleration of any Swap Agreement Obligations pursuant to the terms of the Swap Agreement.
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Administrative Agent nor any other Secured Party shall be required to (i) make any demand upon, or pursue or exhaust any of its rights or remedies against, any Grantor, any other obligor, guarantor, pledgor or any other Person with respect to the payment of the Secured Obligations or to pursue or exhaust any of its rights or remedies with respect to any Collateral therefor or any direct or indirect guarantee thereof, (ii) marshal the Collateral or any guarantee of the Secured Obligations or to resort to the Collateral or any such guarantee in any particular order, or (iii) effect a public sale of any Collateral.
(g) Each Grantor recognizes that the Administrative Agent may be unable to effect a public sale of any or all the Pledged Collateral and may be compelled to resort to one or more private sales thereof in accordance with clause (a) above. Each Grantor also acknowledges that any private sale may result in prices and other terms less favorable to the seller than if such sale were a public sale and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agrees that any such private sale shall not be deemed to have been made in a commercially unreasonable manner solely by virtue of such sale being private. The Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation to delay a sale of any of the Pledged Collateral for the period of time necessary to permit any Grantor or the issuer of the Pledged Collateral to register such securities for public sale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under applicable state securities laws, even if the applicable Grantor and the issuer would agree to do so.
5.3. Grantor’s Obligations Upon Default. Upon the request of the Administrative Agent after the occurrence of a Default, each Grantor will:
(a) assemble and make available to the Administrative Agent the Collateral and all books and records relating thereto at any place or places specified by the Administrative Agent, whether at such Grantor’s premises or elsewhere;
(b) permit the Administrative Agent, by the Administrative Agent’s representatives and agents, to enter, occupy and use any premises where all or any part of the Collateral, or the books and records relating thereto, or both, are located, to take possession of all or any part of the Collateral or the books and records relating thereto, or both, to remove all or any part of the Collateral or the books and records relating thereto, or both, and to conduct sales of the Collateral, without any obligation to pay such Grantor for such use and occupancy;
(c) prepare and file, or cause an issuer of Pledged Collateral to prepare and file, with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other applicable government agency, registration statements, a prospectus and such other documentation in connection with the Pledged Collateral as the Administrative Agent may request, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and furnish to the Administrative Agent, or cause an issuer of Pledged Collateral to furnish to the Administrative Agent, any information regarding the Pledged Collateral in such detail as the Administrative Agent may specify;
(d) take, or cause an issuer of Pledged Collateral to take, any and all actions necessary to register or qualify the Pledged Collateral to enable the Administrative Agent to consummate a public sale or other disposition of the Pledged Collateral; and
(e) at its own expense, cause the independent certified public accountants then engaged by each Grantor to prepare and deliver to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, at any time, and from time to time, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request, the following reports with respect to the applicable Grantor: (i) a reconciliation of all Accounts; (ii) an aging of all Accounts; (iii) trial balances; and (iv) a test verification of such Accounts.
5.4. Grant of Intellectual Property License. For the purpose of enabling the Administrative Agent to exercise the rights and remedies under this Article V at such time as the Administrative Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies (including in order to take possession of, collect, receive, assemble, process, appropriate, remove, realize upon, sell, assign, convey, transfer or grant options to purchase any Collateral), each Grantor hereby (a) grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, an irrevocable, nonexclusive worldwide license (exercisable without payment of royalty or other compensation to any Grantor), including in such license the right to use, license, sublicense or practice any Intellectual Property now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor, and wherever the same may be located, and including in such license access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all Software and programs used for the compilation or printout thereof and (b) irrevocably agrees that the Administrative Agent may sell any of such Grantor’s Inventory directly to any person, including without limitation persons who have previously purchased the Grantor’s Inventory from such Grantor and in connection with any such sale or other enforcement of the Administrative Agent’s rights under this Security Agreement, may sell Inventory which bears any Trademark owned by or licensed to such Grantor and any Inventory that is covered by any Copyright owned by or licensed to such Grantor and the Administrative Agent may (but shall have no obligation to) finish any work in process and affix any Trademark owned by or licensed to such Grantor and sell such Inventory as provided herein.
ARTICLE VI
ACCOUNT VERIFICATION; ATTORNEY IN FACT; PROXY
6.1. Account Verification. The Administrative Agent may at any time after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, in the Administrative Agent’s own name, in the name of a nominee of the Administrative Agent, or in the name of any Grantor communicate (by mail, telephone, facsimile or otherwise) with the Account Debtors of any such Grantor, parties to contracts with any such Grantor and obligors in respect of Instruments of any such Grantor to verify with such Persons, to the Administrative Agent’s satisfaction, the existence, amount, terms of, and any other matter relating to, Accounts, Instruments, Chattel Paper, payment intangibles and/or other Receivables.
6.2. Authorization for Administrative Agent to Take Certain Action.
(a) Each Grantor irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent at any time and from time to time in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and appoints the Administrative Agent as its attorney in fact (i) to execute on behalf of such Grantor as debtor and to file any financing statements necessary or desirable in the Administrative Agent’s sole discretion to perfect and to maintain the perfection and priority of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral, (ii) in the case of any Intellectual Property owned by or licensed to such Grantor, execute, deliver and have recorded any document that the Administrative Agent may request to evidence, effect, publicize or record the Administrative Agent’s security interest in such Intellectual Property and the goodwill and General Intangibles of such Grantor relating thereto or represented thereby, (iii) to endorse and collect any cash proceeds of the Collateral, (iv) to file a carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Security Agreement or any financing statement with respect to the Collateral as a financing statement and to file any other financing statement or amendment of a financing statement (which does not add new collateral or add a debtor) in such offices as the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion deems necessary or desirable to perfect and to maintain the perfection and priority of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral, (v) to contact and enter into one or more agreements with the issuers of uncertificated securities which are Pledged Collateral or with securities intermediaries holding Pledged Collateral as may be necessary or advisable to give the Administrative Agent Control over such Pledged Collateral, (vi) to apply the proceeds of any Collateral received by the Administrative Agent to the Secured Obligations as provided in Section 7.3, (vii) to discharge past due taxes, assessments, charges, fees or Liens on the Collateral (except for such Liens that are permitted under Section 4.1(e)), (viii) to contact Account Debtors for any reason, (ix) to demand payment or enforce payment of the Receivables in the name of the Administrative Agent or such Grantor and to endorse any and all checks, drafts, and other instruments for the payment of money relating to the Receivables, (x) to sign such Grantor’s name on any invoice or bill of lading relating to the Receivables, drafts against any Account Debtor of such Grantor, assignments and verifications of Receivables, (xi) to exercise all of such Grantor’s rights and remedies with respect to the collection of the Receivables and any other Collateral, (xii) to settle, adjust, compromise, extend or renew the Receivables, (xiii) to settle, adjust or compromise any legal proceedings brought to collect Receivables, (xiv) to prepare, file and sign such Grantor’s name on a proof of claim in bankruptcy or similar document against any Account Debtor of such Grantor, (xv) to prepare, file and sign such Grantor’s name on any notice of Lien, assignment or satisfaction of Lien or similar document in connection with the Receivables, (xvi) to change the address for delivery of mail addressed to such Grantor to such address as the Administrative Agent may designate and to receive, open and dispose of all mail addressed to such Grantor, and (xvii) to do all other acts and things necessary to carry out this Security Agreement; and such Grantor agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent on demand for any payment made or any expense incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that, this authorization shall not relieve such Grantor of any of its obligations under this Security Agreement or under the Credit Agreement.
(b) All acts of said attorney or designee are hereby ratified and approved. The powers conferred on the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, under this Section 6.2 are solely to protect the Administrative Agent’s interests in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to exercise any such powers. The Administrative Agent agrees that, except for the powers granted in Section 6.2(a)(i)-(vii) and Section 6.2(a)(xvii), it shall not exercise any power or authority granted to it unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
6.3. Proxy. EACH GRANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSTITUTES AND APPOINTS THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AS ITS PROXY AND ATTORNEY‑IN‑FACT (AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 6.2 ABOVE) WITH RESPECT TO ITS PLEDGED COLLATERAL, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO VOTE ANY OF THE PLEDGED COLLATERAL, WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION TO DO SO. IN ADDITION TO THE RIGHT TO VOTE ANY OF THE PLEDGED COLLATERAL, THE APPOINTMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AS PROXY AND ATTORNEY-IN-FACT SHALL INCLUDE THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER RIGHTS, POWERS, PRIVILEGES AND REMEDIES TO WHICH A HOLDER OF ANY OF THE PLEDGED COLLATERAL WOULD BE ENTITLED (INCLUDING GIVING OR WITHHOLDING WRITTEN CONSENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS, CALLING SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS AND VOTING AT SUCH MEETINGS). SUCH PROXY SHALL BE EFFECTIVE, AUTOMATICALLY AND WITHOUT THE NECESSITY OF ANY ACTION (INCLUDING ANY TRANSFER OF ANY OF THE PLEDGED COLLATERAL ON THE RECORD BOOKS OF THE ISSUER THEREOF) BY ANY PERSON (INCLUDING THE ISSUER OF THE PLEDGED COLLATERAL OR ANY OFFICER OR AGENT THEREOF), UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF A DEFAULT.
6.4. Nature of Appointment; Limitation of Duty. THE APPOINTMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AS PROXY AND ATTORNEY-IN-FACT IN THIS ARTICLE VI IS COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST AND SHALL BE IRREVOCABLE UNTIL THE DATE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT IS TERMINATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8.14. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING CONTAINED HEREIN, NONE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER, ANY OTHER SECURED PARTY, ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES, OR ANY OF THEIR OR THEIR AFFILIATES’ RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, ADVISORS, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES SHALL HAVE ANY DUTY TO EXERCISE ANY RIGHT OR POWER GRANTED HEREUNDER OR OTHERWISE OR TO PRESERVE THE SAME AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY FAILURE TO DO SO OR FOR ANY DELAY IN DOING SO, EXCEPT IN RESPECT OF DAMAGES FOUND BY A FINAL, NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT OF A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO HAVE PRIMARILY RESULTED FROM SUCH PARTY’S OWN GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT IN PERFORMING ITS ACTIVITIES OR FURNISHING ITS SERVICES UNDER THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT; PROVIDED THAT, IN NO EVENT SHALL THEY BE LIABLE FOR ANY PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
ARTICLE VII
COLLECTION AND APPLICATION OF COLLATERAL PROCEEDS; DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS
7.1. Collection of Receivables.
(a) On or before the Closing Date, each Grantor shall (i) execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent Deposit Account Control Agreements for each Deposit Account maintained by such Grantor into which all cash, checks or other similar payments relating to or constituting payments made in respect of Receivables will be deposited (each, a “Collateral Deposit Account”), which Collateral Deposit Accounts are identified as such on Exhibit B, and (ii) establish lock box service (the “Lock Boxes”) with the bank(s) set forth in Exhibit B, which Lock Boxes shall be subject to irrevocable lockbox agreements in the form provided by or otherwise acceptable to the Administrative Agent and shall be accompanied by an acknowledgment by the bank where the Lock Box is located of the Lien of the Administrative Agent granted hereunder and of irrevocable instructions to wire all amounts collected therein to the Collection Account (each, a “Lock Box Agreement”), provided, that, if any such Collateral Deposit Account or Lock Box is maintained with the Administrative Agent, a Deposit Account Control Agreement or lockbox agreement, as applicable, will be required with respect thereto only upon request by Administrative Agent. After the Closing Date, each Grantor will comply with the terms of Section 7.2.
(b) Each Grantor shall direct all of its Account Debtors to forward payments directly to Lock Boxes subject to Lock Box Agreements. The Administrative Agent shall have sole access to the Lock Boxes at all times and each Grantor shall take all actions necessary to grant the Administrative Agent such sole access. At no time shall any Grantor remove any item from a Lock Box or a Collateral Deposit Account without the Administrative Agent’s prior written consent. If any Grantor should refuse or neglect to notify any Account Debtor to forward payments directly to a Lock Box subject to a Lock Box Agreement after notice from the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent shall, notwithstanding the language set forth in Section 6.2(b) be entitled to make such notification directly to such Account Debtor. If notwithstanding the foregoing instructions, any Grantor receives any proceeds of any Receivables, such Grantor shall receive such payments as the Administrative Agent’s trustee, and shall immediately deposit all cash, checks or other similar payments related to or constituting payments made in respect of Receivables received by it to a Collateral Deposit Account. All funds deposited into any Lock Box subject to a Lock Box Agreement or a Collateral Deposit Account will be swept on a daily basis into a collection account maintained by such Grantor with the Administrative Agent (the “Collection Account”). The Administrative Agent shall hold and apply funds received into the Collection Account as provided by the terms of Section 7.3.
7.2. Covenant Regarding New Deposit Accounts; Lock Boxes. Before opening or replacing any Collateral Deposit Account or other Deposit Account, or establishing a new Lock Box, each Grantor shall (a) have given the Administrative Agent fifteen (15) Business Days prior written notice of its intention to establish such new Deposit Account, Collateral Deposit Account or Lock Boxes, and (b) cause each bank or financial institution in which it seeks to open (i) a Collateral Deposit Account or other Deposit Account, to enter into a Deposit Account Control Agreement with the Administrative Agent in order to give the Administrative Agent Control of such Collateral Deposit Account or other Deposit Account and provide for a daily sweep into the Collection Account, or (ii) a Lock Box, to enter into a Lock Box Agreement with the Administrative Agent in order to give the Administrative Agent Control of the Lock Box and provide for a daily sweep into the Collection Account, provided, that, if any such Deposit Account or Lock Box is maintained with the Administrative Agent, a Deposit Account Control Agreement or lockbox agreement, as applicable, will be required with respect thereto only upon request by Administrative Agent. In the case of Deposit Accounts or Lock Boxes maintained with Lenders, the terms of such letter shall be subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement regarding setoffs.
7.3. Application of Proceeds; Deficiency. All amounts deposited in the Collection Account shall be deemed received by the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 2.18 of the Credit Agreement and shall, after having been credited to the Collection Account, be applied (and allocated) by Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 2.10(b) of the Credit Agreement; provided that, so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing, and Availability is not less than the greater of (1) 20% of the Aggregate Revolving Commitment or (2) $8,000,000, collections which are received into the Collection Account shall be deposited into the Borrower’s Funding Account rather than being used to reduce amounts owing under the Credit Agreement, unless Administrative Agent elects in its sole discretion to continue applying such amounts in accordance with Section 2.10(b) of the Credit Agreement. All proceeds of the Collateral shall be applied in the order set forth in Section 2.18 of the Credit Agreement unless a court of competent jurisdiction shall otherwise direct. The balance, if any, after all of the Secured Obligations have been satisfied, shall be deposited by the Administrative Agent into such Borrowers’ general operating account with the Administrative Agent. The Grantors shall remain liable, jointly and severally, for any deficiency if the proceeds of any sale or disposition of the Collateral are insufficient to pay all Secured Obligations, including any attorneys’ fees and other expenses incurred by Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to collect such deficiency.
ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.1. Waivers. Each Grantor hereby waives notice of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale or other disposition of all or any part of the Collateral may be made. To the extent such notice may not be waived under applicable law, any notice made shall be deemed reasonable if sent to the Grantors, addressed as set forth in Article IX, at least ten days prior to (a) the date of any such public sale or (b) the time after which any such private sale or other disposition may be made. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, each Grantor waives all claims, damages, and demands against the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party arising out of the repossession, retention or sale of the Collateral, except such as arise solely out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent or such other Secured Party as found by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. To the extent it may lawfully do so, each Grantor absolutely and irrevocably waives and relinquishes the benefit and advantage of, and covenants not to assert against the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party, any valuation, stay, appraisal, extension, moratorium, redemption or similar laws and any and all rights or defenses it may have as a surety now or hereafter existing which, but for this provision, might be applicable to the sale of any Collateral made under the judgment, order or decree of any court, or privately under the power of sale conferred by this Security Agreement, or otherwise. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each Grantor hereby waives presentment, demand, protest or any notice (to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law) of any kind in connection with this Security Agreement or any Collateral.
8.2. Limitation on Administrative Agent’s and Other Secured Parties’ Duty with Respect to the Collateral. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to clean-up or otherwise prepare the Collateral for sale. The Administrative Agent and each other Secured Party shall use reasonable care with respect to the Collateral in its possession or under its control. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any other Secured Party shall have any other duty as to any Collateral in its possession or control or in the possession or control of any agent or nominee of the Administrative Agent or such other Secured Party, or any income thereon or as to the preservation of rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining thereto. To the extent that applicable law imposes duties on the Administrative Agent to exercise remedies in a commercially reasonable manner, each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that it is commercially reasonable for the Administrative Agent to (a) fail to incur expenses deemed significant by the Administrative Agent to prepare Collateral for disposition or otherwise to transform raw material or work in process into finished goods or other finished products for disposition, (b) fail to obtain third party consents for access to Collateral to be disposed of, or to obtain or, if not required by other law, to fail to obtain governmental or third party consents for the collection or disposition of Collateral to be collected or disposed of, (c) fail to exercise collection remedies against Account Debtors or other Persons obligated on Collateral or to remove Liens on or any adverse claims against Collateral, (d) exercise collection remedies against Account Debtors and other Persons obligated on Collateral directly or through the use of collection agencies and other collection specialists, (e) advertise dispositions of Collateral through publications or media of general circulation, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature, (f) contact other Persons, whether or not in the same business as such Grantor, for expressions of interest in acquiring all or any portion of the Collateral, (g) hire one or more professional auctioneers to assist in the disposition of Collateral, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature, (h) dispose of Collateral by utilizing internet sites that provide for the auction of assets of the types included in the Collateral or that have the reasonable capacity of doing so, or that match buyers and sellers of assets, (i) dispose of assets in wholesale rather than retail markets, (j) disclaim disposition warranties, such as title, possession or quiet enjoyment, (k) purchase insurance or credit enhancements to insure the Administrative Agent against risks of loss, collection or disposition of Collateral or to provide to the Administrative Agent a guaranteed return from the collection or disposition of Collateral, or (l) the extent deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent, to obtain the services of other brokers, investment bankers, consultants and other professionals to assist the Administrative Agent in the collection or disposition of any of the Collateral. Each Grantor acknowledges that the purpose of this Section 8.2 is to provide non-exhaustive indications of what actions or omissions by the Administrative Agent would be commercially reasonable in the Administrative Agent’s exercise of remedies against the Collateral and that other actions or omissions by the Administrative Agent shall not be deemed commercially unreasonable solely on account of not being indicated in this Section 8.2. Without limitation upon the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 8.2 shall be construed to grant any rights to any Grantor or to impose any duties on the Administrative Agent that would not have been granted or imposed by this Security Agreement or by applicable law in the absence of this Section 8.2.
8.3. Compromises and Collection of Collateral. The Grantors and the Administrative Agent recognize that setoffs, counterclaims, defenses and other claims may be asserted by obligors with respect to certain of the Receivables, that certain of the Receivables may be or become uncollectible in whole or in part and that the expense and probability of success in litigating a disputed Receivable may exceed the amount that reasonably may be expected to be recovered with respect to a Receivable. In view of the foregoing, each Grantor agrees that the Administrative Agent may at any time and from time to time, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, compromise with the obligor on any Receivable, accept in full payment of any Receivable such amount as the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion shall determine or abandon any Receivable, and any such action by the Administrative Agent shall be commercially reasonable so long as the Administrative Agent acts in good faith based on information known to it at the time it takes any such action.
8.4. Secured Party Performance of Debtor Obligations. Without having any obligation to do so, the Administrative Agent may perform or pay any obligation which any Grantor has agreed to perform or pay in this Security Agreement and the Grantors shall reimburse the Administrative Agent for any reasonable and documented amounts paid by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 8.4. The Grantors’ obligation to reimburse the Administrative Agent pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be a Secured Obligation payable on demand.
8.5. Specific Performance of Certain Covenants. Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that a breach of any of the covenants contained in Sections 4.1(d), 4.1(e), 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.15, 4.16, 5.3, or 8.7 or in Article VII will cause irreparable injury to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, that the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties have no adequate remedy at law in respect of such breaches and therefore agrees, without limiting the right of the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties to seek and obtain specific performance of other obligations of the Grantors contained in this Security Agreement, that the covenants of the Grantors contained in the Sections referred to in this Section 8.5 shall be specifically enforceable against the Grantors.
8.6. Dispositions Not Authorized. No Grantor is authorized to sell or otherwise Dispose of the Collateral except as set forth in Section 4.1(d) and notwithstanding any course of dealing between any Grantor and the Administrative Agent or other conduct of the Administrative Agent, no authorization to sell or otherwise Dispose of the Collateral (except as set forth in Section 4.1(d)) shall be binding upon the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties unless such authorization is provided by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement or with the consent or at the direction of the Required Lenders.
8.7. No Waiver; Amendments; Cumulative Remedies. No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party in exercising any right or power under this Security Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Security Agreement or consent to any departure by the Grantors therefrom shall in any event be effective unless in writing signed by the Administrative Agent with the concurrence or at the direction of the Lenders required under Section 9.02 of the Credit Agreement and then only to the extent in such writing specifically set forth.
8.8. Limitation by Law; Severability of Provisions. All rights, remedies and powers provided in this Security Agreement may be exercised only to the extent that the exercise thereof does not violate any applicable provision of law, and all the provisions of this Security Agreement are intended to be subject to all applicable mandatory provisions of law that may be controlling and to be limited to the extent necessary so that they shall not render this Security Agreement invalid, unenforceable or not entitled to be recorded or registered, in whole or in part. Any provision in this Security Agreement 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 thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction, and to this end the provisions of this Security Agreement are declared to be severable.
8.9. Reinstatement. This Security Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition be filed by or against any Grantor for liquidation or reorganization, should any Grantor become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of any creditor or creditors or should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of any Grantor’s assets, and shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, or any part thereof (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff), is, pursuant to applicable law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligee of the Secured Obligations, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent conveyance,” or otherwise (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by a Secured Party in its discretion), all as though such payment or performance had not been made. In the event that any payment, or any part thereof (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff), is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the Secured Obligations shall be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.
8.10. Benefit of Agreement. The terms and provisions of this Security Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Grantors, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns (including all persons who become bound as a debtor to this Security Agreement), except that no Grantor shall have the right to assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Security Agreement or any interest herein, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent. No sales of participations, assignments, transfers, or other dispositions of any agreement governing the Secured Obligations or any portion thereof or interest therein shall in any manner impair the Lien granted to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, hereunder.
8.11. Survival of Representations. All representations and warranties of the Grantors contained in this Security Agreement shall survive the execution and delivery of this Security Agreement.
8.12. Taxes and Expenses. Any taxes (including income taxes) payable or ruled payable by Federal or State authority in respect of this Security Agreement shall be paid by the Grantors, together with interest and penalties, if any. The Grantors shall reimburse the Administrative Agent for any and all reasonable and documented out‑of‑pocket expenses (including reasonable and documented attorneys’, auditors’ and accountants’ fees and reasonable time charges of attorneys, paralegals, auditors and accountants) paid or incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, collection and enforcement of this Security Agreement and in the audit, analysis, administration, collection, preservation or sale of the Collateral (including the expenses and charges associated with any periodic or special audit of the Collateral). Any and all costs and expenses incurred by the Grantors in the performance of actions required pursuant to the terms hereof shall be borne solely by the Grantors.
8.13. Headings. The title of and section headings in this Security Agreement are for convenience of reference only, and shall not govern the interpretation of any of the terms and provisions of this Security Agreement.
8.14. Termination. This Security Agreement shall continue in effect (notwithstanding the fact that from time to time there may be no Secured Obligations outstanding) until (a) the Credit Agreement has terminated pursuant to its express terms and (b) all of the Secured Obligations have been Paid in Full.
8.15. Entire Agreement. This Security Agreement and the other Loan Documents embody the entire agreement and understanding between the Grantors and the Administrative Agent relating to the Collateral and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the Grantors and the Administrative Agent relating to the Collateral.
8.16. CHOICE OF LAW. THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS APPLICABLE TO NATIONAL BANKS.
8.17. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. EACH GRANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY U.S. FEDERAL OR NEW YORK STATE COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT AND EACH GRANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN ANY SUCH COURT AND IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY LEGALLY AND EFFECTIVELY DO SO, ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE AS TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH A COURT OR THAT SUCH COURT IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST ANY GRANTOR IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION. ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BY ANY GRANTOR AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO OR CONNECTED WITH THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT ONLY IN A COURT IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK.
8.18. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE OR OTHER AGENT (INCLUDING ANY ATTORNEY) OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
8.19. Indemnity. Each Grantor hereby agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, and their respective successors, assigns, officers, directors, advisors, agents and employees, from and against any and all liabilities, losses, claims (including intraparty claims), demands, damages, penalties, suits, fees, costs, and expenses of any kind and nature (including, without limitation, all expenses of litigation or preparation therefor whether or not the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party is a party thereto) imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties, or their respective successors, assigns, officers, directors, advisors, agents and employees, in any way relating to or arising out of this Security Agreement, or the manufacture, purchase, acceptance, rejection, ownership, delivery, lease, possession, use, operation, condition, sale, return or other disposition of any Collateral (including, without limitation, latent and other defects, whether or not discoverable by the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties or any Grantor, and any claim for Patent, Trademark or Copyright infringement).
8.20. Counterparts. This Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement. Subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement, delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Security Agreement that is an Electronic Signature (as defined in the Credit Agreement) transmitted by facsimile, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of the actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Security Agreement.
8.21. Lien Absolute. All rights of the Administrative Agent hereunder, and all obligations of the Grantors hereunder, shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of:
(a) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument governing or evidencing any Secured Obligations;
(b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any part of the Secured Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument governing or evidencing any Secured Obligations;
(c) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any Collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to departure from any guaranty, for all or any of the Secured Obligations;
(d) the insolvency of any Person; or
(e) any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Grantor.
8.22. Release. Each Grantor consents and agrees that the Administrative Agent may at any time, or from time to time, in its discretion:
(a) renew, extend or change the time of payment, and/or the manner, place or terms of payment of all or any part of the Secured Obligations; and
(b) exchange, release and/or surrender all or any of the Collateral (including the Pledged Collateral), or any part thereof, by whomsoever deposited, which is now or may hereafter be held by the Administrative Agent in connection with all or any of the Secured Obligations; all in such manner and upon such terms as the Administrative Agent may deem proper, and without notice to or further assent from any Grantor, it being hereby agreed that each Grantor shall be and remain bound upon this Security Agreement, irrespective of the value or condition of any of the Collateral, and notwithstanding any such change, exchange, settlement, compromise, surrender, release, renewal or extension, and notwithstanding also that the Secured Obligations may, at any time, exceed the aggregate principal amount thereof set forth in the Credit Agreement, or any other agreement governing any Secured Obligations.
ARTICLE IX
NOTICES
9.1. Sending Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Security Agreement shall be sent in accordance with Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement.
9.2. Change in Address for Notices. Each of the Grantors, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may change the address for service of notice upon it by a notice in writing to the other parties.
ARTICLE X
THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. has been appointed Administrative Agent for the other Secured Parties hereunder pursuant to Article VIII of the Credit Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties to this Security Agreement that any authority conferred upon the Administrative Agent hereunder is subject to the terms of the delegation of authority made by the Secured Parties to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Article VIII of the Credit Agreement, and that the Administrative Agent has agreed to act (and any successor Administrative Agent shall act) as such hereunder only on the express conditions contained in such Article VIII. Any successor Administrative Agent appointed pursuant to Article VIII of the Credit Agreement shall be entitled to all the rights, interests and benefits of the Administrative Agent hereunder.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantors and the Administrative Agent have executed this Security Agreement as of the date first above written.
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GRANTORS:
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED, a Texas corporation |
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By: |
/s/ Alex LaRue |
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Name: Alex LaRue Title: Chief Financial Officer
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JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent |
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| By: | /s/ Timothy Whitefoot | ||
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Name: Timothy Whitefoot Title: Authorized Officer |
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Signature Page to Security Agreement
EXHIBIT A
(See Sections 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.9 and 9.1 of Security Agreement)
INFORMATION AND COLLATERAL LOCATIONS OF FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
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I. |
Name of Grantor: Friedman Industries, Incorporated |
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II. |
State of Incorporation or Organization: Texas |
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III. |
Type of Entity: Corporation |
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IV. |
Organizational Number assigned by State of Incorporation or Organization: 17415044050 |
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V. |
Federal Identification Number: 74-1504405 |
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VI. |
Place of Business (if it has only one) or Chief Executive Office (if more than one place of business) and Mailing Address: |
1121 Judson Road Suite 124
Longview, TX 75601
Attention: Alex LaRue
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VII. |
Locations of Collateral: |
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Properties Owned by the Grantor: |
3681 FM 250 Lone Star, TX 75668
2631 FM 250 Lone Star, TX 75668
2700 FM 250 Lone Star, TX 75668
5500 State Hwy 137 Blytheville, AR 72315
1468 Northpark Dr. Decatur, AL 35601
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(b) |
Properties Leased by the Grantor (Include Landlord’s Name): |
1121 Judson Road Suite 124, 121 and 131 (Judson Plaza)
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(c) |
Public Warehouses or other Locations pursuant to Bailment or Consignment Arrangements (include name of Warehouse Operator or other Bailee or Consignee): |
None.
EXHIBIT B
(See Sections 3.5 and 7.1 of Security Agreement)
DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS
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Name of Grantor |
Name of Institution |
Account Number |
Check here if Deposit Account is a Collateral Deposit Account |
Description of Deposit Account if not a Collateral Deposit Account |
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Friedman Industries, Inc. |
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. |
XXXXXXXXXX |
Yes |
LOCK BOXES
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Name of Grantor |
Name of Institution |
Lock Box Number |
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Friedman Industries, Inc. |
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. |
XXXXXXXXXX |
EXHIBIT C
(See Section 3.7 of Security Agreement)
LETTER OF CREDIT RIGHTS
None.
CHATTEL PAPER
None.
EXHIBIT D
(See Section 3.10 and 3.11 of Security Agreement)
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
None.
EXHIBIT E
(See Section 3.11 of Security Agreement)
TITLE DOCUMENTS
I. Vehicles subject to certificates of title:
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Name of Grantor |
Description |
Title Number |
State Where Issued |
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Friedman Industries, Inc. |
2018 Ford F-150 |
XXXXXXXXXX |
Texas |
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Friedman Industries, Inc. |
2014 Dodge Ram 1500 |
XXXXXXXXXX |
Arkansas |
II. Aircraft/engines/parts, ships, railcars and other vehicles governed by federal statute:
None.
EXHIBIT F
(See Section 3.11 of Security Agreement)
FIXTURES
I. Legal description, county and street address of property on which Fixtures are located (by Grantor):
3681 FM 250 Lone Star, TX 75668
2631 FM 250 Lone Star, TX 75668
2700 FM 250 Lone Star, TX 75668
5500 State Hwy 137 Blytheville, AR 72315
1468 Northpark Dr. Decatur, AL 35601
II. Name and Address of Record Owner:
Friedman Industries, Inc.
1121 Judson Road Suite 124
Longview, TX 75601
EXHIBIT G
(See Section 3.13 of Security Agreement and Definition of “Pledged Collateral”)
LIST OF PLEDGED COLLATERAL, SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENT PROPERTY
STOCKS
None.
BONDS
None.
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
None.
OTHER SECURITIES OR OTHER INVESTMENT PROPERTY
(CERTIFICATED AND UNCERTIFICATED)
None.
EXHIBIT H
(See Section 3.1 of Security Agreement)
OFFICES IN WHICH FINANCING STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN FILED
Texas Secretary of State
EXHIBIT I
(See Section 4.4 and 4.8 of Security Agreement)
AMENDMENT
This Amendment, dated ________________, ___ is delivered pursuant to Section [4.4][4.8] of the Security Agreement referred to below. All defined terms herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto or incorporated by reference in the Security Agreement. The undersigned hereby certifies that the representations and warranties in Article III of the Security Agreement are and continue to be true and correct. The undersigned further agrees that this Amendment may be attached to that certain Pledge and Security Agreement, dated May 19, 2021, between the undersigned, as the Grantors, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the Administrative Agent ([as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof,] the “Security Agreement”) and that the Collateral listed on Schedule I to this Amendment shall be and become a part of the Collateral referred to in said Security Agreement and shall secure all Secured Obligations referred to in the Security Agreement.
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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SCHEDULE I TO AMENDMENT
STOCKS
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Name of Grantor |
Issuer |
Certificate Number(s) |
Number of Shares |
Class of Stock |
Percentage of Outstanding Shares |
BONDS
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Name of Grantor |
Issuer |
Number |
Face Amount |
Coupon Rate |
Maturity |
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
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Name of Grantor |
Issuer |
Number |
Type |
Face Amount |
Coupon Rate |
Maturity |
OTHER SECURITIES OR OTHER INVESTMENT PROPERTY
(CERTIFICATED AND UNCERTIFICATED)
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Name of Grantor |
Issuer |
Description of Collateral |
Percentage Ownership Interest |
[Add description of custody accounts or arrangements with securities intermediary, if applicable]
COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS
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Name of Grantor |
Description of Claim |
Parties |
Case Number; Name of Court where Case was Filed |
EXHIBIT J
(See “Assigned Contracts” Definition)
ASSIGNED CONTRACTS
None.
ANNEX I TO PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
Reference is hereby made to the Pledge and Security Agreement (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Security Agreement”), dated as of May 19, 2021 by and among by and among FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED, a Texas corporation (the “Company”), and certain other entities which become parties to the Security Agreement from time to time, including, without limitation, those that become party thereto by executing a Security Agreement Supplement in substantially the form hereof (such parties, including the undersigned, together with the Company, the “Grantors”), in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the “Administrative Agent”), for the benefit of the Secured Parties under the Credit Agreement. Each capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings given to it in the Security Agreement.
By its execution below, the undersigned, [NAME OF NEW GRANTOR], a [__________________________] [corporation] [partnership] [limited liability company] (the “New Grantor”) agrees to become, and does hereby become, a Grantor under the Security Agreement and agrees to be bound by such Security Agreement as if originally a party thereto. The New Grantor hereby pledges, assigns and grants to the Administrative Agent, on behalf of and for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in all of the New Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the Collateral, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to secure the prompt and complete payment and performance of the Secured Obligations.
By its execution below, the New Grantor represents and warrants as to itself that all of the representations and warranties contained in the Security Agreement are true and correct in all respects as of the date hereof. The New Grantor represents and warrants that the supplements to the Exhibits to the Security Agreement attached hereto are true and correct in all respects and such supplements set forth all information required to be scheduled under the Security Agreement. The New Grantor shall take all steps necessary to perfect, in favor of the Administrative Agent, a first-priority security interest in and lien against the New Grantor’s Collateral, including, without limitation, delivering all certificated Pledged Collateral to the Administrative Agent (and other Collateral required to be delivered under the Security Agreement), and taking all steps necessary to properly perfect the Administrative Agent’s interest in any uncertificated Pledged Collateral.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, [NAME OF NEW GRANTOR], a [__________________] [corporation] [partnership] [limited liability company] has executed and delivered this Annex I counterpart to the Security Agreement as of this ___________ day of ____________, ____.
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[NAME OF NEW GRANTOR] |
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By: |
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Name: |
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EXHIBIT 13.1
THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL
REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED March 31, 2021
ANNUAL REPORT
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2021 |
2020 |
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Net sales |
$ | 126,102,533 | $ | 142,102,324 | ||||
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Net earnings (loss) |
$ | 11,424,475 | $ | (5,249,210 | ) | |||
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Net earnings (loss) per share (Basic) |
$ | 1.63 | $ | (0.75 | ) | |||
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Cash dividends per share |
$ | 0.08 | $ | 0.10 | ||||
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Stockholders’ equity |
$ | 65,339,976 | $ | 66,865,367 | ||||
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Working capital |
$ | 48,462,364 | $ | 55,566,158 | ||||
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:
Fiscal year 2021 was a uniquely challenging year for Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”) with the fiscal year starting right as the United States began to see widespread impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic created a lot of uncertainty about how our employees, our operations, our customer’s operations and the overall steel industry would be affected. We quickly updated our operational and safety protocols to help ensure the safety and health of our employees. Thankfully, all our facilities have continued to operate throughout this crisis. We are pleased to report that only a small number of employees tested positive for the virus and that all employees have since recovered and returned to work. During fiscal 2021, we experienced unprecedented price volatility of hot-rolled steel coil (“HRC”). Fiscal 2021 started with the HRC price declining from approximately $550 per ton to approximately $440 per ton in August 2020. During August 2020, HRC price began a historic increase, rising to approximately $1,300 per ton at the conclusion of fiscal 2021. We believe the increasing prices were driven by a resurgence of demand that was met by historically low inventory levels in the supply chain and reduced steel mill supply due to certain mills idling capacity in response to the pandemic and leaving that capacity offline. As a result of this price volatility, the Company experienced margin compression with steel prices declining during the first two quarters of fiscal 2020, resulting in a net loss of approximately $1,109,000 for the six months ended September 30, 2020. As steel prices surged to historic levels during the next two quarters, the Company experienced significant margin improvement resulting in net earnings of approximately $12,533,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2021. For the full fiscal 2021 year, we had net earnings of approximately $11,424,000 making it the second most profitable fiscal year in Company history.
Sales volume for the Company’s coil segment declined approximately 14% for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 with much of that decline being attributable to pandemic related volume decline in the months of April 2020 and May 2020. We were pleased with how volume rebounded for the remainder of fiscal 2021 and we experienced growth in our customer portfolio increasing the number of coil segment customers sold from approximately 185 customers in fiscal 2020 to approximately 200 customers in fiscal 2021. Coil segment operating profit improved from approximately $1,253,000 for fiscal year 2020 to approximately $16,467,000 for fiscal year 2021. During fiscal 2021, we removed our temper mill and cut-to-length line at our Decatur, Alabama plant and replaced it with a stretcher leveler cut-to-length line with significantly enhanced processing capabilities that allow the facility to process material that is thicker, wider and of higher strength compared to the prior equipment’s capabilities. We began commissioning the line during March 2021 and are incredibly pleased with the initial customer response to the facility’s new processing capabilities.
Sales volume for the Company’s tubular segment declined approximately 28% for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 due primarily to impacts of the pandemic. Demand for the tubular segment did not rebound as quickly as coil segment demand due primarily to challenging energy industry conditions and the tubular segment having a higher level of exposure to the energy industry. The number of tubular segment customers sold remained steady at approximately 125 customers for both fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020. Tubular segment operations recorded an operating profit of approximately $2,923,000 for fiscal 2021 compared to an operating loss of approximately $5,565,000 for fiscal year 2020.
In May 2021, we announced plans for a new facility in Sinton, Texas. Steel Dynamics, Inc. (“SDI”) has invited Friedman Industries to locate the new facility on the campus of its new flat roll steel mill currently under construction in Sinton, Texas. Our new Sinton location will consist of an approximately 70,000 square foot building located on approximately 26.5 acres leased from SDI under a 99-year agreement. We have selected Red Bud Industries to build one of the world’s largest stretcher leveler cut-to-length lines, capable of handling material up to 1” thick, widths up to 96” and yields exceeding 100,000 psi. This facility will expand the size range and grades of material we can deliver to our coil segment customers, while extending our competitive footprint to the Southwest United States and Mexico. We expect the facility to commence operations in April 2022. We believe this is a great growth opportunity for the Company.
You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. (Central Time) on Friday, September 10, 2021, in the offices of Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, 1301 McKinney, 51st Floor, Houston, Texas 77010.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Taylor
President and Chief Executive Officer
Chairman of the Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Michael J. Taylor
President and Chief Executive Officer
Howard Henderson
Vice President of Operations — Texas Tubular Division
Jonathan Holcomb
Vice President of Sales — Coil Divisions and Vice President of Purchasing
Alex LaRue
Chief Financial Officer — Secretary and Treasurer
Robert McCain
Vice President — Decatur Facility
Steve Teeter
Vice President of Operations — Coil Divisions
Michael Thompson
Vice President of Sales — Tubular Division
COMPANY OFFICES AND WEBSITES
CORPORATE OFFICE & COIL PRODUCTS SALES OFFICE
1121 Judson Road, Suite 124
Longview, Texas 75601
903-758-3431
TUBULAR PRODUCTS SALES OFFICE
3681 FM 250
Lone Star, Texas 75668
903-639-2511
WEBSITES*
www.friedmanindustries.com
www.texastubular.com
COUNSEL
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP
1301 McKinney, Suite 5100
Houston, Texas 77010
AUDITORS
Moss Adams LLP
500 Dallas Street, Suite 2500
Houston, TX 77002
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219
* Information on our websites is expressly not incorporated by reference into this document.
DIRECTORS
Durga D. Agrawal
President, Piping Technology & Products, Inc. (pipe fabrication)
Houston, Texas
Max Reichenthal
President, Texas Iron and Metal (steel product sales)
Houston, Texas
Joel Spira
Private investor; formerly, Partner, Weinstein Spira & Company (accounting firm)
Houston, Texas
Tim Stevenson
Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Metal Edge Partners (metals price risk management and strategic advisory services)
Plymouth, Minnesota
Michael J. Taylor, Chairman of the Board
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
Houston, Texas
Joe L. Williams
Partner, Pozmantier, Williams and Stone Insurance Consultants, LLC (insurance and risk management consultants)
Houston, Texas
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Shareholders may obtain without charge a copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2021, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Written requests should be addressed to: Alex LaRue, Chief Financial Officer — Secretary and Treasurer, Friedman Industries, Incorporated, P.O. Box 2192, Longview, Texas 75606.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”) is a manufacturer and processor of steel products and operates in two product segments: coil products and tubular products.
Coil Products
The coil product segment consists of the operation of two hot-rolled coil processing facilities; one in Hickman, Arkansas (“Hickman”) and the other in Decatur, Alabama (“Decatur”). The Hickman facility operates a temper mill and a cut-to-length line. The temper mill improves the flatness and surface qualities of the coils and the cut-to-length line levels the steel and cuts the coils into sheet and plate of prescribed lengths. The Hickman facility is capable of cutting sheet and plate with thicknesses ranging from 14 gauge to ½” thick in widths ranging from 36” wide to 72” wide. The Decatur facility previously operated a temper mill and a cut-to-length line but during the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the equipment was removed to allow the foundation to be prepared for a new stretcher leveler line. In March 2021, the new stretcher leveler line was placed into service. The estimated total cost of this project is $7,200,000 with approximately $6,733,000 having been paid as of March 31, 2021. The new equipment expands the coil segment’s processing capabilities to include material up to 96” wide and material of higher grades and will allow the Decatur facility to cut material that is up to ½” thick compared to the previous equipment’s capability of 5/16” thick. In addition, sheet and plate that has been stretcher leveled is preferable to some customers and applications compared to material that has been leveled through the temper mill process. The coil product segment sells its prime grade inventory under the Friedman Industries name but also maintains an inventory of non-standard coil products, consisting primarily of mill secondary and excess prime coils, which are sold through the Company’s XSCP division. The coil product segment also processes customer-owned coils on a fee basis.
The Hickman and Decatur facilities are substantially similar with respect to products produced. The Company makes shipments of coil products based on which facility offers the desired product or, if the product is available at both facilities, based on other factors, such as customer location, freight conditions and the ability of the facility to fulfill the order on a timely basis. Coil products are sold on a wholesale, rapid-delivery basis in competition with other processors of hot-rolled steel coils. Shipments are made via unaffiliated truckers or by rail.
On May 25, 2021, the Company announced plans for a new facility in Sinton, Texas that will be part of the coil product segment. The new facility will be on the campus of Steel Dynamics, Inc.'s ("SDI") new flat roll steel mill currently under construction in Sinton, Texas. The Company's new location will consist of an approximately 70,000 square foot building located on approximately 26.5 acres leased from SDI under a 99-year agreement. The Company has selected Red Bud Industries to build one of the world’s largest stretcher leveler cut-to-length lines, capable of handling material up to 1” thick, widths up to 96” and yields exceeding 100,000 psi. The Company expects the location to commence operations in April 2022 and estimates the total cost of the project to be $21 million.
The coil segment purchases its inventory from a limited number of suppliers. Loss of any of these suppliers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
The Company sells coil products and processing services to approximately 200 customers located primarily in the midwestern, southwestern and southeastern regions of the United States. The Company’s principal customers for these products and services are steel distributors and customers manufacturing steel products such as steel buildings, railroad cars, barges, tanks and containers, trailers, component parts and other fabricated steel products.
Tubular Products
The tubular product segment consists of the Company’s Texas Tubular Products division (“TTP”) located in Lone Star, Texas. TTP operates two electric resistance welded pipe mills with a combined outside diameter (“OD”) size range of 2 3/8” OD to 8 5/8” OD. Both pipe mills are American Petroleum Institute (“API”) licensed to manufacture line pipe and oil country pipe and also manufacture pipe for structural purposes that meets other recognized industry standards. TTP has an API licensed pipe finishing facility that threads and couples oil country tubular goods and performs other services that are customary in the pipe finishing process. The pipe finishing facility is currently idled due to market conditions. TTP’s inventory consists of raw materials and finished goods. Raw material inventory consists of hot-rolled steel coils that TTP will manufacture into pipe. Finished goods inventory consists of pipe TTP has manufactured and mill reject pipe that TTP purchased from U.S. Steel Tubular Products, Inc.
The Company sells its tubular products nationally to approximately 125 customers. The Company’s principal customers for these products are steel and pipe distributors.
TTP purchases its inventory from a limited number of suppliers. Loss of any of these suppliers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
Significant financial information relating to the Company’s two product groups, coil and tubular products, is contained in Note 13 of the Notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements appearing herein.
RANGE OF HIGH AND LOW SALES PRICES OF COMMON STOCK
|
Fiscal 2021 |
Fiscal 2020 |
|||||||||||||||
|
High |
Low |
High |
Low |
|||||||||||||
|
First Quarter |
$ | 5.44 | $ | 4.14 | $ | 8.05 | $ | 6.27 | ||||||||
|
Second Quarter |
6.50 | 4.95 | 7.04 | 5.78 | ||||||||||||
|
Third Quarter |
7.30 | 5.55 | 7.24 | 5.80 | ||||||||||||
|
Fourth Quarter |
9.90 | 6.70 | 6.14 | 3.72 | ||||||||||||
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
|
Fiscal 2021 |
Fiscal 2020 |
|||||||
|
First Quarter |
$ | 0.02 | $ | 0.04 | ||||
|
Second Quarter |
0.02 | 0.02 | ||||||
|
Third Quarter |
0.02 | 0.02 | ||||||
|
Fourth Quarter |
0.02 | 0.02 | ||||||
The Company’s Common Stock is traded principally on the NYSE American (trading symbol FRD).
The approximate number of shareholders of record of Common Stock of the Company as of April 23, 2021 was 175. Because many of the Company’s common shares are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of shareholders, the Company is unable to estimate the total number of individual shareholders represented by these record holders.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
|
March 31, |
||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
CURRENT ASSETS: |
||||||||
|
Cash |
$ | 8,191,001 | $ | 17,057,751 | ||||
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for bad debts and cash discounts of $32,834 and $82,417 at March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively |
20,377,967 | 11,705,344 | ||||||
|
Inventories |
36,016,093 | 35,668,243 | ||||||
|
Other current assets |
12,949,574 | 780,179 | ||||||
|
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS |
77,534,635 | 65,211,517 | ||||||
|
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: |
||||||||
|
Land |
1,179,831 | 1,179,831 | ||||||
|
Buildings and yard improvements |
9,199,704 | 9,008,869 | ||||||
|
Machinery and equipment |
35,253,000 | 29,339,893 | ||||||
|
Construction in process |
9,614 | 3,797,364 | ||||||
|
Less accumulated depreciation |
(30,180,893 | ) | (31,825,401 | ) | ||||
| 15,461,256 | 11,500,556 | |||||||
|
OTHER ASSETS: |
||||||||
|
Cash value of officers’ life insurance and other assets |
148,494 | 183,350 | ||||||
|
Deferred income tax asset |
1,864,424 | — | ||||||
|
Income taxes recoverable |
— | 448,665 | ||||||
|
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 95,008,809 | $ | 77,344,088 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
March 31, |
||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES: |
||||||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
$ | 15,185,038 | $ | 8,944,614 | ||||
|
Income taxes payable |
1,455,099 | — | ||||||
|
Dividends payable |
138,117 | 139,989 | ||||||
|
Contribution to retirement plan |
50,000 | 50,250 | ||||||
|
Employee compensation and related expenses |
2,643,538 | 409,778 | ||||||
|
Current portion of financing lease |
102,689 | 100,728 | ||||||
|
Current portion of derivative liability |
7,979,380 | — | ||||||
|
Current portion of Paycheck Protection Program loan |
1,518,410 | — | ||||||
|
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES |
29,072,271 | 9,645,359 | ||||||
|
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS |
108,609 | 99,864 | ||||||
|
DEFERRED INCOME TAX LIABILITY |
— | 361,146 | ||||||
|
OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES |
315,978 | 372,352 | ||||||
|
LONG TERM PORTION OF PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM LOAN |
171,975 | — | ||||||
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
29,668,833 | 10,478,721 | ||||||
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (SEE NOTE 5 AND NOTE 11) |
||||||||
|
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: |
||||||||
|
Common stock, par value $1: |
||||||||
|
Authorized shares — 10,000,000 |
||||||||
|
Issued shares — 8,334,785 shares and 8,295,160 shares at March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively |
8,334,785 | 8,295,160 | ||||||
|
Additional paid-in capital |
30,003,462 | 29,565,416 | ||||||
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(11,187,841 | ) | — | |||||
|
Treasury stock at cost (1,435,248 shares and 1,225,716 shares at March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively) |
(7,203,342 | ) | (5,525,964 | ) | ||||
|
Retained earnings |
45,392,912 | 34,530,755 | ||||||
|
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
65,339,976 | 66,865,367 | ||||||
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
$ | 95,008,809 | $ | 77,344,088 | ||||
See accompanying notes.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
Year Ended March 31, |
||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
Net sales |
$ | 126,102,533 | $ | 142,102,324 | ||||
|
Costs and expenses: |
||||||||
|
Cost of products sold |
102,517,335 | 139,491,989 | ||||||
|
Selling, general and administrative |
7,835,184 | 5,124,572 | ||||||
|
Impairment loss for long-lived assets |
— | 4,338,419 | ||||||
|
Interest expense |
24,619 | 4,806 | ||||||
| 110,377,138 | 148,959,786 | |||||||
|
EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS |
15,725,395 | (6,857,462 | ) | |||||
|
Other income (loss) |
(503,422 | ) | 19,260 | |||||
|
EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
15,221,973 | (6,838,202 | ) | |||||
|
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes: |
||||||||
|
Current |
2,459,009 | (404,892 | ) | |||||
|
Deferred |
1,338,489 | (1,184,100 | ) | |||||
| 3,797,498 | (1,588,992 | ) | ||||||
|
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) |
$ | 11,424,475 | $ | (5,249,210 | ) | |||
|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: |
||||||||
|
Basic |
7,027,707 | 7,000,403 | ||||||
|
Diluted |
7,027,707 | 7,000,403 | ||||||
|
Net earnings (loss) per share: |
||||||||
|
Basic |
$ | 1.63 | $ | (0.75 | ) | |||
|
Diluted |
$ | 1.63 | $ | (0.75 | ) | |||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
|
Year Ended March 31, |
||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
Net earnings (loss) |
$ | 11,424,475 | $ | (5,249,210 | ) | |||
|
Other comprehensive loss: |
||||||||
|
Cash flow hedges, net of tax |
(11,187,841 | ) | — | |||||
| (11,187,841 | ) | — | ||||||
|
Comprehensive income (loss) |
$ | 236,634 | $ | (5,249,210 | ) | |||
See accompanying notes.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
Accumulated |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other |
Additional |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Common |
Comprehensive |
Paid-In |
Treasury |
Retained |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock |
Loss |
Capital |
Stock |
Earnings |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2019 |
$ |
8,205,160 |
$ |
— |
$ |
29,322,472 |
$ |
(5,525,964) |
$ |
40,479,909 |
$ |
72,481,577 |
||||||||||||
|
Net loss |
— |
— |
— |
— |
(5,249,210) |
(5,249,210) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Issuance of restricted stock |
90,000 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
90,000 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Paid in capital – restricted stock awards |
— |
— |
242,944 |
— |
— |
242,944 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Cash dividends ($0.10 per share) |
— |
— |
— |
— |
(699,944) |
(699,944) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2020 |
$ |
8,295,160 |
$ |
— |
$ |
29,565,416 |
$ |
(5,525,964) |
$ |
34,530,755 |
$ |
66,865,367 |
||||||||||||
|
Net earnings |
— |
— |
— |
— |
11,424,475 |
11,424,475 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive loss |
— |
(11,187,841) |
— |
— |
— |
(11,187,841) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Issuance of restricted stock |
39,625 |
— |
— |
50,000 |
— |
89,625 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Paid in capital – restricted stock awards |
— |
— |
438,046 |
— |
— |
438,046 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Repurchase of shares |
— |
— |
— |
(1,727,378) |
— |
(1,727,378) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Cash dividends ($0.08 per share) |
— |
— |
— |
— |
(562,318) |
(562,318) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2021 |
$ |
8,334,785 |
$ |
(11,187,841) |
$ |
30,003,462 |
$ |
(7,203,342) |
$ |
45,392,912 |
$ |
65,339,976 |
||||||||||||
See accompanying notes.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
Year Ended March 31, |
||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
|
Net earnings (loss) |
$ | 11,424,475 | $ | (5,249,210 | ) | |||
|
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
|
Depreciation |
1,012,917 | 1,524,961 | ||||||
|
Impairment loss for long-lived assets |
— | 4,338,419 | ||||||
|
Deferred taxes |
1,338,489 | (1,184,100 | ) | |||||
|
Compensation expense for restricted stock |
527,671 | 332,944 | ||||||
|
Change in post-retirement benefits other than pensions |
8,745 | 10,903 | ||||||
|
Lower of cost or net realizable value inventory adjustment |
274,093 | 955,605 | ||||||
|
Deferred realized loss on derivatives |
(6,843,140 | ) | — | |||||
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
|
Accounts receivable |
(8,672,623 | ) | 1,478,067 | |||||
|
Inventories |
(621,943 | ) | 12,438,238 | |||||
|
Federal income taxes recoverable |
448,665 | (448,665 | ) | |||||
|
Other current assets |
454,489 | (236,630 | ) | |||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
5,386,439 | (2,680,481 | ) | |||||
|
Income taxes payable |
1,455,099 | (159,694 | ) | |||||
|
Employee compensation and related expenses |
2,233,760 | 112,462 | ||||||
|
Contribution to retirement plan |
(250 | ) | — | |||||
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
8,426,886 | 11,232,819 | ||||||
|
INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
|
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
(4,609,617 | ) | (4,935,361 | ) | ||||
|
Proceeds from sale of assets |
30,957 | — | ||||||
|
Increase in cash value of officers’ life insurance |
(11,580 | ) | (17,295 | ) | ||||
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
(4,590,240 | ) | (4,952,656 | ) | ||||
|
FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
|
Paycheck Protection Program loan proceeds |
1,690,385 | — | ||||||
|
Cash dividends paid |
(564,190 | ) | (839,933 | ) | ||||
|
Cash paid for principal portion of finance lease |
(100,728 | ) | (49,640 | ) | ||||
|
Cash paid for share repurchases |
(1,727,378 | ) | — | |||||
|
Net cash used in financing activities |
(701,911 | ) | (889,573 | ) | ||||
|
Increase in cash and restricted cash |
3,134,735 | 5,390,590 | ||||||
|
Cash at beginning of year |
17,057,751 | 11,667,161 | ||||||
|
Cash and restricted cash at end of year |
$ | 20,192,486 | $ | 17,057,751 | ||||
Cash and restricted cash at March 31, 2021 includes $12,001,485 of cash required to collateralize open derivative positions. This amount is reported in "Other current assets" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2021. The Company did not have any restricted cash at March 31, 2020.
See accompanying notes.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Friedman Industries, Incorporated and its subsidiary (collectively, the “Company”). All material intercompany amounts and transactions have been eliminated.
REVENUE RECOGNITION: Revenue is generated primarily from contracts to manufacture or process steel products and is recognized when performance obligations are complete. Generally, the Company’s performance obligations are satisfied, control of our products is transferred, and revenue is recognized at a single point in time, when title transfers to our customer for product shipped or when services are provided. Revenue is recorded in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. See Note 14 for further information.
TRADE RECEIVABLES: The Company’s receivables are recorded when billed, advanced or accrued and represent claims against third parties that will be settled in cash. The carrying value of the Company’s receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts and cash discounts allowed, represents their estimated net realizable value. The Company estimates its allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends, the age of outstanding receivables and existing economic conditions. Trade receivables are generally considered past due after 30 days from invoice date. Past-due receivable balances are written-off when the Company’s internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful in collecting the amount due. The balance of the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts was $17,834 and $67,417 at March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively.
INVENTORIES: Inventories consist of prime coil, non-standard coil and tubular materials. Prime coil inventory consists primarily of raw materials, non-standard coil inventory consists primarily of raw materials and tubular inventory consists of both raw materials and finished goods. Cost for prime coil inventory is determined using the average cost method. Cost for non-standard coil inventory is determined using the specific identification method. Cost for tubular inventory is determined using the average cost method. All inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, tubular finished goods inventory was written down $274,093 to lower the carrying value to net realizable value. During the second quarter of fiscal 2020, tubular finished goods inventory was written down $955,605 to lower the carrying value to net realizable value. Obsolete or slow-moving inventories are not significant based on the Company’s review of inventories. Accordingly, no allowance has been provided for such items.
The following is a summary of inventory by product group:
|
March 31, |
||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
Prime coil inventory |
$ | 23,079,012 | $ | 17,190,435 | ||||
|
Non-standard coil inventory |
1,419,055 | 1,550,734 | ||||||
|
Tubular raw material |
2,607,197 | 4,888,542 | ||||||
|
Tubular finished goods |
8,910,829 | 12,038,532 | ||||||
| $ | 36,016,093 | $ | 35,668,243 | |||||
Tubular raw material inventory consists of hot-rolled steel coils that the Company will manufacture into pipe. Tubular finished goods inventory consists of pipe the Company has manufactured and mill reject pipe that the Company purchased from U.S. Steel Tubular Products, Inc.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS: From time to time, the Company may use futures contracts to partially manage exposure to price risk. The Company elects hedge accounting for some of its derivatives. For derivatives designated for hedge accounting and classified as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings during the period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. For derivatives designated for hedge accounting and classified as fair value hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in the same balance sheet line as the hedged item until the hedged item affects earnings. For derivatives where hedge accounting is not elected, changes in fair value are immediately recognized in earnings. The Company has a forward physical purchase supply agreement in place for a portion of its monthly physical steel needs. This supply agreement is not subject to mark-to-market accounting due to the Company electing the normal purchase normal sales exclusion provided in Accounting Standards Codification 815 - Derivatives and Hedging. See Note 6 for further information about the Company's derivative instruments.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated primarily by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets as follows:
|
Buildings (in years) |
20 |
|
|
Machinery and equipment (in years) |
10 to 15 |
|
|
Yard improvements (in years) |
5 to 15 |
|
|
Loaders and other rolling stock (in years) |
5 to 15 |
The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company assesses recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset or asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If an asset or asset group is considered impaired, the impairment loss to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the asset’s or asset group's carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value. Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. The Company did not identify any indicators of impairment during fiscal 2021. At March 31, 2020, the Company determined that indicators of impairment were present for the Company’s pipe finishing facility due to inconsistent operating results and uncertainty related to future operating expectations. The Company performed an impairment review of the facility’s assets which resulted in an impairment loss of $4,338,419 being recognized at March 31, 2020. See Note 5 for further information related to this impairment review.
When property, plant and equipment is sold or otherwise disposed of, any gains or losses are reflected in income. If a loss on disposal is expected, such losses are recognized when the assets are reclassified as assets held for sale.
Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM LOAN: During fiscal 2021, the Company received a Paycheck Protection Program loan ("PPP Loan") as provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act"). The Company has accounted for the PPP Loan in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 470 - Debt. The principal balance of the loan and accrued interest payable were recorded as liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2021. Under the CARES Act, the PPP Loan is eligible for forgiveness by the Small Business Administration. Any amount of forgiven principal or accrued interest will be recognized on the income statement for the period when forgiveness was granted as a gain on extinguishment of debt. See Note 3 for additional information about the PPP Loan.
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS: The Company maintains life insurance policies on each officer. From time to time and in its discretion, the Board of Directors of the Company has approved the transfer of the applicable policy to an officer upon their retirement. The Company’s accrued liability for these potential future transfers was $108,609 and $99,864 at March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively. The transfer of a life insurance policy to an officer is a noncash transaction.
SHIPPING COSTS: Sales are increased for freight billed to customers and freight costs are charged to cost of products sold.
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: The Company paid interest of approximately $8,000 and $5,000 in fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company paid income taxes of approximately $10,000 and $261,000 in fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively. The balance of property plant and equipment at March 31, 2021 included $394,955 in accrued capital expenditures related to the conclusion of the Decatur facility equipment project. In fiscal 2020, there were noncash transactions totaling $121,000 for the transfer of ownership of life insurance policies from the Company to officers upon their retirement. In fiscal 2020, non-cash investing activities consisted of the initial recognition of a finance lease right of use asset in the amount of $518,616. In fiscal 2020, the Company wrote off fully depreciated fixed assets that were no longer in use with an original cost and accumulated depreciation of approximately $4,721,500.
INCOME TAXES: The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method, whereby the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities, which represent differences between the financial and income tax reporting bases of its assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between income and expenses reported for financial reporting and tax reporting. The Company has assessed, using all available positive and negative evidences, the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income.
The Company has also analyzed tax positions taken on tax returns filed and does not believe that any are more likely than not to be overturned by the respective tax jurisdiction. Therefore, no liability for uncertain tax positions has been recognized.
USE OF ESTIMATES: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates that are subject to the Company’s assumptions include forecasts of purchases and sales in relation to hedging activities, the fair value of the pipe-finishing facility, determination of useful lives for fixed assets, determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts and the determination of net realizable value relative to inventory. From time to time, the Company hedges forecasted purchases of hot-rolled coil and forecasted sales of prime coil inventory and manufactured pipe inventory and may designate those transactions for hedge accounting. If the actual volume of these purchases and sales differs from the forecasted volumes, it may impact the application of hedge accounting related to those transactions and may disallow the use of hedge accounting on a go forward basis. The pipe-finishing facility impairment analysis performed at March 31, 2020 required assumptions related to future operations of the facility and estimates related to the replacement cost and value in exchange for the assets. The determination of useful lives for depreciation of fixed assets requires the Company to make assumptions regarding the future productivity of the Company’s fixed assets. The allowance for doubtful accounts requires the Company to draw conclusions on the future collectability of the Company’s accounts receivable. The determination of net realizable value when reviewing inventory value requires the Company to make assumptions concerning sales trends, customer demand and steel industry market conditions. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: Since the Company’s financial instruments are considered short-term in nature, their carrying values approximate fair value.
EARNINGS PER SHARE: The Company uses the two-class method of calculating earnings per share, which determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security as if all earnings of the period had been distributed. As the holders of restricted stock are entitled to vote and receive dividends during the restriction period, unvested shares of restricted stock qualify as participating securities. Unvested restricted shares participate on an equal basis with common shares; therefore, there is no difference in undistributed earnings allocated to each participating security. Accordingly, unvested restricted shares are included in the basic computation of earnings per share. Net income per basic common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and participating securities outstanding during the period. Net income per diluted common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares, participating securities and potential common shares outstanding during the period.
ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP: The Company purchases its inventory from a limited number of suppliers. Loss of any of these suppliers could have a material adverse effect on the Company. In March 2020, U.S. Steel announced the idling of their Lone Star Tubular Operations which was the sole supplier of mill reject pipe to the Company. U.S. Steel's facility was idled as announced and the Company's receipts of mill reject pipe ceased in August 2020. At March 31, 2021, we had approximately 22,500 tons of mill reject inventory which we believe to be one to one and a half years of inventory. Mill reject pipe sales contributed gross profit of approximately $1,775,000 in fiscal 2021 and $1,471,000 in fiscal 2020. We expect the idling to have a negative impact on our operations as we eventually sell out of inventory.
For fiscal year 2021, no individual customer accounted for 10% or more of total Company sales. Coil segment sales to Trinity Industries, Inc. accounted for approximately 18% of total Company sales in fiscal 2020. No other customers accounted for 10% or more of total Company sales in fiscal 2020.
The Company’s sales are concentrated primarily in the midwestern, southwestern, and southeastern regions of the United States and are primarily to customers in the steel distributing and fabricating industries. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of the financial conditions of its customers and generally does not require collateral. Generally, receivables are due within 30 days.
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES: COVID-19 - In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a global pandemic. In addition to the devastating effects on human life, this contagious virus has adversely affected economies globally. It has also disrupted the normal operations of many businesses, including ours and many of our customers. Our facilities have continued to operate during this crisis but we made modifications to our facility practices, employee travel, employee work locations and virtualization or cancellation of company and customer events, among other modifications. We may take further actions that alter our business operations as the situation evolves. Our coil segment experienced a significant drop in demand for April 2020 but a rapid recovery and demand remained fairly stable throughout the remainder of fiscal 2021. Our tubular segment experienced a significant drop in demand as well but has not seen as quick of a recovery due to COVID-19 having a significant impact on the energy industry and other underlying issues within the energy industry. The pandemic disrupted supply chains globally and this disruption has contributed to an unprecedented rise in steel prices. There are no comparable events that provide guidance as to the effect the COVID-19 pandemic may have, and, as a result, the ultimate effect of the pandemic is highly uncertain and subject to change. We do not yet know the full extent of the effects on the economy, the markets we serve, our business or our operations.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS: In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (“ASU 2017-12”). ASU 2017-12 is intended to simplify and clarify the accounting and disclosure requirements for hedging activities by more closely aligning the results of cash flow and fair value hedge accounting with the underlying risk management activities. We adopted ASU 2017-12 on June 18, 2020 when we entered into our first derivative financial instruments. See Note 6 – Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information.
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (ASC 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 requires, among other things, the use of a new current expected credit loss ("CECL") model to determine the allowance for doubtful accounts with respect to accounts receivable. The CECL model requires estimation of lifetime expected credit loss with respect to receivables and recognition of allowances that, when deducted from the balance of the receivables, represent the net amounts expected to be collected. Subsequently, in November 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (ASC 326), which clarifies that impairment of receivables arising from operating leases should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 842, Leases. ASU 2016-13 called for an effective date for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2019. In November 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2019-10, Financial Instruments ‒ Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates (“ASU 2019-10”). ASU 2019-10 defers the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for SEC filers that are eligible to be smaller reporting companies, private companies, not-for-profit organizations and employee benefit plans to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those annual periods. The Company qualifies as a smaller reporting company and does not expect to early adopt ASU 2016-13. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”), which simplifies accounting for income taxes by revising or clarifying existing guidance in ASC 740, as well as removing certain exceptions within ASC 740. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.
2. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS AND CAPITAL STOCK
The Company maintains the Friedman Industries, Incorporated 2016 Restricted Stock Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) and continues indefinitely until terminated by the Board or until all shares allowed by the Plan have been awarded and earned. The aggregate number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock eligible for award under the Plan is 500,000 shares. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Committee may, from time to time, select the employees, directors or consultants to whom awards will be granted and shall determine the amount and applicable restrictions of each award. Forfeitures are accounted for upon their occurrence.
The following table summarizes the activity related to restricted stock awards for the two years ended March 31, 2021:
|
Weighted |
||||||||
|
Average Grant |
||||||||
|
Number of |
Date Fair Value |
|||||||
|
Shares |
Per Share |
|||||||
|
Unvested at March 31, 2019 |
180,000 | $ | 7.03 | |||||
|
Cancelled or forfeited |
— | — | ||||||
|
Granted |
90,000 | 5.05 | ||||||
|
Vested |
— | — | ||||||
|
Unvested at March 31, 2020 |
270,000 | $ | 6.37 | |||||
|
Cancelled or forfeited |
— | — | ||||||
|
Granted |
89,625 | 5.64 | ||||||
|
Vested |
(20,000 | ) | 8.23 | |||||
|
Unvested at March 31, 2021 |
339,625 | $ | 6.07 | |||||
Compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period applicable to each award. The Company recorded compensation expense of $527,671 and $332,944 in fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, respectively, relating to the stock awards issued under the Plan. As of March 31, 2021, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock awards was approximately $866,000, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.7 years. As of March 31, 2021, a total of 140,375 shares were still available to be issued under the Plan.
The Company has 1,000,000 authorized shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock with a par value of $1 per share. The stock may be issued in one or more series, and the Board of Directors is authorized to fix the designations, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of each series, except that any series must provide for cumulative dividends and must be convertible into Common Stock. There were no shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock issued as of March 31, 2021 or March 31, 2020.
3. DEBT
In April 2020, the Company received a $1,690,385 loan (the “PPP Loan”) from JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”), under the Paycheck Protection Program, which was established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), as modified by the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act of 2020 (the “PPP Flexibility Act”). The term of the PPP Loan is two years from the funding date of the PPP Loan. The interest rate on the PPP Loan is 0.98%. Under the terms of the PPP Loan, interest accrues from the funding date of the PPP Loan but payment of both principal and interest is deferred for six months. Pursuant to the terms of the CARES Act, the PPP Loan is eligible for forgiveness by the Small Business Administration ("SBA"), if and to the extent that the Company satisfies certain requirements. The Company submitted an application for forgiveness of the PPP Loan on April 21, 2021 and received notification on June 22, 2021 that full forgiveness of the loan was authorized by the SBA.
On March 8, 2021, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement providing for a $10 million revolving line of credit facility (the "Interim Credit Facility) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the "Bank"). The term of the Interim Credit Facility was relatively short with an expiration date of July 15, 2021 because the Company was evaluating options for longer term credit arrangements. At March 31, 2021, the Company did not have any borrowings under the Interim Credit Facility. On April 14, 2021, the Company executed a first amendment to the Interim Credit Facility that increased the size of the facility from $10 million to $20 million. On May 19, 2021, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with the Bank that provides for asset-based revolving loans in an aggregate principal amount up to $40 million (the "ABL Facility"). The ABL Facility matures on May 19, 2026 and replaced the Interim Credit Facility in its entirety. The ABL Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.7% per annum. Availability of funds under the ABL Facility is subject to a borrowing base calculation determined as the sum of (a) 85% of eligible accounts receivable, plus (b) the product of 85% multiplied by the net orderly liquidating value percentage identified in the most recent inventory appraisal multiplied by eligible inventory and plus (c) a machinery and equipment component that is the lesser of 85% of the net orderly liquidating value of eligible equipment or the machinery and equipment component limit which is initially $5 million and reduces over the term of the facility. The ABL Facility contains a financial covenant restricting the Company from allowing its fixed charge coverage ratio be, as of the end of any calendar month, less than 1.10 to 1.00 for the trailing twelve month period then ending. The fixed charge coverage ratio is calculated as the ratio of (a) EBITDA, as defined in the ABL Facility, minus unfinanced capital expenditures to (b) cash interest expense plus scheduled principal payments on indebtedness plus taxes paid in cash plus restricted payments paid in cash plus capital lease obligation payments plus cash contributions to any employee pension benefit plans. The ABL Facility contains other representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants that are usual and customary. If certain conditions precedent are satisfied, the ABL facility may be increased by up to an aggregate of $10 million, in minimum increments of $5 million.
4. LEASES
The Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASC 842”) on April 1, 2019 using the optional transition method under which the new standard is applied only to the most current period presented and the cumulative effect of applying the new standard to existing lease agreements is recognized at the date of initial application. Under this adoption method, reporting periods beginning after April 1, 2019 are presented under the new standard, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. The adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recording of initial ROU asset and lease liabilities of approximately $63,000 at April 1, 2019.
The Company’s lease of its office space in Longview, Texas is the only operating lease included in the ROU asset and lease liability. The lease calls for monthly rent payments of $4,878 and expired on April 30, 2021. In April 2021, the lease was renewed for a three year term with expiration on April 30, 2024. The Company’s other operating leases for items such as IT equipment and storage space are either short-term in nature or immaterial.
In October 2019, the Company received a new heavy-duty forklift under a 5-year finance lease arrangement with a financed amount of $518,616 and a monthly payment of $9,074.
The components of expense related to leases were as follows for the twelve months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020,
|
Twelve Months |
Twelve Months |
|||||||
|
Ended March 31, |
Ended March 31, |
|||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
Finance lease – amortization of ROU asset |
$ | 100,728 | $ | 49,640 | ||||
|
Finance lease – interest on lease liability |
8,164 | 4,806 | ||||||
|
Operating lease expense |
56,286 | 36,936 | ||||||
| $ | 165,178 | $ | 91,382 | |||||
The following table illustrates the balance sheet classification for ROU assets and lease liabilities as of March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020:
|
March 31, 2021 |
March 31, 2020 |
Balance Sheet Classification |
|||||||
|
Assets |
|||||||||
|
Operating lease right-of-use asset |
$ |
4,850 |
$ |
51,535 |
Other assets |
||||
|
Finance lease right-of-use asset |
481,880 |
507,812 |
Property, plant & equipment |
||||||
|
Total right-of-use assets |
$ |
486,730 |
$ |
559,347 |
|||||
|
Liabilities |
|||||||||
|
Operating lease liability, current |
$ |
4,850 |
$ |
47,431 |
Accrued expenses |
||||
|
Finance lease liability, current |
102,689 |
100,728 |
Current portion of financing lease |
||||||
|
Operating lease liability, non-current |
— |
4,104 |
Other non-current liabilities |
||||||
|
Finance lease liability, non-current |
265,557 |
368,248 |
Other non-current liabilities |
||||||
|
Total lease liabilities |
$ |
373,096 |
$ |
520,511 |
|||||
As of March 31, 2021, the weighted-average remaining lease term was 0.1 year for operating leases and 3.5 years for finance leases. The weighted average discount rate was 7% for operating leases and 1.9% for finance leases.
Maturities of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2021 were as follows:
|
Operating |
Finance |
|||||||
|
Leases |
Leases |
|||||||
|
Fiscal 2022 |
4,878 | 108,892 | ||||||
|
Fiscal 2023 |
— | 108,892 | ||||||
|
Fiscal 2024 |
— | 108,892 | ||||||
|
Fiscal 2025 |
— | 54,445 | ||||||
|
Fiscal 2026 |
— | — | ||||||
|
Total undiscounted lease payments |
$ | 4,878 | $ | 381,121 | ||||
|
Less: imputed interest |
(28 | ) | (12,875 | ) | ||||
|
Present value of lease liability |
$ | 4,850 | $ | 368,246 | ||||
5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The Company completed two capital expenditure projects during fiscal 2021.
The first project was a building expansion at the Company’s coil processing facility in Hickman, Arkansas that was put into service during May 2020. The project added an additional 22,000 square feet of storage space to the facility. This project was completed at an actual cost of approximately $1,083,000 compared to an original estimated cost of $1,100,000. The second project involved the purchase and installation of a stretcher leveler coil processing line at the Company’s coil processing facility in Decatur, Alabama. This newly acquired equipment replaces the prior processing equipment at the Decatur plant and expands both the size range and grades of material that the Decatur plant is able to process. The equipment was purchased from and constructed, fabricated and installed by Delta Steel Technologies. Installation of the equipment began in December 2020 and the Company put the equipment into service during March 2021. The estimated total cost of this project is $7,200,000 with approximately $6,733,000 having been paid as of March 31, 2021.
On May 25, 2021, the Company announced plans for a new facility in Sinton, Texas that will be part of the coil product segment. The new facility will be on the campus of Steel Dynamics, Inc.'s ("SDI") new flat roll steel mill currently under construction in Sinton, Texas. The Company's new location will consist of an approximately 70,000 square foot building located on approximately 26.5 acres leased from SDI under a 99-year agreement with an annual rental payment of $1. The Company has selected Red Bud Industries to build a stretcher leveler cut-to-length line for the facility that is capable of handling material up to 1” thick, widths up to 96” and yields exceeding 100,000 psi. The Company expects the location to commence operations in April 2022 and estimates the total cost of the project to be $21 million.
At March 31, 2020, the Company determined that indicators of impairment were present for the tubular segment’s pipe finishing facility due to inconsistent operating results and uncertainty related to future operations. The Company performed an impairment review of the facility’s assets and determined the carrying amount of the assets were not recoverable based on estimated undiscounted cash flows. To establish a fair market value of the assets, certain equipment was valued using the market approach, which involves measuring the value of the assets in an open market exchange. The real property and buildings were valued based on a weighted combination of the market approach and the cost approach. Remaining assets were valued based on their net salvage value. As a result of the review, an impairment loss of $4,338,419 was recognized due to the carrying amount of the assets exceeding their fair value of $1,771,450 at March 31, 2020.
The fair value of the threading facility was determined using Level 3 fair value inputs. Accounting Standards Codification 820 – Fair Value Measurement outlines a three-tiered fair value hierarchy related to the inputs used when measuring fair value. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities, Level 2 inputs are observable inputs other than quoted prices and Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs.
6. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
In June 2020, the Company implemented its first commodity price risk management activities by transacting hot-rolled coil futures. From time to time, we expect to use derivative financial instruments to minimize our exposure to commodity price risk that is inherent in our business. At the time derivative contracts are entered into, we assess whether the nature of the instrument qualifies for hedge accounting treatment according to the requirements of ASC 815 – Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). By using derivatives, the Company is exposed to credit and market risk. The Company’s exposure to credit risk includes the counterparty’s failure to fulfill its performance obligations under the terms of the derivative contract. The Company attempts to minimize its credit risk by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties, and uses exchange-traded derivatives when available. Market risk is the risk that the value of the financial instrument might be adversely affected by a change in commodity prices. The Company manages market risk by continually monitoring exposure within its risk management strategy and portfolio. For those transactions designated as hedging instruments, we document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the various hedge transactions. We also assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair value of hedged items.
From time to time, derivatives designated for hedge accounting may be closed prior to contract expiration. The accounting treatment of closed positions depends on whether the closure occurred due to the hedged transaction occurring early or if the hedged transaction is still expected to occur as originally forecasted. For hedged transactions that occur early, the closure results in the realized gain or loss from closure being recognized in the same period the accelerated hedged transaction affects earnings. For hedged transactions that are still expected to occur as originally forecasted, the closure results in the realized gain or loss being deferred until the hedged transaction affects earnings.
From time to time, we may have derivative financial instruments for which we do not elect hedge accounting.
The Company has a forward physical purchase supply agreement in place with one of its suppliers for a portion of its monthly physical steel needs. This supply agreement is not subject to mark-to-market accounting due to the Company electing the normal purchase normal sale exclusion provided in ASC 815.
During fiscal 2021, the Company entered into hot-rolled coil futures contracts which were designated as hedging instruments and classified as cash flow hedges, either as hedges of variable purchase prices or as hedges of variable sales prices. Accordingly, realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with the instruments are reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings during the period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. During fiscal 2021, some of the Company's cash flow hedges were closed prior to expiration but the hedged transactions were still expected to occur as originally forecasted resulting in the realized gain or loss being deferred in other comprehensive income until the hedged transactions occur. During fiscal 2021, the Company also entered into hot-rolled coil futures contracts that were not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the change in fair value related to these instruments was immediately recognized in earnings.
The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments and the respective line in which they were recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2021:
|
Asset Derivatives |
Liability Derivatives |
|||||||||||||
|
Balance Sheet |
Balance Sheet |
|||||||||||||
|
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: |
Location |
Fair Value |
Location |
Fair Value |
||||||||||
|
Hot-rolled coil steel contracts hedging purchases |
Other current assets |
$ | 530,640 | |||||||||||
|
Hot-rolled coil steel contracts hedging sales |
Other current assets | $ | 91,760 |
Current portion of derivative liability |
$ | 7,890,700 | ||||||||
|
Hot-rolled coil steel contracts hedging sales |
Other non-current liabilities |
$ | 50,420 | |||||||||||
|
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: |
||||||||||||||
|
Hot-rolled coil steel contracts |
Current portion of derivative liability |
$ | 88,680 | |||||||||||
All derivatives are presented on a gross basis on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
At March 31, 2021, the Company reported $501,360 in "Accounts payable and accrued expenses" on its Consolidated Balance Sheet related to futures contracts for the month of March 2021 that had reached expiration but were pending cash settlement.
The notional amounts (quantities) of our cash flow hedges outstanding at March 31, 2021 consisted of 4,000 tons hedging purchases with maturity dates ranging from May 2021 to June 2021 and 43,740 tons hedging sales with maturity dates ranging from July 2021 to November 2022.
The following table summarizes the loss recognized in other comprehensive income and the gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings for derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges for the twelve months ended March 31, 2021:
|
Pre-Tax Loss |
Location of Gain Reclassified from |
Gain Reclassified from |
||||||||||
|
Recognized in OCI |
AOCI into Net Earnings |
AOCI into Net Earnings |
||||||||||
|
Hot-rolled coil steel contracts |
$ | (14,751,900) |
Costs of goods sold |
$ | 6,414,500 | |||||||
The estimated amount of losses recognized in OCI at March 31, 2021 expected to be reclassified into net earnings (loss) within the succeeding twelve months is $14,169,820. This amount consists of $6,839,740 in realized losses associated with closed hedges and $7,330,080 associated with open hedges that was computed using the fair value of the cash flow hedges as of March 31, 2021 and is subject to change before actual reclassification from AOCI to net earnings (loss).
The following table summarizes the loss recognized in earnings for derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments during fiscal 2021:
| Loss Recognized in Earnings | |||||||
| Location of Loss | for Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||
| Recognized in Earnings | March 31, 2021 | ||||||
| Hot-rolled coil steel contracts | Other income (loss) | $ | 515,160 | ||||
The notional amount (quantity) of our derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments at March 31, 2021 consisted of 1,860 tons of short positions with maturity in April 2021.
The following table reflects the change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021:
| Gain (Loss) on | |||||
| Derivatives | |||||
|
Balance at March 31, 2020 |
$ | — | |||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of income, before reclassification | (6,323,084) | ||||
| Gain reclassified from AOCI (1) | (4,864,757) | ||||
| Net current period other comprehensive loss | (11,187,841) | ||||
| Balance at March 31, 2021 | $ | (11,187,841) | |||
(1) The gain reclassified from AOCI is presented net of taxes of $1,549,743 which are included in provision for (benefit from) income taxes on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021.
At March 31, 2021, cash of $12,001,485 was required to collateralize our open hedging positions. This cash requirement is included in "Other current assets" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2021.
The Company did not have any derivative financial instruments during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020.
7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Accounting standards provide a comprehensive framework for measuring fair value and sets forth a definition of fair value and establishes a hierarchy prioritizing the inputs to valuation techniques, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable value inputs. Levels within the hierarchy are defined as follows:
|
● |
Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets. |
|
● |
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the assets and liabilities, either directly or indirectly. |
|
● |
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. |
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
At March 31, 2021, our financial liabilities, net, measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
|
Quoted Prices |
||||||||||||||||
|
in Active |
Significant |
|||||||||||||||
|
Markets for |
Other |
Significant |
||||||||||||||
|
Identical |
Observable |
Unobservable |
||||||||||||||
|
Assets |
Inputs |
Inputs |
||||||||||||||
|
(Level 1) |
(Level 2) |
(Level 3) |
Total |
|||||||||||||
|
Commodity futures – financial liabilities, net |
$ | (7,407,400 | ) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (7,407,400 | ) | ||||||
|
Total |
$ | (7,407,400 | ) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (7,407,400 | ) | ||||||
At March 31, 2020, the Company did not have any financial instruments that required fair value measurement on a recurring basis.
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
At March 31, 2020, our assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis were categorized as follows:
|
Quoted Prices |
||||||||||||||||
|
in Active |
Significant |
|||||||||||||||
|
Markets for |
Other |
Significant |
||||||||||||||
|
Identical |
Observable |
Unobservable |
||||||||||||||
|
Assets |
Inputs |
Inputs |
||||||||||||||
|
(Level 1) |
(Level 2) |
(Level 3) |
Total |
|||||||||||||
|
Long-lived assets held and used (1) |
$ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,771,450 | $ | 1,771,450 | ||||||||
|
Total |
$ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,771,450 | $ | 1,771,450 | ||||||||
|
(1) |
At March 31, 2020, the Company performed an impairment review of the tubular segment’s pipe finishing facility that resulted in the assets being written down to their estimated fair value of $1,771,450. |
At March 31, 2021, the Company did not have any fair value measurements on a non-recurring basis.
8. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic and dilutive net earnings (loss) per share is computed based on the following information:
|
Year Ended March 31, |
||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
Basic |
||||||||
|
Net earnings (loss) |
$ | 11,424,475 | $ | (5,249,210 | ) | |||
|
Weighted average common shares |
7,027,707 | 7,000,403 | ||||||
|
Dilutive |
||||||||
|
Net earnings (loss) |
$ | 11,424,475 | $ | (5,249,210 | ) | |||
|
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents |
7,027,707 | 7,000,403 | ||||||
9. INCOME TAXES
Components of tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
|
Year Ended March 31, |
||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
Federal |
||||||||
|
Current |
$ | 1,904,797 | $ | (408,360 | ) | |||
|
Deferred |
1,100,368 | (971,540 | ) | |||||
| 3,005,165 | (1,379,900 | ) | ||||||
|
State |
||||||||
|
Current |
554,212 | 3,468 | ||||||
|
Deferred |
238,121 | (212,560 | ) | |||||
| 792,333 | (209,092 | ) | ||||||
|
Total |
$ | 3,797,498 | $ | (1,588,992 | ) | |||
The U.S. federal statutory income tax rate is reconciled to the effective rate as follows:
|
Year Ended March 31, |
||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
Income tax expense (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory rate |
21.0 | % | (21.0 | )% | ||||
|
Current year state and local income taxes net of federal income tax benefit |
4.1 | (2.4 | ) | |||||
|
Other |
(0.1 | ) | 0.2 | |||||
|
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes |
25.0 | % | (23.2 | )% | ||||
The Company’s tax returns may be subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018 through March 31, 2020. State and local returns may be subject to examination for fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 through March 31, 2020.
Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s consolidated deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
|
March 31, |
||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
||||||||
|
Depreciation |
$ | (1,945,788 | ) | $ | (128,868 | ) | ||
|
LIFO to average cost Section 481(a) adjustment |
(301,110 | ) | (602,220 | ) | ||||
|
Total deferred tax liabilities |
(2,246,898 | ) | (731,088 | ) | ||||
|
Deferred tax assets: |
||||||||
|
Unrealized derivative loss - OCI |
3,564,059 | — | ||||||
|
Inventory capitalization |
63,468 | 85,137 | ||||||
|
Postretirement benefits other than pensions |
26,240 | 24,127 | ||||||
|
Net operating loss carryforward - State |
— | 15,012 | ||||||
|
Restricted stock award compensation |
328,434 | 200,949 | ||||||
|
Other |
129,121 | 44,717 | ||||||
|
Total deferred tax assets |
4,111,322 | 369,942 | ||||||
|
Net deferred tax asset (liability) |
$ | 1,864,424 | $ | (361,146 | ) | |||
10. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
The following table summarizes the tax effects on each component of Other Comprehensive Loss for the periods presented:
|
Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2021 |
||||||||||||
|
Before-Tax |
Tax Benefit |
Net-of-Tax |
||||||||||
|
Cash flow hedges (1) |
$ | (14,751,900 | ) | $ | 3,564,059 | $ | (11,187,841 | ) | ||||
|
Other comprehensive loss |
$ | (14,751,900 | ) | $ | 3,564,059 | $ | (11,187,841 | ) | ||||
(1) Of the $14,751,900 before tax comprehensive loss, $7,908,760 is associated with open hedges subject to fair value changes and $6,843,140 is realized losses associated with closed hedges with the hedged transaction still expected to occur.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, the Company did not have transactions to report in other comprehensive income or loss.
11. RETIREMENT PLAN
The Company maintains the Friedman Industries, Inc. Employees’ Retirement and 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”). Employees fully vest in the Plan upon six years of service.
The retirement portion of the Plan covers substantially all employees, including officers. The Company’s contribution expenses, which are determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors in an amount not to exceed 15% of the total compensation paid during the year to all eligible employees, were $200,000 for the year ended March 31, 2021 and $200,000 for the year ended March 31, 2020. Contributions, plan earnings and forfeitures of non-vested accounts of terminated participants are allocated to the remaining individual accounts determined by a point schedule based on years of employment with the Company.
Employees may participate in the 401(k) portion of the Plan. Employees are eligible to participate in the Plan when the employee has completed six months of service. Under the Plan, participating employees may defer a portion of their earnings up to certain limits prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company provides matching contributions under the provisions of the Plan. Contribution expense related to the 401(k) portion of the Plan was approximately $49,500 and $50,000 for the years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has engaged Metal Edge Partners, LLC (“Metal Edge”) to provide services that include strategic advisory services, risk management services, procurement advisory services, steel market analytics and macro-economic analytics. Tim Stevenson serves as a member of our Board of Directors and serves as Chief Executive Officer of Metal Edge. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, we paid Metal Edge $144,000 related to these services. Our agreement with Metal Edge may be terminated by either party, without cause, upon ninety days prior written notice. There were no related party transactions to disclose for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020.
13. INDUSTRY SEGMENT DATA
The Company is engaged in the steel processing, pipe manufacturing and processing and steel and pipe distribution business. Within the Company, there are two product groups: coil and tubular. The Company’s coil operations involve converting steel coils into flat sheet and plate steel cut to customer specifications and reselling steel coils. Through its tubular operations, the Company purchases, processes, manufactures and markets tubular products. The following is a summary of significant financial information relating to the product groups:
|
Year Ended March 31, |
||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
NET SALES: |
||||||||
|
Coil |
$ | 95,264,555 | $ | 99,762,892 | ||||
|
Tubular |
30,837,978 | 42,339,432 | ||||||
|
TOTAL NET SALES |
$ | 126,102,533 | $ | 142,102,324 | ||||
|
OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS): |
||||||||
|
Coil |
$ | 16,466,713 | $ | 1,252,669 | ||||
|
Tubular |
2,923,399 | (5,564,882 | ) | |||||
|
TOTAL OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS) |
19,390,112 | (4,312,213 | ) | |||||
|
General corporate expenses |
(3,640,098 | ) | (2,540,443 | ) | ||||
|
Interest expense |
(24,619 | ) | (4,806 | ) | ||||
|
Other income (loss) |
(503,422 | ) | 19,260 | |||||
|
TOTAL EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
$ | 15,221,973 | $ | (6,838,202 | ) | |||
|
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS: |
||||||||
|
Coil |
$ | 56,670,109 | $ | 35,894,510 | ||||
|
Tubular |
17,883,612 | 23,659,457 | ||||||
| 74,553,721 | 59,553,967 | |||||||
|
General corporate assets |
20,455,088 | 17,790,121 | ||||||
|
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 95,008,809 | $ | 77,344,088 | ||||
|
DEPRECIATION: |
||||||||
|
Coil |
$ | 653,708 | $ | 836,730 | ||||
|
Tubular |
346,135 | 675,048 | ||||||
|
Corporate and other |
13,074 | 13,183 | ||||||
| $ | 1,012,917 | $ | 1,524,961 | |||||
|
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES: |
||||||||
|
Coil |
$ | 4,505,589 | $ | 4,060,911 | ||||
|
Tubular |
78,061 | 841,817 | ||||||
|
Corporate and other |
25,967 | 32,633 | ||||||
| $ | 4,609,617 | $ | 4,935,361 | |||||
Operating profit (loss) is total net sales less operating expenses, excluding general corporate expenses, interest expense and interest and other income. General corporate expenses reflect general and administrative expenses not directly associated with segment operations and consist primarily of corporate and accounting salaries, professional fees and services, bad debts, retirement plan contribution expense, corporate insurance expenses, restricted stock plan compensation expense and office supplies. Other income (loss) for fiscal 2021 consisted primarily of a $515,160 loss related to derivatives not designated for hedge accounting. At March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, corporate assets consisted primarily of cash, restricted cash and the cash value of officers’ life insurance. Although inventory is transferred at cost between product groups, there are no sales between product groups.
14. REVENUE
Revenue is generated primarily from contracts to manufacture or process steel products. Most of the Company’s revenue is generated by sales of material out of the Company’s inventory but a portion of the Company’s revenue is derived from processing of customer owned material. Generally, the Company’s performance obligations are satisfied, control of our products is transferred, and revenue is recognized at a single point in time, when title transfers to our customer for product shipped or when services are provided. Revenues are recorded net of any sales incentives. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to customers are treated as fulfillment activities and are recorded in both revenue and cost of sales at the time control is transferred to the customer. Costs related to obtaining sales contracts are incidental and expensed when incurred. Because customers are invoiced at the time title transfers and the Company’s rights to consideration are unconditional at that time, the Company does not maintain contract asset balances. Additionally, the Company does not maintain contract liability balances, as performance obligations are satisfied prior to customer payment for product. The Company offers industry standard payment terms.
The Company has two reportable segments: Coil and Tubular. Coil primarily generates revenue from cutting to length hot-rolled steel coils. Coil segment revenue consists of three main product types: Prime Coil, Non-Standard Coil and Customer Owned Coil. Tubular primarily generates revenue from the manufacture, distribution and processing of steel pipe. Tubular segment revenue consists of three main product or service types: Manufactured Pipe, Mill Reject Pipe and Pipe Finishing Services. The Company did not generate any revenue from pipe finishing services in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020. The pipe finishing facility is currently idled due to market conditions. The following table disaggregates our revenue by product for each of our reportable business segments for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively:
|
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, |
||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
Coil Segment: |
||||||||
|
Prime Coil |
$ | 85,933,199 | $ | 87,222,853 | ||||
|
Non-standard Coil |
8,414,060 | 11,792,212 | ||||||
|
Customer Owned Coil |
917,296 | 747,827 | ||||||
| $ | 95,264,555 | $ | 99,762,892 | |||||
|
Tubular Segment: |
||||||||
|
Manufactured Pipe |
$ | 25,554,333 | $ | 34,974,506 | ||||
|
Mill Reject Pipe |
5,283,645 | 7,364,926 | ||||||
| $ | 30,837,978 | $ | 42,339,432 | |||||
15. SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
|
Quarter Ended |
||||||||||||||||
|
June 30, |
September 30, |
December 31, |
March 31, |
|||||||||||||
|
2020 |
2020 |
2020 |
2021 |
|||||||||||||
|
Net sales |
$ | 23,524,600 | $ | 24,861,680 | $ | 28,502,049 | $ | 49,214,204 | ||||||||
|
Gross profit |
256,754 | 1,091,097 | 4,495,849 | 17,741,498 | ||||||||||||
|
Net earnings (loss) |
(858,862 | ) | (250,005 | ) | 2,129,745 | 10,403,597 | ||||||||||
|
Basic |
(0.12 | ) | (0.04 | ) | 0.30 | 1.49 | ||||||||||
|
Diluted |
(0.12 | ) | (0.04 | ) | 0.30 | 1.49 | ||||||||||
|
Quarter Ended |
||||||||||||||||
|
June 30, |
September 30, |
December 31, |
March 31, |
|||||||||||||
|
2019 |
2019 |
2019 |
2020 |
|||||||||||||
|
Net sales |
$ | 40,975,320 | $ | 39,995,580 | $ | 28,150,817 | $ | 32,980,607 | ||||||||
|
Gross profit (loss) |
1,471,324 | (782,650 | ) | 52,933 | 1,868,728 | |||||||||||
|
Net earnings (loss) |
194,772 | (1,544,137 | ) | (881,003 | ) | (3,018,842 | ) | |||||||||
|
Basic |
0.03 | (0.22 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.43 | ) | |||||||||
|
Diluted |
0.03 | (0.22 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.43 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
See Note 3 for information related to the asset-based lending credit facility entered into subsequent to year end. As of the filing date of this Form 10-K, the Company had borrowings of $11,448,646 outstanding under the asset-based lending credit facility. See Note 3 for information about forgiveness of the Company's PPP Loan subsequent to year end. See Note 5 for information related to the Company's planned facility in Sinton, Texas announced subsequent to year end.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of
Friedman Industries, Incorporated
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Friedman Industries, Incorporated and subsidiary (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes and schedule (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Derivatives and Hedging – Management’s Forecasts of Physical Purchases and Sales of Prime Coil
As described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, in June 2020, the Company implemented its first commodity price risk management activities by transacting hot-rolled coil futures. At the time derivative contracts are entered into, the Company assesses whether the nature of the instrument qualifies for hedge accounting treatment according to the requirements of ASC 815-Derivatives and Hedging. During the twelve months ended March 31, 2021, the Company entered into hot-rolled coil futures contracts which were designated as hedging instruments and classified as cash flow hedges, either as hedges of variable purchase prices or as hedges of variable sales prices. Accordingly, realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with the instruments are reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings during the period in which the associated hedged transaction affects earnings. The election of hedge accounting requires significant analysis and documentation. This analysis includes estimates for the forecasted future physical purchases of prime coil and physical sales of prime coil. We determined that the auditing of these estimates was a critical audit matter. The Company had an accumulated other comprehensive loss of $11,187,841 as of March 31, 2021 consisting of deferred realized and unrealized losses associated with futures contracts for which forecasted physical purchase or sale transactions were determined by management to be probable of occurring.
The principal consideration in our determination that management’s forecasts of physical prime coil purchases and physical sales of prime coil is a critical audit matter is the exercise of significant judgment by management when developing these forecasts. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence related to management’s forecasts of physical purchases and sales.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
|
· |
Performing a retrospective review of previous forecasts by comparing to actual volumes of prime coil purchased or sold, |
|
|
· |
Comparing forecasts to historical actual volumes of prime coil purchased or sold, and |
|
|
· |
Evaluating the sensitivity of forecasts to downward changes and assessing potential impact of changes on the Company’s assertion about the probability of forecasted purchase and sale volumes. |
/s/ MOSS ADAMS LLP
Houston, Texas
July 7, 2021
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). We have established disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission and that any material information relating to us is recorded, processed, summarized and reported to our management including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving desired control objectives. In reaching a reasonable level of assurance, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report and, during the audit process related to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2021.
Notwithstanding the identified material weakness, the Company's management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have determined, based on the procedures we have performed, that the audited consolidated financial statements included in this report fairly present in all material respects our financial condition and results of operations as of and for the years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
During the audit process related to our fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, management, in connection with our independent auditors, identified a material weakness in our controls related to the review of the annual income tax provision prepared by a third-party firm. Specifically, we did not maintain effective controls to sufficiently review the completeness and accuracy of the annual tax provision. Our review was not sufficiently detailed to identify a material misstatement in deferred income taxes. The Company recorded an audit adjustment of approximately $3.5 million impacting the balance sheet items of deferred tax assets and accumulated other comprehensive loss. The audit adjustment caused the Company to change from a net deferred income tax liability position to a net deferred income tax asset position. Additionally, the Company’s review of the annual income tax provision did not include a process to sufficiently evaluate deferred tax assets to determine if a valuation allowance was necessary. The Company has since performed an analysis to consider if a valuation allowance is necessary in relation to the Company’s deferred tax assets and concluded that no valuation allowance is necessary due to anticipated recoverability through future taxable income.
Plan for Remediation of Material Weakness
Our Company is relatively small. As disclosed in our Form 10-K, we had 93 full-time employees as of March 31, 2021. Our accounting and finance team consisted of two degreed accountants as of March 31, 2021. Leading up to, and during the financial statement audit period, considerable time was expended by our accounting and finance team to finalize the asset-based credit facility described in Note 3 and to select our general contractor and equipment manufacturer related to our planned new facility in Sinton, Texas disclosed in Note 5 and to finalize contracts with such parties. This resulted in the Company falling behind in the timeline necessary to complete the audit process and regulatory filings in a timely manner. In an effort to meet regulatory deadlines, the Company did not perform a sufficient review of third-party materials. The Company concludes that the best remediation of the material weakness is an investment in human capital that will allow it to meet its regulatory requirements and growth objectives. On May 24, 2021, the Company hired an additional degreed accountant. The timing of this hire in relation to the audit process made it difficult for the hire to have a beneficial impact on the process related to our fiscal year end March 31, 2021. However, the Company believes the investment in human capital will provide sufficient remediation in future periods and the Company will continue to evaluate the appropriate level of staffing to ensure the controls over financial reporting are adhered to and the Company can meet its regulatory requirements in a timely manner.
We will continue to monitor the design and effectiveness of these procedures and controls and make any further changes the Company determines appropriate. We believe the additional investment in human capital described above will remediate the material weakness the Company has identified. However, this material weakness will not be considered remediated until the applicable remedial actions operate effectively for a sufficient period of time.
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
Pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 308(b), this Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our Company's independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Except for the matter discussed above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Friedman Industries, Incorporated is a manufacturer and processor of steel products and operates in two reportable segments: coil products and tubular products.
The coil product segment includes the operation of two hot-rolled coil processing facilities; one in Hickman, Arkansas and the other in Decatur, Alabama. The Hickman facility operates a temper mill and a cut-to-length line. The temper mill improves the flatness and surface qualities of the coils and the cut-to-length line levels the steel and cuts the coils into sheet and plate of prescribed lengths. The Hickman facility is capable of cutting sheet and plate with thicknesses ranging from 14 gauge to ½” thick in widths ranging from 36” wide to 72” wide. The Decatur facility previously operated a temper mill and a cut-to-length line but during the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the equipment was removed to allow the foundation to be prepared for a new stretcher leveler line. In March 2021, the new stretcher leveler line was placed into service. The estimated total cost of this project is $7,200,000 with approximately $6,733,000 having been spent as of March 31, 2021. The new equipment expands the coil segment’s processing capabilities to include material up to 96” wide and material of higher grades and will allow the Decatur facility to cut material that is up to ½” thick compared to the previous equipment’s capability of 5/16” thick. In addition, sheet and plate that has been stretcher leveled is preferable to some customers and applications compared to material that has been leveled through the temper mill process. In April 2020, the Company completed a 22,000 square foot building expansion at the Hickman facility that provides for additional finished goods storage space, removing that constraint to growth and also providing safety improvements. The project was completed at an actual cost of approximately $1,083,000 compared to an original estimated cost of $1,100,000. The coil product segment sells its prime grade inventory under the Friedman Industries name but also maintains an inventory of non-standard coil products, consisting primarily of mill secondary and excess prime coils, which are sold through the Company’s XSCP division. The coil product segment also processes customer-owned coils on a fee basis.
On May 25, 2021, the Company announced plans for a new facility in Sinton, Texas that will be part of the coil product segment. The new facility will be on the campus of Steel Dynamics, Inc.'s ("SDI") new flat roll steel mill currently under construction in Sinton, Texas. The Company's new location will consist of an approximately 70,000 square foot building located on approximately 26.5 acres leased from SDI under a 99-year agreement. The lease agreement calls for an annual rental payment of $1. The Company has selected Red Bud Industries to build one of the world’s largest stretcher leveler cut-to-length lines, capable of handling material up to 1” thick, widths up to 96” and yields exceeding 100,000 psi. The Company expects the location to commence operations in April 2022 and estimates the total cost of the project to be $21 million. The Company expects to fund the Sinton capital expenditure through a combination of cash generated from operations and funds drawn under the ABL Facility.
The tubular product segment consists of the Company’s Texas Tubular Products division (“TTP”) located in Lone Star, Texas. TTP operates two electric resistance welded pipe mills with a combined outside diameter (“OD”) size range of 2 3/8” OD to 8 5/8” OD. Both pipe mills are American Petroleum Institute (“API”) licensed to manufacture line pipe and oil country pipe and also manufacture pipe for structural purposes that meets other recognized industry standards. TTP has an API licensed pipe finishing facility that threads and couples oil country tubular goods and performs other services that are customary in the pipe finishing process. The pipe finishing facility is currently idled due to market conditions. TTP’s inventory consists of raw materials and finished goods. Raw material inventory consists of hot-rolled steel coils that TTP will manufacture into pipe. Finished goods inventory consists of pipe TTP has manufactured and new mill reject pipe that TTP purchased from U.S. Steel Tubular Products, Inc.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Year ended March 31, 2021 compared to year ended March 31, 2020
Our fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 ("fiscal 2021") commenced in the early stages of the COVID-19 virus' widespread impact on the United States. In addition to the devastating effects on human life, this contagious virus has affected economies globally. The operations of many businesses, including ours and many of our customers have been disrupted during the pandemic. We have been fortunate to operate our facilities throughout the pandemic and more fortunate to report none of our employees have been lost to the virus. The impact of the pandemic on different industries has been unique and we likely do not yet know the full extent of the pandemic's impact. There are no comparable events that provide guidance as to the effect the COVID-19 pandemic may have, and, as a result, the ultimate effect of the pandemic is highly uncertain and subject to change.
During fiscal 2021, sales and costs of goods sold decreased $15,999,791 and $36,974,654, respectively, and gross profit increased $20,974,863 from the comparable amounts recorded during the year ended March 31, 2020 (“fiscal 2020”). The decrease in sales was related primarily to a decline in sales volume with tons sold decreasing from approximately 210,500 tons in fiscal 2020 to approximately 173,000 tons in fiscal 2021. The decline in sales volume was primarily related to both the impact of COVID-19 and the equipment replacement project at the coil segment's Decatur facility. Discussion of the changes in sales volumes is expanded upon at the segment level in the following paragraphs. The average selling price of the Company's products did increase in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 but only to an extent to partially offset the decrease in sales caused by the decline in volume. Discussion of the changes in average selling price is expanded upon at the segment level in the following paragraphs. Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased from approximately 1.8% in fiscal 2020 to approximately 18.7% in fiscal 2021. Gross profit for fiscal 2021 included $6,414,500 in recognized gains related to hedging activities while fiscal 2020 did not have any recognized hedging related gains or losses. Excluding the recognized hedging gains for fiscal 2021, gross profit related to physical material as a percentage of sales was approximately 13.6% for fiscal 2021.
Our operating results are significantly impacted by the market price of hot-rolled steel coil. The Company experienced significant volatility in steel price during both fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020. The start of fiscal 2020 was characterized by declining steel prices that reached a 3 ½ year low in October 2019. From November 2019 through February 2020 domestic steel producers issued a series of price increases but the upward momentum was halted in March 2020 when the COVID-19 virus started to impact the U.S. economy. From March 2020 to August 2020 steel prices resumed a negative trajectory and declined approximately 25%. In August 2020, steel prices began a historic run up, increasing approximately 200% by the end of fiscal 2021. Management believes the historic increase in steel prices is primarily the result of a supply and demand imbalance that was created by COVID-19's impact on the steel industry and its customers. At the onset of the pandemic, some steel mill production capacity was idled, and we, and many other industry participants, scaled back inventory purchases. We saw a significant but relatively brief, dip in demand followed by a resurgence, and this resurgence in demand was met by historically low inventory on hand and on order levels in the supply chain and a lower level of available steel mill capacity. Steel mill capacity was booked up quickly and lead times extended well beyond normal levels and due to supportive demand, capacity continued to book up quickly throughout the remainder of fiscal 2021 and lead times remained extended. This supply and demand dynamic resulted in significant margin improvement for the Company's products during the second half of fiscal 2021. In comparison, results for fiscal 2020 were negatively impacted by sustained margin compression associated with declines in steel price. Operating profit for fiscal 2021 was approximately $19,390,000 compared to an operating loss of approximately $4,312,000 for fiscal 2020 that included a fixed asset impairment loss of approximately $4,338,500.
Coil Segment
Coil product segment sales for fiscal 2021 totaled $95,264,555 compared to $99,762,892 for fiscal 2020, representing a decrease during fiscal 2021 of $4,498,337 or approximately 5%. For average selling price disclosure, it is helpful to isolate sales generated from processing of customer owned material and sales generated from coil segment inventory. Sales generated from processing of customer owned material totaled $917,296 for fiscal 2021 compared to $747,827 for fiscal 2020. Sales generated from coil segment inventory totaled $94,347,259 for fiscal 2021 compared to $99,015,065 for fiscal 2020. The decrease in coil segment sales was driven by a decline in sales volume, partially offset by an increase in the average selling price of tons shipped from inventory. Inventory tons sold decreased from approximately 152,000 tons in fiscal 2020 to approximately 130,500 tons in fiscal 2021. The volume decline was related to both the impacts of COVID-19 and removing the Decatur facility's equipment in June 2020 for an equipment replacement project that was put into service in March 2021. Compared to fiscal 2020's average monthly volume, April 2020 volume was down 51% and May 2020 volume was down 33% but the rest of fiscal 2021's monthly volume was only down an average of 9%. The average per ton selling price related to these shipments increased from approximately $651 per ton in fiscal 2020 to approximately $722 per ton in fiscal 2021. Coil segment operations recorded operating profits of approximately $16,467,000 and $1,253,000 in fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, respectively. Operating profit for fiscal 2021 includes recognized gains on hedging activities of $5,500,000 while the Company did not have any hedging activities in fiscal 2020. Margins for fiscal 2021 improved significantly during the second half of the year while steel pricing was experiencing a historic increase. Margins for fiscal 2020 were negatively impacted by declines in hot-rolled steel prices.
The Company’s coil segment purchases its inventory from a limited number of suppliers. Loss of any of these suppliers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
Tubular Segment
Tubular product segment sales for fiscal 2021 totaled $30,837,978 compared to $42,339,432 for fiscal 2020, representing a decrease during fiscal 2021 of $11,501,454 or approximately 27%. The decrease in tubular segment sales was primarily driven by a decline in sales volume which decreased from approximately 58,000 tons in fiscal 2020 to approximately 42,000 tons in fiscal 2021. The volume decline was related primarily to the impacts of COVID-19 and challenging energy industry conditions. Compared to fiscal 2020's average monthly volume, April 2020 volume was only down 4% due to the fulfillment of pre-pandemic orders but May 2020 volume was down 36% and the remainder of fiscal 2021's monthly volume was down an average of 27%. The tubular segment volume did not recover in the same manner as the coil segment's volume due primarily to energy industry conditions which remained challenging throughout fiscal 2021. The average selling price for the tubular segment's products was consistent between years at approximately $730 per ton for fiscal 2021 compared to approximately $728 per ton for fiscal 2020. Tubular segment operations recorded an operating profit of approximately $2,923,000 for fiscal 2021 compared to an operating loss of approximately $5,565,000 for fiscal 2020. Operating profit for fiscal 2021 includes recognized gains on hedging activities of $914,500 while the Company did not have any hedging activities in fiscal 2020.The fiscal 2020 operating loss included a fixed asset impairment loss related to the segment’s pipe finishing facility of approximately $4,338,500. Operating results for both fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020 were negatively impacted by inventory write downs of $274,093 and $955,605, respectively, related to the segment's manufactured pipe inventory.
The tubular segment purchases its inventory from a limited number of suppliers. Loss of any of these suppliers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. In March 2020, U.S. Steel announced the idling of their Lone Star Tubular Operations which was our sole supplier of mill reject pipe. U.S. Steel's facility was idled as announced and the Company's receipts of mill reject pipe ceased in August 2020. At March 31, 2021, we had approximately 22,500 tons of mill reject inventory which we believe to be one to one and a half years of inventory. Mill reject pipe sales contributed gross profit of approximately $1,775,000 in fiscal 2021 and $1,471,000 in fiscal 2020. We expect the idling to have a negative impact on our operations as we eventually sell out of inventory.
General, Selling and Administrative Costs
During fiscal 2021, general, selling and administrative costs increased approximately $2,710,000 compared to fiscal 2020. This increase was related primarily to payroll, professional fees and restricted stock plan compensation expense.
Other Income (Loss)
For fiscal 2021, the Company reported an other loss of approximately $503,500 which was the result of a loss of approximately $515,000 on derivative instruments not designated for hedge accounting partially offset by other income of approximately $11,500 for the increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies the Company holds on its officers. For fiscal 2020, the Company had other income of approximately $19,000 which consisted of the increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies the Company holds on its officers.
Income Taxes
Income taxes increased from a benefit for fiscal 2020 of $1,588,992 to a provision for fiscal 2021 of $3,797,498. This increase was related primarily to the shift from a loss before taxes for fiscal 2020 to having earnings before tax for fiscal 2021.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND SOURCES OF CAPITAL
The Company's current ratio was 2.7 and 6.8 at March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively. Working capital was $48,462,364 at March 31, 2021 and $55,566,158 at March 31, 2020.
During the year ended March 31, 2021, the Company maintained assets and liabilities at levels it believed were commensurate with operations. Changes in balance sheet amounts occurred in the ordinary course of business. Cash increased primarily as a result of operating activities partially offset by the purchases of property, plant and equipment and the payment of cash dividends. The Company expects to continue to monitor, evaluate and manage balance sheet components depending on changes in market conditions and the Company’s operations.
On April 9, 2020, the Company entered into a Paycheck Protection Program Promissory Note (the “PPP Note”), evidencing an unsecured loan to the Company from JPMorgan Chase Bank under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). Pursuant to the PPP Note, the Company received total proceeds of $1,690,385 on April 10, 2020. According to the provisions of the CARES Act, the Company submitted an application for forgiveness of the PPP Note on April 21, 2021 and received notification on June 22, 2021 that full forgiveness of the loan was authorized by the Small Business Administration.
On March 8, 2021, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement providing for a $10 million revolving line of credit facility (the "Interim Credit Facility) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the "Bank"). The term of the Interim Credit Facility was relatively short with an expiration date of July 15, 2021 because the Company was evaluating options for longer term credit arrangements. At March 31, 2021, the Company did not have any borrowings under the Interim Credit Facility. On April 14, 2021, the Company executed a first amendment to the Interim Credit Facility that increased the size of the facility from $10 million to $20 million. On May 19, 2021, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with the Bank that provides for asset-based revolving loans in an aggregate principal amount up to $40 million (the "ABL Facility"). The ABL Facility matures on May 19, 2026 and replaced the Interim Credit Facility. The ABL Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and interest shall accrue on outstanding borrowings at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.7% per annum. More details regarding the ABL Facility may be found in Note 3. As of the filing date of this Form 10-K, the Company had borrowings of $11,448,646 outstanding under the ABL Facility.
The Company believes that its cash flows from operations and credit availability are adequate to fund its expected cash requirements for the next 12 months.
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS
During fiscal 2021, the Company implemented its first commodity price-risk management activities by transacting hot-rolled coil futures. From time to time, the Company may use futures contracts to partially manage exposure to price risk. The Company elects hedge accounting for some of its derivatives and classifies the transactions as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. From time to time, the Company may also transact futures contracts where hedge accounting is not elected. For fiscal 2021, the Company recognized gains of $6,414,500 related to derivatives designated for hedge accounting and classified as cash flow hedges and recognized losses of $515,160 related to derivatives not designated for hedge accounting. See Note 6 for further information related to the Company's derivative financial instruments.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
INFLATION
During fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, the Company believes that the general level of inflation did not have a material effect on the Company's operations.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The more significant estimates and judgements include forecasted purchases of hot-rolled coil and forecasted sales or prime coil inventory and manufactured pipe inventory in relation to hedging activities and the fair value of the pipe-finishing facility, when impaired. From time to time, the Company hedges these forecasted purchases and sales and may designate those transactions for hedge accounting. If the actual volume of these purchases and sales differs from the forecasted volumes, it may impact the application of hedge accounting related to those transactions and may disallow the use of hedge accounting on a go forward basis. Determination of forecasted purchases of hot-rolled coil and forecasted sales of prime coil inventory and manufactured pipe inventory require the Company to make assumptions related to customer demand and the volume and timing of inventory purchases. The pipe-finishing facility impairment analysis requires assumptions related to future operations of the facility and estimates related to the replacement cost and value in exchange for the assets. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
From time to time, the Company may make certain statements that contain forward-looking information (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996, as amended) and that involve risk and uncertainty. Such statements may include those risks disclosed in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of this report. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, future changes in the Company’s financial condition or results of operations, future production capacity, product quality and proposed expansion plans. Forward-looking statements may be made by management orally or in writing including, but not limited to, this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements include those preceded by, followed by or including the words “will,” “expect,” “intended,” “anticipated,” “believe,” “project,” “forecast,” “propose,” “plan,” “estimate,” “enable,” and similar expressions, including, for example, statements about our business strategy, our industry, our future profitability, growth in the industry sectors we serve, our expectations, beliefs, plans, strategies, objectives, prospects and assumptions, and estimates and projections of future activity and trends in the oil and natural gas industry. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. These statements are based on management’s expectations that involve a number of business risks and uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements reflect our current beliefs, reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Actual results and trends in the future may differ materially depending on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, changes in the demand for and prices of the Company’s products, changes in government policy regarding steel, changes in the demand for steel and steel products in general and the Company’s success in executing its internal operating plans, changes in and availability of raw materials, unplanned shutdowns of our production facilities due to equipment failures or other issues, increased competition from alternative materials and risks concerning innovation, new technologies, products and increasing customer requirements. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on our forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, except to the extent law requires.
TEN YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY (Unaudited)
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Year Ended March 31 |
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| 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
As Adjusted |
2017* | 2016* | 2015* | 2014* | 2013* | 2012* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Net sales |
$ | 126,102,533 | $ | 142,102,324 | $ | 187,154,493 | $ | 121,157,278 | $ | 77,756,055 | $ | 81,631,382 | $ | 108,322,780 | $ | 116,149,022 | $ | 136,448,786 | $ | 161,521,993 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Net earnings (loss) |
$ | 11,424,475 | $ | (5,249,210 | ) | $ | 5,099,924 | $ | 3,934,101 | $ | (2,678,684 | ) | $ | 294,000 | $ | 382,330 | $ | 1,712,926 | $ | 6,135,812 | $ | 8,150,464 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Current assets |
$ | 77,534,635 | $ | 65,211,517 | $ | 74,456,207 | $ | 67,269,406 | $ | 45,432,836 | $ | 49,701,656 | $ | 50,117,355 | $ | 59,846,668 | $ | 64,283,557 | $ | 65,007,891 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Current liabilities |
$ | 29,072,271 | $ | 9,645,359 | $ | 12,364,902 | $ | 11,030,635 | $ | 2,356,590 | $ | 2,865,750 | $ | 2,651,111 | $ | 7,770,689 | $ | 12,312,082 | $ | 13,853,388 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Working capital |
$ | 48,462,364 | $ | 55,566,158 | $ | 62,091,305 | $ | 56,238,771 | $ | 43,076,246 | $ | 46,835,906 | $ | 47,466,244 | $ | 52,075,979 | $ | 51,971,475 | $ | 51,154,503 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Total assets |
$ | 95,008,809 | $ | 77,344,088 | $ | 86,601,982 | $ | 81,653,307 | $ | 63,263,297 | $ | 66,890,397 | $ | 66,958,024 | $ | 72,284,399 | $ | 76,575,129 | $ | 78,570,393 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Stockholders’ equity |
$ | 65,339,976 | $ | 66,865,367 | $ | 72,481,577 | $ | 68,575,450 | $ | 60,356,425 | $ | 63,239,047 | $ | 63,217,025 | $ | 63,310,656 | $ | 62,957,619 | $ | 63,417,268 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Net earnings (loss) as a percentage of Net sales |
9.1 | (3.7 | ) | 2.7 | 3.2 | (3.4 | ) | 0.4 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stockholders’ equity |
17.5 | (7.9 | ) | 7.0 | 5.7 | (4.4 | ) | 0.5 | 0.6 | 2.7 | 9.7 | 12.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: |
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Basic |
7,027,707 | 7,000,403 | 7,010,266 | 7,009,444 | 6,851,944 | 6,799,444 | 6,799,444 | 6,799,444 | 6,799,444 | 6,799,444 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Per share |
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Net earnings (loss) per share: |
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Basic |
$ | 1.63 | $ | (0.75 | ) | $ | 0.73 | $ | 0.56 | $ | (0.39 | ) | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.90 | $ | 1.20 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Stockholders’ equity |
$ | 9.30 | $ | 9.55 | $ | 10.34 | $ | 9.78 | $ | 8.81 | $ | 9.30 | $ | 9.30 | $ | 9.31 | $ | 9.26 | $ | 9.33 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Cash dividends per common share |
$ | 0.08 | $ | 0.10 | $ | 0.19 | $ | 0.05 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.97 | $ | 0.52 | ||||||||||||||||||||
* The figures for fiscal years 2012 to 2017 have not been adjusted for a change in accounting principle where the Company changed its valuation method for prime coil inventory from the LIFO method to the average cost method. The change in accounting principle was effective for fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 figures were adjusted to meet comparative financial statement reporting requirements. The impact of the change in accounting principle on fiscal years 2012 to 2017 has not been quantified by the Company and could be material, therefore, the figures may not be comparable to fiscal years 2018 to 2021.
EXHIBIT 14.1
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
It is the policy of Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”) to endeavor to conduct business with the highest standards of honesty and integrity and in compliance with all applicable laws. In view thereof, the Company’s Board of Directors has adopted this Code of Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”).
In addition to other Company policies, all Company employees, directors and officers are expected to:
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• |
Carry out their duties honestly and with the highest degree of integrity. |
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• |
Avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships. |
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• |
Report promptly any transaction or relationship that could compromise one’s ability to (i) adhere fully to the Code, other Company policies or applicable laws or (ii) make business decisions without regard to personal gain or benefit. |
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• |
Seek, at all times, to provide information to Company officials and its outside professionals (e.g. accountants, counsel, insurance providers, etc.) that is accurate, relevant, complete, objective, timely and understandable, and encourage others within the Company to do the same. |
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• |
Use reasonable efforts to assure full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure of information related to the Company’s business and financial operations in Company reports and documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or the NYSE – American or in other public communications made by the Company. |
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• |
Use reasonable efforts to cause the Company to comply fully with the letter and spirit of all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company or its business. |
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• |
Promptly report to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) (i) any weakness or deficiency in the design or operation of the Company’s internal controls or (ii) any fraud involving Company management or other employees having significant roles in the Company’s operations, financial reporting, disclosures or internal controls. |
The Board of Directors is responsible for applying and interpreting the Code. Any questions relating to how the Code should be interpreted or applied should be addressed to a supervisor, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Chief Financial Officer. Any employee, officer or director who becomes aware of any existing or potential violation of laws, rules, regulations or the Code should promptly notify the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer or the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Reports may be made orally or in writing and may be made anonymously and will be kept confidential to the extent permitted. Written reports should be sent to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Chief Financial Officer, at P.O. Box 2192, Longview, Texas 75606. In addition, reports may be made to the Chairman of the Audit Committee by calling (713) 622-7000 or sent to Three Greenway Plaza, Suite 1700, Houston, Texas 77046.
Failure to notify the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer or the Chairman of the Audit Committee of any violation or potential violation is in itself a violation of the Code. To encourage employees to report any violations, the Company will not allow retaliation for reports made hereunder in good faith. In addition, the Company may not retaliate against any employee for providing information or assisting in the investigation of any law enforcement agency, regulatory agency or other governmental body relating to the Company.
Observance of the provisions of the Code is of extreme importance to the Company. A violation of the Code will be regarded as a serious offense and may constitute grounds for disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, demotion, suspension (with or without pay), discharge, or, in the case of directors, removal from the Board of Directors and legal proceedings.
From time to time, the Company may waive some provisions of the Code. Any employee, officer or director who believes that a waiver may be called for should contact the Chief Financial Officer. Any waiver of the Code for directors and executive officers of the Company must be approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and will be promptly reported in such manner as may be required by the SEC or NYSE - American.
EXHIBIT 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES
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FRIEDMAN/DECATUR, L.L.C. |
Alabama Limited Liability Company |
100% owned |
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-215223) of our report dated July 7, 2021, relating to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Friedman Industries, Incorporated appearing in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended March 31, 2021.
/s/ MOSS ADAMS LLP
Houston, Texas
July 7, 2021
EXHIBIT 31.1
I, Michael J. Taylor, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Friedman Industries, Incorporated;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors
(or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Dated: July 7, 2021
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/S/ MICHAEL J. TAYLOR |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 31.2
I, Alex LaRue, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Friedman Industries, Incorporated;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors
(or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Dated: July 7, 2021
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/S/ ALEX LARUE |
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Chief Financial Officer — Secretary and Treasurer |
EXHIBIT 32.1
Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Not Filed Pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
In connection with the Annual Report of Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Michael J. Taylor, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
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By: |
/S/ MICHAEL J. TAYLOR |
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| President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||
Dated: July 7, 2021
EXHIBIT 32.2
Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Not Filed Pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
In connection with the Annual Report of Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Alex LaRue, Chief Financial Officer — Secretary & Treasurer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
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By: |
/S/ ALEX LARUE |
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Chief Financial Officer — Secretary and Treasurer |
Dated: July 7, 2021