Lithia Motors Inc 10-Q for FY2024 Q3
Lithia Motors Inc (LAD)
10-Q
2024-10-25
For: 2024-09-30
View Original
Added on
April 11, 2026
About this 10-Q
Lithia Motors Inc filed this 10-Q on October 25, 2024, covering the quarter ended September 30, 2024 (FY2024 Q3).
Headline figures
Quarter ended September 30, 2024, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $9.22B
- up 11.4% from $8.28B a year earlier
- Net income
- $209.1M
- down 20.0% from net income of $261.5M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- $7.80
- down 17.5% from $9.46 a year earlier
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
Commission file number: 001-14733
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||
(541 ) 776-6401
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Non-accelerated filer | Accelerated filer | Smaller reporting company | Emerging growth company | |||||||||||
| ☒ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of October 25, 2024, there were 26,637,156 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Item Number | Item | Page | ||||||
GLOSSARY | ||||||||
| PART I | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |||||||
| Item 1. | ||||||||
| Item 2. | ||||||||
| Item 3. | ||||||||
| Item 4. | ||||||||
| PART II | OTHER INFORMATION | |||||||
| Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | |||||||
| Item 1A. | ||||||||
| Item 2. | ||||||||
| Item 5. | Other Information | |||||||
| Item 6. | ||||||||
| SIGNATURE | ||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||
GLOSSARY OF DEFINITIONS
The following are abbreviations and definitions of terms used within this report:
| Terms | Definitions | |||||||
| AFS | Available-for-sale | |||||||
| ASC | Accounting Standards Codification | |||||||
| ASU | Accounting standards update | |||||||
| BOA | Bank of America | |||||||
Board | Board of directors | |||||||
| BNS | The Bank of Nova Scotia | |||||||
| BPS | Basis points | |||||||
| CAD | Canadian Dollar ($) | |||||||
| CORRA | Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average | |||||||
| CPO | Certified pre-owned | |||||||
| DFC | Driveway Finance Corporation | |||||||
| EBITDA | Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization | |||||||
| EPS | Earnings per share | |||||||
| FASB | Financial Accounting Standards Board | |||||||
| GAAP | Generally accepted accounting principles | |||||||
GBP | Great Britain Pound (£) | |||||||
| JPM | JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | |||||||
| LAD | Lithia and Driveway | |||||||
| LMMH | Lithia Marubeni Mobility Holdings | |||||||
| MD&A | Management’s discussion and analysis | |||||||
| Mizuho | Mizuho Bank, Ltd. | |||||||
NCI | Non-controlling interest | |||||||
| NM | Not meaningful | |||||||
NYSE | New York Stock Exchange | |||||||
| PINE.L | Pinewood Technologies Group PLC | |||||||
| PPA | Purchase price allocation | |||||||
| QTD | Quarter-to-date | |||||||
| RSU | Restricted stock units | |||||||
| SEC | Securities and Exchange Commission | |||||||
| SG&A | Selling, general, and administrative | |||||||
| SOFR | Secured Overnight Financing Rate | |||||||
SONIA | Sterling Overnight Index Average | |||||||
| U.K. | United Kingdom | |||||||
| U.S. | United States of America | |||||||
| USB | US Bank National Association | |||||||
| USD | United States Dollar ($) | |||||||
| YTD | Year-to-date | |||||||
| GLOSSARY | 1 | ||||||||||||
| CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | |||||||||||
| (In millions; Unaudited) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
Cash, restricted cash, and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $ | |||||||||||
| Inventories, net | |||||||||||
| Other current assets | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $ | |||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | |||||||||||
Finance receivables, net of allowance for estimated losses of $ | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||
| Franchise value | |||||||||||
| Other non-current assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Liabilities and equity | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Floor plan notes payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Floor plan notes payable: non-trade | |||||||||||
| Current maturities of long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Current maturities of non-recourse notes payable | |||||||||||
| Trade payables | |||||||||||
| Accrued liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt, less current maturities | |||||||||||
| Non-recourse notes payable, less current maturities | |||||||||||
| Deferred revenue | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | |||||||||||
| Non-current operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Redeemable non-controlling interest | |||||||||||
| Equity: | |||||||||||
Preferred stock - no par value; authorized | |||||||||||
Common stock - no par value; authorized | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | |||||||||||
| Retained earnings | |||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity - Lithia Motors, Inc. | |||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | |||||||||||
| Total equity | |||||||||||
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest, and equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.
| FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 2 | ||||||||||||
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions, except per share amounts; Unaudited) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicle retail | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicle retail | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicle wholesale | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aftersales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fleet and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicle retail | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicle retail | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicle wholesale | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aftersales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fleet and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance operations income (loss) | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Floor plan interest expense | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other interest expense, net | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense),net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax provision | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interest | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. common stockholders | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shares used in basic per share calculations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. common stockholders | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shares used in diluted per share calculations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends paid per share | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.
| FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 3 | ||||||||||||
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions; Unaudited) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gain on debt securities, net of tax provision of $( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.
| FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions; Unaudited) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity, beginning balances | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock, beginning balances | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of stock in connection with employee stock purchase plans | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock, including excise tax | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock, ending balances | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital, beginning balances | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital, ending balances | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balances | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gain on debt securities, net of tax provision of $( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balances | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Retained earnings, beginning balances | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends paid | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Retained earnings, ending balances | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest, beginning balances | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Distribution) contribution of non-controlling interest | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interest | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest, ending balances | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity, ending balances | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable non-controlling interest, beginning balances | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Distribution of redeemable non-controlling interest | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Redemption of redeemable non-controlling interest | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable non-controlling interest, ending balances | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.
| FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 5 | ||||||||||||
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | |||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
| (In millions; Unaudited) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | |||||||||||
| Net loss on disposal of other assets | |||||||||||
| Net gain on disposal of stores | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Unrealized investment gain, net | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | |||||||||||
| Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets | |||||||||||
| Decrease (increase) (net of acquisitions and dispositions): | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | ( | ||||||||||
| Inventories | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Finance receivables | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other assets | ( | ||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) (net of acquisitions and dispositions): | |||||||||||
| Floor plan notes payable | |||||||||||
| Trade payables | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accrued liabilities | ( | ||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities and deferred revenue | ( | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | ( | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of assets | |||||||||||
| Cash paid for other investments | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of stores | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Borrowings on floor plan notes payable, net: non-trade | |||||||||||
| Borrowings on lines of credit | |||||||||||
| Repayments on lines of credit | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Principal payments on long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, scheduled | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Principal payments on long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, other | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Principal payments on non-recourse notes payable | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of non-recourse notes payable | |||||||||||
| Payment of debt issuance costs | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock | |||||||||||
| Repurchase of common stock | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Dividends paid | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Payment of contingent consideration related to acquisitions | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other financing activity | ( | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | |||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, restricted cash, and cash equivalents | |||||||||||
| (Decrease) increase in cash, restricted cash, and cash equivalents | ( | ||||||||||
Cash, restricted cash, and cash equivalents at beginning of year | |||||||||||
Cash, restricted cash, and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.
| FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 6 | ||||||||||||
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION | |||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
Reconciliation of cash, restricted cash, and cash equivalents to the consolidated balance sheets | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Restricted cash from collections on auto loans receivable and customer deposits | |||||||||||
Cash, restricted cash, and cash equivalents | |||||||||||
| Restricted cash on deposit in reserve accounts, included in other non-current assets | |||||||||||
Total cash, restricted cash, and cash equivalents reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Supplemental cash flow information: | |||||||||||
| Cash paid during the period for interest | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net | |||||||||||
| Debt paid in connection with store disposals | |||||||||||
| Non-cash activities: | |||||||||||
| Contingent consideration in connection with acquisitions | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Debt assumed in connection with acquisitions | |||||||||||
| Acquisition of finance leases in connection with acquisitions | |||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities | |||||||||||
See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.
| FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 7 | ||||||||||||
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Basis of Presentation
These condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain unaudited information as of September 30, 2024, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements are not included herein. In management’s opinion, these unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the information when read in conjunction with our 2023 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto. The financial information as of December 31, 2023, is derived from our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 23, 2024. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications of amounts previously reported have been made to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements to maintain consistency and comparability between periods presented. Within our financing operations income, we disaggregated our “lease income” out of our previously reported “interest, fee, and lease income” to be its own separately presented line item, as well as revised the related “lease depreciation and amortization” to now be reported as “lease costs,” reclassifying amounts previously reported net within “lease income.”
NOTE 2. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable consisted of the following:
| (in millions) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
| Contracts in transit | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Trade receivables | |||||||||||
| Vehicle receivables | |||||||||||
| Manufacturer receivables | |||||||||||
| Other receivables, current | |||||||||||
| Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total accounts receivable, net | $ | $ | |||||||||
NOTE 3. INVENTORIES AND FLOOR PLAN NOTES PAYABLE
The components of inventories, net, consisted of the following:
| (in millions) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
| New vehicles | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Used vehicles | |||||||||||
| Parts and accessories | |||||||||||
| Total inventories | $ | $ | |||||||||
Vehicle inventory costs are generally reduced by manufacturer holdbacks and incentives, while the related floor plan notes payable are reflective of the gross cost of the vehicle.
| (in millions) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
| Floor plan notes payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Floor plan notes payable: non-trade | |||||||||||
| Total floor plan debt | $ | $ | |||||||||
| NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 8 | ||||||||||||
NOTE 4. FINANCE RECEIVABLES
Interest income on finance receivables is recognized based on the contractual terms of each receivable and is accrued until repayment, reaching non-accrual status, charge-off, or repossession. Direct costs associated with originations are capitalized and expensed as an offset to interest income when recognized on the receivables.
The balances of finance receivables are made up of loans and finance leases secured by the related vehicles. More than 98 % of the portfolio is aged less than 60 days past due with less than 2 % on non-accrual status.
Finance Receivables, net
| (in millions) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
| Asset-backed term funding | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Warehouse facilities | |||||||||||
| Other managed receivables | |||||||||||
| Total finance receivables | |||||||||||
| Less: Allowance for finance receivable losses | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Finance receivables, net | $ | $ | |||||||||
Finance Receivables by FICO Score
| As of September 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year of Origination | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
<599 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 600-699 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 700-774 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 775+ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total auto loan receivables | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other finance receivables 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total finance receivables | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year of Origination | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
<599 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 600-699 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 700-774 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 775+ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total auto loan receivables | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other finance receivables 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total finance receivables | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1Includes legacy portfolio, loans that are originated with no FICO score available, lease receivables, and deferred origination fees.
In accordance with ASC Topic 326, the allowance for finance receivable losses is estimated based on our historical write-off experience, current conditions and forecasts, as well as the value of any underlying assets securing these receivables. Consideration is given to recent delinquency trends and recovery rates. Account balances are charged against the allowance upon reaching 120 days past due status.
| NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 9 | ||||||||||||
Rollforward of Allowance for Finance Receivable Losses
Our allowance for finance receivable losses represents the net credit losses expected over the remaining contractual life of our managed receivables. The allowances for credit losses related to finance receivables consisted of the following changes during the period:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Allowance at beginning of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Charge-offs | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Recoveries | |||||||||||
Sold loans | ( | ||||||||||
| Initial allowance for credit-deteriorated receivables | |||||||||||
| Provision expense | |||||||||||
| Allowance at end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
Charge-off Activity by Year of Origination
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| 2024 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| 2023 | |||||||||||
| 2022 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | |||||||||||
| 2020 | |||||||||||
Other finance receivables 1 | |||||||||||
| Total charge-offs | $ | $ | |||||||||
1Includes legacy portfolio, loans that are originated with no FICO score available, and finance lease receivables.
NOTE 5. GOODWILL AND FRANCHISE VALUE
The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill are as follows:
| (in millions) | Vehicle Operations | Financing Operations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Additions through acquisitions 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Reductions through disposals | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Currency translation | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjustments to purchase price allocations2 | |||||||||||||||||
Additions through acquisitions3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Reductions through disposals | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Currency translation | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of September 30, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
1Our purchase price allocation (PPA) for the 2022 acquisitions were finalized in 2023. As a result, we added $285.9 million of goodwill. Preliminary PPA for a portion of our 2023 acquisitions resulted in adding $233.2 million of goodwill. Our PPA for the remaining 2023 acquisitions are preliminary and goodwill is not yet allocated to our segments. These amounts are included in other non-current assets until we finalize our purchase accounting. See Note 13 – Acquisitions.
2Our PPA for a portion of the 2023 acquisitions recognized in 2023 was adjusted and finalized in 2024 upon the completion of our fair value adjustments for assumed contract liabilities, acquired loan portfolio, and contingent consideration, adding $47.6 million of goodwill.
3Our PPA for the remainder of the 2023 acquisitions were finalized in 2024. As a result, we added $142.7 million of goodwill. Our PPA for the 2024 acquisitions are preliminary and goodwill is not yet allocated to our segments. These amounts are included in other non-current assets until we finalize our purchase accounting. See Note 13 – Acquisitions.
| NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 10 | ||||||||||||
The changes in the carrying amounts of franchise value are as follows:
| (in millions) | Franchise Value | ||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | ||||
Additions through acquisitions 1 | |||||
| Reductions through divestitures | ( | ||||
| Currency translation | |||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | |||||
Additions through acquisitions 2 | |||||
| Reductions through divestitures | ( | ||||
| Currency translation | |||||
| Balance as of September 30, 2024 | $ | ||||
1Our PPA for the 2022 acquisitions were finalized in 2023. As a result, we added $363.1 million of franchise value. Preliminary PPA for a portion of our 2023 acquisitions resulted in adding $193.4 million of franchise value. Our PPA for the remaining 2023 acquisitions is preliminary and franchise value is not yet allocated to our reporting units. These amounts are included in other non-current assets until we finalize our purchase accounting. See Note 13 – Acquisitions.
2Our PPA for the remainder of the 2023 acquisitions were finalized in 2024. As a result, we added $172.5 million of franchise value. Our PPA for the 2024 acquisitions are preliminary and franchise value is not yet allocated to our reporting units. These amounts are included in other non-current assets until we finalize our purchase accounting. See Note 13 – Acquisitions.
NOTE 6. INVESTMENTS
Marketable Securities
In 2024, our captive insurance subsidiary began investing cash in excess of current needs in marketable securities. The marketable securities are recorded within other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and consist of debt securities accounted for as available-for-sale (AFS) and equity securities measured at fair value. Changes in the fair value of equity securities are recognized as a component of other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and unrealized gains (losses) on AFS debt securities are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax until the security is sold. See Note 12 – Fair Value Measurements.
As of September 30, 2024, equity securities recorded within other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were $2.2 million. Net unrealized gains recognized during the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2024 on equity securities held at the reporting date were $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
Marketable debt securities accounted for as AFS were as follows:
| As of September 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value of Securities with Contractual Maturities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Amortized Cost | Total Gains1 | Total Losses1 | Fair Value | Within 1 Year | After 1 Year through 5 Years | After 5 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate debt | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1Represents total unrealized gains (losses) for securities with net gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2024.
There were no
| NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 11 | ||||||||||||
Equity Method Investments
Our investment in Pinewood Technologies, PLC (PINE.L), U.K. based automotive dealership management system provider, consists of 25.5 % common stock voting interests accounted for as an equity method investment. The investment is measured at fair value based on quoted market prices, and all fair market value changes in the investment are recorded as unrealized gains as a component of other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of our investment was $105.4 million as of September 30, 2024. See Note 12 – Fair Value Measurements.
Our investment in Wheels, Inc., automotive fleet management provider, through LMMH consists of 26.5 % common stock voting interests accounted for as an equity method investment. The investment is measured at cost plus or minus our share of equity method investee income or loss as a component of other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The book value of our investment was $208.0 million as of September 30, 2024.
We reported unrealized gains on equity method investments of $0.7 million and $30.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. Comparatively, we recorded a loss of $0.7 million and gain of $0.1 million in the same periods of 2023, respectively.
NOTE 7. NET INVESTMENT IN OPERATING LEASES
Net investment in operating leases consists primarily of lease contracts for vehicles with individuals and business entities. Assets subject to operating leases are depreciated using the straight-line method over the term of the lease to reduce the asset to its estimated residual value. Estimated residual values are based on assumptions for used vehicle prices at lease termination and the number of vehicles that are expected to be returned.
Net investment in operating leases was as follows:
| (in millions) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
Vehicles, at cost 1 | $ | $ | |||||||||
Accumulated depreciation 1 | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net investment in operating leases | $ | $ | |||||||||
1Vehicles, at cost and accumulated depreciation are recorded in other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
NOTE 8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Contract Liabilities
We are the obligor on our lifetime oil and at home valet contracts. Revenue is allocated to these performance obligations and is recognized over time as services are provided to the customer. The amount of revenue recognized is calculated, net of cancellations, using an input method, which most closely depicts performance of the contracts. Our contract liability balances were $402.3 million and $317.0 million as of September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively; and we recognized $17.7 million and $54.2 million of revenue in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 related to our contract liability balance at December 31, 2023. Our contract liability balance is included in accrued liabilities and deferred revenue.
Litigation
We are party to numerous legal proceedings arising in the normal course of our business. Although we do not anticipate that the resolution of legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, we cannot predict this with certainty.
| NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 12 | ||||||||||||
NOTE 9. DEBT
Credit Facilities
US Bank Syndicated Credit Facility
On February 23, 2024, we amended our existing syndicated credit facility (USB credit facility), comprised of 21 financial institutions, including eight manufacturer-affiliated finance companies, maturing February 23, 2029. The amendment increased the total financing commitment and the amount to which the commitment could be further expanded.
This USB credit facility provides for a total financing commitment of $6.0 billion, which may be further expanded, subject to lender approval and the satisfaction of other conditions, up to a total of $6.5 billion. The allocation of the financing commitment is for up to $2.8 billion in new vehicle inventory floorplan financing, up to $900 million in used vehicle inventory floorplan financing, up to $100 million in service loaner vehicle floorplan financing, and up to $2.2 billion in revolving financing for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and working capital. We have the option to reallocate the commitments under this USB credit facility, provided that the aggregate revolving loan commitment may not be more than 40 % of the amount of the aggregate commitment, and the aggregate service loaner vehicle floorplan commitment may not be more than the 3 % of the amount of the aggregate commitment. All borrowings from, and repayments to, our lending group are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities.
Our obligations under our USB credit facility are secured by a substantial amount of our assets, including our inventory (including new and used vehicles, parts and accessories), equipment, accounts receivable (and other rights to payment), real property, and our equity interests in certain of our subsidiaries. Under our USB credit facility, our obligations relating to new vehicle floor plan loans are secured only by collateral owned by Lithia and its dealerships borrowing under the new vehicle floor plan portion of the USB credit facility.
The interest rate on the USB credit facility varies based on the type of debt, with the rate of one-day SOFR plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10 % plus a margin of 1.10 % for new vehicle floor plan financing, 1.40 % for used vehicle floor plan financing, 1.20 % for service loaner floor plan financing, and a variable interest rate on the revolving financing ranging from 1.00 % to 2.00 % depending on our leverage ratio. The annual interest rates associated with our floor plan commitments are as follows:
| Commitment | Annual Interest Rate at September 30, 2024 | ||||
| New vehicle floor plan | |||||
| Used vehicle floor plan | |||||
| Service loaner floor plan | |||||
| Revolving line of credit | |||||
JPM Warehouse Facility
On August 15, 2024, we amended our securitization facility for our auto loan portfolio (JPM warehouse facility) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, as administrative agent and account bank, providing initial commitments for borrowings of up to $1.0 billion. The JPM warehouse facility matures on November 16, 2026. The interest rate on the JPM warehouse facility varies based on the Daily Simple SOFR rate plus 1.00 % to 1.70 %.
Mizuho Warehouse Facility
On February 16, 2024, we amended our securitization facility for our auto loan portfolio (Mizuho warehouse facility), with Mizuho Bank Ltd. as administrative agent and account bank, providing initial commitments for borrowings of up to $750 million. The Mizuho warehouse facility matures on July 20, 2026. The interest rate on the Mizuho warehouse facility varies based on the Daily Simple SOFR rate plus 1.20 %.
Bank of Nova Scotia Syndicated Credit Facility
On May 14, 2024, we amended our syndicated credit agreement with The Bank of Nova Scotia as agent (BNS credit facility), comprised of six financing institutions, including two manufacturer-affiliated finance companies, to extend the maturity date.
The BNS credit facility provides for a total financing commitment of approximately $1.1 billion CAD, including a working capital revolving credit facility of up to $100 million CAD, a wholesale flooring facility for new vehicles up to $500 million CAD, used vehicle flooring facility of up to $100 million CAD, wholesale leasing facility of up to $400 million CAD, and daily rental vehicle facility up to $25 million CAD.
| NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 13 | ||||||||||||
The interest rate on the BNS credit facility varies based on the type of debt, with the daily compound rate of the Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average (CORRA) plus a margin of 1.00 -1.30 %. The annual interest rates associated with our floor plan commitments are as follows:
| Commitment | Annual Interest Rate at September 30, 2024 | ||||
| Wholesale flooring facility | |||||
| Used vehicle flooring facility | |||||
| Daily rental facility | |||||
| Wholesale leasing facility | |||||
| Working capital revolving facility | |||||
All Canadian facilities other than the wholesale flooring facility, which is a demand facility, mature on March 18, 2027. The credit agreement includes various financial and other covenants typical of such agreements.
Bank of America UK Revolving Credit Facility
On July 9, 2024 we amended our revolving credit facility agreement with BOA. The amendment extended the maturity date to February 22, 2029 and increased the commitment to £100.0 million GBP. The interest rate on the working capital line of credit is measured based on the Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA) plus 1.45 %.
Non-Recourse Notes Payable
In 2024, we issued $739.0 million in non-recourse notes payable related to asset-backed term funding transactions. Below is a summary of outstanding non-recourse notes payable issued:
| ($ in millions) | Balance as of September 30, 2024 | Initial Principal Amount | Issuance Date | Interest Rate Range | Final Distribution Date | ||||||||||||
| LAD Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1 Class A-D | $ | $ | 11/24/21 | Various dates through Nov 2029 | |||||||||||||
| LAD Auto Receivables Trust 2022-1 Class A-C | 08/17/22 | Various dates through Apr 2030 | |||||||||||||||
| LAD Auto Receivables Trust 2023-1 Class A-D | 02/14/23 | Various dates through Jun 2030 | |||||||||||||||
| LAD Auto Receivables Trust 2023-2 Class A-D | 05/24/23 | Various dates through Feb 2031 | |||||||||||||||
| LAD Auto Receivables Trust 2023-3 Class A-D | 08/23/23 | Various dates through Dec 2030 | |||||||||||||||
| LAD Auto Receivables Trust 2023-4 Class A-D | 11/15/23 | Various dates through Apr 2031 | |||||||||||||||
| LAD Auto Receivables Trust 2024-1 Class A-D | 02/14/24 | Various dates through Jun 2031 | |||||||||||||||
| LAD Auto Receivables Trust 2024-2 Class A-D | $ | 06/20/24 | Various dates through Oct 2031 | ||||||||||||||
| Total non-recourse notes payable | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
NOTE 10. RETIREMENT PLANS AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
Company-Sponsored Defined Benefit Pension Plan
In 2024, we acquired Pendragon PLC’s Fleet Management and UK Motor Divisions in the United Kingdom, which included the assumption of its company-sponsored defined benefit plan applicable to a portion of the salaried present and past employees, closed to future accrual. At the time of acquisition, these balances increased our defined benefit obligations by $465.7 million and increased our fair value of plan assets by $466.4 million.
Net Periodic (Benefit) Cost
Interest cost represents the increase in the projected benefit obligation, which is a discounted amount, due to the passage of time. The expected return on plan assets reflects the computed amount of current-year earnings from the investment of plan assets using an estimated long-term rate of return.
| NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 14 | ||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, funding of pension plans was $16.6 million. For the remainder of 2024, we estimate approximately $1.2 million of cash contributions.
NOTE 11. EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
Repurchases of Common Stock
Repurchases of our common stock occurred under a repurchase authorization granted by our Board and related to shares withheld as part of the vesting of RSUs.
On June 4, 2024, our Board approved an additional $350 million repurchase authorization of our common stock. This authorization is in addition to the amount previously authorized by the Board for repurchase. Share repurchases under our authorization were as follows:
| Repurchases Occurring in 2024 | Cumulative Repurchases as of September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Average Price1 | Shares | Average Price | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share Repurchase Authorization | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
1Price excludes excise taxes imposed under the Inflation Reduction Act of $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
As of September 30, 2024, we had $560.9 million available for repurchases pursuant to our share repurchase authorizations from our Board in 2024 and prior years.
In addition, during 2024, we repurchased 45,903 shares at an average price of $328.62 per share, for a total of $15.1 million, related to tax withholding associated with the vesting of RSUs. The repurchase of shares related to tax withholding associated with stock awards does not reduce the number of shares available for repurchase as approved by our Board.
Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest
In 2021, we expanded into Canada through a partnership with Toronto-based Pfaff Automotive Partners. As part of the partnership, we were granted the right to purchase (Call Option), and granted Pfaff Automotive a right to sell (Put Option), the remaining ownership interest in the partnership after a three-year period. As a result of this redemption feature, we recorded redeemable NCI that is classified as mezzanine equity in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In August 2024, we completed the acquisition of the remaining 10.1 % interest in our redeemable non-controlling interest (NCI), resulting in us now owning 100 % of our operations in Canada. Prior to this transaction, the acquired entities were fully consolidated in our financial statements due to our majority ownership; however, this acquisition eliminates the redeemable NCI. The transaction was executed for total consideration of $58.8 million, which included an additional premium of $11.6 million recognized as a component of “Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
NOTE 12. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Factors used in determining the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities are summarized into three broad categories:
•Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;
•Level 2 - other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment spreads, credit risk; and
| NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 15 | ||||||||||||
•Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs, including our own assumptions in determining fair value.
We determined the carrying value of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade payables, accrued liabilities, finance receivables, and short-term borrowings approximate their fair values because of the nature of their terms and current market rates of these instruments. We believe the carrying value of our variable rate debt approximates fair value. We have measured the carrying value of our equity method investments without a fair value election at cost plus or minus our proportionate share of earnings or losses in the investee.
We have investments consisting of equity securities, available for sale debt securities, and equity method investments with a fair value election. We calculated the estimated fair value of the equity securities, equity method investments, and U.S. Treasury debt securities using quoted market prices (Level 1). The fair value of corporate and municipal debt securities are measured using observable Level 2 market expectations at each measurement date. See Note 6 – Investments.
We have fixed rate debt primarily consisting of amounts outstanding under our senior notes, non-recourse notes payable, and real estate mortgages. We calculated the estimated fair value of the senior notes using quoted prices for the identical liability (Level 1). The fair value of non-recourse notes payable are measured using observable Level 2 market expectations at each measurement date. The calculated estimated fair values of the fixed rate real estate mortgages and finance lease liabilities use a discounted cash flow methodology with estimated current interest rates based on a similar risk profile and duration (Level 2). The fixed cash flows are discounted and summed to compute the fair value of the debt.
We have derivative instruments consisting of an offsetting set of interest rate caps. The fair value of derivative assets and liabilities are measured using observable Level 2 market expectations at each measurement date and is recorded as other current assets, current liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Nonfinancial assets such as goodwill, franchise value, or other long-lived assets are measured and recorded at fair value during a business combination or when there is an indicator of impairment. We evaluate our goodwill and franchise value using a qualitative assessment process. If the qualitative factors determine that it is more likely than not that the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we would further evaluate for potential impairment using a quantitative assessment. The quantitative assessment estimates fair values using unobservable (Level 3) inputs by discounting expected future cash flows of the store for franchise value, or reporting unit for goodwill. The forecasted cash flows contain inherent uncertainties, including significant estimates and assumptions related to growth rates, margins, working capital requirements, and cost of capital, for which we utilize certain market participant-based assumptions we believe to be reasonable. We estimate the value of other long-lived assets that are recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis on a market valuation approach. We use prices and other relevant information generated primarily by recent market transactions involving similar or comparable assets, as well as our historical experience in divestitures, acquisitions and real estate transactions. Additionally, we may use a cost valuation approach to value long-lived assets when a market valuation approach is unavailable. Under this approach, we determine the cost to replace the service capacity of an asset, adjusted for physical and economic obsolescence. When available, we use valuation inputs from independent valuation experts, such as real estate appraisers and brokers, to corroborate our estimates of fair value. Real estate appraisers’ and brokers’ valuations are typically developed using one or more valuation techniques including market, income and replacement cost approaches. Because these valuations contain unobservable inputs, we classified the measurement of fair value of long-lived assets as Level 3.
There were no changes to our valuation techniques during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024.
| NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 16 | ||||||||||||
Below are our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value:
| As of September 30, 2024 | As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Carrying Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Carrying Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recorded at fair value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Marketable securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal debt | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate debt | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity Method Investment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PINE.L | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative assets | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recorded at historical value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed rate debt 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-recourse notes payable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real estate mortgages and other debt | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1Excluding unamortized debt issuance costs
NOTE 13. ACQUISITIONS
In the first nine months of 2024, we completed the following acquisitions:
•In January 2024, Pendragon PLC’s Fleet Management and UK Motor Divisions in the United Kingdom.
•In February 2024, Carousel Motor Group in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
•In May 2024, Pine View Hyundai Store in Ontario, Canada.
•In June 2024, Sunrise Chevrolet Buick GMC at Collierville and Sunrise Buick GMC at Wolfchase in Tennessee.
•In September 2024, Duval Honda, Duval Acura and Gainesville Subaru in Florida.
Revenue and operating income contributed by the 2024 acquisitions subsequent to the date of acquisition were as follows (in millions):
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | 2024 | ||||
| Revenue | $ | ||||
| Operating income | |||||
In the first nine months of 2023, we completed the following acquisitions:
•In February 2023, Thornhill Acura in Canada.
•In March 2023, Jardine Motors Group UK Limited in the United Kingdom.
•In June 2023, Priority Auto Group in Virginia.
•In June 2023, Wade Ford in Georgia.
•In July 2023, Hill Country Honda in Texas.
•In August 2023, Arden Auto Group in the United Kingdom.
| NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 17 | ||||||||||||
All acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The results of operations of the acquired stores are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition.
The following tables summarize the consideration paid for the 2024 acquisitions and the PPA for identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:
| (in millions) | Consideration | ||||
| Cash paid, net of cash acquired | $ | ||||
| Total consideration transferred | $ | ||||
| (in millions) | Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed | ||||
| Accounts receivables, net | $ | ||||
| Inventories, net | |||||
| Property and equipment | |||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | |||||
| Net investment in operating leases | |||||
| Deferred taxes, net | |||||
| Other assets | |||||
| Floor plan notes payable assumed | ( | ||||
| Trade payables | ( | ||||
| Debt and finance lease obligations assumed | ( | ||||
| Operating lease liabilities | ( | ||||
| Other liabilities and deferred revenue | ( | ||||
| Total net assets acquired and liabilities assumed | $ | ||||
The PPA for the 2024 acquisitions are preliminary, as we have not obtained and evaluated all of the detailed information necessary to finalize the opening balance sheet amounts in all respects. We recorded the PPA based upon information that is currently available and recorded unallocated items as a component of other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We expect all of the goodwill related to North American acquisitions completed in 2023 and 2024 to be deductible for US federal income tax purposes. Due to local country laws, we do not expect goodwill related to UK acquisitions completed in 2023 and 2024 to be deductible for UK income tax purposes.
In the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, we recorded $0.2 million and $9.7 million in acquisition-related expenses as a component of selling, general and administrative expense. Comparatively, we recorded $4.8 million and $10.5 million of acquisition-related expenses in the same periods of 2023.
The following unaudited pro forma summary presents consolidated information as if all acquisitions in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 had occurred on January 1, 2023:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share amounts) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic EPS attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. common stockholders | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted EPS attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. common stockholders | |||||||||||||||||||||||
These amounts have been calculated by applying our accounting policies and estimates. The results of the acquired stores have been adjusted to reflect the following: depreciation on a straight-line basis over the expected lives for property and equipment, accounting for inventory on a specific identification method, and recognition of interest expense for real estate financing related to stores where we purchased the facility. No nonrecurring proforma adjustments directly attributable to the acquisitions are included in the reported proforma revenues and earnings.
| NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 18 | ||||||||||||
NOTE 14. EARNINGS PER SHARE
We calculate basic EPS by dividing net income attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, including vested RSU awards. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. by the weighted average number of shares outstanding, adjusted for the dilutive effect of unvested RSU awards and employee stock purchases.
The following is a reconciliation of net income attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. and weighted average shares used for our basic EPS and diluted EPS:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share amounts) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of employee stock purchases and restricted stock units on weighted average common shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic EPS attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. common stockholders | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted EPS attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. common stockholders | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
The effect of antidilutive securities on common stock was evaluated for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 and was determined to be immaterial.
NOTE 15. SEGMENTS
We operate in two reportable segments: Vehicle Operations and Financing Operations. Our Vehicle Operations consists of all aspects of our auto merchandising and aftersales operations, excluding financing provided by our Financing Operations. Our Financing Operations segment provides financing to customers buying and leasing retail vehicles from our Vehicle Operations, as well as leasing vehicles from our fleet management services provider.
All other remaining unallocated corporate overhead expenses and internal charges are reported under “Corporate and Other.” Asset information by segment is not utilized for purposes of assessing performance or allocating resources and, as a result, such information has not been presented.
| NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 19 | ||||||||||||
Certain financial information on a segment basis is as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Vehicle operations revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Vehicle operations gross profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Floor plan interest expense | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
Vehicle operations SG&A | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Vehicle operations income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financing operations interest margin: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and fee income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest margin | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease costs | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
Lease income, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Financing operations SG&A | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Provision expense | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Financing operations income (loss) | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total segment income for reportable segments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other interest expense | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
NOTE 16. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 related to improvements to reportable segment disclosures. The amendments in this update require additional disclosure of significant expenses related to our reportable segments, additional segment disclosures on an interim basis, and qualitative disclosures regarding the decision making process for segment resources. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. We have adopted this pronouncement and plan to make the necessary updates to our segment disclosures for the year ending December 31, 2024, and, aside from these disclosure changes, we do not expect the amendments to have a material effect on our financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 related to improvements to income tax disclosures. The amendments in this update require enhanced jurisdictional and other disaggregated disclosures for the effective tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. We plan to adopt this pronouncement and make the necessary updates to our disclosures for the year ending December 31, 2025, and, aside from these disclosure changes, we do not expect the amendments to have a material effect on our financial statements.
| NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 20 | ||||||||||||
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
Certain statements under the sections entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “project,” “outlook,” “target,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “seek,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “likely,” “goal,” “strategy,” “future,” “maintain,” and “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terms. Examples of forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q include, among others, statements we make regarding:
•Future market conditions, including anticipated car and other sales levels and the supply of inventory
•Our business strategy and plans, including our achieving our long-term financial targets
•The growth, expansion, make-up and success of our network, including our finding accretive acquisitions that meet our target valuations and acquiring additional stores
•Annualized revenues from acquired stores or achieving target returns
•The growth and performance of our Driveway e-commerce home solution and DFC, their synergies and other impacts on our business and our ability to meet Driveway and DFC-related targets
•The impact of sustainable vehicles and other market and regulatory changes on our business
•Our capital allocations and uses and levels of capital expenditures in the future
•Expected operating results, such as improved store performance, continued improvement of SG&A as a percentage of gross profit and any projections
•Our anticipated financial condition and liquidity, including from our cash and the future availability of our credit facilities, unfinanced real estate and other financing sources
•Our continuing to purchase shares under our share repurchase program
•Our compliance with financial and restrictive covenants in our credit facilities and other debt agreements
•Our programs and initiatives for employee recruitment, training, and retention
•Our strategies and targets for customer retention, growth, market position, operations, financial results and risk management
The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and situations that may cause our actual results to materially differ from the results expressed or implied by these statements. Certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations are discussed in the Risk Factors section of our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented and amended from time to time in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our other filings with the SEC.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events that depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.
Overview
Lithia and Driveway (NYSE: LAD) is one of the largest global automotive retailers providing an array of products and services throughout the vehicle ownership lifecycle. Simple, convenient and transparent experiences are offered through our comprehensive network of physical locations, e-commerce platforms, captive finance solutions, fleet management offerings, and other synergistic adjacencies. We have delivered consistent profitable growth in a massive and unconsolidated industry. Our highly diversified and competitively differentiated design provides us the flexibility and scale to pursue our vision to modernize personal transportation solutions wherever, whenever and however consumers desire. As of September 30, 2024, we operated 467 locations representing 52 brands in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada.
We offer a wide array of products and services fulfilling the entire vehicle ownership lifecycle including new and used vehicles, financing and insurance products and automotive repair and maintenance aftersales. We strive for diversification in our products, services, brands and geographic locations to reduce dependence on any one manufacturer, reduce susceptibility to changing consumer preferences, manage market risk and maintain profitability. Our diversification, along with our operating structure, provides a resilient and nimble business model.
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 21 | ||||||||||||
We seek to provide customers with a seamless, blended online and physical retail experience, broad selection and access to specialized expertise and knowledge. Our comprehensive network enables us to provide convenient touch points for customers and provides services throughout the vehicle life cycle. We seek to increase market share and optimize profitability by focusing on the consumer experience and applying proprietary performance measurement systems fueled by data science. Our Driveway and GreenCars brands complement our in-store experiences in the U.S. and provide convenient, simple and transparent platforms that serve as our e-commerce home solutions and allow us to deliver differentiated, proprietary digital experiences. Enhancing our business, our captive auto financing division allows us to provide financing solutions for customers and diversify our business model with adjacent products.
Our long-term strategy to create value for our customers, employees and shareholders includes the following elements:
Driving operational excellence, innovation and diversification
LAD builds magnetic brand loyalty in our 467 stores and with Driveway, our e-commerce home delivery experience, and GreenCars, our electric vehicle learning resource and marketplace. Operational excellence is achieved by focusing the business on convenient and transparent consumer experiences supported by proprietary data science to improve market share, consumer loyalty, and profitability. By promoting an entrepreneurial model with our in-store experiences, we build strong businesses responsive to each of our local markets. Utilizing performance-based action plans, we develop high-performing teams and foster manufacturer relationships.
In response to evolving consumer preferences, we invest in modernization that supports and expands our core business. These digital strategies combine our experienced, knowledgeable workforce with our owned inventory and physical network of stores, enabling us to be agile and adapt to consumer preferences and market specific conditions. Additionally, we systematically explore transformative adjacencies, which are identified to be synergistic and complementary to our existing business, such as our captive auto finance division and our fleet funding and management division.
Our investments in modernization are well under way and are taking hold with our teams as they provide digital shopping experiences including finance, contactless test drives and home delivery or curbside pickup for vehicle purchases. Our people and these solutions power our national brands, overlaying our physical footprint in a way that we believe attracts a larger population of digital consumers seeking transparent, empowered, flexible and simple buying and servicing experiences.
Our performance-based culture is geared toward an incentive-based compensation structure for a majority of our personnel. We develop pay plans that are measured based upon various factors such as customer satisfaction, profitability and individual performance metrics. These plans serve to reward team members for creating customer loyalty, achieving store potential, developing high-performing talent, meeting and exceeding manufacturer requirements and living our core values.
We have centralized many administrative functions to drive efficiencies and streamline store-level operations. The reduction of administrative functions at our stores allows our local managers to focus on customer-facing opportunities to increase revenues and gross profit. Our operations are supported by regional and corporate management, as well as dedicated training and personnel development programs which allow us to share best practices across our network and develop management talent.
Growth through acquisition and network optimization
Our acquisition growth strategy has been successful both financially and culturally. Our disciplined approach focuses on acquiring new vehicle franchises, which operate in markets ranging from mid-sized regional markets to metropolitan markets. Acquisition of these businesses increases our proximity to consumers throughout North America and the U.K. While we target annual after tax return of more than 15% for our acquisitions, we have averaged over a 25% return by the third year of ownership due to a disciplined approach focusing on accretive, cash flow positive targets at reasonable valuations. In addition to being financially accretive, acquisitions aim to drive network growth that improves our ability to serve customers through vast selection, greater density and access to customers and ability to leverage national branding and advertising.
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 22 | ||||||||||||
As we focus on expanding our physical network of stores, one of the criteria we evaluate is a valuation multiple between 3x to 6x of investment in intangibles to estimated annualized adjusted EBITDA, with various factors including location, ability to expand our network and talent considered in determining value. We also target an investment in intangibles as a percentage of annualized revenues in the range of 15% to 30%.
We regularly optimize and balance our network through strategic divestitures to ensure continued high performance. We believe our disciplined approach provides us with attractive acquisition opportunities and expanded coast-to-coast coverage.
Thoughtful capital allocation
We manage our liquidity and available cash to support our long-term plan focused on growth through acquisitions and investments in our existing business, technology and adjacencies that expand and diversify our business model. In the current market of elevated acquisition pricing, we have adjusted our free cash flow deployment strategy. Under current conditions, including recent trends in our stock price, we may consider repurchases as a more attractive use of funds than acquisitions. Our current free cash flow deployment strategy has shifted to an allocation of 50% to 60% investment in acquisitions, 25% investment in capital expenditures, innovation, and diversification and 15% to 25% in shareholder return in the form of dividends and share repurchases. During the first nine months of 2024, we utilized $271.9 million for capital expenditures investing in our existing business and paid $42.4 million in dividends and $273.2 million in share repurchases. As of September 30, 2024, we had available liquidity of approximately $1.1 billion, which was comprised of $209.8 million in unrestricted cash, $53.9 million in marketable securities, and $863.2 million availability on our credit facilities. In addition, our unfinanced real estate could provide additional liquidity of approximately $353.0 million.
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 23 | ||||||||||||
Financial Performance
We experienced growth of revenue in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily driven by increases in volume related to acquisitions. Total gross profit grew in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily driven by acquisition growth and supported by same store increases in aftersales. New and used vehicle retail gross profit declined compared to 2023 due to continued normalization of margins. Net income decline was primarily driven by this margin normalization, increased interest expense, and increased SG&A as a percentage of gross profit.
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 24 | ||||||||||||
Vehicle Operations
Key performance metrics for revenue and gross profit were as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per unit values) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | 2024 | 2023 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicle retail | $ | 4,430.0 | $ | 3,885.8 | 14.0 | % | $ | 12,847.9 | $ | 11,179.5 | 14.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicle retail | 2,843.3 | 2,620.2 | 8.5 | 8,630.1 | 7,302.8 | 18.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | 360.4 | 349.4 | 3.1 | 1,061.9 | 1,005.6 | 5.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aftersales | 1,012.8 | 838.0 | 20.9 | 2,876.3 | 2,378.8 | 20.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 9,221.0 | 8,277.0 | 11.4 | 27,014.7 | 23,368.0 | 15.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicle retail | $ | 306.4 | $ | 358.9 | (14.6) | % | $ | 922.5 | $ | 1,079.9 | (14.6) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicle retail | 188.9 | 189.0 | (0.1) | 567.2 | 567.4 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | 360.4 | 349.4 | 3.1 | 1,061.9 | 1,005.6 | 5.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aftersales | 559.8 | 462.8 | 21.0 | 1,591.2 | 1,301.1 | 22.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total gross profit | 1,430.4 | 1,371.3 | 4.3 | 4,189.5 | 3,968.2 | 5.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit margins | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicle retail | 6.9 | % | 9.2 | % | (230) | bps | 7.2 | % | 9.7 | % | (250) | bps | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicle retail | 6.6 | 7.2 | (60) | 6.6 | 7.8 | (120) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | 100.0 | 100.0 | — | 100.0 | 100.0 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aftersales | 55.3 | 55.2 | 10 | 55.3 | 54.7 | 60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total gross profit margin | 15.5 | 16.6 | (110) | 15.5 | 17.0 | (150) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retail units sold | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicles | 94,964 | 82,188 | 15.5 | % | 273,154 | 233,521 | 17.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicles | 104,898 | 88,625 | 18.4 | 316,583 | 247,340 | 28.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average selling price per retail unit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicles | $ | 46,649 | $ | 47,279 | (1.3) | % | $ | 47,035 | $ | 47,874 | (1.8) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicles | 27,105 | 29,565 | (8.3) | 27,260 | 29,525 | (7.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average gross profit per retail unit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicles | $ | 3,226 | $ | 4,367 | (26.1) | % | $ | 3,377 | $ | 4,624 | (27.0) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicles | 1,801 | 2,132 | (15.5) | 1,792 | 2,294 | (21.9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | 1,803 | 2,045 | (11.8) | 1,801 | 2,091 | (13.9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total vehicle 1 | 4,271 | 5,218 | (18.1) | 4,322 | 5,497 | (21.4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1Includes the sales and gross profit related to new, used retail, used wholesale and finance and insurance and unit sales for new and used retail.
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 25 | ||||||||||||
Same Store Operating Data
We believe that same store comparisons are an important indicator of our financial performance. Same store measures demonstrate our ability to grow revenues in our existing locations. As a result, same store measures have been integrated into the discussion below.
Same store measures reflect results for stores that were operating in each comparison period and only include the months when operations occurred in both periods. For example, a store acquired in August 2023 would be included in same store operating data beginning in September 2024, after its first complete comparable month of operation. The third quarter operating results for the same store comparisons would include results for that store in only the month of September for both comparable periods.
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per unit values) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | 2024 | 2023 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicle retail | $ | 3,900.9 | $ | 3,851.6 | 1.3 | % | $ | 10,946.7 | $ | 10,959.3 | (0.1) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicle retail | 2,213.1 | 2,592.5 | (14.6) | 6,488.8 | 7,135.6 | (9.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | 322.0 | 345.1 | (6.7) | 931.6 | 986.6 | (5.6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aftersales | 871.6 | 829.3 | 5.1 | 2,382.0 | 2,327.2 | 2.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 7,690.6 | 8,199.1 | (6.2) | 21,754.2 | 22,881.9 | (4.9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicle retail | $ | 265.2 | $ | 356.9 | (25.7) | % | $ | 764.5 | $ | 1,058.7 | (27.8) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicle retail | 169.4 | 187.2 | (9.5) | 491.4 | 554.9 | (11.4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | 322.0 | 345.1 | (6.7) | 931.6 | 986.6 | (5.6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aftersales | 487.8 | 458.9 | 6.3 | 1,332.5 | 1,276.6 | 4.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total gross profit | 1,250.3 | 1,359.4 | (8.0) | 3,532.3 | 3,891.1 | (9.2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit margins | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicle retail | 6.8 | % | 9.3 | % | (250) | bps | 7.0 | % | 9.7 | % | (270) | bps | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicle retail | 7.7 | 7.2 | 50 | 7.6 | 7.8 | (20) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | 100.0 | 100.0 | — | 100.0 | 100.0 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aftersales | 56.0 | 55.3 | 70 | 55.9 | 54.9 | 100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total gross profit margin | 16.3 | 16.6 | (30) | 16.2 | 17.0 | (80) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retail units sold | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicles | 83,177 | 81,520 | 2.0 | % | 229,520 | 229,145 | 0.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicles | 79,297 | 87,672 | (9.6) | 231,665 | 242,017 | (4.3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average selling price per retail unit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicles | $ | 46,898 | $ | 47,248 | (0.7) | % | $ | 47,694 | $ | 47,827 | (0.3) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicles | 27,909 | 29,571 | (5.6) | 28,009 | 29,484 | (5.0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average gross profit per retail unit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicles | $ | 3,188 | $ | 4,377 | (27.2) | % | $ | 3,331 | $ | 4,620 | (27.9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicles | 2,136 | 2,135 | — | 2,121 | 2,293 | (7.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | 1,982 | 2,040 | (2.8) | 2,020 | 2,094 | (3.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total vehicle 1 | 4,631 | 5,221 | (11.3) | 4,719 | 5,499 | (14.2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1Includes the sales and gross profit related to new, used retail, used wholesale and finance and insurance and unit sales for new and used retail.
New Retail Vehicles
We believe that our new vehicle retail sales create incremental profit opportunities through certain manufacturer incentive programs, arranging of third-party financing, vehicle service and insurance contracts, future resale of used vehicles acquired through trade-in, and aftersales. Our leaders in each market continue to adapt to changing conditions, respond to customer needs and manage inventory availability and selection.
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 26 | ||||||||||||
Q3 2024 vs. Q3 2023
New vehicles revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased 14.0% compared to the same period of 2023, driven by acquisition activity. Same store new vehicle revenue increased 1.3% primarily due to an increase in unit volume of 2.0%, partially offset by a decrease in average selling prices of 0.7%.
Same store new vehicle gross profit per unit decreased 27.2%, driven by a decrease in new vehicle gross profit margins of 250 bps. Total same store new vehicle gross profit per unit, which includes the finance and insurance revenue generated from the sales of new vehicles, decreased $1,261 to $5,385.
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023
New vehicle retail revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased 14.9% compared to the same period of 2023 primarily due to acquisition activity. Same store new vehicle retail revenue decreased 0.1% due to a decrease in average selling prices of 0.3%, partially offset by an increase in unit volume of 0.2%.
Same store new vehicle retail gross profit per unit decreased 27.9%, driven by a decrease in new vehicle retail gross profit margins of 270 bps. Total same store new vehicle retail gross profit per unit, which includes the finance and insurance revenue generated from the sales of new retail vehicles, decreased $1,375 to $5,565.
Used Retail Vehicles
Used vehicle retail sales are a strategic focus for organic growth. We offer three categories of used vehicles: manufacturer certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles; core vehicles, or late-model vehicles with lower mileage; and value autos, or vehicles with over 80,000 miles. We continue to focus on procuring vehicles across the full spectrum of the addressable used vehicle market to provide customers with a wide selection meeting all levels of affordability, driving increased used vehicle unit volumes. Our used vehicle operations provide an opportunity to generate sales to customers unable or unwilling to purchase a new vehicle, sell brands other than the store’s new vehicle franchise(s) and increase sales from finance and insurance and aftersales.
Q3 2024 vs. Q3 2023
Used vehicle revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased 8.5% compared to the same period of 2023 driven by acquisition activity. On a same store basis, used vehicle revenue decreased 14.6% due to a decrease in unit volume of 9.6% and a decrease in average selling prices of 5.6%.
Total same store used vehicle gross profit per unit, which includes the finance and insurance revenue generated from the sales of retail used vehicles, decreased $68 to $3,894.
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023
Used vehicle retail revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased 18.2% compared to the same period of 2023 driven by acquisition activity. On a same store basis, used vehicle retail sales decreased 9.1% due to a decrease in average selling prices of 5.0% and a decrease in unit volume of 4.3%. Total same store used vehicle retail gross profit per unit, which includes the finance and insurance revenue generated from the sales of used retail vehicles, decreased $244 to $3,929.
Finance and Insurance
We believe that arranging vehicle financing is an important part of our ability to sell vehicles, and we attempt to arrange financing for every vehicle we sell. We also offer related products such as extended warranties, insurance contracts and vehicle and theft protection which drive continued engagement with the consumer throughout the ownership lifecycle.
Q3 2024 vs. Q3 2023
Total finance and insurance income increased 3.1% in the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023, driven by acquisition activity. Same store finance and insurance revenues decreased 6.7%, driven by a decline in service contract penetration rates. On a same store basis, our finance and insurance revenue per retail unit decreased $58 to $1,982.
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023
Total finance and insurance income increased 5.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023, driven by acquisition activity. Same store finance and insurance revenues decreased 5.6%,
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 27 | ||||||||||||
driven by a decline in service contract penetration rates. On a same store basis, our finance and insurance revenue per retail unit decreased $74 to $2,020.
Aftersales
We provide automotive repair and maintenance services for customers for the new vehicle brands sold by our stores, as well as service and repairs for most other makes and models. These aftersales services are an integral part of our customer retention and the largest contributor to our overall profitability. Earnings from aftersales continue to prove to be more resilient during economic downturns, when owners tend to repair their existing vehicles rather than buy new vehicles. We believe the increased number of units in operation will continue to benefit our aftersales revenue in the coming years as more late-model vehicles age, necessitating repairs and maintenance.
Q3 2024 vs. Q3 2023
Our aftersales revenue increased 20.9% in the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023, driven by acquisitions, as well as an increase in customer pay and warranty revenues.
We focus on retaining customers by offering competitively-priced routine maintenance and through our marketing efforts. The largest contribution to our aftersales revenue was same store customer pay revenue of $488.4 million.
Same store aftersales gross profit increased 6.3%. This increase was primarily due to increased volumes of customer pay and warranty transactions. Overall same store aftersales gross margins increased 70 bps, primarily as a result of increased customer pay gross margin of 80 bps.
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023
Our aftersales revenue increased 20.9% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023, driven by acquisitions, as well as an increase in same store warranty and customer pay revenues. Same store customer pay revenues was the largest contribution to our aftersales revenue at $1.3 billion.
Same store aftersales gross profit increased 4.4%. This increase was primarily due to increased volumes of warranty transactions. Overall same store aftersales gross margins increased 100 bps, primarily as a result of increased warranty gross margin. Same store customer pay gross margin decreased 20 bps.
Financing Operations
In the U.S., Financing Operations is a captive lender, originating loans only from our stores and Driveway. In Canada, Financing Operations originates loans and leases from both our Canadian stores and third-party dealerships. In the U.K., Financing Operations is related to our fleet funding and management division. These product offerings add diversity to the business model and provide an opportunity to capture additional profits, cash flows, and sales while managing our reliance on third-party finance sources.
Financing Operations income reflects the interest and fee income generated by the portfolio of auto loan and finance lease receivables, plus the lease income generated by our net investment in operating leases, less the interest expense associated with the debt utilized to fund the lending, including internal capital, a provision for estimated loan and lease losses, depreciation on vehicles leased via operating leases, and directly-related expenses.
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 28 | ||||||||||||
Selected Financing Operations Financial Information
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | % (1) | 2023 | % (1) | 2024 | % 1 | 2023 | % 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest margin: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and fee income | $ | 91.1 | 9.5 | $ | 67.5 | 8.7 | $ | 252.2 | 9.3 | $ | 176.2 | 8.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (51.2) | (5.3) | (42.5) | (5.4) | (146.0) | (5.4) | (125.5) | (6.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest margin | 39.9 | 4.1 | 25.0 | 3.2 | 106.2 | 3.9 | 50.7 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease income | 25.6 | 4.9 | 61.2 | 14.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lease costs | (21.6) | (2.0) | (51.0) | (6.3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lease income, net | 4.0 | 2.9 | 10.2 | 7.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | (11.2) | (9.2) | (33.0) | (27.3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision expense | (31.8) | (3.3) | (23.1) | (3.0) | (77.0) | (2.8) | (75.0) | (3.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance operations income (loss) | $ | 0.9 | $ | (4.4) | $ | 6.4 | $ | (43.8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total average managed finance receivables | $ | 3,812.8 | $ | 3,092.4 | $ | 3,617.4 | $ | 2,731.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1Annualized percentage of total average managed finance receivables.
DFC Portfolio Information1
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loan origination information | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loans originated | $ | 518.1 | $ | 502.4 | $ | 1,572.4 | $ | 1,689.9 | |||||||||||||||
| Vehicle units financed | 17,755 | 16,784 | 54,005 | 55,679 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total penetration rate 2 | 11.6 | % | 9.7 | % | 11.9 | % | 11.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Weighted average contract rate | 9.8 | % | 10.0 | % | 10.0 | % | 9.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average credit score 3 | 737 | 732 | 737 | 731 | |||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average FE LTV 4 | 95.6 | % | 95.1 | % | 95.5 | % | 95.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average term (in months) | 73 | 72 | 73 | 72 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loan performance information | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of ending managed receivables | 3.2 | % | 3.2 | % | 3.2 | % | 3.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Net credit losses on managed receivables | $ | 27.0 | $ | 16.5 | $ | 61.4 | $ | 43.0 | |||||||||||||||
| Annualized net credit losses as a percentage of total average managed receivables | 3.0 | % | 2.3 | % | 2.4 | % | 2.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
Past due accounts as a percentage of ending managed receivables 5 | 5.1 | % | 4.1 | % | 5.1 | % | 4.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
Average recovery rate 6 | 45.3 | % | 47.8 | % | 45.3 | % | 52.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
1Excludes Canadian portfolio
2Units financed as a percentage of total U.S. new and used vehicle retail units sold.
3The credit scores represent FICO scores and reflect only receivables with obligors that have a FICO score at the time of application. For receivables with co-borrowers, the FICO score is the primary borrower’s. FICO scores are not a significant factor in our proprietary credit model, which relies on information from credit bureaus and other application information.
4Front-end loan-to-value represents the ratio of the amount financed to the total collateral value, which is measured as the vehicle selling price plus applicable taxes, title and fees.
5Past due means loans at least 3 months old that are 30 or more days delinquent
6The average recovery rate represents the average percentage of the outstanding principal balance we receive when a vehicle is repossessed and liquidated, generally at wholesale auctions, on a trailing twelve month basis.
Q3 2024 vs. Q3 2023
Financing operations recorded income in the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to a loss in the same period of 2023, primarily due to the increased interest income resulting from the growth of the portfolio and increase in portfolio-wide weighted average contract rate charged to customers which collectively expanded total interest margin to 4.1%, offset by increased provision expense.
Loan originations increased slightly in the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023, and our penetration rate decreased due to acquisition growth as we maintained underwriting standards and focused on originating loans with the highest risk-adjusted returns. The weighted average contract rate of loans
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 29 | ||||||||||||
originated in the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased to 9.8%, compared with 10.0% in the same period of 2023, primarily due to our maintaining competitive pricing. The increase in annualized net charge-offs of past due accounts as a percentage of ending managed receivables compared to the prior year reflects increasing financial stress on borrowers and an uncertain macroeconomic environment.
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023
Financing operations recorded income in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to a loss in the same period of 2023 primarily due to increased contract rates to borrowers and decreasing cost of funds, resulting in an expansion of total interest margin to 3.9%, both of which outpaced the growth in SG&A and provision expense, and the addition of the U.K. Financing Operations business.
The weighted average contract rate on loans originated in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased to 10.0%, compared with 9.5% in the same period of 2023. The decrease in provision expense as a percentage of receivables compared to the prior year reflected the increased credit quality of the portfolio. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of receivables compared to the prior year reflected improved operational performance and economies of scale.
Operating Expenses
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
SG&A includes salaries and related personnel expenses, advertising (net of manufacturer cooperative advertising credits), rent, facility costs, and other general corporate expenses.
Q3 2024 vs. Q3 2023
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | % Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Personnel | $ | 602.3 | $ | 563.9 | $ | 38.4 | 6.8 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Advertising | 61.5 | 63.1 | (1.6) | (2.5) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Rent | 36.2 | 23.8 | 12.4 | 52.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Facility costs1 | 61.4 | 47.4 | 14.0 | 29.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on sale of assets | 2.0 | (23.1) | 25.1 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 180.2 | 175.7 | 4.5 | 2.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total SG&A | $ | 943.6 | $ | 850.8 | $ | 92.8 | 10.9 | % | |||||||||||||||
1Includes variable lease costs related to the reimbursement of actual costs incurred by our lessors for common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance on leased property.
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||
| As a % of gross profit | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Personnel | 42.1 | % | 41.1 | % | 100 | bps | |||||||||||
| Advertising | 4.3 | 4.6 | (30) | ||||||||||||||
| Rent | 2.5 | 1.7 | 80 | ||||||||||||||
| Facility costs | 4.3 | 3.5 | 80 | ||||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on sale of assets | 0.1 | (1.7) | 180 | ||||||||||||||
| Other | 12.7 | 12.8 | (10) | ||||||||||||||
| Total SG&A | 66.0 | % | 62.0 | % | 400 | bps | |||||||||||
SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 66.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to 62.0% for the same period of 2023. SG&A expense increased 10.9%, driven by increases in all areas except advertising, primarily as a result of our growth in the U.K.
On a same store basis and excluding non-core charges, SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 64.0% compared to 62.2% for the same period of 2023. The increase was primarily related to the decrease in gross profit exceeding the decrease in same store SG&A costs.
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 30 | ||||||||||||
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase | % Increase | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Personnel | $ | 1,828.2 | $ | 1,629.2 | $ | 199.0 | 12.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Advertising | 187.6 | 185.0 | 2.6 | 1.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Rent | 99.5 | 64.5 | 35.0 | 54.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Facility costs 1 | 180.9 | 133.9 | 47.0 | 35.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on sale of assets | 3.5 | (31.2) | 34.7 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 553.3 | 476.7 | 76.6 | 16.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total SG&A | $ | 2,853.0 | $ | 2,458.1 | $ | 394.9 | 16.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
1Includes variable lease costs related to the reimbursement of actual costs incurred by our lessors for common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance on leased property.
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||
| As a % of gross profit | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Personnel | 43.6 | % | 41.1 | % | 250 | bps | |||||||||||
| Advertising | 4.5 | 4.7 | (20) | ||||||||||||||
| Rent | 2.4 | 1.6 | 80 | ||||||||||||||
| Facility costs | 4.3 | 3.4 | 90 | ||||||||||||||
Loss (gain) on sale of assets | 0.1 | (0.8) | 90 | ||||||||||||||
| Other | 13.2 | 11.9 | 130 | ||||||||||||||
| Total SG&A | 68.1 | % | 61.9 | % | 620 | bps | |||||||||||
SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 68.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to 61.9% for the same period of 2023. Total SG&A expense increased 16.1%, driven by increases in all areas, primarily as a result of our growth in the U.K.
On a same store basis and excluding non-core charges, SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 65.7% compared to 61.5% for the same period of 2023. The increase was primarily related to the decrease in gross profit exceeding the decrease in same store SG&A costs.
SG&A expense adjusted for non-core charges was as follows:
Q3 2024 vs. Q3 2023
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | % Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Personnel | $ | 602.3 | $ | 563.9 | $ | 38.4 | 6.8 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Advertising | 61.5 | 63.1 | (1.6) | (2.5) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Rent | 36.2 | 23.8 | 12.4 | 52.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Facility costs1 | 61.4 | 47.4 | 14.0 | 29.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted loss on sale of assets | 2.3 | — | 2.3 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted other | 180.0 | 162.1 | 17.9 | 11.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted total SG&A | $ | 943.7 | $ | 860.3 | $ | 83.4 | 9.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
1Includes variable lease costs related to the reimbursement of actual costs incurred by our lessors for common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance on leased property.
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||
| As a % of gross profit | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Personnel | 42.1 | % | 41.1 | % | 100 | bps | ||||||||||||||
| Advertising | 4.3 | 4.6 | (30) | |||||||||||||||||
| Rent | 2.5 | 1.7 | 80 | |||||||||||||||||
| Facility costs | 4.3 | 3.5 | 80 | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted loss on sale of assets | 0.2 | — | 20 | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted other | 12.6 | 11.8 | 80 | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted total SG&A | 66.0 | % | 62.7 | % | 330 | bps | ||||||||||||||
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 31 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted SG&A for the three months ended September 30, 2024 excludes $0.2 million in acquisition-related expenses, offset by a $0.3 million net gain on store disposals.
Adjusted SG&A for the three months ended September 30, 2023 excludes a $23.1 million net gain on store disposals, partially offset by $4.8 million in acquisition-related expenses, $4.6 million in storm insurance charges, and $4.2 million in one-time contract buyouts.
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase | % Increase | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Personnel | $ | 1,828.2 | $ | 1,629.2 | $ | 199.0 | 12.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Advertising | 187.6 | 185.0 | 2.6 | 1.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Rent | 99.5 | 64.5 | 35.0 | 54.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Facility costs1 | 180.9 | 133.9 | 47.0 | 35.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted loss on sale of assets | 3.7 | 0.1 | 3.6 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted other | 537.7 | 444.8 | 92.9 | 20.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted total SG&A | $ | 2,837.6 | $ | 2,457.5 | $ | 380.1 | 15.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
1Includes variable lease costs related to the reimbursement of actual costs incurred by our lessors for common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance on leased property.
NM - not meaningful
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||
| As a % of gross profit | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Personnel | 43.6 | % | 41.1 | % | 250 | bps | ||||||||||||||
| Advertising | 4.5 | 4.7 | (20) | |||||||||||||||||
| Rent | 2.4 | 1.6 | 80 | |||||||||||||||||
| Facility costs | 4.3 | 3.4 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjusted loss on sale of assets | 0.1 | — | 10 | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted other | 12.8 | 11.1 | 170 | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted total SG&A | 67.7 | % | 61.9 | % | 580 | bps | ||||||||||||||
Adjusted SG&A for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 excludes $9.7 million in acquisition-related expenses, $6.0 million in storm insurance charges and a $0.3 million net gain on store disposals.
Adjusted SG&A for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 excludes $14.4 million in one-time contract buyouts, $10.5 million in acquisition-related expenses and $7.1 million in storm insurance charges, offset by a $31.4 million net gain on store disposals.
Adjusted SG&A is a non-GAAP measure. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.
Floor Plan Interest Expense and Floor Plan Assistance
Floor plan assistance is provided by manufacturers to support store financing of vehicle inventory and is recorded as a component of vehicle gross profit when the specific vehicle is sold. However, because manufacturers provide this assistance to offset inventory carrying costs, we believe a comparison of floor plan interest expense to floor plan assistance is a useful measure of the efficiency of our vehicle sales relative to stocking levels.
Shown below are the details for carrying costs for vehicles net of floor plan assistance earned:
Q3 2024 vs. Q3 2023
| Three Months Ended September 30, | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
Floor plan interest expense | $ | 76.6 | $ | 40.2 | $ | 36.4 | 90.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Floor plan assistance (included as an offset to cost of sales) | (44.0) | (41.4) | (2.6) | (6.3) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net vehicle carrying costs (benefit) | $ | 32.6 | $ | (1.2) | $ | 33.8 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 32 | ||||||||||||
Floor plan interest expense increased $36.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 due to rising interest rates and increased inventory levels.
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
Floor plan interest expense | $ | 214.0 | $ | 102.6 | $ | 111.4 | 108.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Floor plan assistance (included as an offset to cost of sales) | (127.2) | (117.5) | (9.7) | (8.3) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net vehicle carrying costs (benefit) | $ | 86.8 | $ | (14.9) | $ | 101.7 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
Floor plan interest expense increased $111.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 due to rising interest rates and increased inventory levels.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization is comprised of depreciation expense related to buildings, significant remodels or improvements, furniture, tools, equipment, signage, and amortization of certain intangible assets, including customer lists.
Q3 2024 vs. Q3 2023
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase | % Increase | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | 63.5 | $ | 50.8 | $ | 12.7 | 25.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase | % Increase | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | 183.6 | $ | 146.4 | $ | 37.2 | 25.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
Acquisition activity contributed to the increase in depreciation and amortization in 2024 compared to 2023. We acquired $651 million of depreciable property as part of our acquisition activity over the trailing twelve-months ended September 30, 2024. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we invested $271.9 million in capital expenditures. These investments increased the amount of depreciation expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2024. See the discussion under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information.
Operating Income
Operating income as a percentage of revenue, or operating margin, was as follows:
Q3 2024 vs. Q3 2023
| Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Operating margin | 4.6 | % | 5.6 | % | ||||||||||
Operating margin adjusted for non-core charges 1 | 4.6 | % | 5.5 | % | ||||||||||
1See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.
Operating margin decreased 100 bps in the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to increased SG&A of 10.9%, partially offset by increased gross profit of 4.3% and improved profitability of our Financing Operations.
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 33 | ||||||||||||
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Operating margin | 4.3 | % | 5.6 | % | ||||||||||
Operating margin adjusted for non-core charges 1 | 4.3 | % | 5.7 | % | ||||||||||
1See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.
Operating margin decreased 130 bps in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to increased SG&A of 16.1%, partially offset by increased gross profit of 5.6% and improved profitability of our Financing Operations.
Non-Operating Expenses
Other Interest Expense
Other interest expense includes interest on senior notes, debt incurred related to acquisitions, real estate mortgages, used and service loaner vehicle inventory financing commitments, and revolving lines of credit.
Q3 2024 vs. Q3 2023
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase | % Increase | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage interest | $ | 12.9 | $ | 9.5 | $ | 3.4 | 35.8 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other interest | 53.0 | 49.5 | 3.5 | 7.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Capitalized interest | (1.4) | (0.5) | 0.9 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total other interest expense | $ | 64.5 | $ | 58.5 | $ | 6.0 | 10.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
Other interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $6.0 million related to increased borrowings and interest rates compared to the same period of 2023.
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase | % Increase | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage interest | $ | 36.4 | $ | 25.8 | $ | 10.6 | 41.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Other interest | 156.5 | 117.4 | 39.1 | 33.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Capitalized interest | (3.6) | (1.7) | 1.9 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total other interest expense | $ | 189.3 | $ | 141.5 | 47.8 | 33.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Other interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $47.8 million related to increased borrowings and interest rates compared to the same period of 2023.
Other Income (Expense), net
Q3 2024 vs. Q3 2023
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | % Increase | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | $ | 5.1 | $ | (5.3) | $ | 10.4 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net in the three months ended September 30, 2024 included $0.9 million in unrealized investment gain, primarily associated with our equity-method investments, as well as a $3.0 million unrealized gain due to foreign currency exchange. This compares to a $7.7 million unrealized loss due to foreign currency exchange and a $0.7 million unrealized investment loss associated with our equity-method investments in the three months ended September 30, 2023.
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 34 | ||||||||||||
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | % Decrease | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | $ | 35.4 | $ | 6.8 | $ | 28.6 | 420.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
Other income, net in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 included $30.8 million in unrealized investment gain, primarily associated with our equity-method investments, and $6.7 million of interest income offset by a $4.5 million loss due to foreign currency exchange. This compares to a $2.6 million unrealized loss due to foreign currency exchange and a $0.2 million unrealized investment gain associated with our equity-method investments in the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Income Tax Provision
Our effective income tax rate was as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Effective income tax rate | 22.6 | % | 26.7 | % | 23.6 | % | 26.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
Effective income tax rate excluding non-core items 1 | 22.8 | % | 26.5 | % | 24.4 | % | 26.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
1See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.
Our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to last year was positively affected by a reduction in the current and deferred state tax rate due to the impact of global network expansion on worldwide combined reporting states, filing elections, and statutory rate changes. Our rate was also positively affected by an increase in general business credits and a reduction in the valuation allowance. Excluding non-core charges and acquired general business credits, we estimate our annual effective income tax rate to be 25.5%.
Non-GAAP Reconciliations
Non-GAAP measures do not have definitions under GAAP and may be defined differently by and not comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, we review any non-GAAP financial measures in connection with a review of the most directly comparable measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. We caution you not to place undue reliance on such non-GAAP measures, but also to consider them with the most directly comparable GAAP measures. We believe each of the non-GAAP financial measures below improves the transparency of our disclosures, provides a meaningful presentation of our results from the core business operations because they exclude items not related to our ongoing core business operations and other non-cash items, and improves the period-to-period comparability of our results from the core business operations. We use these measures in conjunction with GAAP financial measures to assess our business, including our compliance with covenants in our credit facility and in communications with our Board concerning financial performance. These measures should not be considered an alternative to GAAP measures.
The following tables reconcile certain reported non-GAAP measures, which we refer to as “adjusted,” to the most comparable GAAP measure from our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 35 | ||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share amounts) | As reported | Net gain on disposal of stores | Acquisition expenses | Premium on redeemable NCI buyout | Tax attribute | Adjusted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 943.6 | $ | 0.3 | $ | (0.2) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 943.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 424.2 | (0.3) | 0.2 | — | — | 424.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 288.2 | $ | (0.3) | $ | 0.2 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 288.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax (provision) benefit | (65.3) | 0.1 | (0.1) | — | (0.5) | (65.8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 222.9 | (0.2) | 0.1 | — | (0.5) | 222.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to NCI | (1.2) | — | — | — | — | (1.2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to redeemable NCI | (12.6) | — | — | 11.6 | — | (1.0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. | $ | 209.1 | $ | (0.2) | $ | 0.1 | $ | 11.6 | $ | (0.5) | $ | 220.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. | $ | 7.80 | $ | (0.01) | $ | — | $ | 0.43 | $ | (0.01) | $ | 8.21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted share count | 26.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share amounts) | As reported | Net gain on disposal of stores | Insurance reserves | Acquisition expenses | Contract buyouts | Adjusted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 850.8 | $ | 23.1 | $ | (4.6) | $ | (4.8) | $ | (4.2) | $ | 860.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 465.3 | (23.1) | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.2 | 455.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 361.3 | $ | (23.1) | $ | 4.6 | $ | 4.8 | $ | 4.2 | $ | 351.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax (provision) benefit | (96.4) | 6.1 | (1.2) | (0.8) | (1.1) | (93.4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 264.9 | (17.0) | 3.4 | 4.0 | 3.1 | 258.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to NCI | (2.1) | — | — | — | — | (2.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to redeemable NCI | (1.3) | — | — | — | — | (1.3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. | $ | 261.5 | $ | (17.0) | $ | 3.4 | $ | 4.0 | $ | 3.1 | $ | 255.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. | $ | 9.46 | $ | (0.62) | $ | 0.12 | $ | 0.15 | 0.11 | $ | 9.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted share count | 27.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 36 | ||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share amounts) | As reported | Net gain on disposal of stores | Insurance reserves | Acquisition expenses | Premium on redeemable NCI buyout | Tax attribute | Adjusted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 2,853.0 | $ | 0.3 | $ | (6.0) | $ | (9.7) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,837.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 1,159.3 | (0.3) | 6.0 | 9.7 | — | — | 1,174.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 791.4 | $ | (0.3) | $ | 6.0 | $ | 9.7 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 806.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax (provision) benefit | (187.0) | 0.1 | (1.5) | (0.5) | — | (8.0) | (196.9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 604.4 | (0.2) | 4.5 | 9.2 | — | (8.0) | 609.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to NCI | (3.8) | — | — | — | — | — | (3.8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to redeemable NCI | (14.8) | — | — | — | 11.6 | — | (3.2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. | $ | 585.8 | $ | (0.2) | $ | 4.5 | $ | 9.2 | $ | 11.6 | $ | (8.0) | $ | 602.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. | $ | 21.54 | $ | (0.01) | $ | 0.17 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.43 | $ | (0.30) | $ | 22.17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted share count | 27.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share amounts) | As reported | Net gain on disposal of stores | Insurance reserves | Acquisition expenses | Contract buyouts | Adjusted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 2,458.1 | $ | 31.4 | $ | (7.1) | $ | (10.5) | $ | (14.4) | $ | 2,457.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 1,319.9 | (31.4) | 7.1 | 10.5 | 14.4 | 1,320.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 1,082.6 | $ | (31.4) | $ | 7.1 | $ | 10.5 | $ | 14.4 | $ | 1,083.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax (provision) benefit | (287.0) | 8.5 | (1.9) | (1.5) | (3.9) | (285.8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 795.6 | (22.9) | 5.2 | 9.0 | 10.5 | 797.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to NCI | (4.7) | — | — | — | — | (4.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to redeemable NCI | (3.6) | — | — | — | — | (3.6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. | $ | 787.3 | $ | (22.9) | $ | 5.2 | $ | 9.0 | $ | 10.5 | $ | 789.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Lithia Motors, Inc. | $ | 28.54 | $ | (0.83) | $ | 0.19 | $ | 0.33 | $ | 0.38 | $ | 28.61 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted share count | 27.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We manage our liquidity and capital resources in the context of our overall business strategy, continually forecasting and managing our cash, working capital balances and capital structure in a way that we believe will meet the short-term and long-term obligations of our business while maintaining liquidity and financial flexibility. In the current market of elevated acquisition pricing, we have adjusted our free cash flow deployment strategy. Under current conditions, including recent trends in our stock price, we may consider repurchases as a more attractive use of funds than acquisitions. Our current free cash flow deployment strategy has shifted to allocation of 50% to 60% investment in acquisitions, 25% investment in capital expenditures, Driveway and DFC and 15% to 25% in shareholder return in the form of dividends and share repurchases.
We believe we have sufficient sources of funding to meet our business requirements for the next 12 months and in the longer term. Cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit facilities are our main sources for liquidity. In addition to the above sources of liquidity, potential sources to fund our business strategy include financing of real estate and proceeds from debt or equity offerings. We evaluate all of these options and may select one or more of them depending on overall capital needs and the availability and cost of capital, although no assurances can be provided that these capital sources will be available in sufficient amounts or with terms acceptable to us.
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 37 | ||||||||||||
Available Sources
Below is a summary of our immediately available funds:
| ($ in millions) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 209.8 | $ | 825.0 | $ | (615.2) | (74.6) | % | |||||||||||||||
Marketable securities | 53.9 | — | 53.9 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Available credit on credit facilities | 863.2 | 870.4 | (7.2) | (0.8) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total current available funds | $ | 1,126.9 | $ | 1,695.4 | $ | (568.5) | (33.5) | % | |||||||||||||||
Information about our cash flows, by category, is presented in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The following table summarizes our cash flows:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Change | ||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | in Cash Flow | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 363.3 | $ | (177.2) | $ | 540.5 | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (1,820.8) | (1,240.3) | (580.5) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 880.2 | 1,427.0 | (546.8) | ||||||||||||||
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $540.5 million compared to the same period of 2023, primarily related to smaller increases in inventory and finance receivables activity in the current period compared to the prior period, partially offset by lower net income and other asset activity compared to the same period of 2023.
Borrowings from and repayments to our syndicated credit facilities related to our new vehicle inventory floor plan financing are presented as financing activities. To better understand the impact of changes in inventory, other assets, and the associated financing, we also consider our adjusted net cash provided by operating activities to include borrowings or repayments associated with our new vehicle floor plan commitment and exclude the impact of our financing receivables activity. Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities, a non-GAAP measure, is presented below:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Change | ||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | in Cash Flow | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities – as reported | $ | 363.3 | $ | (177.2) | $ | 540.5 | |||||||||||
| Adjust: Net borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade | 280.1 | 426.7 | (146.6) | ||||||||||||||
| Less: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade associated with acquired new vehicle inventory | (105.5) | (110.6) | 5.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjust: Financing receivables activity | 526.5 | 907.0 | (380.5) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities – adjusted | $ | 1,064.4 | $ | 1,045.9 | $ | 18.5 | |||||||||||
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $1.8 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Below are highlights of significant activity related to our cash flows from investing activities:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Change | ||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | in Cash Flow | ||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | (271.9) | $ | (163.7) | $ | (108.2) | |||||||||||
| Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (1,247.0) | (1,204.7) | (42.3) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for other investments | (329.1) | (11.1) | (318.0) | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of stores | 21.9 | 136.1 | (114.2) | ||||||||||||||
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 38 | ||||||||||||
Capital Expenditures
Below is a summary of our capital expenditure activities ($ in millions):
Many manufacturers provide assistance in the form of additional incentives or assistance if facilities meet specified standards and requirements. We expect that certain facility upgrades and remodels will generate additional manufacturer incentive payments. Also, tax laws allowing accelerated deductions for capital expenditures reduce the overall investment needed and encourage accelerated project timelines.
We expect to use a portion of our future capital expenditures to upgrade facilities that we recently acquired. This additional capital investment is contemplated in our initial evaluation of the investment return metrics applied to each acquisition and is usually associated with manufacturer standards and requirements.
The increase in capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period of 2023 was higher across nearly all categories, driven by higher existing operations improvements.
If we undertake a significant capital commitment in the future, we expect to pay for the commitment out of existing cash balances, construction financing and borrowings on our credit facility. Upon completion of the projects, we believe we would have the ability to secure long-term financing and general borrowings from third party lenders for 70% to 90% of the amounts expended, although no assurances can be provided that these financings will be available to us in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us.
Acquisitions
We focus on acquiring stores at attractive purchase prices that meet our return thresholds and strategic objectives. We look for acquisitions that diversify our brand and geographic mix as we continue to evaluate our portfolio to minimize exposure to any one manufacturer and achieve financial returns.
We are able to subsequently floor new vehicle inventory acquired as part of an acquisition; however, the cash generated by this transaction is recorded as borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade.
Adjusted net cash paid for acquisitions, a non-GAAP measure, as well as certain other acquisition-related information is presented below:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Number of locations acquired | 145 | 56 | |||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||
| Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | $ | (1,247.0) | $ | (1,204.7) | |||||||
| Add: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade associated with acquired new vehicle inventory | 105.5 | 110.6 | |||||||||
| Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired – adjusted | $ | (1,141.5) | $ | (1,094.1) | |||||||
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 39 | ||||||||||||
We evaluate potential capital investments primarily based on targeted rates of return on assets and return on our net equity investment.
Financing Activities
Adjusted net cash provided by financing activities, a non-GAAP measure, which is adjusted for borrowings and repayments on floor plan facilities: non-trade and borrowings and repayments associated with our Financing Operations segment was as follows:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Change | ||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | in Cash Flow | ||||||||||||||
| Cash provided by financing activities, as reported | $ | 880.2 | $ | 1,427.0 | $ | (546.8) | |||||||||||
| Less: Net borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade | (280.1) | (426.7) | 146.6 | ||||||||||||||
Less: Net borrowings on non-recourse notes payable | (77.4) | (1,047.7) | 970.3 | ||||||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities, as adjusted | $ | 522.7 | $ | (47.4) | $ | 570.1 | |||||||||||
Below are highlights of significant activity related to our cash flows from financing activities, excluding borrowings and repayments on floor plan notes payable: non-trade, which are discussed above:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Change | ||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | in Cash Flow | ||||||||||||||
Net borrowings on lines of credit | $ | 698.4 | $ | (55.9) | $ | 754.3 | |||||||||||
| Principal payments on long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, other | (48.2) | (3.4) | (44.8) | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 279.5 | 79.8 | 199.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Principal payments on non-recourse notes payable | (661.6) | (404.0) | (257.6) | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from the issuance of non-recourse notes payable | 739.0 | 1,451.7 | (712.7) | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 21.2 | 23.0 | (1.8) | ||||||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock, excluding excise tax imposed under the Inflation Reduction Act | (273.2) | (14.5) | (258.7) | ||||||||||||||
| Dividends paid | (42.4) | (39.1) | (3.3) | ||||||||||||||
Equity Transactions
Over the last several years, our Board has authorized the repurchase of up to $2.1 billion of our Common Stock. We repurchased a total of 1,031,935 shares of our Common Stock at an average price of $262.82 in the first nine months of 2024, consisting of 45,903 related to tax withholding on vesting RSUs, and 986,032 related to our repurchase authorizations. As of September 30, 2024, we had $560.9 million remaining available for repurchases and the authorizations do not have expiration dates.
In the first nine months of 2024, we declared and paid dividends on our Common Stock as follows:
| Dividend paid: | Dividend amount per share | Total amount of dividend (in millions) | |||||||||
| March 2024 | $ | 0.50 | $ | 13.8 | |||||||
| May 2024 | $ | 0.53 | $ | 14.4 | |||||||
| August 2024 | $ | 0.53 | $ | 14.2 | |||||||
We evaluate performance and make a recommendation to the Board on dividend payments on a quarterly basis.
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 40 | ||||||||||||
Summary of Outstanding Balances on Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt
Below is a summary of our outstanding balances on credit facilities and long-term debt:
| As of September 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Outstanding | Remaining Available | |||||||||||||||
| Floor plan note payable: non-trade | $ | 2,516.7 | $ | — | 1 | ||||||||||||
| Floor plan notes payable | 2,602.9 | — | |||||||||||||||
| Used and service loaner vehicle inventory financing commitments | 925.7 | 9.8 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
| Revolving lines of credit | 1,848.2 | 829.9 | 2, 3 | ||||||||||||||
| Warehouse facilities | 1,035.0 | 23.5 | |||||||||||||||
| Non-recourse notes payable | 1,783.0 | — | |||||||||||||||
| 4.625% Senior notes due 2027 | 400.0 | — | |||||||||||||||
| 4.375% Senior notes due 2031 | 550.0 | — | |||||||||||||||
| 3.875% Senior notes due 2029 | 800.0 | — | |||||||||||||||
| Real estate mortgages, finance lease obligations, and other debt | 980.5 | — | |||||||||||||||
| Unamortized debt issuance costs | (26.4) | — | 4 | ||||||||||||||
| Total debt, net | $ | 13,415.6 | $ | 863.2 | |||||||||||||
1As of September 30, 2024, we had a $2.8 billion new vehicle floor plan commitment as part of our US Bank syndicated credit facility, and a $500 million CAD wholesale floorplan commitment as part of our Bank of Nova Scotia syndicated credit facility.
2The amount available on these credit facilities are limited based on borrowing base calculations and fluctuates monthly.
3Available credit is based on the borrowing base amount effective as of August 31, 2024. This amount is reduced by $37.0 million for outstanding letters of credit.
4Debt issuance costs are presented on the balance sheet as a reduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability.
Financial Covenants
Our credit facilities, non-recourse notes payable, and senior notes contain customary representations and warranties, conditions and covenants for transactions of these types.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 16 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements for discussion.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
There have been no material changes in the critical accounting policies and use of estimates described in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 23, 2024.
Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations
Our North American operations generally experience lower volumes in the first quarter of each year due to consumer purchasing patterns and inclement weather in certain of our markets. As a result, financial performance is expected to be lower during the first quarter than during the second, third and fourth quarters of each fiscal year. Our U.K. operations generally experience higher volumes in the first and third quarters of each year, due primarily to new vehicle registration practices in the U.K. We believe that interest rates, levels of consumer debt, consumer confidence and manufacturer sales incentives, as well as general economic conditions, also contribute to fluctuations in sales and operating results.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes in our reported market risks or risk management policies since the filing of our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 23, 2024.
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 41 | ||||||||||||
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We evaluated, with the participation and under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are party to numerous legal proceedings arising in the normal course of our business. Although we do not anticipate that the resolution of legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, we cannot predict this with certainty.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The information in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the risk factors and information disclosed in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 23, 2024. We have described in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A, the primary risks related to our business and securities.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
We repurchased the following shares of our common stock during the third quarter of 2024:
| For the full calendar month of | Total number of shares purchased2 | Average price paid per share | Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans1 | Maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under publicly announced plans (in thousands)1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| July | 4,524 | $ | 245.03 | 4,524 | $ | 613,814 | |||||||||||||||||
| August | 68,554 | 283.79 | 68,468 | 594,384 | |||||||||||||||||||
| September | 124,471 | 269.27 | 124,471 | 560,867 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 197,549 | 273.75 | 197,463 | ||||||||||||||||||||
1On June 4, 2024, our Board approved an additional $350 million repurchase authorization of our common stock. This authorization was in addition to the amount previously authorized by the Board for repurchase. There are no expiration dates for the share repurchase authorizations.
2Of the shares repurchased in the third quarter of 2024, 86 shares were related to tax withholding upon the vesting of RSUs.
Item 5. Other Information
No director or officer adopted terminated
| 42 | |||||||||||||
Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed herewith and this list is intended to constitute the exhibit index.
| Incorporated by Reference | Filed or Furnished Herewith | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exhibit Number | Exhibit Description | Form | File Number | Exhibit | Filing Date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restated Articles of Incorporation of Lithia Motors, Inc. | 10-Q | 001-14733 | 3.1 | 07/28/21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bylaws of Lithia Motors, Inc. as of July 25, 2024 | 8-K | 001-14733 | 3.1 | 07/30/24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amendment #10 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated August 15, 2024, among SCFC Business Services LLC, Driveway Finance Corporation, the lenders from time to time parties hereto, the agents from time to time parties hereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 101 | Inline XBRL Document Set for the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 104 | Cover page formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101. | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 43 | |||||||||||||
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| Date: October 25, 2024 | LITHIA MOTORS, INC. | |||||||
| Registrant | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Tina Miller | |||||||
| Tina Miller | ||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, and Principal Accounting Officer | ||||||||
| 44 | |||||||||||||
DB1/ 149565531.5 EXECUTION VERSION AMENDMENT NO. 10 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT This AMENDMENT NO. 10 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT, dated as of August 15, 2024 (this “Amendment”), is executed by and among SCFC BUSINESS SERVICES LLC (the “Borrower”), the lenders listed on the signature pages hereto (the “Lenders”), the agents listed on the signature pages hereto (the “Agents”), and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. (“JPMorgan”), in its capacity as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”) amends the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”), by and among the Borrower, Driveway Finance Corporation (“DFC”), as the servicer and the collateral custodian, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, the agents from time to time parties thereto, and JPMorgan, as Administrative Agent and as the account bank. Capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined, herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Loan Agreement. WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Lenders desire to amend the Loan Agreement, in accordance with Section 13.01 thereof, on the terms set forth herein; WHEREAS, the Lenders party hereto, which constitute the Required Lenders, desire to provide the waivers set forth below, in accordance with Section 13.01 of the Loan Agreement; and NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows: SECTION 1. Amendments to the Loan Agreement. Subject to the effectiveness of this Amendment, including, without limitation, the satisfaction of the conditions of effectiveness set forth in Section 3 below, the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by incorporating the blacklined changes shown on the marked copy of the Loan Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (it being understood that language which appears “struck out” has been deleted and language which appears as “double-underlined” has been added). SECTION 2. Representations, Warranties and Confirmations. The Borrower hereby confirms that all representations and warranties made by it pursuant to Sections 5.01 and 5.02 of the Loan Agreement were true and correct as of the date as of which they were made and that it is in compliance with all covenants made by it pursuant to the Loan Agreement as of the date hereof. By its acknowledgment of this Amendment, DFC hereby confirms that all representations and warranties made by it pursuant to Section 5.03 of the Loan Agreement were true and correct as of the date as of which they were made and that it is in compliance with all covenants made by it pursuant to the Loan Agreement as of the date hereof. Furthermore, the Borrower and DFC each hereby represents and warrants as to itself that: (a) It has the power to execute, deliver and perform this Amendment and the transactions contemplated hereby.
DB1/ 149565531.5 - 2 - (b) The execution and delivery of this Amendment and the performance of this Amendment and the Loan Agreement (as amended hereby) have been duly authorized by it by all necessary company action (including any necessary action by its members). (c) This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered on its behalf. This Amendment and the Loan Agreement (as amended hereby) constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations, enforceable against it in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforcement of such terms may be limited by Insolvency Laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by the availability of equitable remedies. (d) It is in compliance in all material respects with all Applicable Laws. SECTION 3. Effectiveness of Amendment. (a) This Amendment shall be effective, as of the date hereof, upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of (i) counterparts of this Amendment duly executed by each of the parties hereto, (ii) counterparts of that certain Fifth Amended and Restated Fee Letter, dated as of the date hereof (the “Fifth Amended and Restated Fee Letter”), duly executed by each of the parties thereto and (iii) the “Upfront Fees” described in the Fifth Amended and Restated Fee Letter due and payable on the date hereof (and promptly following receipt, the Administrative Agent shall remit the “Upfront Fee” with respect to the Citibank Lender Group to the Citibank Agent). (b) Except as expressly amended by the terms of this Amendment, all terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed. This Amendment is effective only for the specific purpose for which it is given and shall not operate as a consent, waiver, amendment or other modification of any other term or condition set forth in the Loan Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, (i) each reference in the Loan Agreement to “this Agreement” or “this Loan Agreement” or words of like import shall mean and be references to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and (ii) each reference in any other Basic Document to the Loan Agreement or to any terms defined in the Loan Agreement which are modified hereby shall mean and be references to the Loan Agreement or to such terms as modified hereby. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that this Amendment shall constitute a Basic Document. This Amendment does not constitute a novation or termination of the Loan Agreement or any other Basic Document and all obligations thereunder are in all respects continuing with only the terms thereof being modified as provided herein. SECTION 4. Amendments, etc. No provision of this Amendment shall be waived, amended or otherwise modified except as provided in Section 13.01 of the Loan Agreement. SECTION 5. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. SECTION 6. Severability. If one or more of the covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Amendment shall be for any reason whatsoever held invalid, then such covenants, agreements, provisions or terms shall be deemed severable from the remaining covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Amendment and shall in no way affect the
DB1/ 149565531.5 - 3 - validity or enforceability of the other provisions of this Amendment or the Loan Agreement as amended hereby. SECTION 7. Binding Effect. This Amendment shall be binding upon and shall be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. SECTION 8. Captions, etc. The captions and section numbers appearing in this Amendment are inserted only as a matter of convenience and do not define, limit, construe or describe the scope or intent of the provisions of this Amendment. SECTION 9. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Amendment by facsimile or by electronic mail in a “.pdf” file shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Amendment. Each party agrees that this Amendment and any other documents to be delivered in connection herewith may be electronically signed, and that any electronic signatures appearing on this Amendment or such other documents are the same as handwritten signatures for the purposes of validity, enforceability, and admissibility. SECTION 10. Costs and Expenses. The Borrower and DFC agree to pay all reasonable costs, fees and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, as applicable, in connection with the preparation, arrangement, execution and enforcement of this Amendment (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP, counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, which shall be paid in accordance with Section 2.09(e) of the Loan Agreement). [Signature Page Follows]
Signature Page to Amendment No. 10 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (SCFC Business Services LLC) CHARIOT FUNDING LLC, as Conduit Lender By: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as its attorney-in-fact By: ___________________________________ Name: Title: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK N.A., as JPMorgan Agent, as a Committed Lender, and as Administrative Agent By: ___________________________________ Name: Title: Elizabeth S. Trainor Executive Director Elizabeth S. Trainor Executive Director
Signature Page to Amendment No. 10 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (SCFC Business Services LLC) CITIBANK, N.A., as Citibank Agent and as a Committed Lender By: ___________________________________ Name: Title: CAFCO, LLC, as a Conduit Lender By: Citibank, N.A., as its Authorized Signatory By: ___________________________________ Name: Title: CHARTA, LLC, as a Conduit Lender By: Citibank, N.A., as its Authorized Signatory By: ___________________________________ Name: Title: Emily Farrell Authorized Signatory Linda Moses Authorized Signatory Linda Moses Authorized Signatory
Signature Page to Amendment No. 10 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (SCFC Business Services LLC) CIESCO, LLC, as a Conduit Lender By: Citibank, N.A., as its Authorized Signatory By: ___________________________________ Name: Title: CRC FUNDING, LLC, as a Conduit Lender By: Citibank, N.A., as its Authorized Signatory By: ___________________________________ Name: Title: Linda Moses Authorized Signatory Linda Moses Authorized Signatory
EXHIBIT A Conformed Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (Attached)
AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT CONFORMED COPY Amendment No. 1, dated as of June 4, 2021 Amendment No. 2, dated as of September 14, 2021 Amendment No. 3, dated as of November 10, 2021 Amendment No. 4, dated as of February 8, 2022 Amendment No. 5, dated as of June 23, 2022 Amendment No. 6, dated as of July 29, 2022 Amendment No. 7, dated as of September 26, 2022 Amendment No. 8, dated as of November 17, 2022 Omnibus Amendment No. 1, dated as of July 20, 2023 Amendment No. 9, dated as of February 23, 2024 Amendment No. 10, dated as of August 15, 2024 SCFC BUSINESS SERVICES LLC, as the Borrower, DRIVEWAY FINANCE CORPORATION, as the Servicer and as the Collateral Custodian, the LENDERS from time to time parties hereto, the AGENTS from time to time parties hereto, and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as the Administrative Agent and the Account Bank Dated as of December 31, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ARTICLE ONE DEFINITIONS; CONSTRUCTION Section 1.01. Definitions 1 Section 1.02. Accounting Terms and Determinations 4847 Section 1.03. Computation of Time Periods 4847 Section 1.04. Interpretation 4847 ARTICLE TWO LOANS Section 2.01. Loans 4948 Section 2.02. Funding Mechanics 5049 Section 2.03. Reduction of Commitments 5150 Section 2.04. Extensions of Commitments 5251 Section 2.05. Payments 5352 Section 2.06. Settlement Procedures 5554 Section 2.07. Payments, Computations, Etc. 5756 Section 2.08. Collections and Allocations; Investment of Funds 5856 Section 2.09. Fees 5958 Section 2.10. Increased Cost and Reduced Return 6058 Section 2.11. Taxes 6160 Section 2.12. Take-outs 6664 Section 2.13. The Account Bank. 6766 Section 2.14. Cost of Funds Disclosure and Exculpatory Language 7069 Section 2.15. Replacement of Lender Group 7169 Section 2.16. Defaulting Committed Lenders. 7170 Section 2.17. Alternate Rate of Interest. 7271 ARTICLE THREE SECURITY Section 3.01. Collateral. 7472 Section 3.02. Release of Collateral; No Legal Title 7674 Section 3.03. Protection of Security Interest; Administrative Agent, as Attorney-in-Fact 7675 Section 3.04. Assignment of the Purchase Agreement 7776 Section 3.05. Waiver of Certain Laws 7776 Section 3.06. [Reserved] 7876 i
Page ARTICLE FOUR CONDITIONS OF CLOSING AND LOANS Section 4.01. Conditions to Effectiveness of this Agreement 7877 Section 4.02. Conditions Precedent to All Loans 7978 ARTICLE FIVE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES Section 5.01. Representations and Warranties of the Borrower 8179 Section 5.02. Representations and Warranties of the Borrower Relating to the Receivables 8584 Section 5.03. Representations and Warranties of the Servicer 8584 Section 5.04. Retransfer of Certain Receivables. 87 ARTICLE SIX COVENANTS Section 6.01. Affirmative Covenants of the Borrower 8988 Section 6.02. Negative Covenants of the Borrower 9695 Section 6.03. Covenant of the Borrower Relating to Hedging 9897 Section 6.04. Affirmative Covenants of the Servicer 10099 Section 6.05. Negative Covenants of the Servicer 103102 ARTICLE SEVEN ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICING OF RECEIVABLES Section 7.01. Designation of Servicing 105104 Section 7.02. Servicing Compensation 105104 Section 7.03. Duties of the Servicer 105104 Section 7.04. Collection of Payments 109108 Section 7.05. Servicer Advances 109108 Section 7.06. Payment of Certain Expenses by Servicer 110109 Section 7.07. Reports and Audit. 110109 Section 7.08. Quarterly Statement as to Compliance 111110 Section 7.09. Backup Servicer; Entry into Backup Servicing Agreement 112110 Section 7.10. Rights After Assumption of Duties by Backup Servicer or Designation of Successor Servicer; Liability 112111 Section 7.11. Limitation on Liability of the Servicer and Others 113112 Section 7.12. The Servicer Not to Resign 113112 Section 7.13. Servicer Termination Events 114112 Section 7.14. Appointment of Successor Servicer 116114 ii
Page Section 7.15. Merger or Consolidation, Assumption of Obligations or Resignation of the Servicer 118116 Section 7.16. Responsibilities of the Borrower 118117 Section 7.17. Custody of Receivable Files 119117 Section 7.18. Duties of Collateral Custodian 119117 ARTICLE EIGHT TERMINATION EVENTS Section 8.01. Termination Events 122120 Section 8.02. Actions Upon Declaration of the Occurrence of the Termination Date 125123 Section 8.03. Exercise of Remedies 127125 Section 8.04. Waiver of Certain Laws 127125 Section 8.05. Power of Attorney 127125 ARTICLE NINE INDEMNIFICATION Section 9.01. Indemnities by the Borrower 128126 Section 9.02. Indemnities by the Servicer 131128 Section 9.03. Indemnities by the Backup Servicer in its Capacity as the Successor Servicer 132130 ARTICLE TEN THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE AGENTS Section 10.01. Authorization and Action 133130 Section 10.02. Delegation of Duties 133131 Section 10.03. Exculpatory Provisions 134131 Section 10.04. Reliance 134131 Section 10.05. Non-Reliance on Agents and Other Lenders 135132 Section 10.06. Indemnification 136133 Section 10.07. Agents in their Individual Capacity 137133 Section 10.08. Successor Administrative Agent 137134 Section 10.09. Erroneous Payments. 138134 ARTICLE ELEVEN ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATIONS Section 11.01. Assignments and Participations 139135 iii
Page ARTICLE TWELVE MUTUAL COVENANTS REGARDING CONFIDENTIALITY Section 12.01. Covenants of the Borrower, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer, the Account Bank and the Collateral Custodian 142138 Section 12.02. Covenants of the Administrative Agent, the Agents and the Lenders 142138 Section 12.03. Non-Confidentiality of Tax Treatment and Tax Structure 144140 ARTICLE THIRTEEN MISCELLANEOUS Section 13.01. Amendments and Waivers 144140 Section 13.02. Notices, Etc. 145141 Section 13.03. No Waiver, Rights and Remedies 145141 Section 13.04. Binding Effect 145141 Section 13.05. Term of this Agreement 145142 Section 13.06. GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF OBJECTION TO VENUE 146142 Section 13.07. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL 146142 Section 13.08. Costs and Expenses 146142 Section 13.09. No Insolvency Proceedings 147143 Section 13.10. Recourse Against Certain Parties 147143 Section 13.11. Patriot Act Compliance 148144 Section 13.12. Execution in Counterparts; Electronic Signatures; Severability; Integration148144 Section 13.13. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs 149144 Section 13.14. Right to Set-Off 150145 Section 13.15. Limitation on Consequential, Indirect and Certain Other Damages 150146 Section 13.16. Not a Novation 151146 SCHEDULES Schedule A-1– Lender Supplement (JPMorgan Lender Group) SA-1-1 Schedule A-2– Lender Supplement (Citibank Lender Group) SA-2-1 Schedule B – Eligible Receivable Criteria SB-1 Schedule C – Schedule of Receivables SC-1 Schedule D – Location of Receivable Files SD-1 Schedule E – Schedule of Documents SE-1 Schedule F – Financial Covenants (Lithia) SF-1 Schedule G – Approved Backup Servicers SG-1 iv
Page EXHIBITS Exhibit A – Form of Funding Request A-1 Exhibit B – Form of Assignment and Acceptance B-1 Exhibit C – Credit and Collection Policy C-1 Exhibit D – Form of Power of Attorney D-1 Exhibit E – Form of Take-out Release E-1 Exhibit F – Form of Monthly Report F-1 Exhibit G – Forms of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificates G-1 v
AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT This Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this "Agreement"), is among SCFC BUSINESS SERVICES LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as borrower (the "Borrower"), DRIVEWAY FINANCE CORPORATION, an Oregon corporation formerly known as Southern Cascades Finance Corporation ("DFC"), as servicer (in such capacity, the "Servicer") and as collateral custodian (in such capacity, the "Collateral Custodian") for the Secured Parties (as defined herein), the Lenders from time to time parties hereto (the "Lenders"), the Agents for the Lender Groups (as defined herein) from time to time parties hereto (the "Agents") and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as administrative agent for the Lenders and the Agents (in such capacity, the "Administrative Agent") and as Account Bank. W I T N E S S E T H: WHEREAS, the Borrower was formed for the purpose of purchasing and holding various assets, including motor vehicle retail installment sale contracts, amounts received on or in respect of such motor vehicle retail installment sale contracts and proceeds of the foregoing; WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lenders make loans to the Borrower from time to time, the proceeds of which will be used to finance the purchase price of motor vehicle retail installment contracts as described herein; WHEREAS, the Lenders have agreed to make such loans to the Borrower upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein; WHEREAS, the parties hereto are parties to that certain Loan Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2020 (as amended prior to the date hereof, the "Existing Loan Agreement") pursuant to which, among other things, the foregoing purposes are effected; and WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to amend and restate the terms of the Existing Loan Agreement (but not to enter into a novation of the Existing Loan Agreement) by entry into this Agreement. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows: ARTICLE ONE DEFINITIONS; CONSTRUCTION Section 1.01. Definitions. Whenever used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
"Account Bank" means, as of any date of determination, the Qualified Institution then holding the Collection Account and the Hedge Reserve Account. On the Amendment No. 9 Effective Date, the Account Bank is JPMorgan Chase Bank. "Account Collateral" means the Collection Account and the Hedge Reserve Account, together with all cash, securities, financial assets (as defined in Section 8-102(a)(9) of the UCC as then in effect in the relevant State) and investments and other property from time to time deposited or credited to the Collection Account or the Hedge Reserve Account, and all proceeds of the foregoing. "Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR" means an interest rate per annum equal to (i) the Daily Simple SOFR plus (ii) the Credit Adjustment. "Adjusted Principal Balance" means, as of any date for any Receivable, (i) if the related amount of Excess Spread as of such date is at least equal to the Target Rate for such Receivable, the Principal Balance of such Receivable as of such date, and (ii) if the related amount of Excess Spread as of such date is less than the Target Rate for such Receivable, then (A) if the APR of such Receivable is less than the Required Rate, the present value (calculated using a discount rate equal to the Required Rate) of all Scheduled Payments (including past due Scheduled Payments) remaining on such Receivable, assuming that all such Scheduled Payments are paid on a timely basis after such date or (B) if the APR of such Receivable is equal to or greater than the Required Rate, the Principal Balance of such Receivable as of such date. "Administrative Agent" has the meaning given to such term in the Preamble. "Administrative Agent's Account" means the account or accounts identified by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower and each Agent as the Administrative Agent's Account hereunder. "Advisors" means accountants, attorneys, consultants, advisors, credit enhancers, liquidity providers and Persons similar to the foregoing and the respective directors, officers, employees and managers of each of the foregoing. "Affiliate" means, with respect to a Person, any other Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person. For purposes of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" or "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing. "Agent" means the agent for a particular Lender Group, as identified in the related Lender Supplement, and as of any date, "Agents" means all agents for all Lender Groups as of such date. “Aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance” means, as of any date of determination, the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Receivables on such date. 2
"Aggregate Commitment" means, as of any day, the sum of the Commitments of each Lender Group. "Aggregate Mandatory Commitment" means, as of any day, the sum of the Mandatory Commitments of each Lender Group. "Aggregate Unpaids" means, with respect to any date, an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Loans Outstanding, (ii) all accrued but unpaid Interest and (iii) all Upfront Fees, Supplemental Upfront Fees, Unused Commitment Fees, Hedge Breakage Costs, Indemnified Amounts and other Obligations owed (whether due or accrued) by the Borrower or the initial Servicer to the Secured Parties, the Administrative Agent, the Backup Servicer, the Account Bank, the Indemnified Parties, and any Successor Servicer under this Agreement and the other Basic Documents. "Agreement" has the meaning given to such term in the Preamble. "Alternate Base Rate" means, with respect to any date, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (i) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (ii) the NYFRB Rate in effect on such day plus ½ of 1%, and (iii) Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR plus 1%. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate, or Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate, or Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, respectively. If the Alternate Base Rate is being used as an alternate rate of interest pursuant to Section 2.17 (for the avoidance of doubt, only until the Benchmark Replacement has been determined pursuant to Section 2.17(b)), then the Alternate Base Rate shall be the greater of clauses (i) and (ii) above and shall be determined without reference to clause (iii) above. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Alternate Base Rate as determined pursuant to the foregoing would be less than 0%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0% for purposes of this Agreement. “Amendment No. 9 Effective Date” means July 20, 2023. "Amortization Period" means the period commencing on the Termination Date and ending on the day on which the Loans Outstanding are reduced to zero and all other Aggregate Unpaids have been paid in full. "Amount Financed" means, with respect to a Receivable, the aggregate amount advanced under such Receivable toward the purchase price of the related Financed Vehicle and any related costs, including taxes, title and licensing fees, and amounts advanced in respect of accessories, insurance premiums, service and warranty contracts, other items customarily financed as part of a Contract, and related costs. "Ancillary Fees" means (a) late fees, (b) extension fees, (c) prepayment charges, (d) overdraft charges and (e) all other administrative fees or similar charges allowed by Applicable Law received by or on behalf of the Servicer with respect to the Receivables. "Annual Percentage Rate" or "APR" means, with respect to a Receivable, the rate per annum of finance charges stated in such Receivable as the "annual percentage rate" (within the meaning of the Federal Truth-in-Lending Act). If, after the applicable Funding Date, the rate per 3
annum with respect to a Receivable as of such Funding Date is reduced (i) as a result of an Insolvency Proceeding involving the related Obligor or (ii) pursuant to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act or similar State law, "Annual Percentage Rate" or "APR" shall refer to such reduced rate. "Anti-Corruption Laws" means all laws, rules, and regulations of the United States or any State that are applicable to DFC, Lithia, the Borrower or their respective Affiliates or Subsidiaries from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption. "Applicable Law" means, for any Person, all existing and future applicable laws, rules, regulations (including proposed, temporary and final income tax regulations), statutes, treaties, codes, ordinances, permits, certificates, orders and licenses of and interpretations by any Governmental Authority (including usury laws, the Federal Truth in Lending Act, Regulation Z and Regulation B of the Federal Reserve Board, the Securities Act (including Regulation AB thereunder) and the Exchange Act), and applicable judgments, decrees, injunctions, writs, orders or line actions of any court, arbitrator or other administrative, judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal or agency of competent jurisdiction. "Applicable Margin" has the meaning given to such term in the Fee Letter. "Assignment and Acceptance" means an assignment and acceptance agreement between a Lender and an Eligible Assignee, in substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto. "Available Amount" means, with respect to any day, the positive amount, if any, by which the Facility Amount exceeds the Loans Outstanding on such day. "Available Funds" means, for any Payment Date and the related Collection Period, Collections on deposit in the Collection Account, to the extent received during the related Collection Period. "Backup Servicer" means a Person that is (i) reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and that has been (ii) appointed as the "Backup Servicer" under a Backup Servicing Agreement that is entered into in accordance with Section 7.09. "Backup Servicing Agreement" means an agreement entered into by the Servicer, the Borrower and a Person that is either (i) listed on Schedule G hereto (as the same may be updated from time to time by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion) or (ii) otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, and who agrees thereunder to serve as the backup servicer, pursuant to which such Person agrees (a) to perform certain servicing duties with respect to the Receivables as set forth therein, including but not limited to providing a Monthly Backup Servicer Certificate to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders each monthno less often than once every three (3) months, (b) to be bound by the terms and provisions relating to the Backup Servicer as set forth in the Basic Documents, except for any such terms and provisions that are expressly modified or waived in the Backup Servicing Agreement (with the express consent of the Administrative Agent), and (c) to succeed to the role of Servicer if the initial Servicer resigns or is terminated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. 4
"Backup Servicing Fee" means (i) prior to the appointment of a Backup Servicer, $0, and (ii) thereafter, the fees payable to the Backup Servicer as set forth in the Backup Servicing Agreement. "Backup Servicing Fee Rate" means, (i) with respect to any Collection Period prior to the appointment of a Backup Servicer, 0%, and (ii) with respect to the Collection Period during which the Backup Servicer was first engaged pursuant to Section 7.09 and for each Collection Period thereafter, (a) the percentage equivalent of a fraction, (1) the numerator of which is the Backup Servicing Fee and (2) the denominator of which is the average daily Pool Balance during the related Collection Period, times (b) 12. "Bankruptcy Code" means the United States Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code). "Basel II" means the second Basel Accord issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. "Basel III" means the third Basel Accord issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. "Basic Documents" means this Agreement, the Purchase Agreement, each Purchase Agreement Supplement, the Fee Letter, all Hedging Agreements, the Control Agreement, the Performance Guaranty, each Electronic Vault Services Agreement, and any other document, certificate, opinion, agreement or writing the execution of which is necessary or incidental to carrying out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other foregoing documents. "Benchmark" means, with respect to the portion of the Loans Outstanding that is funded or maintained either (i) by a Conduit Lender other than by issuing Commercial Paper Notes or (ii) by a Committed Lender, initially, Daily Simple SOFR; provided, that if a Benchmark Transition Event and the related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Daily Simple SOFR 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 (b) of Section 2.17. "Benchmark Replacement" means, with respect to the portion of the Loans Outstanding that is funded or maintained either (i) by a Conduit Lender other than by issuing Commercial Paper Notes or (ii) by a Committed Lender, the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark giving due consideration to (1) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (2) 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 in the United States and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment. If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to the 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 Basic Documents. 5
"Benchmark Replacement Adjustment" means, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for any setting of such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement, the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower giving due consideration to (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 and/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 at such time. "Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes" means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of 'Alternate Base Rate,' the definition of 'Business Day,' the definition of 'U.S. Government Securities Business Day,' the definition of 'Interest Period,' 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 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 Basic Documents). "Benchmark Replacement Date" means, with respect to any Benchmark, the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to such then-current Benchmark: (i) in the case of clause (i) or (ii) 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 such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or; (ii) in the case of clause (iii) of the definition of 'Benchmark Transition Event,' the first date on which such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) has been determined and announced by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) to be no longer representative; provided, that such non-representativeness will be determined by reference to the most recent statement or publication referenced in such clause (iii). 6
For the avoidance of doubt, (1) 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 (2) the 'Benchmark Replacement Date' will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (i) or (ii) with respect to any Benchmark upon the occurrence of the applicable event or events set forth therein with respect to such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof). "Benchmark Transition Event" means, with respect to any Benchmark, the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to such then-current Benchmark: (i) 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 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 such Benchmark (or such component thereof); (ii) 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), in each case, which states that the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide 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 such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or (iii) 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 such Benchmark (or such component thereof) is no longer, or as of a specified future date will no longer be, representative For the avoidance of doubt, a 'Benchmark Transition Event' will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof). "Benchmark Unavailability Period" means, with respect to any Benchmark, the period (if any) (i) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (i) or (ii) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced such 7
then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Basic Document in accordance with Section 2.17 and (ii) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Basic Document in accordance with Section 2.17. "Beneficial Ownership Certification" means a certification regarding beneficial ownership as required by the Beneficial Ownership Rule. "Beneficial Ownership Rule" means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230. "Benefit Plan" means each (i) employee pension benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) that are subject to Title I of ERISA, (ii) plan described in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code, including individual retirement accounts or Keogh Plans that are not exempt under Section 4975(g) of the Code and (iii) any entity whose underlying assets include "plan assets" (as defined in Section 3(42) of ERISA and Department of Labor Regulations Section 2510.3-101) by reason of an employee benefit plan's or plans' investment in such entities. "Borrower" has the meaning given to such term in the Preamble. "Borrower Basic Documents" means all Basic Documents to which the Borrower is a party or by which it is bound. "Borrower's Account" means the bank account of the Borrower, as notified to the Administrative Agent from time to time in writing by the Borrower,. "Borrowing Base" means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to (i) the difference of (a) the Net Eligible Pool Balance as of such date, after giving effect to the related additions or removals of Receivables on such date, minus (b) the Required Overcollateralization as of such date, minus (c) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of all Receivables that are owned by the Borrower on such date, after giving effect to the related additions or removals of Receivables on such date, for which no Certificate of Title of the type described in clause (i) or (ii) of the definition thereof was obtained by the 180th day following the day on which the related Receivable was originated (provided, that if any such Certificate of Title is obtained after such 180th day, the Adjusted Principal Balance of the related Receivable will no longer be deducted pursuant to this clause (c)), plus (ii) the amount of Collections in respect of principal payments that are on deposit in the Collection Account on such. "Borrowing Base Deficiency" means, as of any date of determination, the positive amount, if any, by which (i) the Loans Outstanding exceeds (ii) the Borrowing Base. "Breakage Costs" means (i) such amount or amounts as shall compensate any Lender for any actual loss, cost or expense (but excluding lost profits) incurred by such Lender (as reasonably determined by such Lender) as a result of any prepayment of a Loan (and interest thereon) that is made on less than three Business Days' prior written notice to the Lenders and (ii) such amount or amounts due to any Lender pursuant to Section 2.07(c). "Business Day" means (i) any day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which commercial banking institutions are not required or authorized to be closed in New York, New 8
York, Chicago, Illinois, and Medford, Oregon. and (ii) for any interest rate settings, fundings, disbursements, settlements or payments of any such Loan, conduit commercial paper issuance or any other dealings of such Loan, any such day that is also a U.S. Government Securities Business Day. "Certificate of Title" means, with respect to a Financed Vehicle, (i) the original certificate of title relating thereto, (ii) if the applicable Registrar of Titles issues a letter or other form of evidence of lien in lieu of a certificate of title (including electronic titling), the original lien entry letter, or (iii) prior to the time that a certificate of title of the type described in clause (i) or (ii) is issued, copies of correspondence to the applicable Registrar of Titles, and all enclosures thereto, for issuance of the original certificate of title or the original lien entry letter or form, as applicable, and which, in all of the foregoing cases, shall name the relatedprimary Obligor as the owner of such Financed Vehicle and DFC, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as secured party (provided, that 'Southern Cascades Finance Corporation' may be named as secured party on the Certificates of Title relating to those Receivables that are listed on Schedule A to Amendment No. 4 to the Loan Agreement, dated February 8, 2022, by and among the Borrower, Chariot, as a Conduit Lender, and JPMorgan, as the Administrative Agent, a Committed Lender, and Agent for the JPMorgan Lender Group, and acknowledged and agreed to by the Servicer and Collateral Custodian). For Financed Vehicles registered in States that issue confirmation of the lienholder's interest electronically, the 'Certificate of Title' may consist of notification of an electronic recordation, by either a third party service provider or the relevant Registrar of Titles, which indicates that the lien of the secured party on the Financed Vehicle is recorded on the original certificate of title on the electronic lien and title system of the applicable State. "Change in Control" means (i) DFC owns, directly or indirectly, less than 100% of the membership interests of the Borrower or (ii) Lithia owns, directly or indirectly, less than 51% of the voting and equity interests in DFC. "Citibank Agent" means Citibank, N.A., in its capacity as Agent for the Citibank Lender Group, and its successors in such capacity. "Citibank Lender Group" means the group of Lenders consisting of (a) the Conduit Lenders identified on the Lender Supplement attached hereto as Schedule A-2, (b) the Committed Lender identified on the Lender Supplement attached hereto as Schedule A-2, and (c) the Citibank Agent. "Closing Date" means July 31, 2020. "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. "Collateral" has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.01(a). "Collateral Custodian" has the meaning given to such term in the Preamble. "Collection Account" means a segregated account established by the initial Servicer, on behalf of the Borrower, with the Account Bank in the name of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, into which all Collections shall be deposited. 9
"Collection Period" means, with respect to any date of determination, the immediately preceding calendar month, except for dates occurring on or prior to the first Payment Date, in which case such term means the period from but excluding the initial Cutoff Date to and including August 31, 2020. "Collections" means (i) all cash collections or other cash proceeds of any Receivable received by the Servicer (including from DFC or the Borrower) from or on behalf of any Obligor in payment of any amounts owed in respect of such Receivable, including all Release Price amounts deposited in the Collection Account pursuant to Section 5.04, Insurance Proceeds, investment earnings in the Collection Account, and all Recoveries, (ii) any other funds received by the Servicer (including from DFC or the Borrower) with respect to any Receivable (exclusive of Ancillary Fees which may be retained by the Servicer), Financed Vehicle or any other Collateral, (iii) all payments received by the Borrower pursuant to any Hedging Agreement or Hedge Transaction, and (iv) any Servicer Advances. "Commercial Paper Notes" means any short-term promissory notes issued by a Conduit Lender with respect to financing any Loan hereunder. "Commitment" means, with respect to any Lender or Lender Group, the commitment of such Lender or Lender Group to fund Loans in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount set forth as the "Commitment" in the related Lender Supplement, as such amount may be modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof. "Commitment Termination Date" means July 18, 2025November 16, 2026 or, with respect to any Committed Lender, such later date to which the Commitment Termination Date may be extended for such Committed Lender in accordance with Section 2.04(a). "Committed Lender" means any Person that is designated as a "Committed Lender" in any Lender Supplement or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a party to this Agreement, and any assignee of such Committed Lender to the extent of the portion of such Commitment assumed by such assignee pursuant to its respective Assignment and Acceptance, and as of any date, "Committed Lenders" means, collectively, all of the foregoing Persons as of such date. "Conduit Lender" means any Person that is designated as a "Conduit Lender" in any Lender Supplement or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a party to this Agreement, and any assignee of such Conduit Lender to the extent of the portion of such Commitment assumed by such assignee pursuant to its respective Assignment and Acceptance, and as of any date, "Conduit Lenders" means, collectively, all of the foregoing Persons as of such date. "Conduit Portfolio Deferral Ratio" means, with respect to any date of determination, the percentage equivalent of a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is the aggregate Principal Balance of all Receivables with respect to which a Deferral was granted during the most recently completed Collection Period and (ii) the denominator of which is the aggregate Principal Balance of all Receivables as of the last day of such Collection Period. 10
"Conduit Portfolio Delinquency Ratio" means, with respect to any date of determination, the percentage equivalent of a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is the aggregate Principal Balance of all Delinquent Receivables as of the last day of the most recently completed Collection Period and (ii) the denominator of which is the Pool Balance as of the last day of such Collection Period. "Conduit Portfolio Net Loss Ratio (Non-Prime)" means, with respect to any date of determination, the product of (i) the percentage equivalent of a fraction, (a) the numerator of which is the difference of (1) the aggregate Principal Balance of all Non-Prime Receivables that became Defaulted Receivables during the most recently completed Collection Period minus (2) all Recoveries received during such Collection Period with respect to Non-Prime Receivables and (b) the denominator of which is the aggregate Principal Balance of all Non-Prime Receivables as of the last day of such Collection Period times (ii) twelve. "Conduit Portfolio Net Loss Ratio (Prime)" means, with respect to any date of determination, the product of (i) the percentage equivalent of a fraction, (a) the numerator of which is the difference of (1) the aggregate Principal Balance of all Prime Receivables that became Defaulted Receivables during the most recently completed Collection Period minus (2) all Recoveries received during such Collection Period with respect to Prime Receivables and (b) the denominator of which is the aggregate Principal Balance of all Prime Receivables as of the last day of such Collection Period times (ii) twelve. "Confidential Information" means any information, data, documents and materials in any form and at any time (including prior to the date of this Agreement) with respect to the Borrower, DFC, or any of their Affiliates and their respective businesses and financial information, the Receivables and the Serviced Portfolio and includes (i) information transmitted in written, oral, magnetic or any other medium, (ii) all copies and reproductions, in whole or in part, of such information and (iii) all summaries, analyses, compilations, studies, notes or other records which contain, reflect or are generated from such information; provided, that "Confidential Information" does not include, with respect to a Person, information that (a) was already known to such Person and such knowledge was not obtained from any other entity who was known by such Person to be subject to an obligation of confidentiality or otherwise prohibited from transmitting such information to such Person, (b) is or has become part of the public domain through no act or omission of such Person, (c) is or was lawfully disclosed to such Person without restriction on disclosure by a third party, (d) is or was developed independently by such Person, or (e) is or was lawfully and independently provided to such Person prior to disclosure hereunder, from a third party who is not known by such Person to be subject to an obligation of confidentiality or otherwise prohibited from transmitting such information. "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. "Consent" or "Consented" means a consent or an action of the Administrative Agent that has been approved by the Required Lenders or the Consenting Lenders, as applicable. 11
"Consenting Lenders" means at a particular time, Lenders with aggregate Commitments equal to at least 100% of the Aggregate Commitment. "Contract" means any retail installment sale contract executed by an Obligor for a Financed Vehicle under which an extension of credit by DFC is made in the ordinary course of business to such Obligor and which is secured by the related Financed Vehicle. "Contractual Obligation" means, with respect to any Person, any provision of any securities issued by such Person or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, contract, undertaking, agreement, instrument or other document to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound or is subject. "Control Agreement" means that certain Amended and Restated Escrow and Control Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020, among the Borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as escrow agent and bank, and the Administrative Agent. "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. "CP Rate" means, with respect to a Conduit Lender, the rate identified as its "CP Rate" in the Lender Supplement for the related Lender Group. "Cram Down Loss" means, with respect to a Receivable, if a court of appropriate jurisdiction in an Insolvency Proceeding shall have issued an order reducing the amount owed on such Receivable or otherwise modifying or restructuring the Scheduled Payments to be made on such Receivable, an amount equal to such reduction in the Principal Balance of such Receivable or the reduction in the net present value (using as the discount rate the lower of the contract rate or the rate of interest specified by the court in such order) of the Scheduled Payments as so modified or restructured. A "Cram Down Loss" shall be deemed to have occurred on the date such order is entered. "Credit Adjustment" has the meaning given to such term in the Fee Letter. "Credit and Collection Policy" means, with respect to (i) the initial Servicer, the credit and collection policies of the Servicer as are in effect on the Closing Date, as the same may be amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, or (ii) any Successor Servicer, the customary credit and collection policies of such Successor Servicer, in each case as revised from time to time in accordance with this Agreement. "Credit Provider" means any provider of a Liquidity Facility. "Credit Support Annex" has the meaning given to such term in Section 6.03(b). "Cutoff Date" means, with respect to Receivables transferred to the Borrower on a Funding Date, the date that is three calendar days immediately preceding such Funding Date. 12
"Daily Simple SOFR" means, with respect to any date (a 'SOFR Rate Day'), a rate per annum equal to the greater of (i) SOFR for the day (such day, the related 'SOFR Determination Date') that is five U.S. Government Securities Business Day prior to (a) if such SOFR Rate Day is a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, such SOFR Rate Day, or (b) if such SOFR Rate Day is not a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, the U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately preceding such SOFR Rate Day, in each case, as such SOFR is published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator's Website and (ii) 0%. Any change in Daily Simple SOFR due to a change in SOFR shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in SOFR without notice to the Borrower. "Dealer" means an automobile dealer that is wholly-owned by Lithia that facilitated the extension of credit on a Financed Vehicle to an Obligor and through which the Contract and related Receivable were originated by DFC pursuant to the related Dealer Agreement. "Dealer Agreement" means an existing agreement between a Dealer and DFC regarding the terms and conditions of the facilitation by the Dealer of the underwriting by DFC of Contracts and the related Receivables. "Debt-to-Equity Ratio" means, with respect to any date of determination, (i) an amount equal to DFC's aggregate Indebtedness divided by (ii) an amount equal to DFC's Tangible Net Worth. "Debt-to-Income Ratio" means, with respect to any Receivable and the related Obligor, (i) the sum of (a) all of the related obligor's and any related co-obligor's (but no related guarantor's) monthly fixed payment obligations (including mortgage and other loan payments, rents, credit card payments, student loan payments and child support payments) at the time such Receivable was originated, as determined by DFC in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy in effect at such time, plus (b) the monthly Scheduled Payment under the related Contract, divided by (ii) the sum of all of such related obligor's and any related co-obligor's (but no related guarantor's) monthly gross income for the calendar month immediately preceding the date such Receivable was originated, as determined by DFC in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy in effect at such time. "Default Rate" means a per annum rate equal to the sum of (i) the Alternate Base Rate and (ii) 2.75%. "Defaulted Receivable" means any Receivable (i) that has been, or is required to be, treated as "defaulted" in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy, (ii) with respect to which the Servicer has determined in good faith that payments thereunder have ceased and are not likely to be resumed, (iii) with respect to which the greater of (a) $50 and (b) 10% or more of any Scheduled Payment remains unpaid for more than 120 days from the related due date, or (iv) for which the related Financed Vehicle has been repossessed. "Defaulting Committed Lender" means any Committed Lender that, as determined by the Administrative Agent: (i) has failed to fund any of its obligations to make Loans in accordance with Section 2.01, notwithstanding that all conditions to funding under Section 4.2 and, with respect to the Initial Loan, Section 4.1 have been satisfied or waived in accordance with the 13
terms thereof, within three Business Days of the date required to be funded by it hereunder, (ii) has notified the Administrative Agent or the Borrower in writing that it does not intend to comply with such funding obligations, or has made a public statement to that effect with respect to such funding obligations hereunder, or (iii) has become subject to an Insolvency Event; provided, that a Committed Lender shall not be deemed to be a Defaulting Committed Lender hereunder solely by virtue of any control of or ownership interest in, or the acquisition of any ownership interest in, such Committed Lender (or its direct or indirect parent company) or the exercise of control over such Committed Lender (or its direct or indirect parent company) by a Governmental Authority thereof, if and for so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Committed Lender (or its direct or indirect parent company) with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Committed Lender (or its direct or indirect parent company) or such Governmental Authority to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm obligations such as those under this Agreement. "Deferral" means, with respect to any Receivable or Serviced Portfolio Receivable, a deferral that is granted by the Servicer to an Obligor whereby (i) all or any portion of one or more Scheduled Payments is waived for the related due date and (ii) such waived amount is due from such Obligor by no later than the final due date for the related Contract (which final due date may have been extended by the Servicer in connection with such deferral). For purposes of this definition, the "Obligor," "Scheduled Payment" and "Contract" for each Serviced Portfolio Receivable that is not a Receivable shall be determined as if it were a "Receivable" for purposes of all related defined terms. "Delinquent Receivable" means any Receivable, (i) with respect to which the greater of (a) $50 and (b) 10% or more of any Scheduled Payment remains unpaid for 60 or more days from the related due date and (ii) that is not a Defaulted Receivable. "Derivatives" means any (i) exchange-traded or over-the-counter forward, future, option, swap, cap, collar, floor or foreign exchange contract or any combination of the foregoing, whether for physical delivery or cash settlement, relating to any interest rate, interest rate index, currency, currency exchange rate, currency exchange rate index, debt instrument, debt price, debt index, depository instrument, depository price, depository index, equity instrument, equity price, equity index, commodity, commodity price or commodity index, (ii) similar transaction, contract, instrument, undertaking or security or (iii) transaction, contract, instrument, undertaking or security containing any of the foregoing. "DFC" has the meaning given to such term in the Preamble. "Dodd-Frank Act" means The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Pub.L. 111-203, H.R. 4173). "Dollars" or "$" means the lawful currency of the United States. "Early Adoption Increased Costs" has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.10. 14
"Early Adoption Increased Costs Representation" has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.10. "Early Amortization Event" means, on any date of determination, that: (i) as of any Reporting Date, the arithmetic mean of the Conduit Portfolio Net Loss Ratio (Prime) for the three Collection Periods immediately preceding such Reporting Date is greater than 4.00% (provided, that no Early Amortization Event will occur under this clause (i) if a Significant Take-out Date occurred during any of such three Collection Periods); (ii) as of any Reporting Date, the arithmetic mean of the Conduit Portfolio Net Loss Ratio (Non-Prime) for the three Collection Periods immediately preceding such Reporting Date is greater than 6.006.75% (provided, that no Early Amortization Event will occur under this clause (ii) if a Significant Take-out Date occurred during any of such three Collection Periods); (iii) as of any Reporting Date, the arithmetic mean of the Conduit Portfolio Delinquency Ratio for the three Collection Periods immediately preceding such Reporting Date is greater than 4.00% (provided, that no Early Amortization Event will occur under this clause (iii) if a Significant Take-out Date occurred during any of such three Collection Periods); (iv) as of any Reporting Date, the arithmetic mean of the Conduit Portfolio Deferral Ratio for the three Collection Periods immediately preceding such Reporting Date is greater than 1.50% (provided, that no Early Amortization Event will occur under this clause (iv) if a Significant Take-out Date occurred during any of such three Collection Periods); (v) a Borrowing Base Deficiency exists that has not been cured for at least three Business Days; provided, that if such Borrowing Base Deficiency would not have occurred but for the occurrence of a Step-up Event, then no Early Amortization Event will occur under this clause (v) unless such Borrowing Base Deficiency continues to exist as of the Reporting Date that occurs during the third Collection Period after the Collection Period during which such Borrowing Base Deficiency first existed; (vi) a breach of any Financial Covenant (Lithia) or any Financial Covenant (DFC) has occurred; (vii) any Servicer Termination Event (other than a Servicer Termination Event of the type specified in subsections (l), (m), (n) or (o) of Section 7.13) occurs; (viii) a Termination Event has occurred; or 15
(ix) a Material Adverse Change has occurred. provided, that any Early Amortization Event may be waived in a writing by the Consenting Lenders to the Borrower, with a copy to the Administrative Agent and the Servicer. "Election Period" means the period commencing on the date that a request for an extension pursuant to Section 2.04(a) is delivered and ending on the earlier of (i) the 45th calendar day thereafter or (ii) the 15th calendar day preceding the related Commitment Termination Date. "Electronic Chattel Paper Condition" means, with respect to any Receivable, the Contract of which is an Electronic Contract, the satisfaction of the following conditions: (i) delivery to the Administrative Agent of a legal opinion in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent from a nationally recognized law firm to the effect that, as a legal matter, the Collateral Custodian has 'control' (within the meaning of Section 9-105 of the UCC as then in effect in the relevant State) of each Electronic Contract pledged to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement, in accordance with the related documents and procedures described in such legal opinion and with respect to the applicable Electronic Vault System and (ii) written approval by the Administrative Agent of the related Electronic Vault Provider in connection therewith. "Electronic Contract" means a Contract that constitutes ‘electronic chattel paper’ (under and as defined in Article 9 of the UCC as then in effect in the relevant State) evidencing any Receivable. "Electronic Vault" means the electronic vault wherein custody of Electronic Contracts shall be maintained in electronic form through a third-party Electronic Vault Provider that enables electronic contracting pursuant to the related Electronic Vault Services Agreement. "Electronic Vault Provider" means a third-party provider of the technology platform on which the Electronic Vault operates. "Electronic Vault Services Agreement" means an agreement among the Collateral Custodian and an Electronic Vault Provider pursuant to which the Electronic Vault Provider maintains the related Electronic Vault. "Electronic Vault System" means the electronic vault system with characteristics reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent provided by the Electronic Vault Provider pursuant to the Electronic Vault Services Agreement that enables electronic contracting. "Eligible Assignee" means (i) J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., (ii) any other Committed Lender, (iii) a multi-seller commercial asset-backed paper conduit that is administered by a Lender, an Agent or the Administrative Agent or an Affiliate of any of them and the Commercial Paper Notes of which are rated at least "A-1" by Standard & Poor's and "Prime-1" by Moody's, (iv) any Credit Provider previously approved by the Borrower in writing prior to such assignment, or (iv) any other Person that is acceptable to the Agent related to the portion of the Commitment being assigned and with respect to which the Borrower has consented to in writing prior to such assignment (such consent of the Borrower not to be unreasonably withheld); 16
provided, that no such consent of the Borrower shall be required during the occurrence and continuation of a Servicer Termination Event or Termination Event. "Eligible Pool Balance" means, as of any date of determination, the sum of the Adjusted Principal Balances of all Eligible Receivables as of such date. "Eligible Receivable" means, as of any date of determination, any Receivable (i) for which the related Receivable File is in the possession or 'control' (within the meaning of Section 9-105 of the UCC as then in effect in the relevant State) of the Collateral Custodian, (ii) which is identified on the Schedule of Receivables delivered by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent as part of a Funding Request and (iii) which satisfies each of the eligibility requirements set forth on Schedule B hereto, in each case as of such date of determination; provided, that no Receivable for which the related Contract is an Electronic Contract (A) that is initially sold to the Borrower pursuant to the Purchase Agreement on or after July 29, 2022 may at any time be an Eligible Receivable or (B) that was initially sold to the Borrower pursuant to the Purchase Agreement prior to July 29, 2022 may be an Eligible Receivable from and after August 28, 2022, unless in either case the Electronic Chattel Paper Condition has been satisfied with respect to the related Electronic Vault Provider for such Electronic Contract. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Electronic Chattel Paper Condition has been satisfied with respect to an Electronic Vault Provider, then the foregoing proviso shall no longer be of any force or effect with respect to Electronic Contracts for which such entity is the Electronic Vault Provider and no Receivable that would otherwise constitute an Eligible Receivable at any time thereafter shall fail to qualify as an Eligible Receivable solely due to the terms of such proviso. "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder. "ERISA Affiliate" means (i) any corporation which is a member of the same controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of Section 414(b) of the Code) as the Borrower, (ii) a trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control (within the meaning of Section 414(c) of the Code) with the Borrower or (iii) a member of the same affiliated service group (within the meaning of Section 414(m) of the Code) as the Borrower, any corporation described in clause (i) above or any trade or business described in clause (ii) above. "Excess Concentration Amounts" means, as of any date of determination and without duplication, the sum of: (i) the positive difference, if any, of (a) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables for which the related Obligor has a billing address in the State with the highest concentration of Receivables by Obligor billing address as of such date minus (b) an amount equal to the product of (1) 35.0% times (2) the Eligible Pool Balance on such date; (ii) the positive difference, if any, of (a) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables for which the related Obligor has a billing address in the State with the second highest concentration of Receivables 17
by Obligor billing address as of such date minus (b) an amount equal to the product of (1) 25.0% times (2) the Eligible Pool Balance on such date; (iii) the positive difference, if any, of (a) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables for which the related Obligor has a billing address in the State with the third highest concentration of Receivables by Obligor billing address as of such date minus (b) an amount equal to the product of (1) 20.0% times (2) the Eligible Pool Balance on such date; (iv) the positive difference, if any, of (a) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables for which the related Obligor has a billing address in any State other than those States accounted for in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), above, minus (b) an amount equal to the product of (1) 15.0% times (2) the Eligible Pool Balance on such date; (v) without duplication, the sum of (a) the positive difference, if any, of (1) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables for which the related Obligors had FICO Scores of less than 700680 minus (2) the product of (A) 50.040.0% times (B) the Eligible Pool Balance as of such date plus (b) the positive difference, if any, of (1) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables for which the related Obligors had FICO Scores of less than 620 minus (2) the product of (A) 12.50% times (B) the Eligible Pool Balance as of such date; plus (c) the positive difference, if any, of (1) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables for which the related Obligors had FICO Scores of less than 550 minus (2) the product of (A) 5.00% times (B) the Eligible Pool Balance as of such date; (vi) the positive difference, if any, of (a) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables for which the related Obligors did not have a FICO Score or had a FICO Score of zero minus (b) the product of (1) 2.50% times (2) the Eligible Pool Balance as of such date; (vii) the positive difference, if any, of (a) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables for which the related Loan-to-Value Ratios were greater than 125% at the time of underwriting minus (b) the product of (1) 27.5025.00% times (2) the Eligible Pool Balance as of such date; (viii) the positive difference, if any, of (a) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables that had original Principal Balances of greater than $40,000 minus (b) the product of (1) 50.0% times (2) the Eligible Pool Balance as of such date; (ix) the positive difference, if any, of (a) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables that had original Principal Balances of greater than $75,000 minus (b) the product of (1) 15.07.50% times (2) the Eligible Pool Balance as of such date; 18
(x) the positive difference, if any, of (a) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables which or on any prior date were (but which no longer are as of such date of determination) Serviced Portfolio Defaulted Receivables minus (b) the product of (1) 1.0% times (2) the Eligible Pool Balance as of such date; (xi) the positive difference, if any, of (a) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables for which the related Financed Vehicle was a Used Vehicle at the time such Receivable was originated minus (b) the product of (1) 85.0% times (2) the Eligible Pool Balance as of such date; (xii) the positive difference, if any, of (a) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables for which the original term to maturity was more than 75 months minus (b) the product of (1) 25.0% times (2) the Eligible Pool Balance as of such date; (xiii) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables that had FICO Scores of less than 665690 at the time of their underwriting that would need to be subtracted from the Eligible Pool Balance on such date in order to cause the weighted average FICO Score of all Eligible Receivables (excluding Receivables that do not have a FICO Score or have a FICO Score of zero) to 665690, with such weighted average calculated using the FICO Score of each such Receivable at the time of its underwriting; (xiv) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables that had Loan-to-Value Ratios at the time of their underwriting of greater than 112% that would need to be subtracted from the Eligible Pool Balance on such date in order to cause the weighted average Loan-to-Value Ratio of all Eligible Receivables at the time of their underwriting to equal 112%; (xv) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables that had Payment-to-Income Ratios of greater than 10.0% at the time of their underwriting that would need to be subtracted from the Eligible Pool Balance on such date in order to cause the weighted average Payment-to-Income Ratios of all Eligible Receivables at the time of their underwriting to equal 10.0%; (xvi) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables that had Debt-to-Income Ratios of greater than 32.5% at the time of their underwriting that would need to be subtracted from the Eligible Pool Balance on such date in order to cause the weighted average Debt-to-Income Ratio of all Eligible Receivables at the time of their underwriting to equal 32.5%; (xvii) the positive difference, if any, of (a) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables for which the related Financed Vehicle had an odometer reading of more than 125,000 miles at the time such 19
Receivable was originated minus (b) the product of (1) 2.0% times (2) the Eligible Pool Balance as of such date; (xviii) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Prime Receivables that are Eligible Receivables that had FICO Scores of less than 735750 at the time of their underwriting that would need to be subtracted from the Eligible Pool Balance on such date in order to cause the weighted average FICO Score of all Prime Receivables that are Eligible Receivables (excluding Receivables that do not have a FICO Score or have a FICO Score of zero) to equal 735750, with such weighted average calculated using the FICO Score of each such Receivable at the time of its underwriting; (xix) the positive difference, if any, of (a) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Online Originated Receivables that are Eligible Receivables minus (b) the product of (1) 50.060.0% times (2) the Eligible Pool Balance as of such date; and (xx) the positive difference, if any, of (a) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of the Eligible Receivables that had FICO Scores of less than 560 at the time of their underwritingfor which the related Obligor is an employee of Lithia, the Seller or any Affiliate thereof, minus (b) the product of (1) 7.510.00% times (2) the Eligible Pool Balance as of such date. "Excess Spread" means as of any date of determination, either: (i) with respect to any Receivable that is a Prime Receivable, the difference of (a) the weighted average APR of all Prime Receivables that are Eligible Receivables as of such date (weighted by the Principal Balance of such Eligible Receivables) minus (b) the Servicing Fee Rate minus (c) the Applicable Margin minus (d) the Weighted Average Hedge Rate as of such date minus (e) the Backup Servicing Fee Rate; (ii) with respect to any Receivable that is a Near PrimeNon-Prime Receivable (excluding any Receivable that is a Subprime Receivable), the difference of (a) the weighted average APR of all Near PrimeNon-Prime Receivables (excluding all Receivables that are Subprime Receivables) that are Eligible Receivables as of such date (weighted by the Principal Balance of such Eligible Receivables) minus (b) the Servicing Fee Rate minus (c) the Applicable Margin minus (d) the Weighted Average Hedge Rate as of such date minus (e) the Backup Servicing Fee Rate; or (iii) with respect to any Receivable that is a Subprime Receivable, the difference of (a) the weighted average APR of all Subprime Receivables that are Eligible Receivables as of such date (weighted by the Principal Balance of such Eligible Receivables) minus (b) the Servicing Fee Rate minus (c) the Applicable Margin minus (d) the Weighted Average Hedge Rate as of such date minus (e) the Backup Servicing Fee Rate. 20
"Excess Spread (Adjusted)" means, as of any date of determination, either: (i) with respect to any Receivable that is a Prime Receivable, the difference of (a) the percentage equivalent of a fraction, (1) the numerator of which equals the sum of (A) for each Eligible Receivable that is a Prime Receivable that has an APR that is less than the related Required Rate, the product of (x) the Adjusted Principal Balance of such Eligible Receivable as of such date times (y) the related Required Rate plus (B) for each Eligible Receivable that is a Prime Receivable that has an APR that is greater than or equal to the related Required Rate, the product of (x) the Adjusted Principal Balance of such Eligible Receivable as of such date times (y) the APR of such Eligible Receivable and (2) the denominator of which is the sum of the Adjusted Principal Balances as of such date of all Eligible Receivables that are Prime Receivables minus (b) the Servicing Fee Rate minus (c) the Applicable Margin minus (d) the Weighted Average Hedge Rate as of such date minus (e) the Backup Servicing Fee Rate; (ii) with respect to any Receivable that is a Near PrimeNon-Prime Receivable (excluding any Receivable that is a Subprime Receivable), the difference of (a) the percentage equivalent of a fraction, (1) the numerator of which equals the sum of (A) for each Eligible Receivable that is a Near PrimeNon-Prime Receivable (excluding any Eligible Receivable that is a Subprime Receivable) that has an APR that is less than the related Required Rate, the product of (x) the Adjusted Principal Balance of such Eligible Receivable as of such date times (y) the related Required Rate plus (B) for each Eligible Receivable that is a Near PrimeNon-Prime Receivable (excluding each Eligible Receivable that is a Subprime Receivable) that has an APR that is greater than or equal to the related Required Rate, the product of (x) the Adjusted Principal Balance of such Eligible Receivable as of such date times (y) the APR of such Eligible Receivable and (2) the denominator of which is the sum of the Adjusted Principal Balances as of such date of all Eligible Receivables that are Near PrimeNon-Prime Receivables (excluding all Eligible Receivables that are Subprime Receivables) minus (b) the Servicing Fee Rate minus (c) the Applicable Margin minus (d) the Weighted Average Hedge Rate as of such date minus (e) the Backup Servicing Fee Rate; or (iii) with respect to any Receivable that is a Subprime Receivable, the difference of (a) the percentage equivalent of a fraction, (1) the numerator of which equals the sum of (A) for each Eligible Receivable that is a Subprime Receivable that has an APR that is less than the related Required Rate, the product of (x) the Adjusted Principal Balance of such Eligible Receivable as of such date times (y) the related Required Rate plus (B) for each Eligible Receivable that is a Subprime Receivable that has an APR that is greater than or equal to the related Required Rate, the product of (x) the Adjusted Principal Balance of such Eligible Receivable as of such date times (y) the APR of such Eligible Receivable and (2) the denominator of which is the sum of the Adjusted Principal Balances as of such date of all Eligible Receivables that are Subprime 21
Receivables minus (b) the Servicing Fee Rate minus (c) the Applicable Margin minus (d) the Weighted Average Hedge Rate as of such date minus (e) the Backup Servicing Fee Rate. "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. "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, (i) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (a) 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 (b) that are Other Connection Taxes, (ii) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (a) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment or (b) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.11, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender's assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (iii) Taxes attributable to such Recipient's failure to comply with Section 2.11(g) and (iv) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA. "Facility Amount" means, as of any date of determination, (i) prior to the Termination Date, the Aggregate Commitment on such day and (ii) on and after the Termination Date, the Loans Outstanding. "Facility Termination Date" means the date following the Termination Date on which the Aggregate Unpaids have been indefeasibly paid in full. "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 applicable agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, any applicable intergovernmental agreement with respect to the foregoing, and any regulations and official administrative guidance thereunder. "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 0%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0% for the purposes of this Agreement. "Federal Reserve Board" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. "Fee Letter" means the "FourthFifth Amended and Restated Fee Letter", dated as of the July 20August 15, 20232024, among the Borrower, the initial Servicer, the Administrative Agent and the Agents, setting forth, among other things, the Upfront Fee, the Supplemental 22
Upfront Fee Rate, the Applicable Margin, the Credit Adjustment, and the Unused Commitment Fee Rate. "FICO Score" means with respect to any Receivable, the decisioned credit risk score that is generated by Equifax (or, if such credit risk score is unavailable through Equifax, the decisioned credit risk score that is generated by TransUnion or another equivalent consumer credit reporting agency) using their version 8 scorecard for use in the automotive lending sector, at the time of underwriting for the related Contract, which credit risk score is generated using statistical models established by Fair Isaac Corporation (or any successor entity thereto) for either (i) the related obligor or (ii) if greater, the related co-obligor under the related receivable. "Financed Vehicle" means, with respect to a Receivable, any new or used automobile, light-duty truck, minivan, sport utility vehicle or other passenger vehicle, together with all accessions thereto, securing the related Obligor's Indebtedness thereunder. "Financial Covenants (Lithia)" means: (a) at all times prior to the date on which each Agent is party to the Lithia Loan Agreement as a Lender, each of the covenants listed on Schedule F to this Agreement; (b) at all times that each Agent is party to the Lithia Loan Agreement as a “Lender,” each of (i) the “Financial Covenant – Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” set forth at Section 11.1.2 of the Lithia Loan Agreement and (ii) the “Financial Covenant – Leverage Ratio” set forth at Section 11.1.3 of the Lithia Loan Agreement, in each case giving effect to any amendments or other modifications that are at any time made to such sections, or the defined terms used in such sections, or any other provisions of the Lithia Loan Agreement that affect the calculations set forth in such sections, so long as any such amendments or other modifications are made in accordance with the terms of the Lithia Loan Agreement; or (c) at all times from and after the date on which any Agent ceases for any reason to be party to the Lithia Loan Agreement as a “Lender,” each of (i) the “Financial Covenant – Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” set forth at Section 11.1.2 of the Lithia Loan Agreement and (ii) the “Financial Covenant – Leverage Ratio” set forth at Section 11.1.3 of the Lithia Loan Agreement, as in effect on such date, without giving effect to any amendments or other modifications that are at any time made to such sections, or the defined terms used in such sections, or any other provisions of the Lithia Loan Agreement that affect the calculations set forth in such sections after such date, unless such amendments or other modifications have been consented to in writing by the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders. "Financial Covenants (DFC)" means each of: (i) DFC's Tangible Net Worth for the most recently ended fiscal quarter shall at least equal (a) on or prior to June 29, 2023, $300,000,000, (b) from and including June 30, 2023 and through and including December 30, 2023, $330,000,000, (c) from and including December 31, 2023 and through and 23
including June 29, 2024, $375,000,000, and (d) from and including June 30, 2024 and on all dates thereafter, $525,000,000; and (ii) DFC's Debt-to-Equity Ratio for the most recently ended fiscal quarter shall not exceed 7.50 to 1.0. "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 the CP Rate or Daily Simple SOFR, as applicable. For the avoidance of doubt the initial Floor for each of the CP Rate or Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR shall be 0%. "Force Majeure Event" means an act of God or the public enemy, acts of declared or undeclared war (including acts of terrorism), public disorder, rebellion or sabotage, epidemics, pandemics, landslides, lightening, fire, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods or similar causes. "Foreign Lender" means a Lender that is not a U.S. Person. "Formation Documents" means, with respect to (i) the Borrower, its limited liability company agreement and certificate of formation, (ii) DFC, its certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and (iii) Lithia, its certificate of incorporation and bylaws. "Fully Hedged" means a condition that exists as of any date of determination if the aggregate notional amount under all Hedge Transactions as of such date is at least equal to 100% of the Loans Outstanding as of such date (after giving effect to any changes to the Loans Outstanding on such date). "Funding Date" means each Business Day on which a Loan is made and Receivables are added to the Collateral in connection with such Loan. "Funding Request" means a written notice from the Borrower requesting a Loan and including the items required by Section 2.01(b), substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time in the United States. "Governmental Authority" means, with respect to any Person, any nation or government, any State or other political subdivision thereof, any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government and any court or arbitrator having jurisdiction over such Person. "Hedge Breakage Costs" means, with respect to any Hedge Transaction, any amount payable by the Borrower to the related Hedge Counterparty upon the early termination of such Hedge Transaction or any portion thereof. "Hedge Collateral" means all of the rights of the Borrower, whether now existing and hereafter acquired, in and to all Hedging Agreements, Hedge Transactions and all present and 24
future amounts payable by all Hedge Counterparties to the Borrower under or in connection with such Hedging Agreements and Hedge Transactions with such Hedge Counterparties. "Hedge Counterparty" means any entity that on the date of entering into any Hedge Transaction is (i) JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or an Affiliate thereof or (ii) (a) is an interest rate swap dealer, (b) whose debt ratings satisfy each of the Long-Term Rating Requirement and the Short-Term Rating Requirement and (c) agrees that in the event that Moody's or Standard & Poor's reduces its long-term unsecured debt rating below the Long-Term Rating Requirement or its short-term unsecured debt rating below the Short-Term Rating Requirement, it shall (1) transfer its rights and obligations under each Hedge Transaction to another entity that meets the requirements of this definition and has entered into a Hedging Agreement with the Borrower on or prior to the date of such transfer, or (2) post collateral in an amount satisfactory to the Required Lenders. Each Hedge Counterparty must consent to the assignment of the Borrower's rights under the Hedging Agreement to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 6.03(f). "Hedge Counterparty Collateral Account" has the meaning given to such term in Section 6.03(b). "Hedge Reserve Account" means a segregated account established by the initial Servicer, on behalf of the Borrower, with the Account Bank in the name of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, into which amounts may be deposited by the Borrower in accordance with Section 6.03(a) and which, at all times from and after the time of its establishment, will be subject to the Control Agreement. "Hedge Reserve Account Required Amount" means, as of any date of determination on which the aggregate notional amount of all outstanding Hedge Transactions is less than the Loans Outstanding (after giving effect to any changes to the Loans Outstanding on such date), an amount equal to the productgreater of (i) : (i) an amount equal to the product of (a) 0.15% and (b) the excess (if any) of (x) the Loans Outstanding on such date over (y) the aggregate notional amount under all Hedge Transaction on such date; and (ii) if the Required Lenders direct the Administrative Agent to obtain a quote, (a) 110% times (iib) the quoted purchase price from any Lender, any Agent, or any Affiliate of any Lender or Agent (which price shall be reasonably determined based on prevailing market conditions and such Lender or Agent's pricing of caps of a similar size, duration and cap rate) most recently received by the Borrower (or the Servicer on behalf of the Borrower) pursuant to Section 6.03(a)(ii) hereof (which quote shall, for purpose of this definition, continue in effect until the next succeeding date on which such a quote is received pursuant to Section 6.03(a)(ii) hereof), for an interest rate cap (A) that has a notional amount, duration, and amortization that is agreed upon by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent for such date and (B) the cap rate for which is the maximum cap rate that would cause the Excess Spread to equal the 'Average Target Rate' if a Hedge Transaction in the form of an interest rate cap having such strike rate and having the notional amount referenced in clause (A) was included in the calculation of 'Weighted Average Hedge Rate' on such date. For purposes of this definition, the 25
'Average Target Rate' as of any date of determination is the weighted average Target Rate of all Eligible Receivables (weighted by the Principal Balance of such Eligible Receivables). "Hedge Transaction" means each interest rate hedge transaction between the Borrower and a Hedge Counterparty that is entered into pursuant to Section 6.03 and is governed by a Hedging Agreement. "Hedging Agreement" means each agreement between the Borrower and a Hedge Counterparty which governs one or more Hedge Transactions entered into pursuant to Section 6.03, which agreement shall be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and shall consist of a "Master Agreement" in a form published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., together with a "Schedule" thereto, any applicable Credit Support Annex and each "Confirmation" thereunder confirming the specific terms of each such Hedge Transaction. "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person and any day, without duplication, (i) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business and payable in accordance with customary trade practices) or which is evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument, (ii) all obligations of such Person under capital leases, (iii) all obligations of such Person in respect of acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person, (iv) all liabilities secured by any Lien on any property owned by such Person even though such Person has not assumed or otherwise become liable for the payment thereof and (v) all indebtedness, obligations or liabilities of that Person in respect of Derivatives. "Indemnified Amounts" has the meaning given to such term in Section 9.01. "Indemnified Party" has the meaning given to such term in Section 9.01. "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 the Borrower under any Borrower Basic Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a), Other Taxes. "Independent Director" means a natural Person who either (i) (a) shall not have been at the time of such Person's appointment or at any time during the preceding five years, and shall not be as long as such Person is a director of the Borrower, (1) a director, officer, employee, partner, shareholder, equity owner, member, manager or Affiliate of DFC or Lithia, or any Affiliate of DFC, Lithia, or the Borrower (other than as an independent director or manager of such Person), (2) a customer or supplier of DFC, Lithia, the Borrower or any of their respective Affiliates, (3) a Person controlling or under common control with any partner, shareholder, member, manager, Affiliate, customer or supplier of DFC, Lithia, the Borrower or any of their respective Affiliates or (4) a member of the immediate family of any Person described in clauses (1) through (3) above; provided, that such Independent Director may be an independent director of another special purpose entity affiliated with DFC or Lithia or any of their respective Affiliates, (b) is an employee of a company that (1) is in the business of providing independent director services for special purpose entities and (2) is recognized in the securitization market as 26
a provider of such services, (c) has prior experience as an independent director or manager for a corporation or limited liability company whose charter documents required the unanimous consent of all independent directors or managers thereof before such corporation or limited liability company could consent to the institution of insolvency proceedings against it or could file a petition seeking relief under any applicable insolvency laws and (d) has at least three years of employment experience with one or more entities that provide, in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, advisory, management or placement services to issuers of securitization or structured finance instruments, agreements or securities or (ii) has otherwise been approved in writing by the Administrative Agent. "Ineligible Receivable" means, as of any date of determination, a Receivable that is not an Eligible Receivable. "Initial Loan" means the first Loan made on or after the Closing Date. "Insolvency Event" means, with respect to a specified Person, (i) the filing of a decree or order for relief by a court having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of such Person or any substantial part of its property in an involuntary case under any applicable Insolvency Law now or hereafter in effect, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official for such Person or for any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding-up or liquidation of such Person's affairs, and such decree or order shall remain unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days or (ii) the commencement by such Person of a voluntary case under any Insolvency Law now or hereafter in effect, or the consent by such Person to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, or the consent by such Person to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official for such Person or for any substantial part of its property, or the making by such Person of any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the failure by such Person generally to pay its debts as such debts become due, or the taking of action by such Person in furtherance of any of the foregoing. "Insolvency Laws" means the Bankruptcy Code and all other applicable liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, moratorium, arrangement, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, suspension of payments, marshaling of assets and liabilities or similar debtor relief laws from time to time in effect affecting the rights of creditors generally. "Insolvency Proceeding" means, with respect to any Person, any bankruptcy, insolvency, arrangement, rearrangement, conservatorship, moratorium, suspension of payments, readjustment of debt, reorganization, receivership, liquidation, marshaling of assets and liabilities or similar proceeding of or relating to such Person under any Insolvency Laws. "Instrument" means any "instrument" (as defined in Article 9 of the UCC), other than an instrument that constitutes part of chattel paper. "Insurance Policy" means, with respect to any Receivable, (i) an insurance policy covering physical damage to or loss of the related Financed Vehicle or (ii) any lender's single interest, credit life, disability, hospitalization and similar insurance policies with respect to the related Obligor. 27
"Insurance Proceeds" means any amounts payable or any payments made under any Insurance Policy. "Interest" means, for any Interest Period and each Loan outstanding during such Interest Period, interest on the Principal Amount of such Loan computed pursuant to Sections 2.05(b) and 2.05(d); provided, that (i) no provision of this Agreement shall require or permit the collection of Interest in excess of the Maximum Lawful Rate and (ii) Interest shall not be considered paid by any distribution if at any time such distribution is rescinded or must otherwise be returned for any reason. "Interest Period" means, with respect to each Payment Date, the immediately preceding Collection Period (or, in the case of the first Payment Date, the period from and including the Closing Date through and including August 31, 2020); provided, that any Interest Period that commences before the Facility Termination Date that would otherwise end after the Facility Termination Date shall end on the Facility Termination Date. “Interest Rate” means, with respect to any Loan (or portion thereof) on any day, an interest rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR on such date plus (ii) the Applicable Margin; provided, however, that on each day following the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Interest Rate for the Loans (or any portion thereof) on such day shall be a rate per annum equal to the Default Rate. "Invested Percentage" means, for a Lender as of any date of determination, the percentage equivalent of (i) the sum of (a) the portion of the Loans Outstanding (if any) funded by such Lender on or prior to such day, plus (b) with duplication of any amount in clause (a), any portion of the Loans Outstanding acquired by such Lender on or prior to such day as an assignee from another Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance, minus (c) any portion of the Loans Outstanding assigned by such Lender to an assignee on or prior to such day pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance, divided by (ii) the Loans Outstanding on such day. "Investment" means, with respect to any Person, any direct or indirect loan, advance or investment by such Person in any other Person, whether by means of share purchase, capital contribution, loan or otherwise, and excluding commission, travel and similar advances to officers, employees and directors made in the ordinary course of business. "Investment Company Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. "IRS" means the U.S. 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. "JPMorgan Agent" means JPMorgan Chase Bank, in its capacity as Agent for the JPMorgan Lender Group, and its successors in such capacity. 28
"JPMorgan Chase Bank" means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. "JPMorgan Lender Group" means the group of Lenders consisting of (a) the Conduit Lender identified on the Lender Supplement attached hereto as Schedule A-1, (b) the Committed Lender identified on the Lender Supplement attached hereto as Schedule A-1, and (c) the JPMorgan Agent. "Lender Advance" means a Lender's Lender Percentage of the Principal Amount of a particular Loan to be made to the Borrower on a Funding Date. "Lender Group" means each group of Lenders consisting of (i) one or more Lenders and (ii) an Agent, in each case as indicated on the related Lender Supplement. As of the Amendment No. 9 Effective Date, the sole Lender Groups are the JPMorgan Lender Group and the Citibank Lender Group. “Lender Group Limit” means, with respect to a Lender Group on any date of determination, the sum of the Commitments of the Committed Lenders in such Lender Group on such date. “Lender Group Percentage” means, with respect to a Lender Group on any date of determination, a fraction (expressed as a percentage) the numerator of which is the Lender Group Limit of such Lender Group on such date and the denominator of which is the Aggregate Commitment on such date. "Lender Percentage" means a Lender's Commitment as a percentage of the Aggregate Commitment. "Lender Register" has the meaning given to such term in Section 11.01(c). "Lenders" means, collectively, the Conduit Lenders and the Committed Lenders. "Lender Supplement" means (i) with respect to the JPMorgan Lender Group, the information set forth in Schedule A-1 to this Agreement and (ii) with respect to any other Lender Group, the information set forth in the related Lender Supplement, in each case as the same may be amended or otherwise modified from time to time, with, in the case of changes to the Facility Amount, any Commitment and any definition of CP Rate, the consent of the Borrower. With respect to the Lender Supplement for any Lender Group other than the JPMorgan Lender Group, such Lender Supplement shall contain substantially similar information to that set forth in Schedule A-1 with respect to the JPMorgan Lender Group. "Liability" means any duty, responsibility, obligation or liability. "Lien" means any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, claim, security interest or encumbrance of any kind. 29
"Liquidity Facility" means, with respect to each Conduit Lender, any of the committed loan facilities, lines of credit and other financial accommodations available to such Conduit Lender to support the liquidity of such Conduit Lender's Commercial Paper Notes. "Lithia" means Lithia Motors, Inc., an Oregon corporation. “Lithia Loan Agreement” means that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2021, by and among Lithia, Lithia's subsidiaries party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as agent for the lenders party thereto. "Loan" has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.01(a). "Loan-to-Value Ratio" means, with respect to any Receivable, the percentage equivalent of a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is the original Principal Balance of such Receivable and (ii) the denominator of which is the book value of the related Financed Vehicle at the date of underwriting, where such book value is the selling price of the Financed Vehicle as determined in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy. "Loans Outstanding" means, on any day, the aggregate Principal Amount of all Loans made on or prior to such day, reduced from time to time by payments and distributions in respect of principal of the Loans in accordance with the terms hereof. "Lockbox Account" means one or more deposit accounts established and maintained at the Lockbox Bank by DFC. "Lockbox Bank" means, initially, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or any other bank as agreed to by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders. "Lockboxes" means one or more post office boxes or operating accounts established by DFC and maintained at the Lockbox Bank. "Long-Term Rating Requirement" means, with respect to any Person, that such Person has a long-term unsecured debt rating of not less than "A" by Standard & Poor's and not less than "A2" by Moody's. "Mandatory Commitment" means, with respect to any Lender or Lender Group, the amount set forth as the "Mandatory Commitment" in the related Lender Supplement, as such amount may be modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof. "Mandatory Hedging Condition" means that, as of any date of determination, one or more of the following events has occurred and the occurrence of a Mandatory Hedging Condition has not been expressly waived in accordance with Section 13.01 (regardless of whether any such event, or any other consequences of such event, have been waived, either in accordance with Section 13.01 or otherwise): (i) any Event of Default has occurred; (ii) any Servicer Termination Event has occurred; and (iii) the Commitment Termination Date occurs. 30
"Material Adverse Change" means any event or condition which would have a material adverse effect on (i) the collectability of all or a material portion of the Receivables, (ii) the condition (financial or otherwise), business or properties of the Borrower, (iii) the ability of the Servicer to collect on the Receivables, (iv) the condition (financial or otherwise), business or properties of DFC, or (v) the condition (financial or otherwise), businesses or investments of the Performance Guarantor. For the avoidance of doubt, the following is a non-exclusive list of changes to the Credit and Collection Policy which, if reasonably likely to negatively impact the creditworthiness or collectability of any Receivables, will be deemed to constitute a “Material Adverse Change” unless such changes are made with the consent of the Administrative Agent in the manner set forth in this Agreement: changes that would modify any of (a) the maximum allowable threshold limitations for substantial underwriting criteria, including but not limited to those related to loan term, Debt-to-Income Ratio, Payment-to-Income Ratio, and Loan-to-Value Ratio; (b) the categorization of receivables as delinquent, non-performing, defaulted or charged-off; (c) material collection processes relating, without limitation, to delinquent, non-performing, defaulted or charged-off receivables, loan loss recognition, loan modification (including extensions and deferrals), end-of-term recovery and processing, and collateral recovery; (d) any provisions for credit exceptions; and (e) stated creditworthiness thresholds required for obligors. "Material Adverse Effect" means, with respect to any Person and to any event or circumstance, a material adverse effect on (i) the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, performance, properties or prospects of such Person (including any such change or effect resulting from the introduction of or change in any Applicable Laws or any ruling, order or other action by any Governmental Authority), taken as a whole, (ii) the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any other Basic Document or the validity, enforceability or collectability of a material portion of (a) the Contracts (taken as a whole), (b) the Receivables (taken as a whole) or (c) any other Collateral (taken as a whole), (iii) the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and Secured Parties under the Basic Documents, (iv) the ability of such Person to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any other Basic Document to which it is a party, or (v) the status, existence, perfection, priority or enforceability of the interest of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in the Collateral. "Maximum Lawful Rate" means the highest rate of interest permissible under Applicable Law. "Member" has the meaning set forth in the Borrower's Formation Documents. "Monthly Backup Servicer Certificate" means a monthly report of the Backup Servicer, delivered no less often than once every three (3) months, in the form prescribed by the Backup Servicing Agreement which shall set forth, among other items, the Backup Servicer's recalculation of the Eligible Pool Balance, the Borrowing Base, the Conduit Portfolio Delinquency Ratio, the Conduit Portfolio Net Loss Ratio (Non-Prime), the Conduit Portfolio Net Loss Ratio (Prime), the Serviced Portfolio Delinquency Ratio, and the Serviced Portfolio Net Loss Ratio, in each case as of the end of the Collection Period immediately preceding the date on which such certificate is delivered. 31
"Monthly Principal Payment Amount" means either (i) with respect to any Payment Date occurring prior to the Termination Date, the lesser of (a) the excess (if any) of the Loans Outstanding on such date (excluding any additional amounts to be borrowed on such Payment Date) over the Borrowing Base on such Payment Date and (b) the amount of Available Funds that is available to be applied pursuant to Section 2.06(v)(B) on such Payment Date (after giving effect to all payments pursuant to sub-clauses (i) through (v) of Section 2.06 on such Payment Date) or (ii) with respect to any Payment Date occurring on or after the Termination Date, the lesser of (a) the Loans Outstanding on such date and (b) the amount of Available Funds that is available to be applied pursuant to Section 2.06(v)(B) on such Payment Date (after giving effect to all payments pursuant to subclauses (i) through (v) of Section 2.06 on such Payment Date) . "Monthly Report" means a monthly statement of the Servicer delivered pursuant to Section 7.07(a) on each Reporting Date with respect to the related Collection Period, substantially in the form of Exhibit F. "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. "Multiemployer Plan" means a "multiemployer plan" as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA which is or was at any time during the current year or the immediately preceding five years contributed to by the Borrower, DFC, Lithia or any ERISA Affiliate on behalf of their employees. "Near Prime Receivable" means a Receivable (including an Online Originated Receivable) for which, at the time of underwriting, the related FICO Score was (i) less than 700 but also (ii) greater than or equal to 620. "Net Eligible Pool Balance" means, as of any date of determination, the difference of (i) the Eligible Pool Balance as of such date minus (ii) the Excess Concentration Amount as of such date. "Non-Extending Lender" means, after its respective Commitment Termination Date, each Lender that has declined to extend its Commitment Termination Date in accordance with Section 2.04, to the extent not replaced pursuant to Section 2.04(b). "Non-Prime Receivable" means (i) a Receivable that is either a Near Prime Receivable or for which, at the time of underwriting, the related FICO Score was less than 680 or (ii) there was no FICO Score. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, a Subprime Receivable shall be treated as a Non-Prime Receivable for purposes of this Agreement. "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; 32
provided, further, that if any of the aforesaid rates as so determined be less than 0%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0% for purposes of this Agreement. "NYFRB's Website" means the website of the NYFRB at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source. "Obligations" means all loans, advances, debts, liabilities, indemnities and obligations for monetary amounts owing by the Borrower to the Secured Parties, the Collateral Custodian, the Backup Servicer, any Successor Servicer, the Administrative Agent, the Agents or any of their respective assigns, as the case may be, whether due or to become due, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, contingent or non-contingent and all covenants and duties regarding such amounts, of any kind or nature, present or future, arising under or in respect of any of the Loans or any Hedging Agreement, whether or not evidenced by any separate note, agreement or other instrument, including all principal, interest (including interest that accrues after the commencement against the Borrower of any action under the Bankruptcy Code), amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.12, Breakage Costs, Hedge Breakage Costs, fees, including any and all arrangement fees, loan fees, Upfront Fees, Supplemental Upfront Fees, and Unused Commitment Fees and any and all other fees, expenses, costs or other sums (including attorney fees and disbursements) chargeable to the Borrower under the Basic Documents. "Obligor" means each Person obligated to make payments pursuant to a Receivable, including any guarantor thereof. "Officer's Certificate" means a certificate signed by any Responsible Officer of the Borrower, the Servicer, DFC, Lithia, the Backup Servicer or the Collateral Custodian, as the case may be, and delivered to the Administrative Agent. “Online Originated Receivable” means a Receivable that is originated by DFC with an Obligor directly through the Online Platform. “Online Platform” means (a) the motor vehicle sale platform owned and maintained by Lithia under the tradename "Driveway," pursuant to which DFC has access enabling it to directly originate Receivables in connection with such vehicle sales, (b) any successor to such “Driveway” platform that is also owned and maintained by Lithia, and (c) any other online platform pursuant to which DFC has access enabling it to directly originate Receivables and which has been Consented to by the Required Lenders. "Opinion of Counsel" means, with respect to any Person, a written opinion of counsel, who is reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent. "Other Connection Taxes" means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Borrower Basic Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Borrower Basic Document). 33
"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 Borrower Basic Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment. "Overnight Bank Funding Rate" means, for any date, the rate comprised of both overnight federal funds and overnight eurodollar transactions denominated in Dollars 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. "Owners" means the Lenders that are owners of record of the Loans or, with respect to any Loan owned by an Agent hereunder as nominee on behalf of Lenders in the related Lender Group, the Lenders that are beneficial owners of such Loan as reflected on the books of such Agent in accordance with this Agreement and the other Basic Documents. "Partial Expiration Event" means the occurrence of the election of one or more Non-Extending Lenders after its respective Commitment Termination Date to not extend its Commitment, unless such Non-Extending Lender is replaced pursuant to Section 2.04(b) or unless the Termination Date shall have occurred. "Partial Expiration Event Amount" means the portion of Loans Outstanding payable pursuant to Section 2.06(vii) in connection with a Partial Expiration Event. "Participant Register" has the meaning given to such term in Section 11.01(e). "Patriot Act" means the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)). "Payment" has the meaning assigned to it in Section 10.09. "Payment Date" means (i) the 20thwith respect to August 2024, August 20, 2024 and with respect to any calendar month thereafter, the 18th day of each calendar month, or if any such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day, commencing June 21, 2021 or (ii) with respect to any calendar month in which the Borrower has provided the Administrative Agent, each Agent, the Servicer and the Backup Servicer at least ten Business Days' prior written notice of its intent to effect the related Take-out during such calendar month pursuant to Section 2.12(a) hereof, the related Take-out Date for such Take-out if agreed to in writing by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, each Agent and the Servicer. "Payment Notice" has the meaning assigned to it in Section 10.09. "Payment-to-Income Ratio" means, with respect to any Receivable as of the date of underwriting, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of (i) the monthly payment owed by the related Obligor pursuant to the related Contract to (ii) the sum of all of the related obligor's and any related co-obligor's (but no related guarantor's) monthly gross income for the calendar month 34
immediately preceding the date such Receivable was originated, as determined by DFC in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy in effect at such time. "Pension Plan" means an "employee pension benefit plan," as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, maintained by the Borrower, DFC, Lithia, or any ERISA Affiliate, or in which employees of the Borrower are entitled to participate, as from time to time in effect. "Performance Guarantor" means Lithia. "Performance Guaranty" means the Amended and Restated Performance Guaranty, dated as of December 31, 2020, by the Performance Guarantor in favor of the Secured Parties. "Permitted Investments" means any of the following types of investments: (i) marketable obligations of the United States, the full and timely payment of which are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States and which have a maturity of not more than 30 days from the date of acquisition; (ii) bankers' acceptances and certificates of deposit and other interest-bearing obligations (in each case having a maturity of not more than 30 days from the date of acquisition) denominated in Dollars and issued by any bank with capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least $100,000,000, the short-term obligations of which meet or exceed the Short-Term Rating Requirement; (iii) commercial paper rated at least A-1 by Standard & Poor's and Prime-1 by Moody's; (iv) money market funds registered under the Investment Company Act having a rating, at the time of such investment, of not less than Aaa by Moody's and AAAm by Standard & Poor's; (v) interest-bearing demand deposits, time deposits or certificates of deposit (having original maturities of no more than 365 days) of depository institutions or trust companies incorporated under the laws of the United States or any State (or domestic branches of any foreign bank) and subject to supervision and examination by federal or State banking or depository institution authorities; provided, that at the time such investment, or the commitment to make such investment, is entered into, the short-term debt rating of such depository institution or trust company shall meet or exceed the Short-Term Rating Requirement; and (vi) any other investments approved in writing by the Administrative Agent; provided, that each of the Permitted Investments may be purchased from the Administrative Agent, the Account Bank or any of their respective Affiliates. 35
"Permitted Liens" means (i) Liens in favor of the Borrower created pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, (ii) Liens in favor of any Agent or the Administrative Agent, as agent for the Secured Parties created pursuant to this Agreement or any other Basic Document, (iii) Liens for taxes and assessments not yet due or for taxes which the Borrower is contesting in good faith and by appropriate legal proceedings the validity, applicability or amount thereof and such contest does not materially endanger any right or interest of the Secured Parties under the Basic Documents, (iv) Liens arising in the ordinary course of business by virtue of any contractual, statutory or common law provision relating to banker's Liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies covering deposit or securities accounts (including funds or other assets credited thereto) or other funds maintained with a depository institution or securities intermediary, (v) Liens created pursuant to the Control Agreement, and (vi) mechanics' liens and other liens arising by operation of law. "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, trust (including a business or statutory trust), limited liability company, joint stock company, unincorporated association, sole proprietorship, joint venture, government (or any agency or political subdivision thereof) or other entity. "Plan Event" means the occurrence of any of the following: (i) a notice of intent to terminate a Pension Plan has been filed; (ii) a Pension Plan termination under Section 4041(f) of ERISA; (iii) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation institutes proceedings to terminate, or appoint a trustee to administer any Pension Plan; or (iv) the occurrence of an event or existence of any condition that might constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, a Pension Plan. "Pool Balance" means, as of any date of determination, the sum of the Adjusted Principal Balances of all Receivables as of such date. "Posted Collateral" has the meaning given to such term in Section 6.03(b). "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. "Prime Receivable" means a Receivable (including an Online Originated Receivable) for which, at the time of underwriting, the related FICO Score was 700680 or greater. “Prime Receivable Collateral Percentage” means, as of any date of determination, a fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balances of all Prime Receivables on such date and the denominator of which is the Pool Balance on such date. 36
"Principal Amount" means, with respect to any Loan, the aggregate amount advanced by the Lenders on the Funding Date in respect of such Loan. "Principal Balance" means, for any Receivable as of any date of determination, (i) the related Amount Financed minus the sum, without duplication, of (a) that portion of all Scheduled Payments actually received on or prior to such day allocable to principal using the Simple Interest Method plus (b) any payment of the Release Price with respect to such Receivable allocable to principal plus (c) any Cram Down Loss in respect of such Receivable plus (d) any prepayment in full or any partial prepayment applied in reduction of principal of such Receivable. "Purchase Agreement" means the Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020, between DFC and the Borrower, together with each Purchase Agreement Supplement. "Purchase Agreement Supplement" means a Purchase Agreement Supplement in substantially the form attached to the Purchase Agreement as Exhibit A, executed by the Borrower and DFC in connection with a transfer of Receivables and the related Collateral on any Funding Date. "Qualified Institution" means any depository institution or trust company organized under the laws of the United States or any State (or any domestic branch of a foreign bank), (i) (a) that meets (or the parent of which meets) either (1) the Long-Term Rating Requirement or (2) the Short-Term Rating Requirement or (b) is otherwise acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders and (ii) whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. "Quarterly Report" means a data tape, which shall include as to each Receivable such information as shall be agreed upon by the Administrative Agent and the initial Servicer or the Successor Servicer, as applicable, including such information as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request from time to time to satisfy or fulfill regulatory requirements applicable to the Secured Parties, including capital treatment under Basel II or Basel III. "Receivable" means Indebtedness owed to DFC or the Borrower by an Obligor (without giving effect to any pledge hereunder) under a Contract included as part of the Collateral, whether constituting an account, chattel paper, instrument or general intangible, arising out of or in connection with the sale of the Financed Vehicle related thereto, and including the right of payment of any finance charges and other obligations of the Obligor with respect thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, once the Administrative Agent has released its security interest in a Receivable and the related Contract in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, such Receivable shall no longer be a Receivable hereunder. "Receivable File" means a file pertaining to each Receivable containing, among other things, each of the following documents: (i) a fully executed original of the related Contract; 37
(ii) (a) a certificate of insurance, (b) an application form for insurance signed by the related Obligor, or (c) a signed representation letter from the Obligor pursuant to which the Obligor has agreed to obtain physical damage insurance for the related Financed Vehicle; (iii) a copy of the application filed to amend the Certificate of Title to indicate the security interest of DFC in the related Financed Vehicle and, from and after the time that such Certificate of Title has been so amended, if the applicable jurisdiction (a) issues original certificates of title, the original Certificate of Title or, until such original Certificate of Title is available, an application therefor, or (b) does not issue original certificates of title, a copy of such Certificate of Title or other equivalent issued by such jurisdiction; (iv) an electronic copy of the original credit application signed by the related Obligor; (v) electronic copies of all original assumption, consolidation, extension, modification or waiver agreements, if any, relating to such Receivable; (vi) any other documents that the Servicer shall keep on file, in accordance with its customary procedures or the Credit and Collection Policy relating to such Receivable, the related Obligor or the related Financed Vehicle; and (vii) electronic copies of any additional original loan documents evidencing any assumption, consolidation, extension, modification or waiver of such Receivable. "Recipient" means the Administrative Agent or any Lender. "Records" means, with respect to any Contract, all documents, books, records and other information (including computer programs, tapes, disks, punch cards, data processing software and related property and rights) maintained with respect to any related item of Collateral and the related Obligor. "Recoveries" means, with respect to any Defaulted Receivable and Collection Period, all monies collected from whatever source during such Collection Period in respect of such Defaulted Receivable, including Insurance Proceeds but excluding payment of the related Release Price, net of any amounts required by Applicable Law to be remitted to the related Obligor and net of the Servicer's expenses (other than overhead) incurred in connection with the liquidation of such Defaulted Receivable and the related Financed Vehicle. "Reference Time" means, with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark, (i) if such Benchmark is Daily Simple SOFR, then four Business Days prior to such setting or (ii) if such Benchmark is not Daily Simple SOFR, the time determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion. 38
"Registrar of Titles" means, with respect to any State, the governmental agency or body responsible for the registration of, and the issuance of certificates of title relating to, motor vehicles and liens thereon. "Regulatory Requirement" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(a). "Release Price" means an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Principal Balance of each Receivable retransferred pursuant to Section 5.04(a) or 5.04(b), as applicable plus (ii) accrued interest on each such Receivable (at the related APR) through the date of repurchase plus (iii) all related Breakage Costs plus (iv) all Hedge Breakage Costs due to the relevant Hedge Counterparties for any termination, in whole or in part, of one or more Hedge Transactions related to the relevant Hedging Agreement, as required by the terms of any Hedging Agreement. "Relevant Governmental Body" means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the NYFRB, as applicable, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the NYFRB or, in each case, any successor thereto. "Reportable Event" means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA for which the 30-day notice provision has not been waived. "Reporting Date" means, with respect to any Payment Date and the related Collection Period, the second Business Day prior to such Payment Date. "Required Lenders" means at a particular time, Lenders with aggregate Commitments equal to 100% of the Aggregate Commitment. "Required Overcollateralization" means, as of any date, an amount equal to the product of (i) Weighted Average Overcollateralization Percentage as of such date times (ii) the highest Net Eligible Pool Balance since the most recent Funding Date or, if more recent, the most recent Take-out Date, in each case after giving effect to the related additions or removals of Receivables on such date. "Required Overcollateralization Percentage" means, as of any date, (i) with respect to Prime Receivables, either (a) on any date of determination as of which no Step-up Event (Prime) has occurred and is continuing, 13.0012.50% or (b) on any date of determination as of which a Step-up Event (Prime) has occurred and is continuing, 18.0017.50% and, (ii) with respect to Non-Prime Receivables (other than Subprime Receivables), either (a) on any date of determination as of which no Step-up Event (Non-Prime) has occurred and is continuing, 24.00% or (b) on any date of determination as of which as Step-up Event (Non-Prime) has occurred and is continuing, 29.00%. and (iii) with respect to Subprime Receivables, either (a) on any date of determination as of which no Step-up Event (Non-Prime) has occurred and is continuing, 30.00% or (b) on any date of determination as of which as Step-up Event (Non-Prime) has occurred and is continuing, 35.00%. "Required Rate" means, as of any date and any Eligible Receivable, the sum of (i) the Weighted Average Hedge Rate as of such date plus (ii) the Applicable Margin as of such date plus (iii) the Servicing Fee Rate plus (iv) the Backup Servicing Fee Rate plus (v) the greater of 39
(a) zero percent (0.00%) and (b) the percentage which will result in Excess Spread (Adjusted) that is at least equal to the related Target Rate. "Requirements of Law" means, with respect to any Person, the certificate of incorporation or articles of association and by-laws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law, treaty, rule or regulation, or order or determination of an arbitrator or Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or to which such Person is subject, whether federal, State or local (including usury laws, the Federal Truth in Lending Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Billing Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, Regulations B, U, T, X and Z of the Federal Reserve Board, the Dodd-Frank Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, each applicable state Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act, and state adaptations of the National Consumer Act and of the Uniform Consumer Credit Code and all other consumer protection and usury laws). "Responsible Officer" means, when used with respect to any Person, any officer of such Person, including any president, vice president, assistant vice president, secretary, assistant secretary or any other officer thereof customarily performing functions similar to those performed by the individuals who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any matter is referred because of such officer's knowledge of or familiarity with the particular subject. "Revolving Period" means the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the day immediately preceding the Termination Date. "Sanctioned Country" means, at any time, a country or territory which is the subject or target of any Sanctions. "Sanctioned Person" means, at any time, (i) 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 or the U.S. Department of State, (ii) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country or (iii) any Person controlled by any such Person. "Sanctions" means economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by the U.S. government, including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State. "Schedule of Documents" means the schedule of documents attached hereto as Schedule E. "Schedule of Receivables" means the schedule of Receivables attached hereto as Schedule C, as updated from time to time in connection with each Funding Request and any Take-out Release. 40
"Scheduled Payments" means, with respect to each Receivable, the regularly scheduled payments to be made by the related Obligor pursuant to the terms of the related Contract. "Secured Party" means (i) the Administrative Agent, (ii) each Lender and (iii) each Hedge Counterparty. "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. "Seller" means DFC in its capacity as Seller under the Purchase Agreement. "Senior Monthly Interest and Fees" means, for any Payment Date, the sum of (i) the amount of any accrued and unpaid Interest for such Payment Date, calculated at a per annum rate equal to the applicable Interest Rate, plus (ii) the Unused Commitment Fee for such Payment Date. "Serviced Portfolio" means the Servicer's entire portfolio of motor vehicle retail installment sale contracts and installment loans that (i) are originated, directly or indirectly, by DFC in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy, (ii) are serviced by DFC, (iii) are owned by DFC or an Affiliate or a Subsidiary of DFC and (iv) satisfy each of the eligibility requirements set forth on Schedule B hereto. For the avoidance of doubt, no motor vehicle retail installment sale contracts or installment loans that were originated, directly or indirectly, by DFC in accordance with any predecessor set of credit policies and underwriting guidelines to the Credit and Collection Policy shall not be included in the Serviced Portfolio. "Serviced Portfolio Defaulted Receivable" means, as of any date of determination, any Serviced Portfolio Receivable (i) that has been, or is required to be, treated as "defaulted" in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy, (ii) with respect to which the Servicer has determined in good faith that payments thereunder have ceased and are not likely to be resumed, (iii) with respect to which the greater of (a) $50 and (b) 10% or more of any Scheduled Payment remains unpaid for more than 120 days from the related due date, or (iv) for which the related Financed Vehicle has been repossessed For purposes of this definition, the "Scheduled Payment" and "Financed Vehicle" for each Serviced Portfolio Receivable that is not a Receivable shall be determined as if it were a "Receivable" for purposes of all related defined terms. "Serviced Portfolio Deferral Ratio" means, as of any date of determination, the percentage equivalent of a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is the aggregate Principal Balance of all Serviced Portfolio Receivables with respect to which a Deferral was granted during the most recently completed Collection Period and (ii) the denominator of which is the aggregate Principal Balance of all Serviced Portfolio Receivables as of the last day of such Collection Period. For purposes of this definition, the "Principal Balance" for each Serviced Portfolio Receivable that is not a Receivable shall be determined as if it were a "Receivable" for purposes of all related defined terms. "Serviced Portfolio Delinquency Ratio" means, as of any date of determination, the percentage equivalent of a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is the aggregate Principal Balance of all Serviced Portfolio Delinquent Receivables as of the last day of the most recently completed Collection Period and (ii) the denominator of which is the aggregate Principal 41
Balance of all Serviced Portfolio Receivables as of the last day of such Collection Period. For purposes of this definition, the "Principal Balance" for each Serviced Portfolio Receivable that is not a Receivable shall be determined as if it were a "Receivable" for purposes of all related defined terms. "Serviced Portfolio Delinquent Receivable" means, as of any date of determination, any Serviced Portfolio Receivable, (i) with respect to which the greater of (a) $50 and (b) 10% or more of any Scheduled Payment remains unpaid for 60 or more days from the related due date and (ii) that is not a Defaulted Receivable. For purposes of this definition, the "Scheduled Payment" for each Serviced Portfolio Receivable that is not a Receivable shall be determined as if it were a "Receivable" for purposes of all related defined terms. “Serviced Portfolio Net Loss Ratio” means, with respect to any date of determination, the product of (i) the percentage equivalent of a fraction, (a) the numerator of which is the difference of (1) the aggregate Principal Balance of all Serviced Portfolio Receivables that became Serviced Portfolio Defaulted Receivables during the most recently completed Collection Period minus (2) all Recoveries received during such Collection Period with respect to Serviced Portfolio Receivables and (b) the denominator of which is the aggregate Principal Balance of all Serviced Portfolio Receivables as of the last day of such Collection Period times (ii) twelve. For purposes of this definition, the 'Principal Balance,' 'Recoveries,' and 'Collections' for each Serviced Portfolio Receivable that is not a Receivable shall be determined as if it were a "Receivable" for purposes of all related defined terms. "Serviced Portfolio Receivable" means any motor vehicle receivable that is included in the Serviced Portfolio. "Servicer" has the meaning given to such term in the Preamble. "Servicer Advance" means an advance made by the initial Servicer pursuant to Section 7.05. "Servicer Basic Documents" means all Basic Documents to which the initial Servicer is a party or by which it is bound. "Servicer Termination Event" has the meaning given to such term in Section 7.13. "Servicer Termination Notice" has the meaning given to such term in Section 7.13. "Servicing Fee" means the fee payable to the Servicer on each Payment Date in accordance with Section 2.09(b) in an amount equal to either (i) in the case of the initial Servicer, the product of (a) one-twelfth times (b) the applicable Servicing Fee Rate times (c) the average daily Principal Balance of the Receivables during the related Collection Period or (ii) in the case of the Backup Servicer in its capacity as Successor Servicer, the related fees set forth in the Backup Servicing Agreement; provided, that the Servicing Fee for a Successor Servicer may be subject to a minimum monthly fee to be mutually agreed upon by the Required Lenders and such Successor Servicer. 42
"Servicing Fee Rate" means, in the case of the initial Servicer, on any date of determination, a rate per annum equal the sum of (i) the product of (a) 1.00% per annum times (b) the Prime Receivable Collateral Percentage on such date, plus (ii) the product of (a) 3.00% per annum times (b) 100% minus the Prime Receivable Collateral Percentage on such date. "Short-Term Rating Requirement" means, with respect to any Person, that such Person has a short-term unsecured debt rating of not less than A-1 by Standard & Poor's and not less than Prime-1 by Moody's. "Significant Take-out Date" means, at any time the Aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance is greater than or equal to $175,000,000, any Take-out Date on which the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of Receivables that are released from the Collateral in accordance with Section 2.12 would cause the Aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance to be less than $175,000,000 after giving effect to such Take-out; provided, that if any Receivables that are so released on a Take-out Date are included in the Collateral again during the Collection Period in which the related Take-out Date occurred or during the either of the two succeeding Collection Periods, then such Receivables shall be deemed not to have been released from the Collateral on the initial Take-out Date for purposes of this definition, but only as of the date on which they are again included in the Collateral. "Simple Interest Method" means the method of allocating a fixed level payment to principal and interest, pursuant to which the portion of such payment that is allocated to interest is equal to the product of the fixed rate of interest multiplied by the unpaid principal balance multiplied by the period of time elapsed since the preceding payment of interest was made. "SOFR" means a rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the SOFR Administrator. "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. "SOFR Determination Date" has the meaning given to such term in the definition of 'Daily Simple SOFR. "SOFR Rate Day" has the meaning given to such term in the definition of 'Daily Simple SOFR. "Solvent" means, as to any Person at any time, having a state of affairs such that (i) the fair value of the property owned by such Person is greater than the amount of such Person's liabilities (including disputed, contingent and unliquidated liabilities) as such value is established and liabilities evaluated for purposes of Section 101(32) of the Bankruptcy Code; (ii) the present fair salable value of the property owned by such Person in an orderly liquidation of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured; (iii) such Person is able to realize upon its property 43
and pay its debts and other liabilities (including disputed, contingent and unliquidated liabilities) as they mature in the normal course of business; (iv) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person's ability to pay as such debts and liabilities mature; and (v) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in a business or a transaction, for which such Person's property would constitute unreasonably small capital. "Standard & Poor's" means S&P Global Ratings, a Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC business. "State" means any state of the United States or the District of Columbia. "Step-up Event" means the occurrence as of any Reporting Date of any of the following events: (i) the arithmetic mean of the Serviced Portfolio Net Loss Ratio for the three previous Collection Periods is greater than 5.25%; (ii) the arithmetic mean of the Conduit Portfolio Net Loss Ratio (Prime) for the three previous Collection Periods is greater than 3.00% (provided, that no Step-up Event will occur under this clause (ii) if a Significant Take-out Date occurred during any of such three Collection Periods); (iii) the arithmetic mean of the Conduit Portfolio Net Loss Ratio (Non-Prime) for the three previous Collection Periods is greater than 4.755.75% (provided, that no Step-up Event will occur under this clause (iv) if a Significant Take-out Date occurred during any of such three Collection Periods); (iv) the arithmetic mean of the Serviced Portfolio Delinquency Ratio for the three previous Collection Periods is greater than 3.50%; or (v) the arithmetic mean of the Conduit Portfolio Delinquency Ratio for the three previous Collection Periods is greater than 2.75% (provided, that no Step-up Event will occur under this clause (vi) if a Significant Take-out Date occurred during any of such three Collection Periods); Any Step-up Event that occurs will be deemed to be continuing until the earlier of (a) the first Reporting Date on which none of the events described above exists or (b) the effective date of any waiver that is provided by the Consenting Lenders with respect to the related Step-up Event. "Step-up Event (Non-Prime)" means any Step-up Event described in clause (iii), (iv), (v) or (vi) of the definition thereof. "Step-up Event (Prime)" means any Step-up Event described in clause (i), (ii), (v) or (vi) of the definition thereof. 44
"Stop-Funding Event" means the occurrence of any of the following: (i) as of any Reporting Date, the arithmetic mean of the Serviced Portfolio Delinquency Ratio for the three previous Collection Periods is greater than 4.50%; (ii) as of any Reporting Date, the arithmetic mean of the Serviced Portfolio Net Loss Ratio for the three previous Collection Periods is greater than 6.00%; (iii) either (a) no Backup Servicing Agreement has been executed and become effective by the date required by Section 7.09(a) or (b) after the date on which the Borrower initially enters into a Backup Servicing Agreement, such Backup Servicing Agreement is thereafter terminated without the consent of the Required Lenders; or (iv) the Servicer has not received written confirmation from the Administrative Agent on or prior to November 30, 2022 that either (A) in the commercially reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent, any arrangement that is then in place and that provides the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the lenders, with protections relating to Collections prior to their deposit to the Collection Account is sufficient to provide the Administrative Agent and the Lenders with substantially similar protections, or a substantially similar level of protections, with respect to Collections as they had prior to the termination of the Amended and Restated Blocked Account Control Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020, by and among DFC, the Administrative Agent, and the Lockbox Bank (provided, that the Administrative Agent acknowledges and agrees that entry by the Servicer into one or more commercially reasonable agreements that together (1) appoint a 'collateral agent' (or similarly named party) who is reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, (2) who has 'control' (within the meaning of the UCC as then in effect in the relevant State) of the Lockbox Account and any other account or accounts into which Collections are then being deposited prior to their deposit to the Collection Account, on behalf of all parties who, from time to time, have interests in amounts on deposit in the Lockbox Account and any such other account or accounts (including the Administrative Agent and the Lenders with respect to Collections while on deposit in the Lockbox Account or such other account or accounts), and (3) contain intercreditor provisions governing all such interestholders' rights with respect to the respective deposits in which each has an interest, will be deemed to be an arrangement that provides substantially similar protections, or a substantially similar level of protections, with respect to Collections as required by this subclause (A)) or (B) the Administrative Agent has, in its sole discretion, waived the requirement to implement arrangements of the type described in clause (A). Any Stop-Funding Event that occurs will be deemed to be continuing until the earlier of (a) either (1) with respect to the Stop-Funding Events set forth in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), the first Reporting Date on which none of the events described in such clauses exists, (2) 45
with respect to the Stop-Funding Event set forth in clause (iv), the first date thereafter on which a Backup Servicing Agreement becomes effective in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or (b) the effective date of any waiver that is provided by the Required Lenders with respect to the related Step-up Event, or (3) with respect to the Stop-Funding Event set forth in clause (v), the first date thereafter on which the requirements of subclause (A) or (B) thereof are satisfied. "Subordinated Hedge Breakage Costs" means Hedge Breakage Costs payable by the Borrower to a Hedge Counterparty in connection with the termination of a Hedge Transaction where either (i) such Hedge Counterparty is a "Defaulting Party" (as such term is defined in the related Hedging Agreement) or (ii) such Hedge Counterparty is the sole "Affected Party" with respect to a "Termination Event" (as such terms are defined in the related Hedging Agreement), other than a Termination Event relating to illegality, force majeure and taxes, which by its terms applies to such Hedge Counterparty, in all cases other than to the extent of a return of equivalent collateral (and income thereon). "Subordinated Monthly Interest Payment Amount" means, for any Payment Date, the difference of (i) the sum of (a) the amount of any accrued and unpaid Interest for such Payment Date, calculated pursuant to Section 2.07 plus (b) the Unused Commitment Fee, if applicable, minus (ii) the Senior Monthly Interest and Fees. "Subprime Receivable" means a Receivable (including an Online Originated Receivable) for which, at the time of underwriting, the related FICO Score was (i) less than 620 (including a FICO Score of zero) or (ii) there was no FICO Score. "Subsequent Loan" means each Loan made following the Initial Loan. "Subsequent Receivable" means each Receivable that becomes a part of the Collateral on a Funding Date other than the Funding Date relating to the Initial Loan. "Subsidiary" means, with respect to a Person, any entity with respect to which more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities shall at any time be owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries, or any similar business organization which is so owned or controlled. "Successor Servicer" has the meaning given to such term in Section 7.14(b). "Supplemental Loan Amount" means, as of any Funding Date, the amount by which the portion of the Loans Outstanding funded by a Lender Group, after giving effect to the requested Loan on such Funding Date, exceeds the greater of (i) its Mandatory Commitment and (ii) the highest amount of the Loans Outstanding funded by such Lender Group on any prior date. "Supplemental Upfront Fee" means the fee payable by the Borrower on the related Funding Date in an amount equal to the product of (i) the Supplemental Upfront Fee Rate and (ii) the Supplemental Loan Amount. "Supplemental Upfront Fee Rate" has the meaning given to such term in the Fee Letter. 46
"Take-out" means any transaction pursuant to which all or a portion of the Receivables are released from the Lien granted to the Administrative Agent hereunder, a corresponding portion of the Loans Outstanding are repaid, and such Receivables are transferred by the Borrower to the Seller or another Person. "Take-out Date" means the Business Day upon which a Take-out is consummated. "Take-out Date Certificate" means a certificate delivered by a Responsible Officer of the Servicer on the Take-out Date indicating that the requirements set forth in this Agreement for a Take-out has been satisfied. "Take-out Release" means a release executed pursuant to Section 2.12, substantially in the form of Exhibit E. "Tangible Contract" means a Contract that constitutes 'tangible chattel paper' (under and as defined in the UCC as then in effect in the relevant State) evidencing any Receivable. "Tangible Net Worth" means at any time with respect to DFC, the difference of DFC's (i) assets minus (ii) liabilities minus (iii) without duplication, intangible assets, including goodwill, franchises, licenses, deferred tax assets, patents, trademarks, trade names, copyrights and service marks, in all cases calculated on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP. "Target Rate" means (i) with respect to any Prime Receivable, 2.251.00% or, (ii) with respect to any Non-Prime Receivable, 4.00 that is not also a Subprime Receivable, 1.50% or (iii) with respect to any Subprime Receivable, 6.50%. "Tax" or "Taxes" means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax, additional amounts or penalties applicable thereto. "Termination Date" means the earliest to occur of (i) the occurrence of the latest Commitment Termination Date, (ii) the Business Day designated by the Borrower to the Lenders as the Termination Date at any time following 30 days' prior written notice, (iii) the date on which a Servicer Termination Event occurs, (iv) the date on which the Termination Date either automatically occurs or is declared, as applicable, following the occurrence of a Termination Event and pursuant to Section 8.01(b) or (v) the date on which an Early Amortization Event occurs. "Termination Event" has the meaning given to such term in Section 8.01(a). "Transition Expenses" has the meaning given to such term in Section 7.14(f). "U.S. Government Securities Business Day" means any day except for (i) a Saturday, (ii) a Sunday or (iii) a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in United States government securities. 47
"U.S. Person" means any Person that is a "United States person" as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code. "U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate" has the meaning specified in Section 2.11(g)(ii)(B)(3). "UCC" means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the applicable jurisdiction. "Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement" means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment. "United States" or "U.S." means the United States of America. "Unmatured Servicer Termination Event" means any event that, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time, or both, would become a Servicer Termination Event. "Unmatured Termination Event" means any event that, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time, or both, would become a Termination Event. "Unreimbursed Servicer Advances" means, at any time, the amount of all previous Servicer Advances (or portions thereof) as to which the Servicer has not been reimbursed as of such time pursuant to Section 2.06. "Unused Commitment Fee" means, for any Interest Period prior to the commencement of the Amortization Period, the fee payable by the Borrower on the related Payment Date in an amount equal to product of (i) the Unused Commitment Fee Rate times (ii) an amount equal to the positive difference, if any, of (a) the average daily Aggregate Mandatory Commitment during such Interest Period minus (b) the average daily Loans Outstanding during such Interest Period times (iii) a fraction, (A) the numerator of which is the actual number of days during such Interest Period and (B) the denominator of which is 360. "Unused Commitment Fee Rate" has the meaning given to such term in the Fee Letter. "Upfront Fee" has the meaning given to such term in the Fee Letter. "U.S. Government Securities Business Day" means any day except for (i) a Saturday, (ii) a Sunday or (iii) a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in United States government securities. "Used Vehicle" means a Financed Vehicle that (i) has an odometer reading of 500 miles or greater, (ii) is a vehicle model that is more than two years old or (iii) was owned by and titled in the name of any Person (other than Lithia or DFC). "Weighted Average Hedge Rate" means, as of any date of determination, either (i) if the Borrower is party to one or more Hedge Transactions on such date (after giving effect to any Hedge Transactions that the Borrower enters into or terminates on such date), the weighted average (weighted by the notional amount of the related Hedge Transaction with respect to each 48
amount described in clause (a) or clause (b) and by the excess, if any, of the Loans Outstanding over the aggregate notional amount of all outstanding Hedge Transactions with respect to the amount described in clause (c)) of (a) for each such Hedge Transaction that is in the form of an interest rate cap transaction, the threshold rate above which payments are made by the related Hedge Counterparty to the Borrower, (b) with respect to each such Hedge Transaction that is in the form of an interest rate swap transaction, the fixed rate payable by the Borrower thereunder, and (c) with respect to an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Loans Outstanding over the aggregate notional amount of all outstanding Hedge Transactions on such date (after giving effect to any Hedge Transactions that the Borrower enters into or terminates on such date), the cap rate set forth in clause (B) of the definition of 'Hedge Reserve Account Required Amount' or (ii) if the Borrower is not party to any Hedge Transactions on such date (after giving effect to any Hedge Transactions that the Borrower enters into or terminates on such date), the cap rate set forth in clause (B) of the definition of 'Hedge Reserve Account Required Amount. "Weighted Average Overcollateralization Percentage" means, as of any date of determination, the greater of (x) 13.00% and (y) the percentage equivalent of a fraction, (i) the numerator of which equals the sum of (a) the product of (1) the applicable Required Overcollateralization Percentage with respect to Prime Receivables as of such date times (2) the difference of (A) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of all Prime Receivables that are Eligible Receivables as of such date minus (B) the portion of the Excess Concentration Amount that is allocable to the Prime Receivables as of such date plus (b) the product of (1) the applicable Required Overcollateralization Percentage with respect to Non-Prime Receivables (other than Subprime Receivables) as of such date times (2) the difference of (A) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of all Non-Prime Receivables (other than Subprime Receivables) that are Eligible Receivables as of such date minus (B) the portion of the Excess Concentration Amount that is allocable to the Non-Prime Receivables as of such(other than Subprime Receivables) as of such date plus (c) the product of (1) the applicable Required Overcollateralization Percentage with respect to Subprime Receivables as of such date times (2) the difference of (A) the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of all Subprime Receivables that are Eligible Receivables as of such date minus (B) the portion of the Excess Concentration Amount that is allocable to the Subprime Receivables as of such date, and (ii) the denominator of which is equal to the Net Eligible Pool Balance as of such date. For purposes of calculating the Weighted Average Overcollateralization Percentage on any date of determination, the Excess Concentration Amount on such date shall be allocated among the Prime Receivables and the Non-Prime Receivables based on the percentage of the Eligible Pool Balance that is represented, respectively, by the Adjusted Principal Balance of all Prime Receivables that are Eligible Receivables as of such date and the Adjusted Principal Balance of all Non-Prime Receivables that are Eligible Receivables as of such date. "Withholding Agent" means the Borrower and the Administrative Agent. 49
Section 1.02. Accounting Terms and Determinations. Unless otherwise defined or specified herein, all accounting terms shall be construed herein, all accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, all financial statements required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared and all financial records shall be maintained in accordance with GAAP. Section 1.03. Computation of Time Periods. Unless otherwise stated in this Agreement, in the computation of a period of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word "from" means "from and including" and the words "to" and "until" each mean "to but excluding". Section 1.04. Interpretation. When used in this Agreement, unless a contrary intention appears: (i) a term has the meaning assigned to it; (ii) "or" is not exclusive; (iii) "including" means including without limitation; (iv) words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular; (v) any agreement, instrument or statute defined or referred to herein or in any instrument or certificate delivered in connection herewith means such agreement, instrument or statute as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented and includes (in the case of agreements or instruments) references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein; (vi) references to a Person are also to its successors and permitted assigns; (vii) the words "hereof", "herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision hereof; (viii) references contained herein to Section, Schedule and Exhibit, as applicable, are references to Sections, Schedules and Exhibits in this Agreement unless otherwise specified; (ix) references to "writing" include printing, typing, lithography and other means of reproducing words in a visible form; and (x) the term "proceeds" has the meaning set forth in the applicable UCC. ARTICLE TWO LOANS Section 2.01. Loans. (a) On the terms and conditions set forth herein, including this Section and Article Four, the Borrower may from time to time on any Business Day during the Revolving Period on which no Stop-Funding Event exists, request that each Lender make an advance (the aggregate amount of such advances on a Funding Date, a "Loan") in the amount of each such Lender's Lender Advance, to the Borrower on a Funding Date. Any such Loan may be made by a Conduit Lender in its sole discretion, and if not made by such Conduit Lender, either (i) shall be made by the related Committed Lender, to the extent that such Loan would not cause the portion of the Loans Outstanding funded by such Lender Group, determined after giving effect to such funding, to exceed its Mandatory Commitment, or (ii) may be made by the related Committed Lender in its sole discretion, to the extent that such Loan would cause the portion of the Loans Outstanding funded by such Lender Group, determined after giving effect to such funding, to exceed its Mandatory Commitment but be less than or equal to its Commitment. For the avoidance of doubt, neither any Conduit Lender nor any related Committed Lender shall have any obligation on any date to fund an amount that would cause its Lender Percentage of the Loans Outstanding, determined after giving effect to such funding, to exceed its Mandatory Commitment. 50
(b) No later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, two Business Days prior to a proposed Funding Date, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such proposed Funding Date and Loan by delivering to the Administrative Agent (with a copy to the Account Bank), and the Administrative Agent shall forward to each Agent upon receipt thereof: (i) a Funding Request, which will include, among other things, the proposed Funding Date, a calculation of the Borrowing Base as of the date the Loan is requested (including all components of such calculation, including any Excess Concentration Amounts) and the Principal Amount of the Loan requested, which shall be in an amount at least equal to $1,000,000 or integral multiples of $100,000 in excess thereof (or, if less, an amount equal to the Aggregate Commitment after giving effect to any payments on the related Payment Date if the Funding Date occurs on a Payment Date); and (ii) an updated Schedule of Receivables that includes each Receivable that is the subject of the proposed Loan. (c) Following receipt by the Administrative Agent and the Agents of a Funding Request, and prior to the Termination Date, each Lender Group severally agrees to make its Lender Advance of any Loan requested by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01(b), subject to the conditions contained herein, in an aggregate amount equal to the Loan so requested. (d) In no event shall: (i) a Lender be required to fund a Principal Amount that would cause its Lender Percentage of the Loans Outstanding, determined after giving effect to such funding, to exceed its Mandatory Commitment; provided, that any Lender may elect, in its sole discretion, to fund any such Principal Amount; (ii) a Lender be required on any date to fund a Principal Amount that would cause its Lender Percentage of the Loans Outstanding, determined after giving effect to such funding, to exceed its Commitment; (iii) any Loan be requested hereunder, nor shall any Lender be obligated to fund its Lender Advance of any Loan, to the extent that after giving effect to such Loan, the Loans Outstanding would exceed the Borrowing Base; (iv) the Principal Amount of any Loan exceed the Available Amount on such day; and (v) more than one Loan be funded on any Business Day. Section 2.02. Funding Mechanics. (a) If any Funding Request is delivered to the Administrative Agent after 3:00 p.m., New York City time, two Business Days prior to the proposed Funding Date, such Funding Request shall be deemed to be received prior to 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the next succeeding Business Day and the proposed Funding Date of such proposed Loan shall be 51
deemed to be the second Business Day following the date of such deemed receipt. Each Funding Request shall include a representation by the Borrower that (i) the requested Loan will not, on the related Funding Date, exceed the Available Amount and (ii) all conditions precedent to the making of such Loan have been satisfied or will be satisfied as of the proposed Funding Date. Any Funding Request shall be irrevocable. (b) Each Lender's Lender Advance of a Loan shall be made available to the Agent for its Lender Group, subject to the fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article Four, at or prior to 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the applicable Funding Date, by deposit of immediately available funds to the Administrative Agent's Account. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the related Agent in the event that any Lender Group either fails to make such funds available before such time or notifies the Administrative Agent that it will not make such funds available before such time. Subject to the fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article Four, as determined by the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent will not later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on such Funding Date make all such funds deposited to the Administrative Agent’s Account by the Agents available, in the same type of funds received, by wire transfer thereof to the Borrower's Account. If any Lender Group makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender Group as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article, and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Loan set forth in Article Four are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to the related Agent for such Lender Group, without interest. (c) 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 Lender Groups are several and no Lender Group shall be responsible for any other Lender Group's failure to make Loans as required. Section 2.03. Reduction of Commitments. (a) At any time the Borrower may, upon at least five Business Days' prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, each Agent, the Account Bank and each Hedge Counterparty, reduce the Facility Amount to an amount not less than the Loans Outstanding, which reduction shall be applied, unless otherwise Consented to by the Administrative Agent and the Agents, to the Commitments of each Lender pro rata based on the Lender Percentage represented by such Commitment. Any such reduction of the Commitment of any Lender shall also reduce the related Mandatory Commitment of such Lender by the same amount. If any such written notice is delivered after 3:00 p.m., New York City time, five Business Days prior, such notice shall be deemed to be received prior to 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the next succeeding Business Day. Each partial reduction shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of $5,000,000 or integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Any request for a reduction in the Facility Amount shall be irrevocable and the Borrower shall deliver no more than four such requests in any 12-month period. (b) In connection with any reduction of the Facility Amount, the Borrower shall remit to the Administrative Agent and the Agents, for payment to each Lender, (i) instructions 52
regarding such reduction and (ii) cash in an amount sufficient to pay any Aggregate Unpaids with respect to such reduction, including any associated Breakage Costs; provided, that no such reduction shall be given effect unless the Borrower has complied with the terms of any Hedging Agreement requiring that one or more Hedge Transactions be terminated in whole or in part as a result of any such reduction in the Loans Outstanding and the Borrower has paid all Hedge Breakage Costs due to the relevant Hedge Counterparty for any such termination. Upon receipt of any such amounts, the Administrative Agent and Agents shall apply such amounts first to the pro rata reduction of the Loans Outstanding, second to the payment of the remaining Aggregate Unpaids with respect thereto, including any Breakage Costs, by paying such amounts to the Lenders pro rata, based on their respective Lender Percentages. (c) On the Commitment Termination Date for a Committed Lender, the Mandatory Commitment and the Commitment of such Committed Lender shall be automatically reduced to zero. On the Termination Date, the Mandatory Commitments and the Commitments of all Committed Lenders shall be automatically reduced to zero; provided, that if the Termination Date occurs solely due to the occurrence of an Early Amortization Event and all Lenders have consented to the waiver of such Early Amortization Event, then the Mandatory Commitments and the Commitments of all Committed Lenders shall remain at their levels immediately prior to the occurrence of such Early Amortization Event. Section 2.04. Extensions of Commitments. (a) Neither more than 120 days nor fewer than 60 days prior to any Commitment Termination Date, the Borrower may request in writing to the related Agent on behalf of its related Lender Group (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), that the related Committed Lender extend its Commitment Termination Date for an additional 364-day period as herein provided, which request will be granted or denied by each Lender Group in its sole discretion. Upon receipt of any such request, the related Agent shall notify each Committed Lender in its Lender Group. On or before the last day of the Election Period, the related Committed Lender shall notify the Agent for its Lender Group of its willingness or refusal to so extend its Commitment Termination Date; provided, that the failure of any Committed Lender to respond prior to the last day of the Election Period shall be deemed to be its refusal to so extend the Commitment Termination Date. The Agent for such Lender Group shall notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of such willingness or refusal by the Committed Lender not later than the Business Day following the last day of the Election Period. If (i) the Committed Lender in a Lender Group has agreed to extend the related Commitment Termination Date and (ii) as of the Commitment Termination Date then in effect, no Termination Event shall have occurred and be continuing, the Commitment Termination Date then in effect for each such Committed Lender that has agreed to extend the Commitment Termination Date shall be extended to the date which is 364 days following the Commitment Termination Date then in effect or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day (or to any other date as agreed upon by the Borrower and each Committed Lender). (b) Within two Business Days following the end of an Election Period, the Agent for each Lender Group shall notify each other Lender in such Lender Group, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower of the identity of any Non-Extending Lender and the amount of its Commitment. The Administrative Agent and the Borrower may (but shall not be required to) 53
request one or more other Committed Lenders to acquire all or a portion of the Commitment of the Non-Extending Lender and all amounts payable to it hereunder in accordance with Article Eleven on or prior to the related Commitment Termination Date of such Non-Extending Lender. Each Non-Extending Lender hereby agrees to assign all or a portion of its Commitment and the amounts payable to it hereunder to a replacement Committed Lender identified in accordance with the preceding sentence, subject to ratable payment of such Non-Extending Lender's Invested Percentage of the Loans Outstanding, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and a ratable portion of all fees and other amounts due to it hereunder. (c) Prior to the occurrence of the Termination Date, if a Partial Expiration Event has occurred, the Administrative Agent shall give notice to the Borrower and the Servicer to apply any Collections in accordance with Section 2.06(vii)(B), except as otherwise provided in Section 2.06, pro rata to the repayment of such amounts owing to any Non-Extending Lender as of the date of the related Partial Expiration Event, commencing no later than the first Payment Date which is at least two Business Days following the Commitment Termination Date for the Non-Extending Lender, specifying the amounts thereof. Section 2.05. Payments. (a) Each Loan shall bear interest at a rate per annum calculated in accordance with this Section 2.05. (b) Interest computed by reference to Daily Simple SOFR hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days. Interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year). In each case interest shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). All interest hereunder on any Loan shall be computed on a daily basis based upon the outstanding principal amount of such Loan as of the applicable date of determination. The applicable Alternate Base Rate, Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR or Daily Simple SOFR shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error. (c) The Borrower shall pay Interest on the unpaid Principal Amount of each Loan for the period from the related Funding Date until the date that such Loan shall be paid in full. Interest shall accrue during each Interest Period and be payable on the Loans Outstanding on each Payment Date in accordance with Section 2.06. (d) The principal of and Interest on the Loans shall be paid as provided herein. In the case of Loans owned by an Agent as agent for its Lender Group, such Agent shall allocate to the members of its Lender Group each payment in respect of the Loans received by such Agent as provided herein. Payments in respect of principal and Interest (including pursuant to Section 2.13) shall be allocated and applied to Owners of such Loan based on their respective Invested Percentages, or in any such case in such other proportions as each affected Lender may agree upon in writing from time to time with such Agent and the Borrower; provided, that from and after the Commitment Termination Date for each Dissenting Lender until the earlier to occur of (i) the Termination Date and (ii) the date on which the aggregate amount of payments in 54
reduction of Loans Outstanding made after the date of the occurrence of the related Partial Expiration Event equals the Partial Expiration Event Amount, except as otherwise provided in Section 2.07, payments pursuant to Section 2.07(vi)(B) in reduction of the Partial Expiration Event Amount shall be allocated and applied to Non-Extending Lenders pro rata based on their respective Lender Percentages as of the date of the related Partial Expiration Event. (e) The interest rate on a Loan may be derived from an interest rate benchmark that may be discontinued or is, or may in the future become, the subject of regulatory reform. Upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, Section 2.17(b) provides a mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest. The Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission, performance or any other matter related to any interest rate used in this Agreement, or with respect to any alternative or 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 existing interest rate being replaced or have the same volume or liquidity as did any existing interest rate prior to its discontinuance or unavailability. The Administrative Agent and its affiliates and/or other related entities may engage in transactions that affect the calculation of any interest rate used in this Agreement or any alternative, successor or alternative rate (including any Benchmark Replacement) and/or any relevant adjustments thereto, in each case, in a manner adverse to the Borrower. The Administrative Agent may select information sources or services in its reasonable discretion to ascertain any interest rate used in this Agreement, any component thereof, or rates referenced in the definition thereof, in each case pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other person or entity for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, costs, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise and whether at law or in equity), for any error or calculation of any such rate (or component thereof) provided by any such information source or service. (f) At or before 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second (2nd) Business Day prior to each Reporting Date, (i) each Lender shall notify the Agent for its Lender Group, and such Agents will subsequently notify the Administrative Agent, of (A) Daily Simple SOFR in effect for each day during the related Interest Period, and (B) if applicable, the date on which the Alternate Base Rate became applicable to its Invested Percentage of the Loans Outstanding or a portion thereof. At or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second (2nd) Business Day prior to each Reporting Date, the Administrative Agent shall then notify the Borrower of all such rates. For such purposes, the Agents may rely conclusively on notices from Lenders as to the interest rate or rates from time to time applicable to their respective Invested Percentage of the Loans Outstanding. Each determination by a Lender of Daily Simple SOFR pursuant to this Agreement shall be conclusive and binding on the Lenders, each Agent, the Borrower, the Servicer, and the Collateral Custodian, in the absence of manifest error. (g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or the other Basic Documents, if at any time the rate of interest payable by any Person under the Basic Documents exceeds the Maximum Lawful Rate, then, so long as the Maximum Lawful Rate would be exceeded, such rate of interest shall be equal to the Maximum Lawful Rate. If at any time thereafter the rate of interest so payable is less than the Maximum Lawful Rate, such Person 55
shall continue to pay Interest at the Maximum Lawful Rate until such time as the total interest received from such Person is equal to the total Interest that would have been received had Applicable Law not limited the interest rate so payable. In no event shall the total Interest received by a Lender under this Agreement and the other Basic Documents exceed the amount which such Lender could lawfully have received, had the Interest due been calculated from the Closing Date at the Maximum Lawful Rate. (h) The principal of and Interest on the Loans shall be paid as provided herein. In the case of Loans owned by an Agent as agent for its Lender Group, such Agent shall allocate to the members of its Lender Group each payment in respect of the Loans received by such Agent as provided herein. All payments made hereunder in respect of principal and Interest shall be allocated and applied to Owners of each Loan based on their respective Invested Percentages, or in any such case in such other proportions as each affected Lender may agree upon in writing from time to time with the related Agent and the Borrower; provided, that from and after the Commitment Termination Date for each Non-Extending Lender until the earlier to occur of (i) the Termination Date and (ii) the date on which the aggregate amount of payments in reduction of Loans Outstanding made after the date of the occurrence of the related Partial Expiration Event equals the Partial Expiration Event Amount, except as otherwise provided in Section 2.06, payments pursuant to Section 2.06(vii)(B) in reduction of the Partial Expiration Event Amount shall be allocated and applied to Non-Extending Lenders pro rata based on their respective Lender Percentages as of the date of the related Partial Expiration Event. (i) At or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second (2nd) Business Day of each calendar month, each Agent shall notify the Administrative Agent, for subsequent notice to the Borrower, of its Interest Rate for the related Interest Period and (B) if applicable, the date on which the Alternate Base Rate became applicable to its Invested Percentage of the Loans Outstanding or a portion thereof. For such purposes, the Agents may rely conclusively on notices from Lenders as to the interest rate or rates from time to time applicable to their respective Invested Percentage of the Loans Outstanding. Each determination by a Lender of its Interest Rate pursuant to this Agreement shall be conclusive and binding on the Lenders, each Agent, the Borrower, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer and the Collateral Custodian, in the absence of manifest error. (j) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or the other Basic Documents, if at any time the rate of interest payable by any Person under the Basic Documents exceeds the Maximum Lawful Rate, then, so long as the Maximum Lawful Rate would be exceeded, such rate of interest shall be equal to the Maximum Lawful Rate. If at any time thereafter the rate of interest so payable is less than the Maximum Lawful Rate, such Person shall continue to pay Interest at the Maximum Lawful Rate until such time as the total interest received from such Person is equal to the total Interest that would have been received had Applicable Law not limited the interest rate so payable. In no event shall the total Interest received by a Lender under this Agreement and the other Basic Documents exceed the amount which such Lender could lawfully have received, had the Interest due been calculated from the Closing Date at the Maximum Lawful Rate. Section 2.06. Settlement Procedures. On each Payment Date, the Servicer shall instruct the Account Bank to pay, to the following Persons, from the Collection Account to the extent of 56
Available Funds the following amounts in the following order of priority, as set forth in the related Monthly Report: (i) First, to the Servicer, an amount equal to any Unreimbursed Servicer Advances, to the extent not previously retained by the Servicer; (ii) Second, to the Backup Servicer, the Backup Servicing Fee, any out-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursable to the Backup Servicer pursuant to the Backup Servicing Agreement (including any Transition Expenses, but only if the Backup Servicer is not the Successor Servicer), and any indemnifiable amounts due to the Backup Servicer; provided, that Transition Expenses payable to the Backup Servicer pursuant to this clause may not exceed $100,000 in any calendar year; (iii) Third, pro rata (A) to the Servicer (including any Successor Servicer), the accrued and unpaid Servicing Fee and all Ancillary Fees to the extent not previously retained by the Servicer and (B) to any Successor Servicer, any out-of-pocket expenses and indemnities due to the Successor Servicer; provided, that aggregate amounts payable to any Successor Servicer pursuant to this clause may not exceed $100,000 in any calendar year; (iv) Fourth, pro rata (A) to each Hedge Counterparty (based on amounts due to each Hedge Counterparty pursuant to this subclause), any net payments due and payable under the related Hedging Agreement (other than Hedge Breakage Costs), and (B) to the Administrative Agent (based on amounts due to the members of each Lender Group pursuant to this subclause), for further payment to each Lender, an amount equal to the sum of (1) the portion of Senior Monthly Interest and Fees due to members of the related Lender Group plus (2) any Breakage Costs of any Lender; (v) Fifth, pro rata (A) to each Hedge Counterparty that has any due and payable Hedge Breakage Costs (other than Subordinated Hedge Breakage Costs), such Hedge Breakage Costs, and (B) to the Administrative Agent (based on Lender Percentage) for further payment to each Lender, the Monthly Principal Payment Amount; (vi) Sixth, if the Termination Date has not occurred but a Partial Expiration Event has occurred, pro rata to the Administrative Agent for a Lender Group that includes a Non-Extending Lender (based on the Loans Outstanding to each such Non-Extending Lender) for further payment to each Non-Extending Lender, an amount equal to the product of (A) such Non-Extending Lender's Invested Percentage as of its Commitment Termination Date times (B) all remaining Available Funds until the portion of the Loan Outstanding owned by such Non-Extending Lender is reduced to zero; (vii) Seventh, to the Administrative Agent (based on the amount of the Subordinated Monthly Interest Payment Amount due to members of the related 57
Lender Group), for further payment to each Lender, the Subordinated Monthly Interest Payment Amount; (viii) Eighth, pro rata to each Hedge Counterparty that has any due and payable Subordinated Hedge Breakage Costs (based on such amounts due), such Subordinated Hedge Breakage Costs; (ix) Ninth, to the Administrative Agent (based on such amounts due) for further payment to each Lender or the related Indemnified Parties, all other Aggregate Unpaids (other than the principal amount of the Loans Outstanding) then due to the Lenders and Indemnified Parties under this Agreement; (x) Tenth, pro rata (based on such amounts due) to the Backup Servicer and the Successor Servicer, any fees, expenses (including Transition Expenses) and indemnities not paid pursuant to clauses (ii) or (iii), above, as applicable; and (xi) Eleventh, any remaining amount shall be distributed to, or as otherwise directed by, the Borrower. Section 2.07. Payments, Computations, Etc. (a) Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all amounts to be paid or deposited by the Borrower hereunder shall be paid or deposited in accordance with the terms hereof no later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the day when due in Dollars in immediately available funds to the Administrative Agent's account, for further payment by the Administrative Agent to the Persons to who such amounts are due and payable. (b) Whenever any payment hereunder (i) shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day, except in the case where the next succeeding Business Day would occur in the succeeding calendar month, in which case such payment shall be due on the preceding Business Day or (ii) is received after 3:00 p.m., New York City time, such payment shall be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day, and any such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of payment of Interest, other interest or any fee payable hereunder, as the case may be. (c) If any Loan requested by the Borrower and approved by a Lender and the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.01 is not, for any reason other than due to the fault of an Agent, a Lender or the Administrative Agent, made or effectuated, as the case may be, on the date specified therefor, the Borrower shall indemnify such Lender against any reasonable loss, cost or expense incurred by such Lender, including any loss (including loss of anticipated profits, net of anticipated profits in the reemployment of such funds in the manner determined by such Lender), cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to fund or maintain such Loan. 58
(d) All payments hereunder shall be made without set-off or counterclaim and in such amounts as may be necessary in order that all such payments shall not be less than the amounts otherwise specified to be paid under this Agreement. (e) To the extent that (i) any Person makes a payment to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer, the Collateral Custodian or any Lender or Agent or (ii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer, the Collateral Custodian or any Lender or Agent receives or is deemed to have received any payment or proceeds for application to an obligation, which payment or proceeds or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party under any Insolvency Law, State or federal law, common law or for equitable cause, then, to the extent such payment or proceeds are set aside, the obligation or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continue in full force and effect, as if such payment or proceeds had not been received or deemed received by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer, the Collateral Custodian or any Lender or Agent, as the case may be. Section 2.08. Collections and Allocations; Investment of Funds. (a) On or before the applicable Funding Date, the Borrower or the Servicer shall direct and instruct all related Obligors to make payments in respect of the related Receivables that are made (i) by mail to be made directly to the Lockboxes and (ii) by electronic payments to be made to the Lockbox Account. On and after the applicable Funding Date, the Borrower and the Servicer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that all Collections are deposited to the Lockbox Account (unless this Agreement specifically provides that such Collections are to be deposited directly to the Collection Account). (b) The Servicer shall instruct the Lockbox Bank to remove all Collections from the Lockbox Account and deposit such amounts into the Collection Account within two Business Days of their deposit to the Lockbox Account. The Servicer and the Borrower shall deposit all other Collections to the Collection Account as soon as practicable, but in no event later than two Business Days after receipt thereof, and at all times prior to such deposit to the Collection Account the Servicer or the Borrower, as applicable, shall hold such Collections in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Servicer shall be permitted to make all deposits in accordance with Section 7.03(c)(v) whenever the conditions set forth in that Section are satisfied. (c) The Servicer shall be entitled to retain and to reimbursement of all amounts remitted by or on behalf of the Obligors to the Servicer under the terms of, or with respect to, the related Receivables, that represent Ancillary Fees. (d) To the extent there are uninvested amounts on deposit in the Collection Account or the Hedge Reserve Account, such amounts shall be invested in Permitted Investments that mature no later than the Business Day before the next Payment Date, which Permitted Investments shall be selected (i) prior to the occurrence of any Termination Event, by the Borrower or (ii) from and after the occurrence of any Termination Event, by the Administrative Agent. Absent the written instruction of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, the Account 59
Bank shall invest funds on deposit in the Collection Account and the Hedge Reserve Account in Permitted Investments described in clause (v) of the definition thereof. No Permitted Investment may be purchased at a premium or sold at a loss. Any earnings (and losses) on the foregoing investments shall be for the account of the Borrower. (e) At any time that any amounts are on deposit in the Hedge Reserve Account, (i) the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, enter into one or more Hedge Transactions on behalf of the Borrower in the form of interest rate cap transactions, any up-front payments related to which will be paid with amounts that are withdrawn from the Hedge Reserve Account or (ii) if a Mandatory Hedging Condition exists, the Borrower may elect to withdraw amounts that are on deposit in the Hedge Reserve Account in order to fund any up-front payments that it is required to pay under Hedge Transactions that it enters into in order to ensure that it is Fully Hedged. With respect to any Hedge Transaction entered into by the Administrative Agent pursuant to clause (i), the Administrative Agent shall provide a copy of all applicable documentation related to such Hedge Transaction to the Borrower and the Servicer. (f) If on any Payment Date no Termination Event or Unmatured Termination Event has occurred and is continuing, then if the amount on deposit in the Hedge Reserve Account is greater than the Hedge Reserve Account Required Amount as of such Payment Date, the initial Servicer may withdraw such excess amount and pay such amount to, or at the direction of, the Borrower. Furthermore, any amounts remaining on deposit in the Hedge Reserve Account (i) while a Mandatory Hedging Condition exists and (ii) at any time that the Borrower is Fully Hedged, may be withdrawn from the Hedge Reserve Account by the initial Servicer and paid to, or as directed by, the Borrower. Section 2.09. Fees. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for further payment to each Agent, to the extent of Available Funds, for the account of the related Lenders, monthly in arrears, the Unused Commitment Fee from the Collection Account in accordance with Section 2.06. Payments of the Unused Commitment Fee shall be allocated and paid to Owners based upon their respective Invested Percentages for the applicable Interest Period. (b) The Servicer and the Backup Servicer shall be entitled to receive any accrued and unpaid fees due to them, respectively, in accordance with Section 2.06. (c) The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for further payment to each Agent, on the Amendment No. 9 Effective Date the Upfront Fee and from time to time any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including fees charged by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization in connection with reviewing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) in immediately available funds. (d) The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for further payment to each Agent, on each applicable Funding Date the Supplemental Upfront Fee, if any, in immediately available funds (e) The Borrower shall pay to Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP, counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, in immediately available funds and in all cases within 30 60
days after receiving an invoice for the related amounts, its reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses for services rendered to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders after the Amendment No. 9 Effective Date. (f) The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent from time to time the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of any on-going surveillance fees charged by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization in connection with reviewing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Section 2.10. Increased Cost and Reduced Return. If any Regulatory Requirement (i) subjects any Lender or Credit Provider to any charge or withholding on or with respect to any Liquidity Facility or this Agreement or a Lender or Credit Provider's obligations under a Liquidity Facility or this Agreement or on or with respect to the Receivables, or changes the basis of taxation of payments to any Lender or any Credit Provider of any amounts payable under any Liquidity Facility or this Agreement (except for changes in the rate of Tax on the overall net income of a Lender or Credit Provider, Indemnified Taxes or Excluded Taxes), (ii) imposes, modifies or deems applicable any reserve, assessment, fee, tax (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (ii) through (iv) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes), insurance charge, special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or liabilities of a Credit Provider or a Lender, or credit extended by a Credit Provider or a Lender pursuant to a Liquidity Facility or this Agreement or, (iii) imposes any other condition the result of which is to increase the cost to a Credit Provider or a Lender of performing its obligations under a Liquidity Facility or this Agreement, or to reduce the rate of return on a Credit Provider's or Lender's capital or assets as a consequence of its obligations under a Liquidity Facility or this Agreement, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by a Credit Provider or a Lender under a Liquidity Facility or this Agreement, or to require any payment calculated by reference to the amount of interests or loans held or interest received by it, then, upon demand by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the relevant Credit Provider or Lender, such amounts charged to such Credit Provider or Lender or such amounts to otherwise compensate such Credit Provider or such Lender for such increased cost or such reduction. The term "Regulatory Requirement" shall mean (i) the adoption after the date hereof of any applicable law, rule or regulation (including any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy or liquidity coverage) or any change therein after the date hereof, or (ii) any change after the date hereof in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable agency; provided, that for purposes of this definition, (A) the Dodd-Frank Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder, issued in connection therewith or in implementation thereof, and (B) all requests, rules, guidelines and 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 II or Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a "Regulatory Requirement", regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented. The Borrower acknowledges that any Lender or Credit Provider may institute 61
measures in anticipation of a Regulatory Requirement (including, without limitation, the imposition of internal charges on such Person's interests or obligations under this Agreement or any Liquidity Facility), and may commence allocating charges to or seeking compensation from the Borrower under this Section in connection with such measures, in advance of the effective date of such Regulatory Requirement (such charges or compensation, "Early Adoption Increased Costs"). The Borrower agrees to pay Early Adoption Increased Costs to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of such Lender or Credit Provider, which are incurred by such Lender or Credit Provider, beginning sixty (60) days after delivery by such Lender or Credit Provider (or the Agent on its behalf) to the Borrower of a written representation and warranty (an "Early Adoption Increased Costs Representation") to the effect that such Lender or Credit Provider is () recognizing Early Adoption Increased Costs, (y) setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or Credit Provider and (z) that such Lender or Credit Provider actually incurred such costs. The Borrower further acknowledges that any charge or compensation demanded hereunder may take the form of a monthly charge to be assessed by such Lender or Credit Provider. For the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower shall not be required to pay any Early Adoption Increased Costs incurred by any Lender or Credit Provider prior to the expiration of sixty (60) days after receipt by the Borrower of the Early Adoption Increased Costs Representation from or on behalf of such Lender or Credit Provider. The Early Adoption Increased Costs Representation shall be conclusive absent manifest error. (b) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or Credit Provider to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender's or Credit Provider's right to demand such compensation; provided, that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or Credit Provider pursuant to this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than six months prior to the date that such Lender or Credit Provider, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Regulatory Requirement giving rise to such increased costs or reductions, and of such Lender's or Credit Provider's intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Regulatory Requirement giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof). Section 2.11. Taxes (a) Defined Term. For purposes of this Section, the term "applicable law" includes FATCA. (b) Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower under any Borrower Basic 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 Borrower 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 62
under this Section) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made. (c) Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrower. The Borrower shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes. (d) Indemnification by the Borrower. The Borrower shall indemnify each Recipient, within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. (e) Indemnification by the Lenders. Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within 10 days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that the Borrower has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender's failure to comply with the provisions of Section 11.01(e) 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 Borrower Basic Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Borrower Basic Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this paragraph (e). (f) Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by the Borrower to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. (g) 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 Borrower Basic Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made 63
without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 2.11(g)(ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender's reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender. (ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing: (A) any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is not subject to U.S. federal backup withholding tax; (B) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable: (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 Borrower Basic Document, executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN orW-8BEN-E 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 Borrower Basic Document, IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the "business profits" or "other income" article of such tax treaty; (2) executed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI; (3) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of 64
Exhibit G-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a "bank" within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a "10 percent shareholder" of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a "controlled foreign corporation" described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a "U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate") and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E; or (4) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit G-2 or Exhibit G-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 G-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner; (C) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and (D) if a payment made to a Lender under any Borrower Basic Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender's obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct 65
and withhold from such payment, if any. Solely for purposes of this clause, "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 within five Business Days of its knowledge thereof notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so. (h) 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 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 (h) (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 (h), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (h) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This paragraph shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person (i) 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 Borrower Basic Document. (j) If the Borrower is required to pay additional amounts to or for the benefit of any Lender or Credit Provider pursuant to this Section as a result of a change of law or treaty occurring after such Lender or Credit Provider first became a party to this Agreement, such Lender or Credit Provider will, at the Borrower's request, change the jurisdiction of its applicable lending office if, in the sole judgment of such Lender or Credit Provider, such change (i) will eliminate or reduce any such additional payment which may thereafter accrue and (ii) will not, in the judgment of such Lender or Credit Provider, be otherwise disadvantageous to it or inconsistent with its internal policies. Section 2.12. Take-outs. On any Business Day, the Borrower shall have the right to prepay all or a portion of the Loans Outstanding and require the Administrative Agent to release 66
its security interest and Lien on the related Receivables, subject to the following terms and conditions: (i) the Borrower shall have given the Administrative Agent (who will notify each Agent), the Servicer and the Backup Servicer at least ten Business Days' prior written notice of its intent to effect the related Take-out; (ii) unless a Take-out is to be effected on a Payment Date (in which case the relevant calculations with respect to such Take-out shall be reflected on the applicable Monthly Report), the initial Servicer shall deliver to the Administrative Agent (A) a Take-out Date Certificate (which shall include a calculation of the Borrowing Base after giving effect to such Take-out), together with evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Administrative Agent that the Borrower shall have sufficient funds on the related Take-out Date to effect such Take-out in accordance with this Agreement, which funds may come from the proceeds of sales of the Receivables in connection with such Take-out and (B) a computer tape of the Receivables, both before and after giving effect to such Take-out; (iii) on the related Take-out Date, the following shall be true and correct and the Borrower shall be deemed to have certified that after giving effect to the Take-out and the release to the Borrower of the related Receivables on the related Take-out Date, (A) no Borrowing Base Deficiency exists, (B) neither an Unmatured Termination Event nor a Termination Event has occurred, nor will either result from such Take-out, (C) the fractional portion of the Eligible Pool Balance that represents the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of all Delinquent Receivables constituting Collateral will be no greater than 175% of the fractional portion of the Eligible Pool Balance that was represented by the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of all Delinquent Receivables that constituted Collateral immediately prior to the release of the related Receivables and (D) the fractional portion of the Eligible Pool Balance that represents the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of all Defaulted Receivables constituting Collateral will be no greater than 150% of the fractional portion of the Eligible Pool Balance that was represented by the aggregate Adjusted Principal Balance of all Defaulted Receivables that constituted Collateral immediately prior to the release of the related Receivables; (iv) on the related Take-out Date, the Servicer shall have received an amount equal to all Unreimbursed Servicer Advances associated with the Receivables to be released and the Administrative Agent shall have received, for the benefit of the Lenders and the Hedge Counterparties, as applicable, in immediately available funds, and shall then distribute to the applicable entities, an amount equal to the sum of (A) the portion of the Loans Outstanding to be prepaid, (B) an amount equal to all unpaid Interest (including Interest not yet accrued) to the extent reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent to be attributable to that portion of the Loans Outstanding to be paid in connection with the Take-out, (C) an aggregate amount equal to the sum of all other amounts due and owing to the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Hedge Counterparties, as 67
applicable, under this Agreement and the other Basic Documents, to the extent accrued to such date (including Breakage Costs and Hedge Breakage Costs) and (D) all other Aggregate Unpaids with respect thereto; and (v) on or prior to the related Take-out Date, the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an updated Schedule of Receivables listing all Receivables that will continue to be owned by the Borrower immediately following the related Take-out. (b) The Borrower hereby agrees to pay the reasonable legal fees and expenses of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Account Bank in connection with any Take-out (including expenses incurred in connection with the release of the Lien of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and any other party having such an interest in the Receivables in connection with such Take-out). (c) In connection with any Take-out, on the related Take-out Date, subject to satisfaction of the conditions referred to in this Section, the Administrative Agent shall, at the expense of the Borrower (i) execute such instruments of release with respect to the portion of the Receivables (and the other related Collateral) to be released to the Borrower, including a Take-out Release, in favor of the Borrower as the Borrower may reasonably request, (ii) deliver, or cause to be delivered, any portion of the Receivables (and the other related Collateral) to be released to the Borrower in its possession to the Borrower and (iii) otherwise take such actions, and cause or permit the Collateral Custodian to take such actions, as are necessary and appropriate to release the Lien of the Administrative Agent on the portion of the Receivables (and the other related Collateral) to be released to the Borrower and deliver to the Borrower such Receivables and related Collateral. Section 2.13. The Account Bank. (a) The Borrower hereby appoints JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as the initial Account Bank. All payments of amounts due and payable in respect of the Obligations that are to be made from amounts withdrawn from the Collection Account shall be made on behalf of the Borrower by the Account Bank. (b) The Account Bank shall not be charged with knowledge of any Early Amortization Event, Termination Event or Unmatured Termination Event unless a Responsible Officer of the Account Bank obtains actual knowledge of such event or the Account Bank receives written notice of such event from the Borrower, the Servicer or any Secured Party. (c) Without limiting the generality of this Section, the Account Bank shall have no duty (i) to see to any recording, filing or depositing of this Agreement or any agreement referred to herein or any financing statement or continuation statement evidencing a security interest in the Collateral, or to see to the maintenance of any such recording or filing or depositing or to any recording, refiling or redepositing of any thereof, (ii) to see to any insurance of the Financed Vehicles or Obligors or to effect or maintain any such insurance, (iii) to see to the payment or discharge of any Tax, assessment or other governmental charge or any Lien or encumbrance of any kind owing with respect to, assessed or levied against, any part of the Contracts, (iv) to 68
confirm or verify the contents of any reports or certificates of the Servicer or the Borrower delivered to the Account Bank pursuant to this Agreement believed by the Account Bank to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties or (v) to inspect the Financed Vehicles at any time or ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the Borrower's or the Servicer's representations, warranties or covenants or the initial Servicer's duties and obligations as Servicer and as custodian of books, records, files and computer records relating to the Contracts under this Agreement. (d) The Account Bank shall not be required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there shall be reasonable ground for believing that the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability shall not be reasonably assured to it, and none of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall in any event require the Account Bank to perform, or be responsible for the manner of performance of, any of the obligations of the Servicer under this Agreement. (e) The Account Bank may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, Officer's Certificate, any Monthly Report, certificate of auditors or any other certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, appraisal, bond or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. (f) The Account Bank may consult with counsel of its choice with regard to legal questions arising out of or in connection with this Agreement and the advice or opinion of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by the Account Bank in good faith in accordance therewith. (g) The Account Bank shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights, powers or remedies vested in it by this Agreement (except to comply with its obligations under this Agreement and any other Basic Document to which it is a party) or to institute, conduct or defend any litigation under this Agreement or in relation to this Agreement, at the request, order or direction of the Administrative Agent pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, unless the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, shall have offered to the Account Bank reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that may be incurred therein or thereby. (h) The Account Bank shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts of matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond or other paper or document, unless requested in writing so to do by a Secured Party; provided, that if the payment within a reasonable time to the Account Bank of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation shall be, in the opinion of the Account Bank, not reasonably assured by the Borrower, the Account Bank may require reasonable indemnity against such cost, expense or liability as a condition to so proceeding. The reasonable expense of every such examination shall be paid by the Borrower or, if paid by the Account Bank, shall be reimbursed by the Borrower upon demand. 69
(i) The Account Bank may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties under this Agreement either directly or by or through agents or attorneys or a custodian. The Account Bank shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence of any such agent or custodian appointed with due care by it hereunder. (j) (i) The Account Bank shall have no duties or responsibilities except those that are specifically set forth herein, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Account Bank. If the Account Bank shall request instructions from the Administrative Agent or the Servicer with respect to any act, action or failure to act in connection with and as set forth in this Agreement, the Account Bank shall be entitled to refrain from taking such action and continue to refrain from acting unless and until the Account Bank shall have received written instructions from the Administrative Agent or the Servicer, as applicable without incurring any liability therefor to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower, the Servicer or any other person. (ii) The Account Bank may act in reliance upon any written communication of the Administrative Agent concerning the delivery of Collateral pursuant to this Agreement. The Account Bank does not assume and shall have no responsibility for, and makes no representation as to, monitoring the value of the Contracts and other Collateral. The Account Bank shall not be liable for any action or omission to act hereunder, except for its own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. THE FOREGOING PROVISIONS SHALL APPLY WHETHER OR NOT SUCH LIABILITIES ARE IN ANY WAY OR TO ANY EXTENT OWED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, UNDER ANY CLAIM OR THEORY OF STRICT LIABILITY, OR ARE CAUSED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY ANY NEGLIGENT ACT OR OMISSION OF ANY KIND BY THE ACCOUNT BANK. (k) Control Provisions (i) The parties acknowledge and agree that the Collection Account is intended to be a "securities account" (as defined in Section 8-501 of the UCC), and the Account Bank shall be the "securities intermediary" with respect to the Collection Account. Notwithstanding such intention, (x) if the Collection Account constitutes a "deposit account" (as defined in Section 9-102(a)(29) of the UCC), the provisions of this Agreement governing a "deposit account" shall apply to such Collection Account. (ii) All securities or other property, including Permitted Investments, constituting financial assets credited to the Collection Account (other than cash) shall be registered in the name of the Account Bank, indorsed to the Account Bank or in blank or credited to another securities account maintained in the name of the Account Bank, and in no case will any financial asset credited to the Collection Account be registered in the name of the Borrower or any other person, payable to the order of the Borrower or any other person or specially indorsed to the 70
Borrower or any other person except to the extent the foregoing have been specially indorsed to the Account Bank or in blank. (iii) All property delivered to the Account Bank pursuant to this Agreement that is granted to the Administrative Agent, as agent for the Secured Parties shall be promptly credited to the Collection Account in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. (iv) The Collection Account is an account to which financial assets or other property are or may be credited, and the Account Bank shall, subject to the terms of this Agreement, treat the Borrower as entitled to exercise the rights that comprise any financial asset or other property credited to such account. (v) The Account Bank hereby agrees that each item of property (whether investment property, financial asset, security, instrument, general intangible or cash) credited to the Collection Account to the extent that it constitutes a securities account shall be treated as a "financial asset" within the meaning of Section 8-102(a)(9) of the UCC. (vi) If at any time the Account Bank shall receive any order from the Administrative Agent as agent for the Secured Parties directing transfer or redemption of any financial asset relating to the Collection Account or any instruction originated by the Secured Party directing the disposition of funds in the Collection Account, the Account Bank shall comply with such entitlement order or instruction without further consent by the Borrower or any other person. If the Borrower is otherwise entitled to issue entitlement orders or instructions and such entitlement orders or instructions conflict with any entitlement order or instruction issued by the Secured Party, the Account Bank shall follow the entitlement orders or instructions issued by the Secured Party. (vii) Regardless of any provision in any other agreement, for purposes of the UCC, New York shall be deemed to be the "bank's jurisdiction" (within the meaning of Section 9-304 of the UCC) and the "securities intermediary's jurisdiction" (within the meaning of Section 8-110 of the UCC). Section 2.14. Cost of Funds Disclosure and Exculpatory Language. JPMorgan Chase Bank hereby notifies the Borrower and the initial Servicer that: (i) JPMorgan Chase Bank and/or its affiliates may from time to time purchase, hold or sell, as principal and/or agent, Commercial Paper Notes issued by any Conduit Lender that is a member of the JPMorgan Lender Group; (ii) JPMorgan Chase Bank and/or its affiliates act as administrative agent for such Conduit Lenders, and as administrative agent JPMorgan Chase Bank manages such Conduit Lenders' issuance of Commercial Paper Notes, including the selection of amount and tenor of Commercial Paper Notes issuance, and the discount or interest rate applicable thereto; (iii) JPMorgan Chase Bank and/or its affiliates act as a Commercial Paper Notes dealer for such Conduit Lenders; and (iv) JPMorgan Chase Bank's activities as administrative agent and Commercial Paper Notes dealer for such Conduit Lenders, and as a purchaser or seller of Commercial Paper Notes, impact the interest or discount rate applicable to the Commercial Paper Notes issued by each such Conduit 71
Lender, which impact the CP Rate paid by the Borrower hereunder. By execution hereof, each of the Borrower and the initial Servicer hereby (x) acknowledges the foregoing and agrees that JPMorgan Chase Bank does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, the interest or discount rate paid by any Conduit Lender in the JPMorgan Lender Group in connection with its Commercial Paper Notes issuance; (y) acknowledges that the discount or interest rate at which JPMorgan Chase Bank and/or its affiliates purchase or sell Commercial Paper Notes will be determined by JPMorgan Chase Bank and/or its affiliates in their sole discretion and may differ from the discount or interest rate applicable to comparable transactions entered into by JPMorgan Chase Bank and/or its affiliates on the relevant date; and (z) waives any conflict of interest arising by reason of JPMorgan Chase Bank and/or its affiliates acting as administrative agent and Commercial Paper Notes dealer for any such Conduit Lender while acting as purchaser or seller of Commercial Paper Notes. Section 2.15. Replacement of Lender Group. If (a) any Lender or Credit Provider requests compensation under Section 2.10 or (b) any Committed Lender becomes a Defaulting Committed Lender, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to the related Agent and the Administrative Agent, require each Lender in such Agent's Lender Group to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 11.01), all of its respective interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided, that (i) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent with respect to any assignee that is not already a member of a Lender Group hereunder, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, conditioned or delayed, (ii) each member of such assigning Lender Group shall have received payment of an amount equal to all outstanding Loans funded or maintained by such Lender Group, together with all accrued Interest thereon and all accrued Unused Commitment Fees, as applicable, and any other Obligations payable to them hereunder and under the Basic Documents, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding Loans) or Seller (in the case of all other amounts), and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.10, 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 Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to exist. Section 2.16. Defaulting Committed Lenders. (a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Committed Lender becomes a Defaulting Committed Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Committed Lender is a Defaulting Committed Lender: (i) Unused Commitment Fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Commitment of such Defaulting Committed Lender pursuant to Section 2.09(a); (ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 2.03 hereof, the unused portion of the Commitment of such Defaulting 72
Committed Lender may be reduced to zero without any contemporaneous ratable reduction of the Commitments of the other Committed Lenders; (iii) neither the Commitment nor the Loans of such Defaulting Committed Lender shall be included in determining whether all Lenders, a majority of the Lenders, the Consenting Lenders or the Required Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder and the Agent of the Lender Group which includes such Defaulting Committed Lender shall not be included in determining whether all Agents have taken or may take any action hereunder (including, in each case, any consent to any amendment or waiver pursuant to Section 13.01); provided, that any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or Agents or each affected Lender or Agent, as applicable, which affects such Defaulting Committed Lender or the related Agent differently than other affected Lenders or Agents shall require the consent of such Defaulting Committed Lender or the related Agent, as applicable; and (iv) the Borrower may replace such Defaulting Committed Lender in accordance with Section 2.15 of this Agreement. (b) In the event that the Administrative Agent determines that a Defaulting Committed Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Committed Lender to be a Defaulting Committed Lender, then (i) the Lender Percentages shall be readjusted to reflect the inclusion of such Committed Lender's Commitment and on such date such Committed Lender shall purchase at par such of the Loans of the other Lenders as the Administrative Agent and the Agents shall determine may be necessary in order for such Committed Lender to hold such Loans in accordance with its Lender Percentage and (ii) the provisions of clause (a), above, shall, from and after such determination, cease to be of further force or effect with respect to such Committed Lender. Section 2.17. Alternate Rate of Interest. (a) Subject to clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 2.17, if: (i) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) at any time, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR or Daily Simple SOFR; or (ii) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that at any time, the applicable Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR or Daily Simple SOFR 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; then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders by telephone, telecopy or electronic mail as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist 73
with respect to the relevant Benchmark, the Loans shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate. (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Basic Document (and any Hedging Agreements shall be deemed not to be a 'Basic Document' for purposes of this Section 2.17), if a Benchmark 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 such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Basic Document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth 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 Basic 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. (c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Basic Document, 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 Basic 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 Basic Document. (d) The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, and (iv) 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 2.17, 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 Basic Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 2.17. (e) Upon the Borrower's receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, and at all times during the continuation of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Loans will bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate. (f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Basic Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term 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 74
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. ARTICLE THREE SECURITY Section 3.01. Collateral. (a) The parties hereto intend that this Agreement constitute a security agreement and the transactions effected hereby constitute secured loans by the Lenders to the Borrower under Applicable Law. As collateral security for the prompt, complete and indefeasible payment and performance in full when due, whether by lapse of time, acceleration or otherwise, of the Obligations, the Borrower hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, as agent for the Secured Parties, a lien on and security interest in all of the Borrower's right, title and interest in, to and under the following, whether now existing or owned or hereafter arising or acquired by the Borrower (collectively, the "Collateral"): (i) the Receivables and the related Contracts (including the right to service the Receivables in connection therewith) and any accounts or obligations evidenced thereby, any guarantee thereof, all Collections and all monies due (including any payments made under any guarantee or similar credit enhancement with respect to any such Receivables) or to become due or received by any Person in payment of any of the foregoing on or after the related Cutoff Date; (ii) the Financed Vehicles related to such Receivables (including Financed Vehicles that have been repossessed) or in any document or writing evidencing any security interest in any Financed Vehicle and each security interest in each Financed Vehicle securing each such Receivable, including all proceeds from any sale or other disposition of such Financed Vehicles; (iii) the Account Collateral; (iv) the Borrower's rights to Collections on deposit in the Lockbox Account; (v) subject to the Control Agreement, the Borrower's rights to the Collection Account and the Hedge Reserve Account; (vi) all Hedge Collateral; (vii) all Receivable Files, the Schedule of Receivables, and all documents, agreements and instruments included in the Receivable Files, including 75
rights of recourse of the Borrower against DFC and/or any Dealer with respect to the Receivables; (viii) all Records, documents and writings evidencing or related to the Receivables or the Contracts; (ix) all rights to payment under all Insurance Policies with respect to a Financed Vehicle, including any monies collected from whatever source in connection with any default of an Obligor with respect to a Financed Vehicle and any proceeds from claims or refunds of premiums on any Insurance Policy; (x) all guaranties, indemnities, warranties, insurance (and proceeds and premium refunds thereof) and other agreements or arrangements of whatever character from time to time supporting or securing payment of the Receivables, whether pursuant to the related Contracts or otherwise; (xi) all rights to payment under all service contracts and other contracts and agreements associated with the Receivables; (xii) all security interests, Liens, guaranties and other encumbrances in favor of or assigned or transferred to the Borrower in and to the Receivables and Financed Vehicles; (xiii) all deposit accounts, monies, deposits, funds, accounts and instruments relating to the foregoing (subject to the Control Agreement); (xiv) the Purchase Agreement (including each Purchase Agreement Supplement) and remedies thereunder and the assignment to the Administrative Agent of all UCC financing statements filed by the Borrower against DFC under or in connection with the Purchase Agreement; and (xv) all income and proceeds of the foregoing. (b) The grant under this Section does not constitute and is not intended to result in a creation or an assumption by the Administrative Agent, any Agent, or any other Secured Party of any obligation of the Borrower or any other Person in connection with any or all of the Collateral or under any agreement or instrument relating thereto. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, (i) the Borrower shall remain liable under the Contracts to the extent set forth therein to perform all of its duties and obligations thereunder to the same extent as if this Agreement had not been executed, (ii) the exercise by the Administrative Agent of any of its rights in the Collateral shall not release the Borrower from any of its duties or obligations under the Collateral and (iii) none of the Administrative Agent, any Agent, or any other Secured Party shall have any obligations or liability under the Collateral by reason of this Agreement, nor shall any of the Administrative Agent, any Agent, or any other Secured Party be obligated to perform any of the obligations or duties of the Borrower thereunder or to take any action to collect or enforce any claim for payment assigned hereunder. Each of DFC and the Borrower represents and warrants as to itself that each remittance of Collections by DFC or the Borrower to the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder will have been (A) in payment of a debt incurred 76
by the Borrower in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of the Lenders and the Borrower and (B) made in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of the Lenders and the Borrower. (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing grant of security interest, no account, instrument, chattel paper or other obligation or property of any kind due from, owned by or belonging to a Sanctioned Person shall be Collateral. Section 3.02. Release of Collateral; No Legal Title. (a) At the same time as any Contract (i) expires by its terms or (ii) has been prepaid in full, and in each case all amounts in respect thereof have been paid by the related Obligor and subsequently deposited into a Lockbox Account or the Collection Account, the Administrative Agent will, to the extent requested by the Servicer, promptly release its interest and lien in such Contract and the related Collateral. In connection with any sale of a Financed Vehicle, after the deposit by the Servicer of the proceeds of such sale into the Lockbox Account and subsequent deposit within two Business Days thereafter into the Collection Account, the Administrative Agent will, at the sole expense of the Servicer (which, in the case of any Successor Servicer, shall be reimbursable in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.06), promptly execute and deliver to the Servicer any assignments, bills of sale, termination statements and any other releases and instruments as the Servicer may reasonably request in order to effect the release and transfer of such Financed Vehicle; provided, that the Administrative Agent will not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to any such Financed Vehicle in connection with such sale or transfer and assignment. Nothing in this Section shall diminish the Servicer's obligations pursuant to Section 7.03 with respect to the proceeds of any such sale. (b) Upon (i) the transfer of any Receivables and the related Collateral in connection with a Take-out or (ii) the Facility Termination Date, the Administrative Agent, at the Borrower's expense, upon payment in full of the related Aggregate Unpaids, shall execute and file such partial or full releases or partial or full assignments of financing statements and other documents and instruments as may be reasonably requested by the Borrower to effectuate the release of the relevant portion of the Collateral. Section 3.03. Protection of Security Interest; Administrative Agent, as Attorney-in-Fact. (a) The Borrower agrees that from time to time, at its expense, it will promptly execute and deliver all instruments and documents, and take all actions, that may reasonably be necessary or desirable, or that the Administrative Agent may deem necessary, to perfect, protect, or more fully evidence the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent in the Receivables and the other Collateral, or to enable the Secured Parties to exercise and enforce their rights and remedies hereunder and thereunder; provided, that prior to the declaration of a Termination Event, the Borrower shall in no case be required to relien a security interest on any Financed Vehicle in favor of the Administrative Agent or other Secured Party. (b) If the Borrower fails to perform any of its obligations hereunder after five Business Days' notice from any Secured Party, such Secured Party may (but shall not be required to) perform, or cause performance of, such obligation; and the reasonable costs and expenses of 77
such Secured Party incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by the Borrower as provided in Article Nine. The Borrower irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent and appoints the Administrative Agent, as its attorney-in-fact to act on behalf of the Borrower, (i) to execute or cause to be executed on behalf of the Borrower as debtor and to file financing statements necessary or desirable in the Administrative Agent's sole discretion to perfect and to maintain the perfection and priority of the interest of the Secured Parties in the Receivables and the other Collateral and (ii) to file a carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Agreement or any financing statement with respect to the Receivables and the other Collateral, as a financing statement 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 interests of the Secured Parties in the Receivables and the other Collateral. Such financing statements may describe the Collateral in the same manner as described herein or may contain an indication or description of collateral that describes such property in any other manner as the Administrative Agent may determine, in its reasonable discretion, is necessary, advisable or prudent to ensure the perfection of the security interest in the Collateral granted to the Administrative Agent herein. The Borrower hereby authorizes the filing of financing statements describing the collateral as "all assets of the debtor, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or arising and wherever located, and all proceeds and products thereof" or words to that effect. This appointment is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable. Section 3.04. Assignment of the Purchase Agreement. The Borrower hereby represents, warrants and confirms to the Administrative Agent that the Borrower has assigned to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties hereunder, all of the Borrower's right and title to and interest in the Purchase Agreement (including each Purchase Agreement Supplement). The Borrower confirms that, during the continuation of a Termination Event, the Administrative Agent shall have the sole right to enforce the Borrower's rights and remedies under the Purchase Agreement or any Purchase Agreement Supplement for the benefit of the Secured Parties, but without any obligation on the part of the Secured Parties or any of their respective Affiliates, to perform any of the obligations of the Borrower under the Purchase Agreement or any Purchase Agreement Supplement. The Borrower further confirms and agrees that such assignment to the Administrative Agent shall terminate upon the Facility Termination Date; provided, that the rights of the Secured Parties pursuant to such assignment with respect to rights and remedies in connection with any indemnities and any breach of any representation, warranty or covenants made by DFC pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, which rights and remedies survive the termination of the Purchase Agreement, shall be continuing and shall survive any termination of such assignment. Section 3.05. Waiver of Certain Laws. Each of the Borrower, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer and Collateral Custodian agrees, to the full extent that it may lawfully so agree, that neither it nor anyone claiming through or under it will set up, claim or seek to take advantage of any appraisement, valuation, stay, extension or redemption law now or hereafter in force in any locality where any part of the Collateral may be situated in order to prevent, hinder or delay the enforcement or foreclosure of this Agreement, or the absolute sale of any of the Collateral or any part thereof, or the final and absolute putting into possession thereof, immediately after such sale, of the purchasers thereof, and each of the Borrower, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer and the Collateral Custodian, for itself and all who may at any time claim through or under it, hereby waives, to the full extent that it may be lawful so to do, the benefit of all such laws, and any and 78
all right to have any of the properties or assets constituting the Collateral marshaled upon any such sale, and agrees that the Administrative Agent or any court having jurisdiction to foreclose the security interests granted in this Agreement may sell the Collateral as an entirety or in such parcels as the Administrative Agent or such court may determine. Section 3.06. [Reserved] ARTICLE FOUR CONDITIONS OF CLOSING AND LOANS Section 4.01. Conditions to Effectiveness of this Agreement. The Closing Date shall not occur and no party hereto will be obligated to take, fulfill or perform any action hereunder, until each of the following conditions have been satisfied, in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent: (a) Each Basic Document (other than the Backup Servicing Agreement and any Hedging Agreements) shall have been duly executed by, and delivered to, the parties hereto and thereto and the Administrative Agent shall have received complete and, where applicable, executed versions of all other documents, instruments, agreements and legal opinions specified in the Schedule of Documents, each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. (b) The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) satisfactory evidence that the Borrower, the Servicer, DFC, Lithia, the Collateral Custodian and the Account Bank have obtained all required consents and approvals of all Persons, including all requisite Governmental Authorities, to the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Basic Documents to which each is a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or (ii) an Officer's Certificate from each of the Borrower, the Servicer, DFC, Lithia, the Collateral Custodian, and the Account Bank, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, affirming that no such consents or approvals are required; it being understood that the acceptance of such evidence or Officer's Certificate shall in no way limit the recourse of the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party against DFC or the Borrower for a breach of DFC's or the Borrower's representation or warranty that all such consents and approvals have, in fact, been obtained. (c) The Borrower, the initial Servicer, DFC and Lithia shall each be in compliance in all material respects with all Applicable Laws and shall have delivered an Officer's Certificate to the Administrative Agent as to this and other closing matters. (d) The Borrower shall have paid all fees required to be paid by it on the Closing Date. (e) No Termination Event or Unmatured Termination Event shall have occurred. 79
(f) No Servicer Termination Event or Unmatured Servicer Termination Event shall have occurred. Section 4.02. Conditions Precedent to All Loans. Each request for a Loan (including the Initial Loan) by the Borrower to a Lender shall be subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.01 and the further conditions precedent that: (a) The initial Servicer shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent and each Agent, on or prior to the date of such Loan, (i) a Funding Request and (ii) a Purchase Agreement Supplement (Exhibit A to the Purchase Agreement including the Schedule of Receivables attached thereto), dated within two Business Days prior to the date of such Loan, in each case containing such additional information as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent. (b) On the date of such Loan, the following shall be true and correct and the Borrower shall be deemed to have certified that, after giving effect to the proposed Loan and pledge of the Collateral: (i) the representations and warranties contained in Sections 5.01 and 5.02 are true and correct on and as of such day as though made on and as of such day and shall be deemed to have been made on such day (except to the extent such representation or warranty expressly relates to a prior date); (ii) no Stop-Funding Event has occurred and is continuing; (iii) no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such transaction that constitutes (A) a Termination Event or Unmatured Termination Event or (B) a Servicer Termination Event or Unmatured Servicer Termination Event; (iv) on and as of such day, after giving effect to such transaction, the aggregate Loan Outstanding does not exceed the Borrowing Base; (v) on and as of each such day, the Borrower and the Servicer each has performed all of the agreements contained in this Agreement and the other Basic Documents to be performed by it at or prior to such day; and (vi) no law or regulation shall prohibit, and no order, judgment or decree of any federal, State or local court or governmental body, agency or instrumentality shall prohibit or enjoin, the making of such Loan by the Lenders in accordance with the provisions hereof. (c) After giving effect to the proposed Loan and the related pledge of Collateral: (i) the weighted average FICO Score of all Eligible Receivables (excluding Eligible Receivables that do not have a FICO Score or have a FICO Score of zero) shall be at least 635, with such weighted average calculated using 80
the FICO Score of each such Receivable at the time of its underwriting and the Principal Balance as of such date of determination; (ii) the weighted average Loan-to-Value Ratio of all Eligible Receivables at the time of underwriting of such Eligible Receivables shall be no greater than 118.0%, with such weighted average calculated using the Principal Balances as of such date of determination; (iii) the weighted average Payment-to-Income Ratio of all Eligible Receivables at the time of underwriting of such Eligible Receivables shall be no greater than 12.0%, with such weighted average calculated using the Principal Balances as of such date of determination; and (iv) the weighted average Debt-to-Income Ratio of all Eligible Receivables at the time of underwriting of such Eligible Receivables shall be no greater than 55.0%, with such weighted average calculated using the Principal Balances as of such date of determination; (d) For each Loan other than the Initial Loan, the Borrower shall be in compliance with Section 6.03 and with all requirements of any Hedging Agreement required thereby. (e) On the date of such transaction, the Administrative Agent shall have received such other approvals, opinions, information or documents as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require. (f) If applicable, the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of each Agent, shall have received the related Supplemental Upfront Fee. ARTICLE FIVE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES Section 5.01. Representations and Warranties of the Borrower. The Borrower represents and warrants, as of the Closing Date, the date of this Agreement, and each Funding Date, as follows: (a) Organization and Good Standing. The Borrower has been duly organized, and is validly existing as a limited liability company in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with all requisite power and authority to own or lease its properties and conduct its business as such business is presently conducted, and the Borrower had at all relevant times, and now has all necessary power, authority and legal right to acquire, own, sell and pledge the Receivables and the other Collateral. (b) Due Qualification. The Borrower is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as a limited liability company, and has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in all jurisdictions in which the ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its business (including, as applicable, the purchase, sale and pledge of the Receivables) 81
requires such qualifications, licenses or approvals, except those jurisdictions in which failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect. (c) Power and Authority; Due Authorization. The Borrower (i) has all necessary power, authority and legal right to (A) execute and deliver the Borrower Basic Documents, (B) carry out the terms of the Borrower Basic Documents and (C) grant the security interest in the Collateral on the terms and conditions herein provided and (ii) has duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action the execution, delivery and performance of the Borrower Basic Documents and the grant of the security interest in the Collateral on the terms and conditions herein and therein provided. (d) Binding Obligation. Each Borrower Basic Document constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Insolvency Laws and except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity (whether considered in a suit at law or in equity). (e) No Violation. The execution and delivery of the Borrower Basic Documents, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Borrower Basic Documents and the fulfillment of the terms hereof and thereof will not (i) conflict in any material respect with, result in any material breach of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under the Borrower's Formation Documents or a default in any material respect under any Contractual Obligation of the Borrower, (ii) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the Borrower's properties (other than Permitted Liens) or (iii) violate any Applicable Law, the violation of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. (f) No Proceedings. There is no litigation, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against the Borrower, before any Governmental Authority (i) asserting the invalidity of any Borrower Basic Document, (ii) seeking to prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by any Borrower Basic Document or (iii) seeking any determination or ruling that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. (g) All Consents Required. All approvals, authorizations, consents, orders, licenses or other actions of any Person or of any Governmental Authority required for the due execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Borrower Basic Documents have been obtained. (h) Bulk Sales. The execution, delivery and performance of the Borrower Basic Documents do not require compliance with any "bulk sales" act or similar law by the Borrower. (i) Solvency. The transactions contemplated by the Borrower Basic Documents do not and will not cause the Borrower not to be Solvent. 82
(j) Taxes. The Borrower has filed or caused to be filed all federal, state and other tax returns that are required to be filed by it. The Borrower has paid or made adequate provisions for the payment of all Taxes made against it or any of its property (other than any amount of Tax the validity of which is currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with respect to which reserves in accordance with GAAP have been provided on the books of the Borrower), and no Tax lien has been filed and, to the Borrower's knowledge, no claim is being asserted, with respect to any such Tax. (k) Quality of Title. Each Receivable, together with the Contract related thereto, shall, at all times, be owned by the Borrower free and clear of any Lien except for Permitted Liens, and upon the Initial Loan or each Subsequent Loan, the Administrative Agent, as agent for the Secured Parties, shall acquire a valid and perfected first priority security interest in each Receivable and in the related Collateral then existing or thereafter arising, free and clear of any Lien, other than Permitted Liens. No effective financing statement or other instrument similar in effect covering any portion of the Collateral shall at any time be on file in any recording office except such as may be filed in favor of (i) the Borrower in accordance with the Purchase Agreement or (ii) the Administrative Agent in accordance with this Agreement. (l) Security Interest. The Borrower has granted a security interest (as defined in the UCC) to the Administrative Agent, as agent for the Secured Parties, in the Collateral, which is enforceable in accordance with Applicable Law upon execution and delivery of this Agreement. Upon the filing of UCC-1 financing statements describing the Collateral, naming the Administrative Agent as secured party, and naming the Borrower as debtor, the Administrative Agent, as agent for the Secured Parties, shall have a first priority (except for any Permitted Liens) perfected security interest in the Collateral. All filings (including UCC filings) as are necessary in any jurisdiction to perfect the interest of the Administrative Agent, as agent for the Secured Parties, in the Collateral have been made. (m) Reports Accurate. All Monthly Reports (if prepared by the Borrower, or to the extent that information contained therein is supplied by the Borrower, such portion supplied by the Borrower), information, exhibits, financial statements, documents, books, records or reports furnished or to be furnished by the Borrower to each Agent, any Secured Party, the Backup Servicer and the Account Bank in connection with this Agreement are true, complete and correct in all material respects. (n) Location of Offices. The principal place of business and chief executive office of the Borrower and the office where the Borrower keeps all the Records are located at the address of the Borrower referred to in Section 13.02 (or at such other locations as to which the notice and other requirements specified in Section 6.02(f) shall have been satisfied) and has been so for the last four months. (o) Lockboxes; Lockbox Account; Collection Account. None of the Lockboxes, the Lockbox Account nor any interest therein is currently pledged or assigned 83
to any party. The Collection Account or any interest therein has not been pledged or assigned to any party other than the Administrative Agent. (p) Tradenames. The Borrower has no trade names, fictitious names, assumed names or "doing business as" names or other names under which it has done or is doing business. (q) Purchase Agreement. The Purchase Agreement is the only agreement pursuant to which the Borrower purchases Receivables and the related Contracts. (r) Value Given. The Borrower shall have given reasonably equivalent value to DFC in consideration for the transfer to the Borrower of the Receivables and the related Collateral under the Purchase Agreement, no such transfer shall have been made for or on account of an antecedent debt owed by DFC to the Borrower and no such transfer is or may be voidable or subject to avoidance under any section of the Bankruptcy Code. (s) Accounting. The Borrower accounts for the transfers to it from DFC of the Receivables and related Collateral under the Purchase Agreement as true sales/true contributions of such Receivables and related Collateral in its books, records and financial statements, in each case consistent with GAAP and with the requirements set forth herein. (t) Special Purpose Entity. The Borrower is in compliance with Section 6.01(o). (u) Confirmation from DFC. The Borrower has received confirmation from DFC that, so long as the Borrower is not "insolvent" within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise unable to pay its debts as they become due, DFC will not cause the Borrower to file a voluntary petition under the Bankruptcy Code or any other Insolvency Laws. Each of the Borrower and DFC is aware that in light of the circumstances described in the preceding sentence and other relevant facts, the filing of a voluntary petition under the Bankruptcy Code for the purpose of making any Receivable or any other assets of the Borrower available to satisfy claims of the creditors of DFC would not result in making such assets available to satisfy such creditors under the Bankruptcy Code. (v) ERISA Matters. The Borrower is not a "benefit plan investor" (as defined under Section 3(42) of ERISA). The Borrower does not sponsor, maintain or contribute to any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan. Neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate does not have any liability (contingent or otherwise) with respect to any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan except to the extent such liability could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Pension Plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by DFC or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower, under which employees of the Borrower participate in or participated in, complies in all respects with ERISA and all other applicable laws except to the extent the failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Plan Event has occurred or is 84
reasonably expected to occur that might result, directly or indirectly, in any material lien being imposed on the property or assets of the Borrower. The Borrower is not a "benefit plan investor" (as defined under Section 3(42) of ERISA). The Borrower does not sponsor, maintain or contribute to any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan. Neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate does not have any liability (contingent or otherwise) with respect to any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan except to the extent such liability could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Pension Plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by DFC or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower, under which employees of the Borrower participate in or participated in, complies in all respects with ERISA and all other applicable laws except to the extent the failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Plan Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that might result, directly or indirectly, in any material lien being imposed on the property or assets of the Borrower. (w) Investment Company Act. The Borrower (i) is not a "covered fund" under regulations adopted to implement section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, commonly known as the "Volcker Rule" and (ii) is not, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby, will not be required to register as an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act. In determining that the Borrower is not an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, the Borrower is entitled to either the benefit of the exemption provided under Section 3(c)(5) of the Investment Company Act or the exclusion for loan securitizations in the Volcker Rule under 17 C.F.R. 75.10(c)(8). (x) Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. Each representation or warranty by the Borrower contained herein, in any other Basic Document or in any certificate or other document furnished by the Borrower pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith is true and correct in all material respects. (y) Representations and Warranties in Purchase Agreement. The representations and warranties made by DFC to the Borrower in Section 3.03 of the Purchase Agreement are hereby remade by the Borrower on each date to which they speak in the Purchase Agreement, as if such representations and warranties were set forth herein. For purposes of this Section, such representations and warranties are incorporated herein by reference as if made by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent and to each of the Secured Parties under the terms hereof mutatis mutandis. (z) Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. The Borrower is subject to policies and procedures of Lithia that are designed to ensure compliance by Lithia and its Subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions. The Borrower, its officers, directors and employees are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects. None of (a) the Borrower or any of its directors, officers or employees, or (b) to the knowledge of the Borrower, any agent of the Borrower that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. 85
No Loan, use of proceeds or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions. (aa) Beneficial Ownership Rule. At least 51% of the equity interests in the Borrower is owned, directly or indirectly, by a listed entity, and the Borrower is excluded on that basis from the definition of "Legal Entity Customer" as defined in the Beneficial Ownership Rule. Section 5.02. Representations and Warranties of the Borrower Relating to the Receivables. The Borrower hereby represents and warrants as of each Funding Date, as follows: (a) Schedule C and the information contained in the related Funding Request is an accurate and complete listing in all material respects of the Receivables (including the Receivables being transferred on such Funding Date) constituting a portion of the Collateral as of the date of the related Loan and the information contained therein with respect to the identity of such Receivables and the amounts owing thereunder is true and correct in all material respects as of the related Cutoff Date; and (b) each Receivable referenced on the related Funding Request is an Eligible Receivable. Section 5.03. Representations and Warranties of the Servicer. The initial Servicer represents and warrants, as of the Closing Date, the date of this Agreement, and each Funding Date, as follows: (a) Organization and Good Standing. The Servicer has been duly organized and is validly existing as a limited liability company in good standing under the laws of the State of Oregon, with all requisite power and authority to own or lease its properties and to conduct its business as such business is presently conducted and to enter into and perform its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. (b) Due Qualification. The Servicer is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as a limited liability company, and has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in all jurisdictions in which the ownership or lease of its property and or the conduct of its business, including the underwriting and servicing of the Receivables, requires such qualification, licenses or approvals, except to the extent the failure to obtain such consents or approvals could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. (c) Power and Authority; Due Authorization. The Servicer (i) has all necessary power, authority and legal right to (A) execute and deliver the Servicer Basic Documents and (B) carry out the terms of the Servicer Basic Documents and (ii) has duly authorized by all necessary corporate action the execution, delivery and performance of the Servicer Basic Documents. (d) Binding Obligation. Each Servicer Basic Document constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Servicer enforceable against the Servicer in accordance with its respective terms except as such enforceability may be limited by 86
Insolvency Laws and except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity (whether considered in a suit at law or in equity). (e) No Violation. The execution and delivery of the Servicer Basic Documents, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Servicer Basic Documents and the fulfillment of the terms hereof and thereof will not (i) conflict in any material respect with, result in any material breach of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, the Servicer's Formation Documents or, in any material respect, any Contractual Obligation of the Servicer, (ii) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the Servicer's properties (other than Permitted Liens) or (iii) violate any Applicable Law, the violation of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. (f) No Proceedings. There is no litigation, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the best knowledge of the Servicer, threatened against the Servicer, before any Governmental Authority (i) asserting the invalidity of any Servicer Basic Document, (ii) seeking to prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by any Servicer Basic Document, (iii) challenging the enforceability of a material portion of the Receivables or (iv) seeking any determination or ruling that could reasonably be expected to have Material Adverse Effect. (g) All Consents Required. All approvals, authorizations, consents, orders or other actions of any Person or of any Governmental Authority (if any) required for the due execution, delivery and performance by the Servicer of the Servicer Basic Documents have been obtained. (h) Reports Accurate. All Monthly Reports, information, exhibits, financial statements, documents, books, records or reports furnished or to be furnished by the Servicer to any Agent, any Secured Party, the Backup Servicer and the Account Bank in connection with this Agreement are accurate, true and correct in all material respects. (i) Servicer's Performance. The Servicer has the knowledge, the experience and the systems, financial and operational capacity available to timely perform each of its obligations hereunder. (j) Lockbox Account; Collection Account. Neither the Lockbox Account nor amounts on deposit therein is currently subject to a pledge made by the Servicer and neither is currently subject to a control agreement entered into by the Servicer. The Servicer has neither pledged nor entered into a control agreement (other than the Control Agreement) with respect to the Collection Account or amounts on deposit therein. (k) Tradenames and Place of Business. (i) Except as otherwise indicated in this Agreement or as the same may be changed in accordance with Section 6.05(b), the Servicer has no trade names, fictitious names, assumed names or "doing business as" names or other names under which it has done or is doing business and (ii) the principal place of business and chief executive office of the Servicer are located at the address of 87
the Servicer set forth on the signature pages hereto and has been so for the last four months. (l) Compliance with the Credit and Collection Policy. The Servicer has, with respect to the Receivables, complied in all material respects with the Credit and Collection Policy. (m) ERISA Matters. No Plan Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that might result, directly or indirectly, in any lien being imposed on the property of the Servicer which could result in a Material Adverse Effect. (n) Investment Company Act. The Servicer is not an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act. (o) Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. The Servicer is subject to policies and procedures of Lithia that are designed to ensure compliance by Lithia and its Subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions. The Servicer, its officers, directors and employees are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects. None of (a) the Servicer or any of its directors, officers or employees, or (b) to the knowledge of the Borrower, any agent of the Servicer that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. No Loan, use of proceeds or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions. Section 5.04. Retransfer of Certain Receivables. (a) Retransfer of an Ineligible Receivable. If a Receivable is an Ineligible Receivable at the time it was initially pledged hereunder, no later than the earlier of (i) knowledge by the Borrower of such Receivable having been an Ineligible Receivable when it was so pledged and (ii) receipt by the Borrower from the Administrative Agent or the initial Servicer of written notice thereof (which notice the initial Servicer shall be required to give within two Business Days of any of its Responsible Officers having actual knowledge thereof), the Borrower shall (A) disclose the identity of such Ineligible Receivable on the next Monthly Report and (B) on or before the next Payment Date, to the extent such breach has not been cured or waived, make a deposit of the Release Price for each such Ineligible Receivable to the Collection Account in immediately available funds and accept the release of each such Ineligible Receivable. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed, upon deposit of the Release Price into the Collection Account, to convey to the Borrower, without recourse, representation or warranty, all of its right, title and interest in such Ineligible Receivable and the Borrower shall accept the release of each such Ineligible Receivable from the Administrative Agent, and the aggregate Pool Balance shall be reduced by the Principal Balance (as of the end of the most recent Collection Period) of each such Ineligible Receivable. Upon each release to the Borrower of such Ineligible Receivable, the Administrative Agent shall automatically and without further action be deemed to transfer, assign and set-over to the Borrower, without recourse, representation or warranty, all the right, title and interest of the Administrative Agent in, to and under such Ineligible Receivable and all future monies due or to become due with respect thereto, all proceeds of such Ineligible 88
Receivable and Recoveries and Insurance Proceeds relating thereto, all rights to security for any such Ineligible Receivable, and all proceeds and products of the foregoing. The Administrative Agent shall, at the sole expense of the Servicer (which, in the case of any Successor Servicer, shall be reimbursable in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.06), execute such documents and instruments of release as may be prepared by the Servicer on behalf of the Borrower and take such other actions as shall reasonably be requested by the Borrower to effect the release of such Ineligible Receivable pursuant to this subsection. (b) Retransfer of Receivables for Breach of Servicing Covenant. In the event that the initial Servicer breaches a servicing covenant pursuant to Section 7.03(c)(i) with respect to any Receivable, which breach adversely affects the Receivable or the interests of the Lenders, no later than the earlier of (i) knowledge by the initial Servicer of such event or (ii) receipt by the initial Servicer from the Administrative Agent or the Borrower of written notice thereof, the initial Servicer shall (A) disclose the identity of such Receivable on the next Monthly Report and (B) on or before the next Payment Date, to the extent such breach has not been cured or waived, make a deposit of the Release Price for each such Receivable into the Collection Account in immediately available funds, and the initial Servicer shall accept the release of such Receivable(s), in each case as described in Section 5.04(a). (c) Notice of Retransfer. The Borrower or the Servicer, as applicable, shall provide written notice to the Administrative Agent and each Hedge Counterparty on the Monthly Report of any release of Receivables pursuant to Sections 5.04(a) and (b). With respect to any such release, the Borrower shall provide written notice to the Administrative Agent and each Hedge Counterparty of any release of Receivables prior to 3:00 p.m., New York City time, three Business Days prior to the related repurchase date, and such notice shall include a calculation of the Borrowing Base after giving effect to such release, as well as representations and warranties by the Borrower that no Termination Event or Servicer Termination Event has occurred, that the Borrowing Base calculation included with such notice is accurate and that any required Hedging Agreements are in full effect. ARTICLE SIX COVENANTS Section 6.01. Affirmative Covenants of the Borrower. From the Closing Date until the Facility Termination Date: (a) Compliance with Laws. The Borrower will comply in all material respects with all Applicable Laws, including those with respect to the Receivables and related Financed Vehicles. (b) Preservation of Existence. The Borrower will preserve and maintain its existence, rights, franchises and privileges in the State of Delaware, and qualify and remain qualified in good standing as a foreign limited liability company in each jurisdiction where the failure to preserve and maintain such existence, rights, franchises, 89
privileges and qualification has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect. (c) Performance and Compliance with Agreements. The Borrower will, at its expense, timely and fully perform and comply (or cause the Seller to perform and comply pursuant to this Agreement, the Purchase Agreement and all Purchase Agreement Supplements), in all material respects, all provisions, covenants and other promises required to be observed by it under the Basic Documents and the Contracts. (d) Keeping of Records and Books of Account. To the extent not maintained and implemented by the Servicer, the Borrower will maintain and implement administrative and operating procedures (including an ability to recreate records evidencing Receivables in the event of the destruction of the originals thereof), and keep and maintain all documents, books, records, financial statements and other information reasonably necessary or advisable for the collection of all Receivables. Such books and records shall include reports adequate to permit the daily identification of each new Receivable and all Collections of and adjustments to each existing Receivable. (e) Borrower Assets. With respect to each Receivable, the Borrower will: (i) acquire such Receivable pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement, (ii) take all action necessary to perfect, protect and more fully evidence the Borrower's ownership of such Receivable, including (A) filing and maintaining, effective financing statements (Form UCC-1) listing DFC, respectively, as debtor in all necessary filing offices (and will cause DFC to obtain similar financing statements from each entity from which it acquired the Receivables), and filing continuation statements, amendments or assignments with respect thereto in such filing offices and (B) executing or causing to be executed such other instruments or notices as may be necessary and (iii) take all additional action that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, including the filing of financing statements listing the Administrative Agent as secured party to perfect, protect and more fully evidence the respective interests of the parties to this Agreement in the Collateral. (f) Delivery of Collections. The Borrower will deliver to the Servicer, for further remittance to the Collection Account, all Collections received by Borrower in respect of the Receivables no later than two Business Days after the Borrower's receipt thereof. (g) Separate Corporate Existence. The Borrower shall be in compliance with the special purpose entity requirements set forth in Section 6.01(o). (h) Credit and Collection Policy. The Borrower will, or will cause DFC or the Servicer to, as the case may be, (i) with respect to each Receivable, comply with the Credit and Collection Policy (which may include originating or servicing Receivables in accordance with those discretionary exceptions that are set forth therein) and (ii) furnish to the Administrative Agent written notice of any material changes to the Credit and 90
Collection Policy and revised versions of the Credit and Collection Policy containing such changes. (i) Notice of Certain Events. The Borrower will provide the Administrative Agent with written notice within one Business Day of the date on which the Borrower receives notice of, or obtains knowledge of, the occurrence of any Termination Event, Unmatured Termination Event, Step-up Event, Early Amortization Event, Servicer Termination and Unmatured Servicer Termination Event. (j) Taxes. The Borrower will file and pay any and all Taxes, including those required to meet the obligations of the Basic Documents, except Taxes that the Borrower is contesting in good faith and by appropriate legal proceedings the validity, applicability or amount thereof and such contest does not materially endanger any right or interest of the Secured Parties under the Basic Documents. (k) Liens. The Borrower will not create, or participate in the creation of, or permit to exist, any Liens (other than Permitted Liens) with respect to the Lockbox Account or the Collection Account. (l) Reporting. The Borrower will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Administrative Agent (for further delivery to each Agent) and, to the extent requested by a Hedge Counterparty, such Hedge Counterparty: (i) Monthly Report. Not later than each Reporting Date, a Monthly Report. (ii) Quarterly Report. By the 15th of each February, May, August and November, a Quarterly Report, including information as of the previous month-end, as to the Receivables such as collections, delinquencies, losses, recoveries, cash flows and such other information as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent. (iii) Financial Statements. (A)Within 60 days after the end of the first three quarterly fiscal periods of each fiscal year of DFC, the unaudited unconsolidated balance sheets of DFC as at the end of such period and the related unaudited unconsolidated statements of income and retained earnings for DFC for such period, setting forth in comparative figures for the previous fiscal quarter (to the extent such prior quarterly financial statements were delivered pursuant to this Section or are otherwise available), accompanied by a certificate of a Responsible Officer of DFC, which certificate shall state that each such unconsolidated financial statement fairly presents the financial condition of DFC in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, as at the end of, and for, such period (subject to normal year end audit adjustments). 91
(B) Within 60 days after the end of the first three quarterly fiscal periods of each fiscal year of the Performance Guarantor, the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Performance Guarantor as at the end of such period and the related unaudited consolidated statements of income and retained earnings for the Performance Guarantor for such period, setting forth in comparative figures for the previous quarter (to the extent such prior quarter financial statements were delivered pursuant to this Section or are otherwise available), accompanied by a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Performance Guarantor, which certificate shall state that each such consolidated financial statement fairly presents the financial condition of the Performance Guarantor in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, as at the end of, and for, such period (subject to normal year end audit adjustments). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any such report is timely filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is publicly available on its the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (EDGAR) system on the date that the related report would otherwise be due hereunder, such report shall be deemed to have been timely delivered in accordance with this subclause. (C) Within 120 days after each fiscal year of (i) DFC, the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of DFC as of the end of such fiscal year and the related unaudited consolidated statements of income and retained earnings and of cash flows for DFC for such year and (ii) the Performance Guarantor, the audited consolidated balance sheets of the Performance Guarantor as at the end of such fiscal year and the related audited consolidated statements of income and retained earnings and of cash flows for the Performance Guarantor for such year, setting forth in comparative form the figures for the previous year, accompanied by an opinion thereon of independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing, which opinion shall not be qualified as to scope of audit or going concern (other than a qualification as to going concern based solely on the tenor of the Commitments hereunder) and shall state that each consolidated financial statement fairly presents the financial condition and results of operations of the Performance Guarantor at the end of, and for, such fiscal year in accordance with GAAP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any such report is timely filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is publicly available on its the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (EDGAR) system on the date that the related report would otherwise be due hereunder, such report shall be deemed to have been timely delivered in accordance with this subclause. (D)Within 120 days of the end of each fiscal year of DFC, a certificate of a Responsible Officer of DFC, which certificate shall state that the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of DFC delivered pursuant to subclause (C) fairly present the financial condition of DFC in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, at the end of, and for, such fiscal year. Within 120 days of the end of each fiscal year of the 92
Performance Guarantor, a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Performance Guarantor, which certificate shall state that the audited consolidated balance sheets of the Performance Guarantor delivered, or deemed to have been delivered, pursuant to subclause (C) fairly present the financial condition of the Performance Guarantor in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, as at the end of, and for, such fiscal year. (iv) Representations. Promptly following the Borrower's obtaining knowledge of the same, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent that any representation or warranty set forth in Section 5.01 or 5.02 was incorrect in any material respect at the time it was given or deemed to have been given, and at the same time shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a written notice setting forth in reasonable detail the nature of such facts and circumstances. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent in the manner set forth in the preceding sentence before any Funding Date of any facts or circumstances within the knowledge of the Borrower which would render any of such representations and warranties untrue in any material respect at the date when they were made or deemed to have been made. (v) Proceedings. As soon as possible and in any event within two Business Days of the date on which the Borrower receives notice of, or obtains knowledge of, the same, the Borrower shall provide notice of any settlement of, material judgment (including a material judgment with respect to the liability phase of a bifurcated trial) in or commencement of any labor controversy (of a material nature), litigation, action, suit or proceeding before any court or Governmental Authority, domestic or foreign, affecting the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. (vi) Notice of Material Events. Promptly following any Responsible Officer of the Borrower obtaining knowledge the same, the Borrower shall provide notice of any other event or circumstances that, in the reasonable judgment of the Borrower, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. (m) Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. The Borrower will remain subsect to, and enforce, Lithia's policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by Lithia and its Subsidiaries and each of their respective Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions. (n) Beneficial Ownership Certification. From time to time any Lender that has a reasonable basis for requesting such a certification may request that the Borrower deliver, and within five Business Days of each such request the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender, a Beneficial Ownership Certification, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such Lender. Furthermore, promptly following any change that would result in a change to the status of the Borrower as an excluded "Legal Entity Customer" under the Beneficial Ownership Rule, the Borrower shall execute and deliver 93
to each Lender a Beneficial Ownership Certification, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to each such Lender. (o) Special Purpose Entity. The Borrower shall take or perform each of the following actions (and the Borrower has not heretofore failed to take or perform any such actions in the past): (i) maintain its own separate deposit and other bank accounts and funds to which no other Person has any access (except to the extent permitted under the Basic Documents) which accounts shall be maintained in the name of the Borrower; (ii) maintain full books of accounts and records (financial or other) and financial statements separate from those of any other Person (including, all resolutions, records, agreements or instruments underlying or regarding the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents or otherwise); (iii) at all times hold itself out to the public and all other Persons as a legal entity separate from the and any other Person; (iv) have its own board of directors; (v) file its own tax returns separate from those of any other Person, if any, as may be required under applicable law, to the extent (A) not part of a consolidated group filing a consolidated return or returns or (B) not treated as a division for tax purposes of another taxpayer, and pay any taxes so required to be paid under applicable law; (vi) ensure that any consolidated financial statements of any Affiliate or any other Person that are filed with the Securities Exchange Commission or any other governmental authority or are furnished to any creditors of any Affiliate or any other Person include notes clearly stating that the Borrower is a separate corporate entity and that its assets are available first and foremost to satisfy the claims of the creditors of the Borrower; and (vii) except as contemplated by the Basic Documents, not commingle its assets with assets of any other Person and maintain the assets of the Borrower in such a manner that it is not costly or difficult to segregate, identify or ascertain its individual assets from those of any other Person, including any Affiliate; (viii) conduct its business in its own name and strictly comply with all organizational formalities to maintain its separate existence; (ix) disclose, and cause each Member to disclose, in its financial statements the effects of all transactions between such Member and the Borrower in a manner which makes it clear that (A) the Borrower is a separate legal entity, (B) the assets of the Borrower are not assets of any Affiliate and are not 94
available to pay creditors of any Affiliate and (C) neither such Member nor any Affiliate thereof is liable or responsible for the debts of the Borrower; (x) pay its own liabilities and expenses only out of its own funds; (xi) except for capital contributions or capital distributions permitted under the terms and conditions of the Borrower's Formation Documents, not enter into any transaction with an Affiliate of the Borrower except on arm's length terms; (xii) compensate (either directly or through reimbursement of the Borrower's allocable share of any shared expenses) all employees, consultants and agents and Affiliates, to the extent applicable, for services provided to the Borrower by such employees, consultants and agents or Affiliates, in each case, from the Borrower's own funds and either maintain a sufficient number of employees, and/or employ sufficient consultants or agents, in light of its contemplated operations; provided, the foregoing shall not require the Members to make any additional capital contributions to the Borrower; (xiii) except as expressly permitted under any of the Basic Documents, pay from its own bank accounts for accounting and payroll services, rent, lease and other expenses (or the Borrower's allocable share of any such amounts provided by one or more other Affiliates) and not have such operating expenses (or the Borrower's allocable share thereof) paid by any Affiliates; provided, the foregoing shall not require the Members to make any additional capital contributions to the Borrower; (xiv) not hold out its credit or assets as being available to satisfy the obligations of any other Person; (xv) maintain office space separate and clearly delineated from the office space of any Affiliate; (xvi) allocate fairly and reasonably any overhead expenses that are shared with an Affiliate, including for shared office space and for services performed by an employee of an Affiliate; (xvii) cause (A) all written communications, including letters, invoices, purchase orders, and contracts, of the Borrower to be made solely in the name of the Borrower, (B) the Borrower to have its own tax identification number, stationery, checks and business forms, separate from those of any other Person, (C) all Affiliates not to use the stationery or business forms of the Borrower, and cause the Borrower not to use the stationery or business forms of any Affiliate, and (D) all Affiliates not to conduct business in the name of the Borrower, and cause the Borrower not to conduct business in the name of any Affiliate; 95
(xviii) except as expressly permitted by any of the Basic Documents, direct creditors of the Borrower to send invoices and other statements of account of the Borrower directly to the Borrower and not to any Affiliate and cause the Affiliates to direct their creditors not to send invoices and other statements of accounts of such Affiliates to the Borrower; (xix) except as expressly permitted by any of the Basic Documents, not acquire obligations or securities of or make loans or advances to or grant a security interest in or pledge its assets for the benefit of the Member, any Affiliate or any other Person; (xx) correct any known misunderstanding regarding its separate identity and not identify itself as a department or division of any other Person except as may be required for income tax purposes; (xxi) maintain adequate capital in light of its contemplated business purpose, transactions and liabilities, and refrain from engaging in a business for which its remaining property represents an unreasonably small capital; provided, however, the foregoing shall not require the Members to make any additional capital contributions to the Borrower; (xxii) practice and adhere to all limited liability company procedures and formalities to the extent required by the Borrower's Formation Documents or all other appropriate constituent documents and applicable law; (xxiii) except for the other Basic Documents, not acquire any obligations or securities of the Member or of any Affiliate of the Borrower; (xxiv) cause the directors, officers, agents and other representatives of the Borrower to act at all times with respect to the Borrower consistently and in furtherance of the foregoing and in the best interests of the Borrower; and (xxv) at all times will have at least one director that qualifies as an "Independent Director" (as such term is defined in the Borrower's Formation Documents). Section 6.02. Negative Covenants of the Borrower. From the date hereof until the Facility Termination Date: (a) Other Business. The Borrower will not (i) engage in any business other than the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents, (ii) incur any Indebtedness, obligation, liability or contingent obligation of any kind (including guaranteeing any obligation) other than pursuant to this Agreement, any other Basic Document or under any Hedging Agreement required by Section 6.03 or (iii) form any Subsidiary or make any Investments in any other Person. 96
(b) Receivables Not to be Evidenced by Instruments. The Borrower will take no action to cause any Receivable that is not, as of the related Funding Date, evidenced by an Instrument, to be so evidenced except in connection with the enforcement or collection of such Receivable. (c) Security Interests. The Borrower will not sell, pledge, assign or transfer to any other Person, or grant, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any portion of the Collateral, whether now existing or hereafter transferred hereunder, or any interest therein, and the Borrower will not sell, pledge, assign or suffer to exist any Lien on its interest, if any, hereunder. The Borrower will promptly notify the Administrative Agent of the existence of any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on any portion of the Collateral and the Borrower shall defend the right, title and interest of the Administrative Agent in, to and under such Collateral, against all claims of third parties; provided, that nothing in this subsection shall prevent or be deemed to prohibit the Borrower from suffering to exist Permitted Liens upon any portion of the Collateral. (d) Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, Etc. The Borrower will not be a party to any merger or consolidation, or purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the assets or any stock or membership interests of any class of, or any partnership or joint venture interest in, any other Person, or, sell, transfer, convey or lease all or any substantial part of its assets, or sell or assign with or without recourse any portion of the Collateral or any interest therein (other than pursuant hereto). (e) Distributions. The Borrower shall not declare or pay, directly or indirectly, any dividend or make any other distribution (whether in cash or other property) with respect to the profits, assets or capital of the Borrower or any Person's interest therein, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for value any of its capital stock now or hereafter outstanding, except that so long as no Termination Event or Unmatured Termination Event has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, the Borrower may distribute to holders of its membership interest funds distributed to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.06(xi), subject to Applicable Law. (f) Change of Name or Location of Receivable Files. The Borrower shall not (i) change its name or state of organization, move the location of its principal place of business and chief executive office, and the offices where it keeps the Records from the location referred to in Section 13.02 or (ii) move, or consent to the Collateral Custodian or the Servicer moving, the Receivable Files from the location thereof on the Closing Date, unless the Borrower has given at least 30 days' written notice to the Administrative Agent and has taken all actions required under the UCC of each relevant jurisdiction in order to continue the first priority perfected security interest of the Administrative Agent in the Collateral. (g) True Sale. Except for purposes of GAAP, the Borrower will not account for or treat the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement in any manner other 97
than as the sale, or absolute assignment, of the Receivables and other Collateral by DFC to the Borrower. (h) ERISA Matters. The Borrower will not establish, maintain or contribute to or have any liability (contingent or otherwise) with respect to any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan or otherwise be a "benefit plan investor" under Section 3(42) of ERISA. The Borrower will not engage or permit any ERISA Affiliate to engage in any prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code for which an exemption is not available or has not previously been obtained from the United States Department of Labor and which would result in a Material Adverse Effect. (i) Formation Documents; Purchase Agreement. The Borrower will not amend, modify, waive or terminate any provision of its Formation Documents or of the Purchase Agreement (including any Purchase Agreement Supplement) without the prior, written consent of the Administrative Agent; provided, that if the Borrower has provided the Administrative Agent with written notice of its intention to make any such amendment, modification, waiver or termination and the Administrative Agent has not provided a response either granting or withholding its consent thereto within ten Business Days, then the Borrower may proceed with the related amendment, modification, wavier or termination as if the Administrative Agent had provided its consent thereto. (j) Changes in Payment Instructions. The Borrower will not add or make any change, or permit the Servicer to make any change, in its instructions to Obligors regarding payments to be made to the Borrower or the Servicer or payments to be made to the Lockboxes or the Lockbox Account, unless the Administrative Agent has Consented to such change in writing and has received duly executed copies of all documentation related thereto, which documentation shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent. (k) Extension or Amendment. The Borrower will not, except as otherwise permitted in Section 7.03(c)(i), extend, amend or otherwise modify, or permit the Servicer to extend, amend or otherwise modify, the terms of any Contract. (l) No Assignments. The Borrower will not assign or delegate, grant any interest in or permit any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) to exist upon any of its rights, obligations or duties under this Agreement without the prior written Consent of the Administrative Agent. (m) Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. The Borrower will not request any Loan, and the Borrower shall not use any Loan, and shall procure that its directors, officers, employees and agents (if any) shall not use, the proceeds of any Loan (A) 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, (B) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned 98
Country, or (C) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto. Section 6.03. Covenant of the Borrower Relating to Hedging. (a) Beginning on the date that is thirty days after the date of the Initial Loan, the Borrower shall at all times that the Loans Outstanding are greater than zero, (i) maintain one or more Hedge Transactions in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, each of which may be in the form of an interest rate swap or an interest rate cap transaction and/or (ii) maintain amounts on deposit in the Hedge Reserve Account, in all cases to ensure that either (x) the Borrower is Fully Hedged or (y) if the Borrower is not Fully Hedged, the Hedge Reserve Account has been established and an amount not less than the Hedge Reserve Account Required Amount is on deposit therein at all times thereafter; provided, that if on any date any Mandatory Hedging Condition exists, then within two (2) Business Days of such date the Borrower must be Fully Hedged, and the Borrower must remain Fully Hedged at all times thereafter while a Mandatory Hedging Condition exists, regardless of whether any amounts are then on deposit in the Hedge Reserve Account. If at any time the Hedge Reserve Account Required Amount is greater than zero, then (A) no later than three Business Days prior to each Funding Date and no later than three Business Days prior to each Payment Date the Borrower (or the initial Servicer on behalf of the Borrower) shall obtain a quote for the purchase price of an interest rate cap that allows it to recalculate the Hedge Reserve Account Required Amount on such date and (B) beginning on the related Funding Date or Payment Date, as applicable, such quote shall be used to determine the 'Hedge Reserve Account Required Amount' until the next succeeding Funding Date or Payment Date, as applicable. It is acknowledged and agreed that any Hedge Transaction entered into by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.08(f) shall be deemed to have been entered into by the Borrower for purposes of Borrower’s obligations under this Section 6.03(a). (b) Each Hedge Transaction shall be entered into with a Hedge Counterparty and be governed by a Hedging Agreement. Any Hedge Transaction that is in the form of an interest rate swap shall provide for the payment on each Payment Date to the Hedge Counterparty of an amount calculated by reference to the notional amount thereunder and a fixed rate of interest per annum and for the payment on each Payment Date to the Borrower of an amount calculated by reference to the same notional amount thereunder and a floating rate of interest (per annum equal to SOFR or a related rate), in each case for each day during the related Interest Period. Furthermore, the notional amount of each such Hedge Transaction shall amortize monthly based on an assumed 'ABS Rate' agreed upon by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, (ii) the 'Termination Events' and 'Events of Default' that are applicable under each such Hedge Transaction shall have been approved by the Required Lenders to the Administrative Agent prior to the effectiveness of such Hedge Transaction, and (iii) each such Hedge Transaction shall have a final maturity date reflecting the expected repayment of the Receivables, taking into account anticipated losses and prepayments. If a Hedge Counterparty, other than a Hedge Counterparty as defined in clause (i) of the definition thereof, met the Short-Term Ratings Requirement and/or the Long-Term Ratings Requirement at the time the related Hedge Transaction was entered into and is downgraded or has any ratings withdrawn such that it no longer meets the Short-Term Ratings Requirement and/or the Long-Term Ratings Requirement, as applicable, then within thirty (30) days of the related downgrade or withdrawal either (A) the Borrower must enter into a 99
new Hedging Agreement or (B) the Hedge Counterparty must post collateral pursuant to a credit support annex in an amount satisfactory to the Required Lenders. (c) If on any date any Hedge Transactions are in the form of interest rate swaps and the aggregate notional amount under all outstanding Hedge Transactions as of such date is either (x) less than 95% of the Loans Outstanding as of such date (after giving effect to any changes to the Loans Outstanding on such date) or (y) more than 105% of the Loans Outstanding as of such date (after giving effect to any changes to the Loans Outstanding on such date), then on the related 'Adjustment Date' (which shall be either such date (if such date is a Payment Date) or otherwise the next Business Day after such date that is a Payment Date), the Administrative Agent may direct the Borrower to enter into one or more Hedge Transactions, increase the notional amount of one or more Hedge Transactions, or decrease the notional amount of one or more Hedge Transactions, in all cases as necessary such that immediately thereafter the aggregate notional amount under all Hedge Transactions is neither (I) less than 95% of the Loans Outstanding as of the Adjustment Date (after giving effect to any changes to the Loans Outstanding on such date) nor (II) more than one 105% of the Loans Outstanding as of the Adjustment Date (after giving effect to any changes to the Loans Outstanding on such date). (d) The Borrower shall establish and thereafter maintain a segregated trust account in the name of the Borrower with respect to each Hedge Counterparty (each, a 'Hedge Counterparty Collateral Account;) with a Qualified Institution in trust and for the benefit of the Lenders and the related Hedge Counterparty. In the event that pursuant to the terms of the applicable Hedging Agreement, the related Hedge Counterparty is required to deposit cash or securities as collateral to secure its obligations ('Posted Collateral'), the Borrower shall deposit all Posted Collateral received from the Hedge Counterparty into the Hedge Counterparty Collateral Account. All sums on deposit and securities held in any Hedge Counterparty Collateral Account shall be used only for the purposes set forth in the related credit support annex ('Credit Support Annex') to the Hedging Agreement. The only permitted withdrawal from or application of funds on deposit in, or otherwise to the credit of, a Hedge Counterparty Collateral Account shall be (i) for application to the obligations of the applicable Hedge Counterparty under the related Hedging Agreement in accordance with the terms of the related Credit Support Annex and (ii) to return collateral to the Hedge Counterparty when and as required by the Credit Support Annex. Amounts on deposit in each Hedge Counterparty Collateral Account shall be invested at the written direction of the related Hedge Counterparty, and all investment earnings actually received on amounts on deposit in a Hedge Counterparty Collateral Account or distributions on securities held as Posted Collateral shall be distributed to the related Hedge Counterparty in accordance with the terms of the related Credit Support Annex. Any amounts applied by the Borrower to the obligations of the Hedge Counterparty under the Hedging Agreement in accordance with the terms of the Credit Support Annex shall be deposited in the Collection Account and applied in accordance with Section 2.06 of this Agreement. The Borrower agrees to give the Hedge Counterparty prompt notice if it obtains knowledge that the Hedge Counterparty Collateral Account or any funds on deposit therein or otherwise to the credit of the Hedge Counterparty Collateral Account, shall or have become subject to any writ, order, judgment, warrant of attachment, execution or similar process. (e) Within 30 days after the occurrence of any event defined as an "Event of Default" or "Termination Event" in a Hedging Agreement, the Borrower shall cause such Hedge 100
Counterparty to assign its obligations under the Hedging Agreement to a new Hedge Counterparty which satisfies the requirements set forth in the definition of "Hedge Counterparty. (f) The Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a copy of all documents related to any Hedging Agreement, including confirmations, schedules and an aggregate notional amortization schedule. (g) All reasonably documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and disbursements) incurred by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders incurred with each Hedge Transaction shall be paid by the Borrower. (h) As additional security hereunder, the Borrower has granted a security interest to the Administrative Agent all right, title and interest of the Borrower in the Hedge Collateral. The Borrower acknowledges that, as a result of that pledge, the Borrower may not, without the prior written Consent of the Administrative Agent, exercise any rights under any Hedging Agreement or Hedge Transaction, except for the Borrower's right under any Hedging Agreement to enter into Hedge Transactions in order to meet the Borrower's obligations hereunder. Nothing herein shall have the effect of releasing the Borrower from any of its obligations under any Hedging Agreement or any Hedge Transaction, nor be construed as requiring the consent of any Secured Party for the performance by the Borrower of any such obligations. Section 6.04. Affirmative Covenants of the Servicer. From the date hereof until the Facility Termination Date: (a) Compliance with Law. The Servicer will comply in all material respects with all Applicable Laws, including those with respect to the Contracts, the Receivables, the related Financed Vehicles, the Receivable Files or any part thereof and any collection efforts on behalf of the Receivables or related Financed Vehicles, except to the extent that the Servicer's failure to so comply would not have a Material Adverse Effect. (b) Preservation of Corporate Existence. The Servicer will preserve and maintain its existence, rights, franchises and privileges in its State of formation, and shall qualify and remain qualified in good standing as a foreign limited liability company in each jurisdiction where the failure to preserve and maintain such existence, rights, franchises, privileges and qualification has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect. (c) Obligations and Compliance with Receivables. The Servicer will fulfill and comply with all obligations on the part of the Borrower to be fulfilled or complied with under or in connection with each Receivable and will do nothing to impair the rights of the Administrative Agent in, to and under the Collateral. The Servicer will comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement relating to the obligation of the Borrower to remove Receivables from the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement and the obligation of the Seller, under the Purchase Agreement, to reacquire Receivables from the Borrower pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. 101
(d) Performance and Compliance with Servicer Basic Documents. The initial Servicer will timely and fully perform and comply with all provisions, covenants and other promises required to be observed by it under the Servicer Basic Documents. (e) Keeping of Records and Books of Account. The Servicer will maintain and implement administrative and operating procedures (including an ability to recreate records evidencing Receivables, including the Receivable Files, in the event of the destruction of the originals thereof), and keep and maintain all documents, books, records and other information reasonably necessary or advisable for the collection of all Receivables, including the Receivable Files. (f) Preservation of Security Interest. The Servicer will execute and file such financing and continuation statements and any other documents that may be required by any law or regulation of any Governmental Authority to preserve and protect fully the security interest of the Administrative Agent in, to and under the Collateral; provided, that in the case of any Successor Servicer, the Successor Servicer shall execute and file such documents (as prepared by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) only upon the written direction of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent and any action taken by the Successor Servicer pursuant to this clause shall be a reimbursable expense paid in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.06. The Servicer will defend the right, title and interest of the Borrower, the Secured Parties, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Custodian in, to and under the Collateral against all claims of third parties claiming through or under the Servicer; provided, that in the case of any Successor Servicer, such action or defense shall only be taken at the written direction of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent and, so long as the need for such defense or action was not caused by the Successor Servicer's gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct, any action taken by the Successor Servicer pursuant to this clause shall be a reimbursable expense paid in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.06. (g) Credit and Collection Policy. The Servicer will comply in all material respects with the Credit and Collection Policy in regard to each Receivable. (h) Monthly Reports. Not later than each Reporting Date, the Servicer will provide to the Administrative Agent (for further delivery to each Agent) and, to the extent requested or required by a Hedge Counterparty, such Hedge Counterparty, a Monthly Report. (i) Termination Events and Servicer Termination Events. The Servicer will furnish to the Administrative Agent, the Backup Servicer and each Hedge Counterparty, within one Business Day after a Responsible Officer of the Servicer has actual knowledge thereof, notice of the occurrence of an Unmatured Termination Event, a Termination Event, an Unmatured Servicer Termination Event or a Servicer Termination Event. (j) Other. The Servicer will furnish to the Administrative Agent, from time to time, such other information, documents, records or reports respecting the Collateral or the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the Servicer as the Administrative 102
Agent may from time to time reasonably request in order to protect the interests of the Administrative Agent or Lenders under or as contemplated by this Agreement. (k) Notice Regarding Collateral. The Servicer shall advise the Collateral Custodian (if other than DFC) and the Administrative Agent in writing in reasonable detail promptly following its actual knowledge or receipt of written notice of (i) any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) asserted or claim made against any portion of the Collateral, (ii) the occurrence of any breach in any material respect by the Servicer of any of its representations, warranties and covenants contained herein relating to the Receivables and (iii) the occurrence of any other event which would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the security interest of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties in the Collateral or the collectability of all or a material portion of the Receivables. (l) Additional Information. The Servicer shall, within five Business Days of its receipt thereof, respond to reasonable written directions or written requests for information that the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Collateral Custodian might have with respect to the administration of the Receivables. (m) Financial Statements. The initial Servicer shall provide to the Administrative Agent, each Agent and each Lender, the financial statements described in Section 6.01(l)(iii). (n) Accounting Policy. The initial Servicer will notify the Administrative Agent within five Business Days of its implementation of any material change in the its accounting policies. (o) Additional Covenants. The Servicer shall (i) promptly notify the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Custodian (if other than DFC) of the occurrence of any event which would require that the Borrower make or cause to be made any filings, reports, notices or applications or seek any consents or authorizations from any and all Governmental Authorities in accordance with the relevant UCC and any State vehicle license or registration authority as may be necessary or advisable to create, maintain and protect a first priority security interest of the Administrative Agent in, to and on the Financed Vehicles and a first priority security interest of the Administrative Agent in, to and on the Collateral, and (ii) take all reasonable action necessary to maximize the returns pursuant to the Insurance Policies. (p) Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. The initial Servicer will remain subject to and enforce Lithia's policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by Lithia and its Subsidiaries and each of their respective Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions. Section 6.05. Negative Covenants of the Servicer. From the date hereof until the Facility Termination Date: 103
(a) Lockboxes; Lockbox Account; Collection Account. The Servicer shall not create or participate in the creation of, or solely in the case of the initial Servicer, permit to exist, any Liens (other than Permitted Liens) with respect to the Lockboxes, the Lockbox Account or the Collection Account. The Servicer shall not enter into any "control agreement" (as defined in the relevant UCC) with respect to the Lockboxes, the Lockbox Account or the Collection Account (other than the Control Agreement). Without the prior written Consent of the Administrative Agent, the Servicer shall not move the Lockboxes, the Lockbox Account or the Collection Account to an institution other than the one at which it is held as of the Closing Date. (b) Change of Name or Location of Receivable Files. The initial Servicer shall not change its name or its state of organization, move the location of its principal place of business and chief executive office, and the offices where it keeps records concerning the Receivables (including the Receivable Files) from the location referred to in Section 13.02, unless the initial Servicer has given at least 30 days' prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and has taken all actions required under the UCC of each relevant jurisdiction in order to continue the first priority perfected security interest of the Administrative Agent, as agent for the Secured Parties, in the Collateral. (c) Credit and Collection Policy. The Servicer will not amend, modify, restate or replace, in whole or in part, in any material respect, the Credit and Collection Policy, without the prior written Consent of the Administrative Agent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. If the Administrative Agent does not provide its written consent to, or rejection of, a proposed material amendment, modification, restatement or replacement of the Credit and Collection Policy within 10 Business Days of its receipt of notice thereof from the Servicer, then the Administrative Agent will be deemed to have consented to such amendment, modification, restatement or replacement. (d) Change in Payment Instructions to Obligors. The initial Servicer will not make any change in its instructions to the Obligors regarding payments to be made to the Borrower or the Servicer, except as otherwise permitted by the Credit and Collection Policy, or payments to be made to the Lockboxes or the Lockbox Account, unless the Administrative Agent has Consented to such change and has received duly executed documentation related thereto. (e) Extension or Amendment of Contracts. The Servicer will not, except as otherwise permitted in Section 7.03(c)(i), extend, amend or otherwise modify the terms of any Contract. (f) [Reserved]. (g) No Liens. Other than as permitted by this Agreement, the Servicer shall not sell, pledge, assign or transfer to any other Person, or grant, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (other than the Lien created by this Agreement) on all or any portion of the Collateral or any interest therein; and the Servicer shall defend the right, title and interest of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties in, to and 104
under the Collateral against all claims of third parties claiming through or under the Servicer. (h) Release; Additional Covenants. The Servicer shall not (i) release any Financed Vehicle securing any Receivable from the security interest granted therein by such Receivable in whole or in part except (A) in the event of payment in full by the Obligor thereunder or upon transfer of such Financed Vehicle to a purchaser following repossession by the Servicer or (B) to an insurer in exchange for Insurance Proceeds paid by such insurer resulting from a claim for the total insured value of a Financed Vehicle, or (ii) take any action that would reasonably be expected to impair the rights of the Borrower, the Secured Parties or the Collateral Custodian in the Collateral. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Servicer may release any Financed Vehicle from the security interest created by the related Receivable when the Servicer deposits into the Collection Account an amount equal to the related Release Price or the entire amount of Insurance Proceeds, Recoveries and other Collections it has received or expects to receive with respect to such Receivable and such Financed Vehicle. (i) ERISA. The Servicer will not (A) engage or permit any ERISA Affiliate to engage in any prohibited transaction for which an exemption is not available or has not previously been obtained from the United States Department of Labor and which would result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (B) to the extent it would result in a Material Adverse Effect (i) permit to exist any accumulated funding deficiency, as defined in Section 302(a) of ERISA and Section 412(a) of the Code, or funding deficiency with respect to any Benefit Plan other than a Multiemployer Plan, (ii) fail to make any payments to a Multiemployer Plan that the Servicer or any such ERISA Affiliate may be required to make under the agreement relating to such Multiemployer Plan or any law pertaining thereto, (iii) terminate any Pension Plan so as to result in any liability or (iv) permit to exist any occurrence of any Reportable Event. (j) Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. The initial Servicer will not request any Loan, and none of the initial Servicer, any Subsidiary or Affiliate or the Servicer shall use, and shall procure that its Subsidiaries and its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the proceeds of any Loan (A) 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, (B) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, or (C) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto. ARTICLE SEVEN ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICING OF RECEIVABLES Section 7.01. Designation of Servicing. The Administrative Agent and the Borrower, at the direction of and on behalf of the Administrative Agent, hereby appoint DFC, as Servicer to manage, collect and administer each of the Receivables and the other Collateral, and to enforce 105
its respective rights and interests in and under the Collateral and DFC hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the duties and responsibilities of the Servicer pursuant to the terms hereof. Section 7.02. Servicing Compensation. As compensation for its servicing activities hereunder and reimbursement for its expenses, the Servicer shall be entitled to receive the Servicing Fee to the extent of funds available therefor pursuant to Section 2.06(ii). The Servicer shall further be entitled to retain as additional servicing compensation any and all Ancillary Fees from Obligors. Section 7.03. Duties of the Servicer. (a) Standard of Care. The Servicer agrees that its servicing and collection of the Receivables shall be carried out in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy and Applicable Law and, to the extent more exacting, the degree of skill and attention that the Servicer exercises with respect to all comparable motor vehicle receivables that it services for itself or others. (b) Records Held in Trust. The Servicer shall hold in trust for the Secured Parties all records which evidence or relate to all or any part of the Collateral. The outgoing Servicer shall promptly deliver to any Successor Servicer, and the Successor Servicer shall hold in trust for the Borrower and the Secured Parties ,all records which evidence or relate to all or any part of the Collateral. (c) Collection Practices. (i) The Servicer shall be responsible for collection of payments called for under the terms and provisions of the Contracts related to the Receivables, as and when the same shall become due. The Servicer, in making collection of Receivable payments pursuant to this Agreement, shall be acting as agent for the Borrower, and shall be deemed to be holding such funds in trust on behalf of and as agent for the Borrower. The Servicer, consistent with the Credit and Collection Policy in effect at the time of acting, shall service, manage, administer and make collections on the Receivables on behalf of the Borrower and shall have full power and authority to do any and all things which it may deem necessary or desirable in connection therewith which are consistent with this Agreement. The Servicer may in its discretion grant extensions, rebates or adjustments on a Contract or amend or modify any Contract (including modifying the APR or the amount of the Scheduled Payments) as permitted by the Credit and Collection Policy then in effect. If any such modification occurs after the Termination Date, such Receivable must be repurchased by the initial Servicer pursuant to Section 5.04(b). The Servicer may in its discretion waive any late payment charge or any other fees, not including interest on the Principal Balance, that may be collected in the ordinary course of servicing a Receivable. The Servicer shall also enforce all rights of the Borrower under the Purchase Agreement (including each Purchase Agreement Supplement) including the right to require DFC 106
to repurchase Receivables for breaches of representations and warranties made by DFC. (ii) Consistent with the Credit and Collection Policy, if any Receivable is past due or delinquent, in whole or in part, the Servicer will make reasonable and customary efforts to contact the Obligor. The Servicer shall continue its efforts to obtain payment from an Obligor who is past due or delinquent on a Receivable until the related Financed Vehicle has been repossessed and sold or the Servicer has determined that all amounts collectable on the Receivable have been collected. The Servicer shall use commercially reasonable efforts, consistent with the Credit and Collection Policy and the standard of care set forth in Section 7.03(a), to collect funds on a Defaulted Receivable and by the close of business on the second Business Day following receipt of such Collections to cause such Collections to be deposited into the Collection Account. (iii) In the event a Receivable becomes a Defaulted Receivable, the Servicer, itself or through the use of independent contractors or agents shall, consistent with the Credit and Collection Policy, repossess or otherwise convert the ownership of the Financed Vehicle securing any such Receivable. All costs and expenses incurred by the Servicer in connection with the repossession of the Financed Vehicles securing such Receivables shall be reimbursed to the Servicer (other than overhead), to the extent not previously recouped by the Servicer from Recoveries on the Payment Date immediately succeeding the Collection Period in which the Servicer delivered to the Administrative Agent an itemized statement of such costs and expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing and consistent with the terms of this Agreement, the Servicer shall not be obligated to repossess or take any action with respect to a Defaulted Receivable if, in its reasonable judgment consistent with the Credit and Collection Policy, the Recoveries would not be increased. (iv) The Servicer shall deposit or cause to be deposited by electronic funds transfer all Collections to the Collection Account no later than two Business Days after the earlier of the deposit of such amounts into the Lockbox Account or the receipt of such amounts by or on behalf of the Servicer or the Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall any Successor Servicer be obligated to transfer funds in excess of the available funds in the Lockbox Account. (v) Notwithstanding the provisions of subclause (iv), at any time that (A) DFC is the Servicer, (B) Lithia has long-term unsecured debt ratings of not less than "A" by Standard & Poor's and not less than "A2" by Moody's, and (C) no Early Amortization Event, Termination Event, or Servicer Termination Event has occurred and is continuing, the Servicer may make a single monthly deposit of Collections to the Collection Account in immediately available funds, provided that such deposit is made not later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day preceding the Payment Date following the Collection Period with respect to which such Collections relate. 107
(d) Collection; Recourse; Sales of Financed Vehicles. The Servicer, itself or through the use of independent contractors or agents, is authorized to follow practices consistent with the Credit and Collection Policy in its servicing of automotive receivables, which may include reasonable efforts to realize rights of recourse against any Dealer and selling a Financed Vehicle at public or private sale; provided, that the Servicer, itself or through the use of independent contractor or agents shall, in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy, attempt to maximize the sales proceeds for each repossessed Financed Vehicle. The foregoing shall be subject to the provision that, in any case in which a Financed Vehicle shall have suffered damage, the Servicer shall not expend funds for the repair or the repossession of such Financed Vehicle unless the Servicer shall determine in its discretion that such repair or repossession would increase the Recoveries in an amount greater than the cost of repairs. Notwithstanding the foregoing and consistent with the terms of this Agreement, the Servicer shall not be obligated to repossess or take any action with respect to a repossessed Financed Vehicle if, in its reasonable judgment and consistent with the Credit and Collection Policy, the Recoveries would not be increased. (e) Insurance. The Servicer shall: (i) on behalf of the Borrower, administer and enforce all rights and responsibilities of the Borrower, as owner of the Receivables, provided for in the Insurance Policies relating to the Receivables; (ii) administer the filings of claims under the Insurance Policies by filing the appropriate notices related to claims, including initial notices of loss, as well as claims with the respective carriers or their authorized agents all in accordance with the terms of the Insurance Policies; and use reasonable efforts to file such claims on a timely basis after obtaining knowledge of the events giving rise to such claims. (iii) utilize such notices, claim forms and claim procedures as are required by the respective insurance carriers; (iv) upon receipt of notice that an Obligor's physical damage insurance covering a Financed Vehicle related to a Receivable has lapsed or is otherwise not in force, notify such Obligor that each Obligor is required to maintain physical damage insurance covering a Financed Vehicle throughout the term of the related Receivable; (v) not be required to pay any premiums or, other than administering the filing of claims and performing reporting requirements specified in the Insurance Policies in connection with filing such claims, perform any obligations of the named insured under such Insurance Policies; and (vi) not be responsible to the Borrower, the Secured Parties or the Collateral Custodian for any (A) act or omission to act done in order to comply with the requirements or satisfy any provisions of the Insurance Policies or (B) act, 108
absent willful misconduct or negligence, or omission to act done in compliance with this Agreement. In the case of any inconsistency between this Agreement and the terms of any Insurance Policy, the Servicer shall comply with the latter. (f) Obligation to Restore. In the event of any physical loss or damage to a Financed Vehicle related to a Receivable from any cause, whether through accidental means or otherwise, the Servicer shall have no obligation to cause the affected Financed Vehicle to be restored or repaired. However, the Servicer shall comply with the provisions of any insurance policy or policies directly or indirectly related to any physical loss or damage to a Financed Vehicle. (g) Security Interests. The Borrower hereby directs the Servicer to take or cause to be taken such steps as are necessary, to maintain perfection of the security interest created by each such Receivable in the related Financed Vehicle. The Servicer shall, at the direction of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Custodian (if other than DFC), take any action necessary to preserve and protect the security interests of the Borrower, the Secured Parties and the Collateral Custodian in the Receivables, including any action specified in any Opinion of Counsel delivered to the Servicer. For the avoidance of doubt, any action taken by the Successor Servicer pursuant to this clause shall be a reimbursable expense paid in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.06. (h) Realization on Financed Vehicles. The Servicer represents, warrants and covenants that in the event that the Servicer realizes upon any Financed Vehicle, the methods utilized by the Servicer to realize upon such Receivable or otherwise enforce any provisions of such Receivable, will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the Credit and Collection Policy and Applicable Law. (i) Recordkeeping. The Servicer shall: (i) maintain legible copies (in electronic or hard-copy form, in the discretion of the Servicer) or originals of all documents in its Receivable File with respect to each Receivable and the Financed Vehicle related thereto; and (ii) keep books and records, reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, pertaining to each Receivable and shall make periodic reports in accordance with this Agreement; such records may not be destroyed or otherwise disposed of except as provided herein and as allowed by Applicable Law, all documents, whether developed or originated by the Servicer or not, reasonably required to document or to properly administer any Receivable shall remain at all times the property of the Borrower and shall be held in trust by the Servicer; the Servicer shall not acquire any property rights with respect to such records, and shall not have the right to possession of them except as subject to the conditions stated in this Agreement; and the Servicer shall bear the entire cost of restoration in the event any Receivable File shall become damaged, lost or destroyed while in the Servicer's possession or control 109
(j) Control of Electronic Contracts. The Servicer, in its capacity as Collateral Custodian, shall at all times maintain 'control' (within the meaning of the UCC as then in effect in the relevant State) of the Electronic Contracts. Neither the Collateral Custodian nor the Borrower will communicate, or permit any custodian or vaulting agent thereof to communicate, an authoritative copy of any Electronic Contract to any Person other than the Electronic Vault Provider, the Servicer, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent. Section 7.04. Collection of Payments. (a) Payments to the Lockboxes or the Lockbox Account. On or before the relevant Funding Date, the initial Servicer shall have instructed all related Obligors to make all payments in respect of the related Receivables directly to the Lockboxes or the Lockbox Account. (b) Establishment of the Collection Account. On or before the Closing Date, the Servicer shall cause the Collection Account to be established with the Account Bank in the name of the Borrower. The Collection Account shall at all times be subject to the Control Agreement. (c) Adjustments. If the Servicer (i) makes a deposit into the Collection Account in respect of a collection of a Receivable and such collection was received by the Servicer in the form of a check that is not honored for any reason, (ii) makes a mistake with respect to the amount of any collection and deposits an amount that is less than or more than the actual amount of such collection or (iii) is entitled to reimbursement of any Ancillary Fees in accordance with Section 7.02, the Servicer shall appropriately adjust the amount subsequently deposited into the Collection Account to reflect such dishonored check, mistake or reimbursement (as applicable). Any Scheduled Payment in respect of which a dishonored check is received shall be deemed not to have been paid. Section 7.05. Servicer Advances. For each Collection Period, if the Servicer determines that any Scheduled Payment (or portion thereof) that was due and payable pursuant to a Receivable during such Collection Period was not received prior to the last day of such Collection Period, the Servicer may, but is not obligated to, make an advance in an amount up to the amount of such delinquent Scheduled Payment (or portion thereof); in addition, if on any day there are not sufficient funds on deposit in the Collection Account to pay accrued Interest, the Servicer may, but is not obligated to, make an advance in the amount necessary to pay such Interest (each, a "Servicer Advance"), in each case if the Servicer reasonably believes that the Servicer Advance will be recovered from subsequent payments with respect to such Receivable. The Servicer will deposit any Servicer Advances into the Collection Account on or prior to 2:00 p.m., New York City time, on the related Payment Date, in immediately available funds. The Servicer shall be entitled to reimbursement of Servicer Advances from subsequent payments on or in respect of the Receivable with respect to which a Servicer Advance was made, including collections of any prepayments, amounts deposited in the Collection Account for the repurchase of the Receivable for a breach of a representation or warranty and, if the Servicer determines that a Servicer Advance will not be recovered from the Receivable to which it relates, from collections related to other Receivables. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, no Successor Servicer will be required to make any Servicer Advance. 110
Section 7.06. Payment of Certain Expenses by Servicer. Except for such amounts and expenses for which the Servicer is entitled to reimbursement as provided herein, the Servicer will be required to pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under this Agreement, including the fees and disbursements of independent certified public accountants, Taxes imposed on the Servicer, expenses incurred in connection with payments and reports pursuant to this Agreement, fees and expenses of subservicers and agents of the Servicer, and all other fees and expenses not expressly stated under this Agreement for the account of the Borrower. The initial Servicer will be required to pay all reasonable fees and expenses owing to any bank or trust company in connection with the maintenance of the Collection Account. The initial Servicer shall be required to pay such expenses for its own account and shall not be entitled to any payment therefor other than the Servicing Fee. Section 7.07. Reports and Audit. (a) Monthly Reports. On each Reporting Date, the Servicer will provide to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent (for further delivery to each Agent), the Backup Servicer and, to the extent requested or required by a Hedge Counterparty, such Hedge Counterparty, a Monthly Report. No such Monthly Report is required to have been executed by a Responsible Officer unless such Monthly Report is delivered on a Funding Date. (b) Quarterly Report. By the 15th of each February, May, August and November, commencing in August 2020, the Servicer will provide a Quarterly Report to the Administrative Agent (for further delivery to each Agent) and, to the extent requested or required by a Hedge Counterparty, such Hedge Counterparty. The Administrative Agent or a Hedge Counterparty may request such report more frequently if required by regulators or to comply with Applicable Law (including Basel II and Basel III). (c) Serviced Portfolio Information. Upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, the initial Servicer shall provide, at its own expense, the Administrative Agent with information on the Serviced Portfolio regarding delinquencies, loss-to-liquidations, annualized losses and such other information as the Administrative Agent may request, but solely to the extent that such data is available to the Servicer without undue administrative burden or cost. (d) Audit. Once during each calendar year (commencing in 2020), at such times during normal business hours as are reasonably convenient to the Borrower or the Servicer, as the case may be, at the sole cost and expense of the Servicer (provided, that such costs and expenses are reasonable and customary for similar types of inspections in the industry and do not exceed $75,000 per annum) and upon reasonable request of the Administrative Agent and prior written notice to the Borrower or the Servicer, as the case may be, the Borrower or the Servicer, as the case may be, shall permit such Person or Persons as the Administrative Agent may designate (including the Backup Servicer or an independent accounting firm), with the approval of the Required Lenders, to conduct, on behalf of all of them, audits or to visit and inspect any of the properties of the Borrower or the Servicer where the Receivable Files are located, as the case may be, to examine the Receivable Files, internal controls and procedures maintained by the Borrower or Servicer, as the case may be, and take copies and extracts therefrom, and to discuss the affairs of the Borrower and the Servicer with their respective officers and employees (which employees, except after the occurrence and during the continuation of a Termination Event or 111
Servicer Termination Event, shall be designated by the Borrower or the Servicer, as the case may be) and, upon written notice to the Borrower or the Servicer, as the case may be, independent accountants. The scope of any audit or inspection will be a scope agreed upon between the Servicer and the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may request to take the foregoing actions more than once per calendar year if it has a commercially reasonable basis for requesting such actions, but any additional inspections and audits shall be at the expense of the Administrative Agent. After the occurrence and during the continuation of a Termination Event, Unmatured Termination Event, Unmatured Servicer Termination Event or Servicer Termination Event, the Administrative Agent, the Backup Servicer and their respective representatives shall be permitted to take the foregoing actions without being subject to any limitation on the number of audits, visits or inspections that may be conducted during a calendar year and such audits, visits or inspections shall be at the sole cost and expense of the Servicer and such costs and expenses shall not be subject to a cap; provided, that the Administrative Agent and its representatives shall make reasonable efforts to coordinate, and provide a prior written notice of, such audits, visits and inspections. The Borrower or the Servicer, as the case may be, hereby authorizes such officers, employees and independent accountants to discuss with the Administrative Agent and its representatives, the affairs of the Borrower or the Servicer, as the case may be. The Servicer shall reimburse the Administrative Agent for all reasonable fees, costs and expenses incurred by or on behalf of the Secured Parties in connection with the foregoing actions promptly upon receipt of a written invoice therefor. Nothing in this subsection shall affect the obligation of the Servicer to observe any Applicable Law prohibiting the disclosure of information regarding the Obligors, and the failure of the Servicer to provide access to information as a result of such obligation shall not constitute a breach of this subsection. In the case of any Successor Servicer, any fees or expenses of the Servicer referenced in this Section shall be reimbursable in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.06. Section 7.08. Quarterly Statement as to Compliance. The initial Servicer shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, (a) within 45 days after the end of the calendar quarter ending on September 30, 2020 and (b) within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter thereafter, an Officer's Certificate, stating that (i) a review of the activities of the Servicer during the preceding quarterly period (or since the Closing Date in the case of the first such Officer's Certificate) and of its performance under this Agreement has been made under such officer's supervision and (ii) to the best of such officer's knowledge, based on such review, the Servicer has fulfilled all its obligations under this Agreement throughout such quarter (or such shorter period in the case of the first such Officer's Certificate), or, if there has been a default in the fulfillment of any such obligation, specifying each such default known to such officer and the nature and status thereof. Section 7.09. Backup Servicer; Entry into Backup Servicing Agreement. (a) The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that, as of the date of this Agreement, (i) Vervent Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the "Backup Servicer" and (ii) the Backup Servicing Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2020, by and among the Borrower, the Servicer, and Vervent Inc. is the "Backup Servicing Agreement." (b) At all times that a Backup Servicing Agreement is in effect, (i) the Servicer shall perform all of its duties thereunder and (ii) the Borrower shall both perform all of its duties thereunder and shall cause the Servicer to consult with the Backup Servicer as may be necessary 112
from time to time to perform or carry out the Backup Servicer's obligations thereunder, including the obligation, if requested in writing by the Administrative Agent, to succeed to the duties and obligations of the Servicer pursuant hereto. (c) The Backup Servicer shall be entitled to recover its fees and reimbursable costs as set forth in the Backup Servicing Agreement in accordance with Section 2.06 (but only to the extent that the same have not been paid by the Servicer). Section 7.10. Rights After Assumption of Duties by Backup Servicer or Designation of Successor Servicer; Liability. At any time following the assumption of the duties of the Servicer by the Backup Servicer, in its capacity as Successor Servicer, or the designation of a Successor Servicer (other than the Backup Servicer) pursuant to Section 7.14 as a result of the occurrence of a Servicer Termination Event: (a) The Servicer, on behalf of the Borrower, shall, at the Administrative Agent's request, (i) assemble all of the records relating to the Collateral, including all Receivable Files, and shall make the same available to the Administrative Agent, the Backup Servicer or any Successor Servicer at a place selected by the Administrative Agent, and (ii) segregate all cash, checks and other instruments received by it from time to time constituting Collections of Collateral in a manner acceptable to the Administrative Agent, the Backup Servicer or such other Successor Servicer and shall, no later than two Business Days after receipt, remit all such cash, checks and instruments, duly endorsed or with duly executed instruments of transfer, to, or at the direction of, the Administrative Agent. (b) The Borrower hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to take or cause to be taken any and all steps in the Borrower's name and on behalf of the Borrower necessary or desirable, in the determination of the Administrative Agent, to collect all amounts due under the Collateral, including endorsing the Borrower's name on checks and other instruments representing Collections and enforcing the Receivables. (c) The Successor Servicer shall be liable in accordance herewith only to the extent of the obligations specifically undertaken by the Successor Servicer in such capacity herein. Such liability is limited to only those actions taken or omitted to be taken by the Successor Servicer and caused through its gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. No implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Successor Servicer and, in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Successor Servicer may conclusively rely on the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed in any certificates or opinions furnished to the Successor Servicer and conforming to the requirements of this Agreement. (d) The Successor Servicer shall not be charged with actual or constructive knowledge of any Termination Event or Unmatured Termination Event unless a Responsible Officer of the Successor Servicer obtains actual knowledge of such event or the Successor Servicer receives written notice of such event from the Borrower, the Servicer or the Administrative Agent. 113
(e) The Successor Servicer shall not be required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risks or liability is not reasonably assured to it in writing prior to the expenditure of such funds or the incurrence of financial liability. Section 7.11. Limitation on Liability of the Servicer and Others. Except as expressly provided herein, neither the Servicer nor any of its directors or officers or employees or agents shall be under any liability to the Secured Parties or any other Person for any action taken or for refraining from the taking of any action pursuant to this Agreement; provided, that this provision shall not protect the Servicer or any such Person against any liability that would otherwise be imposed by reason of its willful misconduct, bad faith or negligence in the performance of duties or by reason of its willful misconduct hereunder. Section 7.12. The Servicer Not to Resign. The Servicer shall resign only with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) or if the Servicer provides an Opinion of Counsel to the Administrative Agent to the effect that such Servicer is no longer permitted by law to act as Servicer hereunder. No termination or resignation of the Servicer hereunder shall be effective until a Successor Servicer, acceptable to the Administrative Agent has accepted its appointment as Successor Servicer hereunder and has agreed to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. Section 7.13. Servicer Termination Events. The occurrence and continuance of any of the following events shall constitute a "Servicer Termination Event" hereunder: (a) any failure by the Servicer to make any payment, transfer or deposit as required by it as required by any Basic Document, to which it is a party, which failure is not remedied within one Business Day; (b) any failure by the Servicer to deliver the Monthly Report by the Reporting Date, which failure is not remedied within one Business Day; (c) an Insolvency Event shall occur with respect to the Servicer; (d) any failure by the Servicer duly to observe or perform in any other covenant or agreement of the Servicer set forth in this Agreement or the other Basic Documents to which the Servicer is a party, which such failure materially and adversely affects the rights or interests of the Secured Parties and remains unremedied for 30 days after the earlier of knowledge thereof by the Servicer or after the date on which written notice of such failure shall have been given to the Servicer; (e) any representation, warranty or certification made by the Servicer in any Basic Document to which it is a party or in any certificate delivered pursuant to any Basic Document to which it is a party shall prove to have been false or otherwise incorrect in any respect when made, deemed made, or delivered, which such incorrect representation, warranty or certification materially and adversely affects the rights or interests of the Secured Parties and, if able to be cured, shall not have been cured for 30 days after the 114
earlier of the date on which the Servicer first has knowledge thereof or the date on which written notice of such failure shall have been given to the Servicer; (f) DFC shall fail to pay any principal of or premium or interest on any Indebtedness having a principal amount of $5,000,000 or greater, when the same becomes due and payable (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise) and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such Indebtedness; or any other default under any agreement or instrument relating to any such Indebtedness of DFC, or any other event, shall occur and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument if the effect of such default or event is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Indebtedness; or any such Indebtedness shall be declared to be due and payable or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment), redeemed, purchased or defeased, or an offer to prepay, redeem, purchase or defease such Indebtedness shall be required to be made, in each case, prior to the stated maturity thereof; (g) any material provision of any Basic Document to which the Servicer is a party shall in whole or in part, cease to be in full force and effect or cease to be the legally valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Servicer; (h) (i) one or more final nonappealable judgments shall be entered against the Servicer by one or more courts of competent jurisdiction assessing monetary damages, individually or in the aggregate over any calendar year, in excess of $1,000,000; (ii) one or more monetary settlements shall be entered into by the Servicer with any Person, individually or in the aggregate over any calendar year, in excess of $1,000,000; (iii) the IRS shall file notice of a Lien pursuant to Section 6323 of the Code with regard to any assets of the Servicer and such Lien shall not have been released within 30 days; or (iv) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation shall file notice of a Lien pursuant to Section 4068 of ERISA with regard to any of the assets of the Servicer and such Lien shall not have been released within 30 days; (i) any Change in Control shall occur with respect to DFC; (j) a Termination Event shall have occurred and is continuing and shall not have been waived; (k) the Performance Guaranty shall cease to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with its terms) or the Performance Guarantor shall assert that it is not bound by, or otherwise seek to terminate or disaffirm its obligations under, the Performance Guaranty, or shall otherwise claim that the Performance Guaranty is in any way invalid or unenforceable; (l) as of any Reporting Date, the arithmetic mean of the Serviced Portfolio Delinquency Ratio for the three previous Collection Periods is greater than 6.00%; 115
(m) as of any Reporting Date, the arithmetic mean of the Serviced Portfolio Net Loss Ratio for the three previous Collection Periods is greater than 7.25%; (n) [Reserved]; (o) as of any Reporting Date, the arithmetic mean of the Serviced Portfolio Deferral Ratio for the three previous Collection Periods is greater than 2.00%; or (p) the audit described in Section 7.07(d) for calendar year 2021 is not completed to the reasonable satisfaction of the Administrative Agent by November 5, 2021. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any delay or failure of performance referred to above shall have been caused by a Force Majeure Event, the applicable grace period referred to above shall be extended for 10 Business Days (and if no grace period is stated above, the applicable grace period shall be 10 Business Days). Upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Termination Date shall occur and, so long as any such Servicer Termination Event shall not have been remedied within any applicable cure period or waived in writing by the Required Lenders, the following shall immediately occur without further action: (i) the Revolving Period shall terminate and no further Loans will be made; (ii) the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of or with the consent of the Required Lenders) by written notice to the Servicer (with a copy to each Agent, Lender, Hedge Counterparty, the Backup Servicer and Collateral Custodian) (each, a "Servicer Termination Notice"), may terminate all of the rights and obligations of the Servicer as Servicer under this Agreement; (iii) the Administrative Agent may direct the Servicer to direct Collections to an account other than the Lockbox Account or the Collection Account; and (iv) the Administrative Agent may cause the Collateral Custodian to deliver, or cause to be delivered, the Receivable Files and the related accounts and records maintained by the Collateral Custodian to the Administrative Agent, or its agent or designee, at such place as the Administrative Agent may reasonably designate. Section 7.14. Appointment of Successor Servicer. (a) On and after the receipt by the Servicer of a Servicer Termination Notice, the Servicer shall continue to perform all servicing functions under this Agreement until the date specified in the Servicer Termination Notice or otherwise specified by the Administrative Agent in writing or, if no such date is specified in such Servicer Termination Notice or otherwise specified by the Administrative Agent, until a date mutually agreed upon by the Servicer, the Administrative Agent and the Backup Servicer. The Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, at the time described in the immediately preceding sentence, appoint the Backup Servicer as the Successor Servicer hereunder in accordance with this Agreement and the Backup Servicing Agreement., in which case the Backup Servicer shall assume all obligations of the Servicer hereunder, and all authority and power of the Servicer under this Agreement shall pass to and be vested in the Backup Servicer as Successor Servicer. All actions taken by the Administrative 116
Agent pursuant to this Section shall be taken upon the request or approval of the Required Lenders. (b) In the event that there is no Backup Servicer at the time that the Servicer is terminated hereunder, or the Administrative Agent does not so appoint the Backup Servicer to succeed the Servicer as Successor Servicer hereunder, or the Backup Servicer is unable to assume such obligations on such date, the Administrative Agent shall as promptly as possible appoint a successor servicer (each such party so appointed or, as applicable, the Backup Servicer as successor to the Servicer, collectively, the "Successor Servicer"), and such Successor Servicer shall accept its appointment by a written assumption in a form acceptable to the Administrative Agent. (c) Upon the termination and removal of the Servicer, the predecessor Servicer shall cooperate with the Successor Servicer in effecting the termination of the rights and responsibilities of the predecessor Servicer under this Agreement, including the transfer to the Successor Servicer for administration by it of all cash amounts that shall at the time be held by the predecessor Servicer for deposit, or shall thereafter be received, with respect to a Receivable, and the related accounts and records maintained by the Servicer. In the case that the Successor Servicer shall not agree to perform any duties or obligations of the Servicer hereunder, such duties or obligations may be performed or delegated by the Administrative Agent. (d) The Administrative Agent shall have the same rights of removal and termination for cause with respect to the Successor Servicer as with respect to DFC as the Servicer. (e) The Successor Servicer shall act as Servicer hereunder and shall, subject to the availability of sufficient funds in the Collection Account pursuant to Section 2.06 (up to the Servicing Fee), receive as compensation therefor the Servicing Fee pursuant to Section 2.06. (f) All reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees and disbursements) incurred in connection with the transferring of Receivables to the Successor Servicer, converting the Servicer's data to the computer system of the Successor Servicer, and amending this Agreement to reflect such succession as Servicer pursuant to this Section shall be paid by the predecessor Servicer upon presentation of reasonable transition expenses (the "Transition Expenses"). In no event shall the Successor Servicer be responsible for any Transition Expenses. If the predecessor Servicer fails to pay the Transition Expenses, the Transition Expenses shall be payable pursuant to Section 2.06. (g) Upon its appointment, the Successor Servicer shall be the successor in all respects to the Servicer with respect to servicing functions under this Agreement and shall be subject to all the responsibilities, duties and liabilities relating thereto placed on the Servicer by the terms and provisions hereof, and all references in this Agreement to the Servicer shall be deemed to refer to the Successor Servicer; provided, that any Successor Servicer shall have (i) no liability with respect to any obligation which was required to be performed by the predecessor Servicer prior to the date that the successor becomes the Successor Servicer or any claim of a third party based on any alleged action or inaction of the predecessor Servicer; (ii) no obligation to perform any repurchase or advancing obligations, if any, of the Servicer; (iii) no obligation to pay any Taxes required to be paid by the Servicer; (iv) no obligation to pay any of the fees and expenses 117
of any other party to this Agreement; (v) no liability or obligation with respect to any Servicer indemnification obligations of any prior Servicer, including DFC; and (vi) no obligation to service the Receivables in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy, but shall use its customary credit and collection policies for similar assets or those policies to be agreed to with the Administrative Agent. The indemnification obligations of the Successor Servicer are expressly limited to those instances of gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of the Successor Servicer. Furthermore, to the extent that the Backup Servicing Agreement provides that any representations, warranties, covenants, or other agreements made hereunder by the Servicer, or obligations undertaken hereunder by the Servicer, shall not be made or performed, or shall be made or performed in an alternative manner, by the Backup Servicer in the event that the Backup Servicer becomes the Successor Servicer hereunder, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Agents, the Collateral Custodian and the Lenders agree that the representations, warranties, covenants, other agreement and other obligations of the Servicer hereunder shall not be applicable with respect to, or shall be modified with respect to, the Backup Servicer in its capacity as Successor Servicer and in the manner set forth in the Backup Servicing Agreement. (h) All authority and power granted to the Servicer under this Agreement shall automatically cease and terminate upon termination of this Agreement and shall pass to and be vested in the Borrower and the Borrower is hereby authorized and empowered to execute and deliver, on behalf of the Servicer, as attorney-in-fact or otherwise, all documents and other instruments, and to do and accomplish all other acts or things necessary or appropriate to effect the purposes of such transfer of servicing rights. The Servicer agrees to cooperate with the Borrower in effecting the termination of the responsibilities and rights of the Servicer to conduct servicing of the Receivables. Section 7.15. Merger or Consolidation, Assumption of Obligations or Resignation of the Servicer. Any Person (a) into which the Servicer may be merged or consolidated, (b) which may result from any merger or consolidation to which the Servicer may be a party, (c) which may succeed to the properties and assets of the Servicer substantially as a whole or (d) which may succeed to the duties and obligations of the Servicer under this Agreement following the resignation of the Servicer, which Person executes an agreement of assumption acceptable to the Administrative Agent to perform every obligation of the Servicer hereunder, shall, with the prior written Consent of the Administrative Agent (which Consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), be the successor to the Servicer under this Agreement without further act on the part of any of the parties to this Agreement; provided, that: (i) prior written notice of such consolidation, merger, succession or resignation shall be delivered by the Servicer to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Custodian (if other than DFC); (ii) immediately after giving effect to such consolidation, merger, succession or resignation, no Servicer Termination Event and no Unmatured Servicer Termination Event shall have occurred and is continuing; (iii) no Termination Event or Unmatured Termination Event would occur as result of such consolidation, merger, succession or resignation; 118
(iv) the Servicer shall have delivered to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, and the Collateral Custodian (if other than DFC) an Officer's Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, succession or resignation and such agreement of assumption comply with this Section and that all conditions precedent provided for in this Agreement and the other Basic Documents to which it is a party relating to such transaction have been complied with and, in the case of the Opinion of Counsel, that such agreement of assumption is legal, valid and binding with respect to the Servicer and such other matters as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request; and (v) the Servicer shall have delivered to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, and the Collateral Custodian an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that either: (A) in the opinion of such counsel, all financing statements, continuation statements and amendments and notations on Certificates of Title thereto have been executed and filed that are necessary to preserve and protect the interest of the Borrower, the Secured Parties, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Custodian in the Receivables and reciting the details of such filings or (B) no such action shall be necessary to preserve and protect such interest. Section 7.16. Responsibilities of the Borrower. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower shall (i) perform, or cause the Servicer to perform, all of its obligations under the Receivables to the same extent as if a security interest in such Receivables had not been granted hereunder, and the exercise by the Administrative Agent of its rights hereunder shall not relieve the Borrower from such obligations and (ii) pay when due, from funds available to the Borrower under Section 2.06(xii), any Taxes, including any sales taxes payable in connection with the Receivables and their creation and satisfaction. No Secured Party shall have any obligation or liability with respect to any Receivable, nor shall any of them be obligated to perform any of the obligations of the Borrower thereunder. Section 7.17. Custody of Receivable Files. To assure uniform quality in servicing the Receivables and to reduce administrative costs, the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, hereby revocably appoints the Collateral Custodian as its agent, and the Collateral Custodian hereby accepts such appointment, to act as custodian, on behalf of the Secured Parties, of the Receivables and the Receivable Files. Section 7.18. Duties of Collateral Custodian. (a) Safekeeping. With respect to the documents constituting each Receivable File, the Collateral Custodian shall (i) act exclusively as the custodian for, and the agent and bailee (as such term is used in Section 9-313 of the UCC) of, the Secured Parties, (ii) hold all documents constituting such Receivable Files received by it for the exclusive use and benefit of the Secured Parties and (iii) make disposition thereof only in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or with written instructions furnished by the Administrative Agent. The Collateral Custodian shall maintain such accurate and complete accounts, records and computer systems pertaining to each Receivable File as shall enable the Servicer and the Borrower to comply with this Agreement. In performing its duties as custodian, the Collateral Custodian shall act with reasonable care, using that degree of skill and attention that it exercises with respect to the files of comparable motor 119
vehicle installment sale contracts and installment loans that the Collateral Custodian holds for itself or others. The Collateral Custodian shall maintain continuous custody of the Receivable Files and such other documents received by it in secure, fire resistant facilities. Each Receivable shall be identified on the books and records of the Collateral Custodian in a manner that (i) indicates that the Receivable is held by the Collateral Custodian on behalf of the Secured Parties, and (ii) is otherwise necessary, as reasonably determined by the Collateral Custodian to comply with the terms of this Agreement. The Collateral Custodian shall report to the Administrative Agent any failure on its part to hold the Receivable Files and to maintain its accounts, records and computer systems as herein provided and take appropriate action to remedy any such failure. Nothing herein shall be deemed to require an initial review or any periodic review of the Receivable Files by the Secured Parties, and none of the Secured Parties shall be liable or responsible for any action or failure to act by the Servicer in its capacity as custodian hereunder. (b) Maintenance of and Access to Records. The Collateral Custodian shall maintain each Receivable File at one of the locations specified in Schedule D or, if a material portion of the Receivables Files are to be held in any other location, the Collateral Custodian will provide 30 days' prior written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent, each Agent and each Lender. The Collateral Custodian may temporarily move individual Receivable Files or any portion thereof without notice as necessary to conduct collection and other servicing activities in accordance with its customary practices and procedures. The Collateral Custodian shall make available to the Secured Parties or their duly authorized representatives, attorneys or auditors a list of locations of the Receivable Files, the Receivable Files and the related accounts, records and computer systems maintained by the Servicer at such times during normal business hours as any Secured Party shall reasonably request. (c) Title to Receivables. The Receivable Files and the other documents delivered to the Collateral Custodian will be delivered from time to time to the Collateral Custodian for the sole purpose of holding for safekeeping. The Collateral Custodian shall not at any time have, or in any way attempt to assert, any interest in any Receivable held by it as custodian hereunder or in the related Receivable File, other than for collecting or enforcing such Receivable for the benefit of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties. (d) Instructions; Authority to Act. The Collateral Custodian shall be deemed to have received proper instructions with respect to the Receivable Files upon its receipt of written instructions signed by a Responsible Officer of the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders). (e) Indemnification by Collateral Custodian. The Collateral Custodian, in its capacity as custodian of the Receivable Files, shall indemnify and hold harmless the Secured Parties and each of their respective officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any and all loss, liability or expense that may be imposed on, incurred or asserted against the Secured Parties and each of their respective officers, directors, employees and agents as the result of any improper act or omission in any way relating to the maintenance and custody of the Receivable Files by the Collateral Custodian; provided, that the Collateral Custodian shall not be liable for 120
any portion of any such loss, liability or expense resulting from the willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence of any Secured Party. (f) Effective Period and Termination. The Collateral Custodian's appointment as custodian shall become effective as of the Closing Date and shall continue in full force and effect until terminated pursuant to this Section. If the initial Servicer is terminated following a Servicer Termination Event, the appointment of the Collateral Custodian as custodian hereunder may be terminated by the Administrative Agent. As soon as practicable after any such resignation or termination of such appointment, the Administrative Agent shall appoint a successor Collateral Custodian to be custodian of the Receivable Files and the accounts and records relating thereto and the Collateral Custodian shall, at its sole cost and expense, (i) deliver, or cause to be delivered, the Receivable Files and the related accounts and records maintained by the Collateral Custodian to such successor Collateral Custodian, or its agent or designee, as the case may be, at such place as such successor Collateral Custodian may reasonably designate and (ii) otherwise cooperate with the successor Collateral Custodian in affecting the termination of the rights and responsibilities of the predecessor Collateral Custodian under this Agreement. From and after the appointment of a successor Collateral Custodian, the predecessor Collateral Custodian shall continue to perform all custodial functions under this Agreement until the date specified by the Administrative Agent in writing or, if no such date is specified, until a date mutually agreed upon by the predecessor Collateral Custodian and the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, at the time described in immediately preceding sentence, appoint the Backup Servicer as the successor Collateral Custodian hereunder, and the Backup Servicer shall on such date assume all obligations of the Collateral Custodian hereunder, and all authority and power of the predecessor Collateral Custodian under this Agreement shall pass to and be vested in the Backup Servicer. The Administrative Agent shall have the same rights of removal and termination for cause with respect to the Backup Servicer or any other successor Collateral Custodian as with respect to DFC as the Collateral Custodian. (g) Inspection. The Collateral Custodian shall permit the Administrative Agent, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer and each Lender or their designee, upon reasonable prior notice and during the Servicer's regular business hours and at the reasonable expense of the Borrower, to periodically, at the discretion of the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders), the Servicer, the Backup Servicer and each Lender, conduct an audit of the Receivables and Receivable Files. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for so long as DFC is the Collateral Custodian, the right to conduct inspections of the Collateral Custodian shall be governed by the provisions of Section 7.07(d). (h) Delegation of Duties. (i) The Collateral Custodian may perform any of its duties through one or more custodial agents without the consent of any Person, except as set forth in clause (iii) below. No such delegation will relieve the Collateral Custodian of its responsibilities with respect to such duties and the Collateral Custodian will remain primarily responsible with respect to such duties, and the Collateral Custodian acknowledges that it remains primarily responsible for the safeguarding of all such Receivable Files and shall be liable for any acts or omissions of such custodial agents 121
while acting on its behalf. The Collateral Custodian will be responsible for the fees of any such custodial agents. (ii) (A) With respect to the Electronic Contracts, the Collateral Custodian has engaged or may engage one or more an Electronic Vault Providers to hold such Electronic Contracts and (B) with respect to Tangible Contracts, the Collateral Custodian has engaged each of Record Xpress of California and Iron Mountain Information Management, LLC to act as a custodial agent to hold such signed documentation and other contents of the related Receivable File on its behalf. (iii) Upon termination of, or resignation by, any custodial agent or the appointment of any new custodial agent, the Collateral Custodian shall provide written notice of such termination, resignation or appointment to the Administrative Agent. ARTICLE EIGHT TERMINATION EVENTS Section 8.01. Termination Events. (a) Each of the following events shall constitute a "Termination Event": (i) failure by the Borrower to (A) make any payment, transfer or deposit required by the terms of any Basic Document on the day such payment, transfer or deposit is required to be made (including any payment of Interest or Unused Commitment Fees on any Payment Date but excluding payments of any Loans Outstanding), or (B) deliver the Monthly Report on the Reporting Date, and in each case, such failure continues unremedied for two Business Days; (ii) failure of the Borrower to pay in full the Loans Outstanding by the Payment Date occurring in the 90th month following the expiration of the latest Commitment Termination Date or to pay any Monthly Principal Payment Amount when the same becomes due and payable pursuant to the terms of the Basic Documents and such failure continues unremedied for one Business Day; (iii) any failure by the Borrower, the Seller or the Performance Guarantor duly to observe or perform any other covenant or agreement of the Borrower, the Seller or the Performance Guarantor, respectively, set forth in this Agreement or the other Basic Documents to which the Borrower, the Seller or the Performance Guarantor, respectively, is a party , which failure materially and adversely affects the rights or interests of the Secured Parties and such failure remains unremedied for 30 days after the earlier of knowledge thereof by the Borrower, the Seller or the Performance Guarantor, as applicable, or after the date on which written notice of such failure shall have been given by the other parties or by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower, the Seller or the Performance Guarantor, as applicable; 122
(iv) any representation or warranty made by the Borrower, the Seller or the Performance Guarantor in any Basic Document to which it is a party or in any Funding Request, Monthly Report, Quarterly Report or other report, certificate or notice delivered pursuant to any Basic Document to which it is a party, shall prove to have been false or otherwise incorrect in any respect when made, deemed made or delivered, which such false or incorrect representation, warranty or information materially and adversely affects the rights or interests of the Secured Parties and, if able to be cured, shall not have been cured for 30 days after the earlier of the date on which the Borrower, the Seller, or the Performance Guarantor, as applicable, first has knowledge thereof or the date on which written notice of such failure shall have been given to the Borrower, the Seller, or the Performance Guarantor, as applicable; provided, that no Termination Event shall have occurred under this clause for breaches of representations or warranties that are cured by the repurchase of the related Receivable pursuant to Section 5.04 hereof; (v) an Insolvency Event shall occur with respect to the Borrower, the Seller or the Performance Guarantor; (vi) the Administrative Agent shall fail for any reason to have a valid, first priority perfected security interest in all, or any material portion of, the Collateral, which failure shall not have been cured for ten days after the earlier of the date on which the Borrower or DFC first has knowledge thereof or the date on which written notice of such failure shall have been given to the Borrower or DFC; (vii) (A) one or more final nonappealable judgments shall be entered against the Borrower, the Seller or the Performance Guarantor by one or more courts of competent jurisdiction assessing monetary damages, individually or in the aggregate over any calendar year, in excess of $25,000, $1,000,000 or $1,000,000, respectively; or (B) one or more monetary settlements shall be entered into by the Borrower, the Seller or the Performance Guarantor with any Person, individually or in the aggregate over any calendar year, in excess of $25,000, $1,000,000 or $1,000,000 respectively; (C) the IRS shall file notice of a Lien pursuant to Section 6323 of the Code with regard to any assets of the Borrower, the Seller or the Performance Guarantor and such Lien shall not have been released within 30 days; or (iv) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation shall file notice of a Lien pursuant to Section 4068 of ERISA with regard to any of the assets of the Borrower, the Seller or the Performance Guarantor and such Lien shall not have been released within 30 days; (viii) the Borrower, the Seller or the Performance Guarantor shall fail to pay any principal of or premium or interest on any Indebtedness having a principal amount of $0 or greater (with respect to the Borrower) or $10,000,000 or greater (with respect to the Seller or the Performance Guarantor), when the same becomes due and payable (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise) and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such Indebtedness; or any other default under any agreement or instrument relating to any such Indebtedness of the Borrower, the Seller, or the Performance Guarantor, as 123
applicable, or any other event, shall occur and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument if the effect of such default or event is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Indebtedness; or any such Indebtedness shall be declared to be due and payable or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment), redeemed, purchased or defeased, or an offer to prepay, redeem, purchase or defease such Indebtedness shall be required to be made, in each case, prior to the stated maturity thereof; (ix) any Change in Control shall occur; (x) at any time, the Loans Outstanding exceed the Net Eligible Pool Balance; (xi) the Performance Guaranty shall cease to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with its terms) or the Borrower, the Servicer or the Performance Guarantor shall assert that it is not bound by, or otherwise seek to terminate or disaffirm its obligations under, the Performance Guaranty, or shall otherwise claim that the Performance Guaranty is in any way invalid or unenforceable; (xii) either (A) any Basic Document shall, in whole or in part, terminate, cease to be effective or cease to be the legally valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Borrower, the Seller, DFC (in its capacity as Servicer or Collateral Custodian) or the Performance Guarantor or (B) any of the Borrower, the Seller, DFC (in its capacity as Servicer or Collateral Custodian) or the Performance Guarantor shall, directly or indirectly, contest in any manner such effectiveness, validity, binding nature or enforceability of any Basic Document; (xiii) any Servicer Termination Event (other than a Servicer Termination Event of the type specified in subsections (l), (m), (n) or (o) of Section 7.13) occurs; (xiv) (A) failure on the part of the Borrower (x) to establish one or more Hedge Transactions in fulfillment of the requirements set forth in Section 6.03 within thirty days of the date on which the Initial Loan is made hereunder or (y) at any time thereafter to both (1) maintain one or more Hedge Transactions having notional amounts which, in the aggregate, equal at least 100% of the Loans Outstanding and (2) cause an amount that is at least equal to the Hedge Reserve Account Required Amount to be on deposit in the Hedge Reserve Account; (B) failure on the part of the Borrower within thirty days of receiving direction from the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 6.03(c) to enter into one or more Hedge Transactions, increase the notional amount of one or more Hedge Transactions, or decrease the notional amount of one or more Hedge Transactions, in each case as directed by the Administrative Agent and in the manner set forth in such Section 6.03(c); or (C) any other failure on the part of the Borrower to maintain one or more Hedge Transactions in fulfillment of the requirements set forth in Section 6.03; 124
(xv) the Borrower shall fail to have an Independent Director as required by Section 6.01(o) at any time; (xvi) the representation of the Borrower set forth in Section 5.01(w) fails to be true and correct at any time; (xvii) as of any Reporting Date, if no Significant Take-out Date occurred during any of the two previous Collection Periods, the arithmetic mean of the Conduit Portfolio Net Loss Ratio (Prime) for such three previous Collection Periods is greater than 5.50%; (xviii) as of any Reporting Date, if no Take-out Date occurred during any of the two previous Collection Periods, the arithmetic mean of the Conduit Portfolio Net Loss Ratio (Non-Prime) for such three previous Collection Periods is greater than 7.508.00%; and (xix) as of any Reporting Date, if no Take-out Date occurred during any of the two previous Collection Periods, the arithmetic mean of the Conduit Portfolio Delinquency Ratio for such three previous Collection Periods is greater than 5.50%; provided, that any Termination Event may be waived in a writing by the Consenting Lenders to the Borrower, with a copy to the Administrative Agent and the Servicer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any delay or failure referred to above shall have been caused by a Force Majeure Event, the applicable grace period referred to above shall be extended for 10 Business Days (and if no grace period is stated above, the applicable grace period shall be 10 Business Days). (b) Upon the occurrence of any Termination Event, the Administrative Agent shall, at the request, or may with the consent, of the Required Lenders, by notice to the Borrower, declare the Termination Date to have occurred, without demand, protest or future notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, and, upon such declaration, all Loans and all other amounts owing by the Borrower under this Agreement shall be accelerated and become immediately due and payable; provided, that in the event that a Termination Event described in Section 8.01(a)(v) has occurred, the Termination Date shall automatically occur, without demand, protest or any notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower. (c) Upon the automatic occurrence or declaration of the occurrence of the Termination Date in accordance with Section 8.01(b), the following shall immediately occur without further action: (i) the Revolving Period shall terminate and no further Loans will be made, (ii) Interest on all Loans Outstanding will be calculated using the Default Rate and (iii) no further Unused Commitment Fees will accrue. Section 8.02. Actions Upon Declaration of the Occurrence of the Termination Date. Upon the automatic occurrence or declaration of the occurrence of the Termination Date following the occurrence of a Termination Event in accordance with Section 8.01(b), the 125
Administrative Agent may, or at the direction of the Required Lenders, shall, exercise in respect of the Collateral the following remedial actions, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies otherwise available to it, including rights available hereunder and all of the rights and remedies of a secured party upon default under the UCC (such rights and remedies to be cumulative and nonexclusive): (a) The Administrative Agent may, without notice to the Borrower except as required by law and at any time or from time to time, charge, set-off and otherwise apply all or any part of the Loans Outstanding, any Interest accrued thereon and/or any other amount due and owing to any Secured Party against amounts payable to the Borrower from the Collection Account or any part of such account in accordance with the priorities required by Section 2.06. (b) The Administrative Agent may take any action permitted under the Basic Documents, including, without limitation, delivering any shifting control or similar notice under the Control Agreement. (c) Consistent with the rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC (and except as otherwise required by the UCC), the Administrative Agent may, on behalf of itself and the Lenders and without notice except as specified below, solicit and accept bids for and sell the Collateral or any part of the Collateral in one or more parcels at public or private sale, at any exchange, broker's board or at the Administrative Agent's offices or elsewhere, for cash, on credit or for future delivery, and upon such other terms as the Administrative Agent may deem commercially reasonable. The Borrower agrees that, to the extent notice of sale shall be required by law, at least ten Business Days' notice to the Borrower of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale is to be made shall constitute reasonable notification. The Administrative Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless of notice of sale having been given. The Administrative Agent may adjourn any public or private sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed for such sale, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned. Every such sale shall operate to divest all right, title, interest, claim and demand whatsoever of the Borrower in and to the Collateral so sold, and shall be a perpetual bar, both at law and in equity, against the Borrower or any Person claiming the Collateral sold through the Borrower and its successors or assigns. (d) Upon the completion of any sale under Section 8.02(c), the Borrower will deliver or cause to be delivered all of the Collateral sold to the purchaser or purchasers at such sale on the date of sale, or within a reasonable time thereafter if it shall be impractical to make immediate delivery, but in any event full title and right of possession to such property shall pass to such purchaser or purchasers forthwith upon the completion of such sale. Nevertheless, if so requested by the Administrative Agent or by any purchaser, the Borrower shall confirm any such sale or transfer by executing and delivering to such purchaser all proper instruments of conveyance and transfer and release as may be designated in any such request. 126
(e) At any sale under Section 8.02(c), DFC, the Performance Guarantor, the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party may bid for and purchase the property offered for sale and, upon compliance with the terms of sale, may hold, retain and dispose of such property without further accountability therefor. Any Secured Party purchasing property at a sale under Section 8.02(c) may set off the purchase price of such property against amounts owing to such Secured Party in full payment of such purchase price. (f) The Administrative Agent may direct the Servicer to direct Collections to an account other than the Lockbox Account or the Collection Account. (g) The Administrative Agent may exercise at the Borrower's sole expense any and all rights and remedies of the Borrower under or in connection with the Collateral. Section 8.03. Exercise of Remedies. No failure or delay on the part of the Administrative Agent to exercise any right, power or privilege under this Agreement and no course of dealing between the Borrower, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent, any Agent or the Secured Parties, on the other hand, shall operate as a waiver of such right, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege under this Agreement preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies expressly provided in this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which the Secured Parties would otherwise have pursuant to law or equity. No notice to or demand on any party in any case shall entitle such party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances, or constitute a waiver of the right of the other party to any other or further action in any circumstances without notice or demand. Section 8.04. Waiver of Certain Laws. The Borrower agrees, to the full extent that it may lawfully so agree, that neither it nor anyone claiming through or under it will set up, claim or seek to take advantage of any appraisal, valuation, stay, extension or redemption law now or hereafter in force in any locality where any Collateral may be situated in order to prevent, hinder or delay the enforcement or foreclosure of this Agreement, or the absolute sale of any of the Collateral or any part thereof, or the final and absolute putting into possession thereof, immediately after such sale, of the purchasers thereof, and the Borrower, for itself and all who may at any time claim through or under it, hereby waives, to the full extent that it may be lawful so to do, the benefit of all such laws, and any and all right to have any of the properties or assets constituting the Collateral marshaled upon any such sale, and agrees that the Administrative Agent or any court having jurisdiction to foreclose the security interests granted in this Agreement may sell the Collateral as an entirety or such parcels as the Administrative Agent or such court may determine. Section 8.05. Power of Attorney. The Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent its true and lawful attorney (with full power of substitution) in its name, place and stead and at its expense, in connection with the enforcement of the rights and remedies provided for in this Article, including: (i) to give any necessary receipts or acquittance for amounts collected or received hereunder, (ii) to make all necessary transfers of the Collateral in connection with any sale or other disposition made pursuant hereto, (iii) to execute and deliver 127
for value all necessary or appropriate bills of sale, assignments and other instruments in connection with any such sale or other disposition, the Borrower thereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorney (or any substitute) shall lawfully do hereunder and pursuant hereto and (iv) to sign any agreements, orders or other documents in connection with or pursuant to any Basic Document. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an executed power of attorney in the form of Exhibit D on the Closing Date. If so requested by the Administrative Agent, directly or through a purchaser of any of the Collateral, the Borrower shall ratify and confirm any such sale or other disposition by executing and delivering to the Administrative Agent or such purchaser all proper bills of sale, assignments, releases and other instruments as may be designated in any such request. ARTICLE NINE INDEMNIFICATION Section 9.01. Indemnities by the Borrower. Without limiting any other rights which the Administrative Agent, each Agent, each Lender or its assignee, the Backup Servicer (including in its capacity as Successor Servicer), the Account Bank, the Collateral Custodian (if not DFC), the Servicer (if not DFC) or any of their respective Affiliates may have hereunder or under Applicable Law, the Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Agent, each Secured Party, the Backup Servicer, including if it is then acting as Successor Servicer, the Account Bank, the Collateral Custodian (if not DFC) and each of their respective Affiliates and officers, directors, employees and agents thereof (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties") from and against any and all reasonable and documented fees, damages, losses, claims, liabilities and related costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, court costs, and expenses (collectively, the "Indemnified Amounts") awarded against or incurred by, any such Indemnified Party arising out of or as a result of this Agreement, excluding, however, Indemnified Amounts to the extent resulting from the gross negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct on the part of any Indemnified Party. Without limiting the foregoing, the Borrower shall indemnify the Indemnified Parties for Indemnified Amounts relating to or resulting from: (i) any Receivable represented by the Borrower to be an Eligible Receivable which is not at the applicable time an Eligible Receivable; (ii) reliance on any representation or warranty made or deemed made by the Borrower or any of its respective officers under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Basic Document, which shall have been false or incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made or delivered; (iii) the failure by the Borrower to comply with any term, provision or covenant contained in this Agreement or any other Basic Document, or a failure by the Borrower to comply with any Applicable Law with respect to any Contract or Receivable, the related Financed Vehicle or the non-conformity of any Contract with any such Applicable Law; (iv) the failure to vest and maintain vested in the Administrative Agent a valid and enforceable security interest in any or all of the 128
Collateral or a valid and enforceable first priority perfected security interest in any or all of the Collateral; (v) the failure to file, or any delay in filing, financing statements or other similar instruments or documents under the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction or other Applicable Laws with respect to the Collateral, whether at the time of a Loan or at any subsequent time and as required by the Basic Documents; (vi) any dispute, claim, offset or defense (other than the discharge in bankruptcy of the related Obligor) of an Obligor to the payment of any Receivable comprising a portion of the Collateral which is, or is purported to be, an Eligible Receivable (including a defense based on the Contract not being a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Obligor enforceable against it in accordance with its terms) or any other claim resulting from the sale or financing of the Financed Vehicle related to such Receivable (other than as a result of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the related Obligor); (vii) any products liability claim or personal injury or property damage suit or other similar or related claim or action of whatever sort arising out of or in connection with any Contract or the related Financed Vehicle; (viii) the failure by the Borrower to pay when due any Taxes for which the Borrower is liable, including sales, excise or personal property taxes payable in connection with the Collateral; (ix) any repayment or disgorgement by any Agent or a Secured Party of any amount previously distributed in reduction of the Loans Outstanding or payment of Interest, any other Obligation or any other amount due hereunder or under any Hedging Agreement, in each case which amount such entity believes in good faith is required to be repaid or disgorged; (x) any litigation, proceeding or investigation relating to arising from the Basic Documents, the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, the use of proceeds of the Loans or any other investigation, litigation or proceeding relating to the Borrower in which any Indemnified Party becomes involved as a result of any of the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents; (xi) the use of the proceeds of any Loan; (xii) any failure by the Borrower to give reasonably equivalent value to the Seller in consideration for the transfer by the Seller to the Borrower of any of the Receivables and the related Collateral or any attempt by any Person to void or otherwise avoid any such transfer under any statutory provision or common law or equitable action, including any provision of the Bankruptcy Code; (xiii) the commingling by the Borrower of any Collections with other funds; 129
(xiv) any claim brought by any Person arising from any activity by the Borrower in servicing, administering or collecting any Receivable; (xv) if JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is not the Lockbox Bank, the failure of the Lockbox Bank to remit any amounts or items of payment held in the Collection Account or the Lockbox Account pursuant to the instructions of the Administrative Agent given in accordance with this Agreement or the other Basic Documents, whether by reason or the exercise of setoff rights or otherwise; (xvi) all reasonable and documented fees, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) incurred by any Lender, their respective Credit Providers or the Administrative Agent in connection with any amendments or supplements or waivers or consents (including review and analysis thereof) with respect to the Basic Documents or any other document or instrument delivered pursuant hereto or thereto (whether or not the same is finally agreed to) if the same is requested by the Borrower, or is required or necessary under the Basic Documents; or (xvii) any and all Sanctions against, and all reasonable costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees and disbursements) incurred in connection with the defense thereof by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or Agent as a result of funding all or any portion of the Loans or the acceptance of payments or of Collateral due under the Basic Documents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall any Indemnified Party be indemnified against any Indemnified Amounts to the extent such Indemnified Amounts are or result from (A) Excluded Taxes, (B) non-payment by any Obligor of any amount that is due and payable under the related Receivable, or (C) any loss in value of any Financed Vehicle or Permitted Investments for reasons that are not caused by the Borrower. For the avoidance of doubt, the terms of this Section 9.01 shall not apply to any indemnification relating to Taxes, which will be governed by the terms of Section 2.11. Any amounts subject to the indemnification provisions of this Section shall be paid by the Borrower solely pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.06 in the order and priority set forth therein not later than the first Payment Date following written demand therefor. 130
Section 9.02. Indemnities by the Servicer. Without limiting any other rights which the Administrative Agent, each Agent, each Lender or its assignee, the Backup Servicer, the Account Bank, the Collateral Custodian (if not DFC) or any of their respective Affiliates may have hereunder or under Applicable Law, the initial Servicer hereby agrees to indemnify the Indemnified Parties from and against any and all Indemnified Amounts awarded against or incurred by, any such Indemnified Party arising out of or as a result of the failure of the initial Servicer to perform its obligations under this Agreement, excluding, however, Indemnified Amounts to the extent resulting from the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the part of any Indemnified Party. Without limiting the foregoing, the initial Servicer shall indemnify the Indemnified Parties for Indemnified Amounts relating to or resulting from: (i) reliance on any representation or warranty made or deemed made by the Servicer or any of its respective officers under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Basic Document, which shall have been false or incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made or delivered; (ii) the failure by the Servicer to comply with any term, provision or covenant contained in this Agreement or any other Basic Document to which it is a party or a failure by the Servicer to comply with any term, provision or covenant contained in any agreement executed in connection with this Agreement or any other Basic Document, or with any Applicable Law with respect to any Contract or Receivable, the related Financed Vehicle or the non-conformity of any Contract with any such Applicable Law and any failure by DFC to perform its respective duties under the Contracts and Receivables included as a part of the Collateral; (iii) for so long as DFC is the Servicer, the failure to vest and maintain vested in the Administrative Agent a valid and enforceable security interest in any or all of the Collateral or a valid and enforceable first priority perfected security interest in any or all of the Collateral; (iv) for so long as DFC is the Servicer, the failure to file, or any delay in filing, financing statements or other similar instruments or documents under the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction or other Applicable Laws with respect to the Collateral, whether at the time of a Loan or at any subsequent time and as required by the Basic Documents; (v) any dispute, claim, offset or defense (other than the discharge in bankruptcy of the related Obligor) of an Obligor to the payment of any Receivable comprising a portion of the Collateral which is, or is purported to be, an Eligible Receivable (including a defense based on the Contract not being a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Obligor enforceable against it in accordance with its terms) or any other claim resulting from the sale or financing of the Financed Vehicle related to such Receivable (other than as a result of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the related Obligor); 131
(vi) any failure by the Servicer to perform its duties or obligations in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; (vii) the failure by the Servicer to pay when due any Taxes for which the Servicer is liable, including sales, excise or personal property taxes payable in connection with the Collateral; (viii) any litigation, proceeding or investigation relating to arising from the obligation of the Servicer under the Basic Documents to which it is a party, the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, or any other investigation, litigation or proceeding relating to the Servicer in which any Indemnified Party becomes involved as a result of any of the transactions contemplated by such Basic Documents; (ix) any claim brought by any Person arising from any activity by the Servicer in servicing, administering or collecting any Receivable; (x) to the extent caused by actions or inactions of the Servicer, the failure of the Lockbox Bank to remit any amounts or items of payment held in the Lockbox Account pursuant to the instructions of the Administrative Agent given in accordance with this Agreement or the other Basic Documents, whether by reason or the exercise of setoff rights or otherwise; and (xi) all reasonable and documented fees, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) incurred by any Lender, their respective Credit Providers or the Administrative Agent in connection with any amendments or supplements or waivers or consents (including review and analysis thereof) with respect to the Basic Documents or any other document or instrument delivered pursuant hereto or thereto (whether or not the same is finally agreed to) if the same is requested by the Servicer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall any Indemnified Party be indemnified against any Indemnified Amounts to the extent such Indemnified Amounts are or result from (A) Excluded Taxes, (B) non-payment by any Obligor of any amount that is due and payable under the related Receivable, or (C) any loss in value of any Financed Vehicle or Permitted Investments for reasons that are not caused by the Servicer. Any amounts subject to the indemnification provisions of this Section shall be paid by the Servicer to the related Indemnified Party within 20 Business Days following written demand therefor. Section 9.03. Indemnities by the Backup Servicer in its Capacity as the Successor Servicer. Notwithstanding any indemnification obligations that the Backup Servicer may assume in a Backup Servicing Agreement, in no event shall the Backup Servicer, in its capacity as Successor Servicer, have (a) any liability with respect to any obligation which was required to be performed by the predecessor Servicer prior to the date that the Backup Servicer becomes the Successor Servicer or any claim of a third party based on any alleged action or inaction of the 132
predecessor Servicer or (b) any liability or obligation with respect to any Servicer indemnification obligations of any prior Servicer, including DFC. ARTICLE TEN THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE AGENTS Section 10.01. Authorization and Action. (a) Each Lender and each Secured Party (other than the Administrative Agent) hereby designates and appoints JPMorgan Chase Bank (and JPMorgan Chase Bank accepts such designation and appointment) as Administrative Agent hereunder, and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms of this Agreement together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. In performing its functions and duties hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall act solely as agent for the Secured Parties and does not assume nor shall be deemed to have assumed any obligation or relationship of trust or agency with or for the Borrower or any of its successors or assigns. The Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action which exposes it to personal liability or which is contrary to this Agreement or Applicable Law. The appointment and authority of the Administrative Agent hereunder shall terminate at the indefeasible payment in full of the Aggregate Unpaids. (b) Each Lender hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the related Agent as the agent of such Lender under this Agreement, and each such Lender irrevocably authorizes such Agent, as the agent for such Lender, to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of the Basic Documents and to exercise such powers and perform such duties thereunder as are expressly delegated to such Agent by the terms of this Agreement, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. (c) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary elsewhere in this Agreement, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Agent (the Administrative Agent and each Agent being referred to in this Article as an "Agent") shall have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, or any fiduciary relationship with any Lender, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent or any Agent. (d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly distribute to each Agent (if such Agent is not otherwise required to receive such notice), who shall promptly distribute to each related Lender all notices, requests for consent and other information received by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement. Section 10.02. Delegation of Duties. Each Agent may execute any of its duties under any of the Basic Documents by or through agents or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. No Agent shall be 133
responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care. Section 10.03. Exculpatory Provisions. Neither any Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be (i) liable for any action lawfully taken or omitted to be taken by it or them under or in connection with this Agreement (except for its, their or such Person's own gross negligence or willful misconduct or, in the case of any Agent, the breach of its obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement) or (ii) responsible in any manner to any of the Secured Parties for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by the Borrower, the Servicer, DFC, the Backup Servicer or the Collateral Custodian contained in this Agreement or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Basic Document to which it is a party for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other document furnished in connection herewith, or for any failure of the Borrower to perform its obligations hereunder, or for the satisfaction of any condition specified in Article Four. No Agent shall be under any obligation to any Secured Party to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements or covenants contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement, or to inspect the properties, books or records of the Borrower. No Agent shall be deemed to have knowledge of any Termination Event, Servicer Termination Event, Step-up Event , Stop-Funding Event, or Early Amortization Event unless it has received written notice thereof from the Borrower, the Servicer or a Secured Party. Section 10.04. Reliance. (a) Each Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, cablegram, telegram, telecopy, telex or teletype message, written statement, order or other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel to the Agent), independent accountants and other experts selected by such Agent. (b) Each Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under any of the Basic Documents unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Required Lenders as it deems appropriate or it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by, in the case of (i) the Administrative Agent, the Lenders or (ii) an Agent, the Lenders or by the Lenders in its Lender Group, against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. (c) The Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under any of the Basic Documents in accordance with a request of the Required Lenders (or their Agents), and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all present and future Lenders. (d) Each Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under any of the Basic Documents in accordance with a request of (i) Owners in its Lender Group having Invested Percentages aggregating greater than 50% of the aggregate Invested Percentages of all Owners in such Lender Group and (ii) Lenders in its Lender Group 134
having Commitments aggregating greater than 50% of the aggregate Commitments of all Lenders in such Lender Group, and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all present and future Lenders in such Lender Group. (e) No Agent shall be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any breach of this Agreement or the occurrence of any Servicer Termination Event, Early Amortization Event, Step-up Event, Stop-Funding Event, or Termination Event unless it has received notice from the Borrower, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer or any Lender, referring to this Agreement and describing such event. In the event that the Administrative Agent receives such a notice, it shall promptly give notice thereof to each Agent, and in the event any Agent receives such a notice, it shall promptly give notice thereof to the Lenders in its Lender Group. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such event as shall be reasonably directed by the Required Lenders, and each Agent shall take such action with respect to such event as shall be reasonably directed by (i) all Owners in its Lender Group and (ii) all Lenders in its Lender Group; provided, that unless and until such Agent shall have received such directions, such Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such event as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of the Lenders or of the Lenders in its Lender Group, as applicable. Section 10.05. Non-Reliance on Agents and Other Lenders. Each Lender expressly acknowledges that no Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates has made any representations or warranties to it and that no act by any Agent hereafter taken, including any review of the affairs of the Borrower, the Servicer, DFC, the Backup Servicer or the Collateral Custodian shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by any Agent to any Lender. Each Lender represents to each Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of, and investigation into, the business, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrower, the Servicer, DFC, the Backup Servicer or the Collateral Custodian and the Receivables and made its own decision to purchase its interest in the Loans hereunder and enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under any of the Basic Documents, and to make such investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrower, the Servicer, DFC, the Backup Servicer or the Collateral Custodian and the Receivables. Except for notices, reports and other documents received by an Agent hereunder, no Agent shall have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, operations, property, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or creditworthiness of the Borrower, the Servicer, DFC, the Backup Servicer or the Collateral Custodian or the Receivables which may come into the possession of such Agent or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates. Section 10.06. Indemnification. The Lenders (i) agree to indemnify the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such (without limiting the obligation (if any) of the Borrower or the Servicer to reimburse the Administrative Agent for any such amounts), ratably according to their 135
respective Commitments (or, if the Commitments have terminated, Invested Percentages) and (ii) in each Lender Group agree to indemnify the Agent for such Lender Group in its capacity as such (without limiting the obligation (if any) of the Borrower and the Servicer to reimburse such Agent for any such amounts), ratably according to their respective Commitments (or, if the Commitments have terminated, Invested Percentages), in each case from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever which may at any time (including at any time following the payment of the obligations under this Agreement, including the Loans Outstanding) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against such Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement, or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or the transactions contemplated hereby or any action taken or omitted by the Agent under or in connection with any of the foregoing; provided, that no Lender shall be liable for the payment of any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of an Agent resulting from its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The provisions of this Section shall survive the payment of the obligations under this Agreement, including the Loans Outstanding, the termination of this Agreement, and any resignation or removal of the applicable Agent. Section 10.07. Agents in their Individual Capacity. Each Agent and its Affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits from and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower and any other party to a Basic Document as though it were not an Agent hereunder. In addition, the Lenders acknowledge that one or more Persons which are Agents may act (i) as administrator, sponsor or agent for one or more Lenders and in such capacity act and may continue to act on behalf of each such Lender in connection with its business, and (ii) as the agent for certain financial institutions under the liquidity and credit enhancement agreements relating to this Agreement to which any one or more Lenders is party and in various other capacities relating to the business of any such Lender under various agreements. Any such Person, in its capacity as Agent, shall not, by virtue of its acting in any such other capacities, be deemed to have duties or responsibilities hereunder or be held to a standard of care in connection with the performance of its duties as an Agent other than as expressly provided in this Agreement. Any Person which is an Agent may act as an Agent without regard to and without additional duties or liabilities arising from its role as such administrator or agent or arising from its acting in any such other capacity. None of the provisions to this Agreement shall require the Administrative Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise to incur any liability, financial or otherwise, 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 indemnity satisfactory to it against such risk or liability is not assured to it. Section 10.08. Successor Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may assign its rights and obligations hereunder with the consent of the Required Lenders and upon ten days' notice to the Lenders and the Borrower. The Administrative Agent may resign as Administrative Agent upon ten days' notice to the Lenders, each Agent and the Borrower with such resignation becoming effective upon a successor agent succeeding to the rights, powers and duties of the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section. If the Administrative Agent shall resign as Administrative Agent under this Agreement, then the Required Lenders shall appoint a successor administrative agent. Any successor administrative agent shall succeed to the rights, powers and duties of resigning Administrative Agent, and the term "Administrative Agent" shall mean such 136
successor administrative agent effective upon its appointment, and the former Administrative Agent's rights, powers and duties as Administrative Agent shall be terminated, without any other or further act or deed on the part of such former Administrative Agent or any of the parties to this Agreement. After the retiring Administrative Agent's resignation as Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Article shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent under this Agreement. Section 10.09. Erroneous Payments. (a) Each Lender hereby agrees that (x) if the Administrative Agent notifies such Lender that the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion that any funds received by such Lender from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (whether as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees or otherwise; individually and collectively, a 'Payment') were erroneously transmitted to such Lender (whether or not known to such Lender), and demands the return of such Payment (or a portion thereof), such Lender shall promptly, but in no event later than one Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid 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 from time to time in effect, and (y) to the extent permitted by applicable law, such Lender shall not assert, and hereby waives, as to the Administrative Agent, any claim, counterclaim, defense or right of set-off or recoupment with respect to any demand, claim or counterclaim by the Administrative Agent for the return of any Payments received, including without limitation any defense based on “discharge for value” or any similar doctrine. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender under this Section 10.09(a) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error. (b) Each Lender hereby further agrees that if it receives a Payment from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (x) that is in a different amount than, or on a different date from, that specified in a notice of payment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such Payment (a 'Payment Notice') or (y) that was not preceded or accompanied by a Payment Notice, it shall be on notice, in each such case, that an error has been made with respect to such Payment. Each Lender agrees that, in each such case, or if it otherwise becomes aware a Payment (or portion thereof) may have been sent in error, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such occurrence and, upon demand from the Administrative Agent, it shall promptly, but in no event later than one Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid 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 from time to time in effect. (c) The Borrower hereby agrees that (x) in the event an erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) are not recovered from any Lender that has received such Payment (or portion thereof) for any reason, the Administrative Agent shall be subrogated to all the rights of such 137
Lender with respect to such amount and (y) an erroneous Payment shall not pay, prepay, repay, discharge or otherwise satisfy any Obligations owed by the Borrower. (d) Each party’s obligations under this Section 10.09 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any transfer of rights or obligations by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations under any Basic Document. ARTICLE ELEVEN ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATIONS Section 11.01. Assignments and Participations. (a) Each Lender may upon at least 30 days' notice to the Administrative Agent and the Agents assign to one or more banks or other entities all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement; provided, that (i) each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying percentage of all of the assigning Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement, (ii) the amount of the Commitment of the assigning Lender being assigned pursuant to each such assignment (determined as of the date of the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment), except if being assigned to an Affiliate of the Lender, shall in no event be less than the lesser of (A) $5,000,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess of that amount and (B) the full amount of the assigning Lender's Commitment, (iii) each such assignment shall be to an Eligible Assignee, (iv) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent (with a copy to the Borrower), for its recording in the Lender Register, an Assignment and Acceptance, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 or such lesser amount as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent, (v) the parties to each such assignment shall have agreed to reimburse the Administrative Agent for all reasonable fees, costs and expenses (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent) incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with such assignment, (vi) each Person that becomes a Lender under an Assignment and Acceptance shall agree to be bound by the confidentiality provisions of Article Twelve and (vii) there shall be no increased costs, expenses or Taxes incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender Group upon assignment or participation and provided, further that notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any assignment by a Lender to another Lender in its Lender Group that is already party to this Agreement, no prior notice, execution and delivery of an Assignment and Acceptance or payment of a processing and recordation fee shall apply. Upon such execution, delivery and recording by the Administrative Agent, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance, (i) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder and (ii) the Lender assignor thereunder shall, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto). 138
(b) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the Lender assignor thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) other than as provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (ii) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Agreement, together with copies of such financial statements and other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (iii) such assignee will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, such assigning Lender or any other Lender 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 this Agreement; (iv) such assigning Lender and such assignee confirm that such assignee is an Eligible Assignee; (v) such assignee appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to such agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (vi) such assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender. (c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain at its address referred to herein a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names, addresses and Commitment of each Lender and the Principal Amount (and stated interest) of each Loan made by each Lender from time to time (the "Lender Register"). The entries in the Lender Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Borrower and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Lender Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Lender Register shall be available for inspection by any Agent or Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. (d) Subject to the provisions of Section 11.01(a), upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the Administrative Agent shall, if such Assignment and Acceptance has been completed, accept such Assignment and Acceptance, and the Administrative Agent shall then record the information contained therein in the Lender Register. (e) Each Lender may sell participations to one or more banks or other entities in or to all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and each Loan owned by it); provided, that (i) such Lender's obligations under this Agreement (including its Commitment hereunder) shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) the Administrative Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement and (iv) the Borrower provides its prior written consent to the sale of such participation (such consent of the Borrower not to be unreasonably withheld). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, each participant shall have the rights of a Lender (including any right to receive 139
payment) under Sections 2.10 and 2.11; provided, that no participant shall be entitled to receive payment under either such Section in excess of the amount that would have been payable under such Section by the Borrower to the Lender granting its participation had such participation not been granted, and no Lender granting a participation shall be entitled to receive payment under either such Section in an amount which exceeds the sum of (i) the amount to which such Lender is entitled under such Section with respect to any portion of any Loan owned by such Lender which is not subject to any participation plus (ii) the aggregate amount to which its participants are entitled under such Sections with respect to the amounts of their respective participations. With respect to any participation described in this Section, the participant's rights as set forth in the agreement between such participant and the applicable Lender to agree to or to restrict such Lender's ability to agree to any modification, waiver or release of any of the terms of this Agreement or to exercise or refrain from exercising any powers or rights which such Lender may have under or in respect of this Agreement shall be limited to the right to consent to any of the matters set forth in Section 11.01. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each participant's interest in the obligations under this Agreement (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 Commitment or Loan or its other obligations under the Agreement) to any person except to (A) the Administrative Agent and (B) the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such Commitment, Loan or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. (f) Each Lender may, in connection with any assignment or participation or proposed assignment or participation pursuant to this Section, disclose to the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant any information, including Confidential Information, relating to the Borrower furnished to such Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower. (g) Nothing herein shall prohibit any Lender from (i) pledging or assigning as Collateral any of its rights under this Agreement to any Federal Reserve Bank or any other Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law or (ii) pledging or granting a security interest in all or any portion of its rights (including payments to it under this Agreement and the other Basic Documents) under this Agreement to a collateral trustee in order to comply with Rule 3a-7 under the Investment Company Act; provided, that in each case, (A) any such pledge or Collateral assignment may be made without compliance with Section 11.01(a) or 11.01(b) and (B) no such pledge or grant of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or grantee for such Lender as a party hereto. 140
ARTICLE TWELVE MUTUAL COVENANTS REGARDING CONFIDENTIALITY Section 12.01. Covenants of the Borrower, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer, the Account Bank and the Collateral Custodian. Each of the Borrower, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer, the Account Bank and the Collateral Custodian severally and with respect to itself only, covenants and agrees to hold in confidence, and not disclose to any Person, the terms of this Agreement (including any fees payable in connection with this Agreement or the identity of a Lender under this Agreement), except as the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders may have consented to in writing prior to any proposed disclosure, except it may disclose such information (a) to its officers, directors, employees, agents, counsel, accountants, auditors, subservicers, advisors or representatives, (b) to the extent such information has become available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by or through the Borrower, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer, the Account Bank or the Collateral Custodian, (c) to JPMorgan Chase Bank or its Affiliates or (d) to the extent it should be (i) required by Applicable Law (including filing a copy of this Agreement and the other Basic Documents (other than the Fee Letter and excluding from any such copy the identity of each Lender)) as exhibits to filings required to be made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or in connection with any legal or regulatory proceeding or (ii) requested by any Governmental Authority to disclose such information; provided, that in the case of clause (d)(i), the Borrower, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer, the Account Bank or the Collateral Custodian, as applicable, will use all reasonable efforts to maintain confidentiality and will (unless otherwise prohibited by law) notify the Agent or Lender of its intention to make any such disclosure prior to making such disclosure. Section 12.02. Covenants of the Administrative Agent, the Agents and the Lenders. (a) Each of the Administrative Agent, each Agent and each Lender covenants and agrees that it will not disclose any of the Confidential Information at any time received or obtained by it without the Borrower's prior written consent; provided, that it may disclose any such Confidential Information (i) in connection with participations and assignments pursuant to Section 11.01, (ii) to its officers, directors or employees, to its Affiliates, to any Credit Provider or to any nationally recognized statistical ratings organization that rates the Commercial Paper Notes issued by a Conduit Lender, and to any other ratings organization in order for any Conduit Lender to comply with its 17g-5 obligations, each of which shall be informed by it of the confidential nature of the Confidential Information and shall have agreed to keep such information confidential, and (iii) to its or its Affiliates' Advisors (provided that such Advisors are advised of the confidential nature of such information and such Advisors are obligated to keep such information confidential pursuant to the terms of their engagement or applicable professional rules). Each of the Administrative Agent, each Agent and each Lender agrees to be responsible for any breach of this Agreement by its Affiliates and Advisors, and it agrees that its Affiliates and Advisors will be advised by it of the confidential nature of such information and that it shall cause its Affiliates to be bound by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to participations and assignments pursuant to Section 11.01 involving an Eligible Assignee other than an entity satisfying clause (i) of the definition of "Eligible Assignee", Confidential Information may not be provided to prospective participants or assignees before the execution of an Assignment and Acceptance, unless such Confidential Information is covered 141
under a separate confidentiality agreement between the assigning Lender and such prospective participant or assignee pursuant to which such prospective participant or assignee shall agree to the provisions set forth in this Article. (b) Each of the Administrative Agent, each Agent and each Lender acknowledges and agrees that any Confidential Information provided to it, in whatever form, is the sole property of the Borrower or DFC, as applicable. Neither such Person nor its Affiliates or Advisors shall use any of the Confidential Information now or hereafter received or obtained from or through the Borrower, DFC or any of their respective Affiliates for any purpose other than for purposes of engaging in, or as otherwise contemplated by, the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents. (c) If the Administrative Agent, any Agent, a Lender or any of their respective Affiliates or Advisors are legally compelled (whether by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigation, demand or similar process) to disclose any Confidential Information, the related entity shall, to the extent permitted by law, promptly notify the Borrower and DFC in writing of such requirement so that the Borrower and/or DFC, at their sole cost and expense, may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy and/or waive compliance with the provisions hereof. The Administrative Agent, each Agent and each Lender or any of their respective Affiliates or Advisors agree to use its reasonable efforts, upon the written request of the Borrower or DFC, as applicable, to obtain or assist the Borrower or DFC, as applicable, in obtaining any such protective order. Failing the reasonably timely entry of a protective order or the reasonably timely receipt of a waiver hereunder, it may disclose, without liability hereunder, that portion (and only that portion) of the Confidential Information that in the opinion of such party's counsel, it is legally compelled to disclose. (d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood that the Administrative Agent, each Agent and each Lender or its Affiliates may be required to disclose (and may so disclose, without liability hereunder, provided that it complies with the following sentence) the Confidential Information or portions thereof (i) at the request of a bank examiner or other regulatory authority or in connection with an examination of it or its Affiliates by a bank examiner or other regulatory authority, including in connection with the regulator compliance policy of Administrative Agent, any Agent or any Lender, (ii) to any nationally recognized statistical rating organization (within the meaning of the Exchange Act) (an "NRSRO") either (A) in compliance with Rule 17g-5 under the Exchange Act (or any similar rule or regulation in any relevant jurisdiction) or (B) in connection with the rating or reaffirmation of the rating of the Commercial Paper Notes, each of which shall be informed by Administrative Agent, such Agent, such Lender or such Affiliate, as applicable, of the confidential nature of the Confidential Information and shall have agreed to keep such information confidential, or (iii) to any collateral trustee appointed by such Lender to comply with Rule 3a-7 under the Investment Company Act; provided, that such collateral trustee is informed of the confidential nature of such information and such collateral trustee agrees in writing to keep such Confidential Information subject to an agreement with substantially similar terms as provided herein. (e) It is understood and agreed that no failure or delay by the Borrower, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer, the Collateral Custodian, the Administrative Agent, the Account Bank, each Agent or any Lender in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a 142
waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder. Section 12.03. Non-Confidentiality of Tax Treatment and Tax Structure. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any document related to the transactions contemplated hereby, in connection with Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4, Section 301.6111-1T and Section 301.6112-1, the parties hereby agree that, from the commencement of discussions with respect to the transactions described herein, each party hereto (and each of its employees, representatives, Advisors, Affiliates or agents) is permitted to disclose to any and all persons of any kind (other than limitations imposed by State or federal securities laws), the structure and tax aspects of the transactions, and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to each such party related to such structure and tax aspects. In this regard, each party hereto acknowledges and agrees that this disclosure of the structure or tax aspects of the transactions is not limited in any way by an express or implied understanding or agreement, oral or written (whether or not such understanding or agreement is legally binding) except as is reasonably necessary to comply with state and federal securities laws. Furthermore, each party hereto acknowledges and agrees that it does not know or have reason to know that its use or disclosure of information relating to the structure or tax aspects of the transactions is limited in any other manner (such as where the transactions are claimed to be proprietary or exclusive) for the benefit of any other Person (other than as it may be limited by State or federal securities laws). ARTICLE THIRTEEN MISCELLANEOUS Section 13.01. Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement may be amended, waived or modified by the written agreement of the Borrower and the Required Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall provide a copy of each such proposed amendment, waiver or other modification to the Account Bank, the Backup Servicer and each Hedge Counterparty. No amendment, waiver or other modification which could have a material adverse effect on the rights or obligations of the Account Bank, the Backup Servicer (including, in its capacity as Successor Servicer) or any Hedge Counterparty shall be effective against the Account Bank, the Backup Servicer or such Hedge Counterparty, as applicable, without the prior written agreement of the Account Bank, the Backup Servicer or such Hedge Counterparty, as applicable. Notwithstanding anything in this Section or in any Basic Document to the contrary, following the determination of a Benchmark Replacement, this Agreement may be amended by the Administrative Agent without the consent of any other Person and, except as provided in Section 2.17(d), without satisfying any other amendment provisions of this Agreement or any other Basic Document, to implement a Benchmark Replacement and any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. For the avoidance of doubt, any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes in any amendment to this Agreement may be retroactive (including retroactive to, but not before, the Benchmark Replacement Date) and this Agreement may be amended more than once in connection with any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. 143
Section 13.02. Notices, Etc. All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall, unless otherwise stated herein, be in writing (including communication by e-mail) and e-mailed, mailed or delivered, as to each party hereto, at its address set forth under its name on the signature pages hereof or specified in such party's Assignment and Acceptance or at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties hereto. Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received. Notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement); provided that if such notice, email 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 for the recipient. Section 13.03. No Waiver, Rights and Remedies. No failure on the part of any Agent or any Secured Party or any assignee of any Secured Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights and remedies provided by law. Section 13.04. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Servicer, the Backup Servicer, the Collateral Custodian, the Account Bank, the Administrative Agent, each Agent, the Secured Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns and, in addition, each Hedge Counterparty shall be an express third-party beneficiary of this Agreement. Section 13.05. Term of this Agreement. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until the Facility Termination Date; provided, that (a) the rights and remedies with respect to any breach of any representation and warranty made or deemed made by the Borrower pursuant to Article Five and the indemnification and payment provisions of Article Ten and Section 2.11, (b) the confidentiality provisions of Article Twelve, (c) the provisions of Section 13.10 and (d) any other provision of this Agreement expressly stated to survive, shall be continuing and shall survive any termination of this Agreement. Section 13.06. GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF OBJECTION TO VENUE. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS (OTHER THAN § 5-1401 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW). EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY AGREES TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY FEDERAL COURT LOCATED WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION BASED ON FORUM NON CONVENIENS, AND ANY OBJECTION TO VENUE OF ANY ACTION INSTITUTED HEREUNDER IN ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED COURTS AND CONSENTS TO THE GRANTING OF SUCH 144
LEGAL OR EQUITABLE RELIEF AS IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY SUCH COURT. Section 13.07. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED WITH, RELATED TO, OR INCIDENTAL TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANY OF THEM IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. INSTEAD, ANY SUCH DISPUTE RESOLVED IN COURT WILL BE RESOLVED IN A BENCH TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY. Section 13.08. Costs and Expenses. In addition to the rights of indemnification granted to the Administrative Agent, each Agent, the Secured Parties, the Account Bank, the Collateral Custodian and the Backup Servicer and its or their Affiliates and officers, directors, employees and agents thereof under Article Nine, the Borrower agrees to pay on demand all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (other than Taxes) of the Administrative Agent, each Agent, the Secured Parties, the Account Bank and the Backup Servicer incurred in connection with the administration (including periodic auditing), amendment or modification of, or any waiver or consent issued in connection with, this Agreement and the other documents to be delivered hereunder or in connection herewith, including the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of counsel for the Administrative Agent, each Agent, the other Secured Parties, the Account Bank and the Backup Servicer (including, if it is then acting as the Successor Servicer) with respect thereto and with respect to advising such entities as to their respective rights and remedies under this Agreement and the other documents to be delivered hereunder or in connection herewith, and all costs and expenses, if any (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses), incurred by such entities in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement and the other documents to be delivered hereunder or in connection herewith. Section 13.09. No Insolvency Proceedings. (a) Notwithstanding any prior termination of this Agreement, no Lender shall, prior to the date which is one year and one day after the final payment of the Aggregate Unpaids, petition, cooperate with or encourage any other Person in petitioning or otherwise invoke the process of any Governmental Authority for the purpose of commencing or sustaining an Insolvency Proceeding against the Borrower under any United States federal or State Insolvency Laws or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator or other similar official of the Borrower or any substantial part of its property or ordering the winding up or liquidation of the affairs of the Borrower. (b) Notwithstanding any prior termination of this Agreement, each party to this Agreement hereby agrees that it shall not institute against, or join any other person in instituting against, any Lender any Insolvency Proceeding, for one year and one day after the latest maturing Commercial Paper Note or other debt security issued by such Lender is paid. 145
Section 13.10. Recourse Against Certain Parties. (a) No recourse under or with respect to any obligation, covenant or agreement (including the payment of any fees or any other obligations) of each Agent or any Secured Party as contained in this Agreement or any other agreement, instrument or document entered into by it pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall be had against any such Person or any manager or administrator of such Person or any incorporator, affiliate, stockholder, officer, employee or director of such Person or of the Borrower or of any such manager or administrator, as such, by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, by virtue of any statute or otherwise; it being expressly agreed and understood that the agreements of the Agents and any Secured Party contained in this Agreement and all of the other agreements, instruments and documents entered into by it pursuant hereto or in connection herewith are, in each case, solely the corporate obligations of such Person, and that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to or be incurred by any administrator of any such Person or any incorporator, stockholder, affiliate, officer, employee or director of such Person or of any such administrator, as such, or any other of them, under or by reason of any of the obligations, covenants or agreements of such Person contained in this Agreement or in any other such instruments, documents or agreements, or that are implied therefrom, and that any and all personal liability of every such administrator of such Person and each incorporator, stockholder, affiliate, officer, employee or director of such Person or of any such administrator, or any of them, for breaches by such Person of any such obligations, covenants or agreements, which liability may arise either at common law or at equity, by statute or constitution, or otherwise, is hereby expressly waived as a condition of and in consideration for the execution of this Agreement. The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement. (b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Basic Document to the contrary, the obligations of any Lender under this Agreement are solely the obligations of such Lender and shall be payable at such time as funds are received by or are available to such Lender in excess of funds necessary to pay in full all outstanding Commercial Paper Notes of such Lender, and, to the extent funds are not available to pay such obligations, the claims relating thereto shall not constitute a claim against such Lender but shall continue to accrue. Each Agent, each Secured Party and each other party to this Agreement agrees that the payment of any claim (as defined in the Bankruptcy Code) of any such party shall be subordinated to the payment in full of all Commercial Paper Notes. (c) The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement. Section 13.11. Patriot Act Compliance. The Administrative Agent hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act, it, and each other Lender and the Account Bank, may be required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower, organizational documentation, director and shareholder information, and other information that will allow the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Account Bank to identify the Borrower in accordance with the Patriot Act. This notice is given in accordance with the requirements of the Patriot Act and is effective for the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Account Bank. 146
Section 13.12. Execution in Counterparts; Electronic Signatures; Severability; Integration. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement by facsimile or by electronic mail in a “.pdf” file shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. Each party agrees that this Agreement and any other documents to be delivered in connection herewith may be electronically signed, and that any electronic signatures appearing on this Agreement or such other documents are the same as handwritten signatures for the purposes of validity, enforceability, and admissibility. In case any provision in or obligation under this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. This Agreement contains the final and complete integration of all prior expressions by the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, superseding all prior oral or written understandings other than any fee letter contemplated hereby. Section 13.13. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs. To the extent that the Basic Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Hedging 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 Basic Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York or of the United States or any other state of the United States): (a) In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Basic 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. 147
(b) As used in this Section 13.13, the following terms have the following meanings: “BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party. “Covered Entity” means any of the following: (i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b) (ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b). “Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable. “QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D). Section 13.14. Right to Set-Off. Each Lender is hereby authorized (in addition to any other rights it may have) at any time after the occurrence of the Termination Date due to the occurrence of a Termination Event, to set off, appropriate and apply (without presentment, demand, protest or other notice which are hereby expressly waived) any deposits and any other indebtedness held or owing by such Lender to, or for the account of, the Borrower against the amount of the Aggregate Unpaids owing by the Borrower to such Lender. Section 13.15. Limitation on Consequential, Indirect and Certain Other Damages. (a) No claim may be made by the Borrower, the Servicer, the Performance Guarantor or any of their Affiliates against the Administrative Agent, any Lender Group Agent, any Lender or any of their Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, attorneys or agents for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages arising out of or related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Basic Documents, or any act, omission or event occurring in connection therewith and each of the Borrower and the Servicer, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, hereby waives, releases, and agrees not to sue upon any claim for any such damages, whether or not accrued and whether or not known or suspected to exist in its favor. (b) No claim may be made by the Administrative Agent, any Lender Group Agent, any Lender or any of their Affiliates against the Borrower, the Servicer, the Performance Guarantor or any of their Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, attorneys or agents for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages arising out of or related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Basic Documents, or any act, omission or event occurring in connection therewith and each of the Administrative Agent, each Lender Group 148
Agent and each Lender, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, hereby waives, releases, and agrees not to sue upon any claim for any such damages, whether or not accrued and whether or not known or suspected to exist in its favor. Section 13.16. Not a Novation. Each party hereto acknowledges and agrees that this Agreement is intended only to amend and restate their continuing obligations under the Existing Loan Agreement in the manner set forth herein, and is not intended as a novation thereof. [Remainder intentionally left blank] 149
[Loan Agreement] THE BORROWER: SCFC BUSINESS SERVICES LLC By: Name: Charles Lietz Title: President Address for Notices: SCFC Business Services LLC 150 N. Bartlett Street Medford, Oregon 97501-5920 Attention: Charles Lietz E-mail: charleslietz@lithia.com with a copy to: Lithia Motors, Inc. Legal Department 150 N. Bartlett Street Medford, Oregon 97501-5920 Attention: Edward Impert E-mail: eimpert@lithia.com IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.
[Loan Agreement] THE SERVICER AND COLLATERAL CUSTODIAN: DRIVEWAY FINANCE CORPORATION By: Name: Charles Lietz Title: President Address for Notices: Driveway Finance Corporation 150 N. Bartlett Street Medford, Oregon 97501-5920 Attention: Charles Lietz E-mail: charleslietz@lithia.com with a copy to: Lithia Motors, Inc. Legal Department 150 N. Bartlett Street Medford, Oregon 97501-5920 Attention: Edward Impert E-mail: eimpert@lithia.com
[Loan Agreement] THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND ACCOUNT BANK: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. By: Name: Title: Address for Notices: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Chase Tower, 7th Floor 10 South Dearborn Street Mail Code IL1-0079 Chicago, Illinois 60603 Attention: Asset-Backed Securities Conduit Group Facsimile No.: (312) 244-3146 Telephone: (312) 732-4087 e-mail: elizabeth.a.slawin@jpmorgan.com abs.treasury.dept@jpmorgan.com abf.operations@jpmorgan.com
[Loan Agreement] CONDUIT LENDER: CHARIOT FUNDING LLC By: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as its attorney-in-fact By: Name: Title: Address for Notices: Chariot Funding LLC c/o JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Chase Tower, 7th Floor 10 South Dearborn Street Mail Code IL1-0079 Chicago, Illinois 60603 Attention: Asset-Backed Securities Conduit Group Facsimile No.: (312) 244-3146 Telephone: (312) 732-4087 e-mail: elizabeth.a.slawin@jpmorgan.com abs.treasury.dept@jpmorgan.com abf.operations@jpmorgan.com
[Loan Agreement] COMMITTED LENDER: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. By: Name: Title: Address for Notices: Chariot Funding LLC c/o JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Chase Tower, 7th Floor 10 South Dearborn Street Mail Code IL1-0079 Chicago, Illinois 60603 Attention: Asset-Backed Securities Conduit Group Facsimile No.: (312) 244-3146 Telephone: (312) 732-4087 e-mail: elizabeth.a.slawin@jpmorgan.com abs.treasury.dept@jpmorgan.com abf.operations@jpmorgan.com JPMORGAN AGENT: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. By: Name: Title: Address for Notices: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Chase Tower, 7th Floor 10 South Dearborn Street Mail Code IL1-0079 Chicago, Illinois 60603 Attention: Asset-Backed Securities Conduit Group Facsimile No.: (312) 244-3146 Telephone: (312) 732-4087 e-mail: elizabeth.a.slawin@jpmorgan.com abs.treasury.dept@jpmorgan.com abf.operations@jpmorgan.com
[Loan Agreement] CITIBANK AGENT AND COMMITTED LENDER: By: Name: Title: Address for Notices: Citi Global Loans / Conduit Operations 1 Penns Way, Ops 2 Floor 2 New Castle, DE 19720 Telephone: (302) 323-5492 Email: conduitoperations@citi.com For all notices except monthly and periodic reporting, borrowing base certificates, Loans and repayments and financials: Citi – Global ABS Financing & Securitization 388 Greenwich Street, 6th Floor Trading New York, New York 10013 Telephone: (212) 723-3716 Email: CitiABSLendingNotices@citi.com and CITIBANK, N.A.
[Loan Agreement] CONDUIT LENDER: CAFCO, LLC, as a Conduit Lender By: Citibank, N.A., as its attorney in fact By: Name: Title: Address for Notices: Citi Global Loans / Conduit Operations 1 Penns Way, Ops 2 Floor 2 New Castle, DE 19720 Telephone: (302) 323-5492 Email: conduitoperations@citi.com For all notices except monthly and periodic reporting, borrowing base certificates, Loans and repayments and financials: Citi – Global ABS Financing & Securitization 388 Greenwich Street, 6th Floor Trading New York, New York 10013 Telephone: (212) 723-3716 Email: CitiABSLendingNotices@citi.com
[Loan Agreement] CONDUIT LENDER: CHARTA, LLC, as a Conduit Lender By: Citibank, N.A., as its attorney in fact By: Name: Title: Address for Notices: Citi Global Loans / Conduit Operations 1 Penns Way, Ops 2 Floor 2 New Castle, DE 19720 Telephone: (302) 323-5492 Email: conduitoperations@citi.com For all notices except monthly and periodic reporting, borrowing base certificates, Loans and repayments and financials: Citi – Global ABS Financing & Securitization 388 Greenwich Street, 6th Floor Trading New York, New York 10013 Telephone: (212) 723-3716 Email: CitiABSLendingNotices@citi.com
[Loan Agreement] CONDUIT LENDER: CIESCO, LLC, as a Conduit Lender By: Citibank, N.A., as its attorney in fact By: Name: Title: Address for Notices: Citi Global Loans / Conduit Operations 1 Penns Way, Ops 2 Floor 2 New Castle, DE 19720 Telephone: (302) 323-5492 Email: conduitoperations@citi.com For all notices except monthly and periodic reporting, borrowing base certificates, Loans and repayments and financials: Citi – Global ABS Financing & Securitization 388 Greenwich Street, 6th Floor Trading New York, New York 10013 Telephone: (212) 723-3716 Email: CitiABSLendingNotices@citi.com
[Loan Agreement] CONDUIT LENDER: CRC FUNDING, LLC, as a Conduit Lender By: Citibank, N.A., as its attorney in fact By: Name: Title: Address for Notices: Citi Global Loans / Conduit Operations 1 Penns Way, Ops 2 Floor 2 New Castle, DE 19720 Telephone: (302) 323-5492 Email: conduitoperations@citi.com For all notices except monthly and periodic reporting, borrowing base certificates, Loans and repayments and financials: Citi – Global ABS Financing & Securitization 388 Greenwich Street, 6th Floor Trading New York, New York 10013 Telephone: (212) 723-3716 Email: CitiABSLendingNotices@citi.com
SA-2-1 Commitment: $1,000,000,000 Agent: Mandatory Commitment: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. $750,000,000 Lender Group: Committed Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Address for Notices: JPMorgan Address for Notices and Investing Office: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Chase Tower, 7th Floor 10 South Dearborn Street Mail Code IL1-0079 Chicago, Illinois 60603 Attention: Asset-Backed Securities Conduit Group Facsimile No.: (312) 244-3146 Telephone: (312) 732-4087 e-mail: elizabeth.a.slawin@jpmorgan.com abs.treasury.dept@jpmorgan.com abf.operations@jpmorgan.com JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Chase Tower, 7th Floor 10 South Dearborn Street Mail Code IL1-0079 Chicago, Illinois 60603 Attention: Asset-Backed Securities Conduit Group Facsimile No.: (312) 244-3146 Telephone: (312) 732-4087 e-mail: elizabeth.a.slawin@jpmorgan.com abs.treasury.dept@jpmorgan.com abf.operations@jpmorgan.com SCHEDULE A-1 LENDER SUPPLEMENT (JPMORGAN LENDER GROUP)
SA-2-2 Account Title: JPMCB – ABF Bank Funded Deals Bank Name: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ABA/Routing: 021000021 Account Number: 691286527 Re: SCFC Business Services LLC Address for Notices and Investing Office: Chariot Funding LLC c/o JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Chase Tower, 7th Floor 10 South Dearborn Street Mail Code IL1-0079 Chicago, Illinois 60603 Attention: Asset-Backed Securities Conduit Group Facsimile No.: (312) 244-3146 Telephone: (312) 732-4087 e-mail: elizabeth.a.slawin@jpmorgan.com abs.treasury.dept@jpmorgan.com abf.operations@jpmorgan.com Wire Information: Conduit Lender: Account Title: JPMCB ABS Conduit Clearing Account Bank Name: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ABA/Routing: 021000021 Account Number: 626305127 Re: SCFC Business Services LLC Wire Information: Chariot Funding LLC
SA-2-3 "CP Rate": With respect to any day in any Interest Period (or portion thereof), means the per annum rate calculated to yield the "weighted average cost" (as defined below) for such Interest Period (or portion thereof) in respect to Commercial Paper Notes issued by such Conduit Lender on or after March 1, 2019; provided, that if any component of such rate is a discount rate, in calculating the CP Rate for such Interest Period (or portion thereof), the rate resulting from converting such discount rate to an interest bearing equivalent rate per annum shall be used in calculating such component. As used in this definition, "weighted average cost" for any Interest Period (or portion thereof) means the sum (without duplication) of (i) the actual interest accrued during such Interest Period (or portion thereof) on outstanding Commercial Paper Notes issued by such Conduit Lender on or after March 1, 2019 (excluding any Commercial Paper Notes issued to and held by JPMorgan Chase Bank or any affiliate thereof, other than such Commercial Paper Notes held as part of the market making activities of Conduit Lender's Commercial Paper Notes dealer), (ii) the commissions of placement agents and dealers in respect of such Commercial Paper Notes, (iii) any note issuance costs attributable to such Commercial Paper Notes not constituting dealer fees or commissions, expressed as an annualized percentage of the aggregate principal component thereof, (iv) the actual interest accrued during such Interest Period (or portion thereof) on other borrowings by such Conduit Lender (as determined by such Conduit Lender or an Affiliate thereof), including to fund small or odd dollar amounts that are not easily accommodated in the commercial paper market, which may include loans from such Conduit Lender's agent or its affiliates (such interest rate not to exceed, on any day, the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 0.50%), and (v) incremental carrying costs incurred with respect to Commercial Paper Notes maturing on dates other than those on which corresponding funds are received by such Conduit Lender, minus any accrual of income net of expenses received from investment of collections received under all receivable purchase facilities funded substantially with Commercial Paper Notes.
SA-2-1 Citi Global Loans / Conduit Operations 1 Penns Way, Ops 2 Floor 2 New Castle, DE 19720 Telephone: (302) 323-5492 Email: conduitoperations@citi.com; gsp.abs.tm@citi.com For all notices except monthly and periodic reporting, borrowing base certificates, Loans and repayments and financials: Citi – Global ABS Financing & Securitization 388 Greenwich Street, 6th Floor Trading New York, New York 10013 Telephone: (212) 723-3716 Email: CitiABSLendingNotices@citi.com SCHEDULE A-2 LENDER SUPPLEMENT (CITIBANK LENDER GROUP) Commitment: $250,000,000 Agent: Mandatory Commitment: Citibank, N.A. $250,000,000 Lender Group: Committed Lender: Citibank, N.A. Address for Notices: Citibank
SA-2-2 Address for Notices and Investing Office: Citi – Global ABS Financing & Securitization 388 Greenwich Street, 6th Floor Trading New York, New York 10013 Telephone: (212) 723-3716 Email: CitiABSLendingNotices@citi.com and Citi Global Loans / Conduit Operations 1 Penns Way, Ops 2 Floor 2 New Castle, DE 19720 Telephone: (302) 323-5492 Email: conduitoperations@citi.com
SA-2-3 Conduit Lender(s): Wire Information: CAFCO, LLC CHARTA, LLC CIESCO, LLC CRC Funding, LLC Citibank, N.A. Bank Name: Citibank, N.A. ABA/Routing No.: 021-000-089 Account Name: SSB Account No.: 4078-4524 Attention: Loan Admin. Reference: SCFC Business Services LLC CAFCO LLC Bank Name: Citibank, N.A. ABA/Routing No.: 021-000-089 Account Name: CAFCO REDEMPTION A/C Account No.: 4063-6695 Attention: Loan Admin. Reference: SCFC Business Services LLC CHARTA LLC Bank Name: Citibank, N.A. ABA/Routing No.: 021-000-089 Account Name: CHARTA REDEMPTION A/C Account No.: 4073-7402 Attention: Loan Admin. Reference: SCFC Business Services LLC CIESCO LLC Bank Name: Citibank, N.A. ABA/Routing No.: 021-000-089 Account Name: CIESCO REDEMPTION A/C Account No.: 4063-6636 Attention: Loan Admin. Reference: SCFC Business Services LLC CRC Funding LLC** Bank Name: Citibank, N.A. ABA/Routing No.: 021-000-089 Account Name: CRC REDEMPTION A/C Account No.: 4051-7805 Attention: Loan Admin. Reference: SCFC Business Services LLC ** To initially receive all wires
SA-2-4 Address for Notices and Investing Office: Citi Global Loans / Conduit Operations 1 Penns Way, Ops 2 Floor 2 New Castle, DE 19720 Telephone: (302) 323-5492 Email: conduitoperations@citi.com; gsp.abs.tm@citi.com For all notices except monthly and periodic reporting, borrowing base certificates, Loans and repayments and financials: Citi – Global ABS Financing & Securitization 388 Greenwich Street, 6th Floor Trading New York, New York 10013 Telephone: (212) 723-3716 Email: CitiABSLendingNotices@citi.com
SA-2-5 Wire Information: Citibank, N.A. Bank Name: Citibank, N.A. ABA/Routing No.: 021-000-089 Account Name: SSB Account No.: 4078-4524 Attention: Loan Admin. Reference: SCFC Business Services LLC CAFCO LLC Bank Name: Citibank, N.A. ABA/Routing No.: 021-000-089 Account Name: CAFCO REDEMPTION A/C Account No.: 4063-6695 Attention: Loan Admin. Reference: SCFC Business Services LLC CHARTA LLC Bank Name: Citibank, N.A. ABA/Routing No.: 021-000-089 Account Name: CHARTA REDEMPTION A/C Account No.: 4073-7402 Attention: Loan Admin. Reference: SCFC Business Services LLC CIESCO LLC Bank Name: Citibank, N.A. ABA/Routing No.: 021-000-089 Account Name: CIESCO REDEMPTION A/C Account No.: 4063-6636 Attention: Loan Admin. Reference: SCFC Business Services LLC CRC Funding LLC** Bank Name: Citibank, N.A. ABA/Routing No.: 021-000-089 Account Name: CRC REDEMPTION A/C Account No.: 4051-7805 Attention: Loan Admin. Reference: SCFC Business Services LLC ** To initially receive all wires
SA-2-6 "CP Rate": With respect to each Conduit Lender for any day during any Interest Period, the per annum rate equivalent to the weighted average of the per annum rates paid or payable by such Conduit Lender from time to time as interest on or otherwise (by means of interest rate hedges or otherwise) that are allocated on a fair and equitable basis, in whole or in part, by its Lender Group Agent (on behalf of such Conduit Lender), which rates shall reflect and give effect to (in each case, to the extent such costs are allocated, in whole or in part, to such Conduit Lender by the related Lender Group Agent (on behalf of such Conduit Lender) (a) the commissions of placement agents and dealers in respect of such commercial paper notes, (b) all reasonable costs and expenses of any issuing and paying agent or other person responsible for the administration of such Conduit Lender’s commercial paper programs in connection with the preparation, completion, issuance, delivery or payment of such commercial paper, and (c) any other costs, fees and expenses associated with the funding or maintenance of the applicable portion of the Loans Outstanding by such Conduit Lender, including any liquidity support, credit enhancement, government sponsored funding programs (including the Federal Reserve Bank’s Commercial Paper Funding Facility), or any other borrowings by such Conduit Lender including, without limitation, borrowings to fund small or odd dollar amounts that are not easily accommodated in the commercial paper market; provided, however, that if any component of such rate is a discount rate, in calculating the CP Rate, the related Lender Group Agent for such Conduit Lender shall for such component use the rate resulting from converting such discount rate to an interest bearing equivalent rate per annum.
SCHEDULE B ELIGIBLE RECEIVABLE CRITERIA An "Eligible Receivable" means a Receivable as to which all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. which was originated by DFC (i) under an existing Dealer Agreement or (ii) via the Online Platform more than seven (7) days prior to the sale, assignment and transfer of such Receivable by the Seller to the Borrower pursuant to the Purchase Agreement; 2. which at the time of underwriting, the related Obligor provided as its most recent billing address an address located in a State of the United States; 3. for which the related Obligor is not (a) an employee of DFC or Lithia, (b) a fleet customer or (cb) the U.S. government or any State or any agency, department or instrumentality of the U.S. government or any State or other government entity; 4. which has an original term to maturity of at least 12 months but not more than 84 months; 5. which has a Principal Balance of at least $500 but not more than $150,000; 6. which constitutes an 'account,' '"tangible chattel paper,' 'electronic chattel paper,' or a 'payment intangible' under and as defined in Article 9 of the UCC as then in effect in the relevant State; 7. which is payable in U.S. Dollars; 8. which arises under a Contract which (a) has been properly executed by the parties thereto, (b) represents the genuine, legal, valid and binding payment obligation in writing of the Obligor, in full force and effect, enforceable by the holder thereof in accordance with its terms, subject to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally, and (c) contains customary and enforceable provisions so as to render the rights and remedies of the holder thereof against the property subject to such Contract adequate for the realization of the benefits provided thereby; 9. which is not subject to any right of rescission, cancellation, set-off, claim, counterclaim or defense (including the defense of usury) of the Obligor or any proceedings pending or, to the best of the Borrower's knowledge threatened, wherein the Obligor or any Governmental Authority has alleged the related Contract is illegal or unenforceable; 10. which does not require the Obligor to consent to or receive notice of the transfer, sale or assignment of the rights and duties of DFC thereunder; SB-1
11. with respect to which the related Contract requires the Obligor to cause the related Financed Vehicle to be covered by an individual physical damage insurance policy featuring comprehensive and collision coverage, in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy; 12. which is secured by a valid, subsisting and enforceable first priority perfected security interest, free and clear of any Lien, in favor of the Borrower in the related Financed Vehicle with respect to which all filings have been made, which security interest has been validly assigned by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent and with respect to which all filings necessary in any jurisdiction to give the Administrative Agent a first priority perfected security interest in such Receivable have been made; 13. none of Lithia, DFC or any of their Affiliates have given or loaned to any Obligor with respect to a Receivable, directly or indirectly, any Scheduled Payment or other amounts due or to become due under such Receivable in order to make the Receivable current; 14. to which the Borrower has good and indefeasible title to and was the sole owner of such Receivable, free of Liens (other than Permitted Liens) of others and to which the Seller had the full right to transfer, sell and encumber such Receivable free and clear of any Liens other than the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties; 15. which shall have complied with, at the time of its underwriting, and shall remain in compliance with, all Requirements of Law, including all consumer protection and usury laws and which, to the best of the Borrower's knowledge, was originated without fraud or misrepresentation; 16. which was originated in the ordinary course of business of the Seller and in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy; 17. either: (a) with respect to Receivables that are 'tangible chattel paper' under and as defined in Article 9 of the UCC as then in effect in the relevant State, (i) there is only one original executed copy of each Contract, (ii) such Contract is in the possession of the Collateral Custodian, (iii) such Contract has not been sold, transferred, assigned, or pledged by DFC to any Person other than the Borrower, and (iv) such Contract has not been stamped or otherwise marked to show any interest of any Person other than the Borrower; or (b) with respect to Receivables that are 'electronic chattel paper' under and as defined in Article 9 of the UCC as then in effect in the relevant State, (i) there is only one authoritative copy of each Contract within the meaning of Article 9 of the UCC as then in effect in the relevant State, (ii) such authoritative copy is unique, identifiable, and unalterable (other than with the participation of the Collateral Custodian in the case of an addition or amendment of an identified assignee and other than a revision that is readily identifiable as an authorized or unauthorized revision), (iii) such authoritative copy has been communicated to and is maintained by or on behalf of the Collateral Custodian solely for the benefit SB-2
of the Secured Parties, (iv) each copy of the authoritative copy and any copy of a copy are readily identifiable as copies that are not the authoritative copy, (v) the related Receivable was established in a manner such that all copies or revisions that add or change an identified assignee of the authoritative copy of such Contract must be made with the participation of the Collateral Custodian, (vi) the related Receivable was established in a manner such that all revisions of the authoritative copy of the Contract is readily identifiable as an authorized or unauthorized revision, and (vii) such authoritative copy communicated to the Collateral Custodian has no marks or notations indicating that it has been pledged, assigned, or otherwise conveyed to any person such Contract has not been sold, transferred, assigned or pledged by DFC to any Person other than the Borrower; 18. with respect to which the related Obligor is (a) not deceased and (b) not the subject of a pending bankruptcy proceeding; 19. which (a) at the time such Receivable was acquired by the Borrower was not more than 30 days past due or a Defaulted Receivable and (b) is not a Defaulted Receivable or a Delinquent Receivable; 20. which at the time of underwriting did not have a Loan-to-Value Ratio of greater than (a) in the case of a Receivable which has a Principal Balance that is less than or equal to $75,000, 160% or (b) otherwise, 140%; 21. which at the time of underwriting had a FICO Score (and was not a Receivable that does not have a FICO Score or had a FICO Score of zero) of (a) in the case of a Receivable which has a Principal Balance that is less than or equal to $75,000, more than or equal to 450, (b) in the case of a Receivable which has a Principal Balance that is greater than $75,000 but less than or equal to $100,000, more than 660, or (c) in the case of a Receivable which has a Principal Balance that is greater than $100,000, more than 740; 22. with respect to which the Payment-to-Income Ratio does not exceed (x) in the case of a Receivable which has a Principal Balance that is less than or equal to $75,000, 20% or (y) otherwise, 15%; 23. with respect to which the Debt-to-Income Ratio does not exceed 60%; 24. with respect to which (a) the related Contract relates to the retail purchase of a motor vehicle, (b) the portion of a payment allocable to interest and the portion allocable to principal under such Contract are determined in accordance with the Simple Interest Method, (c) such Contract provides for a fixed interest rate and level monthly payments (provided, that the payments in the first and last months of the Receivable may be minimally different from the level payment), and (d) the monthly payments under such Contract fully amortize the amount financed and yield interest at the related APR over its original term; 25. with respect to which the related Contract (a) was underwritten by DFC in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy in effect at the time of underwriting of such Contract, (b) satisfied in all material respects the requirements of the Credit and Collection SB-3
Policy in effect at the time of underwriting of such Contract, and (c) satisfied all Applicable Law in effect at the time of origination; 26. which the related Contract has not been amended, modified, waived, extended or altered by the Servicer in any respect except in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy; 27. with respect to which the information set forth in the Schedule of Receivables is true and correct in all material respects as of the opening of business on the related Cutoff Date; 28. with respect to which DFC used no selection procedures that identified such Receivable as being less desirable or valuable than other comparable motor vehicle loans originated or acquired by DFC that otherwise meet the eligibility criteria; and 29. with respect to which no Deferral has been granted, unless all Scheduled Payments or portions thereof that that were deferred pursuant to such Deferral were paid by the related Obligor subsequent to the granting of such Deferral. SB-4
SCHEDULE C SCHEDULE OF RECEIVABLES (Original delivered to the Administrative Agent) SC-1
SD-1 9070 3 NJ City LP 0772 8 5911 Fresca Dr. NJ La Palma CA 9062 3 F7 0772 8 PC 811 Route 33 8700 Mercury Lane State Pico Rivera Freehold CA 9066 0 NJ 2A 0772 8 218 W. Yard Rd. F2 Feura Bush NY ZIP 1206 7 M1 811 Route 33 OPM# 000738 RM PG 26 South Middlesex Ave. Route 9W South Building ID Port Ewen Monroe NY Freehold 1246 6 NJ 2 0883 1 4561 Oak Fair Blvd. NJ Tampa FL 3361 0 M2 0772 8 5 26 South Middlesex Ave. 4758 Oak Fair Blvd. F1 Tampa Monroe FL 3361 0 NJ Address BT 0883 1 700 Burning Tree Rd. F3 Fullerton CA 811 Route 33 OPM# 000738 RM 9283 3 CR 811 Route 33 OPM# 000738 RM 1 12958 Midway Place 6298 W 44th Ave. SCHEDULE D LOCATION OF RECEIVABLE FILES Driveway Finance Corporation 150 North Bartlett Street Medford, OR 97501 Iron Mountain Information Management, LLC, at the following locations: Spokane Cerritos WA Freehold 9922 4 CA Freehold
SCHEDULE E SCHEDULE OF DOCUMENTS 1. Loan Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by and among SCFC Business Services LLC, as borrower (the "Borrower"), Driveway Finance Corporation ("DFC"), as servicer (in such capacity, the "Servicer") and as collateral custodian for the Secured Parties (as defined therein), the Lenders from time to time parties thereto, the Agents for the Lender Groups (as defined therein) from time to time parties thereto (the "Agents"), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the Lenders and the Agents (the "Administrative Agent") and as account bank. 2. Purchase Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, between DFC and the Borrower. 3. Escrow and Control Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as escrow agent and bank, and the Administrative Agent. 4. [Reserved]. 5. Fee Letter, dated as of the Closing Date, among DFC, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent. 6. Performance Guaranty of Lithia Motors, Inc., dated the Closing Date. 7. Power of Attorney, dated as of the Closing Date, from the Borrower to the Administrative Agent. 8. Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, dated the Closing Date, as to certain true sale matters. 9. Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, dated the Closing Date, as to certain non-consolidation sale matters. 10. Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, dated the Closing Date, as to certain security interest matters. 11. Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, dated the Closing Date, as to certain corporate matters, including an opinion as to the Volcker Rule. 12. Opinion of Stoel Rives LLP, dated the Closing Date, as to certain corporate and security interest matters under Oregon law. 13. Opinion of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, dated the Closing Date, as to certain matters relating to Lithia Motor, Inc. SF-1
SCHEDULE F FINANCIAL COVENANTS (LITHIA) "Financial Covenants (Lithia)" means each of: (i) as of any date of determination, the ratio for the four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the last day of the most recently completed fiscal quarter of (a) (1) EBITDAR, minus (2) dividends and other distributions in respect of Equity Interests of the Company or any Subsidiary (except to the extent such dividends or other distributions are paid to the Company or another Subsidiary), minus (3) amounts expended to repurchase Equity Interests from a Person that is not a Loan Party in accordance with clause (z)(ii) of the last sentence of Section 13.4 and equal to the amount in excess of the Equity Interest Repurchase Threshold for such Measurement Period, minus (4) income tax expense to the extent paid in cash, minus (5) an allowance for maintenance capital expenditures in an amount equal to $85,000 for each Dealership location, plus (6) if any Permitted Acquisition has occurred during any Measurement Period, Pro Forma EBITDAR minus rental or lease expense attributable to any new Acquisition Subsidiary or business acquired in connection with such Permitted Acquisition, as applicable, calculated as if the Permitted Acquisition had occurred on the first day of such Measurement Period (it being understood and agreed that Pro Forma EBITDAR minus rental or lease expense may not be included in this calculation to the extent that it results in an annualized increase of more than 10% in Lithia's consolidated EBITDAR minus rental or lease expense prior to such adjustment, unless Lithia provides to the Agent and the Required Lenders the supporting calculations for such adjustment and such other information as they may reasonably request to determine the accuracy of such calculations); to (b) the sum for the applicable Measurement Period of (1) cash interest, plus (2) required principal payments on Indebtedness (excluding principal payments on Indebtedness described in subsection (r) of Section 13.10) plus (3) rental or lease expense, shall not be less than 1.20 to 1.0; and (ii) as of any date of determination, the ratio for Lithia and all Related Subsidiaries of Lithia on a consolidated basis of (a) (1) the then outstanding principal balance of all Funded Debt (minus the sum of (A) unrestricted cash and cash equivalents plus (B) any amounts held in the PR Accounts plus (C) any amounts held in accounts established by Dual Subsidiaries or Silo Subsidiaries as an offset to floorplan notes payable (or interest thereon), minus (2) the sum of the then outstanding principal balance of the New Vehicle Floorplan Loans, New Vehicle Swing Line Loans, Used Vehicle Floorplan Loans, Used Vehicle Swing Line Loans, * - No amendments that are made to, waivers that are granted with respect to, or other modifications that are made with respect to the Lithia Loan Agreement that would change the amount of Funded Debt that is permitted under such Section shall be given effect hereunder unless consented to by the Administrative Agent. SF-1
Service Loaner Vehicle Floorplan Loans, Service Loaner Vehicle Swing Line Loans, principal amount of any Other Service Loaner Floorplan Financing, Funded Debt permitted under subsection (o) of Section 13.10 of the Lithia Loan Agreement* (but only to the extent constituting floor plan financing), Funded Debt permitted under subsection (p) of Section 13.10 of the Lithia Loan Agreement* (but only to the extent constituting floor plan financing), Funded Debt permitted under subsection (r) of Section 13.10 of the Lithia Loan Agreement* (but only to the extent not guaranteed by Lithia) and Funded Debt permitted under subsection (s) of Section 13.10 of the Lithia Loan Agreement* and, without duplication, Funded Debt permitted under subsection (f) of Section 13.10 of the Lithia Loan Agreement* (but only to the extent the underlying indebtedness that is guaranteed constitutes floor plan financing), plus (3) six times rental or lease expense for the Measurement Period ending on such date; to (b) (1) Pro Forma EBITDAR for the Measurement Period ending on such date (it being understood and agreed that Pro Forma EBITDAR minus rental or lease expense may not be included in this calculation to the extent that it results in an annualized increase of more than 10% in Lithia’s consolidated EBITDAR minus rental or lease expense prior to such adjustment, unless Lithia provides to the Agent and the Required Lenders the supporting calculations for such adjustment and such other information as they may reasonably request to determine the accuracy of such calculations), minus (2) interest expense with respect to the New Vehicle Floorplan Loans, New Vehicle Swing Line Loans, Used Vehicle Floorplan Loans, Used Vehicle Swing Line Loans, Service Loaner Vehicle Floorplan Loans, Service Loaner Vehicle Swing Line Loans and Funded Debt permitted under subsection (o) of Section 13.10 of the Lithia Loan Agreement* (but only to the extent constituting floor plan financing), Funded Debt permitted under subsection (p) of Section 13.10 of the Lithia Loan Agreement* but only to the extent constituting floor plan financing), Funded Debt permitted under subsection (r) of Section 13.10 of the Lithia Loan Agreement* (but only to the extent not guaranteed by Lithia) and Funded Debt permitted under subsection(s) of Section 13.10 of the Lithia Loan Agreement*, in each case for the Measurement Period ending on such date, shall not be greater than 5.75 to 1.0. For purposes of the foregoing Financial Covenants (Lithia), "Lithia Loan Agreement" means the Fourth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2021, by and among Lithia, Lithia's subsidiaries that are from time to time parties thereto, each financial institution that is from time to time party thereto as a lender, and U.S. Bank National Association, as agent for the lenders thereunder, as amended in accordance with its terms on or prior to the Amendment No. 9 Effective Date and "Related Subsidiaries of Lithia" means, as of * - No amendments that are made to, waivers that are granted with respect to, or other modifications that are made with respect to the Lithia Loan Agreement that would change the amount of Funded Debt that is permitted under such Section shall be given effect hereunder unless consented to by the Administrative Agent. SF-2
any date of determination, all entities that are defined as "subsidiaries" of Lithia in accordance with the Lithia Loan Agreement as of such date (without giving effect to any amendments to the related definition of "subsidiary" on or after the Closing Date other than those that have been consented to by the Administrative Agent). Furthermore, all capitalized terms used in the foregoing Financial Covenants (Lithia) that are not defined in Section 1.01 of the Agreement have the meanings assigned thereto in the Lithia Loan Agreement, without giving effect to any amendments that are made to, waivers that are granted with respect to, or other modifications that are made with respect to the Lithia Loan Agreement on or after the Closing Date unless the same have been consented to by the Administrative Agent. * - No amendments that are made to, waivers that are granted with respect to, or other modifications that are made with respect to the Lithia Loan Agreement that would change the amount of Funded Debt that is permitted under such Section shall be given effect hereunder unless consented to by the Administrative Agent. SF-3
SCHEDULE G APPROVED BACKUP SERVICERS Vervent Inc. SG-1
EXHIBIT A FORM OF FUNDING REQUEST ____________, 20__ JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Account Bank and as JPMorgan Agent Chase Tower, 7th Floor 10 South Dearborn Street Mail Code IL1-0079 Chicago, Illinois 60603 Attention: Asset-Backed Securities Portfolio Management Citibank, N.A., as Citibank Agent [Address] Attention: [__] Re: SCFC Business Services LLC – Loan Agreement Ladies and Gentlemen: The undersigned is a Responsible Officer of SCFC Business Services LLC (the "Borrower") and is authorized to execute and deliver this Funding Request on behalf of the Borrower pursuant to the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Loan Agreement"), among the Borrower, Driveway Finance Corporation, as servicer and collateral custodian, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the Agents for the Lender Groups from time to time parties thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and account bank. Capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Loan Agreement. The Borrower hereby requests that a Loan be made under the Loan Agreement on __________, ____ in the amount of $__________. In connection with the foregoing, the undersigned hereby certifies, on behalf of the Borrower, as follows: 1. As of the date hereof, the Borrowing Base is __________. After giving effect to the requested Loan, the Loans Outstanding will not exceed the Borrowing Base and no Borrowing Base Deficiency will exist. Attached to this Funding Request is a true, complete and correct calculation of such Borrowing Base and all components thereof. A-1
2. As of the date hereof, the Excess Concentration Amount after giving effect to the requested Loan will be: ______ 3. All of the conditions applicable to the requested Loan as set forth in the Loan Agreement have been satisfied as of the date hereof and will remain satisfied to the date of such Loan, including: (a) each of the representations and warranties contained in Article Five of the Loan Agreement are true and correct in all respects on and as of the date hereof, before and after giving effect to the Loan and to the application of the proceeds therefrom as though made on and as of the date hereof; (b) no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such Loan or from the application of the proceeds therefrom, which constitutes a Termination Event or Unmatured Termination Event; (c) the Borrower is in material compliance with each of its agreements set forth in the Loan Agreement; (d) no Servicer Termination Event or Unmatured Servicer Termination Event has occurred; and (e) no adverse selection procedures were used by the Borrower with respect to the Receivables which will become a part of the Collateral on the Funding Date. 4. The requested Loan will not, on the Funding Date, exceed the Available Amount and after giving effect to the requested Loan, the Loans Outstanding will not exceed the Borrowing Base. 5. The Hedging Agreement is in effect as required by Section 6.03 of the Loan Agreement. 6. Attached hereto is a true, correct and complete Schedule A to the Purchase Agreement, reflecting all Receivables which will become part of the Collateral on the Funding Date, each Receivable reflected thereon being an Eligible Receivable. 7. The Cutoff Date with respect to the Receivables is , 20_ . SCFC BUSINESS SERVICES LLC By: Name: Title: A-2
EXHIBIT B FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE Dated __________, 20_ Reference is made to the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Loan Agreement"), among SCFC Business Services LLC, as borrower, Driveway Finance Corporation, as servicer and collateral custodian, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the Agents for the Lender Groups from time to time parties thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the "Administrative Agent") and account bank. Capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Loan Agreement. __________________ (the "Assignor") and ___________________ (the "Assignee") agree as follows: The Assignor hereby sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby purchases and assumes from the Assignor, that interest in and to all of the Assignor's rights and obligations under the Loan Agreement as of the date hereof which represents the percentage interest specified in Section 1 of Schedule 1 hereto of all outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the Loan Agreement, including such interest in the Commitment of the Assignor and the Lender Advances made by the Assignor. After giving effect to such sale and assignment, the Commitment and the amount of Lender Advances made by the Assignee will be as set forth in Section 2 of Schedule 1 hereto. The Assignor represents and warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such interest is free and clear of any Lien. The Assignor and the Assignee confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties to Loan Agreement that: (i) other than as provided herein, the Assignor makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Loan Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (ii) the Assignee confirms that it has received a copy of the Loan Agreement, together with copies of such financial statements and other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (iii) the Assignee will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender party to the Loan Agreement 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 Agreement; (iv) the Assignor and the Assignee confirm that the Assignee is an Eligible Assignee; (v) the Assignee appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to such agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably B-1
incidental thereto; (vi) the Assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender, including the confidentiality provisions of Article Twelve; and (vii) this Assignment and Acceptance meets all other requirements for such an Assignment and Acceptance set forth in Article Eleven of the Loan Agreement. Following the execution of this Assignment and Acceptance by the Assignor and the Assignee, it will be delivered to the Administrative Agent for acceptance. The effective date of this Assignment and Acceptance (the "Assignment Date") shall be the date of acceptance thereof by the Administrative Agent, unless a later date is specified in Section 3 of Schedule 1 hereto. The Assignor and the Assignee agree to reimburse the Administrative Agent for all reasonable fees, costs and expenses (including reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of counsel for the Administrative Agent) incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Assignment and Acceptance. Upon such acceptance by the Administrative Agent, the Assignee shall be a party to the Loan Agreement and, to the extent provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder, provided, that the Assignor shall, to the extent such rights have been assigned by it under this Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its assigned rights and be released from its assigned obligations under the Loan Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance coving all or the remaining portion of an assigning Assignor's rights and obligations under the Loan Agreement, Assignor shall cease to be a party thereto). Upon such acceptance by the Administrative Agent, from and after the Assignment Date, the Administrative Agent shall make, or cause to be made, all payments under the Loan Agreement in respect of the interest assigned hereby (including, without limitation, all payments of principal, interest and fees with respect thereto) to the Assignee. The Assignor and Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments under the Loan Agreement for periods prior to the Assignment Date directly between themselves. THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. B-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Assignor and the Assignee have executed this Assignment and Acceptance as of the __ day of ________, 20_ . _______________, as Assignor By: Name: Title: _______________, as Assignee By: Name: Title: B-3
B-4 Assignee's Commitment: $_____________ Percentage Interest: Aggregate Lender Advances Owing to the Assignee: ________% $_____________ Section 1. Section 3. Section 2. Assignment Date: _____________, 20_ Schedule 1 to Assignment and Acceptance Dated _________, 20_
EXHIBIT C CREDIT AND COLLECTION POLICY [On file with the Administrative Agent] C-1
EXHIBIT D FORM OF POWER OF ATTORNEY This Power of Attorney (this "Power of Attorney") is executed and delivered by SCFC Business Services LLC ("Grantor") to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent ("Attorney"), pursuant to (i) the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Loan Agreement"), among SCFC Business Services LLC, as borrower (the "Borrower"), Driveway Finance Corporation, as servicer and collateral custodian, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the Agents for the Lender Groups from time to time parties thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and account bank, and (ii) the other Basic Documents. Capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Loan Agreement. No person to whom this Power of Attorney is presented, as authority for Attorney to take any action or actions contemplated hereby, shall inquire into or seek confirmation from Grantor as to the authority of Attorney to take any action described below, or as to the existence of or fulfillment of any condition to this Power of Attorney, which is intended to grant to Attorney unconditionally the authority to take and perform the actions contemplated herein, and Grantor irrevocably waives any right to commence any suit or action, in law or equity, against any person or entity that acts in reliance upon or acknowledges the authority granted under this Power of Attorney. The power of attorney granted hereby is coupled with an interest and may not be revoked or canceled by Grantor until all Aggregate Unpaids have been indefeasibly paid in full and Attorney has provided its written consent thereto. Grantor hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints Attorney (and all officers, employees or agents designated by Attorney), with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in its place and stead and in its name or in Attorney's own name, from time to time in Attorney's discretion, to take any and all appropriate action and to execute and deliver any and all documents and instruments that may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of the Loan Agreement, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, hereby grants to Attorney the power and right, on its behalf, without notice to or assent by it, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Termination Event, to do the following: (a) exercise all rights and privileges of Grantor under the Purchase Agreement (including each Purchase Agreement Supplement); (b) pay or discharge any taxes, Liens or other encumbrances levied or placed on or threatened against Grantor or Grantor's property; (c) defend any suit, action or proceeding brought against Grantor if Grantor does not defend such suit, action or proceeding or if Attorney believes that it is not pursuing such defense in a manner that will maximize the recovery to Attorney, and settle, compromise or adjust any suit, action or proceeding described above and, in connection therewith, give such discharges or releases as Attorney may deem appropriate; (d) file or prosecute any claim, litigation, suit or proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction or before any arbitrator, or take any other action otherwise deemed appropriate by Attorney for the purpose of collecting any and all such moneys due to Grantor whenever payable and to enforce any other right in respect of Grantor's property; (e) sell, transfer, pledge, make any agreement with respect to or otherwise D-1
deal with, any of Grantor's property, and execute, in connection with such sale or action, any endorsements, assignments or other instruments of conveyance or transfer in connection therewith; and (f) cause the certified public accountants then engaged by Grantor to prepare and deliver to Attorney at any time and from time to time, promptly upon Attorney's request, any reports required to be prepared by or on behalf of Grantor under the Loan Agreement or any other Basic Document, all as though Attorney were the absolute owner of its property for all purposes, and to do, at Attorney's option and Grantor's expense, at any time or from time to time, all acts and other things that Attorney reasonably deems necessary to perfect, preserve, or realize upon its property or assets and the Liens of the Administrative Agent, as agent for the Secured Parties thereon, all as fully and effectively as it might do. Grantor hereby ratifies, to the extent permitted by law, all that said attorneys shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Power of Attorney is executed by Grantor as of this __ day of ________ 20__. SCFC BUSINESS SERVICES LLC By: Name: Title: Sworn to and subscribed before me this __ day of ________, 20__ _____________________________________ Notary Public [NOTARY SEAL] D-2
EXHIBIT E FORM OF TAKE-OUT RELEASE Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Loan Agreement"), among SCFC Business Services LLC, as borrower (the "Borrower"), Driveway Finance Corporation, as servicer (in such capacity, the "Servicer") and collateral custodian (in such capacity, the "Collateral Custodian"), the lenders from time to time parties thereto, the agents from time to time parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the administrative agent (the "Administrative Agent") and account bank. Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning given such terms in the Loan Agreement. The Borrower and the Servicer hereby represent and warrant that each condition in the Loan Agreement and each other Basic Document, to the consummation of the Take-out to which this Take-out Release relates, has been satisfied, including but not limited to delivery of (i) the executed Take-out Date Certificate, in substantially the form attached hereto as Annex 1 and (i) the executed notice, in substantially the form attached hereto as Annex 2. Upon deposit in the Collection Account of $___________ in accordance with Section 2.12(a)(iv) of the Loan Agreement in immediately available funds, the Administrative Agent hereby releases all of its right, title and interest, including its Lien, in and to the following: (a) the Receivables to be transferred by the Borrower in the related Take-out and described in Schedule I hereto (the "Take-out Receivables" and such Schedule, the "Schedule of Take-out Receivables"), together with the related Contracts, whether now existing or hereafter acquired, and any accounts or obligations evidenced thereby, any guarantee thereof, all Collections related thereto, and all monies due (including any payments made under any guarantee or similar credit enhancement with respect to any such Take-out Receivables) to become due or received by any Person in payment of any of the foregoing on or after the related Take-out Date; (b) all of the Borrower's interest in the Financed Vehicles relating to the Take-out Receivables (including repossessed vehicles) or in any document or writing evidencing any security interest in any such Financed Vehicle and each security interest in each such Financed Vehicle, whether now existing or hereafter acquired, including all proceeds from any sale or other disposition of such Financed Vehicles; (c) all Receivable Files and the Schedule of Take-out Receivables, relating to the Take-out Receivables, whether now existing or hereafter acquired, and all right, title and interest of the Borrower in and to the documents, agreements and instruments included in the such Receivable Files, including rights of recourse of the Borrower against DFC and/or any Dealer with respect to the Receivables; E-1
(d) all of the Borrower's interest in all Records, documents and writings evidencing or related to the Take-out Receivables or the related Contracts; (e) all of the Borrower's interest in all rights to payment under all Insurance Policies with respect to a Financed Vehicle related to a Take-out Receivable, including any monies collected from whatever source in connection with any default of an Obligor with respect to such Financed Vehicle and any proceeds from claims or refunds of premiums on any such Insurance Policy, whether now existing or hereafter acquired, and all proceeds thereof; (f) all of the Borrower's interest in all guaranties, indemnities, warranties, insurance (and proceeds and premium refunds thereof) and other agreements or arrangements of whatever character from time to time supporting or securing payment of the Take-out Receivables, whether pursuant to the related Contracts or otherwise; (g) all of the Borrower's interest in all rights to payment under all service contracts and other contracts and agreements associated with the Take-out Receivables and all of the Borrower's interest in all recourse rights against the related dealer (excluding any rights in any dealer reserve and rights under the related Dealer Agreement); (h) Liens, guaranties and other encumbrances in favor of or assigned or transferred to the Borrower in and to the Take-out Receivables, whether now existing or hereafter acquired, and the related Financed Vehicles, whether now existing or hereafter acquired; (i) all deposit accounts, monies, deposits, funds, accounts and instruments relating to the foregoing; (j) all of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to the Purchase Agreement (including each Purchase Agreement Supplement), relating to the Take-out Receivables and remedies thereunder and the assignment to the Administrative Agent of all UCC financing statements filed by the Borrower against DFC under or in connection with the Purchase Agreement and relating to such Take-out Receivables; and (k) all income and proceeds of the foregoing. [The Servicer and the Borrower hereby direct the Collateral Custodian to deliver the Receivable Files for the Take-out Receivables to __________________________________.] E-2
Executed as of __________, 20_ . SCFC BUSINESS SERVICES LLC, as Borrower By: Name: Title: DRIVEWAY FINANCE CORPORATION, as Servicer and Collateral Custodian By: Name: Title: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as the Administrative Agent By: Name: Title: E-3
ANNEX 1 DRIVEWAY FINANCE CORPORATION TAKE-OUT DATE CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.12(a) OF THE LOAN AGREEMENT Driveway Finance Corporation ("DFC"), as the servicer (the "Servicer"), delivers this certificate pursuant to Section 2.12(a) of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Loan Agreement"), among SCFC Business Services LLC, as the borrower, the Servicer, DFC, as collateral custodian, the lenders from time to time parties hereto, the agents from time to time parties hereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the administrative agent and account bank, and hereby certifies, as of the date hereof, the following: (a) the Borrower has sufficient funds on the related Take-out Date to effect the Take-out in accordance with the Loan Agreement (taking into account, to the extent necessary, the proceeds of sales of the Collateral in the Take-out, if applicable); (b) after giving effect of the Take-out, the release by the Administrative Agent of the related Receivables on the Take-out Date and the transfer by the Borrower or the related Receivables on the Take-out Date, (A) no Borrowing Base Deficiency exists, (B) neither an Unmatured Termination Event, a Termination Event, a Servicer Termination Event or an event that with notice or the passage of time, or both, would be a Servicer Termination Event, has occurred or results from such Take-out, and (C) the proportion of Delinquent Receivables and Defaulted Receivables that will remain subject to the Loan Agreement shall be no higher after giving effect to such Take-out than prior to such Take-out; (c) the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent a list specifying all Contracts under which the Receivables not to be released pursuant to such Take-out arose; and (d) the Borrower has deposited in to the Collection Account an amount equal to all Unreimbursed Servicer Advances associated with the Receivables to be released. Capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Loan Agreement. E-4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Servicer has caused this certificate to be executed on its behalf this ___ day of _________, 20_ . DRIVEWAY FINANCE CORPORATION By: Name: Title: E-5
ANNEX 2 FORM OF NOTICE Driveway Finance Corporation 150 N. Bartlett Street Medford, Oregon 97501 __________, 20_ JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and as JPMorgan Agent Chase Tower, 7th Floor 10 South Dearborn Street Mail Code IL1-0079 Chicago, Illinois 60603 Attention: Asset-Backed Securities Portfolio Management Citibank, N.A., as Citibank Agent [Address] Attention: [__] Re: SCFC Business Services LLC – Loan Agreement Ladies and Gentlemen: Reference is made to the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Loan Agreement"), among SCFC Business Services LLC, as borrower (the "Borrower"), Driveway Finance Corporation, as servicer and collateral custodian, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, the agents from time to time parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the "Administrative Agent") and account bank. Pursuant to Section 2.12(a)(i) of the Loan Agreement, the Borrower gives notice of its intent to effect a Take-out on or about __________, 20_ (which date is no fewer than 15 Business Days after the date of delivery of this notice to the Administrative Agent and each Agent). Capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Loan Agreement. E-6
Very truly yours, SCFC BUSINESS SERVICES LLC By: Name: Title: E-7
Schedule I to Take-out Release SCHEDULE OF REMOVED RECEIVABLES E-8
EXHIBIT F FORM OF MONTHLY REPORT [On File with the Administrative Agent] F-1
EXHIBIT G FORMS OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES G-1
G-2 [NAME OF LENDER] Name: EXHIBIT G-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 Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Loan Agreement"), among SCFC Business Services LLC, as Borrower, Driveway Finance Corporation, as Servicer and as Collateral Custodian, the Lenders from time to time parties thereto, the Agents from time to time parties thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Account Bank. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.14 of the Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the 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 the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code. The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E. 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 and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is 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 Loan Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement. Title: By: Date: ________ __, 20[ ]
G-3 [NAME OF PARTICIPANT] Name: EXHIBIT G-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 Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Loan Agreement"), among SCFC Business Services LLC, as Borrower, Driveway Finance Corporation, as Servicer and as Collateral Custodian, the Lenders from time to time parties thereto, the Agents from time to time parties thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Account Bank. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.14 of the Loan 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 the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the 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 or W-8BEN-E. 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 in either the calendar year in which each payment is 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 Loan Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement. Title: By: Date: ________ __, 20[ ]
G-4 [NAME OF PARTICIPANT] Name: EXHIBIT G-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 Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Loan Agreement"), among SCFC Business Services LLC, as Borrower, Driveway Finance Corporation, as Servicer and as Collateral Custodian, the Lenders from time to time parties thereto, the Agents from time to time parties thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Account Bank. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.14 of the Loan 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 the 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 the 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 W-8BEN-E or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E 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 in either the calendar year in which each payment is 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 Loan Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement. Title: By:
Date: ________ __, 20[ ] G-5
G-6 EXHIBIT G-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 Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Loan Agreement"), among SCFC Business Services LLC, as Borrower, Driveway Finance Corporation, as Servicer and as Collateral Custodian, the Lenders from time to time parties thereto, the Agents from time to time parties thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Account Bank. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.14 of the Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the 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), (iii) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to this Loan Agreement or any other Borrower Basic 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 the 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 the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code. The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower 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 W-8BEN-E or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E 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 and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is 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 Loan Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement. By: [NAME OF LENDER] Name:
G-7 Title: Date: ________ __, 20[ ]
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
I, Bryan B. DeBoer, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Lithia Motors, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: October 25, 2024
/s/ Bryan B. DeBoer
Bryan B. DeBoer
President and Chief Executive Officer
Lithia Motors, Inc.
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO
RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
I, Tina Miller, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Lithia Motors, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: October 25, 2024
/s/ Tina Miller
Tina Miller
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Lithia Motors, Inc.
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(b) OR RULE 15d-14(b)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Lithia Motors, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Bryan B. DeBoer, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/ Bryan B. DeBoer
Bryan B. DeBoer
President and Chief Executive Officer
Lithia Motors, Inc.
October 25, 2024
EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(b) OR RULE 15d-14(b)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Lithia Motors, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Tina Miller, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/ Tina Miller
Tina Miller
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Lithia Motors, Inc.
October 25, 2024