Delaware
|
001-41917
|
93-1969003
|
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
|
(Commission
File Number)
|
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
|
☐ |
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
|
☐ |
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
|
☐ |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
|
☐ |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
|
Title of each class
|
Trading
Symbol(s)
|
Name of each exchange
on which registered
|
||
Class A common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share
|
SDHC
|
New York Stock Exchange
|
Item 1.01
|
Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
|
•
|
the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “LLC”), dated January 10, 2024, by and among
the Company and its Members (as defined therein) (the “A&R LLCA”);
|
•
|
the Tax Receivable Agreement, dated January 10, 2024, by and among the Company, the LLC and its Members (as defined therein);
|
•
|
the Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 10, 2024, by and among the Company and the Original Equity Owners (as defined therein); and
|
•
|
the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility, dated January 16, 2024, by and among the LLC, certain of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the lenders party
thereto (the “A&R Credit Facility”).
|
Item 3.02
|
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.
|
Item 3.03
|
Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.
|
Item 5.02
|
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
|
Item 5.03
|
Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.
|
Item 8.01
|
Other Events.
|
Item 9.01
|
Financial Statements and Exhibits.
|
Exhibit No.
|
Description
|
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Smith Douglas Homes Corp.
|
|
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Smith Douglas Homes Corp.
|
|
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, dated as of January 10, 2024
|
|
Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2024, by and among Smith Douglas Homes Corp., Smith Douglas Holdings LLC and its Members
|
|
Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 10, 2024, by and among Smith Douglas Homes Corp., Smith Douglas Holdings LLC and its Original Equity Owners
|
|
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated January 16, 2024, by and among Smith Douglas Building Services LLC, SDH Atlanta LLC, SDH Alabama LLC, SDH Nashville LLC, SDH Raleigh LLC, SDH Charlotte LLC; and SDH Houston LLC, the Lenders and
their Assignees; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Sole Bookrunner; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and BofA Securities, Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers; and Bank of America, N.A. as Syndication Agent.
|
|
Employment Agreement, dated January 16, 2024 by and among Smith Douglas Homes Corp., Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, SDH Management Services LLC and Gregory S. Bennett.
|
|
Employment Agreement, dated January 16, 2024 by and among Smith Douglas Homes Corp., Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, SDH Management Services LLC and Russell Devendorf.
|
|
Employment Agreement, dated January 16, 2024 by and among Smith Douglas Homes Corp., Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, SDH Management Services LLC and Brett A. Steele.
|
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
|
||
Date: January 16, 2024
|
By:
|
/s/ Russell Devendorf
|
Russell Devendorf
|
||
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|
Exhibit 3.1
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, hereby certifies as follows:
1. The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was filed with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on June 20, 2023 (the “Original Certificate”).
2. The Corporation is filing this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), which restates, integrates and further amends the Original Certificate, as heretofore amended, and which was duly adopted by all necessary action of the board of directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) and the stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242, 245 and 228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
3. The text of the Original Certificate is hereby amended, integrated and restated in its entirety by this Certificate of Incorporation to read in full as follows:
Article I.
The name of the corporation is Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (the “Corporation”).
Article II.
The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 251 Little Falls Drive, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19808. The name of its registered agent at such address is Corporation Service Company.
Article III.
The nature of the business of the Corporation and the objects or purposes to be transacted, promoted or carried on by the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), including, without limitation, (i) investing in securities of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, or any successor entities thereto (“Smith Douglas Holdings LLC”) and any of its subsidiaries, (ii) exercising all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to the Corporation’s assets, including managing, holding, selling and disposing of such assets and (iii) engaging in any other activities incidental or ancillary thereto.
Article IV.
Section 4.1 Authorized Stock. The total number of shares of all classes of stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is three hundred sixty million (360,000,000), consisting of the following three classes:
(a) Two hundred fifty million (250,000,000) shares of Class A common stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”);
(b) One hundred million (100,000,000) shares of Class B common stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Class B Common Stock”); and
(c) Ten million (10,000,000) shares of preferred stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”).
Section 4.2 Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors is authorized to provide, out of the unissued shares of Preferred Stock, for the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Delaware (such certificate being hereinafter referred to as a “Preferred Stock Designation”), to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series and to fix the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including, without limitation, the authority to fix or alter the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, exchange rights, voting powers, rights and terms of redemption (including sinking and purchase fund provisions), the redemption price or prices, restrictions on the issuance of shares of such series, the dissolution preferences and the rights in respect of any distribution of assets of any wholly unissued series of Preferred Stock and the number of shares constituting any such series, and the designation thereof, or any of them and to increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock) or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any series so created (except where otherwise provided in a Preferred Stock Designation), subsequent to the issue of that series. In case the authorized number of shares of any series shall be so decreased, the shares constituting such decrease shall, unless otherwise provided in the Preferred Stock Designation, resume the status as authorized, but undesignated Preferred Stock. There shall be no limitation or restriction on any variation between any of the different series of Preferred Stock as to the designations, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof; and the several series of Preferred Stock may vary in any and all respects as fixed and determined by the resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors or by a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors, providing for the issuance of the various series of Preferred Stock.
Section 4.3 Reclassification of Common Stock. Upon the filing and effectiveness of this Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of the State of Delaware (the “Effective Time”), and without any further action required by the Corporation or its stockholders: (i) each share of Common Stock (as defined in the prior certificate of incorporation of the Company, dated June 20, 2023) issued and outstanding or held in treasury, immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be automatically reclassified into one validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of Class A Common Stock without any further action by the Corporation or the holder of any share. Each stock certificate representing shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be cancelled without any further action required by stockholders and the shares of Class A Common Stock into which the shares of Common Stock previously represented by such stock certificate have been reclassified pursuant to this Section 4.3 shall be uncertificated shares.
Section 4.4 Number of Authorized Shares. The number of authorized shares of any of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) without a separate vote of any holders of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Preferred Stock, unless a separate vote of any such holders is required pursuant to the terms of any Preferred Stock Designation, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto).
Section 4.5 Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The powers, preferences and rights of the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof are as follows:
(a) Voting Rights. Except as otherwise required by law,
(i) Each share of Class A Common Stock shall entitle the record holder thereof as of the applicable record date to one (1) vote per share in person or by proxy on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of Class A Common Stock, whether voting separately as a class or otherwise.
(ii) Each share of Class B Common Stock shall entitle the record holder thereof as of the applicable record date to one (1) vote per share in person or by proxy on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of Class B Common Stock, whether voting separately as a class or otherwise; provided however, that until the date the aggregate number of shares of Class B Common Stock then outstanding is less than ten percent (10%) of the aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock then outstanding (the “Sunset Date”), each share of the outstanding Class B Common Stock shall entitle the record holder thereof as of the applicable record date to ten (10) votes per share in person or by proxy on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of Class B Common Stock, whether voting separately as a class or otherwise.
(iii) Except as otherwise required by applicable law or this Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall vote together as a single class (or, if any holders of shares of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, as a single class with such holders of Preferred Stock) on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.
(b) Dividends. Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over or the right to participate with the Class A Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends, dividends may be declared and paid on the Class A Common Stock out of the assets or funds of the Corporation that are by law available therefor, at such times and in such amounts as the Board of Directors in its discretion shall determine. Other than in connection with a dividend declared by the Board of Directors in connection with a “poison pill” or similar stockholder rights plan, dividends shall not be declared or paid on the Class B Common Stock and the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock shall have no right to receive dividends in respect of such shares of Class B Common Stock.
(c) Liquidation Rights. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation and after making provisions for preferential and other amounts, if any, to which the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over or the right to participate with the Class A Common Stock with respect to the distribution of assets of the Corporation upon such dissolution, liquidation or winding up shall be entitled, the remaining assets and funds of the Corporation available for distribution shall be divided among and paid ratably to the holders of all outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock in proportion to the number of shares held by each such stockholder. The holders of shares of Class B Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to receive any assets of the Corporation in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation. A consolidation, reorganization or merger of the Corporation with any other Person or Persons (as defined below), a conversion of the Corporation, or a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, shall not be considered to be a dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation within the meaning of this Section 4.4(c).
(d) Class B Common Stock.
(i) (x) shares of Class B Common Stock may be issued only to, and registered only in the name of, the Continuing Equity Owners (as defined below) and their respective Permitted Transferees (as defined below) in accordance with Section 4.5 (including all subsequent Permitted Transferees) (the Continuing Equity Owners together with such Persons, collectively, the “Permitted Class B Owners”) or in the name of the Corporation and (y) the aggregate number of shares of Class B Common Stock at any time registered in the name of each such Permitted Class B Owner must be equal to the aggregate number of Common Units (as defined below) held of record at such time by such Permitted Class B Owner under the LLC Agreement (as defined below). As used in this Certificate of Incorporation, (A) “Continuing Equity Owner” means each of the holders of Common Units (other than the Corporation) of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, as from time to time set forth on Schedule 1 of the LLC Agreement, (B) “Common Unit” has the meaning set forth in the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, dated as of the date hereof, as such agreement may be further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time (the “LLC Agreement”), and (C) “Permitted Transfer” means a transfer or assignment of Class B Common Stock (or any legal or beneficial interest in such shares) by the holder thereof to any transferee or assignee only to the extent permitted by the LLC Agreement (and a holder of Class B Common Stock, as applicable pursuant to a Permitted Transfer, a “Permitted Transferee”) and only if such holder also simultaneously Transfers an equal number of such holder’s Common Units to such Permitted Transferee, if applicable, in compliance with the LLC Agreement.
(ii) The Corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, undertake all necessary and appropriate action within its control to ensure that the number of shares of Class B Common Stock issued by the Corporation at any time to, or otherwise held of record by, any Permitted Class B Owner shall be equal to the aggregate number of Common Units held of record by such Permitted Class B Owner in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement.
(iii) In the event that there is a merger, consolidation, conversion, transfer or Change of Control (as defined below) of the Corporation that was approved by the Board of Directors prior to such merger, consolidation, conversion, transfer or Change of Control, without limiting the rights of the holders of Class B Common Stock to have their Common Units redeemed or exchanged in accordance with Article XI of the LLC Agreement, the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock shall not be entitled to receive more than $0.0001 per share of Class B Common Stock, whether in the form of consideration for such shares or in the form of a distribution of the proceeds of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation with respect to such shares.
(e) Adjustments for Subdivisions, Combinations or Reclassifications of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. If the Corporation in any manner subdivides, combines or reclassifies the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, the outstanding shares of the other such class shall, concurrently therewith, be subdivided, combined, or reclassified in the same proportion and manner such that the same proportionate equity ownership between the holders of outstanding Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock on the record date for such subdivision, combination or reclassification is preserved, unless different treatment of the shares of each such class is approved by (i) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A Common Stock and (ii) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class B Common Stock, each of (i) and (ii) voting as separate classes. In the event of any such subdivision, combination or reclassification, the Corporation shall cause Smith Douglas Holdings LLC to make corresponding changes to the Common Units to give effect to such subdivision, combination or reclassification, as applicable.
Section 4.6 Transfer of Class B Common Stock.
(a) A holder of Class B Common Stock may surrender and transfer shares of such Class B Common Stock to the Corporation for cancellation for no consideration at any time. Following the surrender and transfer, or other acquisition, of any shares of Class B Common Stock to or by the Corporation, the Corporation will take all actions necessary to cancel and retire such shares and such shares shall not be re-issued by the Corporation.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.6(a), a holder of Class B Common Stock may Transfer shares of Class B Common Stock only to a Permitted Transferee of such holder, and only if such holder also simultaneously Transfers an equal number of such holder’s Common Units to such Permitted Transferee in compliance with the LLC Agreement. The Transfer restrictions described in this Section 4.6(b) are referred to as the “Restrictions”.
(c) Any purported Transfer of shares of Class B Common Stock in violation of the Restrictions shall be null and void ab initio. If, notwithstanding the Restrictions, a Person, voluntarily or involuntarily (including by way of a foreclosure), purportedly becomes or attempts to become, the purported owner (the “Purported Owner”) of shares of Class B Common Stock, in violation of the Restrictions, then the Purported Owner shall not obtain any rights in, to or with respect to such shares of (i) Class B Common Stock, and the purported Transfer of the Class B Common Stock to the Purported Owner shall not be recognized by the Corporation, the Corporation’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) or the Secretary of the Corporation and (ii) each holder of such Class B Common Stock shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, automatically, without any further action on the part of the Corporation, the holder thereof, the Purported Owner or any other party, not be entitled to any voting rights with respect to those shares.
(d) Upon a determination by the Board of Directors that a Person has attempted or may attempt to Transfer or to acquire Class B Common Stock in violation of the Restrictions, the Corporation may take such action as it deems necessary or advisable to refuse to give effect to such Transfer or acquisition on the books and records of the Corporation, including without limitation to cause the Transfer Agent or the Secretary of the Corporation, as applicable, to not record the Purported Owner as the record owner of the Class B Common Stock on the books and records of the Corporation and to institute proceedings to enjoin or rescind any such Transfer or acquisition.
(e) The Board of Directors may, to the extent permitted by law, from time to time establish, modify, amend or rescind, by bylaw or otherwise, regulations and procedures not inconsistent with the provisions of this Section 4.6 for determining whether any Transfer or acquisition of shares of Class B Common Stock would violate the Restrictions, and for the orderly application, administration and implementation of the provisions of this Section 4.6. Any such procedures and regulations shall be kept on file with the Secretary of the Corporation and with the Transfer Agent and shall be made available for inspection by and, upon written request shall be mailed to, any requesting holders of shares of stock of the Corporation.
Section 4.7 Certificates. All certificates or book entries representing shares of Class B Common Stock shall bear a legend substantially in the following form (or in such other form as the Board of Directors may determine):
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS [CERTIFICATE][BOOK ENTRY] ARE SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIONS (INCLUDING RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER) SET FORTH IN THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE CORPORATION AS IT MAY BE AMENDED AND/OR RESTATED AND THE Limited Liability Company Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC AS IT MAY BE AMENDED AND/OR RESTATED (COPIES OF WHICH ARE ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE CORPORATION AND SHALL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO ANY STOCKHOLDER MAKING A REQUEST THEREFOR).
Section 4.8 Amendment to Preferred Stock terms.
Except as otherwise required by law, neither the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) or the DGCL.
Article V.
Section 5.1 Shares Reserved for Issuance.
(a) The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock that shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the exchange of all outstanding Common Units held by the holders of the Class B Common Stock (together with Class B Common Stock) for shares of Class A Common Stock; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of the exchange of the Common Units (together with Class B Common Stock) by delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock that are held in the treasury of the Corporation.
(b) The Corporation shall use its best efforts to cause to be reserved and kept available for issuance at all times a sufficient number of authorized but unissued shares of Class B Common Stock, such number of shares of Class B Common Stock that shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the issuance of shares of Class B Common Stock to holders of newly issued Common Units for such consideration and for such corporate purposes as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
Article VI.
In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by the DGCL, the Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. The stockholders may not adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation unless such action is approved, in addition to any other vote required by this Certificate of Incorporation or applicable law, (a) prior to the occurrence of the Sunset Date, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, or (b) from and after the occurrence of the Sunset Date, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class.
Article VII.
Section 7.1 Ballot. Elections of directors (each such director, in such capacity, a “Director” and collectively the “Directors”) need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws shall so provide.
Section 7.2 Number of Directors. Except as otherwise provided by the DGCL or this Certificate of Incorporation, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect Directors under specified circumstances, the number of Directors shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by a majority of the Whole Board of Directors. For purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, the term “Whole Board of Directors” shall mean the total number of authorized Directors (from time to time) whether or not there exist any vacancies.
Section 7.3 Terms of Office. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect Directors, each Director shall serve for a term ending on the date of the next annual meeting of stockholders; provided that each Director shall continue in office until the election and qualification of his or her successor or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation. No decrease in the number of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent Director.
Section 7.4 Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock to elect Directors, except as otherwise provided by law, any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, retirement, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of Directors shall be filled exclusively by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining Director, and shall not be filled by the stockholders. Any Director appointed in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office until the expiration of the term to which such Director shall have been appointed or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, or removal.
Section 7.5 Removal. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock to elect Directors, the Board of Directors or any individual Director may be removed from office at any time either with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of capital stock representing a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon; provided, however, that from and after the Sunset Date, the Board of Directors or any individual Director may be removed from office either with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of capital stock representing at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class.
Section 7.6 Notice. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for election of Directors and other business to be brought by stockholders before a meeting of stockholders shall be given in the manner provided by the Bylaws.
Section 7.7 Preferred Directors. Whenever the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more such other series, to elect Directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, removal and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) applicable thereto. The number of Directors that may be elected by the holders of any such series of Preferred Stock shall be in addition to the number fixed pursuant to Section 7.2 hereof, and the total number of Directors constituting the Whole Board of Directors shall be automatically adjusted accordingly. Except as otherwise provided by the Board of Directors in the resolution or resolutions establishing such series, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect additional Directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation), the terms of office of all such additional Directors elected by the holders of such stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such additional Directors, shall forthwith terminate (in which case each such Director thereupon shall cease to be qualified as, and shall cease to be, a Director) and the total authorized number of Directors of the Corporation shall automatically be reduced accordingly.
Article VIII.
Section 8.1 Consent of Stockholders In Lieu of Meeting. Prior to the occurrence of the Sunset Date, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents, setting forth the action so taken, are (1) signed by the holders of outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation representing not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares of stock of the Corporation then issued and outstanding entitled to vote thereon were present and voted, and (2) delivered to the Corporation in accordance with applicable law. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, from and after the occurrence of Sunset Date, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, and shall not be taken by consent in lieu of a meeting.
Section 8.2 Special Meetings of Stockholders. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock and to the requirements of applicable law, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called, for any purpose or purposes, at any time only by or at the direction of (i) the Chairperson of the Board of Directors (if any), (ii) the Chief Executive Officer, (iii) the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board of Directors, or (iv) prior to the occurrence of the Sunset Date, by the Secretary (or other officer or the Board of Directors) at the request of any of the Continuing Equity Owners owning at least 5% of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, and shall not be called by any other person or persons.
Article IX.
The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change, adopt or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation; provided, however, that from and after the occurrence of the Sunset Date, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend or repeal, or adopt any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with Sections 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 and 4.6 of Article IV or with Articles V, VI, VII, VIII, VIII, IX, X, XII and XIII; provided further, that any amendment (including by merger, consolidation conversion, transfer or otherwise) to this Certificate of Incorporation (whether prior to or following the occurrence of the Sunset Date) that gives holders of the Class B Common Stock (i) any rights to receive dividends (other than as set forth in the last sentence of Section 4.4(b) of Article IV) or any other kind of distribution, (ii) any right to convert into or be exchanged for shares of Class A Common Stock or (iii) any other economic rights (except for payments in cash in lieu of receipt of fractional stock) shall, in addition to the vote of the holders of shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation, also require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock voting separately as a class. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation effecting changes set forth in (i) Section 242(d)(1) of the DGCL can be affected without a stockholder vote and (ii) Section 242(d)(2) of the DGCL shall only require the vote of stockholders set forth in Section 242(d)(2) of the DGCL.
Article X.
The Corporation is authorized to indemnify, and to advance expenses to, each current or former Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto) as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended. To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware as it exists on the date hereof or as it may hereafter be amended, no Director or officer shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a Director or officer, as applicable. No amendment to, or modification or repeal of, this Article X, or adoption of any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, or, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, any modification of law, shall eliminate, reduce or otherwise adversely affect any right or protection of a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation existing hereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment, adoption, modification or repeal.
Article XI.
Section 11.1 Corporate Opportunity.
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware and in accordance with Section 122(17) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto), (i) the Corporation hereby renounces all interest and expectancy that it otherwise would be entitled to have in, and all rights to be offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunity that from time to time may be presented to any Director or stockholder who is not employed by the Corporation or its subsidiaries (each such Person, an “Exempt Person”); (ii) no Exempt Person will have any duty to refrain from (1) engaging in a corporate opportunity in the same or similar lines of business in which the Corporation or its subsidiaries from time to time is engaged or proposes to engage or (2) otherwise competing, directly or indirectly, with the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; and (iii) if any Exempt Person acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity both for such Exempt Person or any of his or her respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and for the Corporation or its subsidiaries, on the other hand, such Exempt Person shall have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or business opportunity to the Corporation or its subsidiaries and such Exempt Person or any of his or her respective Affiliates may take any and all such transactions or opportunities for itself or offer such transactions or opportunities to any other Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the preceding sentence of this Section 11.1(a) shall not apply to any potential transaction or business opportunity that is expressly offered to a Director, executive officer or employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, solely in his or her capacity as a Director, executive officer or employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware, no potential transaction or business opportunity may be deemed to be a corporate opportunity of the Corporation or its subsidiaries unless (i) the Corporation or its subsidiaries would be permitted to undertake such transaction or opportunity in accordance with this Certificate of Incorporation, (ii) the Corporation or its subsidiaries at such time have sufficient financial resources to undertake such transaction or opportunity, (iii) the Corporation or its subsidiaries have an interest or expectancy in such transaction or opportunity and (iv) such transaction or opportunity would be in the same or similar line of business in which the Corporation or its subsidiaries are then engaged or a line of business that is reasonably related to, or a reasonable extension of, such line of business.
Section 11.2 Liability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no stockholder and no Director will be liable to the Corporation or its subsidiaries or stockholders for breach of any duty solely by reason of any activities or omissions of the types referred to in this Article XI, except to the extent such actions or omissions are in breach of this Article XI.
Article XII.
Section 12.1 Section 203 of the DGCL. The Corporation expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL and the restrictions and limitations set forth therein.
Section 12.2 Interested Stockholder Transactions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Certificate of Incorporation, the Corporation shall not engage in any Business Combination (as defined below) at any point in time at which the Corporation’s Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act (as defined below) with any Interested Stockholder (as defined below) for a period of three (3) years following the time that such stockholder became an Interested Stockholder, unless:
(a) prior to such time that such stockholder became an Interested Stockholder, the Board of Directors approved either the Business Combination or the transaction which resulted in such stockholder becoming an Interested Stockholder;
(b) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an Interested Stockholder, the Interested Stockholder owned at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the voting stock (as defined below) of the Corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the Interested Stockholder) those shares owned by (A) Persons who are Directors and also officers and (B) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or
(c) at or subsequent to such time that such stockholder became an Interested Stockholder, the Business Combination is approved by the Board of Directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation which is not owned by such Interested Stockholder.
Section 12.3 Definitions. As used in this Certificate of Incorporation, the following terms shall have the following meaning:
(a) “Affiliate” means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another Person and, for purposes of the definition of Affiliate “control,” (including the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting stock, by contract, or otherwise. A Person who is the owner, of twenty percent (20%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of a corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity shall be presumed to have control of such entity, in the absence of proof by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a presumption of control shall not apply where such Person holds voting stock, in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing this Article XII, as an agent, bank, broker, nominee, custodian or trustee for one or more owners who do not individually or as a group have control of such entity.
(b) “Associate”, when used to indicate a relationship with any Person, means: (i) any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity of which such Person is a Director, officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the owner of twenty percent (20%) or more of any class of shares of voting stock of the Corporation; (ii) any trust or other estate in which such Person has at least a twenty percent (20%) beneficial interest or as to which such Person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and (iii) any relative or spouse of such Person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same residence as such Person.
(c) “Business Combination” means (i) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation (A) with the Interested Stockholder, or (B) with any other corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity if the merger or consolidation is caused by the Interested Stockholder and as a result of such merger or consolidation this Article XII is not applicable to the surviving entity; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, Transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation, to or with the Interested Stockholder, whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Corporation or of any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation which assets have an aggregate market value equal to ten percent (10%) or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the Corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation; (iii) any transaction which results in the issuance or Transfer by the Corporation or by any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation of any stock of the Corporation or of such subsidiary to the Interested Stockholder, except: (A) pursuant to the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any such subsidiary which securities were outstanding prior to the time that the Interested Stockholder became such; (B) pursuant to a merger under Section 251(g) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto); (C) pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made, or the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any such subsidiary which security is distributed, pro rata to all holders of a class or series of stock of the Corporation subsequent to the time the Interested Stockholder became such; (D) pursuant to an exchange offer by the Corporation to purchase stock made on the same terms to all holders of said stock; or (E) any issuance or Transfer of stock by the Corporation; provided, however, that in no case under items (C) through (E) of this subsection shall there be an increase in the Interested Stockholder’s proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the Corporation or of the voting stock of the Corporation (except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments); (iv) any transaction involving the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series, or securities convertible into the stock of any class or series, of the Corporation or of any such subsidiary which is owned by the Interested Stockholder, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of any purchase or redemption of any shares of stock not caused, directly or indirectly, by the Interested Stockholder; or (v) or any receipt by the Interested Stockholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges, or other financial benefits (other than those expressly permitted in subsections (i) through (iv) above) provided by or through the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary.
(d) “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events: (1) any “Person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such Person and its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becomes the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Preferred Stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation (if any) representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote; (2) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or there is consummated a transaction or series of related transactions for the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets (including a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC); (3) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation or entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, the voting securities of the Corporation immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not continue to represent, or are not converted into, voting securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or (4) the Corporation ceases to be the sole managing member of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC; provided, however, that a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of related transactions immediately following which (a) the beneficial owners of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Preferred Stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in and voting control over, and own substantially all of the shares of, an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation immediately following such transaction or series of transactions or (b) in the case of the foregoing clauses (1) or (3), the Continuing Equity Owners are the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Preferred Stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation (if any) representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote (or, in the case of a transaction described in the foregoing clause (3), more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger of consolidation or, if the surviving company is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof).
(e) “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations.
(f) “Founder Fund” means The Bradbury Family Trust II A U/A/D December 29, 2015, a trust.
(g) “Founder Fund Related Parties” means Founder Fund and its Affiliates.
(h) “GSB Holdings” means GSB Holdings LLC.
(i) “GSB Holdings Related Parties” means GSB Holdings LLC and its Affiliates.
(j) “Interested Stockholder” means any Person (other than the Corporation and any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation) that (i) is the owner of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation, or (ii) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and was the owner of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether such Person is an Interested Stockholder, and the Affiliates and Associates of such Person. Notwithstanding anything in this Article XII to the contrary, the term “Interested Stockholder” shall not include: (u) the Founder Fund Related Parties or any of their current and future Affiliates (so long as such Affiliate remains an Affiliate) or Associates, including any investment funds managed, directly or indirectly, by Founder Fund or any other Person with whom any of the foregoing are acting as a group or in concert for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting, or disposing of shares of capital stock of the Corporation; (v) the GSB Holdings Related Parties or any of their current and future Affiliates (so long as such Affiliate remains an Affiliate) or Associates, including any investment funds managed, directly or indirectly, by GSB Holdings, or any other Person with whom any of the foregoing are acting as a group or in concert for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of shares of capital stock of the Corporation; (w) any Person who acquires ownership of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the then-outstanding voting stock of the Corporation directly or indirectly from a Founder Fund Related Party or a GSB Holdings Related Party, and excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any Person who acquires voting stock of the Corporation through a broker’s transaction executed on any securities exchange or other over-the-counter market or pursuant to an underwritten public offering; (x) a stockholder that becomes an Interested Stockholder inadvertently and (A) as soon as practicable divests itself of ownership of sufficient shares so that such stockholder ceases to be an Interested Stockholder and (B) would not, at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to a Business Combination between the Corporation and such stockholder, have been an Interested Stockholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership or (y) any person whose ownership of shares in excess of the fifteen percent (15%) limitation set forth herein is the result of any action taken solely by the Corporation; provided, however, that such Person specified in this clause (y) shall be an Interested Stockholder if thereafter such Person acquires additional shares of voting stock of the Corporation, except as a result of further corporate action not caused, directly or indirectly, by such Person. For the purpose of determining whether a Person is an Interested Stockholder, the voting stock of the Corporation deemed to be outstanding shall include stock deemed to be owned by the Person through application of the definition of “owner” below but shall not include any other unissued stock of the Corporation which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise.
(k) “owner,” including the terms “own” and “owned,” when used with respect to any stock, means, for purposes of this Article XII, a Person that individually or with or through any of its Affiliates or Associates:
(i) beneficially owns such stock, directly or indirectly;
(ii) has (A) the right to acquire such stock (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise; provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the owner of stock tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates until such tendered stock is accepted for purchase or exchange; or (B) the right to vote such stock pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding; provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the owner of any stock because of such Person’s right to vote such stock if the agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such stock arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent given in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made to ten (10) or more Persons; or
(iii) has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or consent as described in clause (B) of subsection (ii) above), or disposing of such stock with any other person that beneficially owns, or whose Affiliates or Associates beneficially own, directly or indirectly, such stock.
(l) “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, unincorporated association or other entity.
(m) “Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations.
(n) “stock” means, for purposes of this Article XII, with respect to any corporation, capital stock and, with respect to any other entity, any equity interest.
(o) “Transfer” (and, with a correlative meaning, “Transferring”) means any sale, transfer, assignment, redemption or other disposition of (whether directly or indirectly, whether with or without consideration and whether voluntarily or involuntarily or by operation of law) (a) any interest (legal or beneficial) in any shares of capital of stock of the Corporation or (b) any equity or other interest (legal or beneficial) in any stockholder if substantially all of the assets of such stockholder consist solely of shares of capital stock of the Corporation; provided, however, that the following shall not be considered a Transfer:
(i) the granting of a revocable proxy to officers or directors of the Corporation at the request of the Board of Directors in connection with (i) actions to be taken at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, or (ii) any other action of the stockholders permitted by this Certificate of Incorporation;
(ii) the pledge of shares of Class B Common Stock by a stockholder that creates a mere security interest in such shares pursuant to a bona fide loan or indebtedness transaction for so long as such stockholder continues to exercise voting control over such pledged shares; provided, however, that a foreclosure on such shares or other similar action by the pledgee shall constitute a Transfer unless such foreclosure or similar action qualifies as a Permitted Transfer at such time; or
(iii) entering into a support, voting, tender or similar agreement or arrangement (with or without granting a proxy) or tendering any shares in any tender or exchange offer for all of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, in each case, in connection with a Change of Control transaction, sale of all or substantially all assets, or any merger, consolidation or other business combination involving the Corporation, whether effectuated through one transaction or series of related transactions, that, in each case, has been approved by the Board of Directors.
(p) “voting stock” means stock of any class or series entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors and, with respect to any entity that is not a corporation, any equity interest entitled to vote generally in the election of the governing body of such entity. Every reference in this Article XII to a percentage or proportion of voting stock shall refer to such percentage or other proportion of the votes of such voting stock.
Article XIII.
If any provision or provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any Person or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) and the application of such provision to other Persons and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed on this 10th day of January, 2024.
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP. | ||
By: | /s/ Gregory S. Bennett |
|
Name: |
Gregory S. Bennett | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer and President |
Page
|
|||
Article I - Corporate Offices
|
1
|
||
1.1
|
Registered Office
|
1
|
|
1.2
|
Other Offices
|
1
|
|
Article II - Meetings of Stockholders
|
1
|
||
2.1
|
Place of Meetings
|
1
|
|
2.2
|
Annual Meeting
|
1
|
|
2.3
|
Special Meeting
|
1
|
|
2.4
|
Notice of Business to be Brought before a Meeting
|
2
|
|
2.5
|
Notice of Nominations for Election to the Board
|
5
|
|
2.6
|
Additional Requirements for Valid Nomination of Candidates to Serve as Director and, if Elected, to be Seated as Directors
|
8
|
|
2.7
|
Notice of Stockholders’ Meetings
|
10
|
|
2.8
|
Quorum
|
10
|
|
2.9
|
Adjourned Meeting; Notice
|
10
|
|
2.10
|
Conduct of Business
|
11
|
|
2.11
|
Voting
|
11
|
|
2.12
|
Record Date for Stockholder Meetings and Other Purposes
|
12
|
|
2.13
|
Proxies
|
12
|
|
2.14
|
List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote
|
13
|
|
2.15
|
Inspectors of Election
|
13
|
|
2.16
|
Delivery to the Corporation
|
14
|
|
Article III - Directors
|
14
|
||
3.1
|
Powers
|
14
|
|
3.2
|
Number of Directors
|
14
|
|
3.3
|
Election, Qualification and Term of Office of Directors
|
14
|
|
3.4
|
Resignation and Vacancies
|
14
|
|
3.5
|
Place of Meetings; Meetings by Remote Communication
|
15
|
|
3.6
|
Regular Meetings
|
15
|
|
3.7
|
Special Meetings; Notice
|
15
|
|
3.8
|
Quorum
|
16
|
|
3.9
|
Board Action without a Meeting
|
16
|
|
3.10
|
Fees and Compensation of Directors
|
16
|
|
3.11
|
Reliance on Books and Records
|
16
|
|
Article IV - Committees
|
16
|
||
4.1
|
Committees of Directors
|
16
|
|
4.2
|
Committee Minutes
|
17
|
|
4.3
|
Meetings and Actions of Committees
|
17
|
|
4.4
|
Subcommittees
|
17
|
|
Page |
|||
Article V - Officers
|
18
|
||
5.1
|
Officers
|
18
|
|
5.2
|
Appointment of Officers
|
18
|
|
5.3
|
Subordinate Officers
|
18
|
|
5.4
|
Removal and Resignation of Officers
|
18
|
|
5.5
|
Vacancies in Offices
|
19
|
|
5.6
|
Representation of Shares of Other Entities
|
19
|
|
5.7
|
Authority and Duties of Officers
|
19
|
|
5.8
|
Compensation
|
19
|
|
Article VI - Records
|
19
|
||
Article VII - General Matters
|
20
|
||
7.1
|
Execution of Corporate Contracts and Instruments
|
20
|
|
7.2
|
Stock Certificates
|
20
|
|
7.3
|
Special Designation of Certificates
|
20
|
|
7.4
|
Lost Certificates
|
20
|
|
7.5
|
Shares Without Certificates
|
21
|
|
7.6
|
Construction; Definitions
|
21
|
|
7.7
|
Dividends
|
21
|
|
7.8
|
Fiscal Year
|
21
|
|
7.9
|
Seal
|
21
|
|
7.10
|
Transfer of Stock
|
21
|
|
7.11
|
Stock Transfer Agreements
|
22
|
|
7.12
|
Registered Stockholders
|
22
|
|
7.13
|
Waiver of Notice
|
22
|
|
Article VIII - Notice
|
22
|
||
8.1
|
Delivery of Notice; Notice by Electronic Transmission
|
22
|
|
Article IX - Indemnification
|
23
|
||
9.1
|
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
|
23
|
|
9.2
|
Indemnification of Others
|
24
|
|
9.3
|
Prepayment of Expenses
|
24
|
|
9.4
|
Determination; Claim
|
24
|
|
9.5
|
Non-Exclusivity of Rights
|
24
|
|
9.6
|
Insurance
|
24
|
|
9.7
|
Other Indemnification
|
25
|
|
9.8
|
Continuation of Indemnification
|
25
|
|
9.9
|
Amendment or Repeal; Interpretation
|
25
|
|
Article X - Amendments
|
26
|
||
Article XI - Forum Selection
|
26
|
||
Article XII - Definitions
|
27
|
/s/ Brett A. Steele |
|
Brett A. Steele | |
Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary
|
Exhibit 10.1
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC
AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
Dated as of January 10, 2024
THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS REPRESENTED BY THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNDER ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS. SUCH LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF AT ANY TIME WITHOUT EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT AND LAWS OR EXEMPTION THEREFROM, AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE OTHER SUBSTANTIAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY SET FORTH HEREIN.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Article I. DEFINITIONS | 2 |
Article II. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS | 13 |
Section 2.01 Formation and Conversion of Company | 13 |
Section 2.02 Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement | 14 |
Section 2.03 Name | 14 |
Section 2.04 Purpose; Powers | 14 |
Section 2.05 Principal Office; Registered Office | 14 |
Section 2.06 Term | 14 |
Section 2.07 No State-Law Partnership | 14 |
Section 2.08 Liability | 15 |
Article III. MEMBERS; UNITS; CAPITALIZATION | 15 |
Section 3.01 Members | 15 |
Section 3.02 Units | 15 |
Section 3.03 Recapitalization; the Corporation’s Capital Contribution; the Corporation’s Purchase of Common Units | 16 |
Section 3.04 Authorization and Issuance of Additional Units | 17 |
Section 3.05 Repurchase or Redemption of Shares of Class A Common Stock; Other Redemptions or Repurchases | 19 |
Section 3.06 Certificates Representing Units; Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates; Registration and Transfer of Units | 19 |
Section 3.07 Negative Capital Accounts | 20 |
Section 3.08 No Withdrawal | 20 |
Section 3.09 Loans From Members | 20 |
Section 3.10 Equity Plans | 20 |
Section 3.11 Dividend Reinvestment Plan, Cash Option Purchase Plan, Stock Incentive Plan or Other Plan | 21 |
Article IV. DISTRIBUTIONS | 21 |
Section 4.01 Distributions | 21 |
Article V. CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS | 24 |
Section 5.01 Capital Accounts | 24 |
Section 5.02 Allocations | 25 |
Section 5.03 Regulatory Allocations | 25 |
Section 5.04 Final Allocations | 26 |
Section 5.05 Tax Allocations | 27 |
Section 5.06 Indemnification and Reimbursement for Payments on Behalf of a Member | 28 |
Article VI. MANAGEMENT | 29 |
Section 6.01 Authority of Manager | 29 |
Section 6.02 Actions of the Manager | 30 |
Section 6.03 Resignation; No Removal | 30 |
Section 6.04 Vacancies | 30 |
Section 6.05 Transactions Between the Company and the Manager | 30 |
Section 6.06 Reimbursement for Expenses | 31 |
Section 6.07 Delegation of Authority | 31 |
Section 6.08 Limitation of Liability of Manager | 32 |
Section 6.09 Investment Company Act | 32 |
Article VII. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS AND MANAGER | 32 |
Section 7.01 Limitation of Liability and Duties of Members | 32 |
Section 7.02 Lack of Authority | 33 |
Section 7.03 No Right of Partition | 33 |
Section 7.04 Indemnification | 34 |
Article VIII. BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS, AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS | 35 |
Section 8.01 Records and Accounting | 35 |
Section 8.02 Fiscal Year | 35 |
Section 8.03 Inspection Rights | 35 |
Article IX. TAX MATTERS | 36 |
Section 9.01 Preparation of Tax Returns | 36 |
Section 9.02 Tax Elections | 36 |
Section 9.03 Tax Controversies | 36 |
Article X. RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF UNITS; CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS | 38 |
Section 10.01 Transfers by Members | 38 |
Section 10.02 Permitted Transfers | 38 |
Section 10.03 Restricted Units Legend | 38 |
Section 10.04 Transfer | 39 |
Section 10.05 Assignee’s Rights | 39 |
Section 10.06 Assignor’s Rights and Obligations | 40 |
Section 10.07 Overriding Provisions | 40 |
Section 10.08 Spousal Consent | 41 |
Section 10.09 Certain Transactions with respect to the Corporation | 41 |
Article XI. REDEMPTION AND DIRECT EXCHANGE RIGHTS | 43 |
Section 11.01 Redemption Right of a Member | 43 |
Section 11.02 Election and Contribution of the Corporation | 46 |
Section 11.03 Direct Exchange Right of the Corporation | 47 |
Section 11.04 Reservation of Shares of Class A Common Stock; Listing; Certificate of the Corporation | 48 |
Section 11.05 Effect of Exercise of Redemption or Direct Exchange | 49 |
Section 11.06 Tax Treatment | 49 |
Article XII. ADMISSION OF MEMBERS | 50 |
Section 12.01 Substituted Members | 50 |
Section 12.02 Additional Members | 50 |
Article XIII. WITHDRAWAL AND RESIGNATION; TERMINATION OF RIGHTS | 50 |
Section 13.01 Withdrawal and Resignation of Members | 50 |
Article XIV. DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION | 50 |
Section 14.01 Dissolution | 50 |
Section 14.02 Winding Up | 51 |
Section 14.03 Deferment; Distribution in Kind | 52 |
Section 14.04 Cancellation of Certificate | 52 |
Section 14.05 Reasonable Time for Winding Up | 52 |
Section 14.06 Return of Capital | 52 |
Article XV. GENERAL PROVISIONS | 53 |
Section 15.01 Power of Attorney | 53 |
Section 15.02 Confidentiality | 53 |
Section 15.03 Amendments | 54 |
Section 15.04 Title to Company Assets | 55 |
Section 15.05 Addresses and Notices | 55 |
Section 15.06 Binding Effect; Intended Beneficiaries | 56 |
Section 15.07 Creditors | 56 |
Section 15.08 Waiver | 56 |
Section 15.09 Counterparts | 57 |
Section 15.10 Applicable Law | 57 |
Section 15.11 Severability | 57 |
Section 15.12 Further Action | 57 |
Section 15.13 Execution and Delivery by Electronic Signature and Electronic Transmission | 57 |
Section 15.14 Right of Offset | 58 |
Section 15.15 Entire Agreement | 58 |
Section 15.16 Remedies | 58 |
Section 15.17 Descriptive Headings; Interpretation | 58 |
Schedules
Schedule 1 | – | Schedule of Pre-IPO Members |
Schedule 2 | – | Schedule of Members |
Exhibits
Exhibit A | – | Form of Joinder Agreement |
Exhibit B-1 | – | Form of Agreement and Consent of Spouse |
Exhibit B-2 | – | Form of Spouse’s Confirmation of Separate Property |
Exhibit C | – | Policy Regarding Certain Equity Issuances |
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC
AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
This AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT (as the same may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Agreement”) of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), dated as of January 10, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and among the Company, Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), as the sole managing member of the Company, and each of the other Members (as defined herein).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, unless the context otherwise requires, capitalized terms used herein have the respective meaning ascribed to them in Article I;
WHEREAS, Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Georgia limited liability company (the “Converting Entity”), was formed pursuant to and in accordance with the Georgia Limited Liability Company Act, as amended from time to time (the “Georgia Act”), by the filing of Articles of Organization (the “Articles of Organization”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Georgia on August 27, 2015;
WHEREAS, the Converting Entity converted (the “Conversion”) to a Delaware limited liability company pursuant to the laws of the State of Delaware pursuant to and in accordance with Section 18-214 of the Delaware Act and applicable Georgia law by the filing of a Certificate of Conversion and a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on September 21, 2023 and the filing of a Certificate of Conversion with the Secretary of State of the State of Georgia on September 21, 2023;
WHEREAS, immediately prior to the date hereof, the Company was governed by that certain Operating Agreement of the Company, dated as of September 21, 2023 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with all schedules, exhibits and annexes thereto, the “Original LLC Agreement”), among the parties listed on Schedule 1 hereto in their capacity as members (including pursuant to consents and joinders thereto) (collectively, the “Pre-IPO Members”) and adopted and approved by the board of managers of the Company;
WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO, the Company, the Corporation and the Pre-IPO Members desire to recapitalize and convert the Original Units into Common Units (as defined below) (the “Recapitalization”) as provided herein;
WHEREAS, the Corporation will sell shares of its Class A Common Stock to public investors in the IPO and will use the net proceeds received from the IPO (the “IPO Net Proceeds”) to (i) purchase newly issued Common Units from the Company pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement and (ii) purchase certain Common Units held by the Members;
WHEREAS, the Corporation may issue additional shares of Class A Common Stock in connection with the IPO as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option (the “Over-Allotment Option”) and, if the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in whole or in part, any additional net proceeds (the “Over-Allotment Option Net Proceeds”) shall be used by the Corporation to purchase newly issued Common Units from the Company and Common Units held by the Members;
WHEREAS, in connection with the foregoing matters, the Company and the Members desire to continue the Company without dissolution and amend and restate the Original LLC Agreement in its entirety as of the Effective Date to reflect, among other things, (a) the Recapitalization, (b) the admission of the Corporation as a Member and its designation as sole Manager of the Company and (c) the other rights and obligations of the Members as provided and agreed upon in the terms of this Agreement as of the Effective Date, at which time the Original LLC Agreement shall be superseded entirely by this Agreement and shall be of no further force or effect; and
WHEREAS, the Board (as defined in the Original LLC Agreement), by resolution dated, December 29, 2023, has consented to the amendment and restatement of the Original LLC Agreement and the adoption of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Original LLC Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety and the Company, the Corporation and the other Members, each intending to be legally bound, each hereby agrees as follows:
Article I.
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall be applied to the terms used in this Agreement for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary.
“Additional Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.02.
“Adjusted Capital Account Deficit” means, with respect to the Capital Account of any Member as of the end of any Taxable Year, the amount by which the balance in such Capital Account is less than zero. For this purpose, such Member’s Capital Account balance shall be:
(a) | reduced for any items described in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5), and (6); and |
(b) | increased for any amount such Member is obligated to contribute or is treated as being obligated to contribute to the Company pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) (relating to partner liabilities to a partnership) or 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5) (relating to minimum gain). |
“Admission Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.06.
“Affiliate” (and, with a correlative meaning, “Affiliated”) means, with respect to a specified Person, each other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified. As used in this definition, “control” (including with correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of voting securities or by contract or other agreement or otherwise).
“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Assignee” means a Person to whom a Unit has been transferred but who has not become a Member pursuant to Article XII.
“Assumed Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Member, an amount equal to the excess of (i) the product of (A) the Distribution Tax Rate multiplied by (B) the estimated or actual cumulative taxable income or gain of the Company, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, allocated to such Member for Taxable Years (or portions thereof) commencing on or after the Effective Date, less prior losses of the Company allocated to such Member for Taxable Years (or portions thereof) commencing on or after the Effective Date, to the extent such prior losses are available to reduce such income and have not previously been taken into account in the calculation of Assumed Tax Liability for any prior period, in each case, as determined by the Manager and, for the avoidance of doubt, taking into account any Code Section 704(c) allocations (including “reverse” Section 704(c) allocations) over (ii) the cumulative Tax Distributions made to such Member after the Effective Date pursuant to Sections 4.01(b)(i), 4.01(b)(ii) and 4.01(b)(iii); provided that, in the case of the Corporation, such Assumed Tax Liability shall in no event be less than an amount that will enable the Corporation to meet both its tax obligations and its obligations pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement for the relevant Taxable Year.
“Base Rate” means, on any date, a variable rate per annum equal to the rate of interest most recently published by The Wall Street Journal as the “prime rate” at large U.S. money center banks.
“Black-Out Period” means any “black-out” or similar period under the Corporation’s policies covering trading in the Corporation’s securities to which the applicable Redeeming Member is subject (or will be subject at such time as it owns Class A Common Stock), which period restricts the ability of such Redeeming Member to immediately resell shares of Class A Common Stock to be delivered to such Redeeming Member in connection with a Share Settlement.
“Book Value” means, with respect to any property of the Company, the Company’s adjusted basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, adjusted from time to time to reflect the adjustments required or permitted by Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(d) through (g) and (m) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s).
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or day on which banks located in New York City, New York are authorized or required by Law to close.
“Capital Account” means the capital account maintained for a Member in accordance with Section 5.01.
“Capital Contribution” means, with respect to any Member, the amount of any cash, cash equivalents, promissory obligations or the Fair Market Value of other property that such Member (or such Member’s predecessor) contributes (or is deemed to contribute) to the Company pursuant to Article III hereof.
“Cash Settlement” means immediately available funds in U.S. dollars in an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Redeemed Units Equivalent and (ii) if the Redemption Notice provides that the Redemption is to be contingent upon the consummation of a transaction with another Person and specifies the amount of cash to be received therein, such amount of cash which the Redeeming Member would be entitled to receive in such transaction; provided that such funds are (x) in the case of a Redemption occurring in connection with the closing of the IPO, funds that are received from the IPO and (y) in any other case, funds received from a Qualifying Offering.
“Certificate of Formation” means the Certificate of Formation of the Company, as amended from time to time.
“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(1) any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person and its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan, and excluding the Permitted Transferees) becomes the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of voting securities representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation;
(2) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or there is consummated a sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets (including a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company);
(3) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation or entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, the voting securities of the Corporation outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not continue to represent, or are not converted into, voting securities representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or
(4) the Corporation ceases to be the sole Manager of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, preferred stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in and voting control over, and own substantially all of the shares of, an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.
“Change of Control Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.09(a).
“Change of Control Transaction” means any Change of Control that was approved by the Corporate Board prior to such Change of Control.
“Class A Common Stock” means the shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation.
“Class B Common Stock” means the shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation.
“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Unless the context requires otherwise, any reference herein to a specific section of the Code shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future Law as in effect for the relevant taxable period.
“Common Unit” means a Unit designated as a “Common Unit” and having the rights and obligations specified with respect to the Common Units in this Agreement.
“Common Unit Redemption Price” means, with respect to any Redemption, the VWAP for the five (5) consecutive full Trading Days ending on and including the last full Trading Day immediately prior to the applicable Redemption Date, subject to appropriate and equitable adjustment for any stock splits, reverse splits, stock dividends or similar events affecting the Class A Common Stock. If the Class A Common Stock no longer trades on the Stock Exchange or any other securities exchange or automated or electronic quotation system as of any particular Redemption Date, then the Manager (through a Disinterested Majority of the Corporate Board) shall determine the Common Unit Redemption Price in good faith.
“Company” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Confidential Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.02(a).
“Conversion” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Converting Entity” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Corporate Board” means the board of directors of the Corporation.
“Corporate Charter” means the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Corporation in effect as of the date hereof, as it may be amended or restated.
“Corporate Incentive Award Plan” means the 2024 Incentive Award Plan of the Corporation, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Corporation” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, together with its successors and assigns.
“Corresponding Rights” means any rights issued with respect to a share of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock pursuant to a “poison pill” or similar stockholder rights plan approved by the Corporate Board.
“Credit Agreements” means any promissory note, mortgage, loan agreement, indenture or similar instrument or agreement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or becomes a borrower, as such instruments or agreements may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time and including any one or more refinancing or replacements thereof, in whole or in part, with any other debt facility or debt obligation, for as long as the payee or creditor to whom the Company or any of its Subsidiaries owes such obligation is not an Affiliate of the Company.
“Delaware Act” means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. § 18-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time, and any successor thereto.
“DGCL” means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as it may be amended from time to time.
“Direct Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.03(a).
“Discount” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.06.
“Disinterested Majority” means a majority of the directors of the Corporate Board who are disinterested, as determined by the Corporate Board in accordance with the DGCL, with respect to the matter being considered by the Corporate Board; provided, that to the extent a matter being considered by the Corporate Board is required to be considered by disinterested directors under the rules of the Stock Exchange or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange, the principal national securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading, the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, such rules with respect to the definition of disinterested director shall apply solely with respect to such matter.
“Distributable Cash” means, as of any relevant date on which a determination is being made by the Manager regarding a potential distribution pursuant to Section 4.01(a) or Section 4.01(b), the amount of cash that could be distributed by the Company for such purposes in accordance with any applicable Credit Agreements (and without otherwise violating any applicable provisions of any applicable Credit Agreements) and applicable Law.
“Distribution” (and, with a correlative meaning, “Distribute”) means each distribution made by the Company to a Member with respect to such Member’s Units, whether in cash, property or securities of the Company and whether by liquidating distribution or otherwise; provided, however, that none of the following shall be a Distribution: (a) any recapitalization or any exchange of securities of the Company, in each case, that does not result in the distribution of cash or property (other than securities of the Company) to Members, and any subdivision (by Unit split or otherwise) or any combination (by reverse Unit split or otherwise) of any outstanding Units or (b) any other payment made by the Company to a Member that is not properly treated as a “distribution” for purposes of Sections 731, 732, or 733 or other applicable provisions of the Code.
“Distribution Tax Rate” means a rate equal to the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate for a Taxable Year applicable to a corporate taxpayer or an individual taxpayer resident in Atlanta, Georgia (whichever combined rate is highest) that may potentially apply to any Member or any direct or indirect partner or member (that is tax resident in only the United States) of any Member for such Taxable Year, taking into account the character of the relevant items of income or gain (e.g., ordinary or capital) and the estimated deductibility of state and local income taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes (but only to the extent such taxes are deductible under the Code), as reasonably determined by the Manager. For the avoidance of doubt, there shall be a single Distribution Tax Rate for all Members.
“Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Election Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(b).
“Equity Plan” means any option, stock, unit, stock unit, appreciation right, phantom equity or other incentive equity or equity-based compensation plan or program, in each case, now or hereafter adopted by the Company or the Corporation, including the Corporate Incentive Award Plan.
“Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, (a) Units or other equity interests in such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person (including, with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, other classes or groups thereof having such relative rights, powers and duties as may from time to time be established by the Manager pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including rights, powers and/or duties senior to existing classes and groups of Units and other equity interests in the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company), (b) obligations, evidences of indebtedness or other securities or interests convertible or exchangeable into any equity interests in such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person, and (c) warrants, options or other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire any equity interests in such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person.
“Estate Planning Vehicle” means, with respect to any Member (or former Member) that is a natural person, (a) a trust which is at all times controlled by such Member (or former Member) under which a distribution of such Member’s (or former Member’s) Units may be made only to beneficiaries who are such Member (or former Member) , his or her spouse, his or her parents or his or her lineal descendants, (b) a charitable remainder trust which is at all times controlled by such Member (or former Member) , the income from which will be paid to such Member (or former Member) during his or her life, (c) a corporation, the sole assets of which are Equity Securities in the Company, and at all times the majority and controlling shareholder of which is only such Member (or former Member) and the remaining shareholders of which are either such Member (or former Member) or his or her spouse, his or her parents or his or her lineal descendants and (d) a partnership or limited liability company, the sole assets of which are Equity Securities in the Company, and at all times the general partner or managing or majority member of which is only such Member (or former Member), and the remaining partners or members of which are either such Member (or former Member) or his or her spouse, his or her parents or his or her lineal descendants.
“Event of Withdrawal” means the occurrence of any event that terminates the continued membership of a Member in the Company. “Event of Withdrawal” shall not include an event that (a) terminates the existence of a Member for income tax purposes (including, without limitation, (i) a change in entity classification of a Member under Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-3, (ii) a sale of assets by, or liquidation of, a Member pursuant to an election under Code Sections 336 or 338, or (iii) merger, severance, or allocation within a trust or among sub-trusts of a trust that is a Member) but that (b) does not terminate the existence of such Member under applicable state law (or, in the case of a trust that is a Member, does not terminate the trusteeship of the fiduciaries under such trust with respect to all the Units of such trust that is a Member).
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations.
“Exchange Election Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.03(b).
“Fair Market Value” of a specific asset of the Company will mean the amount which the Company would receive in an all-cash sale of such asset in an arms-length transaction with a willing unaffiliated third party, with neither party having any compulsion to buy or sell, consummated on the day immediately preceding the date on which the event occurred which necessitated the determination of the Fair Market Value (and after giving effect to any transfer taxes payable in connection with such sale), as such amount is determined by the Manager (or, if pursuant to Section 14.02, the Liquidators) in its good faith judgment using all factors, information and data it deems to be pertinent.
“Fiscal Period” means any interim accounting period within a Taxable Year established by the Manager and which is permitted or required by Section 706 of the Code.
“Fiscal Year” means the Company’s annual accounting period established pursuant to Section 8.02.
“Founder Fund Related Parties” has the meaning set forth in the Corporate Charter.
“Georgia Act” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Governmental Entity” means (a) the United States of America, (b) any other sovereign nation, (c) any state, province, county, municipal, district, territory or other political subdivision of (a) or (b) of this definition, including, but not limited to, any county, municipal or other local subdivision of the foregoing, or (d) any agency, arbitrator or arbitral body (public or private), authority, board, body, bureau, commission, court, department, entity, instrumentality, organization (including any public international organization such as the United Nations) or tribunal exercising executive, legislative, judicial, quasi-judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government on behalf of (a), (b) or (c) of this definition.
“GSB Holdings Related Parties” has the meaning set forth in the Corporate Charter.
“Indemnified Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.04(a).
“Internal Revenue Service” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
“Investment Company Act” means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time.
“IPO” means the initial underwritten public offering of the shares of the Corporation’s Class A Common Stock.
“IPO Common Unit Subscription” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(b).
“IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement” means that certain Subscription Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date, by and between the Corporation and the Company, relating to the subscription by the Corporation for Common Units.
“IPO Net Proceeds” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Joinder” means a joinder to this Agreement, in form and substance substantially similar to Exhibit A to this Agreement.
“Law” means all laws, statutes, acts, constitutions, treaties, principles of common law, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations of any Governmental Entity.
“Liquidator” has the meaning set forth in Section 14.02.
“LLC Employee” means an employee of, or other service provider (including, without limitation, any management member whether or not treated as an employee for the purposes of U.S. federal income tax) to, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case acting in such capacity.
“Losses” means items of loss or deduction of the Company determined according to Section 5.01(b).
“Manager” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.
“Member” means, as of any date of determination, (a) each of the members named on the Schedule of Members and (b) any Person admitted to the Company as a Substituted Member or Additional Member in accordance with Article XII, but in each case only so long as such Person is shown on the Company’s books and records as the owner of one or more Units, each in its capacity as a member of the Company.
“Minimum Gain” means “partnership minimum gain” determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(d).
“Net Loss” means, with respect to a Taxable Year, the excess if any, of Losses for such Taxable Year over Profits for such Taxable Year (excluding Profits and Losses specially allocated pursuant to Section 5.03 and Section 5.04).
“Net Profit” means, with respect to a Taxable Year, the excess if any, of Profits for such Taxable Year over Losses for such Taxable Year (excluding Profits and Losses specially allocated pursuant to Section 5.03 and Section 5.04).
“Non-Foreign Person Certificate” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.06(a).
“Officer” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01(b).
“Original LLC Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Original Units” means the Class A Units, the Class C Units and the Class D Units (each as defined on Exhibit A to the Original LLC Agreement) of the Company.
“Other Agreements” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.04.
“Over-Allotment Option” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Over-Allotment Option Net Proceeds” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Partnership Representative” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03.
“Percentage Interest” means, with respect to a Member at a particular time, such Member’s percentage interest in the Company determined by dividing the number of such Member’s Units by the total number of Units of all Members at such time. The Percentage Interest of each Member shall be calculated to the fourth decimal place.
“Permitted Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02.
“Permitted Transferee” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02.
“Person” means an individual or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization, association, joint venture or any other organization or entity, whether or not a legal entity.
“Pre-IPO Members” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Pro rata,” “pro rata portion,” “according to their interests,” “ratably,” “proportionately,” “proportional,” “in proportion to,” “based on the number of Units held,” “based upon the percentage of Units held,” “based upon the number of Units outstanding,” and other terms with similar meanings, when used in the context of a number of Units of the Company relative to other Units, means as amongst an individual class of Units, pro rata based upon the number of such Units within such class of Units.
“Profits” means items of income and gain of the Company determined according to Section 5.01(b).
“Pubco Offer” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.09(b).
“Qualifying Offering” means any public or private offering of shares of Class A Common Stock by the Corporation following the date hereof.
“Quarterly Tax Distribution” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
“Recapitalization” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Redeemed Units” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
“Redeemed Units Equivalent” means the product of (a) the applicable number of Redeemed Units, multiplied by (b) the Common Unit Redemption Price.
“Redeeming Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
“Redemption” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
“Redemption Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
“Redemption Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
“Redemption Right” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
“Registration Rights Agreement” means that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Corporation, certain of the Members as of the date hereof and certain other Persons whose signatures are affixed thereto (together with any joinder thereto from time to time by any successor or assign to any party to such agreement).
“Regulatory Allocations” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.03(f).
“Retraction Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(c).
“Revised Partnership Audit Provisions” means Section 1101 of Title XI (Revenue Provisions Related to Tax Compliance) of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, H.R. 1314, Public Law Number 114-74, as amended. Unless the context requires otherwise, any reference herein to a specific section of the Revised Partnership Audit Provisions shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future Law as in effect for the relevant taxable period.
“Schedule of Members” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b).
“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including any governmental body or agency succeeding to the functions thereof.
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations. Any reference herein to a specific section, rule or regulation of the Securities Act shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future Law.
“Share Settlement” means a number of shares of Class A Common Stock (together with any Corresponding Rights) equal to the number of Redeemed Units.
“Specified Members” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03.
“Stock Exchange” means The New York Stock Exchange.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, variable interest entity, or business entity of which (a) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (b) if a limited liability company, partnership, association, variable interest entity, or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of the voting interests thereof are at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, references to a “Subsidiary” of the Company shall be given effect only at such times that the Company has one or more Subsidiaries, and, unless otherwise indicated, the term “Subsidiary” refers to a Subsidiary of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, the “Subsidiaries” of the Company shall include any and all of the Company’s direct and indirect, greater than fifty percent (50%) owned joint ventures.
“Substituted Member” means a Person that is admitted as a Member to the Company pursuant to Section 12.01.
“Tax Distributions” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
“Tax Receivable Agreement” means that certain Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Corporation and the Company, on the one hand, and the TRA Parties (as such term is defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement) party thereto, on the other hand (together with any joinder thereto from time to time by any successor or assign to any party to such agreement) (as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with its terms).
“Taxable Year” means the Company’s accounting period for U.S. federal income tax purposes determined pursuant to Section 9.02.
“Trading Day” means a day on which the Stock Exchange or such other principal United States securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business (unless such trading shall have been suspended for the entire day).
“Transfer” (and, with a correlative meaning, “Transferred” and “Transferring”) means any sale, transfer, assignment, redemption, pledge, encumbrance or other disposition of (whether directly or indirectly, whether with or without consideration and whether voluntarily or involuntarily or by operation of Law) (a) any interest (legal or beneficial) in any Equity Securities of the Company or (b) any equity or other interest (legal or beneficial) in any Member that is not an institutional investor if substantially all of the assets of such Member consist solely of Units.
“Treasury Regulations” means the final, temporary and (to the extent they can be relied upon) proposed regulations under the Code, as promulgated from time to time (including corresponding provisions and succeeding provisions) as in effect for the relevant taxable period.
“Underwriting Agreement” means the Underwriting Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Company, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BofA Securities, Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC.
“Unit” means the fractional interest of a Member in Profits, Losses and Distributions of the Company, and otherwise having the rights and obligations specified with respect to “Units” in this Agreement; provided, however, that any class or group of Units issued shall have the relative rights, powers and duties set forth in this Agreement applicable to such class or group of Units.
“Unvested Corporate Shares” means shares of Class A Common Stock issuable pursuant to awards granted under an Equity Plan that are not Vested Corporate Shares.
“Vested Corporate Shares” means the shares of Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to awards granted under an Equity Plan that are vested pursuant to the terms thereof or any award or similar agreement relating thereto.
“VWAP” means with respect to shares of Class A Common Stock, the daily per share volume-weighted average price per share of Class A Common Stock, regular way, or if no such sale took place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices per share of Class A Common Stock, regular way, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange, as reported on the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the last quoted price, or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System or, if such system is no longer in use, the principal other automated quotation system that may then be in use or, if the Class A Common Stock is not quoted by any such system, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in shares of Class A Common Stock selected by the Corporate Board or, in the event that no trading price is available for the shares of Class A Common Stock, the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock, as determined in good faith by the Corporate Board.
Article II. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
Section 2.01 Formation and Conversion of Company. The Converting Entity was formed on August 27, 2015 pursuant to the provisions of the Georgia Act. The Converting Entity was converted to a Delaware limited liability company on September 21, 2023 pursuant to the provisions of the Georgia Act and the Delaware Act.
Section 2.02 Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement. The Members hereby execute this Agreement for the purpose of amending, restating and superseding the Original LLC Agreement in its entirety and otherwise establishing the affairs of the Company and the conduct of its business in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Act. The Members hereby agree that during the term of the Company set forth in Section 2.06 the rights and obligations of the Members with respect to the Company will be determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Delaware Act. No provision of this Agreement shall be in violation of the Delaware Act and to the extent any provision of this Agreement is in violation of the Delaware Act, such provision shall be void and of no effect to the extent of such violation without affecting the validity of the other provisions of this Agreement. Neither any Member nor the Manager nor any other Person shall have appraisal rights with respect to any Units.
Section 2.03 Name. The name of the Company is “Smith Douglas Holdings LLC”. The Manager in its sole discretion may change the name of the Company at any time and from time to time. Notification of any such change shall be given to all of the Members. The Company’s business may be conducted under its name and/or any other name or names deemed advisable by the Manager.
Section 2.04 Purpose; Powers. The primary business and purpose of the Company shall be to engage in such activities as are permitted under the Delaware Act and determined from time to time by the Manager in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Company shall have the power and authority to take (directly or indirectly through its Subsidiaries) any and all actions and engage in any and all activities necessary, appropriate, desirable, advisable, ancillary or incidental to accomplish the foregoing purpose.
Section 2.05 Principal Office; Registered Office. The principal office of the Company shall be located at such place or places as the Manager may from time to time designate, each of which may be within or outside the State of Delaware. The address of the registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware shall be c/o Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware, 19808, and the registered agent for service of process on the Company in the State of Delaware at such registered office shall be Corporation Service Company. The Manager may from time to time change the Company’s registered agent and registered office in the State of Delaware.
Section 2.06 Term. The Company shall continue in perpetuity unless dissolved in accordance with the provisions of Article XIV.
Section 2.07 No State-Law Partnership. The Members intend that the Company not be a partnership (including, without limitation, a limited partnership) or joint venture, and that no Member be a partner or joint venturer of any other Member by virtue of this Agreement, for any purposes other than as set forth in the last sentence of this Section 2.07, and neither this Agreement nor any other document entered into by the Company or any Member relating to the subject matter hereof shall be construed to suggest otherwise. The Members intend that the Company shall be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and, if applicable, state or local income tax purposes, and that each Member and the Company shall file all tax returns and shall otherwise take all tax and financial reporting positions in a manner consistent with such treatment.
Section 2.08 Liability. Except as otherwise provided by the Delaware Act, the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be solely the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, and no Member or Manager shall be obligated personally for any such debt, obligation or liability of the Company solely by reason of being a Member or acting as Manager.
Article III.
MEMBERS; UNITS; CAPITALIZATION
Section 3.01 Members.
(a) In connection with the IPO, the Corporation was admitted as a Member and will acquire Common Units pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement.
(b) The Company shall maintain a schedule setting forth: (i) the name and address of each Member and (ii) the aggregate number of outstanding Units and the number and class of Units held by each Member (such schedule, the “Schedule of Members”). The applicable Schedule of Members in effect as of the Effective Date and after giving effect to the Recapitalization, the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement and any Common Units to be purchased by the Corporation from the Members with the IPO Net Proceeds is set forth as Schedule 2 to this Agreement. The Company shall also maintain a record of (1) the Capital Account of each Member on the Effective Date; (2) the aggregate amount of cash Capital Contributions that has been made by the Members with respect to their Units; and (3) the Fair Market Value of any property other than cash contributed by the Members with respect to their Units (including, if applicable, a description and the amount of any liability assumed by the Company or to which contributed property is subject) in its books and records. The Schedule of Members may be updated by the Manager without the consent of any Member in the Company’s books and records from time to time, and as so updated, it shall be the definitive record of ownership of each Unit of the Company and all relevant information with respect to each Member. The Company shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a Person properly registered on its records as the owner of Units for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in Units on the part of any other Person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the Delaware Act or other applicable Law.
(c) No Member shall be required, except for a Capital Contribution by the Corporation pursuant to Section 3.04(c) or Section 11.02, or, except as approved by the Manager pursuant to Section 6.01 and in accordance with the other provisions of this Agreement, or except for a loan by the Corporation pursuant to Section 3.04(c), permitted to (i) loan any money or property to the Company, (ii) borrow any money or property from the Company or (iii) make any additional Capital Contributions.
Section 3.02 Units.
(a) Interests in the Company shall be represented by Units, or such other securities of the Company, in each case as the Manager may establish in its discretion in accordance with the terms and subject to the restrictions hereof. At the Effective Date, the Units will be comprised of a single class of Common Units.
(b) Subject to Section 3.04(a), the Manager may (i) issue additional Common Units at any time in its sole discretion and (ii) create one or more classes or series of Units or preferred Units solely to the extent such new class or series of Units or preferred Units are substantially economically equivalent to a class of common or other stock of the Corporation or class or series of preferred stock of the Corporation, respectively; provided, that as long as there are any Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) (i) no such new class or series of Units may deprive such Members of, or dilute or reduce, the allocations and distributions they would have received, and the other rights and benefits to which they would have been entitled, in respect of their Units if such new class or series of Units had not been created and (ii) no such new class or series of Units may be issued, in each case, except to the extent (and solely to the extent) the Company actually receives cash in an aggregate amount, or other property with a Fair Market Value in an aggregate amount, equal to the aggregate distributions that would be made in respect of such new class or series of Units if the Company were liquidated immediately after the issuance of such new class or series of Units. When any such other Units or other Equity Securities are authorized and issued, the Schedule of Members and this Agreement shall be amended by the Manager without the consent of any Member or any other Person to reflect such additional issuances.
(c) Subject to Sections 15.03(b) and Section 15.03(c), the Manager may amend this Agreement, without the consent of any Member or any other Person, in connection with the creation and issuance of such classes or series of Units, pursuant to Sections 3.02(b), 3.04(b) or 3.10.
Section 3.03 Recapitalization; the Corporation’s Capital Contribution; the Corporation’s Purchase of Common Units.
(a) In order to effect the Recapitalization, the number of Original Units that were issued and outstanding and held by the Pre-IPO Members prior to the Effective Date as set forth opposite the respective Pre-IPO Member’s name in Schedule 1 are hereby recapitalized and converted, as of the Effective Date, and after giving effect to such recapitalization and conversion and the other transactions related to the Recapitalization, into the number of Common Units set forth opposite the name of the respective Pre-IPO Member’s name on the Schedule of Members attached hereto as Schedule 2 (provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that the number of Common Units set forth on Schedule 2 includes the Common Units issued to the Corporation pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement and reflects any Common Units to be purchased by the Corporation from the Members with the IPO Net Proceeds), and such Common Units are hereby issued and outstanding (or remain issued and outstanding with respect to any Common Units to be purchased by the Corporation from the Members with the IPO Net Proceeds) as of the Effective Date and the holders of such Common Units hereby continue as members of the Company (and, for the avoidance of doubt, are Members hereunder) and the Company is hereby continued without dissolution.
(b) Following the Recapitalization, (i) the Company shall issue to the Corporation, and the Corporation will acquire 6,410,257 newly issued Common Units in exchange for a portion of the IPO Net Proceeds payable to the Company upon consummation of the IPO pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement with the Company (the “IPO Common Unit Subscription”) and (ii) the Corporation will acquire (A) 1,153,845 Common Units from The Bradbury Family Trust II A U/A/D December 29, 2015 and (B) 128,205 Common Units from GSB Holdings LLC, with a portion of the IPO Net Proceeds payable to the Members upon consummation of the IPO, and the Corporation is hereby admitted as a Member. In addition, to the extent the underwriters in the IPO exercise the Over-Allotment Option in whole or in part, upon the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option, the Corporation will acquire 1,038,461 Common Units from The Bradbury Family Trust II A U/A/D December 29, 2015 and 115,384 Common Units from GSB Holdings LLC, the Over-Allotment Option Net Proceeds will be payable to the Members upon exercise of the Over-Allotment Option. For the avoidance of doubt, the Corporation shall be automatically admitted as a Member with respect to all Common Units it holds from time to time.
Section 3.04 Authorization and Issuance of Additional Units.
(a) The Company, and the Corporation shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, undertake all actions, including, without limitation, an issuance, reclassification, distribution, division, repurchase, redemption, cancellation or recapitalization, with respect to the Common Units, the Class A Common Stock or the Class B Common Stock, as applicable, to maintain at all times (i) a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by the Corporation, directly or indirectly, and the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and (ii) a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries), directly or indirectly, and the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock owned by such Members, directly or indirectly, in each case disregarding, for purposes of maintaining the one-to-one ratio, (A) Unvested Corporate Shares, (B) treasury stock or (C) preferred stock or other debt or Equity Securities (including any Corresponding Rights) issued by the Corporation that are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock (except to the extent the net proceeds from such other securities, including any exercise or purchase price payable upon conversion, exercise or exchange thereof, has been contributed by the Corporation to the equity capital of the Company). In the event the Corporation issues, transfers or delivers from treasury stock or repurchases or redeems Class A Common Stock in a transaction not contemplated in this Agreement, the Manager, the Company and the Corporation shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, take all actions such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries, repurchases or redemptions, the number of outstanding Common Units owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation will equal on a one-for-one basis the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock. In the event the Corporation issues, transfers or delivers from treasury stock or repurchases or redeems the Corporation’s capital stock (other than the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock) or preferred stock in a transaction not contemplated in this Agreement, the Manager, the Company and the Corporation shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, take all actions such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries, repurchases or redemptions, the Corporation, directly or indirectly, holds (in the case of any issuance, transfer or delivery) or ceases to hold (in the case of any repurchase or redemption) Equity Securities issued by the Company which (in the good faith determination by the Manager) are in the aggregate substantially economically equivalent to the outstanding capital stock (other than the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock) or preferred stock of the Corporation so issued, transferred, delivered, repurchased or redeemed. In the event the Corporation issues, transfers or delivers from treasury stock or repurchases or redeems Class B Common Stock in a transaction not contemplated in this Agreement, the Manager and the Company shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, take all actions such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries, repurchases or redemptions, the number of outstanding Common Units owned, directly or indirectly, by the Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries), directly or indirectly, will equal on a one-for-one basis the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock. The Company, the Manager and the Corporation shall not undertake any subdivision (by any Common Unit split, stock split, Common Unit distribution, stock distribution, reclassification, division, recapitalization or similar event) or combination (by reverse Common Unit split, reverse stock split, reclassification, division, recapitalization or similar event) of the Common Units or the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, as applicable, that is not accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or Common Units respectively, to maintain at all times (x) a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation and the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and (y) a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) and the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, in each case, unless such action is necessary to maintain at all times a one-to-one ratio between each of (i) the number of Common Units owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation and the aggregate number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and (ii) the number of Common Units owned by Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) and the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, in each case as contemplated by the first sentence of this Section 3.04(a).
(b) The Company shall only be permitted to issue additional Common Units, and/or establish other classes or series of Units or other Equity Securities in the Company to the Persons and on the terms and conditions provided for in Section 3.02, this Section 3.04, Section 3.10 and Section 3.11. Subject to the foregoing, the Manager may cause the Company to issue additional Common Units authorized under this Agreement and/or establish other classes or series of Units or other Equity Securities in the Company at such times and upon such terms as the Manager shall determine and the Manager shall amend this Agreement solely to the extent necessary in connection with the issuance of additional Common Units, to establish other classes or series of Units or other Equity Securities in the Company, or admission of additional Members under this Section 3.04, in each case without the requirement of any consent or acknowledgement of any other Member or any other Person and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, including Section 15.03.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, except to the extent described in Section 3.04(a) and (b), from time to time at its sole discretion, (i) the Corporation may make loans to the Company and its Subsidiaries, and (ii) the Corporation may contribute property (including cash and/or the loans described in the foregoing clause (i)) to the Company. Upon each contribution described in the foregoing clause (ii), and after giving proper effect to all related transactions, the Company shall (x) issue to the Corporation such number of Common Units or Equity Securities of the Company as necessary to maintain the one-to-one ratios, if any, or the economic parity between one share of Class A Common Stock and one Common Unit and (y) cancel such number of Common Units or Equity Securities of the Company held by Members other than the Corporation on a pro rata basis (based on the number of Common Units held by each such Member) as necessary to maintain the one-to-one ratios or the economic parity between one share of Class A Common Stock and one Common Unit.
Section 3.05 Repurchase or Redemption of Shares of Class A Common Stock; Other Redemptions or Repurchases. If at any time, any shares of Class A Common Stock are repurchased or redeemed (whether by exercise of a put or call, automatically or by means of another arrangement) by the Corporation for cash, then the Manager shall cause the Company, immediately prior to such repurchase or redemption of Class A Common Stock, to redeem a corresponding number of Common Units held (directly or indirectly) by the Corporation, at an aggregate redemption price equal to the aggregate purchase or redemption price of the shares of Class A Common Stock being repurchased or redeemed by the Corporation (plus any expenses related thereto) and upon such other terms as are the same for the shares of Class A Common Stock being repurchased or redeemed by the Corporation; provided, if the Corporation uses funds received from distributions from the Company or the net proceeds from an issuance of Class A Common Stock to fund such repurchase or redemption, then the Company shall cancel a corresponding number of Common Units held (directly or indirectly) by the Corporation for no consideration. The Corporation may not redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any other Equity Securities of the Corporation unless substantially simultaneously the Company redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires (and the Company agrees to so redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire) from the Corporation (and the Corporation agrees to deliver to the Company) an equal number of Equity Securities of the Company of a corresponding class or series with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of the Corporation for the same price per security. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, neither the Company nor the Corporation shall make any repurchase, redemption or other acquisition if such repurchase, redemption or other acquisition, or the corresponding repurchase, redemption or other acquisition at the other of the Company or the Corporation, would violate any applicable Law.
Section 3.06 Certificates Representing Units; Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates; Registration and Transfer of Units.
(a) Units shall not be certificated unless otherwise determined by the Manager. If the Manager determines that one or more Units shall be certificated, each such certificate shall be signed by or in the name of the Company, by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel, Secretary or any other officer designated by the Manager, representing the number of Units held by such holder. Such certificate shall, subject to Section 10.03, be in such form (and shall contain such legends) as the Manager may determine. Any or all of such signatures on any certificate representing one or more Units may be a facsimile, engraved or printed, to the extent permitted by applicable Law. Unless otherwise determined by the Manager, no Units shall be treated as a “security” within the meaning of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code unless all Units then outstanding are certificated; notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, including Section 15.03, the Manager is authorized to amend this Agreement in order for the Company to opt-in to the provisions of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code without the consent or approval of any Member or any other Person.
(b) If Units are certificated, the Manager may direct that a new certificate representing one or more Units be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Company alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon delivery to the Manager of an affidavit of the owner or owners of such certificate, setting forth such allegation. The Manager may require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the Company a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of any such new certificate.
(c) To the extent Units are certificated, upon surrender to the Company or the transfer agent of the Company, if any, of a certificate for one or more Units, duly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, in compliance with the provisions hereof, the Company shall issue a new certificate representing one or more Units to the Person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Manager may prescribe such additional rules and regulations as it may deem appropriate relating to the issue, Transfer and registration of Units.
Section 3.07 Negative Capital Accounts. No Member shall be required to pay to any other Member or the Company any deficit or negative balance which may exist from time to time in such Member’s Capital Account (including upon and after dissolution of the Company).
Section 3.08 No Withdrawal. No Person shall be entitled to withdraw any part of such Person’s Capital Contribution or Capital Account or to receive any Distribution from the Company, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
Section 3.09 Loans From Members. Loans by Members to the Company shall not be considered Capital Contributions. Subject to the provisions of Section 3.01(c) and/or Section 3.04(c), the amount of any such loans shall be a debt of the Company to such Member and shall be payable or collectible in accordance with the terms and conditions upon which such loans are made.
Section 3.10 Equity Plans. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed or applied to preclude or restrain the Corporation from adopting, modifying or terminating an Equity Plan or from issuing shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to any such plans. The Corporation may implement such Equity Plans and any actions taken under such Equity Plans (such as the grant or exercise of options to acquire shares of Class A Common Stock, or the issuance of Unvested Corporate Shares), whether taken with respect to or by an employee or other service provider of the Corporation, the Company or its Subsidiaries, in a manner determined by the Corporation, in accordance with the Policy Regarding Certain Equity Issuances attached to this Agreement as Exhibit C, which may be amended by the Corporation from time to time without the consent or approval of any Member or any other Person. The Manager may, without the consent of any Member or any other Person and notwithstanding Section 15.03, amend this Agreement (including Exhibit C) as necessary or advisable in its sole discretion to adopt, implement, modify or terminate an Equity Plan. In the event of such an amendment by the Manager, the Company shall provide notice of such amendment to the Members. The Company is expressly authorized to issue Units (i) in accordance with the terms of any such Equity Plan, or (ii) in an amount equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to any such Equity Plan, without any further act, approval or vote of any Member or any other Persons.
Section 3.11 Dividend Reinvestment Plan, Cash Option Purchase Plan, Stock Incentive Plan or Other Plan. Except as may otherwise be provided in this Article III, all amounts received or deemed received by the Corporation in respect of any dividend reinvestment plan, cash option purchase plan, stock incentive or other stock or subscription plan or agreement, either (a) shall be utilized by the Corporation to effect open market purchases of a like number of shares of Class A Common Stock, or (b) if the Corporation elects instead to issue new shares of Class A Common Stock with respect to such amounts, shall be contributed by the Corporation to the Company in exchange for a like number of additional Common Units. Upon such contribution, the Company will issue to the Corporation a number of Common Units equal to the number of new shares of Class A Common Stock so issued.
Article IV.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 4.01 Distributions.
(a) | Distributable Cash; Other Distributions. |
(i) To the extent permitted by applicable Law and hereunder, Distributions to Members may be declared by the Manager out of Distributable Cash or other funds or property legally available therefor in such amounts, at such time and on such terms (including the payment dates of such Distributions) as the Manager in its sole discretion shall determine using such record date as the Manager may designate. All Distributions made under this Section 4.01 shall be made to the Members holding Common Units as of the close of business on such record date on a pro rata basis in accordance with each Member’s Percentage Interest (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any distributions made pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(v)) as of the close of business on such record date; provided, however, that the Manager shall have the obligation to make Distributions as set forth in Sections 4.01(b) and 14.02; provided, further, that notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, no distributions shall be made to any Member to the extent such distribution would render the Company insolvent or violate the Delaware Act. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, “insolvent” means the inability of the Company to meet its payment obligations when due. In furtherance of the foregoing, it is intended that the Manager shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law and hereunder, have the right in its sole discretion to make Distributions of Distributable Cash to the Members pursuant to this Section 4.01(a) in such amounts as shall enable the Corporation to meet its obligations, including its obligations pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement (to the extent such obligations are not otherwise able to be satisfied as a result of Tax Distributions required to be made pursuant to Section 4.01(b)).
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4.01(a)(i), (i) the Company shall not make a distribution (other than Tax Distributions under Section 4.01(b)) to any Member in respect of any Common Units which remain subject to vesting conditions in accordance with any applicable equity plan or individual award agreement and (ii) with respect to any amounts that would otherwise have been distributed to a Member but for the preceding clause (i), such amount shall be held in trust by the Company for the benefit of such Member unless and until such time as such Common Units have vested or been forfeited in accordance with the applicable equity plan or individual award agreement, and within five (5) Business Days of such time, the Company shall distribute such amounts to such Member; provided, that, if any condition to the vesting of such unvested Common Units becomes incapable of being satisfied, then any amounts that have not been distributed with respect to such unvested Common Units may be distributed to all other Members in accordance with Section 4.01(a)(i) as if such distribution were a new distribution pursuant to Section 4.01(a)(i).
(b) | Tax Distributions. |
(i) With respect to each Taxable Year, the Company shall, to the extent it has Distributable Cash, make cash distributions (“Tax Distributions”) to each Member in accordance with this Section 4.01(b) and such Member’s Assumed Tax Liability. Tax Distributions pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)(i) shall be estimated by the Company on a quarterly basis and, to the extent feasible, shall be distributed to the Members (together with a statement showing the calculation of such Tax Distribution and an estimate of the Company’s net taxable income allocable to each Member for such period) on a quarterly basis on April 15th, June 15th, September 15th and December 15th (or such other dates for which corporations or individuals are required to make quarterly estimated tax payments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, whichever is earlier) (each, a “Quarterly Tax Distribution”); provided, that the foregoing shall not restrict the Company from making a Tax Distribution on any other date as the Company determines is necessary to enable the Members to timely make estimated income tax payments. Quarterly Tax Distributions shall take into account the estimated taxable income or loss of the Company for the Taxable Year through the end of the relevant quarterly period. A final accounting for Tax Distributions shall be made for each Taxable Year after the allocation of the Company’s actual net taxable income or loss has been determined and any shortfall in the amount of Tax Distributions a Member received for such Taxable Year based on such final accounting shall promptly be distributed to such Member. For the avoidance of doubt, any excess Tax Distributions a Member receives with respect to any Taxable Year shall reduce future Tax Distributions otherwise required to be made to such Member with respect to any subsequent Taxable Year. For the avoidance of doubt, Tax Distributions shall not be treated as an advance on any Distributions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Manager shall make, in its reasonable discretion, equitable adjustments (downward (but not below zero) or upward) to the Members’ Tax Distributions to take into account increases or decreases in the number of Common Units held by each Member during the relevant taxable period or portion thereof; provided that any such equitable adjustments are made in a manner that results in Tax Distributions being made pro rata in proportion to the Members’ respective Percentage Interests for any relevant taxable period or portion thereof.
(ii) To the extent a Member otherwise would be entitled to receive less than its Percentage Interest of the aggregate Tax Distributions to be paid pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) (other than any distributions made pursuant to the last sentence of this Section 4.01(b)(ii) in respect of a shortfall, pursuant to the last sentence of Section 4.01(b)(iii) in respect of a shortfall, or pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(v)) on any given date, the Tax Distributions to such Member shall be increased to ensure that all Distributions made pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) are made pro rata in accordance with the Members’ respective Percentage Interests. If, on the date of a Tax Distribution, there are insufficient funds on hand to distribute to the Members the full amount of the Tax Distributions to which such Members are otherwise entitled, Distributions pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) shall be made to the Members to the extent of available funds in accordance with their Percentage Interests and the Company shall make future Tax Distributions in accordance with the Members’ Percentage Interests at the time of such shortfalls as soon as sufficient funds become available to pay the remaining portion of the Tax Distributions to which such Members are otherwise entitled.
(iii) In the event of any audit by, or similar event with, a Governmental Entity that affects the calculation of any Member’s Assumed Tax Liability for any Taxable Year (other than an audit conducted pursuant to the Revised Partnership Audit Provisions for which no election is made pursuant to Section 6226 thereof and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder), or in the event the Company files an amended tax return or administrative adjustment request, each Member’s Assumed Tax Liability with respect to such year shall be recalculated by giving effect to such event (for the avoidance of doubt, taking into account interest or penalties). Any shortfall in the amount of Tax Distributions the Members and former Members received for the relevant Taxable Years based on such recalculated Assumed Tax Liability promptly shall be distributed to such Members and the successors of such former Members in accordance with the applicable Members’ and former Members’ Percentage Interests at the time of such shortfalls, except, for the avoidance of doubt, to the extent Distributions were made to such Members and former Members pursuant to Section 4.01(a) and this Section 4.01(b) in the relevant Taxable Years sufficient to cover such shortfall.
(iv) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tax Distributions pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any distributions made pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(v)), if any, shall be made to a Member only to the extent all previous Tax Distributions to such Member pursuant to Section 4.01(b) with respect to the Taxable Year are less than the Tax Distributions such Member otherwise would have been entitled to receive with respect to such Taxable Year pursuant to this Section 4.01(b).
(v) Notwithstanding the foregoing and anything to the contrary in this Agreement, a final accounting for distributions under Section 4.1(a) of the Original LLC Agreement in respect of the taxable income of the Company for the Taxable Years (or portions thereof) of the Company that end on or prior to the Effective Date shall be made by the Company following the closing date of the IPO and, based on such final accounting, the Company shall make a distribution to the Pre-IPO Members (or in the case of any Pre-IPO Member that no longer exists, the successor of such Pre-IPO Member) to the extent of the excess of the amount of distributions the Pre-IPO Members would have been entitled to receive pursuant to such subsections (without regard to the amendment and restatement of such Original LLC Agreement as of the Effective Date) over the amount of distributions the Pre-IPO Members received prior to the Effective Date under Section 4.1(a) of the Original LLC Agreement with respect to taxable income of the Company for such portion of such Taxable Year that will be allocated to the Pre-IPO Members (determined pursuant to Section 706 of the Code). For the avoidance of doubt, the amount of distributions to be made pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)(v) shall be calculated pursuant to the methodology set forth in Section 4.1(a) of the Original LLC Agreement.
Article V.
CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS
Section 5.01 Capital Accounts.
(a) The Company shall maintain a separate Capital Account for each Member according to the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). For this purpose, the Company may (in the discretion of the Manager), upon the occurrence of the events specified in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), and shall, in connection with the execution of this Agreement, the IPO Common Unit Subscription and other transactions taking place in connection therewith, increase or decrease the Capital Accounts in accordance with the rules of such Treasury Regulations and Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g) to reflect a revaluation of the Company’s property.
(b) For purposes of computing the amount of any item of income, gain, loss or deduction with respect to the Company to be allocated pursuant to this Article V and to be reflected in the Capital Accounts of the Members, the determination, recognition and classification of any such item shall be the same as its determination, recognition and classification for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including any method of depreciation, cost recovery or amortization used for this purpose); provided, however, that:
(i) the computation of all items of income, gain, loss and deduction shall include those items described in Code Section 705(a)(l)(B) or Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) and Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i), without regard to the fact that such items are not includable in gross income or are not deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
(ii) if the Book Value of any property of the Company is adjusted pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(e) or (f), the amount of such adjustment shall be taken into account as gain or loss from the disposition of such property;
(iii) items of income, gain, loss or deduction attributable to the disposition of property of the Company having a Book Value that differs from its adjusted basis for tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the Book Value of such property;
(iv) items of depreciation, amortization and other cost recovery deductions with respect to property of the Company having a Book Value that differs from its adjusted basis for tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the property’s Book Value in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g); and
(v) to the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any asset of the Company pursuant to Code Sections 732(d), 734(b) or 743(b) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis).
Section 5.02 Allocations. Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.03 and Section 5.04, Net Profits and Net Losses for any Taxable Year or Fiscal Period shall be allocated among the Capital Accounts of the Members pro rata in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests, assuming that any Common Units which are subject to vesting conditions in accordance with any applicable Equity Plan or individual award agreement are fully vested.
Section 5.03 Regulatory Allocations.
(a) Losses attributable to partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4)) shall be allocated in the manner required by Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i). Except as otherwise provided for in Section 5.03(b), if there is a net decrease during a Taxable Year in partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(3)), Profits for such Taxable Year (and, if necessary, for subsequent Taxable Years) shall be allocated to the Members in the amounts and of such character as determined according to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4).
(b) Nonrecourse deductions (as determined according to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(1)) for any Taxable Year shall be allocated pro rata among the Members in accordance with their Percentage Interests. If there is a net decrease in the Minimum Gain during any Taxable Year, each Member shall be allocated Profits for such Taxable Year (and, if necessary, for subsequent Taxable Years) in the amounts and of such character as determined according to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). This Section 5.03(b) is intended to be a minimum gain chargeback provision that complies with the requirements of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f), and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.
(c) If any Member that unexpectedly receives an adjustment, allocation or Distribution described in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6) has an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit as of the end of any Taxable Year, after all other allocations pursuant to Sections 5.02, 5.03, 5.04 and 5.05 have been tentatively made as if this Section 5.03(c) were not in this Agreement, then Profits for such Taxable Year shall be allocated to such Member in proportion to, and to the extent of, such Adjusted Capital Account Deficit. This Section 5.03(c) is intended to be a qualified income offset provision as described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.
(d) If the allocation of Net Losses (or items of Losses) to a Member as provided in Section 5.02 would create or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit, there shall be allocated to such Member only that amount of Losses as will not create or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit. The Net Losses that would, absent the application of the preceding sentence, otherwise be allocated to such Member shall be allocated to the other Members in accordance with their relative Percentage Interests, subject to this Section 5.03(d).
(e) Profits and Losses described in Section 5.01(b)(v) shall be allocated in a manner consistent with the manner that the adjustments to the Capital Accounts are required to be made pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(j) and (m).
(f) The allocations set forth in Section 5.03(a) through and including Section 5.03(e) (the “Regulatory Allocations”) are intended to comply with certain requirements of Sections 1.704-1(b) and 1.704-2 of the Treasury Regulations. The Regulatory Allocations may not be consistent with the manner in which the Members intend to allocate Net Profit and Net Loss of the Company or make Distributions. Accordingly, notwithstanding the other provisions of this Article V, but subject to the Regulatory Allocations, income, gain, deduction and loss with respect to the Company shall be reallocated among the Members so as to eliminate the effect of the Regulatory Allocations and thereby cause the respective Capital Accounts of the Members to be in the amounts (or as close thereto as possible) they would have been if Net Profit and Net Loss (and such other items of income, gain, deduction and loss) had been allocated without reference to the Regulatory Allocations. In general, the Members anticipate that this will be accomplished by specially allocating other Profit and Loss (and such other items of income, gain, deduction and loss) among the Members so that the net amount of the Regulatory Allocations and such special allocations to each such Member is zero. In addition, if in any Taxable Year or Fiscal Period there is a decrease in partnership minimum gain, or in partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain, and application of the minimum gain chargeback requirements set forth in Section 5.03(a) or Section 5.03(b) would cause a distortion in the economic arrangement among the Members, the Manager may, if it does not expect that the Company will have sufficient other income to correct such distortion, request the Internal Revenue Service to waive either or both of such minimum gain chargeback requirements pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f)(4). If such request is granted, this Agreement shall be applied in such instance as if it did not contain such minimum gain chargeback requirement.
Section 5.04 Final Allocations.
(a) Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement except Section 5.03, the Manager shall make appropriate adjustments to allocations of Net Profits and Net Losses to (or, if necessary, allocate items of gross income, gain, loss or deduction of the Company among) the Members upon the liquidation of the Company (within the meaning of Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g) of the Treasury Regulations), upon the transfer of substantially all the Units (whether by sale or exchange or merger), upon the sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company, to the extent necessary in the connection with a distribution in respect of a shortfall pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(ii) or Section 4.01(b)(iii) or at any other time reasonably determined by the Manager, such that, to the maximum extent possible, the Capital Accounts of the Members are proportionate to their Percentage Interests. In each case, such adjustments or allocations shall occur, to the maximum extent possible, in the Taxable Year of the event requiring such adjustments or allocations.
(b) If any holder of Common Units which are subject to vesting conditions forfeits (or the Company has repurchased at less than fair market value) all or a portion of such holder’s unvested Common Units, the Company shall make forfeiture allocations in respect of such unvested Common Units in the manner and to the extent required by Proposed Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(xii) (as such Proposed Treasury Regulations may be amended or modified, including upon the issuance of temporary or final Treasury Regulations).
Section 5.05 Tax Allocations.
(a) The income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of the Company will be allocated, for federal, state and local income tax purposes, among the Members in accordance with the allocation of such income, gains, losses, deductions and credits among the Members for computing their Capital Accounts; provided that if any such allocation is not permitted by the Code or other applicable Law, the Company’s subsequent income, gains, losses, deductions and credits will be allocated among the Members so as to reflect as nearly as possible the allocation set forth herein in computing their Capital Accounts.
(b) Items of taxable income, gain, loss and deduction of the Company with respect to any property contributed to the capital of the Company shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with Code Section 704(c) so as to take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the Company for federal income tax purposes and its Book Value using the traditional method set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(b).
(c) If the Book Value of any asset of the Company is adjusted pursuant to Section 5.01(b), including adjustments to the Book Value of any asset of the Company in connection with the execution of this Agreement, subsequent allocations of items of taxable income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to such asset shall take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such asset for federal income tax purposes and its Book Value using the traditional method set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(b).
(d) Allocations of tax credits, tax credit recapture, and any items related thereto shall be allocated to the Members as determined by the Manager taking into account the principles of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(ii).
(e) For purposes of determining a Member’s share of the Company’s “excess nonrecourse liabilities” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-3(a)(3), each Member’s interest in income and gain shall be determined pursuant to any proper method, as reasonably determined by the Manager; provided, that each year the Manager shall use its reasonable best efforts (using in all instances any proper method permitted under applicable Law, including without limitation the “additional method” described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-3(a)(3)) to allocate a sufficient amount of the excess nonrecourse liabilities to those Members who would have at the end of the applicable Taxable Year, but for such allocation, taxable income due to the deemed distribution of money to such Member pursuant to Section 752(b) of the Code that is in excess of such Member’s adjusted tax basis in its Units.
(f) In the event any Common Units issued pursuant to Section 1(b) of the Policy Regarding Certain Equity Issuances attached to this Agreement as Exhibit C are subsequently forfeited, the Company may make forfeiture allocations with respect to such Common Units in the Taxable Year of such forfeiture in accordance with the principles of proposed Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(xii)(c), taking into account any amendments thereto and any temporary or final Treasury Regulations issued pursuant thereto.
(g) Allocations pursuant to this Section 5.05 are solely for purposes of federal, state and local income taxes and shall not affect, or in any way be taken into account in computing, any Member’s Capital Account or share of Profits, Losses, Distributions or other items of the Company pursuant to any provision of this Agreement.
Section 5.06 Indemnification and Reimbursement for Payments on Behalf of a Member. Except as otherwise determined by the Manager, if the Company or any other Person in which the Company holds an interest is obligated to pay any amount to a Governmental Entity (or otherwise makes a payment to a Governmental Entity) that is specifically attributable to a Member or a Member’s status as such (including federal income taxes, additions to tax, interest and penalties as a result of obligations of the Company pursuant to the Revised Partnership Audit Provisions, federal withholding taxes, state personal property taxes and state unincorporated business taxes, but excluding payments such as payroll taxes, withholding taxes, benefits or professional association fees and the like required to be made or made voluntarily by the Company on behalf of any Member based upon such Member’s status as an employee of the Company), then such Member shall indemnify the Company in full for the entire amount paid (including interest, penalties and related expenses). The Manager may offset Distributions to which a Member is otherwise entitled under this Agreement against such Member’s obligation to indemnify the Company under this Section 5.06. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, each Member agrees that any Cash Settlement such Member is entitled to receive pursuant to Article XI may be offset by an amount equal to such Member’s obligation to indemnify the Company under this Section 5.06 and that such Member shall be treated as receiving the full amount of such Cash Settlement and paying to the Company an amount equal to such obligation. A Member’s obligation to make payments to the Company under this Section 5.06 shall survive the transfer or termination of any Member’s interest in any Units of the Company, the termination of this Agreement and the dissolution, liquidation, winding up and termination of the Company. In the event that the Company has been terminated prior to the date such payment is due, such Member shall make such payment to the Manager (or its designee), which shall distribute such funds in accordance with this Agreement. The Company may pursue and enforce all rights and remedies it may have against each Member under this Section 5.06, including instituting a lawsuit to collect such contribution with interest calculated at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Base Rate plus 300 basis points (but not in excess of the highest rate per annum permitted by Law). Each Member hereby agrees to furnish to the Company such information and forms as required or reasonably requested by the Company in order to comply with any Laws and regulations governing withholding of tax or in order to claim any reduced rate of, or exemption from, withholding to which the Member is legally entitled. The Company may withhold any amount that it determines is required to be withheld from any amount otherwise payable to any Member hereunder, and any such withheld amount shall be deemed to have been paid to such Member for all purposes of this Agreement, unless otherwise reimbursed by such Member under this Section 5.06. For the avoidance of doubt, any income taxes, penalties, additions to tax and interest payable by the Company or any fiscally transparent entity in which the Company owns an interest that are attributable to income or gain that is (or otherwise would be) passed through to the Members under applicable Law shall be treated as specifically attributable to the Members and shall be allocated among the Members such that the burden of (or any diminution in distributable proceeds resulting from) any such amounts is borne by those Members to whom such amounts are specifically attributable, in each case as reasonably determined by the Manager.
Article VI.
MANAGEMENT
Section 6.01 Authority of Manager; Officer Delegation.
(a) Except for situations in which the approval of any Member(s) is specifically required by this Agreement, (i) all management powers over the business and affairs of the Company shall be exclusively vested in the Corporation, as the sole managing member of the Company (the Corporation, in such capacity, the “Manager”), (ii) the Manager shall conduct, direct and exercise full control over all activities of the Company and (iii) no other Member shall have any right, authority or power to vote, consent or approve any matter, whether under the Delaware Act, this Agreement or otherwise. The Manager shall be the “manager” of the Company for the purposes of the Delaware Act. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein and subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Members hereby consent to the exercise by the Manager of all such powers and rights conferred on the Members by the Delaware Act with respect to the management and control of the Company. Any vacancies in the position of Manager shall be filled in accordance with Section 6.04.
(b) Without limiting the authority of the Manager to act on behalf of the Company, the day-to-day business and operations of the Company shall be overseen and implemented by officers of the Company (each, an “Officer” and collectively, the “Officers”), subject to the limitations imposed by the Manager. An Officer may, but need not, be a Member. Each Officer shall be appointed by the Manager and shall hold office until his or her successor shall be duly designated and shall qualify or until his or her death or until he or she shall resign or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided. Any one Person may hold more than one office. Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement (including in Section 6.07), the salaries or other compensation, if any, of the Officers of the Company shall be fixed from time to time by the Manager. The authority and responsibility of the Officers shall be limited to such duties as the Manager may, from time to time, delegate to them. Unless the Manager decides otherwise, if the title is one commonly used for officers of a business corporation formed under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the assignment of such title shall constitute the delegation to such person of the authorities and duties that are normally associated with that office. All Officers shall be, and shall be deemed to be, officers and employees of the Company. An Officer may also perform one or more roles as an officer of the Manager. Any Officer may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the Manager.
(c) Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Manager shall have the power and authority to effectuate the sale, lease, transfer, exchange or other disposition of any, all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (including the exercise or grant of any conversion, option, privilege or subscription right or any other right available in connection with any assets at any time held by the Company) or the merger, consolidation, conversion, division, reorganization or other combination of the Company with or into another entity, for the avoidance of doubt, without the prior consent of any Member or any other Person being required.
Section 6.02 Actions of the Manager. The Manager may act through any Officer or through any other Person or Persons to whom authority and duties have been delegated pursuant to Section 6.07.
Section 6.03 Resignation; No Removal. The Manager may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Members; provided, however, that any such resignation shall be subject to the appointment of a new Manager in accordance with Section 6.04. Unless otherwise specified in the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Members (subject to the appointment of a new Manager in accordance with Section 6.04), and the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. For the avoidance of doubt, the Members have no right under this Agreement to remove or replace the Manager. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no replacement of the Corporation as the Manager shall be effective unless proper provision is made, in compliance with this Agreement, so that the obligations of the Corporation, its successor or assign (if applicable), and any new Manager and the rights of all Members under this Agreement and applicable Law remain in full force and effect. No appointment of a Person other than the Corporation (or its successor or assign, as applicable) as the Manager shall be effective unless the Corporation (or its successor or assign, as applicable) and the new Manager (as applicable) provide all other Members with contractual rights, directly enforceable by such other Members against the Corporation (or its successor, as applicable) and the new Manager (as applicable), to cause (a) the Corporation to comply with all of the Corporation’s obligations under this Agreement (in its capacity as a Member) and (b) the new Manager to comply with all of the Manager’s obligations under this Agreement.
Section 6.04 Vacancies. Vacancies in the position of Manager occurring for any reason shall be filled by the Corporation (or, if the Corporation has ceased to exist without any successor or assign, then by the holders of a majority in interest of the voting capital stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such cessation). For the avoidance of doubt, the Members (other than the Corporation) have no right under this Agreement to fill any vacancy in the position of Manager.
Section 6.05 Transactions Between the Company and the Manager. The Manager may cause the Company to contract and deal with the Manager, or any Affiliate of the Manager, provided, that such contracts and dealings (other than contracts and dealings between the Company and its Subsidiaries) are (i) on terms comparable to and competitive with those available to the Company from others dealing at arm’s length, (ii) approved by the disinterested Members (other than the Manager) holding a majority of the Percentage Interests of the disinterested Members (other than the Manager) or (iii) approved by the Disinterested Majority, and in each case, otherwise are permitted by the Credit Agreements; provided that the foregoing shall in no way limit the Manager’s rights under Sections 3.02, 3.04, 3.05 or 3.10. The Members hereby approve each of the contracts or agreements between or among the Manager or its Affiliates (other than the Company (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Converting Entity) and its Subsidiaries), on the one hand, and the Company (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Converting Entity) or its Affiliates (other than the Manager and any of the Company’s (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Converting Entity’s) Subsidiaries), on the other hand, entered into on or prior to the date of this Agreement in accordance with the limited liability company agreement governing the Company (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Converting Entity) at such time or that the board of managers of the Company or the Corporate Board has approved in connection with the Recapitalization or the IPO as of the date of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement and the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Section 6.06 Reimbursement for Expenses. The Manager shall not be compensated for its services as Manager of the Company except as expressly provided in this Agreement. The Members acknowledge and agree that, upon consummation of the IPO, the Manager’s Class A Common Stock will be publicly traded and, therefore, the Manager will have access to the public capital markets and that such status and the services performed by the Manager will inure to the benefit of the Company and all Members; therefore, the Manager shall be reimbursed by the Company for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the Company, including, without limitation, all fees, expenses and costs associated with the IPO and all fees, expenses and costs of being a public company (including, without limitation, public reporting obligations, proxy statements, stockholder meetings, Stock Exchange fees, transfer agent fees, legal fees, SEC and FINRA filing fees and offering expenses) and maintaining its corporate existence. In the event that shares of Class A Common Stock are sold to underwriters in the IPO (or in any Qualifying Offering) at a price per share that is lower than the price per share for which such shares of Class A Common Stock are sold to the public in the IPO (or in such Qualifying Offering), after taking into account underwriters’ discounts or commissions and brokers’ fees or commissions (such difference, the “Discount”) (i) the Manager shall be deemed to have contributed to the Company in exchange for newly issued Common Units the full amount for which such shares of Class A Common Stock were sold to the public and (ii) the Company shall be deemed to have paid the Discount as an expense. To the extent practicable, expenses incurred by the Manager on behalf of or for the benefit of the Company shall be billed directly to and paid by the Company and, if and to the extent any reimbursements to the Manager or any of its Affiliates by the Company pursuant to this Section 6.06 constitute gross income to such Person (as opposed to the repayment of advances made by such Person on behalf of the Company), such amounts shall be treated as “guaranteed payments” within the meaning of Code Section 707(c) (unless otherwise required by the Code and Treasury Regulations) and shall not be treated as distributions for purposes of computing the Members’ Capital Accounts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not bear any obligations with respect to income tax of the Manager or any payments made pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement other than in a manner that is expressly contemplated under this Agreement or the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Section 6.07 Delegation of Authority. The Manager (a) may, from time to time, delegate to one or more Persons such authority and duties as the Manager may deem advisable, and (b) may assign titles (including, without limitation, chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, general counsel, senior vice president, vice president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer or assistant treasurer) and delegate certain authority and duties to such Persons, which may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time. Any number of titles may be held by the same individual. The salaries or other compensation, if any, of such agents of the Company shall be fixed from time to time by the Manager, subject to the other provisions in this Agreement.
Section 6.08 Limitation of Liability of Manager.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein or in an agreement entered into by such Person and the Company, neither the Manager nor any of the Manager’s Affiliates or Manager’s officers, directors, employees or other agents (collectively “Manager’s Representatives”) shall be liable to the Company, to any Member that is not the Manager or to any other Person (other than the Manager) bound by this Agreement for any act or omission performed or omitted by the Manager or such Manager’s Representative in its capacity as the managing member of the Company or as an Affiliate, officer, director, employee or agent of the Manager, as applicable, pursuant to authority granted to the Manager by this Agreement; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided herein, such limitation of liability shall not apply to the extent the act or omission was attributable to the Manager’s or a Manager’s Representative’s fraud, willful misconduct or knowing violation of Law or for any present or future material breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by the Manager or any Manager’s Representative contained herein or in the Other Agreements with the Company. The Manager may exercise any of the powers granted to it by this Agreement and perform any of the duties imposed upon it hereunder either directly or by or through its agents, and shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent (so long as such agent was selected in good faith and with reasonable care). The Manager and each Manager’s Representative shall be entitled to rely upon the advice of legal counsel, independent public accountants and other experts, including financial advisors, as to matters the Manager or such Manager’s Representative reasonably believes are within such other Person’s professional or expert competence and any act of or failure to act by the Manager or such Manager’s Representative in good faith reliance on such advice shall in no event subject the Manager or any Manager’s Representative to liability to the Company or any Member that is not the Manager or any other Person (other than the Manager) bound by this Agreement.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, whenever this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein provides that the Manager shall act in its reasonable discretion or in a manner which is, or provide terms which are, “fair and reasonable” to the Company or any Member that is not the Manager, the Manager shall determine such appropriate action or provide such terms considering, in each case, the relative interests of each party to such agreement, transaction or situation and the benefits and burdens relating to such interests, any customary or accepted industry practices, and any applicable United States generally accepted accounting practices or principles, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or in any agreement contemplated herein or applicable provisions of Law or equity or otherwise.
Section 6.09 Investment Company Act. The Manager shall use its best efforts to ensure that the Company shall not be subject to registration as an investment company pursuant to the Investment Company Act.
Article VII.
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS AND MANAGER
Section 7.01 Limitation of Liability and Duties of Members.
(a) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the failure of the Company to observe any formalities or requirements relating to the exercise of its powers or management of its business and affairs under this Agreement or the Delaware Act shall not be grounds for imposing personal liability on the Members or the Manager for liabilities of the Company.
(b) In accordance with the Delaware Act and the laws of the State of Delaware, a Member may, under certain circumstances, be required to return amounts previously distributed to such Member. It is the intent of the Members that no Distribution to any Member pursuant to Articles IV or XIV shall be deemed a return of money or other property paid or distributed in violation of the Delaware Act. The payment of any such money or Distribution of any such property to a Member shall be deemed to be a compromise within the meaning of Section 18-502(b) of the Delaware Act, and, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any Member receiving any such money or property shall not be required to return any such money or property to the Company or any other Person, unless such distribution was made by the Company to its Members in clerical error. However, if any court of competent jurisdiction holds that, notwithstanding the provisions of this Agreement, any Member is obligated to make any such payment, such obligation shall be the obligation of such Member and not of any other Member.
(c) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, including Section 18-1101(c) of the Delaware Act, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or in any agreement contemplated herein or applicable provisions of Law or equity or otherwise, the parties hereto hereby agree that to the extent that any Member in its capacity as such (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, the Manager in its capacity as such) (or any Member’s Affiliate or any manager, managing member, general partner, director, officer, employee, agent, fiduciary or trustee of any Member or of any Affiliate of a Member) has duties (including fiduciary duties) to the Company, to the Manager, to another Member, to any Person who acquires an interest in a Unit or to any other Person bound by this Agreement, all such duties (including fiduciary duties) are hereby eliminated, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, and replaced with the duties or standards expressly set forth herein, if any; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not eliminate the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The elimination of duties (including fiduciary duties) to the Company, the Manager, each of the Members, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Unit and each other Person bound by this Agreement and replacement thereof with the duties or standards expressly set forth herein, if any, are approved by the Company, the Manager, each of the Members, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Unit and each other Person bound by this Agreement. Any exculpation or indemnification standards contained in this Agreement shall not restore or create, whether in contract or otherwise, any duties otherwise restricted or eliminated by this Agreement.
Section 7.02 Lack of Authority. No Member, other than the Manager or a duly appointed Officer or other agent of the Company, in each case in its capacity as such, has the authority or power to act for or on behalf of the Company, to do any act that would be binding on the Company or to make any expenditure on behalf of the Company. The Members hereby consent to the exercise by the Manager of the powers conferred on them by Law and this Agreement.
Section 7.03 No Right of Partition. No Member, other than the Manager, shall have the right to seek or obtain partition by court decree or operation of Law of any property of the Company, or the right to own or use particular or individual assets of the Company.
Section 7.04 Indemnification.
(a) Subject to Section 5.06, the Company hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any Person (each an “Indemnified Person”) to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended, substituted or replaced (but, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, in the case of any such amendment, substitution or replacement only to the extent that such amendment, substitution or replacement permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than the Company is providing immediately prior to such amendment, substitution or replacement), against all expenses, liabilities and losses (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes or penalties) reasonably incurred or suffered by such Person (or one or more of such Person’s Affiliates) by reason of the fact that such Person is or was a Member or an Affiliate thereof (other than solely as a result of an ownership interest in the Corporation) or is or was serving as the Manager or a director, officer, employee or other agent of the Manager, the Partnership Representative, or a director, manager, Officer, employee or other agent of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a manager, officer, director, principal, member, employee or agent of another Person; provided, however, that no Indemnified Person shall be indemnified for any expenses, liabilities and losses suffered that are attributable to such Indemnified Person’s or its Affiliates’ fraud, willful misconduct or knowing violation of Law or for any present or future material breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by such Indemnified Person or its Affiliates contained herein or in Other Agreements with the Company; provided, that the foregoing shall not limit the Company’s ability to provide indemnification to the Manager and its officers in respect of the performance of its or their duties to the fullest extent permitted by Law. Reasonable expenses, including out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees, incurred by any such Indemnified Person in defending a proceeding shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding, including any appeal therefrom, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.
(b) The right to indemnification and the advancement of expenses conferred in this Section 7.04 shall not be exclusive of any other right which any Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, agreement, bylaw, action by the Manager or otherwise.
(c) The Company shall maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, or substantially equivalent insurance, at its expense, to protect any Indemnified Person against any expense, liability or loss described in Section 7.04(a) whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such Indemnified Person against such expense, liability or loss under the provisions of this Section 7.04. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to purchase and maintain property, casualty and liability insurance in types and at levels customary for companies of similar size engaged in similar lines of business, as determined in good faith by the Manager, and the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to purchase directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (including employment practices coverage) with a carrier and in an amount determined necessary or desirable as determined in good faith by the Manager.
(d) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided for in this Section 7.04 shall be provided out of and to the extent of Company assets only. No Member (unless such Member otherwise agrees in writing or is found in a non-appealable decision by a Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction to have personal liability on account thereof) shall have personal liability on account thereof or shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions to help satisfy such indemnity of the Company. The Company (i) shall be the primary indemnitor of first resort for such Indemnified Person pursuant to this Section 7.04 and (ii) shall be fully responsible for the advancement of all expenses and the payment of all damages or liabilities with respect to such Indemnified Person which are addressed by this Section 7.04.
(e) If this Section 7.04 or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person pursuant to this Section 7.04 to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Section 7.04 that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law.
(f) Except as otherwise provided herein or in an agreement entered into by such Person and the Company, no Indemnified Person shall be liable to the Company, to any Member that is not the Manager or to any other Person (other than the Manager) bound by this Agreement for any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided herein, such limitation of liability shall not apply to the extent the act or omission was attributable to such Indemnified Person’s fraud, willful misconduct or knowing violation of Law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the exculpation rights in this Section 7.04(f) shall not apply to the Manager or any Manager’s Representative, whose exculpation rights shall be governed by Section 6.08.
Article VIII.
BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS, AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
Section 8.01 Records and Accounting. The Company shall keep, or cause to be kept, appropriate books and records with respect to the Company’s business, including all books and records necessary to provide any information, lists and copies of documents required pursuant to applicable Laws. All matters concerning (a) the determination of the relative amount of allocations and Distributions among the Members pursuant to Articles IV and V and (b) accounting procedures and determinations, and other determinations not specifically and expressly provided for by the terms of this Agreement, shall be determined by the Manager in a fair and reasonable manner, whose determination shall be final and conclusive as to all of the Members absent manifest clerical error or common law fraud.
Section 8.02 Fiscal Year. The Fiscal Year of the Company shall end on December 31 of each year or such other date as may be established by the Manager.
Section 8.03 Inspection Rights. The Company shall permit each Member and each of its designated representatives, at such Member’s sole cost and expense, to examine the books and records of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries at the principal office of the Company or such other location as the Manager shall reasonably approve during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice for any purpose reasonably related to such Member’s interest as a member of the Company; provided, that the Manager has a right to keep confidential from the Members certain information in accordance with Section 18-305 of the Delaware Act.
Article IX.
TAX MATTERS
Section 9.01 Preparation of Tax Returns. The Manager shall arrange for the preparation and timely filing of all tax returns required to be filed by the Company. The Manager shall use reasonable efforts (taking into account applicable extensions of time to file tax returns) to furnish, within one hundred and fifty (150) days of the close of each Taxable Year, to each Member a completed IRS Schedule K-1 (and any comparable state and local income tax form) and such other information as is reasonably requested by such Member relating to the Company that is necessary for such Member to comply with its tax reporting obligations. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, in its capacity as Partnership Representative, the Corporation shall have the authority to prepare the tax returns of the Company using such permissible methods and elections as it determines in its reasonable discretion, including without limitation the use of any permissible method under Section 706 of the Code for purposes of determining the varying Units of its Members.
Section 9.02 Tax Elections. The Taxable Year shall be the Fiscal Year set forth in Section 8.02, unless otherwise required by Section 706 of the Code. The Manager shall cause the Company and each of its Subsidiaries that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes to have in effect an election pursuant to Section 754 of the Code (or any similar provisions of applicable state, local or foreign tax Law) for the Taxable Year that includes the Effective Date and each subsequent Taxable Year, and the Manager shall take commercially reasonable efforts to cause each Person in which the Company owns a direct or indirect equity interest (other than a Subsidiary) that is so treated as a partnership to have in effect any such election for such Taxable Years. Each Member will upon request supply any information reasonably necessary to give proper effect to any such elections.
Section 9.03 Tax Controversies. The Manager shall cause the Company to take all necessary actions required by Law to designate the Corporation as the “tax matters partner” of the Company within the meaning of Section 6231 of the Code (as in effect prior to repeal of such section pursuant to the Revised Partnership Audit Provisions) with respect any Taxable Year beginning on or before December 31, 2017. The Manager shall further cause the Company to take all necessary actions required by Law to designate the Corporation as the “partnership representative” of the Company as provided in Section 6223(a) of the Code with respect to any Taxable Year of the Company beginning after December 31, 2017, and the Corporation is hereby authorized to designate an individual to be the sole individual through which such entity “partnership representative” will act (in such capacities, including in similar capacities under analogous provisions of state or local Law, collectively, the “Partnership Representative”). The Company and the Members shall cooperate fully with each other and shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the Corporation (or its designated individual, as applicable) to become the Partnership Representative with respect to any taxable period of the Company with respect to which the statute of limitations has not yet expired (and causing any tax matters partner, partnership representative or designated individual designated prior to the Effective Date to resign, be revoked or replaced, as applicable), including (as applicable) by filing certifications pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 301.6231(a)(7)-1(d) and completing IRS Form 8979 or any other form or certificate required pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 301.6223-1(e)(1). The Partnership Representative shall have the right and obligation to take all actions authorized and required, by the Code and Treasury Regulations (and analogous provisions of state or local Law) for the Partnership Representative and is authorized and required to represent the Company (at the Company’s expense) in connection with all examinations of the Company’s affairs by tax authorities, including any resulting administrative and judicial proceedings, and to expend Company funds for professional services reasonably incurred in connection therewith. Each Member agrees to cooperate with the Company and the Partnership Representative and to do or refrain from doing any or all things reasonably requested by the Company or the Partnership Representative with respect to the conduct of such proceedings. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, with respect to any audit or other proceeding, the Partnership Representative shall be entitled to cause the Company (and any of its Subsidiaries) to make any available elections pursuant to Section 6226 of the Code (and similar provisions of state, local and other Law), and the Members shall cooperate to the extent reasonably requested by the Company in connection therewith. The Company shall reimburse the Partnership Representative for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Partnership Representative, including reasonable fees of any professional attorneys, in carrying out its duties as the Partnership Representative. The provisions of this Section 9.03 shall survive the transfer or termination of any Member’s interest in any Units of the Company, the termination of this Agreement and the termination of the Company, and shall remain binding on each Member for the period of time necessary to resolve all tax matters relating to the Company, and shall be subject to the provisions of the Tax Receivable Agreement, as applicable. The Partnership Representative will, within ten (10) days of the receipt of any notice from the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority of any audit, investigation or other proceeding relating to any flow-through income tax matters, mail a copy of such notice to each Member. The Partnership Representative shall not, with respect to tax matters related to a taxable period prior to the date of this Agreement, (i) enter into a settlement agreement with the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority that purports to bind (or has the effect of binding) the Founder Fund Related Parties and the GSB Holdings Related Parties (the “Specified Members”) (or their equityholders or successors or assigns) without the written consent of such Specified Members (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) enter into an agreement extending the period of limitations for assessing an income tax deficiency with respect to any Company flow-through income tax matters without the consent of the Specified Members for so long as any Specified Member or its equityholders or successors or assigns could be affected by such action (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). The Partnership Representative shall: (i) keep the Specified Members reasonably informed of the material developments and status of any such audit or proceeding; (ii) permit the Specified Members (or their designees) to participate (including using separate counsel) in, in each case at the Specified Members’ sole cost and expense, but not control, any such audit or proceeding; and (iii) promptly notify the Specified Members of receipt of a notice of a final partnership adjustment (or equivalent under applicable laws) or a final decision of a court or IRS Appeals panel (or equivalent body under applicable laws) with respect to any such audit or proceeding. The Partnership Representative and the Company shall use reasonable efforts to promptly provide the Specified Members with copies of all material correspondence between the Partnership Representative or the Company (as applicable) and any governmental authority in connection with such audit or proceeding, and to give the Specified Members a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any material correspondence, submission (including settlement or compromise offers) or filing in connection with any such audit or proceeding.
Article X.
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF UNITS; CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Section 10.01 Transfers by Members. No holder of Units shall Transfer any interest in any Units, except Transfers (a) pursuant to and in accordance with Sections 10.02 and 10.09 or (b) approved in advance and in writing by the Manager, in the case of Transfers by any Member other than the Manager, or (c) in the case of Transfers by the Manager, to any Person who succeeds to the Manager in accordance with Section 6.04. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Transfer” shall not include (i) an event that terminates the existence of a Member for income tax purposes (including, without limitation, a change in entity classification of a Member under Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-3, a sale of assets by, or liquidation of, a Member pursuant to an election under Code Sections 336 or 338, or merger, severance, or allocation within a trust or among sub-trusts of a trust that is a Member), but that does not terminate the existence of such Member under applicable state Law (or, in the case of a trust that is a Member, does not terminate the trusteeship of the fiduciaries under such trust with respect to all the Units of such trust that is a Member) or (ii) any indirect Transfer of Units held by the Manager by virtue of any Transfer of Equity Securities in the Corporation.
Section 10.02 Permitted Transfers. The restrictions contained in Section 10.01 shall not apply to any of the following Transfers (each, a “Permitted Transfer” and each transferee, a “Permitted Transferee”): (i)(A) a Transfer pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange in accordance with Article XI hereof or that are necessary or desirable to comply with Sections 3.04 or 3.05 as determined by the Manager, or (B) a Transfer by a Member to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) a Transfer to an Affiliate of such Member, or (iii) a Transfer by a Member that is a natural person for estate-planning purposes of such Member to an Estate Planning Vehicle of such Member; provided, however, that (x) the restrictions contained in this Agreement will continue to apply to Units after any Permitted Transfer of such Units, and (y) in the case of the foregoing clauses (ii) or (iii), the Permitted Transferees of the Units so Transferred shall at the time of the Permitted Transfer agree in writing to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement and the Other Agreements pursuant to Section 10.04, and prior to such Transfer the transferor will deliver a written notice to the Company and the Members, which notice will disclose in reasonable detail the identity of the proposed Permitted Transferee. If a Permitted Transfer pursuant to clauses (ii) or (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence would result in a Change of Control, such Member must provide the Manager with written notice of such proposed Permitted Transfer at least sixty (60) calendar days prior to the consummation of such Permitted Transfer. In the case of a Permitted Transfer of any Common Units by any Member holding Class B Common Stock to a Permitted Transferee in accordance with this Section 10.02, such Member shall also transfer a number of shares of Class B Common Stock equal to the number of Common Units that were transferred by such Member in the transaction to such Permitted Transferee. All Permitted Transfers are subject to the additional limitations set forth in Section 10.07(b).
Section 10.03 Restricted Units Legend. The Units have not been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, in addition to the other restrictions on Transfer contained in this Agreement, cannot be sold unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or if an exemption from such registration is then available with respect to such sale. To the extent such Units have been certificated, each certificate evidencing Units and each certificate issued in exchange for or upon the Transfer of any Units shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:
“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION THEREUNDER. THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SPECIFIED IN THE AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT OF SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC, AS IT MAY BE AMENDED, RESTATED, AMENDED AND RESTATED, OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE THE TRANSFER OF SUCH SECURITIES UNTIL SUCH CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN FULFILLED WITH RESPECT TO ANY TRANSFER. A COPY OF SUCH CONDITIONS SHALL BE FURNISHED BY SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST AND WITHOUT CHARGE.”
The Company shall imprint such legend on certificates (if any) evidencing Units. The legend set forth above shall be removed from the certificates (if any) evidencing any Units which cease to be Units in accordance with the definition thereof.
Section 10.04 Transfer. Prior to Transferring any Units (other than in connection with Redemption or Direct Exchange in accordance with Article XI), the Transferring holder of Units shall cause the prospective Permitted Transferee to be bound by this Agreement and any other agreements executed by the holders of Units and relating to such Units in the aggregate to which the Transferring Member was a party (collectively, the “Other Agreements”) by executing and delivering to the Company counterparts of this Agreement and any applicable Other Agreements.
Section 10.05 Assignee’s Rights.
(a) The Transfer of a Unit in accordance with this Agreement shall be effective as of the date of such Transfer (assuming compliance with all of the conditions to such Transfer set forth herein), and such Transfer shall be shown on the books and records of the Company. Profits, Losses and other items of the Company shall be allocated between the transferor and the transferee according to Code Section 706, using any permissible method as determined in the reasonable discretion of the Manager. Distributions made before the effective date of such Transfer shall be paid to the transferor, and Distributions made on or after such date shall be paid to the Assignee.
(b) Unless and until an Assignee becomes a Member pursuant to Article XII, the Assignee shall not be entitled to any of the rights granted to a Member hereunder or under applicable Law, other than the rights granted specifically to Assignees pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that, without relieving the Transferring Member from any such limitations or obligations as more fully described in Section 10.06, such Assignee shall be bound by any limitations and obligations of a Member contained herein by which a Member would be bound on account of the Assignee’s Units (including the obligation to make Capital Contributions on account of such Units).
Section 10.06 Assignor’s Rights and Obligations. Any Member who shall Transfer any Unit in a manner in accordance with this Agreement shall cease to be a Member with respect to such Units and shall no longer have any rights or privileges, or, except as set forth in Section 5.06, Section 9.03 or this Section 10.06, duties, liabilities or obligations, of a Member with respect to such Units (it being understood, however, that the applicable provisions of Sections 6.08 and 7.04 shall continue to inure to such Person’s benefit), except that unless and until the Assignee (if not already a Member) is admitted as a Substituted Member in accordance with the provisions of Article XII (the “Admission Date”), (i) such Transferring Member shall retain all of the duties, liabilities and obligations of a Member with respect to such Units, and (ii) the Manager may, in its sole discretion, reinstate all or any portion of the rights and privileges of such Member with respect to such Units for any period of time prior to the Admission Date. Nothing contained herein shall relieve any Member who Transfers any Units in the Company from any liability of such Member to the Company with respect to such Units that may exist as of the Admission Date or that is otherwise specified in the Delaware Act or for any liability to the Company or any other Person for any materially false statement made by such Member (in its capacity as such) or for any present or future breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by such Member (in its capacity as such) contained herein or in the Other Agreements with the Company or as otherwise expressly set forth in Section 5.06 or Section 9.03 of this Agreement.
Section 10.07 Overriding Provisions.
(a) Any Transfer or attempted Transfer of any Units in violation of this Agreement (including any prohibited indirect Transfers) shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, null and void ab initio, and the provisions of Sections 10.05 and 10.06 shall not apply to any such Transfers. For the avoidance of doubt, any Person to whom a Transfer is made or attempted in violation of this Agreement shall not become a Member and shall not have any other rights in or with respect to any rights of a Member of the Company with respect to the applicable Units. The approval of any Transfer in any one or more instances shall not limit or waive the requirement for such approval in any other or future instance. The Manager shall promptly amend the Schedule of Members without the consent or approval of any Member or any other Person to reflect any Permitted Transfer pursuant to this Article X.
(b) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Section 10.01 and Article XI and Article XII), in no event shall any Member Transfer any Units to the extent such Transfer would:
(i) result in the violation of the Securities Act, or any other applicable federal, state or foreign Laws;
(ii) cause an assignment under the Investment Company Act;
(iii) be a Transfer to a Person who is not legally competent or who has not achieved his or her majority of age under applicable Law (excluding trusts for the benefit of minors);
(iv) cause the Company to be treated as a “publicly traded partnership” or to be taxed as a corporation pursuant to Section 7704 of the Code or any successor provision thereto under the Code; or
(v) result in the Company having more than one hundred (100) partners, within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(1) (determined pursuant to the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(3)).
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, in no event shall any Member that is not a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code Transfer any Units (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with a Redemption or a Direct Exchange), unless such Member and the transferee have delivered to the Company, in respect of the relevant Transfer (or Redemption or Direct Exchange, as applicable), written evidence that all required withholding under Section 1446(f) of the Code will have been done and duly remitted to the applicable Governmental Entity or duly executed certifications (prepared in accordance with the applicable Treasury Regulations or other authorities) of an exemption from such withholding; provided, that the Company shall cooperate in the manner set forth in Section 11.06(a) with any reasonable requests from such Member for certifications or other information from the Company in connection with satisfying this Section 10.07(c) prior to the relevant Transfer (or Redemption or Direct Exchange, as applicable).
Section 10.08 Spousal Consent. In connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, any Member who is a natural person will deliver to the Company an executed consent from such Member’s spouse (if any) in the form of Exhibit B-1 attached hereto or a Member’s spouse confirmation of separate property in the form of Exhibit B-2 attached hereto. If, at any time subsequent to the date of this Agreement such Member becomes legally married (whether in the first instance or to a different spouse), such Member shall cause his or her spouse to execute and deliver to the Company a consent in the form of Exhibit B-1 or Exhibit B-2 attached hereto. Such Member’s non-delivery to the Company of an executed consent in the form of Exhibit B-1 or Exhibit B-2 at any time shall constitute such Member’s continuing representation and warranty that such Member is not legally married as of such date.
Section 10.09 Certain Transactions with respect to the Corporation.
(a) In connection with a Change of Control Transaction, the Manager shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to require each Member (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) to effect a Redemption of all or a portion of such Member’s Units together with an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock, pursuant to which such Units and such shares of Class B Common Stock will be exchanged for shares of Class A Common Stock (or to the extent being received by or offered to other stockholders of the Corporation economically equivalent cash or securities of a successor entity (or an offer thereof)), provided, however, that in the event of a Change of Control Transaction pursuant to which the Members (other than the Corporation) would be required to exchange Units for securities, without the written consent of such Members, such Members shall not be required to exchange Units pursuant to this Section 10.09 unless, as a part of such transaction, the Members are permitted to exchange their Units for securities in a transaction that is expected to permit such exchange without current recognition of gain or loss, for U.S. and non-U.S. tax purposes, for such Members (or such Members’ direct or indirect beneficial owners). Any such Redemption pursuant to this Section 10.09(a) shall be effective immediately prior to the consummation of such Change of Control Transaction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be contingent upon the consummation of such Change of Control Transaction and shall not be effective if such Change of Control Transaction is not consummated) (the date of such Redemption pursuant to this Section 10.09(a), the “Change of Control Date”). From and after the Change of Control Date, (i) the Units and any shares of Class B Common Stock subject to such Redemption shall be deemed to be transferred to the Company and the Corporation, as applicable, on the Change of Control Date and (ii) each such Member shall cease to have any rights with respect to the Units and any shares of Class B Common Stock subject to such Redemption (other than the right to receive shares of Class A Common Stock (or economically equivalent cash or Equity Securities in a successor entity) pursuant to such Redemption). In the event the Manager desires to initiate the provisions of this Section 10.09, the Manager shall provide written notice of an expected Change of Control Transaction to all Members no later than the earlier of (x) five (5) Business Days following the execution of a definitive agreement with respect to such Change of Control Transaction and (y) ten (10) Business Days before the proposed date upon which the contemplated Change of Control Transaction is to be effected, including in such notice such information as may reasonably describe the Change of Control Transaction, subject to applicable Law, including the date of execution of such definitive agreement or such proposed effective date, as applicable, the amount and types of consideration to be paid for shares of Class A Common Stock in the Change of Control Transaction and any election with respect to types of consideration that a holder of shares of Class A Common Stock, as applicable, shall be entitled to make in connection with a Change of Control Transaction (which election shall be available to each Member on the same terms as holders of shares of Class A Common Stock). Following delivery of such notice and on or prior to the Change of Control Date, the Members shall take all actions necessary to effect such Redemption, including taking any action and delivering any document required pursuant to this Section 10.09(a) to effect such Redemption.
(b) In the event that a tender offer, share exchange offer, issuer bid, take-over bid, recapitalization, or similar transaction with respect to Class A Common Stock (a “Pubco Offer”) is proposed by the Corporation or is proposed to the Corporation or its stockholders and approved by the Corporate Board or is otherwise effected or to be effected with the consent or approval of the Corporate Board, the Manager shall provide written notice of the Pubco Offer to all Members no later than the earlier of (i) five (5) Business Days following the execution of a definitive agreement (if applicable) with respect to, or the commencement of (if applicable), such Pubco Offer and (ii) ten (10) Business Days before the proposed date upon which the Pubco Offer is to be effected, including in such notice such information as may reasonably describe the Pubco Offer, subject to applicable Law, including the date of execution of such definitive agreement (if applicable) or of such commencement (if applicable), the material terms of such Pubco Offer, including the amount and types of consideration to be received by holders of shares of Class A Common Stock in the Pubco Offer, any election with respect to types of consideration that a holder of shares of Class A Common Stock, as applicable, shall be entitled to make in connection with such Pubco Offer, and the number of Units (and the corresponding shares of Class B Common Stock) held by such Member that is applicable to such Pubco Offer. The Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) shall be permitted to participate in such Pubco Offer by delivering a written notice of participation that is effective immediately prior to the consummation of such Pubco Offer (and that is contingent upon consummation of such offer and shall not be effective if such Pubco Offer is not consummated), and shall include such information necessary for consummation of such offer as requested by the Corporation. In the case of any Pubco Offer that was initially proposed by the Corporation, the Corporation shall use reasonable best efforts to enable and permit the Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) to participate in such transaction to the same extent or on an economically equivalent basis as the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock, and to enable such Members to participate in such transaction without being required to exchange Units or shares of Class B Common Stock prior to the consummation of such transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall the Members be entitled to receive in such Pubco Offer aggregate consideration for each Common Unit that is less or greater than the consideration payable in respect of each share of Class A Common Stock in connection with a Pubco Offer (it being understood that payments under or in respect of the Tax Receivable Agreement shall not be considered part of any such consideration).
(c) In the event that a transaction or proposed transaction constitutes both a Change of Control Transaction and a Pubco Offer, the provisions of Section 10.09(b) shall take precedence over the provisions of Section 10.09(a) with respect to such transaction, and the provisions of Section 10.09(a) shall be subordinate to provisions of Section 10.09(b).
Article XI.
REDEMPTION AND DIRECT EXCHANGE RIGHTS
Section 11.01 Redemption Right of a Member.
(a) Each Member (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries), from and after the expiration of any contractual lockup period relating to the shares of the Corporation that may be applicable to such Members, shall be entitled to cause the Company to redeem (a “Redemption”) all or a portion of its Common Units (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any Common Units that are subject to vesting conditions or the Transfer of which is prohibited pursuant to Section 10.07(b) or Section 10.07(c) of this Agreement) in whole or in part (the “Redemption Right”). A Member desiring to exercise its Redemption Right (each, a “Redeeming Member”) shall exercise such right by giving written notice (the “Redemption Notice”) to the Company with a copy to the Corporation. The Redemption Notice shall specify the number of Common Units (the “Redeemed Units”) that the Redeeming Member intends to have the Company redeem and a date, not less than two (2) Business Days after delivery of such Redemption Notice (unless and to the extent that the Manager in its sole discretion agrees in writing to waive such time period), on which exercise of the Redemption Right shall be completed (the “Redemption Date”), and may specify that the Redemption is to be contingent (including as to timing) upon the consummation of a purchase by or exchange with another Person (whether in a tender offer, an underwritten offering, a block sale or otherwise) of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon Redemption of the Units and the transfer of the Class B Common Stock or contingent (including as to timing) upon the closing of an announced merger, consolidation or other transaction or event in which the Class A Common Stock would be exchanged or converted or become exchangeable for or convertible into cash or other securities or property or upon the closing or occurrence of any other event, in which case the Redemption shall be consummated immediately prior to and contingent upon such closing or occurrence, and in any such case specify the amount of cash or amount and type of property to be received by the Redeeming Member therein; provided, however, that, the Redeeming Member, by written notice at least one (1) Business Day prior to the previously specified Redemption Date, or the Company, the Corporation and the Redeeming Member, by mutual agreement signed in writing by each of them, may change the number of Redeemed Units and/or the Redemption Date specified in such Redemption Notice to another number and/or date; provided, further, that in the event the Corporation elects a Share Settlement, the Redemption may be conditioned (including as to timing) by the Redeeming Member on the closing of an underwritten distribution of the shares of Class A Common Stock that may be issued in connection with such proposed Redemption. Subject to Section 11.03 and unless the Redeeming Member timely has delivered a Retraction Notice as provided in Section 11.01(c) or has revoked or delayed a Redemption as provided in Section 11.01(d), on the Redemption Date (to be effective immediately prior to the close of business on the Redemption Date):
(i) the Redeeming Member shall Transfer and surrender, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances (x) the Redeemed Units to the Company (including any certificates representing the Redeemed Units if they are certificated), and (y) a number of shares of Class B Common Stock (together with any Corresponding Rights), equal to the number of Redeemed Units to the Corporation, to the extent applicable;
(ii) the Company shall (x) cancel the Redeemed Units, (y) transfer to the Redeeming Member the consideration to which the Redeeming Member is entitled under Section 11.01(b), and (z) if the Common Units are certificated, issue to the Redeeming Member a certificate for a number of Common Units equal to the difference (if any) between the number of Common Units evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeeming Member pursuant to clause (i) of this Section 11.01(a) and the Redeemed Units; and
(iii) the Corporation shall (x) cancel and retire for no consideration the shares of Class B Common Stock (together with any Corresponding Rights), that were Transferred to the Corporation pursuant to Section 11.01(a)(i)(y) above and (y) to the extent the Member holds certificated Class B Common Stock, issue to the Redeeming Member a certificate for a number of shares of Class B Common Stock equal to the difference (if any) between the number of shares of Class B Common Stock evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeeming Member pursuant to clause (i) of this Section 11.01(a) and the Redeemed Units.
(b) The Corporation shall have the option (as determined solely by the Disinterested Majority) as provided in Section 11.02 to elect to have the Redeemed Units be redeemed in consideration for either a Share Settlement or a Cash Settlement; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that the Corporation may elect to have the Redeemed Units be redeemed in consideration for a Cash Settlement only to the extent that the Corporation has cash available in an amount equal to at least the Redeemed Units Equivalent, which cash was received from a Qualifying Offering. The Corporation shall give written notice (the “Election Notice”) to the Company (with a copy to the Redeeming Member) of such election on the earlier of (i) three (3) Business Days of receiving the Redemption Notice and (ii) the Redemption Date specified in the Redemption Notice; provided, that if the Corporation does not timely deliver an Election Notice, the Corporation shall be deemed to have elected the Share Settlement method.
(c) In the event the Corporation elects the Cash Settlement in connection with a Redemption, the Redeeming Member may retract its Redemption Notice by giving written notice (the “Retraction Notice”) to the Company (with a copy to the Corporation) on or before the earlier of (i) the Redemption Date specified in the Redemption Notice and (ii) three (3) Business Days after delivery of the Election Notice. The timely delivery of a Retraction Notice shall terminate all of the Redeeming Member’s, the Company’s and the Corporation’s rights and obligations under this Section 11.01 arising from the related Redemption Notice.
(d) In the event the Corporation elects a Share Settlement in connection with a Redemption, a Redeeming Member shall be entitled to revoke its Redemption Notice or delay the consummation of a Redemption if any of the following conditions exists:
(i) any registration statement pursuant to which the resale of the Class A Common Stock to be registered for such Redeeming Member at or immediately following the consummation of the Redemption shall have ceased to be effective pursuant to any action or inaction by the SEC or no such resale registration statement has yet become effective;
(ii) the Corporation shall have failed to cause any related prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement necessary to effect such Redemption or resale of the Class A Common Stock;
(iii) the Corporation shall have exercised its right to defer, delay or suspend the filing or effectiveness of a registration statement and such deferral, delay or suspension shall affect the ability of such Redeeming Member to have its Class A Common Stock registered at or immediately following the consummation of the Redemption or to have its Class A Common Stock resold;
(iv) the Redeeming Member is in possession of any material non-public information concerning the Corporation, the receipt of which results in such Redeeming Member being prohibited or restricted from selling Class A Common Stock at or immediately following the Redemption or resale of its Class A Common Stock without disclosure of such information (and the Corporation does not permit disclosure of such information);
(v) any stop order relating to the registration statement pursuant to which the Class A Common Stock was to be registered by such Redeeming Member at or immediately following the Redemption shall have been issued by the SEC;
(vi) there shall have occurred a material disruption in the securities markets generally or in the market or markets in which the Class A Common Stock is then traded;
(vii) there shall be in effect an injunction, a restraining order or a decree of any nature of any Governmental Entity that restrains or prohibits the Redemption;
(viii) the Corporation shall have failed to comply in all material respects with its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, and such failure shall have affected the ability of such Redeeming Member to consummate the resale of Class A Common Stock to be received upon such Redemption pursuant to an effective registration statement;
(ix) the Redemption Date would occur during a Black-Out Period; or
(x) the Redeeming Member so elects by written notice to the Company no later than three (3) Business Days prior to the scheduled Redemption Date.
If a Redeeming Member delays the consummation of a Redemption pursuant to this Section 11.01(d)(i)-(ix), the Redemption Date shall occur on the fifth (5th) Business Day following the date on which the condition(s) giving rise to such delay cease to exist (or such earlier day as the Corporation, the Company and such Redeeming Member may agree in writing) or, pursuant to Section 11.01(d)(x), the Redemption Date shall occur on the fourth (4th) Business Day following the date on which the condition(s) giving rise to such delay cease to exist (or such earlier day as the Corporation, the Company and such Redeeming Member may agree in writing).
(e) The number of shares of Class A Common Stock (or Redeemed Units Equivalent, if applicable) (together with any Corresponding Rights) applicable to any Share Settlement or Cash Settlement shall not be adjusted on account of any Distributions previously made with respect to the Redeemed Units or dividends previously paid with respect to Class A Common Stock; provided, however, that if a Redeeming Member causes the Company to redeem Redeemed Units and the Redemption Date occurs subsequent to the record date for any Distribution with respect to the Redeemed Units but prior to payment of such Distribution, the Redeeming Member shall be entitled to receive such Distribution with respect to the Redeemed Units on the date that it is made notwithstanding that the Redeeming Member Transferred and surrendered the Redeemed Units to the Company prior to such date; provided, further, however, that a Redeeming Member shall be entitled to receive any and all Tax Distributions that such Redeeming Member otherwise would have received in respect of income allocated to such Member for the portion of any Fiscal Year irrespective of whether such Tax Distribution(s) are declared or made after the Redemption Date.
(f) In the case of a Share Settlement, in the event a reclassification or other similar transaction occurs following delivery of a Redemption Notice, but prior to the Redemption Date, as a result of which shares of Class A Common Stock are converted into another security, then a Redeeming Member shall be entitled to receive the amount of such other security (and, if applicable, any Corresponding Rights) that the Redeeming Member would have received if such Redemption Right had been exercised and the Redemption Date had occurred immediately prior to the record date of such reclassification or other similar transaction.
(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, neither the Company nor the Corporation shall be obligated to effectuate a Redemption if such Redemption could (as determined in the sole discretion of the Manager) cause the Company to be treated as a “publicly traded partnership” or to be taxed as a corporation pursuant to Section 7704 of the Code or successor provisions of the Code.
Section 11.02 Election and Contribution of the Corporation. Unless the Redeeming Member has timely delivered a Retraction Notice as provided in Section 11.01(c), or has revoked or delayed a Redemption as provided in Sections 11.01(d), subject to Section 11.03, on the Redemption Date (to be effective immediately prior to the close of business on the Redemption Date) (i) the Corporation shall make a Capital Contribution to the Company (in the form of the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as determined by the Corporation in accordance with Section 11.01(b)), and (ii) the Company shall issue to the Corporation a number of Common Units equal to (A) in the case of a Share Settlement, the number of Redeemed Units surrendered by the Redeeming Member and (B) in the case of a Cash Settlement the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issued (or to be issued) by the Corporation in the IPO or Qualifying Offering that provided the funds to effect the Cash Settlement in accordance with the proviso in the definition of “Cash Settlement”. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, but subject to Section 11.03, in the event that the Corporation elects a Cash Settlement, the Corporation shall only be obligated to contribute to the Company an amount in respect of such Cash Settlement equal to the Redeemed Units Equivalent with respect to such Cash Settlement, which in no event shall exceed the amount actually paid by the Company to the Redeeming Member as the Cash Settlement. The timely delivery of a Retraction Notice shall terminate all of the Company’s and the Corporation’s rights and obligations under this Section 11.02 arising from the Redemption Notice.
Section 11.03 Direct Exchange Right of the Corporation.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article XI (save for the limitations set forth in Section 11.01(b) regarding the Corporation’s option to select the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, and without limitation to the rights of the Members under Section 11.01, including the right to revoke a Redemption Notice or otherwise alter or delay the consummation of a Redemption), the Corporation may, in its sole and absolute discretion (as determined solely by the Disinterested Majority) (subject to the limitations set forth on such discretion in Section 11.01(b)), elect to effect on the Redemption Date the exchange of Redeemed Units for the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as the case may be, through a direct exchange of such Redeemed Units and the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as applicable, between the Redeeming Member and the Corporation (a “Direct Exchange”) (rather than contributing the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as the case may be, to the Company in accordance with Section 11.02 for purposes of the Company redeeming the Redeemed Units from the Redeeming Member in consideration of the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as applicable). Upon such Direct Exchange pursuant to this Section 11.03, the Corporation shall acquire the Redeemed Units and shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as the owner of such Units. In connection with any Direct Exchange, the Company is hereby authorized to execute, deliver and perform, and the Manager or any officer of the Company on behalf of the Company is hereby authorized to execute and deliver, any unit and share transfer and cancellation agreement (or similar document) and any documents contemplated thereby or related thereto and any amendments thereto, without any further act, vote or approval of any Person, including any Member, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement.
(b) The Corporation may, at any time prior to a Redemption Date (including after delivery of an Election Notice pursuant to Section 11.01(b)), deliver written notice (an “Exchange Election Notice”) to the Company and the Redeeming Member setting forth its election to exercise its right to consummate a Direct Exchange; provided, that such election is subject to the limitations set forth in Section 11.01(b) and does not unreasonably prejudice the ability of the parties to consummate a Redemption or Direct Exchange on the Redemption Date. An Exchange Election Notice may be revoked by the Corporation at any time; provided, that any such revocation does not unreasonably prejudice the ability of the parties to consummate a Redemption or Direct Exchange on the Redemption Date. The right to consummate a Direct Exchange in all events shall be exercisable for all of the Redeemed Units that would have otherwise been subject to a Redemption.
(c) Except as otherwise provided by this Section 11.03, a Direct Exchange shall be consummated pursuant to the same timeframe as the relevant Redemption would have been consummated if the Corporation had not delivered an Exchange Election Notice and as follows:
(i) the Redeeming Member shall transfer, assign and surrender, as applicable, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances (x) the Redeemed Units and (y) a number of shares of Class B Common Stock (together with any Corresponding Rights), equal to the number of Redeemed Units, to the extent applicable, in each case, to the Corporation;
(ii) the Corporation shall (x) pay to the Redeeming Member the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as applicable, (y) cancel and retire for no consideration the shares of Class B Common Stock (together with any Corresponding Rights), that were Transferred to the Corporation pursuant to Section 11.03(c)(i)(y) above, and (z) to the extent the Redeeming Member holds certificated Class B Common Stock issue to the Redeeming Member a certificate for a number of shares of Class B Common Stock equal to the difference (if any) between the number of shares of Class B Common Stock evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeeming Member and the Redeemed Units; and
(iii) the Company shall (x) register the Corporation as the owner of the Redeemed Units and (y) if the Common Units are certificated, issue to the Redeeming Member a certificate for a number of Units equal to the difference (if any) between the number of Common Units evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeeming Member pursuant to Section 11.03(c)(i)(x) and the Redeemed Units, and issue to the Corporation a certificate for the number of Redeemed Units.
Section 11.04 Reservation of Shares of Class A Common Stock; Listing; Certificate of the Corporation. At all times the Corporation shall reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon a Share Settlement in connection with a Redemption or Direct Exchange, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as shall be issuable upon any such Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of any such Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange by delivery of purchased Class A Common Stock (which may or may not be held in the treasury of the Corporation), or by way of Cash Settlement. The Corporation shall deliver Class A Common Stock that has been registered under the Securities Act with respect to any Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange to the extent a registration statement is effective and available with respect to such shares. The Corporation shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to list the Class A Common Stock required to be delivered upon any such Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange prior to such delivery upon each national securities exchange upon which the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock are listed at the time of such Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange (it being understood that any such shares may be subject to transfer restrictions under applicable securities Laws). The Corporation covenants that all shares of Class A Common Stock issued in connection with a Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange will, upon issuance, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The provisions of this Article XI shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with any corresponding provisions of the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation (if any).
Section 11.05 Effect of Exercise of Redemption or Direct Exchange. This Agreement shall continue notwithstanding the consummation of a Redemption or Direct Exchange by a Member and all rights set forth herein shall continue in effect with respect to the remaining Members and, to the extent the Redeeming Member has any remaining Units following such Redemption or Direct Exchange, the Redeeming Member. No Redemption or Direct Exchange shall relieve a Redeeming Member of any prior breach of this Agreement by such Redeeming Member.
Section 11.06 Tax Treatment.
(a) In connection with any Redemption or Direct Exchange, the Redeeming Member shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to deliver such form, deliver to the Manager or the Company, as applicable, a certificate, dated as of the Redemption Date, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Manager or the Company, as applicable, certifying as to such Redeeming Member’s taxpayer identification number and that such Redeeming Member is a not a foreign person for purposes of Section 1445 and Section 1446(f) of the Code (which certificate may be an IRS Form W-9 if then sufficient for such purposes under applicable Law) (such certificate a “Non-Foreign Person Certificate”). If a Redeeming Member is unable to provide a Non-Foreign Person Certificate in connection with a Redemption or a Direct Exchange, then (i) such Redeeming Member and the Company shall cooperate to provide any other certification or determination described in proposed Treasury Regulations Sections 1.1446(f)-2(b) and 1.1446(f)-2(c) or otherwise permitted under applicable Law at the time of such Redemption or Direct Exchange, and the Manager or the Company, as applicable, shall be permitted to withhold on the amount realized by such Redeeming Member in respect of such Redemption or Direct Exchange to the extent required under in Section 1446(f) of the Code and Treasury Regulations thereunder after taking into account the certificate or other determination provided pursuant this sentence and (ii) upon request and to the extent permitted under applicable Law, the Company shall deliver a certificate pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-11T(d)(2) certifying that fifty percent (50%) or more of the value of the gross assets of the Company does not consist of “U.S. real property interests” (as used in Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-11T), or that ninety percent (90%) or more of the value of the gross assets of the Company does not consist of “U.S. real property interests” plus “cash or cash equivalents” (as used in Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-11T); provided, that if the Company is not legally entitled to provide the certificate described in clause (ii), the Corporation shall be permitted to withhold on the amount realized by such Redeeming Member in respect of such Redemption or Direct Exchange to the extent required under in Section 1445 of the Code and Treasury Regulations.
(b) Unless otherwise required by applicable Law, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that a Redemption or a Direct Exchange, as the case may be, shall be treated as a direct exchange of a Share Settlement or a Cash Settlement, as applicable, on the one hand, and the Redeemed Units, on the other hand, between the Corporation and the Redeeming Member for U.S. federal and applicable state and local income tax purposes.
Article XII.
ADMISSION OF MEMBERS
Section 12.01 Substituted Members. Subject to the provisions of Article X hereof, in connection with the Permitted Transfer of a Unit hereunder, the Permitted Transferee shall become a Substituted Member on the effective date of such Transfer, which effective date shall not be earlier than the date of compliance with the conditions to such Transfer, and such admission shall be shown on the books and records of the Company, including the Schedule of Members.
Section 12.02 Additional Members. Subject to the provisions of Article X hereof, any Person that is not a Member as of the Effective Date may be admitted to the Company as an additional Member (any such Person, an “Additional Member”) only upon furnishing to the Manager (a) duly executed Joinder and counterparts to any applicable Other Agreements and (b) such other documents or instruments as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to effect such Person’s admission as a Member (including entering into such documents as may reasonably be requested by the Manager). Such admission shall become effective on the date on which the Manager determines in its sole discretion that such conditions have been satisfied and when any such admission is shown on the books and records of the Company, including the Schedule of Members.
Article XIII.
WITHDRAWAL AND RESIGNATION; TERMINATION OF RIGHTS
Section 13.01 Withdrawal and Resignation of Members. Except in the event of Transfers pursuant to Section 10.06 or redemptions pursuant to Section 3.05 or Article XI and the Manager’s right to resign pursuant to Section 6.03, no Member shall have the power or right to withdraw or otherwise resign as a Member from the Company prior to the dissolution and winding up of the Company pursuant to Article XIV. Any Member, however, that attempts to withdraw or otherwise resign as a Member from the Company without the prior written consent of the Manager upon or following the dissolution and winding up of the Company pursuant to Article XIV, but prior to such Member receiving the full amount of Distributions from the Company to which such Member is entitled pursuant to Article XIV, shall be liable to the Company for all damages (including all lost profits and special, indirect and consequential damages) directly or indirectly caused by the withdrawal or resignation of such Member. Upon a Transfer of all of a Member’s Units in a Transfer or a redemption of all of a Member’s Units, in each case as permitted by this Agreement, subject to the provisions of Section 10.06, such Member shall cease to be a Member.
Article XIV.
DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION
Section 14.01 Dissolution. The Company shall not be dissolved solely by the admission of Additional Members or Substituted Members or the attempted resignation, removal, dissolution, bankruptcy or resignation of a Member. The Company shall dissolve, and its affairs shall be wound up, upon:
(a) the decision of the Manager together with the written approval of the Members holding a majority of the Units then outstanding to dissolve the Company (excluding for purposes of such calculation the Corporation and all Units held directly or indirectly by it);
(b) a dissolution of the Company under Section 18-801(a)(4) of the Delaware Act, unless the Company is continued without dissolution pursuant thereto; or
(c) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Company under Section 18-802 of the Delaware Act.
Except as otherwise set forth in this Article XIV, the Company is intended to have perpetual existence. An Event of Withdrawal shall not in and of itself cause a dissolution of the Company and the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, continue in existence without dissolution subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Section 14.02 Winding Up. Subject to Section 14.05, on dissolution of the Company, the Manager shall act as liquidating trustee or may appoint one or more Persons as liquidating trustee (each such Person, a “Liquidator”). The Liquidators shall proceed diligently to wind up the affairs of the Company and make final distributions as provided herein and in the Delaware Act. The costs of liquidation shall be borne as an expense of the Company. Until final distribution, the Liquidators shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, continue to operate the properties of the Company with all of the power and authority of the Manager. The steps to be accomplished by the Liquidators are as follows:
(a) as promptly as possible after dissolution and again after final liquidation, the Liquidators shall cause a proper accounting to be made by a recognized firm of certified public accountants of the Company’s assets, liabilities and operations through the last day of the calendar month in which the dissolution occurs or the final liquidation is completed, as applicable;
(b) the Liquidators shall pay, satisfy or discharge from the Company’s funds, or otherwise make adequate provision for payment and discharge thereof (including, without limitation, the establishment of a cash fund for contingent, conditional and unmatured liabilities in such amount and for such term as the Liquidators may reasonably determine) the following: first, all of the debts, liabilities and obligations of the Company owed to creditors other than the Members, including all expenses incurred in connection with the liquidation and winding up of the Company; and second, all of the debts, liabilities and obligations of the Company owed to the Members (other than any payments or distributions owed to such Members in their capacity as Members pursuant to this Agreement); and
(c) following satisfaction of the Company’s debts, liabilities and obligations pursuant to the foregoing Section 14.02(b), all remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed to the Members in accordance with Section 4.01(a)(i) by the end of the Taxable Year during which the liquidation of the Company occurs (or, if later, by ninety (90) days after the date of the liquidation).
The distribution of cash and/or property to the Members in accordance with the provisions of this Section 14.02 and Section 14.03 below shall constitute a complete return to the Members of their Capital Contributions, a complete distribution to the Members of their interest in the Company and all of the Company’s property and shall constitute a compromise to which all Members have consented within the meaning of the Delaware Act. To the extent that a Member returns funds to the Company, it has no claim against any other Member for those funds.
Section 14.03 Deferment; Distribution in Kind. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 14.02, but subject to the order of priorities set forth therein, if upon dissolution of the Company the Liquidators determine that an immediate sale of part or all of the Company’s assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss (or would otherwise not be beneficial) to the Members, the Liquidators may, in their sole discretion and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, defer for a reasonable time the liquidation of any assets except those necessary to satisfy the Company’s liabilities (other than loans to the Company by any Member(s)) and reserves. Subject to the order of priorities set forth in Section 14.02, the Liquidators may, with the written approval of (i) both the Founder Fund Related Parties and the GSB Holdings Related Parties that are Members, at any time that the GSB Holdings Related Parties and the Founder Fund Related Parties that are Members continue to hold a majority of the Units then outstanding (excluding in each case for purposes of such calculations the Corporation and all Units held directly or indirectly by it), and (ii) the Members holding a majority of the Units then outstanding, at any other time (excluding for purposes of such calculation the Corporation and all Units held directly or indirectly by it), distribute to the Members, in lieu of cash, either (a) all or any portion of such remaining assets in-kind of the Company in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.02(c), (b) as tenants in common and in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.02(c), undivided interests in all or any portion of such assets of the Company or (c) a combination of the foregoing. Any such Distributions in-kind shall be subject to (y) such conditions relating to the disposition and management of such assets as the Liquidators deem reasonable and equitable and (z) the terms and conditions of any agreements governing such assets (or the operation thereof or the holders thereof) at such time. Any assets of the Company distributed in kind will first be written up or down to their Fair Market Value, thus creating Profit or Loss (if any), which shall be allocated in accordance with Article V. The Liquidators shall determine the Fair Market Value of any property distributed.
Section 14.04 Cancellation of Certificate. On completion of the winding up of the Company as provided herein, the Manager (or such other Person or Persons as the Delaware Act may require or permit) shall file a certificate of cancellation of the Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State of Delaware, cancel any other filings made pursuant to this Agreement that should be canceled and take such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the existence of the Company. The Company shall continue in existence for all purposes of this Agreement until it is terminated pursuant to this Section 14.04.
Section 14.05 Reasonable Time for Winding Up. A reasonable time shall be allowed for the orderly winding up of the business and affairs of the Company and the liquidation of its assets pursuant to Sections 14.02 and 14.03 in order to minimize any losses otherwise attendant upon such winding up.
Section 14.06 Return of Capital. The Liquidators shall not be personally liable for the return of Capital Contributions or any portion thereof to the Members (it being understood that any such return shall be made solely from assets of the Company).
Article XV.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 15.01 Power of Attorney.
(a) Each Member hereby constitutes and appoints the Manager (or the Liquidator, if applicable) with full power of substitution, as his or her true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority in his, her or its name, place and stead, to:
(i) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record in the appropriate public offices (A) this Agreement, all certificates and other instruments and all amendments thereof which the Manager deems appropriate or necessary to form, qualify, or continue the qualification of, the Company as a limited liability company in the State of Delaware and in all other jurisdictions in which the Company may conduct business or own property; (B) all conveyances and other instruments or documents which the Manager deems appropriate or necessary to reflect the dissolution, winding up and termination of the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including a certificate of cancellation; and (C) all instruments relating to the admission, substitution or resignation of any Member pursuant to Article XII or XIII; and
(ii) sign, execute, swear to and acknowledge all ballots, consents, approvals, waivers, certificates and other instruments appropriate or necessary, in the reasonable judgment of the Manager, to evidence, confirm or ratify any vote, consent, approval, agreement or other action which is made or given by the Members hereunder.
(b) The foregoing power of attorney coupled with an interest and, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, is irrevocable, and shall survive the death, disability, incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or termination of any Member and the transfer of all or any portion of his, her or its Units and shall extend to such Member’s heirs, successors, assigns and personal representatives.
Section 15.02 Confidentiality.
(a) Each of the Members (other than the Corporation) agrees to hold the Company’s Confidential Information in confidence and may not disclose or use such information except as otherwise authorized separately in writing by the Manager. “Confidential Information” as used herein includes all information concerning the Corporation, the Company or their Subsidiaries, in whatever form, whether written, electronic or oral, including, but not limited to, ideas, financial product structuring, business strategies, innovations and materials, all aspects of the Corporation’s and/or the Company’s business plan, proposed operation and products, corporate structure, financial and organizational information, analyses, proposed partners, software code and system and product designs, employees and their identities, equity ownership, the methods and means by which either the Corporation or the Company plans to conduct its business, all trade secrets, trademarks, tradenames and all intellectual property associated with the Corporation’s and/or Company’s business. With respect to each Member, Confidential Information does not include information or material that: (a) is, or becomes, generally available to the public other than as a direct or indirect result of a disclosure by such Member or its Affiliates or representatives; (b) is, or becomes, available to such Member from a source other than the Corporation, the Company or their representatives, provided that such source is not, and was not, known to such Member to be bound by a confidentiality agreement with, or any other contractual, fiduciary or other legal obligation of confidentiality to, the Corporation, the Company or any of their Affiliates or representatives; (c) is approved for release by written authorization of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel of the Company or of the Corporation, or any other officer designated by the Manager; or (d) is or becomes independently developed by such Member or its respective representatives without use of or reference to the Confidential Information.
(b) Solely to the extent it is reasonably necessary or appropriate to fulfill its obligations or to exercise its rights under this Agreement, any Other Agreement or any other agreement to which such Member is party with the Corporation, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, each of the Members may disclose Confidential Information to its Subsidiaries, Affiliates, partners, members, directors, officers, employees, counsel, advisers, consultants, outside contractors and other agents, on the condition that such Persons keep the Confidential Information confidential to the same extent as such Member is required to keep the Confidential Information confidential; provided, that such Member shall remain liable with respect to any breach of this Section 15.02 by any such Subsidiaries, Affiliates, partners, directors, officers, employees, counsel, advisers, consultants, outside contractors and other agents (as if such Persons were party to this Agreement for purposes of this Section 15.02).
(c) Notwithstanding Section 15.02(a) or Section 15.02(b), each of the Members may disclose Confidential Information (i) to the extent that such Member is required by Law (by oral questions, interrogatories, request for information or documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose any of the Confidential Information or to regulatory authorities requesting information from such Member, (ii) for purposes of reporting to its stockholders and direct and indirect equity holders (each of whom are bound by customary confidentiality obligations) the performance of the Company and its Subsidiaries and for purposes of including applicable information in its financial statements to the extent required by applicable Law or applicable accounting standards, or (iii) to any bona fide prospective purchaser of the equity or assets of a Member, or the Units held by such Member, or a prospective merger partner of such Member (provided, that (i) such Persons will be informed by such Member of the confidential nature of such information and shall agree in writing to keep such information confidential in accordance with the contents of this Agreement and (ii) each Member will be liable for any breaches of this Section 15.02 by any such Persons (as if such Persons were party to this Agreement for purposes of this Section 15.02)). Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, nothing in this Section 15.02 will restrict in any manner the ability of the Corporation to comply with its disclosure obligations under Law, and the extent to which any Confidential Information is necessary or desirable to disclose.
Section 15.03 Amendments. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, this Agreement may be amended or modified upon the prior written consent of the Manager, together with the prior written consent of the holders of a majority of the Units then outstanding (excluding all Units held directly or indirectly by the Corporation). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment or modification:
(a) to this Section 15.03 that would adversely affect the Members may be made without the prior written consent of the Manager and each of the Members;
(b) to any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, which terms and conditions expressly require the approval or action of certain Persons, may be made without obtaining the consent of the requisite number or specified percentage of such Persons who are entitled to approve or take action on such matter; and
(c) to any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement which would (A) reduce the amounts distributable to a Member pursuant to Articles IV and XIV in a manner that is not pro rata with respect to all Members, (B) increase the liabilities of such Member hereunder, (C) otherwise adversely affect in any material respect a holder of Units in a manner materially disproportionate to any other holder of Units (other than amendments, modifications and waivers necessary to implement the provisions of Article XII) or (D) adversely affect in any material respect the rights of any Member under Section 7.01 or Article XI, shall be effective against such affected Member or holder of Units, as the case may be, without the prior written consent of such Member or holder of Units, as the case may be.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Manager may make any amendment to this Agreement (i) of an administrative nature that is necessary in order to implement the substantive provisions hereof, without the consent of any other Member; provided, that any such amendment does not adversely change the rights of the Members hereunder in any respect, or (ii) to reflect any changes to the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or the issuance of any other capital stock of the Corporation without the consent of any Member or any other Person. The Manager shall deliver a copy of any amendment or modification to this Agreement that does not receive the consent of all Members promptly (but in any event within 30 days) after the effectiveness thereof to all Members that did not consent to such amendment or modification.
Section 15.04 Title to Company Assets. Company assets shall be owned by the Company as an entity, and no Member, individually or collectively, shall have any ownership interest in such assets of the Company or any portion thereof. The Company shall hold title to all of its property in the name of the Company and not in the name of any Member. All assets of the Company shall be recorded as the property of the Company on its books and records, irrespective of the name in which legal title to such assets is held. The Company’s credit and assets shall be used solely for the benefit of the Company, and no asset of the Company shall be transferred or encumbered for, or in payment of, any individual obligation of any Member.
Section 15.05 Addresses and Notices. All notices and other communications to be given to any party hereunder shall be sufficiently given for all purposes hereunder if in writing and delivered by hand, courier or overnight delivery service, or when received in the form of an electronic transmission (receipt confirmation requested), and shall be directed to the address set forth, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the Company or the sending party.
To the Company:
Smith Douglas Holdings LLC
11 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, Georgia 30188
***
Attention: Brett Steele, General Counsel
Email: ***
with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:
Latham & Watkins LLP
1271 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Attn: Marc Jaffe, Senet Bischoff and Benjamin Cohen
***
E-mail: ***
To the Corporation:
Smith Douglas Homes Corp.
11 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, Georgia 30188
***
Attention: Brett Steele, General Counsel
Email: ***
with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:
Latham & Watkins LLP
1271 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Attn: Marc Jaffe, Senet Bischoff and Benjamin Cohen
***
E-mail: ***
To the Members, as set forth on Schedule 2.
Section 15.06 Binding Effect; Intended Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.
Section 15.07 Creditors. None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of or enforceable by any creditors of the Company (other than Indemnified Persons) or any of its Affiliates, and no creditor who makes a loan to the Company or any of its Affiliates may have or acquire (except pursuant to the terms of a separate agreement executed by the Company in favor of such creditor) at any time as a result of making the loan any direct or indirect interest in Profits, Losses, Distributions, capital or property of the Company other than as a secured creditor.
Section 15.08 Waiver. No failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.
Section 15.09 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which will be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement binding on all the parties hereto.
Section 15.10 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. Any suit, dispute, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement shall be heard in the state or federal courts of the State of Delaware, and the parties hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such suit, action or proceeding and waives any objection to venue laid therein. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, PROCESS IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE SERVED ON ANY PARTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHETHER WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT (INCLUDING BY PREPAID CERTIFIED MAIL WITH A VALIDATED PROOF OF MAILING RECEIPT) AND SHALL HAVE THE SAME LEGAL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IF SERVED UPON SUCH PARTY PERSONALLY WITHIN THE STATE OF DELAWARE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS REFERRED TO IN SECTION 15.05 (INCLUDING BY PREPAID CERTIFIED MAIL WITH A VALIDATED PROOF OF MAILING RECEIPT), TOGETHER WITH WRITTEN NOTICE OF SUCH SERVICE TO SUCH PARTY, SHALL BE DEEMED EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON SUCH PARTY.
Section 15.11 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable Law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or the effectiveness or validity of any provision in any other jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
Section 15.12 Further Action. The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.
Section 15.13 Execution and Delivery by Electronic Signature and Electronic Transmission. This Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement or contemplated hereby or entered into by the Company in accordance herewith, and any amendments hereto or thereto, to the extent signed and delivered by means of an electronic signature and/or electronic transmission, including by a facsimile machine or via email, shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. At the request of any party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument, each other party hereto or thereto shall re-execute original forms thereof and deliver them to all other parties. No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise the use of electronic signature or electronic transmission to execute and/or deliver a document or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through such electronic transmission as a defense to the formation of a contract and each such party forever waives any such defense.
Section 15.14 Right of Offset. Whenever the Company or the Corporation is to pay any sum (other than pursuant to Article IV) to any Member, any amounts that such Member owes to the Company or the Corporation which are not the subject of a good faith dispute may be deducted from that sum before payment. For the avoidance of doubt, the distribution of Units to the Corporation shall not be subject to this Section 15.14.
Section 15.15 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, those documents expressly referred to herein (including the Registration Rights Agreement and the Tax Receivable Agreement), any indemnity agreements entered into in connection with the limited liability company agreement governing the Company (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Converting Company) prior to the Effective Date with any member of the board of directors, board of managers or other management body at that time and other documents of even date herewith embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties and supersede and preempt any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way. For the avoidance of doubt, the Original LLC Agreement is superseded in its entirety by this Agreement as of the Effective Date and shall be of no further force and effect thereafter, except to the extent reference thereto is contemplated in this Agreement, and only for such limited purposes as stated herein.
Section 15.16 Remedies. Each Member shall have all rights and remedies set forth in this Agreement and all rights and remedies which such Person has been granted at any time under any other agreement or contract and all of the rights which such Person has under any Law. Any Person having any rights under any provision of this Agreement or any other agreements contemplated hereby shall be entitled to enforce such rights specifically (without posting a bond or other security), to recover damages by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights granted by Law.
Section 15.17 Descriptive Headings; Interpretation. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a substantive part of this Agreement. Whenever required by the context, any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa. The use of the word “including” in this Agreement shall be by way of example rather than by limitation. Reference to any agreement, document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument as amended or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, and if applicable hereof. Without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding sentence, no amendment or other modification to any agreement, document or instrument that requires the consent of any Person pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other agreement will be given effect hereunder unless such Person has consented in writing to such amendment or modification. Wherever required by the context, references to a Fiscal Year shall refer to a portion thereof. The use of the words “or,” “either” and “any” shall not be exclusive. Each of the parties hereto agrees that they have been represented by independent counsel of its own choice during the negotiation and execution of this Agreement and the parties hereto and their counsel have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. To the fullest extent permitted by Law, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed or caused to be executed on their behalf this Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement as of the date first written above.
COMPANY: | |||
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC | |||
By: |
/s/ Brett A. Steele |
||
Name: |
Brett A. Steele |
||
Title: |
Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary |
||
MANAGER: | |||
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP. | |||
By: |
/s/ Brett A. Steele | ||
Name: |
Brett A. Steele | ||
Title: |
Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary | ||
MEMBERS: | |||
THE BRADBURY FAMILY TRUST II A U/A/D | |||
DECEMBER 29, 2015 | |||
By: |
/s/ Thomas L. Bradbury
|
||
Name: |
Thomas L. Bradbury
|
||
Title: |
Trustee | ||
GSB HOLDINGS LLC | |||
By: |
/s/ Gregory S. Bennett
|
||
Name: |
Gregory S. Bennett
|
||
Title: |
Sole Member and Manager |
||
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP. | |||
By: |
/s/ Brett A. Steele | ||
Name: |
Brett A. Steele | ||
Title: |
Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]
SCHEDULE 1
SCHEDULE OF PRE-IPO MEMBERS
Member | Class A Units | Class C Units |
Class D Units |
The Bradbury Family Trust II A U/A/D December 29, 2015 | 100,000 | 2,000 | 600 |
GSB Holdings LLC | 11,111 | — | —- |
SCHEDULE 2*
SCHEDULE OF MEMBERS
January 16, 2024
Member |
Common Units (Vested)
|
Common Units (Unvested)
|
Contact Information for Notice |
1. Smith Douglas Homes Corp. |
8,846,154
|
None |
110 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, GA 30188
|
2. The Bradbury Family Trust II A U/A/D December 29, 2015
|
38,192,307
|
None |
110 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, GA 30188
|
3. GSB Holdings LLC |
4,243,590
|
None |
110 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, GA 30188
|
* This Schedule of Members shall be updated from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, including to reflect any adjustment with respect to any subdivision (by Unit split or otherwise) or any combination (by reverse Unit split or otherwise) of any outstanding Units, or to reflect any additional issuances of Units pursuant to this Agreement.
Exhibit A
FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT
This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of _________________, 20___ (this “Joinder”), is delivered pursuant to that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), dated as of January 10, 2024 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “LLC Agreement”) by and among the Company, Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation and the sole managing member of the Company (the “Corporation”), and each of the Members from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the LLC Agreement.
1. | Joinder to the LLC Agreement. Upon the execution of this Joinder by the undersigned and delivery hereof to the Corporation, the undersigned hereby is and hereafter will be a Member under the LLC Agreement and a party thereto, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a Member thereunder. The undersigned hereby agrees that it shall comply with and be fully bound by the terms of the LLC Agreement as if it had been a signatory thereto as of the date thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that it has received a copy of the LLC Agreement and has reviewed the same and understands its contents. |
2. | Incorporation by Reference. All terms and conditions of the LLC Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joinder as if set forth herein in full. |
3. | Address. All notices under the LLC Agreement to the undersigned shall be direct to: |
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Attn:
Facsimile:
E-mail:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Joinder as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW MEMBER] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Acknowledged and agreed
as of the date first set forth above:
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC
By: SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP., its Managing Member
By: | |
Name: | |
Title: |
Exhibit B-1
FORM OF AGREEMENT AND CONSENT OF SPOUSE
The undersigned spouse of _____________________________ (the “Member”), a party to that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), dated as of January 10, 2024 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) by and among the Company, Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation and the sole managing member of the Company, and each of the Members from time to time party thereto (capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Agreement), acknowledges on his or her own behalf that:
I have read the Agreement and understand its contents. I acknowledge and understand that under the Agreement, any interest I may have, community property or otherwise, in the Units owned by the Member is subject to the terms of the Agreement, which include certain restrictions on Transfer.
I hereby consent to and approve the Agreement. I agree that said Units and any interest I may have, community property or otherwise, in such Units are subject to the provisions of the Agreement and that I will take no action at any time to hinder operation of the Agreement on said Units or any interest I may have, community property or otherwise, in said Units.
I hereby acknowledge that the meaning and legal consequences of the Agreement have been explained fully to me and are understood by me, and that I am signing this Agreement and consent without any duress and of free will.
Dated: _____________________________
[NAME OF SPOUSE] | ||
By: | ||
Name: |
Exhibit B-2
FORM OF SPOUSE’S CONFIRMATION OF SEPARATE PROPERTY
I, the undersigned, the spouse of _____________________________ (the “Member”), who is a party to that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), dated as of January 10, 2024 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) by and among the Company, Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation and the sole managing member of the Company, and each of the Members from time to time party thereto (capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Agreement), acknowledge and confirm that the Units owned by said Member are the sole and separate property of said Member, and I hereby disclaim any interest in same.
I hereby acknowledge that the meaning and legal consequences of this Member’s spouse’s confirmation of separate property have been fully explained to me and are understood by me, and that I am signing this Member’s spouse’s confirmation of separate property without any duress and of free will.
Dated: _____________________________
[NAME OF SPOUSE] | ||
By: | ||
Name: |
Exhibit C
POLICY REGARDING CERTAIN EQUITY ISSUANCES
[see attached]
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
2024 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN
Policy Regarding Certain Equity Issuances
All capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the 2024 Incentive Award Plan (the “Plan”).
Pursuant to Sections 3.1 and 10.17 of the Plan, this Policy Regarding Certain Equity Issuances (this “Policy”), effective as of January 10, 2024, is established to provide for the method by which shares of Common Stock or other securities and/or payment therefor may be exchanged or contributed between Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (the “Corporation”) and Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (the “Operating Company”), or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or may be returned to the Corporation upon any forfeiture of such shares of Common Stock or other securities by the Participant, for the purpose of (i) ensuring that the relationship between the Corporation, the Operating Company and their respective Subsidiaries remains at arm’s-length, and (ii) maintaining economic parity between one share of Class A Common Stock and one Common Unit (as defined in the Operating Agreement) by preserving the one-to-one ratio between (x) the aggregate number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock and (y) the number of Common Units held by the Corporation.
In the event of any conflict between the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, dated as of January 10, 2024 (the “Operating Agreement”) or the Plan and this Policy, the Operating Agreement or the Plan, as applicable, will control. In the event of any conflict between the Operating Agreement and the Plan, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the Operating Agreement will control. This Policy may be modified, supplemented or terminated at any time and from time to time in the Corporation’s discretion.
For purposes of this Policy, where this Policy refers to a Service Provider who is an Operating Company Service Provider (as defined below) or is an employee or service provider to a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, all such references shall be deemed to include a former employee of or service provider to the Operating Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, who at the time of grant of the relevant award was then an employee or service provider of such entity.
1. | Restricted Stock Awards |
a. | Transfers of Restricted Stock to Corporation Employees, Corporation Consultants or Corporation Directors. The following shall apply to Restricted Stock granted under the Plan to Employees and Consultants of the Corporation and Directors (collectively, “Corporation Service Providers”) in consideration for services performed by such Corporation Service Providers for the Corporation (but not for the Operating Company or its Subsidiaries): |
i. | Issuance of Restricted Stock. |
A. | The Corporation shall issue such number of shares of Restricted Stock as are to be issued to the Corporation Service Provider in accordance with the terms of the Plan. |
B. | Concurrently with or prior to such issuance, a Corporation Service Provider shall pay the purchase price (if any) of the Restricted Stock to the Corporation in exchange for the issuance of the Restricted Stock. |
C. | Prior to the Vesting Date (as defined below), the Corporation shall pay dividends to the holder of the Restricted Stock and make any other payments to the Corporation Service Provider (less any applicable withholding and other payroll taxes) as the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement provide for. The Corporation and the Operating Company shall treat such payments as having been made by the Corporation, and the Corporation shall report such payments as compensation to the Corporation Service Provider for all purposes. Prior to the Vesting Date (as defined below), the Operating Company shall pay to, or with respect to, the Corporation the amount of any such payments that the Corporation is required to pay to or with respect to the Corporation Service Provider as a reimbursement of Corporation expenses pursuant to Section 6.06 of the Operating Agreement. |
ii. | Vesting of Restricted Stock. On the date when the value of any share of Restricted Stock is includible in the taxable income (with respect to each such share, the “Vesting Date”) of the Corporation Service Provider, the following events shall occur or be deemed to have occurred: |
A. | If required by Section 6.06 of the Operating Agreement, the Operating Company shall be deemed to or actually reimburse the Corporation for the compensation expense equal to, or with respect to, the amount includible in the taxable income of the Corporation Service Provider. |
B. | The Operating Company shall issue to the Corporation on the Vesting Date a number of Common Units (as defined in the Operating Agreement) equal to the number of such shares of Restricted Stock (or portion thereof) that are includible in the taxable income of the Corporation Service Provider as of the applicable Vesting Date and any Restricted Stock (or portion thereof) purchased by the Corporation Service Provider in consideration for a deemed or actual Capital Contribution (as defined in the Operating Agreement) from the Corporation in an amount equal to the number of Common Units issued in accordance with this section, multiplied by the per-Common Unit Fair Market Value (as defined in the Operating Agreement). |
b. | Transfers of Restricted Stock to Employees and other Service Providers of the Operating Company. The following shall apply to Restricted Stock granted under the Plan to Employees and other Service Providers of the Operating Company or its Subsidiaries (each, “Operating Company Service Providers”) in consideration for services performed by such Operating Company Service Providers for the Operating Company or its Subsidiaries: |
i. | Issuance of Restricted Stock. |
A. | The Corporation shall issue such number of shares of Restricted Stock as are to be issued to the Operating Company Service Provider in accordance with the terms of the Plan. |
B. | Concurrently with or prior to such issuance, an Operating Company Service Provider shall pay the purchase price (if any) of the Restricted Stock to the Corporation in exchange for the issuance of the Restricted Stock. |
C. | The Corporation shall transfer any such purchase price to the Operating Company (and, if the Operating Company Service Provider is an Employee or other Service Provider of a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, the Operating Company shall transfer such purchase price to such Subsidiary of the Operating Company). For tax purposes, any such purchase price shall be treated as paid by the Operating Company Service Provider to the Operating Company (or an applicable Subsidiary) as the employer of the Employee or the recipient of the Consultant’s services (i.e., not a capital contribution). |
D. | Prior to the Vesting Date, the Corporation shall pay dividends to the holder of the Restricted Stock and make any other payments to the Operating Company Service Provider (less any applicable withholding and other payroll taxes) as provided by the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, provided that the Operating Company (or, if the Operating Company Service Provider is an Employee or other Service Providers of a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, the Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall reimburse the Corporation for such amounts, handle any applicable withholding and deduct such amounts as compensation. In order to effectuate the foregoing, in addition to the Operating Company’s distributions to the Corporation with respect to the Common Units held by the Corporation, the Operating Company (or the applicable Subsidiary) shall make an additional payment to the Corporation in the amount of this reimbursement, which shall not be treated as a partnership distribution. Such dividend or other payments shall be treated as having been made by the Operating Company (or the applicable Subsidiary), and not by the Corporation, to such Operating Company Service Provider, and the Operating Company (or the applicable Subsidiary) shall report such payments as compensation to the Operating Company Service Provider for all purposes. |
ii. | Vesting of Restricted Stock. On the Vesting Date of any shares of Restricted Stock of the Operating Company Service Provider, the following events shall occur or be deemed to have occurred: |
A. | The Corporation shall be deemed to sell to the Operating Company (or, if the Operating Company Service Provider is an Employee or other Service Provider of a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, to such Subsidiary of the Operating Company), and the Operating Company (or such Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall be deemed to purchase from the Corporation, such shares of Restricted Stock (or portion thereof) that are includible in the taxable income of the Operating Company Service Provider on such Vesting Date (the “Operating Company Purchased Restricted Stock”), which shall not include any Restricted Stock (or portion thereof) purchased by the Operating Company Service Provider. The deemed price paid by the Operating Company (or a Subsidiary of the Operating Company) to the Corporation for Operating Company Purchased Restricted Stock shall be an amount equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of Operating Company Purchased Restricted Stock and (y) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Vesting Date. |
B. | The Operating Company (or any Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall be deemed to transfer Operating Company Purchased Restricted Stock to the Participant at no additional cost, as additional compensation. |
C. | The Operating Company shall issue to the Corporation on the Vesting Date a number of Common Units equal to (i) the number of shares of Operating Company Purchased Restricted Stock in consideration for a deemed Capital Contribution from the Corporation in an amount equal to the number of Common Units issued in accordance with this section, multiplied by the per-Common Unit Fair Market Value and (ii) the number of shares of Restricted Stock (or portion thereof) purchased by the Operating Company Service Provider in consideration for the Capital Contribution from the Corporation of any purchase price paid by the Operating Company Service Provider for the applicable Restricted Stock (or portion thereof) to the Corporation. In the case where an Operating Company Service Provider is an employee or service provider to a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, then the Operating Company shall be deemed to have contributed such amount to the capital of such Subsidiary of the Operating Company. |
2. | Restricted Stock Unit and Other Stock or Cash Based Awards. The following shall apply to all Restricted Stock Units and Other Stock or Cash Based Awards (other than cash awards) granted under the Plan and settled in shares of Common Stock: |
a. | Transfers of Common Stock to Corporation Service Providers. The Corporation shall issue such number of shares of Common Stock as are to be issued to the Corporation Service Provider in accordance with the terms of the Plan and any Restricted Stock Unit or applicable Other Stock or Cash Based Award to a Corporation Service Provider in accordance with Section 6.3 or Article VII of the Plan. As soon as reasonably practicable after such Award is settled, with respect to each such settlement: |
i. | If required by Section 6.06 of the Operating Agreement, the Operating Company shall be deemed to or actually reimburse the Corporation for the compensation expense equal to, or with respect to, the amount includible in the taxable income of the Corporation Service Provider with respect to such Award. |
ii. | The Operating Company shall issue to the Corporation on the date of settlement a number of Common Units equal to the number of shares of Common Stock issued in settlement of the Restricted Stock Unit or applicable Other Stock or Cash Based Award in consideration for a deemed Capital Contribution from the Corporation in an amount equal to the number of Common Units issued in accordance with this section, multiplied by the per-Common Unit Fair Market Value. |
b. | Transfer of Common Stock to Operating Company Service Providers. The Corporation shall issue such number of shares of Common Stock as are to be issued to an Operating Company Service Provider in accordance with the terms of the Plan and any Restricted Stock Unit or applicable Other Stock or Cash Based Award to an Operating Company Service Provider in accordance with Section 6.3 or Article VII of the Plan. As soon as reasonably practicable after such Award is settled, with respect to each such settlement: |
i. | The Corporation shall be deemed to sell to the Operating Company (or, if the Operating Company Service Provider is an Employee or other Service Provider of a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, to such Subsidiary of the Operating Company), and the Operating Company (or such Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall be deemed to purchase from the Corporation, the number of shares of Common Stock (the “Operating Company Purchased RSU/Other Award Shares”) equal to the number issued in settlement of the Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock or Cash Based Awards. The deemed price paid by the Operating Company (or Subsidiary of the Operating Company) to the Corporation for Operating Company Purchased RSU/Other Award Shares shall be an amount equal to the product of (x) the number of Operating Company Purchased RSU/Other Award Shares and (y) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at the time of settlement. |
ii. | The Operating Company (or Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall be deemed to transfer such shares of Common Stock to the Participant at no additional cost, as additional compensation. |
iii. | The Operating Company shall issue to the Corporation on the date of settlement a number of Common Units equal to the number of Operating Company Purchased RSU/Other Award Shares in consideration for a deemed Capital Contribution from the Corporation in an amount equal to the number of Common Units issued in accordance with this section, multiplied by the per-Common Unit Fair Market Value. In the case where an Operating Company Service Provider is an employee or service provider to a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, the Operating Company shall be deemed to have contributed such amount to the capital of such Subsidiary of the Operating Company. |
c. | Other Full-Value Awards. To the extent the Corporation grants full-value Awards (other than Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other Stock and Cash Based Awards), the provisions of this Section 2 shall apply mutatis mutandis with respect to such full-value Awards, to the extent applicable (as determined by the Administrator). |
3. | Stock Options. The following shall apply to Options granted under the Plan: |
a. | Transfer of Common Stock to Corporation Service Providers. As soon as reasonably practicable after receipt by the Corporation, pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Plan, of payment for the shares of Common Stock with respect to which an Option (which in the case of a Corporation Service Provider was issued to and is held by such Participant in such capacity), or portion thereof, is exercised by a Participant who is a Corporation Service Provider: |
i. | The Corporation shall transfer to the holder of such Option the number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Option (or portion thereof) that is exercised subject to the terms of the Plan. |
ii. | The Corporation, shall, as soon as practicable after such exercise, make a Capital Contribution to the Operating Company in an amount equal to the exercise price paid to the Corporation by such Participant in connection with the exercise of the Option. If required by Section 6.06 of the Operating Agreement, the Operating Company shall reimburse the Corporation for the compensation expense equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of exercise multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock then being issued in connection with the exercise of such Option, less the exercise price paid to the Corporation by such Participant in connection with the exercise of the Option. Notwithstanding the amount of the Capital Contribution actually made pursuant to this Section 3(a)(ii), the Corporation shall be deemed to have contributed in the aggregate to the Operating Company as a Capital Contribution, inclusive of any Capital Contribution actually made, an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of exercise multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock then being issued in connection with the exercise of such Option. |
iii. | The Operating Company shall issue to the Corporation, on the date of the issuance of any Common Stock described in Section 3(a)(i) hereof, a number of Common Units equal to the number of issued shares of Common Stock pursuant to Section 3(a)(i) hereof, in consideration for the Capital Contributions described in Section 3(a)(ii) hereof. |
b. | Transfer of Common Stock to Operating Company Service Providers. As soon as reasonably practicable after receipt by the Corporation, pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Plan, of payment for the shares of Common Stock with respect to which an Option (which was issued to and is held by an Operating Company Service Provider in such capacity), or portion thereof, is exercised by a Participant who is an Operating Company Service Provider: |
i. | The Corporation shall transfer to the Participant the total number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Option was exercised subject to the terms of the Plan (the “Total Purchased Shares”). Of the Total Purchased Shares, the number of shares of Common Stock that shall be deemed to be transferred directly to the Participant shall be equal to (A) the amount of the exercise price paid by the Participant to the Corporation pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Plan (the “Exercise Price Paid”) divided by (B) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at the time of exercise (the “Operating Company Holder Purchased Shares”). |
ii. | The Corporation shall be deemed to sell to the Operating Company (or, if the Operating Company Service Provider is an Employee or other Service Provider of a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, to such Subsidiary of the Operating Company), and the Operating Company (or such Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall be deemed to purchase from the Corporation, the number of shares of Common Stock (the “Operating Company Purchased Option Shares”) equal to the excess of (A) the number of Total Purchased Shares, over (B) the number of Operating Company Holder Purchased Shares. The deemed price paid by the Operating Company (or a Subsidiary of the Operating Company) to the Corporation for Operating Company Purchased Option Shares shall be an amount equal to the product of (x) the number of Operating Company Purchased Option Shares and (y) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at the time of the exercise. |
iii. | The Operating Company (or a Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall be deemed to transfer the Operating Company Purchased Option Shares to the Participant at no additional cost, as additional compensation. |
iv. | The Operating Company shall issue to the Corporation on the date of exercise a number of Common Units equal to the sum of the number of Total Purchased Shares in consideration for (i) a deemed Capital Contribution from the Corporation in an amount equal to the number of Operating Company Purchased Option Shares, multiplied by the per-Common Unit Fair Market Value and (ii) a Capital Contribution from the Corporation in amount equal to the Exercise Price Paid. In the case where an Operating Company Service Provider is an Employee or other Service Provider to a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, the Operating Company shall be deemed to have contributed such amount to the capital of such Subsidiary of the Operating Company. |
c. | Stock Appreciation Rights. To the extent the Corporation grants any Stock Appreciation Rights, the provisions of this Section 3 shall apply mutatis mutandis with respect to such Stock Appreciation Rights, to the extent applicable (as determined by the Administrator). |
4. | Dividend Equivalent Awards. The following shall apply to Dividend Equivalents granted under the Plan: |
a. | The Corporation shall make any payments to a Corporation Service Provider under the terms of the Dividend Equivalent award, provided that the Corporation and the Operating Company shall treat such payments as having been made by the Corporation, and the Corporation shall report such payments as compensation to the Corporation Service Provider for all purposes. The Operating Company shall pay to the Corporation the amount of any such payments that the Corporation is required to pay to, or with respect to, the Corporation Service Provider as a reimbursement of Corporation expenses pursuant to Section 6.06 of the Operating Agreement. |
b. | The Corporation shall make any payments to an Operating Company Service Provider (less any applicable withholding and other payroll taxes) under the terms of the Dividend Equivalent award, provided that the Operating Company (or, if the Operating Company Service Provider is an Employee or other Service Provider of a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, such Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall reimburse the Corporation for such amounts, handle any applicable withholding and deduct such amounts as compensation. In order to effectuate the foregoing, in addition to the Operating Company’s (or the applicable Subsidiary’s) distributions to the Corporation with respect to Common Units held by the Corporation, the Operating Company (or the applicable Subsidiary) shall make an additional payment to the Corporation in the amount of this reimbursement, which shall not be treated as a partnership distribution. Such payments shall be treated as having been made by the Operating Company (or the applicable Subsidiary), and not by the Corporation, to such Operating Company Service Provider, and the Operating Company (or the applicable Subsidiary) shall report such payments as compensation to such Operating Company Service Provider for all purposes. |
5. | Forfeiture, Surrender or Repurchase of Common Stock. If any shares of Common Stock granted under the Plan are (a) forfeited or surrendered by any Service Provider eligible to participate in the Plan (an “Eligible Service Provider”) or (b) repurchased from any Eligible Service Provider by the Corporation, the Operating Company or a Subsidiary, (i) the shares of Common Stock forfeited, surrendered or repurchased shall be returned to the Corporation, (ii) the Corporation (or, if the Eligible Service Provider is an Operating Company Service Provider, the Operating Company or a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, as applicable) shall pay the repurchase price (if any) of the repurchased shares of Common Stock to such Eligible Service Provider, and (iii) if corresponding Common Units had theretofore been issued in respect of the shares of Common Stock that were so forfeited, surrendered or repurchased, the Operating Company shall, contemporaneously with such forfeiture, surrender or repurchase of shares of Common Stock, redeem or repurchase a number of the Common Units held by the Corporation equal to the number of forfeited, surrendered or repurchased shares of Common Stock, such redemption or repurchase to be upon the same terms and for the same price per Common Unit as such shares of Common Stock are forfeited, surrendered or repurchased. |
Exhibit 10.2
TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT
by and among
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC
TRA PARTIES
and
OTHER PERSONS FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO
Dated as of January 10, 2024
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I Definitions | 3 | |
Section 1.1. | Definitions | 3 |
Section 1.2. | Rules of Construction | 12 |
ARTICLE II Determination of Realized Tax Benefit | 13 | |
Section 2.1. | Basis Adjustments and Section 704(c) Allocations; The LLC 754 Election | 13 |
Section 2.2. | Attribute Schedules | 13 |
Section 2.3. | Tax Benefit Schedules | 14 |
Section 2.4. | Procedures; Amendments | 14 |
ARTICLE III Tax Benefit Payments | 15 | |
Section 3.1. | Timing and Amount of Tax Benefit Payments | 15 |
Section 3.2. | No Duplicative Payments | 17 |
Section 3.3. | Pro-Ration of Payments as Between the TRA Parties | 17 |
Section 3.4. | Overpayments | 18 |
ARTICLE IV Termination | 18 | |
Section 4.1. | Early Termination of Agreement; Acceleration Events | 18 |
Section 4.2. | Early Termination Notice | 20 |
Section 4.3. | Payment upon Early Termination | 20 |
ARTICLE V Subordination and Late Payments | 21 | |
Section 5.1. | Subordination | 21 |
Section 5.2. | Late Payments by the Corporation | 21 |
ARTICLE VI Tax Matters; Consistency; Cooperation | 21 | |
Section 6.1. | Participation in the Corporation’s and the LLC’s Tax Matters | 21 |
Section 6.2. | Consistency | 22 |
Section 6.3. | Cooperation | 22 |
ARTICLE VII Miscellaneous | 22 | |
Section 7.1. | Notices | 22 |
Section 7.2. | Counterparts | 23 |
Section 7.3. | Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries | 23 |
Section 7.4. | Severability | 23 |
Section 7.5. | Assignments; Amendments; Successors; No Waiver | 24 |
Section 7.6. | Titles and Subtitles | 25 |
Section 7.7. | Resolution of Disputes; Governing Law | 25 |
Section 7.8. | Reconciliation Procedures | 26 |
Section 7.9. | Withholding | 27 |
Section 7.10. | Admission of the Corporation into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets | 27 |
Section 7.11. | Confidentiality | 28 |
Section 7.12. | Change in Law | 29 |
Section 7.13. | Interest Rate Limitation | 29 |
Section 7.14. | Independent Nature of Rights and Obligations | 29 |
Section 7.15. | Coordination with Operating Agreement | 30 |
Exhibits
Exhibit A - Form of Joinder Agreement
TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT
This TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of January 10, 2024, is hereby entered into by and among Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “LLC”) and each of the TRA Parties.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the LLC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
WHEREAS, immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO (as defined below), the LLC entered into the Operating Agreement wherein the LLC recapitalized all existing ownership interests in the LLC into membership interests in the form of Common Units (the “Recapitalization”) and admitted the Corporation as the sole managing member of the LLC;
WHEREAS, the TRA Parties hold membership interests in the LLC designated as Common Units as of the date hereof;
WHEREAS, on the date hereof, the Corporation issued shares of its Class A Common Stock in an initial public offering of its Class A Common Stock (the “IPO”);
WHEREAS, immediately following the consummation of the IPO, the Corporation acquired Common Units from TRA Parties and newly issued Common Units from the LLC using the net proceeds from the IPO (the “Unit Purchase”);
WHEREAS, the Operating Agreement provides each TRA Party a redemption right pursuant to which each TRA Party may cause the LLC to redeem all or a portion of its Common Units from time to time for shares of Class A Common Stock or, under certain circumstances, cash (a “Redemption”), subject to the Corporation’s right, in its sole discretion, to elect to effect a direct exchange of cash or shares of Class A Common Stock for such Common Units between the Corporation and the applicable TRA Party in lieu of such a Redemption (a “Direct Exchange”);
WHEREAS, as a result of the Unit Purchase, any Redemption, any Direct Exchange or any other Exchange the Corporation may be entitled to utilize (or otherwise be entitled to the benefits arising out of) certain Covered Tax Assets;
WHEREAS, the Parties to this Agreement desire to provide for certain payments and make certain arrangements with respect to any tax benefits to be derived by the Corporation as the result of Covered Tax Assets and the making of payments under this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions
Section 1.1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the terms set forth in this Article I shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to (i) the singular and plural, (ii) the active and passive and (iii) for defined terms that are nouns, the verified forms of the terms defined).
“Actual Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, the liability for Covered Taxes of the Corporation (a) appearing on Tax Returns of the Corporation or the LLC (but only to the extent allocable to the Corporation) for such Taxable Year or (b) if applicable, determined in accordance with a Determination; provided, that for purposes of determining Actual Tax Liability, the Corporation shall use the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate for purposes of determining liabilities for all state and local Covered Taxes (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the U.S. federal income tax benefit realized by the Corporation with respect to such state and local Covered Taxes).
“Advisory Firm” means an accounting firm that is nationally recognized as being expert in Covered Tax matters selected by the Corporation.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such first Person.
“Agreed Rate” means SOFR plus 100 basis points.
“Agreement” is defined in the preamble.
“Amended Schedule” is defined in Section 2.4(b).
“Amount Realized” means, with respect to any Exchange that is not eligible for nonrecognition treatment (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes), at any time, the sum of (i) the Market Value of the shares of Class A Common Stock or the amount of cash (as applicable) transferred to a TRA Party pursuant to such Exchange, (ii) the amount of payments made pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such Exchange (but excluding any portions thereof attributable to Imputed Interest) and (iii) the amount of liabilities allocated to the Common Units acquired pursuant to the Exchange under Section 752 of the Code.
“Assumed State and Local Tax Rate” means the tax rate equal to the sum of the products of (i) the Corporation’s or the LLC’s income tax apportionment factor for each state and local jurisdiction in which the Corporation or the LLC files income or franchise tax returns for the relevant Taxable Year and (ii) the highest corporate income and franchise tax rate(s) for each such state and local jurisdiction in which the Corporation or the LLC files income Tax Returns for each relevant Taxable Year.
“Attributable” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(i).
“Attribute Schedule” is defined in Section 2.2.
“Audit Committee” means the audit committee of the Board.
“Basis Adjustment” means an increase or decrease to, or the Corporation’s proportionate share of, the tax basis of the Reference Assets under Section 362(a), 732, 734(b), 743(b) or 1012 of the Code (or any similar provisions of state, local or foreign tax Law); provided, that for purposes of determining the Corporation’s proportionate share of the tax basis of the Reference Assets with respect to the Common Units transferred in an Exchange under Treasury Regulations Section 1.743-1(b) (or any similar provisions of state, local or foreign tax Law), the consideration paid by the Corporation for such Common Units shall be the Amount Realized.
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday or a Sunday or a day on which banks located in New York City, New York generally are authorized or required by Law to close.
“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person and its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan, and excluding the TRA Parties) becomes the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of voting securities representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation;
(ii) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or there is consummated a sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets (including a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the LLC);
(iii) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation or entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, the voting securities of the Corporation outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not continue to represent, or are not converted into, voting securities representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or
(iv) the Corporation ceases to be the sole Manager (as defined in the Operating Agreement) of the LLC.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred (i) by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, preferred stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in and voting control over, and own substantially all of the shares of, an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation immediately following such transaction or series of transactions; or (ii) if the TRA Parties unanimously agree in writing to elect for a “Change in Control” to not have occurred upon the occurrence of any transaction, series of related transactions or any other occurrence that may otherwise qualify as a “Change of Control”.
“Class A Common Stock” means the Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation.
“Class B Common Stock” means the Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation.
“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Unless the context requires otherwise, any reference herein to a specific section of the Code shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future Law as in effect for the relevant taxable period.
“Common Units” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Operating Agreement.
“Control” means the direct or indirect possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
“Corporation” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.
“Covered Tax Assets” means (i) Basis Adjustments; (ii) Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts and (iii) Imputed Interest reasonably determined to be allocable to payments pursuant to this Agreement arising from the items described in clauses (i) through (ii). For the avoidance of doubt, Covered Tax Assets shall include any carryforwards, carrybacks or similar attributes that are attributable to the tax items described in clauses (i) through (iii).
“Covered Taxes” means any U.S. federal, state and local taxes, assessments or similar charges that are based on or measured with respect to net income or profits and any interest imposed in respect thereof under applicable Law.
“Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(iii).
“Default Rate” means SOFR plus 500 basis points.
“Default Rate Interest” is defined in Section 5.2.
“Determination” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1313(a) of the Code or any similar provisions of state, local or foreign tax Law, as applicable, or any other event (including the execution of IRS Form 870-AD) that finally and conclusively establishes the amount of any liability for tax.
“Direct Exchange” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Dispute” is defined in Section 7.7(a).
“Early Termination Effective Date” means (i) with respect to an early termination pursuant to Section 4.1(a), the date an Early Termination Notice is delivered, (ii) with respect to an early termination pursuant to Section 4.1(b), the date of the applicable Change of Control and (iii) with respect to an early termination pursuant to Section 4.1(c), the date of the applicable Material Breach.
“Early Termination Notice” is defined in Section 4.2(a).
“Early Termination Payment” is defined in Section 4.3(b).
“Early Termination Reference Date” is defined in Section 4.2(b).
“Early Termination Schedule” is defined in Section 4.2(b).
“Exchange” means any (i) Direct Exchange, (ii) Redemption, (iii) other transfer (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) of Common Units to the Corporation from a TRA Party or (iv) distribution (including a deemed distribution) by the LLC to a TRA Party, in each case, that results in a Basis Adjustment.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations.
“Expert” is defined in Section 7.8(a).
“Final Payment Date” means any date on which a Payment is required to be made pursuant to this Agreement. The Final Payment Date in respect of (i) a Tax Benefit Payment is determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a) and (ii) an Early Termination Payment is determined pursuant to Section 4.3(a).
“Hypothetical Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, the hypothetical liability of the Corporation that would arise in respect of Covered Taxes, using the same methods, elections, conventions and similar practices used on the actual relevant Tax Returns of the Corporation but calculated without taking into account the Covered Tax Assets (e.g., (i) by calculating depreciation, amortization or other similar deductions, or otherwise calculating any items of income, gain or loss using the tax basis that the Reference Assets would have had at such time if no Basis Adjustments had been made; (ii) by taking into account Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts and (iii) by excluding any deduction attributable to Imputed Interest); provided, that for purposes of determining the Hypothetical Tax Liability, (i) the combined tax rate for U.S. state and local Covered Taxes shall be the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate, and (ii) the Corporation shall be entitled to make reasonable simplifying assumptions in making any determinations contemplated by this definition.
“Imputed Interest” means any interest imputed under Section 483, 1272 or 1274 or any other provision of the Code or any similar provisions of state, local or foreign tax Law with respect to the Corporation’s payment obligations under this Agreement.
“Independent Directors” means the members of the Board who are “independent” under the standards of the principal U.S. securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is traded or quoted.
“Interest Amount” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(vi).
“IPO” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
“IRS” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
“Joinder” means a joinder to this Agreement, in form and substance substantially similar to Exhibit A to this Agreement.
“Joinder Requirement” is defined in Section 7.5(a).
“Law” means all laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations of the U.S., any foreign country and each state, commonwealth, city, county, municipality, regulatory or self-regulatory body, agency or other political subdivision thereof.
“LLC” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.
“LLC Group” means the LLC and each of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries that is treated as a partnership or disregarded entity for applicable tax purposes (but excluding any such Subsidiary to the extent it is directly or indirectly held by any entity treated as a corporation for applicable tax purposes (other than the Corporation)).
“Market Value” means (i) with respect to an Exchange (other than a deemed Exchange described in clause (ii) below), the value of the Class A Common Stock on the applicable Redemption or Direct Exchange date determined by the Corporation on a reasonable and consistent basis and used by the Corporation in its U.S. federal income tax reporting with respect to such Exchange, and (ii) with respect to a deemed Exchange pursuant to the Valuation Assumptions, (a) if the Class A Common Stock trades on a securities exchange or automated or electronic quotation system, the arithmetic average of the high trading price on such date (or if such date is not a Trading Day, the immediately preceding Trading Day) and the low trading price on such date (or if such date is not a Trading Day, the immediately preceding Trading Day) or (b) if the Class A Common Stock no longer trades on a securities exchange or automated or electronic quotation system, the fair market value of one share of Class A Common Stock, as determined by the Corporation in good faith, that would be obtained in an arms’ length transaction for cash between an informed and willing buyer and an informed and willing seller, neither of whom is under any compulsion to buy or sell, and without regard to the particular circumstances of the buyer or seller and without any discounts for liquidity or minority discount.
“Material Breach” means the (i) material breach by the Corporation of a material obligation under this Agreement or (ii) the rejection of this Agreement by operation of law in a case commenced in bankruptcy or otherwise.
“Maximum Rate” is defined in Section 7.13.
“Net Tax Benefit” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(ii).
“Non-TRA Portion” is defined in Section 2.3(b).
“Objection Notice” is defined in Section 2.4(a)(ii).
“Operating Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC, as such agreement may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Parties” means the parties named on the signature pages to this agreement and each additional party that satisfies the Joinder Requirement, in each case with their respective successors and assigns.
“Payment” means any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment and in each case, unless otherwise specified, refers to the entire amount of such Payment or any portion thereof.
“Permitted Transferee” means a holder of Common Units pursuant to any transfer of such Common Units permitted by the Operating Agreement.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity.
“Pre-Exchange Transfer” means any transfer (or deemed transfer) of one or more Common Units (i) that occurs after the consummation of the IPO but prior to an Exchange of such Common Units and (ii) to which Section 743(b) of the Code applies.
“Realized Tax Benefit” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(iv).
“Realized Tax Detriment” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(v).
“Recapitalization” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Reconciliation Dispute” is defined in Section 7.8(a).
“Reconciliation Procedures” is defined in Section 7.8(a).
“Redemption” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Reference Asset” means any asset of any member of the LLC Group on the relevant date of determination under this Agreement (including at the time of an Exchange or the IPO, as applicable). A Reference Asset also includes any asset the tax basis of which is determined, in whole or in part, by reference to the tax basis of an asset that is described in the preceding sentence, including “substituted basis property” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(42) of the Code.
“Reference Inventory Asset” means any asset held as inventory of homes (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any costs paid for an option to purchase land) of any member of the LLC Group at the time of the IPO. A Reference Inventory Asset also includes any asset the tax basis of which is determined, in whole or in part, by reference to the tax basis of an asset that is described in the preceding sentence, including “substituted basis property” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(42) of the Code.
“Schedule” means any of the following: (i) an Attribute Schedule; (ii) a Tax Benefit Schedule; (iii) an Early Termination Schedule; and (iv) any Amended Schedule.
“Section 704(c) Allocations” means disproportionate allocations (relative to economic percentage interests of the members of the LLC) of items of taxable income, gain, loss and deduction in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-3 with respect to Reference Inventory Assets.
“Section 704(c) Allocation Amount” means an amount equal to the Section 704(c) Allocations that were made by the LLC since the Effective Date of income and gain to a TRA Party with respect to Common Units that are Exchanged by such TRA Party during the relevant Taxable Year; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts shall include any such Section 704(c) Allocations arising from the Corporation’s Unit Purchase and any subsequent purchase of equity interests by the Corporation directly from the LLC.
“Senior Obligations” is defined in Section 5.1.
“SOFR” means the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person and as of any determination date, any other Person as to which such first Person (i) owns, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controls, more than 50% of the voting power or other similar interests of such other Person or (ii) is the sole general partner interest, or managing member or similar interest, of such other Person.
“Tax Benefit Payment” is defined in Section 3.1(b).
“Tax Benefit Schedule” is defined in Section 2.3(a).
“Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report or similar statement filed or required to be filed with respect to taxes (including any attached schedules), including any information return, claim for refund, amended return and declaration of estimated tax.
“Taxable Year” means a taxable year of the Corporation as defined in Section 441(b) of the Code or any similar provisions of U.S. state or local tax Law, as applicable (and, therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, may include a period of less than 12 months for which a Tax Return is filed), ending on or after the closing date of the IPO.
“Taxing Authority” means any national, federal, state, county, municipal or local government, or any subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental body, or any other authority of any kind, exercising regulatory or other authority in relation to tax matters.
“Trading Day” means a day on which the NYSE or such other principal United States securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business (unless such trading shall have been suspended for the entire day).
“TRA Parties” means each of the members of the LLC as of the date hereof (other than the Corporation) party hereto and their Permitted Transferees.
“TRA Portion” is defined in Section 2.3(b).
“Treasury Regulations” means the final, temporary and (to the extent they can be relied upon) proposed regulations under the Code, as promulgated from time to time (including corresponding provisions and succeeding provisions) and as in effect for the relevant taxable period.
“U.S.” means the United States of America.
“Unit Purchase” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Valuation Assumptions” means, as of an Early Termination Effective Date, the assumptions that:
(i) in each Taxable Year ending on or after such Early Termination Effective Date, the Corporation will have taxable income sufficient to fully use the Covered Tax Assets (other than any such Covered Tax Assets that constitute or have resulted in net operating losses, disallowed interest expense carryforwards, or credit carryforwards or carryovers (determined as of the Early Termination Effective Date), which shall be governed by paragraph (iv) below) during such Taxable Year or future Taxable Years (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest that would result from future Tax Benefit Payments that would be paid in accordance with the Valuation Assumptions) in which such deductions would become available;
(ii) the U.S. federal income tax rates that will be in effect for each such Taxable Year will be those specified for each such Taxable Year by the Code and other applicable Law as in effect on the Early Termination Effective Date, except to the extent any change to such tax rates for such Taxable Year have already been enacted into Law, and the combined U.S. state and local income tax rates shall be the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate in effect for each such Taxable Year;
(iii) all taxable income of the Corporation will be subject to the maximum applicable tax rates for each Covered Tax throughout the relevant period; provided, that the combined tax rate for U.S. state and local income taxes shall be the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate;
(iv) any carryovers or carrybacks of losses, credits, or disallowed interest expense generated by any Covered Tax Assets (including any Basis Adjustments, Section 704(c) Allocation Amount or Imputed Interest generated as a result of payments made or deemed to be made under this Agreement) and available (taking into account any known and applicable limitations) as of the date of the Early Termination Schedule will be used by the Corporation ratably in each of the five consecutive Taxable Years beginning with the Taxable Year that includes the date of the Early Termination Schedule (but, in the case of any such carryover or carryback that has less than five remaining Taxable Years, ratably through the scheduled expiration date of such carryover or carryback) (by way of example, if on the date of the Early Termination Schedule the Corporation had $100 of net operating losses, $20 of such net operating losses would be used in each of the five consecutive Taxable Years beginning in the Taxable Year of such Early Termination Schedule);
(v) any non-amortizable assets will be disposed of on the fifteenth anniversary of the Early Termination Effective Date; provided, that in the event of a Change of Control that includes the sale of any non-amortizable assets (or the sale of equity interests in a partnership or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes that directly or indirectly owns non-amortizable assets), such non-amortizable assets shall be disposed of at the time of the direct or indirect sale of the relevant asset in such Change of Control (if earlier than such fifteenth anniversary) for such price;
(vi) if, on the Early Termination Effective Date, any TRA Party has Common Units that have not been Exchanged, then such Common Units shall be deemed to be Exchanged for the Market Value of the shares of Class A Common Stock or the amount of cash that would be received by such TRA Party had such Common Units actually been Exchanged on the Early Termination Effective Date;
(vii) any future payment obligations pursuant to this Agreement that are used to calculate the Early Termination Payment will be satisfied on the date that any Tax Return to which any such payment obligation relates is required to be filed excluding any extensions; and
(viii) with respect to Taxable Years ending prior to the Early Termination Effective Date, any unpaid Tax Benefit Payments and any applicable Default Rate Interest will be paid.
“Voluntary Early Termination” is defined in Section 4.2(a)(i).
Section 1.2. Rules of Construction. Unless otherwise specified herein:
(a) For purposes of interpretation of this Agreement:
(i) The words “herein,” “hereto,” “hereof” 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 thereof.
(ii) Unless specified otherwise, references to an Article, Section or clause refer to the appropriate Article, Section or clause in this Agreement.
(iii) References to dollars or “$” refer to the lawful currency of the U.S.
(iv) The terms “include” or “including” are by way of example and not limitation and shall be deemed followed by the words “without limitation”.
(v) The term “or”, when used in a list of two or more items, means “and/or” and may indicate any combination of the items.
(vi) The term “documents” includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form.
(b) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including”, the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding” and the word “through” means “to and including.”
(c) Section headings herein are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.
Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (i) references to organizational documents (including the Operating Agreement), agreements (including this Agreement) and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are permitted hereby, and (ii) references to any Law (including the Code and the Treasury Regulations) include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Law.
ARTICLE II
Determination of Realized Tax Benefit
Section 2.1. Basis Adjustments and Section 704(c) Allocations; The LLC 754 Election.
(a) Basis Adjustments and Section 704(c) Allocations. The Parties acknowledge and agree that (i) each Redemption shall be treated as a direct purchase of Common Units by the Corporation from the applicable TRA Party pursuant to Section 707(a)(2)(B) of the Code (or any similar provisions of applicable state, local or foreign tax Law) (i.e., equivalent to a Direct Exchange), (ii) each (A) Exchange and (B) payment made by the Corporation under this Agreement (excluding payments with respect to amounts that constitute Imputed Interest, but, for the avoidance of doubt, including payments made with respect to Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts) to a TRA Party in connection with an Exchange will give rise to Basis Adjustments, (iii) the Unit Purchase and Exchanges will give rise to Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts and (iv) the Interest Amount and Default Rate Interest payable with respect to any Exchange shall not be treated as interest for tax purposes but instead shall be treated as additional consideration for the Common Units transferred by the TRA Party in the relevant Exchange, unless otherwise required by applicable Law. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the amount of any Basis Adjustment or Section 704(c) Allocation Amount resulting from an Exchange of one or more Common Units is to be determined as if any Pre-Exchange Transfer of such Common Units had not occurred.
(b) LLC Section 754 Election. The Corporation shall cause each of the LLC and its Subsidiaries that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes to have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code (or any similar provisions of applicable state, local or foreign tax Law) for each Taxable Year. The Corporation shall take commercially reasonable efforts to cause each Person in which the LLC owns a direct or indirect equity interest (other than a Subsidiary) that is so treated as a partnership to have in effect any such election for each Taxable Year as reasonably determined by the Corporation.
Section 2.2. Attribute Schedules. Within ninety (90) calendar days after the filing of the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for each relevant Taxable Year, the Corporation shall deliver to the TRA Parties a schedule showing, in reasonable detail, (i) the Covered Tax Assets that are available for use by the Corporation with respect to such Taxable Year with respect to each TRA Party that has effected an Exchange, (ii) the portion of the Covered Tax Assets that are available for use by the Corporation in future Taxable Years with respect to each TRA Party that has effected an Exchange and (iii) any limitations on the ability of the Corporation to utilize any Covered Tax Assets under applicable Laws (including as a result of the operation of Section 382 of the Code or Section 383 of the Code) (such schedule, an “Attribute Schedule”). An Attribute Schedule will become final and binding on the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(a) and may be amended by the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(b).
Section 2.3. Tax Benefit Schedules.
(a) Tax Benefit Schedule. Within ninety (90) days after the filing of the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for any Taxable Year in which there is a Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment, the Corporation shall provide to the TRA Parties a schedule showing, in reasonable detail, the calculation of the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year (a “Tax Benefit Schedule”). A Tax Benefit Schedule will become final and binding on the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(a) and may be amended by the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(b).
(b) Applicable Principles. Subject to the provisions hereunder, the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for each Taxable Year is intended to measure the decrease or increase in the Actual Tax Liability of the Corporation for such Taxable Year attributable to the Covered Tax Assets, as determined using a “with and without” methodology (i.e., the Actual Tax Liability being the “with” calculation and the Hypothetical Tax Liability being the “without” calculation). Carryovers or carrybacks of any tax item attributable to any of the Covered Tax Assets shall be considered to be subject to the rules of the Code and the Treasury Regulations, and the appropriate provisions of state, local and foreign tax Law, governing the use, limitation or expiration of carryovers or carrybacks of the relevant type. If a carryover or carryback of any tax item includes a portion that is attributable to any Covered Tax Assets (a “TRA Portion”) and another portion that is not attributable to any Covered Tax Assets (a “Non-TRA Portion”), such portions shall be considered to be used in accordance with the “with and without” methodology so that (i) the amount of any Non-TRA Portion is deemed utilized first, followed by the amount of any TRA Portion (with the TRA Portion being applied on a proportionate basis consistent with the provisions of Section 3.3(a)) and (ii) in the case of a carryback of a Non-TRA Portion, such carryback shall not affect the original “with and without” calculation made in the prior Taxable Year.
Section 2.4. Procedures; Amendments.
(a) Procedures. Each time the Corporation delivers a Schedule to any TRA Party under this Agreement, the Corporation shall, with respect to such Schedule, also (i) deliver to the TRA Parties supporting schedules and work papers, as reasonably requested by any TRA Party, that provide a reasonable level of detail regarding relevant data and calculations and (ii) allow the TRA Parties and their advisors to have reasonable access to the appropriate representatives, as reasonably requested by the TRA Parties, at the Corporation or the Advisory Firm in connection with a review of relevant information. A Schedule will become final and binding on the TRA Parties thirty (30) calendar days from the date on which the TRA Party first received the applicable Schedule unless a TRA Party, within such period, provides the Corporation with written notice of a material objection (made in good faith) to such Schedule and sets forth in reasonable detail such TRA Party’s material objection (an “Objection Notice”). If the Parties, for any reason, are unable to resolve the issues raised in such Objection Notice within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt by the Corporation of the Objection Notice, the Corporation and the applicable TRA Party shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures described in Section 7.8 and the finalization of the Schedule will be conducted in accordance therewith.
(b) Amended Schedule. A Schedule (other than an Early Termination Schedule) for any Taxable Year may only be and shall be amended from time to time by the Corporation (i) in connection with a Determination affecting such Schedule, (ii) to correct inaccuracies in such Schedule identified as a result of the receipt of additional factual information relating to a Taxable Year after the date such Schedule was originally provided to the TRA Parties, (iii) to comply with an Expert’s determination under the Reconciliation Procedures, (iv) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to a carryover or carryback of a loss or other tax item to such Taxable Year or (v) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to an amended Tax Return filed for such Taxable Year (any such Schedule in its amended form, an “Amended Schedule”). The Corporation shall provide any Amended Schedule to the applicable TRA Parties within sixty (60) calendar days of the occurrence of an event referred to in any of clauses (i) through (v) of the preceding sentence, and the delivery and finalization of any such Amended Schedule shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be subject to the procedures described in Section 2.4(a).
ARTICLE III
Tax Benefit Payments
Section 3.1. Timing and Amount of Tax Benefit Payments.
(a) Timing of Payments. Subject to Sections 3.2 and 3.3, by the date that is five (5) Business Days following the date on which each Tax Benefit Schedule becomes final in accordance with Section 2.4(a) (such date, the “Final Payment Date” in respect of any Tax Benefit Payment), the Corporation shall pay in full to each relevant TRA Party the Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(b). Each such Tax Benefit Payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account designated by such TRA Party.
(b) Amount of Payments. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Tax Benefit Payment” with respect to any TRA Party means an amount equal to the sum of the Net Tax Benefit that is Attributable to such TRA Party and the Interest Amount with respect thereto. No Tax Benefit Payment shall be calculated or made in respect of any estimated tax payments, including any estimated U.S. federal income tax payments.
(i) Attributable. A Net Tax Benefit (and related Realized Tax Benefit) is “Attributable” to a TRA Party in accordance with the following principles:
(A) any Basis Adjustments shall be determined separately with respect to each TRA Party and are Attributable to each TRA Party in an amount equal to the total Basis Adjustment relating to Common Units delivered to the Corporation by such TRA Party in the Exchange;
(B) any deduction to the Corporation in respect of Imputed Interest is Attributable to the TRA Party that is required to include the Imputed Interest in income (without regard to whether such Person is actually subject to tax thereon); and
(C) any Section 704(c) Allocation Amount shall be determined separately with respect to each TRA Party and with respect to each Exchange of Common Units by such TRA Party and is Attributable to a TRA Party and an Exchange of Common Units by such TRA Party (I) to the extent the ratio of the number of Common Units exchanged by such TRA Party in such Exchange bears to the number of all Common Units held by such TRA Party (or its successor) on the Effective Date; (II) to the extent a Section 704(c) Allocation results in income or gain allocated to such TRA Party, which income or gain would otherwise have been allocated to the Corporation if the LLC were not required to make such Section 704(c) Allocation and instead such allocations were made in accordance with the TRA Party’s and the Corporation’s economic percentage interests in the LLC at the relevant time of determination; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, a TRA Party shall not be entitled to any Tax Benefit Payment with respect to Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts pursuant to this Agreement until Common Units are Exchanged (or deemed Exchanged pursuant to this Agreement) and at such time as Common Units are Exchanged (or deemed Exchanged) a TRA Party shall only be entitled to that portion of the Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts that are Attributable to such Common Units exchanged by the TRA Party in such Exchange in accordance with the foregoing.
(ii) Net Tax Benefit. The “Net Tax Benefit” with respect to a TRA Party for a Taxable Year equals the amount of the excess, if any, of (A) 85% of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit Attributable to such TRA Party as of the end of such Taxable Year over (B) the aggregate amount of all Tax Benefit Payments previously made to such TRA Party under this Section 3.1 (excluding payments attributable to Interest Amounts).
(iii) Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit. The “Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit” for a Taxable Year equals the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Benefits for all Taxable Years of the Corporation up to and including such Taxable Year, net of the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Detriments for the same period. The Realized Tax Benefit and Realized Tax Detriment for each Taxable Year shall be determined based on the most recent Tax Benefit Schedule or Amended Schedule, if any, in existence at the time of such determination.
(iv) Realized Tax Benefit. The “Realized Tax Benefit” for a Taxable Year equals the excess, if any, of the Hypothetical Tax Liability over the Actual Tax Liability for such Taxable Year. If all or a portion of the Actual Tax Liability for such Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit or similar proceeding by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Benefit unless and until there has been a Determination.
(v) Realized Tax Detriment. The “Realized Tax Detriment” for a Taxable Year equals the excess, if any, of the Actual Tax Liability over the Hypothetical Tax Liability for such Taxable Year. If all or a portion of the Actual Tax Liability for such Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit or similar proceeding by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Detriment unless and until there has been a Determination.
(vi) Interest Amount. The “Interest Amount” in respect of a TRA Party equals interest on the unpaid amount of the Net Tax Benefit with respect to such TRA Party for a Taxable Year, calculated at the Agreed Rate from the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for such Taxable Year until the earlier of (A) the date on which no remaining Tax Benefit Payment to the TRA Party is due in respect of such Net Tax Benefit and (B) the applicable Final Payment Date.
(vii) The TRA Parties, the LLC and the Corporation acknowledge and agree that, as of the date of this Agreement and the date of any future Exchange that may be subject to this Agreement, the aggregate value of the Tax Benefit Payments cannot be reasonably ascertained for U.S. federal income or other applicable tax purposes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if a TRA Party notifies the Corporation in accordance with the following, the stated maximum selling price (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 15A.453-1(c)(2)) with respect to any transfer of Common Units by a TRA Party pursuant to an Exchange shall not exceed the sum of (A) the amounts described in clauses (i) and (iii) of the definition of Amount Realized with respect to such Exchange plus (B) the amount, if any, set forth in the Redemption Notice (as defined in the Operating Agreement) or other written notification delivered by such TRA Party to the Corporation with respect to the relevant Exchange, and the aggregate Payments under this Agreement to such TRA Party (other than amounts accounted for as interest under the Code) in respect of the Covered Tax Assets relating to the Exchange shall not exceed the amount described in this clause (B).
Section 3.2. No Duplicative Payments. It is intended that the provisions hereunder will not result in the duplicative payment of any amount that may be required under this Agreement, and the provisions hereunder shall be consistently interpreted and applied in accordance with that intent.
Section 3.3. Pro-Ration of Payments as Between the TRA Parties.
(a) Insufficient Taxable Income. Notwithstanding anything in Section 3.1(b) to the contrary, if the aggregate potential Covered Tax benefit of the Corporation as calculated with respect to the Covered Tax Assets (in each case, without regard to the Taxable Year of origination) is limited in a particular Taxable Year because the Corporation does not have sufficient actual taxable income, then the available Covered Tax benefit for the Corporation shall be allocated among the TRA Parties in proportion to the respective Tax Benefit Payment that would have been payable if the Corporation had sufficient taxable income. For example, if the Corporation had $200 of aggregate potential Covered Tax benefits with respect to the Covered Tax Assets in a particular Taxable Year (with $50 of such Covered Tax benefits Attributable to TRA Party A and $150 Attributable to TRA Party B), such that TRA Party A would have been entitled to a Tax Benefit Payment of $42.50 and TRA Party B would have been entitled to a Tax Benefit Payment of $127.50 if the Corporation had sufficient actual taxable income, and if the Corporation instead had insufficient actual taxable income in such Taxable Year, such that the Covered Tax benefit was limited to $100, then $25 of the aggregate $100 actual Covered Tax benefit for the Corporation for such Taxable Year would be allocated to TRA Party A and $75 would be allocated to TRA Party B, such that TRA Party A would receive a Tax Benefit Payment of $21.25 and TRA Party B would receive a Tax Benefit Payment of $63.75.
(b) Late Payments. If for any reason the Corporation is not able to fully satisfy its payment obligations to make all Tax Benefit Payments due in respect of a particular Taxable Year, then (i) Default Rate Interest will accrue pursuant to Section 5.2, (ii) the Corporation shall pay the available amount of such Tax Benefit Payments (and any applicable Default Rate Interest) in respect of such Taxable Year to each TRA Party pro rata in accordance with Section 3.3(a) and (iii) no Tax Benefit Payment shall be made in respect of any Taxable Year until all Tax Benefit Payments (and any applicable Default Rate Interest) to all TRA Parties in respect of all prior Taxable Years have been made in full.
Section 3.4. Overpayments. Subject to the procedures described in Section 2.4(a), to the extent the Corporation makes a payment to a TRA Party in respect of a particular Taxable Year under Section 3.1(a) in an amount in excess of the amount of such payment that should have been made to such TRA Party in respect of such Taxable Year (taking into account Section 3.3) under the terms of this Agreement, then such TRA Party shall not receive further payments under Section 3.1(a) or Section 4.3(a) until such TRA Party has foregone an amount of payments equal to such excess; provided, that for the avoidance of the doubt, no TRA Party shall be required to return any payment paid by the Corporation to such TRA Party.
ARTICLE IV
Termination
Section 4.1. Early Termination of Agreement; Acceleration Events.
(a) Corporation’s Early Termination Right. With the written approval of a majority of the Independent Directors, the Corporation may terminate this Agreement, as and to the extent provided herein, by paying in full each and every TRA Party the Early Termination Payment (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) due to such TRA Party.
(b) Acceleration upon Change of Control. In the event of a Change of Control, the Early Termination Payment (calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of the Change of Control) shall become due and payable in accordance with Section 4.3 and the Agreement shall terminate, as and to the extent provided herein.
(c) Acceleration upon Breach of Agreement. In the event of a Material Breach, the Early Termination Payment (calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of the Material Breach) shall become due and payable in accordance with Section 4.3 and the Agreement shall terminate, as and to the extent provided herein. Subject to the next sentence, the Corporation’s failure to make a Payment (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) within ninety (90) calendar days of the applicable Final Payment Date shall be deemed to constitute a Material Breach. To the extent that any Tax Benefit Payment is not made by the date that is ninety (90) calendar days after the relevant Final Payment Date because the Corporation (i) is prohibited from making such payment under Section 5.1 or the terms of any agreement governing any Senior Obligations or (ii) does not have, and cannot take commercially reasonable actions to obtain, sufficient funds to make such payment, such failure will not constitute a Material Breach; provided, that (A) such payment obligation nevertheless will accrue at the Default Rate Interest for the benefit of the TRA Parties, (B) the Corporation shall promptly (and in any event, within five (5) Business Days) pay the entirety of the unpaid amount (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) once the Corporation is not prohibited from making such payment under Section 5.1 or the terms of the agreements governing the Senior Obligations and the Corporation has sufficient funds to make such payment and (C) the failure of the Corporation to comply with the foregoing clause (B) will constitute a Material Breach; provided further, that the interest provision of Section 5.2 shall apply to such late payment (unless the Corporation does not have sufficient funds to make such payment as a result of limitations imposed by any Senior Obligations, in which case Section 5.2 shall apply, but the Default Rate shall be replaced by the Agreed Rate). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, it shall be a Material Breach if the Corporation makes any distribution of cash or other property (other than shares of Class A Common Stock) to its stockholders or uses cash or other property to repurchase any capital stock of the Corporation (including Class A Common Stock), in each case, before (x) all Tax Benefit Payments (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) that are due and payable as of the date the Corporation enters into a binding commitment to make such distribution or repurchase have been paid or (y) sufficient funds for the payment of all Tax Benefits Payments (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) that are due and payable on the date of the distribution or repurchase have been reserved therefor. The Corporation shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (1) obtain sufficient available funds for the purpose of making Tax Benefit Payments under this Agreement and (2) avoid entering into any agreements that could be reasonably anticipated to materially delay the timing of the making of any Tax Benefit Payments under this Agreement.
(d) In the case of a termination pursuant to any of the foregoing paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), upon the Corporation’s payment in full of the Early Termination Payment (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) to each TRA Party, the Corporation shall have no further payment obligations under this Agreement other than with respect to any Tax Benefit Payments (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) in respect of any Taxable Year ending prior to the Early Termination Effective Date, and such payment obligations shall survive the termination of, and be calculated and paid in accordance with, this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, if an Exchange subsequently occurs with respect to Common Units for which the Corporation has paid the Early Termination Payment in full, the Corporation shall have no obligations under this Agreement with respect to such Exchange or the related Covered Tax Assets.
Section 4.2. Early Termination Notice.
(a) If (i) the Corporation chooses to exercise its termination right under Section 4.1(a) (“Voluntary Early Termination”), (ii) a Change of Control occurs or (iii) a Material Breach occurs, the Corporation shall, in each case, deliver to the TRA Parties a reasonably detailed notice of the Corporation’s decision to exercise such right or the occurrence of such event, as applicable (an “Early Termination Notice”). In the case of an Early Termination Notice delivered with respect to a Voluntary Early Termination, the Corporation may withdraw such Early Termination Notice and rescind its Voluntary Early Termination at any time prior to the time at which any Early Termination Payment is paid and the terms of this Agreement shall apply as if such Early Termination Notice had never been delivered.
(b) The Corporation shall deliver a schedule showing in reasonable detail the calculation of the Early Termination Payment (an “Early Termination Schedule”) (i) simultaneously with the delivery of an Early Termination Notice or (ii) in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 4.1(b) or Section 4.1(c), as soon as reasonably practicable following the occurrence of the Change of Control or Material Breach giving rise to such termination. The date on which such Early Termination Schedule becomes final in accordance with Section 2.4(a) shall be the “Early Termination Reference Date”.
Section 4.3. Payment upon Early Termination.
(a) Timing of Payment. By the date that is five (5) Business Days after the Early Termination Reference Date (such date, the “Final Payment Date” in respect of the Early Termination Payment), the Corporation shall pay in full to each TRA Party an amount equal to the Early Termination Payment applicable to such TRA Party. Such Early Termination Payment shall be made by the Corporation by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account or accounts designated by the applicable TRA Party.
(b) Amount of Payment. The “Early Termination Payment” payable to a TRA Party pursuant to Section 4.3(a) shall equal the present value, discounted at the Default Rate and determined as of the Early Termination Reference Date, of all Tax Benefit Payments (other than any Tax Benefit Payments in respect of Taxable Years ending prior to the Early Termination Effective Date) that would be required to be paid by the Corporation to such TRA Party, beginning from the Early Termination Effective Date and using the Valuation Assumptions. For the avoidance of doubt, an Early Termination Payment shall be made to each TRA Party in accordance with this Agreement, regardless of whether a TRA Party has Exchanged all of its Common Units as of the Early Termination Effective Date.
ARTICLE V
Subordination and Late Payments
Section 5.1. Subordination. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any payment required to be made by the Corporation to the TRA Parties under this Agreement shall rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to any principal, interest or other amounts due and payable in respect of any obligations owed in respect of indebtedness for borrowed money of the Corporation (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any trade payables, intercompany debt or other similar obligations) (“Senior Obligations”) and shall rank pari passu in right of payment with all current or future obligations of the Corporation that are not Senior Obligations.
Section 5.2. Late Payments by the Corporation. Subject to the second proviso in the third sentence of Section 4.1(c), the amount of any Payment not made to any TRA Party by the applicable Final Payment Date shall be payable together with “Default Rate Interest”, calculated at the Default Rate and accruing on the amount of the unpaid Payment from the applicable Final Payment Date until the date on which the Corporation makes such Payment to such TRA Party.
ARTICLE VI
Tax Matters; Consistency; Cooperation
Section 6.1. Participation in the Corporation’s and the LLC’s Tax Matters. Except as otherwise provided herein or in Article IX of the Operating Agreement, the Corporation shall have full responsibility for, and sole discretion over, all tax matters concerning the Corporation and the LLC, including preparing, filing or amending any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to taxes; provided, however, that the Corporation shall not settle any issue pertaining to Covered Taxes that is reasonably expected to materially and adversely affect the TRA Parties’ rights and obligations under this Agreement without the consent of the TRA Parties, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If any TRA Party fails to respond to any notice with respect to the settlement of any such issue within thirty (30) calendar days of its receipt of the applicable notice, such TRA Party shall be deemed to have consented to the proposed settlement or other disposition. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Corporation shall notify the TRA Parties of, and keep them reasonably informed with respect to, the portion of any audit by any Taxing Authority of the Corporation, the LLC or any of the LLC’s Subsidiaries, the outcome of which is reasonably expected to materially and adversely affect the TRA Parties’ rights and obligations under this Agreement, including the timing of anticipated Tax Benefit Payments and (ii) the TRA Parties shall have the right to participate in and to monitor at their own expense (but, for the avoidance of doubt, not to control) any such issue in any such tax audit. To the extent there is a conflict between this Agreement and the Operating Agreement as it relates to tax matters concerning Covered Taxes and the Corporation and the LLC, including preparation, filing or amending of any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to taxes, this Agreement shall control.
Section 6.2. Consistency. Except upon the written advice of the Advisory Firm, all calculations and determinations made hereunder, including any Basis Adjustments and Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts, the Schedules and the determination of any Realized Tax Benefits or Realized Tax Detriments, shall be made in accordance with the elections, methodologies and positions taken by the Corporation and the LLC on their respective Tax Returns. Each TRA Party shall prepare its Tax Returns in a manner consistent with the terms of this Agreement and any related calculations or determinations made hereunder, including the terms of Section 2.1 and the Schedules provided to each such TRA Party, except as otherwise required by Law. In the event that an Advisory Firm is replaced with another Advisory Firm acceptable to the Audit Committee, the TRA Parties shall cause such replacement Advisory Firm to perform its services necessitated by this Agreement using procedures and methodologies consistent with those of the previous Advisory Firm, unless otherwise required by Law or unless the Corporation and all of the TRA Parties agree to the use of other procedures and methodologies.
Section 6.3. Cooperation.
(a) Each TRA Party shall (i) furnish to the Corporation in a timely manner such information, documents and other materials as the Corporation may reasonably request for purposes of making any determination or computation necessary or appropriate under this Agreement, preparing any Tax Return of the LLC or any of its Subsidiaries or contesting or defending any related audit, examination or controversy with any Taxing Authority, (ii) make itself available to the Corporation and its representatives to provide explanations of documents and materials and such other information as the Corporation or its representatives may reasonably request in connection with any of the matters described in clause (i) above and (iii) reasonably cooperate in connection with any such matter.
(b) The Corporation shall reimburse the TRA Parties for any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred pursuant to Section 6.3(a).
ARTICLE VII
Miscellaneous
Section 7.1. Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and (i) delivered personally, (ii) sent by e-mail or (iii) sent by overnight courier, in each case, addressed as follows:
If to the Corporation, to:
Smith Douglas Homes Corp.
110 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, GA30188
Attn: Brett Steele, General Counsel
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Latham & Watkins LLP
1271 6th Avenue,
New York, New York 10020
Attn: Marc Jaffe, Senet Bischoff and Benjamin Cohen
***
E-mail: ***
If to any TRA Party, to the address and e-mail address specified on such TRA Party’s signature page to the applicable Joinder or otherwise on file with the Corporation or the LLC.
Any Party may change its address or e-mail address by giving each of the other Party written notice thereof in the manner set forth above.
Section 7.2. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the TRA Parties and delivered to the other TRA Parties, it being understood that all TRA Parties need not sign the same counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by e-mail transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.
Section 7.3. Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each Party hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
Section 7.4. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law or public policy, all other terms and provisions hereunder shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner.
Section 7.5. Assignments; Amendments; Successors; No Waiver.
(a) Assignment. No TRA Party may assign, sell, pledge or otherwise alienate or transfer any interest in this Agreement, including the right to receive any payments under this Agreement, to any Person without such Person executing and delivering a Joinder agreeing to succeed to the applicable portion of such TRA Party’s interest in this Agreement and to become a TRA Party for all purposes of this Agreement (the “Joinder Requirement”); provided, that the TRA Parties’ approval and consent rights described in Section 6.1 shall not be transferrable or assignable to any Person (other than Permitted Transferees) without the prior written consent of the Corporation, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any TRA Party sells, exchanges, distributes or otherwise transfers Common Units to any Person (other than the Corporation or the LLC) in accordance with the terms of the Operating Agreement, such TRA Party shall have the option to assign to the transferee of such Common Units its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Common Units; provided, that such transferee has satisfied the Joinder Requirement. For the avoidance of doubt, if a TRA Party transfers Common Units in accordance with the terms of the Operating Agreement but does not assign to the transferee of such Common Units its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Common Units, such TRA Party shall continue to be entitled to receive the Tax Benefit Payments arising in respect of a subsequent Exchange of such Common Units (and any such transferred Common Units shall be separately identified, so as to facilitate the determination of payments hereunder). The Corporation may not assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement to any Person without the TRA Parties’ consent (and any purported assignment without such consent shall be null and void).
(b) Amendments. No provision of this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is approved in writing by the Corporation and the TRA Parties; provided, that amendment of the definition of Change of Control will also require the written approval of a majority of the Independent Directors; provided, further that any amendment that materially and adversely affects one or more TRA Parties on a materially disproportionate basis relative to other similarly situated TRA Parties shall require the consent of a majority (measured by Tax Benefit Payments receivable) of such similarly situated TRA Parties so materially disproportionately affected.
(c) Successors. Except as provided in Section 7.5(a), all of the terms and provisions hereunder shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by, the Parties and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives. The Corporation shall require and cause any direct or indirect successor (whether by equity purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporation, by written agreement, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Corporation would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.
(d) Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be waived unless such waiver is in writing and signed by the Party against whom the waiver is to be effective. No failure by any Party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement, or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof, shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.
Section 7.6. Titles and Subtitles. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.
Section 7.7. Resolution of Disputes; Governing Law.
(a) Except for Reconciliation Disputes subject to Section 7.8, any and all disputes which cannot be settled after good faith negotiation within sixty (60) calendar days, including any ancillary claims of any Party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this Section 7.7 or Section 7.8) (each, a “Dispute”) shall be finally resolved by arbitration in accordance with the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration by the majority vote of a panel of three arbitrators, of which the Corporation shall designate one arbitrator and the TRA Parties that are party to such Dispute shall designate one arbitrator, in each case in accordance with the “screened” appointment procedure provided in Resolution Rule 5.4. In addition to monetary damages, the arbitrators shall be empowered and permitted to award equitable relief, including an injunction and specific performance of any obligation under this Agreement. The arbitrators are not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages, and each TRA Party hereby irrevocably waives any right to recover punitive, exemplary or similar damages with respect to any Dispute. Any award shall be the sole and exclusive remedy between the TRA Parties regarding any claims, counterclaims, issues or accounting presented to the arbitrators. The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq., and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof. The place of the arbitration shall be the State of Delaware.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) above, any Party may bring an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling another Party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Party (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this Section 7.7 to any such action or proceeding and (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions hereunder would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate.
(c) This Agreement shall be governed in all respects, including as to validity, interpretation and effect, by the internal Laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws rules thereof. Subject to this Section 7.7 and Section 7.8, the Parties agree that any suit or proceeding in connection with, arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be instituted only in a Delaware state court (or U.S. federal court), and the Parties, for the purpose of any such suit or proceeding, irrevocably consent and submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction and venue of any such court in any such suit or proceeding. Each Party agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law.
(d) Each Party irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, (i) any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any court referred to in Section 7.7(b) or 7.7(c) and (ii) the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court.
(e) Each Party irrevocably consents to service of process by means of notice in the manner provided for in Section 7.1. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect the right of any Party to serve process in any other manner permitted by Law.
(f) WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ITS COUNSEL, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, WHETHER A CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM, CROSS-CLAIM, OR THIRD PARTY CLAIM, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).
Section 7.8. Reconciliation Procedures.
(a) In the event that the Corporation and any TRA Party are unable to resolve a disagreement with respect to a Schedule prepared in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.4 or Section 4.2, as applicable, within the relevant time period designated in this Agreement (a “Reconciliation Dispute”), the procedures described in this paragraph (the “Reconciliation Procedures”) will apply. The applicable TRA Parties shall, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the commencement of a Reconciliation Dispute, mutually select a nationally recognized expert in the particular area of disagreement (the “Expert”) and submit the Reconciliation Dispute to such Expert for determination. The Expert shall be a partner or principal in a nationally recognized accounting firm, and unless the Corporation and such TRA Party agree otherwise, the Expert (and its employing firm) shall not have any material relationship with the Corporation or such TRA Party or other actual or potential conflict of interest. If the applicable Parties are unable to agree on an Expert within such fifteen (15) calendar-day time period, the selection of an Expert shall be treated as a Dispute subject to Section 7.7 and an arbitration panel shall pick an Expert from a nationally recognized accounting firm that does not have any material relationship with the applicable Parties or other actual or potential conflict of interest. The Expert shall resolve any matter relating to (i) an Attribute Schedule, Early Termination Schedule or an amendment to either within thirty (30) calendar days and (ii) a Tax Benefit Schedule or an amendment thereto within fifteen (15) calendar days or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, in each case after the matter has been submitted to the Expert for resolution. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if the matter is not resolved before any payment that is the subject of a disagreement would be due (in the absence of such disagreement) or any Tax Return reflecting the subject of a disagreement is due, the undisputed amount shall be paid by the date prescribed by this Agreement and such Tax Return may be filed as prepared by the Corporation, subject to adjustment or amendment upon resolution. The Expert shall finally determine any Reconciliation Dispute, and its determinations pursuant to this Section 7.8(a) shall be binding on the applicable Parties and may be entered and enforced in any court having competent jurisdiction. Any dispute as to whether a dispute is a Reconciliation Dispute within the meaning of this Section 7.8 or a Dispute within the meaning of Section 7.7 shall be decided and resolved as a Dispute subject to the procedures set forth in Section 7.7.
(b) Subject to the next sentence, the applicable Parties shall bear their own costs and expenses of such proceeding, unless (i) the Expert adopts the TRA Party’s position, in which case the Corporation shall reimburse the TRA Party for any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses in such proceeding or (ii) the Expert adopts the Corporation’s position, in which case the TRA Parties shall reimburse the Corporation for any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses in such proceeding. The costs and expenses relating to the engagement of such Expert or amending any Tax Return shall be borne by the Corporation.
Section 7.9. Withholding. The Corporation and its Affiliates shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any payment that is payable to any TRA Party pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as the Corporation is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment by applicable Law. To the extent that amounts are so deducted and withheld and paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority by the Corporation, such deducted and withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid by the Corporation to the relevant TRA Party in respect of whom the deduction and withholding was made. Each TRA Party shall promptly provide the Corporation with any applicable tax forms and certifications reasonably requested by the Corporation in connection with determining whether any such deductions and withholdings are required by applicable Law.
Section 7.10. Admission of the Corporation into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets.
(a) If the Corporation is or becomes a member of an affiliated or consolidated group of corporations that files a consolidated income Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 or other applicable sections of the Code governing affiliated or consolidated groups, or any corresponding provisions of state, local or foreign tax Law, then (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall be applied with respect to the group as a whole, and (ii) Payments and other applicable items hereunder shall be computed with reference to the consolidated taxable income of the group as a whole.
(b) If the Corporation or any member of the LLC Group transfers one or more Reference Assets to a Person treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (with which the Corporation does not file a consolidated Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 of the Code), such transferor, for purposes of calculating the amount of any Payment due hereunder, shall be treated as having disposed of such asset in a fully taxable transaction on the date of such transfer. The consideration deemed to be received by the Corporation or the LLC Group member, as the applicable transferor, shall be equal to the fair market value of the transferred asset plus the amount of debt to which such asset is subject, in the case of a transfer of an encumbered asset. For purposes of this Section 7.10, a transfer of a partnership interest shall be treated as a transfer of the transferring partner’s applicable share of each of the assets and liabilities of that partnership. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, if the Corporation or any member of a group described in Section 7.10(a) transfers its assets pursuant to a transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” (within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code) in which such entity does not survive, pursuant to a contribution described in Section 351(a) of the Code or pursuant to any other transaction to which Section 381(a) of the Code applies (other than any such reorganization or any such other transaction, in each case, pursuant to which such entity transfers assets to a corporation with which the Corporation or any member of the group described in Section 7.10(a) (excluding any such member being transferred in such reorganization or other transaction) does not file a consolidated Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 of the Code), the transfer will not cause such entity to be treated as having transferred any assets to a corporation (or a Person classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) pursuant to this Section 7.10(b).
Section 7.11. Confidentiality. Each TRA Party and each of its respective assignees acknowledges and agrees that the information of the Corporation is confidential and, except in the course of performing any duties as necessary for the Corporation and its Affiliates, as required by Law or legal process or to enforce the terms of this Agreement, such Person shall keep and retain in the strictest confidence and not disclose to any other Person any confidential information acquired pursuant to this Agreement of the Corporation or its controlled Affiliates or their successors. This Section 7.11 shall not apply to (i) any information that has been made publicly available by the Corporation or any of its controlled Affiliates, becomes public knowledge (except as a result of an act of any TRA Party in violation of this Agreement) or is generally known to the business community, (ii) the disclosure of information to the extent necessary for a TRA Party to prosecute or defend claims arising under or relating to this Agreement and (iii) the disclosure of information to the extent necessary for a TRA Party to prepare and file its Tax Returns, to respond to any inquiries regarding the same from any Taxing Authority or to prosecute or defend any action, proceeding or audit by any Taxing Authority with respect to such Tax Returns. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the TRA Parties and each of their assignees (and each employee, representative or other agent of the TRA Parties or their assignees, as applicable) may disclose at their discretion to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Corporation, the TRA Parties and any of their transactions, and all materials of any kind (including tax opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to the TRA Parties relating to such tax treatment and tax structure. If a TRA Party or an assignee commits, or threatens to commit, a breach of any of the provisions of this Section 7.11, the Corporation shall have the right and remedy to have the provisions of this Section 7.11 specifically enforced by injunctive relief or otherwise by any court of competent jurisdiction without the need to post any bond or other security, it being acknowledged and agreed that any such breach or threatened breach will cause irreparable injury to the Corporation or any of its controlled Affiliates and that money damages alone will not provide an adequate remedy to such Persons. Such rights and remedies shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available at Law or in equity.
Section 7.12. Change in Law. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if, in connection with an actual or proposed change in Law, a TRA Party reasonably believes that the existence of this Agreement could cause income (other than income arising from receipt of a payment under this Agreement) recognized by such TRA Party (or direct or indirect equity holders in such TRA Party) in connection with any Exchange to be treated as ordinary income (other than with respect to assets described in Section 751(a) of the Code) rather than capital gain (or otherwise taxed at ordinary income rates) for U.S. federal income tax purposes or would have other material adverse tax consequences to such TRA Party or any direct or indirect owner of such TRA Party, then, at the written election of such TRA Party in its sole discretion (in an instrument signed by such TRA Party and delivered to the Corporation) and to the extent specified therein by such TRA Party, this Agreement shall cease to have further effect and shall not apply to an Exchange occurring after a date specified by such TRA Party; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, such voluntary termination of rights by a TRA Party shall not result in or cause a termination or acceleration event under Section 4.1.
Section 7.13. Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the interest paid or agreed to be paid hereunder with respect to amounts due to any TRA Party hereunder shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “Maximum Rate”). If any TRA Party shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the applicable payment (but in each case exclusive of any component thereof comprising interest) or, if it exceeds such unpaid non-interest amount, refunded to the Corporation. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged or received by any TRA Party exceeds the Maximum Rate, such TRA Party may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (i) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee or premium rather than interest, (ii) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof or (iii) amortize, prorate, allocate and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the payment obligations owed by the Corporation to such TRA Party hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is the intention of the Parties to conform strictly to any applicable usury Laws.
Section 7.14. Independent Nature of Rights and Obligations
(a) The rights and obligations of each TRA Party hereunder are several and not joint with the rights and obligations of any other Person. A TRA Party shall not be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Person hereunder, nor shall a TRA Party have the right to enforce the rights or obligations of any other Person hereunder (other than obligations of the Corporation). The obligations of a TRA Party hereunder are solely for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable solely by, the Corporation. Nothing contained herein or in any other agreement or document delivered in connection herewith, and no action taken by any TRA Party pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the TRA Parties acting as a partnership, association, joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the TRA Parties are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such rights or obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Except as otherwise explicitly provided in this Agreement, (i) the actions of the TRA Parties pursuant to and in accordance with this Agreement shall be binding on all TRA Parties. To the fullest extent permitted by law, none of the TRA Parties shall owe any duties (fiduciary or otherwise) to any other TRA Parties or any other Person in determining to take or refrain from taking any action or decision under or in connection with this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, the TRA Parties acknowledge that, in taking or omitting to take any action or decision hereunder, each TRA Party shall be permitted to take into consideration solely its own interests and shall have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting any other TRA Party or any other Person.
Section 7.15. Coordination with Operating Agreement. To the extent this Agreement imposes obligations on the LLC or a member of the LLC, this Agreement shall be treated as part of the Operating Agreement as described in Section 761(c) of the Code and Sections 1.761-1(c) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(h) of the Treasury Regulations.
[Signature Page Follows this Page]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed or caused to be executed on their behalf this Agreement as of the date first written above.
CORPORATION: |
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP. |
By: | /s/ Brett A. Steele |
Name: | Brett A. Steele |
Title: | Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary |
THE LLC: |
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC |
By: | /s/ Brett A. Steele |
Name: | Brett A. Steele |
Title: |
Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary |
[Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement]
TRA PARTIES: |
The Bradbury Family Trust II A U/A/D December 29, 2015 |
By: | /s/ Thomas L. Bradbury |
Name: | Thomas L. Bradbury |
Title: | Trustee |
GSB HOLDINGS LLC |
By: | /s/ Gregory S. Bennett |
Name: | Gregory S. Bennett |
Title: | Sole Member and Manager |
[Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement]
Exhibit A
FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT
This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of _______________, 20___ (this “Joinder”), is delivered pursuant to that certain Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2024 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Tax Receivable Agreement”), by and among Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and each of the TRA Parties from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement.
1. | Joinder to the Tax Receivable Agreement. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to the Corporation that, as of the date hereof, the undersigned has been assigned an interest in the Tax Receivable Agreement from a TRA Party. |
2. | Joinder to the Tax Receivable Agreement. Upon the execution of this Joinder by the undersigned and delivery hereof to the Corporation, the undersigned hereby is and hereafter will be a TRA Party under the Tax Receivable Agreement, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a party thereunder. The undersigned hereby agrees that it shall comply with and be fully bound by the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement as if it had been a signatory thereto as of the date thereof. |
3. | Incorporation by Reference. All terms and conditions of the Tax Receivable Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joinder as if set forth herein in full. |
4. | Address. All notices under the Tax Receivable Agreement to the undersigned shall be direct to: |
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Attn:
Facsimile:
E-mail:
[Signature Page Follows this Page]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Joinder as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW TRA PARTY]
By: |
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Acknowledged and agreed
as of the date first set forth above:
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
By: |
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
||
|
Smith Douglas Homes Corp.
|
|
110 Village Trail, Suite 215
|
|
Woodstock, Georgia 30188
|
|
|
|
Attn: Brett Steele, General Counsel
|
|
|
|
With a copy to:
|
|
|
|
Latham & Watkins LLP
|
|
1271 Avenue of the Americas
|
|
New York, New York 10022
|
|
Attn: Marc Jaffe
|
|
Facsimile: ***
|
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
|
||
By:
|
/s/ Brett A. Steele | |
Name:
|
Brett A. Steele | |
Title:
|
Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary |
GSB HOLDINGS LLC
|
||
By:
|
/s/ Gregory S. Bennett | |
Name:
|
Gregory S. Bennett | |
Title:
|
Sole Member and Manager |
THE BRADBURY FAMILY TRUST II A U/A/D
DECEMBER 29, 2015
|
||
By:
|
/s/ Thomas L. Bradbury | |
Name:
|
Thomas L. Bradbury | |
Title:
|
Trustee |
Holder
|
GSB Holdings LLC
|
The Bradbury Family Trust II A
|
U/A/D December 29, 2015 |
Signature of Stockholder
|
|
Print Name of Stockholder
|
|
Its:
|
|
Address:
|
Smith Douglas Homes Corp.
|
||
By:
|
||
Name:
|
||
Its:
|
Exhibit 10.4
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because Smith Douglas Homes Corp. has determined such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
EXECUTION VERSION
Loan Number 1020381
AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
dated as of January 16, 2024
by and among
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company,
and
SMITH DOUGLAS BUILDING SERVICES LLC,
SDH ATLANTA LLC,
SDH ALABAMA LLC,
SDH NASHVILLE LLC,
SDH RALEIGH LLC,
SDH CHARLOTTE LLC,
and
SDH HOUSTON LLC,
each a Georgia limited liability company,
collectively as the Borrower
The financial institutions party hereto
and their assignees under Section 13.6,
as Lenders
and
WELLS FARGO Bank, National Association,
as Administrative Agent
______________________________________________________
WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC AND BOFA SECURITIES, INC.
as Joint Lead Arrangers
WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC,
as Sole Bookrunner
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
as Syndication Agent
Table of Contents
Page
ARTICLE I Definitions | 1 | |
Section 1.1 | Definitions | 1 |
Section 1.2 | General; References to Central Time | 43 |
ARTICLE II Credit Facility | 45 | |
Section 2.1 | Revolving Loans | 45 |
Section 2.2 | [Intentionally Omitted] | 46 |
Section 2.3 | [Intentionally Omitted] | 46 |
Section 2.4 | Letters of Credit | 46 |
Section 2.5 | Swingline Loans | 51 |
Section 2.6 | Rates and Payment of Interest on Loans | 53 |
Section 2.7 | [Intentionally Omitted] | 54 |
Section 2.8 | Repayment of Loans | 54 |
Section 2.9 | Prepayments | 54 |
Section 2.10 | Continuation of Loans | 56 |
Section 2.11 | Conversion of Loans | 56 |
Section 2.12 | Notes | 57 |
Section 2.13 | Voluntary Reductions of the Revolving Commitment | 57 |
Section 2.14 | Extension of Revolving Loan Termination Date | 58 |
Section 2.15 | Expiration Date of Letters of Credit Past Revolving Commitment Termination | 60 |
Section 2.16 | Amount Limitations | 60 |
Section 2.17 | Increase in Revolving Commitments | 61 |
Section 2.18 | Funds Transfer Disbursements | 62 |
ARTICLE III Payments, Fees and Other General Provisions | 62 | |
Section 3.1 | Payments | 62 |
Section 3.2 | Pro Rata Treatment | 63 |
Section 3.3 | Sharing of Payments, Etc. | 64 |
Section 3.4 | Several Obligations | 64 |
Section 3.5 | Fees | 64 |
Section 3.6 | Computations | 65 |
Section 3.7 | Usury | 66 |
Table of Contents
(continued)
Page
Section 3.8 | Statements of Account | 66 |
Section 3.9 | Defaulting Lenders | 66 |
Section 3.10 | Taxes | 70 |
ARTICLE IV Borrowing Base Properties | 74 | |
Section 4.1 | Eligibility of Properties | 74 |
Section 4.2 | Unsecured Loan | 74 |
Section 4.3 | Intentionally Omitted | 75 |
Section 4.4 | Intentionally Omitted | 75 |
Section 4.5 | Release of Borrowers | 75 |
Section 4.6 | Intentionally Omitted | 75 |
Section 4.7 | Frequency of Calculations of Borrowing Base | 75 |
Section 4.8 | Inspections | 75 |
Section 4.9 | Further Information Regarding Budgets | 75 |
ARTICLE V Yield Protection, Etc. | 76 | |
Section 5.1 | Capital Adequacy | 76 |
Section 5.2 | Changed Circumstances | 78 |
Section 5.3 | Illegality | 81 |
Section 5.4 | Indemnity | 81 |
Section 5.5 | Treatment of Affected Loans | 82 |
Section 5.6 | Affected Lenders | 83 |
Section 5.7 | Change of Lending Office | 83 |
Section 5.8 | Assumptions Concerning Funding of SOFR Loans | 83 |
ARTICLE VI Conditions Precedent | 84 | |
Section 6.1 | Initial Conditions Precedent | 84 |
Section 6.2 | Conditions Precedent to All Loans and Letters of Credit | 87 |
Section 6.3 | Conditions Precedent to a Property becoming a Borrowing Base Property | 87 |
ARTICLE VII Representations and Warranties | 88 | |
Section 7.1 | Representations and Warranties | 88 |
Section 7.2 | Survival of Representations and Warranties, Etc. | 96 |
Table of Contents
(continued)
Page
ARTICLE VIII Affirmative Covenants | 96 | |
Section 8.1 | Preservation of Existence and Similar Matters | 96 |
Section 8.2 | Compliance with Applicable Law | 96 |
Section 8.3 | Maintenance of Property | 97 |
Section 8.4 | Conduct of Business | 97 |
Section 8.5 | Insurance | 97 |
Section 8.6 | Payment of Taxes and Claims | 98 |
Section 8.7 | Books and Records; Inspections | 98 |
Section 8.8 | Use of Proceeds; Sanctions | 99 |
Section 8.9 | Environmental Matters | 99 |
Section 8.10 | Further Assurances | 100 |
Section 8.11 | Material Contracts | 100 |
Section 8.12 | Statements and Projections of the Loan Parties | 100 |
Section 8.13 | Exchange Listing | 100 |
Section 8.14 | Additional Borrowers | 100 |
Section 8.15 | Intentionally Omitted | 101 |
Section 8.16 | Beneficial Ownership | 101 |
Section 8.17 | Public Corporation Parent | 101 |
ARTICLE IX Information | 102 | |
Section 9.1 | Quarterly Financial Statements | 102 |
Section 9.2 | Year-End Statements | 102 |
Section 9.3 | Compliance Certificate | 103 |
Section 9.4 | Other Information | 103 |
Section 9.5 | Electronic Delivery of Certain Information | 106 |
Section 9.6 | Public/Private Information | 107 |
Section 9.7 | USA Patriot Act Notice; Compliance | 107 |
ARTICLE X Negative Covenants | 108 | |
Section 10.1 | Financial Covenants | 108 |
Section 10.2 | Negative Pledge | 109 |
Section 10.3 | Restrictions on Intercompany Transfers | 109 |
Section 10.4 | Merger, Division, Consolidation, Sales of Assets and Other Arrangements | 109 |
Table of Contents
(continued)
Page
Section 10.5 | Subordinated Debt Prepayments; Amendments | 110 |
Section 10.6 | Permitted Indebtedness | 111 |
Section 10.7 | Plans | 112 |
Section 10.8 | Fiscal Year; Line of Business; Accounting Practices | 112 |
Section 10.9 | Modifications of Organizational Documents and Material Contracts | 112 |
Section 10.10 | Transactions with Affiliates | 113 |
Section 10.11 | Environmental Matters | 113 |
Section 10.12 | Derivatives Contracts | 113 |
Section 10.13 | Model Housing Units | 113 |
Section 10.14 | Leasing | 113 |
ARTICLE XI Default | 114 | |
Section 11.1 | Events of Default | 114 |
Section 11.2 | Remedies Upon Event of Default | 118 |
Section 11.3 | Intentionally Omitted | 119 |
Section 11.4 | Marshaling; Payments Set Aside | 119 |
Section 11.5 | Allocation of Proceeds | 119 |
Section 11.6 | Letter of Credit Collateral Account | 120 |
Section 11.7 | Performance by the Administrative Agent | 122 |
Section 11.8 | Rights Cumulative | 122 |
ARTICLE XII The Administrative Agent | 123 | |
Section 12.1 | Appointment and Authorization | 123 |
Section 12.2 | Administrative Agent as Lender | 124 |
Section 12.3 | Intentionally Omitted | 124 |
Section 12.4 | Intentionally Omitted | 124 |
Section 12.5 | Approvals of Lenders | 124 |
Section 12.6 | Notice of Events of Default | 125 |
Section 12.7 | Administrative Agent’s Reliance | 125 |
Section 12.8 | Indemnification of the Administrative Agent | 126 |
Section 12.9 | Lender Credit Decision, Etc. | 127 |
Section 12.10 | Successor Administrative Agent | 127 |
Table of Contents
(continued)
Page
Section 12.11 | Titled Agents | 128 |
Section 12.12 | Specified Derivatives Contracts; Specified Derivatives Providers | 128 |
Section 12.13 | Certain ERISA Matters | 129 |
Section 12.14 | Intentionally Omitted | 130 |
Section 12.15 | Erroneous Payments | 130 |
ARTICLE XIII Miscellaneous | 132 | |
Section 13.1 | Notices | 132 |
Section 13.2 | Expenses | 135 |
Section 13.3 | Stamp, Intangible and Recording Taxes | 136 |
Section 13.4 | Setoff | 136 |
Section 13.5 | Litigation; Jurisdiction; Other Matters; Waivers | 137 |
Section 13.6 | Successors and Assigns | 138 |
Section 13.7 | Amendments and Waivers | 142 |
Section 13.8 | Nonliability of the Administrative Agent and Lenders | 145 |
Section 13.9 | Confidentiality | 146 |
Section 13.10 | Indemnification | 147 |
Section 13.11 | Termination; Survival | 148 |
Section 13.12 | Severability of Provisions | 148 |
Section 13.13 | GOVERNING LAW | 148 |
Section 13.14 | Counterparts | 148 |
Section 13.15 | Obligations with Respect to Loan Parties and Subsidiaries | 149 |
Section 13.16 | Independence of Covenants | 149 |
Section 13.17 | Limitation of Liability | 149 |
Section 13.18 | Entire Agreement | 149 |
Section 13.19 | Construction | 150 |
Section 13.20 | Headings | 150 |
Section 13.21 | Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions | 150 |
Section 13.22 | Subordination of Intercompany Obligations | 150 |
Section 13.23 | Co-Borrower Provisions | 152 |
Section 13.24 | Acknowledgment Regarding Any Supported QFCs | 155 |
Table of Contents
(continued)
Page
Section 13.25 | Contribution Agreement | 156 |
Section 13.26 | Amendment and Restatement of Existing Credit Agreement | 157 |
SCHEDULE I | Commitments |
SCHEDULE 1.1(a) | List of Loan Parties |
SCHEDULE 4.1 | Initial Borrowing Base Properties |
SCHEDULE 7.1(b) | Ownership Structure |
SCHEDULE 7.1(f) | Properties |
SCHEDULE 7.1(g) | Indebtedness and Guaranties |
SCHEDULE 7.1(h) | Material Contracts |
SCHEDULE 7.1(i) | Litigation |
SCHEDULE 7.1(m) | Employee Benefit Plans |
SCHEDULE 7.1(r) | Affiliate Transactions |
EXHIBIT A | Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement |
EXHIBIT B | Form of Borrowing Base Certificate |
EXHIBIT C | [Intentionally Omitted] |
EXHIBIT D | Form of Joinder Agreement |
EXHIBIT E | Form of Parent Guaranty |
EXHIBIT F-1 | Form of Notice of Borrowing |
EXHIBIT F-2 | Form of Notice of Swingline Borrowing |
EXHIBIT G | Form of Notice of Continuation |
EXHIBIT H | Form of Notice of Conversion |
EXHIBIT I | [Intentionally Omitted] |
EXHIBIT J | Form of Revolving Note |
EXHIBIT K | Form of Swingline Note |
EXHIBIT L | [Intentionally Omitted] |
EXHIBIT M | Form of Disbursement Instruction Agreement |
EXHIBIT N | Form of Compliance Certificate |
EXHIBITS O-1-O-4 | Forms of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificates |
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), dated as of January 16, 2024, by and among SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Smith Douglas Holdings”), SMITH DOUGLAS BUILDING SERVICES LLC (“Smith Douglas Building”), SDH ATLANTA LLC, SDH ALABAMA LLC, SDH NASHVILLE LLC, SDH RALEIGH LLC, SDH CHARLOTTE LLC, AND SDH HOUSTON LLC, each a Georgia limited liability company (individually and collectively, as the context may suggest or require, the “Smith Douglas-owned Subsidiaries” and together with Smith Douglas Holdings and Smith Douglas Building, together with any other borrower which joins in this Agreement after the date hereof, whether by execution of a joinder to this Agreement or otherwise, individually or collectively as the context may suggest or require, jointly and severally, the “Borrower”), each of the financial institutions initially a signatory hereto together with their successors and permitted assignees under Section 13.6 (the “Lenders”), and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent (the “Administrative Agent”), with WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC, as a joint Lead Arranger (in such capacity, “Wells Fargo Securities”) and sole Bookrunner (in such capacity, the “Sole Bookrunner”), and BOFA SECURITIES, INC., as a joint Lead Arranger (“BofA Securities,” and together with Wells Fargo Securities, “Joint Lead Arrangers”).
WHEREAS, Smith Douglas Building and the Smith Douglas-owned Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Existing Borrowers”), the Administrative Agent, and the Existing Lenders, are party to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of October 28, 2021, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Credit Agreement and Other Loan Documents dated as of December 19, 2022, as further amended by that certain Letter Agreement dated as of April 27, 2023, as further amended by that certain Letter Agreement dated as of July 7, 2023, and as further amended by that certain Letter Agreement dated as of July 31, 2023 (as amended, and as the same may be further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Existing Credit Agreement”).
WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Lenders party hereto, and the Administrative Agent have agreed to amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement in its entirety, as and in accordance with, and subject to, the terms and conditions set forth herein, including to make available to the Borrower a revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $250,000,000, which includes a $20,000,000 letter of credit subfacility and a $15,000,000 swingline subfacility.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the parties hereto, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions
Section 1.1 Definitions.
In addition to terms defined elsewhere herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings for the purposes of this Agreement:
“Actual Costs” means, the amount that the applicable Borrower has expended (to the extent such expenditures shall ultimately constitute costs of sales in accordance with GAAP, but in any event excluding general administrative corporate overhead) as of the last day of the most recent calendar month with respect to which the Borrower is required to have delivered a certificate pursuant to Section 9.4(d), for:
(a) the acquisition of Land Held for Development;
(b) the acquisition and development of Lots Under Development;
(c) the acquisition of a Finished Lot; or
(d) the construction of a Housing Unit on a Finished Lot for a Model Housing Unit, Speculative Housing Unit or Presold Housing Unit.
“Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day (a “Simple SOFR Rate Day”), a rate per annum equal to the greater of (a) the sum of (i) SOFR for the day (such day, a “SOFR Determination Day”) that is five (5) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to (A) if such Simple SOFR Rate Day is a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, such Simple SOFR Rate Day or (B) if such Simple SOFR Rate Day is not a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, the U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately preceding such Simple SOFR Rate Day, in each case, as such SOFR is published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website; provided that if by 5:00 p.m. on the second (2nd) U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately following any SOFR Determination Day, SOFR in respect of such SOFR Determination Day has not been published on the SOFR Administrator’s Website and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR has not occurred, then SOFR for such SOFR Determination Day will be SOFR as published in respect of the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which such SOFR was published on the SOFR Administrator’s Website; provided further that SOFR as determined pursuant to this proviso shall be utilized for purposes of calculation of Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR for no more than three (3) consecutive Simple SOFR Rate Days and (ii) the SOFR Adjustment and (b) the Floor. Any change in Adjusted 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.
“Adjusted Term SOFR” means, for purposes of any calculation, the rate per annum equal to (a) Term SOFR for such calculation plus (b) the SOFR Adjustment; provided that if Adjusted Term SOFR as so determined shall ever be less than the Floor, then Adjusted Term SOFR shall be deemed to be the Floor.
“Administrative Agent” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as contractual representative of the Lenders under this Agreement, or any successor Administrative Agent appointed pursuant to Section 12.10.
“Administrative Questionnaire” means the Administrative Questionnaire completed by each Lender and delivered to the Administrative Agent in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders from time to time.
“Affected Financial Institution” means (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. Unless explicitly set forth to the contrary, a reference to an “Affiliate” means a reference to an Affiliate of the Borrower.
“Agreement” has the meaning given that term in the preamble hereto.
“Agreement Date” means the date as of which this Agreement is dated.
“Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder and the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
“Anti-Money Laundering Law” means any and all laws, statutes, regulations or obligatory government orders, decrees, ordinances or rules related to terrorism financing, money laundering, any predicate crime to money laundering or any financial record keeping, including any applicable provision of the PATRIOT Act and The Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act (also known as the “Bank Secrecy Act,” 31 U.S.C. §§ 5311-5330 and 12 U.S.C. §§ 1818(s), 1820(b) and 1951-1959).
“Applicable Law” means all applicable international, foreign, federal, state and local statutes, treaties, regulations, ordinances, codes, executive orders, and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case having the force of law.
“Applicable Margin” means the percentage rate set forth below corresponding to the “Leverage Ratio” as determined in accordance with the definition thereof:
Level |
Leverage Ratio |
Applicable Margin for SOFR Loans and Base Rate Loans |
1 | Less than 35% | 2.35% |
2 | Greater than or equal to 35% but less than 45% | 2.50% |
3 | Greater than or equal to 45% but less than 55% | 2.75% |
4 | Greater than or equal to 55% | 3.00% |
The Applicable Margin for Loans shall be determined by the Administrative Agent from time to time, based on the Leverage Ratio as set forth in the Compliance Certificate most recently delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 9.3. Any adjustment to the Applicable Margin shall be effective as of the first (1st) day of the calendar month immediately following the month during which the Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent the applicable Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 9.3. If the Borrower fails to deliver a Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 9.3, the Applicable Margin shall equal the percentages corresponding to Level 4 until the first day of the calendar month immediately following the date that the required Compliance Certificate is delivered. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the period from the Agreement Date through but excluding the date on which the Administrative Agent first determines the Applicable Margin for Loans as set forth above, the Applicable Margin shall be determined based on Level 1. Thereafter, such Applicable Margin shall be adjusted from time to time as set forth in this definition. The provisions of this definition shall be subject to Section 2.6(c).
“Approved Fund” means any Fund that is administered, managed or underwritten by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender, or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of any entity that administers or manages a Lender.
“Approved Sales Contract” means a bona fide, legally binding, enforceable contract for the sale of a Housing Unit, between the Borrower, as seller, and a third party unrelated to the Borrower, as buyer, with respect to which (i) the form and substance of such contract shall be normal and customary for that market, (ii) to the extent permitted by local law, a market-based earnest money deposit consistent with similar product type has been received by the Borrower, and (iii) the Borrower has received sufficient information that would indicate that such buyer has (A) submitted a mortgage loan application to a qualified single family mortgage lender for the financing of the acquisition of such Housing Unit, and (B) such single family mortgage lender has or can provide evidence that buyer is qualified for the financing designated in the contract. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if after the date of such contract any of the aforementioned conditions cease to exist, then such contract shall thereafter no longer be deemed an Approved Sales Contract. The Administrative Agent reserves the right to periodically audit the Borrower’s records to ensure that any Housing Unit designated as a Presold Housing Unit satisfies all of the conditions referenced above.
“Assignment and Assumption” means an Assignment and Assumption Agreement entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 13.6), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit A or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
“Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to any then-current Benchmark, as applicable, (a) if such Benchmark is a term rate, any tenor for such Benchmark (or component thereof) that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period pursuant to this Agreement or (b) otherwise, any payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark (or component thereof) that is or may be used for determining any frequency of making payments of interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark, in each case, as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to Section 5.2(c)(iv).
“Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an Affected Financial Institution.
“Bail-In Legislation” means (a) with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law, regulation, rule or requirement for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, Part I of the United Kingdom Banking Act 2009 (as amended from time to time) and any other law, regulation or rule applicable in the United Kingdom relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates (other than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings).
“Bankruptcy Code” means the Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended.
“Base Rate” means, at any time, the highest of (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, and (c) the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR in effect on such day; each change in the Base Rate shall take effect simultaneously with the corresponding change or changes in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate, or Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, as applicable (provided that clause (c) shall not be applicable during any period in which Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is unavailable or unascertainable). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Base Rate be less than the Floor.
“Base Rate Loan” means a Loan (or any portion thereof) bearing interest at a rate based upon the Base Rate.
“Benchmark” means, initially, Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR or Adjusted Term SOFR, as applicable; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event has occurred with respect to Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR or Adjusted Term SOFR, as applicable, or the applicable then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to Section 5.2(c)(i).
“Benchmark Replacement” means, with respect to any Benchmark Transition Event for any then-current Benchmark, the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower as the replacement for such Benchmark giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement to such then-current Benchmark for Dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; provided that, if such Benchmark Replacement as so determined would be less than the Floor, such Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of any then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for any applicable Available Tenor (if applicable), the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower giving due consideration to (a) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body or (b) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for Dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities.
“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to any then-current Benchmark:
(a) | in the case of clause (a) or (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (i) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (ii) the date on which the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide all Available Tenors (if applicable) of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or |
(b) | in the case of clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the first date on which such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) has been determined and announced by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) to be non-representative; provided, that such non-representativeness will be determined by reference to the most recent statement or publication referenced in such clause (c) and even if any Available Tenor (if applicable) of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) continues to be provided on such date. |
For the avoidance of doubt, if the applicable then-current Benchmark has any Available Tenors, the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (a) or (b) with respect to any Benchmark upon the occurrence of the applicable event or events set forth therein with respect to all then-current Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
“Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to any then-current Benchmark:
(a) | a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors (if applicable) of such Benchmark (or such component thereof), permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor (if applicable) of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); |
(b) | a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof), the FRB, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors (if applicable)of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor (if applicable) of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or |
(c) | a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that all Available Tenors (if applicable) of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are not, or as of a specified future date will not be, representative. |
For the avoidance of doubt, if the applicable then-current Benchmark has any Available Tenors, a “Benchmark Transition Event” will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
“Benchmark Transition Start Date” means, in the case of a Benchmark Transition Event, the earlier of (a) the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and (b) if such Benchmark Transition Event is a public statement or publication of information of a prospective event, the 90th day prior to the expected date of such event as of such public statement or publication of information (or if the expected date of such prospective event is fewer than 90 days after such statement or publication, the date of such statement or publication).
“Benchmark Unavailability Period” means, with respect to any then-current Benchmark, the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to such Benchmark has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 5.8(c) and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 5.8(c).
“Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
“Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.
“Benefit Plan” means any of (a) an “employee benefit plan” (as defined in ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in and subject to Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of ERISA Section 3(42) or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code) the assets of any such “employee benefit plan” or “plan”.
“BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.
“Borrower” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof and shall include the Borrower’s successors and permitted assigns.
“Borrower Information” has the meaning given that term in Section 2.6(c).
“Borrowing Base” means an amount equal to the sum of the Borrowing Base Values of the Borrowing Base Properties as determined from time to time in accordance with this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein:
(a) the aggregate Borrowing Base Value of Land Held for Development shall not exceed at any time ten percent (10%) of the Borrowing Base (and any amount in excess of such limitation shall be excluded from the calculation of Borrowing Base);
(b) the aggregate Borrowing Base Value of Land Held for Development, Lots Under Development and Finished Lots shall not exceed at any time thirty percent (30%) of the Borrowing Base (and any amount in excess of such limitation shall be excluded from the calculation of Borrowing Base);
(c) the aggregate Borrowing Base Value of Speculative Housing Units and Model Housing Units shall not exceed at any time fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate of the Borrowing Base Value of Speculative Housing Units, Model Housing Units and Presold Housing Units (and any amount in excess of such limitation shall be excluded from the calculation of Borrowing Base);
(d) the Borrowing Base Value of Housing Units attributable to vertical improvements with respect thereto will be excluded until such time as a building permit with respect to the Housing Unit has been received from the applicable Governmental Authority; and
(e) if at any time the Profit and Participation Agreement Amount exceeds $10,000,000 in the aggregate, then any Profit and Participation Agreement Amount in excess thereof shall be deducted from the aggregate Borrowing Base, as otherwise calculated in accordance herewith.
“Borrowing Base Aging Limitations” means that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein:
(a) any Land Held for Development shall be excluded from the calculation of Borrowing Base Value if such Land Held for Development has been included in the Borrowing Base as “Land Held for Development” for more than twelve (12) months after the later of (x) the Effective Date and (y) the addition of such Land Held for Development to the Borrowing Base, as determined on a cumulative basis;
(b) any Lot Under Development shall be excluded from the calculation of Borrowing Base Value if such Lot Under Development has been included in the Borrowing Base as a “Lot Under Development” for more than eighteen (18) months after the later of (x) the Effective Date and (y) the addition of such Lot Under Development to the Borrowing Base, as determined on a cumulative basis; provided, however, that any Lot Under Development shall be excluded from the calculation of Borrowing Base Value if no physical development activity has occurred on such Lot Under Development for six (6) months;
(c) any Finished Lot shall be excluded from the calculation of Borrowing Base Value if such Finished Lot has been included in the Borrowing Base as a “Finished Lot” for more than twenty-four (24) months after the later of (x) the Effective Date and (y) the addition of such Finished Lot to the Borrowing Base, as determined on a cumulative basis;
(d) any Speculative Housing Unit shall be excluded from the calculation of Borrowing Base Value if such Speculative Housing Unit has been included in the Borrowing Base as a “Speculative Housing Unit” for more than eighteen (18) months after the later of (x) the Effective Date and (y) the addition of such Speculative Housing Unit to the Borrowing Base, as determined on a cumulative basis; and
(e) any Model Housing Unit shall be excluded from the calculation of Borrowing Base Value if such Model Housing Unit has been included in the Borrowing Base as a “Model Housing Unit” for more than thirty-six (36) months after the later of (x) the Effective Date and (y) the addition of such Speculative Housing Unit to the Borrowing Base, as determined on a cumulative basis.
“Borrowing Base Certificate” means a report in substantially the form of Exhibit B, certified by a Responsible Officer, setting forth the Borrowing Base Property and calculations required to establish the Borrowing Base Value for each Borrowing Base Property and the Borrowing Base for all Borrowing Base Properties as of a specified date, and a calculation of the Profit and Participation Agreement Amount, all in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
“Borrowing Base Property” means Eligible Property that the Administrative Agent has agreed to include in calculations of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 4.1. A Property shall be excluded from the determination of the Borrowing Base if at any time such Property shall cease to be an Eligible Property and no Property may be added to the Borrowing Base after the date that is three (3) months prior to the stated Maturity Date.
“Borrowing Base Value” means, subject to the Borrowing Base Aging Limitations, with respect to a Borrowing Base Property (subject to any additional limitations set forth in the definition of “Borrowing Base”), an amount equal to:
(i) For Land Held for Development, forty-five percent (45%) of the Actual Costs, plus
(ii) For Lots Under Development, fifty-five percent (55%) of the Actual Costs, plus
(iii) For Finished Lots, seventy-five percent (75%) of the Actual Costs; provided, however, that each such percentage applicable to each Finished Lot shall be reduced to sixty-five percent (65%) on the first anniversary of the later of (x) the Effective Date and (y) the addition of such Finished Lot to the Borrowing Base, plus
(iv) For Presold Housing Units, ninety (90%) of the Actual Costs, plus
(v) For Speculative Housing Units, eighty-five percent (85%) of the Actual Costs, plus
(vi) For Model Housing Units, eighty percent (80%) of the Actual Costs.
“Business Day” means for all purposes, any day (other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday) on which banks in New York, New York, are open for the conduct of their commercial banking business. Unless specifically referenced in this Agreement as a Business Day, all references to “days” shall be to calendar days.
“Capitalized Lease Obligations” means obligations under a lease (or other arrangement conveying the right to use property) to pay rent or other amounts that are required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP. The amount of a Capitalized Lease Obligation is the capitalized amount of such obligation as would be required to be reflected on a balance sheet of the applicable Person prepared in accordance with GAAP as of the applicable date.
“Cash Collateralize” means, to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Issuing Bank or the Lenders, as collateral for Letter of Credit Liabilities or obligations of Lenders to fund participations in respect of Letter of Credit Liabilities, cash or deposit account balances or, if the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank shall agree in their sole discretion, other credit support, in each case pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank. “Cash Collateral” shall have a meaning correlative to the foregoing and shall include the proceeds of such cash collateral and other credit support.
“Cash Equivalents” means (a) securities issued, guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any of its agencies with maturities of not more than one year from the date acquired; (b) certificates of deposit with maturities of not more than one year from the date acquired issued by a United States federal or state chartered commercial bank of recognized standing, or a commercial bank organized under the laws of any other country which is a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, or a political subdivision of any such country, acting through a branch or agency, which bank has capital and unimpaired surplus in excess of $500,000,000 and which bank or its holding company has a short term commercial paper rating of at least A 2 or the equivalent by S&P or at least P 2 or the equivalent by Moody’s; (c) reverse repurchase agreements with terms of not more than seven (7) days from the date acquired, for securities of the type described in clause (a) above and entered into only with commercial banks having the qualifications described in clause (b) above; (d) commercial paper issued by any Person incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof and rated at least A 2 or the equivalent thereof by S&P or at least P 2 or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s, in each case with maturities of not more than one year from the date acquired; and (e) investments in money market funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which have net assets of at least $500,000,000 and at least eighty-five percent (85%) of whose assets consist of securities and other obligations of the type described in clauses (a) through (d) above.
“Closing” means a closing of the sale of Land Held for Development, Lots Under Development, Finished Lots, or a Housing Unit by the Borrower to a bona fide purchaser for value that is not a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Borrower in an arms’ length transaction.
“Commitment” means, as to a Lender, such Lender’s Revolving Commitment.
“Commodity Exchange Act” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.) as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.
“Compliance Certificate” has the meaning given that term in Section 9.3.
“Conforming Changes” means, with respect to either the use or administration of an initial Benchmark or the use, administration, adoption or implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Base Rate,” the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “U.S. Government Securities Business Day,” the definition of “Interest Period” or any similar or analogous definition (or the addition of a concept of “interest period”), timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, the applicability and length of lookback periods, the applicability of Section 5.4 and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent decides (after consultation with the Borrower) may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of any such rate or to permit the use and administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Administrative Agent determines that no market practice for the administration of any such rate exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, in each case subject to consultation with the Borrower).
“Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.
“Consolidated Debt” means the sum of the following (without duplication): (a) all funded debt of the Borrower and its respective Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, (b) all outstanding loan balances associated with recourse obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary not shown on the Borrower’s consolidated balance sheet including guarantees, (c) the principal amount of all financial surety bonds, non-cash secured letters of credit and/or tri-party agreements whether presented for payment or not, but excluding performance letters of credit for which payment has not been demanded by the beneficiary and for which reimbursement by the Borrower or a Subsidiary has not been made, (d) net liabilities of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under Derivatives Contracts, (e) the pro rata share of any Joint Venture indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, and (f) contingent obligations of the Borrower and its respective Subsidiaries to the extent of amount then due and payable.
“Construction Budget” means, with respect to each Housing Unit, the budget for the total estimated Vertical Construction Costs for each such Housing Unit, as submitted by the Borrower in accordance with Section 6.3(b)(i) and accepted by the Administrative Agent.
“Continue” “Continue”, “Continuation” and “Continued” each refers to the continuation of a Term SOFR Loan from one Interest Period to another Interest Period pursuant to Section 2.10.
“Contract Price” means the sales price for a Presold Housing Unit which is payable to the Borrower pursuant to an Approved Sales Contract, as such sales price may be adjusted in accordance with the terms of such Approved Sales Contract.
“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.
“Convert”, “Conversion” and “Converted” each refers to the conversion of a Loan of one Type into a Loan of another Type pursuant to Section 2.11.
“Convertible Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of the Parent permitted to be incurred under the terms of this Agreement that is either (a) convertible into common stock of the Parent (and cash in lieu of fractional shares) and/or cash (in an amount determined by reference to the price of such common stock) or (b) sold as units with call options, warrants or rights to purchase (or substantially equivalent derivative transactions) that are exercisable for common stock of the Parent and/or cash (in an amount determined by reference to the price of such common stock).
“Covered Entity” means any of the following:
(a) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);
(b) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or
(c) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).
“Covered Party” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 13.24.
“Credit Event” means any of the following: (a) the making (or deemed making) of any Loan, (b) the Conversion of a Base Rate Loan into a SOFR Loan, (c) the Conversion of a Daily Simple SOFR Loan into a Term SOFR Loan, (d) the Conversion of a Term SOFR Loan into a Daily Simple SOFR Loan, (e) the Conversion of a SOFR Loan into a Base Rate Loan, (f) the Continuation of a SOFR Loan, and (g) the issuance of a Letter of Credit or the amendment of a Letter of Credit that extends the maturity, or increases the Stated Amount, of such Letter of Credit.
“Credit Rating” means the rating assigned by a Rating Agency to the senior unsecured long term Indebtedness of a Person.
“Daily Simple SOFR Loan” means any Loan (or any portion thereof) bearing interest at a rate based on Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR (other than pursuant to the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR component of the definition of “Base Rate”).
“Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar Applicable Laws relating to the relief of debtors in the United States of America or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect.
“Default” means any of the events specified in Section 11.1, whether or not any requirement for the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both, has been satisfied.
“Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.
“Defaulting Lender” means, subject to Section 3.9(f), any Lender that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of its Loans within two (2) Business Days of the date such Loans were required to be funded hereunder unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder (including in respect of its participation in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans) within two (2) Business Days of the date when due; (b) has notified the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, or the Swingline Lender in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lender’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied); (c) has failed, within three (3) Business Days after written request by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower, to confirm in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower); or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity, or (iii) become the subject of a Bail-In Action; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any Equity Interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States of America or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender. Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 3.9(f)) upon delivery of written notice of such determination to the Borrower, the Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender and each Lender.
“Derivatives Contract” means a “swap agreement” as defined in Section 101 of the Bankruptcy Code.
“Derivatives Value” means, in respect of any one or more Derivatives Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement or provision relating thereto, (a) for any date on or after the date such Derivatives Contracts have been terminated or closed out, the termination amount or value determined in accordance therewith, and (b) for any date prior to the date such Derivatives Contracts have been terminated or closed out, the then-current mark-to-market value for such Derivatives Contracts, determined based upon one or more mid-market quotations or estimates provided by any recognized dealer in Derivatives Contracts (which may include the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Specified Derivatives Provider or any Affiliate of any of them).
“Development Budget” means, with respect to each Borrowing Base Property that is not a Housing Unit, the budget for the acquisition of land and site development work related to horizontal development of the Lots, as submitted by the Borrower in accordance with Section 6.3(a)(i)(3) and accepted by the Administrative Agent, and as amended from time to time in a Borrowing Base Certificate.
“Disbursement Instruction Agreement” means an agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit M to be executed and delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 6.1(a)(xiii), as the same may be amended, restated or modified from time to time with the prior written approval of the Administrative Agent.
“Dollars” or “$” means the lawful currency of the United States of America.
“EBITDA” means, with respect to a Person for any period and without duplication: net income (loss) of such Person for such period determined on a consolidated basis excluding the following (but only to the extent included in determining net income (loss) for such period): (i) depreciation and amortization; (ii) Interest Incurred; (iii) income tax expense; (iv) extraordinary or nonrecurring items (excluding any real estate impairments); (v) other non-cash charges and expenses; and (vi) other items as approved by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion. EBITDA shall be adjusted to remove any impact from straight line rent leveling adjustments required under GAAP and amortization of intangibles pursuant to FASB ASC 805 and ASC 840. For purposes of this definition, nonrecurring items shall be deemed to include (x) gains and losses on early extinguishment of Indebtedness, (y) non-cash severance and other non-cash restructuring charges and (z) transaction costs of acquisitions not permitted to be capitalized pursuant to GAAP.
“EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.
“EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
“EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any Person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country.
“Effective Date” means the later of (a) the Agreement Date and (b) the date on which all of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 6.1 shall have been fulfilled or waived by all of the Lenders.
“Eligible Assignee” means (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender, (c) an Approved Fund and (d) any other Person (other than a natural person) approved by the Administrative Agent (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), provided that neither the Borrower nor any Affiliate of the Borrower shall be an Eligible Assignee.
“Eligible Property” means a Property which satisfies all of the following requirements: (a) such Property is located on Entitled Land and constitutes Land Held for Development, Lots Under Development, Finished Lots, Presold Housing Units, Speculative Housing Units or Model Housing Units; (b) such Property is owned in fee simple by the Borrower; (c) such Property is located in the United States of America, (d) [intentionally omitted]; (e) with respect to such Property, no payment or other material default by the Borrower in the payment or performance of any assessment district obligations, special facility obligations or other similar obligations has occurred and is continuing with respect to such Property; (f) such Property is not subject to any Liens other than Permitted Liens (excluding Permitted Liens under clauses (h) and (i) of the definition thereof); (g) if all or any portion of such Property secures any Profit and Participation Agreement, no enforcement action has been taken or is threatened to be taken by any seller or any other party under such Profit and Participation Agreement; (h) [intentionally omitted]; and (i) the planned subdivision project in which such Property is located must consist of single family detached or attached units with no more than twelve (12) Housing Units per building.
“Employee Benefit Plan” means (a) any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA that is maintained for employees of any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate or (b) any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan that has at any time within the preceding five (5) years been maintained, funded or administered for the employees of any Loan Party or any current or former ERISA Affiliate.
“Entitled Land” means Residential Land owned 100% by the Borrower in fee simple with respect to which (i) all requisite zoning requirements and land use requirements to permit residential development as a use by right (or comparable classification under local law) have been satisfied, (ii) approval and entitlement from required state and local governmental authorities and agencies under applicable law has been obtained such that in each instance such Borrower has the vested right to develop such Land for Finished Lots and Housing Units substantially in accordance with the intentions of such Borrower and (iii) Borrower has sole control and management rights. “Entitled Land” shall include all Land Held for Development, Lots Under Development and Finished Lots.
“Environmental Claims” means any and all administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, liens, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigations (other than internal reports prepared by any Person in the ordinary course of business and not in response to any third party action or request of any kind) or proceedings relating in any way to any actual or alleged violation of or liability under any Environmental Law or relating to any permit issued, or any approval given, under any such Environmental Law, including, without limitation, any and all claims by Governmental Authorities for enforcement, cleanup, removal, response, remedial or other actions or damages, contribution, indemnification cost recovery, compensation or injunctive relief resulting from Hazardous Materials or arising from alleged injury or threat of injury to human health or the environment.
“Environmental Laws” means any Applicable Law relating to environmental protection or the manufacture, storage, remediation, disposal or clean-up of Hazardous Materials, including, without limitation, the following: Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.; Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.; Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq.; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.; National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq.; regulations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, any applicable rule of common law and any judicial interpretation thereof relating primarily to the environment or Hazardous Materials, and any analogous or comparable state or local laws, regulations or ordinances that concern Hazardous Materials or protection of the environment.
“Equity Interest” means, with respect to any Person, (a) any share of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person; (b) any warrant, option or other right for the purchase or other acquisition from such Person of any share of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, whether or not certificated; (c) any security convertible into or exchangeable for any share of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrant, right or option for the purchase or other acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests); and (d) any other ownership or profit interest in such Person (including, without limitation, partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such share, warrant, option, right or other interest is authorized or otherwise existing on any date of determination.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as in effect from time to time, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
“ERISA Affiliate” means any Person who together with any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is treated as a single employer within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 4001(b) of ERISA.
“Erroneous Payment” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 12.15(a).
“Erroneous Payment Subrogation Rights ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 12.15(d).
“EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor Person), as in effect from time to time.
“Event of Default” means any of the events specified in Section 11.1, provided that any requirement for notice or lapse of time, or both, or any other condition has been satisfied.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Excluded Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of Smith Douglas Holdings (i) with assets of less than $1,000,000 individually, and which, when aggregated with the assets of all other Excluded Subsidiaries, has assets of less than $5,000,000, and (ii) which has been designated as an “Excluded Subsidiary” by the Borrower (it being understood and agreed that, as of the Effective Date, the Borrower has designated SDH Management Services LLC, Trigger Air LLC, SDH Development Company LLC and Ridgeland Title LLC as Excluded Subsidiaries).
“Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Loan Party, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the liability of such Loan Party for or the Guarantee of such Loan Party of, or the grant by such Loan Party of a Lien to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any liability or guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Loan Party’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder at the time the liability for or the Guarantee of such Loan Party or the grant of such Lien becomes effective with respect to such Swap Obligation (such determination being made after giving effect to any applicable keepwell, support or other agreement for the benefit of the applicable Loan Party, including under Section 32 of the Parent Guaranty, to the extent applicable). If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guarantee or Lien is or becomes illegal for the reasons identified in the immediately preceding sentence of this definition.
“Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable Lending Office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes; (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to an Applicable Law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment or (ii) such Lender changes its Lending Office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 3.10, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its Lending Office; (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 3.10(g); and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.
“Existing Credit Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof.
“Existing Letters of Credit” means those “Letters of Credit” issued and outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement immediately prior to the Agreement Date.
“Existing Lenders” means, individually or collectively, as the context may suggest or require, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Regions Bank, Fifth Third Bank, National Association and Truist Bank.
“Existing Loan Documents” means the “Loan Documents,” as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement.
“Exiting Lender” has the meaning given to such term in Section 13.26.
“Fair Market Value” means, (a) with respect to a security listed on a national securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market, the price of such security as reported on such exchange or market by any widely recognized reporting method customarily relied upon by financial institutions, and (b) with respect to any other property, the price which could be negotiated in an arm’s-length free market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a willing buyer, neither of which is under pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction.
“FASB ASC” means the Accounting Standards Codification of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Internal Revenue Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with) and any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof and any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code, and any intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of such sections of the Internal Revenue Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to such intergovernmental agreement.
“FCA” means the Financial Conduct Authority, the regulatory supervisor of IBA.
“Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day, provided that if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average of the quotation for such day on such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by the Administrative Agent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Federal Funds Rate shall be less than zero percent (0.00%), such rate shall be deemed to be zero percent (0.00%) for purposes of this Agreement.
“Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Website” - means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.
“Fee Letter”, individually and collectively, as the context may suggest or require, (i) that certain fee letter dated as of September 25, 2023 by and between the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, and (ii) that certain fee letter dated as of September 25, 2023 by and among Borrower, the Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, and BofA Securities, Inc., as each may be amended from time to time.
“Fees” means the fees and commissions provided for or referred to in Section 3.5 and any other fees payable by the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document.
“Finished Lots” means, Entitled Land (i) that has been legally subdivided for the construction of Housing Units, (ii) that has been graded substantially in accordance with all grading plans approved by the applicable agencies and contains level building pads, (iii) that has all water, sewer, electrical and other utility services for planned residences installed and stubbed to the lot behind the sidewalk, (iv) that has all storm drain, sewer, curb, gutter, sidewalk and pavement for public access constructed and installed, except for any final lift of the streets and lateral connections to Housing Units, (v) that has all property corners surveyed and marked and any required survey monumentation installed, and (vi) with respect to which all applicable development fees (including, without limitation, school and development impact fees) that are required to be paid prior to obtaining a building permit have been paid other than building permit and plan check fees. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the term “Finished Lot” shall not include any Land upon which the construction of a Housing Unit has commenced.
“FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
“Floor” means zero percent (0.00%).
“Floor Plan” means, with respect to any Housing Unit to be constructed by the Borrower, the type or types of single-family attached or detached single-family dwellings (including without limitation condominiums or townhomes) that are or will be available for sale by the Borrower in a housing project.
“Foreign Lender” means (a) if the Borrower is a U.S. Person, a Lender that is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if the Borrower is not a U.S. Person, a Lender that is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes.
“Fronting Exposure” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to the Issuing Bank, such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the outstanding Letter of Credit Liabilities other than Letter of Credit Liabilities as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Revolving Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof and (b) with respect to the Swingline Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of outstanding Swingline Loans other than Swingline Loans as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Revolving Lenders.
“Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its activities.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (including Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification”) or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States of America, which are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination.
“Governmental Approvals” means all authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses and exemptions of, registrations and filings with, and reports to, all Governmental Authorities.
“Governmental Authority” means any national, state or local government (whether domestic or foreign), any political subdivision thereof or any other governmental, quasi-governmental, judicial, administrative, public or statutory instrumentality, authority (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank), body, agency, bureau, commission, board, department or other entity (including, without limitation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Comptroller of the Currency or the Federal Reserve Board, any central bank or any comparable authority) or any arbitrator with authority to bind a party at law.
“Guaranteed Obligations” means, collectively, (a) the Obligations and (b) all existing or future payment and other obligations owing by any Loan Party under any Specified Derivatives Contract (other than any Excluded Swap Obligation).
“Guaranty,” “Guaranteed” or to “Guarantee” as applied to any obligation means and includes: (a) a guaranty (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), directly or indirectly, in any manner, of any part or all of such obligation, or (b) an agreement, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, and whether or not constituting a guaranty, the practical effect of which is to assure the payment or performance (or payment of damages in the event of nonperformance) of any part or all of such obligation whether by: (i) the purchase of securities or obligations, (ii) the purchase, sale or lease (as lessee or lessor) of property or the purchase or sale of services primarily for the purpose of enabling the obligor with respect to such obligation to make any payment or performance (or payment of damages in the event of nonperformance) of or on account of any part or all of such obligation, or to assure the owner of such obligation against loss, (iii) the supplying of funds to or in any other manner investing in the obligor with respect to such obligation, (iv) repayment of amounts drawn down by beneficiaries of letters of credit (including Letters of Credit), or (v) the supplying of funds to or investing in a Person on account of all or any part of such Person’s obligation under a Guaranty of any obligation or indemnifying or holding harmless, in any way, such Person against any part or all of such obligation. As the context requires, “Guaranty” shall also mean the Parent Guaranty.
“Hazardous Materials” means all or any of the following: (a) substances that are defined or listed in, or otherwise classified pursuant to, any applicable Environmental Laws as “hazardous substances,” “hazardous materials,” “hazardous wastes,” “toxic substances” or any other formulation intended to define, list or classify substances by reason of deleterious properties such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, “TCLP” toxicity, or “EP toxicity”; (b) oil, petroleum or petroleum derived substances, natural gas, natural gas liquids or synthetic gas and drilling fluids, produced waters and other wastes associated with the exploration, development or production of crude oil, natural gas or geothermal resources; (c) any flammable substances or explosives or any radioactive materials; (d) asbestos in any form; (e) toxic mold; and (f) electrical equipment which contains any oil or dielectric fluid containing levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of fifty parts per million.
“Housing Unit” means a single-family detached or attached dwelling, including the Lot on which such dwelling is located, for which a building permit has been issued and construction has begun and that is or will be available for sale by Borrower. Each “Housing Unit” is a Presold Housing Unit, a Speculative Housing Unit or a Model Housing Unit.
“Improvements” shall mean all Housing Units and any other improvements, buildings, structures, equipment, fixtures and amenities located on the Lots owned by the Borrower.
“Indebtedness” means, with respect to a Person, at the time of computation thereof, all of the following (without duplication): (a) all obligations of such Person in respect of money borrowed or for the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding trade debt incurred in the ordinary course of business not more than thirty (30) days past due), and all accrued expenses; (b) all obligations of such Person, whether or not for money borrowed (i) represented by notes payable, or drafts accepted, in each case representing extensions of credit, (ii) evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, or (iii) constituting purchase money indebtedness, conditional sales contracts, title retention debt instruments or other similar instruments, upon which interest charges are customarily paid or that are issued or assumed as full or partial payment for property or for services rendered; (c) Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person; (d) all reimbursement obligations of such Person under or in respect of any financial letters of credit that have been drawn and unpaid reimbursement obligations (i.e. drawn but not reimbursed) under performance letters of credit; (e) all Off-Balance Sheet Obligations of such Person; (f) all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise make any payment in respect of any Mandatorily Redeemable Stock issued by such Person or any other Person, valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends; (g) net obligations under any Derivatives Contract not entered into as a hedge against interest rate risk in respect of existing Indebtedness, in an amount equal to the Derivatives Value thereof at such time (but in no event less than zero); (h) all Indebtedness of other Persons which such Person has Guaranteed or is otherwise recourse to such Person; and (i) all Indebtedness of another Person secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property or assets owned by such Person, even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such Indebtedness or other payment obligation. Indebtedness of a Person shall include Indebtedness of any other Person to the extent such Indebtedness is recourse to such first Person. All Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities for Letters of Credit that have been drawn shall constitute Indebtedness of the Borrower.
“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 or any other Loan Party under any Loan Document, and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in the immediately preceding clause (a), Other Taxes.
“Intellectual Property” has the meaning given that term in Section 7.1(s).
“Interest Incurred” means, with respect to a Person and for any period, without duplication, total interest expense of such Person (whether expensed or capitalized, including, without limitation, capitalized interest not funded under a construction loan interest reserve account and interest on subordinated debt) determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP for such period. Interest Incurred includes, with respect to any Person, without duplication, all capitalized interest for such period and all interest attributable to discontinued operations for such period.
“Interest Payment Date” means (a) as to any Base Rate Loan or Daily Simple SOFR Loan, (i) the last Business Day of each month and (ii) the Maturity Date and (b) as to any Term SOFR Loan, (i) the last day of each Interest Period therefor, and (ii) the Maturity Date.
“Interest Period” means, as to any Term SOFR Loan, the period commencing on the date such Term SOFR Loan is disbursed or Converted to or Continued as a Term SOFR Loan and ending on the date one (1), three (3) or six (6) months thereafter, in each case as selected by the Borrower in its Notice of Borrowing, Notice of Conversion or Notice of Continuation and subject to availability; provided that: (a) the Interest Period shall commence on the date of advance of or Conversion to any Term SOFR Loan and, in the case of immediately successive Interest Periods, each successive Interest Period shall commence on the date on which the immediately preceding Interest Period expires; (b) if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on the next succeeding Business Day; provided that if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day but is a day of the month after which no further Business Day occurs in such month, such Interest Period shall expire on the immediately preceding Business Day; (c) any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the relevant calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; (d) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date; and (e) no tenor that has been removed from this definition pursuant to Section 5.2(c)(iv) shall be available for specification in any Notice of Borrowing, Notice of Conversion or Notice of Continuation.
“Internal Revenue Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Investment” means, with respect to any Person, any acquisition or investment (whether or not of a controlling interest) by such Person, by means of any of the following: (a) the purchase or other acquisition of any Equity Interest in another Person, (b) a loan, advance or extension of credit to, capital contribution to, Guaranty of Indebtedness of, or purchase or other acquisition of any Indebtedness of, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person, or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of assets of another Person that constitute the business or a division or operating unit of another Person. Except as expressly provided otherwise, for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant contained in a Loan Document, the amount of any Investment shall be the amount actually invested, without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.
“IPO” means the Qualifying IPO of Parent.
“IPO Co.” means the Parent.
“IPO Transactions” means (i) the amendment and restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, the payment of any fees or other amounts due thereunder or in connection therewith, (ii) the IPO and payment of all fees and expenses in connection therewith, (iii) the entry into any tax receivables agreement, unit purchase plan, incentive plan, new or amended and restated organizational documents and the performance thereof and in connection therewith, and (iv) any other transaction described under the heading “Prospectus Summary – Summary of the Transactions” in the prospectus included in the registration statement filed with the SEC for the IPO.
“Issuing Bank” means Wells Fargo in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit pursuant to Section 2.4.
“Joinder Agreement” means a Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit D attached hereto.
“Joint Lead Arrangers” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof.
“Joint Venture” shall mean any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which a Loan Party or a Subsidiary holds any Equity Interest.
“Land” shall mean land owned by the Borrower, which land is being developed or is held for future development or sale.
“Land Held for Development” means Entitled Land which is not being presently developed.
“Land Value” means, at any time, the sum of the net book value of (a) Land Held for Development, (b) Lots Under Development, and (c) Finished Lots.
“Lender” means each financial institution from time to time party hereto as a “Lender”, together with its respective successors and permitted assigns and, as the context requires, includes the Swingline Lender; provided, however, that the term “Lender”, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, shall exclude any Lender (or its Affiliates) in its capacity as a Specified Derivatives Provider.
“Lender Parties” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Issuing Bank, the Specified Derivatives Providers, each co-agent or sub-agent appointed by the Administrative Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 12.7, any other holder from time to time of any Obligations and, in each case, their respective successors and permitted assigns.
“Lending Office” means, for each Lender and for each Loan, the office of such Lender specified in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire or in the applicable Assignment and Assumption, or such other office of such Lender as such Lender may notify the Administrative Agent in writing from time to time.
“Letter of Credit” has the meaning given that term in Section 2.4(a).
“Letter of Credit Collateral Account” means a special deposit account maintained by the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders, and under the sole dominion and control of the Administrative Agent.
“Letter of Credit Commitment Amount” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.4(a).
“Letter of Credit Disbursements” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.9(b).
“Letter of Credit Documents” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, collectively, any application therefor, any certificate or other document presented in connection with a drawing under such Letter of Credit and any other agreement, instrument or other document governing or providing for (a) the rights and obligations of the parties concerned or at risk with respect to such Letter of Credit or (b) any collateral security for any of such obligations.
“Letter of Credit Liabilities” means, without duplication, at any time and in respect of any Letter of Credit (a) the Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit, plus (b) the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Reimbursement Obligations of the Borrower at such time due and payable in respect of all drawings made under such Letter of Credit. For purposes of this Agreement, a Lender (other than the Lender then acting as Issuing Bank with respect to the applicable Letter of Credit) shall be deemed to hold a Letter of Credit Liability in an amount equal to its participation interest under Section 2.4 in the related Letter of Credit, and the Lender then acting as the Issuing Bank with respect to an applicable Letter of Credit shall be deemed to hold such Letter of Credit Liability in an amount equal to its retained interest in the related Letter of Credit after giving effect to the acquisition by the Lenders (other than the Lender then acting as the Issuing Bank with respect to such Letter of Credit) of their participation interests under such Section.
“Leverage Ratio” means, for any fiscal quarter of the Borrower, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Debt on the last day of such fiscal quarter to (b) Total Capitalization on the last day of such fiscal quarter.
“Lien” as applied to the property of any Person means: (a) any security interest, encumbrance, mortgage, deed to secure debt, deed of trust, assignment of leases and rents, pledge, lien, hypothecation, assignment, charge or lease constituting a Capitalized Lease Obligation, conditional sale or other title retention agreement, or other security title or encumbrance of any kind in respect of any property of such Person, or upon the income, rents or profits therefrom; (b) any arrangement, express or implied, under which any property of such Person is transferred, sequestered or otherwise identified for the purpose of subjecting the same to the payment of Indebtedness or performance of any other obligation in priority to the payment of the general, unsecured creditors of such Person; and (c) the filing of any financing statement under the UCC or its equivalent in any jurisdiction, other than any precautionary filing not otherwise constituting or giving rise to a Lien, including a financing statement filed (i) in respect of a lease not constituting a Capitalized Lease Obligation pursuant to Section 9-505 (or a successor provision) of the UCC or its equivalent as in effect in an applicable jurisdiction or (ii) in connection with a sale or other disposition of accounts or other assets not prohibited by this Agreement in a transaction not otherwise constituting or giving rise to a Lien.
“Liquidity” means (a) Unrestricted Cash, plus (b) Maximum Loan Availability.
“Loan” means a Revolving Loan or a Swingline Loan.
“Loan Document” means this Agreement, each Note, the Parent Guaranty (to the extent entered into), each Letter of Credit Document, the Fee Letter, and each other document or instrument now or hereafter executed and delivered by a Loan Party in connection with, pursuant to or relating to this Agreement (other than any Specified Derivatives Contract).
“Loan Party” means each of the Borrower, solely while the Parent Guaranty is in effect, Parent, and each other Person who guarantees all or a portion of the Obligations. Schedule 1.1(a) sets forth the Loan Parties in addition to the Borrower as of the Agreement Date.
“Lot” means a Finished Lot or a lot that is part of Lots Under Development.
“Lots Under Development” means any Entitled Land with respect to which the Borrower has obtained all necessary approvals for its subdivision for residential housing units, and which the Borrower is actively developing into Finished Lots; provided, however, that the term “Lots Under Development” shall not include any land upon which the construction of a residential housing unit has commenced.
“Mandatorily Redeemable Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Equity Interest of such Person which by the terms of such Equity Interest (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable or exercisable), upon the happening of any event or otherwise, (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (other than an Equity Interest to the extent redeemable in exchange for common stock or other equivalent common Equity Interests at the option of the issuer of such Equity Interest), (b) is convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Indebtedness or Mandatorily Redeemable Stock, or (c) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or part (other than an Equity Interest which is redeemable solely in exchange for common stock or other equivalent common Equity Interests), in the case of each of clauses (a) through (c), on or prior to the Revolving Loan Termination Date.
“Material Adverse Effect” means a materially adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties collectively to perform their obligations under any Loan Document to which they are a party, including the timely payment of the principal of or interest on the Loans or other amounts payable in connection therewith or the timely payment of all Reimbursement Obligations, (c) the validity or enforceability of any of the Loan Documents, or (d) the rights and remedies of the Lenders, the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent under any of the Loan Documents.
“Material Contract” means any contract or other arrangement (other than Loan Documents and Specified Derivatives Contracts), whether written or oral, to which a Loan Party or Subsidiary is a party or otherwise subject to as to which the breach, nonperformance, cancellation or failure to renew by any party thereto could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
“Maturity Date” means the Revolving Loan Termination Date.
“Maximum Loan Availability” means, at any time, the least of (a) the aggregate of the Commitments of all the Lenders, as reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof, (b) the Borrowing Base and (c) the amount, if any, by which the Borrowing Base exceeds the sum of (1) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Loans, (2) the aggregate principal amount of all Letter of Credit Liabilities, and (3) all other unsecured indebtedness outstanding of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries other than Subordinated Debt.
“Model Housing Unit” means, a Housing Unit that will be or has been constructed initially for use as an information center or sales office.
“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and its successors.
“Multiemployer Plan” means a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate is making, or is accruing an obligation to make, or has accrued an obligation to make contributions within the preceding five (5) years, or to which any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate has any liability (contingent or otherwise).
“Negative Pledge” means, with respect to a given asset, any provision of a document, instrument or agreement (other than any Loan Document) which prohibits or purports to prohibit the creation or assumption of any Lien on such asset as security for Indebtedness of the Person owning such asset or any other Person; provided, however, that an agreement that conditions a Person’s ability to encumber its assets upon the maintenance of one or more specified ratios that limit such Person’s ability to encumber its assets but that do not generally prohibit the encumbrance of its assets, or the encumbrance of specific assets, shall not constitute a Negative Pledge.
“Non-Defaulting Lender” means, at any time, each Revolving Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time.
“Note” means a Revolving Note or a Swingline Note.
“Notice of Borrowing” means a notice substantially in the form of Exhibit F-1 (or such other form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and containing the information required in such Exhibit) to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.1(b), evidencing the Borrower’s request for a borrowing of Revolving Loans.
“Notice of Continuation” means a notice substantially in the form of Exhibit G (or such other form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and containing the information required in such Exhibit) to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.10 evidencing the Borrower’s request for the Continuation of a Term SOFR Loan.
“Notice of Conversion” means a notice substantially in the form of Exhibit H (or such other form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and containing the information required in such Exhibit) to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.11 evidencing the Borrower’s request for the Conversion of a Loan from one Type to another Type.
“Notice of Swingline Borrowing” means a notice substantially in the form of Exhibit F-2 (or such other form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and containing the information required in such Exhibit) to be delivered to the Swingline Lender pursuant to Section 2.5(b) evidencing the Borrower’s request for a Swingline Loan.
“Obligations” means, individually and collectively (a) the aggregate principal balance of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all Loans; (b) all Reimbursement Obligations and all other Letter of Credit Liabilities; and (c) all other indebtedness, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties owing to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender of every kind, nature and description, under or in respect of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, including, without limitation, the Fees, costs, expenses and indemnification obligations, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or not due, contractual or tortious, liquidated or unliquidated, and whether or not evidenced by any promissory note, and including interest, fees, costs, expenses, indemnities and other amounts that accrue after the commencement by or against any Borrower or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest, fees, costs, expenses, indemnities and other amounts are allowed claims in such proceeding. For the avoidance of doubt, “Obligations” shall not include any indebtedness, liabilities, obligations, covenants or duties in respect of Specified Derivatives Contracts.
“OFAC” shall mean the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, and any successor thereto.
“Off-Balance Sheet Obligations” means, with respect to a Person: (a) obligations of such Person in respect of any financing transaction or series of financing transactions (including factoring arrangements) pursuant to which such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person has sold, conveyed or otherwise transferred, or granted a security interest in, accounts, payments, receivables, rights to future lease payments or residuals or similar rights to payment to a special purpose Subsidiary or Affiliate of such Person; (b) obligations of such Person under a sale and leaseback transaction that does not create a liability on the balance sheet of such Person (but excluding permitted sale and lease back transactions related to Model Units); (c) obligations of such Person under any so-called “synthetic” lease transaction; and (d) obligations of such Person under any other transaction which is the functional equivalent of, or takes the place of, a borrowing but which does not constitute a liability on the balance sheet of such Person.
“Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).
“Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment of any interest in the Loan Documents.
“Ownership Share” means, with respect to any Subsidiary of a Person (other than a Wholly Owned Subsidiary) or any Unconsolidated Affiliate of a Person, the greater of (a) such Person’s relative nominal direct and indirect ownership interest (expressed as a percentage) in such Subsidiary or Unconsolidated Affiliate and (b) such Person’s relative direct and indirect economic interest (calculated as a percentage) in such Subsidiary or Unconsolidated Affiliate determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of the declaration of trust, articles or certificate of incorporation, articles of organization, partnership agreement, joint venture agreement or other applicable organizational document of such Subsidiary or Unconsolidated Affiliate.
“Parent” means Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation.
“Parent Guaranty” means that certain Parent Guaranty executed by Parent pursuant to Section 8.17(iii) in favor of the Administrative Agent, for its benefit and the benefit of the other Lender Parties, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E, as the same may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Parent Guaranty Trigger” means the occurrence of either of the following: (i) Parent has failed to comply with the provisions set forth in Section 8.17(i) and Section 8.17(ii) and such failure has continued for a period of thirty (30) days after the earlier of (x) the date upon which a Responsible Officer obtains knowledge of such failure or (y) the date upon which Parent has received written notice of such failure from the Administrative Agent or (ii) Parent has provided a guarantee of any obligations of Borrower, any Subsidiary of Parent or any Affiliate of Parent pursuant to any Indebtedness for borrowed money incurred by the Borrower, any Subsidiary of Parent or any Affiliate of Parent after the date hereof and such guarantee is not released within thirty (30) days of the provision thereof.
“Participant” has the meaning given that term in Section 13.6(d).
“Participant Register” has the meaning given that term in Section 13.6(d).
“Patriot Act” means The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Title III of Pub. L. No. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.
“Payment Recipient” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 12.15(a).
“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any successor agency.
“Pension Plan” means any Employee Benefit Plan, other than a Multiemployer Plan, which is subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code and which (a) is maintained, funded or administered for the employees of any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate, (b) has at any time within the preceding five (5) years been maintained, funded or administered for the employees of any Loan Party or any current or former ERISA Affiliates or (c) any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate has any liability (contingent or otherwise).
“Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction” means any call or capped call option (or substantively equivalent derivative transaction) on the Parent’s common stock purchased by the Parent in connection with the issuance of any Convertible Indebtedness; provided that the purchase price for such Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction, less the proceeds received by the Parent from the sale of any related Permitted Warrant Transaction, does not exceed the net proceeds received by the Parent from the sale of such Convertible Indebtedness issued in connection with the Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction.
“Permitted Convertible Debt Transaction” has the meaning given to such term in Section 8.17.
“Permitted Distributions” means at any time (a) distributions by the Borrower so long as before and after giving effect to each such distribution, (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (ii) the Borrower is in compliance with Section 10.1 of this Agreement in all respects, (b) Permitted Tax Distributions, (c) distributions to Parent (1) the proceeds of which shall be used to reimburse Parent for any reasonable out-of-pocket fees, costs and expenses incurred by Parent on behalf of Smith Douglas Holdings in connection with the IPO, (2) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay operating costs and expenses of Parent which are reasonable and customary and incurred in the ordinary course of business, attributable to the ownership or operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, any reasonable out-of-pocket fees, costs and expenses incurred by Parent in connection with Parent being a public company (including, without limitation, public reporting obligations, proxy statements, stockholder meetings, stock exchange fees, transfer agent fees, legal fees, SEC and FINRA filing fees and offering expenses)), (3) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay fees, taxes and expenses required to maintain any of Parent’s corporate or legal existence, (4) in the minimum amount necessary to enable Parent to make cashless repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options if such Equity Interest represents a portion of the exercise price thereof or the minimum amount of taxes due upon such exercises, or (5) to pay any award granted under any incentive plan entered into in connection with the IPO or any cash requirements in connection with the administration thereof and (d) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower may (or may make distributions to allow Parent to) purchase or redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Borrower or Parent held by any future, present or former director, officer, employee, consultant or other agent (or any spouses, former spouses, successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legatees or distributees of any of the foregoing) of the Borrower, any Subsidiary or Parent upon the death, disability, retirement, resignation or termination of employment of any such Person or otherwise pursuant to any employee or director equity plan, employee or director stock option or profits interest plan or any other employee or director benefit plan or any agreement (including any separation, stock subscription, shareholder or partnership agreement) with any director, officer, employee, consultant or other agent of the Borrower, any Subsidiary or Parent.
“Permitted Holders” means any of Greg Bennett, Tom Bradbury or Nell Bradbury, any one or more of their descendants, or any trust created by or for the benefit of Greg Bennett, Tom Bradbury or Nell Bradbury or any of their descendants, individually or collectively as the context may suggest or require.
“Permitted Investment” shall mean the following:
(a) | Investments in the Borrower; |
(b) | Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents; and |
(c) | (i) Investments in Joint Ventures or Subsidiaries and (ii) other Investments (other than in Joint Ventures or Subsidiaries) made after the Agreement Date; provided, however, that Investments in subclauses (i) and (ii) hereof shall not, in the aggregate at any time outstanding, exceed 15.0% of Tangible Net Worth; provided further, however, Investments set forth in subclause (ii) hereof shall not, in the aggregate at any time outstanding, exceed 5.0% of Tangible Net Worth. |
“Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any asset or property of a Person:
(a) Liens securing Taxes imposed by any Governmental Authority (excluding any Lien imposed pursuant to any of the provisions of ERISA or pursuant to any Environmental Laws) which are not at the time required to be paid or discharged under Section 8.6;
(b) Liens imposed by law and the claims of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen or landlords for labor, materials, supplies or rentals incurred in the ordinary course of business, which, in each case, are not at the time required to be paid or discharged under Section 8.6;
(c) Liens consisting of deposits or pledges made in the ordinary course of business in connection with, or to secure payment of, obligations under workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance or similar Applicable Laws;
(d) Liens consisting of encumbrances in the nature of zoning restrictions, easements, rights-of-way, plats, declarations of covenants, condominium declarations, similar encumbrances, rights or restrictions of record on the use of real property and rights reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority to control or regulate the use of any real property, which do not materially detract from the value of such property or impair the intended use thereof in the business of such Person;
(e) Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Lender Parties;
(f) Liens in favor of property owners’ associations that are not yet due and payable or, to the extent due and payable, being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP and as to which the property subject to such Lien is not yet subject to foreclosure, sale or loss on account thereof;
(g) Liens incurred or deposits made to secure the performance of bids, tenders, leases, contracts (other than contracts for the payment of money), public or statutory obligations, surety, stay, appeal, indemnity, performance, or other similar bonds, developer’s or other obligations to make on-site or off-site improvements or other similar obligations arising in the ordinary course of business;
(h) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 10.6(d);
(i) Liens described on Schedule 7.1(g) attached hereto;
(j) Liens securing obligations of any Borrower to any third party in connection with Profit and Participation Agreements entered into in the ordinary course of such Borrower’s business in an amount not to exceed five percent (5%) of the gross sales price;
(k) intentionally omitted;
(l) any option or right of first refusal to purchase real property granted to the master developer or the seller of real property that arises as a result of the non-use or non-development of such real property by the Borrower;
(m) Liens securing Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Loan Party or is merged with or into a Loan Party on assets or properties at the time of acquisition thereof, provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation, were not incurred in anticipation thereof and do not extend to any other assets;
(n) Liens pursuant to development agreements or land contracts for the purchase or sale of real property, which secure (i) the return of a land deposit from another builder and/or developer and (ii) development obligations;
(o) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(p) Cash collateral required to be posted in connection with any Letter of Credit; and
(q) Liens on aircrafts, vehicles or equipment of any non-Loan Party Subsidiary granted in the ordinary course of business.
“Permitted Tax Distribution” means:
(a) for any taxable period ending prior to any Qualifying IPO and after the Agreement Date for which Borrower is treated as a partnership (or disregarded as an entity separate from a partnership) that is not wholly-owned by a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions in an aggregate amount not to exceed the product of (x) the highest combined marginal U.S. federal, state and/or local statutory income tax rate applicable to a direct or indirect member of the Borrower (as estimated by the Borrower in good faith) and (y) the taxable income attributable to the Borrower and without double-counting, any Subsidiaries of the Borrower that are also treated as partnerships or disregarded entities for federal income tax purposes, for such taxable period allocated to such owners (determined without regard to any allocations under Section 734 and Section 743 of the Internal Revenue Code);
(b) for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after any Qualifying IPO for which the Borrower is treated as a partnership (or disregarded as an entity separate from a partnership) that is not wholly-owned by a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions in an aggregate amount for such taxable period not to exceed the product of (1) the taxable income of the Borrower and without double-counting, any Subsidiaries of the Borrower that are also treated as partnerships or disregarded entities for federal income tax purposes, for such taxable period (determined without regard to any adjustments pursuant to Section 734 or 743 of the Internal Revenue Code) that is allocated to the equity holders of the Borrower and (2) the highest combined marginal U.S. federal, state and/or local income tax rate (taking into account the character of the taxable income in question (e.g., long term capital gain, qualified dividend income, etc.)) applicable to any direct equity holder (or, if the direct equity holder is a pass-through entity, to any indirect equity holder) of the Borrower (as estimated by the Borrower in good faith) provided that, to the extent a direct or indirect equityholder of the Borrower would be entitled to receive less than its pro rata share (in accordance with relative economic ownership of the Borrower) of the amounts of tax distributions otherwise distributable by the Borrower pursuant to this clause (b) on any given date, the amounts of Permitted Tax Distributions otherwise permitted pursuant to this clause (b) shall be increased to ensure that the direct and indirect equityholders of the Borrower shall receive an amount pursuant to this clause (b) so that all tax distributions by the Borrower are made to its direct and indirect equityholders pro rata in accordance with relative economic ownership; or
(c) for any taxable year ending after the Agreement Date for which (i) the Borrower is treated as a corporation that is a member of a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar income tax group for U.S. federal or applicable foreign, state and/or local income tax purposes (a “Tax Group”) of which a direct or indirect parent company of the Borrower is the common parent or (ii) the Borrower is a pass-through or disregarded entity for U.S. federal or applicable state or local income tax purposes that is wholly-owned (directly or indirectly) by a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions to fund the portion of the U.S. federal, state and/or local income taxes of such Tax Group or such corporation (as applicable) for such taxable period that is attributable to the taxable income of the Borrower and/or the applicable Subsidiaries.
“Permitted Warrant Transaction” means any call option, warrant or right to purchase (or substantively equivalent derivative transaction) on the Parent’s common stock sold by the Parent substantially concurrently with any purchase by the Parent of a related Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited partnership, general partnership, joint stock company, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, joint venture, association, company, trust, bank, trust company, land trust, business trust or other organization, whether or not a legal entity, or any other nongovernmental entity, or any Governmental Authority.
“Plans and Specifications” means the final architectural and civil plans and specifications, including without limitation all maps, sketches, diagrams, surveys, drawings and lists of materials, for the development of the Land.
“Post-Default Rate” means, a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate as in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans plus an additional two hundred basis points (200bps).
“Presold Housing Unit” means a Housing Unit which is subject to an Approved Sales Contract.
“Prime Rate” means, at any time, the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by the Administrative Agent as its prime rate; provided, however, if the Administrative Agent ceases to quote such rate, then “Prime Rate” shall mean the rate of interest most recently published in the Money Rates section of The Wall Street Journal from time to time as the “U.S. Prime Rate”, 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. Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective as of the opening of business on the day such change in such prime rate occurs. The parties hereto acknowledge that the rate announced publicly by the Administrative Agent as its prime rate is an index or base rate and shall not necessarily be its lowest or best rate charged to its customers or other banks. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Prime Rate shall be less than three percent (3.0%), such rate shall be deemed to be three percent (3.0%) for purposes of this Agreement.
“Principal Office” means the office of the Administrative Agent located at 600 South 4th Street, 8th Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415, or any other subsequent office that the Administrative Agent shall have specified as the Principal Office by written notice to the Borrower and the Lenders.
“Profit and Participation Agreement” means an agreement, secured by a deed of trust, mortgage or other Lien against a property or asset, with respect to which the purchaser of such property or asset agrees to pay the seller of such property or asset a profit, price, premium participation or other similar amount in respect of such property or asset. Each such Profit and Participation Agreement shall provide, at a minimum, that: (1) the amount to be paid to such seller upon sale of a lot and home is fully subordinated to the extent of the amount required to be paid to the Administrative Agent for release of such lot and home; (2) neither the Administrative Agent nor the Lenders shall have any obligation to pay any amount owed to such seller, including, without limitation, in the event the Administrative Agent has foreclosed or accepted a deed in lieu with respect to any such property; (3) the Administrative Agent and its successors and assigns can rely on and enforce the terms of such agreement as a third-party beneficiary; and (4) the subordination terms shall be binding on such seller’s successors and assigns, and such seller may not assign such agreement unless the assignee acknowledges the subordination in writing for the benefit of Administrative Agent.
“Profit and Participation Agreement Amount” means, with respect to Profit and Participation Agreements, the aggregate amount reasonably projected in good faith by the Borrower to be payable by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to any seller thereof.
“Property” means a parcel (or group of related parcels) of real property owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary.
“PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as such exemption may be amended from time to time.
“Public Company Costs” shall mean costs relating to compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and other expenses arising out of or incidental to the Borrower’s or Parent’s status as a public reporting company, including costs, fees and expenses (including legal, accounting and other professional fees) relating to compliance with provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (including without limitation annual, quarterly and other periodic reports and proxy statements); and compliance with FINRA rules and the rules of securities exchanges for companies with listed equity securities; investor relations expenses; directors’ compensation, fees and expense reimbursement; transfer agent and proxy agent fees and expenses; franchise taxes based on authorized Equity Interests; shareholder meetings and reports to shareholders; directors’ and officers’ insurance and other executive costs, legal and other professional fees; and listing and registration fees.
“QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract”, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).
“QFC Credit Support” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 13.24.
“Qualifying IPO” shall mean (i) the issuance and sale by IPO Co. of its common Equity Interests (and the contribution of all or any portion of the proceeds of such issuance to Smith Douglas Holdings in the form of cash common equity) in an underwritten primary public offering (other than a public offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8) pursuant to an effective registration statement (whether alone or in connection with a secondary public offering) filed with the SEC (or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions) in accordance with the Securities Act and such Equity Interests of IPO Co. are listed on a nationally-recognized stock exchange in the United States of America and (ii) any transactions or actions taken in connection with and reasonably related to consummating such a public offering (including the execution, delivery and performance of customary documentation (and amendments to existing documentation) governing the relations between IPO Co., its Subsidiaries, and the direct or indirect members of Parent, including any redemption and exchange agreements, tax sharing arrangements or tax receivable agreements entered into in connection therewith on customary terms for similar transactions).
“Rating Agency” means S&P or Moody’s.
“Recipient” means (a) the Administrative Agent, (b) any Lender and (c) the Issuing Bank, as applicable.
“Register” has the meaning given that term in Section 13.6(c).
“Regulatory Change” means, with respect to any Lender, any change effective after the Agreement Date in Applicable Law (including without limitation, Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) or the adoption or making after such date of any interpretation, directive or request applying to a class of banks, including such Lender, of or under any Applicable Law (whether or not having the force of law and whether or not failure to comply therewith would be unlawful) by any Governmental Authority or monetary authority charged with the interpretation or administration thereof or compliance by any Lender with any request or directive regarding capital adequacy or liquidity. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (a) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (b) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Regulatory Change,” regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.
“Reimbursement Obligation” means the absolute, unconditional and irrevocable obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the Issuing Bank for any drawing honored by the Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit.
“Related Parties” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, counsel, other advisors and representatives of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.
“Requisite Lenders” means, as of any date, (a) Lenders (which shall include the Lender then acting as the Administrative Agent) having at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments of all Lenders, or (b) if the Revolving Commitments have been terminated or reduced to zero, Lenders (which shall include the Lender then acting as the Administrative Agent) holding at least sixty-six and two thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the principal amount of the aggregate outstanding Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities; provided that (i) in determining such percentage at any given time, all then existing Defaulting Lenders will be disregarded and excluded, and (ii) at all times when two or more Lenders (excluding Defaulting Lenders) are party to this Agreement, the term “Requisite Lenders” shall in no event mean less than two Lenders (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Lender then acting as the Administrative Agent). For purposes of this definition, a Lender shall be deemed to hold a Swingline Loan or a Letter of Credit Liability to the extent such Lender has acquired a participation therein under the terms of this Agreement and has not failed to perform its obligations in respect of such participation.
“Residential Land” means land owned by Borrower, which land is being developed for residential purposes or is held for future development or sale for residential purposes. “Residential Land” shall include all Land Held for Development, Lots Under Development and Finished Lots.
“Resolution Authority” means an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.
“Responsible Officer” means with respect to the Borrower, the chief executive officer, the president, the manager, the chief financial officer, treasurer and any other financial officer who is a vice president or more senior officer of Borrower.
“Restricted Payment” means (a) any dividend or other distribution, direct or indirect, on account of any Equity Interest of any Loan Party or Subsidiary now or hereafter outstanding (excluding any dividend payable solely in shares of that class of Equity Interests to the holders of that class); (b) any redemption, conversion, exchange, retirement, sinking fund or similar payment, purchase or other acquisition for value, direct or indirect, of any Equity Interests of any Loan Party or Subsidiary now or hereafter outstanding; (c) except as expressly permitted pursuant to Section 10.5 of this Agreement, any payment or prepayment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, redemption, conversion, exchange, purchase, retirement, defeasance, sinking fund or similar payment with respect to, any Subordinated Debt; and (d) any payment made to retire, or to obtain the surrender of, any outstanding warrants, options or other rights to acquire any Equity Interests of any Loan Party or Subsidiary now or hereafter outstanding.
“Revolving Commitment” means, as to each Lender (other than the Swingline Lender), such Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Loans pursuant to Section 2.1, to issue (in the case of the Issuing Bank) and to participate (in the case of the other Lenders) in Letters of Credit pursuant to Section 2.4(i) and to participate in Swingline Loans pursuant to Section 2.5(e), in an amount up to, but not exceeding the amount set forth for such Lender on Schedule I as such Lender’s “Revolving Commitment Amount” or as set forth in any applicable Assignment and Assumption, or agreement executed by a Person becoming a Lender in accordance with Section 2.17, as the same may be reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.13 or increased or reduced as appropriate to reflect any assignments to or by such Lender effected in accordance with Section 13.6 or increased as appropriate to reflect any increase effected in accordance with Section 2.17. The aggregate Revolving Commitment on the Effective Date is $250,000,000.
“Revolving Commitment Percentage” means, as to each Lender with a Revolving Commitment, the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of (a) the amount of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment to (b) the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments of all Revolving Lenders; provided, however, that if at the time of determination the Revolving Commitments have been terminated or been reduced to zero, the “Revolving Commitment Percentage” of each Lender with a Revolving Commitment shall be the “Revolving Commitment Percentage” of such Lender in effect immediately prior to such termination or reduction.
“Revolving Credit Exposure” means, as to any Revolving Lender at any time, the aggregate principal amount at such time of its outstanding Revolving Loans and such Revolving Lender’s participation in Letter of Credit Liabilities and Swingline Loans at such time.
“Revolving Lender” means a Lender having a Revolving Commitment, or if the Revolving Commitments have terminated, holding any Revolving Loans.
“Revolving Loan” means a loan made by a Revolving Lender to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1(a).
“Revolving Loan Termination Date” means January 16, 2027, or such later date to which the Revolving Loan Termination Date may be extended pursuant to Section 2.14.
“Revolving Note” means a promissory note of the Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit J, payable to the order of a Revolving Lender in a principal amount equal to the amount of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment.
“Sanction” or “Sanctions” means any and all economic or financial sanctions, sectoral sanctions, secondary sanctions, trade embargoes and restrictions and anti-terrorism laws, including but not limited to those imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by the U.S. government (including those administered by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European member state, His Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority in any jurisdiction in which (a) the Borrower, Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates is located or conducts business, (b) in which any of the proceeds of the Loan will be used, or (c) from which repayment of the Loans will be derived.
“Sanctioned Country” ” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions (including, without limitation, at the time of this Agreement, the Crimea Region of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic or Luhansk People’s Republic regions of Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria).
“Sanctioned Person” means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by OFAC (including OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List and OFAC’s Consolidated Non-SDN List), the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European member state, His Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country, (c) any Person owned or controlled by, or acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any such Person or Persons described in clauses (a) and (b), including a Person that is deemed by OFAC to be a Sanctions target based on the ownership of such legal entity by Sanctioned Person(s) or (d) any Person otherwise a target of Sanctions, including without limitation, vessels and aircraft, that are designated under any Sanctions program.
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, together with all rules and regulations issued thereunder.
“Senior Management” means, with respect to any Loan Party, the officers and directors of Parent and, as applicable, Smith Douglas Holdings.
“Smith Douglas Holdings” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof and shall include its successors and permitted assigns.
“Smith Douglas-owned Subsidiaries” has the meaning given that term in the preamble hereto.
“Simple SOFR Determination Day” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR”.
“Simple SOFR Rate Day” has the meaning specified in the definition of Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR”.
“SOFR” means a rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the SOFR Administrator.
“SOFR Adjustment” means ten (10) basis points.
“SOFR Administrator” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).
“SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 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 Loan” means any Daily Simple SOFR Loan or Term SOFR Loan.
“Solvent” means, when used with respect to any Person, that (a) the fair value and the fair salable value of its assets (excluding any Indebtedness due from any Affiliate of such Person) are each in excess of the fair valuation of its total liabilities (including all contingent liabilities computed at the amount which, in light of all facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that could reasonably be expected to become an actual and matured liability); (b) such Person is able to pay its debts or other obligations in the ordinary course as they mature; and (c) such Person has capital not unreasonably small to carry on its business and all business in which it proposes to be engaged.
“Specified Derivatives Contract” means any Derivatives Contract that is made or entered into at any time, or in effect at any time now or hereafter, whether as a result of an assignment or transfer or otherwise, between or among any Loan Party and any Specified Derivatives Provider, and which was not prohibited by any of the Loan Documents when made or entered into.
“Specified Derivatives Obligations” means all indebtedness, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof under or in respect of any Specified Derivatives Contract, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or not due, liquidated or unliquidated, and whether or not evidenced by any written confirmation.
“Specified Derivatives Provider” means any Person that (a) at the time it enters into a Specified Derivatives Contract with a Loan Party, is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or (b) at the time it (or its Affiliate) becomes a Lender (including on the Effective Date), is a party to a Specified Derivatives Contract with a Loan Party, in each case in its capacity as a party to such Specified Derivatives Contract.
“Speculative Housing Units” means, any Housing Unit owned by the Borrower that is not a Presold Housing Unit or a Model Housing Unit.
“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business, or any successor.
“Stated Amount” means the amount available to be drawn by a beneficiary under a Letter of Credit from time to time, as such amount may be increased or reduced from time to time in accordance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.
“Subordinated Debt” means Indebtedness for money borrowed by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary provided that such Indebtedness is unsecured and complies with the Subordinated Debt Requirements.
“Subordinated Debt Requirements” means Subordinated Debt that (a) is evidenced by a promissory note having a maturity date of no less than twelve (12) months after the Maturity Date in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (b) is subordinated in right of payment and otherwise to the Loans and the other Obligations in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its sole and absolute discretion, (c) if the documents evidencing such Subordinated Debt contain financial covenants, such covenants shall be no more restrictive than the covenants contained in this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, and (d) immediately after giving effect to such indebtedness, the Borrower is in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in this Agreement on a pro forma basis, as evidenced by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Compliance Certificate.
“Subsidiary” means, for any Person, any (a) corporation, (b) partnership, (c) limited liability company or (d) other entity, (i) (1) of which at least a majority of the Equity Interests of such Person having by the terms thereof the ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other individuals performing similar functions of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency), and (2) which is at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or (ii) the accounts of which are consolidated with those of such Person pursuant to GAAP, provided that no Joint Venture shall be a Subsidiary.
“Supported QFC” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 13.24.
“Swap Obligation” means any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
“Swingline Commitment” means the Swingline Lender’s obligation to make Swingline Loans pursuant to Section 2.5 in an amount up to, but not exceeding $15,000,000.00, as such amount may be reduced from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.
“Swingline Lender” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, together with its successors and assigns.
“Swingline Loan” means a loan made by the Swingline Lender to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.5.
“Swingline Maturity Date” means the date which is seven (7) Business Days prior to the Revolving Loan Termination Date.
“Swingline Note” means the promissory note of the Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit K, payable to the order of the Swingline Lender in a principal amount equal to the amount of the Swingline Commitment as originally in effect and otherwise duly completed.
“Tangible Net Worth” means, as of a given date, the stockholders’ equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis minus the aggregate of all amounts appearing on the assets side of any such balance sheet for franchises, licenses, permits, patents, patent applications, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, goodwill, treasury stock, experimental or organizational expenses and other like assets which would be classified as intangible assets under GAAP, all determined on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP.
“Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.
“Term SOFR” means, for any calculation, the Term SOFR Reference Rate for a tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period on the day (such day, the “Term SOFR Determination Day”) that is two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, as such rate is published by the Term SOFR Administrator; provided, however, that if as of 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on any Term SOFR Determination Day the Term SOFR Reference Rate for the applicable tenor has not been published by the Term SOFR Administrator and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Term SOFR Reference Rate has not occurred, then Term SOFR will be the Term SOFR Reference Rate for such tenor as published by the Term SOFR Administrator on the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which such Term SOFR Reference Rate for such tenor was published by the Term SOFR Administrator so long as such first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day is not more than three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such Term SOFR Determination Day.
“Term SOFR Administrator” means CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited (CBA) (or a successor administrator of the Term SOFR Reference Rate selected by Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion).
“Term SOFR Loan” means any Loan (or any portion thereof) bearing interest at a rate based on Adjusted Term SOFR.
“Term SOFR Reference Rate” means the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR.
“Termination Event” means the occurrence of any of the following which, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Loan Parties in an aggregate amount in excess of $1,000,000: (a) a “Reportable Event” described in Section 4043 of ERISA, or (b) the withdrawal of any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan during a plan year in which it was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA, or (c) the termination of a Pension Plan, the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Pension Plan or the treatment of a Pension Plan amendment as a termination, under Section 4041 of ERISA, if the plan assets are not sufficient to pay all plan liabilities, or (d) the institution of proceedings to terminate, or the appointment of a trustee with respect to, any Pension Plan by the PBGC, or (e) any other event or condition which would constitute grounds under Section 4042(a) of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan, or (f) the imposition of a Lien pursuant to Section 430(k) of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 303 of ERISA, or (g) the determination that any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan is considered an at-risk plan or plan in endangered or critical status within the meaning of Sections 430, 431 or 432 of the Internal Revenue Code or Sections 303, 304 or 305 of ERISA or (h) the partial or complete withdrawal of any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan if Withdrawal Liability is asserted by such plan, or (i) any event or condition which results in the reorganization or insolvency of a Multiemployer Plan under Section 4245 of ERISA, or (j) any event or condition which results in the termination of a Multiemployer Plan under Section 4041A of ERISA or the institution by PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Multiemployer Plan under Section 4042 of ERISA, or (k) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate.
“Titled Agent” has the meaning given that term in Section 12.11.
“Total Capitalization” means, for any fiscal quarter of the Borrower, Consolidated Debt plus Tangible Net Worth.
“Type” with respect to any Loan, refers to whether such Loan is a Daily Simple SOFR Loan, a Term SOFR Loan or a Base Rate Loan.
“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in any applicable jurisdiction.
“UK Financial Institution” means any BRRD Undertaking (as such term is defined under the PRA Rulebook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority) or any person falling within IFPRU 11.6 of the FCA Handbook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which includes certain credit institutions and investment firms, and certain affiliates of such credit institutions or investment firms.
“UK Resolution Authority” means the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution.
“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
“Unconsolidated Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person in whom such Person holds an Investment, which Investment is accounted for in the financial statements of such Person on an equity basis of accounting and whose financial results would not be consolidated under GAAP with the financial results of such Person on the consolidated financial statements of such Person.
“Unrestricted Cash” of a Person means the cash and Cash Equivalents of such Person that would not be identified as “restricted” on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.
“U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any day except for (a) a Saturday, (b) a Sunday or (c) a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in United States government securities.
“U.S. Person” means any Person that is a “United States Person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code.
“U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.10(g)(ii)(B)(III).
“Vertical Construction Costs” means, with respect to the construction of a Housing Unit on a Lot for a Model Housing Unit, Speculative Housing Unit or Presold Housing Unit, as applicable, the amount set forth in the Construction Budget for the costs related to the vertical construction of such Housing Unit.
“Wells Fargo” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and its successors and assigns.
“Wholly Owned Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of a Person in respect of which all of the Equity Interests (other than, in the case of a corporation, directors’ qualifying shares) are at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person.
“Withdrawal Liability” means any liability as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from a Multiemployer Plan as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.
“Withholding Agent” means (a) the Borrower, (b) any other Loan Party, and (c) the Administrative Agent, as applicable.
“Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means (a) with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, any powers of the applicable Resolution Authority under the Bail-In Legislation to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of any UK Financial Institution or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers.
Section 1.2 General; References to Central Time.
(a) References to GAAP. Unless otherwise indicated, all accounting terms, ratios and measurements shall be interpreted or determined in accordance with GAAP as in effect from time to time; provided that, if at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower or the Requisite Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the appropriate Lenders pursuant to Section 13.7); provided further that, until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the calculation of liabilities shall not include any fair value adjustments to the carrying value of liabilities to record such liabilities at fair value pursuant to electing the fair value option election under FASB ASC 825-10-25 (formerly known as FAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities) or other FASB standards allowing entities to elect fair value option for financial liabilities.
(b) Other References. References in this Agreement to “Sections,” “Articles,” “Exhibits” and “Schedules” are to sections, articles, exhibits and schedules herein and hereto unless otherwise indicated. All Exhibits and Schedules are incorporated herein. references in this Agreement to any document, instrument or agreement (i) shall include all exhibits, schedules and other attachments thereto; (ii) except as expressly provided otherwise in any Loan Document, shall include all documents, instruments or agreements issued or executed in replacement thereof, to the extent permitted hereby; and (iii) shall mean such document, instrument or agreement, or replacement or predecessor thereto, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time to the extent not otherwise stated herein or prohibited hereby and in effect at any given time. Wherever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated in either the singular or plural shall include the singular and plural, and pronouns stated in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall include the masculine, the feminine and the neuter. Unless explicitly set forth to the contrary, a reference to “Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of the Parent or a Subsidiary of such Subsidiary (including Borrower and any Subsidiary of Borrower) and a reference to an “Affiliate” means a reference to an Affiliate of the Parent (including any Affiliate of Borrower). Except as expressly provided otherwise in any Loan Document, (i) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified, extended, restated, replaced or supplemented from time to time and (ii) any reference to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s permitted successors and permitted assigns. Titles and captions of Articles, Sections, subsections and clauses in this Agreement are for convenience only, and neither limit nor amplify the provisions of this Agreement.
(c) References to Central Time. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to time are references to Central time daylight or standard, as applicable.
Section 1.3 Divisions. For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Interests at such time.
Section 1.4 Rates. Except as expressly set forth herein, the Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, (a) the continuation of, administration of, submission of, calculation of or any other matter related to Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, SOFR, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR or Term SOFR, or any component definition thereof or rates referred to in the definition thereof, or with respect to any alternative, successor or replacement rate thereto (including any Benchmark Replacement), including whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement rate (including any Benchmark Replacement), as it may or may not be adjusted pursuant to Section 5.2(c), will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, or have the same volume or liquidity as, Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, SOFR, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR, Term SOFR or any other Benchmark prior to its discontinuance or unavailability, or (b) the effect, implementation or composition of any Conforming Changes. The Administrative Agent and its Affiliates or other related entities may engage in transactions that affect the calculation of Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, SOFR, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR, or Term SOFR, any alternative, successor or replacement rate (including any Benchmark Replacement) or any relevant adjustments thereto and such transactions may be adverse to the Borrower. The Administrative Agent may select information sources or services in its reasonable discretion to ascertain Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, SOFR, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR or Term SOFR, or any other Benchmark, any component definition thereof or rates referred to 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.
Section 1.5 Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by Borrower pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).
Section 1.6 Financial Attributes of Non-Wholly Owned Subsidiaries. When determining the Applicable Margin and compliance by the Borrower with any financial covenant contained in any of the Loan Documents, only the Ownership Share of the Borrower of the financial attributes of a Subsidiary that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary shall be included when including financial information from a Subsidiary that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary.
ARTICLE II
Credit Facility
Section 2.1 Revolving Loans.
(a) Making of Revolving Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, including without limitation, Section 2.16, each Revolving Lender severally and not jointly agrees to make Revolving Loans to the Borrower during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the Revolving Loan Termination Date, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding up to, but not exceeding, such Lender’s Revolving Commitment. Each borrowing of Revolving Loans shall be in an aggregate minimum amount of $1,000,000.00 and integral multiples of $100,000.00 in excess thereof. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding two sentences but subject to Section 2.16, a borrowing of Revolving Loans may be in the aggregate amount of the unused Revolving Commitments. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow Revolving Loans.
(b) Requests for Revolving Loans. The Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a Notice of Borrowing no later than 11:00 a.m. Central time (a) on the same Business Day of a borrowing of each Base Rate Loan or Daily Simple SOFR Loan, and (b) at least two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days before each borrowing of a Term SOFR Loan. Each Notice of Borrowing shall specify the aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Loans to be borrowed, the date such Revolving Loans are to be borrowed (which must be a Business Day), the Type of the requested Revolving Loan, and if such Revolving Loan is a Term SOFR Loan, the Interest Period. Each Notice of Borrowing shall be irrevocable once given and binding on the Borrower. Prior to delivering a Notice of Borrowing, the Borrower may request that the Administrative Agent provide the Borrower with the most recent Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR or Adjusted Term SOFR available to the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall provide such quoted rate to the Borrower on the date of such request or as soon as possible thereafter. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Borrower may submit no more than six (6) Notices of Borrowing in any one (1) calendar month.
(c) Funding of Revolving Loans. Promptly after receipt of a Notice of Borrowing under the immediately preceding subsection (b), the Administrative Agent shall notify each Revolving Lender of the proposed borrowing. Each Revolving Lender shall deposit an amount equal to the Revolving Loan to be made by such Lender to the Borrower with the Administrative Agent at the Principal Office, in immediately available funds not later than (i) 11:00 a.m. Central time for Term SOFR Loans and (ii) 1:00 p.m. Central time for Base Rate Loans and Daily Simple SOFR Loans, on the date of such proposed Revolving Loans. Subject to fulfillment of all applicable conditions set forth herein, the Administrative Agent shall make available to the Borrower in the account specified in the Disbursement Instruction Agreement, not later than 3:00 p.m. Central time on the date of the requested borrowing of Revolving Loans, the proceeds of such amounts received by the Administrative Agent.
(d) Assumptions Regarding Funding by Revolving Lenders. With respect to Revolving Loans to be made after the Effective Date, unless the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by any Revolving Lender that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent a Revolving Loan to be made by such Lender in connection with any borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender will make the proceeds of such Revolving Loan available to the Administrative Agent in accordance with this Section, and the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to), in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower the amount of such Revolving Loan to be provided by such Lender. In such event, if such Lender does not make available to the Administrative Agent the proceeds of such Revolving Loan, then such Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent on demand the amount of such Revolving Loan with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such Revolving Loan is made available to the Borrower but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation and (ii) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrower the interest rate applicable to the Type of Loan elected by Borrower in the Notice of Borrowing. If the Borrower and such Lender shall pay the amount of such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrower the amount of such interest paid by the Borrower for such period. If such Lender pays to the Administrative Agent the amount of such Revolving Loan, the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Revolving Loan included in the borrowing. Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Revolving Lender that shall have failed to make available the proceeds of a Revolving Loan to be made by such Lender.
Section 2.2 [Intentionally Omitted].
Section 2.3 [Intentionally Omitted].
Section 2.4 Letters of Credit.
(a) Letters of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, Section 2.16, the Issuing Bank, on behalf of the Revolving Lenders, agrees to issue for the account of any Loan Party during the period from and including the Effective Date to, but excluding, the date thirty (30) days prior to the Revolving Loan Termination Date, one or more standby letters of credit (each a “Letter of Credit”) up to a maximum aggregate Stated Amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed $20,000,000.00, as such amount may be reduced from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof (the “Letter of Credit Commitment Amount”).
(b) Terms of Letters of Credit. At the time of issuance, the amount, form, terms and conditions of each Letter of Credit, and of any drafts or acceptances thereunder, shall be subject to approval by the Issuing Bank and the Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may (i) the expiration date of any Letter of Credit extend beyond the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the Revolving Loan Termination Date unless on or before such date that is ninety (90) days before such expiration date, Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for its benefit and the benefit of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank, for deposit into the Letter of Credit Collateral Account, an amount of money equal to the amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit, or (ii) any Letter of Credit have an initial duration in excess of one year; provided, however, a Letter of Credit may contain a provision providing for the automatic extension of the expiration date in the absence of a notice of non-renewal from the Issuing Bank but in no event shall any such provision permit the extension of the expiration date of such Letter of Credit beyond the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the Revolving Loan Termination Date unless on or before such date that is ninety (90) days before such expiration date, Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for its benefit and the benefit of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank, for deposit into the Letter of Credit Collateral Account, an amount of money equal to the amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit.
(c) Requests for Issuance of Letters of Credit. The Borrower shall give the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent written notice at least five (5) Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance of a Letter of Credit, such notice to describe in reasonable detail the proposed terms of such Letter of Credit and the nature of the transactions or obligations proposed to be supported by such Letter of Credit, and in any event shall set forth with respect to such Letter of Credit the proposed (i) initial Stated Amount, (ii) beneficiary, and (iii) expiration date. The Borrower shall also execute and deliver such customary applications and agreements for standby letters of credit, and other forms as reasonably requested from time to time by the Issuing Bank. Provided the Borrower has given the notice prescribed by the first sentence of this subsection and delivered such applications and agreements referred to in the preceding sentence, subject to the other terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the satisfaction of any applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section 6.2, the Issuing Bank shall issue the requested Letter of Credit on the requested date of issuance for the benefit of the stipulated beneficiary but in no event shall the Issuing Bank be obligated to deliver the requested Letter of Credit prior to the date five (5) Business Days following the date after which the Issuing Bank has received all of the items required to be delivered to it under this subsection. Issuing Bank shall not, at any time, be obligated to issue any Letter of Credit if such issuance would conflict with, or cause the Issuing Bank or any Revolving Lender to exceed any limits imposed by, any Applicable Law. References herein to “issue” and derivations thereof with respect to Letters of Credit shall also include extensions or modifications of any outstanding Letters of Credit, unless the context otherwise requires. Upon the written request of the Borrower, the Issuing Bank shall deliver to the Borrower a copy of each issued Letter of Credit within a reasonable time after the date of issuance thereof. To the extent any term of a Letter of Credit Document is inconsistent with a term of any Loan Document, the term of such Loan Document shall control.
(d) Reimbursement Obligations. Upon receipt by the Issuing Bank from the beneficiary of a Letter of Credit of any demand for payment under such Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of the amount to be paid by the Issuing Bank as a result of such demand and the date on which payment is to be made by the Issuing Bank to such beneficiary in respect of such demand; provided, however, that the Issuing Bank’s failure to give, or delay in giving, such notice shall not discharge the Borrower in any respect from the applicable Reimbursement Obligation. The Borrower hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably agrees to pay and reimburse the Issuing Bank for the amount of each demand for payment under such Letter of Credit at or prior to the date on which payment is to be made by the Issuing Bank to the beneficiary thereunder, without presentment, demand, protest or other formalities of any kind. Upon receipt by the Issuing Bank of any payment in respect of any Reimbursement Obligation, the Issuing Bank shall promptly pay to each Revolving Lender that has acquired a participation therein under the second sentence of the immediately following subsection (i) such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of such payment.
(e) Manner of Reimbursement. Upon its receipt of a notice referred to in the immediately preceding subsection (d), the Borrower shall advise the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank whether or not the Borrower intends to borrow hereunder to finance its obligation to reimburse the Issuing Bank for the amount of the related demand for payment and, if it does, the Borrower shall submit a timely request for such borrowing as provided in the applicable provisions of this Agreement. If the Borrower fails to so advise the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, or if the Borrower fails to reimburse the Issuing Bank for a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit by the date of such payment, the failure of which the Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent, then (i) if the applicable conditions contained in Article VI would permit the making of Revolving Loans, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a borrowing of Revolving Loans (which shall be Base Rate Loans) in an amount equal to the unpaid Reimbursement Obligation and the Administrative Agent shall give each Revolving Lender prompt notice of the amount of the Revolving Loan to be made available to the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 noon Central time and (ii) if such conditions would not permit the making of Revolving Loans, the provisions of subsection (j) of this Section shall apply.
(f) Effect of Letters of Credit on Revolving Commitments. Upon the issuance by the Issuing Bank of any Letter of Credit and until such Letter of Credit shall have expired or been cancelled, the Revolving Commitment of each Revolving Lender shall be deemed to be utilized for all purposes of this Agreement in an amount equal to the product of (i) such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage and (ii) (A) the Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit plus (B) any related Reimbursement Obligations then outstanding.
(g) Issuing Bank’s Duties Regarding Letters of Credit; Unconditional Nature of Reimbursement Obligations. In examining documents presented in connection with drawings under Letters of Credit and making payments under such Letters of Credit against such documents, the Issuing Bank shall only be required to use the same standard of care as it uses in connection with examining documents presented in connection with drawings under letters of credit in which it has not sold participations and making payments under such letters of credit. The Borrower assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of, or misuse of the Letters of Credit by, the respective beneficiaries of such Letters of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, none of the Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders shall be responsible for, and the Borrower’s obligations in respect of Letters of Credit shall not be affected in any manner by, (i) the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effects of any document submitted by any party in connection with the application for and issuance of or any drawing honored under any Letter of Credit even if such document should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged; (ii) the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any Letter of Credit, or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason; (iii) failure of the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit to comply fully with conditions required in order to draw upon such Letter of Credit; (iv) errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telex, telecopy, electronic mail or otherwise, whether or not they be in cipher; (v) errors in interpretation of technical terms; (vi) any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under any Letter of Credit, or of the proceeds thereof; (vii) the misapplication by the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit, or of the proceeds of any drawing under any Letter of Credit; or (viii) any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of the Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders. None of the above shall affect, impair or prevent the vesting of the Issuing Bank’s or the Administrative Agent’s rights or powers hereunder. Any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Issuing Bank under or in connection with any Letter of Credit, if taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable judgment), shall not create against the Issuing Bank any liability to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any Lender. In this connection, the obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the Issuing Bank for any drawing made under any Letter of Credit, and to repay any Revolving Loan made pursuant to the second sentence of the immediately preceding subsection (e), shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and any other applicable Letter of Credit Document under all circumstances whatsoever, including without limitation, the following circumstances: (A) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit Document or any term or provisions therein; (B) any amendment or waiver of or any consent to departure from all or any of the Letter of Credit Documents; (C) the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right which the Borrower may have at any time against the Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any beneficiary of a Letter of Credit or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or in the Letter of Credit Documents or any unrelated transaction; (D) any breach of contract or dispute between the Borrower, the Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other Person; (E) any demand, statement or any other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein or made in connection therewith being untrue or inaccurate in any respect whatsoever; (F) any non-application or misapplication by the beneficiary of a Letter of Credit or of the proceeds of any drawing under such Letter of Credit; (G) payment by the Issuing Bank under any Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate which does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; and (H) any other act, omission to act, delay or circumstance whatsoever that might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable defense to or discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrower’s Reimbursement Obligations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section or Section 13.10, but not in limitation of the Borrower’s unconditional obligation to reimburse the Issuing Bank for any drawing made under a Letter of Credit as provided in this Section and to repay any Revolving Loan made pursuant to the second sentence of the immediately preceding subsection (e), the Borrower shall have no obligation to indemnify the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender in respect of any liability incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or such Lender arising out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or such Lender in respect of a Letter of Credit as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable judgment. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, nothing in this Section shall affect any rights the Borrower may have with respect to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender with respect to any Letter of Credit.
(h) Amendments, Etc. The issuance by the Issuing Bank of any amendment, supplement or other modification to any Letter of Credit shall be subject to the same conditions applicable under this Agreement to the issuance of new Letters of Credit (including, without limitation, that the request therefor be made through the Issuing Bank), and no such amendment, supplement or other modification shall be issued unless either (i) the respective Letter of Credit affected thereby would have complied with such conditions had it originally been issued hereunder in such amended, supplemented or modified form or (ii) the Administrative Agent and the Revolving Lenders, if any, required by Section 13.7 shall have consented thereto. In connection with any such amendment, supplement or other modification, the Borrower shall pay the fees, if any, payable under the last sentence of Section 3.5(c).
(i) Revolving Lenders’ Participation in Letters of Credit. Immediately upon the issuance by the Issuing Bank of any Letter of Credit each Revolving Lender shall be deemed to have absolutely, irrevocably and unconditionally purchased and received from the Issuing Bank, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation to the extent of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the liability of the Issuing Bank with respect to such Letter of Credit and each Revolving Lender thereby shall absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably assume, as primary obligor and not as surety, and shall be unconditionally obligated to the Issuing Bank to pay and discharge when due, such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the Issuing Bank’s liability under such Letter of Credit. In addition, upon the making of each payment by a Revolving Lender to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Issuing Bank in respect of any Letter of Credit pursuant to the immediately following subsection (j), such Lender shall, automatically and without any further action on the part of the Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent or such Lender, acquire (i) a participation in an amount equal to such payment in the Reimbursement Obligation owing to the Issuing Bank by the Borrower in respect of such Letter of Credit and (ii) a participation in a percentage equal to such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage in any interest or other amounts payable by the Borrower in respect of such Reimbursement Obligation (other than the Fees payable to the Issuing Bank pursuant to the second and the last sentences of Section 3.5(c)).
(j) Payment Obligation of Revolving Lenders. Each Revolving Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Issuing Bank, on demand in immediately available funds in Dollars the amount of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of each drawing paid by the Issuing Bank under each Letter of Credit to the extent such amount is not reimbursed by the Borrower pursuant to the immediately preceding subsection (d); provided, however, that in respect of any drawing under any Letter of Credit, the maximum amount that any Revolving Lender shall be required to fund, whether as a Revolving Loan or as a participation, shall not exceed such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of such drawing except as otherwise provided in Section 3.9(d). If the notice referenced in the second sentence of Section 2.4(e) is received by a Revolving Lender not later than 11:00 a.m. Central time, then such Lender shall make such payment available to the Administrative Agent not later than 2:00 p.m. Central time on the date of demand therefor; otherwise, such payment shall be made available to the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. Central time on the next succeeding Business Day. Each Revolving Lender’s obligation to make such payments to the Administrative Agent under this subsection, and the Administrative Agent’s right to receive the same for the account of the Issuing Bank, shall be absolute, irrevocable and unconditional and shall not be affected in any way by any circumstance whatsoever, including without limitation, (i) the failure of any other Revolving Lender to make its payment under this subsection, (ii) the financial condition of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, (iii) the existence of any Default or Event of Default, including any Event of Default described in Section 11.1(f) or (g), or (iv) the termination of the Revolving Commitments. Each such payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Issuing Bank shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or deduction whatsoever.
(k) Information to Lenders. Promptly following any change in Letters of Credit outstanding, the Issuing Bank shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, which shall promptly deliver the same to each Revolving Lender and the Borrower, a notice describing the aggregate amount of all Letters of Credit outstanding at such time. Upon the request of any Revolving Lender from time to time, the Issuing Bank shall deliver any other information reasonably requested by such Lender with respect to each Letter of Credit then outstanding. Other than as set forth in this subsection, the Issuing Bank shall have no duty to notify the Lenders regarding the issuance or other matters regarding Letters of Credit issued hereunder. The failure of the Issuing Bank to perform its requirements under this subsection shall not relieve any Revolving Lender from its obligations under the immediately preceding subsection (j).
Section 2.5 Swingline Loans.
(a) Swingline Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, including without limitation Section 2.16, the Swingline Lender agrees to make Swingline Loans to the Borrower, during the period from the Effective Date to but excluding the Swingline Maturity Date, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding up to, but not exceeding, the lesser (such lesser amount being referred to as the “Swingline Availability”) of (i) the Swingline Commitment and (ii) the Revolving Commitment of the Swingline Lender in its capacity as a Revolving Lender minus the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Revolving Loans of the Swingline Lender in its capacity as a Revolving Lender. If at any time the aggregate principal amount of the Swingline Loans outstanding at such time exceeds the Swingline Availability in effect at such time, the Borrower shall immediately pay the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swingline Lender the amount of such excess. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow Swingline Loans hereunder. The borrowing of a Swingline Loan shall not constitute usage of any Revolving Lender’s Revolving Commitment for purposes of calculation of the fee payable under Section 3.5(b).
(b) Procedure for Borrowing Swingline Loans. The Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent and the Swingline Lender notice pursuant to a Notice of Swingline Borrowing or telephonic notice of each borrowing of a Swingline Loan. Each Notice of Swingline Borrowing shall be delivered to the Swingline Lender no later than 11:00 a.m. Central time on the proposed date of such borrowing. Any telephonic notice shall include all information to be specified in a written Notice of Swingline Borrowing and shall be promptly confirmed in writing by the Borrower pursuant to a Notice of Swingline Borrowing sent to the Swingline Lender by telecopy on the same day of the giving of such telephonic notice. Not later than 1:00 p.m. Central time on the date of the requested Swingline Loan and subject to satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 6.2 for such borrowing, the Swingline Lender will make the proceeds of such Swingline Loan available to the Borrower in Dollars, in immediately available funds, at the account specified by the Borrower in the Notice of Swingline Borrowing.
(c) Interest. Swingline Loans shall bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the Base Rate as in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans or at such other rate or rates as the Borrower and the Swingline Lender may agree from time to time in writing. Interest on Swingline Loans is solely for the account of the Swingline Lender (except to the extent a Revolving Lender acquires a participating interest in a Swingline Loan pursuant to the immediately following subsection (e)). All accrued and unpaid interest on Swingline Loans shall be payable on the dates and in the manner provided in Section 2.6 with respect to interest on Base Rate Loans (except as the Swingline Lender and the Borrower may otherwise agree in writing in connection with any particular Swingline Loan).
(d) Swingline Loan Amounts, Etc. Each Swingline Loan shall be in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 and integral multiples of $250,000 in excess thereof, or such other minimum amounts agreed to by the Swingline Lender and the Borrower. Any voluntary prepayment of a Swingline Loan must be in integral multiples of $250,000 or the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Swingline Loans (or such other minimum amounts upon which the Swingline Lender and the Borrower may agree) and in connection with any such prepayment, the Borrower must give the Swingline Lender and the Administrative Agent prior written notice thereof no later than 12:00 noon Central time on the day prior to the date of such prepayment. The Swingline Loans shall, in addition to this Agreement, be evidenced by the Swingline Note.
(e) Repayment and Participations of Swingline Loans. The Borrower agrees to repay each Swingline Loan within one (1) Business Day of demand therefor by the Swingline Lender and, in any event, within five (5) Business Days after the date such Swingline Loan was made; provided, that the proceeds of a Swingline Loan may not be used to pay a Swingline Loan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall repay the entire outstanding principal amount of, and all accrued but unpaid interest on, the Swingline Loans on the Swingline Maturity Date (or such earlier date as the Swingline Lender and the Borrower may agree in writing). In lieu of demanding repayment of any outstanding Swingline Loan from the Borrower, the Swingline Lender may, on behalf of the Borrower (which hereby irrevocably directs the Swingline Lender to act on its behalf), request a borrowing of Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans from the Revolving Lenders in an amount equal to the principal balance of such Swingline Loan. The amount limitations contained in the second sentence of Section 2.1.(a) shall not apply to any borrowing of such Revolving Loans made pursuant to this subsection. The Swingline Lender shall give notice to the Administrative Agent of any such borrowing of Revolving Loans not later than 11:00 a.m. Central time at least one Business Day prior to the proposed date of such borrowing. Promptly after receipt of such notice of borrowing of Revolving Loans from the Swingline Lender under the immediately preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Revolving Lender of the proposed borrowing. Not later than 11:00 a.m. Central time on the proposed date of such borrowing, each Revolving Lender will make available to the Administrative Agent at the Principal Office for the account of the Swingline Lender, in immediately available funds, the proceeds of the Revolving Loan to be made by such Lender. The Administrative Agent shall pay the proceeds of such Revolving Loans to the Swingline Lender, which shall apply such proceeds to repay such Swingline Loan. If the Revolving Lenders are prohibited from making Revolving Loans required to be made under this subsection for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation, the existence of any of the Defaults or Events of Default (including without limitation, any Event of Default described in Sections 11.1.(f) or (g)), each Revolving Lender shall purchase from the Swingline Lender, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation to the extent of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of such Swingline Loan, by directly purchasing a participation in such Swingline Loan in such amount and paying the proceeds thereof to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swingline Lender in Dollars and in immediately available funds. A Revolving Lender’s obligation to purchase such a participation in a Swingline Loan shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including without limitation, (i) any claim of setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender or any other Person may have or claim against the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or any other Person whatsoever, (ii) the existence of a Default or Event of Default (including without limitation, any of the Events of Default described in Sections 11.1(f) or (g)), or the termination of any Revolving Lender’s Revolving Commitment, (iii) the existence (or alleged existence) of an event or condition which has had or could have a Material Adverse Effect, (iv) any breach of any Loan Document by the Administrative Agent, any Lender, the Borrower or any other Loan Party, or (v) any other circumstance, happening or event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing. If such amount is not in fact made available to the Swingline Lender by any Revolving Lender, the Swingline Lender shall be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender, together with accrued interest thereon for each day from the date of demand thereof, at the Federal Funds Rate. If such Lender does not pay such amount forthwith upon the Swingline Lender’s demand therefor, and until such time as such Lender makes the required payment, the Swingline Lender shall be deemed to continue to have outstanding Swingline Loans in the amount of such unpaid participation obligation for all purposes of the Loan Documents (other than those provisions requiring the other Revolving Lenders to purchase a participation therein). Further, such Lender shall be deemed to have assigned any and all payments made of principal and interest on its Revolving Loans, and any other amounts due it hereunder, to the Swingline Lender to fund Swingline Loans in the amount of the participation in Swingline Loans that such Lender failed to purchase pursuant to this Section until such amount has been purchased (as a result of such assignment or otherwise).
Section 2.6 Rates and Payment of Interest on Loans.
(a) Rates. The Borrower promises to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan made by such Lender for the period from and including the date of the making of such Loan to but excluding the date such Loan shall be paid in full, at the following per annum rates:
(i) during such periods as such Loan is a Base Rate Loan, at the Base Rate (as in effect from time to time), plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans;
(ii) during such periods as such Loan is a Term SOFR Loan, at the Adjusted Term SOFR for the Interest Period therefor, plus the Applicable Margin for SOFR Loans, and
(iii) during such periods as such Loan is a Daily Simple SOFR Loan, at the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR plus the Applicable Margin for SOFR Loans.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, while an Event of Default exists, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender and the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, interest at the Post-Default Rate on the outstanding principal amount of any Loan made by such Lender, on all Reimbursement Obligations and on any other amount payable by the Borrower hereunder or under the Notes held by such Lender to or for the account of such Lender (including without limitation, accrued but unpaid interest to the extent permitted under Applicable Law).
(b) Payment of Interest. All accrued and unpaid interest on the outstanding principal amount of each Loan shall be payable on each Interest Payment Date. Interest payable at the Post-Default Rate shall be payable from time to time on demand. All determinations by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate hereunder shall be conclusive and binding on the Lenders and the Borrower for all purposes, absent manifest error
(c) Borrower Information Used to Determine Applicable Interest Rates. The parties understand that the applicable interest rate for the Obligations and certain fees set forth herein may be determined and/or adjusted from time to time based upon certain financial ratios and/or other information to be provided or certified to the Lenders by the Borrower (the “Borrower Information”). If it is subsequently determined that any such Borrower Information was incorrect (for whatever reason, including without limitation because of a subsequent restatement of earnings by the Borrower) at the time it was delivered to the Administrative Agent, and if the applicable interest rate or fees calculated for any period were lower than they should have been had the correct information been timely provided, then, such interest rate and such fees for such period shall be automatically recalculated using correct Borrower Information. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower in writing of any additional interest and fees due because of such recalculation, and the Borrower shall pay such additional interest or fees due to the Administrative Agent, for the account of each Lender, within five (5) Business Days of receipt of such written notice. Any recalculation of interest or fees required by this provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and this provision shall not in any way limit any of the Administrative Agent’s, the Issuing Bank’s, or any Lender’s other rights under this Agreement.
(d) Initial Benchmark Conforming Changes. In connection with the use or administration of any Benchmark, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the effectiveness of any Conforming Changes in connection with the use or administration of any Benchmark.
Section 2.7 [Intentionally Omitted].
Section 2.8 Repayment of Loans.
The Borrower shall repay the entire outstanding principal amount of, and all accrued but unpaid interest on, the Revolving Loans on the Revolving Loan Termination Date.
Section 2.9 Prepayments.
(a) Optional. The Borrower may prepay all or any part of any Loan at any time without premium or penalty. The Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent written notice of the prepayment not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) on the same Business Day as prepayment of each Base Rate Loan and (ii) at least five (5) U.S. Government Securities Business Days before prepayment of each Daily Simple SOFR Loan and (iii) at least three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days before prepayment of each Term SOFR Loan, specifying the date and amount of prepayment, whether the prepayment is of Daily Simple SOFR Loans, Term SOFR Loans or Base Rate Loans or a combination thereof, and, if of a combination thereof, the amount allocable to each. A Notice of Prepayment received after 11:00 a.m. shall be deemed received on the next Business Day or U.S. Government Securities Business Day, as applicable. Each voluntary prepayment of Loans shall be in an aggregate minimum amount of $1,000,000.00 and integral multiples of $100,000.00 in excess thereof (or, if less, the remaining principal balance of the Loans).
(b) Mandatory.
(i) Revolving Commitment Overadvance. If at any time the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans, together with the aggregate amount of all Letter of Credit Liabilities, exceeds the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments, the Borrower shall immediately upon demand pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders then holding Revolving Commitments (or if the Revolving Commitments have been terminated, then holding outstanding Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans and/or Letter of Credit Liabilities), the amount of such excess.
(ii) Maximum Loan Availability Overadvance. Without limiting the requirements of Section 2.9(b)(i) above, if at any time the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Loans, together with the aggregate amount of all Letter of Credit Liabilities, exceeds the Maximum Loan Availability, the Borrower shall within five (5) Business Days of the Borrower obtaining knowledge of the occurrence of any such excess, either (A) pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders then holding Revolving Commitments (or if the Revolving Commitments have been terminated, then holding outstanding Revolving Loans and/or Letter of Credit Liabilities), the amount of such excess, or (B) deliver a new Borrowing Base Certificate that demonstrates that the outstanding Loans, together with the aggregate amount of all Letter of Credit Liabilities, do not exceed the Maximum Loan Availability. No new advances of Revolving Loans will be made until such time that such excess is eliminated (or a new Borrowing Base Certificate is delivered demonstrating compliance). If such excess is not eliminated (or a new Borrowing Base Certificate is not delivered demonstrating compliance) within five (5) Business Days after receipt of notice from the Administrative Agent or the Borrower obtaining knowledge of the occurrence thereof, then the entire outstanding principal balance of all Loans, together with all accrued interest thereon, and an amount equal to all Letter of Credit Liabilities for deposit into the Letter of Credit Collateral Account, shall be immediately due and payable in full.
(iii) Application of Mandatory Prepayments. Amounts paid under the preceding subsections (b)(i) and (b)(ii) shall be applied to pay all amounts of principal outstanding on the Loans and any Reimbursement Obligations pro rata in accordance with Section 3.2 and if any Letters of Credit are outstanding at such time, the remainder, if any, shall be deposited into the Letter of Credit Collateral Account for application to any Reimbursement Obligations.
(c) No Effect on Derivatives Contracts. No repayment or prepayment of the Loans pursuant to this Section shall affect any of the Borrower’s obligations under any Derivatives Contracts entered into with respect to the Loans, except as otherwise provided in the applicable Derivatives Contracts.
Section 2.10 Continuation of Loans.
So long as no Event of Default exists and is continuing, (i) the Borrower may on any Business Day, with respect to any Term SOFR Loan, elect to maintain such Term SOFR Loan or any portion thereof as a Term SOFR Loan by selecting a new Interest Period for such Term SOFR Loan and (ii) any Daily Simple SOFR Loan shall automatically Continue as a Daily Simple SOFR Loan until such time as the Borrower Converts such Daily Simple SOFR Loan to a different Type in accordance with Section 2.11. Each Continuation of a Term SOFR Loan shall be in an aggregate minimum amount of $2,000,000 and integral multiples of $500,000 in excess of that amount, and each new Interest Period selected under this Section shall commence on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period. Each selection of a new Interest Period shall be made by the Borrower giving to the Administrative Agent a Notice of Continuation not later than 11:00 a.m. on the second (2nd) U.S. Government Securities Business Day prior to the date of any such Continuation. Such notice by the Borrower of a Continuation shall be by telecopy, electronic mail or other similar form of communication in the form of a Notice of Continuation, specifying (a) the proposed date of such Continuation, (b) the Term SOFR Loans and portions thereof subject to such Continuation and (c) the duration of the selected Interest Period, all of which shall be specified in such manner as is necessary to comply with all limitations on Loans outstanding hereunder. Each Notice of Continuation shall be irrevocable by and binding on the Borrower once given. Promptly after receipt of a Notice of Continuation, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the proposed Continuation. If the Borrower shall fail to select in a timely manner a new Interest Period for any Term SOFR Loan in accordance with this Section, such Loan will automatically, on the last day of the current Interest Period therefor, Continue as a Term SOFR Loan with an Interest Period of one month; provided, however that if an Event of Default exists and is continuing, such Loan will automatically, on the last day of the then-current Interest Period therefor, Convert into a Base Rate Loan notwithstanding the first sentence of Section 2.11 or the Borrower’s failure to comply with any of the terms of such Section.
Section 2.11 Conversion of Loans.
So long as no Event of Default exists and is continuing, the Borrower may on any Business Day, upon the Borrower’s giving of a Notice of Conversion to the Administrative Agent by telecopy, electronic mail or other similar form of communication, Convert all or a portion of a Loan of one Type into a Loan of another Type; provided, however, a Base Rate Loan may not be Converted into a SOFR Loan if an Event of Default exists and is continuing. Each Conversion of Base Rate Loans into SOFR Loans shall be in an aggregate minimum amount of $2,000,000 and integral multiples of $500,000 in excess of that amount. Any Conversion of a Term SOFR Loan into a Base Rate Loan or a Daily Simple SOFR Loan shall be made on, and only on, the last day of an Interest Period for such Term SOFR Loan. Each such Notice of Conversion shall be given not later than (i) 11:00 a.m. (x) in the case of a Loan Converting to a Daily Simple SOFR Loan, on the U.S. Government Securities Business Day of such proposed Conversion, (y) in the case of a Loan converting to a Term SOFR Loan, two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days before the day on which a proposed Conversion of such Loan is to be effective or (z) in the case of a Loan converting to a Base Rate Loan, on the Business Day of such Conversion. Promptly after receipt of a Notice of Conversion, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the proposed Conversion. Subject to the restrictions specified above, each Notice of Conversion shall be by telecopy, electronic mail or other similar form of communication in the form of a Notice of Conversion specifying (a) the requested date of such Conversion, (b) the Type of Loan to be Converted, (c) the portion of such Type of Loan to be Converted, (d) the Type of Loan such Loan is to be Converted into and (e) if such Conversion is into a Term SOFR Loan, the requested duration of the Interest Period of such Loan. Each Notice of Conversion shall be irrevocable by and binding on the Borrower once given.
Section 2.12 Notes.
(a) Notes. Except in the case of a Revolving Lender that has notified the Administrative Agent in writing that it elects not to receive a Revolving Note, the Revolving Loans made by each Revolving Lender shall, in addition to this Agreement, also be evidenced by a Revolving Note, payable to the order of such Revolving Lender in a principal amount equal to the amount of its Revolving Commitment as originally in effect and otherwise duly completed. The Swingline Loans made by the Swingline Lender to the Borrower shall, in addition to this Agreement, also be evidenced by a Swingline Note payable to the order of the Swingline Lender.
(b) Records. The date, amount, interest rate, Type and duration of Interest Periods (if applicable) of each Loan made by each Lender to the Borrower, and each payment made on account of the principal thereof, shall be recorded by such Lender on its books and such entries shall be binding on the Borrower absent manifest error; provided, however, that (i) the failure of a Lender to make any such record shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower under any of the Loan Documents and (ii) if there is a discrepancy between such records of a Lender and the statements of accounts maintained by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 3.8, in the absence of manifest error, the statements of account maintained by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 3.8 shall be controlling.
(c) Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Mutilated Notes. Upon receipt by the Borrower of (i) written notice from a Lender that a Note of such Lender has been lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated, and (ii)(A) in the case of loss, theft or destruction, an unsecured agreement of indemnity from such Lender in form reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower, or (B) in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of such Note, the Borrower shall at its own expense execute and deliver to such Lender a new Note dated the date of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note.
Section 2.13 Voluntary Reductions of the Revolving Commitment.
The Borrower shall have the right to terminate or reduce the aggregate unused amount of the Revolving Commitments (for which purpose use of the Revolving Commitments shall be deemed to include the aggregate amount of all Letter of Credit Liabilities and the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Swingline Loans) at any time and from time to time without penalty or premium upon not less than five (5) Business Days prior written notice to the Administrative Agent of each such termination or reduction, which notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the effective date thereof and the amount of any such reduction (which in the case of any partial reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall not be less than $5,000,000.00 and integral multiples of $1,000,000.00 in excess of that amount in the aggregate) and shall be irrevocable once given and effective only upon receipt by the Administrative Agent (“Commitment Reduction Notice”); provided, however, the Borrower may not reduce the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments below $50,000,000.00 unless the Borrower is terminating the Revolving Commitments in full. Promptly after receipt of a Commitment Reduction Notice the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the proposed termination or Revolving Commitment reduction. The Revolving Commitments, once reduced or terminated pursuant to this Section, may not be increased or reinstated. The Borrower shall pay all interest and fees on the Revolving Loans accrued to the date of such reduction or termination of the Revolving Commitments to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Revolving Lenders.
Section 2.14 Extension of Revolving Loan Termination Date.
(a) Generally. The Borrower shall have the right to request that the Administrative Agent and the Revolving Lenders agree to extend the Revolving Loan Termination Date by one (1) year (a “Revolving Loan Extension”). The Borrower may exercise such right only by executing and delivering to the Administrative Agent not earlier than ninety (90) days prior to the annual anniversary of the Agreement Date, and not later than sixty (60) days prior to the annual anniversary of the Agreement Date, a written request for such extension (an “Extension Request”). The Administrative Agent shall notify the Revolving Lenders in the event of a Revolving Loan Extension if it receives an Extension Request promptly (but, in any event, within five (5) Business Days) after receipt thereof. Subject to satisfaction of the following conditions, the Revolving Loan Termination Date shall be extended for one year effective upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of the Extension Request and payment of the fee referred to in the following clause (iii): (i) the Requisite Lenders shall have notified the Administrative Agent of their acceptance of the Extension Request within forty-five (45) days of such Lenders’ receipt of the Extension Request (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may determine); (ii) immediately prior to such extension and immediately after giving effect thereto, (A) no Default or Event of Default shall exist, (B) no material adverse change has occurred in the financial condition of the Borrower, and (C) the representations and warranties made or deemed made by the Borrower and each other Loan Party in the Loan Documents to which any of them is a party, shall be true and correct in all material respects (except in the case of a representation or warranty qualified by materiality, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the date of such extension with the same force and effect as if made on and as of such date except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects (except in the case of a representation or warranty qualified by materiality, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of such earlier date) and except for changes in factual circumstances specifically and expressly permitted hereunder; (iii) the Borrower shall have paid the extension Fees to Lenders approving the extension in accordance with Section 3.5(d); (iv) intentionally omitted; (v) the Borrower shall have executed such documents and agreements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, and (vi) the Borrower shall have satisfied such other conditions as the Administrative Agent and/or the Lenders may reasonably require. At any time prior to the effectiveness of any such extension, upon the Administrative Agent’s request, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate from a Responsible Officer certifying the matters referred to in the immediately preceding clauses (ii)(A) and (ii)(B). The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower whether a request for an extension has been accepted or rejected as well as which Lender or Lenders rejected such request (each such Lender, a “Rejecting Lender”), it being acknowledged and agreed that any Lender that has not accepted such request within the time period set forth above shall be deemed to have rejected such Extension Request and such Rejecting Lender’s commitment maturity date will not be extended. The Borrower understands and acknowledges that (i) this Section has been included in this Agreement for the Borrower’s convenience in requesting an extension of the Revolving Loan Termination Date; (ii) neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender has promised (either expressly or impliedly), nor does the Administrative Agent or any Lender have any obligation or commitment whatsoever, to extend the Revolving Loan Termination Date; and (iii) the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may condition any such extension on such terms and conditions as they may deem appropriate in their sole and absolute discretion.
(b) Rejecting Lenders. Within fifteen (15) days after the date the Borrower receives notice of the Rejecting Lenders pursuant to the preceding subsection (a), but subject to the following subsection (c), the Borrower may elect, with respect to each Rejecting Lender, by written notice to the Administrative Agent and such Rejecting Lender, either (i) to require a Rejecting Lender to, and such Rejecting Lender shall, assign the Revolving Commitment and Revolving Loan owing to such Rejecting Lender in the event of a rejected Revolving Loan Extension to an Eligible Assignee specified by the Borrower, subject to and in accordance with Section 13.6(b), for a purchase price (“Purchase Price”) equal to (A) the aggregate principal balance of the Revolving Loans then outstanding and owing to such Rejecting Lender, plus (B) any accrued but unpaid interest and fees related to such Revolving Loans owing to such Rejecting Lender, any such assignment to be effective as of the then current Revolving Loan Termination Date, or (ii) to pay the Purchase Price to such Rejecting Lender, effective as of the then-current Revolving Loan Termination Date, whereupon such Rejecting Lender’s Revolving Commitment shall terminate, the aggregate amount of the Commitments shall be so reduced, and the Revolving Loans owing to the Rejecting Lender shall be deemed fully paid and discharged.
(c) Extension. Neither the Administrative Agent, any Rejecting Lender nor any Affiliate thereof shall be obligated in any way to initiate any assignment referred to in the preceding subsection (b) or to assist in finding an Eligible Assignee or Affiliate thereof. If all of the assignments and payments contemplated in the preceding subsection (b) have been completed, such that no Rejecting Lender or Affiliate thereof has outstanding any Revolving Commitment or Revolving Loans in the event of a rejected Revolving Loan Extension or other amounts owing under this Agreement to such Rejecting Lender in such capacity, then the Borrower’s request for an extension shall be deemed to have been granted, and accordingly the Revolving Loan Termination Date shall be extended for a single one-year period; otherwise the Revolving Loan Termination Date shall not be extended. Notwithstanding the preceding subsections, if (i) the Requisite Lenders do not approve a request for a Revolving Loan Extension, or (ii) any of the conditions contained in the preceding subsection (a) are not satisfied, then the Revolving Loan Termination Date shall not be extended.
Section 2.15 Expiration Date of Letters of Credit Past Revolving Commitment Termination.
If on the date the Commitments are terminated or reduced to zero (whether voluntarily, by reason of the occurrence of an Event of Default or otherwise) there are any Letters of Credit outstanding hereunder and the aggregate Stated Amount of such Letters of Credit exceeds the balance of available funds on deposit in the Letter of Credit Collateral Account, then the Borrower shall, on such date, pay to the Administrative Agent, for its benefit and the benefit of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank, for deposit into the Letter of Credit Collateral Account, an amount of money equal to the amount of such excess.
Section 2.16 Amount Limitations.
Notwithstanding any other term of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, no Lender shall be required to make a Loan, no Issuing Bank shall be required to issue a Letter of Credit and no reduction of the Revolving Commitments pursuant to Section 2.13 shall take effect, if immediately after the making of such Loan, the issuance of such Letter of Credit or such reduction in the Revolving Commitments: (a) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Loans, together with aggregate amount of all Letter of Credit Liabilities, would exceed the Maximum Loan Availability at such time or (b) such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Loans, together with the aggregate amount of all Letter of Credit Liabilities, would exceed such Lender’s Revolving Commitment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, when determining whether the making of a Loan, the issuance of a Letter of Credit or a reduction in the Revolving Commitments would comply with the requirements of the immediately preceding clause (b) with respect to the Lender then acting as Swingline Lender and/or Issuing Bank, such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Swingline Loans made by such Lender and all Letter of Credit Liabilities under Letters of Credit issued by such Lender shall be deemed to be one hundred percent (100%) (i.e., the usage of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment shall not be reduced by reason of any unreimbursed participations in such Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit by any other Lender pursuant to the terms of this Agreement).
Section 2.17 Increase in Revolving Commitments.
The Borrower shall have the right to request increases from time to time in the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments by providing written notice to the Administrative Agent, which notice shall be irrevocable once given; provided, however, that the aggregate amount of any such increases shall not exceed $100,000,000.00 (i.e. after giving effect to any such increases, the aggregate amount of Revolving Commitments shall not exceed $350,000,000.00). Each such increase in the Revolving Commitments must be an aggregate minimum amount of $5,000,000.00 and integral multiples of $5,000,000.00 in excess thereof. The Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, shall manage all aspects of the syndication of such increase in the Revolving Commitments, including decisions as to the selection of the then-existing Lenders and/or other banks, financial institutions and other institutional lenders to be approached with respect to such increase and the allocations of the increase in the Revolving Commitments among such existing Lenders and/or other banks, financial institutions and other institutional lenders. No Lender shall be obligated in any way whatsoever to increase its Revolving Commitment or provide a new Revolving Commitment, and any new Lender becoming a party to this Agreement in connection with any such requested increase must be an Eligible Assignee. If a new Lender becomes a party to this Agreement, or if any existing Lender is increasing its Revolving Commitment, such Lender shall on the date it becomes a Lender hereunder (or in the case of an existing Lender, increases its Revolving Commitment) (and as a condition thereto) purchase from the other Lenders its Revolving Commitment Percentage (determined with respect to the Lenders’ respective Revolving Commitments and after giving effect to the increase of Revolving Commitments) of any outstanding Revolving Loans, by making available to the Administrative Agent for the account of such other Lenders, in same day funds, an amount equal to (A) the portion of the outstanding principal amount of such Revolving Loans to be purchased by such Lender, plus (B) the aggregate amount of payments previously made by the other Revolving Lenders under Section 2.4(j) that have not been repaid, plus (C) interest accrued and unpaid to and as of such date on such portion of the outstanding principal amount of such Revolving Loans. Effecting the increase of the Revolving Commitments under this Section is subject to the following conditions precedent: (x) no Default or Event of Default shall be in existence on the effective date of such increase, (y) the representations and warranties made or deemed made by the Borrower and any other Loan Party in any Loan Document to which such Loan Party is a party shall be true and correct in all material respects (except in the case of a representation or warranty qualified by materiality, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) on the effective date of such increase except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects (except in the case of a representation or warranty qualified by materiality, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of such earlier date) and except for changes in factual circumstances specifically and expressly permitted hereunder, and (z) the Administrative Agent shall have received each of the following, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent: (i) if not previously delivered to the Administrative Agent, copies certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of all corporate, partnership, member or other necessary action taken by the Borrower to authorize such increase; (ii) an opinion of counsel to the Borrower addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, covering such matters as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent; and (iii) new Revolving Notes executed by the Borrower, payable to any new Revolving Lenders and replacement Revolving Notes executed by the Borrower, payable to any existing Revolving Lenders increasing their Revolving Commitments, in the amount of such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Commitment at the time of the effectiveness of the applicable increase in the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments. In connection with any increase in the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.17, any Lender becoming a party hereto shall (1) execute such documents and agreements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and (2) in the case of any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside of the United States of America, provide to the Administrative Agent, its name, address, tax identification number and/or such other information as shall be necessary for the Administrative Agent to comply with “know your customer” and Anti-Money Laundering Laws, including without limitation, the Patriot Act. For the avoidance of doubt, all Revolving Loans and Letters of Credit issued utilizing such increased Revolving Commitment shall (w) constitute Obligations under this Agreement and the other applicable Loan Documents, (x) intentionally omitted, (y) will mature on, and will require no scheduled amortization or mandatory commitment reduction prior to, the Revolving Loan Termination Date, and (z) have terms identical to the existing Revolving Commitments.
Section 2.18 Funds Transfer Disbursements.
The Borrower hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to disburse the proceeds of any Loan made by the Lenders or any of their Affiliates pursuant to the Loan Documents as requested by an authorized representative of the Borrower to any of the accounts designated in the Disbursement Instruction Agreement.
ARTICLE III
Payments, Fees and Other General Provisions
Section 3.1 Payments.
(a) Payments by Borrower. Except to the extent otherwise provided herein, all payments of principal, interest, Fees and other amounts to be made by the Borrower under this Agreement, the Notes or any other Loan Document shall be made in Dollars, in immediately available funds, without setoff, deduction or counterclaim (excluding Taxes required to be withheld pursuant to Section 3.10), to the Administrative Agent at the Principal Office, not later than 1:00 p.m. Central time on the date on which such payment shall become due (each such payment made after such time on such due date to be deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business Day). Subject to Section 11.5, the Borrower shall, at the time of making each payment under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, specify to the Administrative Agent the amounts payable by the Borrower hereunder to which such payment is to be applied. Each payment received by the Administrative Agent for the account of a Lender under this Agreement or any Note shall be paid to such Lender by wire transfer of immediately available funds in accordance with the wiring instructions provided by such Lender to the Administrative Agent from time to time, for the account of such Lender at the applicable Lending Office of such Lender. Each payment received by the Administrative Agent for the account of the Issuing Bank under this Agreement shall be paid to the Issuing Bank by wire transfer of immediately available funds in accordance with the wiring instructions provided by the Issuing Bank to the Administrative Agent from time to time, for the account of the Issuing Bank. In the event the Administrative Agent fails to pay such amounts to such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, within one (1) Business Day of receipt of such amounts, the Administrative Agent shall pay interest on such amount until paid at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. If the due date of any payment under this Agreement or any other Loan Document would otherwise fall on a day which is not a Business Day such date shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day and interest shall continue to accrue at the rate, if any, applicable to such payment for the period of such extension.
(b) Presumptions Regarding Payments by Borrower. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the Issuing Bank hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may (but shall not be obligated to), in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent on demand that amount so distributed to such Lender or the Issuing Bank, with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
Section 3.2 Pro Rata Treatment.
Except to the extent otherwise provided herein: (a) each borrowing from the Revolving Lenders under Sections 2.1(a), 2.4(e) and 2.5(e) shall be made from the Revolving Lenders, each payment of the fees under Sections 3.5(a), 3.5(b), the first sentence of 3.5(c), and 3.5(e) shall be made for the account of the Revolving Lenders, and each termination or reduction of the amount of the Revolving Commitments under Section 2.13 shall be applied to the respective Revolving Commitments of the Revolving Lenders, pro rata according to the amounts of their respective Revolving Commitments; (b) each payment or prepayment of principal of Revolving Loans shall be made for the account of the Revolving Lenders pro rata in accordance with the respective unpaid principal amounts of the Revolving Loans held by them, provided that, subject to Section 3.9, if immediately prior to giving effect to any such payment in respect of any Revolving Loans the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Loans shall not be held by the Revolving Lenders pro rata in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitments in effect at the time such Revolving Loans were made, then such payment shall be applied to the Revolving Loans in such manner as shall result, as nearly as is practicable, in the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Loans being held by the Revolving Lenders pro rata in accordance with such respective Revolving Commitments; (c) each payment of interest on Revolving Loans shall be made for the account of the Revolving Lenders pro rata in accordance with the amounts of interest on such Revolving Loans then due and payable to the respective Lenders; (d) the Conversion and Continuation of Revolving Loans of a particular Type shall be made pro rata among the Revolving Lenders according to the amounts of their respective Revolving Loans and the then-current Interest Period for each Lender’s portion of each such Loan of such Type shall be coterminous; (e) the Revolving Lenders’ participation in, and payment obligations in respect of, Swingline Loans under Section 2.5, shall be in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitment Percentages; and (f) the Revolving Lenders’ participation in, and payment obligations in respect of, Letters of Credit under Section 2.4, shall be in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitment Percentages. All payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts in respect of the Swingline Loans shall be for the account of the Swingline Lender only (except to the extent any Lender shall have acquired a participating interest in any such Swingline Loan pursuant to Section 2.5(e), in which case such payments shall be pro rata in accordance with such participating interests).
Section 3.3 Sharing of Payments, Etc.
If a Lender shall obtain payment of any principal of, or interest on, any Loan made by it to the Borrower under this Agreement or shall obtain payment on any other Obligation owing by the Borrower or any other Loan Party through the exercise of any right of set-off, banker’s lien, counterclaim or similar right or otherwise or through voluntary prepayments directly to a Lender or other payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Loan Party to a Lender not in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and such payment should be distributed to the Lenders in accordance with Section 3.2 or Section 11.5, as applicable, such Lender shall promptly purchase from the other Lenders participations in (or, if and to the extent specified by such Lender, direct interests in) the Loans made by the other Lenders or other Obligations owed to such other Lenders in such amounts, and make such other adjustments from time to time as shall be equitable, to the end that all the Lenders shall share the benefit of such payment (net of any reasonable expenses which may actually be incurred by such Lender in obtaining or preserving such benefit) in accordance with the requirements of Section 3.2 or Section 11.5, as applicable. To such end, all the Lenders shall make appropriate adjustments among themselves (by the resale of participations sold or otherwise) if such payment is rescinded or must otherwise be restored. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation (or direct interest) in the Loans or other Obligations owed to such other Lenders may exercise all rights of set-off, banker’s lien, counterclaim or similar rights with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct holder of Loans in the amount of such participation. Nothing contained herein shall require any Lender to exercise any such right or shall affect the right of any Lender to exercise and retain the benefits of exercising, any such right with respect to any other indebtedness or obligation of the Borrower.
Section 3.4 Several Obligations.
No Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make a Loan or to perform any other obligation to be made or performed by such other Lender hereunder, and the failure of any Lender to make a Loan or to perform any other obligation to be made or performed by it hereunder shall not relieve the obligation of any other Lender to make any Loan or to perform any other obligation to be made or performed by such other Lender.
Section 3.5 Fees.
(a) Closing Fee. On the Effective Date, the Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent and each Lender all loan fees as have been agreed to in writing by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
(b) Facility Fees. During the period from the Effective Date to but excluding the Revolving Loan Termination Date, the Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Revolving Lenders an unused facility fee equal to the sum of the daily amount by which the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments exceeds the aggregate outstanding principal balance of Revolving Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities, as set forth in the table below multiplied by the corresponding per annum rate:
Daily Average Aggregate Outstanding Balance of Revolving Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities |
Unused Fee (percent per annum) |
Greater than or equal to sixty percent (60%) of the aggregate amount of Revolving Commitments |
0.25% |
Less than sixty percent (60%) of the aggregate amount of Revolving Commitments | 0.45% |
Such fee shall be computed on a daily basis and payable quarterly in arrears on the first (1st) day of each January, April, July and October during the term of this Agreement and on the Revolving Loan Termination Date or any earlier date of termination of the Revolving Commitments or reduction of the Revolving Commitments to zero. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of calculating the unused facility fee, the outstanding principal balance of Swingline Loans shall not be factored into the computation.
(c) Letter of Credit Fees. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender a letter of credit fee with respect to each Letter of Credit issued by the Issuing Bank at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans times the daily average Stated Amount of each Letter of Credit for the period from and including the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit (i) to and including the date such Letter of Credit expires or is cancelled or terminated or (ii) to but excluding the date such Letter of Credit is drawn in full. In addition to such fees, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent solely for the Issuing Bank’s own account, a fronting fee in respect of each Letter of Credit issued by the Issuing Bank in an amount equal to one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) per annum (calculated on an actual day and 360-day year basis) on the face amount of such Letter of Credit. The fees provided for in in the immediately preceding two sentences shall be nonrefundable and payable, in arrears, (i) quarterly on the first (1st) day of January, April, July and October, (ii) on the Revolving Loan Termination Date, (iii) on the date the Revolving Commitments are terminated or reduced to zero and (iv) thereafter from time to time on demand of the Administrative Agent. The Borrower shall pay directly to the Issuing Bank from time to time on demand all commissions, charges, costs and expenses in the amounts customarily charged or incurred by the Issuing Bank from time to time in like circumstances with respect to the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any other transaction relating thereto.
(d) Revolving Credit Extension Fee. If the Revolving Loan Termination Date is being extended in accordance with Section 2.14, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender approving such extension a fee in an amount to be determined by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Joint Lead Arrangers.
(e) Administrative and Other Fees. The Borrower agrees to pay the administrative and other fees of the Administrative Agent and Lead Arrangers as provided in the Fee Letter and as may be otherwise agreed to in writing from time to time by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Joint Lead Arrangers.
Section 3.6 Computations.
Unless otherwise expressly set forth herein, any accrued interest on any Loan, any Fees or any other Obligations due hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty (360) days and the actual number of days elapsed. All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed.
Section 3.7 Usury.
In no event shall the amount of interest due or payable on the Loans or other Obligations exceed the maximum rate of interest allowed by Applicable Law and, if any such payment is paid by the Borrower or any other Loan Party or received by any Lender, then such excess sum shall be credited as a payment of principal, unless the Borrower shall notify the respective Lender in writing that the Borrower elects to have such excess sum returned to it forthwith. It is the express intent of the parties hereto that the Borrower not pay and the Lenders not receive, directly or indirectly, in any manner whatsoever, interest in excess of that which may be lawfully paid by the Borrower under Applicable Law. The parties hereto hereby agree and stipulate that the only charge imposed upon the Borrower for the use of money in connection with this Agreement is and shall be the interest specifically described in Section 2.6(a) and, with respect to Swingline Loans, in Section 2.5(c). Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the parties hereto further agree and stipulate that all agency fees, syndication fees, facility fees, closing fees, letter of credit fees, underwriting fees, default charges, late charges, funding or “breakage” charges, increased cost charges, attorneys’ fees and reimbursement for costs and expenses paid by the Administrative Agent or any Lender to third parties or for damages incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, in each case, in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, are charges made to compensate the Administrative Agent or any such Lender for underwriting or administrative services and costs or losses performed or incurred, and to be performed or incurred, by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in connection with this Agreement and shall under no circumstances be deemed to be charges for the use of money. All charges other than charges for the use of money shall be fully earned and nonrefundable when due.
Section 3.8 Statements of Account.
The Administrative Agent will account to the Borrower monthly with a statement of Loans, accrued interest and Fees, charges and payments made pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and such account rendered by the Administrative Agent shall be deemed conclusive upon the Borrower absent manifest error. The failure of the Administrative Agent to deliver such a statement of accounts shall not relieve or discharge the Borrower from any of its obligations hereunder.
Section 3.9 Defaulting Lenders.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as such Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law:
(a) Waivers and Amendments. Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in the definition of Requisite Lenders and in Section 13.7.
(b) Defaulting Lender Waterfall. Any payment of principal, interest, Fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article XI or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 3.3 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender hereunder; third, to Cash Collateralize the Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with subsection (e) below; fourth, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement and (y) Cash Collateralize the Issuing Bank’s future Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement, in accordance with subsection (e) below; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the Issuing Bank, or the Swingline Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, the Issuing Bank, or the Swingline Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that, if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender under Section 2.4(j) in respect of Letters of Credit (such amounts “Letter of Credit Disbursements”), in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made or the related Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in Article V were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and Letter of Credit Disbursements owed to, all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or Letter of Credit Disbursements owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letter of Credit Liabilities and Swingline Loans are held by the Revolving Lenders pro rata in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitment Percentages (determined without giving effect to the immediately following subsection (d)). Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post Cash Collateral pursuant to this subsection shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents thereto.
(c) | Certain Fees. |
(i) No Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive any Fee payable under Section 3.5(b) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender).
(ii) Each Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive the Fee payable under Section 3.5(c) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender only to the extent allocable to its Revolving Commitment Percentage of the stated amount of Letters of Credit for which it has provided Cash Collateral pursuant to the immediately following subsection (e).
(iii) With respect to any Fee not required to be paid to any Defaulting Lender pursuant to the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), the Borrower shall (x) pay to each Non-Defaulting Lender that portion of any such Fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s participation in Letter of Credit Liabilities or Swingline Loans that has been reallocated to such Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant to the immediately following subsection (d), (y) pay to the Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender, as applicable, the amount of any such Fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender to the extent allocable to the Issuing Bank’s or Swingline Lender’s Fronting Exposure to such Defaulting Lender, and (z) not be required to pay the remaining amount of any such Fee.
(d) Reallocation of Participations to Reduce Fronting Exposure. All or any part of such Defaulting Lender’s participation in Letter of Credit Liabilities and Swingline Loans shall be reallocated among the Non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitment Percentages (determined without regard to such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment) but only to the extent that such reallocation does not cause the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure of any Non-Defaulting Lender to exceed such Non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment. Subject to Section 13.21, no reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Revolving Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a Non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such Non-Defaulting Lender’s increased exposure following such reallocation.
(e) | Cash Collateral; Repayment of Swingline Loans. |
(i) If the reallocation described in the immediately preceding subsection (d) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall, without prejudice to any right or remedy available to it hereunder or under law, (x) first, prepay Swingline Loans in an amount equal to the Swingline Lender’s Fronting Exposure and (y) second, Cash Collateralize the Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure in accordance with the procedures set forth in this subsection.
(ii) At any time that there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, within one (1) Business Day following the written request of the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall Cash Collateralize the Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender (determined after giving effect to the immediately preceding subsection (d) and any Cash Collateral provided by such Defaulting Lender) in an amount not less than the aggregate Fronting Exposure of the Issuing Bank with respect to Letters of Credit issued and outstanding at such time.
(iii) The Borrower, and to the extent provided by any Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender, hereby grant to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Issuing Bank, and agree to maintain, a first priority security interest in all such Cash Collateral as security for the Defaulting Lenders’ obligation to fund participations in respect of Letter of Credit Liabilities, to be applied pursuant to the immediately following clause (iv). If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that Cash Collateral is subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank as herein provided, or that the total amount of such Cash Collateral is less than the aggregate Fronting Exposure of the Issuing Bank with respect to Letters of Credit issued and outstanding at such time, the Borrower will, promptly upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay or provide to the Administrative Agent additional Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to eliminate such deficiency (after giving effect to any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender).
(iv) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Cash Collateral provided under this Section in respect of Letters of Credit shall be applied to the satisfaction of the Defaulting Lender’s obligation to fund participations in respect of Letter of Credit Liabilities (including, as to Cash Collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, any interest accrued on such obligation) for which the Cash Collateral was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may otherwise be provided for herein.
(v) Cash Collateral (or the appropriate portion thereof) provided to reduce the Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure shall no longer be required to be held as Cash Collateral pursuant to this subsection following (x) the elimination of the applicable Fronting Exposure (including by the termination of Defaulting Lender status of the applicable Revolving Lender), or (y) the determination by the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank that there exists excess Cash Collateral; provided that, subject to the immediately preceding subsection (b), the Person providing Cash Collateral and the Issuing Bank may (but shall not be obligated to) agree that Cash Collateral shall be held to support future anticipated Fronting Exposure or other obligations and provided further that to the extent that such Cash Collateral was provided by the Borrower, such Cash Collateral shall remain subject to the security interest granted pursuant to the Loan Documents.
(f) Defaulting Lender Cure. If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, and the Swingline Lender agree in writing that a Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any Cash Collateral), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans to be held pro rata by the Revolving Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitment Percentages (determined without giving effect to the immediately preceding subsection (d)), whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to Fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.
(g) New Swingline Loans/Letters of Credit. So long as any Revolving Lender is a Defaulting Lender, (i) the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loans unless it is satisfied that it will have no Fronting Exposure after giving effect to such Swingline Loan and (ii) the Issuing Bank shall not be required to issue, extend, renew or increase any Letter of Credit unless it is satisfied that it will have no Fronting Exposure after giving effect thereto.
(h) Purchase of Defaulting Lender’s Commitment. During any period that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower may, by the Borrower giving written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent, such Defaulting Lender and the other Lenders, demand that such Defaulting Lender assign its Commitment and Loans to an Eligible Assignee subject to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.6(b). No party hereto shall have any obligation whatsoever to initiate any such replacement or to assist in finding an Eligible Assignee. In addition, any Lender who is not a Defaulting Lender may, but shall not be obligated to, in its sole discretion, acquire the face amount of all or a portion of such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment and Loans via an assignment subject to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.6(b). In connection with any such assignment, such Defaulting Lender shall promptly execute all documents reasonably requested to effect such assignment, including an appropriate Assignment and Assumption and, notwithstanding Section 13.6(b), shall pay to the Administrative Agent an assignment fee in the amount of $7,500. Except as expressly set forth herein, the exercise by the Borrower of its rights under this Section shall be at the Borrower’s sole cost and expense and at no cost or expense to the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders.
Section 3.10 Taxes.
(a) Issuing Bank. For purposes of this Section, the term “Lender” includes the Issuing Bank and 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 or any other Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by Applicable Law. If any Applicable Law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable Withholding Agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a Withholding Agent, then the applicable Withholding Agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the Borrower or other applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) 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 and the other Loan Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.
(d) Indemnification by the Borrower. The Borrower and the other Loan Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. 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 ten (10) days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that the Borrower or another Loan Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 13.6 relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register, and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this subsection. The provisions of this subsection shall continue to inure to the benefit of an Administrative Agent following its resignation as the Administrative Agent.
(f) Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by the Borrower or any other Loan Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section, the Borrower or such other Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(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 Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by Applicable Law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in the immediately following clauses (ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D)) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.
(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower is a U.S. Person:
(A) any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), an electronic copy (or an original if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) of an executed IRS Form W-9 (or any successor form) certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;
(B) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:
(I) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, an electronic copy (or an original if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) of an executed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty, and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;
(II) an electronic copy (or an original if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) of an executed IRS Form W-8ECI;
(III) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit O-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”), and (y) executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable,; or
(IV) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, an electronic copy (or an original if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) of an executed IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit O-2 or Exhibit O-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 O-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), an electronic copy (or an original if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) of originals of any other form prescribed by Applicable Law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by Applicable Law to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and
(D) if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by Applicable 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 Internal Revenue 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 and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.
Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower 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 subsection (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 subsection, in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this subsection 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 subsection 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 Loan Document.
ARTICLE IV
Borrowing Base Properties
Section 4.1 Eligibility of Properties.
(a) Initial Borrowing Base Properties. The Properties identified on Schedule 4.1 shall, on the Effective Date, be Borrowing Base Properties, and the Borrowing Base Value initially attributable to each such Property shall be as approved by the Administrative Agent and set forth on Schedule 4.1.
(b) Additional Borrowing Base Properties. The Borrower may request that the Administrative Agent include any additional Property in the Borrowing Base as a Borrowing Base Property by written request therefor to the Administrative Agent. Such Property shall become a Borrowing Base Property upon (i) satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Sections 6.3 and (ii) delivery of a Borrowing Base Certificate showing the Borrowing Base after inclusion of such Property as a Borrowing Base Property.
Section 4.2 Unsecured Loan.
Except as may be required to Cash Collateralize Letter of Credit Liabilities, the Loans shall be unsecured.
Section 4.3 Intentionally Omitted.
Section 4.4 Intentionally Omitted.
Section 4.5 Release of Borrowers.
(a) In connection with a Borrower (other than Smith Douglas Holdings and Smith Douglas Building) that is to be dissolved following the sale of all of such Borrower’s assets in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Borrower may request in writing that the Administrative Agent release, and upon receipt of such request the Administrative Agent shall release, such Borrower from this Agreement and the applicable Loan Documents so long as: (i) such Borrower owns no Property included in the most-recent calculation of the Borrowing Base, nor any Equity Interest in any Subsidiary that owns a Property included in the most-recent calculation of Borrowing Base; (ii) no Event of Default shall then be in existence and be continuing or would occur as a result of such release; (iii) the representations and warranties made by any Borrower in the Loan Documents to which any of them is a party, shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such release with the same force and effect as if made on and as of such date except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such date) and except for changes in factual circumstances specifically and expressly permitted hereunder; and (iv) the Administrative Agent shall have received such written request at least ten (10) Business Days (or such shorter period as may be acceptable to the Administrative Agent) prior to the requested date of release. Delivery by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent of any such request shall constitute a representation by the Borrower that the matters set forth in the preceding sentence (both as of the date of the giving of such request and as of the date of the effectiveness of such request) are true and correct with respect to such request. Lenders hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent to release a Borrower (other than Smith Douglas Building) from this Agreement and the applicable Loan Documents in accordance with this Section 4.5.
Section 4.6 Intentionally Omitted.
Section 4.7 Frequency of Calculations of Borrowing Base.
Initially, the Borrowing Base for the Borrowing Base Property shall be the amount set forth in the Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to the Administrative Agent in connection with the closing hereunder on the Effective Date. Thereafter, the Borrowing Base shall be the amount set forth as such in the Borrowing Base Certificate delivered from time to time under Section 9.4(d) or other applicable provisions of this Agreement.
Section 4.8 Inspections.
The Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, shall have the right to have, at the Borrower’s expense, quarterly inspections performed on up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the Borrowing Base Properties by the Administrative Agent and its contractors, vendors and agents. At any time, the Administrative Agent shall have the right to further inspect Borrowing Base Properties as the Administrative Agent determines to be reasonably necessary at the cost and expense of Lenders, with each Lender agreeing to pay to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of such costs and expenses. Notwithstanding the forgoing, during the existence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall have the right, and Requisite Lenders may require the Administrative Agent, to inspect all of the Properties included in the Borrowing Base, at the Borrower’s expense, at such times and as often as the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders, as the case may be, reasonably elect. In the event of any discrepancy between a Borrowing Base Certificate and any inspection performed by or at the request of the Administrative Agent, then the Administrative Agent shall, following written notice to the Borrower, have the right to adjust the Borrowing Base accordingly. Any inspection or review of the Lots and/or Housing Units by the Administrative Agent or its contractors, vendors and agents is solely for the Administrative Agent and Lenders’ benefit and may not be relied upon by the Borrower or by any third party. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender owes any duty of care to the Borrower or any third party to protect against, or to inform the Borrower or any third party of, any negligent, faulty, inadequate or defective design or construction of the Improvements as determined by the Administrative Agent or any Lender.
ARTICLE V
Yield Protection, Etc.
Section 5.1 Capital Adequacy.
(a) Capital Adequacy. If any Lender or Participant determines that any Regulatory Change affecting such Lender, Participant or any Lending Office of such Lender, Participant or such Lender’s or Participant’s holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity ratios or requirements, has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or Participant’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or Participant’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or Participant or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans held by, such Lender or Participant, to a level below that which such Lender, Participant or such Lender’s or Participant’s holding company could have achieved but for such Regulatory Change (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender or Participant such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, Participant or such Lender’s or Participant’s holding company for any such reduction suffered, within fifteen (15) days after written demand by such Lender or Participant for such payment. A certificate as to such amounts, submitted to the Borrower by the Lender or such participant, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.
(b) Additional Costs. In addition to, and not in limitation of the immediately preceding subsection, the Borrower shall promptly pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of a Lender from time to time such amounts as such Lender may determine to be necessary to compensate such Lender for any costs incurred by such Lender after the Effective Date that it determines are attributable to its making or maintaining, Continuing or Converting of any SOFR Loans or its obligation to make, maintain, Continue or Convert any SOFR Loans hereunder, any reduction in any amount receivable by such Lender under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents in respect of any of such SOFR Loans or such obligation or the maintenance by such Lender of capital in respect of its SOFR Loans or its Revolving Commitments (such increases in costs and reductions in amounts receivable being herein called “Additional Costs”), resulting from any Regulatory Change that:
(i) changes the basis of taxation of any amounts payable to such Lender under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents in respect of any of such SOFR Loans or its Commitments (other than Indemnified Taxes, Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and Connection Income Taxes);
(ii) imposes or modifies any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirements (other than Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or other similar reserve requirement applicable to any other category of liabilities or category of extensions of credit or other assets by reference to which the interest rate on SOFR Loans is determined relating to any extensions of credit or other assets of, or any deposits with or other liabilities of, or other credit extended by, or any other acquisition of funds by such Lender (or its parent corporation), or any commitment of such Lender (including, without limitation, the Commitments of such Lender hereunder); or
(iii) imposes on any Lender or the Issuing Bank any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or SOFR Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein.
(c) Lender’s Suspension of SOFR Loans. Without limiting the effect of the provisions of the immediately preceding subsections (a) and (b), if by reason of any Regulatory Change, any Lender either (i) incurs Additional Costs based on or measured by the excess above a specified level of the amount of a category of deposits or other liabilities of such Lender that includes deposits by reference to which the interest rate on SOFR Loans is determined as provided in this Agreement or a category of extensions of credit or other assets of such Lender that includes SOFR Loans or (ii) becomes subject to restrictions on the amount of such a category of liabilities or assets that it may hold, then, if such Lender so elects by notice to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), the obligation of such Lender to make or Continue, or to Convert Base Rate Loans into, SOFR Loans shall be suspended until such Regulatory Change ceases to be in effect (in which case the provisions of Section 5.5 shall apply).
(d) Additional Costs in Respect of Letters of Credit. Without limiting the obligations of the Borrower under the preceding subsections of this Section (but without duplication), if as a result of any Regulatory Change or any risk-based capital guideline or other requirement heretofore or hereafter issued by any Governmental Authority there shall be imposed, modified or deemed applicable any Tax (other than Indemnified Taxes, Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of “Excluded Taxes” and “Connection Income Taxes”), reserve, special deposit, capital adequacy or similar requirement against or with respect to or measured by reference to Letters of Credit and the result shall be to increase the cost to any Issuing Bank of issuing (or any Lender of purchasing participations in) or maintaining its obligation hereunder to issue (or purchase participations in) any Letter of Credit or reduce any amount receivable by the Issuing Bank or any Lender hereunder in respect of any Letter of Credit, then, upon demand by the Issuing Bank or such Lender, the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Issuing Bank or, in the case of such Lender, to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender, from time to time as specified by the Issuing Bank or such Lender, such additional amounts as shall be sufficient to compensate the Issuing Bank or such Lender for such increased costs or reductions in amount.
(e) Notification and Determination of Additional Costs. Each of the Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and each Lender, as the case may be, agrees to notify the Borrower (and in the case of the Issuing Bank and or a Lender, to also notify the Administrative Agent) of any event occurring after the Effective Date entitling the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or such Lender to compensation under any of the preceding subsections of this Section as promptly as practicable; provided, however, that the failure of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender to give such notice shall not release the Borrower from any of its obligations hereunder. The Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and each Lender, as the case may be, agrees to furnish to the Borrower (and in the case of the Issuing Bank or a Lender to the Administrative Agent as well) a certificate setting forth the basis and amount of each request for compensation under this Section. Determinations by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or such Lender, as the case may be, of the effect of any Regulatory Change shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and/or any such Lender, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within fifteen (15) days after receipt thereof.
(f) Delay in Requests. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the Issuing Bank or such other Recipient to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s or such other Recipient’s right to demand such compensation; provided, that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate any Lender or the Issuing Bank or any other Recipient pursuant to this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine (9) months prior to the date that such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Regulatory Change or other cause giving rise to such increased costs or reductions, and of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s or such other Recipient’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that if the Regulatory Change or other cause 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 5.2 Changed Circumstances.
(a) Circumstances Affecting Benchmark Availability. Subject to clause (c) below, in connection with any request for a SOFR Loan or a Conversion to or Continuation thereof or otherwise, if for any reason (i) the Administrative Agent shall reasonably determine (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error but shall be subject to consultation with Borrower) that reasonable and adequate means do not exist for ascertaining Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR pursuant to the definition thereof or Adjusted Term SOFR with respect to a proposed Term SOFR Loan on or prior to the first day of the applicable Interest Period or (ii) the Requisite Lenders shall reasonably determine (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR or Adjusted Term SOFR, as applicable, does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining any such Loan during, with respect to Adjusted Term SOFR, such Interest Period and, in the case of clause (ii), the Requisite Lenders have provided notice of such determination to the Administrative Agent, then, in each case, the Administrative Agent shall promptly give notice thereof to the Borrower. Upon notice thereof by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower, any obligation of the Lenders to make SOFR Loans, and any right of the Borrower to Convert any Loan to or Continue any Loan as a SOFR Loan, shall be suspended (to the extent of the affected SOFR Loans or the affected Interest Periods) until the Administrative Agent (with respect to clause (ii), at the instruction of the Requisite Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, (A) the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a borrowing of, Conversion to or Continuation of SOFR Loans (to the extent of the affected SOFR Loans or the affected Interest Periods) or, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have Converted any such request into a request for a borrowing of or Conversion to Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein and (B) any outstanding affected SOFR Loans will be deemed to have been Converted into Base Rate Loans (I) with respect to any Daily Simple SOFR Loans, immediately and (II) with respect to any Term SOFR Loans, at the end of the applicable Interest Period. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or Converted, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 5.4.
(b) Laws Affecting SOFR Availability. If, after the date hereof, the introduction of, or any change in, any Applicable Law or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by any of the Lenders (or any of their respective Lending Offices) with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any such Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable agency, shall make it unlawful or impossible for any of the Lenders (or any of their respective Lending Offices) to honor its obligations hereunder to make or maintain any SOFR Loan, or to determine or charge interest based upon SOFR, Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, Daily Simple SOFR, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR or Term SOFR, such Lender shall promptly give notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent shall promptly give notice to the Borrower and the other Lenders (an “Illegality Notice”). Thereafter, until each affected Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist, (i) any obligation of the Lenders to make Daily Simple SOFR Loans or Term SOFR Loans, as applicable, and any right of the Borrower to Convert any Loan to a Daily Simple SOFR Loan or a Term SOFR Loan, as applicable, shall be suspended and (ii) if necessary to avoid such illegality, the Administrative Agent shall compute the Base Rate without reference to clause (c) of the definition of “Base Rate”. Upon receipt of an Illegality Notice, the Borrower shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, upon demand from any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, Convert all affected SOFR Loans to Base Rate Loans (in each case, if necessary to avoid such illegality, the Administrative Agent shall compute the Base Rate without reference to clause (c) of the definition of “Base Rate”) (A) with respect to any Daily Simple SOFR Loans, on the Interest Payment Date therefor and (B) with respect to any Term SOFR Loans, on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if all affected Lenders may lawfully continue to maintain such SOFR Loans to such day, or immediately, if any Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such SOFR Loans to such day. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or Converted, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 5.4.
(c) Benchmark Replacement Setting.
(i) Benchmark Replacement.
(A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event with respect to any Benchmark, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower may amend this Agreement to replace such Benchmark with a Benchmark Replacement. Any such amendment with respect to a Benchmark Transition Event will become effective at 5:00 p.m. on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the Administrative Agent has posted such proposed amendment to all affected Lenders and the Borrower so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such amendment from Lenders comprising the Requisite Lenders. No replacement of a Benchmark with a Benchmark Replacement pursuant to this Section 5.2(c)(i)(A) will occur prior to the applicable Benchmark Transition Start Date.
(ii) Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. In connection with the use, administration, adoption or implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Administrative Agent, in reasonable consultation with the Borrower, will have the right to make Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document (other than as provided in the definition of Conforming Changes).
(iii) Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determinations. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of (A) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement and (B) the effectiveness of any Conforming Changes in connection with the use, administration, adoption or implementation of a Benchmark Replacement. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower of the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to Section 5.2(c)(iv). 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 5.2(c), 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, subject to consultation with the Borrower, and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 5.2(c) or as provided in the definition of Conforming Changes.
(i) Unavailability of Tenor of Benchmark. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (A) if any then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including the Term SOFR Reference Rate) and either (1) 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 (2) the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark has provided a public statement or publication of information announcing that any tenor for such Benchmark is not or will not be representative, then, upon notice to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” (or any similar or analogous definition) for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative tenor and (B) if a tenor that was removed pursuant to clause (A) above either (1) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (2) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is not or will not be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” (or any similar or analogous definition) for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.
(ii) Benchmark Unavailability Period. Upon the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period with respect to a given Benchmark, (A) the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a borrowing of, Conversion to or Continuation of any affected SOFR Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have Converted any such request into a request for a borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans and (B) any outstanding affected SOFR Loans will be deemed to have been Converted to Base Rate Loans (I) with respect to any Daily Simple SOFR Loans, immediately and (II) with respect to any Term SOFR Loans, at the end of the applicable Interest Period. During any Benchmark Unavailability Period with respect to any Benchmark or at any time that a tenor for any then-current Benchmark is not an Available Tenor, the component of Base Rate based upon the then-current Benchmark that is the subject of such Benchmark Unavailability Period or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of Base Rate.
Section 5.3 Illegality.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any Lender shall reasonably determine (which determination shall be conclusive and binding) that it is unlawful for such Lender to honor its obligation to make or maintain Daily Simple SOFR Loans or Term SOFR Loans hereunder, then such Lender shall promptly notify the Borrower thereof (with a copy of such notice to the Administrative Agent) and such Lender’s obligation to make or Continue, or to Convert Loans of any other Type into, Daily Simple SOFR Loans or Term SOFR Loans, as applicable, shall be suspended until such time as such Lender may again make and maintain such SOFR Loans (in which case the provisions of Section 5.5 shall be applicable)
Section 5.4 Indemnity.
The Borrower hereby indemnifies each of the Lenders against any loss, cost or expense (including any loss, cost or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds or from any fees payable) which may arise, be attributable to or result due to or as a consequence of (a) any failure by the Borrower to make any payment when due of any amount due hereunder in connection with a SOFR Loan, (b) any failure of the Borrower to borrow or Continue a SOFR Loan or Convert to a SOFR Loan on a date specified therefor in a Notice of Borrowing, Notice of Conversion, or Notice of Continuation, (c) any failure of the Borrower to prepay any SOFR Loan on a date specified therefor in any Notice of Prepayment (regardless of whether any such Notice of Prepayment may be revoked in accordance with the terms hereof), (d) any payment, prepayment or Conversion of any SOFR Loan on a date other than (i) with respect to any Daily Simple SOFR Loan, the applicable Interest Payment Date therefor or (ii) with respect to any Term SOFR Loan, the last day of the Interest Period therefor (in each case, including as a result of an Event of Default) or the assignment of any SOFR Loan other than on (i) with respect to any Daily Simple SOFR Loan, the applicable Interest Payment Date therefor; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Lender, be available to the extent such losses, costs or expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Lender. A certificate of such Lender setting forth the basis for determining such amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender shall be forwarded to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent and shall be conclusively presumed to be correct save for manifest error. All of the obligations of the Credit Parties under this Section 5.4 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document.
Section 5.5 Treatment of Affected Loans.
If the obligation of any Lender to make SOFR Loans or to Continue, or to Convert Base Rate Loans into, SOFR Loans shall be suspended pursuant to Section 5.1(c), Section 5.2 or Section 5.3 then such Lender’s SOFR Loans shall be automatically Converted into Base Rate Loans on the last day(s) of the then-current Interest Period(s) for SOFR Loans (or, in the case of a Conversion required by Section 5.1(c), Section 5.2, or Section 5.3 on such earlier date as such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, may specify to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent, as applicable)) and, unless and until such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, gives notice as provided below that the circumstances specified in Section 5.1, Section 5.2 or Section 5.3 that gave rise to such Conversion no longer exist:
(i) to the extent that such Lender’s SOFR Loans have been so Converted, all payments and prepayments of principal that would otherwise be applied to such Lender’s SOFR Loans shall be applied instead to its Base Rate Loans;
(ii) all Loans that would otherwise be made or Continued by such Lender as SOFR Loans shall be made or Continued instead as Base Rate Loans; and
(iii) all Base Rate Loans of such Lender that would otherwise be Converted into SOFR Loans shall remain as Base Rate Loans.
If such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, gives notice to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent, as applicable) that the circumstances specified in Section 5.1(c), 5.2 or 5.3 that gave rise to the Conversion of such Lender’s SOFR Loans pursuant to this Section no longer exist (which such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, agrees to do promptly upon such circumstances ceasing to exist) at a time when SOFR Loans made by other Lenders are outstanding, then such Lender’s Base Rate Loans shall be automatically Converted, on the first day(s) of the next succeeding Interest Period(s) for such outstanding SOFR Loans, to the extent necessary so that, after giving effect thereto, all Loans held by the Lenders holding SOFR Loans and by such Lender are held pro rata (as to principal amounts, Types and Interest Periods) in accordance with their respective Commitments.
Section 5.6 Affected Lenders.
If (a) a Lender requests compensation pursuant to Section 3.10 or 5.1, and the Requisite Lenders are not also doing the same, or (b) the obligation of any Lender to make SOFR Loans or to Continue, or to Convert Base Rate Loans into, SOFR Loans shall be suspended pursuant to Section 5.1(c) or 5.3 but the obligation of the Requisite Lenders shall not have been suspended under such Sections, then, so long as there does not then exist any Default or Event of Default that is continuing, the Borrower may demand that such Lender (the “Affected Lender”), and upon such demand the Affected Lender shall promptly, assign its Commitment to an Eligible Assignee subject to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.6(b) for a purchase price equal to (x) the aggregate principal balance of all Loans then owing to the Affected Lender, plus (y) the aggregate amount of payments previously made by the Affected Lender under Section 2.4(j) that have not been repaid, plus (z) any accrued but unpaid interest thereon and accrued but unpaid fees owing to the Affected Lender, or any other amount as may be mutually agreed upon by such Affected Lender and Eligible Assignee. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Affected Lender shall reasonably cooperate in effectuating the replacement of such Affected Lender under this Section, but at no time shall the Administrative Agent, such Affected Lender, any other Lender or any Titled Agent be obligated in any way whatsoever to initiate any such replacement or to assist in finding an Eligible Assignee. The exercise by the Borrower of its rights under this Section shall be at the Borrower’s sole cost and expense and at no cost or expense to the Administrative Agent, the Affected Lender or any of the other Lenders. The terms of this Section shall not in any way limit the Borrower’s obligation to pay to any Affected Lender compensation owing to such Affected Lender pursuant to this Agreement (including, without limitation, pursuant to Sections 3.10, 5.1 or 5.4) with respect to any period up to the date of replacement.
Section 5.7 Change of Lending Office.
At the request of the Borrower, each Lender agrees that it will use reasonable efforts (consistent with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to designate an alternate Lending Office with respect to any of its Loans affected by the matters or circumstances described in Sections 3.10, 5.1 or 5.3 to reduce the liability of the Borrower or avoid the results provided thereunder, so long as such designation is not disadvantageous to such Lender as determined by such Lender in its sole discretion, except that such Lender shall have no obligation to designate a Lending Office located in the United States of America.
Section 5.8 Assumptions Concerning Funding of Term SOFR Loans.
Calculation of all amounts payable to a Lender under this Article shall be made as though such Lender had actually funded Term SOFR Loans through the purchase of deposits in the relevant market bearing interest at the rate applicable to such Term SOFR Loans in an amount equal to the amount of the Term SOFR Loans and having a maturity comparable to the relevant Interest Period; provided, however, that each Lender may fund each of its Term SOFR Loans in any manner it sees fit and the foregoing assumption shall be used only for calculation of amounts payable under this Article.
ARTICLE VI
Conditions Precedent
Section 6.1 Initial Conditions Precedent.
The obligation of the Lenders to effect or permit the occurrence of the first Credit Event hereunder, whether as the making of a Loan or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions precedent:
(a) the Administrative Agent shall have received each of the following, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:
(i) counterparts of this Agreement executed by each of the parties hereto;
(ii) Revolving Notes executed by the Borrower, payable to each applicable Lender (but excluding any Lender that has requested that it not receive Notes) and complying with the terms of Section 2.12(a) and the Swingline Note executed by the Borrower;
(iii) [intentionally omitted];
(iv) [intentionally omitted];
(v) one or more opinions of counsel to the Borrower and such other Loan Parties as the Administrative Agent may request, addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders;
(vi) the certificate or articles of incorporation or formation, articles of organization, certificate of limited partnership, declaration of trust or other comparable organizational instrument (if any) of each Loan Party certified as of a recent date by the Secretary of State of the state of formation of such Loan Party;
(vii) a certificate of good standing (or certificate of similar meaning) with respect to each Loan Party issued as of a recent date by the Secretary of State of the state of incorporation or formation of each such Loan Party, as applicable, and certificates of qualification to transact business or other comparable certificates issued as of a recent date by each Secretary of State (and any state department of taxation, as applicable) of each state in which such Loan Party is required to be so qualified and where failure to be so qualified could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(viii) a certificate of incumbency signed by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary (or other individual performing similar functions) of each Loan Party with respect to each of the officers of such Loan Party authorized to execute and deliver the Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party, and in the case of the Borrower, authorized to execute and deliver on behalf of the Borrower Notices of Borrowing, Notices of Swingline Borrowing and requests for Letters of Credit;
(ix) copies certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary (or other individual performing similar functions) of each Loan Party of (A) the by-laws of such Loan Party, if a corporation, the operating agreement, if a limited liability company, the partnership agreement, if a limited or general partnership, or other comparable document in the case of any other form of legal entity and (B) all corporate, partnership, member or other necessary action taken by such Loan Party to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which it is a party;
(x) a Borrowing Base Certificate calculated as of November 30, 2023;
(xi) a certificate from a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying that after giving pro forma effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the Effective Date that the Borrower will be Solvent;
(xii) a Compliance Certificate calculated on a proforma basis for the Borrower’s fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2023 (which calculations may be made using unaudited financial statements as of such date);
(xiii) a Disbursement Instruction Agreement effective as of the Agreement Date;
(xiv) [intentionally omitted];
(xv) the Fee Letter;
(xvi) evidence that the Fees, if any, then due and payable under Section 3.5, together with all other fees, expenses and reimbursement amounts due and payable at or prior to the Effective Date to the Administrative Agent, Lead Arrangers, and any of the Lenders, including without limitation, the fees and expenses of counsel to the Administrative Agent, have been paid;
(xvii) [intentionally omitted]
(xviii) UCC, tax, judgment and lien search reports with respect to the Borrower, and each other Loan Party in all necessary or appropriate jurisdictions;
(xix) [intentionally omitted];
(xx) [intentionally omitted];
(xxi) (A) copies of satisfactory audited consolidated financial statements for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the three fiscal years most recently ended for which financial statements are available and interim unaudited financial statements for each quarterly period ended since the last audited financial statements for which financial statements are available, (B) pro forma consolidated financial statements for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the four-quarter period most recently ended prior to the Effective Date for which financial statements are available giving pro forma effect to the transactions occurring on the Effective Date and a pro forma balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the Effective Date giving pro forma effect to the transactions occurring on the Effective Date and (C) projections prepared by management of balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, which will be quarterly for the first year after the Effective Date and annually thereafter through the Maturity Date (and which will not be inconsistent, in any material respect, with information provided to the Administrative Agent prior to the delivery of the Borrower’s engagement letter with the Administrative Agent); and
(xxii) Beneficial Ownership Certifications from the Borrower and such other Persons as the Administrative Agent and Lenders shall reasonably require, so long as any request for such Beneficial Ownership Certification is delivered in writing to the Borrower at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Effective Date.
(b) there shall not have occurred or become known to the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders any event, condition, situation or status since December 31, 2022, that has had or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
(c) [intentionally omitted];
(d) [intentionally omitted];
(e) no litigation, action, suit, investigation or other arbitral, administrative or judicial proceeding shall be pending or threatened which could reasonably be expected to (A) result in a Material Adverse Effect or (B) restrain or enjoin, impose materially burdensome conditions on, or otherwise materially and adversely affect, the ability of the Borrower or any other Loan Party to fulfill its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party;
(f) the Borrower, the other Loan Parties and the other Subsidiaries shall have received all approvals, consents and waivers, and shall have made or given all necessary filings and notices as shall be required to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby without the occurrence of any default under, conflict with or violation of (A) any Applicable Law or (B) any material agreement, document or instrument to which any Loan Party is a party or by which any of them or their respective properties is bound;
(g) the Borrower and each other Loan Party shall have provided all information reasonably requested in writing at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Effective Date by the Administrative Agent and each Lender in order to comply with applicable “know your customer” and Anti-Money Laundering Laws, including without limitation, the Patriot Act;
(h) [intentionally omitted];
(i) [intentionally omitted]; and
(j) Parent shall have closed the IPO.
Section 6.2 Conditions Precedent to All Loans and Letters of Credit.
The obligations of (i) Lenders to make any Loans and (ii) the Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit on and after the Effective Date are each subject to the further conditions precedent that:
(a) no Default or Event of Default (and solely in connection with a Continuation or Conversion of a Loan, no Event of Default) shall exist as of the date of the making of such Loan or date of issuance of such Letter of Credit or would exist immediately after giving effect thereto, and no violation of the limits described in Section 2.16 would occur after giving effect thereto;
(b) the representations and warranties made or deemed made by the Borrower and each other Loan Party in the Loan Documents to which any of them is a party, shall be true and correct in all material respects (except in the case of a representation or warranty qualified by materiality, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the date of the making of such Loan or date of issuance of such Letter of Credit with the same force and effect as if made on and as of such date except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects (except in the case of a representation or warranty qualified by materiality, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of such earlier date) and except for changes in factual circumstances specifically and expressly permitted hereunder; and
(c) in the case of the borrowing of Revolving Loans, the Administrative Agent shall have received a timely Notice of Borrowing, or a Notice of Conversion or Notice of Continuation, as applicable, in the case of a Swingline Loan, the Swingline Lender shall have received a timely Notice of Swingline Borrowing, and in the case of the issuance of a Letter of Credit the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent shall have received a timely request for the issuance of such Letter of Credit.
Each Credit Event pursuant to clause (a) or (g) of the definition thereof shall constitute a certification by the Borrower to the effect set forth in the preceding subclauses (a) through (c) (both as of the date of the giving of notice relating to such Credit Event and, unless the Borrower otherwise notifies the Administrative Agent prior to the date of such Credit Event, as of the date of the occurrence of such Credit Event).
In addition, the Borrower shall be deemed to have represented to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders at the time any Loan is made or any Letter of Credit is issued that all conditions to the making of such Loan or issuing of such Letter of Credit contained in this Article VI have been satisfied. Unless set forth in writing to the contrary, the making of its initial Loan by a Lender shall constitute a certification by such Lender to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that the conditions precedent for initial Loans set forth in Sections 6.1 and 6.2 that have not previously been waived by the Lenders in accordance with the terms of this Agreement have been satisfied.
Section 6.3 Conditions Precedent to a Property becoming a Borrowing Base Property.
No Property shall become a Borrowing Base Property unless (1) it is an Eligible Property (as confirmed by the Administrative Agent upon the Administrative Agent’s request), (2) the Administrative Agent shall have confirmed of such Property’s inclusion in the Borrowing Base (such confirmation not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), and (3) the Borrower shall have (or shall cause to be) executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent the following instruments, documents and agreements in respect of such Property, each to be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:
(a) Upon the Administrative Agent’s request, an executive summary of the Property including, at a minimum, the following information relating to such Property: (1) a description of such Property, such description to include the location, site plan, and physical condition of such Property; (2) the purchase price paid or to be paid for such Property; and (3) the current projected development plans for such Property, without limitation, a Development Budget and Construction Budget;
(b) If such Property is owned by a Subsidiary that is not yet a Loan Party, all of the items required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent under Section 8.14 if not previously delivered; and
(c) such other documents, as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.
ARTICLE VII
Representations and Warranties
Section 7.1 Representations and Warranties.
In order to induce the Administrative Agent and each Lender to enter into this Agreement and to make Loans and, in the case of the Issuing Bank, to issue Letters of Credit, the Borrower represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and each Lender as follows:
(a) Organization; Power; Qualification. Each of the Parent, Borrower and the other Loan Parties is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other legal entity, duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing under the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation, has the power and authority to own or lease its respective properties and to carry on its respective business as now being and hereafter proposed to be conducted and is duly qualified and is in good standing as a foreign corporation, partnership or other legal entity, and authorized to do business, in each jurisdiction in which the character of its properties or the nature of its business requires such qualification or authorization and where the failure to be so qualified or authorized could reasonably be expected to have, in each instance, a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Ownership Structure. Part I of Schedule 7.1(b) is, as of the Agreement Date, a complete and correct list of all direct and indirect Subsidiaries of Smith Douglas Holdings setting forth for each such Subsidiary, (i) the jurisdiction of organization of such Subsidiary, (ii) each Person holding any Equity Interest in such Subsidiary, (iii) the nature of the Equity Interests held by each such Person, (iv) the percentage of ownership of such Subsidiary represented by such Equity Interests, and (v) whether such Subsidiary is an Excluded Subsidiary. As of the Agreement Date, except as disclosed in such Schedule, (A) the Borrower owns, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens), and has the unencumbered right to vote, all outstanding Equity Interests in each Person shown to be held by it on such Schedule, (B) all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of each such Person organized as a corporation is validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and (C) there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, commitments, preemptive rights or agreements of any kind (including, without limitation, any stockholders’ or voting trust agreements) for the issuance, sale, registration or voting of, or outstanding securities convertible into, any additional shares of capital stock of any class, or partnership or other ownership interests of any type in, any such Person. As of the Agreement Date, Part II of Schedule 7.1(b) correctly sets forth all Unconsolidated Affiliates of Smith Douglas Holdings and its Subsidiaries, including the correct legal name of such Person, the type of legal entity which each such Person is, and all Equity Interests in such Person held directly or indirectly by Smith Douglas Holdings and its Subsidiaries.
(c) Authorization of Loan Documents and Borrowings. The Borrower has the right and power, and has taken all necessary action to authorize it, to borrow and obtain other extensions of credit hereunder. The Borrower and each other Loan Party has the right and power, and has taken all necessary action to authorize it, to execute, deliver and perform each of the Loan Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their respective terms and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The Loan Documents to which the Borrower or any other Loan Party is a party have been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of such Person and each is a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Person enforceable against such Person in accordance with its respective terms, except as the same may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, and other similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and the availability of equitable remedies for the enforcement of certain obligations (other than the payment of principal) contained herein or therein and as may be limited by equitable principles generally.
(d) Compliance of Loan Documents with Laws, Organizational Documents and Other Agreements. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which any Loan Party is a party in accordance with their respective terms and the borrowings and other extensions of credit hereunder do not and will not, by the passage of time, the giving of notice, or both: (i) require any Governmental Approval or violate any Applicable Law (including all Environmental Laws) relating to the Parent, the Borrower or any other Loan Party; (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute a default under the organizational documents of the Parent, any Loan Party, or any indenture, agreement or other instrument to which the Parent, the Borrower or any other Loan Party is a party or by which it or any of its respective properties may be bound; or (iii) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) upon or with respect to any property now owned or hereafter acquired by any Loan Party other than in favor of the Administrative Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the other Lender Parties.
(e) Compliance with Law; Governmental Approvals. Each of the Parent, the Borrower, the other Loan Parties and the other Subsidiaries is in compliance with each Governmental Approval and all other Applicable Laws relating to it except for noncompliances which, and Governmental Approvals the failure to possess which, could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to cause a Default or Event of Default or have a Material Adverse Effect.
(f) Title to Properties; Liens. Schedule 4.1, as of the Agreement Date, a complete and correct listing of all Borrowing Base Properties. Each Loan Party has good, marketable and legal title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, its respective assets. No Borrowing Base Property is subject to any Lien other than Permitted Liens (excluding Permitted Liens under clause (h) of the definition thereof). Each Property included in the calculation of the Borrowing Base satisfies all requirements under the Loan Documents for being included in the Borrowing Base.
(g) Existing Indebtedness. Schedule 7.1(g) is, as of the Agreement Date, a complete and correct listing of all indebtedness for borrowed or guaranteed monetary obligations as evidenced by written note or other instrument of each of the Borrower, the other Loan Parties and the other Subsidiaries, and if such Indebtedness is secured by any Lien, a description of all of the property subject to such Lien. As of the Agreement Date, the Loan Parties have performed and are in compliance in all material respects with all of the terms of such Indebtedness and all instruments and agreements relating thereto, and no event of default exists with respect to any such Indebtedness. As of the Agreement Date, the Parent does not have any material indebtedness for borrowed or guaranteed monetary obligations as evidenced by a written note or other instrument.
(h) Material Contracts. Schedule 7.1(h) is, as of the Agreement Date, a true, correct and complete listing of all Material Contracts. Each of the Loan Parties that are parties to any Material Contract has performed and is in compliance with all of the terms of such Material Contract, and no default or event of default, or event or condition which with the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both, would constitute such a default or event of default, exists and is continuing with respect to any such Material Contract.
(i) Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 7.1(i) on the Agreement Date, there are no actions, suits or proceedings pending (or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, are there any actions, suits or proceedings threatened, nor is there any basis therefor) against or in any other way relating adversely to or affecting the Parent, the Borrower, any other Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any of their respective property in any court or before any arbitrator of any kind or before or by any other Governmental Authority which, (i) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) in any manner draws into question the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document. As of the Agreement Date, there are no strikes, slow downs, work stoppages or walkouts or other labor disputes in progress or threatened relating to, the Borrower, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary.
(j) Taxes. All federal, state and other tax returns of each Loan Party and their respective Subsidiaries required by Applicable Law to be filed have been duly filed, and all federal, state and other taxes, assessments and other governmental charges or levies upon, Smith Douglas Holdings or its Subsidiaries or their respective properties, income, profits and assets which are due and payable have been paid, except any such nonpayment or non-filing which (x) is at the time permitted under Section 8.6 or (y) would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. As of the Agreement Date, none of the United States income tax returns of Smith Douglas Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries is under audit. All charges, accruals and reserves on the books of Smith Douglas Holdings and its Subsidiaries in respect of any taxes or other governmental charges are in accordance with GAAP.
(k) Financial Statements. The Borrower has furnished to the Administrative Agent copies of (i) the audited consolidated balance sheet of Smith Douglas Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and the related audited consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flow for the fiscal years ended on such dates, with the opinion thereon of Ernst & Young and (ii) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Smith Douglas Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2023, and the related unaudited consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flow of Smith Douglas Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter period ended on such date. Such financial statements (including in each case related schedules and notes) are complete and correct in all material respects and present fairly, in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods involved, the consolidated financial position of Smith Douglas Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at their respective dates and the results of operations and the cash flow for such periods (subject, as to interim statements, to changes resulting from normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes). Neither the Borrower nor any of their Subsidiaries has on the Agreement Date any material contingent liabilities, liabilities for taxes, unusual or long-term commitments or unrealized or forward anticipated losses from any unfavorable commitments that would be required by GAAP to be set forth in its financial statements or notes thereto, except as referred to or reflected or provided for in said financial statements.
(l) No Material Adverse Change. Since December 31, 2022, there has been no event, change, circumstance or occurrence that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. On the Agreement Date, the Loan Parties, on a consolidated basis, are Solvent.
(m) ERISA.
(i) As of the Agreement Date, no Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate maintains or contributes to, or has any obligation under, any Employee Benefit Plans other than those identified on Schedule 7.1(m).
(ii) Each Loan Party and each ERISA Affiliate is in compliance with all applicable provisions of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder with respect to all Employee Benefit Plans except for any required amendments for which the remedial amendment period as defined in Section 401(b) of the Internal Revenue Code has not yet expired and except where a failure to so comply could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Employee Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code has been determined by the IRS to be so qualified, and each trust related to such plan has been determined to be exempt under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code except for such plans that have not yet received determination letters but for which the remedial amendment period for submitting a determination letter has not yet expired. No liability has been incurred by any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate which remains unsatisfied for any taxes or penalties assessed with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan or any Multiemployer Plan except for a liability that could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(iii) As of the Agreement Date, no Pension Plan has been terminated, nor has any Pension Plan become subject to funding based upon benefit restrictions under Section 436 of the Internal Revenue Code, nor has any funding waiver from the IRS been received or requested with respect to any Pension Plan, nor has any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate failed to make any contributions or to pay any amounts due and owing as required by Sections 412 or 430 of the Internal Revenue Code, Section 302 of ERISA or the terms of any Pension Plan on or prior to the due dates of such contributions under Sections 412 or 430 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 302 of ERISA, nor has there been any event requiring any disclosure under Section 4041(c)(3)(C) or 4063(a) of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan.
(iv) Except where the failure of any of the following representations to be correct could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has: (i) engaged in a nonexempt prohibited transaction described in Section 406 of the ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code, (ii) incurred any liability to the PBGC which remains outstanding other than the payment of premiums and there are no premium payments which are due and unpaid, (iii) failed to make a required contribution or payment to a Multiemployer Plan, or (iv) failed to make a required installment or other required payment under Sections 412 or 430 of the Internal Revenue Code.
(v) No Termination Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur;
(vi) Except where the failure of any of the following representations to be correct could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, no proceeding, claim (other than a benefits claim in the ordinary course of business), lawsuit and/or investigation is existing or, to its knowledge, threatened concerning or involving (i) any employee welfare benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) currently maintained or contributed to by any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate, (ii) any Pension Plan or (iii) any Multiemployer Plan.
(vii) No Loan Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is a party to any contract, agreement or arrangement that could, solely as a result of the delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of transactions contemplated hereby, result in the payment of any “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code.
(viii) As of the Agreement Date the Borrower is not nor will be using “plan assets” (within the meaning of 29 CFR § 2510.3-101, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments.
(n) Absence of Default. Neither the Parent nor any Loan Party is in default under its certificate or articles of incorporation or formation, bylaws, partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, operating agreement, or other similar organizational documents, and no event has occurred, which has not been remedied, cured or waived: (i) which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default; or (ii) which constitutes, or which with the passage of time, the giving of notice, or both, would constitute, a default or event of default by, the Parent or any Loan Party under any agreement (other than this Agreement) or judgment, decree or order to which any such Person is a party or by which any such Person or any of its respective properties may be bound where, in each case under this clause (ii), such default, event of default, decree or order could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(o) Environmental Laws. Each Loan Party and Subsidiary: (i) is in compliance with all Environmental Laws applicable to its business, operations and the Properties, (ii) has obtained all Governmental Approvals which are required under Environmental Laws, and each such Governmental Approval is in full force and effect, and (iii) is in compliance with all terms and conditions of such Governmental Approvals, where with respect to each of the immediately preceding clauses (i) through (iii) the failure to obtain or to comply with could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except for any of the following matters that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Loan Party has any knowledge of, or has received notice of, any past, present, or pending releases, events, conditions, circumstances, activities, practices, incidents, facts, occurrences, actions, or plans that, with respect to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, their respective businesses, operations or with respect to the Properties, may: (x) cause or contribute to an actual or alleged violation of or noncompliance with Environmental Laws, (y) cause or contribute to any other potential common-law or legal claim or other liability, or (z) cause any of the Properties to become subject to any restrictions on ownership, occupancy, use or transferability under any Environmental Law or require the filing or recording of any notice, approval or disclosure document under any Environmental Law and, with respect to the immediately preceding clauses (x) through (z) is based on or related to the on-site or off-site manufacture, generation, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, removal, clean up or handling, or the emission, discharge, release or threatened release of any wastes or Hazardous Material, or any other requirement under Environmental Law. There is no civil, criminal, or administrative action, suit, demand, claim, hearing, notice, or demand letter, mandate, order, lien, request, investigation, or proceeding pending or, to the Borrower’s knowledge, threatened, against the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Subsidiary relating in any way to Environmental Laws which reasonably could be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. None of the Properties is listed on or proposed for listing on the National Priority List promulgated pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 and its implementing regulations, or any state or local priority list promulgated pursuant to any analogous state or local law. To the Borrower’s knowledge, no Hazardous Materials generated at or transported from the Properties are or have been transported to, or disposed of at, any location that is listed or proposed for listing on the National Priority List or any analogous state or local priority list, or any other location that is or has been the subject of a clean-up, removal or remedial action pursuant to any Environmental Law, except to the extent that such transportation or disposal could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(p) Investment Company. None of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(q) Margin Stock. None of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of buying or carrying “margin stock” within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
(r) Affiliate Transactions. Except as permitted by Section 10.10 or as otherwise set forth on Schedule 7.1(r), none of the Borrower or any other Loan Party is a party to or bound by any agreement or arrangement with any Affiliate.
(s) Intellectual Property. Each of the Loan Parties owns or has the right to use, under valid license agreements or otherwise, all patents, licenses, franchises, trademarks, trademark rights, service marks, service mark rights, trade names, trade name rights, trade secrets and copyrights (collectively, “Intellectual Property”) necessary to the conduct of its businesses, without known conflict with any patent, license, franchise, trademark, trademark right, service mark, service mark right, trade secret, trade name, copyright, or other proprietary right of any other Person. All such Intellectual Property is fully protected and/or duly and properly registered, filed or issued in the appropriate office and jurisdictions for such registrations, filing or issuances. No material claim has been asserted by any Person with respect to the use of any such Intellectual Property by any Loan Party, or challenging or questioning the validity or effectiveness of any such Intellectual Property. The use of such Intellectual Property by the Borrower and the other Loan Parties does not infringe on the rights of any Person, subject to such claims and infringements as do not, in the aggregate, give rise to any liabilities on the part of the Borrower or any other Loan Party that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(t) Business. As of the Agreement Date, the Loan Parties are engaged in the business of, among other things, acquiring land and developing subdivisions, and/or constructing single family homes, together with other business activities incidental thereto.
(u) Broker’s Fees. No broker’s or finder’s fee, commission or similar compensation will be payable with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.
(v) Accuracy and Completeness of Information. As of the Agreement Date, the Borrower has disclosed to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Subsidiary is subject, and all other matters known to them, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No financial statement, material report, material certificate or other material information furnished in writing by the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Subsidiary to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents and the negotiation of the Loan Documents or delivered hereunder or thereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), taken together as a whole, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statement therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, pro forma financial information, estimated financial information and other projected or estimated information, such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time (it being recognized by the Lenders that projections are not to be viewed as facts and that the actual results during the period or periods covered by such projections may vary from such projections).
(w) No Plan Assets; No Prohibited Transactions. None of the assets of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary constitutes “plan assets” within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and the respective regulations promulgated thereunder. Assuming that no Lender funds any amount payable by it hereunder with “plan assets,” as that term is defined in 29 C.F.R. 2510.3-101, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the extensions of credit and repayment of amounts hereunder, do not and will not constitute “prohibited transactions” under ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code.
(x) Anti-Corruption Laws; Sanctions; Anti-Terrorism Laws.
(i) None of: (i) the Parent, the Borrower, any Subsidiary nor, to the Borrower’s knowledge or such Subsidiary’s, any of their respective directors, officers, employees or Affiliates; nor (ii) to the Borrower’s knowledge, any agent or representative of the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary that is authorized to act on behalf of the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with the Loan or that will benefit from the Loan: (A) is a Sanctioned Person or currently the subject or target of Sanctions; (B) has any assets located in a Sanctioned Country; (C) directly or indirectly derives revenues from investments in, or transactions with, Sanctioned Persons; (D) is under administrative, civil or criminal investigation for an alleged violation of, or received notice from or made a voluntary disclosure to any governmental entity regarding a possible violation of, Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws or Sanctions by a Governmental Authority that enforces Sanctions or any Anti-Corruption Laws or Anti-Money Laundering Laws; or (E) has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that violates any Sanctions, Anti-Corruption Laws or Anti-Money Laundering Laws.
(ii) [Reserved.]
(iii) [Reserved.]
(iv) No proceeds of any Loan have been used, directly or indirectly, by the Parent, the Borrower, any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives: (i) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving, of money or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws or Anti-Money Laundering Laws; (ii) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activity, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or of, with or in any Sanctioned Country, including, but not limited to, any payment (directly or indirectly) to a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Country, or (iii) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.
(y) Intentionally Omitted.
(z) Beneficial Ownership Certification. As of the Effective Date, the information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification most recently delivered to the Administrative Agent in respect of the Borrower is true and correct in all respects.
Section 7.2 Survival of Representations and Warranties, Etc.
All representations and warranties made under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be deemed to be made at and as of the Agreement Date, the Effective Date, the date on which any extension of the Revolving Loan Termination Date is effectuated pursuant to Section 2.14, the date on which any increase of the Revolving Commitments is effectuated pursuant to Section 2.17 and as of the date of the occurrence of each Credit Event described in clause (a) or (g) of the definition thereof, except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects (except in the case of a representation or warranty qualified by materiality, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of such earlier date) and except for changes in factual circumstances specifically and expressly permitted hereunder. All such representations and warranties shall survive the effectiveness of this Agreement, the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of the Loans and the issuance of the Letters of Credit.
ARTICLE VIII
Affirmative Covenants
For so long as this Agreement is in effect, the Loan Parties shall and, solely for purposes of Sections 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.13 and 8.17, the Loan Parties shall cause Parent to comply with the following covenants:
Section 8.1 Preservation of Existence and Similar Matters.
Except as otherwise permitted under Section 10.4, the Parent and the Loan Parties shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, preserve and maintain its respective existence, rights, franchises, licenses and privileges in the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation and qualify and remain qualified and authorized to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of its properties or the nature of its business requires such qualification and authorization and where the failure to be so authorized and qualified could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 8.2 Compliance with Applicable Law.
The Parent and the Loan Parties shall comply, and shall cause each Subsidiary to comply, and the Borrower shall use, and shall cause each other Loan Party and each Subsidiary to use, commercially reasonable efforts to cause all other Persons occupying, using or present on the Properties to comply, with all Applicable Law (including, without limitation, Anti-Corruption Laws, Sanctions, the Patriot Act, and ERISA), including the obtaining of all Governmental Approvals, the failure with which to comply could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Without limiting the foregoing, the Borrower shall comply with all material requirements for the ownership and operation of the Borrowing Base Properties and the Improvements, including, without limitation, all covenants, conditions or restrictions, and all statutes, laws, rules, regulations ordinances, and other governmental requirements applicable to the Borrower, the Borrowing Base Properties, the Improvements, or all or any of them.
Section 8.3 Maintenance of Property.
In addition to the requirements of any of the other Loan Documents, the Loan Parties shall protect and preserve all of their respective material properties, including, but not limited to, all Intellectual Property necessary to the conduct of their respective business, and maintain in good repair, working order and condition all tangible properties, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
Section 8.4 Conduct of Business.
The Parent and the Loan Parties shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, carry on their respective businesses as described in Section 7.1(t) and not enter into any line of business not (i) otherwise engaged in by such Person as of the Agreement Date or (ii) ancillary to, complementary to, synergistic with or a reasonable extension of the line of business engaged in by such Person as of the Agreement Date, in each case without the Administrative Agent’s prior written consent.
Section 8.5 Insurance.
In addition to the requirements of any of the other Loan Documents, the Loan Parties shall maintain insurance (on a replacement cost basis) with financially sound and reputable insurance companies against such risks and in such amounts as is customarily maintained by Persons engaged in similar businesses or as may be required by Applicable Law. The Loan Parties shall from time to time deliver to the Administrative Agent upon reasonable request a detailed list, stating the names of the insurance companies, the amounts and rates of the insurance, the dates of the expiration thereof and the properties and risks covered thereby. Such insurance shall, in any event, include all of the following (capitalized terms used in this Section shall have the same meaning as such terms are commonly and presently defined in the insurance industry):
(a) insurance against loss to such Properties on an “all risk” policy form, covering insurance risks no less broad than those covered under a Special Multi Peril (SMP) policy form, which contains a Commercial ISO “Causes of Loss-Special Form,” in the then current form, in amounts equal to the full replacement cost of the Properties including fixtures and equipment, the Borrower’s interest in leasehold improvements, and the cost of debris removal, and with deductibles of not more than $25,000, except that any deductibles for any insurance covering damage by windstorm may be in amounts up to 5% of the value of the Property insured;
(b) [Intentionally omitted];
(c) during the making of any alterations or improvements to a Property, carry or cause to be carried a Builders All Risk/Special Form (Reporting Form)Hazard Insurance policy, including without limitation, theft coverage and such other coverages and endorsements, insuring the Administrative Agent against damage to the Borrowing Base Property in an amount acceptable to the Administrative Agent; and
(d) insurance against loss or damage by flood or mud slide in compliance with all Applicable Laws, including the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended from time to time, if the Properties are now, or at any time while the Obligations or any portion thereof remains unpaid shall be, situated in any area which an appropriate Governmental Authority designates as a special flood hazard area, in amounts equal to the full replacement value of all above grade structures on the Properties, or as such lesser amounts as may be available under Federal flood insurance programs.
Section 8.6 Payment of Taxes and Claims.
The Parent and the Loan Parties shall, and shall cause each other Loan Party and each Subsidiary to, pay and discharge when due (a) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income or profits or upon any properties belonging to it, and (b) all lawful claims of contractors, surveyors, engineers, architects, materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen and landlords for labor, materials, supplies and rentals which, if unpaid, would be reasonably expected to become a Lien on any properties of such Person, except, in the case of clause (a) to the extent the failure to pay or discharge would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that this Section shall not require the payment or discharge of any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim which is being contested diligently and in good faith by appropriate proceedings which operate to suspend the collection thereof and for which adequate reserves have been established on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP; provided further, however, if any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim which is being contested is of a Lien relating to a Borrowing Base Property, then such right to contest is subject to: (i) the Borrower pursuing such contest diligently and in good faith by appropriate proceedings which operate to suspend the collection thereof, (ii) no part of or interest in the applicable Borrowing Base Property being in danger of being immediately sold, forfeited, terminated, canceled or lost, and (iii) either (1) the Borrower having the claim of Lien bonded off, (2) the Borrower having deposited with the Administrative Agent any funds or other forms of assurance which the Administrative Agent reasonably and in good faith determines from time to time appropriate to protect the Administrative Agent from the consequences of the contest being unsuccessful or (3) the Borrower having provided to the Administrative Agent evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that the claim of Lien was paid under protest pursuant to the procedures of the applicable Governmental Authority.
Section 8.7 Books and Records; Inspections.
The Parent and the Loan Parties shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries shall be made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. The Loan Parties shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, permit representatives of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to visit and inspect any of their respective properties, to examine and make abstracts from any of their respective books and records and to discuss their respective affairs, finances and accounts with members of senior management, all at such reasonable times during business hours and as often as may reasonably be requested and so long as no Event of Default exists, with reasonable prior notice. The Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its costs and expenses incurred in connection with the exercise of its rights under this Section; provided, however, that unless an Event of Default has occurred and is in existence, the Borrower shall only be obligated to reimburse the Administrative Agent for such costs and expenses one (1) time per year; provided, further, that if an Event of Default has occurred and is in existence the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse each Lender for its costs and expenses incurred in connection with the exercise of its rights under this Section.
Section 8.8 Use of Proceeds; Sanctions.
(a) The Loan Parties will use the proceeds of Loans only (a) for acquisition, pre-development and development costs incurred in connection with Properties and the construction of Housing Units; (b) to finance capital expenditures of the Loan Parties; (c) to provide for the general working capital needs of the Loan Parties and for other general corporate purposes, and (d) to refinance any amounts or letters of credit outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement. The Borrower shall only use Letters of Credit for the same purposes for which it may use the proceeds of Loans. No part of the proceeds of any of the Loans or Letters of Credit shall be used for purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board) or for any purpose which violates the provisions of Regulation T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board. If requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall promptly furnish to the Administrative Agent and each requesting Lender a statement in conformity with the requirements of Form G-3 or Form U-1, as applicable, under Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board.
(b) The Parent and the Loan Parties shall not use, and shall ensure that the Parent’s Subsidiaries and Controlled Affiliates, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives that is authorized to act on behalf of the Parent and the Parent’s Subsidiaries in connection with the Loans, shall not use, the proceeds of any Loan or Letter of Credit, directly or indirectly: (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 or Anti-Money Laundering Laws; (b) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activity, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or of, with or in any Sanctioned Country; or (iii) in any manner that would violate any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.
Section 8.9 Environmental Matters.
(a) The Loan Parties shall comply, and shall cause each Subsidiary to comply with all Environmental Laws in all material respects. The Borrower shall, and shall cause each other Loan Party and each Subsidiary to, promptly take all actions and pay or arrange to pay all costs necessary for it and for the Properties to comply in all material respects with all Environmental Laws and all Governmental Approvals, including actions to remove and dispose of all Hazardous Materials as necessary to comply with Environmental Law and to clean up the Properties as otherwise required under Environmental Laws. The Loan Parties shall promptly take all actions necessary to prevent the imposition of any Liens on any of their respective properties arising out of or related to any Environmental Laws. Nothing in this Section shall impose any obligation or liability whatsoever on the Administrative Agent or any Lender.
(b) Should any Borrowing Base Property contain Hazardous Materials of any quantity unacceptable to the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders, the Administrative Agent and the Requisite Lenders reserve the right, to elect not to have such Borrowing Base Property included in the Borrowing Base.
Section 8.10 Further Assurances.
At the Borrower’s cost and expense and upon reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, the Loan Parties shall duly execute and deliver or cause to be duly executed and delivered, to the Administrative Agent such further instruments, documents and certificates, and do and cause to be done such further acts that may be reasonably necessary or advisable in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent to carry out more effectively the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Section 8.11 Material Contracts.
The Loan Parties shall, and shall cause each other Loan Party and each Subsidiary to duly and punctually perform and comply with any and all material representations, warranties, covenants and agreements expressed as binding upon any such Person under any Material Contract. The Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to do or knowingly permit to be done anything to impair materially the value of any of the Material Contracts.
Section 8.12 Statements and Projections of the Loan Parties.
All financial projections and other forward-looking statements prepared by the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary that may hereafter be made available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender will be prepared in good faith based on reasonable assumptions. No document to be furnished or written statement to be made to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation, preparation or execution of, or pursuant to, this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents will contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein not misleading.
Section 8.13 Exchange Listing.
Parent shall maintain at least one class of capital stock of Parent having trading privileges on, or which is subject to price quotations on, the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ or such other “national securities exchange” (as such term is defined under the Exchange Act) approved in writing by Requisite Lenders.
Section 8.14 Additional Borrowers.
On or before the earliest to occur of (i) the date that is thirty (30) days after the date any Person becoming a Subsidiary (other than Excluded Subsidiary) or (ii) the date that any Person contributes any assets constituting Borrowing Base Property (in each case, or such later date as the Administrative Agent shall agree in its reasonable discretion), the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent each of the following in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent: (a) a Joinder Agreement executed by such Subsidiary causing such Subsidiary to become a Borrower and to join in the Loan Documents, and (b) the items that would have been delivered under subsections (v) through (ix) and (xxii) of Section 6.1(a) and under Section 6.1(g) if such Subsidiary had been a Borrower on the Agreement Date. The foregoing requirements of this Section 8.14 shall be satisfied prior to any assets owned by such Subsidiary being included in the Borrowing Base.
Section 8.15 Intentionally Omitted.
Section 8.16 Beneficial Ownership.
The Loan Parties shall promptly (a) notify the Administrative Agent of any change in the information provided in the Beneficial Ownership Certification then most recently delivered to the Administrative Agent that would result in a change to the list of beneficial owners identified in such certification (or, if applicable, the Borrower ceasing to fall within an express exclusion to the definition of “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation) and (b) promptly upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, provide to the Administrative Agent or directly to such Lender, as the case may be, any information or documentation reasonably requested by it for purposes of complying with the Beneficial Ownership Regulation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any form or other information filed or furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party with the SEC detailing any change in beneficial ownership and including information otherwise required by this Section 8.16, shall satisfy the requirements of clause (a) of this Section 8.16, so long as Borrower has provided Administrative Agent written notice of such filing.
Section 8.17 Public Corporation Parent.
(a) Parent assets shall, at all times, consist solely of Equity Interests in Smith Douglas Holdings (provided, that Parent may (A) have cash and other assets (x) of nominal value incidental to its ownership of such Equity Interests or (y) arising from distributions made in accordance with the definition of “Permitted Distributions,” (B) maintain assets on a temporary or pass-through basis that are held for subsequent payment of dividends or other distributions or for contribution to any Subsidiary, in each case, not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement, and (C) have contract rights related to Parent’s status as a public company); and
(b) Parent shall not have any liabilities other than liabilities that would be reflected in consolidated financial statements of Smith Douglas Holdings (provided, that Parent may have (A) other liabilities incidental to its status as a publicly traded entity and not constituting liabilities in respect of Indebtedness for borrowed money, including liabilities associated with employment contracts, employee benefit matters, indemnification obligations pursuant to purchase and sale agreements, and other legacy liabilities arising pursuant to contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business prior to (and not in contemplation of) the initial public offering of Parent and (B) other immaterial obligations, immaterial intercompany obligations or other intercompany obligations owing by Parent to Smith Douglas Holdings or any Subsidiary of Smith Douglas Holdings).
(c) Within ten (10) Business Days of the occurrence of a Parent Guaranty Trigger (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may reasonably agree in writing), Parent shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent (i) the Parent Guaranty, (ii) the items that would have been delivered by Parent under subsections (v) through (ix) of Section 6.1(a) and under Section 6.1(g) if Parent had been a Loan Party on the Agreement Date, and (iii) such other documents, agreements and instruments as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parent Guaranty shall be released upon satisfaction of the following conditions: (i) Borrower and Parent shall have delivered written notice to Administrative Agent certifying that a Parent Guaranty Trigger no longer exists, (ii) upon Administrative Agent’s reasonable written request, Borrower and Parent shall have delivered documents evidencing that a Parent Guaranty Trigger no longer exists, and (iii) Administrative Agent shall have acknowledged in writing the Borrower’s and Parent’s satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the preceding clauses (i) and (ii).
(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in this Section 8.17 shall prohibit, limit or restrict (a) the issuance of any Convertible Indebtedness by the Parent, (b) the entry into any Permitted Warrant Transaction by the Parent, (c) the entry into any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction by the Parent, or (d) the performance by the Parent of its obligations under any Convertible Debt, any Permitted Warrant Transaction or any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction (any transaction described in clauses (a) through (d), a “Permitted Convertible Debt Transaction”).
ARTICLE IX
Information
For so long as this Agreement is in effect, the Borrower shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each of the Lenders:
Section 9.1 Quarterly Financial Statements.
Within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first, second and third fiscal quarters of the Borrower), the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such period and the related unaudited consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures as of the end of and for the corresponding periods of the previous fiscal year, all of which shall be certified by a Responsible Officer, in his or her opinion, to present fairly, in accordance with GAAP and in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the date thereof and the results of operations for such period (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in this Section 9.1 may be satisfied by the delivery of Parent’s 10-Q, filed with the SEC, within the time periods specified herein and to the extent such quarterly reports satisfy the requirements of this Section 9.1; provided that, except at any time the Parent Guaranty is in effect, such financial statements shall be accompanied by unaudited consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to Parent (or Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries), on the one hand, and the information relating to the Borrower (or Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries), on the other hand, which unaudited consolidating information shall be certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as having been fairly presented in all material respects.
Section 9.2 Year-End Statements.
Within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower), the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year and the related audited consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, setting forth in comparative form the figures as at the end of and for the previous fiscal year, all of which shall be (a) certified by a Responsible Officer, in his or her opinion, to present fairly, in accordance with GAAP and in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the date thereof and the results of operations for such period and (b) accompanied by the report thereon of Ernst & Young or any other independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, whose report shall not be subject to (i) any ‘going concern” or like qualification or exception or (ii) any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit (other than any such exception, qualification or explanatory paragraph that is with respect to, or resulting from, (i) an upcoming maturity date under this Agreement or other Indebtedness incurred in compliance with this Agreement, (ii) any actual or potential inability to satisfy a financial maintenance covenant, including those set forth in this Agreement, on a future date or in a future period, or (iii) any “emphasis of matter” paragraph). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in this Section 9.2 may be satisfied by the delivery of Parent’s 10-K, filed with the SEC, within the time periods specified herein and to the extent such annual reports satisfy the requirements of this Section 9.2.
Section 9.3 Compliance Certificate.
At the time the financial statements are furnished or filed pursuant to Sections 9.1 and 9.2, a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit N (a “Compliance Certificate”) executed on behalf of the Borrower by a Responsible Officer acceptable to the Administrative Agent (a) setting forth in reasonable detail as of the end of such fiscal quarter or fiscal year, as the case may be, the calculations required to establish whether the Borrower was in compliance with the covenants contained in Section 10.1; and (b) stating that no Default or Event of Default exists, or, if such is not the case, specifying such Default or Event of Default and its nature, when it occurred and the steps being taken by the applicable Loan Party with respect to such event, condition or failure.
Section 9.4 Other Information.
The Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent:
(a) [intentionally omitted];
(b) if any Loan Party is or becomes a reporting company, within ten (10) Business Days of the filing thereof, copies of all registration statements (excluding the exhibits thereto (unless requested by the Administrative Agent) and any registration statements on Form S-8 or its equivalent), reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K (or their equivalents) and all other periodic reports which any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall file with the SEC or any national securities exchange;
(c) (i) promptly upon the mailing thereof to the shareholders or members of Parent generally, copies of all financial statements, reports and proxy statements so mailed and (ii) promptly upon the issuance thereof, but in any event within ten (10) Business Days, copies of all press releases issued by the Parent Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party;
(d) within twenty (20) days after the end of each calendar month, a Borrowing Base Certificate setting forth the information to be contained therein, as of the last day of such month;
(e) [intentionally omitted];
(f) [intentionally omitted].
(g) if any Termination Event shall occur that individually, or together with any other Termination Event that has occurred, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, a certificate of a Responsible Officer, within ten (10) Business Days of the occurrence of such Termination Event, setting forth details as to such occurrence and the action, if any, which the Borrower or ERISA Affiliate is required or proposes to take;
(h) to the extent any Responsible Officer of any Borrower is aware of the same, prompt notice, but in any event within ten (10) Business Days, of the commencement of any proceeding or investigation by or before any Governmental Authority and any action or proceeding in any court or other tribunal or before any arbitrator against or in any other way relating to, or affecting, any Loan Party or any of their respective properties, assets or businesses which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(i) prompt notice, but in any event within ten (10) Business Days, of the receipt of notice that any United States income tax returns of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary are being audited;
(j) a copy of any amendment to the certificate or articles of incorporation or formation, bylaws, partnership agreement or other similar organizational documents of the Borrower or any other Loan Party within ten (10) Business Days after the later of (1) full execution thereof or (2) the effectiveness thereof;
(k) prompt notice, but in any event within five (5) Business Days, of the occurrence of any event which has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect;
(l) prompt notice, but in any event within five (5) Business Days, of a Default or Event of Default under any Material Contract to which any such Person is a party or by which any such Person or any of its respective properties may be bound;
(m) prompt notice, but in any event within ten (10) Business Days, of entering into any Material Contract or Specified Derivatives Contract after the Agreement Date, and a copy of such contract;
(n) prompt notice, but in any event within ten (10) Business Days, of any order, judgment or decree (not covered by insurance) in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate having been entered against any Loan Party or any of their respective properties or assets;
(o) within ten (10) Business Days after receipt thereof, any written notification of, or inquiry as to, an alleged material violation of any Applicable Law which has been received by any Loan Party from any Governmental Authority, which material violation could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(p) prompt notice, but in any event within thirty (30) days, of the acquisition, incorporation or other creation of any Subsidiary, the purpose for such Subsidiary that is not an Excluded Subsidiary and the nature of the assets and liabilities thereof;
(q) promptly upon the request of the Administrative Agent, but in any event within ten (10) Business Days of such request, evidence of the Borrower’s calculation of the Ownership Share with respect to a Subsidiary or an Unconsolidated Affiliate, such evidence to be in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(r) if applicable, promptly (but in any event within ten (10) Business Days after the Borrower obtains knowledge thereof), upon any change in the Borrower’s Credit Rating, a certificate stating that the Borrower’s Credit Rating has changed and the new Credit Rating that is in effect;
(s) promptly (but in any event within ten (10) Business Days), upon each request, such information identifying the Loan Parties as a Lender may request in order to comply with applicable “know your customer” and Anti-Money Laundering Laws, including without limitation, the Patriot Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation;
(t) Promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days after a Responsible Officer of the Borrower obtains knowledge thereof, written notice of the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the Parent, the Borrower, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall receive notice that any violation of or noncompliance with any Environmental Law has been committed or is threatened in writing; (ii) the Parent, the Borrower, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall receive notice that any administrative or judicial complaint, order or petition has been filed or other proceeding has been initiated, or is about to be filed or initiated against any such Person alleging any violation of or noncompliance with any Environmental Law or requiring any such Person to take any action in connection with the release or threatened release of Hazardous Materials; (iii) the Parent, the Borrower, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall receive any notice from a Governmental Authority or private party alleging that any such Person may be liable or responsible for any costs associated with a response to, or remediation or cleanup of, a release or threatened release of Hazardous Materials or any damages caused thereby; or (iv) the Parent, the Borrower, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall receive notice of any other fact, circumstance or condition that could reasonably be expected to form the basis of an Environmental Claim, and the matters covered by notices referred to in any of the immediately preceding clauses (i) through (iv), whether individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(u) promptly upon the request of the Administrative Agent (but in any event within ten (10) Business Days), the Derivatives Value in respect of any Specified Derivatives Contract from time to time outstanding;
(v) [intentionally omitted];
(w) [intentionally omitted];
(x) prompt notice, but in any event within five (5) Business Days, of the taking or threatened taking by any seller or other party under any Profit and Participation Agreement of an enforcement action against any Property or the Borrower; and
(y) from time to time and promptly upon each request, such data, certificates, reports, statements, documents or further information regarding any Property or the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition or results of operations of the Parent, the Borrower, any of the Subsidiaries, or any other Loan Party which is in the possession or control of any Loan Party as, in each instance, the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the delivery or other disclosure of any of the documents or information required to be delivered or disclosed in this Section 9.4 on Form 8-K (or any similar form) filed with the SEC by the Parent shall satisfy the requirements of this Section 9.4 to the extent such filing is made within the time periods required by the applicable clause of this Section 9.4.
Section 9.5 Electronic Delivery of Certain Information.
(a) Documents required to be delivered pursuant to the Loan Documents may be delivered by electronic communication and delivery, including, the Internet, e-mail or intranet websites to which the Administrative Agent and each Lender have access (including a commercial, third-party website or a website sponsored or hosted by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower) provided that the foregoing shall not apply to (i) notices to any Lender (or the Issuing Bank) pursuant to Article II and (ii) any Lender that has notified the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that it cannot or does not want to receive electronic communications. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic delivery pursuant to procedures approved by it for all or particular notices or communications. Documents or notices delivered electronically shall be deemed to have been delivered twenty four (24) hours after the date and time on which the Administrative Agent or the Borrower posts such documents or the documents become available on a commercial website, and the Administrative Agent or the Borrower notifies each Lender of said posting and provides a link thereto provided if such notice or other communication is not sent or posted during the normal business hours of the recipient, said posting date and time shall be deemed to have commenced as of 11:00 a.m. Central time on the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of any documents to the Administrative Agent or to any Lender that requests such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain paper copies of the documents delivered electronically, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request for delivery. Each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it of paper copies and maintaining its paper or electronic documents.
(b) Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Article II may be delivered electronically to a website provided for such purpose by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the procedures provided to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent or by e-mail; provided that the Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to notify the Administrative Agent (by facsimile or e-mail) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by e-mail electronic versions of such documents.
(c) Documents required to be delivered pursuant to this Article IX (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which Parent posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on Parent’s website on the Internet, or (ii) on which such documents are posted on Parent’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, including the SEC’s website, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access; provided that the Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to notify the Administrative Agent (by facsimile or e-mail) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by e-mail electronic versions of or electronic links to such documents.
Section 9.6 Public/Private Information.
The Borrower shall reasonably cooperate with the Administrative Agent in connection with the publication of certain materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower. Documents required to be delivered pursuant to the Loan Documents shall be delivered by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (collectively, “Information Materials”) pursuant to this Article and the Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to designate Information Materials that are either available to the public or not material with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or any of their respective securities for purposes of United States federal and state securities laws, as “Public Information”. Any Information Materials not marked as “Public Information” shall be deemed to contain material non-public information (within the meaning of United States federal and state securities laws) and shall not be suitable for posting or sharing in any platform or forum that any lender that has personnel that does not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to Parent or its Affiliates, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market-related activities with respect to such Persons’ securities can access.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, neither the Parent, the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will be required to disclose or permit the inspection or discussion of, any document, information or other matter (i) that constitutes non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information, (ii) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by Applicable Law or any binding agreement or (iii) that is subject to attorney client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work product.
Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders acknowledges that (i) the Information Materials may include material non-public information concerning Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public information and (iii) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with Applicable Law, including United States federal and state securities Laws.
Section 9.7 USA Patriot Act Notice; Compliance.
Federal law and regulations (including, without limitation, the Patriot Act) require financial institutions to obtain, verify and record certain information that identifies individuals or business entities which open an “account” with such financial institution. Consequently, a Lender (for itself and/or as agent for all Lenders hereunder) may from time-to-time request, and the Borrower shall, and shall cause the other Loan Parties to, provide promptly upon any such request to such Lender, such Loan Party’s name, address, tax identification number and/or such other identification information as shall be necessary for such Lender to comply with federal law. An “account” for this purpose may include, without limitation, a deposit account, cash management service, a transaction or asset account, a credit account, a loan or other extension of credit, and/or other financial services product.
ARTICLE X
Negative Covenants
For so long as this Agreement is in effect, the Loan Parties shall and, solely for purposes of Section 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 and 10.9, the Loan Parties shall cause Parent to comply with the following covenants:
Section 10.1 Financial Covenants.
(a) Minimum Tangible Net Worth. The Borrower shall not permit the Tangible Net Worth at any time to be less than (as measured by and based on the most recent month end financials of the Borrower) the sum of (i) $130,000,000.00, (ii) thirty-two and one-half percent (32.5%) of positive pre-tax income earned in any fiscal quarter after June 30, 2023, (iii) seventy-five percent (75%) of the equity proceeds of the Parent and its Subsidiaries from the IPO, and (iv) 50% of new equity proceeds of the Parent and its Subsidiaries following the IPO.
(b) Maintenance of Leverage Ratio. The Borrower shall not permit the Leverage Ratio (as determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter) of the Borrower to be greater than sixty percent (60%).
(c) Ratio of EBITDA to Interest Incurred. The Borrower shall not permit, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, the ratio of (i) EBITDA of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the last day of such fiscal quarter to (ii) Interest Incurred of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, to be less than 2.00 to 1.00.
(d) Minimum Liquidity. The Borrower shall maintain Liquidity of not less than $15,000,000.00 at all times (as measured by and based on the most recent month end financials of the Borrower) in the aggregate, provided that at all times not less than $7,500,000 of such amount shall be in the form of Unrestricted Cash.
(e) Permitted Investments. The Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, make an Investment in any Person, except for Permitted Investments; provided, however, the aggregate value of such Permitted Investments (other than investments described in clauses (a), (b), and, to the extent held by a Loan Party, clause (c) of the definition thereof) shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of Tangible Net Worth.
(f) Dividends and Other Restricted Payments. The Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, declare or make any Restricted Payment other than Permitted Distributions.
(g) Land Components. The Land Value of the Loan Parties shall not exceed, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, sixty percent (60%) of Tangible Net Worth.
(h) Housing Inventory. The Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Loan Party or Subsidiary to, permit the aggregate number of Speculative Housing Units and Model Housing Units included in the Borrowing Base, as at the end of any fiscal quarter, to exceed the number of Housing Unit Closings occurring during the period of twelve (12) months ending on the last day of such fiscal quarter multiplied by forty percent (40%).
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, at all times the Parent Guaranty is in effect, the financial covenants set forth in this Section 10.1 shall be calculated and based on the consolidated financial position of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, and all references to “Borrower” in this Section 10.1 and the definitions used therein shall be deemed to be references to Parent.
Section 10.2 Negative Pledge.
The Parent and the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, (a) create, assume, incur, permit or suffer to exist any Lien on any Borrowing Base Property (except for Permitted Liens (excluding Permitted Liens under clauses (h) and (i) of the definition thereof)) or any ownership interest of any Borrower in any Person owning any Borrowing Base Property, now owned or hereafter acquired, or (b) permit any Borrowing Base Property or any ownership interest of any Borrower or in any Person owning any Borrowing Base Property to be subject to a Negative Pledge. Without in any way limited the foregoing, the Parent and the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any other Loan Party or Subsidiary to create assume, incur, permit or suffer to exist any Lien on any Property to secure any Permitted Convertible Debt Transaction entered into by the Parent.
Section 10.3 Restrictions on Intercompany Transfers.
The Parent and the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) to, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction of any kind on the ability of any Subsidiary to: (a) pay dividends or make any other distribution on any of such Subsidiary’s capital stock or other Equity Interests owned by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary; (b) pay any Indebtedness owed to any Loan Party or Subsidiary; (c) make loans or advances to any Loan Party or Subsidiary; or (d) transfer any of its property or assets to any Loan Party or Subsidiary; other than (i) with respect to clauses (a) through (d) those encumbrances or restrictions contained in any Loan Document, or (ii) with respect to clause (d), customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into by any Loan Party or Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business.
Section 10.4 Merger, Division, Consolidation, Sales of Assets and Other Arrangements.
The Parent and the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, (a) enter into any transaction of merger, division or consolidation; (b) liquidate, windup or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution); or (c) convey, sell, lease, sublease, transfer or otherwise dispose of, in one transaction or a series of transactions, any of its assets, or the capital stock of or other Equity Interests in any Loan Party or Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary), whether now owned or hereafter acquired; provided, however, that:
(i) (x) a Borrower (other than Smith Douglas Holdings) or any Subsidiary may merge with a Subsidiary, so long as, a Borrower is party to such merger, such Borrower must be the survivor and (y) Smith Douglas Holdings may merge with any Borrower so long as Smith Douglas Holdings is the survivor of such merger;
(ii) any Subsidiary (other than the Borrower) may sell, transfer or dispose of its assets to a Borrower; and
(iii) the Borrower and any Subsidiary may sell, transfer or dispose of its assets in the ordinary course of business; provided, however, (1) the Borrower shall be in compliance with Section 10.1 and no Event of Default shall exist and be continuing or will exist after giving effect to such sale, transfer or disposition, and (2) such sale, transfer or disposition shall not constitute the sale, transfer or disposition of all or any substantial part of the Borrower’s and Subsidiaries’ assets.
Section 10.5 Subordinated Debt Prepayments; Amendments.
The Parent and the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, pay any principal of, or accrued interest on, any Subordinated Debt or otherwise make any voluntary or optional payment with respect to any principal of, or accrued interest on, any Subordinated Debt or otherwise redeem or acquire for value any Subordinated Debt; provided, however, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist therefrom, (i) any Loan Party may make scheduled payments of interest due with respect to the Subordinated Debt and (ii) any Loan Party may make principal payments on the Subordinated Debt if the Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent a compliance certificate that indicates that the Borrower shall be in compliance with the covenants under Sections 10.1(a)-(d) on a pro forma basis after giving effect to any such payment. Further, the Parent and the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, amend or modify, or permit the amendment or modification of, any agreement or instrument evidencing any Subordinated Debt where such amendment or modification provides for the following or which has any of the following effects:
(a) increases the rate of interest accruing on such Subordinated Debt;
(b) increases the amount of any scheduled installment of principal or interest, or shortens the date on which any such installment or principal or interest becomes due;
(c) shortens the final maturity date of such Subordinated Debt;
(d) increases the principal amount of such Subordinated Debt;
(e) amends any financial or other covenant contained in any document or instrument evidencing any Subordinated Debt in a manner which is more onerous to the Borrower or such Subsidiary or which requires the Borrower or such Subsidiary to improve its financial performance;
(f) provides for the payment of additional fees or the increase in existing fees; and/or
(g) otherwise could reasonably be expected to be adverse to the interests of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in any material respect.
Section 10.6 Permitted Indebtedness.
The Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, become liable for or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:
(a) The Obligations;
(b) Subordinated Debt;
(c) Indebtedness described on Schedule 7.1(g);
(d) Other unsecured and secured Indebtedness (collectively, the “Other Indebtedness”); provided that (i) the principal amount outstanding of such Other Indebtedness shall not exceed ten percent (10.0%) of Tangible Net Worth in the aggregate at any time, (ii) such Other Indebtedness contains events of default that are no more favorable to the lender or other holder of such Other Indebtedness than the Events of Default contained in this Agreement; (iii) such Other Indebtedness contains financial covenants in the documents evidencing such other Indebtedness that are no more restrictive than the covenants contained in this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, (iv) such Other Indebtedness, if secured, is secured by property other than any Borrowing Base Property, (v) the Fair Market Value of such property that secures such Other Indebtedness, if any, shall be no greater than two (2) times the amount of such Other Indebtedness in the aggregate, determined at the time of the incurrence thereof, and (vi) at the time of and immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such Other Indebtedness, the Borrower is in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in this Agreement on a pro forma basis, as evidenced by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Compliance Certificate;
(e) Derivatives Contracts permitted by Section 10.12 of this Agreement;
(f) Performance bonds, maintenance bonds, completion bonds, other bonds customarily used by the Borrower in its trade or business, surety and appeal bonds, guarantees of performance and guarantees of Indebtedness of a special district entered into in the ordinary course of business (in each case other than for an obligation for money borrowed);
(g) Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses arising or occurring in the ordinary course of business not more than thirty (30) days past due;
(h) Indebtedness with respect to Letters of Credit;
(i) Development completion guarantees under landbank arrangements;
(j) Indebtedness of one Loan Party owed to another Loan Party;
(k) Indebtedness consisting of Taxes payable, and obligations in respect of customer deposits, all to the extent incurred in the ordinary course of the Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s business;
(l) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument inadvertently (except in the case of daylight overdrafts) drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided, however, that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five (5) Business Days of incurrence;
(m) Indebtedness arising in connection with endorsement of instruments for deposit in the ordinary course of business; and
(n) Indebtedness secured by Liens on aircrafts, vehicles or equipment of any non-Loan Party Subsidiary granted in the ordinary course of business.
Section 10.7 Plans.
The Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, permit any of its respective assets to become or be deemed to be “plan assets” within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and the respective regulations promulgated thereunder. The Borrower shall not cause or permit to occur, and shall not permit any other ERISA Affiliate to cause or permit to occur, any Termination Event if such Termination Event could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 10.8 Fiscal Year; Line of Business; Accounting Practices.
The Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, change its fiscal year, its accounting practices, or, in a manner not permitted by Section 8.4, line of business, in each case, from that in effect as of the Agreement Date without the Administrative Agent’s prior written consent.
Section 10.9 Modifications of Organizational Documents and Material Contracts.
(a) The Parent and the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, amend, supplement, restate or otherwise modify or waive the application of any provision of its certificate or articles of incorporation or formation, by-laws, operating agreement, declaration of trust, partnership agreement or other applicable organizational document if such amendment, supplement, restatement or other modification (i) is adverse to the interest of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Lenders or (ii) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, (i) enter into any amendment or modification to any Material Contract which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) default in the performance of any obligations of any Borrower or Subsidiary in any Material Contract, or (iii) permit any Material Contract to be canceled or terminated prior to its stated maturity unless a replacement for such Material Contract has been entered into by the relevant Borrower or Subsidiary.
Section 10.10 Transactions with Affiliates.
The Loan Parties shall not permit to exist or enter into any transaction (including the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any service) with any Affiliate, except (a) as set forth on Schedule 7.1(r), (b) transactions in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the business of the Parent, the Borrower or such Loan Party and upon fair and reasonable terms which are no less favorable to the Parent, the Borrower or such Loan Party than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate, and (c) with respect to Parent or any Excluded Subsidiary to the extent otherwise expressly permitted hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no payments may be made with respect to any items set forth on such Schedule 7.1(r) if a Default or Event of Default exists or would result therefrom.
Section 10.11 Environmental Matters.
The Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary, or knowingly permit any other Person to, use, generate, discharge, emit, manufacture, handle, process, store, release, transport, remove, dispose of or clean up any Hazardous Materials on, under or from the Properties of any Loan Party in material violation of any Environmental Law or in a manner that could reasonably be expected to lead to any material Environmental Claim or pose a material risk to human health, safety or the environment. Nothing in this Section shall impose any obligation or liability whatsoever on the Administrative Agent or any Lender.
Section 10.12 Derivatives Contracts.
The Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into or become obligated in respect of Derivatives Contracts other than Derivatives Contracts entered into by the Parent, the Borrower, any Loan Party or Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business and which establish an effective hedge in respect of liabilities, commitments or assets held or reasonably anticipated by the Parent, the Borrower, such Loan Party or Subsidiary.
Section 10.13 Model Housing Units.
The Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, permit the number of Model Housing Units in any individual subdivision to exceed the number of Model Housing Units that is commercially reasonable, as determined by the Borrower in its reasonable discretion.
Section 10.14 Leasing
The Borrower shall not permit any Housing Unit to be leased to a Person.
Section 10.15 Qualifying IPO.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the execution, delivery and performance of customary documentation (and amendments to existing documentation) and transactions governing the relations between and among the equity owners of the Borrower, the Borrower and the IPO Co., including, without limitation, the execution, delivery and performance of an amended and restated limited liability company operating agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings and a tax receivable agreement by and among Parent, Smith Douglas Holdings and the Continuing Equity Owners (as defined below), in each case, on customary terms for similar “Up-C” transactions; and such other transactions incidental to the foregoing as the board of directors or similar governing body of Parent shall determine, in its good faith judgment, to be reasonably necessary in order to effect a Qualifying IPO shall be permitted hereunder, in each case, not inconsistent with the other terms and provisions of this Agreement. For purposes hereof, “Continuing Equity Owners” shall mean the owner of the limited liability company interests in Smith Douglas Holdings, including The Bradbury Family Trust II A U/A/D December 29, 2015 and GSB Holdings, LLC.
ARTICLE XI
Default
Section 11.1 Events of Default.
Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default, whatever the reason for such event and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of Applicable Law or pursuant to any judgment or order of any Governmental Authority:
(a) Default in Payment. The Borrower shall fail to pay when due under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (whether upon demand, at maturity, by reason of acceleration or otherwise but after expiration of any applicable express notice and cure periods) the principal of, or any interest on, any of the Loans or any Reimbursement Obligation, or shall fail to pay any of the other payment Obligations owing by the Borrower under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (after expiration of any applicable express notice and cure periods), or any other Loan Party shall fail to pay when due any payment obligation owing by such Loan Party under any Loan Document to which it is a party (after expiration of any applicable express notice and cure periods); provided that, with respect to the payment of interest, fees and expenses only (and not, for the avoidance of doubt, principal or Reimbursement Obligations), it shall not constitute an Event of Default if payment of any such interest, fees or expenses is made within five (5) calendar days of when due and only up to two (2) times per any twelve (12) month period.
(b) Default in Performance.
(i) Any Loan Party shall fail to perform or observe any term, covenant, condition or agreement on its part to be performed or observed and contained in Article IX (other than Sections 9.5 and 9.6) or Article X; or
(ii) Any Loan Party shall fail to perform or observe any term, covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is a party and not otherwise mentioned in this Section, and in the case of this subsection (b)(ii) only, such failure shall continue for a period of thirty (30) days after the earlier of (x) the date upon which a Responsible Officer obtains knowledge of such failure or (y) the date upon which the Borrower has received written notice of such failure from the Administrative Agent.
(c) Misrepresentations. Any written statement, representation or warranty made or deemed made by any Loan Party under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document, or any amendment hereto or thereto, shall at any time prove to have been incorrect or misleading in any material respect when furnished or made or deemed made.
(d) Intentionally Omitted.
(e) Indebtedness Cross-Default.
(i) The Borrower, any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall fail (x) to make any payment when due and payable in respect of any Material Indebtedness (as defined below) (other than the Loans and Reimbursement Obligations) or (y) to comply with or perform any financial covenant under any document, agreement or instrument with respect to any other obligation for borrowed money, having an aggregate outstanding principal amount (or, in the case of any Derivatives Contract, having, without regard to the effect of any close-out netting provision, a Derivatives Value), individually or in the aggregate, with all other Indebtedness or obligation as to which such a failure exists, of $500,000.00 or more (the foregoing, “Material Indebtedness”); or
(ii) (x) The maturity of any Material Indebtedness or other obligation for borrowed money shall have been accelerated in accordance with the provisions of any indenture, contract or instrument evidencing, providing for the creation of or otherwise concerning such Material Indebtedness or other obligation for borrowed money, or (y) any Material Indebtedness or other obligation for borrowed money shall have been required to be prepaid, repurchased, redeemed or defeased prior to the stated maturity thereof as a result of a breach that triggers a mandatory prepayment of such Material Indebtedness;
(iii) [Reserved]; or
(iv) There occurs an “Event of Default” under and as defined in any Derivatives Contract as to which the Borrower, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary is a “Defaulting Party” (as defined therein), or there occurs an “Early Termination Date” (as defined therein) in respect of any Specified Derivatives Contract as a result of a “Termination Event” (as defined therein) as to which the Borrower, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary is an “Affected Party” (as defined therein).
(f) Voluntary Bankruptcy Proceeding. The Borrower, any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall: (i) commence a voluntary case under the Bankruptcy Code or other federal bankruptcy laws (as now or hereafter in effect); (ii) file a petition seeking to take advantage of any other Applicable Laws, domestic or foreign, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding-up, or composition or adjustment of debts; (iii) consent to, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any petition filed against it in an involuntary case under such bankruptcy laws or other Applicable Laws or consent to any proceeding or action described in the immediately following subsection (f); (iv) apply for or consent to, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, custodian, trustee, or liquidator of itself or of a substantial part of its property, domestic or foreign; (v) admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due; (vi) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (vii) make a conveyance fraudulent as to creditors under any Applicable Law; or (viii) take any corporate or partnership action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.
(g) Involuntary Bankruptcy Proceeding. A case or other proceeding shall be commenced against the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary in any court of competent jurisdiction seeking: (i) relief under the Bankruptcy Code or other federal bankruptcy laws (as now or hereafter in effect) or under any other Applicable Laws, domestic or foreign, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding-up, or composition or adjustment of debts; or (ii) the appointment of a trustee, receiver, custodian, liquidator or the like of such Person, or of all or any substantial part of the assets, domestic or foreign, of such Person, and in the case of either clause (i) or (ii) such case or proceeding shall continue undismissed or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days, or an order granting the remedy or other relief requested in such case or proceeding (including, but not limited to, an order for relief under such Bankruptcy Code or such other federal bankruptcy laws) shall be entered.
(h) Revocation of Loan Documents. Any Loan Party shall (or shall attempt to) disavow, revoke or terminate any Loan Document to which it is a party or shall otherwise challenge or contest in any action, suit or proceeding in any court or before any Governmental Authority the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or any Loan Document shall cease to be in full force and effect (except as a result of the express terms thereof).
(i) Judgment. A judgment or order for the payment of money or for an injunction or other non-monetary relief shall be entered against the Borrower, any other Loan Party, or any Subsidiary by any court or other tribunal and (i) such judgment or order shall continue for a period of thirty (30) days without being paid, stayed or dismissed through appropriate appellate proceedings and (ii) either (A) the amount of such judgment or order for which insurance has not been acknowledged in writing by the applicable insurance carrier (or the amount as to which the insurer has denied liability) exceeds, individually or together with all other such judgments or orders entered against the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary, $1,000,000, or (B) in the case of an injunction or other non-monetary relief, such injunction or judgment or order could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(j) Attachment. A warrant, writ of attachment, execution or similar process shall be issued against any property of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary, which exceeds, individually or together with all other such warrants, writs, executions and processes, $500,000 in amount and such warrant, writ, execution or process shall not be paid, discharged, vacated, stayed or bonded for a period of thirty (30) days; provided, however, that if a bond has been issued in favor of the claimant or other Person obtaining such warrant, writ, execution or process, the issuer of such bond shall execute a waiver or subordination agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent pursuant to which the issuer of such bond subordinates its right of reimbursement, contribution or subrogation to the Obligations and waives or subordinates any Lien it may have on the assets of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary.
(k) ERISA.
(i) Any Termination Event shall have occurred that results or could reasonably be expected to result in liability to any ERISA Affiliate aggregating in excess of $1,000,000; or
(ii) The “benefit obligation” of all Plans exceeds the “fair market value of plan assets” for such Plans by more than $1,000,000, all as determined, and with such terms defined, in accordance with FASB ASC 715.
(l) Loan Documents. An Event of Default (as defined therein) shall occur under any of the other Loan Documents.
(m) Change of Control.
(i) (i) Any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, other than the Permitted Holders or a group controlled by the Permitted Holders, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a Person will be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that such Person has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of more than 50.0% of the total voting power of the then-outstanding voting stock of the Parent;
(ii) [intentionally omitted]; or
(iii) the failure of Smith Douglas Holdings to own directly or indirectly, beneficially and of record, 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Smith Douglas Building and the Smith Douglas-owned Subsidiaries’ voting rights and economic interests on a fully diluted basis; or
(iv) the failure of Smith Douglas Building to own directly or indirectly, beneficially and of record, 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Smith Douglas-owned Subsidiaries’ voting rights and economic interests on a fully diluted basis; or
(v) the failure of (A) the Parent to directly own a portion of the legal and beneficial ownership interest in Smith Douglas Holdings or (B) Greg Bennett and Tom Bradbury to collectively own, directly or indirectly, a majority legal and beneficial ownership interest in Smith Douglas Holdings on a fully diluted basis.
(n) Damage; Strike; Casualty. Any strike, lockout, labor dispute, embargo, condemnation, act of God or public enemy, or other casualty which causes, for more than sixty (60) consecutive days, the cessation or substantial curtailment of revenue producing activities of the Borrower, any other Loan Party, or any Subsidiary taken as a whole and only if any such event or circumstance could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(o) Subordinated Debt Documents. The failure of any Loan Party to comply with the material terms of any intercreditor agreement or any subordination provisions of any note or other document running to the benefit of the Administrative Agent or Lenders, or if any such document becomes null and void or unenforceable against any lender holding any Subordinated Debt that is Material Indebtedness.
(p) Pledge of Equity Interests. Any Equity Interests in the Borrower or in any direct or indirect parent company of the Borrower are pledged to secure any Indebtedness of any Person.
(q) Money Laundering; Sanctions. Any breach by any Borrower of any covenants, representations or warranties in this Agreement regarding Anti-Money Laundering Laws and/or Sanctions.
Section 11.2 Remedies Upon Event of Default.
Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default the following provisions shall apply:
(a) Acceleration; Termination of Facilities.
(i) Automatic. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Sections 11.1(f) or 11.1(g), (1)(A) the principal of, and all accrued interest on, the Loans and the Notes at the time outstanding, (B) an amount equal to the Stated Amount of all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the date of the occurrence of such Event of Default for deposit into the Letter of Credit Collateral Account, and (C) all of the other Obligations, including, but not limited to, the other amounts owed to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents shall become immediately and automatically due and payable without presentment, demand, protest, or other notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived by the Borrower on behalf of itself and the other Loan Parties, and (2) the Commitments, the Swingline Commitment, and the obligation of the Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit hereunder, shall all immediately and automatically terminate.
(ii) Optional. If any other Event of Default shall exist and be continuing, the Administrative Agent may, and at the direction of the Requisite Lenders shall: (1) declare (A) the principal of, and accrued interest on, the Loans and the Notes at the time outstanding, (B) an amount equal to the Stated Amount of all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the date of the occurrence of such Event of Default for deposit into the Letter of Credit Collateral Account, and (C) all of the other Obligations, including, but not limited to, the other amounts owed to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the same shall immediately become due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived by the Borrower on behalf of itself and the other Loan Parties, and (2) terminate the Commitments and the Swingline Commitment and the obligation of the Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit hereunder.
(b) Loan Documents. The Requisite Lenders may direct the Administrative Agent to, and the Administrative Agent if so directed shall, exercise any and all of its rights under any and all of the other Loan Documents.
(c) Applicable Law. The Requisite Lenders may direct the Administrative Agent to, and the Administrative Agent if so directed shall, exercise all other rights and remedies it may have under any Applicable Law.
(d) Appointment of Receiver. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to the appointment of a receiver for the assets and properties of the Loan Parties, without notice of any kind whatsoever and without regard to the adequacy of any security for the Obligations or the solvency of any party bound for its payment, to exercise such power as the court shall confer upon such receiver.
(e) Remedies in Respect of Specified Derivatives Contracts. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or other Loan Document, each Specified Derivatives Provider shall have the right, with prompt notice to the Administrative Agent, but without the approval or consent of or other action by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Lenders (in each case, except as provided below), and without limitation of other remedies available to such Specified Derivatives Provider under contract or Applicable Law, to undertake any of the following: (a) to declare an event of default, termination event or other similar event under any Specified Derivatives Contract and to create an “Early Termination Date” (as defined therein) in respect thereof, (b) to determine net termination amounts in respect of any and all Specified Derivatives Contracts in accordance with the terms thereof, and, subject to receipt of the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Requisite Lenders exercised in their sole discretion, to set off amounts among such contracts, (c) subject to receipt of the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Requisite Lenders exercised in their sole discretion, to set off or proceed against deposit account balances, securities account balances and other property and amounts held by such Specified Derivatives Provider, and (d) subject to receipt of the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Requisite Lenders exercised in their sole discretion, to prosecute any legal action against the Borrower or any Loan Party (or Subsidiary to the extent applicable) to enforce or collect net amounts owing to such Specified Derivatives Provider pursuant to any Specified Derivatives Contract.
Section 11.3 Intentionally Omitted.
Section 11.4 Payments Set Aside.
To the extent that any Loan Party makes a payment or payments to a Lender Party, or a Lender Party enforces its security interest or exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or payments or the proceeds of such enforcement or setoff or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside and/or required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party under any bankruptcy law, state or federal law, common law or equitable cause, then to the extent of such recovery, the Guaranteed Obligations, or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied, and all Liens, rights and remedies therefor, shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such enforcement or setoff had not occurred.
Section 11.5 Allocation of Proceeds.
If an Event of Default exists, all payments received by the Administrative Agent (or any Lender as a result of its exercise of remedies permitted under Section 3.3) under any of the Loan Documents, in respect of any Guaranteed Obligations shall be applied in the following order and priority:
(a) to payment of that portion of the Guaranteed Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts, including attorney fees, payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such, and the Swingline Lender in its capacity as such, ratably among the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, and the Swingline Lender in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause (a) payable to them;
(b) to payment of that portion of the Guaranteed Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Issuing Bank in its capacity as such and the Lenders under the Loan Documents, including attorney fees, ratably among the Issuing Bank and the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause (b) payable to them;
(c) to payment of that portion of the Guaranteed Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Swingline Loans;
(d) to payment of that portion of the Guaranteed Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans and Reimbursement Obligations, ratably among the Lenders and the Issuing Bank in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause (d) payable to them;
(e) to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Swingline Loans;
(f) to payment of that portion of the Guaranteed Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans, Reimbursement Obligations, other Letter of Credit Liabilities and payment obligations then owing under Specified Derivatives Contracts, ratably among the Lenders, the Issuing Bank, and the Specified Derivatives Providers and in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause (f) payable to them; provided, however, to the extent that any amounts available for distribution pursuant to this clause are attributable to the issued but undrawn amount of an outstanding Letter of Credit, such amounts shall be paid to the Administrative Agent for deposit into the Letter of Credit Collateral Account; and
(g) the balance, if any, after all of the Guaranteed Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Applicable Law.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Guaranteed Obligations arising under Specified Derivatives Contracts shall be excluded from the application described above if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice thereof, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Specified Derivatives Provider, as the case may be. Each Specified Derivatives Provider not a party to this Agreement that has given the notice contemplated by the preceding sentence shall, by such notice, be deemed to have acknowledged and accepted the appointment of the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms of Article XII for itself and its Affiliates as if a “Lender” party hereto.
Section 11.6 Letter of Credit Collateral Account.
(a) As collateral security for the prompt payment in full when due of all Letter of Credit Liabilities and the other Obligations, the Borrower hereby pledges and grants to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders as provided herein, a security interest in all of its right, title and interest in and to the Letter of Credit Collateral Account and the balances from time to time in the Letter of Credit Collateral Account (including the investments and reinvestments therein provided for below). The balances from time to time in the Letter of Credit Collateral Account shall not constitute payment of any Letter of Credit Liabilities until applied by the Issuing Bank as provided herein. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, funds held in the Letter of Credit Collateral Account shall be subject to withdrawal only as provided in this Section.
(b) Amounts on deposit in the Letter of Credit Collateral Account shall be invested and reinvested by the Administrative Agent in such Cash Equivalents as the Administrative Agent shall determine in its sole discretion. All such investments and reinvestments shall be held in the name of and be under the sole dominion and control of the Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders; provided, that all earnings on such investments will be credited to and retained in the Letter of Credit Collateral Account. The Administrative Agent shall exercise reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any funds held in the Letter of Credit Collateral Account and shall be deemed to have exercised such care if such funds are accorded treatment substantially equivalent to that which the Administrative Agent accords other funds deposited with the Administrative Agent, it being understood that the Administrative Agent shall not have any responsibility for taking any necessary steps to preserve rights against any parties with respect to any funds held in the Letter of Credit Collateral Account.
(c) If a drawing pursuant to any Letter of Credit occurs on or prior to the expiration date of such Letter of Credit, the Borrower and the Lenders authorize the Administrative Agent to use the monies deposited in the Letter of Credit Collateral Account to reimburse the Issuing Bank for the payment made by the Issuing Bank to the beneficiary with respect to such drawing.
(d) If an Event of Default exists and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may (and, if instructed by the Requisite Lenders, shall) in its (or their) discretion at any time and from time to time elect to liquidate any such investments and reinvestments and apply the proceeds thereof to the Obligations in accordance with Section 11.5.
(e) So long as no Default or Event of Default exists and is continuing, and to the extent amounts on deposit in or credited to the Letter of Credit Collateral Account exceed the aggregate amount of the Letter of Credit Liabilities then due and owing, the Administrative Agent shall, from time to time, at the request of the Borrower, deliver to the Borrower within ten (10) Business Days after the Administrative Agent’s receipt of such request from the Borrower, against receipt but without any recourse, warranty or representation whatsoever, such amount of the credit balances in the Letter of Credit Collateral Account as exceeds the aggregate amount of Letter of Credit Liabilities at such time. When all of the Obligations shall have been indefeasibly paid in full and no Letters of Credit remain outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall deliver to the Borrower, against receipt but without any recourse, warranty or representation whatsoever, the balances remaining in the Letter of Credit Collateral Account.
(f) The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent from time to time such fees as the Administrative Agent normally charges for similar services in connection with the Administrative Agent’s administration of the Letter of Credit Collateral Account and investments and reinvestments of funds therein.
Section 11.7 Performance by the Administrative Agent.
If the Borrower or any other Loan Party shall fail to perform any covenant, duty or agreement contained in any of the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent may, after written notice to the Borrower and the expiration of any cure or grace periods set forth herein, perform or attempt to perform such covenant, duty or agreement on behalf of the Borrower or such other Loan Party. In such event, the Borrower shall, at the request of the Administrative Agent, promptly pay any amount reasonably expended by the Administrative Agent in such performance or attempted performance to the Administrative Agent, together with interest thereon at the applicable Post-Default Rate from the date of such expenditure until paid. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall have any liability or responsibility whatsoever for the performance of any obligation of the Borrower under this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
Section 11.8 Rights Cumulative.
(a) Generally. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, and the Lenders under this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents, and of the Specified Derivatives Providers under the Specified Derivatives Contracts, shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which any of them may otherwise have under Applicable Law. In exercising their respective rights and remedies the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Lenders and the Specified Derivatives Providers may be selective and no failure or delay by any such Lender Party in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of it, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any power or right preclude its other or further exercise or the exercise of any other power or right.
(b) Enforcement by the Administrative Agent. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, the authority to enforce rights and remedies hereunder and under the other Loan Documents against the Loan Parties or any of them shall be vested exclusively in, and all actions and proceedings at law in connection with such enforcement shall be instituted and maintained exclusively by, the Administrative Agent in accordance with Article XII for the benefit of all the Lenders and the Issuing Bank; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit (i) the Administrative Agent from exercising on its own behalf the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as the Administrative Agent) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (ii) the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender from exercising the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as the Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender) hereunder, under the other Loan Documents, (iii) any Specified Derivatives Provider from exercising the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit or under any Specified Derivatives Contract, (iv) any Lender from exercising setoff rights in accordance with Section 13.4 (subject to the terms of Section 3.3), or (v) any Lender from filing proofs of claim or appearing and filing pleadings on its own behalf during the pendency of a proceeding relative to any Loan Party under any Debtor Relief Law; and provided, further, that if at any time there is no Person acting as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, then (x) the Requisite Lenders shall have the rights otherwise ascribed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Article XII and (y) in addition to the matters set forth in clauses (ii), (iv) and (v) of the preceding proviso and subject to Section 3.3, any Lender may, with the consent of the Requisite Lenders, enforce any rights and remedies available to it and as authorized by the Requisite Lenders.
ARTICLE XII
The Administrative Agent
Section 12.1 Appointment and Authorization.
Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as contractual representative on such Lender’s behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are specifically delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof and thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Not in limitation of the foregoing, each Lender authorizes and directs the Administrative Agent to enter into the Loan Documents for the benefit of the Lenders. Each Lender hereby agrees that, except as otherwise set forth herein, any action taken by the Requisite Lenders in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or the Loan Documents, and the exercise by the Requisite Lenders of the powers set forth herein or therein, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be authorized and binding upon all of the Lenders. Nothing herein shall be construed to deem the Administrative Agent a trustee or fiduciary for any Lender or to impose on the Administrative Agent duties or obligations other than those expressly provided for herein. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the use of the terms “Agent,” “Administrative Agent,” “agent” and similar terms in the Loan Documents with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any Applicable Law. Instead, use of such terms is merely a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties. The Administrative Agent shall deliver to each Lender, promptly upon receipt thereof by the Administrative Agent, copies of each of the financial statements, certificates, notices and other documents delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Article IX that the Borrower is not otherwise required to deliver directly to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent will furnish to any Lender, upon the request of such Lender, a copy (or, where appropriate, an original) of any document, instrument, agreement, certificate or notice furnished to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Affiliate of the Borrower, pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document not already delivered or otherwise made available to such Lender pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any such other Loan Document. As to any matters not expressly provided for by the Loan Documents (including, without limitation, enforcement or collection of any of the Obligations), the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the instructions of the Requisite Lenders (or all of the Lenders if explicitly required under any other provision of this Agreement), and such instructions shall be binding upon all Lenders and all holders of any of the Obligations; provided, however, that, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action which exposes the Administrative Agent to personal liability or which is contrary to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or Applicable Law. Not in limitation of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent may exercise any right or remedy it or the Lenders may have under any Loan Document upon the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default unless the Requisite Lenders have directed the Administrative Agent otherwise. Without limiting the foregoing, no Lender shall have any right of action whatsoever against the Administrative Agent as a result of the Administrative Agent acting or refraining from acting under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents in accordance with the instructions of the Requisite Lenders, or where applicable, all the Lenders.
Section 12.2 Administrative Agent as Lender.
The Lender acting as the Administrative Agent shall have the same rights and powers as a Lender or as a Specified Derivatives Provider, as the case may be, under this Agreement and any other Loan Document and under any Specified Derivatives Contract, as the case may be, as any other Lender or Specified Derivatives Provider and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent; and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include Wells Fargo in each case in its individual capacity. Wells Fargo and its Affiliates may each accept deposits from, maintain deposits or credit balances for, invest in, lend money to, act as trustee under indentures of, serve as financial advisor to, and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Affiliate thereof as if it were any other bank and without any duty to account therefor to the Issuing Bank, the other Lenders, or any Specified Derivatives Providers. Further, the Administrative Agent and any Affiliate may accept fees and other consideration from the Borrower for services in connection with this Agreement, any Specified Derivatives Contract, or otherwise, without having to account for the same to the Issuing Bank, the other Lenders or any Specified Derivatives Providers. The Issuing Bank and the Lenders acknowledge that, pursuant to such activities, Wells Fargo or its Affiliates may receive information regarding the Borrower, other Loan Parties, other Subsidiaries and other Affiliates (including information that may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of such Person) and acknowledge that the Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation to provide such information to them.
Section 12.3 Intentionally Omitted.
Section 12.4 Intentionally Omitted.
Section 12.5 Approvals of Lenders.
All communications from the Administrative Agent to any Lender requesting such Lender’s determination, consent or approval (a) shall be given in the form of a written notice to such Lender, (b) shall be accompanied by a description of the matter or issue as to which such determination, consent or approval is requested, or shall advise such Lender where information, if any, regarding such matter or issue may be inspected, or shall otherwise describe the matter or issue to be resolved, and (c) shall include, if reasonably requested by such Lender and to the extent not previously provided to such Lender, written materials provided to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower in respect of the matter or issue to be resolved. Unless a Lender shall give written notice to the Administrative Agent that it specifically objects to the requested determination, consent or approval within ten (10) Business Days (or such lesser or greater period as may be specifically required under the express terms of the Loan Documents) of receipt of such communication, such Lender shall be deemed to have conclusively approved of or consented to such.
Section 12.6 Notice of Events of Default.
The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default unless the Administrative Agent has received notice from a Lender or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing with reasonable specificity such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” If any Lender (excluding the Lender which is also serving as the Administrative Agent) becomes aware of any Default or Event of Default, it shall promptly send to the Administrative Agent such a “notice of default”; provided, a Lender’s failure to provide such a “notice of default” to the Administrative Agent shall not result in any liability of such Lender to any other party to any of the Loan Documents. Further, if the Administrative Agent receives such a “notice of default,” the Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders.
Section 12.7 Administrative Agent’s Reliance.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement or any other Loan Documents, neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its Related Parties shall be liable for any action taken or not taken by it under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct in connection with its duties expressly set forth herein or therein as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable judgment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent may consult with its own legal counsel, independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its Related Parties: (a) makes any warranty or representation to any Lender, the Issuing Bank or any other Person, or shall be responsible to any Lender, the Issuing Bank or any other Person for any statement, warranty or representation made or deemed made by the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Person in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (b) shall have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the satisfaction of any conditions precedent under this Agreement or any Loan Document on the part of the Borrower or other Persons, or to inspect the property, books or records of the Borrower or any other Person; (c) shall be responsible to any Lender or the Issuing Bank for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (d) shall have any liability in respect of any recitals, statements, certifications, representations or warranties contained in any of the Loan Documents or any other document, instrument, agreement, certificate or statement delivered in connection therewith; and (e) shall incur any liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by telephone, telecopy or electronic mail) believed by it to be genuine and signed, sent or given by the proper party or parties. The Administrative Agent may execute any of its duties under the Loan Documents by or through agents, employees or attorneys-in-fact and shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or attorney-in-fact that it selects in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such agent or attorney-in-fact as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable judgment.
Section 12.8 Indemnification of the Administrative Agent.
Each Lender agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so) pro rata in accordance with such Lender’s respective Revolving Commitment Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought), from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as the Administrative Agent but not as a Lender) in any way relating to or arising out of the Loan Documents, any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted by the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents (collectively, “Indemnifiable Amounts”); provided, however, that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such Indemnifiable Amounts to the extent resulting from the Administrative Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable judgment; provided, further, that no action taken in accordance with the directions of the Requisite Lenders (or all of the Lenders, if expressly required hereunder) shall be deemed to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct for purposes of this Section. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Lender agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so) promptly upon demand for its ratable share of any out-of-pocket expenses (including the reasonable fees and expenses of the counsel to the Administrative Agent) incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, administration, or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings, or otherwise) of, or legal advice with respect to the rights or responsibilities of the parties under, the Loan Documents, any suit or action brought by the Administrative Agent to enforce the terms of the Loan Documents and/or collect any Obligations, any “lender liability” suit or claim brought against the Administrative Agent and/or the Lenders, and any claim or suit brought against the Administrative Agent and/or the Lenders arising under any Environmental Laws. Such out of pocket expenses (including counsel fees) shall be advanced by the Lenders on the request of the Administrative Agent notwithstanding any claim or assertion that the Administrative Agent is not entitled to indemnification hereunder upon receipt of an undertaking by the Administrative Agent that the Administrative Agent will reimburse the Lenders if it is actually and finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the Administrative Agent is not so entitled to indemnification. The agreements in this Section shall survive the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder or under the other Loan Documents and the termination of this Agreement. If the Borrower shall reimburse the Administrative Agent for any Indemnifiable Amount following payment by any Lender to the Administrative Agent in respect of such Indemnifiable Amount pursuant to this Section, the Administrative Agent shall share such reimbursement on a ratable basis with each Lender making any such payment.
Section 12.9 Lender Credit Decision, Etc.
Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank expressly acknowledges and agrees that neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its Related Parties has made any representations or warranties to the Issuing Bank or such Lender and that no act by the Administrative Agent hereafter taken, including any review of the affairs of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Subsidiary or Affiliate, shall be deemed to constitute any such representation or warranty by the Administrative Agent to the Issuing Bank or any Lender. Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank acknowledges that it has made its own credit and legal analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any other Lender or counsel to the Administrative Agent, or any of their respective Related Parties, and based on the financial statements of the Borrower, the other Loan Parties, the other Subsidiaries and other Affiliates, and inquiries of such Persons, its independent due diligence of the business and affairs of the Borrower, the other Loan Parties, the other Subsidiaries and other Persons, its review of the Loan Documents, the legal opinions required to be delivered to it hereunder, the advice of its own counsel and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate. Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any other Lender or counsel to the Administrative Agent or any of their respective Related Parties, and based on such review, advice, documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent shall not be required to keep itself informed as to the performance or observance by the Borrower or any other Loan Party of the Loan Documents or any other document referred to or provided for therein or to inspect the properties or books of, or make any other investigation of, the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Subsidiary. Except for notices, reports and other documents and information expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders and the Issuing Bank by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall have no duty or responsibility to provide any Lender or the Issuing Bank with any credit or other information concerning the business, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Affiliate thereof which may come into possession of the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties. Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank acknowledges that the Administrative Agent’s legal counsel in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is only acting as counsel to the Administrative Agent and is not acting as counsel to any Lender or the Issuing Bank.
Section 12.10 Successor Administrative Agent.
The Administrative Agent may resign at any time as the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the Requisite Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Administrative Agent which appointment shall, provided no Event of Default exists and is continuing, be subject to the Borrower’s approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed (except that the Borrower shall, in all events, be deemed to have approved each Lender and any of its Affiliates as a successor Administrative Agent). If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence, and shall have accepted such appointment, within thirty (30) days after the current Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, then the current Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a Lender, if any Lender shall be willing to serve, and otherwise shall be reasonably acceptable to the Borrower (provided, that, if Borrower does not approve such successor Administrative Agent within thirty (30) days of such appointment, then Administrative Agent may appoint a successor Administrative Agent who shall be an Eligible Assignee without Borrower’s approval); provided that if the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that no Lender has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (1) the Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (2) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made to each Lender and the Issuing Bank directly until such time as a successor Administrative Agent has been appointed as provided for above in this Section; provided, further that such Lenders and the Issuing Bank so acting directly shall be and be deemed to be protected by all indemnities and other provisions herein for the benefit and protection of the Administrative Agent as if each such Lender or Issuing Bank were itself the Administrative Agent. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the current Administrative Agent, and the current Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under the Loan Documents. Any resignation by an Administrative Agent shall also constitute the resignation as the Issuing Bank and as the Swingline Lender by the Lender then acting as the Administrative Agent (the “Resigning Lender”). Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as the Administrative Agent hereunder (i) the Resigning Lender shall be discharged from all duties and obligations of the Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (ii) the successor Issuing Bank shall issue letters of credit in substitution for all Letters of Credit issued by the Resigning Lender as the Issuing Bank outstanding at the time of such succession (which letters of credit issued in substitution shall be deemed to be Letters of Credit issued hereunder) or make other arrangements satisfactory to the Resigning Lender to effectively assume the obligations of the Resigning Lender with respect to such Letters of Credit. After any Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as the Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Article XII shall continue to inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Administrative Agent may assign its rights and duties under the Loan Documents to any of its Affiliates by giving the Borrower and each Lender prior written notice.
Section 12.11 Titled Agents.
Each of the Joint Lead Arrangers and Sole Bookrunner (each, a “Titled Agent”), in such respective capacity, assumes no responsibility or obligation hereunder, including, without limitation, for servicing, enforcement or collection of any of the Loans, nor any duties as an agent hereunder for the Lenders. The titles given to the Titled Agents is solely honorific and imply no fiduciary responsibility on the part of the Titled Agents to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, the Issuing Bank, the Borrower or any other Loan Party and the use of such titles does not impose on the Titled Agents any duties or obligations greater than those of any other Lender or entitle the Titled Agents to any rights other than those to which any other Lender is entitled.
Section 12.12 Specified Derivatives Contracts; Specified Derivatives Providers.
No Specified Derivatives Provider that obtains the benefits of Section 11.5 by virtue of the provisions hereof or of any Loan Document shall have any right to notice of any action or to consent to, direct or object to any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document or otherwise in respect of any Loan Document other than in its capacity as a Lender and, in such case, only to the extent expressly provided in the Loan Documents. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to verify the payment of, or that other satisfactory arrangements have been made with respect to, Specified Derivatives Contracts unless the Administrative Agent has received written notice of Specified Derivatives Contracts, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Specified Derivatives Provider, as the case may be.
Section 12.13 Certain ERISA Matters.
(a) Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, Titled Agents and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:
(i) such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of 29 CFR § 2510.3-101, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments,
(ii) the prohibited transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable so as to exempt from the prohibitions of Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement,
(iii) (A) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (B) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (D) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, or
(iv) such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.
(b) In addition, unless sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or such Lender has not provided another representation, warranty and covenant as provided in sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, Titled Agents and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that none of the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the assets of such Lender (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related to hereto or thereto).
Section 12.14 Intentionally Omitted.
Section 12.15 Erroneous Payments.
(a) If the Administrative Agent (x) notifies a Lender, Issuing Bank, or any Person who has received funds on behalf of a Lender or Issuing Bank (any such Lender, Issuing Bank or other recipient, and each of their respective successors and assigns, a “Payment Recipient”) that the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion (whether or not after receipt of any notice under immediately succeeding clause (b)) that any funds (as set forth in such notice from the Administrative Agent) received by such Payment Recipient from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates were erroneously or mistakenly transmitted to, or otherwise erroneously or mistakenly received by, such Payment Recipient (whether or not known to such Lender, Issuing Bank or other Payment Recipient on its behalf) (any such funds, whether transmitted or received as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees, distribution or otherwise, individually and collectively, an “Erroneous Payment”) and (y) demands in writing the return of such Erroneous Payment (or a portion thereof), such Erroneous Payment shall at all times remain the property of the Administrative Agent pending its return or repayment as contemplated below in this Section 12.15 and held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, and such Lender or Issuing Bank shall (or, with respect to any Payment Recipient who received such funds on its behalf, shall cause such Payment Recipient to) promptly, but in no event later than two (2) Business Days thereafter (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, specify in writing), return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made, in same day funds (in the currency so received), together with interest thereon (except to the extent waived in writing by the Administrative Agent) in respect of each day from and including the date such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Payment Recipient to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent in same day funds at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Payment Recipient under this clause (a) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
(b) Without limiting immediately preceding clause (a), each Lender, Issuing Bank or any Person, and each of their respective successors and assigns, who has received funds on behalf of a Lender or Issuing Bank, agrees that if it receives a payment, prepayment or repayment (whether received as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees, distribution or otherwise) from the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) (x) that is in a different amount than, or on a different date from, that specified in this Agreement or in a notice of payment, prepayment or repayment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such payment, prepayment or repayment, (y) that was not preceded or accompanied by a notice of payment, prepayment or repayment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates), or (z) that such Lender, Issuing Bank or other such recipient, otherwise becomes aware was transmitted, or received, in error or by mistake (in whole or in part), then in each such case:
(i) it acknowledges and agrees that (A) in the case of immediately preceding clauses (x) or (y), an error and mistake shall be presumed to have been made (absent written confirmation from the Administrative Agent to the contrary) or (B) an error and mistake has been made (in the case of immediately preceding clause (z)), in each case, with respect to such payment, prepayment or repayment; and
(ii) such Lender or Issuing Bank shall (and shall cause any other recipient that receives funds on its respective behalf to) promptly (and, in all events, within one (1) Business Day of its knowledge of the occurrence of any of the circumstances described in immediately preceding clauses (x), (y) and (z)) notify the Administrative Agent of its receipt of such payment, prepayment or repayment, the details thereof (in reasonable detail) and that it is so notifying the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 12.15(b).
For the avoidance of doubt, the failure to deliver a notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 12.15(b) shall not have any effect on a Payment Recipient’s obligations pursuant to Section 12.15(a) or on whether or not an Erroneous Payment has been made.
(c) Each Lender or Issuing Bank hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off, net and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender or Issuing Bank under any Loan Document, or otherwise payable or distributable by the Administrative Agent to such Lender or Issuing Bank under any Loan Document with respect to any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts, against any amount that the Administrative Agent has demanded to be returned under immediately preceding clause (a).
(d) The parties hereto agree that (x) irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent may be equitably subrogated, in the event that an Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) is not recovered from any Payment Recipient that has received such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) for any reason, the Administrative Agent shall be subrogated to all the rights and interests of such Payment Recipient (and, in the case of any Payment Recipient who has received funds on behalf of a Lender or Issuing Bank, to the rights and interests of such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be) under the Loan Documents with respect to such amount (the “Erroneous Payment Subrogation Rights”) and (y) an Erroneous Payment shall not pay, prepay, repay, discharge or otherwise satisfy any Obligations owed by the Borrower; provided that this Section 12.15 shall not be interpreted to increase (or accelerate the due date for), or have the effect of increasing (or accelerating the due date for), the Obligations of the Borrower relative to the amount (and/or timing for payment) of the Obligations that would have been payable had such Erroneous Payment not been made by the Administrative Agent; provided, further, that for the avoidance of doubt, immediately preceding clauses (x) and (y) shall not apply to the extent any such Erroneous Payment is, and solely with respect to the amount of such Erroneous Payment that is, comprised of funds received by the Administrative Agent from, or on behalf of (including through the exercise of remedies under any Loan Document), the Borrower for the purpose of a payment on the Obligations.
(e) To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, no Payment Recipient shall assert any right or claim to an Erroneous Payment, and hereby waives, and is deemed to waive, any claim, counterclaim, defense or right of set-off or recoupment with respect to any demand, claim or counterclaim by the Administrative Agent for the return of any Erroneous Payment received, including, without limitation, any defense based on “discharge for value” or any similar doctrine.
Each party’s obligations, agreements and waivers under this Section 12.15 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any transfer of rights or obligations by, or the replacement of, a Lender or the Issuing Bank, the termination of the Commitments and/or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations (or any portion thereof) under any Loan Document.
ARTICLE XIII
Miscellaneous
Section 13.1 Notices.
Unless otherwise provided herein (including without limitation as provided in Section 9.5), communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed, telecopied, or delivered as follows:
If to the Borrower:
Smith Douglas Building Services, LLC
110 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, Georgia 30188
Attention: Russ Devendorf
Telephone: ***
E-mail: ***
with a copy to:
Smith Douglas Building Services LLC
110 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, Georgia 30188
Attention: Brett Steele
Telephone: ***
E-mail: ***
If to the Administrative Agent:
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
171 17th Street, NW
MAC G0128-048
Atlanta, GA 30363
Attention: Andy Bearden
Loan No. 1020381
Telecopier: ***
Telephone: ***
E-mail: ***
with a copy to:
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Homebuilder Banking West (AU #0150464)
2030 Main Street, Suite 800
Irvine, California 92614
Attention: Stacy R. Novack
Loan No. 1020381
Telecopier: ***
Telephone: ***
E-mail: ***
If to the Administrative Agent under Article II.:
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Commercial Real Estate Loan Services
MAC N9300-085
600 South 4th Street, 8th Floor
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
Attention: Loan Disbursement Agent
Loan No. 1020381
Telephone: ***
E-mail: ***
If to the Issuing Bank:
With respect to Wells Fargo:
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Homebuilder Banking West (AU #0150464)
2030 Main Street, Suite 800
Irvine, California 92614
Attention: Stacy R. Novack
Loan No. 1020381
Telecopier: ***
Telephone: ***
E-mail: ***
with a copy to
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
171 17th Street, NW
MAC G0128-048
Atlanta, GA 30363
Attention: Andy Bearden
Loan No. 1020381
Telecopier: ***
Telephone: ***
E-mail: ***
With respect to any other Issuing Bank:
At such address or addresses as the Issuing Bank shall notify the Borrower from time to time.
If to any other Lender:
To such Lender’s address or telecopy number as set forth in the applicable Administrative Questionnaire
or, as to each party at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties delivered in compliance with this Section; provided, a Lender or the Issuing Bank shall only be required to give notice of any such other address to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower. All such notices and other communications shall be effective (and receipt thereof shall be deemed to have occurred) (i) if mailed, upon the first to occur of receipt or the expiration of three (3) days after the deposit in the United States Postal Service mail, postage prepaid and addressed to the address of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and Lenders at the addresses specified; (ii) if telecopied, when transmitted; (iii) if hand delivered or sent by overnight courier, when delivered; or (iv) if delivered in accordance with Section 9.5 to the extent applicable; provided, however, that, in the case of the immediately preceding clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), non-receipt of any communication as the result of any change of address of which the sending party was not notified or as the result of a refusal to accept delivery shall be deemed receipt of such communication. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, all notices or communications to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender under Article II shall be effective only when actually received. None of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender shall incur any liability to any Loan Party (nor shall the Administrative Agent incur any liability to the Issuing Bank or the Lenders) for acting upon any telephonic notice referred to in this Agreement which the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank or such Lender, as the case may be, believes in good faith to have been given by a Person authorized to deliver such notice or for otherwise acting in good faith hereunder. Failure of a Person designated to get a copy of a notice to receive such copy shall not affect the validity of notice properly given to another Person.
Section 13.2 Expenses.
The Borrower agrees (a) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent for all of its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of, and any amendment, supplement or modification to, any of the Loan Documents (including due diligence expenses and reasonable travel expenses related to closing), and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of one (1) counsel to the Administrative Agent (together with one (1) local counsel and/or one (1) special counsel as the context may so require) and all costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent in connection with the use of IntraLinks, SyndTrak or other similar information transmission systems in connection with the Loan Documents and of the Administrative Agent in connection with the review of Properties for inclusion in calculations of the Borrowing Base and the Administrative Agent’s other activities under Article IV and the reasonable fees and disbursements of one (1) counsel to the Administrative Agent (together with one (1) local counsel and/or one (1) special counsel as the context may so require) relating to all such activities, (b) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders for all their reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement or preservation of any rights or any workout or restructuring under the Loan Documents, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of their respective counsel and any payments in indemnification or otherwise payable by the Lenders to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Loan Documents (except that the Borrower shall have no obligation to indemnify the Administrative Agent, a Defaulting Lender or any other Lender with respect to costs and indemnification obligations arising from a default by such Defaulting Lender hereunder that have been paid by such Defaulting Lender to Administrative Agent or any such Lender), (c) to pay, and indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders from, any and all recording and filing fees and any and all liabilities with respect to, or resulting from any failure to pay or delay in paying, documentary, stamp, excise and other similar taxes, if any, which may be payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution and delivery of any of the Loan Documents, or consummation of any amendment, supplement or modification of, or any waiver or consent under or in respect of, any Loan Document and (d) to the extent not already covered by any of the preceding subsections, to pay or reimburse the fees and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and any Lender incurred in connection with the representation of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or such Lender in any matter relating to or arising out of any bankruptcy or other proceeding of the type described in Sections 11.1(f) or 11.1(g), including, without limitation (i) any motion for relief from any stay or similar order, (ii) the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of any document relating to the Obligations and (iii) the negotiation and preparation of any debtor-in-possession financing or any plan of reorganization of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, whether proposed by the Borrower, such Loan Party, the Lenders or any other Person, and whether such fees and expenses are incurred prior to, during or after the commencement of such proceeding or the confirmation or conclusion of any such proceeding. If the Borrower shall fail to pay any amounts required to be paid by it pursuant to this Section, the Administrative Agent and/or the Lenders may pay such amounts on behalf of the Borrower and such amounts shall be deemed to be Obligations owing hereunder.
Section 13.3 Stamp, Intangible and Recording Taxes.
The Borrower will pay any and all stamp, excise, intangible, registration, recordation and similar taxes, fees or charges and shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender against any and all liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay in the payment or omission to pay any such taxes, fees or charges, which may be payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution, delivery, recording, performance or enforcement of this Agreement, the Notes and any of the other Loan Documents, the amendment, supplement, modification or waiver of or consent under this Agreement, the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents.
Section 13.4 Setoff.
Subject to Section 3.3 and in addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under Applicable Law and not by way of limitation of any such rights, the Borrower hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, each Lender, each Affiliate of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender, and each Participant, at any time or from time to time while an Event of Default exists and is continuing, without notice to the Parent, the Borrower or to any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, but in the case of the Issuing Bank, a Lender, an Affiliate of the Issuing Bank or a Lender, or a Participant, subject to receipt of the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Requisite Lenders exercised in their sole discretion, to set off and to appropriate and to apply any and all deposits (general or special, including, but not limited to, indebtedness evidenced by certificates of deposit, whether matured or unmatured) and any other indebtedness at any time held or owing by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, such Lender, any Affiliate of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or such Lender, or such Participant, to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against and on account of any of the Obligations, irrespective of whether or not any or all of the Loans and all other Obligations have been declared to be, or have otherwise become, due and payable as permitted by Section 11.2, and although such Obligations shall be contingent or unmatured. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section, if any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.9 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders and (y) such Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff.
Section 13.5 Litigation; Jurisdiction; Other Matters; Waivers.
(a) EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ANY DISPUTE OR CONTROVERSY BETWEEN OR AMONG THE PARENT, THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE ISSUING BANK OR ANY OF THE LENDERS WOULD BE BASED ON DIFFICULT AND COMPLEX ISSUES OF LAW AND FACT AND WOULD RESULT IN DELAY AND EXPENSE TO THE PARTIES. ACCORDINGLY, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE LENDERS, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE ISSUING BANK AND THE BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND OR NATURE IN ANY COURT OR TRIBUNAL IN WHICH AN ACTION MAY BE COMMENCED BY OR AGAINST ANY PARTY HERETO ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR BY REASON OF ANY OTHER SUIT, CAUSE OF ACTION OR DISPUTE WHATSOEVER BETWEEN OR AMONG THE PARENT, THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE ISSUING BANK OR ANY OF THE LENDERS OF ANY KIND OR NATURE RELATING TO ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS.
(b) EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION TO HEAR AND DETERMINE ANY CLAIMS OR DISPUTES BETWEEN OR AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. EACH PARTY FURTHER WAIVES ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT OR THAT SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING WAS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM AND EACH AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM THE SAME.
(c) EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT, OR OTHER PROCESS OR PAPERS ISSUED THEREIN, AND AGREES THAT SERVICE OF SUCH SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT, OR OTHER PROCESS OR PAPERS MAY BE MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL ADDRESSED TO THE RESPECTIVE ADDRESS FOR NOTICES PROVIDED FOR HEREIN.
(d) THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED BY EACH PARTY WITH THE ADVICE OF COUNSEL AND WITH A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES THEREOF, AND SHALL SURVIVE THE PAYMENT OF THE LOANS AND ALL OTHER AMOUNTS PAYABLE HEREUNDER OR UNDER THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, THE TERMINATION OR EXPIRATION OF ALL LETTERS OF CREDIT AND THE TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.
Section 13.6 Successors and Assigns.
(a) Successors and Assigns Generally. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender, and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an Eligible Assignee in accordance with the provisions of the immediately following subsection (b), (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of the immediately following subsection (d), or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of the immediately following subsection (e) (and, subject to the last sentence of the immediately following subsection (b), any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in the immediately following subsection (d) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
(b) Assignments by Lenders. Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:
(i) Minimum Amounts.
(A) in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of an assigning Revolving Lender’s Revolving Commitment and/or the Loans at the time owing to it, or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and
(B) in any case not described in the immediately preceding subsection (A), the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the applicable Revolving Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (in each case, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if the “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date) shall not be less than $10,000,000 in the case of any assignment of a Revolving Commitment, unless the Administrative Agent otherwise consents (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided, however, that if, after giving effect to such assignment, the amount of the Commitment held by such assigning Lender or the outstanding principal balance of the Loans of such assigning Lender, as applicable, would be less than $10,000,000 in the case of a Commitment or Revolving Loans, then such assigning Lender shall assign the entire amount of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it.
(ii) Proportionate Amounts. Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loan or the Revolving Commitment assigned.
(iii) Required Consents. No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by clause (i)(B) of this subsection (b) and, in addition:
(A) the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (x) a Default or Event of Default exists at the time of such assignment or (y) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days after having received notice thereof;
(B) the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for assignments in respect of a Revolving Commitment if such assignment is to a Person that is not already a Lender with a Commitment, an Affiliate of such a Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such a Lender; and
(C) the consent of the Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender shall be required for any assignment in respect of a Revolving Commitment.
(iv) Assignment and Acceptance; Notes. The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $4,500 ($7,500 for any Defaulting Lender) for each assignment (which fee the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive), and the assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower an Administrative Questionnaire. If requested by the transferor Lender or the assignee, upon the consummation of any assignment, the transferor Lender, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall make appropriate arrangements so that new Notes are issued to the assignee and such transferor Lender, as appropriate.
(v) No Assignment to Certain Persons. No such assignment shall be made to (A) the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries or (B) to any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries, or to any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (B).
(vi) No Assignment to Natural Persons. No such assignment shall be made to a natural person (or holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of a natural person).
(vii) Certain Additional Payments. In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender and each other Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon), and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans and participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans in accordance with its Revolving Commitment Percentage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under Applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.
Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the immediately following subsection (c), from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 13.2 and 13.10 and the other provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as provided in Section 13.11 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment; provided, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no assignment by a Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender having been a Defaulting Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this paragraph shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with the immediately following subsection (d).
(c) Register. The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Principal Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender (solely with respect to such Lender), at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
(d) Participations. Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural Person, or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operating for the primary benefit of a natural Person, a Defaulting Lender, any Loan Party or any of the Loan Party’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to (w) increase such Lender’s Commitment, (x) extend the date fixed for the payment of principal on the Loans or portions thereof owing to such Lender, or (y) reduce the rate at which interest is payable thereon. The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.10 and 5.1 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 3.10(g) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 3.10(g) shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 5.1 or 3.10, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Regulatory Change that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 13.4 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 3.3 as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as the Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.
(e) Certain Pledges. Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
(f) No Registration. Each Lender agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, it will not make any assignment hereunder in any manner or under any circumstances that would require registration or qualification of, or filings in respect of, any Loan or Note under the Securities Act or any other securities laws of the United States of America or of any other jurisdiction.
(g) USA Patriot Act Notice; Compliance. The Administrative Agent and each Lender hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act or any other Anti-Money Laundering Laws, each of them is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of each Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify each Loan Party in accordance with the Patriot Act or such Anti-Money Laundering Law.
Section 13.7 Amendments and Waivers.
(a) Generally. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, (i) any consent or approval required or permitted by this Agreement or any other Loan Document to be given by the Lenders may be given, (ii) any term of this Agreement or of any other Loan Document may be amended, (iii) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any terms of this Agreement or such other Loan Document may be waived, and (iv) the continuance of any Default or Event of Default may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) with, but only with, the written consent of the Requisite Lenders (or the Administrative Agent at the written direction of the Requisite Lenders), and, in the case of an amendment to any Loan Document, the written consent of each Loan Party which is party thereto. Subject to the immediately following subsection (c), any term of this Agreement or of any other Loan Document relating to the rights or obligations of the Revolving Lenders, and not any other Lenders, may be amended, and the performance or observance by the Borrower or any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any such terms may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) with, and only with, the written consent of the Requisite Lenders (and, in the case of an amendment to any Loan Document, the written consent of each Loan Party a party thereto). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section, the Fee Letter may only be amended, and the performance or observance by any Loan Party thereunder may only be waived, in a writing executed by the parties thereto.
(b) Additional Lender Consents. In addition to the foregoing requirements, no amendment, waiver or consent shall:
(i) increase (or reinstate) the Commitments of a Lender or subject a Lender to any additional obligations without the written consent of such Lender;
(ii) (A) reduce the principal of, or interest that has accrued or the rates of interest that will be charged on the outstanding principal amount of, any Loans or other Obligations or (B) amend, or waive the Borrower’s compliance with Section 11.1(a), in each case, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; provided, however, only the written consent of the Requisite Lenders shall be required for the waiver of interest payable at the Post-Default Rate, retraction of the imposition of interest at the Post-Default Rate and amendment of the definition of “Post-Default Rate”;
(iii) reduce the amount of any Fees payable to a Lender without the written consent of such Lender;
(iv) modify the definitions of “Revolving Loan Termination Date” (except in accordance with Section 2.14) or “Revolving Commitment Percentage,” otherwise postpone any date fixed for, or forgive, any payment of principal of, or interest on, any Revolving Loans or for the payment of Fees or any other Obligations owing to the Revolving Lenders, or extend the expiration date of any Letter of Credit beyond the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the Revolving Loan Termination Date, in each case, without the written consent of each Revolving Lender directly and adversely affected thereby;
(v) amend or otherwise modify the provisions of Section 3.2, Section 3.3 or Section 11.5 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments or order of application required thereby without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby;
(vi) amend this Section or amend the definitions of the terms used in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents insofar as such definitions affect the substance of this Section without the written consent of each Lender;
(vii) modify the definition of the term “Requisite Lenders” or modify in any other manner the number or percentage of the Revolving Lenders required to make any determinations or waive any rights hereunder or to modify any provision hereof without the written consent of each Revolving Lender;
(viii) (i) release any Borrower from its obligations hereunder or under the applicable Loan Documents (except as contemplated in Section 4.5), or (ii) release the Parent from its obligations under the Parent Guaranty (except as contemplated in Section 8.17), without the written consent of each Lender; or
(ix) amend, or waive the Borrower’s compliance with, Section 2.16 without the written consent of each Lender.
(c) Amendment of the Administrative Agent’s Duties, Etc. Unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent, in addition to the Lenders required hereinabove to take such action, no amendment, waiver or consent shall affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. Any amendment, waiver or consent relating to Section 2.4 or the obligations of the Issuing Bank under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall, in addition to the Lenders required hereinabove to take such action, require the written consent of the Issuing Bank. Any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to any Loan Document that (i) diminishes the rights of a Specified Derivatives Provider in a manner or to an extent dissimilar to that affecting the Lenders or (ii) increases the liabilities or obligations of a Specified Derivatives Provider shall, in addition to the Lenders required hereinabove to take such action, require the consent of the Lender that is (or having an Affiliate that is) such Specified Derivatives Provider. Any amendment, waiver or consent relating to Section 2.5 or the obligations of the Swingline Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall, in addition to the Lenders required hereinabove to take such action, require the written consent of the Swingline Lender. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x) the Commitments of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased, reinstated or extended without the written consent of such Defaulting Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms affects any Defaulting Lender more adversely than other affected Lenders shall require the written consent of such Defaulting Lender. No waiver shall extend to or affect any obligation not expressly waived or impair any right consequent thereon and any amendment, waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose set forth therein. No course of dealing or delay or omission on the part of the Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver thereof or otherwise be prejudicial thereto. Any Event of Default occurring hereunder shall continue to exist until such time as such Event of Default is waived in writing in accordance with the terms of this Section, notwithstanding any attempted cure or other action by the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Person subsequent to the occurrence of such Event of Default. Except as otherwise explicitly provided for herein or in any other Loan Document, no notice to or demand upon the Borrower shall entitle the Borrower to other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
(d) Technical Amendments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 13.7, if the Administrative Agent and the Borrower have jointly identified an ambiguity, omission, mistake or defect in any provision of this Agreement or an inconsistency between provisions of this Agreement, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall be permitted to amend such provision or provisions to cure such ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency so long as to do so would not adversely affect the interests of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank. Any such amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any of other party to this Agreement. Once effective, the Administrative Agent shall provide a copy of such amendment to the Lenders.
(e) Benchmark Replacement Amendment. The Administrative Agent and the Borrower may, without the consent of any Lender, enter into amendments or modifications to this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or to enter into additional Loan Documents as the Administrative Agent reasonably deems appropriate in order to implement any Benchmark Replacement.
(f) Amendment and Restatement. Additionally, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, each Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent on its behalf, and without further consent of any Lender (but with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent) to amend and restate this Agreement if, upon giving effect to such amendment and restatement, such Lender shall no longer be a party to this Agreement (as so amended and restated), the Commitments of such Lender shall have been terminated, such Lender shall have no other commitment or other obligation hereunder and shall have been paid in full all principal, interest and other amounts owing to it or accrued for its account under this Agreement.
Section 13.8 Nonliability of the Administrative Agent and Lenders.
The relationship between the Borrower, on the one hand, and the Lenders, the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent, on the other hand, shall be solely that of the borrower and lender. None of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender shall have any fiduciary responsibilities to the Borrower and no provision in this Agreement or in any of the other Loan Documents, and no course of dealing between or among any of the parties hereto, shall be deemed to create any fiduciary duty owing by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender to any Lender, the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party. None of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender undertakes any responsibility to the Borrower to review or inform the Borrower of any matter in connection with any phase of the Borrower’s business or operations.
Section 13.9 Confidentiality.
The Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and each Lender shall maintain the confidentiality of all Information (as defined below), but in any event may make disclosure: (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’ other respective Related Parties (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential); (b) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any actual or proposed assignee, Participant or other transferee in connection with a potential transfer of any Commitment or participation therein as permitted hereunder, or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Borrower and its obligations; (c) as required or requested by any Governmental Authority or representative thereof or pursuant to legal process or in connection with any legal proceedings, or as otherwise required by Applicable Law; (d) to the Administrative Agent’s, the Issuing Bank’s or such Lender’s independent auditors and other professional advisors (provided they shall be notified of the confidential nature of the Information); (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies under any Loan Document (or any Specified Derivatives Contract) or any action or proceeding relating to any Loan Document (or any such Specified Derivatives Contract) or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder; (f) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section actually known by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or such Lender to be a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, any Lender or any Affiliate of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower; (g) to the extent requested by, or required to be disclosed to, any nationally recognized rating agency or regulatory or similar authority (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners) having or purporting to have jurisdiction over it; (h) to bank trade publications, such information to consist of deal terms and other information customarily found in such publications; (i) to any other party hereto; and (j) with the consent of the Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and each Lender may disclose any such confidential Information, without notice to the Borrower or any other Loan Party, to Governmental Authorities in connection with any regulatory examination of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or such Lender or in accordance with the regulatory compliance policy of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or such Lender. As used in this Section, the term “Information” means all information received from the Borrower, any other Loan Party, any Subsidiary or Affiliate relating to any Loan Party or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Bank on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower, any other Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate, provided that, in the case of any such information received from the Borrower, any other Loan Party, any other Subsidiary or any Affiliate after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Borrower hereby authorizes Administrative Agent to use the logos of the Parent, Borrower and/or their respective Subsidiaries in any pitchbooks, tombstone advertisements and other advertising or marketing materials, provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, such logos shall only be used in a manner that is not intended or reasonably likely to harm or disparage the Parent, Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries.
Section 13.10 Indemnification.
(a) The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), the Issuing Bank, each Lender and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons, and each Joint Lead Arranger (each such Person being called an “Indemnified Party”) against, and hold each Indemnified Party harmless from, and shall pay or reimburse any such Indemnified Party for, any and all losses, claims (including without limitation, Environmental Claims), damages, liabilities and related expenses (including without limitation, the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnified Party (excluding in-house counsel)), incurred by any Indemnified Party or asserted against any Indemnified Party by any Person (including the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Subsidiary) other than such Indemnified Party and its Related Parties, arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto or thereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Subsidiary, or any Environmental Claim related in any way to the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Subsidiary, (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding (an “Indemnity Proceeding”) relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Subsidiary, and regardless of whether any Indemnified Party is a party thereto, (v) any claim (including without limitation, any Environmental Claims), investigation, litigation or other proceeding (whether or not the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender is a party thereto) and the prosecution and defense thereof, arising out of or in any way connected with the Loans, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, including without limitation, reasonable attorneys and consultant’s fees, (vi) the Administrative Agent and Lenders entering into this Agreement, (vii) the establishment of this credit facility in favor of the Borrower, (viii) the Administrative Agent and/or Lenders being deemed creditors in possession of the Borrower’s information, (ix) the Administrative Agent and/or Lenders being deemed material creditors that are alleged to have exercised direct or indirect influence, (x) exercise by the Administrative Agent and/or Lenders of any of the rights or remedies available to them pursuant to any Loan Document, (xi) any civil penalties or fines assessed by OFAC as a result of the Borrower’s conduct, together with all costs and expenses related thereto, or (xii) the violation of, or non-compliance with, any Applicable Law; provided that the foregoing indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnified Party, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party.
(b) If and to the extent that the obligations of the Borrower under this Section are unenforceable for any reason, the Borrower hereby agrees to make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of such obligations which is permissible under Applicable Law.
(c) The Borrower’s obligations under this Section shall survive any termination of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the payment in full in cash of the Obligations, and are in addition to, and not in substitution of, any of the other obligations set forth in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is a party.
References in this Section 13.10 to “Lender” or “Lenders” shall be deemed to include such Persons (and their Affiliates) in their capacity as Specified Derivatives Providers.
Section 13.11 Termination; Survival.
This Agreement shall terminate at such time as (a) all of the Commitments have been terminated, (b) all Letters of Credit have terminated or expired or been canceled, (c) none of the Lenders is obligated any longer under this Agreement to make any Loans and the Issuing Bank are no longer obligated under this Agreement to issue Letters of Credit and (d) all Obligations (other than obligations which survive as provided in the following sentence) have been paid and satisfied in full. The indemnities to which the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders are entitled under the provisions of Sections 3.10, 5.1, 12.8, 13.2 and 13.10 and any other provision of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the provisions of Section 13.6, shall continue in full force and effect and shall protect the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders (i) notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, or of the other Loan Documents, against events arising after such termination as well as before and (ii) at all times after any such party ceases to be a party to this Agreement with respect to all matters and events existing on or prior to the date such party ceased to be a party to this Agreement.
Section 13.12 Severability of Provisions.
If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severed from the Loan Documents, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall remain in full force as though the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been part of the Loan Documents.
Section 13.13 GOVERNING LAW.
THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS EXECUTED, AND TO BE FULLY PERFORMED, IN SUCH STATE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF, BUT INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW.
Section 13.14 Counterparts.
To facilitate execution, this Agreement and any amendments, waivers, consents or supplements may be executed in any number of counterparts as may be convenient or required (which may be effectively delivered by facsimile, in portable document format (“PDF”) or other similar electronic means). It shall not be necessary that the signature of, or on behalf of, each party, or that the signature of all persons required to bind any party, appear on each counterpart. All counterparts shall collectively constitute a single document. It shall not be necessary in making proof of this document to produce or account for more than a single counterpart containing the respective signatures of, or on behalf of, each of the parties hereto. The use of electronic signatures and electronic records (including, without limitation, any contract or other record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means) shall be of the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature or use of a paper-based record-keeping system to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act and any other Applicable Law, including, without limitation, any state law based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or the Uniform Commercial Code. Each party hereto hereby waives any defenses to the enforcement of the terms of this Agreement based on the form of its signature, and hereby agrees that such electronically transmitted or signed signatures shall be conclusive proof, admissible in judicial proceedings, of such party’s execution.
Section 13.15 Obligations with Respect to Loan Parties and Subsidiaries.
The obligations of the Borrower to direct or prohibit the taking of certain actions by the other Loan Parties and Subsidiaries as specified herein shall be absolute and not subject to any defense the Borrower may have that the Borrower does not control such Loan Parties or Subsidiaries.
Section 13.16 Independence of Covenants.
All covenants hereunder shall be given in any jurisdiction independent effect so that if a particular action or condition is not permitted by any of such covenants, the fact that it would be permitted by an exception to, or be otherwise within the limitations of, another covenant shall not avoid the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default if such action is taken or condition exists.
Section 13.17 Limitation of Liability.
Neither the parties to this Agreement nor the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, any Lender shall have any liability with respect to, and each party hereto hereby waives, releases, and agrees not to sue any other party hereto or any such Related Party upon, any claim for any special, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages suffered or incurred by such party or Related Party in connection with, arising out of, or in any way related to, this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.
Section 13.18 Entire Agreement.
This Agreement and the other Loan Documents embody the final, entire agreement among the parties hereto and supersede any and all prior commitments, agreements, representations, and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof and thereof and may not be contradicted or varied by evidence of prior, contemporaneous, or subsequent oral agreements or discussions of the parties hereto. To the extent any term of this Agreement is inconsistent with a term of any other Loan Document to which the parties of this Agreement are party, the term of this Agreement shall control to the extent of such inconsistency. There are no oral agreements among the parties hereto.
Section 13.19 Construction.
The Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Borrower and each Lender acknowledge that each of them has had the benefit of legal counsel of its own choice and has been afforded an opportunity to review this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with its legal counsel and that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be construed as if jointly drafted by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Borrower and each Lender.
Section 13.20 Headings.
The paragraph and section headings in this Agreement are provided for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its construction or interpretation.
Section 13.21 Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any Affected Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:
(a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an Affected Financial Institution; and
(b) the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:
(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;
(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such Affected Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or
(iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority.
Section 13.22 Subordination of Intercompany Obligations.
(a) Each Loan Party executing this Agreement or any other Loan Document covenants and agrees that the payment of all Obligations, principal, interest (including interest which accrues after the commencement of any case or proceeding in bankruptcy, or for the reorganization of any Loan Party), fees, charges, expenses, attorneys’ fees and any other sum, obligation or liability owing by any other Loan Party to such Loan Party, including any intercompany trade payables or royalty or licensing fees (collectively, the “Intercompany Obligations”), is subordinated, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Section 13.22, to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations and that the subordination is for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank, and Lenders and the Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank, and Lenders may enforce such provisions directly.
(b) Each Loan Party executing this Agreement or any other Loan Document hereby (i) authorizes the Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank, and Lenders to demand specific performance of the terms of this Section 13.22 irrespective of whether any other Loan Party shall have complied with any of the provisions hereof applicable to it, at any time when such Loan Party shall have failed to comply with any provisions of this Section 13.22 that are applicable to it and (ii) to the extent not prohibited by applicable law irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law, which might be asserted as a bar to such remedy of specific performance.
(c) Except to the extent otherwise permitted herein, upon any distribution of assets of any Loan Party in any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization (whether in bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership proceedings or upon an assignment for the benefit of creditors or otherwise):
(i) all Obligations shall be fully and finally paid and performed and all of the obligations of the Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank, and Lenders to make extensions of credit hereunder shall be terminated before any Loan Party is entitled to receive any payment on account of the Intercompany Obligations;
(ii) any payment or distribution of assets of any Loan Party of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to which any other Loan Party would be entitled, except for the provisions of this Section 13.22 shall be paid by the liquidating trustee or agent or other Person making such payment or distribution directly to the Administrative Agent, to the extent necessary to make full and final payment on the Obligations; and
(iii) if any payment or distribution of assets of any Loan Party of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, shall be received by any other Loan Party on account of the Intercompany Obligations before the full and final payment and performance of the Obligations and the termination of all of the obligations of the Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank, and Lenders to make extensions of credit hereunder, such payment or distribution shall be received and held for and shall be paid over to the Administrative Agent for application to the payment of the Obligations.
(d) No right of the Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank, any Lender or any other present or future holders of any of the Obligations to enforce the subordination provisions herein shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of any Loan Party or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance by any Loan Party with the terms hereof, regardless of any knowledge thereof which any such holder may have or be otherwise charged with.
Section 13.23 Co-Borrower Provisions.
Each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that it shall be jointly and severally liable for the Loan and all other obligations arising under this Agreement and/or any of the other Loan Documents. In furtherance thereof, each Borrower acknowledges and agrees as follows:
(a) For the purpose of implementing the joint borrower provisions of the Loan Documents, each Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints each other Borrower as its agent and attorney-in-fact for all purposes of the Loan Documents, including the giving and receiving of notices and other communications, and Administrative Agent and Lenders shall be entitled to rely on requests and instructions of any Borrower.
(b) To induce Lenders to make the Loan, and in consideration thereof, each Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify Administrative Agent, Lenders, and the other Indemnified Parties against, and hold Administrative Agent, Lenders and the other Indemnified Parties harmless from, any and all out of pocket liabilities, expenses, losses, damages and/or claims of damage or injury asserted against Administrative Agent and/or Lenders by any Borrower or by any other Person arising from or incurred by reason of reliance by Administrative Agent and/or Lenders on any requests or instructions from any Borrower.
(c) Each Borrower consents and agrees that Administrative Agent and/or Lenders may, at any time and from time to time, without notice or demand:
(i) agree with any Borrower to supplement, modify, amend, extend, renew, accelerate, or otherwise change the time for payment or the terms of the obligations or any part thereof, including any increase or decrease of the rate(s) of interest thereon;
(ii) agree with any Borrower to supplement, modify, amend or waive, or enter into or give any agreement, approval or consent with respect to, the obligations or any part thereof or any of the Loan Documents or any additional security or guaranties, or any condition, covenant, default, remedy, right, representation or term thereof or thereunder;
(iii) accept new or additional instruments, documents or agreements in exchange for or relative to any of the Loan Documents or the obligations or any part thereof;
(iv) accept partial payments on the obligations;
(v) receive guaranties for the obligations or any part thereof;
(vi) release, reconvey, terminate, waive, abandon, subordinate, exchange, substitute, transfer and enforce any guaranties of the obligations;
(vii) release any Person or any guarantor from any personal liability with respect to the obligations or any part thereof; or
(viii) settle, release on terms satisfactory to Administrative Agent or by operation of Applicable Laws or otherwise liquidate or enforce any obligations and any guaranty thereof in any manner; and consent to the merger, change or any other restructuring or termination of the corporate existence of any Borrower or any other Person, and correspondingly restructure the obligations of such Borrower or other Person, and any such merger, change, restructuring or termination shall not affect the liability of any Borrower.
(d) Upon the occurrence of and during the continuance of any Event of Default, Administrative Agent may enforce this Agreement and the other Loan Documents independently as to each Borrower and independently of any other remedy Administrative Agent and/or Lenders at any time may have or hold in connection with the obligations. Each Borrower expressly waives any right to require Administrative Agent and/or Lenders, in connection with Administrative Agent’s and/or Lenders’ efforts to obtain repayment of the Loan and other obligations, to proceed against any other Person, and agrees that Administrative Agent and/or Lenders may proceed against any Persons in such order as it shall determine in its sole and absolute discretion in connection with Administrative Agent’s efforts to obtain repayment of the Loan and other obligations. Administrative Agent may file a separate action or actions against each Borrower to enforce the obligations, whether action is brought or prosecuted against any other Person, or whether any other Person is joined in any such action or actions. Each Borrower agrees that Administrative Agent, Lenders, each other Borrower and/or any other Person may deal with Administrative Agent and Lenders in connection with the obligations or otherwise, or alter any contracts or agreements now or hereafter existing between any of them or between any Borrower and/or any other Person, in any manner whatsoever. The rights of Administrative Agent and/or Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents shall be reinstated and revived, and the enforceability of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall continue, with respect to any amount at any time paid on account of the obligations thereunder which thereafter shall be required to be restored or returned by Administrative Agent and/or Lenders as a result of the bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of any Borrower or any other Person, or otherwise, all as though such amount had not been paid. The enforceability of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents at all times shall remain effective in accordance with their terms as to any remaining party even though any or all obligations, or any other guaranty therefor, may be or hereafter may become invalid or otherwise unenforceable as against any Borrower or any other Person and whether or not any Borrower or any other Person shall have any personal liability with respect thereto. Each Borrower expressly waives any and all defenses to the enforcement of its obligations under the Loan Documents now or hereafter arising or asserted by reason of: (i) any disability or other defense of any other Borrower or any other Person with respect to the obligations; (ii) any defense based upon any lack of authority of the officers, directors, partners or agents acting or purporting to act on behalf of any other Borrower or any principal thereof or any defect in the formation of any Borrower or any such principal; (iii) any defense based upon the application by any Borrower of the proceeds of the Loan for purposes other than the purposes permitted under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (iv) any and all rights and defenses arising out of an election of remedies by Administrative Agent and/or Lenders; (v) any defense based upon Administrative Agent and/or Lender’s failure to disclose any information concerning any other Borrower’s financial condition or any other circumstances bearing on any other Borrower’s ability to pay all sums payable under the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents; (vi) the unenforceability or invalidity of any guaranty for the obligations; (vii) the cessation for any cause whatsoever of the liability of any other Borrower or any other Person (other than by reason of the full and final payment and performance of all obligations); (viii) [intentionally omitted]; (ix) [intentionally omitted]; (x) [intentionally omitted]; (xi) any act or omission of Administrative Agent and/or Lenders or others that directly or indirectly results in or aids the discharge or release of any other Borrower or of any other Person or of any of the obligations or any guaranty therefor by operation of law or otherwise; (xii) any law which provides that the obligation of a surety or guarantor must neither be larger in amount nor in other respects more burdensome than that of the principal or which reduces a surety’s or guarantor’s obligation in proportion to the principal obligation; (xiii) any right to enforce any remedy which Administrative Agent and/or Lenders may have against any other Borrower; (xiv) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting the liability of each Borrower or the enforcement hereof; (xv) any failure of Administrative Agent and/or Lenders to file or enforce a claim in any bankruptcy proceeding with respect to any Person; (xvi) the election by Administrative Agent and/or Lenders, in any bankruptcy proceeding of any Person, of the application or non-application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the United States Bankruptcy Code; (xvii) any extension of credit or the grant of any lien under Section 364 of the United States Bankruptcy Code except to the extent otherwise provided in this Agreement; (xviii) any use of cash collateral under Section 363 of the United States Bankruptcy Code; (xix) any agreement or stipulation with respect to the provision of adequate protection in any bankruptcy proceeding of any Person; (xx) [intentionally omitted]; or (xxi) any bankruptcy proceeding commenced by or against any Person, including any discharge of, or bar or stay against collecting, all or any of the obligations (or any interest thereon) in or as a result of any such proceeding.
(e) Each Borrower represents and warrants to Administrative Agent and Lenders that it has established adequate means of obtaining from each other Borrower, on a continuing basis, financial and other information pertaining to their respective businesses, operations and condition (financial and otherwise) and their respective properties, and each now is and hereafter will be completely familiar with the businesses, operations and condition (financial and otherwise) of the other and their respective properties. Each Borrower hereby expressly waives and relinquishes any duty on the part of Administrative Agent and/or Lenders to disclose to such Borrower any matter, fact or thing related to the businesses, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of any other Borrower or any other Borrower’s property, whether now known or hereafter known by Administrative Agent and/or Lenders during the life of this Agreement. If Administrative Agent or any Lender, in its sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to a Borrower, Administrative Agent or such Lender shall not be under any obligation to update any such information or to provide any such information to such Borrower or any other Person on any subsequent occasion. With respect to any of the obligations, Administrative Agent and/or Lenders need not inquire into the powers of any Borrower or the officers, employees or other Persons acting or purporting to act on such Borrower’s behalf.
(f) Each Borrower understands that the exercise by Administrative Agent and/or Lenders of certain rights and remedies may affect or eliminate such Borrower’s right of subrogation against any other Borrower and that such Borrower may therefore incur partially or totally nonreimbursable liability hereunder. Nevertheless, each Borrower hereby authorizes and empowers Administrative Agent, Lenders and their successors, endorsees and assigns, to exercise in its or their sole discretion (but subject to the terms of the Loan Documents), any rights and remedies, or any combination thereof, which may then be available, it being the purpose and intent of such Borrower that the obligations hereunder shall be absolute, continuing, independent and unconditional until fully satisfied. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Loan Documents to the contrary, until all obligations have been repaid, each Borrower hereby subordinates any claim or other rights which such Borrower may now have or hereafter acquire against any other Borrower of all or any of the obligations of such Borrower hereunder that arise from the existence or performance of such Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, including any right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution or indemnification, any right to participate in any claim or remedy of Administrative Agent and Lenders against any other Borrower or any collateral which Administrative Agent now has or hereafter acquires, whether or not such claim, remedy or right arises in equity or under contract, statute or common law, by any payment made hereunder or otherwise, including, without limitation, the right to take or receive from any other Borrower, directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by setoff or in any other manner, payment or security on account of such claim or other rights.
(g) Intentionally Omitted.
(h) Without limiting the foregoing waivers and release contained in this Section 13.23:
(i) Each Borrower subordinates all present and future indebtedness owing by any other Borrower to such Borrower to the obligations at any time owing by any other Borrower to Administrative Agent and Lenders under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
(ii) Each Borrower agrees to make no claim on such indebtedness until all obligations of any other Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents have been fully discharged.
(iii) Each Borrower further agrees not to assign all or any part of any such indebtedness unless Administrative Agent is given prior notice and such assignment is expressly made subject to the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Each Borrower acknowledges that: (a) the obligations under the Loan Documents are complex in nature, (b) numerous possible defenses to the enforceability of these obligations may presently exist and/or may arise hereafter, and (c) as part of Administrative Agent’s and Lenders’ consideration for entering into these transactions, Administrative Agent and Lenders have specifically bargained for the waiver and relinquishment by each Borrower of all such defenses, and each Borrower has had the opportunity to seek and receive legal advice from skilled legal counsel in the area of financial transactions of the type contemplated herein. Given all of the above, each Borrower does hereby represent and confirm to Administrative Agent and Lenders that each Borrower is fully informed regarding, and thoroughly understands: (i) the nature of all such possible defenses, (ii) the circumstances under which such defenses may arise, (iii) the benefits which such defenses might confer upon Borrower, and (iv) the legal consequences to Borrower of waiving such defenses. Each Borrower acknowledges that all of the informed waivers herein shall be fully enforceable by Administrative Agent and/or Lenders, and that Administrative Agent and Lenders are induced to enter into this transaction in material reliance upon the presumed full enforceability thereof. If any of the waivers or consents set forth herein are determined to be contrary to any applicable law or public policy, such waivers and consents shall be effective to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Section 13.24 Acknowledgment Regarding Any Supported QFCs.
To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Swap Obligations 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 FDIC under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States):
(a) In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.
Section 13.25 Contribution Agreement.
(a) Each Borrower represents and warrants to Administrative Agent and Lenders that it will derive benefit, directly and indirectly, from the collective administration and availability of the Loan under this Agreement, the Note and the other Loan Documents. Each Borrower agrees that Administrative Agent and Lenders will not be required to inquire as to the disposition by any Borrower of funds disbursed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Note or any of the other Loan Documents.
(b) As used in this Section 13.25: (i) the “Allocable Amount” of any Borrower, as of any date of determination, shall be determined to be an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the maximum amount which could then be claimed against such Borrower with respect to the Loan without rendering such claim voidable or avoidable under Section 548 of Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act or similar statute or common law; and (ii) the term “Allocable Share” mean, at the relevant time of calculation with respect to any Borrower, a fraction, the numerator of which equals such Borrower’s Allocable Amount and the denominator of which equals the Allocable Amounts of each Borrower, collectively.
(c) To the extent that a payment is made on the Loan by a Borrower (an “Individual Borrower Payment”) which, taking into account all other Individual Borrower Payments then previously or concurrently made by or attributable to any other Borrower, exceeds such Borrower’s Allocable Share of all such Individual Borrower Payments (as such share would then be calculated immediately prior to such Individual Borrower Payment), then such Borrower shall be entitled to contribution and indemnification from, and to be reimbursed by, each other Borrower for the amount of such excess, pro rata based upon their respective Allocable Shares as in effect immediately prior to such Individual Borrower Payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Borrower may provide for an allocation consistent with the foregoing which requires each Borrower which received a direct financial benefit from the Loan in respect of which a payment by a Borrower has been made and for which contribution is sought to make contribution payments before each Borrower which did not receive a direct financial benefit is obligated to make contribution payments.
(d) Each Borrower acknowledges that the rights of contribution and indemnification hereunder shall constitute an asset in favor of any Borrower to which such contribution and indemnification is owing. This Section 13.25 is intended only to define the relative rights of each Borrower, and nothing set forth in this Section 13.25 is intended to or shall impair or expand the obligations of any Borrower with respect to its obligations and liabilities to Administrative Agent and Lenders under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.
Section 13.26 Amendment and Restatement of Existing Credit Agreement.
(a) This Agreement shall amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement in its entirety. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) the Existing Credit Agreement is merged and incorporated into this Agreement and (b) this Agreement shall supersede and control any inconsistent provision in the Existing Credit Agreement. All references in the Loan Documents (including the Existing Loan Documents) to the Existing Credit Agreement are hereby modified and shall now be deemed to refer to this Agreement. All references in the Loan Documents (including the Existing Loan Documents) to the Obligations, the Notes, the Loan Documents and other terms defined herein are hereby modified and shall now be deemed to refer to such terms and items as defined or described in this Agreement. Except as modified hereby or by any other Loan Document (whether dated as of or prior to the Agreement Date) which expressly modifies any of the Existing Loan Documents, all of the terms and provisions of the Existing Loan Documents (including schedules and exhibits thereto), and the indebtedness, duties and obligations thereunder, are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall remain in full force and effect. This Agreement shall not, however, constitute a novation of the Loan Parties’ indebtedness, duties and obligations under or with respect to the Existing Loan Documents, the existing loans thereunder or the Existing Letters of Credit issued thereunder.
(b) In furtherance of the foregoing, on the Agreement Date (i) all outstanding Existing Loans shall continue to be Revolving Loans hereunder and each applicable Existing Lender shall be deemed to sell, and each New Lender and each Existing Lender whose Revolving Commitments are increasing on the Agreement Date shall be deemed to purchase, an interest therein as required to establish Revolving Loans for each of the Revolving Lenders based on such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage, and the Administrative Agent shall make such transfers of funds as are necessary in order that the outstanding balances of such Revolving Loans and any other Revolving Loans funded on the Agreement Date, reflect the Revolving Commitments of the Lenders hereunder; (ii) all Existing Letters of Credit shall continue to be Letters of Credit hereunder and each applicable Existing Lender that is a Revolving Lender shall be deemed to sell, and each New Lender and each Existing Lender whose Revolving Commitments are increasing on the Agreement Date shall be deemed to purchase, an interest therein as required to establish the Letter of Loan Participations therein in accordance with its respective Revolving Commitment Percentage; (iii) there shall have been credited to the Existing Lenders all accrued but unpaid interest due on the Existing Loans and Existing Letters of Credit to but excluding the Agreement Date; and (iv) there shall have been credited to the Existing Lenders all accrued but unpaid fees under the Existing Loans and Existing Letters of Credit owing to but excluding the Agreement Date and all other amounts, costs and expenses then owing to any of the Existing Lenders and/or the Administrative Agent under the Existing Credit Agreement, regardless of whether such amounts would otherwise be due and payable at such time pursuant to the terms of the Existing Credit Agreement.
(c) On the Effective Date, the commitment of each Lender that is a party to the Existing Credit Agreement, but not a party to this Agreement (other than for purposes of this Section 13.26) (an “Exiting Lender”), shall be terminated, all outstanding obligations owing to such Exiting Lenders under the Existing Credit Agreement on the Effective Date shall be paid in full as provided in this Section, and each Exiting Lender shall cease to be a Lender under this Agreement; provided, however, that, notwithstanding anything else provided herein or otherwise, any rights of an Exiting Lender under the Loan Documents that are intended by their express terms to survive termination of the Revolving Commitments and/or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of obligations under any Loan Document shall survive for such Exiting Lender hereunder.
Section 13.27 Release of Liens.
The Administrative Agent and the Lenders acknowledge and agree that, from and after the Agreement Date, (i) the Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Lenders, hereby releases any liens in any collateral granted by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, prior to the Agreement Date under the Existing Credit Agreement, and (ii) the Administrative Agent will reasonably cooperate with the Borrower, upon Borrower’s written request, and at the Borrower’s cost and expense, to provide release documentation that is reasonably necessary and in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and Borrower, for recording in the applicable real estate or other records to evidence the release of any such liens in any collateral granted by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, prior to the Agreement Date under the Existing Credit Agreement.
[Signatures on Following Pages]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their authorized officers all as of the day and year first above written.
BORROWER: | |||
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC, | |||
a Delaware limited liability company | |||
By: | /s/ Russ Devendorf |
||
Name: | Russ Devendorf | ||
Title: | Executive Vice President | ||
and Chief Financial Officer | |||
SMITH DOUGLAS BUILDING SERVICES LLC, | |||
a Georgia limited liability company | |||
By: | /s/ Russ Devendorf |
||
Name: | Russ Devendorf | ||
Title: | Executive Vice President | ||
and Chief Financial Officer | |||
SDH ATLANTA LLC, | |||
a Georgia limited liability company | |||
By: | /s/ Russ Devendorf |
||
Name: | Russ Devendorf | ||
Title: | Executive Vice President | ||
and Chief Financial Officer | |||
SDH ALABAMA LLC, | |||
a Georgia limited liability company | |||
By: | /s/ Russ Devendorf |
||
Name: | Russ Devendorf | ||
Title: | Executive Vice President | ||
and Chief Financial Officer |
[Signatures Continue on Next Page]
SDH NASHVILLE LLC, | |||
a Georgia limited liability company | |||
By: | /s/ Russ Devendorf |
||
Name: | Russ Devendorf | ||
Title: | Executive Vice President | ||
and Chief Financial Officer | |||
SDH RALEIGH LLC, | |||
a Georgia limited liability company | |||
By: | /s/ Russ Devendorf |
||
Name: | Russ Devendorf | ||
Title: | Executive Vice President | ||
and Chief Financial Officer | |||
SDH CHARLOTTE LLC, | |||
a Georgia limited liability company | |||
By: | /s/ Russ Devendorf |
||
Name: | Russ Devendorf | ||
Title: | Executive Vice President | ||
and Chief Financial Officer | |||
SDH HOUSTON LLC, | |||
a Georgia limited liability company | |||
By: | /s/ Russ Devendorf |
||
Name: | Russ Devendorf | ||
Title: | Executive Vice President | ||
and Chief Financial Officer |
[Signatures Continued on Next Page]
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender and as a Lender | |||
By: | /s/ Andrew Beardan | ||
Name: | Andrew Beardan | ||
Title: | Director |
[Signatures Continued on Next Page]
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender | |||
By: | /s/ Thomas W. Nowak | ||
Name: | Thomas W. Nowak | ||
Title: | Vice President |
REGIONS BANK, as a Lender | |||
By: | /s/ Scott McLay | ||
Name: | Scott McLay | ||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
[Signatures Continued on Next Page]
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as a Lender | |||
By: | /s/ Nadeige Dang | ||
Name: | Nadeige Dang | ||
Title: | Executive Director |
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, as a Lender | |||
By: | /s/ Brian Gross |
||
Name: | Brian Gross | ||
Title: | Authorized Signatory |
FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL | |||
ASSOCIATION, as a Lender | |||
By: | /s/ Ted Smith |
||
Name: | Ted Smith |
||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
- 166 -
Exhibit 10.5
Certain personal information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because Smith Douglas Homes Corp. has determined such information is not material and could be harmful if publicly disclosed.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of January 16, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and between Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation (“PubCo”), Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (“OpCo”) and SDH Management Services LLC (together with PubCo and OpCo, the “Company”) and Gregory S. Bennett (the “Executive”).
WHEREAS, the Executive is party to an Employment Agreement, by and between OpCo and the Executive, dated October 1, 2017 (and amended on March 14, 2018, July 1, 2019 and October 1, 2020) (the “Prior Agreement”), and the Company and the Executive intend to amend, restate and supersede the Prior Agreement in its entirety.
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ the Executive and the Company and the Executive desire to enter into an agreement embodying the terms of such continued employment, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Employment Period. Effective upon the Effective Date, the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be for a term commencing on the Effective Date and continuing through the third anniversary thereof (the “Initial Employment Period”). This Agreement will be automatically renewed for successive terms of one year each, unless the Company or the Executive gives written notice of non-renewal (“Non-Renewal”) at least 90 days prior to the end of the then-current term (the Initial Employment Period and all renewals collectively, the “Employment Period”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s employment with the Company is and shall continue on an “at will” basis, subject to the provisions of Section 4.
2. Terms of Employment.
(a) Position and Duties.
(i) Role and Responsibilities. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall serve as the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer, & Vice Chairman, and shall perform such employment duties as are usual and customary for such position. The Executive shall report directly to the Board. At the Company’s request, the Executive shall serve the Company and/or its subsidiaries or affiliates in other capacities in addition to the foregoing, consistent with the Executive’s position hereunder. If the Executive, during the Employment Period, serves in any one or more of such additional capacities, the Executive’s compensation shall not be increased beyond that specified in Section 2(b) hereof. In addition, if the Executive’s service in one or more of such additional capacities is terminated, the Executive’s compensation, as specified in Section 2(b), shall not be diminished or reduced in any manner as a result of such termination provided that the Executive otherwise remains employed under the terms of this Agreement.
(ii) Exclusivity. During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of leave to which the Executive may be entitled, the Executive agrees to devote the Executive’s full business time and attention to the business and affairs of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to: (A) serve on boards, committees or similar bodies of charitable or nonprofit organizations, (B) fulfill limited teaching, speaking and writing engagements, (C) manage the Executive’s personal investments, and (D) engage in any of the activities as set forth on Exhibit A, in each case, so long as such activities do not individually or in the aggregate materially interfere or conflict with the performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement; provided, that with respect to the activities in subclauses (A) and/or (B), the Executive receives prior written approval from the Board.
(iii) Principal Location. During the Employment Period, the Executive generally shall perform the services required by this Agreement at the Company’s offices located in Woodstock, Georgia (the “Principal Location”), provided, however, that the parties acknowledge and agree that the Executive may be required to travel to other locations as may be necessary to fulfill the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder.
(b) Compensation, Benefits, Etc.
(i) Base Salary. Effective as of the Effective Date and during the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) of $1,000,000 per annum. The Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices for executive salaries generally, but no less often than monthly and shall be pro-rated for partial years of employment. The Base Salary may be increased in the discretion of the Board or a subcommittee thereof, but not reduced, and the term “Base Salary” as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to the Base Salary as so increased.
(ii) Annual Cash Bonus. For each calendar year ending during the Employment Period beginning with calendar year 2024, the Executive shall be eligible to earn a cash performance bonus (an “Annual Bonus”) under the Company’s bonus plan or program applicable to senior executives targeted at $3,000,000 paid with respect to such year (the “Target Bonus”). The actual amount of any Annual Bonus shall be determined by the Board (or a subcommittee thereof) in its discretion, based on the achievement of individual and/or Company performance goals as determined by the Board (or a subcommittee thereof), and shall be pro-rated for any partial year of employment. The payment of any Annual Bonus, to the extent any Annual Bonus becomes payable, will be made on the date on which annual bonuses are paid generally to the Company’s senior executives, but in no event later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which such Annual Bonus was earned. Except as provided in Section 4(c), payment of the Annual Bonus shall be subject to the Executive’s continued employment through the payment date.
(iii) Annual Equity Award(s). For each calendar year during the Employment Period beginning with calendar year 2024, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an equity-based compensation award, as determined by the Board (or a subcommittee thereof), from time to time, with a target value of $2,000,000. The Board or such subcommittee shall determine in its sole discretion the grant timing, amount, form(s) and mix, and such other terms and conditions (including vesting, exercise and settlement) applicable to any such annual equity-based compensation award, taking into account the Executive’s and the Company’s performance. Any such award shall be evidenced by a separate award agreement in a form prescribed by the Company, to be entered into by PubCo and the Executive.
(iv) Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive (and the Executive’s spouse and/or eligible dependents to the extent provided in the applicable plans and programs) shall be eligible to participate in and be covered under the health and welfare benefit plans and programs maintained by the Company for the benefit of its employees from time to time, pursuant to the terms of such plans and programs including any medical, life, hospitalization, dental, disability, accidental death and dismemberment and travel accident insurance plans and programs on the same terms and conditions as those applicable to similarly situated senior executives. In addition, during the Employment Period, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in any retirement, savings and other employee benefit plans and programs maintained from time to time by the Company for the benefit of its senior executive officers. Nothing contained in this Section 2(b)(iv) shall create or be deemed to create any obligation on the part of the Company to adopt or maintain any health, welfare, retirement or other benefit plan or program at any time or to create any limitation on the Company’s ability to modify or terminate any such plan or program.
(v) Expenses. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company provided to employees of the Company.
(vi) Fringe Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be eligible to receive such fringe benefits and perquisites as are provided by the Company to its employees from time to time, in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company, and shall receive such additional fringe benefits and perquisites as the Company may, in its discretion, from time-to-time provide to its senior executive officers.
(vii) Vacation. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company applicable to its employees, as in effect from time to time.
3. Termination of Employment.
(a) Death or Disability. The Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive’s death during the Employment Period. Either the Company or the Executive may terminate the Executive’s employment in the event of the Executive’s Disability during the Employment Period.
(b) Termination by the Company. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period for Cause or without Cause.
(c) Termination by the Executive. The Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Executive for any or no reason, including with Good Reason or by the Executive without Good Reason.
(d) Notice of Termination. Any termination of employment (other than due to the Executive’s death), shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination to the other parties hereto given in accordance with Section 13(b). The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.
(e) Termination of Offices and Directorships; Return of Property. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason, unless otherwise specified in a written agreement between the Executive and the Company, the Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from all offices, directorships, and other employment positions if any, then held with the Company, and shall take all actions reasonably requested by the Company to effectuate the foregoing. In addition, upon the termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive agrees to return to the Company all documents of the Company and its Affiliates (and all copies thereof) and all other Company or Company Affiliate property that the Executive has in the Executive’s possession, custody or control. Such property includes, without limitation: (i) any materials of any kind that the Executive knows contain or embody any proprietary or confidential information of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company (and all reproductions thereof), (ii) computers (including, but not limited to, laptop computers, desktop computers and similar devices) and other portable electronic devices (including, but not limited to, tablet computers), cellular phones/smartphones, credit cards, phone cards, entry cards, identification badges and keys, and (iii) any correspondence, drawings, manuals, letters, notes, notebooks, reports, programs, plans, proposals, financial documents, or any other documents concerning the customers, business plans, marketing strategies, products and/or processes of the Company or any of its Affiliates and any information received from the Company or any of its Affiliates regarding third parties.
4. Obligations of the Company upon Termination.
(a) Accrued Obligations; Equity Awards.
(i) If the Executive’s employment under this Agreement terminates during the Employment Period for any reason, the Company will pay or provide to the Executive: (i) any earned but unpaid Base Salary and accrued vacation time, (ii) reimbursement of any business expenses incurred by the Executive prior to the Date of Termination that are reimbursable in accordance with Section 2(b)(v), and (iii) any vested amounts due to the Executive under any plan, program or policy of the Company (together, the “Accrued Obligations”). The Accrued Obligations described in clauses (i) – (ii) of the preceding sentence shall be paid within 30 days after the Date of Termination (or such earlier date as may be required by applicable law) and the Accrued Obligations described in clause (iii) of the preceding sentence shall be paid in accordance with the terms of the governing plan or program.
(ii) Each outstanding equity or equity-based award granted to the Executive by PubCo that is outstanding and, if applicable, unexercised as of the Date of Termination shall be governed by the applicable award agreement evidencing such award.
(b) Qualifying Termination. Subject to Sections 4(d), 4(f) and 12(d), and the Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Sections 7 and 8, if the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated during the Employment Period due to a Qualifying Termination, then in addition to the Accrued Obligations:
(i) Cash Severance. The Company shall pay the Executive an amount equal to 1.0 times the Executive’s Base Salary (the “Severance”). The Severance shall be paid in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices over the twelve-month period following the Date of Termination, but shall commence on the first normal payroll date following the 60th day following the Date of Termination, and amounts otherwise payable prior to such first payroll date shall be paid on such date without interest thereon.
(ii) Pro-Rated Bonus. The Company shall pay the Executive, in a single lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the Date of Termination, an amount equal to a pro rata portion of the Executive’s Target Bonus for the partial calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs (prorated based on the number of days in the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, through the Date of Termination). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Qualifying Termination occurs within 24 months following a Change in Control, then the Company shall pay the Executive an amount equal to 1.0 times the Executive’s Target Bonus for the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, pursuant to the payment timing described in the preceding sentence.
(iii) COBRA. Subject to the Executive’s valid election to continue healthcare coverage under Section 4980B of the Code, the Company shall continue to provide, during the COBRA Period, the Executive and the Executive’s eligible dependents with coverage under its group health plans at the same levels and the same cost to the Executive as would have applied if the Executive’s employment had not been terminated based on the Executive’s elections in effect on the Date of Termination, provided, however, that (A) if any plan pursuant to which such benefits are provided is not, or ceases prior to the expiration of the period of continuation coverage to be, exempt from the application of Section 409A under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(a)(5), or (B) the Company is otherwise unable to continue to cover the Executive under its group health plans without incurring penalties (including without limitation, pursuant to Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), then, in either case, an amount equal to each remaining Company subsidy shall thereafter be paid to the Executive in substantially equal monthly installments over the continuation coverage period (or the remaining portion thereof). For purposes of this Agreement, “COBRA Period” shall mean the period beginning on the Date of Termination and ending on the first anniversary thereof.
(c) Death or Disability. If the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates as a result of the Executive’s death or Disability, then the Executive (or the Executive’s estate) shall receive the Accrued Obligations, and, subject to Section 4(d), shall be eligible to receive an amount equal to a pro rata portion of the Executive’s Annual Bonus for the partial calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, based on the actual achievement of applicable performance goals as determined by the Board (or a subcommittee thereof) (prorated based on the number of days in the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, through the Date of Termination), payable as provided in Section 2(b)(ii).
(d) Release. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it shall be a condition to the Executive’s (or the Executive’s estate’s) right to receive the amounts provided for in Section 4(b) or 4(c) that the Executive (or the Executive’s estate, if applicable) execute and deliver to the Company an effective release of claims in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Release”) and the Release becomes irrevocable within 30 days (or, to the extent required by law, 52 days) following the Date of Termination.
(e) Other Terminations. Except as otherwise set forth in a written agreement by and between the Executive and the Company, if the Executive’s employment is terminated for any reason not described in Section 4(b) or 4(c), the Company will pay the Executive only the Accrued Obligations.
(f) Six-Month Delay. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no compensation or benefits, including without limitation any severance payments or benefits payable under this Section 4, shall be paid to the Executive during the six-month period following the Executive’s Separation from Service if the Company determines that paying such amounts at the time or times indicated in this Agreement would be a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code. If the payment of any such amounts is delayed as a result of the previous sentence, then on the first day of the seventh month following the date of Separation from Service (or such earlier date upon which such amount can be paid under Section 409A without resulting in a prohibited distribution, including as a result of the Executive’s death), the Company shall pay the Executive a lump-sum amount equal to the cumulative amount that would have otherwise been payable to the Executive during such period.
(g) Exclusive Benefits. Except as expressly provided in this Section 4 and subject to Section 5, the Executive shall not be entitled to any additional payments or benefits upon or in connection with the Executive’s termination of employment.
5. Non-Exclusivity of Rights. Amounts which are vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the Company at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.
6. Excess Parachute Payments; Limitation on Payments.
(a) Best Pay Cap. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any payment or benefit received or to be received by the Executive (including any payment or benefit received in connection with a termination of the Executive’s employment, whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (all such payments and benefits, including the payments and benefits under Section 4, being hereinafter referred to as the “Total Payments”) would be subject (in whole or part), to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then, the Total Payments shall be reduced, to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Payments is subject to the Excise Tax but only if (i) the net amount of such Total Payments, as so reduced (and after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income taxes on such reduced Total Payments and after taking into account the phase out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions attributable to such reduced Total Payments) is greater than or equal to (ii) the net amount of such Total Payments without such reduction (but after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income taxes on such Total Payments and the amount of Excise Tax to which the Executive would be subject in respect of such unreduced Total Payments and after taking into account the phase out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions attributable to such unreduced Total Payments). If the Total Payments are so reduced, the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Total Payments (A) by first reducing or eliminating the portion of the Total Payments which are not payable in cash (other than that portion of the Total Payments subject to clause (C)), (B) then by reducing or eliminating cash payments (other than that portion of the Total Payments subject to clause (C)) and (C) then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Total Payments (whether payable in cash or not payable in cash) to which Treasury Regulation § 1.280G-1 Q/A 24(c) (or successor thereto) applies, in each case in reverse order beginning with payments or benefits which are to be paid the farthest in time.
(b) Certain Exclusions. For purposes of determining whether and the extent to which the Total Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax, (i) no portion of the Total Payments the receipt or enjoyment of which the Executive shall have waived at such time and in such manner as not to constitute a “payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b) of the Code shall be taken into account; (ii) no portion of the Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the written opinion of an independent, nationally recognized accounting firm (the “Independent Advisors”) selected by the Company, does not constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code (including by reason of Section 280G(b)(4)(A) of the Code) and, in calculating the Excise Tax, no portion of such Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the opinion of Independent Advisors, constitutes reasonable compensation for services actually rendered, within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4)(B) of the Code, in excess of the “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) allocable to such reasonable compensation; and (iii) the value of any non-cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Total Payments shall be determined by the Independent Advisors in accordance with the principles of Sections 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code.
7. Restrictive Covenants. The Executive acknowledges that the Company and its Affiliates are engaged in businesses which make it crucial for them to develop and retain trade secrets and other confidential information and that the Executive will develop and learn such information in the course of his employment. In light of these facts and in consideration of the Executive’s continued employment with the Company and the Company’s agreement to compensate the Executive on the terms set forth in Section 2(b), the Executive covenants and agrees as follows:
(a) Covenant to Protect Confidential Information. In accordance with this Section 7(a), the Executive shall protect all Confidential Information (as defined below) at all times, both during and after the Employment Period, and shall not disclose to any Person or otherwise use any Confidential Information, except in connection with his duties performed in accordance with this Agreement.
(i) During the term of the Executive’s employment, the Executive may receive and otherwise be exposed, directly or indirectly, to confidential and proprietary information of the Company whether in graphic, written, electronic or oral form, including without limitation information relating to the Company’s business, strategies, designs, products, services and technologies and any derivatives, improvements and enhancements relating to any of the foregoing, or to the Company’s suppliers, customers or business partners (collectively “Confidential Information”). Confidential Information may be identified at the time of disclosure as confidential or proprietary or information which by its context would reasonably be deemed to be confidential or proprietary. “Confidential Information” includes (a) those portions of computer software programs, codes and related information used by any of the Company and its Affiliates which have been customized for use in the business of any of the Company and its Affiliates; (b) data, formulae, compositions, processes, designs, sketches, photographs, graphs, drawings, samples, inventions and ideas, past, current, and planned research and development, current and planned building and sales methods and processes, customer lists, contractor and subcontractor lists, current and anticipated home buyer requirements, price lists, market studies, business plans, computer software and programs and any other information, however documented, of an Affiliate that is a trade secret under applicable law; (c) any and all information concerning the business and affairs of an Affiliate (which includes historical financial statements, financial projections and budgets, historical and projected sales, capital spending budgets and plans, the names and backgrounds of key personnel and contractors, and personnel training and techniques and materials), however documented; and (d) any and all notes, analysis, compilations, studies, summaries, and other material prepared by or for an Affiliate containing or based, in whole or in part, on any information included in the foregoing. “Confidential Information” may also include without limitation (a)(i) unpublished patent disclosures and patent applications and other filings, know-how, trade secrets, works of authorship and other intellectual property, as well as any information regarding ideas, Inventions (as defined in Section 8(a)), technology, and processes, including without limitation assays, sketches, schematics, techniques, drawings, designs, descriptions, specifications and technical documentation, (ii) specifications, protocols, models, designs, equipment, engineering, algorithms, software programs, software source documents, formulae, (iii) information concerning or resulting from any research and development or other project, including without limitation, experimental work, product development plans, regulatory compliance information, and research, development and regulatory strategies, and (iv) business and financial information, including without limitation purchasing, procurement, manufacturing, customer lists, information relating to investors, employees, business and contractual relationships, business forecasts, sales and merchandising, business and marketing plans, product plans, and business strategies, including without limitation information the Company provides regarding third parties, such as, but not limited to, suppliers, customers, employees, investors, or vendors; and (b) any other information, to the extent such information contains, reflects or is based upon any of the foregoing Confidential Information. The Confidential Information may also include information of a third party that is disclosed to the Executive by the Company or such third party at the Company’s direction.
(ii) The Executive acknowledges the confidential and secret character of the Confidential Information, and agrees that the Confidential Information is the sole, exclusive and valuable property of the Company. Accordingly, the Executive agrees not to use the Confidential Information except in the performance of the Executive’s authorized duties as an employee of the Company, and not to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information in any form to any third party, either during or after the term of the Executive’s employment, without the prior written consent of the Company on a case-by-case basis. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive agrees to cease using and to return to the Company all whole and partial copies and derivatives of the Confidential Information, whether in the Executive’s possession or under the Executive’s direct or indirect control, provided that the Executive is entitled to retain the Executive’s personal copies of (a) the Executive’s compensation records, (b) materials distributed to stockholders generally, and (c) this Agreement. The Executive understands that the Executive’s obligations of nondisclosure with respect to Confidential Information shall not apply to information that the Executive can establish by competent proof (x) was actually in the public domain at the time of disclosure or enters the public domain following disclosure other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement, (y) is already in the Executive’s possession without breach of any obligations of confidentiality at the time of disclosure by the Company as shown by the Executive’s files and records immediately prior to the time of disclosure, or (z) is obtained by the Executive from a third party not under confidentiality obligations and without a breach of any obligations of confidentiality. If the Executive becomes compelled by law, regulation (including without limitation the rules of any applicable securities exchange), court order, or other governmental authority to disclose the Confidential Information, the Executive shall, to the extent possible and permissible under applicable law, first give the Company prompt notice. The Executive agrees to cooperate reasonably with the Company in any proceeding to obtain a protective order or other remedy. If such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, the Executive shall only disclose that portion of such Confidential Information required to be disclosed, in the opinion of the Executive’s legal counsel. The Executive shall request that confidential treatment be accorded such Confidential Information, where available. Compulsory disclosures made pursuant to this section shall not relieve the Executive of the Executive’s obligations of confidentiality and non-use with respect to non-compulsory disclosures. The Executive understands that nothing herein is intended to or shall prevent the Executive from (i) communicating directly with, cooperating with, or providing information to, or receiving financial awards from, any federal, state or local government regulatory agency, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the U.S. National Labor Relations Board, without notifying or seeking permission from the Company, (ii) exercising any rights the Executive may have under Section 7 of the U.S. National Labor Relations Act, such as the right to engage in concerted activity, including collective action or discussion concerning wages or working conditions, or (iii) discussing or disclosing information about unlawful acts in the workplace, such as harassment or discrimination based on a protected characteristic or any other conduct that the Executive has reason to believe is unlawful. The Executive shall promptly notify the Company if the Executive learns of any possible unauthorized use or disclosure of proprietary information and shall cooperate fully with the Company to enforce its rights in such information.
(iii) The Executive acknowledges that the Company has provided the Executive notice of immunity rights under the Defend Trade Secrets Act, which states: “(1) An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (i) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal; and (2) an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose a trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual (A) files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and (B) does not disclose a trade secret, except pursuant to court order.”
(b) Covenants Against Competition. The Executive specifically acknowledges that his employment with the Company will enable him to acquire valuable information as to the nature and character of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates. The Executive acknowledges that in the event he were to become employed by some other employer or enter the same or similar business as a business conducted by the Company or its Affiliates on his own or in conjunction with others in competition with the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, such valuable information could give to the Executive an unfair competitive advantage. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the covenants contained in this Section 7(b) are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company and its Affiliates, including their trade secrets, other Confidential Information and goodwill. Consequently:
(i) The Executive shall not, except on behalf of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, at any time during the Restricted Period, directly or indirectly, whether alone or with any other Person as a partner, officer, director, manager, employee, agent, shareholder, member, consultant, or otherwise, directly or indirectly, engage or invest in, own, manage, operate, finance, control, or participate in the ownership, management, operation, financing, or control of, be employed by, or render management, marketing, sales, operational, strategic, or technical services or advice to, any Competitive Business; provided, however, that the Executive may purchase or otherwise acquire up to (but not more than) one percent (1%) of any class of securities of any Competitive Business (but without otherwise participating in the activities of such Competitive Business) if such securities have been registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(ii) The Executive shall not, except on behalf of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, at any time during the Restricted Period, directly or indirectly, whether alone or with any other Person as a partner, officer, director, manager, employee, agent, shareholder, member, consultant, or otherwise:
A. Induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company or its Affiliates to leave the employ of the Company or its Affiliates; or
B. Solicit for employment any employee of the Company or its Affiliates or any Person employed by the Company or its Affiliates during the prior six (6) months.
(iii) The Executive shall not, except on behalf of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, at any time during the Restricted Period and within the Restricted Territory, directly or indirectly, whether alone or with any other Person as a partner, officer, director, manager, employee, agent, shareholder, member, consultant, or otherwise:
A. In any way interfere with the business relationship between the Company or its Affiliates and any employee of the Company or its Affiliates; or
B. Induce or attempt to induce any Company Customer to cease doing business with the Company or its Affiliates, or in any way interfere with the business relationship between any Company Customer and the Company or its Affiliates.
8. Inventions and Copyrights.
(a) Inventions. The Executive shall disclose promptly to the Company (which will receive it in confidence), and only to the Company, any invention or idea of the Executive (developed alone or with others) conceived or made during his employment with the Company or within six months following the Executive’s employment termination date in the course of the Executive’s employment by the Company or in any way connected with the Executive’s employment or related to the Company’s business, research or development, or demonstrably anticipated research or development (“Inventions”). The Executive assigns to the Company any such invention or idea, and will cooperate with the Company and sign all documents deemed necessary by the Company to enable it to obtain, maintain, protect, and defend patents covering such inventions and ideas and to confirm the Company’s exclusive ownership of all rights in such inventions, ideas, and patents, and irrevocably appoints the Company as his agent to execute and deliver any assignments or documents that the Executive fails or refuses to execute and deliver promptly, this power and agency being coupled with an interest and being irrevocable. This constitutes the Company’s written notification that the disclosure requirement and assignment provided in this Section 8(a) does not apply to an invention for which no equipment, supplies, facility, or trade secret information of the Company was used and which was developed entirely on the Executive’s own time, unless (a) the invention relates (i) directly to the business of the Company, or (ii) to the Company’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (b) the invention results from any work performed by the Executive for the Company.
(b) Work for Hire Acknowledgment; Assignment. The Executive acknowledges that the Executive’s work on and contributions to documents and other expressions in tangible media (collectively, “Works”) are within the scope of the Executive’s employment and part of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities for the Company and its Affiliates. The Executive’s work on and contributions to any Works will be rendered and made by the Executive for, at the instigation of, and under the overall direction of, the Company, and are and at all times will be regarded, together with any such Works, as “work made for hire” as that term is used in the United States Copyright Laws. Without limiting this acknowledgment, the Executive assigns, grants, and delivers exclusively to the Company all rights, titles, and interests in and to any such Works, and all copies and versions, including all copyrights and renewals. The Executive shall execute and deliver to the Company, its successors and assigns, any assignments and documents that the Company requests for the purpose of establishing, evidencing, and enforcing or defending its complete, perpetual, and worldwide ownership of all rights, titles, and interests of every kind and nature, including all copyrights, in and to the Works, and the Executive constitutes and appoints the Company as its agent to execute and deliver any assignments or documents that the Executive fails or refuses to execute and deliver, this power and agency being coupled with an interest and being irrevocable.
9. Representations. The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that (a) the Executive is entering into this Agreement voluntarily and that the performance of the Executive’s obligations hereunder will not violate any agreement between the Executive and any other person, firm, organization or other entity, or any policy, program or code of such other person, firm, organization or other entity person, and (b) the Executive is not bound by the terms of any agreement with any previous employer or other party to refrain from competing, directly or indirectly, with the business of such previous employer or other party that would be violated by the Executive’s entering into this Agreement and/or providing services to the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
10. Successors.
(a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and, without the prior written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by the Executive other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives.
(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its respective successors and assigns.
11. Certain Definitions.
(a) “Affiliate” of any particular Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such particular Person, where “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.
(b) “Board” means the Board of Directors of PubCo.
(c) “Cause” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:
(i) the Executive’s willful failure to substantially perform the Executive’s duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such actual or anticipated failure after the Executive’s issuance of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason), including the Executive’s failure to follow any lawful directive from the Board within the reasonable scope of the Executive’s duties and the Executive’s failure to correct the same (if capable of correction, as determined by the Board), within 30 days after a written notice is delivered to the Executive, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the Executive has not performed the Executive’s duties. For the avoidance of doubt, the Executive’s failure to satisfy any specific performance goal or metric or the Company’s failure to attain any specific level of financial performance shall not constitute a failure to perform for purposes of this clause (i);
(ii) the Executive’s commission of, indictment for or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony crime (excluding vehicular crimes) or a crime of moral turpitude;
(iii) the Executive’s breach of any material obligation under any written agreement with the Company or its Affiliates or under any applicable policy of the Company or its Affiliates that have been provided to or made available to the Executive (including any code of conduct or harassment policies), and the Executive’s failure to correct the same (if capable of correction, as determined by the Board), within 30 days after a written notice is delivered to the Executive, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the Executive has materially breached such agreement;
(iv) any act of fraud, embezzlement, theft or misappropriation from the Company or its Affiliates by the Executive; or
(v) the Executive’s willful misconduct or gross negligence with respect to any material aspect of the Company’s business or a material breach by the Executive of the Executive’s fiduciary duty to the Company or its Affiliates, which willful misconduct, gross negligence or material breach has a material and demonstrable adverse effect on the Company or its Affiliates.
(d) “Change in Control” has the meaning set forth in the Plan.
(e) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and the regulations thereunder.
(f) “Company Customer” means any individual or entity who (i) is, or was at any time during the one year period prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, a customer, supplier, or vendor of the Company or its Affiliates of whom the Executive learned, with whom the Executive had business contact or about whom the Executive obtained Confidential Information (as defined above) at any time during the Executive’s employment with the Company, or (ii) is a prospective customer, supplier, or vendor of the Company or its Affiliates of whom the Executive learned, with whom the Executive had business contact, or about whom the Executive obtained Confidential Information as part of a solicitation of business on behalf of the Company or its Affiliates at any time during the one year period prior to the Executive’s employment termination date.
(g) “Competitive Business” means any Person engaged in the single family residential building business in the Restricted Territory.
(h) “Date of Termination” means the date on which the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates.
(i) “Disability” means that the Executive has become entitled to receive benefits under an applicable Company long-term disability plan or, if no such plan covers the Executive, the Executive’s inability, due to physical or mental illness, to perform the essential functions of the Executive’s job, with or without a reasonable accommodation for 180 consecutive days.
(j) “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events without the Executive’s prior written consent, unless the Company fully corrects the circumstances constituting Good Reason (provided such circumstances are capable of correction) as provided below:
(i) a material diminution in the Executive’s Base Salary or Target Bonus, other than as part of an across-the-board reduction applicable to the Company’s senior executives, and further excluding any voluntary reductions in Base Salary and/or Target Bonus;
(ii) a change in the geographic location of the Principal Location by more than 25 miles from its existing location by action of the Company;
(iii) a material diminution in the Executive’s title, authority, responsibilities or duties, as contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Company ceasing to be a public company or ceasing to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange (or similar exchange) following a Change in Control, excluding for this purpose any isolated, insubstantial or inadvertent actions not taken in bad faith and which are remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive; or
(iv) the Company’s material breach of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive will not be deemed to have resigned for Good Reason unless (1) the Executive provides the Company with written notice setting forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed by the Executive to constitute Good Reason within 45 days after the date of the occurrence of any event that the Executive knows or should reasonably have known to constitute Good Reason, (2) the Company fails to cure such acts or omissions within 30 days following its receipt of such notice, and (3) the effective date of the Executive’s termination for Good Reason occurs no later than 60 days after the expiration of the Company’s cure period.
(k) “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the Date of Termination is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice unless as otherwise provided upon a termination for Good Reason).
(l) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, joint stock company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization, bank, or other entity.
(m) “Plan” means Company’s 2024 Incentive Award Plan, as amended from time to time.
(n) “Qualifying Termination” means a termination of the Executive’s employment (i) by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of the Executive’s death or Disability), (ii) by the Executive for Good Reason, or (iii) by reason of a Non-Renewal of the Employment Period by the Company and the Executive is willing and able, at the time of such Non-Renewal, to continue performing services on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
(o) “Restricted Period” means the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending two years after the Executive’s employment termination date.
(p) “Restricted Territory” means the Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area of Atlanta, GA; and any other Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area in the southeastern United States in which, as of the Executive’s employment termination date, an Affiliate is building single family homes, negotiating any agreement for the acquisition of real property for the purpose of building single family homes or actively preparing to build single family homes.
(q) “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder.
(r) “Separation from Service” means a “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A).
12. Indemnification. The parties hereby acknowledge that in connection with the execution of this Agreement, they have entered into an Indemnification Agreement (the “Indemnification Agreement”), attached hereto as Exhibit C, which became effective as of January 10, 2024.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect.
(b) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to the Executive: at the Executive’s most recent address on the records of the Company.
If to the Company:
Smith Douglas Homes Corp.
110 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, Georgia 30188
Attention: Brett Steele
Email: ***
or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.
(c) Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if the Company determines, in its good faith judgment, that any transfer or deemed transfer of funds hereunder is likely to be construed as a personal loan prohibited by Section 13(k) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”), then such transfer or deemed transfer shall not be made to the extent necessary or appropriate so as not to violate the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(d) Section 409A of the Code.
(i) To the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Company determines that any compensation or benefits payable under this Agreement may be subject to Section 409A, the Company shall work in good faith with the Executive to adopt such amendments to this Agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Company determines are necessary or appropriate to avoid the imposition of taxes under Section 409A, including without limitation, actions intended to (i) exempt the compensation and benefits payable under this Agreement from Section 409A, and/or (ii) comply with the requirements of Section 409A; provided, however, that this Section 13(d) shall not create an obligation on the part of the Company to adopt any such amendment, policy or procedure or take any such other action, nor shall the Company have any liability for failing to do so.
(ii) Any right to a series of installment payments pursuant to this Agreement is to be treated as a right to a series of separate payments. To the extent permitted under Section 409A, any separate payment or benefit under this Agreement or otherwise shall not be deemed “nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A to the extent provided in the exceptions in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) or any other applicable exception or provision of Section 409A. Any payments subject to Section 409A that are subject to execution of a waiver and release which may be executed and/or revoked in a calendar year following the calendar year in which the payment event (such as termination of employment) occurs shall commence payment only in the calendar year in which the consideration period or, if applicable, release revocation period ends, as necessary to comply with Section 409A. All payments of nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A to be made upon a termination of employment under this Agreement may only be made upon the Executive’s Separation from Service.
(iii) To the extent that any payments or reimbursements provided to the Executive under this Agreement are deemed to constitute compensation to the Executive to which Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv) would apply, such amounts shall be paid or reimbursed reasonably promptly, but not later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred. The amount of any such payments eligible for reimbursement in one year shall not affect the payments or expenses that are eligible for payment or reimbursement in any other taxable year, and the Executive’s right to such payments or reimbursement of any such expenses shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.
(e) Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
(f) Withholding. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state, local or foreign taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
(g) No Waiver. The Executive’s or the Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 3(c), shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.
(h) Entire Agreement. As of the Effective Date, this Agreement, constitutes the final, complete and exclusive agreement between the Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and replaces and supersedes any and all other agreements, offers or promises, whether oral or written, by any member of the Company and its Affiliates, or representative thereof (including the Prior Agreement). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement and the obligations and commitments hereunder shall neither commence nor be of any force or effect prior to the Effective Date.
(i) Arbitration.
(i) Any controversy or dispute that establishes a legal or equitable cause of action (“Arbitration Claim”) between any two or more Persons Subject to Arbitration (as defined below), including any controversy or dispute, whether based on contract, common law, or federal, state or local statute or regulation, arising out of, or relating to the Executive’s service or the termination thereof, shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration as the sole and exclusive remedy for such controversy or dispute in accordance with the rules of JAMS pursuant to its Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures, which are available at http://www.jamsadr.com/rules-employment-arbitration/, and the Company will provide a copy upon the Executive’s request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall not require any Person Subject to Arbitration to arbitrate pursuant to this Agreement any claims: (A) under a Company benefit plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended; or (B) as to which applicable law not preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act prohibits resolution by binding arbitration. Either party may seek provisional non-monetary remedies in a court of competent jurisdiction to the extent that such remedies are not available or not available in a timely fashion through arbitration. It is the parties’ intent that issues of arbitrability of any dispute shall be decided by the arbitrator.
(ii) “Persons Subject to Arbitration” means, individually and collectively, (A) the Executive, (B) any person in privity with or claiming through, on behalf of or in the right of the Executive, (C) the Company, (D) any past, present or future Affiliate, employee, officer, director or agent of the Company, and/or (E) any person or entity alleged to be acting in concert with or to be jointly liable with any of the foregoing.
(iii) The arbitration shall take place before a single neutral arbitrator at the JAMS office in Atlanta, Georgia. Such arbitrator shall be provided through JAMS by mutual agreement of the parties to the arbitration; provided that, absent such agreement, the arbitrator shall be selected in accordance with the rules of JAMS then in effect. The arbitrator shall permit reasonable discovery. The award or decision of the arbitrator shall be rendered in writing; shall be final and binding on the parties; and may be enforced by judgment or order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(iv) THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY UNDERSTAND THAT BY AGREEING TO ARBITRATE ANY ARBITRATION CLAIM, THEY WILL NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE ANY ARBITRATION CLAIM DECIDED BY A JURY OR A COURT, BUT SHALL INSTEAD HAVE ANY ARBITRATION CLAIM DECIDED THROUGH ARBITRATION.
(v) THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY WAIVE ANY CONSTITUTIONAL OR OTHER RIGHT TO BRING CLAIMS COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT OTHER THAN IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITIES. EXCEPT AS MAY BE PROHIBITED BY LAW, THIS WAIVER INCLUDES THE ABILITY TO ASSERT CLAIMS AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.
(vi) This Section 13(i) shall be interpreted to conform to any applicable law concerning the terms and enforcement of agreements to arbitrate service disputes. To the extent any terms or conditions of this Section 13(i) would preclude its enforcement, such terms shall be severed or interpreted in a manner to allow for the enforcement of this Section 13(i). To the extent applicable law imposes additional requirements to allow enforcement of this Section 13(i), this Agreement shall be interpreted to include such terms or conditions.
(j) Amendment; Survival. No amendment or other modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto. The respective rights and obligations of the parties under this Agreement shall survive the Executive’s termination of employment and the termination of this Agreement to the extent necessary for the intended preservation of such rights and obligations (including without limitation the covenants set forth in Sections 7 and 8).
(k) Counterparts. This Agreement and any agreement referenced herein may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive’s hand and, pursuant to the authorization from the Board, the Company has caused these presents to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP. | ||
By: | /s/ Brett A. Steele | |
Name: Brett A. Steele | ||
Title: Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary | ||
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Brett A. Steele | |
Name: Brett A. Steele | ||
Title: Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary | ||
SDH MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Brett A. Steele | |
Name: Brett A. Steele | ||
Title: Secretary |
||
“EXECUTIVE” | ||
/s/ Gregory S. Bennett |
Attachments:
Exhibit A: Exclusivity Carve-Outs
Exhibit B: Release
Exhibit C: Indemnification Agreement
[Signature Page to Bennett Employment Agreement]
EXHIBIT A
EXCLUSIVITY CARVE-OUTS
1. | Family-related businesses and investment activities. |
EXHIBIT B
GENERAL RELEASE
1. Release. For valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned does hereby release and forever discharge the “Releasees” hereunder, consisting of Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation (“PubCo”), Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (“OpCo”) and SDH Management Services LLC (together with PubCo and OpCo, the “Company”), and the Company’s partners, subsidiaries, associates, affiliates, successors, heirs, assigns, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives, lawyers, insurers, and all persons acting by, through, under or in concert with them, or any of them, of and from any and all manner of action or actions, cause or causes of action, in law or in equity, suits, debts, liens, contracts, agreements, promises, liability, claims, demands, damages, losses, costs, attorneys’ fees or expenses, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, fixed or contingent (hereinafter called “Claims”), which the undersigned now has or may hereafter have against the Releasees, or any of them, by reason of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever from the beginning of time to the date hereof. The Claims released herein include, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any Claims in any way arising out of, based upon, or related to the employment or termination of employment of the undersigned by the Releasees, or any of them; any alleged breach of any express or implied contract of employment; any alleged torts or other alleged legal restrictions on Releasees’ right to terminate the employment of the undersigned; and any alleged violation of any federal, state or local statute or ordinance including, without limitation, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination In Employment Act (“ADEA”), the Americans With Disabilities Act.
2. Claims Not Released. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this general release (the “Release”) shall not operate to release any rights or claims of the undersigned (i) to payments or benefits under Section 4(b) or 4(c) of that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2024, between the Company and the undersigned (the “Employment Agreement”), with respect to the payments and benefits provided in exchange for this Release, (ii) to payments or benefits under any equity award agreement between the undersigned and PubCo or as a holder of any securities of PubCo, (iii) with respect to Sections 2(b)(vii) or 4(a) of the Employment Agreement, (iv) to accrued or vested benefits the undersigned may have, if any, as of the date hereof under any applicable plan, policy, practice, program, contract or agreement with the Company, (v) to any Claims, including claims for indemnification and/or advancement of expenses arising under any indemnification agreement between the undersigned and the Company or under the bylaws, certificate of incorporation or other similar governing document of the Company, (vi) to any Claims which cannot be waived by an employee under applicable law or (vii) with respect to the undersigned’s right to communicate directly with, cooperate with, or provide information to, any federal, state or local government regulator.
3. Exceptions. Notwithstanding anything in this Release to the contrary, nothing contained in this Release shall prohibit the undersigned from (i) filing a charge with, reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to, participating in any investigation by, or cooperating with any governmental agency or entity or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of applicable law or regulation and/or (ii) communicating directly with, cooperating with, or providing information (including trade secrets) in confidence to, any federal, state or local government regulator (including, but not limited to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the U.S. Department of Justice) for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or from providing such information to the undersigned’s attorney or in a sealed complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other governmental proceeding. Pursuant to 18 USC Section 1833(b), (1) the undersigned will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made: (x) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (y) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal and (2) the undersigned acknowledges that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.
4. Representations. The undersigned represents and warrants that there has been no assignment or other transfer of any interest in any Claim which the undersigned may have against Releasees, or any of them, and the undersigned agrees to indemnify and hold Releasees, and each of them, harmless from any liability, Claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred by Releasees, or any of them, as the result of any such assignment or transfer or any rights or Claims under any such assignment or transfer. It is the intention of the parties that this indemnity does not require payment as a condition precedent to recovery by the Releasees against the undersigned under this indemnity.
5. No Action. The undersigned agrees that if the undersigned hereafter commences any suit arising out of, based upon, or relating to any of the Claims released hereunder or in any manner asserts against Releasees, or any of them, any of the Claims released hereunder, then the undersigned agrees to pay to Releasees, and each of them, in addition to any other damages caused to Releasees thereby, all attorneys’ fees incurred by Releasees in defending or otherwise responding to said suit or Claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this provision shall not apply to any suit or Claim to the extent is challenges the effectiveness of this release with respect to a claim under the ADEA.
6. No Admission. The undersigned further understands and agrees that neither the payment of any sum of money nor the execution of this Release shall constitute or be construed as an admission of any liability whatsoever by the Releasees, or any of them, who have consistently taken the position that they have no liability whatsoever to the undersigned.
7. OWBPA. The undersigned agrees and acknowledges that this Release constitutes a knowing and voluntary waiver and release of all Claims the undersigned has or may have against the Company and/or any of the Releasees as set forth herein, including, but not limited to, all Claims arising under the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act and the ADEA. In accordance with the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act, the undersigned is hereby advised as follows:
(i) | the undersigned has read the terms of this Release, and understands its terms and effects, including the fact that the undersigned agreed to release and forever discharge the Company and each of the Releasees, from any Claims released in this Release; |
(ii) | the undersigned understands that, by entering into this Release, the undersigned does not waive any Claims that may arise after the date of the undersigned’s execution of this Release, including without limitation any rights or claims that the undersigned may have to secure enforcement of the terms and conditions of this Release; |
(iii) | the undersigned has signed this Release voluntarily and knowingly in exchange for the consideration described in this Release, which the undersigned acknowledges is adequate and satisfactory to the undersigned and which the undersigned acknowledges is in addition to any other benefits to which the undersigned is otherwise entitled; |
(iv) | the Company advises the undersigned to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release; |
(v) | the undersigned has been given at least [21]1 days in which to review and consider this Release. To the extent that the undersigned chooses to sign this Release prior to the expiration of such period, the undersigned acknowledges that the undersigned has done so voluntarily, had sufficient time to consider the Release, to consult with counsel and that the undersigned does not desire additional time and hereby waives the remainder of the [21]-day period; and |
(vi) | the undersigned may revoke this Release within seven days from the date the undersigned signs this Release and this Release will become effective upon the expiration of that revocation period if the undersigned has not revoked this Release during such seven-day period. If the undersigned revokes this Release during such seven-day period, this Release will be null and void and of no force or effect on either the Company or the undersigned and the undersigned will not be entitled to any of the payments or benefits which are expressly conditioned upon the execution and non-revocation of this Release. Any revocation must be in writing and sent to [name], via electronic mail at [email address], on or before [5:00 p.m. Eastern time] on the seventh day after this Release is executed by the undersigned. |
8. Acknowledgement. The undersigned acknowledges that different or additional facts may be discovered in addition to what is now known or believed to be true by the undersigned with respect to the matters released in this Release, and the undersigned agrees that this Release shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete and final release of the matters released, notwithstanding any different or additional facts
9. Governing Law. This Release is deemed made and entered into in the State of Georgia, and in all respects shall be interpreted, enforced and governed under the internal laws of the State of Georgia, to the extent not preempted by federal law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Release this ____ day of ___________, ____.
__________________________________
1 NTD: Use 45 days in a group termination, and include information regarding terminated positions.
EXHIBIT C
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
[Intentionally Omitted]
Exhibit 10.6
Certain personal information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because Smith Douglas Homes Corp. has determined such information is not material and could be harmful if publicly disclosed.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of January 16, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and between Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation (“PubCo”), Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (“OpCo”) and SDH Management Services LLC (together with PubCo and OpCo, the “Company”) and Russell Devendorf (the “Executive”).
WHEREAS, the Executive is party to an Offer Letter, by and between OpCo and the Executive, dated July 16, 2018 (the “Prior Agreement”), and the Company and the Executive intend to amend, restate and supersede the Prior Agreement in its entirety.
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ the Executive and the Company and the Executive desire to enter into an agreement embodying the terms of such continued employment, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Employment Period. Effective upon the Effective Date, the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be for a term commencing on the Effective Date and continuing through the third anniversary thereof (the “Initial Employment Period”). This Agreement will be automatically renewed for successive terms of one year each, unless the Company or the Executive gives written notice of non-renewal (“Non-Renewal”) at least 90 days prior to the end of the then-current term (the Initial Employment Period and all renewals collectively, the “Employment Period”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s employment with the Company is and shall continue on an “at will” basis, subject to the provisions of Section 4.
2. Terms of Employment.
(a) Position and Duties.
(i) Role and Responsibilities. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall serve as the Company’s Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, and shall perform such employment duties as are usual and customary for such position. The Executive shall report directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”). At the Company’s request, the Executive shall serve the Company and/or its subsidiaries or affiliates in other capacities in addition to the foregoing, consistent with the Executive’s position hereunder. If the Executive, during the Employment Period, serves in any one or more of such additional capacities, the Executive’s compensation shall not be increased beyond that specified in Section 2(b) hereof. In addition, if the Executive’s service in one or more of such additional capacities is terminated, the Executive’s compensation, as specified in Section 2(b), shall not be diminished or reduced in any manner as a result of such termination provided that the Executive otherwise remains employed under the terms of this Agreement.
(ii) Exclusivity. During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of leave to which the Executive may be entitled, the Executive agrees to devote the Executive’s full business time and attention to the business and affairs of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to: (A) serve on boards, committees or similar bodies of charitable or nonprofit organizations, (B) fulfill limited teaching, speaking and writing engagements, (C) manage the Executive’s personal investments, and (D) engage in any of the activities as set forth on Exhibit A, in each case, so long as such activities do not individually or in the aggregate materially interfere or conflict with the performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement; provided, that with respect to the activities in subclauses (A) and/or (B), the Executive receives prior written approval from the CEO.
(iii) Principal Location. Unless the parties hereto otherwise agree in writing, during the Employment Period, the Executive shall be permitted to work from his home office (currently located in Davie, Florida), to the extent that the Executive is able to fully perform his duties and responsibilities hereunder using such work arrangement (it being understood that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall (i) generally report to the Company’s offices located in Woodstock, Georgia (the “Headquarters”) as needed to attend meetings and for the proper performance of his duties generally, and (ii) travel to other locations as may be reasonably necessary to fulfill the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder).
(b) Compensation, Benefits, Etc.
(i) Base Salary. Effective as of the Effective Date and during the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) of $650,000 per annum. The Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices for executive salaries generally, but no less often than monthly and shall be pro-rated for partial years of employment. The Base Salary may be increased in the discretion of the Board or a subcommittee thereof, but not reduced, and the term “Base Salary” as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to the Base Salary as so increased.
(ii) Annual Cash Bonus. For each calendar year ending during the Employment Period beginning with calendar year 2024, the Executive shall be eligible to earn a cash performance bonus (an “Annual Bonus”) under the Company’s bonus plan or program applicable to senior executives targeted at $500,000 paid with respect to such year (the “Target Bonus”). The actual amount of any Annual Bonus shall be determined by the Board (or a subcommittee thereof) in its discretion, based on the achievement of individual and/or Company performance goals as determined by the Board (or a subcommittee thereof), and shall be pro-rated for any partial year of employment. The payment of any Annual Bonus, to the extent any Annual Bonus becomes payable, will be made on the date on which annual bonuses are paid generally to the Company’s senior executives, but in no event later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which such Annual Bonus was earned. Except as provided in Section 4(c), payment of the Annual Bonus shall be subject to the Executive’s continued employment through the payment date.
(iii) Annual Equity Award(s). For each calendar year during the Employment Period beginning with calendar year 2024, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an equity-based compensation award, as determined by the Board (or a subcommittee thereof), from time to time, with a target value of $500,000. The Board or such subcommittee shall determine in its sole discretion the grant timing, amount, form(s) and mix, and such other terms and conditions (including vesting, exercise and settlement) applicable to any such annual equity-based compensation award, taking into account the Executive’s and the Company’s performance. Any such award shall be evidenced by a separate award agreement in a form prescribed by the Company, to be entered into by PubCo and the Executive.
(iv) Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive (and the Executive’s spouse and/or eligible dependents to the extent provided in the applicable plans and programs) shall be eligible to participate in and be covered under the health and welfare benefit plans and programs maintained by the Company for the benefit of its employees from time to time, pursuant to the terms of such plans and programs including any medical, life, hospitalization, dental, disability, accidental death and dismemberment and travel accident insurance plans and programs on the same terms and conditions as those applicable to similarly situated senior executives. In addition, during the Employment Period, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in any retirement, savings and other employee benefit plans and programs maintained from time to time by the Company for the benefit of its senior executive officers. Nothing contained in this Section 2(b)(iv) shall create or be deemed to create any obligation on the part of the Company to adopt or maintain any health, welfare, retirement or other benefit plan or program at any time or to create any limitation on the Company’s ability to modify or terminate any such plan or program.
(v) Expenses. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company provided to employees of the Company.
(vi) Fringe Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be eligible to receive such fringe benefits and perquisites as are provided by the Company to its employees from time to time, in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company, and shall receive such additional fringe benefits and perquisites as the Company may, in its discretion, from time-to-time provide to its senior executive officers.
(vii) Vacation. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company applicable to its employees, as in effect from time to time.
(viii) Pre-IPO LTI Awards. The parties acknowledge and agree that (A) the Company previously granted to the Executive long-term incentive compensation awards that are outstanding as of the Effective Date (each, a “Pre-IPO LTI Award”) and (B) each Pre-IPO LTI Award shall accelerate and vest in full upon a Change in Control (for clarity, with respect to the 2023 Pre-IPO LTI Award, it shall vest to the extent it is earned based on the applicable performance goals), subject to the Executive’s continued employment until immediately prior to a Change in Control, and shall be paid to the Executive within 60 days following the Change in Control.
3. Termination of Employment.
(a) Death or Disability. The Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive’s death during the Employment Period. Either the Company or the Executive may terminate the Executive’s employment in the event of the Executive’s Disability during the Employment Period.
(b) Termination by the Company. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period for Cause or without Cause.
(c) Termination by the Executive. The Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Executive for any or no reason, including with Good Reason or by the Executive without Good Reason.
(d) Notice of Termination. Any termination of employment (other than due to the Executive’s death), shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination to the other parties hereto given in accordance with Section 13(b). The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.
(e) Termination of Offices and Directorships; Return of Property. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason, unless otherwise specified in a written agreement between the Executive and the Company, the Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from all offices, directorships, and other employment positions if any, then held with the Company, and shall take all actions reasonably requested by the Company to effectuate the foregoing. In addition, upon the termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive agrees to return to the Company all documents of the Company and its Affiliates (and all copies thereof) and all other Company or Company Affiliate property that the Executive has in the Executive’s possession, custody or control. Such property includes, without limitation: (i) any materials of any kind that the Executive knows contain or embody any proprietary or confidential information of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company (and all reproductions thereof), (ii) computers (including, but not limited to, laptop computers, desktop computers and similar devices) and other portable electronic devices (including, but not limited to, tablet computers), cellular phones/smartphones, credit cards, phone cards, entry cards, identification badges and keys, and (iii) any correspondence, drawings, manuals, letters, notes, notebooks, reports, programs, plans, proposals, financial documents, or any other documents concerning the customers, business plans, marketing strategies, products and/or processes of the Company or any of its Affiliates and any information received from the Company or any of its Affiliates regarding third parties.
4. Obligations of the Company upon Termination.
(a) Accrued Obligations; Equity Awards.
(i) If the Executive’s employment under this Agreement terminates during the Employment Period for any reason, the Company will pay or provide to the Executive: (i) any earned but unpaid Base Salary and accrued vacation time, (ii) reimbursement of any business expenses incurred by the Executive prior to the Date of Termination that are reimbursable in accordance with Section 2(b)(v), and (iii) any vested amounts due to the Executive under any plan, program or policy of the Company (together, the “Accrued Obligations”). The Accrued Obligations described in clauses (i) – (ii) of the preceding sentence shall be paid within 30 days after the Date of Termination (or such earlier date as may be required by applicable law) and the Accrued Obligations described in clause (iii) of the preceding sentence shall be paid in accordance with the terms of the governing plan or program.
(ii) Each outstanding equity or equity-based award granted to the Executive by PubCo that is outstanding and, if applicable, unexercised as of the Date of Termination shall be governed by the applicable award agreement evidencing such award.
(b) Qualifying Termination. Subject to Sections 4(d), 4(f) and 12(d), and the Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Sections 7 and 8, if the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated during the Employment Period due to a Qualifying Termination, then in addition to the Accrued Obligations:
(i) Cash Severance. The Company shall pay the Executive an amount equal to 1.0 times the Executive’s Base Salary (the “Severance”). The Severance shall be paid in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices over the twelve-month period following the Date of Termination, but shall commence on the first normal payroll date following the 60th day following the Date of Termination, and amounts otherwise payable prior to such first payroll date shall be paid on such date without interest thereon.
(ii) Pro-Rated Bonus. The Company shall pay the Executive, in a single lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the Date of Termination, an amount equal to a pro rata portion of the Executive’s Target Bonus for the partial calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs (prorated based on the number of days in the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, through the Date of Termination). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Qualifying Termination occurs within 24 months following a Change in Control, then the Company shall pay the Executive an amount equal to 1.0 times the Executive’s Target Bonus for the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, pursuant to the payment timing described in the preceding sentence.
(iii) COBRA. Subject to the Executive’s valid election to continue healthcare coverage under Section 4980B of the Code, the Company shall continue to provide, during the COBRA Period, the Executive and the Executive’s eligible dependents with coverage under its group health plans at the same levels and the same cost to the Executive as would have applied if the Executive’s employment had not been terminated based on the Executive’s elections in effect on the Date of Termination, provided, however, that (A) if any plan pursuant to which such benefits are provided is not, or ceases prior to the expiration of the period of continuation coverage to be, exempt from the application of Section 409A under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(a)(5), or (B) the Company is otherwise unable to continue to cover the Executive under its group health plans without incurring penalties (including without limitation, pursuant to Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), then, in either case, an amount equal to each remaining Company subsidy shall thereafter be paid to the Executive in substantially equal monthly installments over the continuation coverage period (or the remaining portion thereof). For purposes of this Agreement, “COBRA Period” shall mean the period beginning on the Date of Termination and ending on the first anniversary thereof.
(iv) Pre-IPO LTI Awards. Each Pre-IPO LTI Award that remains outstanding as of the Date of Termination shall accelerate and vest in full as of the Date of Termination (for clarity, with respect to the 2023 Pre-IPO LTI Award, it shall vest to the extent it is earned based on the applicable performance goals), and shall be paid to the Executive within 60 days following the Date of Termination.
(c) Death or Disability. If the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates as a result of the Executive’s death or Disability, then the Executive (or the Executive’s estate) shall receive the Accrued Obligations, and, subject to Section 4(d), shall be eligible to receive an amount equal to a pro rata portion of the Executive’s Annual Bonus for the partial calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, based on the actual achievement of applicable performance goals as determined by the Board (or a subcommittee thereof) (prorated based on the number of days in the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, through the Date of Termination), payable as provided in Section 2(b)(ii).
(d) Release. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it shall be a condition to the Executive’s (or the Executive’s estate’s) right to receive the amounts provided for in Section 4(b) or 4(c) that the Executive (or the Executive’s estate, if applicable) execute and deliver to the Company an effective release of claims in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Release”) and the Release becomes irrevocable within 30 days (or, to the extent required by law, 52 days) following the Date of Termination.
(e) Other Terminations. Except as otherwise set forth in a written agreement by and between the Executive and the Company, if the Executive’s employment is terminated for any reason not described in Section 4(b) or 4(c), the Company will pay the Executive only the Accrued Obligations.
(f) Six-Month Delay. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no compensation or benefits, including without limitation any severance payments or benefits payable under this Section 4, shall be paid to the Executive during the six-month period following the Executive’s Separation from Service if the Company determines that paying such amounts at the time or times indicated in this Agreement would be a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code. If the payment of any such amounts is delayed as a result of the previous sentence, then on the first day of the seventh month following the date of Separation from Service (or such earlier date upon which such amount can be paid under Section 409A without resulting in a prohibited distribution, including as a result of the Executive’s death), the Company shall pay the Executive a lump-sum amount equal to the cumulative amount that would have otherwise been payable to the Executive during such period.
(g) Exclusive Benefits. Except as expressly provided in this Section 4 and subject to Section 5, the Executive shall not be entitled to any additional payments or benefits upon or in connection with the Executive’s termination of employment.
5. Non-Exclusivity of Rights. Amounts which are vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the Company at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.
6. Excess Parachute Payments; Limitation on Payments.
(a) Best Pay Cap. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any payment or benefit received or to be received by the Executive (including any payment or benefit received in connection with a termination of the Executive’s employment, whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (all such payments and benefits, including the payments and benefits under Section 4, being hereinafter referred to as the “Total Payments”) would be subject (in whole or part), to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then, the Total Payments shall be reduced, to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Payments is subject to the Excise Tax but only if (i) the net amount of such Total Payments, as so reduced (and after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income taxes on such reduced Total Payments and after taking into account the phase out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions attributable to such reduced Total Payments) is greater than or equal to (ii) the net amount of such Total Payments without such reduction (but after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income taxes on such Total Payments and the amount of Excise Tax to which the Executive would be subject in respect of such unreduced Total Payments and after taking into account the phase out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions attributable to such unreduced Total Payments). If the Total Payments are so reduced, the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Total Payments (A) by first reducing or eliminating the portion of the Total Payments which are not payable in cash (other than that portion of the Total Payments subject to clause (C)), (B) then by reducing or eliminating cash payments (other than that portion of the Total Payments subject to clause (C)) and (C) then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Total Payments (whether payable in cash or not payable in cash) to which Treasury Regulation § 1.280G-1 Q/A 24(c) (or successor thereto) applies, in each case in reverse order beginning with payments or benefits which are to be paid the farthest in time.
(b) Certain Exclusions. For purposes of determining whether and the extent to which the Total Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax, (i) no portion of the Total Payments the receipt or enjoyment of which the Executive shall have waived at such time and in such manner as not to constitute a “payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b) of the Code shall be taken into account; (ii) no portion of the Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the written opinion of an independent, nationally recognized accounting firm (the “Independent Advisors”) selected by the Company, does not constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code (including by reason of Section 280G(b)(4)(A) of the Code) and, in calculating the Excise Tax, no portion of such Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the opinion of Independent Advisors, constitutes reasonable compensation for services actually rendered, within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4)(B) of the Code, in excess of the “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) allocable to such reasonable compensation; and (iii) the value of any non-cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Total Payments shall be determined by the Independent Advisors in accordance with the principles of Sections 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code.
7. Restrictive Covenants. The Executive acknowledges that the Company and its Affiliates are engaged in businesses which make it crucial for them to develop and retain trade secrets and other confidential information and that the Executive will develop and learn such information in the course of his employment. In light of these facts and in consideration of the Executive’s continued employment with the Company and the Company’s agreement to compensate the Executive on the terms set forth in Section 2(b), the Executive covenants and agrees as follows:
(a) Covenant to Protect Confidential Information. In accordance with this Section 7(a), the Executive shall protect all Confidential Information (as defined below) at all times, both during and after the Employment Period, and shall not disclose to any Person or otherwise use any Confidential Information, except in connection with his duties performed in accordance with this Agreement.
(i) During the term of the Executive’s employment, the Executive may receive and otherwise be exposed, directly or indirectly, to confidential and proprietary information of the Company whether in graphic, written, electronic or oral form, including without limitation information relating to the Company’s business, strategies, designs, products, services and technologies and any derivatives, improvements and enhancements relating to any of the foregoing, or to the Company’s suppliers, customers or business partners (collectively “Confidential Information”). Confidential Information may be identified at the time of disclosure as confidential or proprietary or information which by its context would reasonably be deemed to be confidential or proprietary. “Confidential Information” includes (a) those portions of computer software programs, codes and related information used by any of the Company and its Affiliates which have been customized for use in the business of any of the Company and its Affiliates; (b) data, formulae, compositions, processes, designs, sketches, photographs, graphs, drawings, samples, inventions and ideas, past, current, and planned research and development, current and planned building and sales methods and processes, customer lists, contractor and subcontractor lists, current and anticipated home buyer requirements, price lists, market studies, business plans, computer software and programs and any other information, however documented, of an Affiliate that is a trade secret under applicable law; (c) any and all information concerning the business and affairs of an Affiliate (which includes historical financial statements, financial projections and budgets, historical and projected sales, capital spending budgets and plans, the names and backgrounds of key personnel and contractors, and personnel training and techniques and materials), however documented; and (d) any and all notes, analysis, compilations, studies, summaries, and other material prepared by or for an Affiliate containing or based, in whole or in part, on any information included in the foregoing. “Confidential Information” may also include without limitation (a)(i) unpublished patent disclosures and patent applications and other filings, know-how, trade secrets, works of authorship and other intellectual property, as well as any information regarding ideas, Inventions (as defined in Section 8(a)), technology, and processes, including without limitation assays, sketches, schematics, techniques, drawings, designs, descriptions, specifications and technical documentation, (ii) specifications, protocols, models, designs, equipment, engineering, algorithms, software programs, software source documents, formulae, (iii) information concerning or resulting from any research and development or other project, including without limitation, experimental work, product development plans, regulatory compliance information, and research, development and regulatory strategies, and (iv) business and financial information, including without limitation purchasing, procurement, manufacturing, customer lists, information relating to investors, employees, business and contractual relationships, business forecasts, sales and merchandising, business and marketing plans, product plans, and business strategies, including without limitation information the Company provides regarding third parties, such as, but not limited to, suppliers, customers, employees, investors, or vendors; and (b) any other information, to the extent such information contains, reflects or is based upon any of the foregoing Confidential Information. The Confidential Information may also include information of a third party that is disclosed to the Executive by the Company or such third party at the Company’s direction.
(ii) The Executive acknowledges the confidential and secret character of the Confidential Information, and agrees that the Confidential Information is the sole, exclusive and valuable property of the Company. Accordingly, the Executive agrees not to use the Confidential Information except in the performance of the Executive’s authorized duties as an employee of the Company, and not to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information in any form to any third party, either during or after the term of the Executive’s employment, without the prior written consent of the Company on a case-by-case basis. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive agrees to cease using and to return to the Company all whole and partial copies and derivatives of the Confidential Information, whether in the Executive’s possession or under the Executive’s direct or indirect control, provided that the Executive is entitled to retain the Executive’s personal copies of (a) the Executive’s compensation records, (b) materials distributed to stockholders generally, and (c) this Agreement. The Executive understands that the Executive’s obligations of nondisclosure with respect to Confidential Information shall not apply to information that the Executive can establish by competent proof (x) was actually in the public domain at the time of disclosure or enters the public domain following disclosure other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement, (y) is already in the Executive’s possession without breach of any obligations of confidentiality at the time of disclosure by the Company as shown by the Executive’s files and records immediately prior to the time of disclosure, or (z) is obtained by the Executive from a third party not under confidentiality obligations and without a breach of any obligations of confidentiality. If the Executive becomes compelled by law, regulation (including without limitation the rules of any applicable securities exchange), court order, or other governmental authority to disclose the Confidential Information, the Executive shall, to the extent possible and permissible under applicable law, first give the Company prompt notice. The Executive agrees to cooperate reasonably with the Company in any proceeding to obtain a protective order or other remedy. If such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, the Executive shall only disclose that portion of such Confidential Information required to be disclosed, in the opinion of the Executive’s legal counsel. The Executive shall request that confidential treatment be accorded such Confidential Information, where available. Compulsory disclosures made pursuant to this section shall not relieve the Executive of the Executive’s obligations of confidentiality and non-use with respect to non-compulsory disclosures. The Executive understands that nothing herein is intended to or shall prevent the Executive from (i) communicating directly with, cooperating with, or providing information to, or receiving financial awards from, any federal, state or local government regulatory agency, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the U.S. National Labor Relations Board, without notifying or seeking permission from the Company, (ii) exercising any rights the Executive may have under Section 7 of the U.S. National Labor Relations Act, such as the right to engage in concerted activity, including collective action or discussion concerning wages or working conditions, or (iii) discussing or disclosing information about unlawful acts in the workplace, such as harassment or discrimination based on a protected characteristic or any other conduct that the Executive has reason to believe is unlawful. The Executive shall promptly notify the Company if the Executive learns of any possible unauthorized use or disclosure of proprietary information and shall cooperate fully with the Company to enforce its rights in such information.
(iii) The Executive acknowledges that the Company has provided the Executive notice of immunity rights under the Defend Trade Secrets Act, which states: “(1) An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (i) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal; and (2) an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose a trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual (A) files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and (B) does not disclose a trade secret, except pursuant to court order.”
(b) Covenants Against Competition. The Executive specifically acknowledges that his employment with the Company will enable him to acquire valuable information as to the nature and character of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates. The Executive acknowledges that in the event he were to become employed by some other employer or enter the same or similar business as a business conducted by the Company or its Affiliates on his own or in conjunction with others in competition with the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, such valuable information could give to the Executive an unfair competitive advantage. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the covenants contained in this Section 7(b) are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company and its Affiliates, including their trade secrets, other Confidential Information and goodwill. Consequently:
(i) The Executive shall not, except on behalf of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, at any time during the Restricted Period, directly or indirectly, whether alone or with any other Person as a partner, officer, director, manager, employee, agent, shareholder, member, consultant, or otherwise, directly or indirectly, engage or invest in, own, manage, operate, finance, control, or participate in the ownership, management, operation, financing, or control of, be employed by, or render management, marketing, sales, operational, strategic, or technical services or advice to, any Competitive Business; provided, however, that the Executive may purchase or otherwise acquire up to (but not more than) one percent (1%) of any class of securities of any Competitive Business (but without otherwise participating in the activities of such Competitive Business) if such securities have been registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(ii) The Executive shall not, except on behalf of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, at any time during the Restricted Period, directly or indirectly, whether alone or with any other Person as a partner, officer, director, manager, employee, agent, shareholder, member, consultant, or otherwise:
A. Induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company or its Affiliates to leave the employ of the Company or its Affiliates; or
B. Solicit for employment any employee of the Company or its Affiliates or any Person employed by the Company or its Affiliates during the prior six (6) months.
(iii) The Executive shall not, except on behalf of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, at any time during the Restricted Period and within the Restricted Territory, directly or indirectly, whether alone or with any other Person as a partner, officer, director, manager, employee, agent, shareholder, member, consultant, or otherwise:
A. In any way interfere with the business relationship between the Company or its Affiliates and any employee of the Company or its Affiliates; or
B. Induce or attempt to induce any Company Customer to cease doing business with the Company or its Affiliates, or in any way interfere with the business relationship between any Company Customer and the Company or its Affiliates.
8. Inventions and Copyrights.
(a) Inventions. The Executive shall disclose promptly to the Company (which will receive it in confidence), and only to the Company, any invention or idea of the Executive (developed alone or with others) conceived or made during his employment with the Company or within six months following the Executive’s employment termination date in the course of the Executive’s employment by the Company or in any way connected with the Executive’s employment or related to the Company’s business, research or development, or demonstrably anticipated research or development (“Inventions”). The Executive assigns to the Company any such invention or idea, and will cooperate with the Company and sign all documents deemed necessary by the Company to enable it to obtain, maintain, protect, and defend patents covering such inventions and ideas and to confirm the Company’s exclusive ownership of all rights in such inventions, ideas, and patents, and irrevocably appoints the Company as his agent to execute and deliver any assignments or documents that the Executive fails or refuses to execute and deliver promptly, this power and agency being coupled with an interest and being irrevocable. This constitutes the Company’s written notification that the disclosure requirement and assignment provided in this Section 8(a) does not apply to an invention for which no equipment, supplies, facility, or trade secret information of the Company was used and which was developed entirely on the Executive’s own time, unless (a) the invention relates (i) directly to the business of the Company, or (ii) to the Company’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (b) the invention results from any work performed by the Executive for the Company.
(b) Work for Hire Acknowledgment; Assignment. The Executive acknowledges that the Executive’s work on and contributions to documents and other expressions in tangible media (collectively, “Works”) are within the scope of the Executive’s employment and part of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities for the Company and its Affiliates. The Executive’s work on and contributions to any Works will be rendered and made by the Executive for, at the instigation of, and under the overall direction of, the Company, and are and at all times will be regarded, together with any such Works, as “work made for hire” as that term is used in the United States Copyright Laws. Without limiting this acknowledgment, the Executive assigns, grants, and delivers exclusively to the Company all rights, titles, and interests in and to any such Works, and all copies and versions, including all copyrights and renewals. The Executive shall execute and deliver to the Company, its successors and assigns, any assignments and documents that the Company requests for the purpose of establishing, evidencing, and enforcing or defending its complete, perpetual, and worldwide ownership of all rights, titles, and interests of every kind and nature, including all copyrights, in and to the Works, and the Executive constitutes and appoints the Company as its agent to execute and deliver any assignments or documents that the Executive fails or refuses to execute and deliver, this power and agency being coupled with an interest and being irrevocable.
9. Representations. The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that (a) the Executive is entering into this Agreement voluntarily and that the performance of the Executive’s obligations hereunder will not violate any agreement between the Executive and any other person, firm, organization or other entity, or any policy, program or code of such other person, firm, organization or other entity person, and (b) the Executive is not bound by the terms of any agreement with any previous employer or other party to refrain from competing, directly or indirectly, with the business of such previous employer or other party that would be violated by the Executive’s entering into this Agreement and/or providing services to the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
10. Successors.
(a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and, without the prior written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by the Executive other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives.
(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its respective successors and assigns.
11. Certain Definitions.
(a) “Affiliate” of any particular Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such particular Person, where “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.
(b) “Board” means the Board of Directors of PubCo.
(c) “Cause” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:
(i) the Executive’s willful failure to substantially perform the Executive’s duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such actual or anticipated failure after the Executive’s issuance of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason), including the Executive’s failure to follow any lawful directive from the CEO within the reasonable scope of the Executive’s duties and the Executive’s failure to correct the same (if capable of correction, as determined by the CEO), within 30 days after a written notice is delivered to the Executive, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the CEO believes that the Executive has not performed the Executive’s duties. For the avoidance of doubt, the Executive’s failure to satisfy any specific performance goal or metric or the Company’s failure to attain any specific level of financial performance shall not constitute a failure to perform for purposes of this clause (i);
(ii) the Executive’s commission of, indictment for or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony crime (excluding vehicular crimes) or a crime of moral turpitude;
(iii) the Executive’s breach of any material obligation under any written agreement with the Company or its Affiliates or under any applicable policy of the Company or its Affiliates that have been provided to or made available to the Executive (including any code of conduct or harassment policies), and the Executive’s failure to correct the same (if capable of correction, as determined by the CEO), within 30 days after a written notice is delivered to the Executive, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the CEO believes that the Executive has materially breached such agreement;
(iv) any act of fraud, embezzlement, theft or misappropriation from the Company or its Affiliates by the Executive; or
(v) the Executive’s willful misconduct or gross negligence with respect to any material aspect of the Company’s business or a material breach by the Executive of the Executive’s fiduciary duty to the Company or its Affiliates, which willful misconduct, gross negligence or material breach has a material and demonstrable adverse effect on the Company or its Affiliates.
(d) “Change in Control” has the meaning set forth in the Plan.
(e) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and the regulations thereunder.
(f) “Company Customer” means any individual or entity who (i) is, or was at any time during the one year period prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, a customer, supplier, or vendor of the Company or its Affiliates of whom the Executive learned, with whom the Executive had business contact or about whom the Executive obtained Confidential Information (as defined above) at any time during the Executive’s employment with the Company, or (ii) is a prospective customer, supplier, or vendor of the Company or its Affiliates of whom the Executive learned, with whom the Executive had business contact, or about whom the Executive obtained Confidential Information as part of a solicitation of business on behalf of the Company or its Affiliates at any time during the one year period prior to the Executive’s employment termination date.
(g) “Competitive Business” means any Person engaged in the single family residential building business in the Restricted Territory.
(h) “Date of Termination” means the date on which the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates.
(i) “Disability” means that the Executive has become entitled to receive benefits under an applicable Company long-term disability plan or, if no such plan covers the Executive, the Executive’s inability, due to physical or mental illness, to perform the essential functions of the Executive’s job, with or without a reasonable accommodation for 180 consecutive days.
(j) “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events without the Executive’s prior written
consent, unless the Company fully corrects the circumstances constituting Good Reason (provided such circumstances are capable of correction) as provided below:
(i) a material diminution in the Executive’s Base Salary or Target Bonus, other than as part of an across-the-board reduction applicable to the Company’s senior executives, and further excluding any voluntary reductions in Base Salary and/or Target Bonus;
(ii) a change in the geographic location of the Headquarters by more than 25 miles from its existing location by action of the Company, unless the Executive is still permitted to work remotely as set forth in Section 2(a)(iii);
(iii) a material diminution in the Executive’s title, authority, responsibilities or duties, as contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Company ceasing to be a public company or ceasing to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange (or similar exchange) following a Change in Control, excluding for this purpose any isolated, insubstantial or inadvertent actions not taken in bad faith and which are remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive; or
(iv) the Company’s material breach of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive will not be deemed to have resigned for Good Reason unless (1) the Executive provides the Company with written notice setting forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed by the Executive to constitute Good Reason within 45 days after the date of the occurrence of any event that the Executive knows or should reasonably have known to constitute Good Reason, (2) the Company fails to cure such acts or omissions within 30 days following its receipt of such notice, and (3) the effective date of the Executive’s termination for Good Reason occurs no later than 60 days after the expiration of the Company’s cure period.
(k) “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the Date of Termination is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice unless as otherwise provided upon a termination for Good Reason).
(l) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, joint stock company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization, bank, or other entity.
(m) “Plan” means Company’s 2024 Incentive Award Plan, as amended from time to time.
(n) “Qualifying Termination” means a termination of the Executive’s employment (i) by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of the Executive’s death or Disability), (ii) by the Executive for Good Reason, or (iii) by reason of a Non-Renewal of the Employment Period by the Company and the Executive is willing and able, at the time of such Non-Renewal, to continue performing services on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
(o) “Restricted Period” means the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending two years after the Executive’s employment termination date.
(p) “Restricted Territory” means the Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area of Atlanta, GA; and any other Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area in the southeastern United States in which, as of the Executive’s employment termination date, an Affiliate is building single family homes, negotiating any agreement for the acquisition of real property for the purpose of building single family homes or actively preparing to build single family homes.
(q) “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder.
(r) “Separation from Service” means a “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A).
12. Indemnification. The parties hereby acknowledge that in connection with the execution of this Agreement, they have entered into an Indemnification Agreement (the “Indemnification Agreement”), attached hereto as Exhibit C, which became effective as of January 10, 2024.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect.
(b) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to the Executive: at the Executive’s most recent address on the records of the Company.
If to the Company:
Smith Douglas Homes Corp.
110 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, Georgia 30188
Attention: Brett Steele
Email: ***
or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.
(c) Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if the Company determines, in its good faith judgment, that any transfer or deemed transfer of funds hereunder is likely to be construed as a personal loan prohibited by Section 13(k) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”), then such transfer or deemed transfer shall not be made to the extent necessary or appropriate so as not to violate the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(d) Section 409A of the Code.
(i) To the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Company determines that any compensation or benefits payable under this Agreement may be subject to Section 409A, the Company shall work in good faith with the Executive to adopt such amendments to this Agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Company determines are necessary or appropriate to avoid the imposition of taxes under Section 409A, including without limitation, actions intended to (i) exempt the compensation and benefits payable under this Agreement from Section 409A, and/or (ii) comply with the requirements of Section 409A; provided, however, that this Section 13(d) shall not create an obligation on the part of the Company to adopt any such amendment, policy or procedure or take any such other action, nor shall the Company have any liability for failing to do so.
(ii) Any right to a series of installment payments pursuant to this Agreement is to be treated as a right to a series of separate payments. To the extent permitted under Section 409A, any separate payment or benefit under this Agreement or otherwise shall not be deemed “nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A to the extent provided in the exceptions in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) or any other applicable exception or provision of Section 409A. Any payments subject to Section 409A that are subject to execution of a waiver and release which may be executed and/or revoked in a calendar year following the calendar year in which the payment event (such as termination of employment) occurs shall commence payment only in the calendar year in which the consideration period or, if applicable, release revocation period ends, as necessary to comply with Section 409A. All payments of nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A to be made upon a termination of employment under this Agreement may only be made upon the Executive’s Separation from Service.
(iii) To the extent that any payments or reimbursements provided to the Executive under this Agreement are deemed to constitute compensation to the Executive to which Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv) would apply, such amounts shall be paid or reimbursed reasonably promptly, but not later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred. The amount of any such payments eligible for reimbursement in one year shall not affect the payments or expenses that are eligible for payment or reimbursement in any other taxable year, and the Executive’s right to such payments or reimbursement of any such expenses shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.
(e) Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
(f) Withholding. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state, local or foreign taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
(g) No Waiver. The Executive’s or the Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 3(c), shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.
(h) Entire Agreement. As of the Effective Date, this Agreement, constitutes the final, complete and exclusive agreement between the Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and replaces and supersedes any and all other agreements, offers or promises, whether oral or written, by any member of the Company and its Affiliates, or representative thereof (including the Prior Agreement). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement and the obligations and commitments hereunder shall neither commence nor be of any force or effect prior to the Effective Date.
(i) Arbitration.
(i) Any controversy or dispute that establishes a legal or equitable cause of action (“Arbitration Claim”) between any two or more Persons Subject to Arbitration (as defined below), including any controversy or dispute, whether based on contract, common law, or federal, state or local statute or regulation, arising out of, or relating to the Executive’s service or the termination thereof, shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration as the sole and exclusive remedy for such controversy or dispute in accordance with the rules of JAMS pursuant to its Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures, which are available at http://www.jamsadr.com/rules-employment-arbitration/, and the Company will provide a copy upon the Executive’s request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall not require any Person Subject to Arbitration to arbitrate pursuant to this Agreement any claims: (A) under a Company benefit plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended; or (B) as to which applicable law not preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act prohibits resolution by binding arbitration. Either party may seek provisional non-monetary remedies in a court of competent jurisdiction to the extent that such remedies are not available or not available in a timely fashion through arbitration. It is the parties’ intent that issues of arbitrability of any dispute shall be decided by the arbitrator.
(ii) “Persons Subject to Arbitration” means, individually and collectively, (A) the Executive, (B) any person in privity with or claiming through, on behalf of or in the right of the Executive, (C) the Company, (D) any past, present or future Affiliate, employee, officer, director or agent of the Company, and/or (E) any person or entity alleged to be acting in concert with or to be jointly liable with any of the foregoing.
(iii) The arbitration shall take place before a single neutral arbitrator at the JAMS office in Atlanta, Georgia. Such arbitrator shall be provided through JAMS by mutual agreement of the parties to the arbitration; provided that, absent such agreement, the arbitrator shall be selected in accordance with the rules of JAMS then in effect. The arbitrator shall permit reasonable discovery. The award or decision of the arbitrator shall be rendered in writing; shall be final and binding on the parties; and may be enforced by judgment or order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(iv) THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY UNDERSTAND THAT BY AGREEING TO ARBITRATE ANY ARBITRATION CLAIM, THEY WILL NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE ANY ARBITRATION CLAIM DECIDED BY A JURY OR A COURT, BUT SHALL INSTEAD HAVE ANY ARBITRATION CLAIM DECIDED THROUGH ARBITRATION.
(v) THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY WAIVE ANY CONSTITUTIONAL OR OTHER RIGHT TO BRING CLAIMS COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT OTHER THAN IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITIES. EXCEPT AS MAY BE PROHIBITED BY LAW, THIS WAIVER INCLUDES THE ABILITY TO ASSERT CLAIMS AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.
(vi) This Section 13(i) shall be interpreted to conform to any applicable law concerning the terms and enforcement of agreements to arbitrate service disputes. To the extent any terms or conditions of this Section 13(i) would preclude its enforcement, such terms shall be severed or interpreted in a manner to allow for the enforcement of this Section 13(i). To the extent applicable law imposes additional requirements to allow enforcement of this Section 13(i), this Agreement shall be interpreted to include such terms or conditions.
(j) Amendment; Survival. No amendment or other modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto. The respective rights and obligations of the parties under this Agreement shall survive the Executive’s termination of employment and the termination of this Agreement to the extent necessary for the intended preservation of such rights and obligations (including without limitation the covenants set forth in Sections 7 and 8).
(k) Counterparts. This Agreement and any agreement referenced herein may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive’s hand and, pursuant to the authorization from the Board, the Company has caused these presents to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP. | ||
By: | /s/ Gregory S. Bennett | |
Name: Gregory S. Bennett | ||
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer |
||
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Gregory S. Bennett | |
Name: Gregory S. Bennett | ||
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
SDH MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Gregory S. Bennett | |
Name: Gregory S. Bennett | ||
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
“EXECUTIVE” | ||
/s/ Russell Devendorf |
Attachments:
Exhibit A: Exclusivity Carve-Outs
Exhibit B: Release
Exhibit C: Indemnification Agreement
[Signature Page to Devendorf Employment Agreement]
EXHIBIT A
EXCLUSIVITY CARVE-OUTS
1. | Family-related businesses and investment activities. |
EXHIBIT B
GENERAL RELEASE
1. Release. For valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned does hereby release and forever discharge the “Releasees” hereunder, consisting of Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation (“PubCo”), Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (“OpCo”) and SDH Management Services LLC (together with PubCo and OpCo, the “Company”), and the Company’s partners, subsidiaries, associates, affiliates, successors, heirs, assigns, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives, lawyers, insurers, and all persons acting by, through, under or in concert with them, or any of them, of and from any and all manner of action or actions, cause or causes of action, in law or in equity, suits, debts, liens, contracts, agreements, promises, liability, claims, demands, damages, losses, costs, attorneys’ fees or expenses, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, fixed or contingent (hereinafter called “Claims”), which the undersigned now has or may hereafter have against the Releasees, or any of them, by reason of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever from the beginning of time to the date hereof. The Claims released herein include, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any Claims in any way arising out of, based upon, or related to the employment or termination of employment of the undersigned by the Releasees, or any of them; any alleged breach of any express or implied contract of employment; any alleged torts or other alleged legal restrictions on Releasees’ right to terminate the employment of the undersigned; and any alleged violation of any federal, state or local statute or ordinance including, without limitation, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination In Employment Act (“ADEA”), the Americans With Disabilities Act.
2. Claims Not Released. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this general release (the “Release”) shall not operate to release any rights or claims of the undersigned (i) to payments or benefits under Section 4(b) or 4(c) of that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2024, between the Company and the undersigned (the “Employment Agreement”), with respect to the payments and benefits provided in exchange for this Release, (ii) to payments or benefits under any equity award agreement between the undersigned and PubCo or as a holder of any securities of PubCo, (iii) with respect to Sections 2(b)(vii) or 4(a) of the Employment Agreement, (iv) to accrued or vested benefits the undersigned may have, if any, as of the date hereof under any applicable plan, policy, practice, program, contract or agreement with the Company, (v) to any Claims, including claims for indemnification and/or advancement of expenses arising under any indemnification agreement between the undersigned and the Company or under the bylaws, certificate of incorporation or other similar governing document of the Company, (vi) to any Claims which cannot be waived by an employee under applicable law or (vii) with respect to the undersigned’s right to communicate directly with, cooperate with, or provide information to, any federal, state or local government regulator.
3. Exceptions. Notwithstanding anything in this Release to the contrary, nothing contained in this Release shall prohibit the undersigned from (i) filing a charge with, reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to, participating in any investigation by, or cooperating with any governmental agency or entity or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of applicable law or regulation and/or (ii) communicating directly with, cooperating with, or providing information (including trade secrets) in confidence to, any federal, state or local government regulator (including, but not limited to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the U.S. Department of Justice) for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or from providing such information to the undersigned’s attorney or in a sealed complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other governmental proceeding. Pursuant to 18 USC Section 1833(b), (1) the undersigned will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made: (x) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (y) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal and (2) the undersigned acknowledges that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.
4. Representations. The undersigned represents and warrants that there has been no assignment or other transfer of any interest in any Claim which the undersigned may have against Releasees, or any of them, and the undersigned agrees to indemnify and hold Releasees, and each of them, harmless from any liability, Claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred by Releasees, or any of them, as the result of any such assignment or transfer or any rights or Claims under any such assignment or transfer. It is the intention of the parties that this indemnity does not require payment as a condition precedent to recovery by the Releasees against the undersigned under this indemnity.
5. No Action. The undersigned agrees that if the undersigned hereafter commences any suit arising out of, based upon, or relating to any of the Claims released hereunder or in any manner asserts against Releasees, or any of them, any of the Claims released hereunder, then the undersigned agrees to pay to Releasees, and each of them, in addition to any other damages caused to Releasees thereby, all attorneys’ fees incurred by Releasees in defending or otherwise responding to said suit or Claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this provision shall not apply to any suit or Claim to the extent is challenges the effectiveness of this release with respect to a claim under the ADEA.
6. No Admission. The undersigned further understands and agrees that neither the payment of any sum of money nor the execution of this Release shall constitute or be construed as an admission of any liability whatsoever by the Releasees, or any of them, who have consistently taken the position that they have no liability whatsoever to the undersigned.
7. OWBPA. The undersigned agrees and acknowledges that this Release constitutes a knowing and voluntary waiver and release of all Claims the undersigned has or may have against the Company and/or any of the Releasees as set forth herein, including, but not limited to, all Claims arising under the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act and the ADEA. In accordance with the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act, the undersigned is hereby advised as follows:
(i) | the undersigned has read the terms of this Release, and understands its terms and effects, including the fact that the undersigned agreed to release and forever discharge the Company and each of the Releasees, from any Claims released in this Release; |
(ii) | the undersigned understands that, by entering into this Release, the undersigned does not waive any Claims that may arise after the date of the undersigned’s execution of this Release, including without limitation any rights or claims that the undersigned may have to secure enforcement of the terms and conditions of this Release; |
(iii) | the undersigned has signed this Release voluntarily and knowingly in exchange for the consideration described in this Release, which the undersigned acknowledges is adequate and satisfactory to the undersigned and which the undersigned acknowledges is in addition to any other benefits to which the undersigned is otherwise entitled; |
(iv) | the Company advises the undersigned to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release; |
(v) | the undersigned has been given at least [21]1 days in which to review and consider this Release. To the extent that the undersigned chooses to sign this Release prior to the expiration of such period, the undersigned acknowledges that the undersigned has done so voluntarily, had sufficient time to consider the Release, to consult with counsel and that the undersigned does not desire additional time and hereby waives the remainder of the [21]-day period; and |
(vi) | the undersigned may revoke this Release within seven days from the date the undersigned signs this Release and this Release will become effective upon the expiration of that revocation period if the undersigned has not revoked this Release during such seven-day period. If the undersigned revokes this Release during such seven-day period, this Release will be null and void and of no force or effect on either the Company or the undersigned and the undersigned will not be entitled to any of the payments or benefits which are expressly conditioned upon the execution and non-revocation of this Release. Any revocation must be in writing and sent to [name], via electronic mail at [email address], on or before [5:00 p.m. Eastern time] on the seventh day after this Release is executed by the undersigned. |
8. Acknowledgement. The undersigned acknowledges that different or additional facts may be discovered in addition to what is now known or believed to be true by the undersigned with respect to the matters released in this Release, and the undersigned agrees that this Release shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete and final release of the matters released, notwithstanding any different or additional facts
9. Governing Law. This Release is deemed made and entered into in the State of Florida, and in all respects shall be interpreted, enforced and governed under the internal laws of the State of Florida, to the extent not preempted by federal law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Release this ____ day of ___________, ____.
_______________________________
1 NTD: Use 45 days in a group termination, and include information regarding terminated positions.
EXHIBIT C
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
[Intentionally Omitted]
C-1
Exhibit 10.7
Certain personal information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because Smith Douglas Homes Corp. has determined such information is not material and could be harmful if publicly disclosed.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of January 16, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and between Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation (“PubCo”), Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (“OpCo”) and SDH Management Services LLC (together with PubCo and OpCo, the “Company”) and Brett A. Steele (the “Executive”).
WHEREAS, the Executive is party to an Offer Letter, by and between OpCo and the Executive, dated June 22, 2018 (the “Prior Agreement”), and the Company and the Executive intend to amend, restate and supersede the Prior Agreement in its entirety.
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ the Executive and the Company and the Executive desire to enter into an agreement embodying the terms of such continued employment, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Employment Period. Effective upon the Effective Date, the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be for a term commencing on the
Effective Date and continuing through the third anniversary thereof (the “Initial Employment Period”). This Agreement will be automatically renewed for successive terms of one year each, unless the Company or the Executive gives written
notice of non-renewal (“Non-Renewal”) at least 90 days prior to the end of the then-current term (the Initial Employment Period and all renewals collectively, the “Employment Period”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Executive’s employment with the Company is and shall continue on an “at will” basis, subject to the provisions of Section 4.
2. Terms of Employment.
(a) Position and Duties.
(i) Role and Responsibilities. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall serve as the Company’s Vice President, General Counsel, & Secretary, and shall perform such employment duties as are usual and customary for such position. The Executive shall report directly to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”). At the Company’s request, the Executive shall serve the Company and/or its subsidiaries or affiliates in other capacities in addition to the foregoing, consistent with the Executive’s position hereunder. If the Executive, during the Employment Period, serves in any one or more of such additional capacities, the Executive’s compensation shall not be increased beyond that specified in Section 2(b) hereof. In addition, if the Executive’s service in one or more of such additional capacities is terminated, the Executive’s compensation, as specified in Section 2(b), shall not be diminished or reduced in any manner as a result of such termination provided that the Executive otherwise remains employed under the terms of this Agreement.
(ii) Exclusivity. During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of leave to which the Executive may be entitled, the Executive agrees to devote the Executive’s full business time and attention to the business and affairs of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to: (A) serve on boards, committees or similar bodies of charitable or nonprofit organizations, (B) fulfill limited teaching, speaking and writing engagements, (C) manage the Executive’s personal investments, and (D) engage in any of the activities as set forth on Exhibit A, in each case, so long as such activities do not individually or in the aggregate materially interfere or conflict with the performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement; provided, that with respect to the activities in subclauses (A) and/or (B), the Executive receives prior written approval from the CEO.
(iii) Principal Location. During the Employment Period, the Executive generally shall perform the services required by this Agreement at the Company’s offices located in Woodstock, Georgia (the “Principal Location”), provided, however, that the parties acknowledge and agree that the Executive may be required to travel to other locations as may be necessary to fulfill the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder.
(b) Compensation, Benefits, Etc.
(i) Base Salary. Effective as of the Effective Date and during the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) of $350,000 per annum. The Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices for executive salaries generally, but no less often than monthly and shall be pro-rated for partial years of employment. The Base Salary may be increased in the discretion of the Board or a subcommittee thereof, but not reduced, and the term “Base Salary” as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to the Base Salary as so increased.
(ii) Annual Cash Bonus. For each calendar year ending during the Employment Period beginning with calendar year 2024, the Executive shall be eligible to earn a cash performance bonus (an “Annual Bonus”) under the Company’s bonus plan or program applicable to senior executives targeted at $150,000 paid with respect to such year (the “Target Bonus”). The actual amount of any Annual Bonus shall be determined by the Board (or a subcommittee thereof) in its discretion, based on the achievement of individual and/or Company performance goals as determined by the Board (or a subcommittee thereof), and shall be pro-rated for any partial year of employment. The payment of any Annual Bonus, to the extent any Annual Bonus becomes payable, will be made on the date on which annual bonuses are paid generally to the Company’s senior executives, but in no event later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which such Annual Bonus was earned. Except as provided in Section 4(c), payment of the Annual Bonus shall be subject to the Executive’s continued employment through the payment date.
(iii) Annual Equity Award(s). For each calendar year during the Employment Period beginning with calendar year 2024, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an equity-based compensation award, as determined by the Board (or a subcommittee thereof), from time to time, with a target value of $150,000. The Board or such subcommittee shall determine in its sole discretion the grant timing, amount, form(s) and mix, and such other terms and conditions (including vesting, exercise and settlement) applicable to any such annual equity-based compensation award, taking into account the Executive’s and the Company’s performance. Any such award shall be evidenced by a separate award agreement in a form prescribed by the Company, to be entered into by PubCo and the Executive.
(iv) Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive (and the Executive’s spouse and/or eligible dependents to the extent provided in the applicable plans and programs) shall be eligible to participate in and be covered under the health and welfare benefit plans and programs maintained by the Company for the benefit of its employees from time to time, pursuant to the terms of such plans and programs including any medical, life, hospitalization, dental, disability, accidental death and dismemberment and travel accident insurance plans and programs on the same terms and conditions as those applicable to similarly situated senior executives. In addition, during the Employment Period, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in any retirement, savings and other employee benefit plans and programs maintained from time to time by the Company for the benefit of its senior executive officers. Nothing contained in this Section 2(b)(iv) shall create or be deemed to create any obligation on the part of the Company to adopt or maintain any health, welfare, retirement or other benefit plan or program at any time or to create any limitation on the Company’s ability to modify or terminate any such plan or program.
(v) Expenses. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company provided to employees of the Company.
(vi) Fringe Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be eligible to receive such fringe benefits and perquisites as are provided by the Company to its employees from time to time, in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company, and shall receive such additional fringe benefits and perquisites as the Company may, in its discretion, from time-to-time provide to its senior executive officers.
(vii) Vacation. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company applicable to its employees, as in effect from time to time.
(viii) Pre-IPO LTI Awards. The parties acknowledge and agree that (A) the Company previously granted to the Executive long-term incentive compensation awards that are outstanding as of the Effective Date (each, a “Pre-IPO LTI Award”) and (B) each Pre-IPO LTI Award shall accelerate and vest in full upon a Change in Control (for clarity, with respect to the 2023 Pre-IPO LTI Award, it shall vest to the extent it is earned based on the applicable performance goals), subject to the Executive’s continued employment until immediately prior to a Change in Control, and shall be paid to the Executive within 60 days following the Change in Control.
3. Termination of Employment.
(a) Death or Disability. The Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive’s death during the Employment Period. Either the Company or the Executive may terminate the Executive’s employment in the event of the Executive’s Disability during the Employment Period.
(b) Termination by the Company. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period for Cause or without Cause.
(c) Termination by the Executive. The Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Executive for any or no reason, including with Good Reason or by the Executive without Good Reason.
(d) Notice of Termination. Any termination of employment (other than due to the Executive’s death), shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination to the other parties hereto given in accordance with Section 13(b). The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.
(e) Termination of Offices and Directorships; Return of Property. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason, unless otherwise specified in a written agreement between the Executive and the Company, the Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from all offices, directorships, and other employment positions if any, then held with the Company, and shall take all actions reasonably requested by the Company to effectuate the foregoing. In addition, upon the termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive agrees to return to the Company all documents of the Company and its Affiliates (and all copies thereof) and all other Company or Company Affiliate property that the Executive has in the Executive’s possession, custody or control. Such property includes, without limitation: (i) any materials of any kind that the Executive knows contain or embody any proprietary or confidential information of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company (and all reproductions thereof), (ii) computers (including, but not limited to, laptop computers, desktop computers and similar devices) and other portable electronic devices (including, but not limited to, tablet computers), cellular phones/smartphones, credit cards, phone cards, entry cards, identification badges and keys, and (iii) any correspondence, drawings, manuals, letters, notes, notebooks, reports, programs, plans, proposals, financial documents, or any other documents concerning the customers, business plans, marketing strategies, products and/or processes of the Company or any of its Affiliates and any information received from the Company or any of its Affiliates regarding third parties.
4. Obligations of the Company upon Termination.
(a) Accrued Obligations; Equity Awards.
(i) If the Executive’s employment under this Agreement terminates during the Employment Period for any reason, the Company will pay or provide to the Executive: (i) any earned but unpaid Base Salary and accrued vacation time, (ii) reimbursement of any business expenses incurred by the Executive prior to the Date of Termination that are reimbursable in accordance with Section 2(b)(v), and (iii) any vested amounts due to the Executive under any plan, program or policy of the Company (together, the “Accrued Obligations”). The Accrued Obligations described in clauses (i) – (ii) of the preceding sentence shall be paid within 30 days after the Date of Termination (or such earlier date as may be required by applicable law) and the Accrued Obligations described in clause (iii) of the preceding sentence shall be paid in accordance with the terms of the governing plan or program.
(ii) Each outstanding equity or equity-based award granted to the Executive by PubCo that is outstanding and, if applicable, unexercised as of the Date of Termination shall be governed by the applicable award agreement evidencing such award.
(b) Qualifying Termination. Subject to Sections 4(d), 4(f) and 12(d), and the Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Sections 7 and 8, if the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated during the Employment Period due to a Qualifying Termination, then in addition to the Accrued Obligations:
(i) Cash Severance. The Company shall pay the Executive an amount equal to 1.0 times the Executive’s Base Salary (the “Severance”). The Severance shall be paid in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices over the twelve-month period following the Date of Termination, but shall commence on the first normal payroll date following the 60th day following the Date of Termination, and amounts otherwise payable prior to such first payroll date shall be paid on such date without interest thereon.
(ii) Pro-Rated Bonus. The Company shall pay the Executive, in a single lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the Date of Termination, an amount equal to a pro rata portion of the Executive’s Target Bonus for the partial calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs (prorated based on the number of days in the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, through the Date of Termination). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Qualifying Termination occurs within 24 months following a Change in Control, then the Company shall pay the Executive an amount equal to 1.0 times the Executive’s Target Bonus for the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, pursuant to the payment timing described in the preceding sentence.
(iii) COBRA. Subject to the Executive’s valid election to continue healthcare coverage under Section 4980B of the Code, the Company shall continue to provide, during the COBRA Period, the Executive and the Executive’s eligible dependents with coverage under its group health plans at the same levels and the same cost to the Executive as would have applied if the Executive’s employment had not been terminated based on the Executive’s elections in effect on the Date of Termination, provided, however, that (A) if any plan pursuant to which such benefits are provided is not, or ceases prior to the expiration of the period of continuation coverage to be, exempt from the application of Section 409A under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(a)(5), or (B) the Company is otherwise unable to continue to cover the Executive under its group health plans without incurring penalties (including without limitation, pursuant to Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), then, in either case, an amount equal to each remaining Company subsidy shall thereafter be paid to the Executive in substantially equal monthly installments over the continuation coverage period (or the remaining portion thereof). For purposes of this Agreement, “COBRA Period” shall mean the period beginning on the Date of Termination and ending on the first anniversary thereof.
(iv) Pre-IPO LTI Awards. Each Pre-IPO LTI Award that remains outstanding as of the Date of Termination shall accelerate and vest in full as of the Date of Termination (for clarity, with respect to the 2023 Pre-IPO LTI Award, it shall vest to the extent it is earned based on the applicable performance goals), and shall be paid to the Executive within 60 days following the Date of Termination.
(c) Death or Disability. If the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates as a result of the Executive’s death or Disability, then the Executive (or the Executive’s estate) shall receive the Accrued Obligations, and, subject to Section 4(d), shall be eligible to receive an amount equal to a pro rata portion of the Executive’s Annual Bonus for the partial calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, based on the actual achievement of applicable performance goals as determined by the Board (or a subcommittee thereof) (prorated based on the number of days in the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, through the Date of Termination), payable as provided in Section 2(b)(ii).
(d) Release. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it shall be a condition to the Executive’s (or the Executive’s estate’s) right to receive the amounts provided for in Section 4(b) or 4(c) that the Executive (or the Executive’s estate, if applicable) execute and deliver to the Company an effective release of claims in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Release”) and the Release becomes irrevocable within 30 days (or, to the extent required by law, 52 days) following the Date of Termination.
(e) Other Terminations. Except as otherwise set forth in a written agreement by and between the Executive and the Company, if the Executive’s employment is terminated for any reason not described in Section 4(b) or 4(c), the Company will pay the Executive only the Accrued Obligations.
(f) Six-Month Delay. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no compensation or benefits, including without limitation any severance payments or benefits payable under this Section 4, shall be paid to the Executive during the six-month period following the Executive’s Separation from Service if the Company determines that paying such amounts at the time or times indicated in this Agreement would be a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code. If the payment of any such amounts is delayed as a result of the previous sentence, then on the first day of the seventh month following the date of Separation from Service (or such earlier date upon which such amount can be paid under Section 409A without resulting in a prohibited distribution, including as a result of the Executive’s death), the Company shall pay the Executive a lump-sum amount equal to the cumulative amount that would have otherwise been payable to the Executive during such period.
(g) Exclusive Benefits. Except as expressly provided in this Section 4 and subject to Section 5, the Executive shall not be entitled to any additional payments or benefits upon or in connection with the Executive’s termination of employment.
5. Non-Exclusivity of Rights. Amounts which are vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the Company at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.
6. Excess Parachute Payments; Limitation on Payments.
(a) Best Pay Cap. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any payment or benefit received or to be received by the Executive (including any payment or benefit received in connection with a termination of the Executive’s employment, whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (all such payments and benefits, including the payments and benefits under Section 4, being hereinafter referred to as the “Total Payments”) would be subject (in whole or part), to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then, the Total Payments shall be reduced, to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Payments is subject to the Excise Tax but only if (i) the net amount of such Total Payments, as so reduced (and after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income taxes on such reduced Total Payments and after taking into account the phase out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions attributable to such reduced Total Payments) is greater than or equal to (ii) the net amount of such Total Payments without such reduction (but after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income taxes on such Total Payments and the amount of Excise Tax to which the Executive would be subject in respect of such unreduced Total Payments and after taking into account the phase out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions attributable to such unreduced Total Payments). If the Total Payments are so reduced, the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Total Payments (A) by first reducing or eliminating the portion of the Total Payments which are not payable in cash (other than that portion of the Total Payments subject to clause (C)), (B) then by reducing or eliminating cash payments (other than that portion of the Total Payments subject to clause (C)) and (C) then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Total Payments (whether payable in cash or not payable in cash) to which Treasury Regulation § 1.280G-1 Q/A 24(c) (or successor thereto) applies, in each case in reverse order beginning with payments or benefits which are to be paid the farthest in time.
(b) Certain Exclusions. For purposes of determining whether and the extent to which the Total Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax, (i) no portion of the Total Payments the receipt or enjoyment of which the Executive shall have waived at such time and in such manner as not to constitute a “payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b) of the Code shall be taken into account; (ii) no portion of the Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the written opinion of an independent, nationally recognized accounting firm (the “Independent Advisors”) selected by the Company, does not constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code (including by reason of Section 280G(b)(4)(A) of the Code) and, in calculating the Excise Tax, no portion of such Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the opinion of Independent Advisors, constitutes reasonable compensation for services actually rendered, within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4)(B) of the Code, in excess of the “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) allocable to such reasonable compensation; and (iii) the value of any non-cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Total Payments shall be determined by the Independent Advisors in accordance with the principles of Sections 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code.
7. Restrictive Covenants. The Executive acknowledges that the Company and its Affiliates are engaged in businesses which make it crucial for them to develop and retain trade secrets and other confidential information and that the Executive will develop and learn such information in the course of his employment. In light of these facts and in consideration of the Executive’s continued employment with the Company and the Company’s agreement to compensate the Executive on the terms set forth in Section 2(b), the Executive covenants and agrees as follows:
(a) Covenant to Protect Confidential Information. In accordance with this Section 7(a), the Executive shall protect all Confidential Information (as defined below) at all times, both during and after the Employment Period, and shall not disclose to any Person or otherwise use any Confidential Information, except in connection with his duties performed in accordance with this Agreement.
(i) During the term of the Executive’s employment, the Executive may receive and otherwise be exposed, directly or indirectly, to confidential and proprietary information of the Company whether in graphic, written, electronic or oral form, including without limitation information relating to the Company’s business, strategies, designs, products, services and technologies and any derivatives, improvements and enhancements relating to any of the foregoing, or to the Company’s suppliers, customers or business partners (collectively “Confidential Information”). Confidential Information may be identified at the time of disclosure as confidential or proprietary or information which by its context would reasonably be deemed to be confidential or proprietary. “Confidential Information” includes (a) those portions of computer software programs, codes and related information used by any of the Company and its Affiliates which have been customized for use in the business of any of the Company and its Affiliates; (b) data, formulae, compositions, processes, designs, sketches, photographs, graphs, drawings, samples, inventions and ideas, past, current, and planned research and development, current and planned building and sales methods and processes, customer lists, contractor and subcontractor lists, current and anticipated home buyer requirements, price lists, market studies, business plans, computer software and programs and any other information, however documented, of an Affiliate that is a trade secret under applicable law; (c) any and all information concerning the business and affairs of an Affiliate (which includes historical financial statements, financial projections and budgets, historical and projected sales, capital spending budgets and plans, the names and backgrounds of key personnel and contractors, and personnel training and techniques and materials), however documented; and (d) any and all notes, analysis, compilations, studies, summaries, and other material prepared by or for an Affiliate containing or based, in whole or in part, on any information included in the foregoing. “Confidential Information” may also include without limitation (a)(i) unpublished patent disclosures and patent applications and other filings, know-how, trade secrets, works of authorship and other intellectual property, as well as any information regarding ideas, Inventions (as defined in Section 8(a)), technology, and processes, including without limitation assays, sketches, schematics, techniques, drawings, designs, descriptions, specifications and technical documentation, (ii) specifications, protocols, models, designs, equipment, engineering, algorithms, software programs, software source documents, formulae, (iii) information concerning or resulting from any research and development or other project, including without limitation, experimental work, product development plans, regulatory compliance information, and research, development and regulatory strategies, and (iv) business and financial information, including without limitation purchasing, procurement, manufacturing, customer lists, information relating to investors, employees, business and contractual relationships, business forecasts, sales and merchandising, business and marketing plans, product plans, and business strategies, including without limitation information the Company provides regarding third parties, such as, but not limited to, suppliers, customers, employees, investors, or vendors; and (b) any other information, to the extent such information contains, reflects or is based upon any of the foregoing Confidential Information. The Confidential Information may also include information of a third party that is disclosed to the Executive by the Company or such third party at the Company’s direction.
(ii) The Executive acknowledges the confidential and secret character of the Confidential Information, and agrees that the Confidential Information is the sole, exclusive and valuable property of the Company. Accordingly, the Executive agrees not to use the Confidential Information except in the performance of the Executive’s authorized duties as an employee of the Company, and not to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information in any form to any third party, either during or after the term of the Executive’s employment, without the prior written consent of the Company on a case-by-case basis. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive agrees to cease using and to return to the Company all whole and partial copies and derivatives of the Confidential Information, whether in the Executive’s possession or under the Executive’s direct or indirect control, provided that the Executive is entitled to retain the Executive’s personal copies of (a) the Executive’s compensation records, (b) materials distributed to stockholders generally, and (c) this Agreement. The Executive understands that the Executive’s obligations of nondisclosure with respect to Confidential Information shall not apply to information that the Executive can establish by competent proof (x) was actually in the public domain at the time of disclosure or enters the public domain following disclosure other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement, (y) is already in the Executive’s possession without breach of any obligations of confidentiality at the time of disclosure by the Company as shown by the Executive’s files and records immediately prior to the time of disclosure, or (z) is obtained by the Executive from a third party not under confidentiality obligations and without a breach of any obligations of confidentiality. If the Executive becomes compelled by law, regulation (including without limitation the rules of any applicable securities exchange), court order, or other governmental authority to disclose the Confidential Information, the Executive shall, to the extent possible and permissible under applicable law, first give the Company prompt notice. The Executive agrees to cooperate reasonably with the Company in any proceeding to obtain a protective order or other remedy. If such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, the Executive shall only disclose that portion of such Confidential Information required to be disclosed, in the opinion of the Executive’s legal counsel. The Executive shall request that confidential treatment be accorded such Confidential Information, where available. Compulsory disclosures made pursuant to this section shall not relieve the Executive of the Executive’s obligations of confidentiality and non-use with respect to non-compulsory disclosures. The Executive understands that nothing herein is intended to or shall prevent the Executive from (i) communicating directly with, cooperating with, or providing information to, or receiving financial awards from, any federal, state or local government regulatory agency, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the U.S. National Labor Relations Board, without notifying or seeking permission from the Company, (ii) exercising any rights the Executive may have under Section 7 of the U.S. National Labor Relations Act, such as the right to engage in concerted activity, including collective action or discussion concerning wages or working conditions, or (iii) discussing or disclosing information about unlawful acts in the workplace, such as harassment or discrimination based on a protected characteristic or any other conduct that the Executive has reason to believe is unlawful. The Executive shall promptly notify the Company if the Executive learns of any possible unauthorized use or disclosure of proprietary information and shall cooperate fully with the Company to enforce its rights in such information.
(iii) The Executive acknowledges that the Company has provided the Executive notice of immunity rights under the Defend Trade Secrets Act, which states: “(1) An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (i) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal; and (2) an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose a trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual (A) files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and (B) does not disclose a trade secret, except pursuant to court order.”
(b) Covenants Against Competition. The Executive specifically acknowledges that his employment with the Company will enable him to acquire valuable information as to the nature and character of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates. The Executive acknowledges that in the event he were to become employed by some other employer or enter the same or similar business as a business conducted by the Company or its Affiliates on his own or in conjunction with others in competition with the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, such valuable information could give to the Executive an unfair competitive advantage. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the covenants contained in this Section 7(b) are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company and its Affiliates, including their trade secrets, other Confidential Information and goodwill. Consequently:
(i) The Executive shall not, except on behalf of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, at any time during the term of the Executive’s employment, directly or indirectly, whether alone or with any other Person as a partner, officer, director, manager, employee, agent, shareholder, member, consultant, or otherwise, directly or indirectly, engage or invest in, own, manage, operate, finance, control, or participate in the ownership, management, operation, financing, or control of, be employed by, or render management, marketing, sales, operational, strategic, or technical services or advice to, any Competitive Business; provided, however, that the Executive may purchase or otherwise acquire up to (but not more than) one percent (1%) of any class of securities of any Competitive Business (but without otherwise participating in the activities of such Competitive Business) if such securities have been registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(ii) The Executive shall not, except on behalf of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, at any time during the Restricted Period, directly or indirectly, whether alone or with any other Person as a partner, officer, director, manager, employee, agent, shareholder, member, consultant, or otherwise:
A. Induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company or its Affiliates to leave the employ of the Company or its Affiliates; or
B. Solicit for employment any employee of the Company or its Affiliates or any Person employed by the Company or its Affiliates during the prior six (6) months.
(iii) The Executive shall not, except on behalf of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, at any time during the term of the Executive’s employment and within the Restricted Territory, directly or indirectly, whether alone or with any other Person as a partner, officer, director, manager, employee, agent, shareholder, member, consultant, or otherwise:
A. In any way interfere with the business relationship between the Company or its Affiliates and any employee of the Company or its Affiliates; or
B. Induce or attempt to induce any Company Customer to cease doing business with the Company or its Affiliates, or in any way interfere with the business relationship between any Company Customer and the Company or its Affiliates.
8. Inventions and Copyrights.
(a) Inventions. The Executive shall disclose promptly to the Company (which will receive it in confidence), and only to the Company, any invention or idea of the Executive (developed alone or with others) conceived or made during his employment with the Company or within six months following the Executive’s employment termination date in the course of the Executive’s employment by the Company or in any way connected with the Executive’s employment or related to the Company’s business, research or development, or demonstrably anticipated research or development (“Inventions”). The Executive assigns to the Company any such invention or idea, and will cooperate with the Company and sign all documents deemed necessary by the Company to enable it to obtain, maintain, protect, and defend patents covering such inventions and ideas and to confirm the Company’s exclusive ownership of all rights in such inventions, ideas, and patents, and irrevocably appoints the Company as his agent to execute and deliver any assignments or documents that the Executive fails or refuses to execute and deliver promptly, this power and agency being coupled with an interest and being irrevocable. This constitutes the Company’s written notification that the disclosure requirement and assignment provided in this Section 8(a) does not apply to an invention for which no equipment, supplies, facility, or trade secret information of the Company was used and which was developed entirely on the Executive’s own time, unless (a) the invention relates (i) directly to the business of the Company, or (ii) to the Company’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (b) the invention results from any work performed by the Executive for the Company.
(b) Work for Hire Acknowledgment; Assignment. The Executive acknowledges that the Executive’s work on and contributions to documents and other expressions in tangible media (collectively, “Works”) are within the scope of the Executive’s employment and part of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities for the Company and its Affiliates. The Executive’s work on and contributions to any Works will be rendered and made by the Executive for, at the instigation of, and under the overall direction of, the Company, and are and at all times will be regarded, together with any such Works, as “work made for hire” as that term is used in the United States Copyright Laws. Without limiting this acknowledgment, the Executive assigns, grants, and delivers exclusively to the Company all rights, titles, and interests in and to any such Works, and all copies and versions, including all copyrights and renewals. The Executive shall execute and deliver to the Company, its successors and assigns, any assignments and documents that the Company requests for the purpose of establishing, evidencing, and enforcing or defending its complete, perpetual, and worldwide ownership of all rights, titles, and interests of every kind and nature, including all copyrights, in and to the Works, and the Executive constitutes and appoints the Company as its agent to execute and deliver any assignments or documents that the Executive fails or refuses to execute and deliver, this power and agency being coupled with an interest and being irrevocable.
9. Representations. The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that (a) the Executive is entering into this Agreement voluntarily and that the performance of the Executive’s obligations hereunder will not violate any agreement between the Executive and any other person, firm, organization or other entity, or any policy, program or code of such other person, firm, organization or other entity person, and (b) the Executive is not bound by the terms of any agreement with any previous employer or other party to refrain from competing, directly or indirectly, with the business of such previous employer or other party that would be violated by the Executive’s entering into this Agreement and/or providing services to the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
10. Successors.
(a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and, without the prior written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by the Executive other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives.
(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its respective successors and assigns.
11. Certain Definitions.
(a) “Affiliate” of any particular Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such particular Person, where “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.
(b) “Board” means the Board of Directors of PubCo.
(c) “Cause” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:
(i) the Executive’s willful failure to substantially perform the Executive’s duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such actual or anticipated failure after the Executive’s issuance of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason), including the Executive’s failure to follow any lawful directive from the CEO or the CFO within the reasonable scope of the Executive’s duties and the Executive’s failure to correct the same (if capable of correction, as determined by the CEO or the CFO), within 30 days after a written notice is delivered to the Executive, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the CEO or the CFO believes that the Executive has not performed the Executive’s duties. For the avoidance of doubt, the Executive’s failure to satisfy any specific performance goal or metric or the Company’s failure to attain any specific level of financial performance shall not constitute a failure to perform for purposes of this clause (i);
(ii) the Executive’s commission of, indictment for or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony crime (excluding vehicular crimes) or a crime of moral turpitude;
(iii) the Executive’s breach of any material obligation under any written agreement with the Company or its Affiliates or under any applicable policy of the Company or its Affiliates that have been provided to or made available to the Executive (including any code of conduct or harassment policies), and the Executive’s failure to correct the same (if capable of correction, as determined by the CEO or the CFO), within 30 days after a written notice is delivered to the Executive, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the CEO or the CFO believes that the Executive has materially breached such agreement;
(iv) any act of fraud, embezzlement, theft or misappropriation from the Company or its Affiliates by the Executive; or
(v) the Executive’s willful misconduct or gross negligence with respect to any material aspect of the Company’s business or a material breach by the Executive of the Executive’s fiduciary duty to the Company or its Affiliates, which willful misconduct, gross negligence or material breach has a material and demonstrable adverse effect on the Company or its Affiliates.
(d) “Change in Control” has the meaning set forth in the Plan.
(e) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and the regulations thereunder.
(f) “Company Customer” means any individual or entity who (i) is, or was at any time during the one year period prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, a customer, supplier, or vendor of the Company or its Affiliates of whom the Executive learned, with whom the Executive had business contact or about whom the Executive obtained Confidential Information (as defined above) at any time during the Executive’s employment with the Company, or (ii) is a prospective customer, supplier, or vendor of the Company or its Affiliates of whom the Executive learned, with whom the Executive had business contact, or about whom the Executive obtained Confidential Information as part of a solicitation of business on behalf of the Company or its Affiliates at any time during the one year period prior to the Executive’s employment termination date.
(g) “Competitive Business” means any Person engaged in the single family residential building business in the Restricted Territory.
(h) “Date of Termination” means the date on which the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates.
(i) “Disability” means that the Executive has become entitled to receive benefits under an applicable Company long-term disability plan or, if no such plan covers the Executive, the Executive’s inability, due to physical or mental illness, to perform the essential functions of the Executive’s job, with or without a reasonable accommodation for 180 consecutive days.
(j) “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events without the Executive’s prior written consent, unless the Company fully corrects the circumstances constituting Good Reason (provided such circumstances are capable of correction) as provided below:
(i) a material diminution in the Executive’s Base Salary or Target Bonus, other than as part of an across-the-board reduction applicable to the Company’s senior executives, and further excluding any voluntary reductions in Base Salary and/or Target Bonus;
(ii) a change in the geographic location of the Principal Location by more than 25 miles from its existing location by action of the Company;
(iii) a material diminution in the Executive’s title, authority, responsibilities or duties, as contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Company ceasing to be a public company or ceasing to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange (or similar exchange) following a Change in Control, excluding for this purpose any isolated, insubstantial or inadvertent actions not taken in bad faith and which are remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive; or
(iv) the Company’s material breach of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive will not be deemed to have resigned for Good Reason unless (1) the Executive provides the Company with written notice setting forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed by the Executive to constitute Good Reason within 45 days after the date of the occurrence of any event that the Executive knows or should reasonably have known to constitute Good Reason, (2) the Company fails to cure such acts or omissions within 30 days following its receipt of such notice, and (3) the effective date of the Executive’s termination for Good Reason occurs no later than 60 days after the expiration of the Company’s cure period.
(k) “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the Date of Termination is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice unless as otherwise provided upon a termination for Good Reason).
(l) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, joint stock company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization, bank, or other entity.
(m) “Plan” means Company’s 2024 Incentive Award Plan, as amended from time to time.
(n) “Qualifying Termination” means a termination of the Executive’s employment (i) by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of the Executive’s death or Disability), (ii) by the Executive for Good Reason, or (iii) by reason of a Non-Renewal of the Employment Period by the Company and the Executive is willing and able, at the time of such Non-Renewal, to continue performing services on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
(o) “Restricted Period” means the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending two years after the Executive’s employment termination date.
(p) “Restricted Territory” means the Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area of Atlanta, GA; and any other Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area in the southeastern United States in which, as of the Executive’s employment termination date, an Affiliate is building single family homes, negotiating any agreement for the acquisition of real property for the purpose of building single family homes or actively preparing to build single family homes.
(q) “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder.
(r) “Separation from Service” means a “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A).
12. Indemnification. The parties hereby acknowledge that in connection with the execution of this Agreement, they have entered into an Indemnification Agreement (the “Indemnification Agreement”), attached hereto as Exhibit C, which became effective as of January 10, 2024.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect.
(b) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to the Executive: at the Executive’s most recent address on the records of the Company.
If to the Company:
Smith Douglas Homes Corp.
110 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, Georgia 30188
Attention: Russ Devendorf
Email: ***
or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.
(c) Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if the Company determines, in its good faith judgment, that any transfer or deemed transfer of funds hereunder is likely to be construed as a personal loan prohibited by Section 13(k) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”), then such transfer or deemed transfer shall not be made to the extent necessary or appropriate so as not to violate the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(d) Section 409A of the Code.
(i) To the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Company determines that any compensation or benefits payable under this Agreement may be subject to Section 409A, the Company shall work in good faith with the Executive to adopt such amendments to this Agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Company determines are necessary or appropriate to avoid the imposition of taxes under Section 409A, including without limitation, actions intended to (i) exempt the compensation and benefits payable under this Agreement from Section 409A, and/or (ii) comply with the requirements of Section 409A; provided, however, that this Section 13(d) shall not create an obligation on the part of the Company to adopt any such amendment, policy or procedure or take any such other action, nor shall the Company have any liability for failing to do so.
(ii) Any right to a series of installment payments pursuant to this Agreement is to be treated as a right to a series of separate payments. To the extent permitted under Section 409A, any separate payment or benefit under this Agreement or otherwise shall not be deemed “nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A to the extent provided in the exceptions in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) or any other applicable exception or provision of Section 409A. Any payments subject to Section 409A that are subject to execution of a waiver and release which may be executed and/or revoked in a calendar year following the calendar year in which the payment event (such as termination of employment) occurs shall commence payment only in the calendar year in which the consideration period or, if applicable, release revocation period ends, as necessary to comply with Section 409A. All payments of nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A to be made upon a termination of employment under this Agreement may only be made upon the Executive’s Separation from Service.
(iii) To the extent that any payments or reimbursements provided to the Executive under this Agreement are deemed to constitute compensation to the Executive to which Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv) would apply, such amounts shall be paid or reimbursed reasonably promptly, but not later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred. The amount of any such payments eligible for reimbursement in one year shall not affect the payments or expenses that are eligible for payment or reimbursement in any other taxable year, and the Executive’s right to such payments or reimbursement of any such expenses shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.
(e) Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
(f) Withholding. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state, local or foreign taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
(g) No Waiver. The Executive’s or the Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 3(c), shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.
(h) Entire Agreement. As of the Effective Date, this Agreement, constitutes the final, complete and exclusive agreement between the Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and replaces and supersedes any and all other agreements, offers or promises, whether oral or written, by any member of the Company and its Affiliates, or representative thereof (including the Prior Agreement). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement and the obligations and commitments hereunder shall neither commence nor be of any force or effect prior to the Effective Date.
(i) Arbitration.
(i) Any controversy or dispute that establishes a legal or equitable cause of action (“Arbitration Claim”) between any two or more Persons Subject to Arbitration (as defined below), including any controversy or dispute, whether based on contract, common law, or federal, state or local statute or regulation, arising out of, or relating to the Executive’s service or the termination thereof, shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration as the sole and exclusive remedy for such controversy or dispute in accordance with the rules of JAMS pursuant to its Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures, which are available at http://www.jamsadr.com/rules-employment-arbitration/, and the Company will provide a copy upon the Executive’s request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall not require any Person Subject to Arbitration to arbitrate pursuant to this Agreement any claims: (A) under a Company benefit plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended; or (B) as to which applicable law not preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act prohibits resolution by binding arbitration. Either party may seek provisional non-monetary remedies in a court of competent jurisdiction to the extent that such remedies are not available or not available in a timely fashion through arbitration. It is the parties’ intent that issues of arbitrability of any dispute shall be decided by the arbitrator.
(ii) “Persons Subject to Arbitration” means, individually and collectively, (A) the Executive, (B) any person in privity with or claiming through, on behalf of or in the right of the Executive, (C) the Company, (D) any past, present or future Affiliate, employee, officer, director or agent of the Company, and/or (E) any person or entity alleged to be acting in concert with or to be jointly liable with any of the foregoing.
(iii) The arbitration shall take place before a single neutral arbitrator at the JAMS office in Atlanta, Georgia. Such arbitrator shall be provided through JAMS by mutual agreement of the parties to the arbitration; provided that, absent such agreement, the arbitrator shall be selected in accordance with the rules of JAMS then in effect. The arbitrator shall permit reasonable discovery. The award or decision of the arbitrator shall be rendered in writing; shall be final and binding on the parties; and may be enforced by judgment or order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(iv) THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY UNDERSTAND THAT BY AGREEING TO ARBITRATE ANY ARBITRATION CLAIM, THEY WILL NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE ANY ARBITRATION CLAIM DECIDED BY A JURY OR A COURT, BUT SHALL INSTEAD HAVE ANY ARBITRATION CLAIM DECIDED THROUGH ARBITRATION.
(v) THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY WAIVE ANY CONSTITUTIONAL OR OTHER RIGHT TO BRING CLAIMS COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT OTHER THAN IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITIES. EXCEPT AS MAY BE PROHIBITED BY LAW, THIS WAIVER INCLUDES THE ABILITY TO ASSERT CLAIMS AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.
(vi) This Section 13(i) shall be interpreted to conform to any applicable law concerning the terms and enforcement of agreements to arbitrate service disputes. To the extent any terms or conditions of this Section 13(i) would preclude its enforcement, such terms shall be severed or interpreted in a manner to allow for the enforcement of this Section 13(i). To the extent applicable law imposes additional requirements to allow enforcement of this Section 13(i), this Agreement shall be interpreted to include such terms or conditions.
(j) Amendment; Survival. No amendment or other modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto. The respective rights and obligations of the parties under this Agreement shall survive the Executive’s termination of employment and the termination of this Agreement to the extent necessary for the intended preservation of such rights and obligations (including without limitation the covenants set forth in Sections 7 and 8).
(k) Counterparts. This Agreement and any agreement referenced herein may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive’s hand and, pursuant to the authorization from the Board, the Company has caused these presents to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP. | ||
By: | /s/ Gregory S. Bennett | |
Name: Gregory S. Bennett | ||
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Gregory S. Bennett | |
Name: Gregory S. Bennett | ||
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
SDH MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Gregory S. Bennett | |
Name: Gregory S. Bennett | ||
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
“EXECUTIVE” | ||
/s/ Brett A. Steele |
Attachments:
Exhibit A: Exclusivity Carve-Outs
Exhibit B: Release
Exhibit C: Indemnification Agreement
[Signature Page to Steele Employment Agreement]
EXHIBIT A
EXCLUSIVITY CARVE-OUTS
1. | Family-related businesses and investment activities. |
EXHIBIT B
GENERAL RELEASE
1. Release. For valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned does hereby release and forever discharge the “Releasees” hereunder, consisting of Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation (“PubCo”), Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (“OpCo”) and SDH Management Services LLC (together with PubCo and OpCo, the “Company”), and the Company’s partners, subsidiaries, associates, affiliates, successors, heirs, assigns, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives, lawyers, insurers, and all persons acting by, through, under or in concert with them, or any of them, of and from any and all manner of action or actions, cause or causes of action, in law or in equity, suits, debts, liens, contracts, agreements, promises, liability, claims, demands, damages, losses, costs, attorneys’ fees or expenses, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, fixed or contingent (hereinafter called “Claims”), which the undersigned now has or may hereafter have against the Releasees, or any of them, by reason of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever from the beginning of time to the date hereof. The Claims released herein include, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any Claims in any way arising out of, based upon, or related to the employment or termination of employment of the undersigned by the Releasees, or any of them; any alleged breach of any express or implied contract of employment; any alleged torts or other alleged legal restrictions on Releasees’ right to terminate the employment of the undersigned; and any alleged violation of any federal, state or local statute or ordinance including, without limitation, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination In Employment Act (“ADEA”), the Americans With Disabilities Act.
2. Claims Not Released. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this general release (the “Release”) shall not operate to release any rights or claims of the undersigned (i) to payments or benefits under Section 4(b) or 4(c) of that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2024, between the Company and the undersigned (the “Employment Agreement”), with respect to the payments and benefits provided in exchange for this Release, (ii) to payments or benefits under any equity award agreement between the undersigned and PubCo or as a holder of any securities of PubCo, (iii) with respect to Sections 2(b)(vii) or 4(a) of the Employment Agreement, (iv) to accrued or vested benefits the undersigned may have, if any, as of the date hereof under any applicable plan, policy, practice, program, contract or agreement with the Company, (v) to any Claims, including claims for indemnification and/or advancement of expenses arising under any indemnification agreement between the undersigned and the Company or under the bylaws, certificate of incorporation or other similar governing document of the Company, (vi) to any Claims which cannot be waived by an employee under applicable law or (vii) with respect to the undersigned’s right to communicate directly with, cooperate with, or provide information to, any federal, state or local government regulator.
3. Exceptions. Notwithstanding anything in this Release to the contrary, nothing contained in this Release shall prohibit the undersigned from (i) filing a charge with, reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to, participating in any investigation by, or cooperating with any governmental agency or entity or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of applicable law or regulation and/or (ii) communicating directly with, cooperating with, or providing information (including trade secrets) in confidence to, any federal, state or local government regulator (including, but not limited to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the U.S. Department of Justice) for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or from providing such information to the undersigned’s attorney or in a sealed complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other governmental proceeding. Pursuant to 18 USC Section 1833(b), (1) the undersigned will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made: (x) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (y) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal and (2) the undersigned acknowledges that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.
4. Representations. The undersigned represents and warrants that there has been no assignment or other transfer of any interest in any Claim which the undersigned may have against Releasees, or any of them, and the undersigned agrees to indemnify and hold Releasees, and each of them, harmless from any liability, Claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred by Releasees, or any of them, as the result of any such assignment or transfer or any rights or Claims under any such assignment or transfer. It is the intention of the parties that this indemnity does not require payment as a condition precedent to recovery by the Releasees against the undersigned under this indemnity.
5. No Action. The undersigned agrees that if the undersigned hereafter commences any suit arising out of, based upon, or relating to any of the Claims released hereunder or in any manner asserts against Releasees, or any of them, any of the Claims released hereunder, then the undersigned agrees to pay to Releasees, and each of them, in addition to any other damages caused to Releasees thereby, all attorneys’ fees incurred by Releasees in defending or otherwise responding to said suit or Claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this provision shall not apply to any suit or Claim to the extent is challenges the effectiveness of this release with respect to a claim under the ADEA.
6. No Admission. The undersigned further understands and agrees that neither the payment of any sum of money nor the execution of this Release shall constitute or be construed as an admission of any liability whatsoever by the Releasees, or any of them, who have consistently taken the position that they have no liability whatsoever to the undersigned.
7. OWBPA. The undersigned agrees and acknowledges that this Release constitutes a knowing and voluntary waiver and release of all Claims the undersigned has or may have against the Company and/or any of the Releasees as set forth herein, including, but not limited to, all Claims arising under the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act and the ADEA. In accordance with the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act, the undersigned is hereby advised as follows:
(i) | the undersigned has read the terms of this Release, and understands its terms and effects, including the fact that the undersigned agreed to release and forever discharge the Company and each of the Releasees, from any Claims released in this Release; |
(ii) | the undersigned understands that, by entering into this Release, the undersigned does not waive any Claims that may arise after the date of the undersigned’s execution of this Release, including without limitation any rights or claims that the undersigned may have to secure enforcement of the terms and conditions of this Release; |
(iii) | the undersigned has signed this Release voluntarily and knowingly in exchange for the consideration described in this Release, which the undersigned acknowledges is adequate and satisfactory to the undersigned and which the undersigned acknowledges is in addition to any other benefits to which the undersigned is otherwise entitled; |
(iv) | the Company advises the undersigned to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release; |
(v) | the undersigned has been given at least [21]1 days in which to review and consider this Release. To the extent that the undersigned chooses to sign this Release prior to the expiration of such period, the undersigned acknowledges that the undersigned has done so voluntarily, had sufficient time to consider the Release, to consult with counsel and that the undersigned does not desire additional time and hereby waives the remainder of the [21]-day period; and |
(vi) | the undersigned may revoke this Release within seven days from the date the undersigned signs this Release and this Release will become effective upon the expiration of that revocation period if the undersigned has not revoked this Release during such seven-day period. If the undersigned revokes this Release during such seven-day period, this Release will be null and void and of no force or effect on either the Company or the undersigned and the undersigned will not be entitled to any of the payments or benefits which are expressly conditioned upon the execution and non-revocation of this Release. Any revocation must be in writing and sent to [name], via electronic mail at [email address], on or before [5:00 p.m. Eastern time] on the seventh day after this Release is executed by the undersigned. |
8. Acknowledgement. The undersigned acknowledges that different or additional facts may be discovered in addition to what is now known or believed to be true by the undersigned with respect to the matters released in this Release, and the undersigned agrees that this Release shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete and final release of the matters released, notwithstanding any different or additional facts
9. Governing Law. This Release is deemed made and entered into in the State of Georgia, and in all respects shall be interpreted, enforced and governed under the internal laws of the State of Georgia, to the extent not preempted by federal law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Release this ____ day of ___________, ____.
_______________________________________
1 NTD: Use 45 days in a group termination, and include information regarding terminated positions.
EXHIBIT C
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
[Intentionally Omitted]
C-1