0001376474-20-000201.txt : 20200819 0001376474-20-000201.hdr.sgml : 20200819 20200819135802 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001376474-20-000201 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 424B3 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 FILED AS OF DATE: 20200819 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20200819 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: 1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000038723 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: PERSONAL CREDIT INSTITUTIONS [6141] IRS NUMBER: 580521233 STATE OF INCORPORATION: GA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 424B3 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-237642 FILM NUMBER: 201116569 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 135 E TUGALO ST STREET 2: P O BOX 880 CITY: TOCCOA STATE: GA ZIP: 30577 BUSINESS PHONE: 7068867571 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 135 EAST TUGALO STREET STREET 2: PO BOX 880 CITY: TOCCOA STATE: GA ZIP: 30577 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FIRST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FRANKLIN DISCOUNT CO DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19840115 424B3 1 ff-deb_424b3.htm PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT Prospectus Supplement

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported)

August 19, 2020 (August 17, 2020)

 

 

1st Franklin Financial Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Georgia

2-27985

58-0521233

(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS employer
Identification No.)

 

 

135 East Tugalo Street, P.O. Box 880, Toccoa, Georgia

30577

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

(706) 886-7571

 

 

n/a

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: `

[ ] 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))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company [ ]

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  [ ]




Section 1 – Registrant’s Business and Operations

Item 1.01 – Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On August 17, 2020, 1st Franklin Financial Corporation (the “Company”) entered into a First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of November 19, 2019 (as so amended by the “First Amendment,” the “Amended Loan and Security Agreement”), by and among the Company, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as agent for the lenders (“the Agent”), and the other financial institutions from time to time party thereto.  

The First Amendment, among other things, increases the amount of borrowings available under the Company’s revolving credit facility to $230.0 million (the “Maximum Principal Amount”).  Subject to the terms and conditions of the Amended and Security Agreement, the Company shall have the right at any time to increase the Maximum Principal Amount (the “Accordion Increase”) in an amount acceptable to the Agent in its sole and absolute discretion; provided however, that the aggregate amount of the Accordion Increase shall not exceed $70.0 million.  Available but unborrowed amounts under the Amended Loan and Security Agreement are subject to a periodic unused line fee of .50%.  Interest on any outstanding borrowings will bear interest at an annual rate at all times equal to the one-month LIBOR Rate plus the Applicable Margin.  The Applicable Margin is based on the Funded Debt to Adjusted Net Worth Ratio as defined in the Amended Loan and Security Agreement.  If the Funded Debt to Adjusted Net Worth Ratio is less than 2.75 to 1.0, the Applicable Margin will be 2.75%.  The Applicable Margin will be 3.00% if the Funded Debt to Adjusted Net Worth Ration is greater than or equal to 2.75 to 1.0.  The Company’s obligations under the Amended Loan and Security Agreement, which has a maturity date of February 28, 2022, are secured by the finance receivables of the Company.  As of June 30, 2020, and giving effect to the First Amendment, the amount outstanding under the Amended Loan and Security Agreement was $97.2 million and available borrowings under the Amended Loan and Security Agreement were $102.8 million, at an interest rate of 3.50%.

In connection with the First Amendment, the Company also entered into a Promissory Note with Renasant Bank (the “Renasant Note”), pursuant to which Renasant Bank agreed to make loans of up to $30.0 million under the Amended Loan and Security Agreement.  The foregoing descriptions of the First Amendment to the Amended Loan and Security Agreement and the Promissory Note are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the First Amendment to the Amended Loan and Security Agreement and the Promissory Note, which are attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and Exhibit 10.2, and are incorporated herein by this reference.

Section 2 – Financial Information

Item 2.03 – Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

The information set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K with respect to the Renasant Note is incorporated by reference in this Item 2.03. 




Item 9.01 – Financial Statements and Exhibits.

10.1

 

First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2019, by and among the Company, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as agent for the lenders, and the other financial institutions from time to time party thereto.

 

 

10.2

Promissory Note by the Company to Renasant Bank, dated as of August 17, 2020.

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

1ST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

By:  /s/ A. Roger Guimond                            

Name:  A. Roger Guimond

Title:    Executive Vice President and
             Chief Financial Officer

 

Date:  August 19, 2020


EX-10.1 2 ff_ex10z1.htm FIRST AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT FIRST AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

EXHIBIT 10.1

 

FIRST AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED

LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

This First Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (“Amendment”) is dated as of August 17, 2020 by and among 1ST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION (“Borrower”), WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as agent for Lenders (in such capacity, “Agent”) and the financial institutions a party hereto as lenders (collectively, the “Lenders” and each is a “Lender”).

BACKGROUND

 

A.Borrower, Lenders, and Agent are parties to a certain Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of November 19, 2019 (as amended or modified from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”).  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in the Loan Agreement. 

B.Borrower has requested and Agent and Lenders have agreed to amend the Loan Agreement in certain respects, all on the terms and conditions set forth herein. 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby promise and agree as follows:

1.Joining Lender. 

(a)Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, Renasant Bank (“Joining Lender”) joins in as, assumes the duties and obligations of, is entitled to the rights and the benefits of, and becomes a Lender under the Loan Agreement and the Credit Documents.  All references to Lender or Lenders contained in the Loan Agreement and Credit Documents are hereby deemed for all purposes to also refer to and include Joining Lender as a Lender, and Joining Lender hereby agrees to comply with all of the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement and Credit Documents as if it was an original signatory thereto. 

(b)Joining Lender (a) acknowledges that it has received a copy of the Loan Agreement and the schedules and exhibits thereto, together with copies of the most recent financial statements of Borrower, and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit and legal analysis and decision to enter into this Amendment; and (b) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit and legal decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Agreement. 

(c)Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, the remaining amount available for Accordion Increases is $70,000,000. 

2.Amendments.    

 

(a)Definitions. The following definitions contained in Section 1.1 of the Loan  


116549.01097/123534729v.2



Agreement are hereby amended and restated as follows:

LIBOR Rate” means the greater of (a) 0.75% per annum or (b) the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate as found in the Wall Street Journal, Interactive Edition, or any successor edition or publication and selected by Agent in its sole discretion for its entire loan portfolio for all borrowers for any day during a given month.  The LIBOR Rate shall be adjusted on the first day of each calendar month based upon the LIBOR Rate as of the last day of the immediately preceding calendar month.  Agent’s determination of the LIBOR Rate shall be conclusive and binding on Borrowers, absent manifest error.

Maximum Principal Amount” means $230,000,000.

(b)Administrative Fee.  Borrower shall no longer be obligated to pay the administrative fee to Agent pursuant to Section 2.9(a) of the Loan Agreement. 

 

(c)Effect of Benchmark Transition Event.  The new Section 2.15 attached hereto as Exhibit A is added to the Loan Agreement. 

 

(d)Operating Budget/Plan.  Agent and Lenders acknowledge that Borrower delivered its operating budget/plan for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020 on June 5, 2020. 

 

(e)EBITDA Ratio.  Section 6.4(a) the Loan Agreement is hereby amended and restated as follows: 

 

(a)EBITDA Ratio.  As of the end of each calendar month, an EBITDA Ratio of not less than (i) 1.50 to 1.0 commencing with the calendar month ending May 31, 2020 and continuing to and including the calendar month ending March 31, 2021 and (ii) 1.75 to 1.00 thereafter. 

 

3.Effectiveness Conditions.  This Amendment shall be effective upon the completion of the following conditions precedent (all agreements, documents and instruments to be in form and substance satisfactory to Agent and Agent’s counsel): 

(a)Execution and delivery by Borrower, Guarantors and Lenders of this Amendment to Agent; 

(b)Execution and delivery of an Promissory Note in favor of Joining Lender in the original principal amount of $30,000,000 (the “Note”); 

(c)Delivery to Agent of a certified copy of resolutions of Borrower’s directors authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment and the Note; 

(d)Execution and/or delivery by the parties of all other agreements, instruments and documents requested by Agent to effectuate and implement the terms hereof and the Credit Documents. 

4.Representations and Warranties.  Borrower represents and warrants to Agent and  


2

116549.01097/123534729v.2



Lenders that:

(a)All warranties and representations made to Agent and Lenders under the Loan Agreement and the Credit Documents are true and correct in all material respects. 

(b)The execution and delivery by Borrowers and Guarantors of this Amendment and the Note and the performance by each of them of the transactions herein and therein contemplated do not and will not violate any provisions of any law, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ, decree, determination or award or breach any provisions of the charter, bylaws or other organizational documents of any Borrower or any Guarantor, or constitute a default or result in the creation or imposition of any security interest in, or lien or encumbrance upon, any assets of any Borrower or any Guarantor (immediately or with the passage of time or with the giving of notice and passage of time, or both) under any other contract, agreement, indenture or instrument to which a Borrower or a Guarantor is a party or by which a Borrower or a Guarantor or its property is bound with failure to comply resulting in a material adverse change in the business, operations, property (including the Collateral), prospects or financial condition of any Borrower or any Guarantor. 

(c)This Amendment and any assignment, instrument, document, or agreement executed and delivered in connection herewith will be valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its respective terms. 

(d)No Event of Default or Default has occurred under the Loan Agreement. 

5.Representations and Release of Claims.  Except as otherwise specified herein, the terms and provisions hereof shall in no manner impair, limit, restrict or otherwise affect the obligations of Borrower, any Guarantor or any third party to Agent and Lenders as evidenced by the Credit Documents.  Borrower and each Guarantor hereby acknowledge, agree, and represent that (a) as of the date of this Amendment, there are no known claims or offsets against, or defenses or counterclaims to, the terms or provisions of the Credit Documents or the other obligations created or evidenced by the Credit Documents; (b) as of the date of this Amendment, neither Borrower nor any Guarantor has any known claims, offsets, defenses or counterclaims arising from any of Agent’s acts or omissions with respect to the Credit Documents or Agent’s performance under the Credit Documents; (c) as of the date of this Amendment, Borrower has reviewed and reconciled all Advances, calculations of interest due and principal owing, and agrees with and has no claims regarding any such matters and (d) Borrower promises to pay to the order of Agent and Lenders the indebtedness evidenced by the Note according to the terms thereof.  In consideration of the modification of certain provisions of the Credit Documents, all as herein provided, and the other benefits received by Borrower hereunder, Borrower and each Guarantor hereby RELEASE, RELINQUISH and forever DISCHARGE Agent and Lenders, and their predecessors, successors, assigns, shareholders, principals, parents, subsidiaries, agents, officers, directors, employees, attorneys and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”), of and from any and all present known claims, demands, actions and causes of action of any and every kind or character, which Borrower or Guarantors, or any of them, has or may have against Released Parties arising out of or with respect to any and all transactions relating to the Loan Agreement, the Note, the Guaranties, and the other Credit Documents occurring prior to the date hereof.  Further, Borrower and Guarantors warrant and represent that they are not now aware of any claims or potential claims against Agent or Lenders pursuant to the Loan Agreement.  


3

116549.01097/123534729v.2



6.Collateral.  As security for the payment of the Obligations to Agent and Lenders under the Loan Agreement and satisfaction by Borrower of all covenants and undertakings contained in the Loan Agreement and the Credit Documents, Borrower reconfirms the prior security interest and lien on, upon and to, its Collateral, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, created or arising and wherever located.  Borrower hereby confirms and agrees that all security interests and Liens granted to Agent for the ratable benefit of Lenders continue in full force and effect and shall continue to secure the Obligations.  All Collateral remains free and clear of any Liens other than Permitted Liens.  Nothing herein contained is intended to in any manner impair or limit the validity, priority and extent of Agent’s existing security interest in and Liens upon the Collateral. 

7.Acknowledgment of Indebtedness and Obligations.  Borrower and Guarantors hereby acknowledge and confirm that as of the date hereof, Borrower is indebted to Agent and Lenders, without known defense, setoff or counterclaim, under the Loan Agreement (in addition to any other indebtedness or obligations owed by Borrowers to Wells Fargo Affiliates) in the aggregate principal amount of $90,700,000, plus continually accruing interest and all fees, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred through the date hereof. 

8.Ratification of Credit Documents.  This Amendment shall be incorporated into and deemed a part of the Loan Agreement.  Except as expressly set forth herein, all of the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement and Credit Documents are hereby ratified and confirmed and continue unchanged and in full force and effect.  All references to the Loan Agreement shall mean the Loan Agreement as modified by this Amendment. 

9.Acknowledgment of Guarantors.  By execution of this Amendment, each Guarantor hereby acknowledges the terms and conditions of this Amendment and confirms that such Guarantor guarantees, as surety, all of Borrower’s Obligations to Agent and Lenders pursuant to and subject to the terms, conditions and limitations contained in its respective Guaranty. 

10.Governing Law.  THIS AMENDMENT, THE LOAN AGREEMENT AND THE EXISTING CREDIT DOCUMENTS SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN MADE AND TO BE PERFORMABLE IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND SHALL, TOGETHER WITH ALL MATTERS ARISING HEREUNDER OR RELATED HERETO, BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 

11.Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, and by the different parties on different counterpart signature pages, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.  This Amendment may be executed by means of (a) an electronic signature that complies with the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, state enactments of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, or any other relevant and applicable electronic signatures law; (b) an original manual signature; or (c) an e-mail transmission of a Portable Document Format File (also known as an “PDF” file), faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature.  Each electronic signature or PDF, faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect, and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature. 


4

116549.01097/123534729v.2



SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE


5

116549.01097/123534729v.2



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

BORROWER:

1ST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

 

By:        /s/ Virginia C. Herring                   

Name:   Virginia C. Herring                         

Title:     President and CEO                         

 

GUARANTORS:

FRANDISCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

By:        /s/ A. Roger Guimond, Jr.              

Name:   A. Roger Guimond, Jr.                    

Title:     President                                          

 

 

FRANDISCO PROPERTY & CASUALTY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

By:        /s/ A. Roger Guimond, Jr.               

Name:   A. Roger Guimond, Jr.                     

Title:     President                                           

 

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRST AMENDMENT

TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT]


116549.01097/123534729v.2



AGENT:

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

 

 

By:   /s/ William M. Laird                          

        William M. Laird, Senior Vice President

 

LENDERS:

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

 

 

By:   /s/ William M. Laird                          

        William M. Laird, Senior Vice President

 

FIRST HORIZON BANK

 

 

By:       /s/ Daniel J. McCarthy                     

Name:  Daniel J. McCarthy                           

Title:    Senior Vice President                        

 

RENASANT BANK

 

 

By:        /s/ John W. Willis                            

Name:   John W. Willis                                   

Title:     Senior Vice President                       

 

 

 

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRST AMENDMENT

TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT]


116549.01097/123534729v.2



SCHEDULE I

 

Commitments

 

Lenders

Commitment Percentage

Commitment Amount

 

 

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

123 South Broad Street, 5th Floor

MAC: Y1379-059

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Attn:  Mr. William M. Laird, Senior Vice President

Facsimile: (215) 670-6120

 

65.2174%

$150,000,000

First Horizon Bank

165 Madison Avenue, 10th Floor

Memphis, Tennessee 38103

Attn:  Mr. Daniel J McCarthy, Senior Vice President

Facsimile:  (901) 523-4566

 

21.7391%

$50,000,000

Renasant Bank

1825 Barrett Lakes Boulevard, Suite 150

Kennesaw, Georgia 30144

Attn: John W. Willis, Senior Vice President

Facsimile: (770) 989-4501

13.0435%

$30,000,000

 

TOTAL

 

100%

 

$230,000,000


116549.01097/123534729v.2



EXHIBIT A

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Section 2.15Effect of Benchmark Transition Event. 

 

(a) Benchmark Replacement.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Credit Document, upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, Agent and Borrowers may amend this Agreement to replace the LIBOR Rate 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 Agent has provided such proposed amendment to all Lenders and Borrowers so long as Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such amendment from Lenders comprising Required Lenders.  Any such amendment with respect to an Early Opt-in Election will become effective on the date that Lenders comprising Required Lenders have delivered to Agent written notice that such Required Lenders accept such amendment.  No replacement of the LIBOR Rate with a Benchmark Replacement pursuant to this Section titled “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event” will occur prior to the applicable Benchmark Transition Start Date.  If there is a Benchmark Transition Event, until such time as a Benchmark Replacement has been determined pursuant to this Section 2.15 Agent may select a replacement index rate and spread adjustment in good faith and in its commercially reasonable discretion giving due regard to the LIBOR Replacement Considerations; provided that any comparable or successor rate shall be applied by Agent, if administratively feasible, in a manner consistent with market practice. 

 

(b) Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes.  In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, Agent will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Credit Document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement.  

 

(c) Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determinations.  Agent will promptly notify Borrowers and Lenders of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date and Benchmark Transition Start Date, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, and (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes.  Any determination, decision or election that may be made by Agent or Lenders pursuant to this Section titled “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event,” 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, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its or their sole discretion and without consent from any other party hereto, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section titled “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event.”  

 

(d) Certain Defined Terms.  As used in this Section titled “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event”:   

 

Benchmark Replacement” means the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate (which may include Term SOFR) that has been selected by Agent and Borrowers giving due consideration to the LIBOR Replacement Considerations and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; provided that, if the Benchmark Replacement as so determined would be less than 0.75%, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be 0.75% for the purposes of this Agreement.  


116549.01097/123534729v.2



Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of the LIBOR Rate with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement, the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by Agent and Borrowers giving due consideration to the LIBOR Replacement Considerations.  

 

Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest and other administrative matters) that Agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if Agent determines that no market practice for the administration of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as Agent decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement).  

 

Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earlier to occur of the following events with respect to the LIBOR Rate: (1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of the LIBOR Rate permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide the LIBOR Rate; or (2) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein.  

 

Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the LIBOR Rate: (1) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of the LIBOR Rate announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide the LIBOR Rate, permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the LIBOR Rate; (2) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the LIBOR Rate, the U.S. Federal Reserve System, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for the LIBOR Rate, a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for the LIBOR Rate or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for the LIBOR Rate, which states that the administrator of the LIBOR Rate has ceased or will cease to provide the LIBOR Rate permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the LIBOR Rate; or (3) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the LIBOR Rate announcing that the LIBOR Rate is no longer representative.  

 

Benchmark Transition Start Date” means (a) in the case of a Benchmark Transition Event, the earlier of (i) the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and (ii) if such Benchmark Transition Event is a public statement or publication of information of a prospective event, the ninetieth (90th) day prior to the expected date of such event as of such public statement or publication of information (or if the expected date of such prospective event is fewer than ninety (90) days after such statement or publication, the date of such statement or publication) and (b) in the case of an Early Opt-in Election, the date specified by Agent or Required Lenders, as applicable, by notice to Borrowers, Agent (in the case of such notice by Required Lenders) and Lenders.  

 

Early Opt-in Election” means the occurrence of: (1) (i) a determination by Agent or (ii) a notification by Required Lenders to Agent (with a copy to Borrowers) that Required Lenders have determined that U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities being executed at such time, or that  


116549.01097/123534729v.2



include language similar to that contained in this Section titled “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event,” are being executed or amended, as applicable, to incorporate or adopt a new benchmark interest rate to replace the LIBOR Rate, and (2) (i) the election by Agent or (ii) the election by Required Lenders to declare that an Early Opt-in Election has occurred and the provision, as applicable, by Agent of written notice of such election to Borrowers and Lenders or by Required Lenders of written notice of such election to Agent.

 

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.   

 

LIBOR Replacement Considerations” means (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body, (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a rate of interest as a replacement to the LIBOR Rate for U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities, (iii) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the LIBOR Rate with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body or (iv) 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 the LIBOR Rate with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. dollar denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time. 

 

Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or any successor thereto.  

 

SOFR” with respect to any day means the secured overnight financing rate published for such day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as the administrator of the benchmark (or a successor administrator) on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Website.  

 

Term SOFR” means the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.  

 

Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.


116549.01097/123534729v.2

EX-10.2 3 ff_ex10z2.htm PROMISSORY NOTE PROMISSORY NOTE

EXHIBIT 10.2

 

PROMISSORY NOTE

 

$30,000,000

August 17, 2020

 

For value received, and intending to be legally bound, the undersigned (“Borrower”) promises to pay to the order of RENASANT BANK (herein “Lender”) on the Termination Date, as defined in the Loan Agreement defined below, the principal amount of $30,000,000 or such lesser amount as is outstanding under the Loan made by Lender to Borrower pursuant to the Loan Agreement.  Borrower also promises to pay interest on the unpaid outstanding principal amount from the date hereof until this Note is paid in full at the rates as, from time to time, are applicable pursuant to and in accordance with Section 2.6 of the Loan Agreement.  Any overdue payment of principal and to the extent permitted by law overdue interest shall be payable pursuant to and in accordance with Section 2.6 of the Loan Agreement.  Interest shall be calculated and payable on the terms set forth in Section 2.6 of the Loan Agreement. 

 

All principal and interest shall be payable in lawful money of the United States of America and in federal or other funds immediately available before 12:00 noon, Iowa time, on any Business Day in a manner as set forth in the Loan Agreement. 

 

This Promissory Note (the “Note”) shall be considered the same as a Note referred to in the Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of November 19, 2019 among Borrower, Lender and the financial institutions from time to time a party thereto as lenders (collectively, the “Lenders”) and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as agent on behalf of itself and the other Lenders (in its capacity as agent, the “Agent”) (as amended, modified, replaced or restated from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”).  Reference is made to the Loan Agreement for provisions relating to prepayment and acceleration hereof, and the collateral security for the obligations of the Borrower hereunder.  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Note shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement.   

 

The occurrence of an Event of Default under the Loan Agreement constitutes an Event of Default under this Note and entitles Agent, in accordance with the Loan Agreement, to declare this Note immediately due and payable. 

 

Borrower hereby waives each of the following in connection with Agent’s exercise of rights and remedies following the occurrence of an Event of Default under the Loan Agreement: presentment, demand for payment, notice of dishonor or acceleration, protest and notice of protest and any and all other notices or demands in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Note, excepting any notice requirements set forth in the Loan Agreement.  

 

In the event any interest rate applicable hereto is in excess of the highest rate allowable under applicable law, then the rate of such interest will be reduced to the highest rate not in excess of such maximum allowable interest and any excess previously paid by Borrower shall be deemed to have been applied against the principal. 


116549.01097/123534994v.2



BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER (WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS NOTE OR THE LOAN AGREEMENT OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF BORROWER OR LENDER.  THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR AGENT AND LENDERS TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS HAD THE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL IN THE REVIEW AND EXECUTION OF THIS NOTE AND THAT THE MEANING AND EFFECT OF THE JURY TRIAL WAIVER IN THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPH HAS BEEN FULLY EXPLAINED TO BORROWERS BY ITS COUNSEL.

 

This Note shall be binding upon Borrower and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Lender and its successors and assigns.  This Note shall be governed as to validity, interpretation and effect by the laws of the State of New York. 

 

 

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK]


2

116549.01097/123534994v.2



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower has duly executed and delivered this Note to Lender on the date first set forth above.

BORROWER:

1ST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

 

By:        /s/ A. Roger Guimond, Jr.                

Name:   A. Roger Guimond, Jr.                      

Title:     Executive Vice President and CFO   

 

 

 


[SIGNATURE PAGE TO PROMISSORY NOTE]

(Renasant Bank)

116549.01097/123534994v.2