8-K
PIONEER NATURAL RESOURCES CO false 0001038357 0001038357 2021-01-12 2021-01-12

 

 

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): January 12, 2021

 

 

PIONEER NATURAL RESOURCES COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   1-13245   75-2702753

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

777 Hidden Ridge

Irving, Texas 75038

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(972) 444-9001

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(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:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share   PXD   New York Stock Exchange

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.  ☐

 

 

 


Introductory Note

As previously disclosed in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Pioneer Natural Resources Company (“Pioneer”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 20, 2020, Pioneer entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) by and among Pioneer, Parsley Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Parsley”), Pearl First Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pioneer (“Merger Sub Inc.”), Pearl Second Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pioneer (“Merger Sub LLC”), Pearl Opco Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pioneer (“Opco Merger Sub LLC”), and Parsley Energy, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Opco LLC”), which provided for, among other things, (i) the merger of Merger Sub Inc. with and into Parsley, with Parsley continuing as the surviving entity (the “Surviving Corporation”) (such merger, the “First Company Merger”), (ii) simultaneously with the First Company Merger, the merger of Opco Merger Sub LLC with and into Opco LLC, with Opco LLC continuing as the surviving entity (such merger, the “Opco Merger”), and (iii) immediately following the First Company Merger and the Opco Merger, the merger of the Surviving Corporation with and into Merger Sub LLC, with Merger Sub LLC continuing as the surviving entity (such merger, together with the First Company Merger and the Opco Merger, the “Mergers”). On January 12, 2021, following approval by the stockholders of both Pioneer and Parsley at special meetings held that morning, the Mergers were consummated and Pioneer took various other actions, as discussed further below.

 

Item 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On January 12, 2021, Pioneer entered into the First Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the other agents and lenders party thereto. The primary changes effected by the Amendment were to increase the aggregate loan commitments from $1.5 billion to $2.0 billion, extend the maturity of the credit facility to January 12, 2026 (subject to provisions that permit two one-year extensions), and adjust the pricing in certain respects.

The foregoing description of the Amendment does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full text of the Amendment, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto.

 

Item 2.01

Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

As discussed in the Introductory Note above, on January 12, 2021, the Mergers were consummated in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement. In connection with the consummation of the Mergers, each share of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Parsley (the “Parsley Class A Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Company Merger (the “Effective Time”) (other than shares of Parsley Class A Common Stock held in the treasury of Parsley or owned, directly or indirectly, by Pioneer or Merger Sub Inc. immediately prior to the Effective Time and any unvested restricted shares of Parsley Class A Common Stock that did not vest by their terms as a result of the consummation of the Mergers) were at the Effective Time converted into and became exchangeable for 0.1252 (the “Exchange Ratio”) shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Pioneer (the “Pioneer Common Stock”).

Additionally, at the Effective Time, each membership interest unit of Opco LLC (each, an “Opco LLC Unit”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than any Opco LLC Unit owned, directly or indirectly, by Parsley or Pioneer or any of their respective subsidiaries immediately prior to the Effective Time), and all rights in respect thereof, were converted into the right to receive a number of shares of Pioneer Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio. At the Effective Time, each share of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Parsley (the “Parsley Class B Common Stock”) was automatically cancelled for no additional consideration, subject to any statutory rights to appraisal pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) with respect to, and only with respect to, such shares of Parsley Class B Common Stock.

The issuance of shares of Pioneer Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, and other shares of Pioneer Common Stock reserved for issuance in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Pioneer’s registration statement on Form S-4, as amended (File No. 333-250888), which was declared effective by the SEC on December 4, 2020. The joint proxy statement/prospectus included in the registration statement (the “Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) contains additional information about the Mergers.


The foregoing description of the Mergers and the Merger Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, reference to the full text of the Merger Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 hereto.

 

Item 2.03.

Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant into a Material Definitive Agreement.

The disclosure provided in Item 1.01 “Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement” is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03 as if fully set forth herein.

 

Item 5.02

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

In connection with the consummation of the Mergers, effective January 12, 2021, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement and as approved by the Board of Directors of Pioneer (the “Pioneer Board”), the Pioneer Board was increased by two members. The Pioneer Board appointed Matt Gallagher, a director and President and Chief Executive Officer of Parsley as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, and A.R. Alameddine, a director of Parsley as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, to the Pioneer Board.

Accordingly, following the consummation of the Mergers, the Pioneer Board now has twelve members, consisting of the ten individuals serving on the Pioneer Board immediately prior to completion of the Mergers, Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Alameddine. In connection with their appointments to the Pioneer Board, Mr. Gallagher was appointed to serve on the Health, Safety and Environment Committee and the Reserves Committee of the Pioneer Board and Mr. Alameddine was appointed to serve on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee of the Pioneer Board.

In connection with their appointments, each of the new directors will receive the standard non-employee director compensation for serving on the Pioneer Board. In addition, Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Alameddine each entered into Pioneer’s standard form of indemnification agreement for its non-employee directors, which requires Pioneer to indemnify the director to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. For a description of the compensation program for Pioneer’s non-employee directors and Pioneer’s indemnification agreements, please see Pioneer’s proxy statement for its 2020 annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on April 9, 2020.

Neither Mr. Gallagher nor Mr. Alameddine is related to any existing officer or director of Pioneer, or each other. Information pertaining to the related interests of Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Alameddine was previously reported in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.


Item 7.01

Regulation FD Disclosure.

On January 12, 2021, Pioneer issued a press release announcing the results of the stockholder votes at its and Parsley’s special meetings held that morning and the consummation of the Mergers following approval by the stockholders of both Pioneer and Parsley. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

 

Item 8.01

Other Events

Pioneer incorporates by reference from the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus the risk factors with the following titles into this Current Report on Form 8-K:

 

   

Pioneer’s ability to utilize its historic U.S. net operating loss carryforwards and those of Parsley may be limited.

 

   

Uncertainties associated with the mergers may cause a loss of management personnel and other key employees of Parsley, which could adversely affect the future business and operations of Pioneer following the mergers.

 

   

Pioneer may be unable to integrate the business of Parsley successfully or realize the anticipated benefits of the mergers.

 

   

The synergies attributable to the mergers may vary from expectations.

 

   

The future results of Pioneer following the mergers will suffer if Pioneer does not effectively manage its expanded operations.

 

   

The mergers may result in a loss of customers, distributors, suppliers, vendors, landlords, joint venture partners and other business partners and may result in the termination of existing contracts.

 

   

The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements and the summary pro forma combined oil, NGL and gas reserve and production data included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus are based on a number of preliminary estimates and assumptions, and the actual results of operations, cash flows and financial position of Pioneer after the mergers may differ materially.

 

   

Following the completion of the mergers, Pioneer may incorporate Parsley’s hedging activities into Pioneer’s business, and Pioneer may be exposed to additional commodity price risks arising from such hedges.

Pioneer also incorporates by reference from the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus the pro forma information under the caption “Summary Pro Forma Combined, Oil, NGL and Gas Reserve and Production Data” into this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a)                  Financial Statements.

The audited consolidated balance sheets of Parsley and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the related audited consolidated statements of operations, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, and the notes related thereto, are incorporated by reference in this Current Report on Form 8-K from Parsley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on February 21, 2020.

The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Parsley and its subsidiaries as of September 30, 2020, and the related unaudited consolidated statements of operations, changes in equity and cash flows for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and the notes related thereto, are incorporated by reference in this Current Report on Form 8-K from Parsley’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020, filed with the SEC on October 30, 2020.


(b)                  Pro Forma Financial Information.

The pro forma financial information required by this Item 9.01(b) for the year ended December 31, 2019 and as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was previously filed in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus under the caption “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements,” and is incorporated by reference in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

(d)                  Exhibits.

The following exhibits are filed herewith:

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

  2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 20, 2020, by and among Pioneer Natural Resources Company, Pearl First Merger Sub Inc., Pearl Second Merger Sub LLC, Pearl Opco Merger Sub LLC, Parsley Energy, Inc. and Parsley Energy, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Pioneer with the SEC on October 20, 2020).*
10.1    First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of January 12, 2021, by and among Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the other agents and lenders party thereto.
23.1    Consent of KPMG LLP relating to Parsley Energy, Inc.
99.1    Press Release, dated January 12, 2021, announcing consummation of the Mergers and results of the special meetings.
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 

*

Schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. Parent agrees to furnish to the SEC a copy of any omitted schedule upon request.


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.

 

PIONEER NATURAL RESOURCES COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Margaret M. Montemayor

  Margaret M. Montemayor
 

Vice President and Chief

Accounting Officer

Date: January 12, 2021
EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

EXECUTION VERSION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

This First Amendment to Credit Agreement (this “Amendment”) dated as of January 12, 2021 (the “First Amendment Effective Date”), is among Pioneer Natural Resources Company, a Delaware corporation, as the Borrower (the “Borrower”), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent (the “Administrative Agent”), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Issuing Banks, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Swingline Lenders, and the Lenders party hereto.

Recitals

A. The Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the other agents and Lenders party thereto are parties to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of October 24, 2018 (as amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Existing Agreement”; and the Existing Agreement as amended by this Amendment, the “Agreement”) pursuant to which the Lenders and Issuing Banks have made certain credit available to and on behalf of the Borrower.

B. The Borrower has requested and the Administrative Agent, Issuing Banks and the Lenders agree that certain terms and provisions of the Existing Agreement be amended as provided in this Amendment.

C. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

Section 1. Defined Terms. Each capitalized term which is defined in the Agreement, but which is not defined in this Amendment, shall have the meaning ascribed such term in the Agreement. Unless otherwise indicated, all section references in this Amendment refer to the Agreement.

Section 2. Amendments. In reliance on the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Amendment, and subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 3 hereof, the Existing Agreement shall be amended effective as of the First Amendment Effective Date in the manner provided in this Section 2.

2.1 Amendment of Existing Agreement. The Existing Agreement is hereby amended to reflect the changes which are attached as Annex A hereto, such that the terms set forth in Annex A hereto which appear in bold and double underlined text (inserted text) shall be added to the Existing Agreement and the terms appearing as text which is stricken (deleted text) shall be deleted from the Existing Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Amendment amends or modifies the Exhibits and Schedules to the Existing Agreement except as expressly set forth in Section 2.2 of this Amendment.

2.2 Amendment to Schedule 2.01 of the Agreement. Schedule 2.01 to the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with Schedule 2.01 attached hereto.


Section 3. Conditions Precedent. The effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to the receipt by the Administrative Agent of the following documents and satisfaction of the other conditions provided in this Section 3, each of which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:

3.1 The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from each party hereto either (i) a counterpart of this Amendment signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy transmission of a signed signature page of this Amendment) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Amendment.

3.2 Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, BofA Securities, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in their respective capacities as Lead Arrangers, the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders, shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the First Amendment Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrower hereunder.

3.3 The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower dated as of the First Amendment Effective Date setting forth (1) resolutions of its board of directors with respect to the authorization of the Borrower to execute and deliver the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to enter into the Transactions contemplated in those documents, (2) the officers of the Borrower (a) who are authorized to sign the Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party and (b) who will, until replaced by another officer or officers duly authorized for that purpose, act as its representative for the purposes of signing documents and giving notices and other communications in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, (3) specimen signatures of such authorized officers, and (4) the organizational documents and good standing certificates of the Borrower, certified as being true and complete. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders may conclusively rely on such certificate until the Administrative Agent receives notice in writing from the Borrower to the contrary.

3.4 The Administrative Agent shall have received duly executed promissory notes payable to each Lender that has requested a promissory note in a principal amount equal to its Commitment dated as of the First Amendment Effective Date.

3.5 The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated as of the First Amendment Effective Date and signed by the President, a Vice President or a Financial Officer of the Borrower, certifying as to the matters set forth in Section 4 of this Amendment.

3.6 The Administrative Agent shall have received a favorable written opinion (addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and dated the First Amendment Effective Date) of any general counsel or associate general counsel of the Borrower or a wholly owned subsidiary of the Borrower acting as counsel for the Borrower, and of Bracewell LLP, outside counsel for the Borrower.

 

2


3.7 The Administrative Agent shall have received reasonably satisfactory evidence of (i) the prior or substantially concurrent consummation of the acquisition by the Borrower (directly or indirectly) of all of the outstanding Equity Interests of Parsley Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with its subsidiaries, “Parsley Energy”), on substantially the terms set forth in that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 20, 2020, by and among the Borrower and certain of its Subsidiaries and Parsley Energy, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, filed by the Borrower pursuant to an 8-K on October 21, 2020 and (ii) the repayment in full and termination of Parsley Energy’s existing RBL credit facility substantially contemporaneously with the consummation of such acquisition, including a customary payoff letter and lien releases and terminations.

3.8 The Administrative Agent shall have received such other documents as the Administrative Agent (or its counsel) may reasonably request.

Section 4. Representations and Warranties; Etc. The Borrower hereby affirms: (a) that, as of the date of execution and delivery of this Amendment and immediately after giving effect hereto, all of the representations and warranties contained in each Loan Document are true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality qualification applicable thereto) as though made on and as of such date (unless stated to relate solely to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality qualification applicable thereto) as of such earlier date); (b) that immediately after giving effect to this Amendment and to the transactions contemplated hereby (i) no Defaults exist under the Loan Documents or will exist under the Loan Documents and (ii) there has been no change since December 31, 2019 that has resulted in a Material Adverse Effect which is continuing; and (c) that this Amendment has been duly authorized and executed by the Borrower and is enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms.

Section 5. Reference to and Effect Upon the Agreement and other Loan Documents.

5.1 This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document as such term is defined in the Agreement.

5.2 Except as specifically amended hereby, the Agreement and each other Loan Document shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed.

5.3 This Amendment is limited as specified herein and shall not constitute an amendment or waiver of, or an indication of the Administrative Agent’s or the Lenders’ willingness to amend or waive, any other provisions of the Agreement or the other Loan Documents for any other date or purpose.

Section 6. Assignment and Assumption.

6.1 For an agreed consideration, each Lender (individually an “Assignor” and collectively, the “Assignors”) hereby irrevocably sells and assigns, severally and not jointly, (i) all of such Assignor’s rights and obligations in its capacity as Lender under the Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to its Commitment and Credit Exposure, as the case may be, identified in Annex I attached hereto and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of such Assignor (in its capacity as Lender) against any Person, whether

 

3


known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively for all Assignors as the “Assigned Interests” and such assignments, the “First Amendment Assignments”) to the Lenders (individually, an “Assignee” and, collectively, the “Assignees”) set forth on Schedule 2.01 to this Amendment (which shall replace the existing Schedule 2.01 to the Agreement as of the First Amendment Effective Date), and each Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from each Assignor such Assignee’s percentage (as set forth on Schedule 2.01 to this Amendment) of the Assigned Interests, subject to and in accordance with the Agreement and this Amendment, as of the First Amendment Effective Date. Such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignors and, except as expressly provided in this Amendment, without representation or warranty by the Assignors. The processing and recordation fee described in Section 9.04(b)(ii)(C) of the Existing Agreement shall not be required to be paid in connection with the First Amendment Assignments. The Borrower hereby consents to the First Amendment Assignments.

6.2 From and after the First Amendment Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall distribute all payments in respect of the Assigned Interests (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the appropriate Assignors for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the First Amendment Effective Date and to the appropriate Assignees for amounts which have accrued from and after the First Amendment Effective Date.

6.3 After giving effect to the First Amendment Assignments, Bank of Montreal and Citizen’s Bank, N.A. (each an “Exiting Lender”) shall cease to be a party to the Agreement as of the First Amendment Effective Date and shall no longer be a “Lender”, each Exiting Lender’s Commitment shall be $0.00, and each Exiting Lender’s Commitments to lend and its other obligations under the Agreement shall be terminated automatically with no further action required. Each Exiting Lender joins in the execution of this Amendment solely for purposes of effectuating this Amendment pursuant to Section 3 hereof and assigning its Assigned Interests pursuant to this Section 6.

Section 7. Miscellaneous.

7.1 Ratification and Affirmation. The Borrower hereby expressly (a) acknowledges the terms and conditions of this Amendment, (b) ratifies and affirms its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (c) acknowledges, renews and extends its continued liability under the Loan Documents to which it is a party and (d) agrees that its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party remain in full force and effect.

7.2 Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed by one or more of the parties hereto in any number of separate counterparts, and all of such counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of this Amendment by facsimile or email transmission or other electronic means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

 

4


7.3 No Oral Agreement. THIS WRITTEN AMENDMENT, THE AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH AND THEREWITH REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

7.4 Governing Law. THIS AMENDMENT (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE VALIDITY AND ENFORCEABILITY HEREOF) SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

5


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed effective as of the date first written above.

 

Borrower:     PIONEER NATURAL RESOURCES COMPANY
    By:  

/s/ Richard P. Dealy

    Name:   Richard P. Dealy
    Title:   President and Chief Operating Officer


Administrative Agent & Lender:     WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
    By:  

/s/ Brandon Dunn

    Name:   Brandon Dunn
    Title:   Director


Lender:     BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
    By:  

/s/ Robert Phillips

    Name:   Robert Phillips
    Title:   Director


Lender:     JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
    By:  

/s/ Arina Mavilian

    Name:   Arina Mavilian
    Title:   Executive Director


Lender:     CITIBANK, N.A.
    By:  

/s/ Cathy Shepherd

    Name:   Cathy Shepherd
    Title:   Vice President


Lender:     GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA
    By:  

/s/ Jacob Elder

    Name:   Jacob Elder
    Title:   Authorized Signatory


Lender:     MUFG BANK, LTD.
    By:  

/s/ Christopher Facenda

    Name:   Christopher Facenda
    Title:   Authorized Signatory


Lender:     ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
    By:  

/s/ Jay T. Sartain

    Name:   Jay T. Sartain
    Title:   Authorized Signatory


Lender:     BARCLAYS BANK PLC
    By:  

/s/ Sydney G. Dennis

    Name:   Sydney G. Dennis
    Title:   Director


Lender:     CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE, NEW YORK BRANCH
    By:  

/s/ Trudy Nelson

    Name:   Trudy Nelson
    Title:   Authorized Signatory
    By:  

/s/ Scott W. Danvers

    Name:   Scott W. Danvers
    Title:   Authorized Signatory


Lender:     MORGAN STANLEY BANK, N.A.
    By:  

/s/ Michael King

    Name:   Michael King
    Title:   Authorized Signatory


Lender:     THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, HOUSTON BRANCH
    By:  

/s/ Scott Nickel

   

Name:

  Scott Nickel
   

Title:

  Director


Lender:      

THE TORONTO-DOMINION BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH

      By:  

/s/ Michael Borowiecki

      Name:   Michael Borowiecki
      Title:   Authorized Signatory


Lender:      

TRUIST BANK

      By:  

/s/ James Giordano

      Name:   James Giordano
      Title:   Managing Director


Lender:      

BBVA USA, fka COMPASS BANK

      By:  

/s/ Gabriela Azcarate

      Name:   Gabriela Azcarate
      Title:   Senior Vice President


Lender:      

CREDIT SUISSE AG, NEW YORK BRANCH

      By:  

/s/ Doreen Barr

      Name:   Doreen Barr
      Title:   Authorized Signatory
      By:  

/s/ Brady Bingham

      Name:   Brady Bingham
      Title:   Authorized Signatory


Lender:     PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
    By:  

/s/ John Engel

    Name:   John Engel
    Title:   Vice President


Lender:     U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
    By:  

/s/ Shawn O’Hara

    Name:   Shawn O’Hara
    Title:   Senior Vice President


Exiting Lender:     BANK OF MONTREAL
    By:  

/s/ Patrick Johnston

    Name:   Patrick Johnston
    Title:   Director


Exiting Lender:     CITIZENS BANK, N.A.
    By:  

/s/ David Slye

    Name:   David Slye
    Title:   Managing Director


SCHEDULE 2.01

COMMITMENTS

(As of the First Amendment Effective Date)

 

Lender

   Amount of
Commitment
     Percentage of
Total
Commitments*
 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

   $ 150,000,000.00        7.500000000

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 150,000,000.00        7.500000000

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $ 150,000,000.00        7.500000000

Citibank, N.A.

   $ 125,000,000.00        6.250000000

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

   $ 125,000,000.00        6.250000000

MUFG Bank, Ltd.

   $ 125,000,000.00        6.250000000

Royal Bank of Canada

   $ 125,000,000.00        6.250000000

Barclays Bank PLC

   $ 125,000,000.00        6.250000000

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, New York Branch

   $ 125,000,000.00        6.250000000

Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A.

   $ 125,000,000.00        6.250000000

The Bank of Nova Scotia, Houston Branch

   $ 125,000,000.00        6.250000000

The Toronto-Dominion Bank, New York Branch

   $ 125,000,000.00        6.250000000

Credit Suisse AG, New York Branch

   $ 125,000,000.00        6.250000000

Truist Bank

   $ 100,000,000.00        5.000000000

U.S. Bank National Association

   $ 100,000,000.00        5.000000000

BBVA USA, fka Compass Bank

   $ 50,000,000.00        2.500000000

PNC Bank, National Association

   $ 50,000,000.00        2.500000000

Total

   $ 2,000,000,000.00        100.000000000

 

* 

Percentages are rounded to nearest one-hundredth


ANNEX I

COMMITMENTS

(Immediately Prior to the First Amendment Effective Date)

 

Lender

   Amount of
Commitment
     Percentage of
Total
Commitments*
 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

   $ 112,500,000.00        7.500000000

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 112,500,000.00        7.500000000

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $ 112,500,000.00        7.500000000

Bank of Montreal

   $ 97,500,000.00        6.500000000

Citibank, N.A.

   $ 97,500,000.00        6.500000000

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

   $ 97,500,000.00        6.500000000

MUFG Bank, Ltd.

   $ 97,500,000.00        6.500000000

Royal Bank of Canada

   $ 97,500,000.00        6.500000000

Barclays Bank PLC

   $ 75,000,000.00        5.000000000

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, New York Branch

   $ 75,000,000.00        5.000000000

Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A.

   $ 75,000,000.00        5.000000000

The Bank of Nova Scotia, Houston Branch

   $ 75,000,000.00        5.000000000

The Toronto-Dominion Bank, New York Branch

   $ 75,000,000.00        5.000000000

Truist Bank

   $ 50,000,000.00        3.333333333

Citizens Bank, N.A.

   $ 50,000,000.00        3.333333333

BBVA USA, fka Compass Bank

   $ 50,000,000.00        3.333333333

Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch

   $ 50,000,000.00        3.333333333

PNC Bank, National Association

   $ 50,000,000.00        3.333333333

U.S. Bank National Association

   $ 50,000,000.00        3.333333333

Total

   $ 1,500,000,000.00        100.000000000

 

* 

Percentages are rounded to the ninth decimal.


EXECUTION VERSION

Conformed through First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of January 12, 2020

 

 

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

dated as of

October 24, 2018

among

PIONEER NATURAL RESOURCES COMPANY,

as the Borrower

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Administrative Agent

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

as Issuing Banks,

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

as Swingline Lenders

and

The Lenders Party Hereto

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Co-Syndication Agents

BARCLAYS BANK PLC,

CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF MONTREALCOMMERCE, NEW YORK BRANCH,

CITIBANK, N.A.,

CREDIT SUISSE AG, NEW YORK BRANCH,

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA,

MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.,

MUFG BANK, LTD.,

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, HOUSTON BRANCH

and

THE TORONTO-DOMINION BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH,

as Co-Documentation Agents

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC,

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED and

BOFA SECURITIES, INC. and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

            Page:  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

     1  

Section 1.01

    

Defined Terms

     1  

Section 1.02

    

Classification of Loans and Borrowings

     1724  

Section 1.03

    

Terms Generally

     1724  

Section 1.04

    

Accounting Terms; GAAP

     1824  

Section 1.05

    

Rates18; LIBOR Notification

     25  

Section 1.06

    

Divisions

     25  

ARTICLE II THE CREDITS

     1826  

Section 2.01

    

Commitments

     1826  

Section 2.02

    

Commitment Increase

     1826  

Section 2.03

    

Revolving Loans and Borrowings

     2027  

Section 2.04

    

Requests for Revolving Borrowings

     2028  

Section 2.05

    

Swingline Loans

     2128  

Section 2.06

    

Letters of Credit

     2230  

Section 2.07

    

Funding of Borrowings

     2634  

Section 2.08

    

Interest Elections

     2734  

Section 2.09

    

Termination and Reduction of Commitments

     2835  

Section 2.10

    

Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt

     2836  

Section 2.11

    

Prepayment of Loans

     2936  

Section 2.12

    

Fees

     29  

Section 2.12

    

Fees

     37  

Section 2.13

    

Interest

     3038  

Section 2.14

    

Alternate Rate of Interest31; Changed Circumstances

     39  

Section 2.15

    

Increased Costs

     3242  

Section 2.16

    

Break Funding Payments

     3343  

Section 2.17

    

Taxes

     3443  

Section 2.18

    

Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs

     3746  

Section 2.19

    

Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders

     .3847  

Section 2.20

    

Extension of Maturity Date

     3848  

Section 2.21

    

Defaulting Lenders

     .3949  

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     4151  

Section 3.01

    

Organization; Powers

     4151  

Section 3.02

    

Authorization; Enforceability

     4151  

Section 3.03

    

Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts

     4251  

Section 3.04

    

Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change

     4251  

Section 3.05

    

Litigation and Environmental Matters

     4251  

Section 3.06

    

No Default

     4252  

Section 3.07

    

Investment Company Status

     4252  

Section 3.08

    

Taxes

     42  

Section 3.09ERISA433.08 Taxes

     52  

Section 3.09

    

ERISA

     52  

Section 3.10

    

Disclosure

     4352  

Section 3.11

    

Margin Stock

     4352  

Section 3.12

    

Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions

     4353  

 

i


ARTICLE IV CONDITIONS

     4353  

Section 4.01

    

Effective Date

     4353  

Section 4.02

    

Each Credit Event

     4454  

ARTICLE V AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

     4554  

Section 5.01

    

Financial Statements and Other Information

     4554  

Section 5.02

    

Notices of Material Events

     4656  

Section 5.03

    

Existence; Conduct of Business

     4757  

Section 5.04

    

Payment of Taxes

     4757  

Section 5.05

    

Insurance

     4757  

Section 5.06

    

Books and Records; Inspection Rights

     4757  

Section 5.07

    

Compliance with Laws

     4757  

Section 5.08

    

Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit

     4758  

Section 5.09

    

Compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions

     4858  

ARTICLE VI NEGATIVE COVENANTS

     4858  

Section 6.01

    

Indebtedness

     .4858  

Section 6.02

    

Liens

     4858  

Section 6.03

    

Fundamental Changes

     4960  

Section 6.04

    

Financial Covenant

     5060  

Section 6.05

    

Restrictive Agreements

     5060  

ARTICLE VII EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     5061  

ARTICLE VIII THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

     5263  

Section 8.01

    

Administrative Agent

     5263  

Section 8.02

    

Rights as a Lender

     63  

Section 8.03

    

Exculpatory Provisions

     63  

Section 8.04

    

Delegation of Duties

     63  

Section 8.05

    

Resignation of Administrative Agent

     64  

Section 8.06

    

Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent

     64  

Section 8.07

    

The Lead Arrangers, Joint Bookrunners, Co-Syndication Agents and Co-Documentation Agents

     5464  

Section 8.08

    

Certain ERISA Matters

     65  

ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS

     5466  

Section 9.01

    

Notices

     5466  

Section 9.02

    

Waivers; Amendments

     5568  

Section 9.03

    

Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver

     5669  

Section 9.04

    

Successors and Assigns

     5770  

Section 9.05

    

Survival

     6073  

Section 9.06

    

Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution

     6074  

Section 9.07

    

Severability

     6175  

Section 9.08

    

Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process

     6175  

Section 9.09

    

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

     6276  

Section 9.10

    

Headings

     6276  

Section 9.11

    

Confidentiality

     6276  

Section 9.12

    

Interest Rate Limitation

     6376  

Section 9.13

    

USA Patriot Act Notice

     6477  

Section 9.14

    

Replacement of Existing Credit Agreement

     6477  

Section 9.15

    

No Fiduciary Duty

     6477  

Section 9.16

    

Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Affected Financial Institutions

     6478  

Section 9.17

    

Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs

     78  

 

ii


Schedules:

 

Schedule 1.01    Existing Letters of Credit
Schedule 2.01    Commitments
Schedule 2.13      Swingline Loan Rate Calculation
Schedule 3.05    Disclosed Matters
Schedule 6.02    Liens

Exhibits:

 

Exhibit A    Form of Assignment and Assumption
Exhibit B    Notice of Commitment Increase
Exhibit C    Form of Promissory Note
Exhibit D    Form of Maturity Date Extension Request
Exhibit E    Form of Joinder Agreement
Exhibits F-1 to F-4    Forms of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificates

 

iii


CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of October 24, 2018, among PIONEER NATURAL RESOURCES COMPANY, a Delaware corporation, as the Borrower, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Issuing Banks, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Swingline Lenders, the Lenders party hereto, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, BANK OF MONTREAL, CITIBANK N.A., GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, MUFG BANK, LTD., ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, as Co-Documentation Agents, and WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC, Merrill LynchBofA Securities, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED Inc. and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners.

The parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE IARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section  1.01 Section 1.1Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

ABR”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.

Adjusted LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.

Administrative Agent” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.

Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

“Affected Financial Institution” means (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution.

Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.

Agreement” means this Credit Agreement, as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, restated or replaced from time to time.

Alternate Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 12 of 1%, or (c) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for a one month Interest Period on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day) plus 1%, provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Adjusted LIBO Rate for any day shall be based on the rate appearing on the Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page (or on any successor or substitute page of such service, or any successor to or substitute for such service, providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such page of such service, as determined by the Administrative Agent from time to time for purposes of providing quotations of interest

 

1


rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London interbank market) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such day. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate, respectively.

Anti-Corruption Laws” means all state or federal laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries from time to time concerning or relating to bribery, money laundering or corruption, including, without limitation, the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

“Anti-Money Laundering Laws” 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 Margin” means, for any day, with respect to any ABR Loan or any Eurodollar Loan, or with respect to the commitment fees payable hereunder, as the case may be, the Applicable Margin per annum set forth below under the caption “ABR Spread”, “Eurodollar Spread” or “Commitment Fee Rate”, as the case may be, based upon the ratings by Moody’s and S&P, respectively, applicable on such date to the Index Debt:

 

Index Debt Ratings

   Commitment Fee Rate     Eurodollar Spread     ABR Spread  

Category 1

³A3/A-

     0.1000.125     1.0001.125     0.000.125

Category 2

Baa1/BBB+

     0.1250.150     1.1251.250     0.1250.250

Category 3

Baa2/BBB

     0.1500.175     1.2501.375     0.2500.375

Category 4

Baa3/BBB-

     0.2000.225     1.5001.625     0.5000.625

Category 5

£Ba1/BB+

     0.2500.275     1.7501.875     0.7500.875

For purposes of the foregoing, if both Moody’s and S&P shall not have in effect a rating for the Index Debt (other than by reason of the circumstances referred to in the last sentence of this definition), then such agencies shall be deemed to have established a rating in Category 5. If the ratings established or deemed to have been established by Moody’s and S&P for the Index Debt shall fall within different Categories, the Applicable Margin shall be based on the higher of the two ratings, unless one of the two ratings is two or more Categories lower than the other, in which case the Applicable Margin shall be determined by reference to the Category next above that of the lower of the two ratings; provided, however, that if only one of Moody’s and S&P shall have established a rating, then the Applicable Margin shall be determined by reference to such available rating. If the ratings established or deemed to have been established by Moody’s and S&P for the Index Debt shall be changed (other than as a result of a change in the rating system of Moody’s and S&P), such change shall be effective as of the date on which it is first announced by the applicable rating agency, irrespective of when notice of such change shall have been furnished by the Borrower to the Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Section 5.01 or otherwise. Each change in the Applicable Margin shall apply during the period commencing on the effective date of such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change. If the rating system

 

2


of Moody’s or S&P shall change, or if either such rating agency shall cease to be in the business of rating corporate debt obligations, the Borrower and the Lenders shall negotiate in good faith to amend this definition to reflect such changed rating system or the unavailability of ratings from such rating agency and, pending the effectiveness of any such amendment, the Applicable Margin shall be determined by reference to the rating of such agency most recently in effect prior to such change or cessation.

Applicable Percentage” means, with respect to any Lender, the percentage of the Commitments represented by such Lender’s Commitment. If the Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon the Commitments most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments.

Approved Fund” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04.

Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption agreement entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Commitments.

“Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, (x) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate, any tenor for such Benchmark or (y) otherwise, any payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark, as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period pursuant to this Agreement as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to Section 2.14(c)(iv).

Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an EEA 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).

“Benchmark” means, initially, USD LIBOR; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event, or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to USD LIBOR or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to Section 2.14(c)(i).

“Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor,

(a) with respect to any Benchmark Transition Event or Early Opt-in Election, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date:

 

3


(1) the sum of: (A) Term SOFR and (B) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

(2) the sum of: (A) Daily Simple SOFR and (B) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

(3) the sum of: (A) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time and (B) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; or

(b) with respect to any Term SOFR Transition Event, the sum of (1) Term SOFR and (2) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

provided that, (A) in the case of clause (a)(1), if the Administrative Agent decides that Term SOFR is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, then Term SOFR will be deemed unable to be determined for purposes of this definition and (B) in the case of clause (a)(1) or clause (b) of this definition, the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion. If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (a)(1), (a)(2) or (a)(3) or clause (b) of this definition would be less than the Floor, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for any applicable Interest Period and Available Tenor for any setting of such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement:

(a) for purposes of clauses (a)(1) and (a)(2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent:

(1) the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the replacement of such Available Tenor of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement;

(2) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that would apply to the fallback rate for a derivative transaction referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon an index cessation event with respect to such Available Tenor of such Benchmark;

(b) for purposes of clause (a)(3) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower giving due consideration to (1) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Available Tenor of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body on the applicable

 

4


Benchmark Replacement Date or (2) 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 Available Tenor of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities; and

(c) for purposes of clause (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the replacement of such Available Tenor of USD LIBOR with a SOFR-based rate;

provided that, (x) in the case of clause (1) above, such adjustment is displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such Benchmark Replacement Adjustment from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion and (y) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate, more than one tenor of such Benchmark is available as of the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement that will replace such Benchmark in accordance with Section 2.14(c)(i) will not be a term rate, the Available Tenor of such Benchmark for purposes of this definition of “Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” shall be deemed to be, with respect to each Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement having a payment period for interest calculated with reference thereto, the Available Tenor that has approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustments) as such payment period.

“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Alternate Base Rate,” the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Administrative Agent determines that no market practice for the administration of such Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents).

“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:

(a) in the case of clause (a) or (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (1) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (2) the date on which the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof);

(b) in the case of clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein;

(c) in the case of a Term SOFR Transition Event, the date that is thirty (30) days after the Administrative Agent has provided the Term SOFR Notice to the Lenders and the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.14(c)(i)(B); or

 

5


(d) in the case of an Early Opt-in Election, the sixth (6th) Business Day after the date notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Lenders, so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Lenders, written notice of objection to such Early Opt-in Election from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders.

For the avoidance of doubt, (1) if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination and (2) the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (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 the then-current Benchmark:

(a) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof), permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof);

(b) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof), the Board, 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 of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or

(c) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are no longer representative.

For the avoidance of doubt, a “Benchmark Transition Event” will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).

“Benchmark Unavailability Period” means the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (a) or (b) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14(c) and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14(c).

 

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Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.

Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.

Borrower” means the Pioneer Natural Resources Company, a Delaware corporation.

Borrowing” means Revolving Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect or Swingline Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

Borrowing Request” means a request by the Borrower for a Revolving Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.04.

Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City or Dallas, Texas are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that, when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan, the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

Capital Lease Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital finance leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.

Cash Equivalents” means unrestricted investments consisting of (a) marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States or any agency thereof, (b) money market funds with a rating of AAAm by S&P or Aaa-m by Moody’s, (c) commercial paper with a rating of A-1 or better by S&P or P-1 or better by Moody’s, (d) certificates of deposit or time deposits issued by commercial banks having a rating of “A” or better by a nationally recognized rating agency, or (e) corporate bonds with a rating of A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s.

Change in Control” means (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder as in effect on the date hereof), of Equity Interests representing more than 35% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower; or (b) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the Borrower by Persons who were neither (i1) nominated by the board of directors of the Borrower nor (ii2) appointed by directors so nominated.

Change in Law” means (a) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation after the date of this Agreement, (b) any change in any law, rule or , regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation , implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of this Agreement or (c) compliance by any Lender or the Issuing Banks (or, for purposes of Section 2.15(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s or the Issuing Banks’ holding companies, if any) with any requestthe making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of by any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and

 

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Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines , requirements or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in implementation thereof and (ii) all requests, rules, guidelines , requirements or directives promulgated by any the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted , implemented or issued.

CI Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(a).

Class”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans or Swingline Loans.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment of such Lender to make Revolving Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum aggregate amount of such Lender’s Credit Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) increased from time to time pursuant to Section 2.02, (b) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.09, or (c) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04. The initial amount of each Lender’s Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01, or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Commitment, as applicable. The As of the First Amendment Effective Date, the aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Commitments is $1,500,000,0002,000,000,000 .

Commitment Increase” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(a).

Commitment Increase Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(b).

Consenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20.

Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means, on any date, the aggregate amount of total assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, minus (a) all current liabilities of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (excluding current liabilities included in the definition of Indebtedness and excluding current liabilities attributable to commodities derivative contracts), (b) all goodwill of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and (c) current and long-term assets attributable to commodities derivative contracts, all determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Tangible Net Worth” means, at any date, (ia) the Consolidated shareholders’ equity of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (determined in accordance with GAAP); less (iib) the amount of Consolidated intangible assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, provided, that to the extent oil and gas mineral leases are classified as intangible assets under GAAP, for purposes of this definition, those assets will be treated as tangible assets; less (iiic) the non-cash gains related to derivatives, net of associated taxes, included in the consolidated statements of operations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries after December 31, 2010 and the other comprehensive income component of consolidated shareholders’ net equity of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries attributable to deferred hedge gains, net of associated taxes; plus (ivd) the aggregate amount of any non-cash write downs under FASB Accounting Standards Codification topics “Extractive Activities – Oil & Gas”, “Income Taxes”, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” and “Property, Plant and Equipment” (as successors to Statements of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 19, 109, 142, and 144) (and any standards replacing, modifying or superceding any such Standard), on a Consolidated basis, by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries after December 31, 2010, net of associated taxes; plus (ve) the non-cash losses related to derivatives, net of

 

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associated taxes, included in the consolidated statements of operations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries after December 31, 2010 and the other comprehensive income component of consolidated shareholders’ net equity of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries attributable to deferred hedge losses, net of associated taxes.

Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.

“Corresponding Tenor” with respect to any Available Tenor means, as applicable, either a tenor (including overnight) or an interest payment period having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as such Available Tenor.

Credit Exposure” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum (without duplication) of (a) the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Loans (including Swingline Loans) at such time, (b) its LC Exposure at such time and (c) its Swingline Exposure (other than such Lender’s Swingline Exposure with respect to Swingline Loans made by such Lender in its capacity as a Swingline Lender, if any) at such time.

“Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day, SOFR, with the conventions for this rate (which will include a lookback) being established by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the conventions for this rate selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for determining “Daily Simple SOFR” for syndicated business loans; provided, that if the Administrative Agent decides that any such convention is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, then the Administrative Agent may establish another convention in its reasonable discretion.

Declining Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20.

Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed to fund any portion of its Loans or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans required to be funded by it hereunder within two Business Days of the date required to be funded by it hereunder unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing on or prior to the date the funding is required to be made 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 writing) has not been satisfied, (b) has otherwise failed to pay over to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within two Business Days of the date when due, unless such amount is the subject of a good faith dispute, (c) has notified the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any other Lender in writing that it does not intend to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement or has made a public statement to that effect that (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), or (d) has become or is, or whose direct or indirect parent has become or is, (i) insolvent, (ii) the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee or custodian appointed for it, or has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment, or (iii) the subject of a Bail-In Action; provided, that a Lender shall not become a Defaulting Lender solely as the result of the acquisition or maintenance of an ownership interest in such Lender or Person controlling such Lender or the exercise of

 

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control over a Lender or Person controlling such Lender by a Governmental Authority or an instrumentality thereof so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender.

Disclosed Matters” means the actions, suits and proceedings and the environmental matters disclosed in Schedule 3.05, disclosed in any filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission or as otherwise disclosed in writing from time to time to Administrative Agent.

dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the United States of America.

“Early Opt-in Election” means, if the then-current Benchmark is USD LIBOR, the occurrence of:

(a) a notification by the Administrative Agent to (or the request by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent to notify) each of the other parties hereto that at least five currently outstanding dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time contain (as a result of amendment or as originally executed) a SOFR-based rate (including SOFR, a term SOFR or any other rate based upon SOFR) as a benchmark rate (and such syndicated credit facilities are identified in such notice and are publicly available for review), and

(b) the joint election by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower to trigger a fallback from USD LIBOR and the provision by the Administrative Agent of written notice of such election to the Lenders.

EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.

EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any Person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institutioncredit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country.

Effective Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).

“Electronic Signature” mean an electronic sound, symbol or process attached to, or associated with, a contract or other record and adopted by a person with the intent to sign, authenticate or accept such contract or record.

“Electronic Record” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 15 U.S.C. 7006.

 

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“Electronic Signature” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 15 U.S.C. 7006.

Environmental Laws” means all laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to the environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources, the management, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material.

Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower or any Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

Equity Interests” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any such equity interest.

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

ERISA Event” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived); (b) the existence with respect to any Plan of an “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.

EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor personthereto ), as in effect from time to time.

Eurodollar”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate.

 

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Event of Default” has the meaning set forth in Article VII.

Excluded Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient of a payment made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower under this Agreement (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by its net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed on it by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable lending office Lending Office is located, or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, any U.S. federal withholding Tax that is imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender at the time such Lender (i) becomes a party to this Agreement, whether upon execution or upon assignment (other than an assignment pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 2.19(b)), or (ii) designates a new lending officeLending Office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.17, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending officeLending Office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with Section 2.17(e), and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

Executive Officer” means any Financial Officer, executive vice president, officer ranking above an executive vice president and any officer that is the functional equivalent of the foregoing.

Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Second Amended and Restated 5-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2011, among the Borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Issuing Banks, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Swingline Lenders, the Lenders party hereto, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, Bank of Montreal and Citibank N.A., as Co-Documentation Agents, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, as amended prior to the date of this Agreement.

Existing Letters of Credit” means the Letters of Credit described on Schedule 1.01 that were issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association or Bank of America, N.A. under the Existing Credit Agreement and that shall be transferred to and deemed issued under this Agreement, as such Letters of Credit may be renewed or amended from time to time.

Existing Maturity Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20.

FASB” means the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, any intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of such Sections of the Code, and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any such intergovernmental agreement.

Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100

 

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of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by itthe Administrative Agent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement

Financial Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the chief financial officer or principal accounting officer. The term “Financial Officer” without reference to a Person shall mean a Financial Officer of the Borrower.

“First Amendment” means that certain First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of the First Amendment Effective Date, by and among the Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, the Issuing Banks, and the Administrative Agent.

“First Amendment Effective Date” means January 12, 2021.

“Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement initially (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to the LIBO Rate.

Foreign Lender” means a Lender that is not a U.S. Person.

Fronting Exposure” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to any Issuing Bank, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding Letter of Credit obligations other than Letter of Credit obligations as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or cash collateral or other credit support acceptable to such Issuing Banks shall have been provided in accordance with the terms hereof and (b) with respect to any Swingline Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of Swingline Loans other than Swingline Loans as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders, repaid by the Borrower or for which cash collateral or other credit support acceptable to such Swingline Lender shall have been provided in accordance with the terms hereof.

GAAP” means, subject to Section 1.04, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

Guarantee” of or by any Person (the “guarantor”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, or (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation, provided, that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.

 

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Hazardous Materials” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.

“Hedge Agreement” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement.

Highest Lawful Rate” means, with respect to each Lender, the maximum nonusurious interest rate, if any, that at any time or from time to time may be contracted for, taken, reserved charged or received on the Indebtedness under laws applicable to such Lender which are presently in effect or, to the extent allowed by law, under such applicable laws which may hereafter be in effect and which allow a higher maximum nonusurious interest rate than applicable laws allow as of the date hereof.

Hybrid Equity Credit” means, on any date, with respect to any Hybrid Equity Securities, the aggregate principal amount of such Hybrid Equity Securities that is treated as equity by S&P and Moody’s based on the classifications for such Hybrid Equity Securities issued by S&P and Moody’s; provided that if the classifications for such Hybrid Equity Securities issued by S&P and Moody’s are different, then the higher classification (i.e., the classification that provides for the most equity) will apply to determine the amount of “Hybrid Equity Credit” for such Hybrid Equity Securities.

Hybrid Equity Securities” means, on any date (the “determination date”), any securities issued by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or a financing vehicle of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, other than common stock, that meet the following criteria: (a) (i) the Borrower demonstrates that such securities are classified, at the time they are issued, as possessing a minimum of “intermediate equity content” by S&P and “Basket C equity credit” by Moody’s (or the equivalent classifications then in effect by such agencies) and (ii) on such determination date such securities are classified as possessing a minimum of “intermediate equity content” by S&P or “Basket C equity credit” by Moody’s (or the equivalent classifications then in effect by such agencies) and (b) such securities require no repayments or prepayments and no mandatory redemptions or repurchases, in each case, prior to at least 91 days after the later of the termination of the Commitments and the repayment in full of all obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement. As used in this definition, “mandatory redemption” shall not include conversion of a security into common stock.

Hydrocarbons” means oil, gas, casinghead gas, condensate, distillate, liquid hydrocarbons, gaseous hydrocarbons, all products refined, separated, settled and dehydrated therefrom and all products refined therefrom, including, without limitation, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas, refined lubricating oils, diesel fuel, drip gasoline, natural gasoline, helium, sulfur and all other minerals.

Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or

 

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services (other than customary payment terms taken in the ordinary course of business), (d) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, limited, however, to the lesser of (1) the amount of its liability or (2) the book value of such property, (e) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (f) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (g) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit, (h) the amount of deferred revenue attributed to any forward sale of production for which such Person has received payment in advance other than on ordinary trade terms, (i) all obligations of such Person in respect of synthetic leases and (j) the undischarged balance of any production payment created by such Person or for the creation of which such Person directly or indirectly received payment. The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person’s ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor.

Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower under this Agreement, and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a), Other Taxes.

“Indemnitee” has the meaning specified in Section 9.03(b).

Index Debt” means senior, unsecured, long-term indebtedness for borrowed money of the Borrower that is not guaranteed by any other Person or subject to any other credit enhancement; provided, that if the Borrower does not have any such indebtedness, Index Debt shall be the indebtedness under this Agreement.

Information” has the meaning specified in Section 9.11.

Interest Election Request” means a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.08.

Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan, the last day of each March, June, September and December, (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period and (c) with respect to any Swingline Loan, the first day of each calendar month, unless such day shall not be a Business Day, in which case the next succeeding Business Day.

Interest Period” means (a) with respect to any Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, three or six months or, with the consent of the Lenders, nine or twelve months thereafter, as the Borrower may elect, and (b) with respect to any Swingline Loan, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the date specified in Section 2.10(a); provided, that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless, in the case of a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing only, such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day and (ii) any Interest Period pertaining to a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and, in the case of a Revolving Borrowing, thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

 

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“ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or such successor thereto.

Issuing Bank” means each of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. in its capacity as the issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, and its successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.06(i). Each Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of the Issuing Bank, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate. The Borrower may, with the consent of the Administrative Agent and the relevant Lender, appoint such Lender hereunder as an Issuing Bank in addition to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Joinder Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(a).

LC Disbursement” means a payment made by an Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.

LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time. The LC Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total LC Exposure at such time.

Lead Arrangers” means each of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill LynchBofA Securities, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Lenders” means the Persons listed on Schedule 2.01 and any other Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to Section 2.02 or pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Lenders” includes the Swingline Lenders.

“Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender maintaining such Lender’s extensions of credit made hereunder, which office may, to the extent the applicable Lender notifies the Administrative Agent in writing, include an office of any Affiliate of such Lender or any domestic or foreign branch of such Lender or Affiliate.

Letter of Credit” means any letter of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement.

LIBO Rate” means, subject to the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement Rate in accordance with Section 2.14(b2.14(c), with respect to any Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing for any Interest Period, the rate appearing on the Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page (or on any successor or substitute page of such Service, or any successor to or substitute for such Service, providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such page of such Service, as determined by the Administrative Agent from time to time for purposes of providing quotations of interest rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London interbank market) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, as the rate for dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period. In the event that such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the “LIBO Rate” with respect to such Eurodollar Borrowing for such Interest Period shall be the rate at which dollar deposits of $5,000,000 and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period are offered by the principal London

 

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office of the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the LIBO Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement. Unless otherwise specified in any amendment to this Agreement entered into in accordance with Section  2.14(b2.14(c ), in the event that a Benchmark Replacement Rate with respect to the LIBO Rate is implemented, then all references herein to the LIBO Rate shall be deemed references to such Benchmark Replacement Rate.

Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, or security interest in, on or of such asset, or any other charge or encumbrance on any such asset to secure Indebtedness or liabilities, but excluding any right to netting or setoff , (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.

“Loan Documents” means this Agreement.

“Loan Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, the First Amendment and each other document, instrument, certificate and agreement executed and delivered by the Borrower in favor of or provided to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement.

Loans” means the loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement in the form of a Revolving Loan or a Swingline Loan.

“London Banking Day” means any day on which dealings in dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market.

Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, operations, or financial condition of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations, taken as a whole, under this Agreement or (c) the rights of or benefits available to the Lenders under this Agreement.

Maturity Date” means the later of (a) October  24January 12, 2023 2026 and (b) if maturity is extended pursuant to Section 2.20, such extended maturity date as determined pursuant to Section 2.20 (it being understood and agreed that any such maturity shall not be deemed extended for any Lender that has not consented to such extension).

Maturity Date Extension Request” means a request by the Borrower, in the Form of Exhibit D hereto or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent, for the extension of the Maturity Date pursuant to Section 2.20.

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

New Funds Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(d).

Notice of Commitment Increase” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(b).

OFAC” means the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

 

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Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).

Other Taxes” means any and all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or any other similar Taxes arising from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 2.19(b)).

Participant” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04.

Participant Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(c).

“PATRIOT Act” means the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)).

PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.

Permitted Encumbrances” means:

(a) Liens imposed by law for taxes, assessments, or other governmental charges or levies that are not yet delinquent or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;

(b) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s, landlords, vendors, workmen, operators, and other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business or incident to the exploration, development, operation, processing and maintenance of Hydrocarbons and related facilities and assets and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than 90 days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;

(c) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and other social security laws or regulations;

(d) deposits to secure the performance of bids, tenders, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds, and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

(e) judgment liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (k) of Article VII;

(f) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way, servitudes, permits, conditions, exceptions, reservations, and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any Indebtedness and do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(g) legal or equitable encumbrances deemed to exist by reason of negative pledges such as in Section 6.02 of this Agreement or the existence of any litigation or other legal proceeding and any related lis pendens filing (excluding any attachment prior to judgment, judgment lien or attachment lien in aid of execution on a judgment);

 

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(h) rights of a common owner of any interest in property held by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary as a common owner;

(i) farmout, carried working interest, joint operating, unitization, royalty, overriding royalty, sales, area of mutual interest, division order, joint venture, partnership and similar agreements relating to the exploration or development of, or production from, oil and gas properties incurred in the ordinary course of business,

(j) Liens arising pursuant to Section 9.343 of the Texas Uniform Commercial Code or other similar statutory provisions of other states with respect to production purchased from others;

(k) any defects, irregularities, or deficiencies in title to easements, rights-of-way, or other properties which do not in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect;

(l) Liens on the stock or other ownership interest of or in any Unrestricted Subsidiary, provided that there is no recourse to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary other than recourse to such stock or other ownership interest and proceeds thereof;

(m) Liens resulting from the deposit of funds or evidences of Indebtedness in trust for the purpose of defeasing Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(n) Liens arising under customary letter of credit reimbursement agreements and customary deposit account agreement, and similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business with respect to instruments or money in the possession of the other party thereto in the ordinary course of business; and

(o) Liens in renewal or extension of any of the foregoing permitted Liens, so long as limited to the property or assets encumbered and the amounts of indebtedness secured immediately prior to such renewal or extension is not increased.

Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Plan” means any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

“Platform” means Debt Domain, Intralinks, SyndTrak or a substantially similar electronic transmission system.

Prime Rate” means , at any time, the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association the Administrative Agent as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in San Francisco; each . Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced as being 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.

 

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“PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.

Recipient” means (a) the Administrative Agent, (b) any Lender and (c) any Issuing Bank, as applicable, in its capacity as a Person receiving a payment under the Loan Documents.

Reducing Percentage Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(d).

Reduction Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(d).

“Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (a) if such Benchmark is USD LIBOR, 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the day that is two (2) London Banking Days preceding the date of such setting, and (b) if such Benchmark is not USD LIBOR, the time determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04.

Related Parties” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and , trustees, administrators, managers, advisors and representatives of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.

“Replacement Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.14(b).

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

Required Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders having Credit Exposures and unused Commitments representing greater than 50% of the sum of the total Credit Exposures and unused Commitments at such time; provided that the Credit Exposures and unused Commitments held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.

“Resolution Authority” means an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.

Restricted Subsidiaries” means all Subsidiaries of the Borrower that are not Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

Revolving Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.03.

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s.

Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country , region or territory which is itself (or whose government is) the subject or target of any Sanctions (including, as of the First Amendment Effective Date, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria and the Crimea region of Ukraine).

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 or , any European member state, Her Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country or (c)

 

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any Person that is owned or Controlled by 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 vessels and aircraft, that are designated under any Sanctions program.

Sanctions” means any and all economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes , including those imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by the U.S. government (including those administered by OFAC and or the U.S. Department of State), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or , any European member state, Her Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority in any jurisdiction in which (a) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is located or conducts business, (b) in which any of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, or (c) from which repayment of the Loans will be derived.

“SOFR” means, with respect to any Business Day, a rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate for such Business Day published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website on the immediately succeeding Business Day.

“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.

Statutory Reserve Rate” means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board to which the Administrative Agent is subject with respect to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency Liabilities” in Regulation D of the Board). Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D. Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under such Regulation D or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.

subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

Subsidiary” means any subsidiary of the Borrower.

Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Borrower or the Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.

 

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Swingline Commitment” means, with respect to each Swingline Lender, the commitment of such Swingline Lender to make Swingline Loans. The amount of each Swingline Commitment for each Swingline Lender is $50,000,000 and the total Swingline Commitment is $150,000,000.

Swingline Exposure” means at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time. The Swingline Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total Swingline Exposure at such time.

Swingline Lenders” means each of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Swingline Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.05.

Taxes” means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, assessments, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings (including backup withholding) imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

“Term SOFR” means, for the applicable Corresponding Tenor as of the applicable Reference Time, the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.

“Term SOFR Notice” means a notification by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders and the Borrower of the occurrence of a Term SOFR Transition Event.

“Term SOFR Transition Event” means the determination by the Administrative Agent that (a) Term SOFR has been recommended for use by the Relevant Governmental Body, (b) the administration of Term SOFR is administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent and (c) a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, has previously occurred resulting in the replacement of the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14(c) with a Benchmark Replacement the Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement component of which is not Term SOFR.

Total Cap” means, as of any date of determination, the sum of Total Debt plus Consolidated Tangible Net Worth of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries.

Total Debt” means, as of any date of determination, all indebtedness (including all guarantees of such indebtedness) that is properly reflected as such on the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP (including any such indebtedness proposed to be incurred on such date of determination and excluding all indebtedness to be paid on such date of determination with the proceeds thereof).

Total Net Debt” means, as of any date of determination, Total Debt minus the aggregate amount of unencumbered and unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, which exceeds $250,000,000; provided, that, the amount of such cash and Cash Equivalents deducted in the calculation of Total Net Debt shall not exceed $500,000,000 in the aggregate if there are any Loans outstanding on such date.

 

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Transactions” means the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement, the borrowing of Loans, the use of the proceeds thereof, and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder.

Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the Alternate Base Rate.

“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.

Unrestricted Subsidiary” means:

(a) (a) any Subsidiary of the Borrower that at the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by a Financial Officer of the Borrower in the manner provided below; and

(b) (b) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. A Financial Officer may designate any Subsidiary of the Borrower (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary of the Borrower and a Restricted Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any Lien on any property of, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated. A Financial Officer may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that (i) giving effect to such designation shall not result in the occurrence and continuance of a Default and (ii) any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall not be secured by Liens at the time of such designation except for Liens permitted by Section 6.02. Any such designation by a Financial Officer shall be evidenced to the Administrative Agent by promptly filing with the Administrative Agent a copy of the resolution of a Financial Officer giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

U.S. Person” means any Person that is a “United States person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

“USD LIBOR” means the London interbank offered rate for Dollars.

“Wells Fargo” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association.

Withdrawal Liability” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

Withholding Agent” means the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, as applicable.

 

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Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means, (a) with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, any powers of the applicable Resolution Authority under the Bail-In Legislation to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of any UK Financial Institution or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers.

Section  1.02 Section 1.2Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Loan”) or by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Loan”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Revolving Loan”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Borrowing”) or by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Borrowing”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing”).

Section  1.03 Section 1.3Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (cb) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (dc) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (ed) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

Section  1.04 Section 1.4Accounting Terms; GAAP. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, GAAP will be deemed for all purposes hereof to treat leases that would have been classified as operating leases in accordance with GAAP as in effect on December 31, 2017 in a manner consistent with the treatment of such leases under GAAP in effect on December 31, 2017 notwithstanding any modification thereto that becomes effective thereafter; and provided further that, if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any other change occurring after the date hereof in GAAP (including but not limited to any standard of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification) or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith.

Section 1.5 Rates. The Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission or any other matter related to the rates in the definition of “LIBO Rate” or with respect to any successor rate thereto or replacement rate therefor.

 

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Section  1.05 Rates; LIBOR Notification. The interest rate on Eurodollar Loans and ABR Loans (when determined by reference to clause (c) of the definition of Alternate Base Rate) is determined by reference to the LIBO Rate, which is derived from the London interbank offered rate. The London interbank offered rate is intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings from each other in the London interbank market. In July 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that, after the end of 2021, it would no longer persuade or compel contributing banks to make rate submissions to the ICE Benchmark Administration (together with any successor to the ICE Benchmark Administrator, the “IBA”) for purposes of the IBA setting the London interbank offered rate. As a result, it is possible that commencing in 2022, the London interbank offered rate may no longer be available or may no longer be deemed an appropriate reference rate upon which to determine the interest rate on Eurodollar Loans or ABR Loans (when determined by reference to clause (c) of the definition of Alternate Base Rate). In light of this eventuality, public and private sector industry initiatives have been and continue, as of the date hereof, to be underway to identify new or alternative reference rates to be used in place of the London interbank offered rate. In the event that the London interbank offered rate or any other then-current Benchmark is no longer available or in certain other circumstances set forth in Section 2.14(c), such Section 2.14(c) provides a mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest. The Administrative Agent will notify the Borrower in advance, pursuant to Section 2.14(c), of any change to the reference rate upon which the interest rate on Eurodollar Loans and ABR Loans (when determined by reference to clause (c) of the definition of Alternate Base Rate) is based. However, the Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, (a) the administration of, submission of, calculation of or any other matter related to the London interbank offered rate or other rates in the definition of “LIBO Rate” or with respect to any alternative, comparable or successor rate thereto, or replacement rate thereof (including any then-current Benchmark or any Benchmark Replacement), including whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement reference rate (including any Benchmark Replacement), as it may or may not be adjusted pursuant to Section 2.14(c), will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, the LIBO Rate or any other Benchmark, or have the same volume or liquidity as did the London interbank offered rate or any other Benchmark prior to its discontinuance or unavailability, or (b) the effect, implementation or composition of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes.

Section  1.06 Divisions. For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Interests at such time.

Section 1.07 References to Agreements and Laws. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) any definition or reference to formation documents, governing documents, agreements (including the Loan Documents) and other contractual documents or 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 not prohibited by any Loan Document; and (b) any definition or reference to any applicable law, including Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, the Code, ERISA, Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the PATRIOT Act, the Securities Act, the Investment Company Act of 1940, or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department, shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such applicable law.

 

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ARTICLE IIARTICLE II

THE CREDITS

Section 2.1 Commitments Section 2.01 Commitments. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender agrees to make Revolving Loans in dollars to the Borrower from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in (ia) such Lender’s Credit Exposure exceeding such Lender’s Commitment or (iib) the sum of the total Credit Exposures exceeding the total Commitments. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans.

Section  2.02 Section 2.2Commitment Increase.

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower shall have the right, without the consent of the Lenders but with the prior approval of the Administrative Agent, to cause from time to time an increase in the Commitments of the Lenders (a “Commitment Increase”) by adding to this Agreement one or more additional financial institutions that is not already a Lender hereunder and that is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent or by allowing one or more existing Lenders to increase their respective Commitments (each a “CI Lender”); provided, however that (i) no Event of Default shall have occurred which is continuing, (ii) no such Commitment Increase shall cause the Commitments under this Agreement to exceed $1,750,000,0002,250,000,000 , (iii) no Lender’s Commitment shall be increased without such Lender’s prior written consent, (iv) if, on the effective date of such increase, any Loans have been funded, then the Borrower shall be obligated to pay any breakage fees or costs in connection with the reallocation of such outstanding Loans, and (v) each CI Lender shall execute a joinder agreement in the form of Exhibit E attached hereto (a “Joinder Agreement”).

(b) Any Commitment Increase shall be requested by written notice from the Borrower to the Administrative Agent (a “Notice of Commitment Increase”) in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto and shall be approved by the Administrative Agent, such consent to not be unreasonably withheld. Each such Notice of Commitment Increase shall specify (i) the proposed effective date of such Commitment Increase, which date shall be no earlier than five (5) Business Days after receipt by the Administrative Agent of such Notice of Commitment Increase, (ii) the amount of the requested Commitment Increase (provided that after giving effect to such requested Commitment Increase, the aggregate amount of the Commitments does not exceed the amount set forth in subsection (a)(ii) above), (iii) the identity of each CI Lender, and (iv) the amount of the respective Commitments of the then existing Lenders and the CI Lenders from and after the Commitment Increase Effective Date (as defined below). The Administrative Agent shall review each Notice of Commitment Increase and shall notify the Borrower whether or not the Administrative Agent consents to the proposed Commitment Increase. If the Administrative Agent consents to such Commitment Increase (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld), the Administrative Agent shall execute a counterpart of the Notice of Commitment Increase and such Commitment Increase shall be effective on the proposed effective date set forth in the Notice of Commitment Increase (if the Administrative Agent consented to such Commitment Increase prior to such proposed date) or on another date agreed to by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (such date referred to as the “Commitment Increase Effective Date”).

(c) On each Commitment Increase Effective Date, to the extent that there are Loans outstanding as of such date, (i) each CI Lender shall, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, deliver to the Administrative Agent such CI Lender’s New Funds Amount, which amount, for each such CI Lender, shall constitute Loans made by such CI Lender to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement on such Commitment Increase Effective Date, (ii) the Administrative Agent shall, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, pay to each then Reducing Percentage Lender its Reduction Amount, which amount, for each such Reducing Percentage Lender, shall constitute a prepayment by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.11, ratably in accordance with the respective principal amounts thereof, of the principal amounts of all then outstanding Loans of such Reducing Percentage Lender, and (iii) the Borrower shall be responsible to pay to each Lender any breakage fees or costs in connection with the reallocation of any outstanding Loans.

 

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(d) For purposes of this Section 2.02 and Exhibit B, the following defined terms shall have the following meanings: (i) “New Funds Amount” means the amount equal to the product of a CI Lender’s increased Commitment or a CI Lender’s new Commitment (as applicable) represented as a percentage of the aggregate Commitments after giving effect to the Commitment Increase, times the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Loans immediately prior to giving effect to the Commitment Increase, if any, as of a Commitment Increase Effective Date (without regard to any increase in the aggregate principal amount of Loans as a result of borrowings made after giving effect to the Commitment Increase on such Commitment Increase Effective Date); (ii) “Reducing Percentage Lender” means each then existing Lender immediately prior to giving effect to the Commitment Increase that does not increase its respective Commitment as a result of the Commitment Increase and whose relative percentage of the Commitments shall be reduced after giving effect to such Commitment Increase; and (iii) “Reduction Amount” means the amount by which a Reducing Percentage Lender’s outstanding Loans decrease as of a Commitment Increase Effective Date (without regard to the effect of any borrowings made on such Commitment Increase Effective Date after giving effect to the Commitment Increase).

(e) Each Commitment Increase shall become effective on its Commitment Increase Effective Date and upon such effectiveness (i) the Administrative Agent shall record in the register each then CI Lender’s information as provided in the Notice of Commitment Increase and pursuant to an Administrative Questionnaire satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that shall be executed and delivered by each CI Lender to the Administrative Agent on or before the Commitment Increase Effective Date, (ii) Schedule 2.01 hereof shall be amended and restated to set forth all Lenders (including any CI Lenders) that will be Lenders hereunder after giving effect to such Commitment Increase (which shall be set forth in Annex I to the applicable Notice of Commitment Increase) and the Administrative Agent shall distribute to each Lender (including each CI Lender) a copy of such amended and restated Schedule 2.01, and (iii) each CI Lender identified on the Notice of Commitment Increase for such Commitment Increase shall be a “Lender” for all purposes under this Agreement.

Section  2.03 Section 2.3Revolving Loans and Borrowings.

(a) Each Revolving Loan shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Revolving Loans made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Loans as required.

(b) Subject to Section 2.14, each Revolving Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans or Eurodollar Loans as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith. Each Lender at its option (but subject to Section 2.19) may make any Eurodollar Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

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(c) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000. At the time that each ABR Revolving Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000; provided that an ABR Revolving Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the total Commitments or that is required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e). Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of fifteen (15) Eurodollar Revolving Borrowings outstanding.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Revolving Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date.

Section  2.04 Section 2.4Requests for Revolving Borrowings. To request a Revolving Borrowing, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing and (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the same Business Day of the proposed Borrowing; provided that any such notice of an ABR Borrowing to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e) may be given not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery, telecopy or electronic mail to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower. Each such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

(i) the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing;

(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;

(iii) whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing;

(iv) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”; and

(v) the location and number of the Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.07.

If no election as to the Type of Revolving Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.

Section  2.05 Section 2.5Swingline Loans.

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swingline Lenders agree to make Swingline Loans in dollars to the Borrower from time to time during the Availability Period ratably in accordance with its respective Swingline Commitment, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding that will not result in (i) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans exceeding for any Swingline Lender $50,000,000 or for all Swingline Lenders $150,000,000, (ii) the total Credit Exposures exceeding the total Commitments, or (iii) as to any Swingline Lender, such Swingline Lender’s Credit Exposure exceeding its Commitment; provided that the Swingline Lenders shall not be required to make a Swingline Loan to refinance an outstanding Swingline Loan. Within the foregoing limits

 

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and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Swingline Loans. The failure of any Swingline Lender to make any Swingline Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Swingline Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Swingline Commitments of the Swingline Lenders are several and no Swingline Lender shall be responsible for any other Swingline Lender’s failure to make Loans as required. Each Swingline Loan shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000; provided, that a Swingline Loan may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire available balance of the total Swingline Commitments or that is required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(c).

(b) To request a Swingline Loan, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (confirmed by telecopy or electronic mail), not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the day of a proposed Swingline Loan. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the requested date (which shall be a Business Day) and amount of the requested Swingline Loan. The Administrative Agent will promptly advise each Swingline Lender of any such notice received from the Borrower. Each Swingline Lender shall make its pro rata share of each Swingline Loan available to the Administrative Agent who will in turn make such amount received available to the Borrower by means of a credit to the general deposit account of the Borrower with the Administrative Agent (or, in the case of a Swingline Loan made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e), by remittance to the Issuing Bank) by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the requested date of such Swingline Loan.

(c) The Swingline Lenders may by written notice given to the Administrative Agent not later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on any Business Day require the Lenders to acquire participations on such Business Day in all or a portion of the Swingline Loans outstanding. Such notice shall specify the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans in which Lenders will participate. Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent will give notice thereof to each Lender, specifying in such notice such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, upon receipt of notice as provided above, to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of each Swingline Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations in Swingline Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(c) is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Lender shall comply with its obligation under this Section 2.05(c) by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Swingline Lenders the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower of any participations in any Swingline Loan acquired pursuant to this Section 2.05(c), and thereafter payments in respect of such Swingline Loan shall be made to the Administrative Agent and not to the Swingline Lenders. Any amounts received by a Swingline Lender from the Borrower (or other party on behalf of the Borrower) in respect of a Swingline Loan after receipt by such Swingline Lender of the proceeds of a sale of participations therein shall be promptly remitted to the Administrative Agent; any such amounts received by the Administrative Agent shall be promptly remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders that shall have made their payments pursuant to this Section 2.05(c) and to such Swingline Lender, as their interests may appear; provided that any such payment so remitted shall be repaid to such Swingline Lender or to the Administrative Agent, as applicable, if and to the extent such payment is required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason. The purchase of participations in a Swingline Loan pursuant to this Section 2.05(c) shall not relieve the Borrower of any default in the payment thereof.

 

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(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.05, no Swingline Lender shall be obligated to make any Swingline Loan at a time when any other Lender is a Defaulting Lender, unless such Swingline Lender has entered into arrangements (which may include the delivery of cash collateral) with the Borrower or such Defaulting Lender which are satisfactory to such Swingline Lender to eliminate such Swingline Lender’s Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.21(c)) with respect to any such Defaulting Lender.

Section  2.06 Section 2.6Letters of Credit.

(a) General. The Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, and Lenders hereby agree that all Existing Letters of Credit shall be deemed to be issued under this Agreement as of the Effective Date and shall constitute Letters of Credit hereunder for all purposes (except that the Issuing Bank’s standard issuance fee shall not be payable on such deemed issuance). Except as provided in Section 2.06(i), any of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of America, N.A. or JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. shall severally serve as Issuing Banks for all Letters of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may request the issuance of standby Letters of Credit, in dollars and in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any form of letter of credit application or other agreement submitted by the Borrower to, or entered into by the Borrower with, the applicable Issuing Bank relating to any Letter of Credit, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control.control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Issuing Banks shall have no obligation hereunder to issue, and shall not issue, any Letter of Credit (i) the proceeds of which would be made available to any Person (A) to fund any activity or business of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of any Sanctions or (B) in any manner that would result in a violation of any Sanctions by any party to this Agreement, (ii) if any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain any Issuing Bank from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any applicable law relating to the Issuing Bank or any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over any Issuing Bank shall prohibit, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon any Issuing Bank with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which any such Issuing Bank is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Effective Date, or shall impose upon the Issuing Bank any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Effective Date and which such Issuing Bank in good faith deems material to it, or (iii) if the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of an Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally under similar circumstances for similarly situated borrowers; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed not to be in effect on the Effective Date for purposes of clause (ii) above, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.

(b) Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Condition. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Borrower shall hand deliver or telecopy (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the applicable Issuing Bank) to the applicable Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or

 

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extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) below), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit. If requested by an Issuing Bank, the Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application on such Issuing Bank’s standard form in connection with any request for a Letter of Credit; provided that no provision in such application shall be deemed effective to the extent such provision contains, provides for, or requires, representations, warranties, covenants, security interests, Liens, indemnities, reimbursements of costs or expenses, events of defaults, remedies, or standards of care or to the extent such provision conflicts or is inconsistent with this Agreement. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of each Letter of Credit the Borrower shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (i) the total LC Exposures shall not exceed $750,000,000, (ii) the LC Exposure of such Issuing Bank shall not exceed in the aggregate $125,000,000 at any time, and (iii) the Credit Exposure of such Issuing Bank shall not exceed its Commitment.

(c) Expiration Date. Each Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one year after such renewal or extension) and (ii) the date that is five Business Days prior to the Maturity Date; provided that no Letter of Credit may expire after the date that is five Business Days prior to an Existing Maturity Date in respect of any Declining Lenders under Section 2.20 if, after giving effect to such Letter of Credit, the aggregate Commitments of the Consenting Lenders (including any replacement Lenders) for the period following such Existing Maturity Date would be less than the LC Exposure following such Existing Maturity Date.

(d) Participation. By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of the Issuing Banks or the Lenders, the Issuing Banks hereby grant to each Lender, and each Lender hereby acquires from the Issuing Banks, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Issuing Banks, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement made by the Issuing Banks and not reimbursed by the Borrower on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) below, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.

(e) Reimbursement. If an Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date that such LC Disbursement is made, if the Borrower shall have received notice of such LC Disbursement prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on such date, or, if such notice has not been received by the Borrower prior to such time on such date, then not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on (i) the Business Day that the Borrower receives such notice, if such notice is received prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the day of receipt, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower receives such notice, if such notice is not received prior to such time on the day of receipt; provided that, if such LC Disbursement is not less than $5,000,000, the Borrower may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.04 that such payment be financed with an ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan in an equivalent amount and, to the extent

 

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so financed, the Borrower’s obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan. If the Borrower fails to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrower in respect thereof and such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the payment then due from the Borrower, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrower pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and the Issuing Bank as its interests may appear. Any payment made by a Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of ABR Revolving Loans or Swingline Loan as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement.

(f) Obligations Absolute. The Borrower’s obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) above shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, or (iii) any other event or circumstance whatsoever (other than failure to comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrower’s obligations hereunder. Neither the Administrative Agent, the Lenders nor the Issuing Banks, nor any of their Related Parties, shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the Issuing Banks; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse the Issuing Banks from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by the Issuing Banks’ failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof. The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Issuing Banks (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), the Issuing Banks shall be deemed to have exercised care in each such determination. In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented which appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, the Issuing Banks may, in their sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.

(g) Disbursement Procedures. The Issuing Banks shall, promptly following receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit. The Issuing Banks shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of such demand for payment and whether the Issuing Banks have made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse the Issuing Banks and the Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement.

 

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(h) Interim Interest. If an Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full on the date such LC Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that the Borrower reimburses such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to ABR Revolving Loans; provided that, if the Borrower fails to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (e) above, then Section 2.13(d) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of the Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section to reimburse the Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.

(i) Replacement of the Issuing Banks. An Issuing Bank may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Issuing Bank and the successor Issuing Bank. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of any such replacement of an Issuing Bank. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrower shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.12(b). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (i) the successor Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of the Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued thereafter and (ii) references herein to the term “Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Issuing Bank, or to such successor and all previous Issuing Banks, as the context shall require. After the replacement of an Issuing Bank hereunder, the replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit.

(j) Cash Collateralization. If the Loans have become immediately due and payable pursuant to Article VII, on the Business Day following the Business Day that the Borrower receives notice from the Administrative Agent (at the direction of Required Lenders) or the Required Lenders demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Borrower shall deposit in an account with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Lenders, an amount in cash equal to the LC Exposure as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest on LC Disbursements comprising such LC Exposure. Such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over such account (which shall be invested in obligations of, obligations guaranteed by, or obligations backed by the full faith and credit of, the United States of America, certificates of deposit of Administrative Agent or commercial paper having the highest rating from S&P or Moody’s, in each case maturing in less than 180 days). Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and at the Borrower’s risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account. Moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse an Issuing Bank for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposure), be applied to satisfy other obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement.

 

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(k) Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.06, no Issuing Bank shall be obligated to issue any Letter of Credit at a time when any other Lender is a Defaulting Lender, unless such Issuing Bank has entered into arrangements (which may include the delivery of cash collateral) with the Borrower or such Defaulting Lender which are satisfactory to such Issuing Bank to eliminate such Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.21(c)) with respect to any such Defaulting Lender.

Section  2.07 Section 2.7Funding of Borrowings.

(a) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 1:00 pm, New York City time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders; provided that Swingline Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.05. The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrower by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to an account of the Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent in New York City and designated by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request; provided that ABR Revolving Loans made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the applicable Issuing Bank.

(b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed time of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the daily average Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to the applicable Borrowing. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing.

Section  2.08 Section 2.8Interest Elections.

(a) Each Revolving Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. The Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing.

 

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(b) To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by telephone by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.04 if the Borrower were requesting a Revolving Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery, telecopy or electronic mail to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower.

(c) Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

(i) the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);

(ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;

(iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing; and

(iv) if the resulting Borrowing is a Eurodollar Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”.

If any such Interest Election Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

(d) Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of such Lender’s portion of each resulting Borrowing.

(e) If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurodollar Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Revolving Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.

Section  2.09 Section 2.9Termination and Reduction of Commitments.

(a) Unless previously terminated, the Commitments shall terminate on the Maturity Date.

(b) The Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time, reduce the Commitments; provided that (i) each reduction of the Commitments shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000 and (ii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 2.11, the sum of the total Credit Exposures would exceed the Commitments.

 

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(c) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Commitments under paragraph (b) of this Section at least three Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction (or, in connection with the termination of the Commitments, such later date as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent), specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Commitments delivered by the Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Commitments shall be permanent. Each reduction of the Commitments shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentage.

Section 2.10 Section 2.10Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt.

(a) The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay, (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan on the Maturity Date and (ii) with respect to Swingline Loans made to it, to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Swingline Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan on the earlier of the Maturity Date and the Swingline Due Date. “Swingline Due Date” means for each Swingline Loan, the next Business Day from the date the Swingline Loan has been disbursed. On each date that a Revolving Borrowing is made, the Borrower shall repay the amount of any outstanding Swingline Loans that exceeds $20,000,000.

(b) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lender’s share thereof.

(d) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay the Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(e) Any Lender may request that Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form payable to the payee named and its registered assigns.

Section  2.11 Section 2.11Prepayment of Loans.

(a) Subject to any breakage funding costs payable pursuant to Section 2.16, the Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part without premium or penalty, provided that each prepayment is in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000, or if such amount is lesser, the outstanding amount of the Borrowing, and made subject to prior notice in accordance with paragraph (b) of this Section.

 

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(b) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by telecopy or electronic mail) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment, (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Revolving Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the date of prepayment, or (iii) in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, not later than 12:00 noon New York City time, on the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a notice of prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.09, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.09. Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Revolving Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof.thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Revolving Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Revolving Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02. Each prepayment of a Revolving Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing. Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.13.

Section 2.12 Section 2.12Fees.

(a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender (other than to the Defaulting Lenders, if any) a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the Applicable Margin for commitment fees on the daily amount of the unused Commitment of such Lender without giving effect to such Lender’s Swingline Exposures during the period from and including the date hereof to but excluding the date on which such Commitment terminates. Accrued Commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year and on the date on which the Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof. All Commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year) and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

(b) Subject to Section 2.21(f), the Borrower agrees to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender (other than to the Defaulting Lenders, if any) a participation fee with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit, which shall accrue at the same Applicable Margin used to determine the interest rate applicable to Eurodollar Revolving Loans on the average daily amount of such Lender’s LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Lender’s Commitment terminates and the date on which such Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure, and (ii) to the Issuing Bank a fronting fee, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.125% per annum on the average daily amount of the LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure, as well as the Issuing Bank’s standard fees with respect to the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder. Participation fees and fronting fees shall be payable in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year and on the date on which the Commitments terminate. All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year) and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

 

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(c) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon in writing between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

(d) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent (or to the Issuing Bank, in the case of fees payable to it) for distribution, in the case of commitment fees and participation fees, to the Lenders. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances.

Section 2.13 Section 2.13Interest.

(a) The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin, but not to exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.

(b) The Loans comprising each Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing shall bear interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Margin, but not to exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.

(c) When the Borrower requests a Swingline Loan, such Loan shall bear interest from the date it is disbursed at a rate specified by the Borrower at the time of the request of such Loan equal to either (i) the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin or (ii) at a rate to be established as provided on Schedule 2.13.

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any principal of or interest on any Loan or any fee or other amount payable by the Borrower hereunder is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of overdue principal of any Loan, 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount, 2% plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section, but not to exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.

(e) Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and, in the case of Revolving Loans, upon termination of the Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Revolving Loan prior to the end of the Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Eurodollar Revolving Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.

(f) All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). The applicable Alternate Base Rate, Adjusted LIBO Rate or LIBO Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

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Section  2.14 Section 2.14Alternate Rate of Interest; Changed Circumstances.

(a) Circumstances Affecting LIBO Rate Availability. Subject to clause (c) below, in connection with any request for a Eurodollar Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof or otherwise, if for any reason:

(i) the Administrative Agent shall determine (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank eurodollar market for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Loan;

.

(a) Unless and until a Replacement Rate is implemented in accordance with Section 2.14(b) below, if prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Borrowing (including any Swingline Loan):

(ii) (i)the Administrative Agent determines the Administrative Agent shall determine (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable and adequate means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Loan; or

(iii) (ii)the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders (or in the case of a Swingline Loan, the Swingline Lenders) that the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Swingline Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Swingline Loan) included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;

then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders by telephone, telecopy or electronic mail as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Revolving Borrowing to, or continuation of any Revolving Borrowing as, a Eurodollar Borrowing shall be ineffective and (ii) if any Borrowing Request requests a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made as an ABR Borrowing and (iii) any request by the Borrower for a Swingline Loan shall be ineffective; provided that if the circumstances giving rise to such notice affect only one Type of Borrowing, then the other Type of Borrowing shall be permitted.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.14(a), if the Administrative Agent has made the determination (such determination to be conclusive absent manifest error) that (i) the circumstances described in Section 2.14(a)(i) have arisen and that such circumstances are unlikely to be temporary, (ii) any applicable interest rate specified herein is no longer a widely recognized benchmark rate for newly originated loans in the U.S. syndicated loan market in the applicable currency or (iii) the applicable supervisor or administrator (if any) of any applicable interest rate specified herein or any Governmental Authority having or purporting to have jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which any applicable interest rate specified herein shall no longer be used for determining interest rates for loans in the U.S. syndicated loan market in the applicable currency, then the Administrative Agent may, to the extent practicable (in consultation with the Borrower and as determined by the Administrative Agent to be generally in accordance with similar situations in other transactions in which it is serving as administrative agent or otherwise consistent with market practice generally), establish a replacement interest rate which shall, in no event, be less than zero (the Replacement Rate”), in which case, the Replacement Rate shall, subject to the next

 

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two sentences, replace such applicable interest rate for all purposes under the Loan Documents unless and until (A) an event described in Section 2.14(a)(i), (b)(i), (b)(ii) or (b)(iii) occurs with respect to the Replacement Rate or (B) the Administrative Agent (or the Required Lenders through the Administrative Agent) notifies the Borrower that the Replacement Rate does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to the Lenders of funding the Loans bearing interest at the Replacement Rate. In connection with the establishment and application of the Replacement Rate, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be amended solely with the consent of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, as may be necessary or appropriate, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.14(b). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, Section 9.02), such amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement so long as the Administrative Agent shall not have received, within five (5) Business Days of the delivery of such amendment to the Lenders, one or more written notices from such Lenders that in the aggregate constitute the Required Lenders, with each such notice stating that such Lenders object to such amendment. To the extent the Replacement Rate is approved by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Section 2.14(b), the Replacement Rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided that, in each case, to the extent such market practice is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, such Replacement Rate shall be applied as otherwise reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent (it being understood that any such modification by the Administrative Agent shall not require the consent of, or consultation with, any of the Lenders).

(b) Laws Affecting LIBO Rate 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 Eurodollar Loan, 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. Thereafter, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that such circumstances no longer exist, (i) the obligations of the Lenders to make Eurodollar Loans, and the right of the Borrower to convert any Loan to a Eurodollar Loan or continue any Loan as a Eurodollar Loan shall be suspended and thereafter the Borrower may select only ABR Loans and (ii) if any of the Lenders may not lawfully continue to maintain a Eurodollar Loan to the end of the then current Interest Period applicable thereto, the applicable Loan shall immediately be converted to a ABR Loan for the remainder of such Interest Period.

(c) Benchmark Replacement Setting.

(i) (A) Benchmark Replacement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (a)(1) or (a)(2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (a)(3) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th)

 

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Business Day after the date notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Lenders without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders.

(B) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, if a Term SOFR Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then the applicable Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder or under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings, without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided that this clause (B) shall not be effective unless the Administrative Agent has delivered to the Lenders and the Borrower a Term SOFR Notice. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to deliver a Term SOFR Notice after a Term SOFR Transition Event and may elect or not elect to do so in its sole discretion.

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

(iii) Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determinations. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of (A) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date, (B) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (C) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (D) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to Section 2.14(c)(iv) below and (E) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Administrative Agent or, if applicable, any Lender (or group of Lenders) pursuant to this Section 2.14(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 and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 2.14(c).

(iv) 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 the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including Term SOFR or USD LIBOR) 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 or will be no longer representative, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative tenor and (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 or will no longer be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.

 

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(v) Benchmark Unavailability Period. Upon the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrower may revoke any request for a borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any such request into a request for a borrowing of or conversion to ABR Loans. During any Benchmark Unavailability Period or at any time that a tenor for the then-current Benchmark is not an Available Tenor, the component of the Alternate Base Rate based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of the Alternate Base Rate.

Section 2.15 Section 2.15Increased Costs.

(a) If any Change in Law shall:

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or advances, loans or other credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate) or the Issuing Banks; or

(ii) impose on any Lender or the Issuing Banks or the London interbank market any other condition , cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein; (excluding, in each case, Taxes, as to which Section 2.17 shall govern) and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Eurodollar Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to increase the cost to such Lender or the Issuing Banks of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or the Issuing Banks hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrower will shall promptly pay to such Lender or the Issuing Banks, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the such Issuing BanksBank, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

(b) If any Lender or an Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law regarding liquidity or capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or the such Issuing Bank’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or the such Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement , the Commitments of, or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the such Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or the such Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or the such Issuing Bank’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or the such Issuing Bank’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or the such Issuing Bank’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time upon written request of such Lender or Issuing Bank the Borrower will shall promptly pay to such Lender or the such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the such Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or the such Issuing Bank’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

(c) A certificate of a Lender or the an Issuing Bank setting forth in reasonable detail the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or the such Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender or the such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

 

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(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the any Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or the such Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the an Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 270 days prior to the date that such Lender or the such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or the such Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 270-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

Section  2.16 Section 2.16Break Funding Payments. In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (b) the conversion of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Eurodollar Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.11(b) and is revoked in accordance therewith), or (d) the assignment of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.19, then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. In the case of a Eurodollar Loan, such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the eurodollar market. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section in reasonable detail shall be delivered to the Borrower. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereto.

Section 2.17 Section 2.17Taxes.

(a) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower under this Agreement shall be made free and clear of and without deduction or withholding for any Indemnified Taxes, except as required under applicable law; provided that if any applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable Withholding Agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Indemnified Taxes from any such payment, then (i) the applicable Withholding Agent shall be entitled to deduct such Indemnified Taxes from such payments, (ii) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions or withholdings (including such deductions or withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section), the Administrative Agent, Lender, or Issuing Bank (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made, and (iii) the applicable Withholding Agent shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

(b) In addition, the Borrower shall pay any Other Taxes 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.

 

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(c) The Borrower shall indemnify each Recipient within 15 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 or Issuing Bank (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender or the Issuing Banks, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d) As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by the Borrower to a Governmental Authority, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(e) (i) any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Taxes 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 Section 2.17(e)(ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

(ii) (ii)Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

(A) (A)any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding Taxes;

(B) (B)any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

(1) (1)in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (as applicable) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (as applicable) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

 

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(2) (2)executed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI;

(3) (3)in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit F-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (as applicable); or

(4) (4)to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit F-2 or Exhibit F-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 F-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner; and

(C) (C)any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.

(D) (D)If a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct 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 and the Administrative Agent agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered under this Section 2.17 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.

 

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(f) 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 2.17 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.17), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (f) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (f), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (hf) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This paragraph shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

(g) Each party’s obligations under this Section 2.17 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  2.18 Section 2.18Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs.

(a) The Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Section 2.15, 2.16 or 2.17, or otherwise) prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without set-off or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at its offices specified in Section 9.01, except payments to be made directly to the Issuing Banks or Swingline Lenders as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Section 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. All payments hereunder shall be made in dollars.

(b) If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, unreimbursed LC Disbursements, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii) second, towards payment of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due to such parties.

(c) If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Revolving Loans or participations in LC Disbursements or Swingline Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Revolving Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline

 

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Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Revolving Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Revolving Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

(d) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks 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, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, 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 Banks, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or Issuing Banks 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 Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

(e) If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.06(d) or (e), 2.07(b) or 2.18(d), then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lender’s obligations under such Sections until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid.

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if there exists a Defaulting Lender, each payment by the Borrower to such Defaulting Lender hereunder shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.21(b).

Section  2.19 Section 2.19Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

(a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, then such Lender shall , at the request of the Borrower, use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

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(b) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different Lending Office in accordance with Section 2.19(a), or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all of its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Section 2.15 or Section 2.17) and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (and, if a Commitment is being assigned, the Issuing Bank) which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.15 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.17, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

Section 2.20 Section 2.20Extension of Maturity Date. The Borrower may, by delivery of a Maturity Date Extension Request to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly deliver a copy to each of the Lenders) not less than 45 days and not more than 75 days prior to any anniversary of the Effective Date, request that the Lenders extend the Maturity Date for an additional period of one year; provided that, only two such extensions will be granted during the tenure of the credit facility. Each Lender shall, by notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent given not later than the 20th day after the date of the Agent’s receipt of the Borrower’s Maturity Date Extension Request, advise the Borrower whether or not it agrees to the requested extension (each Lender agreeing to a requested extension being called a “Consenting Lender” and each Lender declining to agree to a requested extension being called a “Declining Lender”). Any Lender that has not so advised the Borrower and the Administrative Agent by such day shall be deemed to have declined to agree to such extension and shall be a Declining Lender. If Lenders constituting the Required Lenders shall have agreed to a Maturity Date Extension Request, then the Maturity Date shall, as to the Consenting Lenders, be extended to the first anniversary of the Maturity Date theretofore in effect. The decision to agree or withhold agreement to any Maturity Date Extension Request shall be at the sole discretion of each Lender. The Commitment of any Declining Lender shall terminate on the Maturity Date in effect prior to giving effect to any such extension (such Maturity Date being called the “Existing Maturity Date”). The principal amount of any outstanding Loans made by Declining Lenders, together with any accrued interest thereon and any accrued fees and other amounts payable to or for the account of such Declining Lenders hereunder, shall be due and payable on the Existing Maturity Date, and on the Existing Maturity Date, the Borrower shall also make such other prepayments of its Loans pursuant to Section 2.11 as shall be required in order that, after giving effect to the termination of the Commitments of, and all payments to, Declining Lenders pursuant to this sentence, the sum of the total Credit Exposures shall not exceed the total Commitments. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, the Borrower shall have the right, pursuant to Section 9.04, at any time prior to the Existing Maturity Date, to replace a Declining Lender with a Lender or other financial institution that will agree to a Maturity Date Extension Request, and any such replacement Lender shall for all purposes constitute a Consenting Lender. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no extension of the Maturity Date pursuant to this paragraph shall become effective unless (i) the Administrative Agent shall have received documents consistent with those delivered with respect to the Borrower under Section 4.01(b) through Section 4.01(d), giving effect to such extension and (ii) on the anniversary of the Effective Date that immediately follows the date on which the Borrower

 

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delivers the applicable Maturity Date Extension Request, (A) the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 shall be satisfied, (B) there has been no change since December 31, 2017 that has resulted in a Material Adverse Effect that is continuing and (C) the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate to that effect dated such date and executed by the President, a Vice President or a Financial Officer of the Borrower.

Section  2.21 Section 2.21Defaulting 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 Lawapplicable law:

(a) (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 Section 9.02.

(b) (b)Reallocation of Payments. 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, or otherwise, and including any amounts made available to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.18), 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 an Issuing Bank and/or a Swingline Lender hereunder; third, if so determined by the Administrative Agent or requested by an Issuing Bank and/or a Swingline Lender, to be held as cash collateral for future funding obligations of such Defaulting Lender of any participation in any Swingline Loan or Letter of Credit; 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 non-interest bearing deposit account and released in order to satisfy obligations of such Defaulting Lender to fund Loans under this Agreement; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or Swingline Lenders as a result of any then final and nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Administrative Agent, any Lender, an Issuing Bank or a 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 then final and nonappealable 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 (i) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Revolving Loans or funded participations in Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (ii) such Revolving Loans or funded participations in Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Revolving Loans of, and funded participations in Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit owed to, all non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Revolving Loans of, or funded participations in Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit owed to, such Defaulting Lender. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section 2.21 shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

 

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(c) (c)Reallocation of Applicable Percentages to Reduce Fronting Exposure. During any period in which there is a Defaulting Lender, for purposes of computing the amount of the obligation of each non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans pursuant to Section 2.05 and Section 2.06, the Applicable Percentage of each non-Defaulting Lender shall be computed without giving effect to the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender; provided that (i) each such reallocation shall be given effect only if, at the date the applicable Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, no Default or Event of Default exists, (ii) the aggregate obligation of each non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans shall not exceed the positive difference, if any, of (A) the Commitment of that non-Defaulting Lender minus (B) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Loans of that Lender and (iii) the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 shall have been satisfied.

(d) (d)Cash Collateral for Letters of Credit. Promptly on demand by an Issuing Bank or the Administrative Agent from time to time, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent cash collateral in an amount sufficient to cover all Fronting Exposure with respect to such Issuing Bank (after giving effect to Section 2.21(c)) on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and such Issuing Bank (and such cash collateral shall be in Dollars). Any such cash collateral shall be deposited in a separate account with the Administrative Agent, subject to the exclusive dominion and control of the Administrative Agent, as collateral (solely for the benefit of such Issuing Bank) for the payment and performance of each Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of outstanding Letter of Credit obligations. Moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse such Issuing Bank immediately for each Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of any drawing under any Letter of Credit which has not otherwise been reimbursed by the Borrower or such Defaulting Lender.

(e) (e)Prepayment of Swingline Loans. Promptly on demand by a Swingline Lender or the Administrative Agent from time to time, the Borrower shall prepay Swingline Loans in an amount of all Fronting Exposure with respect to such Swingline Lender (after giving effect to Section 2.21(c)).

(f) (f)Certain Fees. For any period during which such Lender is a Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender (i) shall not be entitled to receive any Commitment Fee pursuant to Section 2.12 (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to such Defaulting Lender) and (ii) shall not be entitled to receive any letter of credit fees pursuant to Section 2.12 otherwise payable to the account of a Defaulting Lender with respect to any Letter of Credit as to which such Defaulting Lender has not provided cash collateral or other credit support arrangements satisfactory to the respective Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.21(d), but instead, the Borrower shall pay to the non-Defaulting Lenders the amount of such letter of credit fees in accordance with the upward adjustments in their respective Applicable Percentages allocable to such Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.21(c), with the balance of such fee, if any, payable to the respective Issuing Bank for its own account.

(g) (g)Defaulting Lender Cure. If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lenders and the Issuing Banks agree in writing in their sole discretion that a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the 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 Revolving Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Revolving Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Applicable Percentages (without giving effect to Section 2.21(c)), 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 such 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 such Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

 

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ARTICLE IIIARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

The Borrower represents and warrants to the Lenders that:

Section  3.01 Section 3.1Organization; Powers. Each of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required.

Section  3.02 Section 3.2Authorization; Enforceability. The Transactions are within the Borrower’s corporate powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate and, if required, stockholder action. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

Section  3.03 Section 3.3Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts. The Transactions (a) do not violate the charter, by-laws or other organizational documents of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or (b) except as to matters that could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (i) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, (ii) will not violate any applicable law or regulation or any order of any Governmental Authority, (iii) will not violate or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or its assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and (iv) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

Section  3.04 Section 3.4Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change.

(a) The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders its consolidated balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, reported on by Ernst & Young LLP, independent public accountants. Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP.

(b) Since December 31, 2017, through and including the Effective Date, there has been no change which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section  3.05 Section 3.5Litigation and Environmental Matters.

(a) As of the Effective Date, there are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against or affecting the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect (other than the Disclosed Matters) or, as of the Effective Date, that involve this Agreement or the Transactions.

 

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(b) As of the Effective Date, except for the Disclosed Matters and except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (iii) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.

Section  3.06 Section 3.6No Default. No Default has occurred and is continuing.

Section  3.07 Section 3.7Investment Company Status. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.

Section  3.08 Section 3.8Taxes. Each of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes for which the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves including, Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or (b) to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

Section  3.09 Section 3.9ERISA. No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate has fulfilled its obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code with respect to each Plan and is in compliance in all material respects with the presently applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code with respect to each Plan. Neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has (a) sought a waiver of the minimum funding standard under Section 412 of the Code in respect of any Plan, (b) failed to make any contribution or payment to any Plan or Multiemployer Plan, or made any amendment to any Plan that has resulted or could result in the imposition of a Lien or the posting of a bond or other security under ERISA or the Code, or (c) incurred any liability under Title IV of ERISA other than a liability to the PBGC for premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA that are not past due.

Section  3.10 Section 3.10Disclosure. The information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), taken as a whole, contains no material misstatement of fact nor omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time. As of the Effective Date, the information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification is true and correct in all respects.

Section  3.11 Section 3.11Margin Stock. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one of its or their important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of buying or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation T, U or X of the Board).

 

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Section  3.12 Section 3.12Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Sanctions. The Borrower has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to achieve compliance by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries, and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and applicable Sanctions. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects. None of (a) the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any of their respective directors or officers or (b) to the knowledge of the Borrower, any agent or employee of the Borrower or any Subsidiary that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. No Borrowing, use of proceeds or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement will violate any applicable Anti-Corruption Law , Anti-Money Laundering Laws or applicable Sanctions.

ARTICLE IVARTICLE IV

CONDITIONS

Section  4.01 Section 4.1Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02):

(a) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from each party hereto either (i) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy or electronic mail transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement.

(b) The Administrative Agent shall have received favorable written opinions (addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and dated the Effective Date) of any general counsel or associate general counsel of the Borrower or a wholly owned subsidiary of the Borrower acting as counsel for the Borrower, and of Thompson & Knight, LLP, outside counsel for the Borrower, covering those matters as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request. The Borrower hereby requests such counsels to deliver such opinions.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received such documents and certificates as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization, existence and good standing of the Borrower, the authorization of the Transactions and any other legal matters relating to the Borrower, this Agreement or the Transactions, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.

(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the Effective Date and signed by the President, a Vice President or a Financial Officer of the Borrower, confirming compliance with the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02.

(e) The Administrative Agent, Lenders and Lead Arrangers shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrower hereunder.

(f) All amounts outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement shall have been paid in full.

(g) The Borrower shall duly complete and execute promissory notes for each Lender that has made such request.

(h) The Borrower, to the extent qualifying as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, shall deliver a Beneficial Ownership Certification to each Lender that so requests.

 

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The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective unless each of the foregoing conditions is satisfied (or waived pursuant to Section 9.02) at or prior to 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 24, 2018 (and, in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived, the Commitments shall terminate at such time).

Section  4.02 Section 4.2Each Credit Event. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, and of the Issuing Banks to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

(a) The representations and warranties of the Borrower set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality qualification applicable thereto) on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable (unless stated to relate solely to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality qualification applicable thereto) as of such earlier date).

(b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

Each Borrowing and each issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section.

ARTICLE VARTICLE V

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:

Section  5.01 Section 5.1Financial Statements and Other Information. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender:

(a) within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;

(b) within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year prepared on a basis consistent with that used on Form 10-Q as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

 

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(c) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under subsections (a) or (b) of this Section 5.01, a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower (i) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and, if a Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, and (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Section 6.04;

(d) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of said Commission, or with any national securities exchange, or distributed by the Borrower to its shareholders generally, as the case may be; and

(e) promptly following any request therefor, (i) such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of this Agreement, as any Lender through the Administrative Agent may reasonably request; or (ii) information and documentation reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender for purposes of compliance with applicable “know your customer” requirements under the USA Patriot PATRIOT Act or other applicable anti-money laundering laws Anti-Money Laundering Laws and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to subsections (a), (b) or (d) of this Section 5.01 (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (iA) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower’s website on the Internet (at the date hereof located at http://www.pxd.com); or (iiB) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i1) the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or any Lender that requests the Borrower to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and (ii2) the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by telecopier or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in every instance the Borrower shall be required to provide paper copies of the compliance certificates required by subsection (c) of this Section 5.01 to the Administrative Agent. Except for such compliance certificates, the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery or to maintain copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.

The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (aI) the Administrative Agent and/or the Lead Arrangers will make available to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, “Borrower Materials”) by posting the Borrower Materials on SyndTrak Online or another similar electronic system (the “the Platform”) and (bII ) certain of the Lenders may be “public-side” Lenders (each, a “Public Lender”) may have personnel who i.e., Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its Affiliates, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing) (each, and who may be engaged in investment and other

 

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market-related activities with respect to such Persons’ securities a “Public Lender”). The Borrower hereby agrees that (w) all it will use commercially reasonable efforts to identify that portion of the Borrower Materials that are to be made available may be distributed to Public Lenders and that (w) all such Borrower Materials shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Lead Arrangers, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information (although it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws (provided, however, that to the extent such Borrower Materials, that are not marked “PUBLIC”, constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 9.11); (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Investor;” and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Lead Arrangers shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Investor.”

Each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the “Private Side Information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender’s compliance procedures and applicable law, including United States Federal and state securities Applicable Laws, to make reference to Borrower Materials that are not made available through the “Public Side Information” portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal or state securities applicable laws.

The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.” The Agent Parties (as defined below) do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the Borrower Materials or the adequacy of the Platform, and expressly disclaim liability for errors or omissions in the Borrower Materials. No warranty of any kind, express, implied or statutory, including any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third-party rights or freedom from viruses or other code defects, is made by any Agent Party in connection with the Borrower Materials or the Platform. Although the Platform is secured pursuant to generally-applicable security procedures and policies implemented or modified by the Administrative Agent and its Related Parties, each of the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower acknowledges and agrees that distribution of information through an electronic means is not necessarily secure in all respects, the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “Agent Parties”) are not responsible for approving or vetting the representatives, designees or contacts of any Lender or Issuing Bank that are provided access to the Platform and that there may be confidentiality and other risks associated with such form of distribution. Each of the Borrower, each Lender and each Issuing Bank party hereto understands and accepts such risks. In no event shall the Agent Parties have any liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other Person or entity for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrower’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of communications through the Internet (including the Platform), except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities 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 Agent Party; provided that in no event shall any Agent Party have any liability to the Borrower, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any other Person for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages, losses or expenses (as opposed to actual damages, losses or expenses.

Section  5.02 Section 5.2Notices of Material Events. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender prompt written notice of the following:

(a) the occurrence of any Default;

 

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(b) the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect if adversely determined;

(c) the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $50,000,000; and

(d) any other development that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.

Each notice delivered under this Section shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

Section  5.03 Section 5.3Existence; Conduct of Business. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges and franchises material to the conduct of its business except for any failure to maintain, preserve or qualify that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit (ia) any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03 or (iib) a termination of such existence, good standing, rights licenses, permits, privileges and franchises of any Restricted Subsidiary if the Borrower determines in good faith that such termination is in the best interest of the Borrower and could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section  5.04 Section 5.4Payment of Taxes. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, pay its Tax liabilities, that, if not paid, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and (b) the Borrower or such Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP.

Section  5.05 Section 5.5Insurance. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance in such amounts and against such risks as are customarily maintained by companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations.

Section  5.06 Section 5.6Books and Records; Inspection Rights. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested.

Section  5.07 Section 5.7Compliance with Laws. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section  5.08 Section 5.8Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit. The proceeds of the Loans will be used for general corporate purposes. No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U and X. The Borrower will not request any Borrowing or Letter of Credit, and the Borrower shall not use, and shall ensure that its Subsidiaries and its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the proceeds of any Borrowing or Letter of Credit directly or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, 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 activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, to the extent such activities, business or transaction would be prohibited by Sanctions if conducted by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or a corporation incorporated in the United States or in the European Union, or (c) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.

Section  5.09 Section 5.9Compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Sanctions. The Borrower will maintain in effect and enforce such policies and procedures, if any, as it reasonably deems appropriate, in light of its business activities (if any), designed to achieve compliance by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and applicable Sanctions

ARTICLE VIARTICLE VI

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

Until the Commitments have expired or terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit have expired or terminated and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:

Section 6.01 Indebtedness.

(a) (a)The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist (collectively “incur”) any Indebtedness if the Borrower would be in breach of the covenant set forth in Section 6.04 as a result of such incurrence.

(b) (b)The Borrower will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to incur Indebtedness (including for this purpose, the amount of such Indebtedness of the Borrower that is Guaranteed by such Restricted Subsidiaries), except for (i) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary in respect of letters of credit issued for the account of such Restricted Subsidiary that does not secure Indebtedness or obligations of the Borrower or an Unrestricted Subsidiary, (ii) Indebtedness owed by such Restricted Subsidiary to the Borrower or to another Restricted Subsidiary; (iii) Indebtedness of a Person that becomes, by acquisition, merger, or division, a Restricted Subsidiary which Indebtedness existed prior to the time of such acquisition, merger or division and was not incurred or created in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, or division or Indebtedness which is secured by a Lien on any property or asset acquired to the extent such Lien is permitted by Section 6.02(c); (iv) Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of production payments, forward sales and similar arrangements and other secured Indebtedness referred to in Section 6.02(g); and (v) other Indebtedness outstanding at such time for all Restricted Subsidiaries (but without duplication) in an aggregate amount not exceeding ten percent (10%) of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets determined as of the time each such Indebtedness is incurred and determined based upon the financial statements then most recently delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b), and without reduction to Consolidated Net Tangible Assets on account of any such Indebtedness.

 

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Section  6.02 Section 6.2Liens. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including accounts receivable) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:

(a) Permitted Encumbrances;

(b) any Lien on any property or asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.02; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date hereof and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;

(c) any Lien on any property or asset existing prior to the acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or on any property or asset of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the date hereof existing prior to the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, and (iv(iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Subsidiary, as the case may be and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;

(d) Liens created in connection with the acquisition, development, construction or improvement by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of fixed or capital assets; provided that (i) such Liens secure Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01 and all Indebtedness secured by Liens permitted by this clause does not exceed $500,000,000 in the aggregate outstanding at any time, (ii) such Liens and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 180 days after such acquisition or the completion of such development, construction or improvement, (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed 100% of the cost of acquiring, developing, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets and (iv) such Liens shall not apply to any property or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary other than such fixed or capital assets so acquired, developed, constructed or improved and other fixed or capital assets that are developed or improved thereby or otherwise reasonably related thereto (in the good faith determination of the Borrower) and working capital assets related thereto (including but not limited to revenue from, and insurance, condemnation, sale and other proceeds of, any such fixed or capital assets); and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof.

(e) Liens securing obligations owing under this Agreement and Liens on cash or deposits granted in favor of a Swingline Lender or an Issuing Bank to cash collateralize any Defaulting Lender’s participation in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans;

(f) Liens on deposits pursuant to any Swap Agreement entered into by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of its business, not to exceed $200,000,000 in the aggregate amount outstanding at any time; and

(g) production payments, forward sales and similar arrangements and other secured Indebtedness; provided that the amount of Indebtedness attributable thereto does not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets determined as of the time each such production payment, forward sale or similar arrangement or other secured Indebtedness is entered into and determined based upon the financial statements then most recently delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) and (b) and without reduction to Consolidated Net Tangible Assets on account of any such production payment, forward sale or similar arrangement or other secured Indebtedness.

 

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Section  6.03 Section 6.3Fundamental Changes.

(a) The Borrower will not merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it or liquidate or dissolve, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions and including by division) all or substantially all of its assets, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto (i) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and (ii) either (A) the Borrower is the surviving entity or (B) the Person formed by such consolidation or division or into which the Borrower is merged or liquidated or the Person which acquires by sale, transfer, lease, division or other disposition, all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower (1) shall be a corporation, partnership or trust, (2) shall be organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, (3) shall have unsecured non-credit enhanced publicly held indebtedness rated “investment grade” by S&P or Moody’s, (4) shall expressly assume, by an agreement supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent, in form satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, the obligations of the Borrower hereunder, including the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on all the Loans and the performance of every covenant of this Agreement on the part of the Borrower to be performed or observed, and (5) the Borrower shall have provided to the Administrative Agent and each Lender all information and documentation reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent and such Lenders in connection with such transaction, including customary officers’ certificates, resolutions, legal opinions, and, with respect to such Person, for purposes of compliance with applicable “know your customer” requirements under the USA Patriot Act or other applicable anti-money laundering laws and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, and each Lender shall have confirmed with the Administrative Agent that it has completed its “know your customer” and other applicable anti-money laundering requirements and Beneficial Ownership Regulation requirements with satisfactory findings and results. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prohibit any transfer of assets from the Borrower to any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower.

(b) The Borrower will not change its jurisdiction of organization to a jurisdiction outside the United States of America.

Section  6.04 Section 6.4Financial Covenant. The Borrower shall not permit, at any time, the ratio of Total Net Debt to Total Cap to be greater than 0.65 to 1.0.

Section 6.05 Section 6.5Restrictive Agreements. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions (whether by division or in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any shares of its capital stock or to make or repay loans or advances to the Borrower; provided that (ia) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by this Agreement, (iib ) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of a Subsidiary pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary that is to be sold, and (iiic ) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions or conditions existing in any agreement relating to Indebtedness of any Subsidiary permitted by Section 6.01(b) and such restrictions or conditions will not materially impair the ability of the Borrower to pay its Indebtedness and other obligations hereunder.

 

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ARTICLE VIIARTICLE VII

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur:

(a) the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;

(b) the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of five days;

(c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower in or in connection with this Agreement or any amendment or modification hereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or any waiver hereof or thereof, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made and either (1i) an Executive Officer of the Borrower had actual knowledge that such representation or warranty was false or incorrect in a material respect when made or (2ii) if no Executive Officer had such knowledge, such representation or warranty shall continue to be false or incorrect in any material respect thirty (30) Business Days after the earlier of an Executive Officer of the Borrower obtaining actual knowledge thereof or written notice thereof shall have been sent to the Borrower by Administrative Agent or by Required Lenders;

(d) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.02, Section 5.03 (with respect to the Borrower’s existence), or Section 5.08 or in Article VI;

(e) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of this Article), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of thirty days after the Borrower receives notice thereof from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders;

(f) A (i) default shall occur in the payment of any principal when due (subject to any applicable grace period), whether by acceleration or otherwise, of any Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $150,000,000 of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or (ii) default by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the observance or performance of any other agreement or condition pertaining to Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $150,000,000 or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing, or pertaining thereto, and such default under this clause (ii) shall have resulted in such Indebtedness being declared due and payable prior to its stated maturity and the Borrower or Restricted Subsidiary shall not have fully paid the resulting amount thereof;

(g) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

 

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(h) the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (g) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

(i) the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;

(j) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $150,000,000 shall be rendered against the Borrower, any Restricted Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30 consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any material domestic assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment;

(k) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

(l) a Change in Control shall occur;

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (g) or (h) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrower, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower; and in case of any event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (g) or (h) of this Article, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

 

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ARTICLE  VIIIARTICLE VIII

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

Section  8.01 Section 8.1Administrative Agent. Each of the Lenders and the each Issuing Banks Bank hereby irrevocably appoints , designates and authorizes Wells Fargo to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent as its agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and their respective Related Parties, and neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary of the Borrower shall have rights as a third-party beneficiary of any of such provisions except to the extent expressly provided in Section 8.05. It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” herein or in any other Loan Documents (or any other similar term) 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 such term is used as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties.

Section 8.02 Rights as a LenderThe bank . The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent, and such bank and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting, capital markets or other business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if it were not the Administrative Agent hereunder. and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders or to provide notice to the Lenders with respect thereto.

Section  8.03 Exculpatory Provisions. The Administrative Agent and its Related Parties shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, and its duties hereunder and thereunder shall be administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lead Arranger shall not be subject to any agency, trust, fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (b) the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise in writing as directed by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02); provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, and in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law, (c) except as expressly set forth herein, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lead Arranger shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that is communicated to or obtained by the bank serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity, and (d) shall not be required to account to any Lender or any Issuing Bank for any sum or profit received by the Administrative Agent for its own account. The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02) or in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default unless and until written notice thereof is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower or a Lender, and the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or in connection herewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, shall be fully protected in relying and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, communication, statement, instrument, document or other writing believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or sent by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent

 

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also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be made by the proper Person, and shall be fully protected in relying and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts. Each Lender or Issuing Bank that has signed this Agreement or a signature page to an Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it is to become a Lender or Issuing Bank hereunder shall be deemed to have consented to, approved and accepted and shall deemed satisfied with each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to, approved or accepted by such Lender or Issuing Bank or that is to be acceptable or satisfactory to such Lender or Issuing Bank.

Section  8.04 Delegation of Duties. The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of the preceding paragraphs this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agents except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and non-appealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agents.

Section 8.05 Resignation of Administrative Agent. Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Administrative Agent as provided in this paragraph, the Administrative Agent may resign at any time by notifying the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower, to appoint a successor. If no successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, appoint a successor Administrative Agent. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents. The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor. After the Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Article and Section 9.03 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while it was acting as Administrative Agent  .or relating to its duties as Administrative Agent that are carried out following its resignation, including, without limitation, any actions taken in connection with the transfer of agency to a replacement or successor Administrative Agent.

Section  8.06 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent. Each Lender acknowledges that and each Issuing Bank expressly acknowledges that (x) none of the Administrative Agent, any Lead Arranger or any of their respective Related Parties has made any representations or warranties to it and that no act taken or failure to act by the Administrative Agent, any Lead Arranger or any of their respective Related Parties, including any consent to, and acceptance of any assignment or review of the affairs of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or Affiliates shall be deemed to constitute a representation or warranty of the Administrative Agent, any Lead Arranger or any of their respective Related Parties to any Lender or any Issuing Bank as to any matter, including whether the Administrative Agent, any Lead Arranger or any of their respective Related Parties have disclosed material information in their (or their respective Related Parties’) possession

 

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and (y) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent , any Lead Arranger or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent , any Lead Arranger or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder. Each Lender and each Issuing Bank expressly acknowledges, represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and each Lead Arranger that (a) the Loan Documents set forth the terms of a commercial lending facility, (b) it is engaged in making, acquiring, purchasing or holding commercial loans in the ordinary course and is entering into this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party as a Lender for the purpose of making, acquiring, purchasing and/or holding the commercial loans set forth herein as may be applicable to it, and not for the purpose of making, acquiring, purchasing or holding any other type of financial instrument, (c) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to make, acquire, purchase or hold the commercial loans applicable to it and either it or the Person exercising discretion in making its decisions to make, acquire, purchase or hold such commercial loans is experienced in making, acquiring, purchasing or holding commercial loans, (d) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Lead Arranger, any other Lender or any of their respective Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and appraisal of, and investigations into, the business, prospects, operations, property, assets, liabilities, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, all applicable bank or other regulatory applicable laws relating to the Transactions and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and (e) it has made its own independent decision to enter into this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party and to extend credit hereunder and thereunder. Each Lender and each Issuing Bank also acknowledges that (i) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Lead Arranger or any other Lender or any of their respective Related Parties (A) continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate and its own independent investigations and (B) continue to make such investigations and inquiries as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and (ii) it will not assert any claim in contravention of this Section 8.06.

Section  8.07 Section 8.2The Lead Arrangers, Joint Bookrunners, Co-Syndication Agents and Co-Documentation Agents. The Lead Arrangers, Joint Bookrunners, Co-Syndication Agents and Co-Documentation Agents shall have no duties, responsibilities or liabilities under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents other than their duties, responsibilities and liabilities in their capacity as Lenders (or Issuing Bank, if applicable) hereunder, but each such Person shall have the benefit of the indemnities and exculpatory provisions hereof.

Section 8.08 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, each Lead Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower, that at least one of the following is and will be true:

(i) such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of Section 3(42) of ERISA or otherwise) of one or more Plans with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments or this Agreement;

 

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(ii) the transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement;

(iii) (A) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (B) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (D) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement; or

(iv) such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.

(b) In addition, unless either (i) sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or (ii) a Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant in accordance with sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, each Lead Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower, that none of the Administrative Agent, any Lead Arranger and their respective Affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the assets of such Lender involved in such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related hereto or thereto).

ARTICLE IXARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

Section  9.01 Section 9.1Notices.

(a) Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and subject to paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by electronic mail or sent by telecopy, as follows:

(i) if to the Borrower, to 5205 North O’Connor Boulevard, Suite 200, Irving, Texas, 75039, Attention of Richard P. Dealy (Facsimile No. (972) 969-3572; Email: [email protected]);

 

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(ii) if to the Administrative Agent, to :

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd. 1B1

Charlotte, NC 28262

Attention: Megan Arzberger

Email: [email protected]; and

[email protected]

with a copy to:

(ii) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,

1000 Louisiana Street, 9th 10 th Floor,

Houston, TX 77002,

Attention of Lila Jordan: Brandon Dunn

Email: [email protected];Email: [email protected];

(iii) if to the Issuing Banks, to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association at the address set forth in paragraph (ii) above, and to Bank of America, N.A. and to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. at their respective address (or telecopy number or electronic mail address) set forth below:

 

Bank of America, N.A.

700 Louisiana, 13th Floor

 

Houston, TX 77002

 

Attn: Ron McKaig

 

Fax: 713-247-7286

 

Email: [email protected]

 

1 Fleet Way, MC-PA6-580-02-30

Scranton, PA 15807

Attn: Standby LC Dept., Energy Team

Tel: 800-370-7519

Email: [email protected]

 

with a copy to:

 

Bank of America, N.A.

Mac Legal – NC1-001-05-45

 

One Independence Center

 

101 N 620 S. Tryon St.

Charlotte, NC 28255

Attn: Robert Phillips

Email: [email protected]

  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

10420 Highland Manor Dr. 4th Floor

Tampa, FL 33610

Attn: Standby LC Unit

Tel: 800-364-1969

Fax: 856-294-5267

Email: [email protected]

 

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(iv) if to the Swingline Lenders, to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association at the address set forth in paragraph (ii) above, and to Bank of America, N.A. and to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. at their respective its addresses (or telecopy number) set forth in their Administrative Questionnaire.

(v) if to any other Lender, to it at its address (or telecopy number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.

(b) Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communications (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or any Issuing Bank pursuant to Article II unless otherwise agreed by if such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lenderthat it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice, email or other communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient.

(c) Any party hereto may change its address or telecopy number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto, or, in the case of any Lender, to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower. All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt, if received during recipient’s normal business hours.

Section  9.02 Section 9.2Waivers; Amendments.

(a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Banks may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.

 

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(b) Subject to Section 2.14(b2.14(c) with respect to the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement Rate, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the Required Lenders or by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase or extend the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender, (ii) reduce the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iii) postpone the scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement, or any interest thereon, or any fees payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iv) change Section 2.09 or Section 2.18(b) or (c) in a manner that would alter the pro rata treatment of Lenders or pro rata sharing of payments required thereby, without the written consent of each Lender, or (v) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender; provided further that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lenders hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lenders, as the case may be. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that the Commitment of such Lender may not be increased or extended or amounts owed to such Lenders reduced, or the final maturity thereof extended without the consent of such Lender, and any amendment to further restrict the voting rights of Defaulting Lenders shall require the consent of all Lenders.

Section  9.03 Section 9.3Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

(a) The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and the Lead Arrangers and their Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent, in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of this Agreement or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Issuing Banks in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or any Lender, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with this Agreement, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit. Attorneys’ fees reimbursed by the Borrower in connection with the matters under clause (iii) above shall be for a single law firm per country (unless conflicts (including conflicts between the Administrative Agent, the Lead Arrangers and the other Lenders as determined in the reasonable discretion of the Required Lenders) otherwise prohibit the engagement of a single law firm) plus a single local counsel in each jurisdiction where local counsel is reasonably required.

(b) The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, each Lender and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or the consummation

 

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of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the Issuing Banks to honor or 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 or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that SUCH INDEMNITY SHALL EXTEND TO EACH INDEMNITEE NOTWITHSTANDING THE SOLE OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE OF EVERY KIND OR CHARACTER WHATSOEVER, WHETHER ACTIVE OR PASSIVE, WHETHER AN AFFIRMATIVE ACT OR AN OMISSION, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ALL TYPES OF NEGLIGENT CONDUCT IDENTIFIED IN THE RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF TORTS OF ONE OR MORE OF THE INDEMNITEES OR BY REASON OF STRICT LIABILITY IMPOSED WITHOUT FAULT ON ANY ONE OR MORE OF THE INDEMNITEES; PROVIDED THAT SUCH INDEMNITY SHALL NOT, AS TO ANY INDEMNITEE, BE AVAILABLE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH LOSSES, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LIABILITIES OR RELATED EXPENSES ARE DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION BY FINAL AND NONAPPEALABLE JUDGMENT TO HAVE RESULTED FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE, WILFUL MISCONDUCT OF SUCH INDEMNITEE OR BREACH OF CONTRACTUAL UNDERAKING OF SUCH INDEMNITEE UNDER THE LOAN DOCUMENTS.

(c) To the extent that the Borrower for any reason fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lenders under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lenders, as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount; provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lenders in its capacity as such.

(d) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement , any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the Transactionstransactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee referred to in paragraph (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby other than for direct or actual damages resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee as determined by a final and nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(e) All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than 30 days after written demand therefor.

Section  9.04 Section 9.4Successors and Assigns.

(a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliates of the Issuing Banks that issue any Letters of Credit), except that (i) the Borrower may not assign or otherwise

 

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transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by the Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliates of the Issuing Banks that issue any Letters of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii)(i) below, any Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of:

(A) the Borrower, provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee and provided further 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 5 Business Days after having received notice thereof; and

(B) the Administrative Agent and each Issuing Bank, provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent or any Issuing Bank shall be required for an assignment of any Revolving Commitment to an assignee that is a Lender (or an affiliate of a Lender) with a Revolving Commitment immediately prior to giving effect to such assignment.

(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

(A) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $20,000,000 unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent, provided that no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

(B) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, provided that this clause shall not be construed to prohibit the assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of one Class of Commitments or Loans;

(C) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; and

(D) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire and comply with the requirements of Section 2.17(e).

(E) the assignee shall not be a natural person.

 

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For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the term “Approved Fund” has the following meaning:

Approved Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and that is administered, managed or underwritten by (a1) a Lender, (b2) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c3) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its 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 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 9.04 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section.

(iv) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Loans and LC Disbursements owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, the Issuing Banks and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(v) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.

(c) (i) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lenders, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (other than a natural Person, (or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural Person) (a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans owing to it); provided that (A)A  such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (B)B  such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (C)C the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or

 

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instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. Subject to paragraph (c)(ii) of this Section, the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section. 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 Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

(ii) (ii)A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.15 or Section 2.17 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.17 unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply with Section 2.17(e) as though it were a Lender.

(d) Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including without limitation any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

(e) No Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no assignment or participation shall be made to the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries.

Section 9.05 Section 9.5Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Borrower herein and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

 

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Section  9.06 Section 9.6Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution.

(a) (a)Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of the actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.Agreement. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof and thereof. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO AND THERETO AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

(b) (b)Electronic Execution of Assignments. The words “execute,” “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption or related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any document, amendment, approval, consent, waiver, modification, information, notice, certificate, report, statement, disclosure, or authorization to be signed or delivered in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be deemed to include Electronic Signatures or execution in the form of an Electronic Record, and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Administrative Agent, deliveries or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, or any the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act; provided that nothing herein shall require the Administrative Agent to accept electronic signatures in any form or format without its prior written consent. Each party hereto agrees that any Electronic Signature or execution in the form of an Electronic Record shall be valid and binding on itself and each of the other parties hereto to the same extent as a manual, original signature. For the avoidance of doubt, the authorization under this paragraph may include, without limitation, use or acceptance by the parties of a manually signed paper which has been converted into electronic form (such as scanned into PDF format), or an electronically signed paper converted into another format, for transmission, delivery and/or retention. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Administrative Agent is under no obligation to accept an Electronic Signature in any form or in any format unless expressly agreed to by the Administrative Agent pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that without limiting the foregoing, (i) to the extent the Administrative Agent has agreed to accept such Electronic Signature from any party hereto, the Administrative Agent and the other parties hereto shall be entitled to rely on any such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of the executing party without further verification and (ii) upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by an original manually executed counterpart thereof. Without limiting the generality

 

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of the foregoing, each party hereto hereby (A) agrees that, for all purposes, including without limitation, in connection with any workout, restructuring, enforcement of remedies, bankruptcy proceedings or litigation among the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower, electronic images of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (in each case, including with respect to any signature pages thereto) shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as any paper original, and (B) waives any argument, defense or right to contest the validity or enforceability of the Loan Documents based solely on the lack of paper original copies of any Loan Documents, including with respect to any signature pages thereto.

Section  9.07 Section 9.7Severability. Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section  9.08 Section 9.8Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.

(a) THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT UNITED STATES FEDERAL LAW PERMITS ANY LENDER TO CONTRACT FOR, CHARGE, RECEIVE, RESERVE OR TAKE INTEREST AT THE RATE ALLOWED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE WHERE SUCH LENDER IS LOCATED. CHAPTER 346 OF THE TEXAS FINANCE CODE (WHICH REGULATES CERTAIN REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN ACCOUNTS AND REVOLVING TRI-PARTY ACCOUNTS) SHALL NOT APPLY TO THIS AGREEMENT.

(b) ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THE LOAN DOCUMENTS SHALL BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS OR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS, AND, BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY HEREBY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND (TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW) IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS. THIS SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION IS NON-EXCLUSIVE AND DOES NOT PRECLUDE A PARTY FROM OBTAINING JURISDICTION OVER ANOTHER PARTY IN ANY COURT OTHERWISE HAVING JURISDICTION.

(c) EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS OF ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED COURTS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES THEREOF BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, TO IT AT THE ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 9.01 OR SUCH OTHER ADDRESS AS IS SPECIFIED PURSUANT TO SECTION 9.01 (OR ITS ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION), SUCH SERVICE TO BECOME EFFECTIVE THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER SUCH MAILING. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF A PARTY OR ANY HOLDER OF A NOTE TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR TO COMMENCE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OR OTHERWISE PROCEED AGAINST ANOTHER PARTY IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

 

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Section  9.09 Section 9.9WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HEREBY (i) IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENT RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN; (ii) IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO CLAIM OR RECOVER IN ANY SUCH LITIGATION ANY SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR DAMAGES OTHER THAN, OR IN ADDITION TO, ACTUAL DAMAGES; (iii) CERTIFIES THAT NO PARTY HERETO NOR ANY REPRESENTATIVE OR AGENT OR COUNSEL FOR ANY PARTY HERETO HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, OR IMPLIED THAT SUCH PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVERS, AND (iv) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT, THE LOAN DOCUMENTS AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION 9.09.

Section  9.10 Section 9.10Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

Section  9.11 Section 9.11Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants and legal counsel (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority or any self-regulatory body claiming to have authority, (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process or authority, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or the enforcement of rights hereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Borrower and its obligations, (iii) to its advisors (other than its accountants and legal counsel), (iv) to an investor or prospective investor in an Approved Fund that also agrees that Information shall be used solely for the purpose of evaluating an investment in such Approved Fund, (v) to a trustee, collateral manager, servicer, backup servicer, noteholder or secured party in an Approved Fund in connection with the administration, servicing and reporting on the assets serving as collateral for an Approved Fund, or (vi) to the CUSIP Bureau, market data collectors, and nationally recognized rating agencies that require access to information regarding the Borrower, the Loans and Loan Documents in connection with ratings issued with respect to an Approved Fund, (g) with the consent of the Borrower or (h) to the extent such Information becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section. For the purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Borrower relating to the Borrower or its business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower.

Section 9.12 Section 9.12Interest Rate Limitation. It is the intention of the parties hereto that each Lender shall conform strictly to usury laws applicable to it. Accordingly, if the transactions contemplated hereby would be usurious as to any Lender under laws applicable to it (including the laws of the United States of America and the State of Texas or any other jurisdiction whose laws may be mandatorily applicable to such Lender notwithstanding the other provisions of this Agreement), then, in that event, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Agreement, it is agreed as follows: (i)(a) the aggregate of all consideration which constitutes interest under law applicable to any Lender that is contracted for, taken, reserved, charged

 

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or received by such Lender under the Agreement or the Subsidiary Guaranties shall under no circumstances exceed the maximum amount allowed by such applicable law, and any excess shall be canceled automatically and if theretofore paid shall be credited by such Lender on the principal amount of the Indebtedness (or, to the extent that the principal amount of the Indebtedness shall have been or would thereby be paid in full, refunded by such Lender to the Borrower); and (i)(b) in the event of any required or permitted prepayment, then such consideration that constitutes interest under law applicable to any Lender may never include more than the maximum amount allowed by such applicable law, and excess interest, if any, provided for in this Agreement or otherwise shall be canceled automatically by such Lender as of the date of such acceleration or prepayment and, if theretofore paid, shall be credited by such Lender on the principal amount of the Indebtedness (or, to the extent that the principal amount of the Indebtedness shall have been or would thereby be paid in full, refunded by such Lender to the Borrower). All sums paid or agreed to be paid to any Lender for the use, forbearance or detention of sums due hereunder shall, to the extent permitted by law applicable to such Lender, be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the stated term of the Loans until payment in full so that the rate or amount of interest on account of any Loans hereunder does not exceed the maximum amount allowed by such applicable law. If at any time and from time to time (i) the amount of interest payable to any Lender on any date shall be computed at the Highest Lawful Rate applicable to such Lender pursuant to this Section 9.12 and (ii) in respect of any subsequent interest computation period the amount of interest otherwise payable to such Lender would be less than the amount of interest payable to such Lender computed at the Highest Lawful Rate applicable to such Lender, then the amount of interest payable to such Lender in respect of such subsequent interest computation period shall continue to be computed at the Highest Lawful Rate applicable to such Lender until the total amount of interest payable to such Lender shall equal the total amount of interest which would have been payable to such Lender if the total amount of interest had been computed without giving effect to this Section 9.12. To the extent that Chapter 303 of the Texas Finance Code is relevant for the purpose of determining the Highest Lawful Rate applicable to a Lender, such Lender elects to determine the applicable rate ceiling under such Chapter by the weekly ceiling from time to time in effect. Chapter 346 of the Texas Finance Code does not apply to the Borrower’s obligations hereunder.

Section 9.13 Section 9.13USA Patriot Act Notice. Each The Administrative Agent and each Lender hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “Act”), it PATRIOT Act and/or any other applicable Anti-Money Laundering Laws, each of them is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender to identify the Borrower in accordance with the ActPATRIOT Act or such Anti-Money Laundering Laws.

Section 9.14 Section 9.14Replacement of Existing Credit Agreement. This Agreement replaces and supercedes the Existing Credit Agreement, and the Borrower hereby confirms and agrees that the commitments under the Existing Credit Agreement are terminated.

Section 9.15 Section 9.15No Fiduciary Duty. Each Lender and its Affiliates (collectively, solely for purposes of this paragraph, the “Lenders”), may have economic interests that conflict with those of the Borrower. The Borrower agrees that nothing in the Loan Documents will be deemed to create an advisory, fiduciary or agency relationship or fiduciary or other implied duty between any Lender, on the one hand, and the Borrower, on the other. The Borrower acknowledges and agree that (ia) the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents (including the exercise of rights and remedies hereunder and thereunder) are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Lenders, on the one hand, and the Borrower, on the other, and (iib) in connection therewith and with the process leading thereto, (x) no Lender has assumed an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Borrower with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby (or the exercise of rights or remedies with respect thereto) or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether any Lender has advised, is currently advising or will advise the Borrower

 

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on other matters) and (y) each Lender is acting solely as principal and not as the agent or fiduciary of the Borrower. The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that it has consulted its own legal and financial advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate and that it is responsible for making its own independent judgment with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and the process leading thereto.

Section  9.16 Section 9.16Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA 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 EEA 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 an EEA 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 an EEA the applicable Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an EEA 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 EEA 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 any EEA the applicable Resolution Authority.

Section  9.17 Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs. To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Hedge Agreements or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support, “QFC Credit Support” and, each such QFC, a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the 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

 

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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.

(b) As used in this Section 9.17, the following terms have the following meanings:

“BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.

“Covered Entity” means any of the following:

 

  (i)

a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);

 

  (ii)

a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or

 

  (iii)

a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).

“Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

“QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).

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EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1) Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-241031) of Pioneer Natural Resources Company and Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. and in the related Prospectus,

(2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-136488) pertaining to the Pioneer Natural Resources Company Executive Deferred Compensation Plan,

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-136489) pertaining to the Pioneer Natural Resources Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan,

(4) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-136490) pertaining to the Pioneer Natural Resources Company Long-Term Incentive Plan,

(5) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-88438) pertaining to the Pioneer Natural Resources Company Long-Term Incentive Plan,

(6) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-39153) pertaining to the Pioneer Natural Resources Company Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan,

(7) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-39249) pertaining to the Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. Profit Sharing 401(k) Plan,

(8) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-35087) pertaining to the Pioneer Natural Resources Company Long-Term Incentive Plan,

(9) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-161283) pertaining to the Pioneer Natural Resources Company 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan,

(10) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-176712) pertaining to the Pioneer Natural Resources Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan,

(11) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-178671) pertaining to the Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. 401(k) and Matching Plan, the Pioneer Natural Resources Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the Pioneer Natural Resources Company Executive Deferred Compensation Plan,

(12) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-183379) pertaining to the Pioneer Natural Resources Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and

(13) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-212774) pertaining to the Pioneer Natural Resources Company Amended and Restated 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan;


of our reports dated February 21, 2020, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Parsley Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”), and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, incorporated by reference in the Form 8-K dated January 12, 2021.

Our report on the consolidated financial statements refers to a change in the method of accounting for leases as of January 1, 2019 due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and a change in method of accounting for revenue recognition as of January 1, 2018 due to the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).

/s/ KPMG LLP

Dallas, Texas

January 12, 2021

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

News Release

Pioneer Natural Resources Completes Acquisition of Parsley Energy Following Stockholder Approvals

Dallas, Texas, January 12, 2021 - Pioneer Natural Resources Company (NYSE:PXD) (“Pioneer”) today announced that Pioneer has completed its previously announced acquisition of Parsley Energy, Inc. (NYSE:PE) (“Parsley”) following the approval by Pioneer and Parsley stockholders of all proposals necessary for completing the all-stock transaction.

At the special meeting of Pioneer stockholders held today, more than 99% of the shares of Pioneer common stock voting at the special meeting were cast in favor of the issuance of Pioneer common stock in connection with the transaction. At the special meeting of Parsley stockholders held today, more than 99% of the shares of Parsley common stock voting at the special meeting (and approximately 89% of the total outstanding shares) were cast in favor of the transaction.

As previously announced, Parsley stockholders will receive 0.1252 shares of Pioneer common stock for each share of Parsley common stock owned. After the close of trading today, Parsley Class A common stock will no longer be listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

In addition, in connection with the closing of the transaction, Matthew Gallagher and A.R. Alameddine have joined the Pioneer board of directors. Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Alameddine each served on Parsley’s board of directors until the closing of the transaction.

Scott D. Sheffield, CEO, stated, “We are excited to close our transaction with Parsley and begin delivering on the significant synergies provided by this combination. The transaction is expected to further strengthen our investment framework by improving our free cash flow profile and enhancing return of capital to shareholders. We appreciate the strong support from shareholders and are confident in the tangible and durable value created through this transaction, forming the premier Permian independent energy company.”

Pioneer is a large independent oil and gas exploration and production company, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with operations in the United States. For more information, visit Pioneer’s website at www.pxd.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this news release are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements and the business prospects of the combined company are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause Pioneer’s actual results in future periods to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the risk that Pioneer’s and Parsley’s


businesses will not be integrated successfully; the risk that the cost savings, synergies and growth from the proposed transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the effect of future regulatory or legislative actions on Pioneer or the industries in which it operates, including the risk of new restrictions with respect to development activities; the risk that the credit ratings of the combined company or its subsidiaries may be different from what Pioneer expects; potential liability resulting from pending or future litigation; changes in the general economic environment, or social or political conditions, that could affect the businesses; volatility of commodity prices; product supply and demand; the impact of a widespread outbreak of an illness, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on global and U.S. economic activity; competition; the ability to obtain environmental and other permits and the timing thereof; other government regulation or action; the ability to obtain approvals from third parties and negotiate agreements with third parties on mutually acceptable terms; the costs and results of drilling and operations; availability of equipment, services, resources and personnel required to perform Pioneer’s drilling and operating activities; access to and availability of transportation, processing, fractionation, refining, storage and export facilities; Pioneer’s ability to implement its business plans or complete its development activities as scheduled; access to and cost of capital; the financial strength of counterparties to Pioneer’s credit facility, investment instruments and derivative contracts and purchasers of Pioneer’s oil, natural gas liquids and gas production; quality of technical data; environmental and weather risks, including the possible impacts of climate change; cybersecurity risks; and acts of war or terrorism. These and other risks are described in Pioneer’s and Parsley’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, Pioneer may be subject to currently unforeseen risks that may have a materially adverse impact on the combined company. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that the actual events and results will not be materially different than the anticipated results described in the forward-looking statements. Pioneer undertakes no duty to publicly update these statements except as required by law.

Pioneer Natural Resources Company Contacts:

Investors

Neal Shah - 972-969-3900

Tom Fitter - 972-969-1821

Michael McNamara - 972-969-3592

Greg Wright – 972-969-1770

Media and Public Affairs    

Tadd Owens - 972-969-5760

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