UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)
[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2018
Or
[   ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from___ to ___
 
Commission file number 1-31993
 
STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
DELAWARE
25-1655321
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
1800 Hughes Landing Blvd.
The Woodlands, Texas
 
77380
(Address of principal executive office)
(Zip Code)
 
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code   (281) 214-0800
 
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed from last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
[√] Yes    [ ] No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).       
[√] Yes [ ] No
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
[ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
[ ]
Accelerated filer
[√]
Non-accelerated filer
[ ]
Smaller reporting company
[ ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Emerging growth company
[ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). [ ] Yes   [√] No
 
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of May 4, 2018 -- 27,020,004




STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



2



PART I
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited) 
 
 
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Current assets:
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
55,462

 
$
83,953

Receivables, including retainage
 
140,877

 
133,931

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
 
40,013

 
37,112

Inventories
 
1,863

 
4,621

Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures
 
12,485

 
11,380

Other current assets
 
6,479

 
7,529

Total current assets
 
257,179

 
278,526

Property and equipment, net
 
52,142

 
54,406

Goodwill
 
85,231

 
85,231

Intangibles, net
 
44,218

 
44,818

Other assets, net
 
265

 
317

Total assets
 
$
439,035

 
$
463,298

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 

Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 

Accounts payable
 
$
85,123

 
$
97,457

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
 
54,689

 
62,374

Current maturities of long-term debt
 
1,057

 
3,978

Income taxes payable
 
63

 
81

Accrued compensation
 
9,011

 
9,054

Other current liabilities
 
8,519

 
9,348

Total current liabilities
 
158,462

 
182,292

Long-term liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities
 
85,106

 
86,160

Members' interest subject to mandatory redemption and undistributed earnings
 
43,923

 
47,386

Other long-term liabilities
 
1,252

 
1,271

Total long-term liabilities
 
130,281

 
134,817

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
 


 


Equity:
 
 
 
 

Sterling stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 

Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
 

 

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 38,000,000 shares authorized, 27,034,575 and 27,051,468 shares issued
 
270

 
271

Additional paid in capital
 
231,607

 
231,183

Retained deficit
 
(87,632
)
 
(90,121
)
Total Sterling common stockholders’ equity
 
144,245

 
141,333

Noncontrolling interests
 
6,047

 
4,856

Total equity
 
150,292

 
146,189

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
439,035

 
$
463,298


  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3



STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited) 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
$
222,492

 
$
153,416

Cost of revenues
 
(201,898
)
 
(144,129
)
Gross profit
 
20,594

 
9,287

General and administrative expenses
 
(13,100
)
 
(10,604
)
Other operating expense, net
 
(815
)
 
(471
)
Operating income (loss)
 
6,679

 
(1,788
)
Interest income
 
129

 
41

Interest expense
 
(3,087
)
 
(112
)
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in earnings
 
3,721

 
(1,859
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
(41
)
 
(27
)
Net income (loss)
 
3,680

 
(1,886
)
Noncontrolling interests in earnings
 
(1,191
)
 
(371
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders
 
$
2,489

 
$
(2,257
)
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders:
 
 

 
 

Basic
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.09
)
Diluted
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.09
)
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in computing per share amounts:
 
 
 
 

Basic
 
26,854

 
25,022

Diluted
 
27,078

 
25,022

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


4



STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2018
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited) 
 
 
STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.
STOCKHOLDERS
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid in
 
Retained
 
Noncon-trolling
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Deficit
 
Interests
 
Total
Balance at January 1, 2018
 
27,051

 
$
271

 
$
231,183

 
$
(90,121
)
 
$
4,856

 
$
146,189

Net income
 

 

 

 
2,489

 
1,191

 
3,680

Stock-based compensation
 
(3
)
 

 
617

 

 

 
617

Other
 
(13
)
 
(1
)
 
(193
)
 

 

 
(194
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
 
27,035

 
$
270

 
$
231,607

 
$
(87,632
)
 
$
6,047

 
$
150,292

   
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 


5



STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 

 
 

Net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders
 
$
2,489

 
$
(2,257
)
Plus: Noncontrolling interests in earnings
 
1,191

 
371

Net income (loss)
 
3,680

 
(1,886
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
4,124

 
4,070

Gain on disposal of property and equipment
 
(250
)
 
(358
)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
617

 
640

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Contracts receivable
 
(6,946
)
 
(6,957
)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
 
(2,901
)
 
(1,770
)
Inventories
 
2,759

 
(49
)
Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures
 
(1,105
)
 
(760
)
Other assets
 
1,102

 
(1,059
)
Accounts payable
 
(12,334
)
 
4,351

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
 
(7,685
)
 
(1,444
)
Accrued compensation and other liabilities
 
(891
)
 
3,207

Members' interest subject to mandatory redemption and undistributed earnings
 
(3,463
)
 
(1,047
)
Net cash used in operating activities
 
(23,293
)

(3,062
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 

 
 

Additions to property and equipment
 
(1,897
)
 
(1,825
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
 
886

 
588

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(1,011
)

(1,237
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 

 
 

Repayments – equipment-based term loan and other
 

 
(1,333
)
Repayments – Oaktree Facility
 
(4,679
)
 

Other
 
492

 
(6
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(4,187
)

(1,339
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(28,491
)

(5,638
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
83,953

 
42,785

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
55,462


$
37,147

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for interest
 
$
3,056

 
$
113

Non-cash items:
 
 

 
 

Transportation and construction equipment acquired through financing arrangements
 
$
171

 
$
70

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6



STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited) 
1.
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
Business Summary
Sterling Construction Company, Inc. (“Sterling” or “the Company”), a Delaware corporation, is a construction company that specializes in heavy civil construction and residential concrete projects, primarily in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, Utah and other states in which there are feasible construction opportunities. Our heavy civil construction projects include highways, roads, bridges, airfields, ports, light rail, water, wastewater and storm drainage systems, foundations for multi-family homes, commercial concrete projects and parking structures. Our residential construction projects include concrete foundations for single-family homes.
Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Sterling, without audit, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“ 2017 Form 10-K”). Certain information and note disclosures prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been either condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules and regulations. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position at March 31, 2018 and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The December 31, 2017 condensed consolidated balance sheet data herein was derived from audited financial statements, but as discussed above, does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. Interim results may be subject to significant seasonal variations and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year or subsequent quarters.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Certain of the Company’s accounting policies require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. These include the recognition of revenue and earnings from construction contracts over time, the valuation of long-term assets, income taxes, and purchase accounting, including intangibles and goodwill. Management continually evaluates all of its estimates and judgments based on available information and experience; however, actual results could differ from these estimates.

Significant Accounting Policies
The Company’s significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2017 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to significant accounting policies since December 31, 2017 .
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries and construction joint ventures in which the Company has 50% or greater ownership interest or otherwise controls such entities. For investments in construction joint ventures that are not wholly-owned, but where the Company exercises control, the equity held by the remaining owners and their portions of net income (loss) are reflected in the balance sheet line item “ Noncontrolling interests ” in “Equity” and the statement of operations line item “ Noncontrolling interests in earnings ,” respectively. For investments in subsidiaries that are not wholly-owned, but where the Company exercises control and where the Company has a mandatorily redeemable interest, the equity held by the remaining owners and their portion of net income (loss) is reflected in the balance sheet line item “ Members' interest subject to mandatory redemption and undistributed earnings ” and the statement of operations line item “ Other operating expense, net ” respectively. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Where the Company is a noncontrolling joint venture partner, and otherwise not required to consolidate the joint venture entity, its share of the operations of such construction joint venture is accounted for on a pro rata basis in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item (“ Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures ”) in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. This method is an acceptable modification of the equity method of accounting which is a common practice in the construction industry.

7



Heavy Civil Construction
The Company engages in various types of heavy civil construction projects principally for public (government) owners. Credit risk is minimal with public owners since the Company ascertains that funds have been appropriated by the governmental project owner prior to commencing work on such projects. While most public contracts are subject to termination at the election of the government entity, in the event of termination the Company is entitled to receive the contract price for completed work and reimbursement of termination-related costs plus a margin. Credit risk with private owners is mitigated by statutory mechanic’s liens, which give the Company high priority in the event of lien foreclosures following financial difficulties of private owners.
Our contracts generally take 12 to 36 months to complete. The Company generally provides a one to two -year warranty for workmanship under its contracts when completed. Warranty claims historically have been insignificant.
Revenues are recognized as performance obligations are satisfied over time (formerly known as percentage-of-completion method), measured by the ratio of costs incurred up to a given date to estimated total costs for each contract. This cost to cost measure is used because management considers it to be the best available measure of progress on these contracts. Contract costs include all direct material, labor, subcontract and other costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect salaries and wages, equipment repairs and depreciation, insurance and payroll taxes. Administrative and general expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in job performance, job conditions and estimated profitability, including those changes arising from contract penalty provisions and final contract settlements may result in revisions to costs and income and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined.
Changes in estimated revenues and gross margin resulted in a net gain of $1.3 million and $0.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively , included in “ Operating income (loss) ” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Change orders are modifications of an original contract that effectively change the existing provisions of the contract without adding new provisions or terms. Change orders may include changes in specifications or designs, manner of performance, facilities, equipment, materials, sites and period of completion of the work. Either we or our customers may initiate change orders.
The Company considers unapproved change orders to be contract variations for which we have customer approval for a change of scope but a price change associated with the scope change has not yet been agreed upon. Costs associated with unapproved change orders are included in the estimated costs to complete the contracts and are treated as project costs as incurred. The Company recognizes revenue equal to costs incurred on unapproved change orders when management determines approval to be probable. Unapproved change orders involve the use of estimates, and it is reasonably possible that revisions to the estimated costs and recoverable amounts may be required in future reporting periods to reflect changes in estimates or final agreements with customers. Change orders that are unapproved as to both price and scope are evaluated as claims.
The Company considers claims to be amounts in excess of approved contract prices that we seek to collect from our customers or others for customer-caused delays, errors in specifications and designs, contract terminations, change orders that are either in dispute or are unapproved as to both scope and price, or other causes of unanticipated additional contract costs. Claims are included in the calculation of revenue when realization is probable and amounts can be reliably determined to the extent costs are incurred. To support these requirements, the existence of the following items must be satisfied: (i) the contract or other evidence provides a legal basis for the claim; or a legal opinion has been obtained, stating that under the circumstances there is a reasonable basis to support the claim; (ii) additional costs are caused by circumstances that were unforeseen at the contract date and are not the result of deficiencies in the contractor’s performance; (iii) costs associated with the claim are identifiable or otherwise determinable and are reasonable in view of the work performed; and (iv) the evidence supporting the claim is objective and verifiable, not based on management’s feel for the situation or on unsupported representations. Revenue in excess of contract costs incurred on claims is recognized when an agreement is reached with customers as to the value of the claims, which in some instances may not occur until after completion of work under the contract. Costs associated with claims are included in the estimated costs to complete the contracts and are treated as project costs when incurred. 
 
The Company has projects where we are in the process of negotiating, or awaiting final approval of, unapproved change orders and claims with our customers. The Company is proceeding with its contractual rights to recoup additional costs incurred from its customers based on completing work associated with change orders, including change orders with pending change order pricing, or claims related to significant changes in scope which resulted in substantial delays and additional costs in completing the work. Unapproved change order and claim information has been provided to our customers and negotiations with the customers are ongoing. If additional progress with an acceptable resolution is not reached, legal action will be taken.  

Based upon our review of the provisions of our contracts, specific costs incurred and other related evidence supporting the unapproved change orders, claims and our entitled unpaid project price, together in some cases as necessary with the views of the Company’s outside claim consultants, we concluded that it was appropriate to include the unapproved change order, claim and entitled unpaid project price amounts of $5.0 million , $6.0 million and $0.0 million , respectively, at March 31, 2018 , and $5.0

8



million , $5.0 million and $0.0 million , respectively, at December 31, 2017 , in “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts” on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

We expect these matters will be resolved without a material adverse effect on our financial statements. However, unapproved change order and claim amounts are subject to negotiations which may cause actual results to differ materially from estimated and recorded amounts.
Residential Construction
Residential construction revenue and related profit are recognized when construction on the concrete foundation unit is completed (i.e., at a point in time). The time from starting construction to finishing is typically less than one month.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-9, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” We adopted the requirements of the new standard effective January 1, 2018. See Note 3 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.”
    
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the FASB issued its new lease accounting guidance in ASU No. 2016-2, “Leases” (Topic 842). Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance in ASU No. 2016-15 (Topic 230): “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” This update addresses specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing existing diversity in practice. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company expects to adopt this guidance as required and does not expect a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

2.
Tealstone Acquisition

General
On April 3, 2017, the Company consummated the acquisition (the “Tealstone Acquisition”) of 100% of the outstanding stock of Tealstone Residential Concrete, Inc. and Tealstone Commercial, Inc. (collectively, “Tealstone”) from the stockholders thereof (the “Sellers”) for consideration consisting of $55,000,000 in cash, 1,882,058 shares of the Company’s common stock, and $5,000,000 of promissory notes issued to the Sellers. In addition, the Company will make $2,426,000 and $7,500,000 of deferred cash payments on the second and third anniversaries of the closing date, respectively, and up to an aggregate of $15,000,000 in earn-out payments if specified financial performance levels are achieved (subject to annual maximums) on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the closing date to continuing Tealstone management or their affiliates. Tealstone focuses on concrete construction of residential foundations, parking structures, elevated slabs and other concrete work for leading homebuilders, multi-family developers and general contractors in both residential and commercial markets. This acquisition enables expansion into adjacent markets and diversification of revenue streams and customer base with higher margin work.
Supplemental Pro Forma Information (Unaudited)
The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information (“the pro forma financial information”) gives effect to the acquisition of Tealstone by Sterling, accounted for as a business combination using the purchase method of accounting. The pro forma financial information reflects the Tealstone Acquisition and related events as if they occurred at the beginning of the period, and gives effect to pro forma events that are: directly attributable to the acquisition, factually supportable, and expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results of Sterling and Tealstone following the acquisition. The pro forma financial information includes adjustments to: (1) exclude transaction costs that were included in Sterling’s and Tealstone’s historical results and are expected to be non-recurring; (2) include additional intangibles amortization and net interest expense associated with the Tealstone Acquisition; and (3) include the pro forma results of Tealstone for the three months ended March 31, 2017. This pro

9



forma financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have been achieved had the pro forma events taken place on the dates indicated. Further, the pro forma financial information does not purport to project the future operating results of the combined company following the Tealstone Acquisition. The pro forma for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (amounts in thousands):
 
Pro forma revenue
 
$
194,925

 
Pro forma net loss attributable to Sterling
 
$
(1,474
)
 
The Tealstone Acquisition during the three months ended March 31, 2018 , had revenue and income from operations of approximately $53.0 million and $6.8 million , respectively.

3.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“new revenue standard”) to all contracts using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of the new revenue standard had no material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements as it did not require a change in revenue recognition for either of our segments. As such, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods.     
We applied the new revenue standard's practical expedients as follows: ASC 606-10-65-1 permits the omission of prior-period information about our remaining performance obligations. ASC 606-10-32-18 allows the application of the new revenue recognition standard to a portfolio of contracts (or performance obligations) with similar characteristics rather than on a contract by contract basis. As the majority of our significant contracts are with government entities and major homebuilders that utilize contracts of a similar structure and nature, this approach would not yield a material difference from applying the guidance on a contract by contract basis. ASC 606-10-32-18 allows entities to waive the requirement to adjust the consideration amount for the effects of a significant financing component if the entity expects, at contract inception, that the period between its fulfillment of the performance obligation and receipt of the customer's payment is less than one year. ASC 606-10-32-2A allows entities to make an accounting policy election to exclude taxes assessed by and collected on behalf of government authorities from the transaction price allocated to the performance obligation. We have historically excluded such amounts from our revenues and will continue to do so under the new revenue standard.
Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account in the new revenue standard. The contract transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts and, therefore, not distinct. Some of our contracts have multiple performance obligations, most commonly due to the contract covering multiple phases of the product life cycle (design and construction). For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the contract transaction price to each performance obligation using our best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. The primary method used to estimate standalone selling price is the expected cost plus a margin approach, under which we forecast our expected costs of satisfying a performance obligation and then add an appropriate margin for that distinct good or service.
Performance Obligations Satisfied Over Time
Revenue for our contracts that satisfy the criteria for over time recognition is recognized as the work progresses. The majority of our revenue is derived from long-term, heavy civil construction contracts and projects that typically span between 12 to 36 months . Our heavy civil construction contracts will continue to be recognized over time because of the continuous transfer of control to the customer as all of the work is performed at the customer’s site and, therefore, the customer controls the asset as it is being constructed. This continuous transfer of control to the customer is further supported by clauses in the contract that allow the customer to unilaterally terminate the contract for convenience, pay us for costs incurred plus a reasonable profit and take control of any work in process. Under the new revenue standard, the cost-to-cost measure of progress continues to best depict the transfer of control of assets to the customer, which occurs as we incur costs. Contract costs include labor, material, and indirect costs. Revenue from products and services transferred to customers over time accounted for 84% and 100% of our revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.
Performance Obligations Satisfied at a Point in Time

10



Revenue for our contracts that do not satisfy the criteria for over time recognition is recognized at a point in time. Substantially all of our revenue recognized at a point in time is for work performed by our residential construction segment. Unlike our heavy civil construction segment that uses a cost-to-cost input measure for performance, the residential construction segment utilizes an output measure for performance based on the completion of a unit of work (e.g., PO/job/slab). The typical time frame for completion of a residential slab is less than one month. Upon fulfillment of the performance obligation, the customer is provided an invoice (or equivalent) demonstrating transfer of control to the customer. We believe that point in time recognition remains appropriate for this segment and will continue to recognize revenues upon completion of the performance obligation and issuance of an invoice. Revenue from goods and services transferred to customers at a point in time accounted for 16% and 0% of our revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.
Contract modifications are routine in the performance of our contracts. Contracts are often modified to account for changes in the contract specifications or requirements. In most instances, contract modifications are for goods or services that are not distinct, and, therefore, are accounted for as part of the existing contract.
Assurance-type warranties are the only warranties provided by the company and, as such, we do not recognize revenue on warranty-related work.
Pre-contract costs are generally charged to expense as incurred, but in certain cases their recognition may be deferred if specific probability criteria are met. We had no significant deferred pre-contract costs at March 31, 2018.
Backlog
On March 31, 2018 , we had $885 million of remaining performance obligations in our heavy civil construction segment, which we also refer to as backlog. We expect to recognize approximately 61% of our backlog as revenue during the remainder of 2018, and the balance thereafter.
Contract Estimates
Accounting for long-term contracts and programs involves the use of various techniques to estimate total contract revenue and costs. For long-term contracts, we estimate the profit on a contract as the difference between the total estimated revenue and expected costs to complete a contract and recognize that profit over the life of the contract.
Contract estimates are based on various assumptions to project the outcome of future events that often span several years. These assumptions include labor productivity and availability, the complexity of the work to be performed, the cost and availability of materials, and the performance of subcontractors.
Variable Consideration
Transaction price for our contracts may include variable consideration, which includes increases to transaction price for approved and unapproved change orders, claims and incentives, and reductions to transaction price for liquidated damages. Change orders, claims and incentives are generally not distinct from the existing contract due to the significant integration service provided in the context of the contract and are accounted for as a modification of the existing contract and performance obligation. We estimate variable consideration for a performance obligation at the most likely amount to which we expect to be entitled (or the most likely amount we expect to incur in the case of liquidated damages), utilizing estimation methods that best predict the amount of consideration to which we will be entitled (or will be incurred in the case of liquidated damages). We include variable consideration in the estimated transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur or when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Our estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in transaction price are based largely on an assessment of our anticipated performance and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to us. The effect of variable consideration on the transaction price of a performance obligation is recognized as an adjustment to revenue on a cumulative catch-up basis. To the extent unapproved change orders and claims reflected in transaction price (or excluded from transaction price in the case of liquidated damages) are not resolved in our favor, or to the extent incentives reflected in transaction price are not earned, there could be reductions in, or reversals of, previously recognized revenue. No adjustment on any one contract was material to our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018 , and March 31, 2017 .


11



Revenue by Segment
The following table presents total revenue from operations by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (amounts in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Revenue
 
 

 
 

Heavy Civil Construction
 
$
187,241

 
$
153,416

Residential Construction
 
35,251

 

Total Revenue
 
$
222,492

 
$
153,416

Our residential construction segment recognizes revenue at a point in time, unchanged from prior revenue recognition guidance. As we complete a unit of work (e.g., PO, job, slab), which typically is less than one month, our leading homebuilder customers are provided an invoice (or equivalent) demonstrating the transfer of control. The residential construction segment's revenue population is homogeneous in terms of customer type, end market, duration and risk profile and, as such, is excluded from the tables below.
Revenue by Category
Our heavy civil construction segment's portfolio of products and services consists of over 150 active contracts. The following series of tables presents our heavy civil construction revenue disaggregated by several categories.
Revenue by major end market (amounts in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Heavy Highway
 
$
107,408

 
$
109,385

Water Containment and Treatment
 
14,995

 
9,596

Aviation
 
23,252

 
10,590

Commercial and Other
 
41,586

 
23,845

Heavy Civil Construction Revenue
 
$
187,241

 
$
153,416

Revenue by contract type (amounts in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Fixed Unit Price
 
$
160,236

 
$
144,361

Lump Sum and Other
 
27,005

 
9,055

Heavy Civil Construction Revenue
 
$
187,241

 
$
153,416


Each of these contract types presents advantages and disadvantages. Typically, we assume more risk with lump-sum contracts. However, these types of contracts offer additional profits when we complete the work for less than originally estimated. Under fixed-unit price contracts, our profit may vary if actual labor-hour costs vary significantly from the negotiated rates. Also, because these contracts can provide little or no fee for managing material costs, the content mix can impact profitability.
Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts (contract assets) on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. In our heavy civil construction segment, amounts are billed as work progresses in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms, either at periodic intervals (e.g., biweekly or monthly) or upon achievement of contractual milestones. Generally, billing occurs subsequent to revenue recognition, resulting in contract assets. However, we sometimes receive advances or deposits from our customers, before revenue is recognized, resulting in billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts (contract liabilities). These assets and liabilities are reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheet on a contract-by-contract basis

12



at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the contract asset and liability balances during the three month period ended March 31, 2018 , were not materially impacted by any other factors.
The table below reconciles the net excess billings to the amounts included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at those dates (amounts in thousands).
 
As of March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
$
40,013

 
$
34,475

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
(54,689
)
 
(62,656
)
Net amount of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts below billings
$
(14,676
)
 
$
(28,181
)
Revenues recognized and billings on uncompleted contracts include cumulative amounts recognized as revenues and billings in prior periods. This revenue primarily represents progress on our construction jobs.

4.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original or remaining maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash balances held by our consolidated subsidiaries and our majority controlled construction joint ventures. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , cash and cash equivalents included $16.0 million and $31.1 million , respectively, belonging to our consolidated 50% owned subsidiaries. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , cash and cash equivalents included $9.8 million and $18.9 million , respectively, belonging to our construction joint ventures. Construction joint venture cash balances are limited to joint venture activities and are not available for other projects, general cash needs or distribution to us without approval of the board of directors, or equivalent body, of the respective joint ventures.
 
Restricted cash of approximately $3.0 million is included in “ Other current assets ” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and represents cash deposited by the Company into a separate account and designated as collateral for a standby letter of credit in the same amount in accordance with contractual agreements. Refer to Notes 8 and 9 for more information about our standby letter of credit. In addition, restricted cash of approximately $0.6 million is included in “ Other current assets ” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and represents cash deposited by a customer, for the benefit of the Company, in an escrow account which is restricted until the customer releases the restriction upon the completion of the job. 
 
The Company holds cash on deposit in U.S. banks, at times, in excess of federally insured limits. Management does not believe that the risk associated with keeping cash deposits in excess of federal deposit insurance limits represents a material risk.
 
5.
Consolidated 50% Owned Subsidiaries, including Variable Interest Entities ("VIE")
 

The Company has a 50% interest in two subsidiaries (Myers and RHB); both subsidiaries have individual provisions which obligate the Company to purchase each partner's 50% interests for $20.0 million ( $40.0 million in the aggregate), due to circumstances outlined in the partner agreements that are certain to occur. Therefore, the Company has consolidated these two entities and classified these obligations as mandatorily redeemable and has recorded a liability in “ Members' interest subject to mandatory redemption and undistributed earnings ” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. In addition, all undistributed earnings at the time of the noncontrolling owners’ death or permanent disability are also mandatorily payable. In the event of either Mr. Buenting’s or Mr. Myers's death, the Company purchased two separate $20.0 million death and permanent total disability insurance policies to mitigate the Company’s cash draw if such events were to occur.


13



The liability consists of the following (amounts in thousands):
 
 
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Members’ interest subject to mandatory redemption
 
$
40,000

 
$
40,000

Net accumulated earnings
 
3,923

 
7,386

Total liability
 
$
43,923

 
$
47,386

Fifty percent of the earnings of these consolidated 50% owned subsidiaries for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 was $0.6 million and $0.0 million . These amounts were included in “ Other operating expense, net ” on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.  
The Company must determine whether each entity, including these two 50% owned subsidiaries, in which it participates, is a VIE. This determination focuses on identifying which owner or entity partner, if any, has the power to direct the activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity disproportionate to its interest in the entity, which could have the effect of requiring the Company to consolidate the entity in which we have a noncontrolling variable interest. The Company determined Myers is a VIE and we are the primary beneficiary as pursuant to the terms of the Myers Operating Agreement we are exposed to the majority of potential losses of the partnership. As such, the following table presents the condensed financial information of Myers, which is reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations, as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
 
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Assets:
 
 

 
 

Current assets:
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
2,061

 
$
8,590

Contracts receivable, including retainage
 
21,507

 
26,844

Other current assets
 
13,634

 
15,672

Total current assets
 
37,202

 
51,106

Property and equipment, net
 
8,528

 
9,001

Goodwill
 
1,501

 
1,501

Total assets
 
$
47,231

 
$
61,608

Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
 
$
20,478

 
$
28,448

Other current liabilities
 
9,557

 
11,798

Total current liabilities
 
30,035

 
40,246

Long-term liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Other long-term liabilities
 
160

 
3,491

Total liabilities
 
$
30,195

 
$
43,737

 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
$
40,175

 
$
23,285

Operating income
 
1,107

 
394

Net income attributable to Sterling common stockholders
 
554

 
195



14



6.
Construction Joint Ventures
 
We participate in joint ventures with other major construction companies and other partners, typically for large, technically complex projects, including design-build projects, when it is desirable to share risk and resources in order to seek a competitive advantage or when the project is too large for us to obtain sufficient bonding. Joint venture partners typically provide independently prepared estimates, furnish employees and equipment, enhance bonding capacity and often also bring local knowledge and expertise. We select our joint venture partners based on our analysis of their construction and financial capabilities, expertise in the type of work to be performed and past working relationships with us, among other criteria.

For these joint ventures, the equity held by the remaining owners and their portions of net income (loss) are reflected in the balance sheet line item “ Noncontrolling interests ” in “Equity” and the statement of operations line item “ Noncontrolling interests in earnings ,” respectively. Refer to Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2017 Form 10-K for further information about our joint ventures.

The following table summarizes the changes in noncontrolling interests (amounts in thousands): 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
4,856

 
$
656

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest included in equity
 
1,191

 
371

Distributions to noncontrolling interest owners
 

 

Balance, end of period
 
$
6,047

 
$
1,027

 
Where we are a noncontrolling venture partner, we account for our share of the operations of such construction joint ventures on a pro-rata basis using proportionate consolidation on our condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item (“ Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures ”) in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. This method is an acceptable modification of the equity method of accounting which is a common practice in the construction industry. Condensed combined financial amounts of joint ventures in which the Company has a noncontrolling interest and the Company’s share of such amounts which are included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements are shown below (amounts in thousands):

 
 
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Total combined:
 
 

 
 

Current assets
 
$
67,990

 
$
64,574

Less current liabilities
 
(76,651
)
 
(78,349
)
Net liabilities
 
$
(8,661
)
 
$
(13,775
)
 
 
 
 
 
Sterling’s receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures
 
$
12,485

 
$
11,380

 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Total combined:
 
 

 
 

Revenues
 
$
31,357

 
$
14,609

Income before tax
 
3,404

 
1,173

Sterling’s noncontrolling interest:
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
15,065

 
$
6,488

Income before tax
 
1,691

 
553

 

15



The caption “ Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures ” includes undistributed earnings and receivables owed to the Company. Undistributed earnings are typically released to the joint venture partners after the customer accepts the project as complete and the warranty period, if any, has passed.
 

7.
Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands): 
 
 
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Construction equipment
 
$
119,011

 
$
118,868

Transportation equipment
 
17,347

 
17,511

Buildings
 
9,577

 
9,577

Office equipment
 
2,706

 
3,339

Leasehold improvement
 
914

 
914

Construction in progress
 
258

 
258

Land
 
2,348

 
2,348

Water rights
 

 
200

 
 
152,161

 
153,015

Less accumulated depreciation
 
(100,019
)
 
(98,609
)
Total property and equipment, net
 
$
52,142

 
$
54,406



8.
Secured Credit Facility and Other Debt
Debt consists of the following (in thousands):
 
 
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Loans
 
$
80,321

 
$
85,000

Notes and deferred payments to sellers, Tealstone acquisition
 
12,676

 
12,393

Notes payable for transportation and construction equipment and other
 
1,460

 
1,557

Total debt
 
94,457

 
98,950

 
 
 
 
 
Less - Current maturities of long-term debt
 
(1,057
)
 
(3,978
)
Less - Unamortized deferred loan costs
 
(8,294
)
 
(8,812
)
Total long-term debt
 
$
85,106

 
$
86,160

 
On April 3, 2017, the Company, as borrower, and certain of its subsidiaries, as guarantors, entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Wilmington Trust, National Association, as agent, and the lenders party thereto (the “Oaktree Facility”), providing for a term loan of $85,000,000 (the “Loan”) with a maturity date of April 4, 2022, which replaced the then existing debt facility. The Loan is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries.
Interest on the Loan is equal to the one-, two-, three- or six-month London interbank rate, or LIBOR, plus 8.75% per annum on the unpaid principal amount of the Loan, subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. Interest on the Loan is generally payable monthly. There are no amortized principal payments; however, the Company is required to prepay the Loan, and in certain cases pay a prepayment premium thereon, with proceeds received from the issuances of debt or equity, transfers, events of loss and extraordinary receipts. The Company is required to make an offer quarterly to the lenders to prepay the Loan in an amount equal to 75% of its excess cash flow, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon and a prepayment premium.
The Oaktree Facility contains various covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s ability and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to incur certain indebtedness, grant certain liens, merge or consolidate, sell assets, make certain loans, enter

16



into acquisitions, incur capital expenditures, make investments, and pay dividends. In addition, the Company is required to maintain the following principal financial covenants:

a ratio of secured indebtedness to EBITDA of not more than 3.10 to 1.00 for the trailing four consecutive fiscal quarters, reducing to 1.80 to 1.00 for the four consecutive quarters ending September 30, 2019;
daily cash collateral of not less than $15,000,000 ;
a trailing four consecutive fiscal quarters gross margin in contract backlog of not less than $60,000,000 , increasing to $70,000,000 by March 31, 2019;
the incurrence of net capital expenditures during the trailing four consecutive fiscal quarters shall not exceed $15,000,000 ;
bonding capacity shall be maintained at all times in an amount not less than $1,000,000,000 ; and
the EBITDA of Tealstone Residential Concrete, Inc. shall not be less than $12,000,000 for each of the trailing four consecutive fiscal quarters.

The Company is in compliance with these covenants at March 31, 2018 .
The Oaktree Facility also includes customary events of default, including events of default relating to non-payment of principal or interest, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, breaches of covenants, cross-defaults, bankruptcy and insolvency events, certain unsatisfied judgments, loan documents not being valid, calls under the Company’s bonds, failure of specified individuals to remain employed by the Company, and a change of control. If an event of default occurs, the lenders will be able to accelerate the maturity of the Oaktree Facility and exercise other rights and remedies.
Deferred loan costs and discounts totaled $10.4 million , which included attorney fees, investment bank fees as well as amounts paid to the lenders and which were discounted from the loan amount. Warrants valued at $3.5 million were included as well. The total amount is amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest method, over the five -year life of the Loan.
Total amortization expense of $0.5 million and $0.2 million , respectively has been recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 . The fair value of the Oaktree Facility approximates its book value.

Notes and Deferred Payments to Sellers
As part of the Tealstone Acquisition, the Company issued $5,000,000 of Promissory Notes to the Sellers and agreed to make $2,426,000 and $7,500,000 of deferred cash payments on the second and third anniversaries of the closing date, respectively. Based on a 12% discount rate, the Company recorded $11.6 million as notes and deferred payments to sellers in long-term debt on our condensed consolidated balance sheet at the acquisition closing date. Accreted interest for the period was $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and was recorded as interest expense.
Notes Payable for Transportation and Construction Equipment
The Company has purchased and financed various transportation and construction equipment to enhance the Company’s fleet of equipment. The total long-term notes payable related to the purchase of financed equipment was $1.5 million and $1.6 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. The purchases have payment terms ranging from 3 to 5 years and the associated interest rates range from 3.15% to 7.14% . The fair value of these notes payable approximates their book value.

9.
Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company is required by our former insurance provider to obtain and hold a standby letter of credit. This letter of credit serves as a guarantee by the banking institution to pay our former insurance provider the incurred claim costs attributable to our general liability, workers compensation and automobile liability claims, up to the amount stated in the standby letter of credit, in the event that these claims were not paid by the Company. We have cash collateralized the letter of credit, resulting in the cash being designated as restricted. Since we have now replaced our insurance provider, the amount required will diminish as claims are processed. Refer to Note 4 for more information on our restricted cash.
The Company is the subject of certain other claims and lawsuits occurring in the normal course of business. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not believe that the outcome of these actions will have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company.

 

17



10.
Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Asset/Liability
The Company and its subsidiaries file U.S. federal and various U.S. state income tax returns. Current income tax expense (benefit) represents federal and state taxes based on tax paid or expected to be payable or receivable for the periods shown in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Due to net operating loss carryforwards, the Company is not expecting a current federal liability. The Company may incur current state tax liabilities in states in which the Company does not have sufficient net operating loss carry forwards. Income tax expense of $41 thousand and $27 thousand was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 , respectively. The effective income tax rate varied from the statutory rate primarily as a result of the change in the valuation allowance, net income attributable to noncontrolling interest owners which is taxable to those owners rather than to the Company, state income taxes and other permanent differences. For interim periods, the Company estimates an annual effective tax rate and applies that rate to year-to-date operating results.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act").  The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, (1) reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent; (2) eliminating the corporate alternative minimum tax (AMT) and changing how existing AMT credits can be realized; (3) creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense; (4) changing rules related to uses and limitations of net operating loss carryforwards created in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017; (5) expanding the limitation for executive compensation deductions; and (6) implementing 100% immediate expensing of qualified property.  As a result of the reduced federal corporate tax rate under the Tax Act, the Company reduced the value of its net deferred tax assets by $19.5 million at December 31, 2017 to reflect the enacted rate.  This reduction was entirely offset with a corresponding reduction of our valuation allowance, which resulted in no charge to the tax provision for the year.  The Tax Act also provides that existing AMT credit carryforwards are refundable beginning in 2018.
The Company’s deferred tax expense (benefit) reflects the change in deferred tax assets or liabilities. The Company performs an analysis at the end of each reporting period to determine whether it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets are expected to be realized in future years. Based upon this analysis, a full valuation allowance has been applied to our net deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . Therefore, there has been no change in net deferred taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2018 .
As a result of the Company’s analysis, management has determined that the Company does not have any material uncertain tax positions.

11.
Stockholder's Equity

 Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has a stock-based incentive plan that is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Refer to Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2017 Form 10-K for further information.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , the Company awarded, subject to vesting restrictions, a total of 327,451 and 63,839 common stock awards, respectively. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $0.6 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.
At March 31, 2018 and 2017 , total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested common stock awards was $5.6 million and $1.7 million , respectively. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.71 years . At March 31, 2018 , there were 0.2 million shares of common stock covered by outstanding unvested common stock.
 
12.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders
 
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share attributable to Sterling common stockholders is the same as basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders but includes dilutive unvested stock awards and warrants using the treasury stock method. The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per common share computations for net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
 

18



 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Numerator:
 
 

 
 

Net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders
 
$
2,489

 
$
(2,257
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
 
26,854

 
25,022

Shares for dilutive unvested stock and warrants
 
224

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding and incremental shares assumed repurchased— diluted
 
27,078

 
25,022

Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.09
)
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.09
)

In accordance with the treasury stock method, approximately 0.5 million shares of unvested common stock were excluded from the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as the Company incurred a loss during that period and the impact of such shares would have been anti-dilutive.
 
13.
Segment Information
 
Due to the April 3, 2017 acquisition of Tealstone, the Company has reviewed its reportable segments, operating segments and reporting units. Based on our review, we have concluded that our operations consist of two reportable segments, two operating segments and two reporting unit components: heavy civil construction and residential construction. In making this determination, the Company considered the discrete financial information used by our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”). Based on this approach, the Company noted that the CODM organizes, evaluates and manages the financial information of our aggregated heavy civil construction projects and the entire residential construction division separately when making operating decisions and assessing the Company’s overall performance. Furthermore, we considered the differences between the types of work performed in each reporting unit. Each heavy civil construction project has similar characteristics, includes similar services, has similar types of customers and is subject to similar economic and regulatory environments. Projects in our heavy civil construction segment typically last for several years, involve several subtasks and are accounted for using over time recognition (formerly known as percentage-of-completion method). Conversely, our residential construction projects typically consist of a high volume of independent units performed for customers that are billed, paid and accounted for at a point in time as the individual units are completed. Each job performed in our residential construction segment typically takes less than one month to complete.
Segment reporting is aligned based upon the services offered by our two operating groups, which represent our reportable segments: Heavy Civil Construction and Residential Construction, as mentioned above. Our CODM evaluates the performance of the aforementioned operating groups based upon revenue and income from operations. Each operating group’s income from operations reflects corporate costs, allocated based primarily upon revenue.
The following table presents total revenue and income from operations by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Revenue
 
 

 
 

Heavy Civil Construction
 
$
187,241

 
$
153,416

Residential Construction
 
35,251

 

Total Revenue
 
$
222,492

 
$
153,416

 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income (loss)
 
 

 
 

Heavy Civil Construction
 
$
1,945

 
$
(1,788
)
Residential Construction
 
4,734

 

Total Operating Income (loss)
 
$
6,679

 
$
(1,788
)
 


19



The following table presents total assets by reportable segment at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 :  
 
 
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Assets
 
 
 
 
Heavy Civil Construction
 
$
320,437

 
$
354,090

Residential Construction
 
118,598

 
109,208

Total Assets
 
$
439,035

 
$
463,298

 


20



Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Cautionary Comment Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Report, including the documents incorporated herein by reference, contains statements that are, or may be considered to be, “forward-looking statements” regarding the Company which represent our expectations and beliefs concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as set forth in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. The forward-looking statements included herein or incorporated herein by reference relate to matters that are predictive in nature, such as our industry, business strategy, goals and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources and other financial and operating information, and may use or contain words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “budget,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar terms and phrases.
Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations as of the date of this Report regarding future events, results or outcomes. These expectations may or may not be realized. Some of these expectations may be based upon assumptions or judgments that prove to be incorrect. In addition, our business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, that could result in our expectations not being realized or otherwise could materially affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Actual events, results and outcomes may differ materially from those anticipated, projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. Although it is not possible to identify all of these factors, they include, among others, the following:
changes in general economic conditions, including recessions, reductions in federal, state and local government funding for infrastructure services and changes in those governments’ budgets, practices, laws and regulations;
delays or difficulties related to the completion of our projects, including additional costs, reductions in revenues or the payment of liquidated damages, or delays or difficulties related to obtaining required governmental permits and approvals;
actions of suppliers, subcontractors, design engineers, joint venture partners, customers, competitors, banks, surety companies and others which are beyond our control, including suppliers’, subcontractors’ and joint venture partners’ failure to perform;
factors that affect the accuracy of estimates inherent in our bidding for contracts, estimates of backlog, percentage-of-completion accounting policies, including onsite conditions that differ materially from those assumed in our original bid, contract modifications, mechanical problems with our machinery or equipment and effects of other risks discussed in this document;
design/build contracts which subject us to the risk of design errors and omissions;
cost escalations associated with our contracts, including changes in availability, proximity and cost of materials such as steel, cement, concrete, aggregates, oil, fuel and other construction materials and cost escalations associated with subcontractors and labor;
our dependence on a limited number of significant customers;
adverse weather conditions;
the presence of competitors with greater financial resources or lower margin requirements than ours and the impact of competitive bidders on our ability to obtain new backlog at reasonable margins acceptable to us;
our ability to successfully identify, finance, complete and integrate acquisitions;
citations issued by any governmental authority, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration;
federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations where non-compliance can result in penalties and/or termination of contracts as well as civil and criminal liability;
adverse economic conditions in our markets; and
the other factors discussed in more detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“ 2017 Form 10-K”) under “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
In reading this Report, you should consider these factors carefully in evaluating any forward-looking statements and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that many of the assumptions upon which our forward-looking statements are based are likely to change after the forward-looking statements are made. Further, we may make changes to our business plans that could affect our results. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements that we make in this Report are reasonable, we can provide no assurance that they will be achieved.

21



The forward-looking statements included herein are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update any information contained herein or to publicly release the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur, or that we become aware of after the date of this Report.
 
Overview
Sterling Construction Company, Inc. (“Sterling” or “the Company”) is a construction company that specializes in (1) heavy civil construction and (2) residential concrete projects, primarily in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, Utah and other states in which there are feasible construction opportunities. Our heavy civil construction projects include highways, roads, bridges, airfields, ports, light rail, water, wastewater and storm drainage systems, foundations for multi-family homes, commercial concrete projects and parking structures. Our residential construction projects include concrete foundations for single-family homes.
 
Market Outlook and Trends

Heavy Civil Construction
Our heavy civil construction business is primarily driven by federal, state and municipal funding. The 2015 passage of the federally funded five-year $305 billion surface transportation bill will increase the annual federal highway investment by 15.1% over the five-year period from 2016 to 2020. In addition to the Federal program, several of the states in our key markets have instituted actions to further increase annual spending. In Texas, two constitutional amendments were passed, which will increase the annual funds allocated to transportation projects from $4.0 billion to $4.5 billion per year. Texas also has locally approved bonds estimated at $1.3 billion, that were approved in November 2017. In Utah, a 20% gas tax increase to support infrastructure projects was put into effect January 1, 2016, which is the first state gas tax increase in 18 years. The State of Utah also approved, in 2017, a $1 billion bond package for infrastructure improvements. A 12-cent sales tax increase was approved in Los Angeles, California in 2016 that will provide $3 billion per year for local road, bridge and transit projects. In addition, California approved a 10 year $52 billion bill that provides an annual $5 billion in incremental funding for use on highway transit repair projects. See “Item 1. Business—Our Markets, Competition and Customers” in our 2017 Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of our markets and their funding sources.
Bid Discipline and Project Execution
To ensure that we take full advantage of the improved market conditions and maximize profitability we have completed an extensive evaluation of our heavy civil construction projects’ historical success based on project size, end customer, product delivered and geography. The knowledge gained has now been incorporated into a more formal and rigorous bid evaluation and approval process, which along with the institution of common processes, we believe will enable us to focus our resources on the most beneficial projects and significantly reduce our risk. In addition, in order to strengthen these processes and capitalize further on the improved market conditions, we appointed a Chief Operating Officer in the first quarter of 2016, and in the first quarter of 2018 we appointed a Vice President, Strategy and Business Development.
Backlog
At March 31, 2018 , our Backlog of construction projects, which is made up solely of our heavy civil construction segment, was $885 million , as compared to $744 million at December 31, 2017 . The contracts in this Backlog are typically completed in 12 to 36 months. Contracts in which we are the apparent low bidder for on the project (“Unsigned Low-bid Awards”) are excluded from Backlog until the contract has been executed by our customer. Unsigned Low-bid Awards were $151 million at March 31, 2018 . The combination of Backlog and Unsigned Low-bid Awards, which we refer to as "Combined Backlog," totaled $1,035 million and $995 million , respectively at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . Backlog includes $47.0 million and $55.1 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, attributable to our share of estimated revenues related to joint ventures where we are a noncontrolling joint venture partner.

Our margin in backlog has decreased approximately 30 basis points, from 8.4% at December 31, 2017 to 8.1% at March 31, 2018 . The decrease noted above is primarily the result of change in project mix and lower remaining volume levels of our large projects in the Rocky Mountain region and Hawaii. Our margin in Combined Backlog increased to 8.4% at March 31, 2018 from 8.3% at December 31, 2017 .  During the first quarter of 2018, we added approximately $305 million worth of new projects to our Backlog at an average margin of 8.1% .

Residential Construction

Our residential construction business is a component of the Tealstone acquisition. Continuing revenue growth of our residential construction business is directly related to the growth of new home starts in our key markets. Our customers' year over year

22



expected average growth in the Dallas-Forth Worth Metroplex, is approximately 13% . We expect to extend into the Houston market and surrounding areas in 2018.

 

Summary of Consolidated Financial Results for the Current Quarter

We had operating income of $6.7 million , income before income taxes and earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest owners of $3.7 million , net income attributable to Sterling common stockholders of $2.5 million and net income per diluted share attributable to Sterling common stockholders of $0.09 .

 
 
Consolidated Results for the First Quarter of 2018 as Compared to the First Quarter of 2017 (amounts in thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Variance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
222,492

 
$
153,416

 
45.0%
Gross profit
 
20,594

 
9,287

 
121.8%
General and administrative expenses
 
(13,100
)
 
(10,604
)
 
23.5%
Other operating expense, net
 
(815
)
 
(471
)
 
73.0%
Operating income (loss)
 
6,679

 
(1,788
)
 
473.5%
Interest income
 
129

 
41

 
214.6%
Interest expense
 
(3,087
)
 
(112
)
 
NM
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in earnings
 
3,721

 
(1,859
)
 
300.2%
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
(41
)
 
(27
)
 
51.9%
Net income (loss)
 
3,680

 
(1,886
)
 
295.1%
Noncontrolling interests in earnings
 
(1,191
)
 
(371
)
 
221.0%
Net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders
 
$
2,489

 
$
(2,257
)
 
210.3%
Gross margin
 
9.3
%
 
6.1
 %
 
52.5%
Operating margin
 
3.0
%
 
(1.2
)%
 
350.0%
NM – Not meaningful.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
Revenues increase d $69.1 million , or 45.0% in the first quarter of 2018 compared with the first quarter of 2017 . The increase in the first quarter of 2018 is primarily the result of the April 3, 2017, Tealstone Acquisition, which resulted in approximately $53 million in additional revenue. The majority of the remaining net increase of $16.1 million in the first quarter of 2018 is attributable to our Rocky Mountain region construction joint venture projects and aviation projects, partially offset by a decline in the Hawaii market.
Gross profit
Gross profit increase d $11.3 million for the first quarter of 2018 compared with the first quarter of 2017 . Our gross margin increase d to 9.3% in the first quarter of 2018 , as compared to 6.1% in the first quarter of 2017 . The increase in gross margin during the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the first quarter of 2017 was primarily attributable to the acquired Tealstone residential construction business which added approximately 2% gross margin, and heavy civil construction gross margin improvement of approximately 1% .
At March 31, 2018 and 2017 , we had approximately 178 and 126 heavy civil contracts-in-progress, respectively, which were less than 90% complete. These contracts are of various sizes, of different expected profitability and in various stages of completion. The nearer a contract progresses toward completion, the more we are able to refine our estimate of total revenues (including incentives, delay penalties, change orders and claims), costs and gross profit. Thus, gross profit as a percent of revenues can increase or decrease from comparable and subsequent quarters due to variations among contracts and depending upon the stage of completion of contracts.

23



General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses increase d $2.5 million to $13.1 million during the first quarter of 2018 from $10.6 million in the first quarter of 2017 . The increase in the first quarter of 2018 is primarily the result of the Tealstone Acquisition.
As a percent of revenues, general and administrative expenses decrease d 1.0% to 5.9% in the first quarter of 2018 . The decrease in general and administrative expenses, as a percent of revenue, is primarily the result of the Tealstone Acquisition and increased operating leverage from higher revenues in heavy civil construction.
Other operating expense, net
Other operating expense, net, includes 50% of earnings and losses related to Members’ interests and other miscellaneous operating income or expense. Members’ interest earnings are treated as an expense and increase our liability account. The change in other operating expense, net, was $0.3 million during the first quarter of 2018 . The increase in the first quarter of 2018 was primarily due to an increase in Members' interest earnings of approximately $0.6 million , partially offset by a reduction in deal costs of $0.3 million .
Interest expense
Interest expense was $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2017 . The increase in interest expense is due to our borrowings under our Oaktree Facility, which replaced our Equipment-based Facility and funded the cash component of the Tealstone Acquisition.
 
Segment Results for the First Quarter of 2018 as Compared to the First Quarter of 2017 (amounts in thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
% of
Total
 
2017
 
% of
Total
Revenue
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Heavy Civil Construction
 
$
187,241

 
84%
 
$
153,416

 
100%
Residential Construction
 
35,251

 
16%
 

 
—%
Total Revenue
 
$
222,492

 
 
 
$
153,416

 
 
Operating Income
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Heavy Civil Construction
 
$
1,945

 
29%
 
$
(1,788
)
 
100%
Residential Construction
 
4,734

 
71%
 

 
—%
Total Operating Income
 
$
6,679

 
 
 
$
(1,788
)
 
 

Heavy Civil Construction
Revenues
Heavy civil construction revenues were $187.2 million for the first quarter of 2018 . This represented an increase in our heavy civil construction segment of $33.8 million or 22% compared to the first quarter of 2017 . The increase was primarily attributable to increased revenues of approximately $28 million related to our large Rocky Mountain construction joint venture projects and aviation projects across the Western geographies, partially offset by a decline in the Hawaii market. One of these joint venture contracts was substantially complete at the end of 2017 with the other expected to be complete near the end of 2018. The acquired Tealstone commercial business added $17.7 million of revenue in this quarter.
Operating income
Operating Income was $1.9 million for the first quarter of 2018 , an increase of $3.7 million , in our heavy civil construction segment compared to the first quarter of 2017 . The current quarter improvement was primarily the result of higher gross margins driven by additional gross profit from the increased revenue of approximately $2.4 million and improved bid discipline, project management and project execution of $1.8 million , which were partially offset by decreased absorption of fixed costs totaling approximately $1.0 million .
 

24



Residential Construction
Revenues
Our residential construction segment was a component of the Tealstone Acquisition. Its principal market is Texas, specifically the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the surrounding communities. The core customer base for our residential construction segment is primarily made up of leading national home builders as well as regional and custom home builders. Our residential construction segment contributed $35.3 million of revenue for the first quarter of 2018 . On a comparable unaudited pro forma revenue basis, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , revenue was $31.2 million providing a pro forma period over period revenue growth of 13%. This pro forma revenue growth rate reflects the strength of the segment's primary market, the Dallas-Fort Worth area, in Texas.
Operating income
The residential construction segment operating income totaled $4.7 million for the first quarter of 2018 . On a comparable unaudited pro forma operating segment basis, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , operating income was $4.2 million providing a pro forma period over period growth of 13%.

Liquidity and Sources of Capital
The following table sets forth information about our cash flows and liquidity (amounts in thousands): 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Net cash (used in) provided by:
 
 

 
 

Operating activities
 
$
(23,293
)
 
$
(3,062
)
Investing activities
 
(1,011
)
 
(1,237
)
Financing activities
 
(4,187
)
 
(1,339
)
Total decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(28,491
)
 
$
(5,638
)
 
 
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
55,462

 
$
83,953

Working capital
 
$
98,717

 
$
96,234


Operating Activities
During the first quarter of 2018 , net cash used in operating activities was $23.3 million compared to $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2017 . The drivers of operating activities cash flows were primarily the result of our improvement in net income discussed above, non-cash items, the change in our accounts receivable, inventory, net contracts in progress and accounts payable balances (collectively, “Contract Capital”) as discussed below.
Cash and Working Capital 
Cash at March 31, 2018 , was $55.5 million , and includes the following components (amounts in thousands):
 
 
Changes in Components of Cash for the Period Ended
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Variance
Generally Available
 
$
29,671

 
$
34,031

 
$
(4,360
)
Consolidated 50% Owned Subsidiaries
 
15,957

 
31,056

 
$
(15,099
)
Construction Joint Ventures
 
9,834

 
18,866

 
$
(9,032
)
Total Cash
 
$
55,462

 
$
83,953

 
$
(28,491
)
The decrease in generally available cash is primarily due to $4.7 million of repayments on our Oaktree Facility during the first quarter of 2018 . The decrease in consolidated 50% owned subsidiaries and construction joint venture cash levels is driven by seasonality prompting lower volumes in the first quarter of 2018 , coupled with project mix and the substantial completion of a large Rocky Mountain region construction joint venture project and a large project in Hawaii. Our working capital increased

25



$2.5 million to $98.7 million at March 31, 2018 from $96.2 million at December 31, 2017 , due to the cash factors previously described and the Contract Capital discussion below.
Contract Capital 
The need for working capital for our business varies due to fluctuations in operating activities and investments in our Contract Capital. The changes in the Components of Contract Capital during the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 were as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
 
Changes in Components of
Contract Capital for the Period Ended
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
March 31, 2017
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
 
$
(2,901
)
 
$
(1,770
)
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
 
(7,685
)
 
(1,444
)
Contracts in progress, net
 
(10,586
)
 
(3,214
)
Contracts receivable, including retainage
 
(6,946
)
 
(6,957
)
Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures
 
(1,105
)
 
(760
)
Inventories
 
2,759

 
(49
)
Accounts payable
 
(12,334
)
 
4,351

Contract Capital, net
 
$
(28,212
)
 
$
(6,629
)

The first quarter of 2018 change in Contract Capital decreased liquidity by $28.2 million . Fluctuations in our Contract Capital balance and its components are not unusual in our business and are impacted by seasonality, the size of our projects and changing type and mix of projects in our backlog. Our Contract Capital is particularly impacted by the timing of new awards and related payments of performing work and the contract billings to the customer as we complete our projects. Contract Capital is also impacted at period-end by the timing of accounts receivable collections and accounts payable payments for our projects.
The significant non-cash items included in operating activities include depreciation and amortization expense, which were $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017. Amortization expense has increased approximately $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2018 primarily as a result of our April 3, 2017 acquisition where we acquired identified intangible assets. Depreciation expense decreased as part of our efforts to maintain our current fleet of equipment and supplement it as necessary with more economical project specific leased equipment.

Investing Activities
During the first quarter of 2018 , net cash used in investing activities was $1.0 million compared to $1.2 million in the Prior Quarter. Capital equipment is acquired as needed to support changing levels of production activities and to replace retiring equipment. Expenditures for the replacement of certain equipment and to expand our construction fleet totaled $1.9 million for the first quarter of 2018 . Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment totaled $0.9 million for the first quarter of 2018 with an associated net gain of $0.3 million . For the first quarter of 2017 , expenditures totaled $1.8 million , while proceeds from the sale of property and equipment totaled $0.6 million with an associated net gain of $0.4 million .
 
Financing Activities
During the first quarter of 2018 , net cash used in financing activities was $4.2 million compared to $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2017 , an increase of $2.9 million a result of repayments on our Oaktree Facility.

Credit Facility and Other Sources of Capital
In addition to our available cash, cash equivalents and cash provided by operations, from time to time, we use borrowings to finance acquisitions, our capital expenditures and working capital needs.

Borrowings
Average borrowings under our Oaktree Facility for the first quarter of 2018 was $83.1 million and for the 2017 fiscal year was $85.0 million . Based on our average borrowings and our 2018 forecasted cash needs, we continue to believe that the Company has sufficient liquid financial resources to fund our requirements for the next twelve months of operations, including our bonding

26



requirements. Furthermore, the Company is continually assessing ways to increase revenues and reduce costs to improve liquidity. However, in the event of a substantial cash constraint and if we were unable to secure adequate debt financing, or we were to incur losses, our working capital could be materially and adversely affected. Refer to “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the 2017 Form 10-K for further discussion of liquidity related risks.

Capital Strategy
We will continue to explore additional capital alternatives to further strengthen our financial position in order to take advantage of the improving transportation infrastructure market. This could include the potential sale of assets, businesses or equity, the favorable resolution of outstanding contract claims, or a combination thereof. We expect to use proceeds from these initiatives to invest in projects meeting our gross margin targets, overall profitability and other requirements, as well as managing our debt balances and pursuing projects or investments in adjacent markets.
 
Inflation
Inflation generally has not had a material impact on our financial results; however, from time to time, increases in oil, fuel and steel prices have affected our cost of operations. Anticipated cost increases and reductions are considered in our bids to customers on proposed new construction projects.
When we are the successful bidder on a heavy civil construction project, we execute purchase orders with material suppliers and contracts with subcontractors covering the prices of most materials and services, other than oil and fuel products, thereby mitigating future price increases and supply disruptions. These purchase orders and contracts do not contain quantity guarantees and we have no obligation for materials and services beyond those required to complete the contracts with our customers. There can be no assurance that increases in prices of oil and fuel used in our business will be adequately covered by the estimated escalation we have included in our bids and there can be no assurance that all of our vendors will fulfill their pricing and supply commitments under their purchase orders and contracts with the Company. We adjust our total estimated costs on our projects when we believe it is probable that we will have cost increases which will not be recovered from customers, vendors or re-engineering.
Inflation affects our residential construction projects minimally as these projects are typically completed in less than one month.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Joint Ventures
We participate in various construction joint ventures in order to share expertise, risk and resources for certain highly complex projects. The venture’s contract with the project owner typically requires joint and several liability among the joint venture partners. Although our agreements with our joint venture partners provide that each party will assume and fund its share of any losses resulting from a project, if one of our partners is unable to pay its share, we would be fully liable for such share under our contract with the project owner. Circumstances that could lead to a loss under these guarantee arrangements include a partner’s inability to contribute additional funds to the venture in the event that the project incurs a loss or additional costs that we could incur should the partner fail to provide the services and resources toward project completion that had been committed to in the joint venture agreement.
At March 31, 2018 , there was approximately $94.6 million of construction work to be completed on unconsolidated construction joint venture contracts, of which $47.0 million represented our proportionate share. Due to the joint and several liability under our joint venture arrangements, if one of our joint venture partners fails to perform, we and the remaining joint venture partners would be responsible for completion of the outstanding work. As of March 31, 2018 , we are not aware of any situation that would require us to fulfill responsibilities of our joint venture partners pursuant to the joint and several liability provisions under our contracts.
Off-balance sheet arrangements related to operating leases are discussed in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Sources of Capital − Contractual Obligations” in our 2017 Form 10-K.
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Changes in interest rates are one of our sources of market risk. Interest on outstanding indebtedness under our Oaktree Facility is equal to the one-, two-, three- or six-month London interbank rate, or LIBOR, plus 8.75% per annum on the unpaid principal amount of the Loan, subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. There are no amortized principal payments; however, the Company is required to prepay the Loan, and in certain cases pay a prepayment premium thereon, with proceeds received from

27



the issuances of debt or equity, transfers, events of loss and extraordinary receipts. The Company is required to make an offer quarterly to the lenders to prepay the Loan in an amount equal to 75% of its excess cash flow, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon and a prepayment premium. At March 31, 2018 , we had a term loan of $80.3 million outstanding under this facility. A 1% increase in our interest rate would increase interest expense by $0.8 million per year.
See “Inflation” above regarding risks associated with materials and fuel purchases required to complete our construction contracts.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures include, but are not limited to, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including the principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer reviewed and evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at March 31, 2018 to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in this Report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management including the principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended March 31, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of internal control to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.



28



PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
We are now and may in the future be involved as a party to various legal proceedings that are incidental to the ordinary course of business. We regularly analyze current information about these proceedings and, as necessary, provide accruals for probable liabilities on the eventual disposition of these matters.
In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, there are currently no threatened or pending legal matters that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse impact on our condensed consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
There have not been any material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our 2017 Form 10-K. You should carefully consider such risk factors, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
The following table shows, by month, the number of shares of the Company's common stock that the Company repurchased in the quarter ended March 31, 2018 .
 
Period
 
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of
Publicly- Announced
Plans or Program
 
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares (or Units)
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
January 1—January 31, 2018
 
3,573

(1)
 
$
15.24

 

 

February 1—February 28, 2018
 
3,507

(1)
 
$
12.57

 

 

 
(1)
These shares were repurchased from employees holding shares of the Company's common stock that had been awarded to them by the Company and that were released from Company-imposed transfer restrictions. The repurchase was to enable the employees to satisfy the Company's tax withholding obligations occasioned by the release of the restrictions. The repurchase was made at the election of the employees pursuant to a procedure adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
 
None.
 
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
 
None.
 
Item 5. Other Information
 
None.

29



Item 6. Exhibits
    
The following exhibits are filed with this Report.

Explanatory Note

Prior to changing its name to Sterling Construction Company, Inc. in November 2001, the Company’s name was Oakhurst Company, Inc. References in the following exhibit list use the name of the Company in effect at the date of the exhibit.

Exhibit No.
Exhibit Title
2.1
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
4.3
10.1#
10.2.1#*
10.2.2#*
10.3.1#
10.3.2#
10.4#
10.5.1#
10.5.2#
10.5.3#
10.5.4#

30



10.5.5*#
10.5.6*#
10.6.1
10.6.2
10.6.3*
10.6.4*
10.7
21
Subsidiaries of the registrant
 
Name
 
State of Incorporation or Organization
 
Texas Sterling Construction Co.
 
Delaware
 
Texas Sterling – Banicki, JV LLC
 
Texas
 
Road and Highway Builders, LLC
 
Nevada
 
Road and Highway Builders Inc.
 
Nevada
 
RHB Properties, LLC
 
Nevada
 
Road and Highway Builders of California, Inc.
 
California
 
Sterling Hawaii Asphalt, LLC
 
Hawaii
 
Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company, LLC
 
Utah
 
Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Co. LP
 
California
 
J. Banicki Construction, Inc.
 
Arizona
 
Myers & Sons Construction, L.P.
 
California
 
Myers & Sons Construction, LLC
 
California
 
Tealstone Commercial, Inc.
 
Texas
 
Tealstone Residential Concrete, Inc.
 
Texas
31.1*
31.2*
32.1+
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 _______________ 
# Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
* Filed herewith.
+ Furnished herewith.


31



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, thereunto duly authorized. 

 
STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: May 8, 2018
By:
/s/ Joseph A. Cutillo
 
 
 
Joseph A. Cutillo
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: May 8, 2018
By:
/s/ Ronald A. Ballschmiede
 
 
 
Ronald A. Ballschmiede
 
 
Chief Financial Officer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



32


Standard Non-Employee Director Compensation
(Adopted by the Board of Directors Effective May 2, 2018)




Annual Fees--Each Non-Employee Director
 
 
 
l
$50,000 (paid in monthly installments)
 
 
l
An award on the date of each Annual Meeting of Stockholders of shares of restricted common stock that has an accounting income charge under ASC 718 of $50,000. (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Fees : —  Board and Committee Chairs  (paid in monthly installments)
 
 
l
Chairman of the Board of Directors  (2)
$100,000
 
 
l
Chair of the Audit Committee
$25,000
 
 
l
Chair of the Compensation Committee
$15,000
 
 
l
Chair of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee
$10,000
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Meeting Fees (3)
 
In-Person Meetings
Per Meeting
 
l
Board Meeting
$1,500
 
 
l
Committee Meetings
 
 
 
 
 
Audit Committee Meetings
 
 
 
 
 
 
' - In Connection with a Board meeting
$1,000
 
 
 
 
 
' - Not in Connection with a Board meeting
$1,500
 
 
 
 
Other Committee Meetings
 
 
 
 
 
 
' - In Connection with a Board meeting
$500
 
 
 
 
 
' - Not in Connection with a Board meeting
$750
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Telephonic Meetings  (Board & Committee Meetings)
 
 
 
l
One hour or longer
$750
 
 
l
Less than one hour
$500
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
(1)  
The awards are subject to the following basic terms:
 
 
 
 
Restrictions: The shares may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of until they vest. The retention of the shares is subject to the Board's Governance Guidelines.
 
 
 
Vesting: The restrictions on the restricted stock lapse on the trading day immediately preceding the following year's Annual Meeting of Stockholders, but earlier upon the death of the director; upon the director becoming permanently disabled; or upon a change in control of the Company as defined in the Company's Stock Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
Forfeiture: The shares of restricted stock are forfeited in the event that prior to vesting, the director ceases to be a director other than by reasons of his or her death, permanent disability or a change in control of the Company.
 
 
(2)  
This annual Chairman's fee constitutes compensation for service as Chairman; attendance at all Board and committee meetings; and for service as chair of any committee of the Board other than the Audit Committee. In the event the Chairman is also the Chair of the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee Chair fee will also be paid.
 
 
(3)  
In-person Board and committee meetings that continue from one day to the next are paid as a single meeting. Time spent by non-employee directors at the Company's investor conferences or attending continuing education events are not separately compensated, but the expenses of attending are reimbursed.

_______________________________________




STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC .
Restricted Stock Agreement
Award Date:
 
Award Recipient:
 
Shares of Common Stock:
 
Expiration Date:
5:00 p.m. Central Time on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
This Restricted Stock Agreement (this " Agreement ") is made effective on the Award Date set forth above and is entered into between Sterling Construction Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the " Company ") and you, [insert name].
This Award is the equity portion of the non-employee director compensation that has been established by the Board of Directors (the " Board .")
In consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
1.
Award of the Restricted Shares . The Company hereby awards to you, and you hereby accept, the number of shares of common stock of the Company set forth above. Those shares are being issued pursuant to both the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan (the " Plan ") which are incorporated herein by this reference to the Plan. You acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan. The shares together with any additional shares of capital stock of the Company issued on account of those shares as a result of stock dividends, stock splits or recapitalizations (whether by way of mergers, consolidations, combinations or exchanges of shares or the like) are referred to in this Agreement as the " Restricted Shares ."
2.
The Restrictions . From the Award Date set forth above through and including the Expiration Date set forth above, you may not sell, assign, transfer, pledge, encumber or otherwise dispose of any of the Restricted Shares or any of your rights or interests under this Agreement except by your will or according to the laws of descent and distribution (the " Restrictions .")
3.
Expiration of the Restrictions .
3.1
The Restrictions will expire on the date of the earliest to occur of the following dates:
The Expiration Date set forth above.
The date you become permanently disabled (as defined below.)
The date of your death.
The date of a Change of Control of the Company (as that term is defined in the Plan.)
3.2
Definition of Permanently Disabled . As used herein, the term "permanently disabled" means that you are unable by reason of physical or mental impairment to perform services as a director of the Company for ninety or more days within any six-month period. Any dispute as to whether you have become permanently disabled will be finally resolved by an independent qualified physician acceptable to the Company and to you or your personal representative, as is appropriate; or, if the Company and you or your representative are unable to agree on an independent qualified physician, by a panel of three physicians, one designated by the Company, one designated by you or your representative, and one designated by the two physicians so designated. The cost of the determination will be borne by the Company.
4.
Forfeiture of the Restricted Shares . If you cease to be a director of the Company prior to the Expiration Date for any reason other than your death, permanent disability or a Change of Control of the Company, the Restricted Shares will be forfeited and returned to the Company without the payment of any compensation to you.
5.
Board Governance Guidelines - Retention of Shares . You agree that so long as you are a director of the Company, you will abide by the stock ownership provisions of the Company's Board Governance Guidelines as they are in effect from time to time.
6.
Rights as a Stockholder . Except for the Restrictions and the other limitations and conditions set forth in this Agreement, you, as owner of the Restricted Shares, will have all of the rights of a stockholder, including but not

[Insert Name] Restricted Stock Agreement dated [*]     1 of 3




limited to the right to receive any dividends paid on the Restricted Shares and the right to vote the Restricted Shares.
7.
Evidence of the Restricted Shares .
7.1
No stock certificate will be issued for the Restricted Shares. Instead, they will be issued as a book entry by the Company's transfer agent with a notation that they are restricted from transfer. A confirmation of the book entry will be sent to you. When the Restrictions have expired, the Company will so advise its transfer agent, and the Restricted Shares will then become freely transferable, subject however, to applicable securities laws.
7.2
If the Restricted Shares are forfeited before the Restrictions expire, the Restricted Shares will be canceled.
8.
Securities and Other Laws . It is a condition to your right to receive the Restricted Shares hereunder that the Company may, in its discretion, require -
8.1
That the Restricted Shares shall have been duly listed, upon official notice of issuance, upon any national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company's common stock may then be listed or quoted;
8.2
That either (a) a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “ Act ”) with respect to the Restricted Shares shall be in effect; or (b) in the opinion of counsel to the Company, the proposed issuance and release of the Restricted Shares to you is exempt from registration under the Act, in which event, you agree to make such undertakings and agreements with the Company as the Company may reasonably require; and
8.3
That such other steps, if any, as counsel to the Company shall consider necessary to comply with any law applicable to the issuance of the Restricted Shares shall have been taken by the Company, or you, or both.
The Restricted Shares may be subject to such other restrictions as counsel for the Company shall consider necessary to comply with any applicable law.
9.
Tax Withholding . You agree to pay to the Company or make provision satisfactory to the Company for the payment of any taxes required by law to be paid by, or withheld from, you with respect to the Restricted Shares no later than the date of the event creating the tax liability. The Company may deduct the amount of any tax obligation that is not paid when due from any payment of any kind due from the Company to you to the extent permitted by law.
10.
Adjustment in Provisions . Upon any change from time to time in the outstanding common stock of the Company by reason of a stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, exchange of shares or other such transaction affecting the Company’s common stock, the relevant parts of this Agreement shall be appropriately adjusted by the Company, if necessary, to reflect the change equitably.
11.
Notice of an Election Under Section 83(b) . If you make an election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and rulings promulgated thereunder, or under any comparable provision of other laws, you agree to provide a copy of the election to the Company within thirty days of its filing with the Internal Revenue Service or other authority.
12.
Amendments . The Board may amend, modify or terminate this Agreement, including substituting therefor another Award of the same or a different type, except that your consent to any such action will be required unless the Board determines that the action, taking into account any related action, would not materially and adversely affect you.
13.
Decisions by the Board .
13.1
Any dispute or disagreement that arises under, or as a result of, or pursuant to, this Agreement shall be resolved by the Board in its sole and absolute discretion, and any resolution or any other determination by the Board under, or pursuant to, this Agreement and any interpretation by the Board of the terms and conditions of this Agreement or of the Plan shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all persons affected thereby.

[Insert Name] Restricted Stock Agreement dated [*]     2 of 3




13.2
For purposes of this Agreement, any action that is required to be or that may be taken by the Board, means an action taken in accordance with the by-laws of the Company by the directors then in office other than you.
In Witness Whereof, the Board has caused this Agreement to be executed by the Company's Chief Executive Officer, and you have hereunto set your hand and seal, all effective as of the Award Date.
Sterling Construction Company, Inc .


By: ____________________________________
Joseph A. Cutillo
Chief Executive Officer



______________________________________
[Insert Name]
 
 




[Insert Name] Restricted Stock Agreement dated [*]     3 of 3






A10.JPG




Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan
Plan Description
Introduction
The purpose of the Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan is to advance the interests of the Company's stockholders by enhancing the Company's ability to attract, retain and motivate persons who make (or who are expected to make) important contributions to the Company. Participants do not have any special right to continued employment by the Company because of their participation in the programs described below.
The plan consists of an annual incentive program, which is referred to as the Short-Term Incentive, or STI, and a three-year incentive program, which is referred to as the Long-Term Incentive, or LTI.
The STI and the LTI are designed to encourage participants to exert an extra effort to raise the Company's performance to the next level, both in the near term and over the course of several years, and reflect the pay-for-performance philosophy of the Company by linking the opportunity to earn additional compensation to the achievement of Company financial and strategic goals.
Both the STI and the LTI were adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Committee ”) to begin on January 1, 2018. The LTI, which involves the issuance of shares of Common Stock, has been adopted under the Sterling Construction Company, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan, which, among other things, provides for stock-based awards.
______________








    

    
    

Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan v1 - Page 1 of 7




The Short-Term Incentive
The STI .
The STI is a program that has one or more annual goals, the achievement of which by the end of the year, is rewarded with a cash payment.
Each participant in the STI is assigned an STI Target Amount, which is expressed as a percentage of his or her annual base salary Annual base salary means a Participant’s annual rate of pay effective January 1 st or a proration (i) as of the first day he or she was eligible for participation in the plan or (ii) the effective date of any adjustment thereto. in effect. The STI Target Amount of each participant is set forth in a separate document that is provided to the participant at or before the beginning of the year. Participants do not necessarily have the same STI Target Amounts.
The STI goal or goals have three performance or achievement levels expressed as percentages of goal achievement and accordingly the amount of a participant's Target Amount that he or she can earn, namely Threshold performance, Target performance, and Maximum performance. Achievement below the Threshold results in no payment and performance exceeding the Target is limited to the Maximum. Target performance is established each year as the level that the Committee believes is reasonably achievable. Pay-outs for performance falling between two levels will be determined by linear interpolation.
The STI performance goals and the Threshold, Target, and Maximum levels for a given year will be established by the Committee.
Calculation of STI Payouts .
At the end of the year, the level of performance of each goal (expressed as a percentage) will be determined from the Company's audited financial statements, or for non-financial goals, by some other objective means determined by the Committee.
Once the level of performance of each goal has been determined, the payout, if any, to each participant for each goal is determined by multiplying the participant's STI Target Amount -
By his or her annual base salary in effect; then
By the percentage allocated to the particular goal (if there is more than one goal for the year); and then
By the performance level of the goal.
The Long-Term Incentive
The LTI .
The LTI is a stock award that vests over a three-year period. Each three-year period, which begins on January 1 of a given year and ends on December 31 of the third year thereafter, is referred to as a Program Cycle. The LTI consists of two awards made as of the start of the Program Cycle:
An award to the participant of Time-Based Restricted Stock Units (“ RSUs ”) that vest ratably over the Program Cycle provided the participant is an employee of the Company on the vesting date; and
An award to the participant of Performance Share Units (“ PSUs ”) that vest ratably over the Program Cycle based on the Company achieving a pre-determined performance goal for each year in the Program Cycle and provided the participant is an employee of the Company on the vesting date, or as otherwise provided below ( see Termination of Employment ).
Each participant in the LTI is assigned an LTI Target Amount, which is expressed as a percentage of his or her annual base salary in effect. The LTI Target Amount of each participant is set forth in a separate document that is provided to the participant at or before the beginning of a Program Cycle. Participants do not necessarily have the same LTI Target Amounts.
The Time-Based Restricted Stock Units .
A RSU is an unfunded and unsecured, non-transferable promise by the Company to issue under certain conditions one share of unrestricted Common Stock. RSUs will vest in three substantially equal annual installments on the first, second and third anniversary of the January 1 start date of the Program Cycle, provided that on the vesting date, the participant is still an employee of the Company.

Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan v1 - Page 2 of 7




The number of RSUs granted to a participant is computed by multiplying the participant's LTI Target Amount by 50% of his or her annual base salary and then by dividing the result by the closing price per share of the Common Stock on the trading day prior to the grant date (the “ Closing Price ”).
The Performance Share Units .
A PSU is an unfunded and unsecured, non-transferable promise by the Company to issue under certain conditions one share of unrestricted Common Stock. PSUs will vest in three substantially equal annual installments on the first, second and third anniversary of the January 1 start date of the Program Cycle, based on the extent to which, if at all, the EPS goal is achieved and the participant is still an employee of the Company on the vesting date, or as otherwise provided below ( see Termination of Employment ).
The number of PSUs awarded to a participant is computed by multiplying the participant's LTI Target Amount by 50% of his or her annual base salary and then by dividing the result by the Closing Price.
The pre-determined performance goal and the Threshold, Target, and Maximum performance levels that determine payouts will be provided to participants at each grant.
All awards under the LTI are contingent on the participant signing the Company's form of LTI Award Agreement.
No un-vested RSUs and no PSUs may be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of or encumbered.
Continuing Restrictions . Vested RSUs and shares of Common Stock issued for vested PSUs remain subject to all the restrictions imposed on them by federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations, and by the Company's policies and rules relating to Common Stock.
Forfeiture . RSUs and PSUs that fail to vest are automatically forfeited, canceled, and cease to be subject to vesting. No compensation is paid to a participant for any of his or her RSUs or PSUs that are forfeited.

Example . Attached as Appendix A is an example of the documentation that will be provided to a participant in the STI and LTI.
Termination of Employment . In the event that a participant's employment with the Company terminates before the end of an STI Program Year and an LTI Program Cycle, his or her participation in the STI and LTI will be treated as follows:
Reason for Termination
Effect on Participation
Death or Permanent Disability (as defined in the award agreement)
STI:   A prorated payout under the STI for the Program Year in which termination occurs will be made on the assumption that the Target performance for that year was met.
RSUs:   All unvested RSUs will vest in full.
PSUs:    PSUs for years in which the participant was an employee will vest based on actual performance. PSUs for the remaining years will vest on the assumption that the Target performance level was met.
Change of Control (COC)  (as defined in the Sterling Construction Company, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan)
STI:   A prorated payout under the STI for the Program Year in which the COC occurs will be made on the assumption that the Target performance level was met.
RSUs:   All unvested RSUs will vest in full.
PSUs:   PSUs for years in which the participant was an employee will vest based on actual performance. PSUs for the remaining years will vest on the assumption that the Target performance level was met.

Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan v1 - Page 3 of 7




Reason for Termination
Effect on Participation
Retirement (age 60 with a minimum of 10 years of service; or age 65 with a minimum of 5 years of service, both requiring 6 months written notice.)
STI:   A prorated payout under the STI for the Program Year in which termination occurs will be made based on the actual level of performance for that year.
RSUs:   If the participant has been an employee for at least six months since the start of a Program Cycle and executes a one-year non-compete and non-solicitation agreement with the Company, all unvested RSUs will vest in full.
PSUs:   Provided that the participant executes a one-year non-compete and non-solicitation agreement with the Company, all his or her PSUs will vest in full based on actual performance achieved.
Without Cause
STI:   A payout under the STI for the Program Year in which termination occurred will be made based on the actual level of performance for that year, but pro-rated for the number of days during the Program Year that the participant was an employee.
RSUs:   All unvested RSUs will vest in full.
PSUs:   All unvested PSUs will be forfeited.
For Cause (as defined in the award agreement)
STI:   No payout will be made under the STI.
RSUs:   All unvested RSUs will be forfeited.
PSUs . All PSUs will be forfeited.
Resignation by the Participant
STI:   No payout will be made under the STI.
RSUs:  All unvested RSUs will be forfeited.
PSUs:  All unvested PSUs will be forfeited.
In a termination of employment, payouts based on the actual performance level achieved will be made at the same time as payouts are made to participants whose employment did not terminate. Payouts based on the assumption that Target performance was achieved will be made irrespective of whether at the end of the Program Cycle, a greater or lesser performance level was actually achieved.
Part III: Terms Affecting Both Programs
Administration of the Programs . The STI and LTI are both administered by the Committee. Among other things, the Committee determines those employees who are eligible to participate in the programs; the participants' STI and LTI Target Amounts; the goals and other performance measures; and in the case of more than one goal for a Program Year or Program Cycle, the weighting of those goals.
The Committee will correct any defects, supply any omissions, and reconcile any inconsistencies in the programs or in any award made under the programs in the manner and to the extent it believes necessary or advisable to implement the programs. The decisions by the Committee on matters that are not expressly determined by award agreements will be made in the Committee's good faith discretion, including among other things, unusual transactions, acquisitions, and divestitures. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this summary description and an award agreement, the terms of the award agreement will govern. In the event of a conflict between this summary description and the Sterling Construction Company, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan, the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan will govern.
STI - Taxes & Tax Consequences .
Any payout under the STI will be made in the first quarter of the year following the end of an STI Program Year, but no later than March 15 of the following year.
Payouts under the STI are treated as supplemental income for federal income tax withholding purposes. The Company may, to the extent permitted by law, deduct any such tax obligations from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the participant.
Payouts may also be subject to state income tax withholding, and to any garnishment, levy or other wage

Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan v1 - Page 4 of 7




withholding order affecting the participant.
Payouts are not eligible for deferral into a participant's Company 401(k) account.
LTI - Taxes & Tax Consequences .
Generally, a participant will not recognize taxable income at the time RSUs and PSUs are received, but will recognize taxable income when they vest - that is, when the restrictions on RSUs and PSUs are converted into shares of Common Stock.
The taxable income recognized by a participant is equal to the fair market value of the converted shares on the vesting date. The Company may, to the extent permitted by law, deduct any such tax obligations from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the participant.
The Committee permits participants to satisfy the Company's LTI withholding requirements (but not the STI withholding requirements) by transferring to the Company shares of Common Stock that have vested under the LTI and that have a market value on the last trading day of the Program Cycle equal to the taxes that the Company is required to withhold.
More information about the tax consequences of participating in the LTI is contained in the Plan Description of the Sterling Construction Company, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan.
The Company's Claw-Back Policy . The Company's Incentive Compensation and Claw-Back Policy applies to all payments made under the STI, and all RSUs and PSUs issued under the LTI. A copy of the Claw-Back Policy is attached as Appendix B to this summary description. It affects any incentive compensation (cash or stock) that was paid to a participant if the Company subsequently, for whatever reason, restates the financial statements on which all or a portion of that incentive compensation was based.
Change of Control . A "Change of Control" of the Company is defined in the Sterling Construction Company, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan and generally refers to an acquisition of the Company or of a large portion of the Company through acquisition of shares of Common Stock, acquisition of assets of the Company, a merger, or the like.
Governing Law . The provisions of the STI and the LTI are governed by, and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to any of its conflicts of law provisions.
Compliance with Section 409A of the Code . The Company intends that the STI, the LTI and each award agreement either (a) complies with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the guidance thereunder; or (b) is excepted from the provisions of Section 409A. As a result, the Company has the right to amend the programs or any award agreement, or both, in order to cause them to be in compliance with Section 409A or to qualify for being excepted from the provisions of Section 409A, and to take any other actions under the programs and any award agreement to achieve that compliance or exception.
______________

Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan v1 - Page 5 of 7





Appendix A
Example of Participant Documentation
[Year]
STI
[Name] Base Salary
$100,000
 
[Name] STI Target Amount
80% - $80,000
 
Goal I - [Year] EBITDA of $______
Goal Weighting: 75%
Threshold
$______
Target
$ ______
Maximum
$ ______
Payout: 50%
100%
200%
Goal II - [Other]
Goal Weighting: 25%
Threshold
$______
Target
$ ______
Maximum
$ ______
Payout: 50%
100%
200%
 
 
 
LTI
LTI Target Amount
120% - $120,000
 
EPS Goal / Weighting:
 
 
Year 1 / 33/3%
Year 2 / 33.3%
Year 3 / 33.4%
Threshold $ _____ per share
Threshold $ _____ per share
Threshold $ _____ per share
Payout: 50%
50%
50%
Target $ _____ per share
Target $ _____ per share
Target $ _____ per share
Payout: 100%
100%
100%
Maximum $ _____ per share
Maximum $ _____ per share
Maximum $ _____ per share
Payout: 200%
200%
200%
RSUs
@ Target: 1,250
RSUs
@ Target: 1,250
RSUs
@ Target: 1,250
PSUs
@ Target: 1,250
PSUs
 @ Target: 1,250
PSUs
@ Target: 1,250
EXAMPLE: Closing Price/Share: $16.00
RSUs @ Target: 3,750
PSUs @ Target: 3,750
 




Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan v1 - Page 6 of 7




Appendix B
Sterling Construction Company, Inc.
Incentive Compensation and Claw-Back Policy
1.
It is the policy of Sterling Construction Company, Inc., including its subsidiaries, (the “Company”) that the amount of any bonus or other incentive compensation (together, " Incentive Compensation ") that has already been paid to an employee of the Company (either in cash or in common stock of the Company, or both) that was based on financial statements that are subsequently restated (other than the retroactive changes in accounting as required by GAAP), may, at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors through its Compensation Committee be adjusted either by repayment by the employee to the Company or by making an additional payment to the employee so that the employee will have received no more and no less than the amount that he or she would have received had the financial statements been restated before the amount of the Incentive Compensation was determined.
2.
If an adjustment is made as a result of the restatement and the Incentive Compensation is shown to have been -
(a)
Overpaid, the employee shall return the amount of the overpayment within sixty (60) days of a written demand therefor by the Company.
(b)
Underpaid, the Company shall pay the amount of the underpayment to the employee within thirty (30) days of the completion of the restatement.
In the event that any repayment by an employee under this policy involves the re-conveyance to the Company of shares of common stock that have been sold by the employee, the proceeds realized from the sale shall be repaid to the Company. If the shares shall have been otherwise transferred, or shall have been pledged or encumbered, the employee shall convey to the Company either -
(i)
The market value of such shares at the date of such transfer, pledge or encumbrance or at the date the demand for repayment is made, whichever is higher; or
(ii)
An equivalent number of shares of common stock of the Company having such market value.
3.
Any payment and/or conveyance of shares to the Company under this policy shall be made whether or not the employee required to make the payment or conveyance was culpable with respect to the error, event, act or omission that caused the restatement to be made, but nothing in this policy shall be construed to prevent the Company from pursuing other remedies against the employee if the Company determines that he or she was in fact culpable in any respect.
4.
In the event of a restatement of the financial statements of the Company due to the action(s) or inaction(s) of an employee subject to paragraph 1 herein, the Board of Directors, through its Compensation Committee, may in its sole discretion seek to recover from any said current or former employee of the Company who received incentive-based compensation (including cash or common stock awarded as compensation) during the 3-year period prior to the date on which the Company is required to prepare a restatement, the excess of what was paid to said employee, including the cancellation and/or recovery of shares of common stock of the Company that were awarded, due to the accounting restatement. 
________________
Adopted by the Board of Directors on January 18, 2011
Amended January 17, 2018
    


Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan v1 - Page 7 of 7





STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC .
2018 Long-Term Incentive Award Agreement
This Long-Term Incentive Award Agreement (this " Agreement ") is made effective as of January 1, 2018 (the " Effective Date ") and is entered into between you, [Name of Participant] , and Sterling Construction Company, Inc . (the " Company ") pursuant to the Company’s 2018 Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, a copy of a description of which has been furnished to you (the “Plan Description.” ) The restricted stock units referred to in this Agreement (the “Award” ) are issued under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan, which is incorporated into this Agreement by this reference. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Plan Description, the terms of this Agreement will govern. In the event of a conflict between the Plan Description and the Stock Incentive Plan, the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan will govern.
By signing this Agreement, you acknowledge that you have received a copy of the Plan Description, the Stock Incentive Plan, and that you accept this award.
In consideration of the foregoing recitals and the covenants made in this Agreement, you and the Company agree as follows:
1.
The 2018 Long-Term Incentive . On January 17, 2018, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the " Committee ") established the 2018 Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, which includes a Long-Term Incentive (the " LTI ") which gives you and other participants the opportunity to earn shares of common stock of the Company. References in this Agreement to "common stock" mean the Company's common stock, $0.01 par value per share. The LTI is a stock award that vests over a three-year period. Each three-year period, which begins on January 1 st and ends on December 31 st is referred to in this Agreement as the " Program Cycle. " The LTI consists of two awards made as part of the Program Cycle, as follows:
(a)
Restricted Stock Units . The Company hereby awards to you under the terms and conditions of this Agreement [#,###] restricted stock units. These shares are referred to in this Agreement as ( “RSUs” ). Each of the RSUs is an unfunded and unsecured, non-transferable promise, subject to the vesting and other terms and conditions of this Agreement, to issue to you one share of common stock if the RSU vests.
(i)
Vesting . If you are an employee of the Company on each December 31 st of the Program Cycle, the Restrictions with respect to one-third of the RSUs will expire, and such RSUs will be converted on a one-to-one basis to vested shares of Common Stock. If you terminate employment prior to December 31 st , your unvested RSUs will be automatically forfeited except as otherwise provided below in Section 3 of this Agreement.
(ii)
Restrictions on Transfer and Right to Shares . You may not sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of, or encumber any of the RSUs, or any of your rights or interests in them except by your will or according to the laws of descent and distribution (the " Restrictions "). You shall not have any right in, to or with respect to any of the shares of Common Stock (including any voting rights or rights with respect to cash dividends paid on the Common Stock) issuable under the Award until RSUs are converted into shares.

[Name of Participant] LTI Award Agreement Dated as of January 1, 2018    Page 1 of 5
{N3540571.1}




(b)
Performance Share Units . The Company hereby also awards to you under the terms and conditions of this Agreement [#,### ] performance share units ( "PSUs" ), which amount represents the target award (the “ Target PSUs ”). Each of the PSUs is an unfunded and unsecured, non-transferable promise, subject to the vesting and other terms and conditions of this Agreement, to issue to you one share of common stock if the PSU vests.
(i)
Restrictions on Transfer and Right to Shares . The PSUs are subject to the same restrictions on transfer and rights to shares as are described above in Section 2(a)(ii) for the RSUs.
(ii)
Vesting - Performance Levels .
(A)
One-third of the Target PSUs are eligible to be converted into shares of common stock and vest depending on the Company achieving its Earnings Per Share goal (the “EPS Goal” ) at each December 31 st during the Program Cycle.
(B)
The following table shows the percentage of one-third of the Target PSUs that would vest if the Company achieves its EPS Goal during each year in the Program Cycle. Payouts for performance that fall between two levels will be determined by linear interpolation. Any fractional share that results from the calculations will be rounded up to the next whole share. As can be seen in the table, it is possible on the one hand for more PSUs to vest than the number of Target PSUs, and at the other extreme, it is possible for none of the Target PSUs to vest. One-third of the Target PSUs will vest (subject to attainment of the applicable EPS Goal) in the year following the end of each calendar year in the Program Cycle upon the Company’s public release of earnings for the applicable calendar year setting forth the EPS results as of December 31 st, . The Company shall calculate the resulting payout percentage based on the EPS results, and any earned shares of Common Stock will be issued to you within [ten] days after vesting. If the applicable threshold EPS Goal is not achieved for a given calendar year in the Program Cycle, one-third of the Target PSUs will terminate and be forfeited.
Company's EPS Goal
 
2018
2019
2020
Maximum
Payout: 200%
$1.00 per share
$1.06 per share
$1.12 per share
Target
Payout: 100%
$0.87 per share
$0.92 per share
$0.98 per share
Threshold
Payout: 50%
$0.75 per share
$0.80 per share
$0.84 per share
2.
Forfeiture .
(a)
Any RSUs or PSUs that do not vest are automatically forfeited, canceled, and cease to be subject to vesting.
(b)
No compensation will be paid to you for any of your RSUs or PSUs that are forfeited.
3.
Termination of Employment . In the event your employment with the Company terminates before the end of the Program Cycle, your RSUs and PSUs will be treated as follows:

[Name of Participant] LTI Award Agreement Dated as of January 1, 2018    Page 2 of 5
{N3540571.1}




Reason for Termination
Effect on Participation
Death or Permanent Disability (as defined below)
RSUs:   All unvested RSUs will vest in full.
PSUs:    PSUs for years in which the participant was an employee will vest based on actual performance. PSUs for the remaining years will vest on the assumption that the Target performance level was met.
Change of Control (COC)  (as defined in the Sterling Construction Company, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan)
RSUs:   All unvested RSUs will vest in full.
PSUs:   PSUs for years in which the participant was an employee will vest based on actual performance. PSUs for the remaining years will vest on the assumption that the Target performance level was met.
Retirement (age 60 with a minimum of 10 years of service; or age 65 with a minimum of 5 years of service, both requiring 6 months written notice.)
RSUs:   If the participant has been an employee for at least six months since the start of a Program Cycle and executes a one-year non-compete and non-solicitation agreement with the Company, all unvested RSUs will vest in full.
PSUs:   Provided that the participant executes a one-year non-compete and non-solicitation agreement with the Company, all his or her PSUs will vest in full based on actual performance achieved.
Without Cause
RSUs:   All unvested RSUs will vest in full.
PSUs:   All unvested PSUs will be forfeited.
For Cause (as defined below)
RSUs:   All unvested RSUs will be forfeited.
PSUs . All PSUs will be forfeited.
Resignation by the Participant
RSUs:  All unvested RSUs will be forfeited.
PSUs:  All unvested PSUs will be forfeited.
In a termination of employment, payouts based on the actual performance level achieved will be made at the same time as payouts are made to participants whose employment did not terminate. Payouts based on the assumption that Target performance was achieved will be made irrespective of whether at the end of the Program Cycle, a greater or lesser performance level was actually achieved.

(a)
Cause & Permanent Disability . For purposes of this Agreement -
(i)
The term Cause and the terms permanent disability or permanently disabled will have the meanings set forth in any employment agreement between you and the Company that is in effect when your employment terminates.
(ii)
If there is no employment agreement between you and the Company then in effect, or if there is an employment agreement in effect, but either or both of those terms are not defined in the agreement -
(A)
Whether you have become permanently disabled will be determined in the good faith judgement of the Compensation Committee; and
(B)
The word Cause will mean the termination of your employment for one or more of the following reasons:
You failed to perform your duties and/or responsibilities in a satisfactory manner after being given written notice of the failure and a reasonable period of time in which to cure the failure.
You were grossly negligent in the performance of your duties and/or responsibilities.
You refused to perform your duties and/or responsibilities.
You committed any act of theft or other dishonesty, including, but not limited to any intentional misapplication of the Company's or its affiliates' funds or other property.

[Name of Participant] LTI Award Agreement Dated as of January 1, 2018    Page 3 of 5
{N3540571.1}




You were convicted of any other criminal activity (other than a traffic violation or a minor misdemeanor.)
You participated in any activity involving moral turpitude that is or could reasonably be expected to be injurious to the business or reputation of the Company.
You used alcohol immoderately and/or used non-prescribed narcotics that had the effect of adversely and materially affecting your performance of your duties and/or responsibilities.
You committed a material breach of a Company policy.


4.
Issuance of RSUs & Converted PSU's .
(a)
Your RSUs, as well as any PSUs that vest are converted into shares of common stock, and will in each case be issued to you as a "book entry" in an account in your name at the Company's transfer agent. You will be advised of the issuance.
(b)
When the shares are no longer subject to the Restrictions, you may leave them in your account at the transfer agent; you may have them electronically transferred to your brokerage account; or on written request to the Company's Chief Human Resources Officer, you may have them delivered to you in the form of a paper stock certificate.
5.
Other Terms and Conditions .
(a)
Continuing Restriction s. Vested RSUs and shares of common stock issued for vested PSUs remain subject to all restrictions imposed on them by federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations, and by the Company's policies and rules relating to common stock.
(b)
Claw-Backs . All RSUs, PSUs and shares of common stock awarded and/or issued under this Agreement are subject to recovery by the Company under the terms of the Company's Incentive Compensation and Claw-Back Policy. A copy of the policy is attached as Appendix B to the Plan Description.
(c)
Adjustments Any additional shares of common stock that are issued during the Program Cycle as a result of stock dividends, stock splits or recapitalizations (whether by way of mergers, consolidations, combinations or exchanges of shares or the like) will be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and are deemed included in the definition of the terms “RSU” and “PSU”. In the event of any stock dividend, stock split or recapitalization, the number of your remaining unvested RSUs or PSUs will be adjusted appropriately to reflect the event.
(d)
Securities & Other Laws . The Company may require as a pre-condition to the delivery to you of any shares of common stock that they have been duly listed, upon official notice of issuance, upon any national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company's common stock is then listed or quoted; and that either (i) a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (the " Act ") relating to the shares is in effect; or (ii) in the opinion of counsel to the Company, the issuance of the shares is exempt from registration under the Act. You agree to make the undertakings and agreements with the Company that the Company may reasonably require, and to take such other steps, if any, as counsel to the Company considers necessary to comply with any law applicable to the shares. The shares may be made subject to a stop order or other restriction if counsel for the Company considers it necessary to comply with applicable laws.
(e)
Taxes . You are responsible for any and all taxes that become payable by you by reason of the award and/or vesting of RSUs and PSUs. Prior to the Company issuing shares, you agree to pay to the Company or to make provision satisfactory to the Company for the payment of any taxes required by law to be paid by you, or that are required to be withheld from you by the Company relating to the shares, no later than the date of the event creating the tax liability. To the extent permitted by law, the Company has the right to retain from shares issuable under this Agreement or from salary or any other amounts payable to you, a value sufficient to satisfy any tax-withholding obligation.

[Name of Participant] LTI Award Agreement Dated as of January 1, 2018    Page 4 of 5
{N3540571.1}




(f)
Compliance with Section 409A of the Code . The Company intends that this Agreement either (a) complies with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the guidance thereunder; or (b) is excepted from the provisions of Section 409A. As a result, the Company has the right to amend this Agreement and the Plan Description, or both, in order to cause them to be in compliance with Section 409A, or to qualify for being excepted from the provisions of Section 409A, and to take any other actions under the Plan Description and this Agreement to achieve that compliance or exception.
(g)
Decisions by the Committee . Any dispute or disagreement that arises under, or as a result of, or relating to, this Agreement will be resolved by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion, and any resolution or any other determination by the Committee, and any interpretation by the Committee of the terms and conditions of this Agreement will be final, binding, and conclusive on all persons affected by it.
(h)
When used in this Agreement, the word "will" is either predictive or is synonymous with the word "shall", meaning "required"; and the word "may" means "permitted."
(i)
Governing Law . The provisions of the 2018 Long-Term Incentive and all awards made under this Agreement are governed by, and will be interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to any of its conflicts of law provisions.
In Witness Whereof, the parties have signed this Agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date.
Sterling Construction Company, Inc .


By: ____________________________________
Name:
Title:




_____________________________________
[Name of Participant]



[Name of Participant] LTI Award Agreement Dated as of January 1, 2018    Page 5 of 5
{N3540571.1}

SECOND AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT This SECOND AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”), dated as of January 9, 2018, is entered into by and among Sterling Construction Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), Wilmington Trust, National Association, as agent (the “Agent”) for the lenders identified on Schedule 2 to the Loan Agreement (as defined below) (the “Lenders”) and the Lenders, and with respect to Sections 4.2 and 4.3 hereto only, the Persons listed on the signature pages hereto as Guarantors (the “Guarantors” and, together with the Borrower, collectively, the “Loan Parties”). R E C I T A L S WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Guarantors, the Agent and the Lenders are parties to that certain Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2017, providing for certain extensions of credit to Borrower as provided therein (as amended prior to the date hereof, the “Existing Loan Agreement”; and the Existing Loan Agreement, as the same is amended hereby and may be further amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including by this Amendment and the Waiver (as defined below), is referred to herein as the “Loan Agreement”); and WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lenders amend certain provisions of the Existing Loan Agreement and by execution of this Amendment, each of the undersigned is agreeing to certain amendments to the Existing Loan Agreement as more fully set forth herein; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements, provisions and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows: Section 1. Defined Terms. Each capitalized term used herein but not otherwise defined herein has the meaning given such term in the Loan Agreement. Unless otherwise indicated, all section references in this Amendment refer to sections of the Existing Loan Agreement. Section 2. Amendment to Loan Agreement. The Existing Loan Agreement is, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 3 hereof, hereby amended as of the date set forth above as follows: 2.1 The Existing Loan Agreement is hereby amended to delete the stricken text (indicated textually in the same manner as the following example: stricken text) and to add the double underlined text (indicated textually in the same manner as the following example: double underlined text) as set forth in the pages of the Loan Agreement attached hereto as Annex I. 2.2 Each of Schedule 9(a), Schedule 9(b) and Schedule 9(c) of the Perfection Certificate is hereby amended, restated and updated in its entirety to read as set forth in Annex II and Annex III, respectively, attached hereto. KE 51033241.3


 
Section 3. Effectiveness. This Amendment shall become effective as of the date on which the following conditions precedent shall have been satisfied: 3.1 The Agent shall have received duly executed counterparts of this Amendment from Borrower, each Guarantor and each Lender required to execute such Amendment, in each case, party hereto. 3.2 The Agent shall have received the Waiver No. 1 to Loan and Security Agreement, effective as of December 30, 2017 (the “Waiver”), duly executed by Borrower, each Guarantor, Agent, and each Lender required to execute such Waiver. 3.3 The Loan Parties shall pay to the Agent and Lenders, in each case, all costs and expenses described in Section 4.8 hereof. 3.4 The representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.2 hereof must be true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of materiality qualifiers) as of the date hereof. Section 4. Miscellaneous. 4.1 Confirmation. The provisions of the Existing Loan Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, and each other Loan Document shall remain in full force and effect following the effectiveness of this Amendment and are hereby ratified and confirmed as so amended. This Amendment shall not constitute a novation or satisfaction and accord of the Loan Agreement and/or other Loan Document, but shall constitute an amendment thereof. Each reference in the Loan Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder,” “hereof,” “herein” or words of similar import shall mean and be a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended by this Amendment, and each reference herein or in any other Loan Document to the “Loan Agreement” shall mean and be a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended and modified by this Amendment. 4.2 Ratification and Affirmation of Loan Party Obligations; Representations and Warranties of the Loan Parties. Each of the Loan Parties hereby (a) acknowledges the terms of and consents to this Amendment; (b) ratifies and affirms its obligations under, and acknowledges, renews and extends its continued liability under, each Loan Document to which it is a party and agrees that each Loan Document to which it is a party remains in full force and effect, including as expressly amended hereby, and the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall constitute the legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations of such Loan Party party thereto; and (c) represents and warrants to the Lenders that as of the date hereof, after giving effect to the terms of this Amendment: (i) all of the representations and warranties contained in each Loan Document to which it is a party are true and correct in all material respects (or, with respect to representations and warranties qualified by materiality, in all respects), except to the extent any such representations and warranties are expressly limited to an earlier date, in which case, such representations and warranties shall continue to be true and correct as of such specified earlier date and (ii) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or will result from the execution, delivery or performance of this Amendment. Each Loan Party, as debtor, grantor, pledgor, guarantor, assignor, or in any other similar capacity in which such Loan Party grants liens or security interests in its property or otherwise acts as 2 KE 51033241.3


 
accommodation party or guarantor, as the case may be, hereby (i) ratifies and reaffirms all of its payment and performance obligations, contingent or otherwise, under each of the Loan Documents to which it is a party (after giving effect hereto) and (ii) to the extent such Loan Party granted liens on or security interests in any of its property pursuant to any such Loan Document as security for or otherwise guaranteed the Obligations under or with respect to the Loan Documents, ratifies and reaffirms such guarantee and grant of security interests and liens and confirms and agrees that such security interests and liens hereafter secure all of the Obligations as amended hereby. To the extent any terms and conditions in any of the other Loan Documents shall contradict or be in conflict with any terms or conditions of the Loan Agreement, after giving effect to this Amendment, such terms and conditions are hereby deemed modified and amended accordingly to reflect the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement as modified and amended hereby. 4.3 Reaffirmation of Guarantor Obligations. Each Guarantor consents to the execution and delivery by Borrower and the other Loan Parties of this Amendment and the consummation of the transactions described herein, and ratifies and confirms the terms of the Guaranty to which such Guarantor is a party with respect to the indebtedness now or hereafter outstanding under the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and all promissory notes issued thereunder. Each Guarantor acknowledges that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other document evidencing any indebtedness of Borrower or any other Loan Party to the Lenders or any other obligation of Borrower or any other Loan Party, or any actions now or hereafter taken by the Agent or the Lenders with respect to any obligation of Borrower or any other Loan Party, the Guaranty to which such Guarantor is a party (a) is and shall continue to be a primary obligation of such Guarantor, (b) is and shall continue to be an absolute, unconditional, continuing and irrevocable guaranty of payment and (c) is and shall continue to be in full force and effect in accordance with its terms. Nothing contained herein to the contrary shall release, discharge, modify, change or affect the original liability of any Guarantor under the Guaranty to which such Guarantor is a party. 4.4 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 electronic transmission in portable document format (.pdf) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof; provided that, upon request of any party hereto, such facsimile or electronic transmission shall be promptly followed by the original thereof. 4.5 NO ORAL AGREEMENT. THIS AMENDMENT, THE EXISTING LOAN 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. 4.6 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 NEW YORK. 3 KE 51033241.3


 
4.7 Effect of This Agreement. This Amendment shall not by implication or otherwise limit, impair, constitute a waiver of or otherwise affect the rights and remedies of any Lender or Agent under the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, and shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect. Nothing herein shall be deemed to entitle any Loan Party to a consent to, or a waiver, amendment, modification or other change of, any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document in similar or different circumstances. This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document for all purposes of the Loan Agreement. 4.8 Payment of Expenses. In accordance with Section 11.03 of the Loan Agreement, the Borrower agrees to pay or reimburse the Agent and the Lenders for all of their costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Amendment and any other documents prepared in connection herewith and the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of counsel to each of the Agent and the Lenders. 4.9 Severability. Any provision of this Amendment which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. 4.10 Successors and Assigns. This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. [SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW] 4 KE 51033241.3


 


 


 


 


 


 
Annex I Amended Loan Agreement A-1 KE 51033241.3


 
“Event of Default” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of this Loan Agreement. “Event of Loss” shall mean the theft, loss, physical destruction or damage, seizure, taking or similar event with respect to any property or assets owned by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries which results in the receipt by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries of any cash insurance proceeds or condemnation award payable by reason thereof, whether by a third party or any Governmental Authority. “Excluded Accounts” shall mean those deposit or other bank accounts that are used (a) solely by the Loan Parties to fund payroll, (b) to cash collateralize letter of credit obligations in the aggregate amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $5,000,000 and (c) solely as a cash management account for Project Specific JVs to fund the initial capitalization of project costs or the ongoing operational costs of the project for which such Project Specific JV was created or formed. “Excluded Property” means the “Collateral Security” as defined in each of those certain Deeds of Trust, Security Agreements, Assignments of Rents and Financing Statements, dated as of March 11, 2016, granted by Texas Sterling Construction Co. in favor of Christopher B. Welsh, Trustee, for the benefit of RHB LLC and Myers for property commonly known as (a) 3475 High River Rd., Fort Worth, Texas 76115, (b) 20800 Fernbush Lane, Houston, Texas 77073, (c) St. Hedwig Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78220 and (d) 5638 FM 1346, San Antonio, Texas 78220. “Excess Cash Flow” shall mean for any fiscal quarter (or other period specified herein) of the Borrower, the excess, if any, of (a) the sum of (i) Consolidated EBITDA for such period plus (ii) proceeds received by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries from Transfers (except, in each case and without duplication, to the extent any such proceeds (A) arise from the Permitted Dispositions and/or the NTTA Matter and are used to prepay the Loans pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(i)(B) or (B) are used to prepay the Loans, are reinvested or otherwise remain available to be reinvested pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(ii)(C)), minus, (b) without duplication (and only to the extent added back or not deducted in determining Consolidated EBITDA for such period): (i) Consolidated Interest Expense (excluding any Consolidated Interest Expense associated with intercompany Indebtedness) paid in cash by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (other than interest income), minus (ii) the aggregate amount actually paid by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries in cash before the date the Excess Cash Flow payment for such period is actually made (provided that any amount so deducted in respect of any period is not also deducted in respect of any subsequent period) on account of taxes accrued in respect of such period based on income of the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Tax refunds, credits and benefits), minus (iii) the aggregate amount actually paid by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries in cash before the date the Excess Cash Flow payment for such period is actually made (provided that any amount so deducted in respect of any period is not also deducted in respect of any subsequent period) on account of Consolidated Capital Expenditures to the extent paid in cash (but excluding the principal amount of Loans or other Indebtedness incurred in connection with such expenditures, any such expenditures financed with the proceeds of any issuance of Equity Securities or any amount reinvested pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(ii)(C)) and any such expenditures financed with insurance proceeds related to any Event of Loss), minus (iv) any extraordinary, unusual, non-recurring or non-operating cash loss or expense paid or incurred by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries during such period, minus (v) any internally generated cash paid by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the Closing Date Acquisition, the Transactions and/or any other acquisition permitted hereunder; and 8 KE 46048467.851041480.3


 
“Interest Rate Agreement” shall mean any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate hedging agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement, each of which is (a) for the purpose of hedging the interest rate exposure associated with the Loan Parties’ and their respective Subsidiaries’ operations, and (b) not for speculative purposes. “Investment” shall mean the purchase, acquisition or beneficial ownership of any Equity Securities, or any obligations, Indebtedness or other interest in, or all or substantially all of the assets of, any Person, or the making of any advance, loan, extension of credit or capital contribution to, or any other investment in, any Person. “IRC” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect from time to time, and regulations promulgated thereunder. “Joinder Requirements” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 6.10. “Landlord Waiver” shall mean the Landlord Waiver substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C hereto. “Lending Office” shall have the meaning given such term in the definition of Excluded Taxes. “LIBOR Rate” shall mean for any Interest Period, (i) the rate per annum appearing on the page of the Reuters Screen which displays the London interbank offered rate administered by ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (such page currently being the LIBOR01 page) (the “LIBOR Rate”) for deposits with a term equivalent to such Interest Period in Dollars, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time), two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, or (ii) in the event the rate referenced in the preceding clause (i) does not appear on such page or service or if such page or service shall cease to be available, the rate determined by the Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) or the Required Lenders to be the offered rate on such other page or other service which displays the LIBO Rate for deposits with a term equivalent to such Interest Period in Dollars, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided, that, the LIBOR Rate shall not be less than 1.00% per annum. “Lien” shall mean, with respect to any property, any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, claim, charge or other encumbrance in, of, or on such property or the income therefrom, including, without limitation, the interest of a vendor or lessor under a conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement, or any agreement to provide any of the foregoing, and the filing of any financing statement or similar instrument under the Code or comparable law of any jurisdiction. “Loan”, “Loans” or “Term Loan” or “Term Loans” shall mean the loans now or hereafter made by or on behalf of any Lender or by Agent for the account of any Lender pursuant to this Loan Agreement as set forth in Article 2 hereof. “Loan Agreement” shall mean this Loan and Security Agreement, as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time. “Loan Documents” shall mean, collectively, the Loan Agreement, the Guaranty, the Pledge Agreement, the Notes, the Intellectual Property Security Agreements, the Perfection Certificate, the Landlord Waivers, the Mortgages, the Agent Fee Letter, the Fee Letter, the Collateral Agency Agreement, any Subordination Agreement, and the other documents or agreements executed in connection herewith or therewith including any other collateral or security document or agreement executed by a Loan Party in favor of Agent, for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, in each case, as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time. “Loan Party” shall have the meaning given such term in the recitals hereof. “Loan Party Registered Intellectual Property” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 5.15. “Loan Party Intellectual Property” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 5.15. 12 KE 46048467.851041480.3


 
“Loan Party Intellectual Property Licenses” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 5.15. “Loan Percentage” shall mean, with respect to a Lender, the percentage of each Loan specified opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 2 hereto. “LTIP” shall mean the Borrower’s 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan, as approved by the stockholders of the Borrower, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time so long as such amendment, restatement or modification is approved by the requisite vote of the stockholders of the Borrower, to the extent required by applicable law or the organizational documents of the Borrower. “Make-Whole Amount” shall mean, on any date of prepayment of all or any portion of a Loanthe Loans, an amount in cash equal to (a) the present value, as determined by the Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) or the Required Lenders in consultation with the Borrower, of all required interest payments (calculated at the Default Rate if such Make-Whole Amount is due as a result of an acceleration of the Loans) due on the portion of the Loans that are prepaid from the date of prepayment through and including the second anniversary of the Closing Date plus (b) the prepayment premium that would be due under Section 2.02(e) if such prepayment were made on the first date after the second anniversary of the Closing Date, in each case, discounted to the date of prepayment on a quarterly basis (assuming a 360-day year and actual days elapsed) at a rate equal to the sum of the Treasury Rate plus 0.50%. “Material Adverse Effect” shall mean a material adverse effect on (i) the business, assets, performance, operations or financial or other condition of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (ii) the ability of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries to pay or perform the Obligations in accordance with the terms of this Loan Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to avoid an Event of Default under any Transaction Document; (iii) the legality, validity, enforceability, perfection or priority of the Liens of Agent upon the Collateral; (iv) the Collateral or its value; or (v) the rights and remedies of any Lender under this Loan Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. “Material Indebtedness” shall mean, with respect to any Person, Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) of such Person in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $5,000,000. “Material Titled Assets” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 6.08(a). “Minority Subsidiary” shall mean any entity in which a Person, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns 50% or less of the Equity Securities. “Mortgages” shall mean all mortgages, deeds of trust, or deeds to secure debt, as applicable, delivered with respect to the Real Property substantially in the form of Exhibit M (with such changes as are reasonably approved by the Required Lenders to account for local law matters), as they may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time. “Multiemployer Plan” shall mean any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA and subject to Title IV of ERISA to which a Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or with respect to which any Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate has or could reasonably be expected to have any liability or obligation. “Myers” shall have the meaning given such term in the definition of “Affiliated Entity.” “Negotiable Collateral” shall mean letters of credit, letter-of-credit rights, instruments, promissory notes, drafts and documents (as each such term is defined in the Code). “Net Cash Proceeds” shall mean (a) in connection with any Transfer or Event of Loss, the proceeds thereof in the form of cash and cash equivalents (including any such proceeds received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received), net of attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, investment banking fees, amounts required to be 13 KE 46048467.851041480.3


 
compensation and other types of social security (excluding Liens arising under ERISA); (xiv) easements, rights of way, restrictions, servitudes, permits, conditions, covenants, exceptions or reservations in any property that do not secure any monetary obligations and which in the aggregate do not materially impair the use of such property for the purposes of which such property is held or materially impair the value of such property subject thereto; (xv) Liens securing the Indebtedness described in clause (xiii) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness; and (xvi) any other Liens approved by the Required Lenders. “Person” shall mean and include an individual, a partnership, a corporation (including a business trust), a joint stock company, a limited liability company, an unincorporated association, a joint venture or other entity or a Governmental Authority. “Plan” shall mean any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA maintained for employees of a Loan Party or any such Plan to which a Loan Party is required to contribute or has or could reasonably be expected to have any liability or obligation (other than a Multiemployer Plan). “Pledge Agreement” shall mean that certain Pledge Agreement in favor of the Agent, for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, executed by the Loan Parties party thereto, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Lenders, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time. “Pledged Companies” shall mean each Person listed on Schedule 9(a) of the Perfection Certificate as a “Pledged Company” or “Pledged Issuer”, together with each other Person, all or a portion of whose Equity Securities are acquired or otherwise owned by a Loan Party after the Closing Date. As of the Closing Date, Pledged Companies shall not include (y) RHB LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, or (z) Sterling Hawaii Asphalt, LLC, a Hawaii limited liability company; provided, that if at any time either RHB LLC and/or Sterling Hawaii Asphalt, LLC becomes, or is required to become, a Required Guarantor Party or the Borrower is otherwise able to cause the Equity Securities in such entity to be pledged, in each case, pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents, such entity shall automatically and immediately be included in the term “Pledged Companies.” “Pledged Operating Agreements” shall mean all of each Loan Party’s rights, powers, and remedies under the limited liability company operating agreements of each of the Pledged Companies that are limited liability companies. “Pledged Partnership Agreements” shall mean all of each Loan Party’s rights, powers, and remedies under the partnership agreements of each of the Pledged Companies that are partnerships. “Pledged Shares” shall have the meaning given such term in the Pledge Agreement. “Prepayment Premium” shall mean : (i) in the case of prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.02(d) (other than pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(i)(B) or Section 2.02(d)(iii)),), which are covered in subclauses (ii) and (iii) below, respectively), (a) with respect to a prepayment of all or any portion of a Loan occurring on or prior to the second anniversary of the Closing Date, the Make-Whole Amount, (b) with respect to a prepayment of all or any portion of a Loan occurring after the second anniversary of the Closing Date but on or prior to the third anniversary of the Closing Date, 5.00% of the aggregate principal amount (including any interest, fees or amounts added to principal) of the Loans held by such Lender that is being prepaid, (c) with respect to a prepayment of all or any portion of a Loan occurring after the third anniversary of the Closing Date but on or prior to the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date, 2.50% of the aggregate principal amount (including any interest, fees or amounts added to principal) of the Loans held by such Lender that is being prepaid, or (d) with respect to a prepayment of all or any portion of a Loan after the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date and thereafter, 0.00% of the aggregate principal amount of the Loans held by such Lender that is being prepaid, (ii) in the case of prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(i),)(B) or in accordance with clause (vi) of Schedule 3 hereto, 1.00% of the aggregate principal amount (including any interest, fees or amounts added to principal) of the Loans held by such Lender that is being prepaid, or 18 KE 46048467.851041480.3


 
(iii) (a) in the case of prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(iii)(A), 1.00% of the aggregate principal amount (including any interest, fees or amounts added to principal) of the Loans held by such Lender that is being prepaid, or (b) in the case of prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(iii)(C) or in accordance with clause (vi) of Schedule 3 hereto,), 3.00% of the aggregate principal amount (including any interest, fees or amounts added to principal) of the Loans held by such Lender that is being prepaid. “Project Specific JVs” shall mean any project-specific joint ventures, whether created through a contractual arrangement or the ownership of Equity Securities, by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, including any such project-specific joint ventures described in the Borrower’s SEC filings pursuant to which a partner of such Project Specific JV acts as a sponsor or manager but may not hold Equity Securities in such Project Specific JV. “PTO” shall mean the United States Patent and Trademark Office. “Qualified ECP Guarantor” shall mean, in respect of any Swap Agreement, each Guarantor that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time the relevant Guaranty or grant of the relevant security interest becomes effective with respect to such Swap Agreement or such other person as constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” with respect to such Swap Agreement at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act. “Real Property” shall mean all right, title and interests in and to a parcel of real property, land, together with all buildings, structures, improvements and fixtures located thereon, and all easements and other rights and interest appurtenant thereto, owned, leased or operated by Borrower or its Subsidiaries, including such described on the Perfection Certificate. “Recipient” shall mean (a) the Agent and (b) any Lender. “Record” shall mean information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or which is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form. “Registration Rights Agreement” shall mean the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by and among the Borrower and the holders of the Warrant(s), as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time. “Required Guarantor Party” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 6.10. “Required Lenders” shall mean, at any time, Lenders having Term Loans representing more than 50% of the aggregate outstanding Term Loans at such time. “Requirement of Law” applicable to any Person shall mean (i) any Governmental Rule applicable to such Person, (ii) any license, permit, approval or other authorization granted by any Governmental Authority to or for the benefit of such Person and (iii) any judgment, decision or determination of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject. “Responsible Officer” shall mean the chief executive officer, president, vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer, controller or comptroller or other similar officer of the Loan Parties or, solely where applicable, their respective Subsidiaries, but in any event, with respect to financial matters, the chief financial officer, treasurer, controller, comptroller, vice president finance or other similar officer of such Loan Parties or solely, where applicable, their respective Subsidiaries. “Restricted Payment” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 7.04. “RHB Inc.” shall have the meaning given such term in the definition of “Affiliated Entity.” 19 KE 46048467.851041480.3


 
different Interest Period, the same Interest Period shall be used to determine the LIBOR Rate for the immediately succeeding Interest Period. If the Borrower provides written notice electing a new Interest Period, then such new Interest Period and the corresponding LIBOR Rate shall be used. (c) Payments of Principal. The principal amount of the Term Loan shall be repaid in full in cash on the Termination Date. (d) Prepayment. (i) Voluntary Prepayment with Proceeds from. (A) the (A) General. Upon ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice to Agent and the Lenders, Borrower may, at its option, prepay all or any part of the remaining unpaid payments on the Loans, in principal amounts not less than $1,000,000 and in $1,000,000 increments in excess thereof, at a prepayment price equal to (A) the principal amount of the Loans being prepaid, plus (B) accrued and unpaid interest thereon through and including the date of such prepayment, plus (C) the applicable Prepayment Premium, plus (D) any other amounts then due to Agent and Lenders. All repayments or prepayments under this Section 2.02(d)(i)(A) shall be subject to any Prepayment Premium set forth in Section 2.02(e), but shall otherwise be prepaid without premium or penalty. Interest on the principal amount prepaid shall be payable on any date that a repayment is made hereunder through the date of repayment. (B) Permitted Dispositions and/or NTTA Matter. Upon ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice to Agent and the Lenders, Borrower may, at its option, use the proceeds arising from the Permitted Dispositions and/or the NTTA Matter to make one or more prepayments on the Loans, in principal amounts not less than $1,000,000 and in $1,000,000 increments in excess thereof, up to an amount not to exceed $30,000,000 in the aggregate, at a prepayment price equal to (A) the principal amount of the Loans being prepaid, plus (B) accrued and unpaid interest thereon through and including the date of such prepayment, plus (C) the applicable Prepayment Premium, plus (D) any other amounts then due to Agent and Lenders. The notice of prepayment shall state the amount of principal to be prepaid under the Loan. All repayments or prepayments under this Section 2.02(d)(i)(B) shall be subject to any Prepayment Premium set forth in Section 2.02(e), but shall otherwise be prepaid without premium or penalty. Interest on the principal amount prepaid shall be payable on any date that a repayment is made hereunder through the date of repayment. (C) Voluntary Prepayment Notice. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent and the Lenders notice of each prepayment of Loans in whole or in part pursuant to this Section 2.02(d)(i)(C) not less than ten (10) Business Days (or such shorter period agreed to by the Required Lenders) prior to the date such prepayment shall be made. Each notice of prepayment shall specify the proposed prepayment date, the principal amount of each Loan (or portion thereof) to be prepaid and the calculation of the total amount of such prepayment proposed to be made in accordance with this Section 2.02(d)(i) and indicate whether such voluntary prepayment is being made pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(i)(A) or Section 2.02(d)(i)(B). (D) Officer’s Certificate. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent and the Lenders, at the time of each prepayment required under this Section 2.02(d)(i), a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth in reasonable detail 23 KE 46048467.851041480.3


 
the calculation of the amount of such prepayment (and the Agent shall promptly provide the same to each Lender). (E) Prepayment Premium. All prepayments under this Section 2.02(d)(i) shall be subject to any Prepayment Premium set forth in Section 2.02(e) and be accompanied by accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount prepaid through the date of prepayment. (ii) Mandatory Prepayment. To the extent that, immediately after the prepayment of the Loans, the applicable Net Cash Proceeds are not needed by the Borrower to be in pro forma compliance with Section 6.17(b) during the immediately succeeding four fiscal quarters following the required date of prepayment arising under this Section 2.02(d)(ii) with respect to the applicable event(s) described below: (A) Debt Issuances. Within one (1) Business Day of receipt by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) of proceeds from any Indebtedness other than Permitted Indebtedness, the Borrower shall prepay the Loans in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds of such Indebtedness received by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (except that with respect to any Affiliated Entities, only to the extent of the Net Cash Proceeds received by the Loan Parties). (B) Issuances of Equity Securities. Within one (1) Business Day of receipt by any Loan Party or any of their Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) of proceeds from any issuance of any Equity Securities (other than (I) an issuance of Equity Securities the proceeds of which shall be used substantially concurrently with the consummation of, and to finance, a Permitted Acquisition, or (II) distributions by a Loan Party, a Subsidiary of a Loan Party, an Affiliated Entity or a Minority Subsidiary to a Loan Party or a Subsidiary of a Loan Party that is a Guarantor), the Borrower shall prepay the Loans in an aggregate amount equal to 50% of the Net Cash Proceeds of such issuance of Equity Securities received by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (except that with respect to any Affiliated Entities or Minority Subsidiaries, only to the extent of the Net Cash Proceeds received by the Loan Parties). (C) Transfers or Events of Loss. To the extentWithin five (5) Business Days of the date of receipt by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) of any Net Cash Proceeds received in connection with any Transfer (other than Transfers permitted by Sections 7.02(i) through (iii)) or any Event of Loss are received by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) and are not used to purchase, replace, substitute, restore or acquire fixed or capital assets of the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) within 180 days of the receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds, on the 181st day occurring after the receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds, the, Borrower shall prepay the Loans in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds received by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (except that with respect to any Affiliated Entities, only to the extent of the Net Cash Proceeds received by the Loan Parties); provided that,, however, that with respect to any such Net Cash Proceeds received by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs), all or any portion of such Net Cash Proceeds may be used to purchase, replace, substitute, restore or acquire fixed or capital assets of the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) within 180 days of the receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds, subject to an aggregate cap of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) per fiscal year for any such Net Cash Proceeds that are being reinvested in accordance with this proviso; provided further that, (I) any such Net Cash Proceeds not so applied in accordance 24 KE 46048467.851041480.3


 
with the immediately preceding proviso or (II) after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, any Net Cash Proceeds received in connection with any such Transfer or any such Event of Loss, in each case, shall be promptly used to prepay the Loans (such prepayment to be applied as set forth in Section 2.02(d)(ii)(E) below) and the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) shall not have, or no longer have, the right to reinvest such Net Cash Proceeds; provided, further that, any Net Cash Proceeds subject to reinvestment in accordance with the terms of this Section 2.02(d)(ii)(C) shall be subject to an aggregate cap of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) per fiscal year. (D) Extraordinary Receipts. Within one (1) Business Day of the date of receipt by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) of any Extraordinary Receipts in excess of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) in the aggregate during the term of this Loan Agreement, Borrower shall prepay the outstanding principal amount of the Obligations in accordance with Section 2.02(d)(ii)(E) in an amount equal to 100% of such Extraordinary Receipts received by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (except that with respect to any Affiliated Entities, only to the extent of the Net Cash Proceeds received by the Loan Parties), net of any reasonable expenses incurred in collecting such Extraordinary Receipts. (E) Application of Mandatory Prepayments. Amounts to be applied in connection with prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(ii) shall be applied to the prepayment of the Term Loans in accordance with Section 2.04(d). Each prepayment of the Loans under this Section 2.02(d)(ii) shall be accompanied by accrued and unpaid interest to the date of such prepayment on the amount prepaid. (F) Mandatory Prepayment Notice. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent and the Lenders notice of each prepayment of Loans in whole or in part pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(ii)(F) not less than ten (10) Business Days (or such shorter period agreed to by the Required Lenders) prior to the date such prepayment shall be made. Each notice of prepayment shall specify the proposed prepayment date, the principal amount of each Loan (or portion thereof) to be prepaid and the calculation of the total amount of such prepayment proposed to be made in accordance with this Section 2.02(d)(ii) and indicate whether such prepayment is being made pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(ii)(A), Section 2.02(d)(ii)(B), Section 2.02(d)(ii)(C), or Section 2.02(d)(ii)(D). (G) Officer’s Certificate. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent and the Lenders, at the time of each prepayment required under this Section 2.02(d)(ii), a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth in reasonable detail the calculation of the amount of such prepayment (and the Agent shall promptly provide the same to each Lender). (H) Prepayment Premium. All prepayments under this Section 2.02(d)(ii) shall be subject to any Prepayment Premium set forth in Section 2.02(e) and be accompanied by accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount prepaid through the date of prepayment. (iii) Offer to Prepay Loans with Excess Cash Flow. (A) Excess Cash Flow. Within two (2) Business Days after the date on which the Borrower files (or, if earlier, is required to file) its Form 10-Q or Form 10-K, as applicable, with the SEC, relating to the immediately preceding fiscal quarter (such date, the “ECF Prepayment Offer Date”), commencing with the first full fiscal quarter ending after the Closing Date and for every fiscal quarter thereafter, 25 KE 46048467.851041480.3


 
by equitable principles or by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally. All action by any Loan Party reasonably necessary to perfect such security interest on each item of Intellectual Property constituting Collateral has been duly taken. (f) No Loan Party Intellectual Property License requires any consent of any other Person that has not been obtained or waived in order for the applicable Loan Party to such license to grant the security interest granted hereunder in such Loan Party’s right, title or interest in or to such Loan Party Intellectual Property License. Section 5.16. Subsidiaries; Affiliates; Capitalization; Solvency. (a) No Loan Party has any direct or indirect Subsidiaries nor does any Loan Party own any Equity Securities except for Permitted Investments or as set forth on Schedule 9(ba) of the most recent Perfection Certificate delivered to the Agent and the Lenders. (b) Each Loan Party is the record and beneficial owner of all of the issued and outstanding Equity Securities of each of the Subsidiaries listed on Schedule 9(ba) of the most recent Perfection Certificate delivered to the Agent and the Lenders as being owned by such Loan Party and there are no proxies, irrevocable or otherwise, with respect to such Equity Securities, and no Equity Securities of any of the Loan Parties or their respective Subsidiaries are or may become required to be issued by reason of any options, warrants, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any kind or nature and there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which any Loan Party or Subsidiary is or may become bound to issue additional Equity Securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such Equity Securities. (c) The issued and outstanding Equity Securities of each Loan Party (other than the Borrower) are directly and beneficially owned and held by the Persons indicated on Schedule 9(ba) to the Perfection Certificate, and in each case all of such Equity Securities have been duly authorized and are fully paid (to the extent required by the Charter or other organizational documents of the applicable Loan Party) and non-assessable (except as such non-assessibility may be affected by applicable state law), free and clear of all Liens of any kind, except with respect to the security interest therein granted to Agent pursuant to the terms of this Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents and restrictions on transfer arising under applicable federal and state securities laws. As of the Closing Date, the Equity Securities of RHB Inc. owned by Borrower are uncertificated. (d) As of the Closing Date, after giving effect to the consummation of the Transactions on the Closing Date, including the making of the Loans under this Loan Agreement on the Closing Date, and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of such Loans, the Loan Party and their respective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are Solvent and will continue to be Solvent after the creation of the Obligations, the security interests of the Lenders and the other transactions contemplated hereunder or under the Transaction Documents. Section 5.17. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans shall be used to repay existing debt, fund the Closing Date Acquisition, pay related fees and expenses, and for working capital. Section 5.18. Regulatory Compliance. No Loan Party is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. No Loan Party is engaged as one of its important activities in extending credit for margin stock (under Regulations X, T and U of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors). Each Loan Party has complied in all material respects with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Neither Borrower, any Guarantor, nor any of their respective Subsidiaries is a “holding company” or an “affiliate” of a “holding company” or a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company” as each term is defined and used in the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005. No Loan Party has violated any laws, ordinances or rules, the violation of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on its business. Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries have obtained all consents, approvals and authorizations of, made all declarations 40 KE 46048467.851041480.3


 
the part of such former Agent or any of the parties to this Loan Agreement. If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation of Agent, Agent may appoint, after consulting with Lenders, a successor agent from among Lenders. Upon the acceptance by the Lender so selected of its appointment as successor agent hereunder, such successor agent shall succeed to all of the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Agent and the term “Agent” as used herein and in the other Loan Documents shall mean such successor agent, and the retiring Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as Agent shall be terminated. After any retiring Agent’s resignation hereunder as Agent and Agent’s resignation hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this Article 10 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted by it while it was Agent under this Loan Agreement. If no successor agent has accepted appointment as Agent by the date which is thirty (30) days after the date of a retiring Agent’s notice of resignation, the retiring Agent’s resignation shall nonetheless thereupon become effective and Lenders shall perform all of the duties of Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent as provided for above. Section 10.14. Other Agent Designation. Oaktree may at any time and from time to time determine that a Lender may, in addition, be a “Co-Agent”, “Syndication Agent”, “Documentation Agent”, “Agent”, “Control Agent” or similar designation hereunder and enter into an agreement with such Lender to have it so identified for purposes of this Loan Agreement. Any such designation shall be effective upon written notice by Agent or Oaktree to the Borrower of any such designation. Any Lender that is so designated as a Co-Agent, Syndication Agent, Documentation Agent, Control Agent or such similar designation by Oaktree shall have no right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Loan Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents other than those applicable to all Lenders as such. Without limiting the foregoing, the Lenders so identified shall not have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender and no Lender shall be deemed to have relied, nor shall any Lender rely, on a Lender so identified as a Co-Agent, Syndication Agent, Documentation Agent, Control Agent or such similar designation in deciding to enter into this Loan Agreement or in taking or not taking action hereunder. Section 10.15. Release of Collateral. Each Lender hereby consents to the release and hereby directs Agent to release (or in the case of clause (b)(ii) below, release or subordinate) the following: (a) any Guarantor if all of the Equity Securities of such Subsidiary owned by any Loan Party is sold or transferred in a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents (including pursuant to a valid waiver or consent), to the extent that, after giving effect to such transaction, such Subsidiary would not be required to guaranty any Obligations pursuant to any Loan Document; and (b) any Lien held by Agent for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders against (i) any Collateral that is sold or otherwise disposed of by a Loan Party in a transaction permitted by the Loan Documents (including pursuant to a valid waiver or consent), (ii) any Collateral subject to a Lien that is expressly permitted under clause (v) or (vi) of the definition of the term "Permitted Lien" and (iii) all of the Collateral and all Loan Parties, upon (A) payment in full in cash of all of the Obligations that Agent has theretofore been notified in writing by the holder of such Obligation are then due and payable and (B) receipt by Agent and Lenders of liability releases from the Loan Parties in form and substance acceptable to Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders).); and (c) any Lien held by Agent for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders against any Collateral that is Transferred pursuant to Section 7.02(iii) hereof, in an aggregate amount not to exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) in any fiscal quarter commencing with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2018. Upon request by the Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm the Agent's authority to release its interest in any particular item of Collateral pursuant to this Section 10.15. Section 10.16. Setoff and Sharing of Payments. In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under any applicable Requirements of Law and not by way of limitation of any such rights, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each Lender is hereby authorized at any time without notice to any Loan Party or any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to setoff and to appropriate and to apply any and all balances held by it at any of its offices for the account of the Loan Parties (regardless of whether such balances are then due to the Loan Parties) and any other properties or assets at any time held or owing by that Lender or that holder 62 KE 46048467.851041480.3


 
Consolidated Capital Expenditures per fiscal year.1 Any such prepayment of the Loans made pursuant to this clause (vi) shall be paid together with any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of such prepayment on the amount so prepaid, plus, notwithstanding the terms of the Loan Agreement, any applicable Prepayment Premium that would have been applicableset forth in the event a prepayment of the Loans is made pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(iii)(C).e) of the Loan Agreement. (vii) Prepaying the Loans with proceeds from the issuance of any Equity Securities in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in Section 2.02(d)(ii)(B) of the Loan Agreement. The satisfaction of any one or more of the actions described in the foregoing clauses (i)-(vii) such that the Collateral Enhancement Requirement is achieved shall not result in an Enhanced Rate Adjustment as described in the Loan Agreement; provided, however, that the failure to satisfy the Collateral Enhancement Requirement to the fullest extent possible on or prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date shall, upon the written election of the Required Lenders to the Agent, result in the application of the Enhanced Rate Adjustment based on the Achieved Collateral Enhancement Value; provided, further, that the Loan Parties’ failure to satisfy, or continue to satisfy, the Collateral Enhancement Requirement after the first anniversary of the Closing Date shall subject the Loan Parties to the Enhanced Rate Adjustment for so long as the Loan Parties are unable to satisfy the Collateral Enhancement Requirement. 1 For purposes of this clause (vi), Consolidated EBITDA for the trailing four fiscal quarter period ending March 31, 2017 through June 30, 2018 shall be deemed to be the Consolidated EBITDA amount below set forth opposite the applicable fiscal quarter: Fiscal Quarter Ending: Consolidated EBITDA March 31, 2017 $27,300,000 June 30, 2017 $31,700,000 September 30, 2017 $34,800,000 December 31, 2017 $36,300,000 March 31, 2018 $39,000,000 June 30, 2018 $42,000,000 Schedule 3 KE 46048467.851041480.3


 
Annex II Perfection Certificate Schedule 9(a) and 9(b) A-2 KE 51033241.3


 
Schedule 9(a) and (b) Investment Property Issuer Record Owners Pledged Issuer Certificate Type of Shares/Units No. of % (Y/N) Number Organization of Interest Shares Owned Owned Outstand ing Texas Sterling Construction Co. Sterling Yes 2 Corporation 100 100 100% Construction Company, Inc. Texas Sterling - Banicki, JV Texas Sterling Yes N/A Limited liability 50% 100% 50% LLC Construction Co. company J. Banicki 50% Construction, Inc. Road and Highway Builders Sterling Yes N/A Corporation 500 1,000 50% Inc. Construction Company, Inc. Road and Highway Builders of Sterling Yes 3 Corporation 10,000 10,000 100% California, Inc. Construction Company, Inc. Ralph L. Wadsworth Sterling Yes N/A Limited liability 100% 100% 100% Construction Company, LLC Construction company Company, Inc. J. Banicki Construction, Inc. Ralph L. Yes 7 Corporation 100,000 100,000 100% Wadsworth Construction Company, LLC Ralph L. Wadsworth Sterling Yes N/A Limited 99% 100% 100% Construction Co. LP Construction partnership


 
Company, Inc. Ralph L. 1% Wadsworth Construction Company, LLC Myers & Sons Construction, Sterling Yes N/A Limited 50% 100% 50% L.P. Construction partnership Company, Inc. Road and Highway Builders, Sterling No N/A Limited liability 50% 100% 50% LLC Construction company Company, Inc. Sterling Hawaii Asphalt, LLC Sterling No N/A Limited liability 50% 100% 50% Construction company Company, Inc. Tealstone Commercial, Inc. Sterling Yes 15 Corporation 2,000 2,000 100% Construction Company, Inc. Tealstone Residential Concrete, Sterling Yes 15 Corporation 2,000 2,000 100% Inc. Construction Company, Inc.


 
Annex III Perfection Certificate Schedule 9(c) A-3 KE 51033241.3


 
Borrower Corporate Structure: Sterling Construction Company, Inc. Wholly-owned Subsidiaries Non-Wholly-owned Entities Sterling Construction Tealstone Entities Company, Inc. (DE) 100% Sterling 100% Sterling 100% Sterling 100% Sterling 100% Sterling Construction Construction Construction Construction Construction Company, Inc. Company, Inc. Company, Inc. Company, Inc. Company, Inc. Tealstone Residential Tealstone Road and Highway Texas Sterling Ralph L. Wadsworth Concrete, Inc. Commercial, Inc. Builders of California, Inc. Construction Co. Construction Company, LLC (TX) (TX) (CA) (DE) (UT) 100% RLW, LLC 55% Texas Sterling J. Banicki Construction Construction Co. Company, Inc. (AZ) Texas Sterling – Banicki, JV LLC (TX) 45% J. Banicki Construction, Inc. 1% Ralph L. 50% Sterling 50% Sterling 50% Sterling 50% Sterling 99% Sterling Wadsworth Construction 50% Richard 50% Richard 50% Richard Myers Family Construction Construction Construction Construction Construction Company, Inc. H. Buenting H. Buenting H. Buenting 49%1 Company, Inc. Company, Inc. Company, Inc. Company, Inc. Company, LLC Road and Highway Road and Highway Sterling Highway Asphalt, Myers & Sons Ralph L. Wadsworth Builders, LLC Builders, Inc. LLC Construction, L.P. Construction Co. LP (NV) (NV) (HI) (CA) (CA) Myers & Sons 100%, Construction, LLC. MSC, L.P. (CA) Inc. __________________________________ 1 C and J Myers, Inc. (GP) – 1% Revised: 01/08/2018 Clinton Charles Myers, Trustee of the Myers Family 2011 Trust dtd.3/17/2011 – 27% Clinton W. Myers – 22%


 
THIRD AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT This THIRD AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”), dated as of April 3, 2018, is entered into by and among Sterling Construction Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), Wilmington Trust, National Association, as agent (the “Agent”) for the lenders identified on Schedule 2 to the Loan Agreement (as defined below) (the “Lenders”) and the Lenders, and with respect to Sections 4.2 and 4.3 hereto only, the Persons listed on the signature pages hereto as Guarantors (the “Guarantors” and, together with the Borrower, collectively, the “Loan Parties”). R E C I T A L S WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Guarantors, the Agent and the Lenders are parties to that certain Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2017, providing for certain extensions of credit to Borrower as provided therein (as amended prior to the date hereof, the “Existing Loan Agreement”; and the Existing Loan Agreement, as the same is amended hereby and may be further amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including by this Amendment, is referred to herein as the “Loan Agreement”); and WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lenders amend certain provisions of the Existing Loan Agreement and by execution of this Amendment, each of the undersigned is agreeing to certain amendments to the Existing Loan Agreement as more fully set forth herein; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements, provisions and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows: Section 1. Defined Terms. Each capitalized term used herein but not otherwise defined herein has the meaning given such term in the Loan Agreement. Unless otherwise indicated, all section references in this Amendment refer to sections of the Existing Loan Agreement. Section 2. Amendment to Loan Agreement. The Existing Loan Agreement is, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 3 hereof, hereby amended as of the date set forth above to delete the stricken text (indicated textually in the same manner as the following example: stricken text) and to add the double underlined text (indicated textually in the same manner as the following example: double underlined text) as set forth in the Loan Agreement attached hereto as Annex I. Section 3. Effectiveness. This Amendment shall become effective as of the date on which the following conditions precedent shall have been satisfied: 3.1 The Agent shall have received duly executed counterparts of this Amendment from Borrower, each Guarantor and each Lender required to execute such Amendment, in each case, party hereto. 3.2 The Loan Parties shall pay to the Agent and Lenders, in each case, all costs and expenses described in Section 4.8 hereof. KE 52826626.4


 
3.3 The representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.2 hereof must be true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of materiality qualifiers) as of the date hereof. Section 4. Miscellaneous. 4.1 Confirmation. The provisions of the Existing Loan Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, and each other Loan Document shall remain in full force and effect following the effectiveness of this Amendment and are hereby ratified and confirmed as so amended. This Amendment shall not constitute a novation or satisfaction and accord of the Loan Agreement and/or other Loan Document, but shall constitute an amendment thereof. Each reference in the Loan Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder,” “hereof,” “herein” or words of similar import shall mean and be a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended by this Amendment, and each reference herein or in any other Loan Document to the “Loan Agreement” shall mean and be a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended and modified by this Amendment. 4.2 Ratification and Affirmation of Loan Party Obligations; Representations and Warranties of the Loan Parties. Each of the Loan Parties hereby (a) acknowledges the terms of and consents to this Amendment; (b) ratifies and affirms its obligations under, and acknowledges, renews and extends its continued liability under, each Loan Document to which it is a party and agrees that each Loan Document to which it is a party remains in full force and effect, including as expressly amended hereby, and the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall constitute the legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations of such Loan Party party thereto; and (c) represents and warrants to the Lenders that as of the date hereof, after giving effect to the terms of this Amendment: (i) all of the representations and warranties contained in each Loan Document to which it is a party are true and correct in all material respects (or, with respect to representations and warranties qualified by materiality, in all respects), except to the extent any such representations and warranties are expressly limited to an earlier date, in which case, such representations and warranties shall continue to be true and correct as of such specified earlier date and (ii) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or will result from the execution, delivery or performance of this Amendment. Each Loan Party, as debtor, grantor, pledgor, guarantor, assignor, or in any other similar capacity in which such Loan Party grants liens or security interests in its property or otherwise acts as accommodation party or guarantor, as the case may be, hereby (i) ratifies and reaffirms all of its payment and performance obligations, contingent or otherwise, under each of the Loan Documents to which it is a party (after giving effect hereto) and (ii) to the extent such Loan Party granted liens on or security interests in any of its property pursuant to any such Loan Document as security for or otherwise guaranteed the Obligations under or with respect to the Loan Documents, ratifies and reaffirms such guarantee and grant of security interests and liens and confirms and agrees that such security interests and liens hereafter secure all of the Obligations as amended hereby. To the extent any terms and conditions in any of the other Loan Documents shall contradict or be in conflict with any terms or conditions of the Loan Agreement, after giving effect to this Amendment, such terms and conditions are hereby deemed modified and amended accordingly to reflect the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement as modified and amended hereby. 2 KE 52826626.4


 
4.3 Reaffirmation of Guarantor Obligations. Each Guarantor consents to the execution and delivery by Borrower and the other Loan Parties of this Amendment and the consummation of the transactions described herein, and ratifies and confirms the terms of the Guaranty to which such Guarantor is a party with respect to the indebtedness now or hereafter outstanding under the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and all promissory notes issued thereunder. Each Guarantor acknowledges that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other document evidencing any indebtedness of Borrower or any other Loan Party to the Lenders or any other obligation of Borrower or any other Loan Party, or any actions now or hereafter taken by the Agent or the Lenders with respect to any obligation of Borrower or any other Loan Party, the Guaranty to which such Guarantor is a party (a) is and shall continue to be a primary obligation of such Guarantor, (b) is and shall continue to be an absolute, unconditional, continuing and irrevocable guaranty of payment and (c) is and shall continue to be in full force and effect in accordance with its terms. Nothing contained herein to the contrary shall release, discharge, modify, change or affect the original liability of any Guarantor under the Guaranty to which such Guarantor is a party. 4.4 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 electronic transmission in portable document format (.pdf) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof; provided that, upon request of any party hereto, such facsimile or electronic transmission shall be promptly followed by the original thereof. 4.5 NO ORAL AGREEMENT. THIS AMENDMENT, THE EXISTING LOAN 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. 4.6 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 NEW YORK. 4.7 Effect of This Agreement. This Amendment shall not by implication or otherwise limit, impair, constitute a waiver of or otherwise affect the rights and remedies of any Lender or Agent under the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, and shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect. Nothing herein shall be deemed to entitle any Loan Party to a consent to, or a waiver, amendment, modification or other change of, any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document in similar or different circumstances. This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document for all purposes of the Loan Agreement. 3 KE 52826626.4


 
4.8 Payment of Expenses. In accordance with Section 11.03 of the Loan Agreement, the Borrower agrees to pay or reimburse the Agent and the Lenders for all of their costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Amendment and any other documents prepared in connection herewith and the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of counsel to each of the Agent and the Lenders. 4.9 Severability. Any provision of this Amendment which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. 4.10 Successors and Assigns. This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. [SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW] 4 KE 52826626.4


 


 


 


 


 


 


 
Annex I Amended Loan Agreement A-1 KE 52826626.4


 
Conformed Copy as of SecondThird Amendment (January 9April 3, 2018) LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT Dated as of April 3, 2017 among STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC., as Borrower, CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF THE BORROWER PARTY HERETO, as Guarantors, THE LENDERS PARTY HERETO and WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Agent ___________________________________________ TCB CAPITAL MARKETS, as Lead Arranger ___________________________________________ KE 52826770.15


 
LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES Schedule 1 List of Guarantors Schedule 2 List of Lenders Schedule 3 Collateral Enhancement Requirement[Reserved] Schedule 4 Permitted Dispositions Schedule 5 Permitted Indebtedness Schedule 6 Permitted Investments Schedule 7 Permitted Liens Schedule 8 UCC Filing Offices Schedule 9 Collective Bargaining Agreements Schedule 10 Post-Closing Obligations Exhibit A Form of Secured Promissory Note Exhibit B Collateral Description Exhibit C Form of Landlord Waiver Exhibit D Form of Solvency Certificate Exhibit E Form of Intellectual Property Security Agreement Exhibit F Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement Exhibit G Form of Notice of Borrowing Exhibit H Form of Joinder Agreement Exhibit I Reserved Exhibit J Reserved Exhibit K Form of Compliance Certificate Exhibit L-1 Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate Exhibit L-2 Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate Exhibit L-3 Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate Exhibit L-4 Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate Exhibit M Form of Mortgage Exhibit N Form of Guaranty Exhibit O Form of Assignment of Claims Under Government Contract KE 52826770.15


 
LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT This LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of April 3, 2017, is entered by and between Sterling Construction Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”); the guarantors identified on Schedule 1 hereto (such guarantors, together with any entities required to become Guarantors pursuant to the Joinder Requirements, are referred to hereinafter each individually as a “Guarantor” and collectively as the “Guarantors” and together with the Borrower as the “Loan Parties”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as agent (“Agent”) for the lenders identified on Schedule 2 hereto (such lenders, together with their respective successors and assigns are referred to hereinafter each individually as a “Lender” and collectively as the “Lenders”), and the Lenders. W I T N E S S E T H: WHEREAS, the Borrower (“Purchaser”) has entered into that certain Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March 8, 2017 (the “Acquisition Agreement”) with the sellers identified on Exhibit A therein (each, a “Seller” and collectively, the “Sellers”) and the Sellers’ Representative (as defined therein), providing for the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of each of Tealstone Residential Concrete, Inc., a Texas corporation (“Tealstone Residential”), and Tealstone Commercial, Inc., a Texas corporation (together with Tealstone Residential, collectively, the “Tealstone Entities”) (such acquisition, the “Closing Date Acquisition”); WHEREAS, the Borrower desires to obtain financing for the Closing Date Acquisition, as well as to refinance certain existing indebtedness, to finance working capital and pay fees, costs and expenses associated therewith; WHEREAS, the Lenders have agreed to extend term loans to the Borrower in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $85,000,000; WHEREAS, the Borrower has agreed to secure all of its Obligations by granting to the Agent, for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, a first priority lien on substantially all of its assets; WHEREAS, each of the Guarantors has agreed to guarantee the Obligations of the Borrower and to secure their respective Obligations by granting to the Agent, for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, a first priority lien on substantially all of their assets; and NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, conditions and agreements set forth herein and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows: ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS The following capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth below: “Accounts” shall mean all accounts (as defined in the Code), payment intangibles (as defined in the Code) and other obligations owed Borrower in connection with its sale or lease of goods, the licensing of Intellectual Property or the provision of services. “Achieved Collateral Enhancement Value” shall have the meaning given such term in Schedule 3 hereto. “Acquisition Agreement” shall have the meaning given such term in the Recitals. “Acquisition Documentation” shall mean the material acquisition documentation contemplating, or entered into in connection with, the Closing Date Acquisition or any Permitted Acquisition, as applicable, including any acquisition agreement and any other material document or agreement related thereto or entered into in connection therewith. “Act” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 11.18. 1 KE 52826770.15


 
“Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any Person that owns or controls directly or indirectly nineteen and ninety-nine one hundredths of one percent (19.99%) or more of the Equity Securities of such Person, any Person that controls or is controlled by or is under common control with such Person or any Affiliate of such Person and each of such Person’s officers, directors, members, joint venturers or partners. When used with respect to a Lender, Affiliate shall also include any Affiliate of Agent. “Affiliated Entity” shall mean each of (a) Myers & Sons Construction, L.P., a California limited partnership (“Myers”), (b) Road and Highway Builders, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“RHB LLC”), (c) Road and Highway Builders Inc., a Nevada corporation (“RHB Inc.”) and (d) Sterling Hawaii Asphalt, LLC, a Hawaii limited liability company (“Sterling Hawaii”). “Agent Fee Letter” shall mean that certain fee letter agreement, dated on or about the date hereof, by and between the Agent and the Borrower. “Agent Indemnitee” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 10.10. “Approved Fund” shall mean any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender, or (d) the same investment advisor or an advisor under common control with such Lender, Affiliate or advisor, as applicable. “Bail-In Action” shall mean the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an EEA Financial Institution. “Bail-In Legislation” shall mean, 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 for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule. “Bonding Company” shall mean Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America or any other bonding company listed in the Department of Treasury’s listing of approved sureties as of the most recent date for which financial statements have been delivered to Agent and Lenders pursuant to Sections 6.01(a), (b) or (c). “Books” shall mean books and records (including each Loan Party’s Records indicating, summarizing, or evidencing such Loan Party’s assets (including the Collateral) or liabilities, each Loan Party’s Records relating to such Loan Party’s business operations or financial condition, and each Loan Party’s goods or General Intangibles related to such information). “Business Day” shall mean any day, except a Saturday, a Sunday or any other day on which commercial banks are authorized or required to close in the State of California or the State of New York. “Capital Lease Obligations” shall mean as to any Person, the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP and, for the purposes of this Loan Agreement, the amount of such obligations at any time shall be the capitalized amount thereof at such time determined in accordance with GAAP. “Cash Collateral Liquidity” shall mean, at any time, the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents held in accounts of the Borrower and the Guarantors that are subject to a control agreement in favor of the Agent. “CFC” shall mean a controlled foreign corporation as such term is defined in Section 957 of the IRC. “Change in Law” shall mean the occurrence, after the date of this Loan Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, implementation, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any 2 KE 52826770.15


 
Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued. “Change of Control” shall mean an event or series of events by which: (a) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan), becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except that a person or group shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that such person or group has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time (such right, an “option right”)), directly or indirectly, of 35% or more of the Equity Securities of the Borrower entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Borrower on a fully-diluted basis (and taking into account all such Equity Securities that such “person” or “group” has the right to acquire pursuant to any option right); (b) during any period of 12 consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors or other equivalent governing body of the Borrower cease to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body; (c) any “change in control” (or comparable term) or mandatory redemption event or similar event occurs under any agreement governing Material Indebtedness of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries; (d) all or substantially all of the Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ consolidated assets are sold, transferred or disposed; or (e) Borrower (directly or indirectly) ceasing to own and control 100% of the economic and voting interests of each class of the outstanding Equity Securities of each of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries, free and clear of all Liens (other than the (i) Liens in favor of the Agent to secure the Obligations hereunder, (ii) Liens existing in such Person’s organizational documents in effect as of the date hereof or (iii) restrictions on transfer under applicable federal and state securities laws), except where such failure is as a result of a transaction expressly permitted hereunder. “Charter” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 4.01(a)(iii). “Claim” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 11.04. “Closing Date” shall mean the date on which the conditions precedent set forth in Article IV4 shall have been satisfied. “Closing Date Acquisition” shall have the meaning given such term in the recitals hereof. “Closing Date Earn-Out” shall mean the “Earn-Out Payments” as defined in the Acquisition Agreement as in effect on the Closing Date. “Closing Date Deferred Payments” shall mean the “Deferred Payments” as defined in the Acquisition Agreement as in effect on the Closing Date. “Closing Date Seller Notes” shall mean the “Promissory Notes” as defined in the Acquisition Agreement as in effect on the Closing Date, which Promissory Notes shall be subordinated to the Obligations in all respects, including in respect of payment, pursuant to the Subordination Agreement, and if so subordinated, such Closing Date Seller Notes shall constitute Subordinated Debt. “Closing Date Subordination Agreement” shall mean that certain Subordination Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by and among the Agent, for the Lenders, and the Creditors (as defined therein) with respect to the Closing Date Seller Notes. 3 KE 52826770.15


 
“Code” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the state of New York, and any successor statute, as in effect from time to time (except that terms used herein which are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York on the date hereof shall continue to have the same meaning notwithstanding any replacement or amendment of such statute except as Agent or the Required Lenders may otherwise determine). “Collateral” shall mean property described on Exhibit B attached hereto and the Real Property subject to the Mortgages; provided that the Excluded Property shall not become Collateral until such time as (a) the Liens thereon in favor of Myers and RHB LLC as of the Closing Date are (i) terminated, discharged or released in their entirety or (ii) subordinated to the Liens securing the Obligations or (b) each of Myers and RHB subordinate their respective Liens in the Excluded Property to the Liens of the Agent securing the Obligations, in which case, such Excluded Property shall automatically and immediately become and be deemed a part of the Collateral. “Collateral Agency Agreement” shall mean the Collateral Agency Agreement dated on or about the date hereof among Corporation Service Company (the “Vehicle Collateral Agent”), the Agent and the Borrower. “Collateral Enhancement Requirement” shall have the meaning given such term in Schedule 3 hereto. “Commodity Exchange Act” shall mean the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute. “Connection Income Taxes” shall mean Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes. “Consolidated Capital Expenditures” shall mean, for any period, the aggregate amount of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as a liability and including any expenditures resulting in Capital Lease Obligations) on used equipment of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries during such period determined on a consolidated basis that, in accordance with GAAP, are or should be included in “purchase of property and equipment” or similar items reflected in the consolidated statement of cash flows of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries. “Consolidated Current Assets” shall mean, as at any date of determination, the total assets of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries which may properly be classified as current assets (excluding deferred tax assets) on a consolidated balance sheet of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, excluding cash and cash equivalents; provided that Consolidated Current Assets shall be calculated without giving effect to the impact of purchase accounting. “Consolidated Current Liabilities” shall mean, as at any date of determination, the total liabilities (excluding deferred taxes and taxes payable) of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries which may properly be classified as current liabilities (other than the current portion of any Loans and other long-term liabilities, and accrued interest thereon) on a consolidated balance sheet of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP; provided that Consolidated Current Liabilities shall be calculated without giving effect to the impact of purchase accounting. “Consolidated EBITDA” shall mean for any period, Consolidated Net Income, plus (i) the sum, without duplication, of the amounts for such period, but solely to the extent decreasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, of: (a) Consolidated Interest Expense, plus (b) provisions for Taxes based on income, plus (c) non-cash expenses resulting from write-downs of assets (other than inventory, accounts receivable or other current assets) and the impairment of goodwill, plus 4 KE 52826770.15


 
(d) non-cash non-recurring losses (including losses on asset sales and extinguishment of debt), plus (e) total depreciation expense, plus (f) total amortization expense, plus (g) non-cash stock-based compensation expense, plus (h) to the extent less than Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000) is received from the NTTA Matter, an amount equal to the difference between Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000) and such amount so received; provided that, such add-back pursuant to this clause (i)(h) shall be taken in the fiscal quarter in which such amount is received by the Borrower, plus (i) one-time non-recurring costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions in an amount not to exceed Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000) to the extent disclosed to Agent and the Lenders in a sources of uses or funds flow on or prior to the Closing Date; and minus (ii) the sum, without duplication, of the amounts for such period, but solely to the extent increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, of: (a) non-cash non-recurring gains (including gains on asset sales and extinguishment of debt), plus (b) interest income, plus (c) any benefit, including income tax credits and refunds, from income taxes (including franchise, gross receipts and single business taxes imposed in lieu of income taxes), plus (d) to the extent more than Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000) is received from the NTTA Matter, an amount equal to the difference between Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000) and such amount so received; provided that, such deduction pursuant to this clause (ii)(d) shall be taken in the fiscal quarter in which such amount is received by the Borrower, plus (e) any amount shown on the consolidated statement of cash flows of Borrower on the line item “distributions to non-controlling interest owners”. For the avoidance of doubt, Consolidated EBITDA (and all component terms or definitions used therein) shall be calculated in accordance with Borrower’s historical numbers set forth in its publicly filed Form 10-K or Form 10-Q or any other periodic or special report or registration statement which Borrower has filed with the SEC or with any national securities exchange, as more specifically set forth on Schedule 3 hereto.. For the purposes of calculating Consolidated EBITDA in connection with determining the Total Secured Leverage Ratio or for the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to Section 6.17(f), in each case, for any measurement period, if at any time during such measurement period Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall have made a Closing Date Acquisition or Permitted Acquisition, Consolidated EBITDA for such measurement period shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (as if any such Closing Date Acquisition or Permitted Acquisition occurred on the first day of such measurement period). “Consolidated Interest Expense” shall mean for any period, total cash interest expense (including that attributable to Capital Lease Obligations) of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries for such period with respect to all outstanding Indebtedness of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries (including all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financing and net costs under swap agreements in respect of interest rates to the extent such net costs are allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP). “Consolidated Net Income” shall mean for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, which shall 5 KE 52826770.15


 
be set forth in the Borrower’s publicly filed financial statements as the “Net Income” or “Net Loss” line item; provided that there shall be excluded, without duplication, the income (or deficit) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with any Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries. “Consolidated Secured Indebtedness” shall mean, as of any date of determination, the aggregate amount of Indebtedness of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries that, as of such date, is secured by a Lien on any asset or property of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries. “Contract Backlog” shall mean an amount equal to the average of (a) the “Backlog” or “Contract Backlog” amount, multiplied by (b) gross margin included in such “Backlog” or “Contract Backlog”, in each case, calculated on a basis consistent with historical reporting practices reflected in, and for the four fiscal quarter period most recently ended in, Borrower’s latest Form 10-Q or Form 10-K; provided that, no amount for Tealstone Residential shall be included in such calculation; provided, further, that to the extent any business, division or assets are divested or disposed of, or acquired, merged, consolidated or amalgamated, in each case, as permitted hereunder, such calculation shall be made after giving pro forma effect to the portion of “Backlog” or “Contract Backlog” attributed to such business, division or assets which is the subject of such divestiture, disposition, acquisition, merger, consolidated or amalgamation. “Contractual Obligation” of any Person shall mean, any indenture, note, security, deed of trust, mortgage, security agreement, lease, license, sublicense, guaranty, instrument, contract, agreement or other form of obligation or undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which such Person or any of its property is bound. “Copyrights” shall mean any and all copyright rights, copyright applications, copyright registrations and like protections in each work or authorship and derivative work thereof, whether published or unpublished and whether or not the same also constitutes a trade secret, now or hereafter existing, created, acquired or held. “Default” shall mean any event or circumstance not yet constituting an Event of Default but which, with the giving of any notice or the lapse of any period of time or both, would become an Event of Default. “Default Rate” shall mean, as of any date of determination, an interest rate per annum equal to two percent (2%) in excess of the rate per annum otherwise applicable on such date. “ECF Declined Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(d)(iii)(C). “ECF Prepayment Offer” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(d)(iii)(A). “ECF Prepayment Offer Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(d)(iii)(A). “EEA Financial Institution” shall mean (i) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (ii) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (i) of this definition, or (iii) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a Subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (i) or (ii) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent. “EEA Member Country” shall mean any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. “EEA Resolution Authority” shall mean any public administrative authority or any Person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution. “Enhanced Rate” shall mean, as of any date of determination, an interest rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) an amount equal to (a) one and one-half percent (1.50%) multiplied by (b) a fraction the numerator of which is the Achieved Collateral Enhancement Value, and the denominator of which is the Collateral Enhancement Requirement, and (ii) the rate per annum otherwise applicable on such date. 6 KE 52826770.15


 
“Enhanced Rate Adjustment” shall mean, in the event the Collateral Enhancement Value is not satisfied on or prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, Borrower shall pay interest on outstanding Obligations at a per annum rate equal to the Enhanced Rate. “Environmental Claims” shall mean any and all liabilities, administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, Claims, liens, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigations or proceedings relating in any way to any Environmental Law, including, but not limited to, (i) any and all Claims by governmental or regulatory authorities for enforcement, cleanup, removal, response, remedial or other actions or damages pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law and (ii) any and all Claims by any third party seeking damages, contribution, indemnification, cost recovery, compensation or injunctive relief resulting from the release or threatened release of Hazardous Materials or arising from alleged injury or threat of injury from the release or threatened release of Hazardous Materials. “Environmental Law” shall mean any past, present or future Requirement of Law relating to pollution, the protection of the environment or human or public health or safety, or natural resources. “Equity Securities” of any Person shall mean (i) all common stock, preferred stock, participations, shares, partnership interests, membership interests or other equity interests in and of such Person (regardless of how designated and whether or not voting or non-voting) and (ii) all warrants, options and other rights to acquire any of the foregoing. “ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. “ERISA Affiliate” shall mean any Person that is treated at a relevant time as a single employer with any Loan Party pursuant to Section 414(b) or (c) of the IRC (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the IRC for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the IRC). “ERISA Event” shall mean (a) any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA occurs with respect to a Pension Plan, other than events for which the thirty-day notice period has been waived by Governmental Rule, (b) the withdrawal of any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which such entity was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a substantial cessation of operations by such Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate that is treated as such a withdrawal from a Pension Plan under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal (as defined in Section 4203 and 4205 of ERISA, respectively) by any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan, the assertion by a Multiemployer Plan that a Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate has incurred withdrawal liabilities (as described in Section 4201 of ERISA), or notification to a Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate by a Multiemployer Plan sponsor that such Multiemployer Plan is or is expected to become insolvent or experience a mass withdrawal (as such terms are defined in Title IV of ERISA); (d) a failure by a Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate to make required contributions to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) the filing by the Pension Plan sponsor of a notice of intent to terminate or the treatment by the PBGC of a plan amendment as a termination of a Pension Plan under Section 4041 of ERISA; (f) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Pension Plan; (g) the determination by the Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan actuary that any Pension Plan is considered an “at-risk” plan or a Multiemployer Plan is in “endangered” or “critical” status within the meaning of Sections 430, 431 and 432 of the IRC or Sections 303, 304 and 305 of ERISA; (h) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate; (i) any failure of a Plan intended to meet the requirements of qualification under Section 401(a) of the IRC to so qualify; and (j) any other event that would reasonably be expected to result in a material liability or obligation to any Loan Party under ERISA or the IRC with respect to a Plan. “EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” shall mean the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time. “Event of Default” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of this Loan Agreement. 7 KE 52826770.15


 
“Event of Loss” shall mean the theft, loss, physical destruction or damage, seizure, taking or similar event with respect to any property or assets owned by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries which results in the receipt by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries of any cash insurance proceeds or condemnation award payable by reason thereof, whether by a third party or any Governmental Authority. “Excluded Accounts” shall mean those deposit or other bank accounts that are used (a) solely by the Loan Parties to fund payroll, (b) to cash collateralize letter of credit obligations in the aggregate amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $5,000,000 and (c) solely as a cash management account for Project Specific JVs to fund the initial capitalization of project costs or the ongoing operational costs of the project for which such Project Specific JV was created or formed. “Excluded Property” means the “Collateral Security” as defined in each of those certain Deeds of Trust, Security Agreements, Assignments of Rents and Financing Statements, dated as of March 11, 2016, granted by Texas Sterling Construction Co. in favor of Christopher B. Welsh, Trustee, for the benefit of RHB LLC and Myers for property commonly known as (a) 3475 High River Rd., Fort Worth, Texas 76115, (b) 20800 Fernbush Lane, Houston, Texas 77073, (c) St. Hedwig Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78220 and (d) 5638 FM 1346, San Antonio, Texas 78220. “Excess Cash Flow” shall mean for any fiscal quarter (or other period specified herein) of the Borrower, the excess, if any, of (a) the sum of (i) Consolidated EBITDA for such period plus (ii) proceeds received by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries from Transfers (except, in each case and without duplication, to the extent any such proceeds (A) arise from the Permitted Dispositions and/or the NTTA Matter and are used to prepay the Loans pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(i)(B) or (B) are used to prepay the Loans, are reinvested or otherwise remain available to be reinvested pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(ii)(C)), minus, (b) without duplication (and only to the extent added back or not deducted in determining Consolidated EBITDA for such period): (i) Consolidated Interest Expense (excluding any Consolidated Interest Expense associated with intercompany Indebtedness) paid in cash by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (other than interest income), minus (ii) the aggregate amount actually paid by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries in cash before the date the Excess Cash Flow payment for such period is actually made (provided that any amount so deducted in respect of any period is not also deducted in respect of any subsequent period) on account of taxes accrued in respect of such period based on income of the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Tax refunds, credits and benefits), minus (iii) the aggregate amount actually paid by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries in cash before the date the Excess Cash Flow payment for such period is actually made (provided that any amount so deducted in respect of any period is not also deducted in respect of any subsequent period) on account of Consolidated Capital Expenditures to the extent paid in cash (but excluding the principal amount of Loans or other Indebtedness incurred in connection with such expenditures, any such expenditures financed with the proceeds of any issuance of Equity Securities or any amount reinvested pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(ii)(C)) and any such expenditures financed with insurance proceeds related to any Event of Loss), minus (iv) any extraordinary, unusual, non-recurring or non-operating cash loss or expense paid or incurred by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries during such period, minus (v) any internally generated cash paid by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the Closing Date Acquisition, the Transactions and/or any other acquisition permitted hereunder; and adding or subtracting, as the case may be, decreases (which, if negative, shall be the absolute value of the difference) or increases (if positive) in Net Working Capital (such adjustments, the “Net Working Capital Adjustment”) during such period (measured as of the first and last days of such period). 8 KE 52826770.15


 
“Excluded Swap Obligation” shall mean, with respect to any Loan Party (other than the direct counterparty of such Swap Obligation), any Swap Obligation of a Loan Party (other than the direct counterparty of such Swap Obligation) if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guaranty of such Loan Party of, or the grant by such Loan Party of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any Guaranty thereof) is or becomes illegal or unlawful under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Loan Party’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act at the time the Guaranty of such Loan Party or the grant of such security interest becomes effective with respect to such Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guaranty or security interest is or becomes illegal or unlawful. “Excluded Taxes” shall mean, with respect to a Recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any Obligation of any Loan Party, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by its net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes imposed on it, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed 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 is located (“Lending Office”), 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 pursuant to a law in effect at the time such Lender becomes a party hereto (for the avoidance of doubt, whether as an original party hereto or as an assignee) (or designates a new Lending Office), except to the extent that such Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Loan Parties with respect to such withholding Tax pursuant to Section 2.05, (c) Taxes attributable to a failure of a Recipient to comply with Section 2.05(f), and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA. “Existing Bonding Letter” shall mean that certain letter dated as of March 3, 2017, provided by Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America to the Borrower, and delivered to Oaktree prior to the Closing Date. “Extraordinary Receipts” shall mean any payments received by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries not in the ordinary course of business (and not consisting of proceeds described in Section 2.02(d)(i) )consisting of (a) proceeds of judgments, proceeds of settlements or other consideration of any kind in connection with any cause of action, (b) indemnity payments (other than to the extent such indemnity payments are (i) immediately payable to a Person that is not an Affiliate of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) received by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries as reimbursement for any payment previously made to such Person), and (c) any purchase price adjustment (other than a working capital adjustment) received in connection with any acquisition or purchase agreement. “FATCA” shall mean Sections 1471 through 1474 of the IRC, as of the date of this Loan 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 agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, or any intergovernmental agreement between a non-U.S. jurisdiction and the United States with respect to the foregoing. “Fee Letter” shall mean that certain fee letter agreement, dated as of March 8, 2017, by and between Oaktree and the Borrower. “Financial Covenants” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 6.17. “Financial Statements” shall mean, with respect to any accounting period for any Person, statements of operations, cash flows and, with respect to audited statements only, stockholder’s equity of such Person for such period, and a balance sheet of such Person as of the end of such period, setting forth in each case in comparative form figures for the corresponding period in the preceding fiscal year if such period is less than a full fiscal year or, if such period is a full fiscal year, corresponding figures from the preceding fiscal year, all prepared in reasonable detail and in accordance with GAAP, except, in the case of unaudited Financial Statements, for the absence of footnotes and normal year-end adjustments. Unless otherwise indicated, each reference to Financial Statements of any Person shall be deemed to refer to Financial Statements prepared on a consolidated basis. 9 KE 52826770.15


 
“Foreign Assets Control Regulations” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 7.15. “Foreign Holder” shall mean any Recipient that is not a U.S. Person. “Fund” shall mean any Person (other than a natural person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business. “Funding Date” shall mean any date on which any Loan is made to or on account of Borrower under this Loan Agreement. “GAAP” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect from time to time as set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board which are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination consistently applied. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, all financial statements delivered hereunder shall be prepared, and all financial covenants contained herein shall be calculated, without giving effect to any election under the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159 (or any similar accounting principle) permitting a Person to value its financial liabilities or Indebtedness at the fair value thereof. “Governmental Official” shall mean any officer or employee of a Governmental Authority or any department, agency or instrumentality thereof, including state-owned entities, or of a public organization or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any such government, department, agency, or instrumentality or on behalf of any such public organization. “Governmental Authority” shall mean any domestic or foreign national, state or local government, any political subdivision thereof, any department, agency, authority or bureau of any of the foregoing, or any other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government. “Governmental Rule” shall mean any law (including common law), rule, regulation, ordinance, order, code interpretation, judgment, decree, directive, guidelines, policy or similar form of decision of any Governmental Authority. “Guaranty” shall mean that certain Guaranty in favor of the Agent, for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, executed by the Guarantors, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit N, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time. “Hazardous Materials” shall mean any chemical, material, or substance for which liability or standards of conduct may be imposed, or that is defined, listed, regulated, or otherwise classified as a contaminant, pollutant, toxic pollutant, toxic, infectious or hazardous substance, extremely hazardous substance or chemical or hazardous waste, under Environmental Laws, including any petroleum or petroleum products, radioactive materials, friable asbestos, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, noise, odor or mold. “Indebtedness” of any Person shall mean and include the aggregate amount of, any liability, whether or not contingent, without duplication, consisting of: (i) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets of such Person or only to a portion thereof) and all Obligations (including, without limitation, any Prepayment Premium or Make-Whole Amount), (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (iii) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (whether contingent or otherwise, including, without limitation, all earn-out obligations (determined as the greater of (x) the amount required to be shown as a liability in accordance with GAAP at the time of the closing of the applicable acquisition pursuant to which such earn-out obligation arises and (y) the amount of such earn-out obligation actually paid in connection with the subject transaction) and similar deferred payment obligations) (other than accounts payable to a trade creditor incurred in the ordinary course of business of such Person determined in accordance with GAAP and payable in accordance with customary trade practices), (iv) all obligations under Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (v) all obligations or liabilities of others 10 KE 52826770.15


 
secured by a lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such obligation or liability is assumed, (vi) all guaranties of such Person of the obligations of another Person or any contractual obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person to pay or be liable for the payment of any indebtedness described in this definition of another Person, including, without limitation, any such indebtedness, directly or indirectly guaranteed, or any agreement to purchase, repurchase, or otherwise acquire such indebtedness, obligation or liability or any security therefor, or to provide funds for the payment or discharge thereof, or to maintain solvency, assets, level of income, or other financial condition, (vii) all obligations created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person (even if the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement upon an event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property), (viii) all reimbursement and other payment obligations, contingent or otherwise, in respect of surety bonds (whether bid, performance or otherwise), letters of credit, banker’s acceptances, drafts or similar documents or instruments issued for such Person’s account, (ix) all obligations with respect to redeemable stock and redemption or repurchase obligations under any Equity Securities or other equity securities issued by such Person (including any obligation to pay dividends, other than dividends payable in shares of common stock), (x) all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of such Person (marked to market) arising under swap agreements, cap agreements and collar agreements and other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such person against fluctuations in interest rates or currency or commodity values, (xi) all obligations owed by such Person under license agreements with respect to non-refundable, advance or minimum guarantee royalty payments, (xii) to the extent not bonded by a Bonding Company, indebtedness or obligations of any partnership or joint venture in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer to the extent such Person is liable therefor pursuant to a contractual obligation or as a result of such Person’s ownership interest in such entity, except for the avoidance of doubt, any direct or indirect Subsidiary of such Person and (xiii) the principal and interest portions of all rental obligations of such Person under any synthetic lease or similar off-balance sheet financing where such transaction is considered to be borrowed money for tax purposes but is classified as an operating lease in accordance with GAAP. “Indemnified Person” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 11.04. “Indemnified Taxes” shall mean (a) Taxes imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any Obligation of any Loan Party under any Transaction Document, other than Excluded Taxes, and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in clause (a), Other Taxes. “Information Declination Notice” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 6.01. “Intellectual Property” shall mean: (i) all inventions, designs, know-how, methods, processes, drawings, specifications or other data or information and all memoranda, notes and records with respect to any research and development, and all embodiments or fixations thereof whether tangible or intangible form; (ii) Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents and mask works; (iii) any and all trade secrets, and any and all intellectual property rights in computer software and computer software products; (iv) any and all design rights; (v) any and all claims for damages by way of past, present and future infringement of any of the rights included above, with the right, but not the obligation, to sue for and collect such damages for said use or infringement of the intellectual property rights identified above; (vi) all licenses or other rights to use any of the Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks, mask works, or any other property rights described above; (vii) all amendments, renewals and extensions of any of the Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents or mask works; and (viii) all proceeds and products of the foregoing. “Intellectual Property Security Agreement” shall mean each Intellectual Property Security Agreement executed and delivered by one or more Loan Parties and Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit E. “Interest Period” shall mean the period commencing on the Closing Date or the applicable date that the previous Interest Period is continued or the date on which the Borrower selects a new Interest Period pursuant to Section 2.02(b) and ending on the date one, two, three or six months thereafter, as determined pursuant to Section 2.02(b); provided that any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day. “Interest Rate Agreement” shall mean any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate hedging agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement, each of which is (a) for the purpose of hedging the interest rate exposure associated with the Loan Parties’ and their respective Subsidiaries’ operations, and (b) not for speculative purposes. 11 KE 52826770.15


 
“Investment” shall mean the purchase, acquisition or beneficial ownership of any Equity Securities, or any obligations, Indebtedness or other interest in, or all or substantially all of the assets of, any Person, or the making of any advance, loan, extension of credit or capital contribution to, or any other investment in, any Person. “IRC” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect from time to time, and regulations promulgated thereunder. “Joinder Requirements” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 6.10. “Landlord Waiver” shall mean the Landlord Waiver substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C hereto. “Lending Office” shall have the meaning given such term in the definition of Excluded Taxes. “LIBOR Rate” shall mean for any Interest Period, (i) the rate per annum appearing on the page of the Reuters Screen which displays the London interbank offered rate administered by ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (such page currently being the LIBOR01 page) (the “LIBOR Rate”) for deposits with a term equivalent to such Interest Period in Dollars, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time), two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, or (ii) in the event the rate referenced in the preceding clause (i) does not appear on such page or service or if such page or service shall cease to be available, the rate determined by the Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) or the Required Lenders to be the offered rate on such other page or other service which displays the LIBO Rate for deposits with a term equivalent to such Interest Period in Dollars, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided, that, the LIBOR Rate shall not be less than 1.00% per annum. “Lien” shall mean, with respect to any property, any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, claim, charge or other encumbrance in, of, or on such property or the income therefrom, including, without limitation, the interest of a vendor or lessor under a conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement, or any agreement to provide any of the foregoing, and the filing of any financing statement or similar instrument under the Code or comparable law of any jurisdiction. “Loan”, “Loans” or “Term Loan” or “Term Loans” shall mean the loans now or hereafter made by or on behalf of any Lender or by Agent for the account of any Lender pursuant to this Loan Agreement as set forth in Article 2 hereof. “Loan Agreement” shall mean this Loan and Security Agreement, as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time. “Loan Documents” shall mean, collectively, the Loan Agreement, the Guaranty, the Pledge Agreement, the Notes, the Intellectual Property Security Agreements, the Perfection Certificate, the Landlord Waivers, the Mortgages, the Agent Fee Letter, the Fee Letter, the Collateral Agency Agreement, any Subordination Agreement, and the other documents or agreements executed in connection herewith or therewith including any other collateral or security document or agreement executed by a Loan Party in favor of Agent, for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, in each case, as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time. “Loan Party” shall have the meaning given such term in the recitals hereof. “Loan Party Registered Intellectual Property” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 5.15. “Loan Party Intellectual Property” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 5.15. “Loan Party Intellectual Property Licenses” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 5.15. “Loan Percentage” shall mean, with respect to a Lender, the percentage of each Loan specified opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 2 hereto. 12 KE 52826770.15


 
“LTIP” shall mean the Borrower’s 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan, as approved by the stockholders of the Borrower, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time so long as such amendment, restatement or modification is approved by the requisite vote of the stockholders of the Borrower, to the extent required by applicable law or the organizational documents of the Borrower. “Make-Whole Amount” shall mean, on any date of prepayment of all or any portion of the Loans, an amount in cash equal to (a) the present value, as determined by the Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) or the Required Lenders in consultation with the Borrower, of all required interest payments (calculated at the Default Rate if such Make-Whole Amount is due as a result of an acceleration of the Loans) due on the portion of the Loans that are prepaid from the date of prepayment through and including the second anniversary of the Closing Date plus (b) the prepayment premium that would be due under Section 2.02(e) if such prepayment were made on the first date after the second anniversary of the Closing Date, in each case, discounted to the date of prepayment on a quarterly basis (assuming a 360-day year and actual days elapsed) at a rate equal to the sum of the Treasury Rate plus 0.50%. “Material Adverse Effect” shall mean a material adverse effect on (i) the business, assets, performance, operations or financial or other condition of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (ii) the ability of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries to pay or perform the Obligations in accordance with the terms of this Loan Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to avoid an Event of Default under any Transaction Document; (iii) the legality, validity, enforceability, perfection or priority of the Liens of Agent upon the Collateral; (iv) the Collateral or its value; or (v) the rights and remedies of any Lender under this Loan Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. “Material Indebtedness” shall mean, with respect to any Person, Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) of such Person in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $5,000,000. “Material Titled Assets” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 6.08(a). “Minority Subsidiary” shall mean any entity in which a Person, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns 50% or less of the Equity Securities. “Mortgages” shall mean all mortgages, deeds of trust, or deeds to secure debt, as applicable, delivered with respect to the Real Property substantially in the form of Exhibit M (with such changes as are reasonably approved by the Required Lenders to account for local law matters), as they may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time. “Multiemployer Plan” shall mean any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA and subject to Title IV of ERISA to which a Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or with respect to which any Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate has or could reasonably be expected to have any liability or obligation. “Myers” shall have the meaning given such term in the definition of “Affiliated Entity.” “Negotiable Collateral” shall mean letters of credit, letter-of-credit rights, instruments, promissory notes, drafts and documents (as each such term is defined in the Code). “Net Cash Proceeds” shall mean (a) in connection with any Transfer or Event of Loss, the proceeds thereof in the form of cash and cash equivalents (including any such proceeds received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received), net of attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, investment banking fees, amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness secured by a Lien expressly permitted hereunder on any asset that is the subject of such Transfer or Event of Loss (other than any Lien pursuant to any Loan Document) and other customary and reasonable fees and expenses actually incurred in connection therewith and net of Taxes paid and the Borrower’s reasonable and good faith estimate of income, franchise, sales, and other applicable Taxes required to be paid by any Loan Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries in connection with such Transfer or Event of Loss in the taxable year that such Transfer or Event of Loss is consummated, the computation of which shall, in each such case, take into 13 KE 52826770.15


 
account the reduction in Tax liability resulting from any available operating losses and net operating loss carryovers, Tax credits, and Tax credit carry forwards, and similar Tax attributes and, with respect to any Transfer, net of amounts provided as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with such Transfer (provided that, to the extent and at the time any such amounts are released from such reserve, such amounts shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds), and (b) in connection with any issuance or sale of Equity Securities (other than under the LTIP) or any incurrence of Indebtedness (other than the Loans), the cash proceeds received from such issuance or incurrence, net of attorneys’ fees, investment banking fees, accountants’ fees, underwriting discounts and commissions and other customary and reasonable fees and expenses actually incurred in connection therewith. “Net Working Capital” shall mean, at any time, Consolidated Current Assets at such time minus Consolidated Current Liabilities at such time. “Net Working Capital Adjustment” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the definition of “Excess Cash Flow”. “NTTA Matter” shall mean any settlement of any claim that the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries (including Texas Sterling Construction Co., a Delaware corporation) holds against, or relating to, the North Texas Transit Authority. “Note” shall mean a promissory note or notes of Borrower substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto. “Oaktree” shall mean Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., on behalf of the funds and accounts within its Strategic Credit Strategy, and its successor, and permitted assigns. “Obligations” shall mean and include all loans, advances, debts, liabilities, and obligations, including, without limitation, the noncancelable obligation to make each payment scheduled to be made under each subsection of Section 2.02, howsoever arising, owed by Loan Parties to Agent or any Lender and/or any of their Affiliates of every kind and description (whether or not evidenced by any note or instrument and whether or not for the payment of money), whether as principal, surety, endorser, guarantor or otherwise, now existing or hereafter arising under or pursuant to the terms of this Loan Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, including, without limitation, all principal, interest, premium (including, without limitation, any Prepayment Premium or Make-Whole Amount), fees, charges, expenses, attorneys’ fees and costs and accountants’ fees and costs chargeable to and payable by the Loan Parties hereunder and thereunder, in each case, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, and whether or not arising after the commencement of a proceeding under Title 11 of the United States Code (11 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq.), as amended from time to time (including post-petition interest), or any similar statute (including the payment of interest and other amounts which would accrue and become due but for the commencement of such case, whether or not such amounts are allowed or allowable in whole or in part in such case) and whether or not allowed or allowable as a claim in any such proceeding and whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, or secured or unsecured; provided that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Obligations of any Guarantor shall exclude any Excluded Swap Obligations solely of such Guarantor. “OFAC” shall mean the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. “Other Taxes” shall mean any present or future stamp or documentary Taxes or any other excise or recording Taxes, charges or similar levies which arise from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, this Loan Agreement or any other Transaction Documents except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 2.08). “Patents” shall mean all patents, patent applications and like protections, including without limitation improvements, divisions, continuations, renewals, reissues, extensions and continuations-in-part of the same, now or hereafter existing, created, acquired or held. 14 KE 52826770.15


 
“PBGC” shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any entity succeeding to any of its principal functions under ERISA. “Pension Plan” shall mean any employee pension benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan) that is maintained or is contributed to by a Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate and is either covered by Title IV of ERISA or is subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the IRC. “Perfection Certificate” shall mean the Perfection Certificate delivered by the Loan Parties to Agent and Lenders as of the Closing Date, as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified, supplemented or updated from time to time. “Permitted Acquisition” shall mean an acquisition, directly or indirectly, by Borrower of the assets or equity interests of a Person and its respective Subsidiaries pursuant to a purchase, sale, merger or other similar acquisition agreement in form and substance acceptable to the Required Lenders, and subject to the satisfaction or waiver in writing by the Required Lenders in their sole discretion of the conditions set forth below: (a) such acquisition shall be structured as (a) an asset acquisition by the Borrower or Subsidiary of Borrower that is a Loan Party, (b) a merger or consolidation of the target with and into Borrower or a Subsidiary of Borrower that is a Loan Party, with Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, as the surviving entity in such merger or consolidation, or (c) a purchase by the Borrower or a Subsidiary of Borrower that is a Loan Party of 100% of the Equity Securities of the target; (b) the Total Consideration paid or payable in connection with such acquisition shall not exceed a total of $50,000,000 in the aggregate, or individually, for each such transaction (or series of related transactions); provided, that, such consideration shall only be permitted to be paid with (i) the cash proceeds received by Borrower from a substantially concurrent issuance of Equity Securities consisting of common stock or (ii) shares of common stock of Borrower; (c) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred or be continuing both before and immediately after giving effect to such acquisition; (d) such acquisition shall not result in the incurrence by any Loan Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries (both before and after giving effect to such acquisition) of any additional Indebtedness (except Permitted Indebtedness) or the granting of any additional Liens (except Permitted Liens); (e) (i) Agent, for the benefit of Agent and Lenders, shall be granted a first priority perfected Lien (subject only to Permitted Liens) on all real and personal property being acquired pursuant to such acquisition (and, in the case of an acquisition involving the purchase of any applicable Equity Securities of the target or its respective Subsidiaries, all of such purchased Equity Securities shall be pledged to Agent for the benefit of Agent and Lenders, and such target and its respective Subsidiaries shall be required to become a Required Guarantor Party and grant to Agent, for the benefit of Agent and Lenders, a first priority perfected Lien (subject only to Permitted Liens) on its assets) and (ii) such Loan Party shall comply with the Joinder Requirements described in Section 6.10, and provide such other customary documents and instruments as Agent or the Lenders shall reasonably request to perfect or maintain the perfection of its Lien on substantially all of the real and personal property of the target and its respective Subsidiaries, as the case may be), all such documents to be delivered within five (5) Business Days of the closing of such acquisition; (f) all material consents necessary for such acquisition shall have been acquired and such acquisition shall be consummated in accordance with the applicable Acquisition Documentation and applicable law; (g) as soon as practicable after the closing of such acquisition (and in any event within five (5) Business Days after such closing), the Loan Parties shall deliver to Agent and Lenders copies of all the Acquisition Documentation executed in connection with such acquisition, and any other material documents or agreements reasonably requested by the Required Lenders; 15 KE 52826770.15


 
(h) such acquisition shall have been approved by the Board of Directors of the target (or similar governing body if such target is not a corporation) which is the subject of such acquisition and such target shall not have announced that it will oppose such acquisition or shall not have commenced any action which alleges that such acquisition shall violate applicable law; (i) the Borrower shall have furnished Agent with ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice of such intended acquisition and shall have furnished the Agent with a current draft of the Acquisition Documentation to be entered into in connection with such acquisition (and final copies thereof as and when executed), a summary of any due diligence undertaken by the Loan Parties in connection with such acquisition, appropriate financial statements of the target and its Subsidiaries, pro forma projected financial statements for the twelve (12) month period following such acquisition after giving effect to such acquisition (including balance sheets, cash flows and income statements by quarter for the acquired target and its Subsidiaries, individually, and on a consolidated basis with all Loan Parties), and such other information as the Required Lenders may reasonably require, all of which shall be in form reasonably satisfactory to the Required Lenders; and (j) on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to such acquisition, the Borrower shall be in compliance with each of the Financial Covenants as of the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter for which Financial Statements are required to have been delivered hereunder, with evidence of such compliance to be reflected in a certificate from the Responsible Officer of the Borrower delivered to the Lenders as of the consummation of such acquisition, certifying as to such compliance. “Permitted Dispositions” shall mean the matters described on Schedule 4 hereto. “Permitted Indebtedness” shall mean: (i) Indebtedness of the Loan Parties in favor of Agent and Lenders arising under this Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document; (ii) Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date and disclosed on Schedule 5 hereto; (iii) Indebtedness secured by Liens described in clauses (v) and (vi) of the defined term “Permitted Liens,” provided (A) such Indebtedness does not exceed the lesser of the cost or fair market value of the equipment financed with such Indebtedness and (B) such Indebtedness does not exceed Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000) in the aggregate amount outstanding at any given time; (iv) amounts in respect of the Closing Date Earn- Out up to an aggregate amount that does not exceed $15,000,000 outstanding at any time; (v) amounts in respect of the Closing Date Deferred Payments up to an aggregate amount that does not exceed $10,000,000 outstanding at any time; (vi) Indebtedness incurred under the Closing Date Seller Notes up to an aggregate principal amount that does not exceed $5,000,000 outstanding at any time; (vii) Indebtedness incurred for the acquisition of supplies or inventory on normal trade credit; (viii) Indebtedness under Swap Agreements permitted by Section 7.09; (ix) endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business; (x) Indebtedness arising in the ordinary courses of business with respect to surety, bid, appeal, indemnity and performance bonds, insurance obligations and other similar obligations, in each case, issued by a Bonding Company; (xi) amounts in respect of the earn-out obligations set forth in Section 2.6.3 of that certain Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2011 (as amended January 23, 2014), by and between Jerry Banicki, Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company, LLC and the Borrower, in effect as of the date hereof; (xiii) Indebtedness of Borrower under that certain Secured Revolving Promissory Note dated as of March 11, 2016 (the “Secured Intercompany Note”) in the original principal amount of $13,000,000 in favor of RHB LLC and Myers; provided, that, commencing on the date that is thirty (30) days following the Closing Date, the aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time under such Secured Intercompany Note shall not exceed $2,000,000; (xivii) letters of credit to secure self-insurance liabilities and obligations under project contracts in an aggregate amount that does not exceed $5,000,000 outstanding at any time; and (vxiv) extensions, refinancings, modifications, amendments and restatements of any item of Permitted Indebtedness (i) through (iii) above. “Permitted Investments” shall mean: (i) Investments existing on the Closing Date and disclosed on Schedule 6 hereto; (ii) (A) marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency or any State thereof maturing within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof, (B) commercial paper maturing no more than one (1) year from the date of creation thereof and currently having rating of at least A 2 or P 2 from either Standard & Poor’s Corporation or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and (C) certificates of deposit maturing no more than one (1) year from the date of investment therein; (iii) Investments consisting of (A) travel advances, employee relocation loans and other employee loans and advances in the ordinary course of business not to exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) during the term of this Loan Agreement, (B) non-cash loans to 16 KE 52826770.15


 
employees, officers or directors relating to the purchase of Equity Securities of Borrower pursuant to employee stock purchase plans or arrangements approved by Borrower’s board of directors and (C) advances in the form of progress payments, prepaid rent or security deposits with respect to operating leases and other similar deposits, in each case, made in the ordinary course of business; (viv) Investments (including debt obligations) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of customers or suppliers and in settlement of delinquent obligations of, and other disputes with, customers or suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business; (viv) Investments consisting of notes receivable of, or prepaid royalties from and other credit obligations of, customers, suppliers and debtors of Loan Parties, who are not Affiliates, in the ordinary course of business; (vii) intercompany Investments made by, or the holding of Equity Securities of, (A) a Loan Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries in a Loan Party and (B) a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in or to any other Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party; (viii) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of endorsements of negotiable instruments for collection or deposit; (ixviii) Permitted Acquisitions; (xix) Investments by any of the Loan Parties or its Subsidiaries in the Affiliated Entities in an aggregate amount not to exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) in the aggregate outstanding at any time; (xix) Investments in Project Specific JVs solely for the purpose of forming or capitalizing such Project Specific JVs for the limited purpose of performing construction work on a specific project in an aggregate amount not to exceed Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) outstanding at any time; and (xii) so long as no Default or Event of Default exists prior to and immediately after giving pro forma effect thereto, other Investments not otherwise permitted in each of the preceding clauses described in this definition hereof in an aggregate amount not to exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) during the term of this Loan Agreement. “Permitted Liens” shall mean and include: (i) Liens in favor of Agent, for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, and Liens securing payment of the Obligations; (ii) Liens existing on the Closing Date and disclosed on Schedule 7 hereto; (iii) Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, vendors, and landlords incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not overdue or being contested in good faith that are not overdue for a period of more than 30 days or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which appropriate reserves in accordance with GAAP have been provided, provided provision is made to the reasonable satisfaction of the Required Lenders for the eventual payment thereof if subsequently found payable; (iv) non-exclusive licenses and sublicenses granted by a Loan Party and their respective Subsidiaries and leases or subleases (by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries as lessor or sublessor) to third parties in the ordinary course of business not interfering in any material respect with the business of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries; (v) Liens upon or in any equipment which was acquired or held by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries to secure the purchase price of such equipment (and any accessions, attachments, replacements or improvements thereon) or indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of such equipment (and any accessions, attachments, replacements or improvements thereon); (vi) Liens existing on any equipment (and any accessions, attachments, replacements or improvements thereon) at the time of its acquisition, provided that the Lien is confined solely to the property so acquired and any accessions, attachments, replacements or improvements thereon, and the proceeds of such equipment (and any accessions, attachments, replacements or improvements thereon); (vii) bankers’ liens, rights of setoff and similar Liens incurred on deposits or securities accounts made in the ordinary course of business; (viii) Liens arising from judgments, decrees or attachments in circumstances not constituting an Event of Default; (ix) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies not yet due or delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, provided that adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the Books of any Loan Party or its respective Subsidiaries, as the case may be, in conformity with GAAP; (x) Liens incurred in connection with the extension, renewal or refinancing of the indebtedness secured by Liens of the type described in clauses (i) and (ii) above, provided that any extension, renewal or replacement Lien shall be limited to the property encumbered by the existing Lien and the principal amount of the indebtedness being extended, renewed or refinanced does not increase; (xi) restrictions on transfer or other Liens contained in the Charter or other organizational documents of a Loan Party; (xii) restrictions on transfer under applicable federal and state securities laws; (xiii) Liens arising in the ordinary course of business on cash or securities in connection with worker’s compensation, unemployment compensation and other types of social security (excluding Liens arising under ERISA); (xiv) easements, rights of way, restrictions, servitudes, permits, conditions, covenants, exceptions or reservations in any property that do not secure any monetary obligations and which in the aggregate do not materially impair the use of such property for the purposes of which such property is held or materially impair the value of such property subject thereto; (xv) Liens securing the Indebtedness described in clause (xiii) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness; and (xvi) any other Liens approved by the Required Lenders. 17 KE 52826770.15


 
“Person” shall mean and include an individual, a partnership, a corporation (including a business trust), a joint stock company, a limited liability company, an unincorporated association, a joint venture or other entity or a Governmental Authority. “Plan” shall mean any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA maintained for employees of a Loan Party or any such Plan to which a Loan Party is required to contribute or has or could reasonably be expected to have any liability or obligation (other than a Multiemployer Plan). “Pledge Agreement” shall mean that certain Pledge Agreement in favor of the Agent, for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, executed by the Loan Parties party thereto, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Lenders, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time. “Pledged Companies” shall mean each Person listed on Schedule 9(a) of the Perfection Certificate as a “Pledged Company” or “Pledged Issuer”, together with each other Person, all or a portion of whose Equity Securities are acquired or otherwise owned by a Loan Party after the Closing Date. As of the Closing Date, Pledged Companies shall not include (y) RHB LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, or (z) Sterling Hawaii Asphalt, LLC, a Hawaii limited liability company; provided, that if at any time either RHB LLC and/or Sterling Hawaii Asphalt, LLC becomes, or is required to become, a Required Guarantor Party or the Borrower is otherwise able to cause the Equity Securities in such entity to be pledged, in each case, pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents, such entity shall automatically and immediately be included in the term “Pledged Companies.” “Pledged Operating Agreements” shall mean all of each Loan Party’s rights, powers, and remedies under the limited liability company operating agreements of each of the Pledged Companies that are limited liability companies. “Pledged Partnership Agreements” shall mean all of each Loan Party’s rights, powers, and remedies under the partnership agreements of each of the Pledged Companies that are partnerships. “Pledged Shares” shall have the meaning given such term in the Pledge Agreement. “Prepayment Premium” shall mean: (i) in the case of prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.02(d) (other than pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(i)(B) or Section 2.02(d)(iii), which are covered in subclauses (ii) and (iii) below, respectively), (a) with respect to a prepayment of all or any portion of a Loan occurring on or prior to the second anniversary of the Closing Date, the Make-Whole Amount, (b) with respect to a prepayment of all or any portion of a Loan occurring after the second anniversary of the Closing Date but on or prior to the third anniversary of the Closing Date, 5.00% of the aggregate principal amount (including any interest, fees or amounts added to principal) of the Loans held by such Lender that is being prepaid, (c) with respect to a prepayment of all or any portion of a Loan occurring after the third anniversary of the Closing Date but on or prior to the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date, 2.50% of the aggregate principal amount (including any interest, fees or amounts added to principal) of the Loans held by such Lender that is being prepaid, or (d) with respect to a prepayment of all or any portion of a Loan after the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date and thereafter, 0.00% of the aggregate principal amount of the Loans held by such Lender that is being prepaid, (ii) in the case of prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(i)(B) or in accordance with clause (vi) of Schedule 3 hereto,), 1.00% of the aggregate principal amount (including any interest, fees or amounts added to principal) of the Loans held by such Lender that is being prepaid, or (iii) (a) in the case of prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(iii)(A), 1.00% of the aggregate principal amount (including any interest, fees or amounts added to principal) of the Loans held by such Lender that is being prepaid, or (b) in the case of prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(iii)(C), 3.00% of the aggregate principal amount (including any interest, fees or amounts added to principal) of the Loans held by such Lender that is being prepaid. 18 KE 52826770.15


 
“Project Specific JVs” shall mean any project-specific joint ventures, whether created through a contractual arrangement or the ownership of Equity Securities, by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, including any such project-specific joint ventures described in the Borrower’s SEC filings pursuant to which a partner of such Project Specific JV acts as a sponsor or manager but may not hold Equity Securities in such Project Specific JV. “PTO” shall mean the United States Patent and Trademark Office. “Qualified ECP Guarantor” shall mean, in respect of any Swap Agreement, each Guarantor that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time the relevant Guaranty or grant of the relevant security interest becomes effective with respect to such Swap Agreement or such other person as constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” with respect to such Swap Agreement at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act. “Real Property” shall mean all right, title and interests in and to a parcel of real property, land, together with all buildings, structures, improvements and fixtures located thereon, and all easements and other rights and interest appurtenant thereto, owned, leased or operated by Borrower or its Subsidiaries, including such described on the Perfection Certificate. “Recipient” shall mean (a) the Agent and (b) any Lender. “Record” shall mean information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or which is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form. “Registration Rights Agreement” shall mean the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by and among the Borrower and the holders of the Warrant(s), as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time. “Required Guarantor Party” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 6.10. “Required Lenders” shall mean, at any time, Lenders having Term Loans representing more than 50% of the aggregate outstanding Term Loans at such time. “Requirement of Law” applicable to any Person shall mean (i) any Governmental Rule applicable to such Person, (ii) any license, permit, approval or other authorization granted by any Governmental Authority to or for the benefit of such Person and (iii) any judgment, decision or determination of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject. “Responsible Officer” shall mean the chief executive officer, president, vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer, controller or comptroller or other similar officer of the Loan Parties or, solely where applicable, their respective Subsidiaries, but in any event, with respect to financial matters, the chief financial officer, treasurer, controller, comptroller, vice president finance or other similar officer of such Loan Parties or solely, where applicable, their respective Subsidiaries. “Restricted Payment” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 7.04. “RHB Inc.” shall have the meaning given such term in the definition of “Affiliated Entity.” “RHB LLC” shall have the meaning given such term in the definition of “Affiliated Entity.” “Sanctioned Country” shall mean a country subject to a Sanctions program identified on the list maintained by OFAC and available at http://www.treas.gov/resource-center/sanctions/pages/default.aspx or as otherwise published from time to time. 19 KE 52826770.15


 
“Sanctioned Person” shall mean any individual or entity that is the subject or target of Sanctions, including (a) (i) any Person named on any applicable U.S. or non-U.S. sanctions- or export-related restricted party list, including, without limitation, the list of “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” maintained by OFAC and the EU Consolidated List, or (ii) any entity that is, in the aggregate, 50 percent or greater owned, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controlled by a Person or Persons described in clause (i), or (b) (i) an agency of the government of a Sanctioned Country, (ii) an organization controlled by a Sanctioned Country, or (iii) a Person resident in or national of a Sanctioned Country, to the extent subject to a sanctions program administered by OFAC. “Sanctions” shall mean all U.S. and non-U.S. laws relating to economic or trade sanctions, including, without limitation, the laws administered or enforced by the United States (including by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State), the United Nations Security Council, and the European Union. “SEC” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions. “Secured Intercompany Note” shall have the meaning given such term in the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness.” “Solvent” shall mean, at any time with respect to any Person, that at such time such Person (a) is able to pay its debts as they mature and has (and has a reasonable basis to believe it will continue to have) sufficient capital (and not unreasonably small capital) to carry on its business consistent with its practices as of the date hereof, and (b) the assets and properties of such Person at a fair valuation (and including as assets for this purpose at a fair valuation all rights of subrogation, contribution or indemnification arising pursuant to any guarantees given by such Person) are greater than the Indebtedness of such Person, and including subordinated and contingent liabilities computed at the amount which, such Person has a reasonable basis to believe, represents an amount which can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability (and including as to contingent liabilities arising pursuant to any guarantee the face amount of such liability as reduced to reflect the probability of it becoming a matured liability). “Specified Keyman” shall mean any of Con L. Wadsworth, Ronald A. Ballschmiede, Richard H. Buenting, Joseph A. Cutillo, Gary Roger Engasser II or Billy Lee Wolff. “Subordinated Debt” shall mean indebtedness incurred by any Loan Party that is subordinated to all of such Loan Party’s Obligations (pursuant to a subordination, intercreditor, or other similar agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Required Lenders entered into among Agent, Lenders and the creditor of such Subordinated Debt), on terms acceptable to the Required Lenders. As of the Closing Date, the Closing Date Seller Notes shall constitute Subordinated Debt. “Subordination Agreement” shall mean a Subordination Agreement, by and among the Agent and Lenders, on the one hand, and the creditors of Subordinated Debt, on the other hand, in form and substance satisfactory to the Required Lenders, as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time. As of the Closing Date, the Closing Date Subordination Agreement shall constitute a Subordination Agreement. “Subsidiary” of any Person shall mean (i) any corporation of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the issued and outstanding Equity Securities having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board of Directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether at the time capital stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency) is at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person, by such Person and one or more of its other Subsidiaries or by one or more of such Person’s other Subsidiaries, (ii) any partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, or other business entity of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the equity interest having the power to vote, direct or control the management of such partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other business entity is at the time owned and controlled by such Person, by such Person and one or more of the other Subsidiaries or by one or more of such Person’s other Subsidiaries, and (iii) any Person, whether majority- or minority-owned, required by GAAP to be consolidated in the financial reporting of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Affiliated Entities. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and any reference to a Subsidiary without designation of the ownership of such Subsidiary shall be deemed to refer to a Subsidiary of Borrower. 20 KE 52826770.15


 
“Supporting Obligations” shall mean supporting obligations (as such term is defined in the Code), and includes letters of credit and guaranties issued in support of Accounts, Chattel Paper, documents, General Intangibles, instruments or Investment Property. “Swap Agreement” shall mean any agreement with respect to any swap, hedge, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement (including without limitation, any Interest Rate 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. “Swap Obligation” shall mean, with respect to any Loan Party, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act. “Taxes” shall mean all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto. “Termination Date” shall mean the earliest to occur of (i) the Term Loan Maturity Date and (ii) the date the Obligations (including, without limitation, any Prepayment Premium) are required to be paid in full (whether on acceleration or otherwise), including pursuant to Section 10.01. “Term Loan Maturity Date” shall mean April 3, 2022. “Total Consideration” shall mean (without duplication), with respect to a Permitted Acquisition, the sum of (a) the cash purchase price paid or payable as consideration in connection with such Permitted Acquisition, plus (b) Indebtedness payable to or on behalf of the seller or any other similar Person in connection with such Permitted Acquisition plus (c) earn-outs (determined in accordance with the definition of Indebtedness), plus (d) any other deferred or contingent payment (determined as the greater of (x) the amount required to be shown as a liability in accordance with GAAP at the time of the closing of such Permitted Acquisition and (y) the amount of such deferred or contingent payment actually paid in connection with the subject transaction ), plus (e) the amount of Indebtedness assumed or incurred in connection with such Permitted Acquisition, plus (f) all transaction costs incurred in connection therewith. “Total Secured Leverage Ratio” shall mean, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, the ratio of (a) the Consolidated Secured Indebtedness outstanding on such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the four-fiscal quarter period ending on such date. “Trademarks” shall mean any trademark and service mark rights, whether registered or not, applications to register and registrations of the same and like protections, and the entire goodwill connected with and symbolized by such trademarks, now or hereafter existing, created, acquired or held. “Trading With the Enemy Act” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 7.15. “Transactions” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 4.01(a)(ii). “Transaction Documents” shall mean, collectively, the Loan Documents, the Warrants, the Registration Rights Agreement and the other documents or agreements executed in connection herewith or therewith, in each case, as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time. “Transfer” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 7.02 hereof. “Treasury Rate” shall mean with respect to the Make-Whole Amount, a rate equal to the then current yield to maturity on actively traded U.S. Treasury securities having a constant maturity and having a duration equal to (or 21 KE 52826770.15


 
the nearest available tenor) the period from the date that payment is received to the date that falls on the first anniversary of the Closing Date. “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2.05(f)(iii). “Vehicle Collateral Agent” shall have the meaning given such term in the definition of Collateral Agency Agreement. “Warrant” shall mean a warrant or warrants to purchase capital stock of the Borrower issued by Borrower to Lenders or their Affiliates as provided by this Loan Agreement, as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time. “Write-Down and Conversion Powers” shall mean, 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. All capitalized terms defined in the Code and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings specified in the Code. ARTICLE 2. THE LOANS. Section 2.01. Commitment. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Loan Agreement and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make available to the Agent or directly to the Borrower on the Closing Date such Lender’s Loan Percentage of a term loan in U.S. Dollars in the aggregate principal amount of EIGHTY FIVE MILLION DOLLARS ($85,000,000) for the purposes hereinafter set forth. Upon receipt by the Agent of the proceeds of the Term Loan made on the Closing Date, such proceeds will then be made available to the Borrower by the Agent, by wiring such proceeds in accordance with the funds flow attached to the notice of borrowing as contemplated by Section 2.03(c). Borrower may prepay Loans only in accordance with Section 2.02(d). Amounts prepaid may not be reborrowed. Section 2.02. Interest and Payments. (a) Interest. Subject to Section 6.18, Borrower shall pay interest in arrears on all outstanding Obligations (including any Prepayment Premium) at the LIBOR Rate plus 8.75% per annum on the unpaid principal amount thereof (including, to the extent permitted by law, on interest thereon not paid when due) from the date made or incurred until paid in full in cash. Interest on the Loan shall be calculated based upon a year of 360 days and actual days elapsed. Each payment of interest only shall be paid in cash and made on the last Business Day of each calendar month. If Borrower pays interest on the Loan which is determined to be in excess of the then legal maximum rate, then that portion of each interest payment representing an amount in excess of the then legal maximum rate shall be deemed a payment of principal and applied against the principal of the Loan. (b) LIBOR Provisions. In the notice of borrowing delivered pursuant to Section 4.01(a)(v), the Borrower shall specify the Interest Period used to determine the LIBOR Rate as of the Closing Date. Upon the expiration of each Interest Period, in the absence of the Borrower providing written notice to the Agent not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the end of such Interest Period electing a different Interest Period, the same Interest Period shall be used to determine the LIBOR Rate for the immediately succeeding Interest Period. If the Borrower provides written notice electing a new Interest Period, then such new Interest Period and the corresponding LIBOR Rate shall be used. 22 KE 52826770.15


 
(c) Payments of Principal. The principal amount of the Term Loan shall be repaid in full in cash on the Termination Date. (d) Prepayment. (i) Voluntary Prepayment. (A) General. Upon ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice to Agent and the Lenders, Borrower may, at its option, prepay all or any part of the remaining unpaid payments on the Loans, in principal amounts not less than $1,000,000 and in $1,000,000 increments in excess thereof, at a prepayment price equal to (A) the principal amount of the Loans being prepaid, plus (B) accrued and unpaid interest thereon through and including the date of such prepayment, plus (C) the applicable Prepayment Premium, plus (D) any other amounts then due to Agent and Lenders. All repayments or prepayments under this Section 2.02(d)(i)(A) shall be subject to any Prepayment Premium set forth in Section 2.02(e), but shall otherwise be prepaid without premium or penalty. Interest on the principal amount prepaid shall be payable on any date that a repayment is made hereunder through the date of repayment. (B) Permitted Dispositions and/or NTTA Matter. Upon ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice to Agent and the Lenders, Borrower may, at its option, use the proceeds arising from the Permitted Dispositions and/or the NTTA Matter to make one or more prepayments on the Loans, in principal amounts not less than $1,000,000 and in $1,000,000 increments in excess thereof, up to an amount not to exceed $30,000,000 in the aggregate, at a prepayment price equal to (A) the principal amount of the Loans being prepaid, plus (B) accrued and unpaid interest thereon through and including the date of such prepayment, plus (C) the applicable Prepayment Premium, plus (D) any other amounts then due to Agent and Lenders. All repayments or prepayments under this Section 2.02(d)(i)(B) shall be subject to any Prepayment Premium set forth in Section 2.02(e), but shall otherwise be prepaid without premium or penalty. Interest on the principal amount prepaid shall be payable on any date that a repayment is made hereunder through the date of repayment. (C) Voluntary Prepayment Notice. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent and the Lenders notice of each prepayment of Loans in whole or in part pursuant to this Section 2.02(d)(i)(C) not less than ten (10) Business Days (or such shorter period agreed to by the Required Lenders) prior to the date such prepayment shall be made. Each notice of prepayment shall specify the proposed prepayment date, the principal amount of each Loan (or portion thereof) to be prepaid and the calculation of the total amount of such prepayment proposed to be made in accordance with this Section 2.02(d)(i) and indicate whether such voluntary prepayment is being made pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(i)(A) or Section 2.02(d)(i)(B). (D) Officer’s Certificate. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent and the Lenders, at the time of each prepayment required under this Section 2.02(d)(i), a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth in reasonable detail the calculation of the amount of such prepayment (and the Agent shall promptly provide the same to each Lender). (E) Prepayment Premium. All prepayments under this Section 2.02(d)(i) shall be subject to any Prepayment Premium set forth in Section 2.02(e) and be accompanied by accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount prepaid through the date of prepayment. 23 KE 52826770.15


 
(ii) Mandatory Prepayment. To the extent that, immediately after the prepayment of the Loans, the applicable Net Cash Proceeds are not needed by the Borrower to be in pro forma compliance with Section 6.17(b) during the immediately succeeding four fiscal quarters following the required date of prepayment arising under this Section 2.02(d)(ii) with respect to the applicable event(s) described below: (A) Debt Issuances. Within one (1) Business Day of receipt by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) of proceeds from any Indebtedness other than Permitted Indebtedness, the Borrower shall prepay the Loans in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds of such Indebtedness received by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (except that with respect to any Affiliated Entities, only to the extent of the Net Cash Proceeds received by the Loan Parties). (B) Issuances of Equity Securities. Within one (1) Business Day of receipt by any Loan Party or any of their Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) of proceeds from any issuance of any Equity Securities (other than (I) an issuance of Equity Securities the proceeds of which shall be used substantially concurrently with the consummation of, and to finance, a Permitted Acquisition, or (II) distributions by a Loan Party, a Subsidiary of a Loan Party, an Affiliated Entity or a Minority Subsidiary to a Loan Party or a Subsidiary of a Loan Party that is a Guarantor), the Borrower shall prepay the Loans in an aggregate amount equal to 50% of the Net Cash Proceeds of such issuance of Equity Securities received by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (except that with respect to any Affiliated Entities or Minority Subsidiaries, only to the extent of the Net Cash Proceeds received by the Loan Parties). (C) Transfers or Events of Loss. Within five (5) Business Days of the date of receipt by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) of any Net Cash Proceeds received in connection with any Transfer (other than Transfers permitted by Sections 7.02(i) through (iii)) or any Event of Loss , Borrower shall prepay the Loans in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds received by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (except that with respect to any Affiliated Entities, only to the extent of the Net Cash Proceeds received by the Loan Parties); provided, however, that with respect to any such Net Cash Proceeds received by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs), all or any portion of such Net Cash Proceeds may be used to purchase, replace, substitute, restore or acquire fixed or capital assets of the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) within 180 days of the receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds, subject to an aggregate cap of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) per fiscal year for any such Net Cash Proceeds that are being reinvested in accordance with this proviso; provided further that, (I) any such Net Cash Proceeds not so applied in accordance with the immediately preceding proviso or (II) after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, any Net Cash Proceeds received in connection with any such Transfer or any such Event of Loss, in each case, shall be promptly used to prepay the Loans (such prepayment to be applied as set forth in Section 2.02(d)(ii)(E) below) and the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) shall not have, or no longer have, the right to reinvest such Net Cash Proceeds. (D) Extraordinary Receipts. Within one (1) Business Day of the date of receipt by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) of any Extraordinary Receipts in excess of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) in the aggregate during the term of this Loan Agreement, Borrower shall prepay the outstanding principal amount of the Obligations in accordance with Section 24 KE 52826770.15


 
2.02(d)(ii)(E) in an amount equal to 100% of such Extraordinary Receipts received by the Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (except that with respect to any Affiliated Entities, only to the extent of the Net Cash Proceeds received by the Loan Parties), net of any reasonable expenses incurred in collecting such Extraordinary Receipts. (E) Application of Mandatory Prepayments. Amounts to be applied in connection with prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(ii) shall be applied to the prepayment of the Term Loans in accordance with Section 2.04(d). Each prepayment of the Loans under this Section 2.02(d)(ii) shall be accompanied by accrued and unpaid interest to the date of such prepayment on the amount prepaid. (F) Mandatory Prepayment Notice. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent and the Lenders notice of each prepayment of Loans in whole or in part pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(ii)(F) not less than ten (10) Business Days (or such shorter period agreed to by the Required Lenders) prior to the date such prepayment shall be made. Each notice of prepayment shall specify the proposed prepayment date, the principal amount of each Loan (or portion thereof) to be prepaid and the calculation of the total amount of such prepayment proposed to be made in accordance with this Section 2.02(d)(ii) and indicate whether such prepayment is being made pursuant to Section 2.02(d)(ii)(A), Section 2.02(d)(ii)(B), Section 2.02(d)(ii)(C), or Section 2.02(d)(ii)(D). (G) Officer’s Certificate. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent and the Lenders, at the time of each prepayment required under this Section 2.02(d)(ii), a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth in reasonable detail the calculation of the amount of such prepayment (and the Agent shall promptly provide the same to each Lender). (H) Prepayment Premium. All prepayments under this Section 2.02(d)(ii) shall be subject to any Prepayment Premium set forth in Section 2.02(e) and be accompanied by accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount prepaid through the date of prepayment. (iii) Offer to Prepay Loans with Excess Cash Flow. (A) Excess Cash Flow. Within two (2) Business Days after the date on which the Borrower files (or, if earlier, is required to file) its Form 10-Q or Form 10-K, as applicable, with the SEC, relating to the immediately preceding fiscal quarter (such date, the “ECF Prepayment Offer Date”), commencing with the first full fiscal quarter ending after the Closing Date and for every fiscal quarter thereafter, the Borrower shall offer (such offer, the “ECF Prepayment Offer”) to prepay the Loans in an aggregate amount equal to (A) 75% of the Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal quarter plus (B) accrued and unpaid interest thereon through and including the date of such prepayment, plus (C) the applicable Prepayment Premium, plus (D) any other amounts then due to Agent and Lenders; provided that, to the extent any Net Working Capital Adjustment has the effect of reducing Excess Cash Flow for any trailing four fiscal quarter period in an amount in excess of $5,000,000, the Borrower shall prepay the Loans in an aggregate amount equal to the difference between such amount and $5,000,000. (B) Offer to Prepay Loans. The offer to prepay Loans contemplated by this Section 2.02(d)(iii) shall be an offer to prepay, in accordance with and subject to this Section 2.02(d), the Loans held by each Lender on the date of such ECF Prepayment Offer Date in accordance with Section 2.04(d). 25 KE 52826770.15


 
(C) Rejection; Acceptance. The Required Lenders may, on behalf of each Lender, accept or reject the offer to prepay made pursuant to this Section 2.02(d)(iii) by causing a notice of such acceptance or rejection to be delivered to Borrower (with a copy to Agent and the Lenders) not less than ten (10) Business Days after Lender’s receipt of such offer. A failure by the Required Lenders to so respond to an offer to prepay made pursuant to this Section 2.02(d)(iii) shall be deemed to constitute an acceptance of such offer by the Required Lenders on behalf of all Lenders. Notwithstanding any rejection of an offer to prepay by the Required Lenders (such rejected prepayment offer amount, the “ECF Declined Amount”), the Borrower may, at its option, nonetheless prepay the Loans in an aggregate amount equal to (A) 37.5% of the Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal quarter plus (B) accrued and unpaid interest thereon through and including the date of such prepayment, plus (C) the applicable Prepayment Premium, plus (D) any other amounts then due to Agent and Lenders, on a pro rata basis in accordance with Section 2.04(d), with any residual ECF Declined Amount being retained by the Borrower. (D) Prepayment. Prepayment of the Loans to be prepaid pursuant to this Section 2.02(d)(iii) (whether as part of an acceptance by the Required Lenders of an ECF Prepayment Offer or as part of a rejection of such ECF Prepayment Offer) shall be accompanied with the applicable Prepayment Premium on the principal amount of such Loans being prepaid, together with accrued and unpaid interest on such Loans accrued to the date of prepayment and will be payable in cash only. The prepayment shall be made within two (2) Business Days of the acceptance or rejection (if Borrower so elects to make such prepayment in accordance with Section 2.02(d)(iii)(C)) of the ECF Prepayment Offer. (E) Officer’s Certificate. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent and the Lenders, at the time of each prepayment required under this Section 2.02(d)(iii), a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth in reasonable detail the calculation of the amount of such prepayment. (F) Prepayment Premium. All prepayments under this Section 2.02(d)(iii) shall be subject to any Prepayment Premium set forth in Section 2.02(e) and be accompanied by accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount prepaid through the date of prepayment. (e) Prepayment Premium. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event all or any portion of the Loans or other Obligations are prepaid, repaid or accelerated for any reason (including, without limitation, an acceleration (whether or not such acceleration occurs automatically) of the Loans and the other Obligations (including as a result of any Event of Default, including, without limitation, any Event of Default under Section 9.01(e) or Section 9.01(f)), upon the occurrence of any Event of Default (including, without limitation, a Change of Control), or upon any mandatory prepayment or optional prepayment (except in connection with any prepayment described in the parenthetical set forth in Section 2.02(d)(ii)(C) with proceeds received from an Event of Loss) or any prepayment contemplated by Schedule 3 hereto,), such prepayments or repayments shall be accompanied by a prepayment premium equal to the Prepayment Premium. If the Loans are accelerated for any reason under this Loan Agreement, the Prepayment Premium shall be calculated as if the date of acceleration of such Loans was the date of prepayment of such Loans. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that, in light of the impracticality and extreme difficulty of ascertaining actual damages, the Prepayment Premium set forth above is intended to be a reasonable calculation of the actual damages that would be suffered by the Agent and the Lenders as a result of any such repayment or prepayment. The parties hereto further acknowledge and agree that the Prepayment Premium is not intended to act as a penalty or to punish the Borrower for any such repayment or prepayment. The Prepayment Premium, if any, shall also be payable in the event the Obligations (and/or this Loan Agreement) are satisfied or released by foreclosure (whether by 26 KE 52826770.15


 
power of judicial proceeding), deed in lieu of foreclosure or by any other means. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE LOAN PARTIES EXPRESSLY WAIVE THE PROVISIONS OF ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE STATUTE OR LAW THAT PROHIBITS OR MAY PROHIBIT THE COLLECTION OF THE FOREGOING PREPAYMENT PREMIUM IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH ACCELERATION. The Loan Parties expressly agree that (i) the Prepayment Premium is reasonable and is the product of an arm’s length transaction between sophisticated business people, ably represented by counsel, (ii) the Prepayment Premium shall be payable notwithstanding the then prevailing market rates at the time payment is made, (iii) there has been a course of conduct between Lenders and the Loan Parties giving specific consideration in this transaction for such agreement to pay the Prepayment Premium, (iv) the Loan Parties shall be estopped hereafter from claiming differently than as agreed to in this Section 2.02(e), (v) the agreement to pay the Prepayment Premium is a material inducement to the Lenders to make the Loans, and (vi) the Prepayment Premium represents a good faith, reasonable estimate and calculation of the lost profits or damages of the Lenders and that it would be impractical and extremely difficult to ascertain the actual amount of damages to the Lenders or profits lost by the Lenders as a result of any of the foregoing events. Section 2.03. Use of Proceeds; the Loans and the Notes; Disbursement. (a) Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans shall be used to repay existing debt, fund the Closing Date Acquisition, pay related fees and expenses, and for working capital. (b) The Loans and the Notes. The obligation of Borrower to repay the aggregate unpaid principal amount of and interest on the Loan shall be evidenced by one or more Notes setting forth the principal amount of the Loans and the payments due. Agent shall keep a record of the payments made under each Note on its Books which records shall be prima facie evidence of the amounts paid under the Notes absent manifest error. Any failure by a Lender to obtain or retain a Note shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of Borrower to pay amounts due hereunder with respect to the Loans. (c) Notice and Disbursement. Whenever Borrower desires Lenders to make a Loan, Borrower shall deliver to Agent and Lenders an irrevocable notice of borrowing in writing which shall be received by the Agent and Lenders prior to 9:00 A.M., Pacific time, one (1) Business Day prior to the anticipated Closing Date, requesting that the Lenders make the Loan on the Closing Date and specifying the amount to be borrowed. Not later than 1:00 P.M., Eastern time, on the Closing Date, each Lender shall either make available to the Agent at the funding office designated by Agent or make Loans directly available to Borrower in an amount in immediately available funds equal to the Loan or Loans to be made by such Lender. The Agent shall credit the account of the Borrower on the Books of such office of the Agent with the aggregate of the amounts made available to the Agent by the Lenders in immediately available funds. Lenders’ obligation to make Loans shall be subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 4.01(b). Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in this Loan Agreement, each Lender shall disburse its pro rata portion of the Loan as specified in the funds flow attached to the notice of borrowing on the Closing Date. Section 2.04. Other Payment Terms. (a) Place and Manner. All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made without set off, recoupment or counterclaim. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower shall be made to the Agent for the account of the Lenders, at the account designated by the Agent and shall be made in U.S. Dollars and in immediately available funds, no later than 1:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on the date specified herein. Any payment received by the Agent after such time shall be deemed (for purposes of calculating interest only) to have been received on the following Business Day and any applicable interest shall continue to accrue. For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding any other provision of any Loan Document to the contrary, no payment received directly or indirectly from any Loan Party that is not a Qualified ECP Guarantor shall be 27 KE 52826770.15


 
applied directly or indirectly by the Agent or otherwise to the payment of any Excluded Swap Obligations. (b) Date. Whenever any payment due hereunder shall fall due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall be included in the computation of interest or fees, as the case may be. (c) Default Rate. After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, upon written election of the Required Lenders or automatically upon any Event of Default pursuant to Section 9.01(a), 9.01(e) or 9.01(f), Borrower shall pay interest on outstanding Obligations (including, without limitation, any Prepayment Premium) until such past due amounts are paid in full, at a per annum rate equal to the Default Rate. All computations of such interest shall be based on a year of 360 days and actual days elapsed. Interest accrued at the Default Rate shall be payable from time to time on demand. (d) Pro Rata Treatment and Payments. Except as otherwise may be agreed by the Borrower and the Lenders, each payment (including each prepayment) by the Borrower on account of principal of and interest on the Loans shall be made pro rata according to the respective outstanding principal amounts of the Loans then held by the Lenders. Amounts prepaid on account of the Loans may not be reborrowed. (e) Calculation of Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any payment required to be made hereunder, whether as principal, interest, fees, premiums (including Prepayment Premiums or Make-Whole Amounts) or other amounts payable hereunder or under any of the Loan Documents may, if requested by the Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders), and shall, if otherwise expressly set forth herein, be required be set forth in a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, setting forth in reasonable detail the calculation of the amount of such payment. Such calculation shall be reviewed by the Agent and the Lenders and the determination of the accuracy of such calculation shall be made by the Required Lenders, in their sole but reasonable discretion. Section 2.05. Taxes. (a) Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any Obligation of any Loan Party under any Transaction Document shall, except as required by any Requirement of Law, be made free and clear of and without deduction or withholding for any Taxes; provided that, if any Loan Party or the Agent shall be required by a Requirement of Law to deduct or withhold any Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.05) the applicable Recipient, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions and withholdings have been made, (ii) the applicable Loan Party or Agent shall make such deductions and (iii) the applicable Loan Party or Agent shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Requirements of Law. (b) Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrower. Without limiting the provisions of Section 2.05(a) above, the Borrower shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Requirements of Law. (c) Indemnification by the Borrower. The Borrower shall indemnify each Recipient, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 2.05) payable or paid by such Recipient, as the case may be, 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 28 KE 52826770.15


 
or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to the Agent), or by the Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. (d) Indemnification by the Lender. Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Agent, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that any Loan Party has not already indemnified the Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Loan Parties to do so), and (ii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Agent in connection with any Transaction Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Transaction Document or otherwise payable by the Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Agent under this paragraph (d). (e) Evidence of Payments. 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 Agent and the relevant Lender 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 Agent and the relevant Lender. (f) Status of Lenders. (i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which the Borrower is resident for Tax purposes, or any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments hereunder or under any other Transaction Document shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Agent), at the time or times prescribed by Requirements of Law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by Requirements of Law as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if requested by the Borrower or the Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by Requirements of Law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent as will enable the Borrower or the 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 2.05(f)(ii) and Section 2.05(f)(iii)(A) through Section 2.05(f)(iii)(F)) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense or would prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender. (ii) Without limiting the generality of the first paragraph of this Section 2.05(f), any Lender or Agent that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Person becomes a party to this Loan Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the request of the Borrower or the Agent), duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 certifying that such Person is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax. (iii) Without limiting the generality of the first paragraph of this Section 2.05(f), any Foreign Holder shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Holder becomes a party to this Loan Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the request of the Borrower or the Agent, but only if such Foreign Holder is legally entitled to do so), whichever one or more of the following is applicable: 29 KE 52826770.15


 
(A) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States of America is a party, (B) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI or W-8EXP, (C) in the case of a Foreign Holder claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the IRC, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit L-1 to the effect that such Foreign Holder is not (A) a “bank” within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the IRC, (B) a “10-percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the IRC, or (C) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the IRC (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable, (D) to the extent a Foreign Holder is not the beneficial owner, executed originals of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit L-2 or Exhibit L-3, IRS Form W-9, and other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Holder is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Holder are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Holder may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit L-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner, (E) if a payment made to a Lender under any Transaction Document would be subject to a withholding Tax imposed by FATCA as a result of such Lender failing to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Sections 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the IRC, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver such documentation or certifications as are required to evidence compliance by the Foreign Holder with FATCA for purposes of determining if the Lender is subject to such withholding Tax and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the 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 (5), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Loan Agreement), or (F) any other form prescribed by Requirements of Law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States federal withholding Tax duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by Requirements of Law to permit the Borrower to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made. Each Lender and Agent agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, in no case shall a Lender be required to deliver any form, certification or documentation that it is not legally entitled to deliver. (g) Treatment of Certain Refunds. If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 2.05 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.05), 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 30 KE 52826770.15


 
expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (g) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (g), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (g) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Ttax 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. (h) Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 2.05 shall survive the resignation or replacement of Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations. Section 2.06. Increased Costs and Reduction of Return. (a) Increased Costs Generally. 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 credit extended or participated in by, any Lender; or (ii) subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) with respect to this Loan Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents or any of its obligations hereunder or thereunder or any payments to such Lender of principal, interest, fees or other amounts payable hereunder, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or other Recipient of making or maintaining any Note (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Note), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender, the Borrower will pay to such Lender, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered. (b) Capital Requirements. If any Lender determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or any purchasing office of such Lender or such Lender’s holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Loan Agreement or the Notes received by such Lender, to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time upon written request the Borrower will pay to such Lender, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered. (c) Certificates for Reimbursement. A certificate of a Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in Section 2.06(a) or (b) and delivered to the Borrower shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The 31 KE 52826770.15


 
Borrower shall pay such Lender, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof. (d) Delay in Requests. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 2.06 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this Section 2.06 for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine months prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof). Section 2.07. Certificates of Lenders. Any Lender claiming reimbursement or compensation under this Article 2 shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Agent) a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail the amount payable to the Lender hereunder and such certificate shall be conclusive and binding on the Borrower in the absence of manifest error. Section 2.08. Mitigation Obligations. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.06, or requires the Borrower to pay any Indemnified Taxes or any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.05, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different purchasing 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 materially reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.05 or 2.06, 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 in its sole discretion. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment. Section 2.09. Survival. The agreements and obligations of the Borrower in this Article 2 shall survive the payment of all other Obligations. ARTICLE 3. CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST. Section 3.01. Grant of Security Interest. Each Loan Party hereby unconditionally grants, assigns and pledges to Agent on behalf of each Lender, a lien on, continuing security interest in and a right of set off against all of such Loan Party’s right, title and interest in and to the Collateral, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising and wherever located, in order to secure prompt payment of any and all Obligations and in order to secure prompt performance by the Loan Parties of each of its covenants and duties under the Loan Documents. Notwithstanding termination of this Loan Agreement, Agent’s lien and security interest on the Collateral shall remain in effect for so long as any Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) are outstanding. ARTICLE 4. CLOSING. Section 4.01. Conditions Precedent. The obligation of Lenders to fund the Loans shall be subject to the following conditions precedent (except to the extent delivery of such items has been expressly deferred pursuant to Section 6.16): (a) Conditions to Closing. Agent and Lenders shall have received in connection with the closing in form and substance satisfactory to Agent and Lenders: (i) Loan Documents. (i) This Loan Agreement, duly executed and delivered by the Agent, the Lenders, the Borrower and the Guarantors party thereto, (ii) the Notes, duly executed and delivered by the Borrower, (iii) the Guaranty, duly executed and delivered by the Guarantors party thereto, (iv) the Pledge Agreement, duly executed and delivered by the Loan Parties party thereto, (v) the Perfection Certificate, duly executed and delivered by the Loan Parties, (vi) the Vehicle Collateral Agency Agreement, duly executed and 32 KE 52826770.15


 
delivered by the Agent and Loan Parties party thereto, and (vii) the Agent Fee Letter, duly executed and delivered by the Agent and the Borrower. (ii) Closing Date Acquisition. The following transactions (collectively with the initial borrowings hereunder and other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents on the Closing Date, the “Transactions”) shall have been consummated substantially simultaneously with the making of the Loans, in each case on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Lenders: (A) the Closing Date Acquisition shall have been consummated in accordance with applicable law and the Acquisition Agreement, and no such terms or conditions thereunder shall have been waived other than with the consent of the Lenders; (B) all conditions to the consummation of the Closing Date Acquisition set forth in the Acquisition Documentation shall have been satisfied; (C) the Agent and Lenders shall have received a fully executed Acquisition Agreement and all other material Acquisition Documentation entered into in connection therewith (including, without limitation, any documentation evidencing the Closing Date Deferred Payments, the Closing Date Earn-Outs, the Closing Date Seller Notes and any employment agreements or non-competition or non-solicitation agreements), certified by a Responsible Officer to be a true and complete copies thereof; and (D) the Closing Date Subordination Agreement, duly executed and delivered by the Agent and each of the holders of the Closing Date Seller Notes. (iii) Secretary’s Certificate; Certified Certificates of Organization. Copies, certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of each Loan Party, of: (A) the Articles of Organization or Articles or Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Formation (“Charter”) and Bylaws or Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership or Operating Agreement of such Loan Party (in each case, as amended to, and in effect on, the date of this Loan Agreement), (B) the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party’s board of directors, board of managers, managing or sole members, or general partner (or other equivalent governing body) authorizing the transaction and the Transaction Documents being executed in connection therewith, and (C) the incumbency of the officers executing this Loan Agreement and the other Transaction Documents on behalf of such Loan Party. (iv) Good Standing Certificates. Long-form certificate(s) of good standing, existence or its equivalent (including tax status if available) with respect to each Loan Party from such Loan Party’s state of incorporation or organization and in each other jurisdiction in which qualification is necessary in order for such Loan Party to own or lease its property and conduct its business, each as of a date within 20 days prior to the Closing Date. (v) Notice of Borrowing. A notice of borrowing, in the form of Exhibit G hereto, accompanied by a funds flow, duly executed by Borrower and delivered to Agent and Lenders in accordance with Section 2.03(c). (vi) Insurance. Receipt of insurance certificates satisfying the requirements of Section 6.04 and evidence of the insurance coverage required by such section. (vii) Warrants. The Warrant(s) to be issued to the designees of the Lenders in forms provided by Agent and agreed to by Borrower, duly executed by Borrower, together with a Registration Rights Agreement, duly executed and delivered by the holders of such Warrant(s) and Borrower. 33 KE 52826770.15


 
(viii) Perfection Certificate. The Perfection Certificate, duly executed by the Loan Parties. (ix) Control Agreements. Control agreements sufficient to perfect a security interest in the Loan Parties’ deposit accounts and securities accounts (other than the Excluded Accounts) executed by each applicable bank or other financial institution. (x) Legal Opinions. Executed legal opinions of (i) Andrews Kurth Kenyon LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties regarding New York, Texas and Delaware legal matters, (ii) Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, California counsel to the Loan Parties, (iii) Sacks Tierrey P.A., Arizona counsel to the Loan Parties, and (iv) Bennett, Tueller, Johnson & Deers, Utah counsel to the Loan Parties. (xi) Fees and Expenses. Payment of (i) all reasonable and documented fees and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) of the Agent and Lenders incurred in connection with any of the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby prior to such date and invoiced at least one (1) Business Day prior to such date, and (ii) all fees and expenses as set forth in the Fee Letter and the Agent Fee Letter. (xii) Financial Statements. Audited consolidated Financial Statements of the Borrower as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, prepared in accordance with GAAP, without any restatement of such financial statements and which shall include an unqualified, signed audit opinion and which financial statements and opinion shall not include (i) any qualification or exception to the scope of such audit; (ii) any qualification, exception or explanatory paragraph regarding the Borrower’s status or ability to continue as a going concern or otherwise indicate any significant financial concerns; or (iii) any indication of a material weakness in the Borrower’s internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated). (xiii) Approvals. All Governmental Approvalsgovernmental approvals and consents and approvals of, or notices to, any other Person required in connection with the Closing Date Acquisition, the execution and performance of the Transaction Documents, the continuing operations of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, the operations of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries as expected to result from the Closing Date Acquisition and the other transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained and be in full force and effect (including shareholder approvals, landlords’ consents and other consents), and all applicable waiting periods shall have expired without any action being taken or threatened by any competent authority that could reasonably be expected to restrain, prevent or otherwise impose burdensome conditions on the Closing Date Acquisition or the financing contemplated hereby. (xiv) Lien Searches. The results of a recent lien search where assets of the Loan Parties are located, and such searches shall reveal no liens on any of the assets of the Loan Parties except for Permitted Liens or the discharge of such liens on or prior to the Closing Date pursuant to documentation satisfactory to the Required Lenders. (xv) Payoff Letter. Receipt of a payoff letter in respect of the Loan Parties’ existing credit facilities, including with Nations Equipment Finance, LLC and Frost Bank, and all amounts outstanding thereunder shall have been repaid (or shall be repaid on such date in connection with the Transactions), and all such existing credit lines and any guarantees and security in respect thereof shall have been cancelled and terminated. (xvi) Pledged Stock; Stock Powers; Pledged Notes. Receipt by Agent of original copies of (i) the certificates representing the Pledged Shares pledged pursuant to this Loan Agreement and the Pledge Agreement, together with an undated stock power for each such certificate executed in blank by a duly authorized officer of the pledgor thereof, and (ii) each promissory note (if any) pledged to the Agent pursuant to this Loan Agreement, endorsed 34 KE 52826770.15


 
(without recourse) in blank (or accompanied by an executed transfer form in blank) by the pledgor thereof. (xvii) Filings, Registrations and Recordings. Each document (including any Uniform Commercial Code financing statement) required by the Transaction Documents or under law or reasonably requested by the Agent or Lenders to be filed, registered or recorded to create in favor of the Agent, for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, a perfected Lien on the Collateral described therein, prior and superior in right to any other Person (other than with respect to Permitted Liens permitted to be superior to the Liens in favor of Agent pursuant to this Loan Agreement), shall be in proper form for filing, registration or recordation. (xviii) Solvency Certificate. Receipt of a solvency certificate from the Responsible Officer of the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit D, certifying that each of the Loan Parties and its Subsidiaries, after giving effect to the Transactions and the other transactions contemplated hereby, is Solvent. (xix) Patriot Act. Receipt, prior to the Closing Date, of all documentation and other information required by Governmental Authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti- money-laundering rules and regulations, including the Patriot Act. (xx) No Litigation. No litigation, investigation or proceeding of or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority is pending or, to the knowledge of Borrower, any Guarantor or their respective Subsidiaries, threatened, that calls into question the validity or enforceability of this Loan Agreement and the extensions of credit to be made hereunder. (xxi) Landlord Waiver. A Landlord Waiver covering each lease or ground lease to which a Loan Party or its Subsidiary (other than the Affiliated Entities) is a party, duly executed by the applicable landlord at such location and Agent. (xxii) Pro Forma Compliance with Financial Covenants. On a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the Transactions, the Borrower shall be in compliance with each of the Financial Covenants as of the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter for which Financial Statements are required to have been filed with the SEC, with evidence of such compliance to be reflected in a certificate from the Responsible Officer of the Borrower delivered to Agent and the Lenders as of the Closing Date, certifying as to such compliance. (xxiii) Other Documents. All other documents as Agent or Lenders shall have reasonably requested. (xxiv) Business and Legal Due Diligence. The Lenders shall be satisfied with the results of its business due diligence and legal due diligence, with respect to the Transactions, including, but not limited to review of (x) the Acquisition Agreement and other material agreements relative to the Closing Date Acquisition (including any non-competition or employment agreements contemplated to be entered into in connection with, or substantially concurrently with, the Closing Date Acquisition), and (y) the Loan Parties’ other material agreements. (b) Conditions to Funding of the Loans. Prior to the funding of the Loans, the following conditions with respect to the Loans shall have been satisfied by Borrower or waived by the Lenders: (i) Note. Borrower shall have executed and delivered one or more Notes prepared by the Lenders setting forth the terms of the Loans. 35 KE 52826770.15


 
(ii) No Event of Default. No Event of Default or Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would directly or indirectly be caused as a result of the funding of the Loans. (iii) Material Adverse Effect. In Agent’s and the Lenders’ sole discretion, no event shall have occurred or condition shall exist that has had or could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. (iv) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties contained in this Loan Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which Borrower is a party shall be true and correct in all material respects as if made on the date of funding of the Loans and the items listed on any schedule shall be reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date. (v) Enforceability. Each of the Transaction Documents shall be in full force and effect. (vi) Other Documents and Agreements. Each of the Loan Parties shall have provided to the Lenders and the Agent such documents, instruments and agreements, including notices of borrowing, financing statements or amendments to financing statements, as the Lenders or the Agent shall reasonably request to evidence the perfection and priority of the security interests granted to Agent. (c) Satisfaction of Conditions. Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Loan Agreement, shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, consent to, and/or approved of, each document, agreement, instrument or other item required to be delivered to, consented to, and/or approved by, the Agent or any Lender, as applicable, pursuant to this Section 4.01 and to have acknowledged that each of the conditions set forth in this Section 4.01 has been satisfied to its satisfaction (or otherwise waived by the Lenders). (d) Instruction for Collateral Agency Agreement. Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Loan Agreement, hereby instructs the Agent to execute and deliver the Collateral Agency Agreement and hereby agrees that the Collateral Agent (as defined therein) has been selected in good faith and that the Agent shall not be responsible for any act, omission, negligence or misconduct of such Collateral Agent. ARTICLE 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Loan Parties represent and warrant to Agent that: Section 5.01. Due Incorporation, Qualification, etc. Each of the Loan Parties and its Subsidiaries (i) is a registered organization duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation; (ii) has the power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and carry on its business as now conducted; (iii) is duly qualified, licensed to do business and in good standing as a foreign registered organization in each jurisdiction where the failure to be so qualified or licensed could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and (iv) is in material compliance with all Requirements of Law. Section 5.02. Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by each of the Loan Parties of each Transaction Document to be executed by such Loan Party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby (i) are within the power of such Loan Party and (ii) have been duly authorized by all necessary actions on the part of such Loan Party. Section 5.03. Enforceability. Each Transaction Document executed, or to be executed, by the Loan Parties has been, or will be, duly executed and delivered by such Loan Party and constitutes, or will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms, except as 36 KE 52826770.15


 
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws of general application relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity. Section 5.04. Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery by each Loan Party of the Transaction Documents executed by such Loan Party and the performance and consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby do not and will not (i) violate its Charter or other organizational documents, (ii) violate in any material respect any Requirement of Law applicable to such Loan Party; (iii) violate any provision of, or result in the breach or the acceleration of, or entitle any other Person to accelerate (whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both), any material Contractual Obligation of such Loan Party; or (iiiiv) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any property, asset or revenue of such Loan Party (except such Liens as may be created in favor of Agent pursuant to this Loan Agreement or the other Transaction Documents). Section 5.05. Approvals. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Authority or other Person (including, without limitation, the shareholders of any Person) is required in connection with the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents executed by any Loan Party and the performance and consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, other than (i) consents, approvals, orders or authorizations, or registrations, declarations or filings that have already been obtained, (ii) state securities filings related to the Warrant, (iii) the filing with, and approval of, the SEC of a registration statement pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, and (iv) the filing of financing statements, Mortgages and other security instruments contemplated hereby or by the other Transaction Documents. Section 5.06. No Violation or Default. None of the Loan Parties nor any of their respective Subsidiaries is in violation of or in default with respect to (i) its Charter or other organizational documents; (ii) any Requirement of Law; or (iii) any Contractual Obligation (nor is there any waiver in effect which, if not in effect, would result in such a violation or default), where, in each case, such violation or default, individually, or together with all such violations or defaults, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Event of Default or Default has occurred and is continuing. Section 5.07. Litigation. No actions (including, without limitation, derivative actions), suits, proceedings or investigations are pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened against such Loan Party or its Subsidiaries at law or in equity in any court or before any other Governmental Authority which if adversely determined (i) could reasonably be expected (alone or in the aggregate) to have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) seeks to enjoin, either directly or indirectly, the execution, delivery or performance by any Loan Party of the Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated thereby. Except as set forth in the Perfection Certificate, no Loan Party has any commercial tort claims. Section 5.08. Title; Collateral; Liens; Investments. Each of the Loan Parties has title in fee simple to, or a valid leasehold interest in, all its Real Property, and has good and marketable title to all Collateral, in each case, free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens. Upon the filing of UCC-1 financing statements in the appropriate filing offices set forth on Schedule 8 hereto, Agent has (or in the case of after-acquired Collateral, at the time a Loan Party acquires rights therein, will have), for the benefit of the Lenders, a first priority perfected security interest in the Collateral to the extent that a security interest in the Collateral can be perfected by such filing, except for Permitted Liens. The Loan Parties have no deposit accounts or securities accounts, other than the deposit accounts and securities accounts described in the Perfection Certificate, including the Excluded Accounts. Except as described in the Perfection Certificate or as permitted under Section 6.08, the Collateral as of the Closing Date is not in the possession of any third party bailee (such as at a warehouse). All inventory of the Loan Parties is in all material respects of good and marketable quality, free from material defects and has been (or, in the case of hereafter produced inventory, will be) produced in compliance in all material respects with applicable laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act. All accounts receivable and payment intangibles are genuine and, to the knowledge of a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party after due and diligent inquiry, enforceable against the party obligated to pay the same and the originals of all documents evidencing all accounts receivable and payment intangibles of each Loan Party and the only original books of account and records of such Loan Party relating thereto are, and will continue to be, kept at the chief executive office or principal place of business of such Loan Party or such other location where a Loan Party has expressly indicated that the Books and Records are maintained, in each case, to the extent set forth on the Perfection Certificate. No Loan Party owns any Investment except Permitted Investments. As of the Closing Date, no Loan Party has any Accounts or Chattel Paper which arises out of a contract or contracts with the United States of America or any 37 KE 52826770.15


 
department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, which contract or contracts would be subject to the Federal Assignment of Claims Act or other relevant applicable law. Section 5.09. Financial Statements. The Financial Statements of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries which have been delivered to Agent and the Lenders (i) are in accordance with the Books and Records of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, which have been maintained in accordance with good business practice; (ii) have been prepared in conformity with GAAP (other than, with respect to interim Financial Statements, the absence of footnotes and normal year-end adjustments); and (iii) fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries as of the dates presented therein and the results of operations, cash flows, and, if applicable stockholders’ equity, for the periods presented therein. As of the Closing Date, none of the Loan Parties nor any of their respective Subsidiaries has any contingent obligations, liability for taxes or other outstanding obligations which are material in the aggregate, except as disclosed in the most recent audited Financial Statements (including the notes thereto) furnished by Borrower to the Lenders prior to the date hereof. Section 5.10. Taxes. Each of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries has filed or caused to be filed (i) all federal and material state and other income Tax returns and reports and (ii) all other Tax returns that are required to be filed by it except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries have paid, or made provision for the payment of, all Taxes levied or imposed upon them or their properties which have become due pursuant to said returns or otherwise, except such Taxes, if any, which are being contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves (determined in accordance with GAAP) have been provided or which could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect if unpaid. There is no proposed Tax deficiency or assessment known to any Loan Party nor any of its respective Subsidiaries against such Loan Parties or any of its respective Subsidiaries that would, if made, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither any Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to any Tax sharing agreement other than any such agreement among Loan Parties. Section 5.11. Catastrophic Events; Labor Disputes. Neither the Loan Parties nor their respective Subsidiaries and none of their properties is or has been affected by any fire, explosion, accident, strike, lockout or other labor dispute, drought, storm, hail, earthquake, embargo, act of God or other casualty that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There are no actions, suits, proceedings, investigations, or disputes presently subject to the grievance procedure, arbitration or litigation pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened, under any law, collective bargaining agreements, employment contract or employee welfare or incentive plan to which any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries is a party, and there are no strikes, lockouts, work stoppages or slowdowns, labor disputes, or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, jurisdictional disputes or organizing activity occurring or threatened which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. As of the Closing Date, neither the Loan Parties nor their respective Subsidiaries are subject or party to any collective bargaining agreements, collective bargaining relationships, or other contracts with any labor organization except as set forth on Schedule 9 hereto. Section 5.12. No Material Adverse Effect. No development or event has occurred and no condition exists (excluding general economic conditions) which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Section 5.13. First Priority. Assuming the timely filing of financing statements, execution of account control agreements covering the Collateral and recording of the Mortgages, the security interest granted hereby constitutes a first priority security interest in and Lien on all of the Collateral, subject only to Permitted Liens and the terms of any subordination or intercreditor agreements entered into by Agent or Lenders. Section 5.14. Perfection Certificate. All of the information set forth in the Perfection Certificate delivered to the Lenders and the Agent is true, complete and correct as of the Closing Date, and will be true, complete and correct as of the date of each delivery of each updated Perfection Certificate that is required to be delivered to the Lenders and the Agent pursuant to the terms hereof. Section 5.15. Intellectual Property. (a) As of the Closing Date: (i) Schedule 7 to the Perfection Certificate provides a complete and correct list of all registered or issued Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights owned by each Loan Party and 38 KE 52826770.15


 
all applications for registration of Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights filed by such Loan Party (“Loan Party Registered Intellectual Property,” together with all other Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by such Loan Party, “Loan Party Intellectual Property”); and (ii) Schedule 7 to the Perfection Certificate provides a complete and correct list of all Intellectual Property licenses entered into by each Loan Party pursuant to which (A) such Loan Party has provided any license or other material rights to use Intellectual Property owned by such Loan Party to any other Person (other than non-exclusive agreements entered into with customers or end users or otherwise in the ordinary course of business) (“Loan Party Intellectual Property Licenses”), or (B) any Person has granted to a Loan Party any license or other rights to use Intellectual Property owned by such Person that is material to the business of such Loan Party (other than license agreements for commercially available “off the shelf” or shrinkwrap software with an annual license fee of less than Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000)). All Loan Party Registered Intellectual Property is valid, subsisting and enforceable and in compliance with all legal requirements, filings, and payments and other actions that are required to maintain such Intellectual Property in full force and effect. (b) No part of such Loan Party Intellectual Property has been judged invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, and no claim has been made that any part of such Loan Party Intellectual Property is invalid or unenforceable. Each Loan Party owns solely and exclusively free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens, or holds a valid, enforceable, and written license in, all Intellectual Property that is material to the conduct of its business. (c) To the knowledge of the Loan Parties after due and diligent inquiry, no Loan Party has ever infringed or misappropriated, and is not currently infringing or misappropriating, any Intellectual Property rights of any Person. There are no infringement or misappropriation claims or proceedings pending, or to such Loan Party’s knowledge, threatened in writing against such Loan Party. No Loan Party has received any written notice or other written communication within the past twelve (12) months of any actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation of any Intellectual Property rights of any Person. To such Loan Party’s knowledge, no Person has infringed or misappropriated, or is currently infringing or misappropriating, any such Loan Party Intellectual Property. (d) Each Loan Party has taken commercially reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of all trade secrets that are its applicable Loan Party Intellectual Property. (e) Upon filing of any copyright security agreement with the United States Copyright Office, filing of any patent security agreement and any trademark security agreement with the PTO, and the filing of appropriate financing statements in the jurisdictions listed on Schedule 8 hereto, all action necessary or desirable to perfect the security interest in and on each Loan Party’s United States issued, registered and filed Patents, Trademarks, or Copyrights has been taken (provided that additional filings may be necessary to perfect any security interest in any Intellectual Property acquired after the date hereof) and such perfected security interest is enforceable as such as against any and all creditors of and purchasers from any Loan Party, except as enforcement may be limited by equitable principles or by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally. All action by any Loan Party reasonably necessary to perfect such security interest on each item of Intellectual Property constituting Collateral has been duly taken. (f) No Loan Party Intellectual Property License requires any consent of any other Person that has not been obtained or waived in order for the applicable Loan Party to such license to grant the security interest granted hereunder in such Loan Party’s right, title or interest in or to such Loan Party Intellectual Property License. 39 KE 52826770.15


 
Section 5.16. Subsidiaries; Affiliates; Capitalization; Solvency. (a) No Loan Party has any direct or indirect Subsidiaries nor does any Loan Party own any Equity Securities except for Permitted Investments or as set forth on Schedule 9(a) of the most recent Perfection Certificate delivered to the Agent and the Lenders. (b) Each Loan Party is the record and beneficial owner of all of the issued and outstanding Equity Securities of each of the Subsidiaries listed on Schedule 9(a) of the most recent Perfection Certificate delivered to the Agent and the Lenders as being owned by such Loan Party and there are no proxies, irrevocable or otherwise, with respect to such Equity Securities, and no Equity Securities of any of the Loan Parties or their respective Subsidiaries are or may become required to be issued by reason of any options, warrants, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any kind or nature and there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which any Loan Party or Subsidiary is or may become bound to issue additional Equity Securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such Equity Securities. (c) The issued and outstanding Equity Securities of each Loan Party (other than the Borrower) are directly and beneficially owned and held by the Persons indicated on Schedule 9(a) to the Perfection Certificate, and in each case all of such Equity Securities have been duly authorized and are fully paid (to the extent required by the Charter or other organizational documents of the applicable Loan Party) and non-assessable (except as such non-assessibility may be affected by applicable state law), free and clear of all Liens of any kind, except with respect to the security interest therein granted to Agent pursuant to the terms of this Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents and restrictions on transfer arising under applicable federal and state securities laws. As of the Closing Date, the Equity Securities of RHB Inc. owned by Borrower are uncertificated. (d) As of the Closing Date, after giving effect to the consummation of the Transactions on the Closing Date, including the making of the Loans under this Loan Agreement on the Closing Date, and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of such Loans, the Loan Party and their respective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are Solvent and will continue to be Solvent after the creation of the Obligations, the security interests of the Lenders and the other transactions contemplated hereunder or under the Transaction Documents. Section 5.17. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans shall be used to repay existing debt, fund the Closing Date Acquisition, pay related fees and expenses, and for working capital. Section 5.18. Regulatory Compliance. No Loan Party is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. No Loan Party is engaged as one of its important activities in extending credit for margin stock (under Regulations X, T and U of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors). Each Loan Party has complied in all material respects with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Neither Borrower, any Guarantor, nor any of their respective Subsidiaries is a “holding company” or an “affiliate” of a “holding company” or a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company” as each term is defined and used in the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005. No Loan Party has violated any laws, ordinances or rules, the violation of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on its business. Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries have obtained all consents, approvals and authorizations of, made all declarations or filings with, and given all notices to, all Governmental Authorities that are necessary to continue their respective businesses as currently conducted. Section 5.19. Anti-Terrorism Laws. No Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof is or has been an “enemy” or an “ally of the enemy” within the meaning of Section 2 of the Trading with the Enemy Act of the United States of America (50 U.S.C. App. §§ 1 et seq.), as amended. No Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof is or has been in violation of (a) the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, (b) any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) or any enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto or (c) the Patriot Act. No Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof (i) is or has been a blocked person described in Section 1 of the Anti-Terrorism Order or (ii) to the best of its knowledge, engages or has engaged in any dealings or transactions, or is or has otherwise been associated, with any such blocked person. 40 KE 52826770.15


 
Section 5.20. Compliance with OFAC Rules and Regulations. None of the Loan Parties or their Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of a Responsible Officer of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries after due and diligent inquiry, their respective Affiliates (a) is or has been a Sanctioned Person, (b) has or has had assets in Sanctioned Countries, or (c) is or has been in violated of Sanctions, (d) derives or has derived its operating income from investments in, or transactions with, Sanctioned Persons or Sanctioned Countries. No part of the proceeds of the Loans hereunder will be used directly or indirectly to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Country, or otherwise cause any Person to violate Sanctions. Section 5.21. Compliance with the FCPA. Each of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of a Responsible Officer of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries after due and diligent inquiry, their respective Affiliates, are and have been in compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-l, et seq (“FCPA”), and any foreign counterpart thereto. None of the Loan Parties or their Subsidiaries has made a payment, offering, or promise to pay, or authorized the payment of, money or anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any Governmental Official or other Person in violation of the FCPA or any foreign counterpart thereto. The CompanyEach of the Loan Parties and itstheir Subsidiaries have maintained complete and accurate books and records, including records of payments to any agents, consultants, representatives, third parties and Governmental Officials. Section 5.23. Transactions with Affiliates. Borrower’s proxy statement filed pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of March 17, 2017 sets forth all transactions with Affiliates involving the Loan Parties or their respective Subsidiaries existing as of the Closing Date. Section 5.24. ERISA. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Plan has been established, maintained, funded and administered in compliance in all respects with its terms, the terms of any applicable collective bargaining or labor agreement, the applicable provisions of ERISA, the IRC, and all other applicable laws. Each Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the IRC has received a favorable determination, opinion or advisory letter from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the form thereof and, to the knowledge of the Loan Parties, nothing has occurred which would prevent or could cause the loss of such qualification. No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that when taken together with all other existing ERISA Events could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Loan Parties of more than $50,000. Section 5.25. Environmental. Except to the extent it would not reasonably be expected to result in aggregate liability to the Loan Parties (or any of them) in excess of $2,000,000 (to the extent not covered by insurance), (a) each of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries are and have been in compliance with all Environmental Laws, including obtaining, maintaining and complying with all permits required under Environmental Laws; (b) no Lien in favor of any Person securing, in whole or in part, any liabilities under Environmental Law has attached to any property of any Loan Party or any of their Subsidiaries and no facts, circumstances or conditions exist that could reasonably be expected to result in any such Lien attaching to any such property, and (c) none of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries: (i) has assumed, provided an indemnity with respect to, or otherwise become subject to, any liability of any other Person under any Environmental Law or relating to Hazardous Materials; (ii) is subject to any pending or, to the knowledge of such Loan Party, threatened Environmental Claim alleging violations of, or liability under, any Environmental Law; or (iii) manufactured, transported, disposed of, arranged for the disposal of, distributed, released, owned or operated any property or facility which is or has been contaminated by, or exposed any Person to, Hazardous Materials, in each case as would give rise to a liability under any Environmental Law. Section 5.26. No Off-Balance-Sheet Liabilities. Each of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries does not have any ongoing off-balance-sheet liabilities (other than operating leases and joint-venture liabilities but including any pension liabilities). Section 5.27. Full Disclosure. No written representation, warranty or other statement of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in any certificate or written statement given to Agent or Lenders, as of the date such representation, warranty, or other statement was made, taken together with all such written certificates and written statements given to Agent or Lenders, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained in the certificates or statements not misleading (it being recognized by Agent and Lenders that the projections and forecasts provided by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in good faith and based upon reasonable assumptions are not viewed as facts and that actual results during the period or periods covered by such projections and forecasts may differ from the projected or forecasted results). 41 KE 52826770.15


 
ARTICLE 6. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. While any Obligations (other than contingent indemnity Obligations to the extent no claim giving rise thereto has been asserted) remain outstanding or commitment to advance credit to Borrower remains outstanding: Section 6.01. Financial Statements. Borrower shall provide to the Lenders the financial statements or financial reports specified in Sections 6.01(a) and (b), prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied (except, in the case of unaudited Financial Statements, for the absence of footnotes and normal year-end adjustments) and the other information specified below. (a) As soon as practicable (and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year), audited consolidated Financial Statements of the Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the preceding fiscal year, and accompanied by (1) a compliance certificate in the form of Exhibit K (the “Compliance Certificate”) and (2) the unqualified opinion of independent certified public accountants with respect to the audited consolidated Financial Statements, which accountants shall be an independent accounting firm selected by the Borrower and acceptable to the Lenders (it being understood and agreed that any “big four” accounting firm of nationally recognized standing shall be acceptable to the Lenders), and such audited consolidated Financial Statements shall have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, and present fairly the financial condition, results of operations and shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries as of the end of and for the fiscal year then ended and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit. (b) As soon as practicable (and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter), unaudited consolidated Financial Statements of the Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries for such fiscal quarter, setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for (i) the corresponding portion of the preceding fiscal year, and (ii) the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year, certified by Borrower’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer to fairly present the consolidated financial condition, results of operations and shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal quarter in accordance with GAAP (subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes), accompanied by a Compliance Certificate. (c) Substantially concurrently with the delivery of the Financial Statements required pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 6.01, Borrower shall hold a meeting (which meeting may, in the Lenders’ sole discretion, be held telephonically) with Lenders to, among other things, review the financial results of the previous fiscal quarter and the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of such fiscal quarter (for the avoidance of doubt, such meeting shall be in addition to any earnings call Borrower holds during such fiscal quarter). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, documents required to be delivered pursuant to this Section 6.01 may be delivered by (x) electronic mail in accordance with Section 11.06 or (y) Borrower’s posting such documents, or providing a link thereto, on Borrower’s website on the Internet at http://www.strlco.com/, and such documents shall be deemed delivered in the case of clause (y) on the date on which Agent receives written notification of such posting (which notification may be made by electronic mail in accordance with Section 11.06). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 6.01 and Section 6.02, effective immediately upon delivery of a written notice (an “Information Declination Notice”) by Oaktree to (x) Agent and (y) Borrower that Oaktree no longer wishes to receive the items described in such sections (or any subclauses thereof), neither Agent nor Borrower shall deliver any such items to Oaktree, pursuant to the terms of this Loan Agreement or otherwise; provided, that it is acknowledged and agreed by the parties hereto that Oaktree has been deemed to have delivered such Information Declination Notice to Agent and Borrower effective as of the Closing Date. Oaktree may, in its sole discretion, rescind any Information Declination Notice by the delivery of written notice of such rescission to (x) Agent and (y) Borrower, at which time any obligations to comply with Section 6.01 and/or Section 6.02 (or any subclauses thereof) shall be reinstated as of the date of delivery of such notice. 42 KE 52826770.15


 
Section 6.02. Other Information. Each Loan Party shall, and cause each such Subsidiary to, promptly provide to Agent and Lenders (after any of the same are available and in any event but in any event within the time periods set forth below): (a) within five (5) Business Days after a Responsible Officer obtains knowledge of the availability, occurrence, event, condition or receiving service of any action, suit or proceeding before any Governmental Authority, which suit or proceeding if decided adversely to such Loan Party or such Subsidiary could reasonably be expected to result in costs or damages to such Loan Party or its Subsidiaries of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) or more written notice thereof; (b) (i) within three (3) Business Days after a Responsible Officer obtains knowledge thereof, written notice of any Default or Event of Default, and (ii) within five (5) Business Days after a Responsible Officer obtains knowledge thereof, (A) any matter which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (B) any ERISA Event, (C) any termination, suspension, material default or any other similar event arising with respect to any customer contracts of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in existence as of the Closing Date or thereafter, in each case, with an individual or aggregate value of Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000) or more; or (D) any Event of Loss for which the amount claimed exceeds Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000); (c) within five (5) Business Days of a Responsible Officer obtains knowledge thereof, written notice of the receipt by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries of any notice of violation of or potential liability or similar notice under Environmental Law that would reasonably be expected to result in costs or damages to such Loan Party in excess of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) in the aggregate (to the extent not covered by insurance); (d) within five (5) Business Days of a Responsible Officer obtains knowledge thereof, written notice of the existence of any condition that could reasonably be expected to result in violations of or liabilities under, any Environmental Law that would reasonably be expected to result in costs or damages to such Loan Party of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) or more; (e) within five (5) Business Days of a Responsible Officer obtains knowledge thereof, written notice of the receipt by any Loan Party of notification that any property of any Loan Party is subject to any Lien in favor of any Person securing, in whole or in part, liabilities under Environmental Law; (f) written notice, within two (2) Business Days, of the provision or deposit by the Borrower or any other Loan Party to any surety or bonding company, including but not limited to, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, of any assets, cash or contract funds in excess of $100,000 as collateral security for the obligations subject to such suretyship or bonding arrangement; (g) within five (5) Business Days of receipt thereof by the Loan Parties, a copy of any definitive letter provided by its certified public accountants citing a “material weakness”; (h) concurrently with the delivery of the Compliance Certificate referred to in Section 6.01(a) or (b), an updated Perfection Certificate and updated schedules relating to the Collateral (including Schedule 8 hereto) (or a certification by the Borrower that there have been no changes to the most recent Perfection Certificate and Collateral schedules delivered by the Borrower to the Agent hereunder); and (i) any additional information (including but not limited to tax returns, income statements, balance sheets, and names of principal creditors) as Agent or Lenders shall reasonably request which is necessary to evaluate such Loan Party’s continuing financial obligations, including such additional information regarding the business affairs, financial condition or operations of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents. 43 KE 52826770.15


 
Section 6.03. Corporate Identity. Each Loan Party shall notify Agent and Lenders in writing thirty (30) days prior to any change in Borrower’s principal place of business or chief executive office and any change of such Loan Party’s name, identity, state of incorporation or organization or corporate structure. Section 6.04. Insurance. Borrower shall, at its own expense, obtain and carry insurance in amounts and forms as are customarily carried or maintained by similarly situated companies engaged in similar businesses, including insurance against loss or damage to the Collateral and commercial general liability insurance and the key man life insurance policies required to be maintained by the Loan Parties pursuant to the organizational documents of the Affiliated Entities. The insurance against loss or damage to the Collateral shall name Agent as sole loss payee with respect to the Collateral, shall not be invalidated by any action of or breach of warranty by Borrower of any provision thereof and shall waive subrogation against Agent. The liability policy(ies) shall name Agent as an additional insured in the full amount of Borrower’s liability coverage limits (or the coverage limits of any successor to Borrower or such successor’s parent which is providing coverage), be primary and without contribution as respects any insurance carried by Agent and contain cross liability and severability of interest clauses. All policies of insurance shall provide that Agent shall be given thirty (30) days’ notice of cancellation of coverage. On or prior to the Closing Date and prior to each policy renewal, Borrower shall furnish to Agent, certificates of insurance or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to Agent and Lenders that insurance complying with all of the above requirements is in effect. The proceeds of any key man life insurance policies required to be maintained by the Loan Parties pursuant to the organizational documents of the Affiliated Entities, including Myers and RHB LLC, shall be used to purchase or buy out all of the Equity Securities of such Affiliated Entity held by a Person that is not a Loan Party or Subsidiary such that upon consummation of such purchase or buy out, such Affiliated Entity shall become a wholly-owned direct Subsidiary of a Loan Party and provide a Guaranty in accordance with Section 6.10. Section 6.05. Taxes. Each Loan Party shall pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy as the same shall become due and delinquent in the normal conduct of its business, all of its obligations and liabilities in respect of material Taxes imposed upon it or upon its income and its profits or in respect of its property and all other Governmental Authority assessments or before any penalty attaches thereto, except as may be contested in good faith by the appropriate procedures and for which such Loan Party shall maintain adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP; and timely file all required Tax returns and reports described in Section 5.10. Section 6.06. Title. Each Loan Party shall promptly notify Agent and the Lenders in writing of any event which would adversely affect the value of the Collateral in an amount equal to One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) in the aggregate or more, the ability of such Loan Party or Agent to dispose of the Collateral, or the rights or remedies of Agent in relation thereto, including, but not limited to, the levy of any legal process against the Collateral. Section 6.07. Collateral. Each Loan Party hereby agrees (a) to perform all acts that may be necessary to maintain (ordinary wear and tear excepted), preserve, protect and perfect the Collateral, the Lien granted to Agent herein, for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, and the perfection and priority of such Lien, except for Permitted Liens; (b) not to use or permit any Collateral to be used (i) in violation in any material respect of any Requirement of Law, or (ii) in violation of any policy of insurance covering the Collateral; (c) to pay promptly when due all material Taxes and all Liens and all other charges (other than Permitted Liens) now or hereafter imposed upon or affecting any Collateral, before delinquency or before any penalty attaches thereto, except as may be contested in good faith by the appropriate procedures and for which such Loan Party shall maintain adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP; (d) to procure, execute and deliver from time to time any endorsements, assignments, financing statements and other writings reasonably deemed necessary or appropriate by Agent or any Lender to perfect, maintain and protect its Lien hereunder and the priority thereof and to deliver promptly to Agent, for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, all originals of Collateral consisting of instruments having an aggregate value or face amount of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) or more; (e) to appear in and defend any action or proceeding which may affect its title to or Agent’s or any Lender’s interest in the Collateral; (f) if Agent or any Lender gives value to enable any Loan Party to acquire rights in or the use of any Collateral, to use such value for such purpose; (g) to keep separate, accurate and complete Books and Records of the Collateral and to provide Agent or Lender with such Books and Records and such other reports and information relating to the Collateral as Agent or Lender may reasonably request from time to time; (h) to collect, enforce and receive delivery of the accounts receivable and payment intangibles in accordance with past practice until otherwise notified by Agent or Lender; (i) to comply with all material Requirements of Law relating to the production, possession, operation, maintenance and control of the Collateral (including the Fair Labor Standards Act) and (j) to permit Agent and Lenders (at the sole cost of Borrower) and their respective representatives 44 KE 52826770.15


 
the right at any time, but no more than two times per calendar year for the Agent and Lenders, collectively (or, during the continuation of an Event of Default, at any time), during normal business hours, upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect the properties of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries and its corporate, financial and operating Records, and make abstracts therefrom, and to discuss such Loan Parties’ or their respective Subsidiaries’ affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers and, if reasonably requested by Borrower, in the presence of an officer or other representative of Borrower designated by Borrower for such purpose, independent public accountants. Section 6.08. Collateral Control; Motor Vehicles. (a) Except for Collateral that is of a type that is moved from location to location in the ordinary course of business, each Loan Party shall keep all items of Collateral at (a) the Loan Parties’ chief executive office located at the address specified in the Perfection Certificate, (b) the other locations specified in the Perfection Certificate, (c) any supplier’s facility located outside the United States or (d) such other places agreed to in writing by Agent and Lenders. Each Loan Party shall be obligated to deliver, or note Agent’s Lien on, any certificates of title with respect to any vehicles, airplanes or other assets subject to certificates of title, in each case, having an aggregate value in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) (such assets, the “Material Titled Assets”). Each Loan Party shall furnish to Agent and Lenders from time to time such statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Collateral and such other reports in connection with the Collateral as Agent or Lenders may reasonably request, all in reasonable detail. (b) Each Loan Party shall take such actions as are reasonably necessary or as Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) or the Required Lenders may reasonably request from time to time to cause Agent to be listed as the lienholder on each certificate of title or ownership covering any vehicles, airplanes or other assets subject to certificates of title (“Titled Assets”); provided, that: (i) with respect to any Titled Assets owned by a Loan Party on the Closing Date, within thirty (30) days after the Closing Date (or such later date as agreed to by the Required Lenders in their sole discretion) the Vehicle Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Agent, shall have received all certificates of title (or equivalent certificate or document) evidencing any Titled Assets, together with evidence that all Liens noted on such certificates of title have been released or arrangements, to the satisfaction of the Vehicle Collateral Agent and Agent, shall have been made for such release; (ii) subsequent to the Closing Date, in the event that any Loan Party obtains any Titled Assets, such Loan Party shall notify the Agent and within thirty (30) days of such acquisition (or such later date as agreed to by the Required Lenders in their sole discretion), (A) deliver to the Agent (1) with respect to a new Titled Asset, a copy of the manufacturer’s certificate or statement of origin or (2) with respect to a used Titled Asset, a copy of the certificate of title (or equivalent certificate or document) reflecting the transfer of ownership to the applicable Loan Party, in each case reflecting the Agent’s Lien thereon and (B) deliver to the Vehicle Collateral Agent the original certificate of title (or equivalent certificate or document) evidencing such Titled Asset and reflecting the Agent’s Lien thereon (together with evidence that all Liens noted on such certificate of title (or equivalent certificate or document) have been released, other than Liens in favor of the Agent); and (iii) unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the requirements of this Section 6.08(b) shall apply only to Material Titled Assets. Section 6.09. Intellectual Property. (a) Upon the reasonable request of Agent or Lenders, in order to facilitate filings with the PTO and the United States Copyright Office, each Loan Party shall execute and deliver to Agent one or more Intellectual Property Security Agreements to further evidence Agent's Lien on such Loan Party’s United States issued or filed Patents, registered or filed Trademarks (other than any United States 45 KE 52826770.15


 
intent-to-use trademark application to the extent that, and solely during the period in which, the grant, attachment, or enforcement of a security interest therein would impair the validity, registrability, or enforceability of such intent-to-use trademark application under applicable federal law or any trademark registration that issues therefrom; provided, that upon submission and acceptance by the PTO of a statement of use or an amendment to allege use pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 1060(a) (or any successor provision), a trademark security agreement shall be delivered for such intent-to-use trademark application), or registered or filed Copyrights, and the General Intangibles of such Loan Party relating thereto or represented thereby. Each Loan Party at its expense shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to Agent any and all documents and instruments, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent and Lenders, and take any and all action, which Agent or Lenders may reasonably request from time to time, to perfect and continue perfected, maintain the priority of or provide notice of Agent’s security interests, for the benefit of Lenders, in the Loan Party Intellectual Property. If a Loan Party refuses to execute and deliver, or fails timely to execute and deliver, any of the documents it is requested to execute and deliver by Agent in accordance with the foregoing, Agent shall have the right, in the name of such Loan Party, or in the name of Agent or otherwise, without notice to or assent by such Loan Party, and such Loan Party hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints Agent (and any of Agent's officers or employees or agents designated by Agent) as Loan Party's true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full power and authority, (i) to sign the name of such Loan Party on all or any of such documents or instruments and perform all other acts that Agent reasonably deems necessary or advisable in order to perfect or continue perfected, maintain the priority or enforceability of or provide notice of Agent's security interests in, the applicable Loan Party Intellectual Property, and (ii) to execute any and all other documents and instruments, and to perform any and all acts and things for and on behalf of such Loan Party, which Agent or Lenders reasonably may deem necessary or advisable to maintain, preserve and protect such Loan Party Intellectual Property and to accomplish the purposes of this Loan Agreement, including (A) to defend, settle, adjust or institute any action, suit or proceeding with respect to such Loan Party Intellectual Property, (B) to assert or retain any rights under any license agreement for any of such Loan Party Intellectual Property, and (C) to execute any and all applications, documents, papers and instruments for Agent to use such Loan Party Intellectual Property, to grant or issue any exclusive or non-exclusive license with respect to any Loan Party Intellectual Property, and to assign, convey or otherwise transfer title in or dispose of such Loan Party Intellectual Property. The power of attorney set forth in this Section 6.09(a), being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable so long as this Loan Agreement shall not have terminated in accordance with the terms set forth herein. (b) Each Loan Party shall protect and diligently enforce and defend at such Loan Party's expense, to the extent deemed appropriate in such Loan Party's reasonable business judgment, all material Loan Party Intellectual Property. Each Loan Party further agrees, unless otherwise determined by such Loan Party in its reasonable business judgment, not to abandon any material Loan Party Intellectual Property or Loan Party Intellectual Property License (in each case, respectively, other than at the end of its statutory or contractual term). Each Loan Party hereby agrees, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, to take the steps described in this Section 6.09(b) with respect to all newly developed or acquired Intellectual Property to which it is now or later becomes entitled that is included in the Collateral. (c) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, (i) each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that the Lenders shall have no duties with respect to any Loan Party Intellectual Property or Loan Party Intellectual Property Licenses; and (ii) without limiting the generality of this Section 6.09(c), each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that no Lender shall be under any obligation to take any steps necessary to preserve rights in the Collateral consisting of Loan Party Intellectual Property or Loan Party Intellectual Property Licenses against any other Person, but any Lender may do so at its option from and after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, and all expenses incurred in connection therewith (including reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of attorneys and other professionals) shall be for the sole account of Loan Party and shall be chargeable to the account of such Loan Party. 46 KE 52826770.15


 
(d) Any updated Perfection Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(h) shall include a list of all new Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks that are registered or the subject of pending applications for registrations, and of all Loan Party Intellectual Property Licenses, in each case, which were, as applicable, acquired, registered, or for which applications for registration were filed by, or with regard to Loan Party Intellectual Property Licenses, were entered into by, any Loan Party during the prior period and any statement of use or amendment to allege use with respect to intent-to-use trademark applications. In the case of such registrations or applications therefor, which were acquired by a Loan Party, such Loan Party shall file the necessary documents with the appropriate Governmental Authority identifying such Loan Party as the owner (or as a co-owner thereof, if such is the case) of such Intellectual Property. In each of the foregoing cases, such Loan Party shall promptly cause to be prepared, executed, and delivered to Agent supplemental schedules to the applicable Loan Documents to identify such Patent, Trademark and Copyright registrations and applications therefor (with the exception of Trademark applications filed on an intent-to-use basis for which no statement of use or amendment to allege use has been filed) and Loan Party Intellectual Property Licenses as being subject to the security interests created thereunder. Section 6.10. Creation/Acquisition of Subsidiaries. Each Loan Party shall provide Agent and Lenders with at least fifteen (15) days (or such shorter period as the Required Lenders may accept in their sole discretion) prior written notice of Borrower’s, any Loan Party’s, or any of their respective Subsidiaries’ intention to create or, to the extent permitted pursuant to this Loan Agreement, acquire (a) a new Subsidiary (other than any Project Specific JV) and (b) any Minority Subsidiary (other than a Project Specific JV) and shall cause any such Subsidiary described in clause (a) or any such Minority Subsidiary described in clause (b) (unless such Minority Subsidiary is contractually or otherwise prohibited from providing a Guaranty; provided, that to the extent any such Minority Subsidiary (i) becomes a direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Loan Party or (ii) a Loan Party or any Subsidiary is permitted or able to cause such Minority Subsidiary to become a Guarantor, whether by virtue of becoming a majority-owned or wholly-owned Subsidiary of a Loan Party or otherwise, then such Minority Subsidiary shall no longer be excluded from the requirements of becoming a Required Guarantor Party hereunder and shall immediately provide a Guaranty and become a Required Guarantor Party hereunder) to provide a Guaranty; provided, that (i) any Minority Subsidiary that is contractually or otherwise prohibited from providing a Guaranty shall not be required to provide a Guaranty hereunder, unless (A) such Minority Subsidiary becomes a direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Loan Party or (B) a Loan Party or any Subsidiary is permitted or able to cause such Minority Subsidiary to become a Guarantor, whether by virtue of becoming a majority-owned or wholly-owned Subsidiary of a Loan Party or otherwise, in which case, such Minority Subsidiary shall no longer be excluded from the requirements of becoming a Required Guarantor Party hereunder and shall immediately provide a Guaranty and become a Required Guarantor Party hereunder and (ii) to the extent that a Loan Party is unable under the organizational documents of an Affiliated Entity (as in effect as of the Closing Date) to restrict the creation of a Subsidiary of an Affiliated Entity, whether by the taking of any action or the refraining from taking of such action any Subsidiary created by an Affiliated Entity shall not be required to provide a Guaranty hereunder (such persons and entities in clauses (a) and (b), each a “Required Guarantor Party” and collectively, the “Required Guarantor Parties”). Upon such creation or, to the extent permitted hereunder, acquisition of any Required Guarantor Party or, upon any entity becoming, or upon any entity required to become, a Required Guarantor Party pursuant to the terms hereof, any such Loan Party or Subsidiary shall promptly (and in any event within five (5) Business Days of such creation or acquisition) take all such action (including any action as may be reasonably required by Agent and the Required Lenders) to cause each such Required Guarantor Party to guarantee the Obligations under the Loan Documents and, in each case, grant a continuing pledge and security interest in and to the assets of such Required Guarantor Party (substantially as described on Exhibit B hereto); and the relevant Loan Party or Subsidiary shall grant and pledge to Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, a perfected security interest in all of the stock, units or other evidence of ownership of each Required Guarantor Party, and execute and deliver, or cause such Required Guarantor Party to execute and deliver, such other documentation as Agent or the Lenders may reasonably request in connection with the foregoing, including, without limitation, appropriate UCC-1 financing statements, Mortgages, any pledge amendments or supplements required pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, certified resolutions and other organizational and authorizing documents of such Person and favorable opinions of counsel to such Person (which shall cover, among other things, the legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability of the documentation referred to in this Section 6.10), a Joinder Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit H hereto, an updated Schedule 8 hereto and an updated Perfection Certificate, in each case, covering such new Person and its respective assets, all in form, content and scope reasonably satisfactory to the Required Lenders (the foregoing collectively, the “Joinder Requirements”). For the avoidance of doubt, (i) any Subsidiaries (other than Project Specific JVs) that are 47 KE 52826770.15


 
owned more than 50%, directly or indirectly, by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to become a Guarantor hereunder and be deemed a Required Guarantor Party and (ii) any Loan Party that holds any Equity Securities in a joint venture (whether minority- or majority-controlled), Minority Subsidiary or any other Subsidiary (including any Affiliated Entities) (other than those which are not permitted to be pledged as of the Closing Date pursuant to the terms of its organizational documents) shall be required to pledge its Equity Securities in such entity to the Agent, for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, as collateral security for the Obligations. Section 6.11. Environmental Matters. Except to the extent not reasonably expected to result in liability to the Loan Parties (or any of them) in excess of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) (to the extent not covered by insurance), (i) each of the Loan Parties shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with, and maintain its properties and facilities (whether owned, leased, subleased or otherwise operated or occupied) in compliance with, all Environmental Laws; and (ii) in the event of the presence of any Hazardous Material on any property of any Loan Party, each Loan Party and its respective Subsidiaries, upon discovery thereof, shall take all necessary steps to initiate and expeditiously complete all response, corrective and other action to mitigate and eliminate any such violation or potential liability, and shall keep the Lenders reasonably informed on a regular basis of their material actions and the results of such actions. Without limiting the foregoing, if an Event of Default is continuing, then each Loan Party shall, promptly upon receipt of written request from the Required Lenders, cause the performance of, and allow the Lenders (or their designees) and its representatives access to its properties and facilities for the purpose of conducting, such environmental audits and assessments, including subsurface sampling of soil and groundwater, and cause the preparation of such reports, in each case as the Required Lenders may from time to time reasonably request. Such audits, assessments and reports, to the extent not conducted by the Lenders (or their designees) or any of its representatives, shall be conducted and prepared by reputable environmental consulting firms reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders and shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders. Section 6.12. Maintenance as Public Entity. Borrower shall maintain its status as a publicly-listed entity and SEC filer. Section 6.13. Real Property. With respect to each parcel of Real Property included as Collateral, Borrower shall provide prompt notice to the Agent of any re-designation into or out of a “Special Flood Hazard Area” as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Without limiting any other restrictions set forth in this Loan Agreement, if a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than (i) Affiliated Entities to the extent such Affiliated Entity is not a Required Guarantor Party or Guarantor and (ii) Project Specific JVs) at any time acquires or otherwise comes to own any fee interests in any Real Property, or the Permitted Liens on the Excluded Property are terminated, unless otherwise agreed by the Required Lenders, such Loan Party or applicable Subsidiary shall promptly (but in no event later than sixty (60) days after the acquisition of such Real Property or the termination of such Liens, subject to extension in the Required Lender’s sole discretion) execute and deliver to the Agent such Mortgages, as may be necessary to cause the Agent to have a Lien in such property subject only to Permitted Liens. To the extent any property in which a Mortgage is required is located in a jurisdiction with mortgage recording or similar tax, the amount secured by the Mortgage with respect to such Real Property shall be limited to the fair market value of such Real Property as determined in good faith based on the appraisal to be obtained by the Agent with respect to such Real Property subject to any applicable laws in the relevant jurisdiction or such lesser amount agreed to in its sole discretion by the Required Lenders. In addition, unless otherwise waived by Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) or the Required Lenders, Borrower shall deliver: (a) an opinion of counsel in each state in which Real Property is located with respect to the enforceability of the Mortgages to be recorded in such state and such other matters as the Required Lenders may reasonably request; (b) Phase I environmental site assessment reports (to the extent not already provided) and reliance letters with respect thereto and any other due diligence with respect to environmental due diligence on such Real Property as is deemed necessary upon review of such Phase I environmental site assessment reports; (c) the documents and instruments necessary in order to comply with the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 and related legislation (including the regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), including, without limitation: (1) a completed standard flood hazard 48 KE 52826770.15


 
determination form, (2) if the improvement(s) to the improved Real Property is located in a special flood hazard area, a notification to the Borrower that flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program is not available because the community does not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, (3) documentation evidencing Borrower’s receipt of the notification in clause (2), and (4) if flood insurance is available in the community in which the property is located, a copy of the flood insurance policy, the Borrowers’ application for a flood insurance policy plus proof of premium payment, a declaration page confirming that flood insurance has been issued, or such other evidence of flood insurance reasonably satisfactory to the Required Lenders; (d) ALTA extended coverage lenders’ policies of title insurance or unconditional commitments therefor insuring the Lien of each Mortgage on the Real Property described therein, free of any other Liens other than Permitted Liens, issued by one or more nationally recognized title insurance companies reasonably satisfactory to the Required Lenders with respect to such Real Property (each, a “title policy”), in amounts not to exceed the fair market value of such Real Property, together with such customary endorsements as the Required Lenders may reasonably request and which are available at reasonable rates in the jurisdiction where the applicable Real Property is located, and evidence satisfactory to the Required Lenders that Borrower has paid to the title insurance company or to the appropriate Governmental Authorities all expenses and premiums of the title insurance company and all other sums required in connection with the issuance of such title policy and all recording and stamp taxes (including mortgage recording and intangible Taxes) payable in connection with recording the Mortgages for such Real Property in the appropriate real estate records; (e) a survey of all Real Property (including all improvements, easements and other customary matters thereon reasonably required by the Required Lenders) or the equivalent (including, without limitation, ExpressMaps) certified to the Agent which: (i) is sufficient to cause the title insurance company to omit as an exception to each Title Policy the standard printed survey exception, (ii) does not create any new exceptions to the Title Policy that are not Permitted Liens, and (iii) otherwise meets Required Lender’s reasonable requirements; and (f) such Uniform Commercial Code financing statements as are necessary to perfect the security interests created thereby, in each case in form appropriate for recording in the relevant jurisdictionGovernment Contracts. Other than Accounts and Chattel Paper of a Loan Party the aggregate value of which does not at any one time exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000), if any Account or Chattel Paper of a Loan Party arises out of a contract or contracts with the United States of America or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, each Loan Party shall promptly (and in any event within five (5) Business Days of the creation thereof) notify Agent and the Lenders thereof and, promptly (and in any event within five (5) Business Days) after request by Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) or the Required Lenders, execute any instruments or take any steps reasonably required by Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) or the Required Lenders in order that all moneys due or to become due under such contract or contracts shall be assigned to Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, and shall provide written notice thereof under the Federal Assignment of Claims Act or other relevant applicable law, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit O. Section 6.15. Further Assurances. Each Loan Party shall promptly furnish to Agent and the Lenders from time to time such statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Collateral and such other reports in connection with the Collateral as Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) or the Required Lenders may reasonably request by prior written notice, all in reasonable detail. The Loan Parties shall take such further actions as Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) or the Required Lenders may reasonably request to perfect or maintain Agent’s security interest granted in this Loan Agreement or to otherwise further the purposes of this Loan Agreement. Section 6.16. Post-Closing Obligations. Borrower shall, and shall cause each Loan Party and each of their respective Subsidiaries to, complete each of the post-closing obligations and/or deliver to Agent and the Lenders each of the documents, instruments, agreements and information listed on Schedule 10 hereto, the Post-Closing Obligations Schedule, on or before the date set forth for each such item thereon (as the same may be extended by the Required 49 KE 52826770.15


 
Lenders in writing in their sole discretion), each of which shall be completed or provided in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Required Lenders. Section 6.17. Financial Covenants. Borrower covenants and agrees that, until termination of all of the commitments hereunder and payment in full of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnity obligations) (such covenants set forth below, the “Financial Covenants”): (a) Total Secured Leverage Ratio. Borrower shall not permit the Total Secured Leverage Ratio, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter ending on the date set forth in the table below, to exceed the ratio set forth opposite such period: Period Ending Total Secured Leverage Ratio June 30, 2017 3.10:1.00 September 30, 2017 2.70:1.00 December 31, 2017 2.45:1.00 March 31, 2018 2.35:1.00 June 30, 2018 2.20:1.00 September 30, 2018 2.00:1.00 December 31, 2018 2.00:1.00 March 31, 2019 2.00:1.00 June 30, 2019 1.90:1.00 September 30, 2019 and each 1.80:1.00 quarter thereafter (b) Cash Collateral Liquidity. Borrower shall maintain, at all times, Cash Collateral Liquidity in an amount of not less than (i) commencing on June 30, 2017 and continuing through September 30, 2017, $10,000,000, and (ii) commencing on October 1, 2017 and continuing through April 3, 2018, $15,000,000, and (iii) commencing April 4, 2018 and continuing thereafter, $18,000,000; provided, however, that in the event (A) the Secured Intercompany Note is repaid in full and no longer in full force and effect, (B) the Liens on the Excluded Property securing such Secured Intercompany Note are released in their entirety and (C) such Excluded Property becomes and is deemed a part of the Collateral, the Cash Collateral Liquidity required pursuant to this Section 6.17(b) shall be $15,000,000 at all times from and after April 4, 201815,000,000. (c) Contract Backlog. Borrower shall maintain Contract Backlog, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter ending on the date set forth in the table below, at a minimum amount equal to or greater than the corresponding level set forth opposite such period: Period Ending Contract Backlog June 30, 2017 $60,000,000 September 30, 2017 $60,000,000 50 KE 52826770.15


 
December 31, 2017 $60,000,000 March 31, 2018 $65,000,000 June 30, 2018 $65,000,000 September 30, 2018 $65,000,000 December 31, 2018 $65,000,000 March 31, 2019 and each fiscal $70,000,000 quarter thereafter (d) Capital Expenditures. Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries shall not make or incur, in each consecutive four-fiscal quarter period, Consolidated Capital Expenditure, after deducting Net Cash Proceeds received from the Transfer of any used equipment, in excess of $15,000,000 in the aggregate. (e) Bonding Capacity. Borrower shall maintain, at all times, bonding capacity in an amount of not less than $1,000,000,000 (it is understood and agreed that compliance with the foregoing may be evidenced by delivery to Agent and the Lenders of a letter issued by a Bonding Company, which letter shall be in form and substance substantially consistent with the Existing Bonding Letter or any other form acceptable to the Required Lenders). (f) Tealstone Residential - Consolidated EBITDA. Commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2017, Tealstone Residential shall maintain, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter for each consecutive four-fiscal quarter period, Consolidated EBITDA in an amount of not less than $12,000,000. Section 6.18. Collateral Enhancement. The Loan Parties shall comply with the collateral enhancement and other requirements and obligations set forth in Schedule 3 hereto, on or before the dates set forth therein; provided, however, that if the Loan Parties are unable to comply with such requirements and obligations set forth in Schedule 3 hereto on or prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, the then-applicable interest rate hereunder shall, automatically and immediately effective as of April 4, 2018, without any further action by any of the parties hereto, be subject to the Enhanced Rate Adjustment; provided, further, that the failure to continue to satisfy the Collateral Enhancement Requirement after the first anniversary of the Closing Date could further subject the Loan Parties to the Enhanced Rate Adjustment implemented by the Required Lenders in their sole discretion. ARTICLE 7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS. While any Obligations (other than contingent indemnity Obligations to the extent no claim giving rise thereto has been asserted) remain outstanding or commitment to advance credit to Borrower remains outstanding: Section 7.01. Liens. The Loan Parties shall not (i) in any way create or permit to exist any Lien with respect to any of their or their Subsidiaries’ (other than Affiliated Entities and Project Specific JVs) property, except for Permitted Liens, nor (ii) permit the inclusion in any contract to which it or a Subsidiary (other than an Affiliated Entity or Project Specific JVs) becomes a party of any provisions that could restrict or invalidate the existence or granting of a security interest to Agent, for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, in any of such Loan Party’s or such Subsidiary’s property or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired (other than (A) restrictions under this Loan Agreement, (B) restrictions that would be unenforceable or ineffective pursuant to Section 9-408 of the Code or the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted in any other applicable jurisdiction, or (C) restrictions in agreements governing property subject to a Lien that is otherwise permitted pursuant to clause (v) or clause (vi) of the definition of Permitted Liens). 51 KE 52826770.15


 
Section 7.02. Dispositions. No Loan Party shall sell, transfer, assign, pledge, collaterally assign, exchange, or otherwise dispose of (collectively, a “Transfer”), or permit any of its Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities or Project Specific JVs) to Transfer, all or any part of its business or property, other than Transfers: (i) of inventory in the ordinary course of business, (ii) of non-exclusive licenses and similar arrangements for the use of the property of such Loan Party or its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, (iii) of substantially worn-out, damaged, unneeded or obsolete equipment in the ordinary course of business, (iv) of equipment consistent with such Person’s historical practice and in the ordinary course of business to the extent the Net Cash Proceeds of such Transfer are either used to prepay the Loans in accordance with Section 2.02(d)(ii)(C) or reinvested in fixed or capital assets in accordance with Section 2.02(d)(ii)(C), (v) of other property sold at fair market value not to exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate during the term of the Loan Agreement not in the ordinary course of business, or (vi) of the fee-simple ownership interests in the Excluded Property so long as the Net Cash Proceeds of such Transfer are used to prepay the Loans in accordance with Section 2.02(d)(ii)(C); provided, that, such Net Cash Proceeds described in this clause (vi) shall not be permitted to be reinvested in any assets of the Loan Parties or their respective Subsidiaries as contemplated by Section 2.02(d)(ii)(C). Section 7.03. Fundamental Changes. No Loan Party nor any of its respective Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities or Project Specific JVs) shall enter into any merger, consolidation or amalgamation, or liquidate, wind up or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution), or Transfer all or substantially all of its property or business, except that (i) any Subsidiary of the Borrower or a Guarantor (other than Tealstone Residential) may be merged or consolidated with or into Borrower (provided that if Borrower is involved, Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving entity) or with or into any other Loan Party (provided that such Loan Party shall be the continuing or surviving entity); (ii) any Loan Party (other than Borrower) or Subsidiary of the Borrower (other than Tealstone Residential) may Transfer any or all of its assets to Borrower or any Guarantor (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) and any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may Transfer all or any of its assets to any other Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party; (iii) Transfers permitted by Section 7.02 may be made; and (iv) any Permitted Investment may be structured as a merger, consolidation or amalgamation. Section 7.04. Restricted Payments. Without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders, no Loan Party shall, nor shall any of such Loan Parties’ Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities) (each of the following, a “Restricted Payment”), (i) pay any dividends or make any distributions on its Equity Securities; (ii) purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise acquire for value any of its Equity Securities; (iii) return any capital to any holder of its Equity Securities as such; (iv) make any distribution of assets, Equity Securities, obligations or securities to any holder of its Equity Securities as such; or (v) set apart any sum for any such purpose; provided, however, that (A) Borrower may declare dividends payable solely in common stock, (B) any Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the Borrower or any Guarantor that is its respective parent entity; and any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may make Restricted Payments to any other Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, and (C) with respect to the restrictions described in subclause (ii) above, with respect to Borrower, repurchases pursuant to the terms of employee stock purchase plans, employee restricted stock agreements or similar arrangements either (i) by the cancellation of Indebtedness or (ii) in an aggregate amount not to exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000)). Section 7.05. Indebtedness; Maximum Recourse Obligations. The Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities and Project Specific JVs) shall not create, incur, assume or suffer to exist (i) any Indebtedness, other than Permitted Indebtedness nor (ii) any obligations for or on behalf of any of their respective non-wholly-owned or non-controlling Subsidiaries (including, for the avoidance of doubt, joint ventures (other than Project Specific JVs), pursuant to which the holder of such obligations has recourse against any Loan Parties. Section 7.06. Investments. The Loan Parties and its Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities and Project Specific JVs) shall not directly or indirectly acquire or own, or make any Investment in or to any Person other than Permitted Investments; or suffer or permit any Subsidiary (other than an Affiliated Entity or a Project Specific JV) to be a party to, or be bound by, an agreement (other than a Loan Document) that restricts such Subsidiary from paying dividends or otherwise distributing property to Borrower or any other Loan Party. Section 7.07. Transactions with Affiliates. The Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities) shall not directly or indirectly enter into or permit to exist any transaction with any Affiliate, except for transactions that are in the ordinary course of such Person’s business, upon fair and reasonable terms that are no less favorable to such Loan Party, or such Subsidiary, than would be obtained in an arms’ length transaction with a non- 52 KE 52826770.15


 
affiliated Person; provided that the foregoing restriction shall not apply to (i) any transaction between such Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities) or between any Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities) that is not otherwise prohibited by this Loan Agreement and (ii) compensation arrangements and benefit plans for officers and other employees of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities) entered into or maintained in the ordinary course of business and consistent with such Loan Parties’ and such Subsidiaries’ historical practices, which are, in each case, approved by such Loan Parties’ or such Subsidiaries’ board of directors (or equivalent governing body). Section 7.08. Indebtedness Payments. The Loan Parties and its Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities and Project Specific JVs) shall not (i) prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy in any manner prior to the scheduled repayment thereof any Indebtedness for borrowed money, including any Subordinated Debt or Closing Date Seller Notes (other than amounts due under this Loan Agreement or permitted to be prepaid under this Loan Agreement or any lease obligations permitted to be incurred under this Loan Agreement), (ii) amend, modify or otherwise change the terms of any Indebtedness (other than the Loans) or Capital Lease Obligations so as to accelerate the scheduled repayment thereof, (iii) repay any Indebtedness to officers, directors or shareholders or (iv) make any payment of the Closing Date Earn-Out unless at the time of, and after giving effect to, such payment, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Borrower is in compliance on a pro forma basis with the then- applicable Financial Covenants as of the last date of the most recent four-fiscal quarter period for which Financial Statements have been delivered or were required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b). Section 7.09. Accounts. The Loan Parties shall not maintain any deposit accounts or securities accounts except accounts with respect to which, concurrently with the establishment thereof, Agent has obtained a control agreement with the bank or other financial institution sufficient to perfect a security interest in such deposit accounts or securities accounts; provided, however, that this Section 7.09 shall not apply to Excluded Accounts. Section 7.10. Swap Agreements. The Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities and Project Specific JVs) shall not enter into any Swap Agreement, except (a) Swap Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks to which the Loan Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities) has actual exposure (other than those in respect of Equity Securities), (b) Excluded Swap Obligations and (c) Swap Agreements entered into to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from fixed to floating rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities), in each case, for bona fide hedging purposes and not for speculation. Section 7.11. Changes in Fiscal Periods or Accounting Policies. No Loan Party shall permit (i) the fiscal year of such Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities and Project Specific JVs) to end on a day other than December 31 or change the method of determining fiscal quarters or (ii) a change in the accounting policies or methods of such Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities and Project Specific JVs), except in accordance with GAAP. Section 7.12. Lines of Business. No Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities and Project Specific JVs) shall enter into any business, either directly or through any Subsidiary (other than any Affiliated Entity or Project Specific JV), except for (i) those businesses in which the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities) are engaged on the date of this Loan Agreement (after giving effect to the Closing Date Acquisition) or that are reasonably related thereto and (ii) those business acquired pursuant to Permitted Acquisitions to the extent the conditions and requirements set forth in the definition thereof are satisfied. Section 7.13. Amendments to Acquisition Documentation and Subordination Agreement. The Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries (other than Affiliated Entities and Project Specific JVs) shall not (a) amend, supplement or otherwise modify (pursuant to a waiver or otherwise) the terms and conditions set forth in the Acquisition Documentation such that after giving effect thereto such terms and conditions shall be materially less favorable to the interests of the Loan Parties or the Agent or the Lenders with respect thereto; (b) fail to enforce, in a commercially reasonable manner, the Loan Parties’ or their respective Subsidiaries’ rights (including rights to indemnification) under the Acquisition Documentation or (iiic) amend, supplement or otherwise modify any Subordinated Debt except as expressly permitted by the applicable Subordination Agreement. 53 KE 52826770.15


 
Section 7.14. Amendments to Organizational Documents. No Loan Party shall amend or permit any amendments to any Loan Party’s organizational documents without obtaining the prior written consent of the Required Lenders; provided, however, that the Borrower shall be permitted to amend its organizational documents in a manner that is not materially adverse to the interests of the Agent or the Lenders. Section 7.15. Foreign Assets Control Regulations, Etc. None of the requesting or borrowing of the Loans or the use of the proceeds of any thereof will violate, or cause any Person to violate, the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 USC §1 et seq., as amended) (the “Trading With the Enemy Act”), the FCPA or any foreign counterpart thereof, anti-money laundering laws and regulations, or Sanctions, including but not limited to any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 C.F.R., Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) (the “Foreign Assets Control Regulations”) or any enabling legislation, regulation or executive order relating thereto (including, but not limited to (a) Executive Order 13224 of September 21, 2001 Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism (66 Fed. Reg. 49079 (2001)) (the “Anti- Terrorism Order”) and (b) the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-56)). None of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of a Responsible Officer of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries after due and diligent inquiry, other Affiliates, is or will become Sanctioned Person or a “blocked person” as described in the Anti-Terrorism Order, the Trading with the Enemy Act, applicable Sanctions, or the Foreign Assets Control Regulations or engages or will engage in any dealings or transactions, or be otherwise associated, with any such “blocked person” or Sanctioned Persons... Section 7.16. ERISA. No Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate shall cause or, to the extent within the control of the Loan Parties with respect to Affiliated Entities and Project Specific JVs, permit to exist any ERISA Event. Section 7.17. Hazardous Materials. Except to the extent it would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Loan Party shall, and no Loan Party shall permit any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Affiliated Entities and Project Specific JVs) to, cause or suffer to exist any release of, or exposure of any Person to, any Hazardous Material at, to or from any real property owned, leased, subleased or otherwise operated or occupied by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party that would violate any Environmental Law, form the basis for any liabilities under Environmental Law or otherwise adversely affect the value or marketability of any real property (whether or not owned by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party). Section 7.18. Bonding Arrangements. Tealstone Residential shall not enter into or become subject to any suretyship or bonding arrangements. Section 7.19. RHB Inc. Equity. Borrower shall not cause the Equity Securities of RHB Inc. to become certificated at any time during the term of this Loan Agreement; provided, however, that in the event RHB Inc. issues any stock certificates representing the Equity Securities of RHB Inc. owned by Borrower, Borrower shall pledge and deliver such original stock certificate(s) to the Agent, together with an undated stock power for each such certificate(s) executed in blank by a duly authorized officer of Borrower, within two (2) Business Days of the issuance of such stock certificate. Section 7.20. Affiliated Entities; Minority Subsidiaries; Project Specific JVs. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, to the maximum extent that a Loan Party or any Subsidiary has the right or ability under the organizational documents or any similar document of an Affiliated Entity, Minority Subsidiary or Project Specific JV (that is not otherwise subject to this Article 7) to restrict such Affiliated Entity, Minority Subsidiary or Project Specific JV from taking an action (including by way of the approval, disapproval, affirmative vote or consent, waiver or rejection of an action contemplated to be taken by such an Affiliated Entity, Minority Subsidiary or Project Specific JV) which such Affiliated Entity, Minority Subsidiary or Project Specific JV would otherwise be restricted from taking under this Article 7 if such Affiliated Entity, Minority Subsidiary or Project Specific JV were a Loan Party or a Subsidiary hereunder, then such Loan Party or Subsidiary with such right or ability under the organizational documents or any similar document of such Affiliated Entity, Minority Subsidiary or Project Specific JV shall restrict such Affiliated Entity, Minority Subsidiary or Project Specific JV from taking such action. 54 KE 52826770.15


 
Section 7.21. Closing Date Seller Notes. Within five (5) days of the Required Lenders’ request following the acceleration by the Creditors (as defined in the Closing Date Subordination Agreement) of the Closing Date Seller Notes in accordance with the terms of the Closing Date Seller Notes (as in effect on the date hereof), the Borrower shall convert the obligations under the Closing Date Seller Notes into Equity Securities of the Borrower in accordance with the terms of the Closing Date Seller Notes (as in effect on the date hereof). ARTICLE 8. PRESERVATION OF COLLATERAL BY AGENT. Should Borrower fail or refuse to make any payment, perform or observe any other covenant, condition or obligation, or take any other action which Borrower is obligated under any Loan Document to make, perform, observe, take or do at the time or in the manner provided in any Loan Document, then the Agent, at the sole and absolute discretion of the Lenders, without notice to or demand upon Borrower and without releasing Borrower from any obligation, covenant or condition in any Loan Document, may make, perform, observe, take or do the same in such manner and to such extent as Agent or Lenders may deem necessary to protect its security interest in or the value of the Collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing rights, Borrower does hereby irrevocably appoint Agent (which appointment is coupled with an interest), the true and lawful attorney-in-fact of Borrower with full power of substitution, for it and in its name (i) to perform (but Agent shall not be obligated to and shall incur no liability to Borrower or any third party for failure to perform) any act which Borrower is obligated by this Loan Agreement to perform, (ii) to ask, demand, collect, receive, receipt for, and sue for any and all rents, issues, profits, avails, distributions, income, payment draws and other sums in which a security interest is granted under Section 3.01 with full power to settle, adjust or compromise any claim thereunder as fully as if Agent were Borrower itself, (iii) to receive payment of and to endorse the name of Borrower to any items of Collateral (including checks, drafts and other orders for the payment of money) that come into Agent’s possession or under Agent’s control, (iv) to make all demands, consents and waivers, or take any other action with respect to, the Collateral, (v) in Agent ‘s discretion, to file any claim or take any other action or institute proceedings, either in its own name or in the name of Borrower or otherwise, which Agent may reasonably deem necessary or appropriate to protect and preserve the right, title and interest of Agent in and to the Collateral, and (vi) to otherwise act with respect thereto as though Agent were the outright owner of the Collateral; provided, however, that the power of attorney herein granted shall be exercisable only upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default. Borrower agrees to reimburse Agent and Lenders upon demand for all reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expenses, which Agent or Lenders may incur while Agent is acting as Borrower’s attorney in fact or otherwise under this Article 8, all of which costs and expenses are included within the Obligations. ARTICLE 9. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Section 9.01. Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute an “Event of Default” under the Transaction Documents: (a) Failure to Pay. Borrower or any other Loan Party shall fail to pay (i) any principal on any of the Obligations owing hereunder or under any other Transaction Document when due, whether upon demand or otherwise, and (ii) the interest or other payment or premium on any of the Obligations (including, without limitation, any Prepayment Premium) or any fee, expense or other amount owing under the terms of this Loan Agreement or any other Transaction Document on the date due and in the case of this clause (ii), such payment shall not have been made within five (5) Business Days of the due date; or (b) Breaches of Other Covenants. Any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries shall fail to perform or observe (i) any of the covenants or agreements contained in Sections 6.01, 6.02(c), 6.02(h), 6.03, 6.04 (other than with respect to the second to the last sentence of 6.04 relating to delivery of renewal certificates), 6.05, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.16 or 6.17 or Article 7 hereof or (ii) any other covenant, or agreement contained in any Transaction Document (other than the other Events of Default specified in this Article 9) and such failure remains unremedied for ten (10) days from the earlier of (i) the delivery of written notice thereof by the Agent or the Required Lenders to the Borrower or (ii) the date on which such failure shall first become actually known to any Responsible Officer of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries; or 55 KE 52826770.15


 
(c) Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty, certificate, or other statement (financial or otherwise) made or furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Parties or any of its Subsidiaries (including by any Responsible Officer) to Agent in writing in connection with this Loan Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, or as an inducement to Agent or Lenders to enter into the Transaction Documents, shall be false or misleading in any material respect when made or furnished; or (d) Other Payment Obligations. Any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries shall (i) fail to make any payment when due under the terms of any Material Indebtedness to be paid by such Person (excluding this Loan Agreement and the other Transaction Documents but including any other Indebtedness of any Loan Party to Agent or any Lender) and such failure shall continue beyond any period of grace provided with respect thereto, or (ii) shall default in the observance or performance of any other agreement, term or condition contained in any such Material Indebtedness, and the effect of such failure or default under (i) or (ii) above is to cause, or permit the holder or holders thereof to cause, any Material Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated date of maturity; or (e) Voluntary Bankruptcy or Insolvency Proceedings. Any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries shall (i) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator or custodian of itself or of all or a substantial part of its property, (ii) be unable, or admit in writing its inability, to pay its debts generally as they mature, (iii) make a general assignment for the benefit of its or any of its creditors, (iv) be dissolved or liquidated in full or in part, (v) commence a voluntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to itself or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession of its property by any official in an involuntary case or other proceeding commenced against it, or (vi) take any action for the purpose of affecting any of the foregoing; or (f) Involuntary Bankruptcy or Insolvency Proceedings. Proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator or custodian of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or of all or a substantial part of the property thereof, or an involuntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or the debts thereof under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect shall be commenced and an order for relief entered or such proceeding shall not be dismissed, stayed or discharged within forty-five (45) days of commencement; or (g) Judgments. A final judgment or order for the payment of money in excess of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) (that is not covered by insurance) shall be rendered against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of thirty (30) days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any judgment, writ, assessment, warrant of attachment, or execution or similar process shall be issued or levied against a substantial part of the property of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and such judgment, writ, or similar process shall not be released, stayed, vacated or otherwise dismissed within thirty (30) days after issue or levy; or (h) Transaction Documents. Any Transaction Document or any material term thereof shall cease to be, or be asserted by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries not to be, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party enforceable in accordance with its terms or if, after a Lender has properly filed financing statements and obtained control agreements, the Liens of Agent in the Collateral shall cease to be or shall not be valid, perfected Liens subject only to Permitted Liens and the terms of any subordination or intercreditor agreements entered into by Lenders or any Loan Party shall assert that such Liens are not valid, perfected Liens; or (i) Registration Statement. A breach of Section 2(a) of the Registration Rights Agreement shall have occurred; or 56 KE 52826770.15


 
(j) ERISA Event. An ERISA Event shall occur that results in, or is reasonably expected to result in, liability, individually or in the aggregate with other ERISA Events, to a Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate in an amount in excess of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000); or (k) Bonding Arrangements. Any bond issued by any surety or bonding company, including, without limitation, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, on behalf of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is called or declared to be in default and such surety or bonding company is required to perform or pay all or any portion of the obligations under the underlying contract or project for which such bond was posted; or (l) Keyman. At any time the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Term Loans exceed $40,000,000: (i) Paul J. Varello shall cease to be engaged in the role (or a similar role) in which he is engaged as of the Closing Date at any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries at any time on or before March 9, 2018; provided that, to the extent Paul J. Varello continues to be a member of the board of directors of the Borrower, such an event shall not constitute an Event of Default hereunder; (ii) any Specified Keyman shall cease to be engaged in the role (or a similar role) in which he is engaged as of the Closing Date at any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries at any time on or before the third anniversary of the Closing Date; provided that, to the extent the Borrower delivers a written notice to Agent and the Lenders within 30 days of any such event outlining a plan and timeline to replace such Specified Keyman that is satisfactory to the Lenders in their sole discretion, such an event shall not constitute an Event of Default hereunder; provided further, that any replacement of any such Specified Keyman shall be acceptable to the Lenders in their sole discretion; or (m) Subordinated Debt. Any document, instrument, or agreement evidencing any Subordinated Debt shall for any reason be revoked or invalidated or otherwise cease to be in full force and effect, any Person shall be in breach thereof or contest in any manner the validity or enforceability thereof or deny that it has any further liability or obligation thereunder, or the Obligations shall for any reason be subordinated or shall not have the priority contemplated by this Loan Agreement or the Subordination Agreement; or (n) Change of Control. A Change of Control occurs. ARTICLE 10. AGENT Section 10.01. Rights of Agent upon Default. Upon the occurrence and during the existence of any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default referred to in Sections 9.01(e) and 9.01(f)) and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such Event of Default, Agent (at the direction of Required Lenders) shall, without demand or notice to any Loan Party, declare all outstanding Obligations, including, without limitation, the noncancelable obligation to make each payment scheduled to be made under Section 2.02 (including, without limitation, any Prepayment Premium), payable by Borrower or any other Loan Party hereunder to be immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or in the Notes to the contrary notwithstanding. Upon the occurrence or existence of any Event of Default described in Sections 9.01(e) and 9.01(f), immediately and without demand or notice, all outstanding Obligations, including, without limitation, the noncancelable obligation to make each payment scheduled to be made under Section 2.02 (including, without limitation, any Prepayment Premium), payable by Borrower hereunder shall automatically become immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or in the Notes to the contrary notwithstanding. 57 KE 52826770.15


 
Section 10.02. Rights Regarding Collateral. Borrower agrees that when any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Lenders, or Agent on behalf of Lenders, shall have the rights, options, duties and remedies of a secured party as permitted by law and, in addition to and without limiting the foregoing, Lenders or Agent may, at the election of Lenders, exercise any one or more or all, and in any order, of the remedies herein set forth, including the following: (i) Agent or Lenders, personally or by agents or attorneys, shall have the right (subject to compliance with any applicable mandatory legal requirements) to require Borrower to assemble the Collateral and make it available to Agent at a place to be designated by Agent in New York or to take immediate possession of the Collateral, or any portion thereof, and for that purpose may pursue the same wherever it may be found, and may enter any premises of Borrower, with or without notice, demand, process of law or legal procedure, to the extent permitted by applicable law, and search for, take possession of, remove, keep and store the same, or use and operate or lease the same until sold; (ii) Agent or Lenders may, if at the time such action may be lawful and always subject to compliance with any mandatory legal requirements, either with or without taking possession and either before or after taking possession, without instituting any legal proceedings whatsoever, having first given notice of such sale by registered or certified mail to Borrower once at least ten (10) days prior to the date of such sale, and having first given any other notice which may be required by law, sell and dispose of the Collateral, or any part thereof, at a private sale or at public auction, to the highest bidder, in one lot as an entirety or in separate lots, and either for cash or on credit and on such terms as Lenders may determine, and at any place (whether or not it be the location of the Collateral or any part thereof) designated in the notice referred to above. Agent and its agents and any purchasers at or after foreclosure are hereby granted a non-exclusive, irrevocable, perpetual, fully paid, royalty-free license or other right, solely pursuant to the provisions of this Section 10.02, to use, without charge, each Loan Party’s Intellectual Property that remains embedded or contained in the Collateral, including without limitation, labels, Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, or any property of a similar nature, now or at any time hereafter owned or acquired by any Loan Party or in which such Loan Party now or at any time hereafter has any rights; provided, however, such license shall only be exercisable in connection with the disposition of Collateral upon Agent’s or Lenders’ exercise of their remedies hereunder. To the extent permitted by applicable law, any such sale or sales may be adjourned from time to time by announcement at the time and place appointed for such sale or sales, or for any such adjourned sale or sales, without further published notice, and Borrower, Agent, Lenders, or the holder or holders of a Note, or of any interest therein, may bid and become the purchaser at any such sale; and (iii) Agent or Lenders may proceed to protect and enforce this Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents by suit or suits or proceedings in equity, at law or in bankruptcy, and whether for the specific performance of any covenant or agreement herein contained or in execution or aid of any power herein granted; or for foreclosure hereunder, or for the appointment of a receiver or receivers for any real property security or any part thereof, or for the recovery of judgment for the Obligations or for the enforcement of any other proper, legal or equitable remedy available under applicable law. With respect to any of Borrower’s owned premises, Borrower hereby grants Agent a license to enter into possession of such premises and to occupy the same, without charge, for up to one hundred twenty (120) days in order to exercise any of Agent’s or Lenders’ rights or remedies provided herein, at law, in equity, or otherwise. Section 10.03. Agent’s Liability for Collateral. So long as Agent complies with its obligations, if any, under the Code, neither Agent nor Lenders shall in any way or manner be liable or responsible for: (i) the safekeeping of the Collateral; (ii) any loss or damage thereto occurring or arising in any manner or fashion from any cause other than Agent’s or such Lender’s gross negligence or willful misconduct; (iii) any diminution in the value thereof; or (iv) any act or default of any carrier, warehouseman, bailee, forwarding agency, or other Person whomsoever. All risk of loss, damage or destruction of the Collateral shall be borne by Loan Parties. Section 10.04. Application of Collateral Proceeds. The proceeds of the Collateral, or any part thereof, resulting from Agent’s or Lenders’ exercise of remedies hereunder (as well as any other amounts of any kind held by Agent at the time of, or received by Agent after, the occurrence and during the continuance of, an Event of Default hereunder) shall be paid to and applied as follows: (i) First, to the payment of reasonable costs and expenses, including all amounts expended to preserve the value of the Collateral, of foreclosure or suit, if any, and of such sale and the exercise of any other rights or remedies, and of all proper fees, expenses, indemnities, liability and advances, including reasonable legal expenses and attorneys’ fees, incurred or made hereunder by, or owing to, Agent or Lenders; (ii) Second, to the payment to Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Loan Percentages of the amounts then owing or unpaid on the Notes, including each payment scheduled to be made under Sections 2.02(c), 2.02(d) and 2.02(e); (iii) Third, to the payment of other amounts then payable to Agent or Lenders under any of the Transaction Documents; and (iv) Fourth, to the payment of the surplus, if any, to the applicable Loan Party, its successors and assigns, or to whomsoever may be lawfully entitled to receive the same. In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, proceeds 58 KE 52826770.15


 
of the Collateral, shall be received by a Lender in excess of its ratable share, then the portion of such payment or distribution in excess of such Lender’s ratable share shall be received by such Lender in trust for and shall be promptly paid over to the other Lenders ratably for application to the payments of amounts due to the other Lenders. For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding any other provision of any Loan Document, no amount received directly or indirectly from any Loan Party that is not a Qualified ECP Guarantor shall be applied directly or indirectly by the Agent or otherwise to the payment of any Excluded Swap Obligations and Obligations arising under secured cash management agreements and secured Swap Obligations shall be excluded from the application described above in clauses (i) - (iv) if the Agent has not received written notice thereof, together with such supporting documentation from the applicable bank product provider of such cash management agreements or Swap Obligations, as the case may be, as may be reasonably necessary to determine the amount of the Obligations owed thereunder. Section 10.05. Reinstatement of Rights. If Agent or any Lender shall have proceeded to enforce any right under this Loan Agreement or any other Transaction Document by foreclosure, sale, entry or otherwise, and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned for any reason or shall have been determined adversely, then and in every such case (unless otherwise ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction), Agent and each Lender shall be restored to its former position and its rights hereunder with respect to the property subject to the security interest created under this Loan Agreement shall be reinstated. Section 10.06. Agency for Perfection. Each Lender hereby appoints Agent and each other Lender as agent and bailee for the purpose of perfecting the security interests in and Liens upon the Collateral which, in accordance with the Code, can be perfected only by possession or control (or where the security interest of a secured party with possession or control has priority over the security interest of another secured party), and Agent and each Lender hereby acknowledges that it holds possession or control of any such Collateral for the benefit of the Agent as secured party. Should any Lender obtain possession or control of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify the Agent thereof, and, promptly upon the Agent’s request therefor shall deliver possession or control of such Collateral to the Agent or in accordance with the Agent’s instructions. Borrower by its execution and delivery of this Loan Agreement hereby consents to the foregoing. Section 10.07. Appointment Powers and Immunities. Each Lender irrevocably designates, appoints and authorizes Wilmington Trust, National Association to act as Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents with such powers as are specifically delegated to Agent by the terms of this Loan Agreement and of the other Loan Documents, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Agent (a) shall have no duties or responsibilities except those expressly set forth in this Loan Agreement and in the other Loan Documents, and shall not by reason of this Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document be a trustee or fiduciary for any Lender; provided, however, that Agent hereby appoints, authorizes and directs each Lender to act as collateral sub-agent for Agent and the Lenders for purposes of the perfection of all Liens with respect to the Collateral, including any Deposit Account maintained by a Loan Party with, and cash and cash equivalents held by, such Lender, and may further authorize and direct the Lenders to take further actions as collateral sub-agents for purposes of enforcing such Liens or otherwise to transfer the Collateral subject thereto to Agent, and each Lender hereby agrees to take such further actions to the extent, and only to the extent, so authorized and directed; (b) shall not be responsible to Lenders for, or have any duty to inquire into, any recitals, statements, representations or warranties contained in this Loan Agreement or in any of the other Loan Documents, or in any certificate or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by any of them under, this Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other document referred to or provided for herein or therein or for any failure by the Borrower or any Guarantor or any other Person to perform any of its obligations, covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth hereunder or thereunder; (c) shall not be responsible for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it hereunder or under any other Loan Document or under any other document or instrument referred to or provided for herein or therein or in connection herewith or therewith, except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct (each as determined in a final, non- appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction); and (d) shall not be responsible or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Section 4.01 hereof or elsewhere herein or in any other Loan Document. The Agent shall not be required to risk or expend its own funds in performing its obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything in this Loan Agreement to the contrary, the Agent shall not have any responsibility or obligation to file any financing statements or continuation statements related hereto. No provision of this Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be deemed to impose any duty on the Agent to take any action if such action would expose it to personal liability, is 59 KE 52826770.15


 
contrary to the terms hereof or is contrary to applicable law. The Agent shall not be responsible or liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from acts beyond its control. Such acts shall include acts of God, strikes, lockouts, riots, acts of war, epidemics, governmental regulations superimposed after the fact, fire, communication line failures, computer viruses, power failures, earthquakes or other disasters. The Agent shall not have any liability for losses arising from (i) any cause beyond its control, (ii) any delay, error, omission or default of any mail, telegraph, cable or wireless agency or operator or (iii) the acts or edicts of any government or governmental agency or other group or entity exercising governmental powers. Agent may employ agents and attorneys in fact and shall not be responsible for any act, omission, negligence or misconduct of any such agents or attorneys in fact selected by it in good faith. Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Note as the holder thereof for all purposes hereof unless and until the assignment thereof pursuant to an agreement (if and to the extent permitted herein) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent shall have been delivered to and acknowledged by Agent. The provisions of this Article 10 are solely for the benefit of the Agent and its successors and assigns and no Loan Party nor any other Person shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary of any of the provisions hereof. Section 10.08. Reliance by Agent. Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any certification, notice, document or other communication (including any thereof by telephone, telecopy, telex, telegram or cable) believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by or on behalf of the proper Person or Persons, and upon the advice and statements of legal counsel, independent accountants and other experts selected by Agent. 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. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, hereunder or thereunder in accordance with instructions given by the Required Lenders or all of Lenders as is required in such circumstance, and such instructions of such Agents and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto, shall be binding on all Lenders. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary herein, whenever reference is made in this Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, to any discretionary action by, consent, designation, specification, requirement or approval of, notice, request or other communication from, or other direction given or action to be undertaken or to be (or not to be) suffered or omitted by the Agent or to any election, decision, opinion, acceptance, use of judgment, expression of satisfaction or other exercise of discretion, rights or remedies to be made (or not to be made) by the Agent, it is understood that in all cases the Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any such action if it shall not have received written instruction, advice or concurrence from the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in any other Loan Document) in respect of such action. The Agent shall have no liability for any failure or delay in taking any actions contemplated above as a result of a failure or delay on the part of the Required Lenders to provide such instruction, advice or concurrence. Section 10.09. Events of Default. (a) Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of, or be required to act upon (including the sending of any notice related thereto), the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default or other failure of a condition precedent to the Loans hereunder, unless and until Agent has received written notice from a Lender, or the Borrower specifying such Event of Default or any unfulfilled condition precedent, and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default or Failure of Condition”. In the event that Agent receives such a Notice of Default or Failure of Condition, Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders. Agent shall (subject to Section 10.12) take such action with respect to any such Event of Default or failure of condition precedent as shall be directed by the Required Lenders to the extent provided for herein; provided, that, unless and until Agent shall have received such directions, Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to or by reason of such Event of Default or failure of condition precedent, as it shall deem advisable in the best interest of Lenders. (b) Except with the prior written consent of Agent, no Lender (other than Oaktree or any of its Affiliates) may assert or exercise any enforcement right or remedy in respect of the Loans or other Obligations, as against any Loan Party or any of the Collateral or other property of any Loan Party. Section 10.10. Indemnification. Lenders agree to indemnify Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower hereunder and without limiting any obligations of the Borrower hereunder), and its officers, directors, agents, employees, advisors and counsel and their respective Affiliates (each such Person being an “Agent Indemnitee”) ratably, in accordance with their Loan Percentages, for any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and 60 KE 52826770.15


 
expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) of any kind and nature whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any Agent Indemnitee (including by any Lender) arising out of, or by reason of any investigation in, or in any way relating to or arising out of this Loan Agreement or any other Transaction Document or any other documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby (including the costs and expenses that Agent is obligated to pay hereunder) or the enforcement of any of the terms hereof or thereof or of any such other documents; provided, that, no Lender shall be liable for any of the foregoing to the extent it arises from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the party to be indemnified as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. All amounts due under this Section 10.10 shall be payable on demand. The foregoing indemnity shall survive the resignation or replacement of Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of the Obligations and the termination of this Loan Agreement. Section 10.11. Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Lenders. Each Lender agrees that it has, independently and without reliance on Agent or other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis of the Loan Parties and has made its own decision to enter into this Loan Agreement and that it will, independently and without reliance upon Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own analysis and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Loan Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. Agent shall not be required to keep itself informed as to the performance or observance by any Loan Party of any term or provision of this Loan Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or any other document referred to or provided for herein or therein or to inspect the properties or Books of any Loan Party. Agent will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide Lenders with any information received by Agent from any Loan Party, which is required to be provided to Lenders hereunder or under the other Loan Documents and with a copy of any Notice of Default or Failure of Condition received by Agent from the Borrower or any Lender; provided, that, Agent shall not be liable to any Lender for any failure to do so, except to the extent that such failure is attributable to Agent’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to Lenders by Agent pursuant to the terms of this Loan Agreement or the other Loan Documents or requested by Lenders hereunder or thereunder, Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any other credit or other information concerning the affairs, financial condition or business of any Loan Party that may come into the possession of Agent. Section 10.12. Failure to Act. Except for any action expressly required of Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, Agent shall in all cases be fully justified in failing or refusing to act hereunder and thereunder; provided that the foregoing shall not prevent Agent from requiring further assurances from the Lenders, satisfactory to Agent in its sole discretion, of their indemnification obligations under Section 10.10 hereof against any and all liability and expenses that may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. Section 10.13. Successor Agent. Agent may resign as Agent upon thirty (30) days’ (or such lesser time period as agreed to by the Required Lenders and Agent) notice to Lenders and the Borrower or may be replaced as the Agent by the Lenders at the direction of the Required Lenders upon five (5) days’ (or such lesser time period as agreed to by the Required Lenders and Agent) prior written notice to the Agent, the other Lenders and the Borrower. If Agent resigns or is replaced under this Loan Agreement, the Required Lenders shall appoint a successor agent for Lenders whereupon such successor agent shall succeed to the rights, powers and duties of the retiring or replaced Agent, and the term “Agent” as used herein and in the other Loan Documents shall mean such successor agent, and the retiring or replaced Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as Agent shall be terminated, without any further act or deed on the part of such former Agent or any of the parties to this Loan Agreement. If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation of Agent, Agent may appoint, after consulting with Lenders, a successor agent from among Lenders. Upon the acceptance by the Lender so selected of its appointment as successor agent hereunder, such successor agent shall succeed to all of the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Agent and the term “Agent” as used herein and in the other Loan Documents shall mean such successor agent, and the retiring Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as Agent shall be terminated. After any retiring Agent’s resignation hereunder as Agent and Agent’s resignation hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this Article 10 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted by it while it was Agent under this Loan Agreement. If no successor agent has accepted appointment as Agent by the date which is thirty (30) days after the date of a retiring Agent’s notice of resignation, the retiring Agent’s resignation shall nonetheless thereupon become effective and Lenders shall perform all of the duties of Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent as provided for above. 61 KE 52826770.15


 
Section 10.14. Other Agent Designation. Oaktree may at any time and from time to time determine that a Lender may, in addition, be a “Co-Agent”, “Syndication Agent”, “Documentation Agent”, “Agent”, “Control Agent” or similar designation hereunder and enter into an agreement with such Lender to have it so identified for purposes of this Loan Agreement. Any such designation shall be effective upon written notice by Agent or Oaktree to the Borrower of any such designation. Any Lender that is so designated as a Co-Agent, Syndication Agent, Documentation Agent, Control Agent or such similar designation by Oaktree shall have no right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Loan Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents other than those applicable to all Lenders as such. Without limiting the foregoing, the Lenders so identified shall not have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender and no Lender shall be deemed to have relied, nor shall any Lender rely, on a Lender so identified as a Co-Agent, Syndication Agent, Documentation Agent, Control Agent or such similar designation in deciding to enter into this Loan Agreement or in taking or not taking action hereunder. Section 10.15. Release of Collateral. Each Lender hereby consents to the release and hereby directs Agent to release (or in the case of clause (b)(ii) below, release or subordinate) the following: (a) any Guarantor if all of the Equity Securities of such Subsidiary owned by any Loan Party is sold or transferred in a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents (including pursuant to a valid waiver or consent), to the extent that, after giving effect to such transaction, such Subsidiary would not be required to guaranty any Obligations pursuant to any Loan Document; (b) any Lien held by Agent for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders against (i) any Collateral that is sold or otherwise disposed of by a Loan Party in a transaction permitted by the Loan Documents (including pursuant to a valid waiver or consent), (ii) any Collateral subject to a Lien that is expressly permitted under clause (v) or (vi) of the definition of the term "Permitted Lien" and (iii) all of the Collateral and all Loan Parties, upon (A) payment in full in cash of all of the Obligations that Agent has theretofore been notified in writing by the holder of such Obligation are then due and payable and (B) receipt by Agent and Lenders of liability releases from the Loan Parties in form and substance acceptable to Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders); and (c) any Lien held by Agent for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders against any Collateral that is Transferred pursuant to Section 7.02(iii) hereof, in an aggregate amount not to exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) in any fiscal quarter commencing with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2018. Upon request by the Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm the Agent's authority to release its interest in any particular item of Collateral pursuant to this Section 10.15. Section 10.16. Setoff and Sharing of Payments. In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under any applicable Requirements of Law and not by way of limitation of any such rights, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each Lender is hereby authorized at any time without notice to any Loan Party or any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to setoff and to appropriate and to apply any and all balances held by it at any of its offices for the account of the Loan Parties (regardless of whether such balances are then due to the Loan Parties) and any other properties or assets at any time held or owing by that Lender or that holder to or for the credit or for the account of any Loan Party against and on account of any of the Obligations that are not paid when due. Any Lender exercising a right of setoff or otherwise receiving any payment on account of the Obligations in excess of its pro rata share thereof shall purchase for cash (and the other Lenders or holders shall sell) such participations in each such other Lender's or holder's pro rata share of the Obligations as would be necessary to cause such Lender to share the amount so offset or otherwise received with each other Lender or holder in accordance with their respective pro rata shares of the Obligations. Each Loan Party agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that (a) any Lender may exercise its right to offset with respect to amounts in excess of its pro rata share of the Obligations and may purchase participations in accordance with the preceding sentence and (b) any Lender so purchasing a participation in the Term Loan made or other Obligations held by other Lenders or holders may exercise all rights of offset, bankers' lien, counterclaim or similar rights with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender or holder were a direct holder of the Term Loan and the other Obligations in the amount of such participation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if all or any portion of the offset amount or payment otherwise received is thereafter 62 KE 52826770.15


 
recovered from the Lender that has exercised the right of offset, the purchase of participations by that Lender shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored without interest. Section 10.17. Proof of Claims. Lenders hereby agree that after the occurrence of an Event of Default pursuant to Section 9.01(e) or (f) in case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition, or other judicial proceeding relative to Lenders, Agent (irrespective of whether the principal amount of the Loans shall be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether Agent shall have made any demand on Lenders) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise: (a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans and any other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of Lenders and Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of Lenders, Agent, and their agents and counsel and all other amounts due Lenders and Agent) allowed in such judicial proceeding; (b) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and (c) any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to Agent and, in the event that Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to Lenders, to pay to Agent any amount due for the compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Agent and their agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to Agent. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or to authorize Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding. Further, nothing contained in this Section 10.17 shall affect or preclude the ability of any Lender to (i) file and prove such a claim in the event that Agent has not acted within ten (10) days prior to any applicable bar date and (ii) require an amendment of the proof of claim to accurately reflect such Lender's outstanding Obligations. ARTICLE 11. MISCELLANEOUS. Section 11.01. Modifications, Amendments or Waivers. (a) No amendment or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document, and no consent with respect to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Agent, the Required Lenders (or by Agent with the consent of Required Lenders) and Borrower; provided that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all Lenders directly affected thereby (or by Agent with the consent of all Lenders directly affected thereby), in addition to Agent, Required Lenders (or by Agent with the consent of Required Lenders) and Borrower, do any of the following: (i) increase or decrease the amount of, or extend the term of, any Loan commitment (which shall be deemed to affect all Lenders), (ii) reduce the principal of or rate of interest on (other than waiving the imposition of the Default Rate) any Term Loan or reduce the amount of any fees payable under any Loan Document, (iii) postpone the date fixed for or reduce or waive any scheduled installment of principal or any payment of interest or fees due to any Lender under the Loan Documents, (iv) release or subordinate the Lien on all or substantially all of the Collateral, or consent to a transfer of all or substantially all of the Collateral (which shall be deemed to affect all Lenders), (v) release a Loan Party from, or consent to a Loan Party's assignment or delegation of, such Loan Party's obligations under the Loan Documents (which shall be deemed to affect all Lenders), except as otherwise may be provided in any Loan Document, (vi) amend, modify, terminate or waive Section 10.16 or any other provision providing for the pro rata sharing of payments or Section 11.01(a), or (vii) amend or modify the definition of “Required Lenders” or any provision providing for the consent or other action by all Lenders. 63 KE 52826770.15


 
(b) Notwithstanding any provision in this Section 11.01 to the contrary, (i) no amendment, modification, termination or waiver affecting or modifying the rights or obligations of Agent under any Loan Document shall be effective unless signed by Borrower, Agent and the Required Lenders, (ii) Agent may amend Schedule 2 to reflect assignments permitted hereunder, and (iii) Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) and Borrower may amend or modify any Loan Document to (A) grant a new Lien, extend an existing Lien over additional property or assets or join additional Persons as Loan Parties, in each case for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders and (B) correct any obvious mistake, error or omission. Section 11.02. No Implied Waivers; Cumulative Remedies; Writing Required. No delay or failure of Agent or any Lender in exercising any right, power or remedy hereunder shall affect or operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise thereof or of any other right, power or remedy. The rights and remedies hereunder of Agent and the Lenders are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which they would otherwise have. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of Agent or any Lender of any breach or default under this Loan Agreement or any such waiver of any provision or condition of this Loan Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only in the specified instance and to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. Section 11.03. Reimbursement. Borrower shall reimburse Agent and the Lenders for all costs and expenses, filing fees and taxes paid or payable, including without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements expended or incurred in any arbitration, mediation, judicial reference, legal action or otherwise, in connection with (i) the preparation, negotiation, documentation, execution and delivery of this Loan Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) the amendment and enforcement of the Transaction Documents, including, without limitation, during any workout, attempted workout and/or in connection with the rendering of legal advice as to Agent’s or Lenders’ rights, remedies and obligations under the Transaction Documents, (iii) enforcing the Transaction Documents or collecting any sum which becomes due Agent or Lender under any Transaction Document, (iv) any proceeding for declaratory relief, any counterclaim to any proceeding, or any appeal, or (v) the protection, preservation or enforcement of any rights of Agent or Lenders, including, without limitation, in each case: (a) all costs and expenses of filing or recording (including Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filing taxes and fees, documentary taxes, and intangibles taxes and fees, if applicable); (b) costs and expenses and fees for insurance premiums, environmental audits, title insurance premiums, surveys, assessments, engineering reports and inspections, appraisal fees and search fees, background checks, costs and expenses of remitting loan proceeds, collecting checks and other items of payment, and establishing and maintaining any deposit account subject to an account control agreement, together with Agent’s and the Lenders’ customary charges and fees with respect thereto; (c) costs and expenses of preserving and protecting the Collateral; (d) costs and expenses paid or incurred in connection with obtaining payment of the Obligations, enforcing the security interests and Liens of Agent and the other Lenders, selling or otherwise realizing upon the Collateral, and otherwise enforcing the provisions of this Loan Agreement and the other Transaction Documents or defending any claims made or threatened against Agent or any Lender arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including preparations for and consultations concerning any such matters); and (e) the fees and disbursements of counsel (including legal assistants) to Agent and the Lenders, including any regulatory, local or special counsel, in connection with any of the foregoing. For the purpose of this Section 11.03, attorneys’ fees shall include, without limitation, fees incurred in connection with the following: (1) contempt proceedings; (2) discovery, (3) any motion, proceeding or other activity of any kind in connection with an insolvency proceeding; (4) garnishment, levy, and debtor and third party examinations; and (5) post-judgment motions and proceedings of any kind, including, without limitation, any activity taken to collect or enforce any judgment. All of the foregoing costs and expenses shall be payable by Borrower upon demand by Agent, and if not paid within thirty (30) days of presentation of invoices shall bear interest at the highest applicable Default Rate. Section 11.04. Indemnification. Borrower and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, shall indemnify, reimburse and hold Agent and the Lenders and their permitted assigns, each of Agent’s, Lenders’ or their permitted assigns’ members, and each of their respective successors, assigns, agents, officers, directors, shareholders, members, servants, agents and employees (each, an “Indemnified Person” and collectively, the “Indemnified Persons”) harmless from and against all liabilities, losses, damages, actions, suits, demands, claims of any kind and nature (including claims relating to environmental liabilities, discharge, cleanup or compliance), all costs and expenses whatsoever to the extent 64 KE 52826770.15


 
they may be incurred or suffered by such indemnified party in connection therewith (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses), fines, penalties (and other charges of applicable governmental authorities), licensing fees relating to any item of Collateral, damage to or loss of use of property (including consequential or special damages to third parties or damages to Borrower’s property), or bodily injury to or death of any person (including any agent or employee of Borrower) and whether such claim is asserted by any Lender, the Borrower, any Guarantor or any other Person (each, a “Claim”), (a) directly or indirectly relating to or arising out of the Loan Documents or the use of the proceeds of the Loan, including the falsity of any representation or warranty of Borrower or Borrower’s failure to comply with the terms of this Loan Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (b) in connection with the enforcement of any Loan Party’s obligations under the Loan Documents (including this Section 11.04) or (c) arising out of or otherwise involving any violation of, noncompliance with or liability under any Environmental Law or any actual or alleged presence of Hazardous Materials applicable to the operations of any Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or any property of any Loan Party or their respective Subsidiaries; provided, however, that Borrower shall not indemnify an Indemnified Person to the extent it is found in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily and directly from (i) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person or (ii) any liability of such Indemnified Person owing to any other Indemnified Person caused solely by the actions of the first such Indemnified Person, which does not involve, result from or relate to, directly or indirectly, any act or omission by a Loan Party (other than a Claim against the Agent solely in its capacity as the Agent). Such indemnities shall continue in full force and effect, notwithstanding the expiration or termination of this Loan Agreement. Upon Agent’s written demand, Borrower shall assume and diligently conduct, at its sole cost and expense, the entire defense of an Indemnified Person against any indemnified Claim described in this Section 11.04. Borrower shall not settle or compromise any Claim against or involving an Indemnified Person without first obtaining such Person’s written consent thereto, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The obligations in this Section 11.04 shall survive the resignation or replacement of Agent and the payment of all other Obligations until all applicable statute of limitation periods with respect to actions that may be brought against an Indemnified Person have run. All amounts owing under this Section 11.04 shall be paid within thirty (30) days after written demand. This Section 11.04 shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent Claims arising from any non- Tax Claim. Section 11.05. Limitation on Damages. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY CONTAINED IN THIS LOAN AGREEMENT OR ANYWHERE ELSE, EACH LOAN PARTY AGREES THAT IT SHALL NOT SEEK FROM AGENT OR ANY LENDER UNDER ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY (INCLUDING ANY THEORY IN TORTS), ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) AND REGARDLESS OF THE FORUM OF ACTION. Section 11.06. Notices. All notices and other communications given to or made upon any party hereto in connection with this Loan Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, by a nationally recognized overnight courier, by facsimile, by electronic mail or other means of electronic communication or personally delivered to the respective parties, as follows: Loan Party: Sterling Construction Company, Inc. 1800 Hughes Landing Blvd The Woodlands, TX 77380 Telephone: (281) 214-0800 Email: ronballschmiede@strlco.com Attention: Chief Financial Officer with a copy to: Andrews Kurth Kenyon, LLP 600 Travis, Suite 4200 Houston, TX 77002 Telephone: (713) 220-4200 Fax: (713) 220-4285 Email: solson@andrewskurth.com Attention: Scott Olson Agent: Wilmington Trust, National Association Rodney Square North 65 KE 52826770.15


 
1100 North Market Street Wilmington, Delaware 19890 Telephone: (302) 636-5048 Fax: (302) 636-4145 Email: jkanderson@wilmingtontrust.com Attention: Jennifer K. Anderson with a copy to: Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. 333 South Grand Avenue, 28th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071 Telephone: (213) 830-6805 Email: nbasso@oaktreecapital.com Email: CorpActionAdmins@OakTreeCapital.com Attention: Nick Basso with a copy to: Kirkland & Ellis LLP 333 South Hope Street, 29th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071 Telephone: (213) 680-8111 Fax: (213) 808-8107 Email: david.nemecek@kirkland.com Attention: David Nemecek, P.C. with a copy to: Kirkland & Ellis LLP 333 South Hope Street, 29th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071 Telephone: (213) 680-8695 Fax: (213) 808-8081 Email: nisha.kanchanapoomi@kirkland.com Attention: Nisha Kanchanapoomi Lender: to the address specified in writing by such Lender to the Agent and the Borrower. or in accordance with any subsequent written direction from any party to the others. All such notices and other communications shall be effective, (i) in the case of delivery by messenger or overnight delivery service, when left at the appropriate address; (ii) in the case of facsimile transmission, upon the sender’s receipt of electronic confirmation of receipt; (iii) in the case of electronic mail, upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that transmissions may be made by electronic mail only if delivered in compliance with procedures of Agent or the applicable Lenders applicable at the time and previously communicated to Borrower, (iv) in the case of notices or communications posted to an Internet website, upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (iii) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; and (v) in all other cases, upon actual receipt however evidenced. Section 11.07. Lenders and Allocations of Loans. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, each Lender severally commits to make such Lender’s Loan Percentage of each Loan. No Lender shall have liability for the commitment to make Loans of any other Lender. Borrower agrees that by notice to Borrower, Agent may reallocate the Loan Percentages among the Lenders or among the Lenders and other investment funds affiliated with Agent. Whether or not specified in any provision of this Loan Agreement, all references to Agent in this Loan Agreement shall mean Agent for the benefit of the Lenders unless the context otherwise requires. Section 11.08. Severability. If any provision of any Transaction Document is held invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, the remainder of such Transaction Document and all other Transaction Documents, or the application of such provision to different Persons or circumstances or in different jurisdictions, shall not be affected thereby. 66 KE 52826770.15


 
Section 11.09. Reliance by Agent and the Lenders. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made herein by any Loan Party shall be deemed to be material to and have been relied upon by Agent and the Lenders, notwithstanding investigation by Agent. Section 11.10. No Set-Offs by Borrower. All sums payable by any Loan Party pursuant to this Loan Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents shall be payable without notice or demand and shall be payable without set-off or deduction in any manner whatsoever. Section 11.11. Survival. All representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of Borrower contained herein or made in writing in connection herewith shall survive the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents, the making of Loans hereunder, the granting of security and the issuance of the Notes. Section 11.12. Confidentiality. Agent and the Lenders agree to hold non-public information regarding the Loan Parties received in confidence and shall not disclose such information to third parties except on a confidential need- to-know basis to their employees, members, partners or the partners of its affiliated investment funds, their lenders, and professional advisors to the foregoing, including attorneys and accountants, and others under a similar duty of confidentiality, in each case, who have been informed of the confidential nature of such information and have been advised of the obligation to keep information of this type confidential, and as Agent or Lenders may deem necessary in its reasonable judgment to satisfy its legal obligations or to enforce Agent’s or Lenders’ rights under any Transaction Document; provided, however, that nothing herein shall prevent any Lender (including Oaktree) from disclosing any such information (i) with the Borrower’s prior consent, (ii) as required by the order of any court or administrative agency or in any legal, judicial or administrative proceeding, (iii) as otherwise required by any applicable law, rule, regulation (including, without limitation, in connection with filings, submissions and any other similar documentation required or customary to comply with SEC filing requirements) or compulsory legal process, (iv) upon the request or demand of any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over a Lender or its affiliates or managed funds, (v) in connection with the proposed transactions and on a confidential basis to the shareholders, employees, directors, officers, legal counsel, lenders, investors, limited partners, financing sources, independent auditors, professionals, advisors and other experts or agents of such Lender or its affiliates or managed funds who are informed of the confidential nature of such information and have been advised of their obligation to keep information of this type confidential, (vi) to any of such Lender’s respective affiliates or managed funds solely in connection with the Transactions (provided, that any such affiliate is advised of its obligation to retain such information as confidential), (vii) to the extent any such information (a) becomes publicly available other than by reason of a breach of the confidentiality obligations set forth in this Section 11.12, (b) becomes available to such Lender on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Borrower or on its behalf and not in violation of any confidentiality agreement or obligation owed to the Borrower, (3c) was available to such Lender, as applicable, on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure to such Lender by the Borrower, or (4d) was independently developed by such Lender without reliance on confidential information, (viii) for purposes of establishing any defense available under securities laws, including, without limitation, establishing a “due diligence” defense or (ix) in protecting and enforcing such Lenders’ rights with respect to this Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Each Loan Party acknowledges that Lenders may issue press releases, advertisements, and other promotional materials, either in print or on Lenders’ website(s), describing any successful outcome of services provided on such Loan Party’s behalf; provided, that in the event any Loan Party identifies the Lenders by name in any such press releases, advertisements or other promotional materials, such Lenders shall have the ability to review such press releases, advertisements or other promotional materials prior to the issuance thereof. Each Loan Party agrees that Lenders shall have the right to identify such Loan Party by name and use such Loan Party’s corporate name and logo in those materials or deal terms in “tombstones” or other advertisements, public statements or marketing materials, solely for marketing purposes, and provide information concerning the Loans set forth herein to reporting services or industry trade organizations. In no event shall this Section 11.12 or any other provision of this Loan Agreement, any of the other Transaction Documents or applicable law be deemed: (A) to apply to or restrict disclosure of information that has been or is made public by the Loan Parties or any third party or otherwise becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure in violation hereof, (B) to apply to or restrict disclosure of information that was or becomes available to Agent or any Lender (or any Affiliate of any Lender) on a non-confidential basis from a Person other than a Loan Party, or (C) to require Agent or any Lender to return any materials furnished by a Loan Party to Agent or a Lender or prevent Agent or a Lender from responding to routine informational requests in accordance with the Code of Ethics for the Exchange of Credit Information promulgated by The Robert Morris Associates or other applicable industry standards relating to the exchange of credit information. The obligations of Agent and Lenders under this Section 11.12 shall supersede 67 KE 52826770.15


 
and replace the obligations of Agent and Lenders under any confidentiality letter signed prior to the date hereof or any other arrangements concerning the confidentiality of information provided by any Loan Party to Agent or any Lender. Section 11.13. Governing Law; Choice of Law and Venue; Jury Trial Waiver; Waivers. (a) THIS LOAN AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW (OTHER THAN SECTION 5-1401 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW). BORROWER, EACH GUARANTOR, AGENT AND THE LENDERS HEREBY SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK; PROVIDED THAT NOTHING IN THIS LOAN AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO OPERATE TO PRECLUDE AGENT OR ANY LENDER FROM BRINGING SUIT OR TAKING OTHER LEGAL ACTION IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION TO REALIZE ON THE COLLATERAL OR ANY OTHER SECURITY FOR THE OBLIGATIONS, OR TO ENFORCE A JUDGMENT OR OTHER COURT ORDER IN FAVOR OF AGENT OR SUCH LENDER. (b) Borrower and each Guarantor expressly submit and consent in advance to such jurisdiction in any action or suit commenced in any such court, and each Borrower and Guarantor, for itself and in connection with its properties, further agrees that the aforesaid courts of the State of New York and of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York shall have exclusive jurisdiction with respect to any claim or counterclaim of Borrower or any Guarantor based upon the assertion that the rate of interest charged by or under this Loan Agreement or under the other Transaction Documents is usurious. Borrower and Guarantors hereby waive any objection that they may have based upon lack of personal jurisdiction, improper venue, or forum non conveniens and hereby consents to the granting of such legal or equitable relief as is deemed appropriate by such court. Borrower and Guarantors hereby waive personal service of the summons, complaints, and other process issued in such action or suit and agrees that service of such summons, complaints, and other process may be made by registered or certified mail addressed to Borrower or Guarantors at the addresses set forth in Section 11.02 of this Loan Agreement and that service so made shall be deemed completed upon the earlier to occur of Borrower’s or any Guarantor’s, as applicable, actual receipt thereof or three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. mails, proper postage prepaid. (c) BORROWER, EACH GUARANTOR, AGENT AND THE LENDERS HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF ANY OF THE TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREIN, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW OR STATUTORY CLAIMS. EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS WAIVER IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT TO ENTER INTO A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP, THAT EACH HAS ALREADY RELIED ON THIS WAIVER IN ENTERING INTO THIS LOAN AGREEMENT, AND THAT EACH WILL CONTINUE TO RELY ON THIS WAIVER IN ITS RELATED FUTURE DEALINGS. EACH PARTY HERETO FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL AND THAT IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL. THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE, MEANING THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING (OTHER THAN BY A MUTUAL WRITTEN WAIVER SPECIFICALLY REFERRING TO THIS SECTION 11.13 AND EXECUTED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO), AND THIS WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS HERETO OR ANY OF THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS OR TO ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS OR AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE LOANS MADE HEREUNDER. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS LOAN AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT. (d) Each of Borrower and Guarantors hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the maximum extent not prohibited by law, any right it may have to claim or recover in any legal action or proceeding referred to in this Section 11.13 any special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages. Section 11.14. Successors and Assigns. This Loan Agreement and the other Transaction Documents shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Agent and the Lenders, all future holders of a Note, Borrower and their 68 KE 52826770.15


 
respective successors and permitted assigns, except that Borrower may not assign or transfer its rights hereunder or thereunder or any interest herein or therein without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders. Agent or Lenders may grant a security interest or assign all or any portion of their rights hereunder and under one or more Notes or any of the Loan Documents to any of its Affiliated investments funds or Affiliated companies or to any one or more financial institutions or funds or companies or an agent or trustee for such financial institutions or funds or companies (an “Assignee”) and may sell to any of its Affiliated investments funds or Affiliated companies or to any one or more financial institutions or funds or companies or an agent or trustee for such financial institutions or funds or companies (a “Participant”) participation interests in Agent’s or Lenders’ rights hereunder and under one or more Notes; provided, however, that so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, no Lender may assign or participate its interest under the Loan Agreement or under one or more Notes without Borrower’s prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) unless such assignment or participation is made to an Affiliate of Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to a Lender; provided, further, that (i) except as the Agent and the Borrower may otherwise agree, no Assignee shall hold less than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) of the principal amount of the Loans outstanding and (ii) any such assignment of interest in the Loans by any Lender shall be accomplished by Lender providing to Borrower and Agent a duly executed Assignment and Assumption Agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit F hereto, identifying the Assignee and the amount of the Loan being assigned, together with any existing Note (or a lost note affidavit in customary form) subject to such assignment... Agent and the Lenders may disclose the Transaction Documents and any other financial or other information relating to Borrower or any Subsidiary to any potential Assignee or Participant, provided that such Assignee or Participant agrees to protect the confidentiality of such documents and information using the same measures that it uses to protect its own confidential information and otherwise conform to the requirements of Section 11.12. The Agent shall maintain at the Agent’s office listed on a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the Notes or Loans owing to each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time, together with any participations granted to any Participant (the “Register”). The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, and a redacted version of the Register showing the entries with respect to any Lender shall be available for inspection by such Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error; provided, failure to make any such recordation, or any error in such recordation, shall not affect the Obligations in respect of any Note or Loan. The Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person in whose name any Note or Loan hall be registered as the owner and the Lender thereof for all purposes hereof. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Loan Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Loan Agreement. The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.05 and Section 2.06 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 2.05(f) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 2.05(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to this Section 11.14; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Section 2.08 as if it were an assignee under this Section 11.14; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.05 or Section 2.06, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation. Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrower’s request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 2.08 with respect to any Participant. Section 11.15. Counterparts. This Loan Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which, when so executed and delivered, shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. Section 11.16. Further Assurances. Borrower will, and will cause each of the other Loan Parties to, at its own expense and at Agent’s or the Lenders’ request, from time to time do, execute, acknowledge and deliver all and every further acts, deeds, conveyances, transfers and assurances, and all financing and continuation statements and similar notices, reasonably necessary or proper for the perfection of the security interest being herein provided for in the Collateral, whether now owned or hereafter acquired. Section 11.17. Entire Agreement. This Loan Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents, taken together, constitute and contain the entire agreement of the Loan Parties, Agent and the Lenders and supersede any 69 KE 52826770.15


 
and all prior agreements, negotiations, correspondence, understandings and communications among the parties, whether written or oral, respecting the subject matter hereof. Section 11.18. USA Patriot Act. The Agent and each Lender subject to the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001) (the “Act”) hereby notifies the Loan Parties that pursuant to the requirements of the Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Person who opens an account and/or enters into a business relationship with it, which information includes the name and address of the Loan Parties and other information that will allow the Agent or such Lender to identify such Person in accordance with the Act and any other applicable law. The Loan Parties are hereby advised that any Loans hereunder are subject to satisfactory results of such verification. Section 11.19. Rules of Construction. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any of the Loan Documents, whenever in this Loan Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents the words (i) “judgment”, “discretion” or “determination, or words of similar import are used relating to the judgment, discretion or determination of the Agent, such words shall mean (unless otherwise expressly provided herein) and refer to the judgment, discretion or determination of the Agent, in each case, acting at the direction of the Required Lenders, or (ii) “consent”, “approval”, “satisfaction”, “establishment” or words of similar import are used relating to the consent, approval, satisfaction, establishment of the Agent, such words shall mean and refer to the consent, approval, satisfaction or establishment of the Agent, in each case, acting at the direction of the Required Lenders. Any requirement herein for the delivery to or receipt by an Agent or words of similar import relating to the delivery to or receipt by such Agent of any documents, agreements, deliverables, or any other item shall mean and refer to the delivery to or receipt by such Agent and the Lenders. Any item or action requested by the Agent or words of similar import relating to the request by the Agent of any documents, agreements, deliverables, or any other item or action shall mean and refer to the request by the Agent or the Required Lenders. Section 11.20. Termination of Security Interest. Upon the payment in full of all Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) and the termination of any commitment to make Loans hereunder, the security interest granted herein shall terminate and all rights to the Collateral shall revert to the applicable Loan Party. Upon Agent’s or the Lenders’ written verification to Borrower of receipt of such payment, Agent and Lenders hereby authorize Borrower to file any UCC termination statements necessary to effect such termination and Agent will return any Collateral in its possession to the applicable Loan Party and will execute and deliver to the applicable Loan Party any additional documents or instruments as the applicable Loan Party shall reasonably request to evidence such termination, all at Borrower’s or any other Loan Party’s sole cost and expense. Section 11.21. Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA 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 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 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 Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an EEA Financial Institution; and (b) the effects of any Bail-inIn 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 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 Loan 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 Resolution Authority. [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] 70 KE 52826770.15


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Loan Agreement as of the date first written above. AGENT: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Agent By: Name: Title: [SIGNATURE PAGE TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT] KE 52826770.15


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Loan Agreement as of the date first written above. BORROWER: Sterling Construction Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation By: Name: Ronald A. Ballschmiede Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer [SIGNATURE PAGE TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT] KE 52826770.15


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Loan Agreement as of the date first written above. GUARANTORS: Texas Sterling Construction Co. a Delaware corporation By: Name: Brady A. Janes Title: Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company, LLC a Utah limited liability company By: Sterling Construction Company, Inc., its manager By: Name: Ronald A. Ballschmiede Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer J. Banicki Construction, Inc. an Arizona corporation By: Name: Ronald A. Ballschmiede Title: Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer Texas Sterling-Banicki, JV LLC a Texas limited liability company By: Name: Brady A. Janes Title: Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Road and Highway Builders of California, Inc. a California corporation By: Name: Ronald A. Ballschmiede Title: Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer [SIGNATURE PAGE TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT] KE 52826770.15


 
Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Co. LP a California limited partnership By: Ralph L. Wodsworth Construction Company, LLC, its general partner By: Sterling Construction Company, Inc., its manager By: Name: Ronald A. Ballschmiede Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Tealstone Residential Concrete, Inc. a Texas corporation By: Name: Ronald A. Ballschmiede Title: Vice President - Finance Tealstone Commercial, Inc. a Texas corporation By: Name: Ronald A. Ballschmiede Title: Vice President - Finance [SIGNATURE PAGE TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT] KE 52826770.15


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Loan Agreement as of the date first written above. LENDERS: OCM STERLING E HOLDINGS, LLC By: Oaktree Fund GP IIA, LLC Its: Manager By: Oaktree Fund GP II, L.P. Its: Managing Member By: _________________________ Name: Title: Authorized Signatory By: _________________________ Name: Title: Authorized Signatory OCM STERLING NE HOLDINGS, LLC By: Oaktree Fund GP IIA, LLC Its: Manager By: Oaktree Fund GP II, L.P. Its: Managing Member By: _________________________ Name: Title: Authorized Signatory By: _________________________ Name: Title: Authorized Signatory [SIGNATURE PAGE TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT] KE 52826770.15


 
SCHEDULE 1 Guarantors Jurisdiction and Type of Organization Tealstone Residential Concrete, Inc. Texas corporation Tealstone Commercial, Inc. Texas corporation Road And Highway Builders Of California, Inc. California corporation Texas Sterling Construction Co. Delaware corporation Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company, Utah limited liability company LLC Texas Sterling - Banicki, JV LLC Texas limited liability company J. Banicki Construction, Inc. Arizona corporation Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Co. LP California limited partnership Schedule 1 KE 52826770.15


 
SCHEDULE 2 Lender Loan Percentage Loans OCM Sterling NE Holdings, LLC 38.37% $32,610,301.96 OCM Sterling E Holdings, LLC 61.63% $52,389,698.04 Total 100.00% $85,000,000.00 Schedule 2 KE 52826770.1


 
SCHEDULE 3 On or prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, the Loan Parties shall grant a security interest in the assets specified herein or otherwise take any of the following actions described in clauses (i)-(vii) below such that an equivalent amount of value equal to Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) (which may be attributed based on the satisfaction of certain actions set forth below) has been received, either in cash or Collateral security, by the Lenders (the “Collateral Enhancement Requirement”), provided, however that the failure to satisfy the Collateral Enhancement Requirement shall not result in an Event of Default but rather the sole remedy of the Lenders shall be the application of the Enhanced Rate Adjustment as set forth herein. The value attributed to such Collateral Enhancement Requirement shall be deemed to be (a) Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) upon the satisfaction of the actions described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) below and (b) the dollar for dollar amount of Loans prepaid in accordance with clauses (iii), (v), (vi) and (vii) below (with the aggregate amount of attributable value described in this sentence achieved by the Loan Parties and determined as of the first anniversary of the Closing Date being the “Achieved Collateral Enhancement Value”). By way of example, if the Loan Parties satisfy the actions described in clause (i) below and repay Loans in an amount equal to Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) pursuant to clause (iii) below on or prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, the Achieved Collateral Enhancement Value shall equal Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) and as a result, the Enhanced Rate Adjustment shall automatically and immediately apply. The satisfaction of any one of the following actions shall count towards the Achieved Collateral Enhancement Value and the Collateral Enhancement Requirement. (i) Terminating, discharging or releasing in their entirety the Lien of RHB LLC and Myers securing Excluded Property and subsequently granting a first priority security interest in such Excluded Property in favor of the Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders pursuant to the Mortgage, and either terminating, paying off and discharging in full the Secured Intercompany Note or causing the aggregate outstanding balance under the Secured Intercompany Note to be zero at all times thereafter. In the event such Excluded Property becomes Collateral in accordance with this clause (i), the Loan Parties shall comply with Section 6.13 of the Loan Agreement with respect to such Excluded Property within thirty (30) days (rather than sixty (60) days) of the termination, discharge or release of such Liens on the Excluded Property. (ii) Obtaining a Lien on the Excluded Property in favor of the Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, pursuant to the Mortgage, whether by obtaining the requisite approval of the parties necessary to cause such Excluded Property to become Collateral or otherwise, and either terminating, paying off and discharging in full the Secured Intercompany Note or causing the aggregate outstanding balance under the Secured Intercompany Note to be zero at all times thereafter. (iii) Transferring the fee-simple ownership interests in the Excluded Property by the applicable Loan Party to a third- party buyer (that is not another Loan Party or Subsidiary or an Affiliate thereof) resulting in the receipt by such Loan Party of Net Cash Proceeds and the subsequent application of such Net Cash Proceeds to the repayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 2.02(d)(ii)(C) of the Loan Agreement, together with any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of such prepayment on the amount so prepaid, plus any applicable Prepayment Premium (for the avoidance of doubt, such Net Cash Proceeds described in this clause (iii) shall not be permitted to be reinvested in any assets of the Loan Parties or their respective Subsidiaries as contemplated by Section 2.02(d)(ii)(C) of the Loan Agreement). (iv) Obtaining a Lien on Equity Securities of RHB LLC owned by a Loan Party such that RHB LLC becomes a Pledged Company under the Loan Agreement and Borrower pledges its Equity Securities in RHB LLC in accordance with the Pledge Agreement. (v) Using the proceeds arising from the Permitted Dispositions and/or the NTTA Matter in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in Section 2.02(d)(i) of the Loan Agreement. (vi) Prepaying the Loans with proceeds in an amount equal to (a) the Consolidated EBITDA for the trailing four fiscal quarter period ended as of the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter for which Financial Statements are required to have been delivered under the Loan Agreement (or if no financial statements have been delivered pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2017), minus (b) Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000) of assumed Schedule 3 KE 52826770.15


 
Consolidated Capital Expenditures per fiscal year.1 Any such prepayment of the Loans made pursuant to this clause (vi) shall be paid together with any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of such prepayment on the amount so prepaid, plus, any applicable Prepayment Premium set forth in Section 2.02(e) of the Loan Agreement. (vii) Prepaying the Loans with proceeds from the issuance of any Equity Securities in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in Section 2.02(d)(ii)(B) of the Loan Agreement. The satisfaction of any one or more of the actions described in the foregoing clauses (i)-(vii) such that the Collateral Enhancement Requirement is achieved shall not result in an Enhanced Rate Adjustment as described in the Loan Agreement; provided, however, that the failure to satisfy the Collateral Enhancement Requirement to the fullest extent possible on or prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date shall, upon the written election of the Required Lenders to the Agent, result in the application of the Enhanced Rate Adjustment based on the Achieved Collateral Enhancement Value; provided, further, that the Loan Parties’ failure to satisfy, or continue to satisfy, the Collateral Enhancement Requirement after the first anniversary of the Closing Date shall subject the Loan Parties to the Enhanced Rate Adjustment for so long as the Loan Parties are unable to satisfy the Collateral Enhancement Requirement. 1 For purposes of this clause (vi), Consolidated EBITDA for the trailing four fiscal quarter period ending March 31, 2017 through June 30, 2018 shall be deemed to be the Consolidated EBITDA amount below set forth opposite the applicable fiscal quarter: Fiscal Quarter Ending: Consolidated EBITDA March 31, 2017 $27,300,000 June 30, 2017 $31,700,000 September 30, 2017 $34,800,000 December 31, 2017 $36,300,000 March 31, 2018 $39,000,000 June 30, 2018 $42,000,000 Schedule 3 KE 52826770.15


 


Exhibit 31.1
 
I, Joseph A. Cutillo , certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Sterling Construction Company, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) 
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:
 
(a)     
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b)     
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 

Date: May 8, 2018
 

 
By:
/s/ Joseph A. Cutillo
 
 
 
Joseph A. Cutillo
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer





Exhibit 31.2
 
I, Ronald A. Ballschmiede , certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Sterling Construction Company, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) 
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:
 
(a)     
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b)     
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
Date: May 8, 2018
 

 
By:
/s/ Ronald A. Ballschmiede
 
 
 
Ronald A. Ballschmiede
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer





Certification by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
 
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, each of the undersigned officers of Sterling Construction Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify that the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 (the “ Report ”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
Dated: May 8, 2018
/s/ Joseph A. Cutillo
 
 
Joseph A. Cutillo
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dated: May 8, 2018
/s/ Ronald A. Ballschmiede
 
 
Ronald A. Ballschmiede
 
 
Chief Financial Officer