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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_________________________________
FORM 10-Q
_________________________________
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019

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 No. 1-13696

AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
31-1401455
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
9227 Centre Pointe Drive, West Chester, Ohio
 
45069
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(513) 425-5000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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, and (2) has been subject to filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months. Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.
Large accelerated filer
 
Accelerated filer
 
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
 
Emerging growth company
 
 
 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section13(a) of the Exchange Act. Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company. Yes No

There were 316,344,103 shares of common stock outstanding as of April 25, 2019.
 
 
 
 
 


                

AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

-i-

Table of Contents         

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in millions, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(unaudited)
 
2019
 
2018
Net sales
 
$
1,697.7

 
$
1,658.9

 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold (exclusive of items shown separately below)
 
1,465.4

 
1,463.7

Selling and administrative expenses
 
76.6

 
76.7

Depreciation
 
50.4

 
54.9

Ashland Works closure
 
64.1

 

Total operating costs
 
1,656.5

 
1,595.3

Operating profit
 
41.2

 
63.6

Interest expense
 
37.9

 
37.6

Pension and OPEB (income) expense
 
6.5

 
(10.0
)
Other (income) expense
 
(12.7
)
 
(3.9
)
Income before income taxes
 
9.5

 
39.9

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
1.4

 
(4.9
)
Net income
 
8.1

 
44.8

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
12.6

 
16.1

Net income (loss) attributable to AK Steel Holding Corporation
 
$
(4.5
)
 
$
28.7

Net income (loss) per share attributable to AK Steel Holding Corporation common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
0.09

Diluted
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
0.09


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 1-

Table of Contents         

AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(unaudited)
 
2019
 
2018
Net income
 
$
8.1

 
$
44.8

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
 
(0.7
)
 
1.1

Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
Gains (losses) arising in period
 
7.4

 
(1.4
)
Reclassification of losses (gains) to net income
 
(6.4
)
 
(7.6
)
Pension and OPEB plans:
 
 
 
 
Reclassification of prior service cost (credits) to net income
 
(2.6
)
 
(2.4
)
Reclassification of losses (gains) to net income
 
(2.6
)
 
3.6

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
 
(4.9
)
 
(6.7
)
Income tax benefit related to items of comprehensive income (loss)
 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(4.9
)
 
(6.7
)
Comprehensive income
 
3.2

 
38.1

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
12.6

 
16.1

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AK Steel Holding Corporation
 
$
(9.4
)
 
$
22.0


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 2-

Table of Contents         

AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
41.2

 
$
48.6

Accounts receivable, net
 
720.6

 
635.8

Inventory
 
1,378.8

 
1,419.9

Other current assets
 
88.8

 
97.0

Total current assets
 
2,229.4

 
2,201.3

Property, plant and equipment
 
6,996.4

 
6,969.2

Accumulated depreciation
 
(5,106.7
)
 
(5,057.6
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
1,889.7

 
1,911.6

Operating lease assets
 
254.0

 

Other non-current assets
 
397.0

 
402.8

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
4,770.1

 
$
4,515.7

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
768.2

 
$
801.0

Accrued liabilities
 
225.2

 
288.9

Current portion of operating lease liabilities
 
56.1

 

Current portion of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
 
38.2

 
38.7

Total current liabilities
 
1,087.7

 
1,128.6

Non-current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
 
2,037.7

 
1,993.7

Long-term operating lease liabilities
 
220.3

 

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
 
824.2

 
829.9

Other non-current liabilities
 
170.4

 
134.0

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
4,340.3

 
4,086.2

Equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, authorized 450,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value each; issued 317,669,397 and 316,595,613 shares in 2019 and 2018; outstanding 316,306,678 and 315,535,765 shares in 2019 and 2018
 
3.2

 
3.2

Additional paid-in capital
 
2,899.2

 
2,894.9

Treasury stock, common shares at cost, 1,362,719 and 1,059,848 shares in 2019 and 2018
 
(7.2
)
 
(6.4
)
Accumulated deficit
 
(2,696.3
)
 
(2,691.8
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(104.9
)
 
(100.0
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
94.0

 
99.9

Noncontrolling interests
 
335.8

 
329.6

TOTAL EQUITY
 
429.8

 
429.5

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
4,770.1

 
$
4,515.7


- 3-

Table of Contents         

The condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, include the following amounts related to consolidated variable interest entities, prior to intercompany eliminations. See Note 11 for more information concerning variable interest entities.
(unaudited)
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Middletown Coke Company, LLC (“SunCoke Middletown”)
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
0.3

 
$
1.1

Accounts receivable, net
 
11.6

 
0.5

Inventory
 
25.2

 
21.1

Property, plant and equipment
 
427.7

 
427.8

Accumulated depreciation
 
(112.5
)
 
(106.9
)
Accounts payable
 
16.8

 
13.7

Other assets (liabilities), net
 
(1.0
)
 
(1.7
)
Noncontrolling interests
 
334.5

 
328.2

 
 
 
 
 
Other variable interest entities
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
0.2

 
$
0.5

Property, plant and equipment
 
11.7

 
11.7

Accumulated depreciation
 
(9.9
)
 
(9.8
)
Other assets (liabilities), net
 
0.5

 
0.5

Noncontrolling interests
 
1.3

 
1.4



See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 4-

Table of Contents         

AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(unaudited)
 
2019
 
2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
8.1

 
$
44.8

Depreciation
 
42.9

 
51.1

Depreciation—SunCoke Middletown
 
7.5

 
3.8

Amortization
 
10.1

 
10.0

Ashland Works closure
 
64.1

 

Deferred income taxes
 
0.3

 
(6.8
)
Pension and OPEB expense (income)
 
7.9

 
(8.1
)
Contributions to pension trust
 
(9.2
)
 
(6.0
)
Other postretirement benefit payments
 
(9.6
)
 
(10.1
)
Changes in working capital
 
(95.8
)
 
0.2

Other operating items, net
 
(34.2
)
 
(13.3
)
Net cash flows from operating activities
 
(7.9
)
 
65.6

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Capital investments
 
(44.8
)
 
(37.9
)
Other investing items, net
 
11.6

 

Net cash flows from investing activities
 
(33.2
)
 
(37.9
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Net borrowings (payments) under credit facility
 
45.0

 
(10.0
)
Redemption of long-term debt
 
(4.0
)
 

SunCoke Middletown distributions to noncontrolling interest owners
 
(6.4
)
 
(10.3
)
Other financing items, net
 
(0.9
)
 
(0.9
)
Net cash flows from financing activities
 
33.7

 
(21.2
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
(7.4
)
 
6.5

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
48.6

 
38.0

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
41.2

 
$
44.5


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 5-

Table of Contents         


AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(unaudited)
 
2019
 
2018
Common stock
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning and end of period
 
$
3.2

 
$
3.2

Additional paid-in capital
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
2,894.9

 
2,884.8

Share-based compensation
 
4.3

 
4.5

Balance at end of period
 
2,899.2

 
2,889.3

Treasury stock
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
(6.4
)
 
(5.4
)
Purchase of treasury stock
 
(0.8
)
 
(1.0
)
Balance at end of period
 
(7.2
)
 
(6.4
)
Accumulated deficit
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
(2,691.8
)
 
(2,877.0
)
Cumulative effect of adopting new hedging standard
 

 
(0.8
)
Net income (loss)
 
(4.5
)
 
28.7

Balance at end of period
 
(2,696.3
)
 
(2,849.1
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
(100.0
)
 
(50.2
)
Cumulative effect of adopting new hedging standard
 

 
0.8

Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(4.9
)
 
(6.7
)
Balance at end of period
 
(104.9
)
 
(56.1
)
Noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
329.6

 
345.2

Net income
 
12.6

 
16.1

Net distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
(6.4
)
 
(10.3
)
Balance at end of period
 
335.8

 
351.0

Total equity
 
$
429.8

 
$
331.9



See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 6-

Table of Contents         

AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(dollars in millions, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

NOTE 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 

Basis of Presentation—These financial statements consolidate the operations and accounts of AK Steel Holding Corporation (“AK Holding”), its wholly owned subsidiary AK Steel Corporation (“AK Steel”), all subsidiaries in which AK Holding has a controlling interest, and two variable interest entities for which AK Steel is the primary beneficiary. Unless the context provides otherwise, references to “we,” “us” and “our” refer to AK Holding and its subsidiaries. In our opinion, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our financial position as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, and our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. Our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results we expect for the full year ending December 31, 2019. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read along with our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Leases—We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. We recognize right-of-use assets and liabilities associated with leases based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the later of the commencement date of the lease or January 1, 2019 (the implementation date of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)). We use our incremental borrowing rate at the recognition date in determining the present value of future payments for leases that do not have a readily determinable implicit rate. Lease terms reflect options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. For leases that include residual value guarantees or payments for terminating the lease, we include these costs in the lease liability when it is probable that we will incur them. Right-of-use assets and obligations for short-term leases (leases with an initial term of 12 months or less) are not recognized in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Lease expense for short-term leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We have agreements that contain lease and non-lease components. In assessing whether an agreement includes a lease component, we consider the nature of the assets included under the agreement and our right to direct their use. We allocate the costs of the agreement to the separate components based on the relative standalone prices of the components. Where observable standalone prices are not readily available, we estimate the standalone price based on the most observable information available. For leases of real estate and certain light equipment, such as vehicles and mobile equipment, and for certain contracts that contain assets, such as production support, natural gas, electricity and industrial gas agreements, we account for the lease and non-lease components in the contracts as a single lease component. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2019 are presented under Topic 842, while prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historical accounting treatment.


- 7-

Table of Contents         

NOTE 2 – Supplementary Financial Statement Information
 

Revenue

Net sales by market are presented below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Automotive
$
1,090.9

 
$
1,119.1

Infrastructure and Manufacturing
278.1

 
241.3

Distributors and Converters
328.7

 
298.5

Total
$
1,697.7

 
$
1,658.9


Net sales by product line are presented below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Carbon steel
$
1,099.2

 
$
1,068.6

Stainless and electrical steel
444.5

 
426.1

Tubular products, components and other
154.0

 
164.2

Total
$
1,697.7

 
$
1,658.9



We sell domestically to customers located primarily in the Midwestern, Southern and Eastern United States and to foreign customers, primarily in Canada, Mexico and Western Europe. Net sales to customers located outside the United States were $143.2 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $167.8 for the corresponding period in 2018.

Inventory

Inventories as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, are presented below:
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Finished and semi-finished
$
1,021.9

 
$
1,054.4

Raw materials
356.9

 
365.5

Inventory
$
1,378.8

 
$
1,419.9



Other Non-Current Assets

Intangible assets at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, consist of:
 
Gross Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Amount
As of March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Customer relationships
$
36.6

 
$
(8.7
)
 
$
27.9

Technology
19.3

 
(5.3
)
 
14.0

Intangible assets
$
55.9

 
$
(14.0
)
 
$
41.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
Customer relationships
$
36.6

 
$
(7.4
)
 
$
29.2

Technology
19.3

 
(4.6
)
 
14.7

Intangible assets
$
55.9

 
$
(12.0
)
 
$
43.9



- 8-

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Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $2.0 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and $2.4 for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Investments in Affiliates

We have investments in several businesses that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Summarized financial statement data for all investees is presented below.
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Revenue
 
$
77.8

 
$
74.8

Gross profit
 
21.5

 
21.1

Net income
 
2.7

 
4.2

 
 
 
 
 
Our share of income of equity investees (included in cost of products sold)
 
0.7

 
1.3



Ashland Works Closure

In January 2019, our Board of Directors approved and we announced the planned closure of our Ashland Works, including the previously idled blast furnace and steelmaking operations (“Ashland Works Hot End”) and the hot dip galvanizing coating line that has remained operational, subject to negotiations with the labor union at that facility. Factors that influenced our decision to close Ashland Works included an uncertain global trade landscape influenced by shifting domestic and international political priorities, Ashland Works’ high cost of production, and continued intense competition from domestic and foreign steel competitors. These conditions directly impact our pricing, which in turn directly impacts our assessment of the demand forecasts for the markets we serve. Despite several successful trade actions, we continue to see a high level of carbon steel imports driven by global overcapacity, particularly in China. The global overcapacity is expected to be exacerbated by several domestic steel companies that have restarted or plan new capacity additions in the United States. In addition, we have recently concluded that we have sufficient coating capacity to meet our customers’ needs without using our coating operations at Ashland Works. We are transitioning products to our other U.S. coating lines, and plan to close the Ashland Works line before the end of 2019.

We recorded a charge of $77.4 during the first quarter of 2019, which includes $18.5 for termination of take-or-pay supply agreements, $15.2 for supplemental unemployment and other employee benefit costs, pension and OPEB termination benefits of $13.3 (recorded in pension and OPEB (income) expense), an estimated multiemployer plan withdrawal liability of $23.0, and $7.4 for other costs. The supplemental unemployment and other employee benefit costs are expected to be paid primarily in 2020 and 2021. For the $77.4 charge, we expect to make cash payments of approximately $15.0 in 2019, $30.0 in 2020 and the remaining amount over several years thereafter. The actual multiemployer plan withdrawal liability will not be known until 2020 and is expected to be paid over a number of years. In addition to the $77.4 charge recorded in the first quarter of 2019, we expect to record expenses of approximately $14.0 over the full-year 2019, consisting of cash costs of approximately $10.0 related to closing the facility and $4.0 of accelerated depreciation related to the coating line fixed assets. These cash costs related to closing the facility will decline in future years and no depreciation expense will be incurred beyond 2019. On-going costs for maintenance of the equipment, utilities and supplier obligations related to the idled Ashland Works Hot End were $2.5 and $5.4 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

NOTE 3 – Income Taxes
 

Income taxes recorded for the periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, were estimated using the discrete method. Income taxes are based on our financial results through the end of the period, as well as the related change in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. We are unable to estimate the annual effective tax rate with sufficient precision for purposes of the effective tax rate method, which requires us to consider a projection of full-year income and the expected change in the valuation allowance. The estimated annual effective tax rate method was not reliable due to its sensitivity to small changes to forecasted annual pre-tax earnings and the effect of our valuation allowance, which create results with significant variations in the customary relationship between income tax expense and pre-tax income for the interim periods. As a result, we determined that using the discrete method is more appropriate than using the annual effective tax rate method.


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During the first three months of 2018, we reduced our valuation allowance and recorded an income tax benefit of $5.3 as a result of changes to the tax net operating loss carryover rules included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that allow us to use certain indefinite-lived deferred tax liabilities as a source of future income to realize deferred tax assets.

NOTE 4 – Long-term Debt and Other Financing
 

Debt balances at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, are presented below:
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Credit Facility
$
380.0

 
$
335.0

7.50% Senior Secured Notes due July 2023 (effective rate of 8.3%)
380.0

 
380.0

5.00% Exchangeable Senior Notes due November 2019 (effective rate of 10.8%)
148.5

 
148.5

7.625% Senior Notes due October 2021
406.2

 
406.2

6.375% Senior Notes due October 2025 (effective rate of 7.1%)
270.2

 
274.8

7.00% Senior Notes due March 2027
391.6

 
391.6

Industrial Revenue Bonds due 2020 through 2028
99.3

 
99.3

Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs
(38.1
)
 
(41.7
)
Total long-term debt
$
2,037.7

 
$
1,993.7



During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all the terms and conditions of our debt agreements. The Exchangeable Notes maturing in 2019 are classified as long-term based on our ability and intent to refinance that debt on a long-term basis. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we repurchased an aggregate principal amount of $4.6 of our 6.375% Senior Notes due October 2025 in private, open market transactions and recognized a net gain on the repurchases totaling $0.6, which is included in other (income) expense.

Credit Facility

As of March 31, 2019 we had a $1,350.0 revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), which expires in September 2022. As of March 31, 2019, we had outstanding borrowings of $380.0 under the Credit Facility. At March 31, 2019, our eligible collateral under the Credit Facility, after application of applicable advance rates, was in excess of $1,350.0. Availability as of March 31, 2019, was $896.8 after reductions of $73.2 for outstanding letters of credit. In April 2019, we increased the Credit Facility by $150.0 to $1,500.0.

NOTE 5 – Leases
 

We have leases primarily for offices, production buildings and equipment. Our leases have remaining contractual lease terms ranging from less than one year to 19 years. Certain of those leases include options to extend the leases, and those options are for periods from 1 to 32 years depending on the particular lease. Certain of the leases may also include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. Certain leases include variable lease payments based on production, usage or independent factors such as changes in published producer price indexes.

Lease costs are presented below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
Operating leases
$
16.7

Short-term leases
11.1

Variable lease costs
17.3

Total
$
45.1




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Other information related to leases was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
Cash paid for operating cash flows from operating leases
$
18.1

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
3.7

Weighted-average remaining lease term of operating leases (in years)
7.8

Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases
8.4
%


Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases as of March 31, 2019, were as follows:
Year ending December 31:
 
2019 (remaining period of year)
$
53.3

2020 
63.4

2021 
50.8

2022 
40.9

2023
34.8

Thereafter
148.2

Total future minimum operating lease payments
391.4

Less imputed interest
115.0

Total operating lease liabilities
276.4

Less current portion of operating lease liabilities
56.1

Long-term operating lease liabilities
$
220.3



NOTE 6 – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
 

Net periodic benefit (income) expense for pension and other postretirement benefits was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Pension Benefits
 
 
 
Service cost
$
0.5

 
$
0.8

Interest cost
22.3

 
23.7

Expected return on assets
(28.0
)
 
(38.8
)
Amortization of prior service cost
0.7

 
1.0

Amortization of (gain) loss
(1.7
)
 
3.9

Termination benefits—Ashland Works
9.7

 

Net periodic benefit (income) expense
$
3.5

 
$
(9.4
)
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
 
Service cost
$
0.9

 
$
1.1

Interest cost
4.1

 
3.9

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
(3.3
)
 
(3.4
)
Amortization of (gain) loss
(0.9
)
 
(0.3
)
Termination benefits—Ashland Works
3.6

 

Net periodic benefit (income) expense
$
4.4

 
$
1.3



We are required to contribute $45.9 to the master pension trust during 2019, of which $9.2 was contributed through March 31, 2019 and another $10.3 was contributed in April 2019. Based on current actuarial assumptions, we estimate that

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our required pension contributions will be approximately $50.0 in 2020 and $50.0 in 2021. Factors that affect our estimates of future funding projections include return on plan assets, actuarial data and assumptions relating to plan participants, the discount rate used to measure the pension obligations and changes to regulatory funding requirements.

NOTE 7 – Environmental and Legal Contingencies
 

Environmental Contingencies

We and our predecessors have been involved in steel manufacturing and related operations since 1900. Although we believe our operating practices have been consistent with prevailing industry standards, hazardous materials may have been released at operating sites or third-party sites in the past, including operating sites that we no longer own. If we reasonably can, we have estimated potential remediation expenditures for those sites where future remediation efforts are probable based on identified conditions, regulatory requirements or contractual obligations arising from the sale of a business or facility. For sites involving government-required investigations, we typically make an estimate of potential remediation expenditures only after the investigation is complete and when we better understand the nature and scope of the remediation. In general, the material factors in these estimates include the costs associated with investigations, delineations, risk assessments, remedial work, governmental response and oversight, site monitoring, and preparation of reports to the appropriate environmental agencies. We have recorded the following liabilities for environmental matters on our condensed consolidated balance sheets:
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Accrued liabilities
$
7.3

 
$
8.0

Other non-current liabilities
32.6

 
31.2



We cannot predict the ultimate costs for each site with certainty because of the evolving nature of the investigation and remediation process. Rather, to estimate the probable costs, we must make certain assumptions. The most significant of these assumptions is for the nature and scope of the work that will be necessary to investigate and remediate a particular site and the cost of that work. Other significant assumptions include the cleanup technology that will be used, whether and to what extent any other parties will participate in paying the investigation and remediation costs, reimbursement of past response and future oversight costs by governmental agencies, and the reaction of the governing environmental agencies to the proposed work plans. Costs for future investigation and remediation are not discounted to their present value. To the extent that we have been able to reasonably estimate future liabilities, we do not believe that there is a reasonable possibility that we will incur a loss or losses that exceed the amounts we accrued for the environmental matters discussed below that would, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, since we recognize amounts in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States that exclude potential losses that are not probable or that may not be currently estimable, the ultimate costs of these environmental proceedings may be higher than the liabilities we currently have recorded in our consolidated financial statements.

Except as we expressly note below, we do not currently anticipate any material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of compliance with current environmental regulations. Moreover, because all domestic steel producers operate under the same federal environmental regulations, we do not believe that we are more disadvantaged than our domestic competitors by our need to comply with these regulations. Some foreign competitors may benefit from less stringent environmental requirements in the countries where they produce, resulting in lower compliance costs for them and providing those foreign competitors with a cost advantage on their products.

According to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), which governs the treatment, handling and disposal of hazardous waste, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and authorized state environmental agencies may conduct inspections of RCRA-regulated facilities to identify areas where there have been releases of hazardous waste or hazardous constituents into the environment and may order the facilities to take corrective action to remediate such releases. Environmental regulators may inspect our major steelmaking facilities. While we cannot predict the future actions of these regulators, it is possible that they may identify conditions in future inspections of these facilities which they believe require corrective action.

Under authority from the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), the EPA and state environmental authorities have conducted site investigations at certain of our facilities and other third-party facilities, portions of which previously may have been used for disposal of materials that are currently regulated. The results

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of these investigations are still pending, and we could be directed to spend funds for remedial activities at the former disposal areas. Because of the uncertain status of these investigations, however, we cannot reliably predict whether or when such spending might be required or its magnitude.

As previously reported, on April 29, 2002, we entered a mutually agreed-upon administrative order on consent with the EPA pursuant to Section 122 of CERCLA to perform a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (“RI/FS”) of the Hamilton Plant site located in New Miami, Ohio. The plant ceased operations in 1990 and all of its former structures have been demolished. We submitted the investigation portion of the RI/FS, and we completed a supplemental study in 2014. We currently have accrued $0.7 for the remaining cost of the RI/FS. Until the RI/FS is complete, we cannot reliably estimate the additional costs, if any, we may incur for potentially required remediation of the site or when we may incur them.

As previously reported, on September 30, 1998, our predecessor, Armco Inc., received an order from the EPA under Section 3013 of RCRA requiring it to develop a plan for investigation of eight areas of our Mansfield Works that allegedly could be sources of contamination. A site investigation began in November 2000 and is continuing. We cannot reliably estimate how long it will take to complete this site investigation. We currently have accrued $0.6 for the projected cost of the study. Until the site investigation is complete, we cannot reliably estimate the additional costs, if any, we may incur for potentially required remediation of the site or when we may incur them.

As previously reported, on September 26, 2012, the EPA issued an order under Section 3013 of RCRA requiring us to develop a plan for investigation of four areas at our Ashland Works coke plant. The Ashland Works coke plant ceased operations in 2011 and all of its former structures have been demolished and removed. In 1981, we acquired the plant from Honeywell International Corporation (as successor to Allied Corporation), who had managed the coking operations there for approximately 60 years. In connection with the sale of the coke plant, Honeywell agreed to indemnify us from certain claims and obligations that could arise from the investigation and we intend to pursue such indemnification from Honeywell, if necessary. We cannot reliably estimate how long it will take to complete the site investigation. On March 10, 2016, the EPA invited us to participate in settlement discussions regarding an enforcement action. Settlement discussions between the parties are ongoing, though whether the parties will reach agreement and any such agreement’s terms are uncertain. We currently have accrued $1.4 for the projected cost of the investigation and known remediation. Until the site investigation is complete, we cannot reliably estimate the costs, if any, we may incur for potential additional required remediation of the site or when we may incur them.

As previously reported, on July 15, 2009, we and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“PADEP”) entered a Consent Order and Agreement (the “Consent Order”) to resolve an alleged unpermitted discharge of wastewater from the closed Hillside Landfill at our former Ambridge Works. Under the terms of the Consent Order, we paid a penalty and also agreed to implement various corrective actions, including an investigation of the area where landfill activities occurred, submission of a plan to collect and treat surface waters and seep discharges, and upon approval from PADEP, implementation of that plan. We have accrued $5.6 for the remedial work required under the approved plan and Consent Order. We submitted a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permit application to move to the next work phase. We currently estimate that the remaining work will be completed in 2020, though it may be delayed.

As previously reported, on June 29, 2000, the United States filed a complaint on behalf of the EPA against us in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Case No. C-1-00530, alleging violations of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and RCRA at our Middletown Works. Subsequently, the State of Ohio, the Sierra Club and the National Resources Defense Council intervened. On May 15, 2006, the court entered a Consent Decree in Partial Resolution of Pending Claims (the “Consent Decree”). Under the Consent Decree, we agreed to undertake a comprehensive RCRA facility investigation at Middletown Works and, as appropriate, complete a corrective measures study. The Consent Decree also required us to implement certain RCRA corrective action interim measures. We have completed the remedial activity at Dicks Creek, but continue to work on the RCRA facility investigation and certain interim measures. We have accrued $12.3 for the cost of known work required under the Consent Decree for the RCRA facility investigation and remaining interim measures.

As previously reported, on May 12, 2014, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (“MDEQ”) issued to our Dearborn Works an Air Permit to Install No. 182-05C (the “PTI”) to increase the emission limits for the blast furnace and other emission sources. The PTI was issued as a correction to a prior permit to install that did not include certain information during the prior permitting process. On July 10, 2014, the South Dearborn Environmental Improvement Association (“SDEIA”), Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, Original United Citizens of Southwest Detroit and the Sierra Club filed a Claim of Appeal of the PTI in the State of Michigan, Wayne County Circuit, Case No. 14-008887-AA. Appellants and the MDEQ required the intervention of Severstal Dearborn, LLC (“Dearborn”) (now owned by us) in this action as an additional appellee. The appellants allege multiple deficiencies with the PTI and the permitting process. Until the appeal is

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resolved, we cannot determine what the ultimate permit limits will be. Until the permit limits are determined and final, we cannot reliably estimate the costs we may incur, if any, or when we may incur them.

As previously reported, on August 21, 2014, the SDEIA filed a Complaint under the Michigan Environmental Protection Act (“MEPA”) in the State of Michigan, Wayne County Circuit Case No. 14-010875-CE. The plaintiffs allege that the air emissions from our Dearborn Works are impacting the air, water and other natural resources, as well as the public trust in such resources. The plaintiffs are requesting, among other requested relief, that the court assess and determine the sufficiency of the PTI’s limitations. On October 15, 2014, the court ordered a stay of the proceedings until a final order is issued in Wayne County Circuit Court Case No. 14-008887-AA (discussed above). When the proceedings resume, we will vigorously contest these claims. Until the claims in this Complaint are resolved, we cannot reliably estimate the costs we may incur, if any, or when we may incur them.

As previously reported, on April 27, 2000, MDEQ issued RCRA Corrective Action Order No. 111-04-00-07E to Rouge Steel Company and Ford Motor Company for the property that includes our Dearborn Works. The Corrective Action Order has been amended five times. We are a party to the Corrective Action Order as the successor-in-interest to Dearborn, which was the successor-in-interest to Rouge Steel Company. The Corrective Action Order requires the site-wide investigation, and where appropriate, remediation of the facility. The site investigation and remediation are ongoing. We cannot reliably estimate how long it will take to complete this site investigation and remediation. To date, Ford Motor Company has incurred most of the costs of the investigation and remediation due to its prior ownership of the steelmaking operations at Dearborn Works. Until the site investigation is complete, we cannot reliably estimate the additional costs we may incur, if any, for any potentially required remediation of the site or when we may incur them.

As previously reported, we received an order in October 2002 from the EPA under Section 3013 of RCRA requiring us to investigate several areas of Zanesville Works that allegedly could be sources of contamination. A site investigation began in 2003 and was approved by EPA in November 2012. On October 28, 2016, the EPA requested that we conduct a corrective measures study and implement these measures as necessary. We subsequently agreed to proceed with a voluntary corrective measures study and have accrued $0.1 for the study. Until the study is complete, we cannot reliably estimate the costs, if any, we may incur for potential required remediation of the site or when we may incur them.

In addition to the foregoing matters, we are or may be involved in proceedings with various regulatory authorities that may require us to pay fines, comply with more rigorous standards or other requirements or incur capital and operating expenses for environmental compliance. We believe that the ultimate disposition of the proceedings will not have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Legal Contingencies

As previously reported, since 1990 we have been named as a defendant in numerous lawsuits alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos. The great majority of these lawsuits have been filed on behalf of people who claim to have been exposed to asbestos while visiting the premises of one of our current or former facilities. The majority of asbestos cases pending in which we are a defendant do not include a specific dollar claim for damages. In the cases that do include specific dollar claims for damages, the complaint typically includes a monetary claim for compensatory damages and a separate monetary claim in an equal amount for punitive damages, but does not attempt to allocate the total monetary claim among the various defendants.


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The number of asbestos cases pending at March 31, 2019, is presented below:
 
 
Asbestos Cases Pending at
 
 
March 31, 2019
Cases with specific dollar claims for damages:
 
 
Claims up to $0.2
 
164

Claims above $0.2 to $5.0
 
4

Claims above $5.0 to $20.0
 
3

Total claims with a specific dollar claim for damages (a)
 
171

Cases without a specific dollar claim for damages
 
176

Total asbestos cases pending
 
347

(a)
Involve a total of 2,246 plaintiffs and 19,559 defendants

In each case, the amount described is per plaintiff against all of the defendants, collectively. Thus, it usually is not possible at the outset of a case to determine the specific dollar amount of a claim against us. In fact, it usually is not even possible at the outset to determine which of the plaintiffs actually will pursue a claim against us. Typically, that can only be determined through written interrogatories or other discovery after a case has been filed. Therefore, in a case involving multiple plaintiffs and multiple defendants, we initially only account for the lawsuit as one claim. After we have determined through discovery whether a particular plaintiff will pursue a claim, we make an appropriate adjustment to statistically account for that specific claim. It has been our experience that only a small percentage of asbestos plaintiffs ultimately identify us as a target defendant from whom they actually seek damages and most of these claims ultimately are either dismissed or settled for a small fraction of the damages initially claimed. Asbestos-related claims information for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 is presented below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
New Claims Filed
11

 
12

Pending Claims Disposed Of
7

 
11

Total Amount Paid in Settlements
$
0.2

 
$
0.3



Since the onset of asbestos claims against us in 1990, five asbestos claims against us have proceeded to trial in four separate cases. All five concluded with a verdict in our favor. We continue to vigorously defend the asbestos claims. Based upon present knowledge, and the factors above, we believe it is unlikely that the resolution in the aggregate of the asbestos claims against us will have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. However, predictions about the outcome of pending litigation, particularly claims alleging asbestos exposure, are subject to substantial uncertainties. These uncertainties include (1) the significantly variable rate at which new claims may be filed, (2) the effect of bankruptcies of other companies currently or historically defending asbestos claims, (3) the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, (4) the type and severity of the disease each claimant is alleged to suffer, and (5) the potential for enactment of legislation affecting asbestos litigation.

As previously reported, on January 20, 2010, ArcelorMittal France and ArcelorMittal Atlantique et Lorraine (collectively “ArcelorMittal”) filed an action in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, Case No. 10-050-SLR against us, Dearborn, and Wheeling-Nisshin Inc., whom Dearborn indemnified in this action. By virtue of our responsibility as a successor-in-interest to Dearborn and an indemnitor of Wheeling-Nisshin Inc., we now have complete responsibility for the defense of this action. The three named defendants are collectively referred to hereafter as “we” or “us”, though the precise claims against each separate defendant may vary. The complaint alleges that we are infringing the claims of U.S. Patent No. 6,296,805 (the “Patent”) in making pre-coated cold-rolled boron steel sheet and seeks injunctive relief and unspecified compensatory damages. We filed an answer denying ArcelorMittal’s claims and raised various affirmative defenses. We also filed counterclaims against ArcelorMittal for a declaratory judgment that we are not infringing the Patent and that the Patent is invalid. Subsequently, the trial court separated the issues of liability and damages. The case proceeded with a trial to a jury on the issue of liability during the week of January 15, 2011. The jury returned a verdict that we did not infringe the Patent and that the Patent was invalid. Judgment then was entered in our favor. ArcelorMittal filed an appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. On November 30, 2012, the court of appeals issued a decision reversing certain findings related to claim construction and the validity of the Patent and remanded the case to the trial court for further

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proceedings. On January 30, 2013, ArcelorMittal filed a motion for rehearing with the court of appeals. On March 20, 2013, the court of appeals denied ArcelorMittal’s motion for rehearing. The case then was remanded to the trial court for further proceedings. On April 16, 2013, according to a petition previously filed by ArcelorMittal and ArcelorMittal USA LLC, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”) reissued the Patent as U.S. Reissue Patent RE44,153 (the “Reissued Patent”). Also on April 16, 2013, ArcelorMittal filed a second action against us in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, Case Nos. 1:13-cv-00685 and 1:13-cv-00686 (collectively the “Second Action”). The complaint filed in the Second Action alleges that we are infringing the claims of the Reissued Patent and seeks injunctive relief and unspecified compensatory damages. On April 23, 2013, we filed a motion to dismiss key elements of the complaint filed in the Second Action. In addition, the parties briefed related non-infringement and claims construction issues in the original action. On October 25, 2013, the district court granted summary judgment in our favor, confirming that our product does not infringe the original Patent or the Reissued Patent. The court further ruled that ArcelorMittal’s Reissued Patent was invalid due to ArcelorMittal’s deliberate violation of a statutory prohibition on broadening a patent through reissue more than two years after the original Patent was granted and that the original Patent had been surrendered when the Reissued Patent was issued and thus is no longer in effect. Final Judgment was entered on October 31, 2013. On November 6, 2013, ArcelorMittal filed a motion to clarify or, in the alternative, to alter or amend the October 31, 2013 judgment. We opposed the motion. On December 5, 2013, the court issued a memorandum and order denying the motion and entered final judgment in our favor, and against ArcelorMittal, specifically ruling that all claims of ArcelorMittal’s Reissued Patent are invalid as violative of 35 U.S.C. §251(d). On December 30, 2013, ArcelorMittal filed notices of appeal to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. On May 12, 2015, the Federal Circuit issued its decision affirming in part and reversing in part the trial court’s decision and remanding the case for further proceedings. The Federal Circuit ruled that 23 of the 25 claims of the Reissued Patent were improperly broadened and therefore invalid. However, the Federal Court found that the district court erred in invalidating the remaining two claims and remanded the case for further proceedings before the district court. Following the remand, ArcelorMittal filed a motion in the trial court for leave to amend the Second Action to assert additional patent infringement claims based on another, related patent that the PTO issued on June 10, 2014, No. RE44,940 (Second Reissue Patent). It also filed a motion to dismiss the original action on the grounds that it is now moot in light of the Court of Appeals’ last ruling. We opposed both of those motions. In addition, we filed separate motions for summary judgment in the original action on the grounds of non-infringement and invalidity. A hearing on all motions was held on October 27, 2015. On December 4, 2015, the district court issued an order granting our motion for summary judgment that neither of the remaining claims of the Reissued Patent are infringed and both are invalid as obvious. The court therefore entered final judgment in favor of the defendants in the original case. In the court’s order, the judge also granted ArcelorMittal’s motion to file a first amended complaint and ArcelorMittal did file an amended complaint in Case No. 1:13-cv-00685 (“685 Action”) alleging we are infringing the claims of the Second Reissue Patent, which we deny. On December 21, 2015, ArcelorMittal filed a notice of appeal from the district court’s December 4, 2015 final judgment. On May 16, 2017, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s judgment of invalidity and non-infringement of the reissued Patent. On June 14, 2017, ArcelorMittal filed a petition to the Federal Circuit for rehearing en banc of the May 16, 2017 decision. On August 14, 2017, the Federal Court of Appeals denied ArcelorMittal’s petition for rehearing en banc. On January 20, 2016, we filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint in the 685 Action, or in the alternative, a motion to stay pending a resolution of the appeal in the original case. On April 19, 2016, the district court issued an order denying our motion and ordering limited discovery. Following discovery, on August 17, 2016, we filed a motion for summary judgment on the basis that the claims in the 685 Action are precluded by the judgment in the original case. On January 19, 2017, the district court issued an opinion granting summary judgment in our favor in the 685 Action on the grounds of non-infringement and also entered a final judgment on that basis. On February 14, 2017, ArcelorMittal filed a notice of appeal of the district court’s order in the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. On November 5, 2018, the Federal Court of Appeals issued a decision vacating the judgment of non-infringement entered by the district court. The decision remands the case back to the district court for further proceedings. We intend to continue to contest this matter vigorously. We have not made a determination that a loss is probable and we do not have adequate information to reliably or accurately estimate a potential loss if ArcelorMittal prevails on remand. Because we have been unable to determine that the potential loss in this case is probable or estimable, we have not recorded an accrual for this matter. If our assumptions used to evaluate whether a loss in this matter is either probable or estimable prove to be incorrect or change, we may be required to record a liability for an adverse outcome.

Other Contingencies

In addition to the matters discussed above, there are various pending and potential claims against us and our subsidiaries involving product liability, commercial, employee benefits and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Because of the considerable uncertainties which exist for any claim, it is difficult to reliably or accurately estimate what would be the amount of a loss if a claimant prevails. If material assumptions or factual understandings we rely on to evaluate exposure for these contingencies prove to be inaccurate or otherwise change, we may be required to record a liability for an adverse outcome. If, however, we have reasonably evaluated potential future liabilities for all of these contingencies,

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including those described more specifically above, it is our opinion, unless we otherwise noted, that the ultimate liability from these contingencies, individually and in the aggregate, should not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE 8 – Share-based Compensation
 

AK Holding’s Stock Incentive Plan (“SIP”) permits the granting of nonqualified stock option, restricted stock, performance share and restricted stock unit awards to our Directors, officers and other employees. We have estimated share-based compensation expense to be $9.5 for 2019. Information on share-based compensation expense is presented below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
Share-based Compensation Expense
2019
 
2018
Stock options
$
1.7

 
$
1.7

Restricted stock
1.5

 
1.9

Restricted stock units issued to Directors
0.3

 
0.3

Performance shares
0.6

 
0.5

Equity-based long-term performance plan
0.2

 
0.1

Total share-based compensation expense
$
4.3

 
$
4.5



We granted stock options on 1,199,415 shares during the three months ended March 31, 2019, with a weighted-average fair value of $1.52 per share of stock option. No options were exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

We granted restricted stock awards of 768,304 shares during the three months ended March 31, 2019, at a weighted-average fair value of $2.66 per share. The total intrinsic value of restricted stock awards that vested (i.e., restrictions lapsed) during the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $1.9.

We granted performance share awards of 595,733 shares during the three months ended March 31, 2019, with a weighted-average fair value of $3.09 per share. The total intrinsic value of performance share awards that vested during the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $0.7.

During the first quarter of 2019, in order to further align our management and stockholder interests, the Board of Directors changed the structure of long-term incentive compensation for executive officers. For performance periods beginning in 2019, 50% of the long-term incentive plan compensation earned by executive officers will now be denominated in stock instead of the 30% denominated in stock for performance periods beginning in 2018. In addition, beginning in 2019, 30% of the compensation earned by other participants under the long-term incentive plan will now be paid in stock. The remaining portion of the long-term incentive plan for all participants will be settled in cash. As a result, the equity-based portion of the long-term incentive plan is treated as share-based compensation with a performance condition.


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Table of Contents         

NOTE 9 – Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, information is presented below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Foreign currency translation
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
(0.6
)
 
$
1.1

Other comprehensive income (loss)—foreign currency translation gain (loss)
(0.7
)
 
1.1

Balance at end of period
$
(1.3
)
 
$
2.2

Cash flow hedges
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
7.2

 
$
22.3

Cumulative effect of adopting new hedging standard

 
0.8

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
Gains (losses) arising in period
7.4

 
(1.4
)
Income tax expense (benefit) (b)

 

Gains (losses) arising in period, net of tax
7.4

 
(1.4
)
Reclassification of losses (gains) to net income:
 
 
 
Recorded in cost of products sold
(6.4
)
 
(7.6
)
Income tax (expense) benefit (b)

 

Net amount of reclassification of losses (gains) to net income, net of tax
(6.4
)
 
(7.6
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
1.0

 
(9.0
)
Balance at end of period
$
8.2

 
$
14.1

Pension and OPEB plans
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
(106.6
)
 
$
(73.6
)
Reclassification to net income:
 
 
 
Prior service costs (credits) (a)
(2.6
)
 
(2.4
)
Actuarial (gains) losses (a)
(2.6
)
 
3.6

Subtotal
(5.2
)
 
1.2

Income tax (expense) benefit (b)

 

Amount of reclassification to net income, net of tax
(5.2
)
 
1.2

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(5.2
)
 
1.2

Balance at end of period
$
(111.8
)
 
$
(72.4
)

(a)
Included in pension and OPEB (income) expense
(b)
Included in income tax expense (benefit)


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NOTE 10 – Earnings per Share
 

Earnings per share are calculated using the “two-class” method. Under the “two-class” method, undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities. We divide the sum of distributed earnings to common stockholders and undistributed earnings to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The restricted stock granted by AK Holding is entitled to dividends before vesting and meets the criteria of a participating security.
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Net income (loss) attributable to AK Steel Holding Corporation
 
$
(4.5
)
 
$
28.7

Less: distributed earnings to common stockholders and holders of certain stock compensation awards
 

 

Undistributed earnings
 
$
(4.5
)
 
$
28.7

 
 
 
 
 
Common stockholders earnings—basic and diluted:
 
 
 
 
Distributed earnings to common stockholders
 
$

 
$

Undistributed earnings to common stockholders
 
(4.5
)
 
28.6

Common stockholders earnings—basic and diluted
 
$
(4.5
)
 
$
28.6

 
 
 
 
 
Common shares outstanding (weighted-average shares in millions):
 
 
 
 
Common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
 
315.6

 
314.7

Effect of exchangeable debt
 

 
0.5

Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation
 

 
0.8

Common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share
 
315.6

 
316.0

 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Distributed earnings
 
$

 
$

Undistributed earnings
 
(0.01
)
 
0.09

Basic earnings per share
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
0.09

 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Distributed earnings
 
$

 
$

Undistributed earnings
 
(0.01
)
 
0.09

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
0.09

 
 
 
 
 
Potentially issuable common shares (in millions) excluded from earnings per share calculation due to anti-dilutive effect
 
3.5

 
2.2



NOTE 11 – Variable Interest Entities
 

SunCoke Middletown

We purchase substantially all the coke and electrical power generated from SunCoke Middletown’s plant under long-term supply agreements. SunCoke Middletown is a consolidated variable interest entity because we have committed to purchase all the expected production from the facility through at least 2031 and we are the primary beneficiary. Therefore, we consolidate SunCoke Middletown’s financial results with our financial results, even though we have no ownership interest in SunCoke Middletown. SunCoke Middletown had income before income taxes of $12.7 and $16.2 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 that was included in our consolidated income before income taxes.


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Table of Contents         

Vicksmetal/Armco Associates

We indirectly own a 50% interest in Vicksmetal/Armco Associates (“VAA”), a joint venture with Vicksmetal Company. VAA slits electrical steel primarily for us, though it also does so for third parties. VAA is a consolidated variable interest entity and we are the primary beneficiary. Therefore, we consolidate VAA’s financial results with our financial results. During the first quarter, the owner of the other 50% equity interest in VAA transferred that interest to a third party.

NOTE 12 – Fair Value Measurements
 

We measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, we use various valuation approaches. The hierarchy of those valuation approaches is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices, that are directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include model-generated values that rely on inputs either directly observed or readily-derived from available market data sources, such as Bloomberg or other news and data vendors. They include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals or current market) and contractual prices for the underlying financial instrument, as well as other relevant economic factors. As a practical expedient, we estimate the value of money market mutual funds by using a $1.00 per share multiplied by the number of shares in the fund as of the measurement date. We generate fair values for our commodity derivative contracts and foreign currency forward contracts from observable futures prices for the respective commodity or currency, from sources such as the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) or the London Metal Exchange (LME). We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to value option contract derivatives (including caps, floors and collars). We use independent sources for implied volatilities, and we discount model-generated future values with discount factors that reflect the counterparty’s credit quality. We apply different discount rates to different contracts since the maturities and counterparties differ. As of March 31, 2019, a spread over benchmark rates of less than 1% was used for derivatives valued as assets and a spread over benchmark rates of less than 3% was used for derivatives valued as liabilities. We have estimated the fair value of long-term debt based upon quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current interest rates available to us for debt on similar terms and with similar maturities.

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value if observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. This level of categorization is not applicable to our valuations on a normal, recurring basis.


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Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are presented below:
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
Assets measured at fair value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
41.2

 
$

 
$
41.2

 
$
48.6

 
$

 
$
48.6

Other current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts

 
0.2

 
0.2

 

 
0.1

 
0.1

Commodity hedge contracts

 
26.1

 
26.1

 

 
13.0

 
13.0

Other non-current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts

 
0.3

 
0.3

 

 
0.4

 
0.4

Commodity hedge contracts

 
6.3

 
6.3

 

 
2.9

 
2.9

Assets measured at fair value
$
41.2

 
$
32.9

 
$
74.1

 
$
48.6

 
$
16.4

 
$
65.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities measured at fair value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
$

 
$
(0.9
)
 
$
(0.9
)
 
$

 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
(1.2
)
Commodity hedge contracts

 
(2.6
)
 
(2.6
)
 

 
(5.9
)
 
(5.9
)
Other non-current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts

 
(0.9
)
 
(0.9
)
 

 
(1.5
)
 
(1.5
)
Commodity hedge contracts

 
(0.7
)
 
(0.7
)
 

 
(1.6
)
 
(1.6
)
Liabilities measured at fair value
$

 
$
(5.1
)
 
$
(5.1
)
 
$

 
$
(10.2
)
 
$
(10.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities measured at other than fair value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, including current portions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value
$

 
$
(1,985.4
)
 
$
(1,985.4
)
 
$

 
$
(1,852.4
)
 
$
(1,852.4
)
Carrying amount

 
(2,037.7
)
 
(2,037.7
)
 

 
(1,993.7
)
 
(1,993.7
)


The carrying amounts of our other financial instruments do not differ materially from their estimated fair values at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

NOTE 13 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
 

Exchange rate fluctuations affect a portion of revenues and operating costs that are denominated in foreign currencies, and we use forward currency and currency option contracts to reduce our exposure to certain of these currency price fluctuations. Contracts to sell euros have not been designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes, and gains or losses are reported in earnings immediately in other (income) expense. Contracts to purchase Canadian dollars are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes, and we record the gains and losses for the derivatives and premiums paid for option contracts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until we reclassify them into cost of products sold when we recognize the associated underlying operating costs.

We are exposed to fluctuations in market prices of raw materials and energy sources. We may use cash-settled commodity price swaps and options to hedge the market risk associated with the purchase of certain of our raw materials and energy requirements. For input commodities, these derivatives are typically used for a portion of our electricity, iron ore, natural gas and zinc requirements. Our hedging strategy is to reduce the effect on earnings from the price volatility of these various commodity exposures, including timing differences between when we incur raw material commodity costs and when we receive sales surcharges from our customers based on those raw materials. Independent of any hedging activities, price changes in any of these commodity markets could negatively affect operating costs.

All commodity derivatives are recognized as an asset or liability at fair value. We record the gains and losses and premiums paid for option contracts for commodity derivatives designated as cash flow hedges of forecasted purchases of raw materials and energy sources in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassify them into cost of products sold when we recognize earnings for the associated underlying transaction. We record all gains or losses from commodity derivatives for

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which hedge accounting treatment has not been elected to earnings immediately in cost of products sold. We have provided no collateral to counterparties under collateral funding arrangements as of March 31, 2019.

Outstanding derivative contracts and the period over which we are hedging our exposure to the volatility in future cash flows are presented below:
Derivative Contracts
Settlement Dates
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas (in MMBTUs)
April 2019 to March 2021
 
43,525,000

 
39,868,000

Zinc (in lbs)
April 2019 to December 2020
 
54,450,000

 
52,150,000

Iron ore (in metric tons)
April 2019 to December 2020
 
1,955,000

 
2,125,000

Electricity (in MWHs)
April 2019 to December 2020
 
1,440,000

 
1,461,000

Foreign exchange contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
Euros (in millions)
April 2019 to June 2019
 
7.0

 
4.0

Canadian dollars (in millions)
April 2019 to December 2021
 
C$
128.1

 
C$
118.6



The fair value of derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets is presented below:
Asset (liability)
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
Other current assets:
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
$
0.1

 
$

Commodity contracts
 
7.9

 
3.4

Other non-current assets:
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
0.3

 
0.4

Commodity contracts
 
0.8

 
1.0

Accrued liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
(0.9
)
 
(1.2
)
Commodity contracts
 
(2.3
)
 
(4.7
)
Other non-current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
(0.9
)
 
(1.5
)
Commodity contracts
 
(0.7
)
 
(1.2
)
Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
Other current assets:
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
0.1

 
0.1

   Commodity contracts
 
18.2

 
9.6

Other non-current assets—commodity contracts
 
5.5

 
1.9

Accrued liabilities—commodity contracts
 
(0.3
)
 
(1.2
)
Other non-current liabilities—commodity contracts
 

 
(0.4
)


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Table of Contents         

Gains (losses) on derivative instruments included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) are presented below:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Gain (loss)
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
Recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income that were included in the assessment of effectiveness
 
$
6.8

 
$
0.3

Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of products sold
 
6.7

 
7.6

Foreign exchange contracts:
 
 
 
 
Recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income that were included in the assessment of effectiveness
 
0.6

 
(1.7
)
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of products sold
 
(0.3
)
 

Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts—recognized in cost of products sold
 
20.5

 
(8.7
)
Foreign exchange contracts—recognized in other income (expense)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.3
)

We routinely use iron ore derivatives to reduce the volatility of the cost of our iron ore purchases. These derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Therefore, adjustments to mark these derivatives to fair value each period are recognized immediately in our financial results versus being recognized in the period that iron ore purchases affect earnings. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, gains (losses) recognized in cost of products sold shown in the table above include $21.8 for unrealized mark-to-market gains (losses) on iron ore derivatives. Gains (losses) recognized in cost of products sold shown in the table above for unrealized mark-to-market gains (losses) on iron ore derivatives for the corresponding period in 2018 include $(7.7). Not included in the financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2019, were realized gains of $4.7 for iron ore derivatives contracts that settled during the period for which we had recognized mark-to-market gains in our financial results in prior quarters, compared to $2.3 for the same period in 2018.

Gains (losses) before tax expected to be reclassified into cost of products sold within the next twelve months for our existing derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges for hedge accounting are presented below:            
Hedge
 
Gains (losses)
Natural gas
 
$
(1.5
)
Zinc
 
4.0

Electricity
 
(0.5
)
Canadian dollars
 
(1.7
)


NOTE 14 – Supplementary Cash Flow Information
 

Net cash paid (received) during the period for interest, net of capitalized interest, and income taxes are presented below:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Net cash paid (received) during the period for:
 
 
 
 
Interest, net of capitalized interest
 
$
33.7

 
$
32.8

Income taxes
 
2.1

 
(7.5
)


Included in net cash flows from operations was cash provided by SunCoke Middletown of $7.0 and $21.5 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. Consolidated cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018,

- 23-

Table of Contents         

include SunCoke Middletown’s cash and cash equivalents of $0.3 and $1.1. SunCoke Middletown’s cash and cash equivalents have no compensating balance arrangements or legal restrictions, but are not available for our use.

We had capital investments during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 that had not been paid as of the end of the respective period. These amounts are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and have been excluded from the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows until paid. We also grant restricted stock to certain employees and restricted stock units to directors under the SIP. Non-cash investing and financing activities are presented below:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Capital investments
 
$
17.8

 
$
20.0

Issuance of restricted stock and restricted stock units
 
2.3

 
3.7



NOTE 15 – Labor Agreements
 

On April 18, 2019, we and the United Steelworkers, Local 1865, which represents approximately 230 production employees at Ashland Works, reached an agreement to revise and extend the collective bargaining agreement. The new agreement includes terms governing the permanent shut down of the facility, including benefits to employees who are terminated or transition to other plants within the company.

In February 2019, we and the United Steelworkers, Local 1190, which governs approximately 240 production employees at Mountain State Carbon LLC, agreed to extend the current labor agreement, originally scheduled to expire on March 1, 2019, to May 1, 2019.

An agreement with the United Auto Workers, Local 3303, which governs approximately 1,150 production employees at Butler Works, expired on April 15, 2019. The parties are continuing to negotiate the terms of a new contract and are currently working under the terms of the old agreement while negotiations continue.

An agreement with the United Auto Workers, Local 4104, which governs approximately 110 production employees at Zanesville Works, is scheduled to expire on May 31, 2019.

An agreement with the United Auto Workers, Local 3462, which governs approximately 310 production employees at Coshocton Works, is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2019.

NOTE 16 – New Accounting Pronouncements
 

We adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as subsequently amended, as of January 1, 2019 through the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2019. Topic 842 requires entities to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities and disclose key information about leasing arrangements for certain leases. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2019 are presented under Topic 842, while prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historical accounting treatment. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification. We also elected the practical expedient related to land easements, allowing us to carry forward our accounting treatment for land easements on existing agreements. Adoption of the new standard resulted in recording additional lease assets and liabilities of $291.1 as of January 1, 2019. The adoption of the standard did not materially impact our consolidated net earnings or cash flows.

NOTE 17 – Supplementary Guarantor Information
 

AK Steel’s senior secured notes due 2023 and senior unsecured notes due 2021, 2025 and 2027 (collectively, the “Senior Notes”) and its Exchangeable Notes due 2019 are governed by indentures entered into by AK Holding and its 100%-owned

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Table of Contents         

subsidiary, AK Steel. Under the terms of the Senior Notes’ indentures, AK Holding and certain subsidiary guarantors each fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guarantee the payment of interest, principal and premium, if any, on each of the notes included in the Senior Notes. Under the terms of the indenture for the Exchangeable Notes, AK Holding fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guarantees the payment of interest, principal and premium, if any, on the Exchangeable Notes. AK Holding is the sole guarantor of the Exchangeable Notes.

We present all investments in subsidiaries in the supplementary guarantor information using the equity method of accounting. Therefore, the net income (loss) of the subsidiaries accounted for using the equity method is in their parents’ investment accounts. The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries and inter-company balances and transactions. The following supplementary condensed consolidating financial statements present information about AK Holding, AK Steel, the subsidiary guarantors of the Senior Notes and the other non-guarantor subsidiaries.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 

AK
Holding
 
AK
Steel
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries of the Senior Notes
 
Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated Company
Net sales
$

 
$
1,549.4

 
$
83.5

 
$
185.4

 
$
(120.6
)
 
$
1,697.7

Cost of products sold (exclusive of items shown separately below)

 
1,362.0

 
59.3

 
151.9

 
(107.8
)
 
1,465.4

Selling and administrative expenses
1.4

 
73.8

 
3.9

 
9.7

 
(12.2
)
 
76.6

Depreciation

 
35.7

 
2.1

 
12.6

 

 
50.4

Ashland Works closure

 
64.1

 

 

 

 
64.1

Total operating costs
1.4

 
1,535.6

 
65.3

 
174.2

 
(120.0
)
 
1,656.5

Operating profit (loss)
(1.4
)
 
13.8

 
18.2

 
11.2

 
(0.6
)
 
41.2

Interest expense

 
36.3

 

 
1.6

 

 
37.9

Pension and OPEB (income) expense

 
6.5

 


 


 


 
6.5

Other (income) expense

 
(6.6
)
 
(5.0
)
 
(1.1
)
 

 
(12.7
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
(1.4
)
 
(22.4
)
 
23.2

 
10.7

 
(0.6
)
 
9.5

Income tax expense (benefit)

 
(4.6
)
 
5.8

 
0.4

 
(0.2
)
 
1.4

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries
(3.1
)
 
14.7

 

 
0.1

 
(11.7
)
 

Net income (loss)
(4.5
)
 
(3.1
)
 
17.4

 
10.4

 
(12.1
)
 
8.1

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
12.6

 

 
12.6

Net income (loss) attributable to AK Steel Holding Corporation
(4.5
)
 
(3.1
)
 
17.4

 
(2.2
)
 
(12.1
)
 
(4.5
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(4.9
)
 
(4.9
)
 

 
(0.7
)
 
5.6

 
(4.9
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AK Steel Holding Corporation
$
(9.4
)
 
$
(8.0
)
 
$
17.4

 
$
(2.9
)
 
$
(6.5
)
 
$
(9.4
)



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Table of Contents         

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
AK
Holding
 
AK
Steel
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries of the Senior Notes
 
Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated Company
Net sales
$

 
$
1,503.0

 
$
77.1

 
$
208.7

 
$
(129.9
)
 
$
1,658.9

Cost of products sold (exclusive of item shown separately below)

 
1,353.4

 
54.6

 
171.7

 
(116.0
)
 
1,463.7

Selling and administrative expenses
1.3

 
74.9

 
3.6

 
8.7

 
(11.8
)
 
76.7

Depreciation

 
43.4

 
2.0

 
9.5

 

 
54.9

Total operating costs
1.3

 
1,471.7

 
60.2

 
189.9

 
(127.8
)
 
1,595.3

Operating profit (loss)
(1.3
)
 
31.3

 
16.9

 
18.8

 
(2.1
)
 
63.6

Interest expense

 
36.4

 

 
1.2

 

 
37.6

Pension and OPEB (income) expense

 
(10.0
)
 

 

 

 
(10.0
)
Other (income) expense

 
1.2

 
(3.5
)
 
(1.6
)
 

 
(3.9
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
(1.3
)
 
3.7

 
20.4

 
19.2

 
(2.1
)
 
39.9

Income tax expense (benefit)

 
(11.9
)
 
5.1

 
2.4

 
(0.5
)
 
(4.9
)
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries
30.0

 
14.4

 

 

 
(44.4
)
 

Net income (loss)
28.7

 
30.0

 
15.3

 
16.8

 
(46.0
)
 
44.8

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
16.1

 

 
16.1

Net income (loss) attributable to AK Steel Holding Corporation
28.7

 
30.0

 
15.3

 
0.7

 
(46.0
)
 
28.7

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(6.7
)
 
(6.7
)
 

 
1.1

 
5.6

 
(6.7
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AK Steel Holding Corporation
$
22.0

 
$
23.3

 
$
15.3

 
$
1.8

 
$
(40.4
)
 
$
22.0




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



- 26-

Table of Contents         

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AK
Holding
 
AK
Steel
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries of the Senior Notes
 
Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated Company
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$
20.5

 
$
4.6

 
$
16.1

 
$

 
$
41.2

Accounts receivable, net

 
591.5

 
39.5

 
111.9

 
(22.3
)
 
720.6

Inventory

 
1,255.1

 
55.7

 
77.8

 
(9.8
)
 
1,378.8

Other current assets

 
74.6

 
0.1

 
14.1

 

 
88.8

Total current assets

 
1,941.7

 
99.9

 
219.9

 
(32.1
)
 
2,229.4

Property, plant and equipment

 
6,129.3

 
191.3

 
675.8

 

 
6,996.4

Accumulated depreciation

 
(4,821.7
)
 
(104.9
)
 
(180.1
)
 

 
(5,106.7
)
Property, plant and equipment, net

 
1,307.6

 
86.4

 
495.7

 

 
1,889.7

Investment in subsidiaries
(3,105.0
)
 
1,966.6

 

 
68.3

 
1,070.1

 

Inter-company accounts
3,199.0

 

 
1,669.5

 

 
(4,868.5
)
 

Operating lease assets

 
222.2

 
2.9

 
28.9

 

 
254.0

Other non-current assets

 
57.1

 
32.9

 
307.0

 

 
397.0

TOTAL ASSETS
$
94.0

 
$
5,495.2

 
$
1,891.6

 
$
1,119.8

 
$
(3,830.5
)
 
$
4,770.1

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$

 
$
690.7

 
$
29.3

 
$
62.5

 
$
(14.3
)
 
$
768.2

Accrued liabilities

 
194.6

 
6.9

 
23.7

 

 
225.2

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

 
52.9

 
0.9

 
2.3

 

 
56.1

Current portion of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

 
37.9

 

 
0.3

 

 
38.2

Total current liabilities

 
976.1

 
37.1

 
88.8

 
(14.3
)
 
1,087.7

Non-current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt

 
2,037.7

 

 

 

 
2,037.7

Long-term operating lease liabilities

 
190.8

 
1.9

 
27.6

 

 
220.3

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

 
821.5

 

 
2.7

 

 
824.2

Inter-company accounts

 
4,431.9

 

 
515.2

 
(4,947.1
)
 

Other non-current liabilities

 
142.2

 
0.2

 
28.0

 

 
170.4

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 
8,600.2

 
39.2

 
662.3

 
(4,961.4
)
 
4,340.3

Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
94.0

 
(3,105.0
)
 
1,852.4

 
121.7

 
1,130.9

 
94.0

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
335.8

 

 
335.8

TOTAL EQUITY
94.0

 
(3,105.0
)
 
1,852.4

 
457.5

 
1,130.9

 
429.8

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
94.0

 
$
5,495.2

 
$
1,891.6

 
$
1,119.8

 
$
(3,830.5
)
 
$
4,770.1



- 27-

Table of Contents         

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AK
Holding
 
AK
Steel
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries of the Senior Notes
 
Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated Company
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$
22.1

 
$
8.2

 
$
18.3

 
$

 
$
48.6

Accounts receivable, net

 
515.4

 
34.0

 
95.3

 
(8.9
)
 
635.8

Inventory

 
1,299.6

 
53.9

 
75.6

 
(9.2
)
 
1,419.9

Other current assets

 
85.5

 
0.1

 
11.4

 

 
97.0

Total current assets

 
1,922.6

 
96.2

 
200.6

 
(18.1
)
 
2,201.3

Property, plant and equipment

 
6,111.1

 
189.7

 
668.4

 

 
6,969.2

Accumulated depreciation

 
(4,785.5
)
 
(102.8
)
 
(169.3
)
 

 
(5,057.6
)
Property, plant and equipment, net

 
1,325.6

 
86.9

 
499.1

 

 
1,911.6

Investment in subsidiaries
(3,017.4
)
 
1,931.1

 

 
68.2

 
1,018.1

 

Inter-company accounts
3,117.3

 

 
1,630.7

 

 
(4,748.0
)
 

Other non-current assets

 
54.3

 
32.9

 
315.6

 

 
402.8

TOTAL ASSETS
$
99.9

 
$
5,233.6

 
$
1,846.7

 
$
1,083.5

 
$
(3,748.0
)
 
$
4,515.7

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$

 
$
722.5

 
$
26.2

 
$
55.5

 
$
(3.2
)
 
$
801.0

Accrued liabilities

 
251.5

 
8.7

 
28.7

 

 
288.9

Current portion of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

 
38.4

 

 
0.3

 

 
38.7

Total current liabilities

 
1,012.4

 
34.9

 
84.5

 
(3.2
)
 
1,128.6

Non-current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt

 
1,993.7

 

 

 

 
1,993.7

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

 
827.0

 

 
2.9

 

 
829.9

Inter-company accounts

 
4,312.3

 

 
511.2

 
(4,823.5
)
 

Other non-current liabilities

 
105.6

 
0.2

 
28.2

 

 
134.0

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 
8,251.0

 
35.1

 
626.8

 
(4,826.7
)
 
4,086.2

Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
99.9

 
(3,017.4
)
 
1,811.6

 
127.1

 
1,078.7

 
99.9

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
329.6

 

 
329.6

TOTAL EQUITY
99.9

 
(3,017.4
)
 
1,811.6

 
456.7

 
1,078.7

 
429.5

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
99.9

 
$
5,233.6

 
$
1,846.7

 
$
1,083.5

 
$
(3,748.0
)
 
$
4,515.7




- 28-

Table of Contents         

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AK
Holding
 
AK
Steel
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries of the Senior Notes
 
Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated Company
Net cash flows from operating activities
$
(1.1
)
 
$
(35.7
)
 
$
13.0

 
$
13.4

 
$
2.5

 
$
(7.9
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital investments

 
(32.9
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(10.7
)
 

 
(44.8
)
Other investing items, net

 
11.6

 

 

 

 
11.6

Net cash flows from investing activities

 
(21.3
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(10.7
)
 

 
(33.2
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net borrowings (payments) under credit facility

 
45.0

 

 

 

 
45.0

Redemption of long-term debt

 
(4.0
)
 

 

 

 
(4.0
)
Inter-company activity
1.1

 
15.3

 
(15.4
)
 
1.5

 
(2.5
)
 

SunCoke Middletown distributions to noncontrolling interest owners

 

 

 
(6.4
)
 

 
(6.4
)
Other financing items, net

 
(0.9
)
 

 

 

 
(0.9
)
Net cash flows from financing activities
1.1

 
55.4

 
(15.4
)
 
(4.9
)
 
(2.5
)
 
33.7

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 
(1.6
)
 
(3.6
)
 
(2.2
)
 

 
(7.4
)
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period

 
22.1

 
8.2

 
18.3

 

 
48.6

Cash and equivalents, end of period
$

 
$
20.5

 
$
4.6

 
$
16.1

 
$

 
$
41.2



Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AK
Holding
 
AK
Steel
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries of the Senior Notes
 
Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated Company
Net cash flows from operating activities
$
(1.0
)
 
$
45.7

 
$
4.8

 
$
11.1

 
$
5.0

 
$
65.6

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital investments

 
(31.4
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(5.6
)
 

 
(37.9
)
Other investing items, net

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash flows from investing activities

 
(31.4
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(5.6
)
 

 
(37.9
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net borrowings (payments) under credit facility

 
(10.0
)
 

 

 

 
(10.0
)
Redemption of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

 

Inter-company activity
2.0

 
(6.2
)
 
(7.0
)
 
16.2

 
(5.0
)
 

SunCoke Middletown distributions to noncontrolling interest owners

 

 

 
(10.3
)
 

 
(10.3
)
Other financing items, net
(1.0
)
 
0.1

 

 

 

 
(0.9
)
Net cash flows from financing activities
1.0

 
(16.1
)
 
(7.0
)
 
5.9

 
(5.0
)
 
(21.2
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 
(1.8
)
 
(3.1
)
 
11.4

 

 
6.5

Cash and equivalents, beginning of period

 
14.5

 
7.2

 
16.3

 

 
38.0

Cash and equivalents, end of period
$

 
$
12.7

 
$
4.1

 
$
27.7

 
$

 
$
44.5



- 29-

Table of Contents         

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(dollars in millions, except per share and per ton data or as otherwise specifically noted)

Results of Operations

We are a leading producer of flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, primarily for the automotive, infrastructure and manufacturing, which includes electrical power, and distributors and converters markets. Our downstream businesses also provide customer solutions with carbon and stainless steel tubing products, advanced-engineered solutions, tool design and build, hot- and cold-stamped steel components, and complex assemblies.

Our mission is to create innovative, high-quality steel solutions for our customers, and our key values of safety, quality, productivity and innovation, along with environmental responsibility and sustainability, are its foundation. We target customers who require comprehensive steel solutions that involve the most technically demanding, highest-quality steel products, precise “just-in-time” delivery, technical support and product development assistance. Our research and engineering expertise, robust product quality and delivery capabilities, as well as our emphasis on collaborative customer technical support and product planning, are critical factors in our ability to serve our customer markets. We are focused on markets for our steel solutions that deliver higher margins, where possible, and on reducing amounts sold into the steel spot markets, which typically are lower margin and where there has been substantial volatility in pricing over the past several years, primarily due to the effect of shifting international trade environments on our domestic markets.

Our corporate strategy is comprised of three pillars:
commercializing our innovative new products and services;
transforming our operations to significantly improve our competitive position; and
driving future growth in new markets and downstream businesses.

Overview

Our first quarter 2019 operating performance benefited from higher pricing from our January 1 contract renewals and solid demand across most of our markets. These benefits were partially offset by a decline in carbon hot-rolled coil spot market pricing, as well as higher costs for certain raw materials, notably iron ore and coke. In addition, our first quarter 2019 results included charges for the Ashland Works closure discussed below. As a result, our first quarter of 2019 net loss attributable to AK Holding was $4.5, or $0.01 per diluted share of common stock, compared to net income of $28.7, or $0.09 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2018. Excluding the charges for the Ashland Works closure, adjusted net income was $72.9, or $0.23 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2019.

Net sales for the first quarter of 2019 increased 2% to $1,697.7, compared to net sales of $1,658.9 in the first quarter of 2018. Average selling price per ton of flat-rolled steel increased 6% to $1,112 from $1,045 in the same quarter a year ago, primarily as a result of higher average selling prices on both contract and spot market sales and higher surcharges on specialty steel products. Flat-rolled steel shipments of 1,388,400 tons for the first quarter of 2019 were down 3% from the same quarter a year ago, primarily due to lower shipments to the auto market, as expected.

In January 2019, we announced our intent to close Ashland Works, including the previously idled blast furnace and steelmaking operations (“Ashland Works Hot End”), and the hot dip galvanizing coating line that has remained operational. We are transitioning products to our other U.S. coating lines, and plan to close the Ashland Works line before the end of 2019. We recorded a charge of $77.4, or $0.24 per diluted share, during the first quarter of 2019 for termination of certain take-or-pay agreements, supplemental unemployment and other employee benefit costs, estimated multiemployer plan withdrawal liability, and other costs.

First quarter 2019 adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section below) was $160.9, or 9.5% of net sales, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $118.7, or 7.2% of net sales, for the first quarter of 2018. Included in the first quarter 2019 results are mark-to-market gains of $21.8 from iron ore derivatives. For the same period in 2018, we recorded a mark-to-market loss of $7.7. Also included in the recent first quarter results was an $11.6 gain from the sale of electrical transmission assets at our Dearborn Works. The sale of the assets transfers their maintenance requirements to and expands the portfolio of the buyer, who is in the business of owning and operating high voltage power transmission assets.

Liquidity was $937.5 at the end of the first quarter of 2019, consisting of cash and cash equivalents and $896.8 of availability under our Credit Facility. Borrowings under the credit facility were $380.0 at March 31, 2019. In April 2019, we increased the Credit Facility by $150.0 to $1,500.0.

- 30-

Table of Contents         


Steel Shipments

Total shipments of flat-rolled steel were 1,388,400 tons and 1,430,900 tons for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. The 3% decrease in flat-rolled steel shipments from a year ago was primarily a result of lower shipments to the automotive market, as expected. Shipments of flat-rolled steel by product category for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, as a percent of total flat-rolled steel shipments, were as follows:

Flat-Rolled Steel Shipments by Product Category
Three Months Ended March 31,
CHART-50DF6C5DC654565E945.JPG CHART-A873165FB7295666AE1.JPG
Net Sales

The following table presents information on net sales:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
Increase
Net sales
 
$1,697.7
 
$1,658.9
 
2
%
Average net selling price per ton of flat-rolled steel
 
1,112

 
1,045

 
6
%
Net sales outside the United States
 
143.2

 
167.8

 
 
Net sales outside the United States as a percent of net sales
 
8
%
 
10
%
 
 

The increase in net sales and average flat-rolled steel selling price per ton from the year-ago quarter was driven largely by better automotive steel pricing, along with higher realized prices in the distributors and converters markets. The increase in net sales was partly offset by slightly lower steel shipments, as expected.

The following table presents the percentage of net sales to each of our markets:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
Market
 
2019
 
2018
Automotive
 
64%
 
67%
Infrastructure and Manufacturing
 
16%
 
15%
Distributors and Converters
 
20%
 
18%

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold was $1,465.4 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, an increase from $1,463.7 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily driven by higher costs for raw materials, especially iron ore and coke.


- 31-

Table of Contents         

Cost of products sold as a percentage of sales decreased to 86.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 from 88.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily as a result of higher selling prices, partly offset by higher costs for raw materials. Planned maintenance outage costs were $3.5 in the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $4.1 in 2018. We recorded mark-to-market gains of $21.8 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, from iron ore derivatives. For the same period in 2018, we recorded a mark-to-market loss of $7.7.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $76.6 compared to $76.7 for the corresponding period in 2018.

Depreciation

Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $50.4, compared to $54.9 for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decline was primarily a result of a significant amount of fixed assets related to the initial construction of Rockport Works becoming fully depreciated as of December 31, 2018.

Ashland Works Closure

In January 2019, we announced our intent to close Ashland Works, including the previously idled Ashland Works Hot End and the hot dip galvanizing coating line that has remained operational. Factors that influenced our decision to close Ashland Works included an uncertain global trade landscape influenced by shifting domestic and international political priorities, Ashland Works’ high cost of production, and continued intense competition from domestic and foreign steel competitors. These conditions directly impact our pricing, which in turn directly impacts our assessment of the demand forecasts for the markets we serve. Despite several successful trade actions, we continue to see a high level of carbon steel imports driven by global overcapacity, particularly in China. We also have seen significant capacity restarted or new capacity additions announced in the United States. In addition, we have recently concluded that we have sufficient coating capacity to meet our customers’ needs without using our coating operations at Ashland Works. We are transitioning products to our other U.S. coating lines and plan to close the Ashland Works line before the end of 2019.

We recorded a charge of $77.4 during the first quarter of 2019, which includes $18.5 for termination of certain take-or-pay supply agreements, $15.2 for supplemental unemployment and other employee benefit costs, pension and OPEB termination benefits of $13.3 (recorded in pension and OPEB (income) expense), an estimated multiemployer plan withdrawal liability of $23.0, and $7.4 for other costs. The supplemental unemployment and other employee benefit costs are expected to be paid primarily in 2020 and 2021. For the $77.4 charge, we expect to make cash payments of approximately $15.0 in 2019, $30.0 in 2020 and the remaining amount over several years thereafter. The actual multiemployer plan withdrawal liability will not be known until 2020 and is expected to be paid over a number of years. In addition to the $77.4 charge recorded in the first quarter of 2019, we expect to record expenses of approximately $14.0 over the full-year 2019, consisting of cash costs of approximately $10.0 related to closing the facility and $4.0 of accelerated depreciation related to the coating line fixed assets. These cash costs related to closing the facility will decline in future years and no depreciation expense will be incurred beyond 2019.

Operating Profit

Operating profit was $41.2 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $63.6 for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Included in operating profit was $12.7 related to SunCoke Middletown for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $16.2 for the same period in 2018.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $37.9, compared to $37.6 in the same period a year ago.

Pension and Other Postretirement Employee Benefit (“OPEB”) (Income) Expense

Pension and OPEB expense was $6.5 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to income of $10.0 for the corresponding period in 2018. The decrease in income was primarily due to pension and OPEB termination benefits of $13.3 recognized in the first quarter of 2019 associated with the previously announced Ashland Works closure and a lower than expected return on plan assets, partially offset by a greater amount of amortization of unrealized gains.

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Table of Contents         


Other (Income) Expense

Other (income) expense was $(12.7) for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $(3.9) for the same period ended March 31, 2018. Included in the first quarter of 2019 was a gain of $11.6 related to the sale of electrical transmission assets at our Dearborn Works.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Income taxes recorded for the periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were estimated using the discrete method. Income taxes are based on our actual year-to-date financial results through the end of the period, as well as the related changes in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. We are unable to estimate the annual effective tax rate with sufficient precision for purposes of the effective tax rate method, which requires us to consider a projection of full-year income and the expected change in the valuation allowance. The estimated annual effective tax rate method is not reliable due to its sensitivity to small changes to forecasted annual pre-tax earnings and the effect of our valuation allowance, which creates results that vary significantly from the customary relationship between income tax expense and pre-tax income for interim periods. As a result, we determined that the discrete method is more appropriate than the annual effective tax rate method. During the first three months of 2018, we reduced our valuation allowance and recorded an income tax benefit of $5.3 as a result of changes to the tax net operating carryover rules included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that allow us to use certain indefinite-lived deferred tax liabilities as a source of future income to realize deferred tax assets.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to AK Steel Holding Corporation

As a result of the various factors and conditions described above, we reported a net loss attributable to AK Holding of $4.5, or $0.01 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to net income attributable to AK Holding of $28.7, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Adjusted for the charge for the Ashland Works closure, we reported adjusted net income of $72.9, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA (as defined below under Non-GAAP Financial Measures) of $160.9, or 9.5% of net sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2019, was greater than adjusted EBITDA of $118.7, or 7.2% of net sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In certain of our disclosures, we have reported adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin and adjusted net income attributable to AK Holding that exclude the effects of noncontrolling interests and costs associated with the closure of Ashland Works. We believe that reporting adjusted net income (as a total and on a per share basis) with these items excluded more clearly reflects our current operating results and provides investors with a better understanding of our overall financial performance. Adjustments to net income do not result in an income tax effect as any gross income tax effects are offset by a corresponding change in the deferred income tax valuation allowance.

EBITDA is an acronym for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. It is a metric that is sometimes used to compare the results of different companies by removing the effects of different factors that might otherwise make comparisons inaccurate or inappropriate. For purposes of this report, we have made adjustments to EBITDA noted in the preceding paragraph. The adjusted results, although not financial measures under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and not identically applied by other companies, facilitate the ability to analyze our financial results in relation to those of our competitors and to our prior financial performance by excluding items that otherwise would distort the comparison. Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin and adjusted net income are not, however, intended as alternative measures of operating results or cash flow from operations as determined in accordance with GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Neither current nor potential investors in our securities should rely on adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin or adjusted net income as a substitute for any GAAP financial measure, and we encourage current and potential investors to review the following reconciliations of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income.

- 33-

Table of Contents         


Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Net income (loss) attributable to AK Holding
 
$
(4.5
)
 
$
28.7

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
12.6

 
16.1

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
1.4

 
(4.9
)
Interest expense, net
 
37.7

 
37.4

Depreciation and amortization
 
56.3

 
61.3

EBITDA
 
103.5

 
138.6

Less: EBITDA of noncontrolling interests (a)
 
20.0

 
19.9

Ashland Works closure
 
77.4

 

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
160.9

 
$
118.7

Adjusted EBITDA margin
 
9.5
%
 
7.2
%

(a)
The reconciliation of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests to EBITDA of noncontrolling interests is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
$
12.6

 
$
16.1

Depreciation
 
7.4

 
3.8

EBITDA of noncontrolling interests
 
$
20.0

 
$
19.9


Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Reconciliation to Net Income (Loss) Attributable to AK Holding
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to AK Holding, as reported
 
$
(4.5
)
 
$
28.7

Ashland Works closure
 
77.4

 

Adjusted net income attributable to AK Holding
 
$
72.9

 
$
28.7

 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation to Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share, as reported
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
0.09

Ashland Works closure
 
0.24

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.23

 
$
0.09


Liquidity and Capital Resources

At March 31, 2019, our total liquidity was $937.5, consisting of $40.7 of cash and cash equivalents and $896.8 of availability under the Credit Facility. Our eligible collateral was in excess of $1,350.0 at March 31, 2019, after application of advance rates. At March 31, 2019, we had $380.0 of outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility, and $73.2 of outstanding letters of credit that reduced availability. In April 2019, we increased the Credit Facility to $1,500.0. Because of the favorable interest rate under the Credit Facility, we may use the additional borrowing capacity for general corporate purposes including, but not limited to, redemption of outstanding debt when it comes due. Please see Item 5 for additional information on our increase in the Credit Facility. Adjusted for the additional collateral available above $1,350.0, our total liquidity would have been $1,043.2 if the $1,500.0 Credit Facility had been in effect as of March 31, 2019. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, our borrowings from the Credit Facility ranged from $300.0 to $465.0, with outstanding borrowings

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averaging $385.9 per day. We may use the Credit Facility from time to time to fund requirements for working capital, capital investments, other investments and general corporate purposes. Consolidated cash and cash equivalents of $41.2 at March 31, 2019, included $0.5 of cash and cash equivalents of consolidated variable interest entities, which are not available for our use.

We believe that our current sources of liquidity will be adequate to meet our obligations for the foreseeable future. We expect to fund future liquidity requirements for items such as capital investments, employee and retiree benefit obligations, scheduled debt maturities and debt redemptions with internally generated cash and other financing sources. As part of our efforts to improve our capital structure, we regularly evaluate accessing the capital markets as a source of liquidity if we view conditions as favorable. We may use the Credit Facility as necessary to fund requirements for working capital, capital investments and other general corporate purposes. We are focused on reducing debt through free cash flow generation. In 2019, our only scheduled debt maturity is our $148.5 of 5.0% Exchangeable Senior Notes (the “Exchangeable Notes”) due November 2019. We intend to refinance the Exchangeable Notes prior to maturity or use availability under our Credit facility to repay them. We believe that we would continue to have more than sufficient liquidity if we were to borrow under the Credit Facility to retire the Exchangeable Notes. Our Credit Facility is scheduled to expire in September 2022 and any amounts outstanding under it at the time of expiration would need to be repaid or refinanced.

From time to time, we may repurchase, as we have done previously, outstanding notes in the open market on an unsolicited basis, by tender offer, through privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Our forward-looking statements on liquidity are based on currently available information and expectations and, if the information or expectations are inaccurate or conditions deteriorate, there could be a material adverse effect on our liquidity.

Cash used by operating activities was $7.9 for the three months ended March 31, 2019. This total included cash generated by SunCoke Middletown of $7.0, which can only be used by SunCoke Middletown for its operations or for distribution to its equity owners. Significant uses of cash included an increase in accounts receivable and a decrease in accounts payable, mostly offset by cash generated from normal business activities and a reduction in inventory.

Investing and Financing Activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, net cash used for investing activities totaled $33.2, primarily due to capital investments of $44.8. For 2019, we expect to make capital investments of approximately $170.0 to $190.0, including about $25.0 to $30.0 of growth-related investments for our downstream businesses. In the near-term, we expect to fund these investments from cash generated from operations or from borrowings under our Credit Facility.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, net cash generated by financing activities was $33.7, which included net borrowings under the Credit Facility of $45.0 and distributions from SunCoke Middletown to its noncontrolling interest owners of $6.4.

Restrictions Under Debt Agreements

The Credit Facility and indentures governing our senior indebtedness and tax-exempt fixed-rate Industrial Revenue Bonds (collectively, the “Notes”) contain restrictions and covenants that may limit our operating flexibility.

The indentures governing the Notes (other than the Exchangeable Notes) include customary restrictions on (a) the incurrence of additional debt by certain of our subsidiaries, (b) the incurrence of certain liens, (c) sale/leaseback transactions, and (d) our ability to merge or consolidate with other entities or to sell, lease or transfer all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. They also contain customary events of default. In addition, the indenture governing the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 includes covenants with customary restrictions on the use of proceeds from the sale of collateral. The indenture governing the Exchangeable Notes does not contain any financial or operating covenants or restrictions on the payments of dividends, the incurrence of indebtedness or our issuance or repurchase of securities.

The Credit Facility contains customary restrictions, including limitations on, among other things, distributions and dividends, acquisitions and investments, indebtedness, liens and affiliate transactions. In addition, the Credit Facility requires us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of one to one if availability under the Credit Facility is less than $135.0.

We do not expect any of these restrictions to affect or limit our ability to conduct our business in the ordinary course. During the period, we were in compliance with all the terms and conditions of our debt agreements.


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Employee Benefit Obligations

We are required to contribute $45.9 to the master pension trust during 2019, of which $9.2 was contributed through March 31, 2019, and another $10.3 was contributed in April 2019. Based on current actuarial assumptions, we estimate that our required annual pension contributions will be approximately $50.0 in 2020 and $50.0 in 2021. Factors that affect our estimates of future funding projections include return on plan assets, actuarial data and assumptions relating to plan participants, the discount rate used to measure the pension obligations, and changes to regulatory funding requirements. Because of the variability of factors underlying these assumptions, including the possibility of future pension legislation, the reliability of estimated future pension contributions decreases as the length of time until we must make the contribution increases.

Research, Innovation and Operations

Rapidly evolving and highly competitive markets require our customers to seek new, comprehensive steel solutions, and we believe we are well positioned to deliver the most responsive solutions through our broad portfolio of offerings. We are the only steelmaker in North America that can produce all three major categories of flat-rolled steels: carbon, stainless and electrical. In addition to our flat-rolled steels, our broad product portfolio includes carbon and stainless tubular products, sophisticated tool and die designs, and lightweight, complex, hard-to-manufacture components and sub-assemblies for the automotive market. The collaboration across our steel, tube-making, stamping and materials research groups results in the generation of more innovative and comprehensive solutions for our customers, which we believe improves our competitive advantage.

Creating innovative products and breakthrough solutions is a strategic priority, as we believe differentiation through producing higher value steels to meet challenging requirements enables us to maintain and enhance our margins. We conduct a broad range of research and development activities aimed at improving existing products and processes and developing new ones. Our tradition of leading steel innovation has produced a highly diversified flat-rolled steel product portfolio. In recent years, we have increased our commitment to research and development with greater investment, both in personnel and capabilities. One of these investments, our state-of-the-art Research and Innovation Center in Middletown, Ohio, has resulted in enhanced technical collaboration and increased introduction of new steel solutions to the marketplace.

In March 2019, we received an award from the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) to leverage high performance computing from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to conduct hot rolling research. Researchers from AK Steel will work in collaboration with scientists from the Computational Engineering Division to build a Fast Acting Reduced Ordered Model to predict the properties of a finished steel coil after hot rolling in order to continue to improve product consistency, provide immediate feedback on product quality, and to save time, money and energy by reducing expensive industrial trials. This research also will complement current Artificial Intelligence models used in the manufacture of AK Steel’s portfolio of innovative steel products. This is the third award AK Steel has recently received from the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Advanced Manufacturing Office to support innovative steel research. The first, awarded in 2017, focused on manufacturing new steels that provide increased efficiency in high-frequency electric motors, and a second award in 2018 focused on investigating novel low density steels in the laboratory, which could ultimately be used in automotive structural applications. All three awards underscore AK Steel’s innovation and commitment to being a leader in next generation steel product and process development.

Trade Matters

Section 232 Investigation of Imported Foreign Steel

On April 19, 2017, the Commerce Department initiated an investigation pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, as amended by the Trade Act of 1974 (“Section 232”), into whether imports of foreign steel into the U.S. pose a threat to U.S. national security. On March 8, 2018, President Trump signed a proclamation pursuant to Section 232 imposing a 25 percent tariff on imported steel. Following the proclamation, the U.S. government announced various agreements for exemptions from the Section 232 steel tariff for certain countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Korea. Some of these countries, such as South Korea and Brazil, have agreed to a quota system that limits their annual imports of steel into the U.S. In addition, although steel products from the European Union, Canada and Mexico were initially exempted from the tariff, on June 1, 2018, those exemptions expired and the Section 232 tariff was applied to steel imports from these countries as well. In retaliation against the Section 232 tariffs, the European Union, Mexico and Canada subsequently imposed their own tariffs against certain steel products and other goods imported from the U.S. The Mexican retaliatory tariffs went into effect on June 5, 2018, the European Union’s tariffs began to apply on June 22, 2018, and Canadian tariffs became effective on July 1, 2018.

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We ship steel products into Canada, Mexico and the European Union and are required to pay tariffs on certain of our shipments. We may at some point in the future recover a portion of the tariffs we have paid to Canada under the country’s duty drawback rules. These rules provide for the reimbursement for tariffs paid on the portion of products imported into that country that are exported from Canada as part of a final product. Our understanding is that the U.S. government has been and will continue to negotiate with the European Union, Mexico and Canada for a resolution to the trade issues between the U.S. and these countries. We do not know how long these tariffs will remain in effect, if these trade issues will be resolved, or whether the terms of any such resolutions will be beneficial or detrimental to our business. In addition to the ongoing country-by-country negotiations in which the U.S. government is engaged, the Commerce Department has also implemented a system for petitioning the U.S. government to exempt specific products (for instance, a certain grade of steel) from the tariff and a process for challenging these exemption requests.

The Section 232 steel tariff currently only applies to certain steel products, including flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, but it does not apply to certain downstream goods that may contain these steels. As a result, some third parties or customers may attempt to substitute purchases of our flat-rolled steel with imports of downstream goods containing foreign steel product inputs that are not subject to the tariff or trade cases. These actions would circumvent the purpose and intent of the Section 232 steel tariffs. The effects of the limited scope of the steel tariff are particularly salient to our electrical steel business. Imports of downstream electrical goods not currently covered by the tariff include electrical transformer cores and core assemblies, electrical transformers, and even laminations, which are simply cut pieces of electrical steel. To avoid the Section 232 steel tariff, producers have increased their imports of foreign-made downstream electrical goods or moved some of their domestic production outside the United States, which adversely affects our electrical steel business. In the absence of a remedy against these actions to circumvent the Section 232 steel tariff on electrical steel, these actions are likely to increase over time, pressuring our electrical steel business. We continue to proactively work to mitigate or eliminate this potential avenue for avoiding and circumventing the steel tariff, including by communicating our concerns to the U.S. government and requesting appropriate action to address this issue. We believe the United States’ electrical infrastructure is critical to national security and that additional actions are necessary and should be undertaken by the U.S. government to preserve its short- and long-term integrity.

Members of the U.S. Congress have introduced legislation to restrict the President’s power to implement tariffs on national security grounds. Some of the proposed legislation has included provisions that would require Congressional approval of the current Section 232 proclamations or they would terminate. If such legislation is passed by both the House of Representatives and Senate, President Trump would have the ability to veto it, which would then require a two-thirds majority vote in each of the branches of Congress to override the presidential veto. In addition, there are pending challenges to the President’s authority and actions under Section 232 in the U.S. court system and before international bodies.

United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement

On October 1, 2018, the Trump administration announced that the U.S. had reached an agreement with Canada and Mexico on the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (“USMCA”), which is being proposed to replace the existing North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”) among those countries. Among other things, the USMCA, as proposed, includes revised “rules of origin” that exempt automakers and other manufacturers from tariffs if their automobiles and other products incorporate certain levels of materials produced in North America, including steel, and labor from workers paid at least $16 per hour. We believe that the USMCA has the potential to incentivize automakers and other manufacturers to increase manufacturing production in North America and to increase demand for North American steel. Because all of our manufacturing facilities are located in North America and our principal market is automotive, this would positively impact our business. For the proposed USMCA to take effect, both houses of Congress must approve implementing legislation, and we cannot currently predict when, if ever, this may occur. The proposed USMCA does not alter or affect the terms of Section 232 tariffs on imported steel or related retaliatory tariffs, which continue to remain in effect.

New Accounting Pronouncements

The information called for by this section is incorporated herein by reference to Note 16 of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements we made or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-Q, or made in other documents furnished to or filed with the Securities Exchange Commission, as well as in press releases or in presentations made by our employees, reflect our

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estimates and beliefs and are intended to be, and hereby are identified as “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates” and other similar references to future periods typically identify forward-looking statements. We caution readers that forward-looking statements reflect our current beliefs and judgments, but are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes. They are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to economic, competitive, regulatory, and operational risks and uncertainties and contingencies that are beyond our control. They are also based upon assumptions about future business decisions and conditions that may change. In particular, these include, but are not limited to, statements in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section and Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk.

Forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve risks and uncertainties, resulting in the possibility that actual events or performance will differ materially from such predictions as a result of certain risk factors. Such factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from the results contemplated by such forward-looking statements include reduced selling prices, shipments and profits associated with a highly competitive and cyclical industry; domestic and global steel overcapacity; risks related to U.S. government actions on trade agreements and treaties, laws, regulations or policies affecting trade; changes in the cost of raw materials, supplies and energy; our significant amount of debt and other obligations; severe financial hardship or bankruptcy of one or more of our major customers or key suppliers; our significant proportion of sales to the automotive market; reduced demand in key product markets due to competition from aluminum and other alternatives to steel; excess inventory of raw materials; supply chain disruptions or poor quality of raw materials or supplies; production disruption or reduced production levels; our healthcare and pension obligations; not reaching new labor agreements on a timely basis; major litigation, arbitrations, environmental issues and other contingencies; regulatory compliance and changes; climate change and greenhouse gas emissions; conditions in the financial, credit, capital and banking markets; our use of derivative contracts to hedge commodity pricing volatility; potential permanent idling of facilities; inability to fully realize benefits of margin enhancement initiatives; information technology security threats, cybercrime and exposure of private information; our failure to achieve expected benefits of the Precision Partners acquisition; and changes in tax laws and regulations; as well as those risks and uncertainties discussed in more detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (“2018 Form 10-K”), as updated in subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

As such, we caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only to our plans, assumptions and expectations as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

There have been no significant changes in our exposures to market risk since December 31, 2018. See Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk in our 2018 Form 10-K for a discussion on our exposures to market risk.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that information is disclosed and accumulated and communicated to management in a timely fashion. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) was performed as of the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

We implemented internal controls to ensure we adequately evaluated our contracts and properly assessed the impact of the new accounting standard related to leases on our financial statements to facilitate its adoption on January 1, 2019. We implemented a new software solution to support our accounting for leases and have implemented new internal controls in response. There has been no other change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

The information called for by this item is incorporated herein by reference to Note 7 of the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

We caution readers that our business activities involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently expected by management. We described the principal risk factors that could impact our results in our 2018 Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities in the quarter ended March 31, 2019.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)
 
Average Price Paid Per Share (a)
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (b)
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (b)
January 2019
 
302,285

 
$
2.64

 
 
 
February 2019
 

 

 
 
 
March 2019
 
586

 
2.75

 
 
 
Total
 
302,871

 
2.64

 
 
$
125.6

(a)
Employees may have us withhold shares to pay federal, state and local taxes due upon the vesting of restricted stock or performance shares under the terms of the AK Steel Holding Corporation Stock Incentive Plan. In this event, the withheld shares have a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory withholding rate that tax authorities could impose on the transaction. We repurchase the withheld shares at the quoted average of the reported high and low sales prices on the day we withhold the shares.
(b)
On October 21, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase, from time to time, up to $150.0 of our outstanding equity securities. The Board of Directors’ authorization specified no expiration date.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

The operations of AK Coal’s North Fork mine and Coal Innovations, LLC coal wash plant (collectively, the “AK Coal Operations”) are subject to regulation by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended (“Mine Act”). MSHA inspects mining and processing operations, such as the AK Coal Operations, on a regular basis and issues various citations and orders when it believes a violation has occurred under the Mine Act. Exhibit 95.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q presents citations and orders from MSHA and other regulatory matters required to be disclosed by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or otherwise under this Item 4.

Item 5. Other Information.

On April 26, 2019, AK Steel Corporation (the “Company”) entered into a First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Amendment”), by and among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as Agent, and certain financial institutions, as lenders, which amended the credit agreement governing the Credit Facility. Pursuant to the Amendment, we exercised the "accordion" feature under our Credit Facility, which allows us to request an increase in the revolver commitments thereunder, and as a result increased such commitments by $150.0. The Amendment did not alter any of the other material terms and conditions applicable to the Credit Facility. We exercised this feature in order to facilitate the Company’s ability to cost-effectively fund certain activities, including the potential future repurchase, redemption or retirement of other debt, by taking advantage of the favorable interest rate for borrowings under the Credit Facility. The foregoing description does not constitute a complete summary of the Amendment and is qualified by reference in its entirety to the full text of the Amendment, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1.

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Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibit Number
Description
First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of September 13, 2017, among AK Steel Corporation, as Borrower, the guarantors named therein, certain financial institutions, as Lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as agent for the Lenders
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Mine Safety Disclosure Exhibit
101.Ins
XBRL Instance Document – the XBRL Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL 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
 
 
* Filed or furnished herewith, as applicable

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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.


 
 
 
AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
Dated:
April 29, 2019
 
/s/ Jaime Vasquez
 
 
 
Jaime Vasquez
 
 
 
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
Dated:
April 29, 2019
 
/s/ Gregory A. Hoffbauer
 
 
 
Gregory A. Hoffbauer
 
 
 
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer


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EXHIBIT 10.1


FIRST AMENDMENT TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
This FIRST Amendment to SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (“Amendment”) is entered into as of April 26, 2019 by and among AK STEEL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), AK TUBE LLC (“AK Tube”), Mountain State Carbon, LLC (“Mountain State Carbon”; and together with AK Tube, the “Borrowing Base Guarantors”), BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as agent for the Lenders (“Agent”), and the Lenders.
Recitals
A.    The Borrower, the Borrowing Base Guarantors, the Lenders and the Agent are party to that certain Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of September 13, 2017, (as such agreement may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”) pursuant to which the Lenders have agreed to make certain loans and extend certain other financial accommodations to the Borrower as provided therein. Capitalized terms defined in the Loan Agreement, where used and not otherwise defined in this Amendment, shall have the same meanings in this Amendment as are prescribed by the Loan Agreement (as amended hereby).
B.     The Borrower and the Borrowing Base Guarantors have requested that the Agent and Lenders amend certain terms of the Loan Agreement as set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions contained herein, and of any loans or financial accommodations heretofore, now, or hereafter made to or for the benefit of the Borrower by the Lenders, it hereby is agreed as follows:

1.Amendments.

(a)The Loan Agreement (other than the exhibits and schedules thereto) is hereby amended in a manner such that the Loan Agreement in its entirety shall read as set forth on Exhibit A hereto.

(b)Schedule 1.1 to the Loan Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as set forth in Schedule 1.1 attached hereto. The parties hereto agree that the increase in Tranche A Revolver Commitments set forth in such Schedule 1.1 shall constitute an increase in Revolver Commitments pursuant to Section 2.1.4(d) of the Loan Agreement.

2.Conditions to Effectiveness. This Amendment shall become effective on the first date (the “First Amendment Effective Date”) on which each of the following conditions precedent has been satisfied or waived, as determined by the Agent in its sole reasonable discretion:

(a)this Amendment shall have been duly executed and delivered by the Agent, Borrower, Borrowing Base Guarantors and Lenders and the Acknowledgment and Reaffirmation to this Amendment attached hereto as Annex I (the “Acknowledgment and



Reaffirmation”) shall have been duly executed and delivered by Holdings and AK Steel Properties, Inc. (together with Holdings, the Borrower and the Borrowing Base Guarantors, collectively, the “Obligors”);

(b)Agent shall have received a fully executed secretary’s certificate of each Obligor certifying and attaching (i) each Obligor’s certificate of formation, operating agreement or other organization documents; (ii) resolutions of each Obligor authorizing the transactions contemplated by this Amendment; (iii) incumbency certificates of each Obligor, in each case, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent and (iv) certificates of good standing issued by the secretary of state of the states of incorporation or formation of each Obligor;

(c)Agent shall have received a certificate or certificates, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it, from a knowledgeable Senior Officer or the Treasurer of Borrower certifying that, after giving effect to the transactions hereunder, (i) Borrower and its Subsidiaries are Solvent on a consolidated basis; (ii) no Default or Event of Default exists; (iii) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4 of this Amendment and Section 9 of the Loan Agreement are true and correct in all material respects; and (iv) there exists no violation of the Existing Senior Notes (or, in each case, the indenture executed in connection therewith);

(d)Agent shall have received an opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent;

(e)Agent shall have received an opinion of the General Counsel or the Assistant General Counsel of Borrower in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent;

(f)Borrower shall have paid all fees and expenses, to the extent due and payable on or prior to the First Amendment Effective Date, owed by Borrower to Agent and Lenders in connection with this Amendment; and

(g)Agent shall have received all documentation and other information reasonably requested in writing by Agent or any Lender at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the First Amendment Effective Date in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including the Patriot Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

3.Reallocation of Tranche A Revolving Loans. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that on and effective as of the First Amendment Effective Date, the outstanding Tranche A Revolving Loans shall be allocated to each Tranche A Revolver Lender with a Tranche A Revolver Commitment as of such date such that after giving effect to such allocation, the amount of Tranche A Revolver Loans held by each Tranche A Revolver Lender is equal to such Tranche A Revolver Lender’s Pro Rata share of the then-outstanding Tranche A Revolver Loans. To the extent such allocation results in losses or expenses to any Lender as a result of the prepayment of any LIBOR



2





Loan on a date other than the scheduled last day of the applicable Interest Period, Borrower shall be responsible for such loss or expense pursuant to Section 3.9 of the Loan Agreement.

4.Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of Borrower. The Borrower and each other Obligor party hereto hereby represents and warrants (in the case of each Obligor, solely as to itself) that as of the date of this Amendment and after giving effect hereto (a) the representations and warranties of the Borrower and each other Obligor contained in the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party are true and correct in all material respects (without giving effect to any materiality qualifier contained therein) on and as of the date hereof to the same extent as though made on and as of the date hereof, except to the extent such representations and warranties specifically relate to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects (without giving effect to any materiality qualifier contained therein) as of such earlier date, (b) the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment by the Borrower and the Borrowing Base Guarantors have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and do not (i) require any consent or approval of any holders of Equity Interests of the Borrower or the Borrowing Base Guarantors, other than those already obtained, (ii) contravene the Organic Documents of the Borrower or the Borrowing Base Guarantors, (iii) violate or cause a default under any Applicable Law or Material Contract, or (iv) result in or require the imposition of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any Property of the Borrower or the other Obligors, except, as set forth solely in clause (iii), as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (c) this Amendment and the Loan Agreement (as amended hereby) is a legal, valid, and binding obligation of the Borrower and such other Obligors party hereto or thereto, as applicable, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally.

5.Loan Document. This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document.

6.Fees, Costs, and Expenses. Subject to and in accordance with Section 3.4 of the Loan Agreement, the Borrower agrees to pay on demand all reasonable, documented and out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Agent in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and delivery, and closing of this Amendment and all related documentation, including the reasonable, documented and out-of-pocket fees and expenses of one counsel for the Agent with respect thereto.

7.Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single agreement. Delivery of a signature page of this Amendment by telecopy or other electronic means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart.

8.Reference to and Effect on the Loan Documents; Ratification.

(a)Except as specifically set forth above, the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed.

(b)The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Amendment shall not operate as a waiver or forbearance of (i) any right, power or remedy of Agent or any Lender



3





under the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, nor constitute an amendment of any provision of the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, except as specifically set forth herein or (ii) any Default or Event of Default. Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, each reference in the Loan Agreement to “this Agreement”, “hereunder”, “hereof”, “herein” or words of similar import, and each reference to the Loan Agreement in any other Loan Document, shall mean and be a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

(c)Each Obligor party hereto acknowledges and agrees that the amendments set forth herein are effective solely for the purposes set forth herein and that the execution and delivery by Agent and the Lenders of this Amendment shall not be deemed (i) except as expressly provided in this Amendment, to be a consent to any amendment, waiver or modification of any term or condition of the Loan Agreement or of any other Loan Document, (ii) to create a course of dealing or otherwise obligate Agent or Lenders to forbear, waive, consent or execute similar amendments under the same or similar circumstances in the future, or (iii) to amend, prejudice, relinquish or impair any right of Agent or Lenders to receive any indemnity or similar payment from any Person or entity as a result of any matter arising from or relating to this Amendment.

9.Reaffirmation. The Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor hereby acknowledges and reaffirms all of its obligations and undertakings under each of the Loan Documents to which it is a party and acknowledges and agrees that, as of the date hereof and after taking account of the provisions of this Amendment, each such Loan Document is and shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms thereof.

10.No Oral Agreements. THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.

11.GOVERNING LAW. THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES (BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO NATIONAL BANKS).
[Signature Pages Follow]



4






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the day and year first written above.


AK STEEL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, as the Borrower
By:
/s/ Christopher J. Ross
Name:
Christopher J. Ross
Title:
Treasurer
                            
AK TUBE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as a Borrowing Base Guarantor
By:
/s/ Joseph C. Alter
Name:
Joseph C. Alter
Title:
Assistant Secretary

MOUNTAIN STATE CARBON, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as a Borrowing Base Guarantor
By:
/s/ Christopher J. Ross
Name:
Christopher J. Ross
Title:
Treasurer




















[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



5






BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Agent and a Lender
By:
/s/ Brian Conole
Name:
Brian Conole
Title:
Senior Vice President

    







































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



6





    
LENDERS:        
Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Marguerite Sutton
Name:
Marguerite Sutton
Title:
Vice President
 
 
By:
/s/ Alicia Schug
Name:
Alicia Schug
Title:
Vice President

                            


































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



7





LENDERS:        
REGIONS BANK,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Stephen J. McGreevy
Name:
Stephen J. McGreevy
Title:
Managing Director

                            








































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



8





LENDERS:        
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ John C. Williams
Name:
John C. Williams
Title:
Authorized Bank Officer

                            








































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



9





LENDERS:        
Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Kai Sorensen
Name:
Kai Sorensen
Title:
Duly Authorized Signatory

                            








































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



10





LENDERS:        
Fifth Third Bank,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Herbert M. Kidd II
Name:
Herbert M. Kidd II
Title:
Managing Director

                            








































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



11





LENDERS:        
BMO Harris Bank, N.A.,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Ran Li
Name:
Ran Li
Title:
Authorized Signatory

                            








































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



12





LENDERS:        
Citibank, N.A.,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Brendan Mackay
Name:
Brendan Mackay
Title:
Vice President and Director

                            








































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



13





LENDERS:        
GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Ryan Durkin
Name:
Ryan Durkin
Title:
Authorized Signatory

                            








































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



14





LENDERS:        
ING CAPITAL LLC, as a Lender
 
By:
/s/ Jean V. Grasso
Name:
Jean V. Grasso
Title:
Managing Director
 
 
By:
/s/ Jeff Chu
Name:
Jeff Chu
Title:
Vice President

                            



































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



15





LENDERS:        
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Eric B. Bergeson
Name:
Eric B. Bergeson
Title:
Authorized Officer

                            








































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



16





LENDERS:        
KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Nadine M. Eames
Name:
Nadine M. Eames
Title:
Vice President

                            








































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



17





LENDERS:        
BARCLAYS BANK PLC,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Sean Duggan
Name:
Sean Duggan
Title:
Vice President

                            








































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



18





LENDERS:        
Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Doreen Barr
Name:
Doreen Barr
Title:
Authorized Signatory
 
 
By:
/s/ Brady Bingham
Name:
Brady Bingham
Title:
Authorized Signatory

                            



































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



19





LENDERS:        
Siemens Financial Services, Inc.,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ John Finore
Name:
John Finore
Title:
Vice President
 
 
By:
/s/ Michael L. Zion
Name:
Michael L. Zion
Title:
Vice President

                            



































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



20





LENDERS:        
U.S. Bank, National Association,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Rod Swenson
Name:
Rod Swenson
Title:
Vice President

                            








































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



21





LENDERS:        
Citizens Bank, N.A., as a Lender
 
By:
/s/ James G. Zamborksy
Name:
James G. Zamborsky
Title:
Vice President

                            








































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]



22





ANNEX I
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND REAFFIRMATION
April 26, 2019

Each of the undersigned (i) hereby acknowledges each of the terms of (x) the First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “First Amendment”) to which this Acknowledgment and Reaffirmation is attached and (y) the Loan Agreement, as amended by the First Amendment, (ii) acknowledges, ratifies and confirms all obligations and undertakings under its respective Guaranty and the other Loan Documents of the undersigned, and agrees that all of its obligations and undertakings thereunder are and shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms thereof as of the date hereof and after giving effect to the First Amendment and (iii) acknowledges and agrees that all references to the Loan Agreement in its respective Guaranty and the other Loan Documents of the undersigned shall mean and include the Loan Agreement, as modified by the First Amendment. This Acknowledgment and Reaffirmation shall constitute a Loan Document.

THIS ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND REAFFIRMATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES (BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO NATIONAL BANKS).

[Signature Page Follows]





AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, as a Guarantor
By:
/s/ Joseph C. Alter
Name:
Joseph C. Alter
Title:
Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

AK STEEL PROPERTIES, INC., a Delaware corporation, as a Guarantor
By:
/s/ Joseph C. Alter
Name:
Joseph C. Alter
Title:
President


































[Signature Page to First Amendment to Second Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement]





EXHIBIT A

AMENDED LOAN AGREEMENT

REFLECTING FIRST AMENDMENT TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT DATED AS OF APRIL 26, 2019.


AK STEEL CORPORATION,
as Borrower

the BORROWING BASE GUARANTORS party hereto,
    

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
Dated as of September 13, 2017
$1,500,000,000
    
    
CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS,
as Lenders,

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Agent,

and
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
and
WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC,
as Co-Syndication Agents,

DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC.
and
FIFTH THIRD BANK,
as Co-Documentation Agents

and

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
and
WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC,
as Joint Lead Arrangers and Co-Book Managers
    



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 
Page

SECTION 1.
DEFINITIONS; RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
1

1.1.
 
Definitions
1

1.2.
 
Accounting Terms
40

1.3.
 
Uniform Commercial Code
40

1.4.
 
Certain Matters of Construction
41

1.5.
 
Certain Calculations
41

1.6.
 
Outstanding Obligations under Existing Loan Agreement
42

SECTION 2.
CREDIT FACILITIES
42

2.1.
 
Revolver Commitment
42

2.2.
 
[Reserved]
49

2.3.
 
Letter of Credit Facility
49

SECTION 3.
INTEREST, FEES AND CHARGES
52

3.1.
 
Interest
52

3.2.
 
Fees
55

3.3.
 
Computation of Interest, Fees, Yield Protection
55

3.4.
 
Reimbursement Obligations
55

3.5.
 
Illegality
56

3.6.
 
Inability to Determine Rates
56

3.7.
 
Increased Costs; Capital Adequacy
56

3.8.
 
Mitigation
57

3.9.
 
Funding Losses
58

3.10.
 
Maximum Interest
58

SECTION 4.
LOAN ADMINISTRATION
58

4.1.
 
Manner of Borrowing and Funding Revolver Loans
58

4.2.
 
Defaulting Lender
60

4.3.
 
Number and Amount of LIBOR Loans; Determination of Rate
61

4.4.
 
[Reserved].
61

4.5.
 
One Obligation
61

4.6.
 
Effect of Termination
61

SECTION 5.
PAYMENTS
62

5.1.
 
General Payment Provisions
62

5.2.
 
Repayment of Revolver Loans
62




i





5.3.
 
Application of Certain Prepayments
62

5.4.
 
Payment of Other Obligations
63

5.5.
 
Marshaling; Payments Set Aside
63

5.6.
 
Post-Default Allocation of Payments
63

5.7.
 
Application of Payments
64

5.8.
 
Loan Account; Account Stated
64

5.9.
 
Taxes
65

5.10.
 
Lender Tax Information
65

5.11.
 
Keepwell
67

SECTION 6.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
67

6.1.
 
Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans
67

6.2.
 
Conditions Precedent to All Credit Extensions
68

6.3.
 
Limited Waiver of Conditions Precedent
69

SECTION 7.
COLLATERAL
69

7.1.
 
Grant of Security Interest
69

7.2.
 
Lien on Deposit Accounts; Cash Collateral
70

7.3.
 
[Reserved]
70

7.4.
 
Other Collateral
70

7.5.
 
No Assumption of Liability
70

7.6.
 
Further Assurances
71

SECTION 8.
COLLATERAL ADMINISTRATION
71

8.1.
 
Borrowing Base Certificates
71

8.2.
 
Administration of Accounts
71

8.3.
 
Administration of Inventory
72

8.4.
 
[Reserved]
73

8.5.
 
Administration of Deposit Accounts
73

8.6.
 
General Provisions
73

8.7.
 
Power of Attorney
74

SECTION 9.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
75

9.1.
 
General Representations and Warranties
76

9.2.
 
Complete Disclosure
80

SECTION 10.
COVENANTS AND CONTINUING AGREEMENTS
80

10.1.
 
Affirmative Covenants
80

10.2.
 
Negative Covenants
84

10.3.
 
Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
92




ii





SECTION 11.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES ON DEFAULT
92

11.1.
 
Events of Default
92

11.2.
 
Remedies upon Default
94

11.3.
 
License
95

11.4.
 
Setoff
95

11.5.
 
Remedies Cumulative; No Waiver
95

SECTION 12.
AGENT
96

12.1.
 
Appointment, Authority and Duties of Agent
96

12.2.
 
Agreements Regarding Collateral and Field Examination Reports
97

12.3.
 
Reliance By Agent
97

12.4.
 
Action Upon Default
98

12.5.
 
Ratable Sharing
98

12.6.
 
Indemnification
98

12.7.
 
Limitation on Responsibilities of Agent
98

12.8.
 
Successor Agent and Co-Agents
99

12.9.
 
Due Diligence and Non-Reliance
100

12.10.
 
Replacement of Certain Lenders
100

12.11.
 
Remittance of Payments and Collections
100

12.12.
 
Agent in its Individual Capacity
101

12.13.
 
Agent Titles
101

12.14.
 
Bank Product Providers
101

12.15.
 
No Third Party Beneficiaries
101

12.16.
 
Withholding
101

SECTION 13.
BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS
102

13.1.
 
Successors and Assigns
102

13.2.
 
Participations
102

13.3.
 
Assignments
103

SECTION 14.
MISCELLANEOUS
104

14.1.
 
Consents, Amendments and Waivers
104

14.2.
 
Indemnity
105

14.3.
 
Notices and Communications
106

14.4.
 
Performance of Borrower’s Obligations
107

14.5.
 
Credit Inquiries
107

14.6.
 
Severability
107

14.7.
 
Cumulative Effect; Conflict of Terms
107




iii





14.8.
 
Counterparts
108

14.9.
 
Entire Agreement
108

14.10.
 
Obligations of Lenders
108

14.11.
 
Confidentiality
109

14.12.
 
Certifications Regarding Indentures
110

14.13.
 
GOVERNING LAW
110

14.14.
 
Consent to Forum
110

14.15.
 
Waivers
110

14.16.
 
Patriot Act Notice
110

14.17.
 
Acknowledgment and Consent to Bail-in of EEA Financial Institutions
111

14.18.
 
Judgments
111

 
 
 
 
 
 
LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES
 
Exhibit A-1
 
Tranche A Revolver Note
 
Exhibit A-2
 
Tranche B Revolver Note
 
Exhibit B
 
Notice of Borrowing
 
Exhibit C
 
Assignment and Acceptance
 
Exhibit D
 
Assignment Notice
 
Exhibit E-1
 
New Lender Supplement
 
Exhibit E-2
 
Increased Commitment Agreement
 
Schedule 1.1
Commitments of Lenders
 
Schedule 2.3.4
Outstanding Letters of Credit
 
Schedule 8.6.1
Business Locations
 
Schedule 9.1.4
Names and Capital Structure
 
Schedule 9.1.5
Former Names and Companies
 
Schedule 9.1.12
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights and Licenses
 
Schedule 9.1.15
Environmental Matters
 
Schedule 9.1.16
Restrictive Agreements
 
Schedule 9.1.17
Litigation
 
Schedule 9.1.19
ERISA Compliance
 
Schedule 9.1.21
Labor Relations
 
Schedule 10.1.11
Post-Closing Obligations
 
Schedule 10.2.1
Existing Debt
 
Schedule 10.2.2
Existing Liens
 
Schedule 10.2.5
Existing Investments
 



iv





SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
THIS SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT is dated as of September 13, 2017, among AK STEEL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Borrower”), the Borrowing Base Guarantors from time to time party hereto, the financial institutions party to this Agreement from time to time as lenders (collectively, “Lenders”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association, as agent for the Lenders (“Agent”).
R E C I T A L S:
WHEREAS, AK Steel Corporation, the Borrowing Base Guarantors party thereto from time to time, Bank of America, N.A., as agent, and certain financial institutions party thereto as lenders are parties to that certain Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2014 (as heretofore amended, supplemented and modified, the “Existing Loan Agreement”);
WHEREAS, Borrower has requested that Lenders amend and restate the Existing Loan Agreement and to continue to finance its business enterprise; and
WHEREAS, Lenders are willing to provide the credit facility on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1.
DEFINITIONS; RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

1.1     Definitions. As used herein, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

Account: as defined in the UCC, including all rights to payment for goods sold or leased, or for services rendered.

Account Debtor: a Person who is obligated under an Account, Chattel Paper or General Intangible.

Accounts Reserve: reserves reasonably established by Agent in its Credit Judgment upon two (2) Business Days’ prior notice to Borrower (including telephonic or electronic notice promptly confirmed by written notice) to reflect factors arising or becoming known to Agent after the Closing Date that negatively impact the Value of Accounts, including with respect to dilution.

Affiliate: with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have correlative meanings.

Agent Indemnitees: Agent and its officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents and attorneys.

Agent Professionals: attorneys, accountants, appraisers, auditors, business valuation experts, environmental engineers or consultants, turnaround consultants, and other professionals and experts retained by Agent.



Aggregate Borrowing Base: on any date of determination, the sum of the Tranche A Borrowing Base, plus the Tranche B Borrowing Base, minus the Accounts Reserve, minus the Inventory Reserve, minus the Availability Reserve, minus the Bank Product Reserve, provided, however, that no Reserve shall be duplicative of any factor to the extent that it is already reflected in the calculation of the Aggregate Borrowing Base, Tranche A Borrowing Base and/or Tranche B Borrowing Base.

Agreement: this Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

Agreement Currency: as defined in Section 14.18.

AK Properties: AK Steel Properties, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

AK Tube: AK Tube LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Anti-Corruption Laws: means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption.

Anti-Terrorism Laws: any laws relating to terrorism or money laundering, including the Patriot Act.

Applicable Law: all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Person, conduct, transaction, agreement or matter in question, including all applicable statutory law and common law, and all provisions of constitutions, treaties, statutes, rules, regulations, orders and decrees of Governmental Authorities.

Applicable Margin: with respect to any Type of Loan, the margin set forth below, as determined by average daily Availability as set forth below:
Level
 
Availability
 
Base Rate Tranche A Revolver Loans
 
LIBOR Tranche A Revolver Loans
 
Base Rate Tranche B Revolver Loans
 
LIBOR Tranche B Revolver Loans
I
 
< $800,000,000
 
0.50%
 
1.50%
 
1.50%
 
2.50%
II
 
≥ $800,000,000
 
0.25%
 
1.25%
 
1.25%
 
2.25%

Until January 1, 2018, margins shall be determined as if Level I were applicable. On such date and thereafter, the margins shall be subject to increase or decrease upon Agent’s determination of average daily Availability over the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter, which change shall be effective on the first day of the new Fiscal Quarter.
Approved Automotive Subsidiaries: (x) any Mexican Subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, General Motors Company, Toyota Motor Corporation or Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., (y) any Mexican Subsidiary of a Domestic Subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. or Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and (z) any other Mexican Subsidiary of an Account Debtor that is an automotive company, which Mexican Subsidiary, in the case of this clause (z), shall be reasonably approved by the Agent in writing from time to time.

Approved Fund: any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in its ordinary course of business and is administered or managed by a Lender, an entity that administers or manages a Lender, or an Affiliate of either.




2





Asset Disposition: a sale, lease, license, consignment, transfer or other disposition of Property of an Obligor, including a disposition of Property in connection with a sale-leaseback transaction or synthetic lease; provided that sales, leases, licenses, consignments, transfers or other dispositions of assets (other than Accounts and Inventory) with a fair market value of $10,000,000 or less with respect to any individual transaction or series of related transactions (each, an “Immaterial Asset Disposition”) shall not constitute an “Asset Disposition” to the extent that the aggregate fair market value of all Property sold, leased, licensed, consigned, transferred or otherwise disposed of pursuant to Immaterial Asset Dispositions does not exceed $50,000,000.

Assignment and Acceptance: an assignment agreement between a Lender and Eligible Assignee, in the form of Exhibit C.

Availability: the Aggregate Borrowing Base, minus the principal balance of all Revolver Loans. For purposes of determining Availability in connection with the delivery of any Notice of Borrowing or LC Request, (i) all Reserves established by Agent following the Closing Date shall be deducted in calculating the Aggregate Borrowing Base, regardless of whether any required notice periods for the implementation thereof have expired and (ii) all Accounts and Inventory rendered ineligible as a result of criteria established by Agent following the Closing Date shall be excluded from the Aggregate Borrowing Base, regardless of whether any required notice periods for the effectiveness of such criteria have expired.

Availability Reserve: the sum (without duplication) of (a) the Rent and Charges Reserve; (b) the LC Reserve; (c) the aggregate amount of liabilities secured by Liens upon Collateral that are senior to Agent’s Liens (but imposition of any such reserve shall not waive an Event of Default arising therefrom); (d) unless waived by Required Lenders, on and following the date that is 60 days prior to the scheduled maturity date of (x) any Existing Senior Debt and/or (y) any Debt incurred in reliance on Section 10.2.1(v) hereof with a then-outstanding principal amount in excess of $75,000,000, as applicable, an amount equal to all then outstanding principal, interest and (in each case, to the extent then accrued and not contingent) fees and other obligations under such Existing Senior Debt and/or Debt incurred in reliance on Section 10.2.1(v), as applicable, unless the Borrower shall have provided reasonably satisfactory evidence to the Agent that cash collateral and/or a letter of credit has been provided to the applicable trustee, agent or lender, as applicable, with respect to such Existing Senior Debt or other Debt, as applicable, as credit support for the payment of and in an amount equal to all such outstanding principal, interest, fees and other obligations, or that the Borrower has otherwise made arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Agent to defease, refinance or repay such Existing Senior Debt or other Debt on or prior to their respective scheduled maturity date; provided that such amount shall not constitute an Availability Reserve to the extent the proceeds of any Borrowing of Loans are applied solely to pay, repay or defease such Existing Senior Debt or other Debt (or are deposited in an escrow account or subject to similar arrangements in each case on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Agent pending such application) and (e) such additional reserves, in such amounts and with respect to such matters, as Agent in its Credit Judgment may elect to impose from time to time upon two (2) Business Days’ prior notice to Borrower (including telephonic or electronic notice promptly confirmed by written notice); provided however, that the amount of any Availability Reserve established under this clause (e) shall (i) bear a reasonable relationship to the issue giving rise to the implementation thereof and (ii) not be duplicative of other reserves or adjustments used in calculating the Aggregate Borrowing Base.

Bail-In Action: 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.




3





Bail-In Legislation: 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.

Bank of America: Bank of America, N.A., a national banking association, and its successors and assigns.

Bank of America Indemnitees: Bank of America and its officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents and attorneys.

Bank Product: any of the following products, services or facilities extended to Borrower or any Subsidiary by any Lender or any of its Affiliates: (a) Cash Management Services; (b) products under Hedging Agreements; (c) commercial credit card, stored value cards, purchase cards and merchant card services and e-payable services; and (d) leases and other banking products or services as may be requested by Borrower or any Subsidiary, other than Letters of Credit.

Bank Product Debt: Debt and other obligations of an Obligor relating to Bank Products.

Bank Product Reserve: the aggregate amount of reserves established by Agent from time to time in its discretion in respect of Secured Bank Product Obligations.

Bankruptcy Code: Title 11 of the United States Code.

Base Rate: for any day, a per annum rate equal to the greater of (a) the Prime Rate for such day; (b) the Federal Funds Rate for such day, plus 0.50%; or (c) LIBOR for a 30 day interest period as determined on such day, plus 1.0%.

Base Rate Loan: any Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.

Base Rate Revolver Loan: a Revolver Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.

Base Rate Tranche A Revolver Loan: a Tranche A Revolver Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.
Base Rate Tranche B Revolver Loan: a Tranche B Revolver Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.

Basel III: (a) “Basel III: A global regulatory framework for more resilient banks and banking systems” issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“BIS Committee”) in December 2010, (b) “Basel III: International framework for liquidity risk measurement, standards and monitoring” issued by the BIS Committee in December 2010, and (c) “Annex: Minimum requirements to ensure loss absorbency at the point of non-viability” issued by the BIS Committee in January 2011.

Beneficial Ownership Certification: means a certification regarding beneficial ownership required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, which certification shall be substantially similar in form and substance to the form of Certification Regarding Beneficial Owners of Legal Entity Customers published jointly, in May 2018, by the Loan Syndications and Trading Association and Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.

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



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Board of Governors: the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Borrowing: a group of Loans of one Type that are made on the same day or are converted into Loans of one Type on the same day.

Borrowing Base Certificate: a certificate, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, by which Borrower certifies calculation of the Tranche A Borrowing Base, Tranche B Borrowing Base and Aggregate Borrowing Base.

Borrowing Base Guarantor: AK Tube, Mountain State Carbon and each other Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower which is designated in writing by the Borrower to the Agent after the Closing Date as a Borrowing Base Guarantor and has executed and delivered a joinder agreement in accordance with Section 10.1.10. As of the Closing Date, there are no Borrowing Base Guarantors other than AK Tube and Mountain State Carbon.

Business Day: any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the laws of, or are in fact closed in, North Carolina and New York, and if such day relates to a LIBOR Loan, any such day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted between banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market.

Capital Expenditures: all liabilities incurred, expenditures made or payments due (whether or not made) by Borrower or any Subsidiary for the acquisition of any fixed assets, or any improvements, replacements, substitutions or additions thereto with a useful life of more than one year, including the principal portion of Capital Leases. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Capital Expenditures shall not include:

(a)expenditures made with tenant allowances received by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries from landlords in the ordinary course of business and subsequently capitalized;

(b)expenditures that are accounted for as capital expenditures by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and that actually are paid for by a Person other than the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to the extent neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has provided or is required to provide or incur, directly or indirectly, any consideration or obligation to such Person or any other Person (whether before, during or after such period);

(c)any expenditures which are contractually required to be, and are, advanced or reimbursed to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in cash by a third party (including landlords) during such period;

(d)that portion of interest on Debt incurred for capital expenditures which is paid in cash and capitalized in accordance with GAAP; or

(e)in the event that any equipment is purchased simultaneously with the trade-in of existing equipment, the gross amount of the credit granted by the seller of such equipment for the equipment being traded in at such time.

Capital Lease: any lease that is required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP as in effect on December 31, 2016.




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Cash Collateral: cash, and any interest or other income earned thereon, that is delivered to Agent to Cash Collateralize any Obligations.

Cash Collateral Account: a demand deposit, money market or other account established by Agent at such financial institution as Agent may select in its reasonable discretion, which account shall be subject to Agent’s Liens for the benefit of Secured Parties.

Cash Collateralize: the delivery of cash to Agent, as security for the payment of Obligations, in an amount equal to (a) with respect to LC Obligations, 102% of the aggregate LC Obligations, and (b) with respect to any inchoate, contingent or other Obligations (including Secured Bank Product Obligations, but excluding indemnification obligations which are either contingent or inchoate to the extent no claims giving rise thereto have been asserted), Agent’s good faith estimate of the amount due or to become due, including all fees and other amounts relating to such Obligations. “Cash Collateralization” has a correlative meaning.

Cash Equivalents: (a) marketable obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by, and backed by the full faith and credit of, the United States government, maturing within 12 months of the date of acquisition; (b) certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances maturing within 12 months of the date of acquisition, and overnight bank deposits, in each case which are issued by Bank of America or a commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state or district thereof, rated A-1 (or better) by S&P or P-1 (or better) by Moody’s at the time of acquisition, and (unless issued by a Lender) not subject to offset rights; (c) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying investments of the types described in clauses (a) and (b) entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause (b); (d) commercial paper issued by Bank of America or rated A-1 (or better) by S&P or P-1 (or better) by Moody’s, and maturing within nine months of the date of acquisition; and (e) shares of any money market fund that has substantially all of its assets invested continuously in the types of investments referred to above, has net assets of at least $500,000,000 and has the highest rating obtainable from either Moody’s or S&P.

Cash Management Services: any services provided from time to time by any Lender or any of its Affiliates to Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with operating, collections, payroll, trust, or other depository or disbursement accounts, including automated clearinghouse, e-payable, controlled disbursement, depository, electronic funds transfer, information reporting, lockbox, stop payment, overdraft and/or wire transfer services.

CERCLA: the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.).

Change in Law: the occurrence, after the date hereof, of (a) the adoption, taking effect or phasing in of any law, rule, regulation or treaty; (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority; or (c) the making, issuance or application of any request, guideline, requirement or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided, that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (ii) 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.



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Change of Control: any of the following: (i) any Person, either individually or acting in concert with one or more other Persons, shall have acquired beneficial ownership (provided that a Person shall not be deemed to be the beneficial owner of shares tendered pursuant to a tender offer made by that Person or its Affiliate until the tendered shares are accepted for purchase), directly or indirectly, of Equity Interests of Holdings (or other Equity Interests convertible into such Equity Interests) representing more than 50.0% of the combined voting power of all Equity Interests of Holdings entitled to vote in the election of members of the board of directors or other governing body of Holdings or Borrower, (ii) a change in the majority of directors of Holdings or Borrower during any 24 month period, unless approved by the majority of directors serving at the beginning of such period, (iii) the failure at any time of Holdings legally and beneficially to own and control 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Borrower and (iv) the occurrence of any “Change in Control” as defined in the indenture for the Existing Senior Notes. As used herein, the term “beneficially own” or “beneficial ownership” shall have the meaning set forth in the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Claims: all claims, liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, judgments, proceedings, interest, costs and expenses of any kind (including remedial response costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees and Extraordinary Expenses) at any time (including after Full Payment of the Obligations, resignation or replacement of Agent, or replacement of any Lender) incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any Obligor or other Person, in any way relating to (a) any Loans, Letters of Credit, Loan Documents, or the use thereof or transactions relating thereto, (b) any action taken or omitted in connection with any Loan Documents, (c) the existence or perfection of any Liens, or realization upon any Collateral, (d) exercise of any rights or remedies under any Loan Documents or Applicable Law, or (e) failure by any Obligor to perform or observe any terms of any Loan Document, in each case including all costs and expenses relating to any investigation, litigation, arbitration or other proceeding (including an Insolvency Proceeding or appellate proceedings), whether or not the applicable Indemnitee is a party thereto.

Closing Date: as defined in Section 6.1.

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

Collateral: all Property described in Section 7.1, all Property described in any Security Documents as security for any Obligations, and all other Property that now or hereafter secures (or is intended to secure) any Obligations.

Commitment: for any Lender, the aggregate amount of such Lender’s Revolver Commitment. “Commitments” means the aggregate amount of all Revolver Commitments.

Commitment Termination Date: the earliest to occur of (a) the Revolver Termination Date; (b) the date on which Borrower terminates the Revolver Commitments pursuant to Section 2.1.4; or (c) the date on which the Revolver Commitments are terminated pursuant to Section 11.2.

Commodity Exchange Act: the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.).

Compliance Certificate: a certificate, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, by which Borrower certifies compliance with Section 10.3 and calculates the applicable Level for the Applicable Margin.




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Consolidated Total Assets: on any date, the consolidated total assets of Holdings and its Subsidiaries determined in accordance with GAAP as of the date of the financial statements most recently delivered pursuant to Section 10.1.2(a) or 10.1.2(b) hereunder.

Contingent Obligation: any obligation of a Person arising from a guaranty, indemnity or other assurance of payment or performance of any Debt, lease, dividend or other obligation (“primary obligations”) of another obligor (“primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including any obligation of such Person under any (a) guaranty, endorsement, co-making or sale with recourse of an obligation of a primary obligor; (b) obligation to make take-or-pay or similar payments regardless of nonperformance by any other party to an agreement; and (c) arrangement (i) to purchase any primary obligation or security therefor, (ii) to supply funds for the purchase or payment of any primary obligation, (iii) to maintain or assure working capital, equity capital, net worth or solvency of the primary obligor, (iv) to purchase Property or services for the purpose of assuring the ability of the primary obligor to perform a primary obligation, or (v) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the holder of any primary obligation against loss in respect thereof. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation (or, if less, the maximum amount for which such Person may be liable under the instrument evidencing the Contingent Obligation) or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability with respect thereto.

Converted Tranche A Revolver Loans: as defined in Section 2.1.1(a).

Converted Tranche B Revolver Loans: as defined in Section 2.1.1(b).

Copyright Security Agreement: each copyright security agreement pursuant to which Borrower and/or any one or more Borrowing Base Guarantors, as applicable, grants to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a lien on Borrower’s and/or such Borrowing Base Guarantor’s interests in copyrights, as security for the Obligations.

Credit Judgment: Agent’s judgment exercised in good faith and in accordance with its customary practices for similar asset-based transactions, based upon its consideration of any factor that it reasonably believes (a) could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the quantity, quality, mix or value of Collateral (including any Applicable Law that may inhibit collection of an Account), the enforceability or priority of Agent’s Liens, or the amount that Agent and Lenders could receive in liquidation of any Collateral; (b) reasonably suggests that any collateral report or financial information delivered by any Obligor is incomplete, inaccurate or misleading in any material respect; (c) materially increases the likelihood of any Insolvency Proceeding involving an Obligor; or (d) creates or could reasonably be expected to result in a Default or Event of Default. In exercising such judgment, Agent may consider any factors that could reasonably be expected to increase the credit risk of lending to Borrower on the security of the Collateral.

CWA: the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. §§ 1251 et seq.).

DB Assignment: as defined in Section 1.6.
DBNY: as defined in Section 1.6.
DBTC: as defined in Section 1.6.

Debt: as applied to any Person, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind received by such Person (excluding deposits and



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advances received in the Ordinary Course of Business), (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by notes, drafts, bonds, debentures, credit documents or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person which accrue interest or are of a type upon which interest charges are customarily paid (excluding trade payables owing in the Ordinary Course of Business), (d) all obligations of such Person that were issued or assumed as full or partial payment for Property, including pursuant to conditional sale or title retention agreements and earnouts and similar agreements (excluding trade payables incurred and paid in the Ordinary Course of Business), (e) all obligations of such Person in respect of Capital Leases, (f) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party or guarantor in respect of letters of credit or in respect of letters of guaranty issued by a bank or any other financial institution, (g) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers’ acceptances, (h) all obligations of such Person in respect of Debt of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Debt has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on Property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Debt secured thereby has been assumed, (i) all Contingent Obligations of such Person of Debt of others, (j) all obligations of such Person in respect of any Hedging Agreement, (k) all obligations of such Person with respect to the redemption, repayment or other repurchase of any Disqualified Equity Interests and (l) all obligations of such person in respect of “off-balance sheet liabilities” such as synthetic leases, note repurchase agreements or other arrangements which are the functional equivalent of borrowing money but not reflected as liabilities on a balance sheet. The Debt of a Person shall include any recourse Debt of any partnership in which such Person is a general partner or joint venture. All debt, liabilities and obligations which are limited in recourse to any property shall be included in Debt only to the extent of the book value of such property as would be shown on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Default: an event or condition that, with the lapse of time or giving of notice, would constitute an Event of Default.

Default Rate: for any Obligation (including, to the extent permitted by law, interest not paid when due), 2% plus the interest rate otherwise applicable thereto.

Defaulting Lender: any Lender that, as reasonably determined by Agent, (a) has failed to perform any funding obligations hereunder, and such failure is not cured within three Business Days, unless such Lender notifies Agent and Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in writing) has not been satisfied; (b) has notified Agent or Borrower that such Lender does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder or has made a public statement to the effect that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder or under other credit facilities generally; (c) has failed, within three Business Days following request by Agent, to confirm in a manner satisfactory to Agent that such Lender will comply with its funding obligations hereunder (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by Agent); or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, other than via an Undisclosed Administration, (i) become the subject of an Insolvency Proceeding or taken any action in furtherance thereof or (ii) become the subject of a Bail-in Action; provided, however, that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of a Governmental Authority’s direct or indirect ownership of an equity interest in such Lender or parent company so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender.



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Deposit Account Control Agreements: the Deposit Account control agreements to be executed by each institution maintaining a Deposit Account for Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor, in favor of Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, as security for the Obligations.

Deposit Account List: as defined in Section 8.5.

Designated Jurisdiction: any country or territory that is the subject of any Sanction.

Disqualified Equity Interest: any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, (a) matures (excluding any maturity as the result of an optional redemption by the issuer thereof) or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is six months after the Revolver Termination Date, (b) is convertible into or exchangeable (unless at the sole option of the issuer thereof) for (i) debt securities or (ii) any Equity Interest referred to in clause (a) above, in each case at any time prior to the date that is six months after the Revolver Termination Date, (c) contains any repurchase obligation that may come into effect prior to Full Payment of all Obligations, (d) requires cash dividend payments (other than taxes) prior to the date that is six months after the Revolver Termination Date, or (e) provides the holders of such Equity Interest thereof with any rights to receive any cash upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale prior to the first date that is six months after the Full Payment of the Obligations, unless the rights to receive such cash are contingent upon the Full Payment of the Obligations.

Distribution: any declaration or payment of a distribution, interest or dividend on any Equity Interest (other than payment-in-kind); any distribution, advance or repayment of Debt (other than with respect to the Existing 2019 Senior Notes) to a holder of Equity Interests; or any purchase, redemption, or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Equity Interest.

Documents: as defined in the UCC.

Dollars: lawful money of the United States.

Domestic Subsidiary: any Subsidiary that is incorporated or organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or in the District of Columbia.

Dominion Account: a special account established by Borrower and all Borrowing Base Guarantors at Bank of America or another bank acceptable to Agent, over which Agent shall have exclusive control for withdrawal purposes during a Dominion Period.

Dominion Period: any time that either (a) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (b) Availability is less than the greater of (i) 10.0% of the Line Cap at such time or (ii) $100,000,000, in each case for 5 consecutive days, and until Availability exceeds the greater of (i) 10.0% of the Line Cap at such time or (ii) $100,000,000, in each case for 30 consecutive days.

EBITDA: determined on a last-in first-out inventory method and consolidated basis for Holdings, Borrower and Subsidiaries in conformity with GAAP, the sum, without duplication, of:

(a)net income, calculated before interest expense; plus




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(b)to the extent not otherwise included in the determination of net income for such period, the amount of any proceeds of any business interruption insurance policy received by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in an amount representing the earnings for the applicable period that such proceeds are intended to replace; plus

(c)without duplication and only to the extent included in determining net income for such period:

(i)provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense;

(ii) (x) charges or losses arising from the sale of capital assets, and any non-cash losses and charges (including any non-cash corridor charges) deducted in the calculation of net income (other than any such non-cash item to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenditures in any future period) and (y) all extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring charges or losses;

(iii)any charge attributable to the undertaking and/or implementation of new initiatives, business optimization activities, cost savings initiatives, cost rationalization programs, operating expense reductions and/or synergies and/or similar initiatives and/or programs; provided, that the amount of charges added back in reliance on this clause (c)(iii) in any period may not exceed, together with the amounts added back in reliance on clauses (c)(vii) and (d) in such period, 20.0% of EBITDA for such period (calculated before giving effect to such add-backs or adjustments pursuant to this clause (c)(iii) and clauses (c)(vii) and (d));

(iv)any charge incurred in connection with (w) the incurrence or issuance of any Debt and/or any issuance and/or offering of Equity Interests, (x) any Asset Disposition, (y) any recapitalization or (z) any acquisition;

(v)the amount of any expenses or other charges that are actually reimbursed by third parties pursuant to indemnification or reimbursement provisions or similar agreements or insurance;

(vi)any losses realized on the disposition of Property (other than Inventory and Accounts);

(vii)any expenses, charges and losses associated with the sale or discontinuance of any business operation to the extent such expenses, charges or losses are recorded at or about the time of such sale or discontinuance; provided, that the amount of expenses, charges and losses added back in reliance on this clause (c)(vii) in any period may not exceed, together with the amounts added back in reliance on clauses (c)(iii) and (d) in such period, 20.0% of EBITDA for such period (calculated before giving effect to such add-backs or adjustments pursuant to this clause (c)(vii) and clauses (c)(iii) and (d)); and

(viii)any non-cash costs or expenses incurred pursuant to any management equity plan, profits interest or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement, any pension plan (including any post-employment benefit scheme which has been agreed with the relevant pension trustee), any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, any employee benefit trust, any employment benefit scheme or any similar equity plan or agreement (including any deferred compensation arrangement; plus



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(d)the full pro forma “run rate” cost savings, operating expense reductions, operational improvements and synergies (collectively, “Expected Cost Savings”) (net of actual amounts realized) that are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable (in the good faith determination of such Person, as certified by a Senior Officer of such Person in the Compliance Certificate required by Section 10.1.2(d) to be delivered in connection with the financial statements for such period) related to any Investment, Asset Disposition, operating improvement, restructuring, cost savings initiative and/or any similar initiative (any such operating improvement, restructuring, cost savings initiative and/or similar initiative, a “Cost Saving Initiative”), in each case, prior to, on or after the Closing Date; provided, that with respect to Cost Saving Initiatives under this clause (d), (1) substantial steps toward the action necessary to realize any such cost savings, operating expense reduction, operating improvement and/or synergy added back in reliance on this clause (d) with respect to any Investment, Asset Disposition, operating improvement, restructuring, cost savings initiative and/or any similar initiative are expected to be taken within 18 months following the date on which the relevant Person determines to take such action and (2) the amount of such Cost Saving Initiatives added back in reliance on clause (d) in any period shall not exceed, together with the amounts added back in reliance on clauses (c)(iii) and (c)(vii) in such period, an amount equal to 20.0% of EBITDA for such period (calculated before giving effect to such add-backs or adjustments pursuant to this clause (d) and clauses (c)(iii) and (c)(vii)); plus

(e)(i) any unrealized losses (less any unrealized gains) in respect of (A) any obligation under any Hedging Agreement or similar agreement as determined in accordance with GAAP and/or (B) any other derivative instrument pursuant to, in the case of this clause (B), Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification No. 815-Derivatives and Hedging and (ii) any unrealized foreign currency exchange losses (less any gains) (including any currency re-measurement of Debt, any net losses (less any net gains) resulting from Hedging Agreements or similar agreements for currency exchange risk resulting from any intercompany Debt, any foreign currency translation or transaction or any other currency-related risk); minus    

(f)non-cash gains included in the calculation of net income (other than any such non-cash item to the extent that it will result in the receipt of cash payments within 12 months after the date on which it was accrued), gains arising from the sale of capital assets, gains arising from the write-up of assets, any extraordinary gains and all non-cash corridor gains associated with pensions and other post-retirement benefit obligations (in each case, only to the extent included in determining net income).

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

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

EEA Resolution Authority: 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.




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Eligible Account: an Account owing to Borrower or a Borrowing Base Guarantor that arises in the Ordinary Course of Business from the sale of goods and is payable in Dollars; provided that, no Account shall be an Eligible Account if (a) it is more than 60 days past due, or it is unpaid for more than 90 days after the original invoice date; (b) 50% or more of the Accounts owing by the Account Debtor are not Eligible Accounts under the foregoing clause; (c) when aggregated with other Accounts owing by the Account Debtor, it exceeds 25% of the aggregate Eligible Accounts (or such higher percentage as Agent may establish for the Account Debtor from time to time), but only to the extent of such excess; (d) it does not conform with a covenant or representation herein with respect to such Account; (e) it is owing by a creditor or supplier, or is otherwise subject to a potential offset, counterclaim, dispute, deduction, discount, recoupment, reserve, defense, chargeback, credit or allowance (but ineligibility shall be limited to the amount thereof); (f) an Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Account Debtor; or the Account Debtor has failed, has suspended or ceased doing business, is liquidating, dissolving or winding up its affairs, or is not Solvent, unless (i) such Account Debtor (A) is a debtor-in-possession in a case then pending under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, (B) has established debtor-in-possession financing satisfactory to the Agent in its sole discretion and (C) otherwise satisfies each of the requirements set forth in this definition of Eligible Account and (ii) such Account was incurred post-petition; (g) the Account Debtor is organized or has its principal offices or assets outside the United States or Canada, unless (x) such Account is supported by a letter of credit on terms acceptable to the Agent, in its discretion exercised in a commercially reasonable manner and (i) such letter of credit names the Agent as beneficiary for the benefit of the Secured Parties or (ii) the issuer of such letter of credit has consented to the assignment of the proceeds thereof to the Agent, or (y) such Account Debtor is an Approved Automotive Subsidiary; provided that the aggregate amount of Eligible Accounts owing by Approved Automotive Subsidiaries may not exceed $25,000,000 at any time outstanding; (h) it is owing by a Government Authority, unless the Account Debtor is the United States or any department, agency or instrumentality thereof and the Account has been assigned to Agent in compliance with the Assignment of Claims Act; (i) it is not subject to a duly perfected, first priority Lien in favor of Agent, or is subject to any other Lien (other than non-consensual Permitted Liens arising by operation of law which are junior to the Agent’s Lien) unless an appropriate Reserve has been established in Agent’s sole discretion; (j) the goods giving rise to it have not been delivered to and accepted by the Account Debtor, the services giving rise to it have not been accepted by the Account Debtor, or it otherwise does not represent a final sale; (k) it is evidenced by Chattel Paper or an Instrument of any kind, or has been reduced to judgment; (l) its payment has been extended, the Account Debtor has made a partial payment, or it arises from a sale on a cash-on-delivery basis; (m) it arises from a sale to an Affiliate, or from a sale on a bill-and-hold, guaranteed sale, sale-or-return, sale-on-approval, consignment, or other repurchase or return basis; (n) it represents a progress billing or retainage; (o) it includes a billing for interest, fees or late charges, but ineligibility shall be limited to the extent thereof; (p) it arises from a retail sale to a Person who is purchasing for personal, family or household purposes; (q) the Account Debtor is subject to Sanctions or any specially designated nationals list maintained by OFAC; or (r) it is an Account which Agent has (i) determined in its Credit Judgment is unacceptable for inclusion in the Aggregate Borrowing Base, Tranche A Borrowing Base and Tranche B Borrowing Base and (ii) provided at least two (2) Business Days’ prior notice to Borrower (including telephonic or electronic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of such determination. In calculating delinquent portions of Accounts under clauses (a) and (b), credit balances more than 90 days old will be excluded.

Eligible Assignee: a Person that is (a) a Lender, U.S.-based Affiliate of a Lender or Approved Fund; (b) any other financial institution or company approved by Agent, Issuing Bank and Borrower (which approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and which approval by Borrower shall be deemed given if no objection is made within two Business Days after written notice of the proposed assignment), that has total assets in excess of $5 billion, extends asset-based lending facilities in its ordinary course of business and whose becoming an assignee would not constitute a prohibited transaction under Section 4975



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of the Code or any other Applicable Law; and (c) during a Specified Event of Default, any Person acceptable to Agent in its reasonable discretion.

Eligible In-Transit Inventory: Inventory owned by Borrower or a Borrowing Base Guarantor that would be Eligible Inventory if it were not subject to a Document and in transit from a location (foreign or otherwise) of a vendor to a location of Borrower or a Borrowing Base Guarantor within the United States, or from a location of Borrower or a Borrowing Base Guarantor (foreign or otherwise) to a location of Borrower or a Borrowing Base Guarantor within the United States, and that Agent, in its Credit Judgment, deems to be Eligible In-Transit Inventory. Without limiting the foregoing, no Inventory shall be Eligible In-Transit Inventory unless (a) it is subject to a negotiable Document showing Agent (or, with the consent of Agent, Borrower or a Borrowing Base Guarantor) as consignee, which Document is in the possession of Agent or such other Person as Agent shall approve; (b) it is fully insured in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Agent; (c) it is being handled by a customs broker, freight-forwarder or other handler that has delivered a Lien Waiver, unless an appropriate Availability Reserve has been established in Agent’s sole discretion; and (d) if it is Inventory in transit from a vendor to Borrower or a Borrowing Base Guarantor, (i) has been identified to the applicable sales contract and title has passed to Borrower or a Borrowing Base Guarantor, as applicable; (ii) is not sold by a vendor that has a right to reclaim, divert shipment of, repossess, stop delivery, claim any reservation of title or otherwise assert Lien rights against the Inventory, or with respect to whom Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor is in default of any obligations; (iii) is subject to purchase orders and other sale documentation reasonably satisfactory to Agent; and (iv) unless an appropriate Reserve has been established in Agent’s sole discretion, is shipped by a common carrier that is not affiliated with the vendor.

Eligible Inventory: Inventory owned by Borrower or a Borrowing Base Guarantor; provided that, no Inventory shall be Eligible Inventory unless it (a) is finished goods, work-in-process or raw materials, and not packaging or shipping materials, labels, samples, display items, bags, replacement parts or manufacturing supplies; (b) is not held on consignment or approval or subject to any deposit or down payment; (c) is in new and saleable condition and is not damaged, defective, shopworn or otherwise unfit for sale; (d) is not slow-moving, obsolete or unmerchantable, and does not constitute returned or repossessed goods; (e) meets all standards imposed by any Governmental Authority and has not been acquired from an entity subject to Sanctions or any specially designated nationals list maintained by OFAC; (f) conforms with the covenants and representations herein; (g) is subject to Agent’s duly perfected, first priority Lien, and no other Lien (other than non-consensual Permitted Liens arising by operation of law which are junior to the Agent’s Lien) unless an appropriate Reserve has been established in Agent’s sole discretion; (h) is within the continental United States or Canada, is not in transit (except Eligible In-Transit Inventory not to exceed $20,000,000 at any time outstanding), and is not consigned to any Person; (i) is not subject to any warehouse receipt or negotiable Document unless an appropriate Reserve has been established in Agent’s sole discretion; (j) is not subject to any License or other arrangement that restricts Borrower’s, any Borrowing Base Guarantor’s or Agent’s right to dispose of such Inventory, unless Agent has received an appropriate Lien Waiver; and (k) is not located on leased premises or in the possession of a warehouseman, processor, repairman, mechanic, shipper, freight forwarder or other Person, unless the lessor or such Person has delivered a Lien Waiver or an appropriate Availability Reserve has been established in Agent’s sole discretion; provided further, Inventory shall not be Eligible Inventory if it is Inventory which Agent has (i) determined in its Credit Judgment is unacceptable for inclusion in the Aggregate Borrowing Base, Tranche A Borrowing Base and Tranche B Borrowing Base and (ii) provided at least two (2) Business Days’ prior notice to Borrower (including telephonic or electronic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of such determination.

Eligible Investment Grade Account: an Eligible Account in respect of which the Account Debtor is an Investment Grade Counterparty.




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Enforcement Action: any action to enforce any Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) or Loan Documents or to exercise any rights or remedies relating to any Collateral (whether by judicial action, self-help, notification of Account Debtors, exercise of setoff or recoupment, exercise of any right to vote or act in an Obligor’s Insolvency Proceeding, or otherwise).

Environmental Laws: all Applicable Laws (including all permits issued by a Governmental Authority), relating to public health or the protection or pollution of the environment, including CERCLA, RCRA and CWA.

Environmental Notice: a notice from any Governmental Authority or other Person of any alleged or threatened noncompliance with, investigation of, violation of, litigation relating to, or potential fine or liability under any Environmental Law, or with respect to any Environmental Release, including threatened releases.

Environmental Release: a release as defined in CERCLA or under any other Environmental Law, including threatened releases.

Equity Interest: the interest of any (a) shareholder in a corporation; (b) partner in a partnership (whether general, limited, limited liability or joint venture); (c) member in a limited liability company; or (d) other Person having any other form of equity security or ownership interest; provided, that Equity Interests shall not include the Existing 2019 Senior Notes.

ERISA: the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

ERISA Affiliate: any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with an Obligor within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).

ERISA Event: (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is or will be insolvent; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041(c) or 4041A of ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) the failure by any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate to meet any funding obligations with respect to any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Lien; or (f) an event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan.

EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule: 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: as defined in Section 11.

Excluded Swap Obligation: with respect to an Obligor, each Swap Obligation as to which, and only to the extent that, such Obligor’s guaranty of or grant of a Lien as security for such Swap Obligation is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act because the Obligor does not constitute an “eligible



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contract participant” as defined in such act (determined after giving effect to any keepwell, support or other agreement for the benefit of such Obligor and all guarantees of Swap Obligations by other Obligors) when such guaranty or grant of Lien becomes effective with respect to the Swap Obligation. If a Hedging Agreement governs more than one Swap Obligation, only the Swap Obligation(s) or portions thereof described in the foregoing sentence shall be Excluded Swap Obligation(s) for the applicable Obligor.

Excluded Tax: with respect to Agent, any Lender, Issuing Bank or any other recipient of a payment to be made by or on account of any Obligation, (a) taxes imposed on or measured by its overall net income (however determined) or gross income (in lieu of net income taxes) and franchise (and similar) taxes imposed on it (in lieu of net income taxes), (i) 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, and (ii) as a result of a present or former connection between such recipient and the jurisdiction of the Governmental Authority imposing such tax or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein (other than any such connection arising from the recipient having executed, delivered, enforced, or performed its obligations or received a payment under this Agreement or any other Loan Document), and any branch profit taxes imposed by the United States or any similar tax imposed by any other Governmental Authority in any other jurisdiction in which the recipient is located; (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which Borrower is located; (c) any backup withholding tax required by the Code to be withheld from amounts payable to a Lender that has failed to comply with Section 5.10; (d) any withholding tax that is (i) required pursuant to the laws in force at the time such Lender becomes a Lender (or designates a new Lending Office) hereunder, or (ii) attributable to such Lender’s failure or inability (other than as a result of a Change in Law) to deliver a form that is required by Section 5.10 and that claims complete exemption from such withholding tax, 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 Borrower with respect to such withholding tax; (e) U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed pursuant to FATCA; and (f) any interest, additions to tax or penalties in respect of any of the foregoing.

Existing 2012 IRB Agreement: the $30,000,000 Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2012-A, made pursuant to that certain Loan Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2012, between the City of Rockport, Indiana, and Borrower, together with all documents, agreements, and instruments relating thereto, in each case as amended, modified, or supplemented through the Closing Date and from time to time thereafter to the extent permitted by Section 10.2.18.

Existing 2019 Senior Notes: the 5.00% Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2019, issued pursuant to that certain Indenture, dated as of May 11, 2010, among Borrower, Holdings and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, as supplemented by that certain Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2012, together with all documents, agreements, and instruments relating thereto, in each case as amended, modified, or supplemented through the Closing Date and from time to time thereafter to the extent permitted by Section 10.2.18.

Existing 2021 Senior Notes: the 7.625% Senior Notes due 2021, issued pursuant to that certain Indenture, dated as of May 11, 2010, among Borrower, Holdings and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, as supplemented by that certain Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 16, 2014, together with all documents, agreements, and instruments relating thereto, in each case as amended, modified, or supplemented through the Closing Date and from time to time thereafter to the extent permitted by Section 10.2.18.




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Existing 2023 Senior Secured Notes: the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2023, issued pursuant to that certain Indenture, dated as of June 20, 2016, among Borrower, Holdings, AK Tube, AK Properties and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral agent, together with all documents, agreements, and instruments relating thereto, in each case as amended, modified, or supplemented through the Closing Date and from time to time thereafter to the extent permitted by Section 10.2.18.

Existing 2025 Senior Notes: the 6.375% Senior Notes due 2025, issued pursuant to that certain Indenture, dated as of May 11, 2010, among Borrower, Holdings and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, as supplemented by that certain Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 9, 2017, together with all documents, agreements, and instruments relating thereto, in each case as amended, modified, or supplemented through the Closing Date and from time to time thereafter to the extent permitted by Section 10.2.18.

Existing 2027 Senior Notes: the 7.00% Senior Notes due 2027, issued pursuant to that certain Indenture, dated as of May 11, 2010, among Borrower, Holdings and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, as supplemented by that certain Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 23, 2017, together with all documents, agreements, and instruments relating thereto, in each case as amended, modified, or supplemented through the Closing Date and from time to time thereafter to the extent permitted by Section 10.2.18.

Existing Access Agreement: as defined in Section 10.2.2(u).

Existing Butler County Bonds: the Butler County Industrial Development Authority Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2012-A with a principal amount outstanding on the Closing Date of $7,300,000.

Existing IRB Agreements: the Existing 2012 IRB Agreement, the Existing Butler County Bonds and the Existing Ohio Bonds, together with all documents, agreements, and instruments relating thereto, in each case as amended, modified, or supplemented through the Closing Date and from time to time thereafter to the extent permitted by Section 10.2.18.

Existing Ohio Bonds: (i) the $36,000,000 Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2012-A, made pursuant to that certain Air Quality Facilities Loan Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2012, between Ohio Air Quality Development Authority and Borrower, and (ii) the $26,000,000 Variable Rate Demand Revenue Bonds, Series 2004-B, made pursuant to that certain Loan Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2004, between Ohio Air Quality Development Authority and Borrower.

Existing Principal Obligations: as defined in Section 1.6.

Existing Senior Debt: collectively, the Existing Senior Notes, the Existing IRB Agreements and the Existing Taxpayer Agreement.

Existing Senior Notes: collectively, the Existing 2019 Senior Notes, the Existing 2021 Senior Notes, the Existing 2023 Senior Secured Notes, the Existing 2025 Senior Notes and the Existing 2027 Senior Notes.

Existing Taxpayer Agreement: that certain Taxpayer Agreement, made as of May 1, 1997, by and between the Spencer County Redevelopment Commission and Borrower, together with all documents, agreements, and instruments relating thereto, in each case as amended, modified, or supplemented through the Closing Date and from time to time thereafter to the extent permitted by Section 10.2.18.




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Extraordinary Expenses: all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs, expenses or advances that Agent may incur during a Default or Event of Default, or during the pendency of an Insolvency Proceeding of an Obligor, including those relating to (a) any audit, inspection, repossession, storage, repair, appraisal, insurance, manufacture, preparation or advertising for sale, sale, collection, or other preservation of or realization upon any Collateral; (b) any action, arbitration or other proceeding (whether instituted by or against Agent, any Lender, any Obligor, any representative of creditors of an Obligor or any other Person) in any way relating to any Collateral (including the validity, perfection, priority or avoidability of Agent’s Liens with respect to any Collateral), Loan Documents, Letters of Credit or Obligations, including any lender liability or other Claims; (c) the exercise, protection or enforcement of any rights or remedies of Agent in, or the monitoring of, any Insolvency Proceeding; (d) settlement or satisfaction of any taxes, charges or Liens with respect to any Collateral; (e) any Enforcement Action; (f) negotiation and documentation of any modification, waiver, workout, restructuring or forbearance with respect to any Loan Documents or Obligations; and (g) Protective Advances. Such costs, expenses and advances include transfer fees, Other Taxes, storage fees, insurance costs, permit fees, utility reservation and standby fees, reasonable and documented legal fees, appraisal fees, brokers’ fees and commissions, auctioneers’ fees and commissions, accountants’ fees, environmental study fees, wages and salaries paid to employees of any Obligor or independent contractors in liquidating any Collateral, and travel expenses. Extraordinary Expenses shall also include all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket legal fees that the Lenders may incur during a Default or Event of Default, or during the pendency of an Insolvency Proceeding of an Obligor; provided that, in addition to all legal fees of counsel for the Agent, Extraordinary Expenses shall be limited to such legal fees of one law firm for all of the Lenders (and one additional counsel for all affected Lenders in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest).

FATCA: Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version if 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 and any applicable intergovernmental agreements and related legislation or official administrative rules or practices with respect thereto.

Federal Funds Rate: (a) the weighted average of interest rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System on the applicable Business Day (or on the preceding Business Day, if the applicable day is not a Business Day), as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the next Business Day; or (b) if no such rate is published on the next Business Day, the average rate (rounded up, if necessary, to the nearest 1/8 of 1%) charged to Bank of America on the applicable day on such transactions, as determined by the Agent; provided, that in no event shall such rate be less than zero.

Fee Letter: the amended and restated fee letter agreement, dated as of September 13, 2017, between Agent and Borrower.

First Amendment: that certain First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 26, 2019, by and among the Borrower, AK Tube and Mountain State Carbon, each as a Borrowing Base Guarantor, Agent and the Lenders signatory thereto.

First Amendment Effective Date: April 26, 2019.

Fiscal Quarter: each period of three months, commencing on the first day of a Fiscal Year.

Fiscal Year: the fiscal year of Borrower and Subsidiaries for accounting and tax purposes, ending on December 31 of each year.



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Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio: the ratio, determined on a consolidated basis for Holdings and its Subsidiaries for the most recent four Fiscal Quarters, of (a) EBITDA minus (i) federal, state, local and foreign income taxes paid in cash and (ii) Capital Expenditures (except those financed with (I) Debt other than Revolver Loans or (II) proceeds arising from a property loss event covered by insurance, a Permitted Asset Disposition or an issuance of any Equity Interests by Holdings, in each case, to the extent such proceeds are applied to finance such Capital Expenditures within one hundred eighty (180) days) to (b) Fixed Charges.

Fixed Charges: the sum of interest expense payable in cash, scheduled principal payments made on Debt, all cash payments in connection with pensions or other post-retirement benefit obligations and Distributions made by Holdings or Borrower (each only to the extent not otherwise deducted in the calculation of clause (a) of the definition of Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio).

FLSA: the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

Foreign Lender: any Lender that is not a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

Foreign Plan: any employee benefit plan or arrangement (a) maintained or contributed to by any Obligor or Subsidiary that is not subject to the laws of the United States; or (b) mandated by a government other than the United States for employees of any Obligor or Subsidiary.

Foreign Subsidiary: any Subsidiary that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers: as defined in Section 2.1.4(e).

Foreign Subsidiary Collateral: as defined in Section 2.1.4(e).

Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility: as defined in Section 2.1.4(e).

Foreign Subsidiary Lenders: as defined in Section 2.1.4(e).

Foreign Subsidiary Responding Lender: as defined in Section 2.1.4(e).

Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments: as defined in Section 2.1.4(e).

Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Loans: as defined in Section 2.1.4(e).

Fronting Exposure: a Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata share of LC Obligations or Swingline Loans, as applicable, except to the extent allocated to other Lenders under Section 4.2.

Full Payment: with respect to any Obligations, (a) the full and indefeasible cash payment thereof, including any interest, fees and other charges accruing during an Insolvency Proceeding (whether or not allowed in the proceeding); and (b) if such Obligations are LC Obligations or inchoate or contingent in nature (other than indemnification obligations which are either contingent or inchoate to the extent no claims giving rise thereto have been asserted), (i) Cash Collateralization thereof (or delivery of a standby letter of credit acceptable to Agent in its discretion, in the amount of required Cash Collateral) or (ii) the full termination thereof. No Loans shall be deemed to have been paid in full until all Commitments related to such Loans have expired or been terminated.



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GAAP: generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States from time to time.

Governmental Approvals: all authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses and exemptions of, registrations and filings with, and required reports to, all Governmental Authorities.

Governmental Authority: any federal, state, local, foreign or other agency, authority, body, commission, court, instrumentality, political subdivision, or other entity or officer exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions for any governmental, judicial, investigative, regulatory or self-regulatory authority (including any supra-national body exercising such powers or functions, such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

Guarantors: Holdings, any Guarantor Subsidiary and each other Person who guarantees payment or performance of any Obligations.

Guarantor Subsidiary: (1) any Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower which is a Material Subsidiary (or which Borrower has designated in writing as a Material Subsidiary) and has executed and delivered a counterpart of the Guaranty, including as required by Section 10.1.9 and (2) any Borrowing Base Guarantor.

Guaranty: each guaranty agreement executed by a Guarantor in favor of Agent.

Hedging Agreement: any “swap agreement” as defined in Section 101(53B)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Holdings: AK Steel Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

Immaterial Subsidiary: any Subsidiary (other than any Subsidiary that Borrower designates in writing to the Agent as a Material Subsidiary) that (i) contributes less than 15% of EBITDA, (ii) holds less than 15% of Consolidated Total Assets, and (iii) does not have any assets included in Eligible Inventory or Eligible Accounts; provided that if (x) the aggregate EBITDA (calculated solely with respect to such Subsidiaries and not on a consolidated basis for Holdings, Borrower and Subsidiaries) of all Subsidiaries that, but for this proviso, would constitute Immaterial Subsidiaries exceeds 15% of EBITDA, then each such Subsidiary that, but for this proviso, would constitute an Immaterial Subsidiary shall be deemed to be a Material Subsidiary (such inclusion to be in order of those Subsidiaries that contribute the greatest percentage of EBITDA) only to the extent required for the aggregate EBITDA (calculated solely with respect to such Subsidiaries and not on a consolidated basis for Holdings, Borrower and Subsidiaries) of all Subsidiaries that would constitute Immaterial Subsidiaries, after giving effect to this proviso, to no longer exceed 15% of EBITDA or (y) the aggregate net asset value of all Subsidiaries that, but for this proviso, would constitute Immaterial Subsidiaries exceeds 15% of Consolidated Total Assets then each such Subsidiary that, but for this proviso, would constitute an Immaterial Subsidiary (such inclusion to be in order of those Subsidiaries that have the largest net asset value) shall be deemed to be a Material Subsidiary only to the extent required for the aggregate net asset value of all Subsidiaries that would constitute Immaterial Subsidiaries, after giving effect to this proviso, to no longer exceed 15% of Consolidated Total Assets.

Increasing Lenders: as defined in Section 2.1.4(d).

Indemnified Taxes: Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.




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Indemnitees: Agent Indemnitees, Lender Indemnitees, Issuing Bank Indemnitees and Bank of America Indemnitees.

Insolvency Proceeding: any case or proceeding commenced by or against a Person under any state, federal or foreign law for, or any agreement of such Person to, (a) the entry of an order for relief under the Bankruptcy Code, or any other applicable insolvency, debtor relief or debt adjustment law; (b) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator, administrator, conservator or other custodian for such Person or any part of its Property; or (c) an assignment or trust mortgage for the benefit of creditors.

Intellectual Property: all intellectual and similar Property of a Person, including inventions, designs, patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade secrets, confidential or proprietary information, customer lists, know-how, software and databases; all embodiments or fixations thereof and all related documentation, applications, registrations and franchises; all licenses or other rights to use any of the foregoing; and all books and records relating to the foregoing.

Intellectual Property Claim: any claim or assertion (whether in writing, by suit or otherwise) that Borrower’s or Subsidiary’s ownership, use, marketing, sale or distribution of any Inventory, Equipment, Intellectual Property or other Property violates another Person’s Intellectual Property.

Interest Period: as defined in Section 3.1.3.

Inventory: as defined in the UCC, including all goods intended for sale, lease, display or demonstration; all work in process; and all raw materials, and other materials and supplies of any kind that are or could be used in connection with the manufacture, printing, packing, shipping, advertising, sale, lease or furnishing of such goods, or otherwise used or consumed in Borrower’s or any Borrowing Base Guarantor’s business (but excluding Equipment).

Inventory Reserve: reserves reasonably established by Agent in its Credit Judgment, upon two (2) Business Days’ prior notice to Borrower (including telephonic or electronic notice promptly confirmed by written notice) to reflect factors arising or becoming known to Agent after the Closing Date that may reasonably be expected to negatively impact the Value of Inventory, including change in salability, obsolescence, seasonality, theft, shrinkage, imbalance, change in composition or mix, markdowns and vendor chargebacks.

Investment: any acquisition of all or substantially all assets of a Person; any acquisition of record or beneficial ownership of any Equity Interests of a Person; or any advance, loan or capital contribution to or other investment in a Person; provided that, capital expenditures shall not in and of themselves constitute “Investments”. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment shall be an amount not less than $0.00 equal to the aggregate amount of such Investment less all cash returns, cash dividends and cash distributions received by the Person that made such Investment on account of such Investment.

Investment Grade: with respect to any Person, the long term senior unsecured non-credit enhanced credit rating or shadow rating of which is BBB- or higher by S&P or Baa3 or higher by Moody’s.

Investment Grade Counterparty: in relation to an Eligible Account, the counterparty thereto to the extent that such counterparty is Investment Grade.

IRS: the United States Internal Revenue Service.




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Issuing Bank: Bank of America, an Affiliate of Bank of America, PNC Bank, National Association, Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and any other Lender or Affiliate of a Lender that is acceptable to Borrower, and any replacement issuer appointed pursuant to Section 2.3.5.

Issuing Bank Indemnitees: Issuing Bank and its officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents and attorneys.

Judgment Currency: as defined in Section 14.18.

LC Application: an application by Borrower to Issuing Bank for issuance of a Letter of Credit, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Issuing Bank.

LC Conditions: the following conditions necessary for issuance of a Letter of Credit: (a) each of the conditions set forth in Section 6; (b) after giving effect to such issuance, total LC Obligations do not exceed the Letter of Credit Subline, no Overadvance exists and, if no Revolver Loans are outstanding, the LC Obligations do not exceed an amount equal to the Aggregate Borrowing Base minus the Tranche B Borrowing Base (without giving effect to the LC Reserve for purposes of this calculation); (c) the expiration date of such Letter of Credit is (i) no more than 365 or 366, as applicable, days from issuance, in the case of standby Letters of Credit; provided that, standby Letters of Credit may provide for automatic renewal for successive periods of 365 or 366, as applicable, days unless the Issuing Bank elects not to extend, (ii) no more than 120 days from issuance, in the case of documentary Letters of Credit, and (iii) at least 20 Business Days prior to the Revolver Termination Date (unless Cash Collateralized at least twenty (20) days prior to the Revolver Termination Date); (d) the Letter of Credit and payments thereunder are denominated in Dollars; and (e) the form of the proposed Letter of Credit is reasonably satisfactory to Agent and Issuing Bank in their reasonable discretion.

LC Documents: all documents, instruments and agreements (including LC Requests and LC Applications) delivered by Borrower or any other Person to Issuing Bank or Agent in connection with issuance, amendment or renewal of, or payment under, any Letter of Credit.

LC Obligations: the sum (without duplication) of (a) all amounts owing by Borrower for any drawings under Letters of Credit; (b) the stated amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit; and (c) all reasonable fees and other amounts owing with respect to Letters of Credit.

LC Request: a request for issuance of a Letter of Credit, to be provided by Borrower to Issuing Bank, in form reasonably satisfactory to Agent and Issuing Bank.

LC Reserve: the aggregate of all LC Obligations, other than (a) those that have been Cash Collateralized; and (b) if no Default or Event of Default exists, those constituting charges owing to the Issuing Bank.

Lender Indemnitees: Lenders and their officers, directors, employees, members, partners Affiliates, agents and attorneys.

Lenders: as defined in the preamble to this Agreement, including Agent in its capacity as a provider of Swingline Loans and any other Person who hereafter becomes a “Lender” pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance.




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Lending Office: the office designated as such by the applicable Lender at the time it becomes party to this Agreement or thereafter by notice to Agent and Borrower.

Letter of Credit: any standby or documentary letter of credit issued by Issuing Bank for the account of Borrower, or any indemnity, guarantee, exposure transmittal memorandum or similar form of credit support issued by Agent or Issuing Bank for the benefit of Borrower.

Letter of Credit Commitment: for any Issuing Bank, the amount shown on Schedule 1.1 under the heading “Letter of Credit Commitment”, as such amount may be modified pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

Letter of Credit Subline: $300,000,000.

LIBOR: for any Interest Period with respect to a LIBOR Loan, the per annum rate of interest (rounded upward, if necessary, to the nearest 1/32nd of 1%), determined by Agent at or about 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to commencement of such Interest Period, for a term equivalent to such Interest Period, equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate, as published on the applicable Reuters screen page (or other equivalent commercially available source reasonably designated by Agent from time to time); provided, if LIBOR shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement. If the Board of Governors imposes a Reserve Percentage with respect to LIBOR deposits, then LIBOR shall be the foregoing rate, divided by 1 minus the Reserve Percentage.

LIBOR Loan: each set of LIBOR Revolver Loans having a common length and commencement of Interest Period.

LIBOR Revolver Loan: a Revolver Loan that bears interest based on LIBOR.

LIBOR Screen Rate: the LIBOR quote on the applicable screen page the Agent designates to determine LIBOR (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Agent from time to time).

LIBOR Successor Rate: as defined in Section 3.1.4.

LIBOR Successor Rate Conforming Changes: with respect to any proposed LIBOR Successor Rate, any conforming changes to the definition of Base Rate, Interest Period, timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest and other administrative matters as may be appropriate, in the discretion of the Agent, to reflect the adoption of such LIBOR Successor Rate and to permit the administration thereof by the Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Agent determines that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or that no market practice for the administration of such LIBOR Successor Rate exists, in such other manner of administration as the Agent determines in consultation with the Borrower).

LIBOR Tranche A Revolver Loan: a Tranche A Revolver Loan that bears interest based on LIBOR.

LIBOR Tranche B Revolver Loan: a Tranche B Revolver Loan that bears interest based on LIBOR.

License: any license or agreement under which an Obligor is authorized to use Intellectual Property in connection with any manufacture, marketing, distribution or disposition of Collateral, any use of Property or any other conduct of its business.



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Licensor: any Person from whom an Obligor obtains the right to use any Intellectual Property.

Lien: any Person’s interest in Property securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, such Person, whether such interest is based on common law, statute or contract, including liens, security interests, pledges, hypothecations, statutory trusts, reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases, and other title exceptions and encumbrances affecting Property.

Lien Waiver: an agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, by which (a) for any material Collateral located on leased premises, the lessor waives or subordinates any Lien it may have on the Collateral, and agrees to permit Agent to enter upon the premises and remove the Collateral or to use the premises to store or dispose of the Collateral; (b) for any Collateral held by a warehouseman, processor, shipper, customs broker or freight forwarder, such Person waives or subordinates any Lien it may have on the Collateral, agrees to hold any Documents in its possession relating to the Collateral as agent for Agent, and agrees to deliver the Collateral to Agent upon request; (c) for any Collateral held by a repairman, mechanic or bailee, such Person acknowledges Agent’s Lien, waives or subordinates any Lien it may have on the Collateral, and agrees to deliver the Collateral to Agent upon request; and (d) for any Collateral subject to a Licensor’s Intellectual Property rights, if any, the Licensor grants to Agent the right, vis-à-vis such Licensor, to enforce Agent’s Liens with respect to the Collateral, including the right to dispose of it with the benefit of the Intellectual Property, whether or not a default exists under any applicable License.

Limited Conditionality Investment: means any acquisition or other Investment that is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third-party debt financing.

Line Cap: at any time, the lesser of (x) the aggregate stated amount of Revolver Commitments at such time and (y) the Aggregate Borrowing Base at such time.

Loan: a Revolver Loan.

Loan Account: the loan account established by each Lender on its books pursuant to Section 5.8.

Loan Documents: this Agreement, Other Agreements and Security Documents.

Loan Year: each calendar year commencing on the Closing Date and on each anniversary of the Closing Date.

Margin Stock: as defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors.

Material Adverse Effect: the effect of any event or circumstance that, taken alone or in conjunction with other events or circumstances, (a) has or could be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent), results of operations, or financial condition of Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, on the enforceability of any material provision of any Loan Document, or on the validity or priority of Agent’s Liens on any material portion of the Collateral; (b) impairs in any material respect the ability of any Obligor to perform any material obligations under the Loan Documents, including repayment of any Obligations; or (c) otherwise impairs in any material respect the ability of Agent or any Lender to enforce or collect any Obligations or to realize upon any Collateral.

Material Contract: any agreement to which Borrower or any Subsidiary is party (other than the Loan Documents) (a) for which breach, termination, nonperformance or failure to renew could reasonably be



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expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or (b) that relates to Subordinated Debt, Existing Senior Debt or Debt in an amount of $75,000,000 or more under any such agreement.

Material Subsidiary: any Subsidiary of Holdings that is not an Immaterial Subsidiary.

Mexican Subsidiary: with respect to any Person, a Subsidiary of such Person that is organized under the laws of Mexico.

Moody’s: Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and its successors.

Mountain State Carbon: Mountain State Carbon, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Multiemployer Plan: any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.

Net Proceeds: with respect to an Asset Disposition, proceeds (including, when received, any deferred or escrowed payments) received by Borrower or any Subsidiary in cash from such disposition, net of bona fide direct costs incurred in connection therewith, including (a) reasonable and customary costs and expenses actually incurred in connection therewith, including legal fees and sales commissions and fees of accountants, investment banks and consultants; (b) amounts applied to repayment of Debt secured by a Permitted Lien senior to Agent’s Liens on Collateral sold; (c) transfer, income or gains taxes; and (d) reserves for indemnities, until such reserves are no longer needed.

New Foreign Subsidiary Lender: as defined in Section 2.1.4(e).

New Lender: as defined in Section 2.1.4(d).

New Lender Supplement: as defined in Section 2.1.4(d).

NOLV Percentage: the net orderly liquidation value of Inventory of Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor, expressed as a percentage, expected to be realized at an orderly, negotiated sale held within a reasonable period of time, net of all liquidation expenses, as determined from the most recent appraisal of Borrower’s and such Borrowing Base Guarantor’s, as applicable, Inventory performed by an appraiser and on terms reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

Notes: each Revolver Note and other promissory note executed by Borrower to evidence any Obligations.

Notice of Borrowing: a Notice of Borrowing to be provided by Borrower to request a Borrowing of Revolver Loans, in the form of Exhibit B.

Notice of Conversion/Continuation: a Notice of Conversion/Continuation to be provided by Borrower to request a conversion or continuation of any Loans as LIBOR Loans, in form reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

Noticed Hedge: Secured Bank Product Obligations arising under a Hedging Agreement.




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Obligations: all (a) principal of and premium, if any, on the Loans, (b) LC Obligations and other obligations of Obligors with respect to Letters of Credit, (c) interest, expenses, fees and other sums payable by Obligors under Loan Documents, (d) obligations of Obligors under any indemnity for Claims, (e) Extraordinary Expenses, (f) Secured Bank Product Obligations, and (g) other Debts, obligations and liabilities of any kind owing by Obligors pursuant to the Loan Documents, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether evidenced by a note or other writing, whether allowed in any Insolvency Proceeding, whether arising from an extension of credit, issuance of a letter of credit, acceptance, loan, guaranty, indemnification or otherwise, and whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, primary or secondary, or joint or several; provided that Obligations of an Obligor shall not include its Excluded Swap Obligations.

Obligor: Holdings, Borrower and each Guarantor or other Person that is liable for payment of any Obligations or that has granted a Lien in favor of Agent on its assets to secure any Obligations.

OFAC: Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department.

Ordinary Course of Business: the ordinary course of business of Borrower or any Subsidiary, consistent with past practices and undertaken in good faith.

Organic Documents: with respect to any Person, its charter, certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws, articles of organization, limited liability agreement, operating agreement, members agreement, shareholders agreement, partnership agreement, certificate of partnership, certificate of formation, voting trust agreement, or similar agreement or instrument governing the formation or operation of such Person.

OSHA: the Occupational Safety and Hazard Act of 1970.

Other Agreement: each Note; LC Document; Fee Letter; Lien Waiver; Borrowing Base Certificate; Compliance Certificate; Notice of Borrowing or financial statement or report delivered hereunder.

Other Taxes: all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made under any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document.

Outstanding Letters of Credit: as defined in Section 2.3.4.

Overadvance: as defined in Section 2.1.5.

Overadvance Loan: a Base Rate Revolver Loan made when an Overadvance exists or is caused by the funding thereof.

Participant: as defined in Section 13.2.

Participant Register: as defined in Section 13.2.

Patent Assignment: each patent collateral assignment agreement pursuant to which Borrower and/or any one or more Borrowing Base Guarantors, as applicable, assigns to Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, Borrower’s and/or such Borrowing Base Guarantor’s interests in its patents, as security for the Obligations.




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Patriot Act: the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Pub. L. No. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272 (2001).

Payment Item: each check, draft or other item of payment payable to Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor, including those constituting proceeds of any Collateral.

PBGC: the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

Pension Plan: any employee pension benefit plan (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate or to which the Obligor or ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the preceding five plan years.

Permitted Asset Disposition: as long as no Default or Event of Default exists and, to the extent required by Section 5.2, all Net Proceeds (that consist of Collateral and to the extent that Loans are then outstanding) are remitted to Agent, an Asset Disposition that is:

(a)a sale or disposition of Cash Equivalents or Inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(b)a disposition of Inventory that is obsolete, unmerchantable or otherwise unsalable or replaced in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(c)a termination of a lease of real or personal Property that is not necessary for the Ordinary Course of Business, where such termination could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and does not result from an Obligor’s default;

(d)a discount or other compromise for less than face value of notes or accounts receivable in the Ordinary Course of Business and consistent with past conduct;

(e)a sale or disposal of capital stock of Borrower or any Subsidiary in order to qualify members of the board of directors or other governing body of such Subsidiary if required by Applicable Law;

(f)assignments and licenses of intellectual property in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(g)a sale to Borrower or any Subsidiary to the extent permitted as an Investment herein;

(h)transfers of property subject to condemnation, takings or casualty events;

(i)the leasing, occupancy agreements or sub-leasing of property in the Ordinary Course of Business and which do not materially interfere with the business of Borrower or its Subsidiaries;




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(j)the sale or discount, in each case without recourse and in the Ordinary Course of Business, of overdue accounts receivable arising in the Ordinary Course of Business, to the extent that such overdue accounts receivable are not Eligible Accounts;

(k)as long as no Default or Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom, any other disposition for fair market value, as reasonably determined by the Borrower in consultation with the Agent; provided, however, that with respect to any such sale, (i) except with respect to dispositions for an aggregate consideration up to $150,000,000, at least 75% of the consideration received for such sale shall be cash, Cash Equivalents or the assumption of liabilities of the seller as shown on its balance sheet (except any liabilities with respect to Subordinated Debt) and (ii) the aggregate consideration received shall not exceed $350,000,000 per Fiscal Year or $600,000,000 in the aggregate (provided, there shall be no limitation on the aggregate consideration received as long as no Default or Event of Default exists and, after giving pro forma effect to any such disposition, either (A) Availability exceeds the greater of (x) 20.0% of the Line Cap at such time or (y) $200,000,000 or (B) (x) Availability exceeds the greater of (I) 15.0% of the Line Cap at such time or (II) $150,000,000 and (y) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter ended at least thirty days prior to the date of determination is at least 1.00:1.00);

(l)approved in writing by Agent and Required Lenders;

(m)a disposition of property pursuant to a like-kind exchange to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such disposition are applied to the purchase price of such replacement property, in each case in accordance with Section 1031 of the Code;

(n)a disposition of property pursuant to sale-leaseback transactions if the debt attributable to such transaction is otherwise permitted hereunder as a Capital Lease; or

(o)a disposition of an investment in a joint venture (regardless of the form of legal entity) to the extent required by, or made pursuant to, customary buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture agreements and similar binding agreements.

Permitted Asset Investments: the acquisition of assets (including Equity Interests and including Equity Interests of Subsidiaries formed in connection with any such acquisition) and the continuation of ownership of such assets after the acquisition thereof constituting (a) an acquisition of a going concern or line of business, (b) a transaction that results in a Person becoming a Subsidiary or (c) to the extent the acquiring Person owned Equity Interests in any joint venture or non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiary prior to such acquisition, an acquisition the effect of which is to increase the percentage of total Equity Interests of such joint venture or non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiary owned by the acquiring Person prior to such acquisition (such going concern, line of business, new Subsidiary, joint venture or non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, a “Subject Business”); provided that Borrower shall, and shall cause the Domestic Subsidiaries to, comply with the requirements of Section 10.1.9 with respect to each such acquisition that results in a Person becoming a Subsidiary; provided; further that neither Borrower nor any of Subsidiaries shall consummate an acquisition of a Subject Business, unless:

(a)such Subject Business is in a line of business in which Borrower and Subsidiaries are permitted to engage hereunder;
 
(b)[reserved];



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(c)if (A) the purchase price (including cash paid and debt incurred or assumed) for the Subject Business (when aggregated with the purchase price of all Subject Businesses acquired as part of the same transaction or series of related transactions) is more than $100,000,000 or (B) Availability is less than $550,000,000, determined on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the transaction (or series of related transactions), then, at least 10 Business Days prior to the consummation of such transaction (or the first material transaction in such series), Borrower shall have:

(1)given notice to Agent;

(2)delivered copies of all material agreements and other documents relating to such transaction to Agent;

(3)delivered audited historical financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP (to the extent available; otherwise, unaudited historical financial statements (prepared in accordance with GAAP to Borrower’s knowledge) to the extent available; otherwise, such financial information as may be reasonably acceptable to Agent in the exercise of its Credit Judgment) of the Person to be acquired, prepared in reasonable detail, together with pro forma financial information, satisfactory to Agent (in the exercise of its Credit Judgment), and showing pro forma compliance with all covenants contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as of the most recent Fiscal Quarter for which financial statements are available from Borrower and Subsidiaries and the Subject Business, treating the transaction (or series of related transactions) as though it had been consummated on the first day of the four-Fiscal Quarter period ended on the last day of such Fiscal Quarter; and

(4)given authorization to Agent to distribute copies of all such items to the Lenders;

(d)except with respect to an acquisition made solely with the proceeds of, or paid for solely by the issuance of, any Equity Interests by Holdings, after giving pro forma effect to any such acquisition, either (A) Availability exceeds the greater of (x) 20.0% of the Line Cap at such time or (ii) $200,000,000 or (B) (x) Availability exceeds the greater of (I) 15.0% of the Line Cap at such time or (II) $150,000,000 and (y) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter ended at least thirty days prior to the date of determination is at least 1.00:1.00; and

(e)both before and after giving pro forma effect to such transaction, (i) Borrower shall be in compliance with all covenants contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall exist and be continuing or result from such transaction; provided that if such acquisition is a Limited Conditionality Investment, at the election of the Borrower (made in writing and delivered to the Agent prior to or substantially concurrently with the execution of the definitive purchase agreement for such acquisition), clause (e)(ii) shall be satisfied if, (x) both before and after giving pro forma effect to such acquisition, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of the execution of the definitive purchase agreement for such acquisition and (y) no Event of Default under any of Section 11.1(a), Section 11.1(i)(y) or Section 11.1(j) shall have occurred and be continuing both before and after giving pro forma effect to such acquisition at the time such acquisition is consummated.

Permitted Contingent Obligations: Contingent Obligations:



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(a)arising from endorsements of Payment Items for collection or deposit in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(b)arising from Hedging Agreements permitted hereunder;
(c)existing on the Closing Date, and any extension or renewal thereof that does not increase the amount of such Contingent Obligation when extended or renewed;

(d)incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business with respect to surety, appeal or performance bonds, or other similar obligations;

(e)arising from customary indemnification obligations in favor of purchasers in connection with dispositions of Equipment permitted hereunder;

(f)arising under the Loan Documents;

(g)with respect to guaranties in respect of Debt permitted by Section 10.2.1;

(h)constituting Investments permitted by this Agreement (excluding clause (r) of the definition of Restricted Investment); and

(i)all other Contingent Obligations not described in the foregoing items (a) through (h), but only to the extent the same do not exceed in the aggregate at any one time outstanding the greater of (x) $60,000,000 and (y) 1.7% of Consolidated Total Assets.

Permitted Lien: as defined in Section 10.2.2.

Permitted Purchase Money Debt: Purchase Money Debt of Borrower and Subsidiaries that is unsecured or secured only by a Purchase Money Lien, as long as the aggregate principal amount (when taken together with such Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(f) hereof) at any time outstanding does not exceed the greater of (x) $525,000,000 and (y) 14.6% of Consolidated Total Assets.

Person: any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, joint stock company, land trust, business trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Plan: any employee benefit plan (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) established by an Obligor or, with respect to any such plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, an ERISA Affiliate.

Prime Rate: the rate of interest announced by Bank of America from time to time as its prime rate. Such rate is set by Bank of America on the basis of various factors, including its costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above or below such rate. Any change in such rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.

Pro Forma Basis: means, with respect to any determination for any period, that such determination shall be made giving pro forma effect to each acquisition or disposition consummated during such period, together with all transactions relating thereto consummated during such period (including any incurrence, assumption, refinancing or repayment of Debt), as if such acquisition or disposition and related transactions



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had been consummated on the first day of such period, in each case based on historical results accounted for in accordance with GAAP and, to the extent applicable, reasonable assumptions with respect to cost savings that are expected to have a continuing impact on the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and that are specified in details in the relevant compliance certificate, financial statement or other document provided and certified to Agent or any Lender by the chief financial officer of Borrower in connection herewith in accordance with Regulation S-X of the Securities Act of 1933.

Pro Rata: with respect to any Lender, (a) with respect to the Tranche A Revolver Loans, a percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) determined (i) while Tranche A Revolver Commitments are outstanding, by dividing the amount of such Lender’s Tranche A Revolver Commitment by the aggregate amount of all Tranche A Revolver Commitments; and (ii) at any other time, by dividing the amount of such Lender’s Tranche A Revolver Loans and LC Obligations by the aggregate amount of all outstanding Tranche A Revolver Loans and LC Obligations, (b) with respect to the Tranche B Revolver Loans, a percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) determined (i) while Tranche B Revolver Commitments are outstanding, by dividing the amount of such Lender’s Tranche B Revolver Commitment by the aggregate amount of all Tranche B Revolver Commitments; and (ii) at any other time, by dividing the amount of such Lender’s Tranche B Revolver Loans by the aggregate amount of all outstanding Tranche B Revolver Loans and (c) with respect to all Loans, a percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) determined (i) while Revolver Commitments are outstanding, by dividing the amount of such Lender’s Revolver Commitment by the aggregate amount of all Revolver Commitments; and (ii) at any other time, by dividing the amount of such Lender’s Loans and LC Obligations by the aggregate amount of all outstanding Loans and LC Obligations.

Properly Contested: with respect to any obligation of an Obligor, (a) the obligation is subject to a bona fide dispute regarding amount or the Obligor’s liability to pay; (b) the obligation is being properly contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently pursued; (c) appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; (d) non-payment could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (e) no Lien is imposed on any Collateral of the Obligor, unless bonded and stayed to the satisfaction of Agent; and (f) if the obligation results from entry of a judgment or other order, such judgment or order is stayed pending appeal or other judicial review.

Property: any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible.

Protective Advances: as defined in Section 2.1.6.

Purchase Money Debt: (a) Debt (other than the Obligations), including Capital Leases, for payment of any of the purchase price of fixed assets (including, without limitation, equipment and vehicles) or construction or improvement thereof; (b) Debt (other than the Obligations) incurred within 90 days before or after acquisition of any fixed assets (including, without limitation, equipment and vehicles), for the purpose of financing any of the purchase price or for the construction or improvement thereof; and (c) any renewals, extensions or refinancings (but not increases) thereof.

Purchase Money Lien: a Lien that secures Purchase Money Debt, encumbering only the fixed assets acquired with such Debt and constituting a Capital Lease or a purchase money security interest under the UCC.




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Qualified ECP: an Obligor with total assets exceeding $10,000,000, or that constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act and can cause another Person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of such act.

RCRA: the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 6991-6991i).

Receivables: all Accounts owned by Borrower or a Borrowing Base Guarantor and all other rights, titles or interests that, in accordance with GAAP, would be included in receivables on its balance sheet (including any such Accounts and/or rights, titles or interests that might be characterized as Chattel Paper, Documents, Instruments or General Intangibles under the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in any jurisdiction), in each case arising from the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of Inventory, and all of Borrower’s and/or any such Borrowing Base Guarantor’s rights to any goods, services or other property related to any of the foregoing (including returned or repossessed goods and unpaid seller’s rights of rescission, replevin, reclamation and rights to stoppage in transit), and all collateral security and supporting obligations of any kind given by any Person with respect to any of the foregoing.

Real Estate: all right, title and interest (whether as owner, lessor or lessee) in any real Property or any buildings, structures, parking areas or other improvements thereon.

Refinancing Conditions: the following conditions for Refinancing Debt:

(a)it is in an aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) that does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Debt being extended, renewed or refinanced plus any premium or similar amount required to be paid, and fees and expenses, including in the form of original issue discount, incurred in connection with any of the foregoing;

(b)it has a final maturity no sooner than, a weighted average life no less than the Debt being extended, renewed or refinanced, and an interest rate no greater than prevailing interest rates at the time of such extension, renewal or refinancing, provided, that Refinancing Debt in respect of any Existing Senior Notes shall not amortize or mature prior to 6 months following the Revolver Termination Date;

(c)it is subordinated to the Obligations at least to the same extent as the Debt being extended, renewed or refinanced;

(d)the terms and conditions applicable to such Refinancing Debt taken as a whole are not materially less favorable to Borrower than those applicable to the Debt being extended, renewed or refinanced (provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of any Refinancing Debt in the form of notes or bonds, the condition set forth in this clause (d) shall be satisfied if such terms and conditions taken as a whole are consistent with (or better than) then-current market terms for “high yield” notes or bonds); provided, in each case, that a certificate of a Senior Officer delivered to Agent at least five (5) Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Debt, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Debt or drafts of the documentation relating thereto, stating that Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirement shall be conclusive evidence that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirement unless Agent notifies Borrower within such five (5) Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a description of the basis upon which Agent disagrees);

(e)no additional Lien is granted to secure it;



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(f)no additional Person is obligated on such Debt; and

(g)upon giving effect to it, no Default or Event of Default exists.

Refinancing Debt: Debt that is the result of an extension, renewal or refinancing of Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(b), (f), (i), (j) or (n).

Register: as defined in Section 13.3.

Reimbursement Date: as defined in Section 2.3.2.

Rent and Charges Reserve: the aggregate of (a) all past due rent and other amounts owing by an Obligor to any landlord, warehouseman, processor, repairman, mechanic, shipper, freight forwarder, broker or other Person who possesses any Collateral or could assert a Lien on any Collateral; and (b) a reserve at least equal to three months’ rent and other charges that could be payable to any such Person, unless it has executed a Lien Waiver.

Report: as defined in Section 12.2.3.

Reportable Event: any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the 30 day notice period has been waived.

Required Lenders: Lenders (subject to Section 4.2) having (a) Revolver Commitments in excess of 50% of the aggregate Revolver Commitments; and (b) if the Revolver Commitments have terminated, Loans in excess of 50% of all outstanding Loans; provided, however, that the Commitments and Loans of any Defaulting Lenders shall be excluded from such calculation.

Reserve: an Accounts Reserve, Availability Reserve, Bank Product Reserve or Inventory Reserve.

Reserve Percentage: the reserve percentage (expressed as a decimal, rounded upward to the nearest 1/32nd of 1%) applicable to member banks under regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including any emergency, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) with respect to Eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency liabilities”).

Responding Lender: as defined in Section 2.1.4(d).

Restricted Investment: any Investment by Holdings, Borrower or a Subsidiary, other than:

(a)Investments in Subsidiaries to the extent existing on the Closing Date;

(b)Investments described on Schedule 10.2.5;

(c)Cash Equivalents;

(d)loans and advances permitted under Section 10.2.7 (other than clause (d) thereof);




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(e)acquisitions of securities from account debtors in connection with the satisfaction or enforcement of Debt or claims due or owing to Borrower or any of Subsidiaries or as security for any such Debt or claim, in each case in the Ordinary Course of Business and consistent with past practice and so long as such securities are pledged to Agent for the benefit of the Lenders in accordance with the Loan Documents;
(f)Investments in Domestic Subsidiaries that are Material Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount at any time outstanding not to exceed the greater of (x) $37,500,000 and (y) 1% of Consolidated Total Assets;

(g)Permitted Asset Investments by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

(h)Investments in Foreign Subsidiaries; provided that the aggregate amount of all such Investments at any time outstanding does not exceed the greater of (x) $7,500,000 and (y) 0.2% of Consolidated Total Assets;

(i)Investments in Immaterial Subsidiaries; provided that the aggregate amount of all such Investments at any time outstanding does not exceed the greater of (x) $15,000,000 and (y) 0.4% of Consolidated Total Assets;

(j)acquisitions by Holdings of obligations of one or more officers or other employees of Borrower and Subsidiaries in connection with such officers’ or employees’ acquisition of shares of Holdings’ common stock, so long as no cash is actually advanced by Holdings or any of Subsidiaries to such officers or employees in connection with the acquisition of any such obligations, and so long as the incurrence of such obligations complies with Applicable Law;

(k)the receipt and holding of promissory notes and other non-cash consideration received in connection with any Asset Disposition permitted by Section 10.2.6;

(l)(i) Investments in Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor, (ii) Investments by any Subsidiary of Borrower (other than any Borrowing Base Guarantor) in any Guarantor Subsidiary and (iii) Investments by any Subsidiary of Borrower (other than any Guarantor Subsidiary) in any other Subsidiary of Borrower;

(m)Investments in Hedging Agreements to the extent permitted under Section 10.2.15;

(n)deposits, prepayments and other credits to suppliers made in the Ordinary Course of Business consistent with the past practices of Borrower and its Subsidiaries;

(o)extensions of trade credit in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(p)de minimis Investments made in Persons that are newly formed subsidiaries;

(q)Investments made in the Ordinary Course of Business and resulting from pledges and deposits to the extent permitted under Section 10.2.2(r);

(r)Permitted Contingent Obligations (excluding clause (h) of the definition thereof);




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(s)Investments of any Person in existence at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided that such Investment was not created in anticipation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary;

(t)Investments (other than Investments in respect of any Subject Business) to the extent made with the proceeds of, or paid for by the issuance of, any Equity Interests by Holdings;

(u)other Investments (other than Investments in respect of any Subject Business) so long as (i) both before and after giving pro forma effect to such Investment, no Default or Event of Default shall exist and be continuing or result from such Investment and (ii) either (A) Availability exceeds the greater of (x) 17.5% of the Line Cap at such time or (y) $175,000,000 or (B) (x) Availability exceeds the greater of (I) 12.5% of the Line Cap at such time or (II) $125,000,000 and (y) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter ended at least thirty days prior to the date of determination is at least 1.00:1.00; provided that if such Investment is a Limited Conditionality Investment, at the election of the Borrower (made in writing and delivered to the Agent prior to or substantially concurrently with the execution of the definitive agreement for such Investment), clause (u)(i) shall be satisfied if, (x) both before and after giving pro forma effect to such Investment, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of the execution of the definitive agreement for such Investment and (y) no Event of Default under any of Section 11.1(a), Section 11.1(i)(y) or Section 11.1(j) shall have occurred and be continuing both before and after giving pro forma effect to such Investment at the time such Investment is consummated;

(v)other Investments in joint ventures so long as (i) both before and after giving pro forma effect to such Investment, no Default or Event of Default shall exist and be continuing or result from such Investment and (ii) the aggregate amount of all such Investments at any time outstanding does not exceed the greater of (x) $7,500,000 and (y) 0.2% of Consolidated Total Assets; and

(w)other Investments so long as (i) both before and after giving pro forma effect to such Investment, no Default or Event of Default shall exist and be continuing or result from such Investment and (ii) the aggregate amount of all such Investments at any time outstanding does not exceed the greater of (x) $25,000,000 and (y) 0.7% of Consolidated Total Assets.

Restricted Subsidiary: any Subsidiary of Borrower other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Restrictive Agreement: an agreement (other than a Loan Document) that conditions or materially restricts the right of Borrower or any other Obligor to incur or repay the Obligations, to grant Liens on any Collateral in favor of Agent and the Lenders or to modify, extend or renew any agreement evidencing the Obligations.

Revolver Commitment: for any Lender, the aggregate of such Lender’s Tranche A Revolver Commitment and its Tranche B Revolver Commitment. “Revolver Commitments” means the aggregate amount of such commitments of all Lenders.

Revolver Loan: any Tranche A Revolver Loan, Tranche B Revolver Loan, Swingline Loan, Overadvance Loan or Protective Advance.

Revolver Notes: collectively, the Tranche A Revolver Notes and the Tranche B Revolver Notes.

Revolver Termination Date: September 13, 2022.



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Royalties: all royalties, fees, expense reimbursement and other amounts payable by Borrower and/or any Borrowing Base Guarantor under a License.

S&P: Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and its successors.

Sanction: any economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by the United States Government (including OFAC), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury or other relevant sanctions authority.

Sanctioned Country: means, at any time, a country, territory or region which is the subject or target of any Sanctions.

Sanctioned Person: means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by OFAC or the United States Department of State or by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or any European Union member state, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country or (c) any Person controlled by any such Person.

Scheduled Unavailability Date: as defined in Section 3.1.4.

Secured Bank Product Obligations: (a) Bank Product Debt owing to a Secured Bank Product Provider, up to the maximum amount (in the case of any Secured Bank Product Provider other than Bank of America and its Affiliates) specified by such provider in writing to Agent, which amount may be established or increased (by further written notice to Agent from time to time) as long as no Event of Default exists and no Overadvance would result from establishment of a Bank Product Reserve for such amount and all other Secured Bank Product Obligations and (b) other Bank Product Debt owing to Secured Bank Product Providers in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000; provided that Secured Bank Product Obligations of an Obligor shall not include its Excluded Swap Obligations.

Secured Bank Product Provider: (a) Bank of America or any of its Affiliates; and (b) any other Person who at the time it entered into a Bank Product was a Lender or Affiliate of a Lender, provided (x) such provider delivers written notice (each a “Secured Bank Product Notice”) to Agent (with a copy to the Borrower), in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, by the later of the Closing Date or 10 Business Days following creation of the Bank Product, (i) describing the Bank Product and setting forth the maximum amount to be secured by the Collateral (which amount may be established or increased (by further written notice by such provider, at any time it is a Lender or Affiliate of a Lender, to Agent from time to time) as long as no Event of Default exists and no Overadvance would result from establishment of a Bank Product Reserve for such amount and all other Secured Bank Product Obligations) and the methodology to be used in calculating such amount, and (ii) agreeing to be bound by Section 12.14 and (y) such Secured Bank Product Notice referred to in the preceding clause (x) is provided at a time when such provider is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender.

Secured Parties: Agent, Issuing Bank, Lenders and Secured Bank Product Providers.

Security Documents: this Agreement, the Guaranties, pledge agreements, security agreements, Patent Assignments, Trademark Security Agreements, Copyright Security Agreements, Deposit Account Control Agreements, and all other documents, instruments and agreements now or hereafter securing (or given with the intent to secure) any Obligations.



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Senior Officer: the chairman of the board, president, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of Borrower or, if the context requires, an Obligor.

Settlement Report: a report delivered by Agent to Lenders summarizing the Revolver Loans and participations in LC Obligations outstanding as of a given settlement date, allocated to Lenders on a Pro Rata basis in accordance with their Revolver Commitments.

Solvent: as to any Person, such Person (a) owns Property whose fair salable value is greater than the amount required to pay all of its debts (including contingent, subordinated, unmatured and unliquidated liabilities); (b) owns Property whose present fair salable value (as defined below) is greater than the probable total liabilities (including contingent, subordinated, unmatured and unliquidated liabilities) of such Person as they become absolute and matured; (c) is able to pay all of its debts as they mature; (d) has capital that is not unreasonably small for its business and is sufficient to carry on its business and transactions and all business and transactions in which it is about to engage; (e) is not “insolvent” within the meaning of Section 101(32) of the Bankruptcy Code; and (f) has not incurred (by way of assumption or otherwise) any obligations or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) under any Loan Documents, or made any conveyance in connection therewith, with actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud either present or future creditors of such Person or any of its Affiliates. “Fair salable value” means the amount that could be obtained for assets within a reasonable time, either through collection or through sale under ordinary selling conditions by a capable and diligent seller to an interested buyer who is willing (but under no compulsion) to purchase.

Specified Event of Default: an Event of Default (i) described in Section 11.1(a), 11.1(c), 11.1(f), 11.1(g) or 11.1(j) or (ii) arising out of a breach or failure to perform any representation, warranty or covenant set forth in Sections 7, 8, 10.2 or 10.3.

Specified Obligor: an Obligor that is not then an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act (determined prior to giving effect to Section 5.11).

Spot Rate: the exchange rate, as determined by Agent, that is applicable to conversion of one currency into another currency, which is (a) the exchange rate reported by Bloomberg (or other commercially available source designated by Agent) as of the end of the preceding business day in the financial market for the first currency; or (b) if such report is unavailable for any reason, the spot rate for the purchase of the first currency with the second currency as in effect during the preceding business day in Agent's principal foreign exchange trading office for the first currency.

Subordinated Debt: Debt incurred by Borrower that is expressly subordinate and junior in right of payment to Full Payment of all Obligations in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Agent, and is on other market terms (including maturity, interest, fees, repayment and covenants) that are generally customary for subordinated debt securities.

Subsidiary: any entity more than 50% of whose voting securities or Equity Interests is owned by Borrower (including indirect ownership by Borrower through other entities in which Borrower directly or indirectly owns more than 50% of the voting securities or Equity Interests). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Subsidiary” shall not include any Unrestricted Subsidiary except where the term “Subsidiary” is used in Sections 2.1.3, 9.1.8, 9.1.10, 9.1.14, 9.1.15, 9.1.17, 9.1.19, 9.1.21, 9.1.24, 9.1.25, 10.1.1, 10.1.2, 10.1.3, 10.1.5 and 10.1.6.




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Swap Obligations: with respect to an Obligor, its obligations under a Hedging Agreement that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Swingline Loan: any Borrowing of Base Rate Tranche A Revolver Loans funded with Agent’s funds, until such Borrowing is settled among Tranche A Revolver Lenders pursuant to Section 4.1.3.
Synthetic Lease: (a) a so-called synthetic, off-balance sheet or tax retention lease, or (b) an agreement for the use or possession of property creating obligations that do not appear on the balance sheet of such Person but which, upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of such Person, would be characterized as the indebtedness of such Person (without regard to accounting treatment).

Synthetic Lease Obligation: the monetary obligation of a Person under a Synthetic Lease.
Taxes: all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

Trademark Security Agreement: each trademark security agreement pursuant to which Borrower and/or any one or more Borrowing Base Guarantors, as applicable, grants to Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a Lien on Borrower’s and/or such Borrowing Base Guarantor’s interests in trademarks, as security for the Obligations.

Tranche A Accounts Formula Amount: the sum of (a) 85% of the Value of Eligible Accounts which are not Eligible Investment Grade Accounts plus (b) 90% of the Value of Eligible Investment Grade Accounts.

Tranche A Borrowing Base: on any date of determination, an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the aggregate amount of Tranche A Revolver Commitments and (b) the sum of the Tranche A Accounts Formula Amount plus the Tranche A Inventory Formula Amount.

Tranche A Inventory Formula Amount: the lesser of (i) 75% of the Value of Eligible Inventory; or (ii) 85% of the NOLV Percentage of the Value of Eligible Inventory.

Tranche A Outstanding Amount: as defined in Section 2.1.4(d).

Tranche A Revolver Commitment: for any Lender, its obligation to make Tranche A Revolver Loans and to participate in LC Obligations up to the maximum principal amount shown on Schedule 1.1 under the heading “Tranche A Revolver Commitment” or as hereafter determined pursuant to each Assignment and Acceptance to which it is a party. “Tranche A Revolver Commitments” means the aggregate amount of such commitments of all Lenders. As of the Closing Date, the Tranche A Revolver Commitments are One Billion Two Hundred Eighty-Five Million Dollars ($1,285,000,000). As of the First Amendment Effective Date (after giving effect to the First Amendment), the Tranche A Revolver Commitments are One Billion Four Hundred Thirty-Five Million Dollars ($1,435,000,000).

Tranche A Revolver Lenders: as of any date of determination, Lenders having a Tranche A Revolver Commitment.

Tranche A Revolver Loan: a loan made pursuant to Section 2.1.1(a) and any Overadvance Loan made by any Lender in its capacity as a Tranche A Revolver Lender.




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Tranche A Revolver Note: a promissory note to be executed by Borrower in favor of a Tranche A Revolver Lender in the form of Exhibit A-1, which shall be in the amount of such Lender’s Tranche A Revolver Commitment and shall evidence the Tranche A Revolver Loans made by such Lender.

Tranche B Accounts Formula Amount: 5% of the Value of Eligible Accounts which are not Eligible Investment Grade Accounts.

Tranche B Borrowing Base: on any date of determination, an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the aggregate amount of Tranche B Revolver Commitments and (b) the sum of the Tranche B Accounts Formula Amount plus the Tranche B Inventory Formula Amount.

Tranche B Increase Amount: as defined in Section 2.1.4(d).

Tranche B Inventory Formula Amount: the lesser of (i) 5% of the Value of Eligible Inventory; or (ii) 5% of the NOLV Percentage of the Value of Eligible Inventory.

Tranche B Maximum Amount: as of any date of determination, an amount equal to the Tranche B Revolver Commitment of all Lenders as of that date.

Tranche B Revolver Commitment: for any Lender, its obligation to make Tranche B Revolver Loans up to the maximum principal amount shown on Schedule 1.1 under the heading “Tranche B Revolver Commitment” or as hereafter determined pursuant to each Assignment and Acceptance to which it is a party. “Tranche B Revolver Commitments” means the aggregate amount of such commitments of all Lenders. As of the Closing Date, the Tranche B Revolver Commitments are Sixty-Five Million Dollars ($65,000,000).

Tranche B Revolver Lenders: as of any date of determination, Lenders having a Tranche B Revolver Commitment.

Tranche B Revolver Loan: a loan made pursuant to Section 2.1.1(b) and any Overadvance Loan made by any Lender in its capacity as a Tranche B Revolver Lender.

Tranche B Revolver Note: a promissory note to be executed by Borrower in favor of a Tranche B Revolver Lender in the form of Exhibit A-2, which shall be in the amount of such Lender’s Tranche B Revolver Commitment and shall evidence the Tranche B Revolver Loans made by such Lender.

Transferee: any actual or potential Eligible Assignee, Participant or other Person acquiring an interest in any Obligations.

Trigger Period: the period (a) commencing on the day that Availability is less than the greater of (i) 10.0% of the Line Cap or (ii) $100,000,000 at any time and (b) continuing until, during the preceding 30 consecutive days, Availability has been greater than the greater of (i) 10.0% of the Line Cap or (ii) $100,000,000 at all times.

Type: any type of a Loan (i.e., Base Rate Loan or LIBOR Loan) that has the same interest option and, in the case of LIBOR Loans, the same Interest Period.

UCC: the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York or, when the laws of any other jurisdiction govern the perfection or enforcement of any Lien, the Uniform Commercial Code of such jurisdiction.



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Undisclosed Administration: means, in relation to a Lender or its direct or indirect parent company, the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official by a supervisory authority or regulator under or based on the law in the country where such Lender or such parent company is subject to home jurisdiction supervision if applicable law requires that such appointment is not to be publicly disclosed.

Unfunded Pension Liability: the excess of a Pension Plan’s benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, over the current value of that Pension Plan’s assets, determined in accordance with the assumptions used for funding the Pension Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the Code for the applicable plan year.

Unused Line Fee Rate: a per annum rate equal to (a) 0.35%, if the average daily balance of Revolver Loans and stated amount of Letters of Credit was 25% or less of the Revolver Commitments during the preceding calendar month, or (b) 0.25%, if such average daily balance was more than 25% of the Revolver Commitments during the preceding calendar month.

Unrestricted Subsidiary: an Immaterial Subsidiary which (i) is not an Obligor and (ii) pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors of Borrower has been deemed to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided that (i) any Unrestricted Subsidiary shall cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if any such Unrestricted Subsidiary’s consolidated net assets are greater than or equal to $5,000,000 or (ii) if the aggregate amount of consolidated net assets of all Immaterial Subsidiaries that, but for this proviso, would constitute Unrestricted Subsidiaries is greater than or equal to $10,000,000 then each such Immaterial Subsidiary (such inclusion to be in order of those Immaterial Subsidiaries with the greatest amount of assets) shall cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent required for the aggregate amount of consolidated net assets of all Unrestricted Subsidiaries, after giving effect to this proviso, to be less than $10,000,000.

Value: (a) for Inventory, its value determined on the basis of the lower of cost or market, calculated on a first-in, first-out basis, and excluding any portion of cost attributable to intercompany profit between Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor, on the one hand, and its/their Affiliates, on the other hand; and (b) for an Account, its face amount, net of any returns, rebates, discounts (calculated on the shortest terms), credits, allowances or Taxes (including sales, excise or other taxes) that have been or could be claimed by the Account Debtor or any other Person.

Wholly-Owned: with respect to a Subsidiary of a Person, a Subsidiary of such person all of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than (x) director’s qualifying shares and (y) shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by Applicable Law) are owned by such person and/or by one or more wholly-owned Subsidiaries of such person.

Write-Down and Conversion Powers: 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.

1.2.Accounting Terms. Under the Loan Documents (except as otherwise specified herein), all accounting terms shall be interpreted, all accounting determinations shall be made, and all financial statements shall be prepared, in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the most recent audited financial statements of Borrower delivered to Agent before the Closing Date and using the same inventory valuation method as used in such financial statements, except for any change required



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or permitted by GAAP if Borrower’s certified public accountants concur in such change, the change is disclosed to Agent, and Section 10.3 is amended in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Required Lenders to take into account the effects of the change.

1.3.Uniform Commercial Code. As used herein, the following terms are defined in accordance with the UCC in effect in the State of New York from time to time: “Chattel Paper,” “Commercial Tort Claim,” “Deposit Account,” “Document,” “Equipment,” “General Intangibles,” “Goods,” “Instrument,” “Letter-of-Credit Right” and “Supporting Obligation.

1.4.Certain Matters of Construction. The terms “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, paragraph or subdivision. Any pronoun used shall be deemed to cover all genders. In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, “from” means “from and including,” and “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding.” The terms “including” and “include” shall mean “including, without limitation” and, for purposes of each Loan Document, the parties agree that the rule of ejusdem generis shall not be applicable to limit any provision. Section titles appear as a matter of convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of any Loan Document. All references to (a) laws or statutes include all related rules, regulations, interpretations, amendments and successor provisions; (b) any document, instrument or agreement include any amendments, waivers and other modifications, extensions or renewals (to the extent permitted by the Loan Documents); (c) any section mean, unless the context otherwise requires, a section of this Agreement; (d) any exhibits or schedules mean, unless the context otherwise requires, exhibits and schedules attached hereto, which are hereby incorporated by reference; (e) any Person include successors and assigns; (f) time of day mean time of day at Agent’s notice address under Section 14.3.1; or (g) discretion of Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender mean the sole and absolute discretion of such Person. All calculations of Value, fundings of Loans, issuances of Letters of Credit and payments of Obligations shall be in Dollars and, unless the context otherwise requires, all determinations (including calculations of the Aggregate Borrowing Base, Tranche A Borrowing Base, Tranche B Borrowing Base and financial covenants) made from time to time under the Loan Documents shall be made in light of the circumstances existing at such time. Aggregate Borrowing Base, Tranche A Borrowing Base and Tranche B Borrowing Base calculations shall be consistent with historical methods of valuation and calculation, and otherwise satisfactory to Agent (and not necessarily calculated in accordance with GAAP). Borrower shall have the burden of establishing any alleged negligence, misconduct or lack of good faith by Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender under any Loan Documents. No provision of any Loan Documents shall be construed against any party by reason of such party having, or being deemed to have, drafted the provision. Whenever the phrase “to the best of Borrower’s knowledge” or words of similar import are used in any Loan Documents, it means actual knowledge of a Senior Officer, or knowledge that a Senior Officer would have obtained if he or she had engaged in good faith and diligent performance of his or her duties, including reasonably specific inquiries of employees or agents and a good faith attempt to ascertain the matter to which such phrase relates. Any reference herein to a merger, transfer, consolidation, amalgamation, consolidation, assignment, sale, disposition or transfer, or similar term, shall be deemed to apply to a division of or by a limited liability company, or an allocation of assets to a series of a limited liability company (or the unwinding of such a division or allocation), as if it were a merger, transfer, consolidation, amalgamation, consolidation, assignment, sale, disposition or transfer, or similar term, as applicable, to, of or with a separate Person. Any division of a limited liability company shall constitute a separate Person hereunder (and each division of any limited liability company that is a Subsidiary, joint venture or any other like term shall also constitute such a Person or entity).

1.5.Certain Calculations. For purposes of making all calculations of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio hereunder, all components of such calculations shall be adjusted to include or exclude,



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as the case may be, without duplication, such components of such calculations attributable to any business or assets for an aggregate consideration which is equal to at least $75,000,000 that have been acquired or disposed of by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries after the first day of the applicable period of determination and prior to the end of such period, as determined in good faith by Borrower on a Pro Forma Basis.

1.6.Outstanding Obligations under Existing Loan Agreement. Borrower, each Guarantor, Agent and the Lenders acknowledge and agree that under the Existing Loan Agreement, the aggregate principal balance of all “Revolving Loans” (as defined in the Existing Loan Agreement) immediately prior to the Closing Date (the “Existing Principal Obligations”) is $430,000,000. Borrower and each Guarantor acknowledge and agree that all “Obligations” (as defined in the Existing Loan Agreement) outstanding immediately prior to the Closing Date (including all Existing Principal Obligations) (collectively, the “Existing Obligations”) constitute valid and binding obligations of Borrower and Guarantors without offset, counterclaim, defense or recoupment of any kind. Borrower, each Guarantor, Agent and Lenders hereto acknowledge and agree that, on the Closing Date, the following transactions shall be deemed to occur automatically, without further action by any party hereto: (a) the Existing Loan Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety in the form of this Agreement, (b) all Existing Obligations which remain unpaid and outstanding as of the Closing Date shall be in all respects continuing and remain outstanding and payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, with only the terms being modified from and after the Closing Date as provided in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (c) the Loan Documents, including the Liens and security interests created thereunder in favor of Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, as security for the Existing Obligations, as reaffirmed, amended or amended and restated on the Closing Date, and the guarantees of the Existing Obligations, as reaffirmed, amended or amended and restated on the Closing Date, as the case may be, are in all respects continuing and shall remain in full force and effect with respect to all Obligations hereunder and are hereby reaffirmed, (d) notwithstanding anything in Section 2.3 to the contrary, all outstanding “Letters of Credit” under and as defined in the Existing Loan Agreement will constitute Letters of Credit under this Agreement and (e) all references in the Loan Documents (other than this Agreement and any Loan Document amended and restated on the Closing Date) to the Existing Loan Agreement shall be deemed to refer without further amendment to this Agreement.

Simultaneously with the effectiveness of this Agreement, the Commitments of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (“DBTC”) are hereby irrevocably sold and assigned to Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch (“DBNY”) pursuant to the terms of an Assignment and Acceptance attached as Exhibit C hereto as if each such Person had executed an Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment (such assignment, the “DB Assignment”), and DBTC shall cease to be a Lender hereunder. Each of DBTC and DBNY shall make adjustments among themselves, and payments to each as needed, with respect to amounts of principal, interest, fees and other amounts paid or payable thereto as shall be necessary, in the opinion of the Agent, in order to effect such assignment.  In connection with such assignment and for purposes of such assignment only, the Agent waives the processing and recordation fee under Section 13.3.2 hereof. The Commitments of the Lenders reflected on Schedule 1.1 hereto reflect the Commitments of DBNY and DBTC after giving effect to the DB Assignment.
The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents do not constitute a novation, payment and reborrowing or termination of the Existing Obligations and that all such Existing Obligations and the Liens securing them are in all respects continued and outstanding as Obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with only the terms being modified from and after the effective date of this Agreement as provided in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
SECTION 2.
CREDIT FACILITIES




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2.1.     Revolver Commitment.

2.1.1.     Revolver Loans.

(a)The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that effective as of the Closing Date, to the extent the Existing Principal Obligations exceed the Tranche B Maximum Amount, the Existing Principal Obligations in the amount of such excess are hereby converted into Tranche A Revolver Loans outstanding hereunder (the “Converted Tranche A Revolver Loans”), without constituting a novation, and shall be allocated to each Tranche A Revolver Lender with a Tranche A Revolver Commitment such that after giving effect to such allocation, the amount of Tranche A Revolver Loans held by each Tranche A Revolver Lender is equal to such Tranche A Revolver Lender’s Pro Rata share of the Converted Tranche A Revolver Loans. To the extent such allocation results in losses or expenses to any Lender as a result of the prepayment of any LIBOR Loan on a date other than the scheduled last day of the applicable Interest Period, Borrower shall be responsible for such loss or expense pursuant to Section 3.9. Each Tranche A Revolver Lender agrees, severally on a Pro Rata basis up to its Tranche A Revolver Commitment, on the terms set forth herein, to make Tranche A Revolver Loans to Borrower from time to time through the Commitment Termination Date; provided that (i) no Tranche A Revolver Loan shall be made pursuant to this Section 2.1.1(a) at any time when the outstanding principal amount of the Tranche B Revolver Loan is less than the Tranche B Maximum Amount and (ii) the aggregate amount of Tranche A Revolver Loans and LC Obligations shall not exceed the Tranche A Revolver Commitments. The Tranche A Revolver Loans may be repaid and reborrowed as provided herein. In no event shall Tranche A Revolver Lenders have any obligation to honor a request for a Tranche A Revolver Loan if (x) the sum of the unpaid balance of Tranche A Revolver Loans outstanding at such time (including the requested Loan) would exceed an amount equal to the Aggregate Borrowing Base minus the Tranche B Borrowing Base or (y) the sum of the unpaid balance of Tranche A Revolver Loans outstanding at such time (including the requested Loan) plus the unpaid balance of Tranche B Revolver Loans outstanding at such time would exceed the Aggregate Borrowing Base.

(b)The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that effective as of the Closing Date, the Existing Principal Obligations in an amount up to the Tranche B Maximum Amount are hereby converted into Tranche B Revolver Loans outstanding hereunder (the “Converted Tranche B Revolver Loans”), without constituting a novation, and are allocated to each Tranche B Revolver Lender with a Tranche B Revolver Commitment such that after giving effect to such allocation, the amount of Tranche B Revolver Loans held by each Tranche B Revolver Lender is equal to such Tranche B Revolver Lender’s Pro Rata share of the Converted Tranche B Revolver Loans. To the extent such allocation results in losses or expenses to any Lender as a result of the prepayment of any LIBOR Loan on a date other than the scheduled last day of the applicable Interest Period, Borrower shall be responsible for such loss or expense pursuant to Section 3.9. Each Tranche B Revolver Lender agrees, severally on a Pro Rata basis up to its Tranche B Revolver Commitment, on the terms set forth herein, to make Tranche B Revolver Loans to Borrower from time to time through the Commitment Termination Date; provided that the aggregate amount of Tranche B Revolver Loans shall not exceed the Tranche B Revolver Commitments. The Tranche B Revolver Loans may be repaid and reborrowed as provided herein; provided that prior to repaying any Tranche B Revolver Loan, all outstanding Tranche A Revolver Loans shall have been repaid in full and all outstanding LC Obligations shall have been Cash Collateralized. In no event shall Tranche B Revolver Lenders have any obligation to honor a request for a Tranche B Revolver Loan if the sum of the unpaid balance of Tranche B Revolver Loans outstanding at such time (including the requested Loan) plus the unpaid balance of Tranche A Revolver Loans outstanding at such time would exceed the Aggregate Borrowing Base.

2.1.2     Revolver Notes. The Revolver Loans made by each Lender and interest accruing thereon shall be evidenced by the records of Agent and such Lender. At the request of any Tranche



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A Revolver Lender, Borrower shall deliver a Tranche A Revolver Note to such Lender. At the request of any Tranche B Revolver Lender, Borrower shall deliver a Tranche B Revolver Note to such Lender.

2.1.3.Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of Revolver Loans shall be used by Borrower solely (a) to satisfy existing Debt; (b) to pay fees and transaction expenses associated with the closing of this credit facility; (c) to pay Obligations in accordance with this Agreement; (d) to issue Letters of Credit; and (e) for working capital and other lawful corporate purposes of Borrower. Borrower shall not, directly or indirectly, use any Letter of Credit or the proceeds of any Loan, nor use, lend, contribute or otherwise make available any Letter of Credit or proceeds of any Loan to any Subsidiary, (x) to fund, finance or facilitate, in violation of any Sanctions, any activities of or business or transaction with (i) any Person, or in any Designated Jurisdiction, that, at the time of issuance of the Letter of Credit or funding of the Loan, is the subject of Sanctions or (ii) any Sanctioned Person; (y) in any manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions by any Person (including any Secured Party or other individual or entity participating in the transaction); or (z) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws.

2.1.4.Voluntary Reduction or Termination of Revolver Commitments; Increases of the Revolver Commitments; Etc.

(a)The Revolver Commitments shall terminate on the Revolver Termination Date, unless sooner terminated in accordance with this Agreement. Upon at least 10 days prior written notice to Agent (or upon such shorter notice period as may be consented to by Agent in its sole discretion), Borrower may, at its option, terminate the Tranche A Revolver Commitments, the Tranche B Revolver Commitments and this credit facility. Any notice of termination given by Borrower shall be irrevocable but, subject to Agent’s discretion, may be conditioned upon the closing of a refinancing transaction. On the termination date, Borrower shall make Full Payment of all Obligations.

(b)Borrower may permanently reduce the Tranche A Revolver Commitments, on a Pro Rata basis for each Tranche A Revolver Lender, upon at least 10 days prior written notice to Agent (or upon such shorter notice period as may be consented to by Agent in its sole discretion), which notice shall specify the amount of the reduction and shall be irrevocable once given. Each such reduction of the Tranche A Revolver Commitments shall be in a minimum amount of $50,000,000, or an increment of $10,000,000 in excess thereof, and Borrower may not permanently reduce the Tranche A Revolver Commitments by more than $400,000,000 in the aggregate.

(c)Borrower may permanently reduce the Tranche B Revolver Commitments, on a Pro Rata basis for each Tranche B Revolver Lender, upon at least 10 days prior written notice to Agent (or upon such shorter notice period as may be consented to by Agent in its sole discretion), which notice shall specify the amount of the reduction and shall be irrevocable once given. Each such reduction of the Tranche B Revolver Commitments shall be in a minimum amount of $10,000,000, or an increment of $5,000,000 in excess thereof.

(d)Increases of the Revolver Commitments. Borrower may request in writing at any time that the then effective aggregate principal amount of Revolver Commitments be increased by a minimum amount of (x) in the case of an increase in the Tranche A Revolver Commitments, $25,000,000, or an increment of $10,000,000 in excess thereof and (y) in the case of an increase in the Tranche B Revolver Commitments, $1,000,000, or an increment of $500,000 in excess thereof; provided that, in each case, (i) the aggregate principal amount of the increase in Revolver Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.1.4(d) shall not exceed $400,000,000 less the aggregate principal amount of all Foreign Subsidiary Revolver



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Commitments which have been provided pursuant to Section 2.1.4(e); (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall occur as a result of such increase in Revolver Commitments; (iii) prior to the date of such increase, each Lender shall have received written notice from Agent of the aggregate principal amount of such increase; (iv) Borrower shall, and shall cause the Guarantors to, execute and deliver such documents and instruments and take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by Agent in connection with such increase and (v) such increase in the Revolver Commitment shall be subject to successful syndication thereof. Any request under this Section 2.1.4(d) shall be submitted by Borrower to Agent (and Agent shall forward copies to Lenders), specify the proposed effective date, whether the Tranche A Revolver Commitment and/or Tranche B Revolver Commitment is being increased and the amount of each such increase, and be accompanied by an officer’s certificate of Borrower stating that no Default or Event of Default exists or will occur as a result of such increase(s). Borrower may also specify any fees offered to those Lenders (the “Increasing Lenders”) that agree to increase the principal amount of their Tranche A Revolver Commitments and/or Tranche B Revolver Commitments, as applicable, which fees may be variable based upon the amount by which any such Lender is willing to increase the principal amount of its Tranche A Revolver Commitments and/or Tranche B Revolver Commitments, as applicable. No Lender shall have any obligation, express or implied, to offer to increase the aggregate principal amount of its Revolver Commitments. Only the consent of each Increasing Lender and Agent shall be required for an increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Revolver Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.1.4(d). Any Lender that elects not to increase the principal amount of its Revolver Commitment may not be replaced in respect of its existing Revolver Commitment as a result thereof without such Lender’s consent.

Each Lender that desires to increase its Revolver Commitment (each a “Responding Lender”), shall as soon as practicable specify whether such increase is of its Tranche A Revolver Commitment and/or its Tranche B Revolver Commitment and the amount of each such proposed increase which it is willing to assume. If the total amount that Responding Lenders are willing to increase their Tranche A Revolver Commitments exceeds the amount of the requested increase of Tranche A Revolver Commitments, Agent shall allocate the proposed increase of the Tranche A Revolver Commitments among the Responding Lenders ratably in proportion to the amount that each Responding Lender specified that it was willing to assume. If the total amount that Responding Lenders are willing to increase their Tranche B Revolver Commitments exceeds the amount of the requested increase of Tranche B Revolver Commitments, Agent shall allocate the proposed increase of Tranche B Revolver Commitments among the Responding Lenders ratably in proportion to the amount that each Responding Lender specified that it was willing to assume. If the total amount that the Responding Lenders are willing to increase their Tranche A Revolver Commitments and/or Tranche B Revolver Commitments, as applicable, is less than the amount of the proposed increase of the Tranche A Revolver Commitments and/or Tranche B Revolver Commitments, as applicable, in either case Borrower may designate new lenders who qualify as Eligible Assignees and who are reasonably acceptable to Agent as additional Tranche A Revolver Lenders and/or Tranche B Revolver Lenders, as applicable, hereunder in accordance with this Section 2.1.4(d) (each such new lender being a “New Lender”), which New Lender may assume all or a portion of the increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Tranche A Revolver Commitments and/or Tranche B Revolver Commitments, as applicable.
With respect to any increase of the Tranche B Revolver Commitment (the amount of each such increase, the “Tranche B Increase Amount”), if on the date of effectiveness of such increase the outstanding principal amount of Tranche A Revolver Loans (the “Tranche A Outstanding Amount”) is greater than zero, then, on such date, Borrower shall be deemed to have made a Borrowing of Tranche B Revolver Loans in an amount equal to the lesser of the Tranche B Increase Amount and the Tranche A Outstanding Amount and Agent shall immediately apply all proceeds of such Borrowing to repay the Tranche A Revolver Loans.



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Each New Lender designated by Borrower and reasonably acceptable to Agent shall become an additional party hereto as a New Lender concurrently with the effectiveness of the proposed increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Revolver Commitment upon its execution of New Lender Supplement in the form of Exhibit E-1 (and, in each case, otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent) (the “New Lender Supplement”). Each Increasing Lender shall execute an Increased Commitment Agreement in the form of Exhibit E-2 (and, in each case, otherwise in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent).
Subject to the foregoing, any increase requested by Borrower shall be effective as of the date proposed by Borrower and agreed to by Agent and shall be in the principal amount equal to (i) the principal amount which Increasing Lenders are willing to assume as increases to the principal amount of their Tranche A Revolver Commitment and/or Tranche B Revolver Commitment, as applicable, plus (ii) the principal amount offered by New Lenders with respect to the Tranche A Revolver Commitments and/or Tranche B Revolver Commitments, as applicable. Upon effectiveness of any such increase, the Pro Rata interest of each Lender will be adjusted to give effect to the increase in Revolver Commitments. To the extent that in the aggregate Revolver Commitments such adjustment results in loss or expenses to any Lender as a result of the prepayment of any LIBOR Loan on a date other than the scheduled last day of the applicable Interest Period, Borrower shall be responsible for such loss or expense pursuant to Section 3.9.
Following the effective date of such increase to the Revolver Commitments, Agent shall deliver to Borrower an amended and restated Schedule 1.1 to the Agreement reflecting such increases to the aggregate Revolver Commitments.
(e)Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facilities. Borrower may request in writing at any time that one or more additional asset-based revolving loan facilities be established hereunder (each a “Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility”, the commitments of the Lenders thereunder, the “Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments” and the loans thereunder, “Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Loans”) and/or that any then existing Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility be increased, in each case in a minimum amount of $25,000,000, or an increment of $10,000,000 in excess thereof; provided that, in each case, (i) the aggregate principal amount of Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facilities established pursuant to this Section 2.1.4(e) shall not exceed $100,000,000 less, to the extent in excess of $300,000,000; the aggregate principal amount of increases in Revolver Commitments made pursuant to Section 2.1.4(d); (ii) the borrowers of such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facilities (the “Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers”) shall be Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of the Borrower that are organized under the laws of Canada, England & Wales, the Netherlands or Germany (or, in each case, any state, province or territory thereof, as applicable); (iii) the borrowing base established for any such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility (including the definitions and components thereof) will be reasonably acceptable to the Agent; (iv) the Agent and Foreign Subsidiary Lenders providing such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility will have received on or prior to the effectiveness of such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility customary field examinations and appraisals, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and such Foreign Subsidiary Lenders, of the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers’ assets that will be included in the borrowing base for such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility; (v) the advance rates with respect to the collateral of the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers (the “Foreign Subsidiary Collateral”) under any such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility shall be no higher than the advance rates applicable to the Revolver Loans; (vi) the Foreign Subsidiary Lenders that provide such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility shall benefit from a first-priority perfected security interest in the Foreign Subsidiary Collateral for such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility; it being agreed that no Lender (other than a Foreign Subsidiary Lender in its capacity as such) will benefit from any security interest in the Foreign Subsidiary Collateral); (vii) any such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility (x) may benefit from a guaranty from the Borrower and the Guarantors which guaranty may be secured by the Collateral on a junior basis



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(including by operation of modifying the provisions of Section 5.6 hereof) to the Liens securing the Obligations of the Secured Parties (other than any Foreign Subsidiary Lender or New Foreign Subsidiary Lender) or (y) to the extent requested by the Borrower or the Agent, such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility may benefit from a guaranty from the Borrower and the Guarantors which guaranty may be secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis with the Liens securing the Obligations of the Secured Parties and, in the event such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility is secured on a pari passu basis with the Liens securing the Obligations of the Secured Parties, each Lender (including each Foreign Subsidiary Lender) shall enter into a customary loss sharing agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Agent and the Required Lenders; (viii) the maturity date of any such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility will be the Revolver Termination Date; (ix) each Foreign Subsidiary Borrower shall have appointed a process agent that is a Person incorporated or organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or in the District of Columbia; (x) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall occur as a result of such establishment or increase in Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facilities, as applicable; (xi) prior to the date of such establishment or increase, each Lender shall have received written notice from Agent of the aggregate principal amount of such requested Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility or increase thereto, as applicable; (xii) Borrower shall, and shall cause its applicable Subsidiaries (including any applicable Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers) to, execute and deliver such documents and instruments and take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by Agent in connection with such establishment or increase, as applicable, and (xiii) such establishment or increase, as applicable, of Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facilities shall be subject to successful syndication thereof. Any request under this Section 2.1.4(e) shall be submitted by Borrower to Agent (and Agent shall forward copies to Lenders), specify the proposed effective date and the amount of each such requested Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility or increase thereto, as applicable, and be accompanied by an officer’s certificate of Borrower stating that no Default or Event of Default exists or will occur as a result of such establishment or increase(s), as applicable. Borrower may also specify any fees offered to those Lenders (the “Foreign Subsidiary Lenders”) that agree to provide such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facilities or increases thereto, as applicable, which fees may be variable based upon the amount by which any such Lender is willing to increase the principal amount of its Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments and/or provide a new Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility, as applicable. No Lender shall have any obligation, express or implied, to offer to provide any Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility or to increase its existing Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments. Only the consent of each Foreign Subsidiary Lender and Agent shall be required for the establishment of a Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility and/or increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.1.4(e). No Lender that elects not to increase the principal amount of its Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitment may be replaced in respect of its existing Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitment as a result thereof without such Lender’s consent.

Each Foreign Subsidiary Lender that desires to provide a Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility and/or increase its Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitment (each a “Foreign Subsidiary Responding Lender”), shall as soon as practicable specify the amount of each such proposed Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitment or increase thereto, as applicable, which it is willing to assume. If the total amount that Foreign Subsidiary Responding Lenders are willing to provide and/or increase, as applicable, their Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments exceeds the amount of the requested Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility or increase of Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments, as applicable, Agent shall allocate the proposed Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments or increases thereto, as applicable, among the Foreign Subsidiary Responding Lenders ratably in proportion to the amount that each Foreign Subsidiary Responding Lender specified that it was willing to assume. If the total amount that the Foreign Subsidiary Responding Lenders are willing to provide and/or increase their Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments, as applicable, is less than the amount of the proposed Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility or increase of the Foreign Subsidiary



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Revolver Commitments, as applicable, in either case Borrower may designate new lenders who qualify as Eligible Assignees and who are reasonably acceptable to Agent as additional Foreign Subsidiary Lenders, as applicable, hereunder in accordance with this Section 2.1.4(e) (each such new lender being a “New Foreign Subsidiary Lender”), which New Foreign Subsidiary Lender may assume all or a portion of the requested Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility or increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments, as applicable.
Each New Foreign Subsidiary Lender designated by Borrower and reasonably acceptable to Agent shall become an additional party hereto as a New Foreign Subsidiary Lender concurrently with the effectiveness of the proposed Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility or increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments, as applicable, upon its execution of a New Lender Supplement. Each Foreign Subsidiary Lender which is increasing its existing Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitment shall execute an Increased Commitment Agreement in the form of Exhibit E-2 (and, in each case, otherwise in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent).
Subject to the foregoing, any Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility or increase of Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments requested by Borrower shall be effective as of the date proposed by Borrower and agreed to by Agent and shall be in the principal amount equal to (i) the principal amount which Foreign Subsidiary Lenders are willing to assume as new Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facilities and/or increases to the principal amount of their Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitment, as applicable, plus (ii) the principal amount offered by New Foreign Subsidiary Lenders. To the extent that adjustments to the aggregate Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments result in loss or expenses to any Foreign Subsidiary Lender as a result of the prepayment of any LIBOR Loan on a date other than the scheduled last day of the applicable Interest Period, the Borrower shall be responsible for such loss or expense pursuant to Section 3.9.
Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that, upon the effectiveness of any Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility, this Agreement shall be amended to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to reflect the existence of such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility and the Foreign Subsidiary Revolving Loans evidenced thereby, and Agent and the Borrower may, without the consent of the other Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and enter into any new Loan Documents, in each case as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of Agent and Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.1.4(e) (including (A) any amendments to Sections 5.3, 5.6, and 7.1, but which reflect the junior payment priority of the Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facilities with respect to the proceeds of the Collateral to the extent such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility is not secured by Liens on the Collateral that rank pari passu with the Liens securing the Obligations of the Secured Parties (other than the Foreign Subsidiary Lenders in their capacities as such), (B) any amendments to this Agreement to reflect the ability for any such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facilities to be advanced and repaid in a currency other than Dollars, and (C) entering into any additional Security Documents with respect to the Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facilities and any guarantees provided by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with respect thereto). For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 2.1.4(e) shall supersede any provisions in Section 14.1.1. From and after the effective date of any Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility and/or Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitment increase, the Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Loans and Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments established pursuant to this Section 2.1.4(e) shall constitute Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Loans and Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments under, and shall be entitled to all the benefits afforded by, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Following the effective date of any Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility and/or increase to the Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments, Agent shall deliver to Borrower a schedule to the Agreement



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reflecting such Foreign Subsidiary Incremental Facility and/or increases to the aggregate Foreign Subsidiary Revolver Commitments.
2.1.5.Overadvances. If the aggregate Revolver Loans exceed the Aggregate Borrowing Base at any time, the excess amount (“Overadvance”) shall be payable by Borrower on demand by Agent, but all such Revolver Loans shall nevertheless constitute Obligations secured by the Collateral and entitled to all benefits of the Loan Documents. Any payments received by Agent with respect to an Overadvance shall be applied first to all outstanding Tranche A Revolver Loans and then to all outstanding Tranche B Revolver Loans. Unless its authority has been revoked in writing by Required Lenders, Agent may require Tranche B Revolver Lenders and, if the outstanding principal amount of Tranche B Revolver Loans is not less than the Tranche B Maximum Amount, Tranche A Lenders to honor requests for Overadvance Loans and to forbear from requiring Borrower to cure an Overadvance, (a) when no other Event of Default is known to Agent, as long as (i) the Overadvance does not continue for more than 30 consecutive days (and no Overadvance may exist for at least five consecutive days thereafter before further Overadvance Loans are required), and (ii) the Overadvance is not known by Agent to exceed 5% of the Aggregate Borrowing Base, less any outstanding Protective Advances; and (b) regardless of whether an Event of Default exists, if Agent discovers an Overadvance not previously known by it to exist, as long as from the date of such discovery the Overadvance (i) is not increased by more than 5% of the Aggregate Borrowing Base, less any outstanding Protective Advances, and (ii) does not continue for more than 30 consecutive days. In no event shall Overadvance Loans be required that would cause (i) the outstanding Tranche A Revolver Loans and LC Obligations of any Tranche A Revolver Lender to exceed its Tranche A Revolver Commitment, (ii) the outstanding Tranche B Revolver Loans of any Tranche B Revolver Lender to exceed its Tranche B Revolver Commitment or (iii) the outstanding Tranche A Revolver Loans, Tranche B Revolver Loans and LC Obligations to exceed the aggregate Revolver Commitments. Any funding of an Overadvance Loan or sufferance of an Overadvance shall not constitute a waiver by Agent or Lenders of the Event of Default caused thereby. In no event shall Borrower or any other Obligor be deemed a beneficiary of this Section or authorized to enforce any of its terms.

2.1.6.Protective Advances. At any time after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Agent shall be authorized, in its reasonable discretion, at any time that any conditions in Section 6 are not satisfied, to make Base Rate Revolver Loans (“Protective Advances”) (a) up to an aggregate amount outstanding at any time, when aggregated with all outstanding Overadvances, of 5% of the Aggregate Borrowing Base, if Agent deems such Loans necessary or desirable to preserve or protect Collateral, or to enhance the collectibility or repayment of Obligations; or (b) to pay any other amounts chargeable to Obligors under any Loan Documents, including costs, fees and expenses; provided that such Revolver Loans shall be Tranche A Revolver Loans unless the outstanding principal amount of Tranche B Revolver Loans is less than the Tranche B Maximum Amount, in which case up to an amount equal to the Tranche B Maximum Amount minus the outstanding principal amount of Tranche B Revolver Loans of such Revolver Loans shall be Tranche B Revolver Loans, and the remaining amount of such Revolver Loans shall be Tranche A Revolver Loans. In no event shall Protective Advances cause (i) the outstanding Tranche A Revolver Loans and LC Obligations of any Lender to exceed its Tranche A Revolver Commitment, (ii) the outstanding Tranche B Revolver Loans of any Lender to exceed its Tranche B Revolver Commitment or (iii) the outstanding Revolving Loans and LC Obligations to exceed the aggregate Revolver Commitments. Each Tranche A Revolver Lender or Tranche B Revolver Lender, as applicable, shall participate in each Protective Advance on a Pro Rata basis. Required Lenders may at any time revoke Agent’s authority to make further Protective Advances under clause (a) by written notice to Agent. Absent such revocation, Agent’s determination that funding of a Protective Advance is appropriate shall be conclusive.

2.2.     [Reserved].



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2.3.     Letter of Credit Facility.

2.3.1.Issuance of Letters of Credit. Issuing Bank agrees to issue Letters of Credit from time to time until 30 days prior to the Revolver Termination Date (or until the Commitment Termination Date, if earlier), on the terms set forth herein, including the following:

(a)Borrower acknowledges that Issuing Bank’s willingness to issue any Letter of Credit is conditioned upon Issuing Bank’s receipt of a LC Application with respect to the requested Letter of Credit, as well as such other instruments and agreements as Issuing Bank may customarily require for issuance of a letter of credit of similar type and amount. Issuing Bank shall have no obligation to issue any Letter of Credit unless (i) Issuing Bank receives a LC Request and LC Application at least three Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance; (ii) each LC Condition is satisfied; and (iii) if a Defaulting Lender exists, Borrower or such Lender has entered into arrangements satisfactory to Agent and Issuing Bank to eliminate any Fronting Exposure associated with such Lender. No Issuing Bank will be required to issue any Letter of Credit if, after giving effect to such issuance, the aggregate face amount of all Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank would exceed such Issuing Bank’s Letter of Credit Commitment. If Issuing Bank receives written notice from a Lender at least one Business Day before issuance of a Letter of Credit that any LC Condition has not been satisfied, Issuing Bank shall have no obligation to issue the requested Letter of Credit (or any other) until such notice is withdrawn in writing by that Lender or until Required Lenders have waived such condition in accordance with this Agreement. Prior to receipt of any such notice, Issuing Bank shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any failure of LC Conditions.

(b)Letters of Credit may be requested by Borrower only (i) to support obligations of Borrower incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business; or (ii) for other purposes as Agent may approve from time to time in writing. The renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit shall be treated as the issuance of a new Letter of Credit, except that delivery of a new LC Application shall be required at the discretion of Issuing Bank.

(c)Borrower assumes all risks of the acts, omissions or misuses of any Letter of Credit by the beneficiary. In connection with issuance of any Letter of Credit, none of Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender shall be responsible for the existence, character, quality, quantity, condition, packing, value or delivery of any goods purported to be represented by any Documents; any differences or variation in the character, quality, quantity, condition, packing, value or delivery of any goods from that expressed in any Documents; the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any Documents or of any endorsements thereon; the time, place, manner or order in which shipment of goods is made; partial or incomplete shipment of, or failure to ship, any goods referred to in a Letter of Credit or Documents; any deviation from instructions, delay, default or fraud by any shipper or other Person in connection with any goods, shipment or delivery; any breach of contract between a shipper or vendor and Borrower; errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex, telecopy, e-mail, telephone or otherwise; errors in interpretation of technical terms; the misapplication by a beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or the proceeds thereof; or any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of Issuing Bank, Agent or any Lender, including any act or omission of a Governmental Authority. The rights and remedies of Issuing Bank under the Loan Documents shall be cumulative. Issuing Bank shall be fully subrogated to the rights and remedies of each beneficiary whose claims against Borrower are discharged with proceeds of any Letter of Credit.

(d)In connection with its administration of and enforcement of rights or remedies under any Letters of Credit or LC Documents, Issuing Bank shall be entitled to act, and shall be



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fully protected in acting, upon any certification, documentation or communication in whatever form believed by Issuing Bank, in good faith, to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by a proper Person. Issuing Bank may consult with and employ legal counsel, accountants and other experts to advise it concerning its obligations, rights and remedies, and shall be entitled to act upon, and shall be fully protected in any action taken in good faith reliance upon, any advice given by such experts. Issuing Bank may employ agents and attorneys-in-fact in connection with any matter relating to Letters of Credit or LC Documents, and shall not be liable for the negligence or misconduct of agents and attorneys-in-fact selected with reasonable care.

2.3.2.Reimbursement; Participations.

(a)If Issuing Bank honors any request for payment under a Letter of Credit, Borrower shall pay to Issuing Bank, within one Business Day of notification thereof (“Reimbursement Date”), the amount paid by Issuing Bank under such Letter of Credit, together with interest at the interest rate for Base Rate Tranche A Revolver Loans from the date such draw was honored until payment by Borrower. The obligation of Borrower to reimburse Issuing Bank for any payment made under a Letter of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional, and irrevocable, and shall be paid without regard to any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right that Borrower may have at any time against the beneficiary. Whether or not Borrower submits a Notice of Borrowing, Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a Borrowing of Base Rate Tranche A Revolver Loans in an amount necessary to pay all amounts due Issuing Bank on any Reimbursement Date and each Tranche A Revolver Lender agrees to fund its Pro Rata share of such Borrowing whether or not the Commitments have terminated, an Overadvance exists or is created thereby, or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied.

(b)Upon issuance of a Letter of Credit, each Tranche A Revolver Lender shall be deemed to have irrevocably and unconditionally purchased from Issuing Bank, without recourse or warranty, an undivided Pro Rata interest and participation in all LC Obligations relating to the Letter of Credit. If Issuing Bank makes any payment under a Letter of Credit and Borrower does not reimburse such payment on the Reimbursement Date, Agent shall promptly notify Tranche A Revolver Lenders and each Tranche A Revolver Lender shall promptly (within one Business Day) and unconditionally pay to Agent, for the benefit of Issuing Bank, the Tranche A Revolver Lender’s Pro Rata share of such payment. Upon request by a Tranche A Revolver Lender, Issuing Bank shall furnish copies of any Letters of Credit and LC Documents in its possession at such time.

(c)The obligation of each Tranche A Revolver Lender to make payments to Agent for the account of Issuing Bank in connection with Issuing Bank’s payment under a Letter of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, not subject to any counterclaim, setoff, qualification or exception whatsoever, and shall be made in accordance with this Agreement under all circumstances, irrespective of any lack of validity or unenforceability of any Loan Documents; any draft, certificate or other document presented under a Letter of Credit having been determined to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or the existence of any setoff or defense that any Obligor may have with respect to any Obligations. Issuing Bank does not assume any responsibility for any failure or delay in performance or any breach by Borrower or any other Person of any obligations under any LC Documents. Issuing Bank does not make to Lenders any express or implied warranty, representation or guaranty with respect to the Collateral, LC Documents or any Obligor. Issuing Bank shall not be responsible to any Lender for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties contained in, or for the execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of any LC Documents; the validity, genuineness, enforceability, collectibility, value or sufficiency of any Collateral



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or the perfection of any Lien therein; or the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any Obligor.

(d)No Issuing Bank Indemnitee shall be liable to any Lender or other Person for any action taken or omitted to be taken in connection with any LC Documents except as a result of its actual gross negligence or willful misconduct. Issuing Bank shall not have any liability to any Lender if Issuing Bank refrains from any action under any Letter of Credit or LC Documents until it receives written instructions from Required Lenders.

2.3.3.Cash Collateral. If any LC Obligations, whether or not then due or payable, shall for any reason be outstanding at any time (a) that an Event of Default has occurred and the Obligations have been accelerated and/or the Commitments have been terminated, (b) that the outstanding principal amount of the Tranche A Revolver Loans is greater than an amount equal to the Aggregate Borrowing Base minus the Tranche B Borrowing Base or (c) after the Commitment Termination Date, then Borrower shall, at Issuing Bank’s or Agent’s request, Cash Collateralize the stated amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit and pay to Issuing Bank the amount of all other LC Obligations. Borrower shall, if notified by 10:00 a.m. (Central Time), by Issuing Bank or Agent from time to time, Cash Collateralize the Fronting Exposure of any Defaulting Lender on the same Business Day (and otherwise on the Business Day following receipt of such notification). If Borrower fails to provide Cash Collateral as required herein, Tranche A Revolver Lenders may (and shall upon direction of Agent) advance, as Tranche A Revolver Loans, the amount of the Cash Collateral required (whether or not the Commitments have terminated, an Overadvance exists or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Borrower shall not be required to pay any interest or fees attributable to the Fronting Exposure of a Defaulting Lender which has been Cash Collateralized.

2.3.4.Outstanding Letters of Credit. Each of Borrower, each Guarantor, each Lender and the Issuing Bank hereby agree that with respect to the letters of credit set forth on Schedule 2.3.4 (“Outstanding Letters of Credit”), for all purposes of this Agreement, such Outstanding Letters of Credit shall constitute Letters of Credit hereunder. Each Tranche A Revolver Lender agrees to participate in each Outstanding Letter of Credit issued by the Issuing Bank in an amount equal to its Pro Rata share of the stated amount of such Outstanding Letter of Credit.

2.3.5.Resignation of Issuing Bank. Issuing Bank may resign at any time upon notice to Agent and Borrower. On the effective date of such resignation, Issuing Bank shall have no further obligation to issue, amend, renew, extend or otherwise modify any Letter of Credit, but shall continue to have all rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank hereunder, including under Section 2.3, 12.6 and 14.2, relating to any Letter of Credit issued prior to such date. Agent shall, subject to the consent of such replacement Issuing Bank, promptly appoint a replacement Issuing Bank, which, as long as no Default or Event of Default exists, shall be reasonably acceptable to Borrower.

SECTION 3.INTEREST, FEES AND CHARGES

3.1.     Interest.

3.1.1.Rates and Payment of Interest.

(a)The Obligations shall bear interest (i) if a Base Rate Loan, at the Base Rate in effect from time to time, plus the Applicable Margin; (ii) if a LIBOR Loan, at LIBOR for the applicable Interest Period, plus the Applicable Margin; and (iii) if any other Obligation (including, to the extent permitted



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by law, interest not paid when due), at the Base Rate in effect from time to time, plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Tranche A Revolver Loans. Interest shall accrue from the date the Loan is advanced or the Obligation is incurred or payable, until paid by Borrower. If a Loan is repaid on the same day made, one day’s interest shall accrue.

(b)During an Insolvency Proceeding with respect to Borrower, or during any other Event of Default if Agent or Required Lenders in their discretion so elect, Obligations shall bear interest at the Default Rate (whether before or after any judgment). Borrower acknowledges that the cost and expense to Agent and Lenders due to an Event of Default are difficult to ascertain and that the Default Rate is a fair and reasonable estimate to compensate Agent and Lenders for this.

(c)Interest accrued on the Loans shall be due and payable in arrears, (i) (A) for any Base Rate Loan, on the first day of each month, (B) for any LIBOR Loan (other than a LIBOR Loan having an Interest Period of six months), on the last day of its Interest Period, and (C) for any LIBOR Loan having an Interest Period of six months, on the day that is three months after the commencement of its Interest Period and on the last day of its Interest Period; (ii) on any date of prepayment, with respect to the principal amount of Loans being prepaid; and (iii) on the Commitment Termination Date. Interest accrued on any other Obligations shall be due and payable as provided in the Loan Documents and, if no payment date is specified, shall be due and payable on demand. Notwithstanding the foregoing, interest accrued at the Default Rate shall be due and payable on demand.

3.1.2.Application of LIBOR to Outstanding Loans.
 
(a)Borrower may on any Business Day, subject to delivery of a Notice of Conversion/Continuation, elect to convert any portion of the Base Rate Loans to, or to continue any LIBOR Loan at the end of its Interest Period as, a LIBOR Loan. During any Default or Event of Default, Agent may (and shall at the direction of Required Lenders) declare that no Loan may be made, converted or continued as a LIBOR Loan. In addition, until Agent notifies Borrower that syndication of the credit facility hereunder is complete, no Loan may be made as or converted into a LIBOR Loan.

(b)Whenever Borrower desires to convert or continue Loans as LIBOR Loans, Borrower shall give Agent a Notice of Conversion/Continuation, no later than 11:00 a.m. (Central Time) at least three Business Days before the requested conversion or continuation date. Promptly after receiving any such notice, Agent shall notify each Lender thereof. Each Notice of Conversion/Continuation shall be irrevocable, and shall specify the amount of Loans to be converted or continued, the conversion or continuation date (which shall be a Business Day), whether such Loans are Tranche A Revolver Loans or Tranche B Revolver Loans and the duration of the Interest Period (which shall be deemed to be one month if not specified). If, upon the expiration of any Interest Period in respect of any LIBOR Loans, Borrower shall have failed to deliver a Notice of Conversion/Continuation, they shall be deemed to have elected to convert such Loans into Base Rate Loans. Agent does not warrant or accept responsibility for, nor shall it have any liability with respect to, administration, submission or any other matter related to any rate described in the definition of LIBOR.

3.1.3.Interest Periods. In connection with the making, conversion or continuation of any LIBOR Loans, Borrower shall select an interest period (“Interest Period”) to apply, which interest period shall be 1, 2, 3 or 6 months; provided, however, that:




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(a)the Interest Period shall commence on the date the Loan is made or continued as, or converted into, a LIBOR Loan, and shall expire on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at its end;
(b)if any Interest Period commences on a day for which there is no corresponding day in the calendar month at its end or if such corresponding day falls after the last Business Day of such month, then the Interest Period shall expire on the last Business Day of such month; and if any Interest Period would expire on a day that is not a Business Day, the period shall expire on the next Business Day; and

(c)no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Revolver Termination Date.

3.1.4.Interest Rate Not Ascertainable. If Agent shall determine that on any date for determining LIBOR, due to any circumstance affecting the London interbank market, adequate and fair means do not exist for ascertaining such rate on the basis provided herein, then Agent shall immediately notify Borrower of such determination. Until Agent notifies Borrower that such circumstance no longer exists, the obligation of Lenders to make LIBOR Loans shall be suspended, and no further Loans may be converted into or continued as LIBOR Loans. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Documents, if the Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error), or the Borrower or Required Lenders notify the Agent (with, in the case of the Required Lenders, a copy to Borrower) that the Borrower or Required Lenders (as applicable) have determined, that:

(a)adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining LIBOR for any requested Interest Period, including, without limitation, because the LIBOR Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis and such circumstances are unlikely to be temporary;

(b)the administrator of the LIBOR Screen Rate or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Agent has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which LIBOR or the LIBOR Screen Rate shall no longer be made available, or used for determining the interest rate of loans (such specific date, the “Scheduled Unavailability Date”); or

(c)syndicated loans currently being executed, or that include language similar to that contained in this Section, are being executed or amended (as applicable) to incorporate or adopt a new benchmark interest rate to replace LIBOR,
    
then, reasonably promptly after such determination by the Agent or receipt by the Agent of such notice, as applicable, the Agent and the Borrower may amend this Agreement to replace LIBOR with an alternate benchmark rate (including any mathematical adjustments to the benchmark (if any) incorporated therein), giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar U.S. dollar denominated syndicated credit facilities for such alternative benchmarks (any such proposed rate, a “LIBOR Successor Rate”), together with any proposed LIBOR Successor Rate Conforming Changes and any such amendment shall become effective at 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on the fifth Business Day after the Agent shall have posted such proposed amendment to all Lenders and the Borrower unless, prior to such time, Lenders comprising the Required Lenders have delivered to the Agent written notice that such Required Lenders do not accept such amendment.
If no LIBOR Successor Rate has been determined and the circumstances under clause (a) above exist or the Scheduled Unavailability Date has occurred (as applicable), the Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender.  Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain LIBOR Loans shall be suspended (to the extent of the affected LIBOR Loans or Interest Periods), and (y) the London Interbank Offered Rate component shall no longer be utilized in determining the Base Rate.  Upon receipt of such



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notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of LIBOR Loans (to the extent of the affected LIBOR Loans or Interest Periods) or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans (subject to the foregoing clause (y)) in the amount specified therein.
Notwithstanding anything else herein, any definition of LIBOR Successor Rate shall provide that in no event shall such LIBOR Successor Rate be less than zero for purposes of this Agreement.
3.2.     Fees.
  
3.2.1.Unused Line Fee. Borrower shall pay to Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of Tranche A Revolver Lenders, a fee equal to the Unused Line Fee Rate times the amount by which the Tranche A Revolver Commitments exceed the average daily balance of Tranche A Revolver Loans and stated amount of Letters of Credit during any month. In addition, Borrower shall pay to Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of Tranche B Revolver Lenders, a fee equal to the Unused Line Fee Rate times the amount by which the Tranche B Revolver Commitments exceed the average daily balance of Tranche B Revolver Loans during any month. Such fees shall be payable in arrears, on the first day of each month and on the Commitment Termination Date.

3.2.2.LC Facility Fees. Borrower shall pay (a) to Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of Tranche A Revolver Lenders, a fee equal to the Applicable Margin in effect for LIBOR Tranche A Revolver Loans times the average daily stated amount of Letters of Credit, which fee shall be payable monthly in arrears, on the first day of each month; (b) to the applicable Issuing Bank, for its own account, a fronting fee equal to 0.125% per annum on the stated amount of each Letter of Credit, which fee shall be payable monthly in arrears on the first day of each month or as otherwise agreed upon between Borrower and such Issuing Bank, and shall be payable on any increase in stated amount made between any such dates; and (c) to the applicable Issuing Bank, for its own account, all customary charges associated with the issuance, amending, negotiating, payment, processing, transfer and administration of Letters of Credit, which charges shall be paid as and when incurred. During an Event of Default, the fee payable under clause (a) shall be increased by 2% per annum.

3.2.3.[Reserved].

3.2.4.Agent Fees. In consideration of Agent’s syndication of the Commitments and service as Agent hereunder, Borrower shall pay to Agent, for its own account, the fees described in the Fee Letter.

3.3.     Computation of Interest, Fees, Yield Protection. All interest, as well as fees and other charges calculated on a per annum basis, shall be computed for the actual days elapsed, based on a year of 360 days. Each determination by Agent of any interest, fees or interest rate hereunder shall be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. All fees shall be fully earned when due and shall not be subject to rebate, refund or proration. All fees payable under Section 3.2 are compensation for services and are not, and shall not be deemed to be, interest or any other charge for the use, forbearance or detention of money. A certificate as to amounts payable by Borrower under Section 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.9 or 5.9, submitted to Borrower by Agent or the affected Lender, as applicable, shall be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and Borrower shall pay such amounts to the appropriate party within 10 days following receipt of the certificate.




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3.4.     Reimbursement Obligations. Borrower shall reimburse Agent and the Lenders for all Extraordinary Expenses. Borrower shall also reimburse Agent for all reasonable, documented and out-of-pocket legal (not to exceed one law firm for the arrangers and Agent and one additional local counsel in each applicable foreign jurisdiction, if reasonably requested by Agent), accounting, appraisal, consulting, and other fees, costs and expenses incurred by it in connection with (a) syndication of the Revolver Commitments and negotiation and preparation of any Loan Documents, including any amendment or other modification thereof; (b) administration of and actions relating to any Collateral, Loan Documents and transactions contemplated thereby, including any actions taken to perfect or maintain priority of Agent’s Liens on any Collateral, to maintain any insurance required hereunder or to verify Collateral; and (c) subject to the limits of Section 10.1.1(b), each inspection, audit or appraisal with respect to any Obligor or Collateral, whether prepared by Agent’s personnel or a third party. All legal, accounting and consulting fees shall be charged to Borrower by Agent’s professionals at their full hourly rates, regardless of any reduced or alternative fee billing arrangements that Agent, any Lender or any of their Affiliates may have with such professionals with respect to this or any other transaction). If, for any reason (including inaccurate reporting on financial statements or a Compliance Certificate), it is reasonably determined that a higher Applicable Margin should have applied to a period than was actually applied, then, following Agent’s consultation with Borrower, the proper margin shall be applied retroactively and Borrower shall immediately pay to Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of Lenders, an amount equal to the difference between the amount of interest and fees that would have accrued using the proper margin and the amount actually paid. All amounts payable by Borrower under this Section shall be due on demand.

3.5.Illegality. If any Lender determines that any Applicable Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund LIBOR Loans, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon LIBOR, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue LIBOR Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to LIBOR Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies Agent that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon delivery of such notice, Borrower shall prepay or, if applicable, convert all LIBOR Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such LIBOR Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such LIBOR Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

3.6.Inability to Determine Rates. If Required Lenders notify Agent for any reason in connection with a request for a Borrowing of, or conversion to or continuation of, a LIBOR Loan that (a) Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Loan, (b) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining LIBOR for the requested Interest Period, or (c) LIBOR for the requested Interest Period does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, then Agent will promptly so notify Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, the obligation of Lenders to make or maintain LIBOR Loans and utilization of the LIBOR component (if affected) in determining Base Rate shall be suspended until Agent (upon instruction by Required Lenders) withdraws such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, Borrower may revoke any pending request for a LIBOR Loan or, failing that, will be deemed to have requested a Base Rate Loan.

3.7.Increased Costs; Capital Adequacy.
 
3.7.1.Change in Law. If any Change in Law shall:



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(a)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 (except any reserve requirement reflected in calculating LIBOR) or Issuing Bank;

(b)subject any Lender or Issuing Bank to any Tax with respect to any Loan, Loan Document, Letter of Credit or participation in LC Obligations, or change the basis of taxation of payments to such Lender or Issuing Bank in respect thereof (in each case excluding Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes which are governed by Section 5.9 and the imposition of, or any change in the rate of, any Excluded Tax payable by such Lender or Issuing Bank, and, for the avoidance of doubt, without duplication of Section 5.9); or

(c)impose on any Lender, Issuing Bank or interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting any Loan, Loan Document, Letter of Credit, participation in LC Obligations or Commitment;

and the result thereof shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Loan or Commitment, or converting to or continuing any interest option for a Loan, or to increase the cost to such Lender or Issuing Bank of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or Issuing Bank hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or Issuing Bank, Borrower will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
3.7.2.Capital Adequacy. If any Lender or Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or Issuing Bank or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’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, Issuing Bank’s or holding company’s capital as a consequence of this Agreement, or such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s Commitments, Loans, Letters of Credit or participations in LC Obligations, to a level below that which such Lender, Issuing Bank or holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s, Issuing Bank’s and holding company’s policies with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time Borrower will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate it or its holding company for any such reduction suffered.

3.7.3.Compensation. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of its right to demand such compensation, but Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or Issuing Bank for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than 120 days prior to the date that the Lender or Issuing Bank notifies Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’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 120 day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

3.8.Mitigation. If any Lender gives a notice under Section 3.5 or requests compensation under Section 3.7, or if Borrower is required to pay additional amounts with respect to a Lender under Section 5.9, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or Affiliates, if, in



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the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (a) would eliminate the need for such notice or reduce amounts payable or to be withheld in the future, as applicable; and (b) in each case, would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender or unlawful. Borrower agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

3.9.Funding Losses. If for any reason (other than default by a Lender) (a) any Borrowing of, or conversion to or continuation of, a LIBOR Loan does not occur on the date specified therefor in a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation (whether or not withdrawn), (b) any repayment or conversion of a LIBOR Loan occurs on a day other than the end of its Interest Period, (c) Borrower fails to repay a LIBOR Loan when required hereunder, or (d) a Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender) is required to assign a LIBOR Loan prior to the end of its Interest Period pursuant to Section 12.10, then Borrower shall pay to Agent its customary administrative charge and to each Lender all resulting losses and expenses, and any loss or expense arising from liquidation or redeployment of funds or from fees payable to terminate deposits of matching funds. Lenders shall not be required to purchase Dollar deposits in any interbank or offshore Dollar market to fund any LIBOR Loan, but the provisions hereof shall be deemed to apply as if each Lender had purchased such deposits.

3.10.Maximum Interest. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by Applicable Law (“maximum rate”). If Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the maximum rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Obligations or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged or received by Agent or a Lender exceeds the maximum rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee or premium rather than interest; (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof; and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

SECTION 4.
LOAN ADMINISTRATION

4.1.Manner of Borrowing and Funding Revolver Loans.

4.1.1.Notice of Borrowing.

(a)Whenever Borrower desires funding of a Borrowing of Revolver Loans, Borrower shall give Agent a Notice of Borrowing. Such notice must be received by Agent no later than 11:00 a.m. (Central Time) (i) on the Business Day of the requested funding date, in the case of Base Rate Loans, and (ii) at least three Business Days prior to the requested funding date, in the case of LIBOR Loans. Notices received after 11:00 a.m. (Central Time) shall be deemed received on the next Business Day. Each Notice of Borrowing shall be irrevocable, shall specify (1) the amount of the Borrowing, (2) the requested funding date (which must be a Business Day), (3) whether the Borrowing is of Tranche A Revolver Loans or Tranche B Revolver Loans; provided that such Borrowing shall be Tranche A Revolver Loans unless the outstanding principal amount of Tranche B Revolver Loans is less than the Tranche B Maximum Amount, in which case up to an amount equal to the Tranche B Maximum Amount minus the outstanding principal amount of Tranche B Revolver Loans of such Revolver Loans shall be Tranche B Revolver Loans, and the remaining amount of such Revolver Loans shall be Tranche A Revolver Loans, (4) whether the Borrowing is to be made as Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Loans, and (5) in the case of LIBOR Loans, the duration of the applicable Interest Period (which shall be deemed to be one month if not specified).



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(b)Unless payment is otherwise timely made by Borrower, the becoming due of any Obligations (whether principal, interest, fees or other charges, including Extraordinary Expenses, LC Obligations, Cash Collateral and Secured Bank Product Obligations, but excluding Obligations other than principal, interest, scheduled fees and LC Obligations, which are being disputed in good faith by Borrower and are not more than thirty (30) days past due) shall be deemed to be a request for Base Rate Revolver Loans on the due date, in the amount of such Obligations; provided that such Revolver Loans shall be Tranche A Revolver Loans unless the outstanding principal amount of Tranche B Revolver Loans is less than the Tranche B Maximum Amount, in which case up to an amount equal to the Tranche B Maximum Amount minus the outstanding principal amount of Tranche B Revolver Loans of such Revolver Loans shall be Tranche B Revolver Loans, and the remaining amount of such Revolver Loans shall be Tranche A Revolver Loans. The proceeds of such Revolver Loans shall be disbursed as direct payment of the relevant Obligation. In addition, Agent may, at its option, charge such Obligations against any operating, investment or other account of Borrower maintained with Agent or any of its Affiliates.
 
(c)If Borrower establishes a controlled disbursement account with Agent or any Affiliate of Agent, then the presentation for payment of any check, ACH or electronic debit, or other payment item at a time when there are insufficient funds to cover it shall be deemed to be a request for Base Rate Revolver Loans on the date of such presentation, in the amount of such payment item; provided that such Revolver Loans shall be Tranche A Revolver Loans unless the outstanding principal amount of Tranche B Revolver Loans is less than the Tranche B Maximum Amount, in which case up to an amount equal to the Tranche B Maximum Amount minus the outstanding principal amount of Tranche B Revolver Loans of such Revolver Loans shall be Tranche B Revolver Loans, and the remaining amount of such Revolver Loans shall be Tranche A Revolver Loans. The proceeds of such Revolver Loans may be disbursed directly to the controlled disbursement account or other appropriate account.

4.1.2.Fundings by Lenders. Each Tranche A Revolver Lender shall timely honor its Tranche A Revolver Commitment by funding its Pro Rata share of each Borrowing of Tranche A Revolver Loans that is properly requested hereunder. Each Tranche B Revolver Lender shall timely honor its Tranche B Revolver Commitment by funding its Pro Rata share of each Borrowing of Tranche B Revolver Loans that is properly requested hereunder. Except for Borrowings to be made as Swingline Loans, Agent shall endeavor to notify Lenders of each Notice of Borrowing (or deemed request for a Borrowing) by 12:00 noon (Central Time) on the proposed funding date for Base Rate Loans or by 3:00 p.m. (Central Time) at least two Business Days before any proposed funding of LIBOR Loans. Each Lender shall fund to Agent such Lender’s Pro Rata share of the Borrowing to the account specified by Agent in immediately available funds not later than 1:00 p.m. (Central Time) on the requested funding date, unless Agent’s notice is received after the times provided above, in which event Lender shall fund its Pro Rata share by 11:00 a.m. (Central Time) on the next Business Day. Subject to its receipt of such amounts from Lenders, Agent shall disburse the proceeds of the Revolver Loans as directed by Borrower. Unless Agent shall have received (in sufficient time to act) written notice from a Lender that it does not intend to fund its Pro Rata share of a Borrowing, Agent may assume that such Lender has deposited or promptly will deposit its share with Agent, and Agent may disburse a corresponding amount to Borrower. If a Lender’s share of any Borrowing or of any settlement pursuant to Section 4.1.3(b) is not in fact received by Agent, then Borrower agrees to repay to Agent on demand the amount of such share, together with interest thereon from the date disbursed until repaid, at the rate applicable to such Borrowing.




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4.1.3.Swingline Loans; Settlement.

(a)Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, advance Swingline Loans to Borrower, up to an aggregate outstanding amount of $100,000,000, unless the funding is specifically required to be made by all applicable Revolver Lenders hereunder. Each Swingline Loan shall constitute a Revolver Loan for all purposes, except that payments thereon shall be made to Agent for its own account. The obligation of Borrower to repay Swingline Loans shall be evidenced by the records of Agent and need not be evidenced by any promissory note.

(b)To facilitate administration of the Revolver Loans, Lenders and Agent agree (which agreement is solely among them, and not for the benefit of or enforceable by Borrower) that settlement among them with respect to Swingline Loans and other Revolver Loans may take place periodically on a date determined from time to time by Agent, which shall occur at least once each week. On each settlement date, settlement shall be made with each Lender in accordance with the Settlement Report delivered by Agent to Lenders; provided that Swingline Loans shall be settled as Tranche A Revolver Loans unless the outstanding principal amount of Tranche B Revolver Loans is less than the Tranche B Maximum Amount, in which case up to an amount equal to the Tranche B Maximum Amount minus the outstanding principal amount of Tranche B Revolver Loans of such Revolver Loans shall be settled as Tranche B Revolver Loans, and the remaining amount of such Revolver Loans shall be settled as Tranche A Revolver Loans. Between settlement dates, Agent may in its discretion apply payments on Revolver Loans to Swingline Loans, regardless of any designation by Borrower or any provision herein to the contrary. Each Lender’s obligation to make settlements with Agent is absolute and unconditional, without offset, counterclaim or other defense, and whether or not the Commitments have terminated, an Overadvance exists or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied. If, due to an Insolvency Proceeding with respect to Borrower or otherwise, any Swingline Loan may not be settled among Revolver Lenders hereunder, then (i) each Tranche B Revolver Lender shall be deemed to have purchased from Agent a Pro Rata participation in each unpaid Swingline Loan (in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the aggregate amount of the Tranche B Revolver Commitments minus the outstanding principal amount of Tranche B Revolver Loans) and (ii) each Tranche A Revolver Lender shall be deemed to have purchased from Agent a Pro Rata participation in each unpaid Swingline Loan to the extent not participated to the Tranche B Revolver Lenders pursuant to the foregoing clause (i) and, in each case, such Lenders shall transfer the amount of such participation to Agent, in immediately available funds, within one Business Day after Agent’s request therefor.

4.1.4.Notices. Borrower authorizes Agent and Lenders to extend, convert or continue Loans, effect selections of interest rates, and transfer funds to or on behalf of Borrower based on telephonic or e-mailed instructions. Borrower shall confirm each such request by prompt delivery to Agent of a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation, if applicable, but if it differs in any material respect from the action taken by Agent or Lenders, the records of Agent and Lenders shall govern. Neither Agent nor any Lender shall have any liability for any loss suffered by Borrower as a result of Agent or any Lender acting upon its understanding of telephonic or e-mailed instructions from a person believed in good faith by Agent or any Lender to be a person authorized to give such instructions on Borrower’s behalf.

4.2.Defaulting Lender.
  
4.2.1.Reallocation of Pro Rata Share: Amendments. For purposes of determining Lenders’ obligations to fund or participate in Loans or Letters of Credit, Agent shall exclude the Commitments and Loans of any Defaulting Lender(s) from the calculation of Pro Rata shares; provided that no Tranche A Revolver Lender shall be required to fund or participate in Tranche A Revolver Loans or Letters of Credit in excess of its Tranche A Revolver Commitment and no Tranche B Revolver Lender shall be required to



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fund or participate in Tranche B Revolver Loans in excess of its Tranche B Revolver Commitment. A Defaulting Lender shall have no right to vote on any amendment, waiver or other modification of a Loan Document, except as provided in Section 14.1.1(c).

4.2.2.Payments; Fees. Agent may, in its discretion, receive and retain any amounts payable to a Defaulting Lender under the Loan Documents, and a Defaulting Lender shall be deemed to have assigned to Agent such amounts until all Obligations owing to Agent, non-Defaulting Lenders and other Secured Parties have been paid in full. Agent may apply such amounts to the Defaulting Lender’s defaulted obligations, use the funds to Cash Collateralize such Lender’s Fronting Exposure, or readvance the amounts to Borrower hereunder. A Lender shall not be entitled to receive any fees accruing hereunder during the period in which it is a Defaulting Lender, and the unfunded portion of its Commitment shall be disregarded for purposes of calculating the unused line fee under Section 3.2.1. If any LC Obligations owing to a Defaulted Lender are reallocated to other Tranche A Revolver Lenders, fees attributable to such LC Obligations under Section 3.2.2 shall be paid to such Tranche A Revolver Lenders. Agent shall be paid all fees attributable to LC Obligations that are not reallocated.

4.2.3.Cure. Borrower, Agent and, in the case of a Lender that is a Tranche A Revolver Lender, Issuing Bank may agree in writing that a Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender. At such time, Pro Rata shares shall be reallocated without exclusion of such Lender’s Commitments and Loans, and all outstanding Revolver Loans, LC Obligations and other exposures under the Revolver Commitments shall be reallocated among Lenders and settled by Agent (with appropriate payments by the reinstated Lender) in accordance with the readjusted Pro Rata shares. Unless expressly agreed by Borrower, Agent and Issuing Bank, no reinstatement of a Defaulting Lender shall constitute a waiver or release of claims against such Lender. The failure of any Lender to fund a Loan, to make a payment in respect of LC Obligations or otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations, and no Lender shall be responsible for default by another Lender.

4.3.Number and Amount of LIBOR Loans; Determination of Rate. For ease of administration, all LIBOR Revolver Loans having the same length and beginning date of their Interest Periods shall be aggregated together, and such Borrowings shall be allocated among Lenders on a Pro Rata basis. No more than 10 Borrowings of LIBOR Loans may be outstanding at any time, and each Borrowing of LIBOR Loans when made shall be in a minimum amount of $5,000,000, or an increment of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Upon determining LIBOR for any Interest Period requested by Borrower, Agent shall promptly notify Borrower thereof by telephone or electronically and, if requested by Borrower, shall confirm any telephonic notice in writing.

4.4.[Reserved].
  
4.5.One Obligation. The Loans, LC Obligations and other Obligations shall constitute one general obligation of Borrower and shall be secured by Agent’s Lien upon all Collateral.

4.6.Effect of Termination. On the effective date of any termination of the Commitments, all Obligations shall be immediately due and payable, and any Lender may terminate its and its Affiliates’ Bank Products (including, only with the consent of Agent, any Cash Management Services). All undertakings of Borrower and each other Obligor contained in the Loan Documents shall survive any termination, and Agent shall retain its Liens in the Collateral and all of its rights and remedies under the Loan Documents until Full Payment of the Obligations. Notwithstanding Full Payment of the Obligations, Agent shall not be required to terminate its Liens in any Collateral unless, with respect to any damages Agent may incur as a result of the dishonor or return of Payment Items applied to Obligations, Agent receives (a)



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a written agreement reasonably satisfactory to Agent, executed by Borrower and, to the extent requested by Agent, any Person whose advances are used in whole or in part to satisfy the Obligations, indemnifying Agent and Lenders from any such damages; and (b) such Cash Collateral as Agent, in its reasonable discretion, deems appropriate to protect against such damages. Sections 2.3.1(c), 3.4, 3.7, 5.5, 5.9, 5.10, 12, 14.2 and this Section, and the obligation of each Obligor and Lender with respect to each indemnity given by it in any Loan Document, shall survive Full Payment of the Obligations and any release relating to this credit facility.

SECTION 5.
PAYMENTS

5.1.General Payment Provisions. All payments of Obligations shall be made in Dollars, and subject to Section 5.9, without offset, counterclaim or defense of any kind, and in immediately available funds, not later than 11:00 a.m. (Central Time) on the due date. Any payment after such time shall be deemed made on the next Business Day. Borrower may, at the time of payment, specify to Agent the Obligations to which such payment is to be applied, but Agent shall in all events retain the right to apply such payment in such manner as Agent, subject to the provisions hereof, may determine to be appropriate. If any payment under the Loan Documents shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, the due date shall be extended to the next Business Day and such extension of time shall be included in any computation of interest and fees. Any payment of a LIBOR Loan prior to the end of its Interest Period shall be accompanied by all amounts due under Section 3.9. Any prepayment of Loans shall be applied first to Base Rate Loans and then to LIBOR Loans; provided, however, that as long as no Event of Default exists, prepayments of LIBOR Loans may, at the option of Borrower and Agent, be held by Agent as Cash Collateral and applied to such Loans at the end of their Interest Periods.

5.2.Repayment of Revolver Loans. Revolver Loans shall be due and payable in full on the Revolver Termination Date, unless payment is sooner required hereunder. Revolver Loans may be prepaid from time to time, without penalty or premium; provided that no prepayments of Tranche B Revolver Loans may be made unless all outstanding Tranche A Revolver Loans have been repaid in full and all outstanding LC Obligations have been Cash Collateralized. If any Asset Disposition includes the disposition of Accounts or Inventory, then Net Proceeds equal to the greater of (a) the net book value of such Accounts and Inventory, or (b) the reduction in the Aggregate Borrowing Base upon giving effect to such disposition, shall be applied to repay the Revolver Loans in accordance with Section 5.3; provided, in the case of any Permitted Asset Disposition, no such repayment shall be required unless (and only to the extent that), upon giving effect to such Permitted Asset Disposition (including the recalculation of the Aggregate Borrowing Base, Tranche A Borrowing Base and Tranche B Borrowing Base), (x) the sum of the unpaid balance of Tranche A Revolver Loans outstanding would exceed the Aggregate Borrowing Base minus the Tranche B Borrowing Base or (y) the sum of the unpaid balance of Tranche B Revolver Loans outstanding plus the unpaid balance of Tranche A Revolver Loans outstanding would exceed the Aggregate Borrowing Base. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if an Overadvance exists, Borrower shall, on the sooner of Agent’s demand or the first Business Day after Borrower has knowledge thereof, repay the outstanding Revolver Loans in an amount sufficient to reduce the principal balance of Revolver Loans to the Aggregate Borrowing Base; provided that no repayments of Tranche B Revolver Loans may be made unless all outstanding Tranche A Revolver Loans have been repaid in full and all outstanding LC Obligations have been Cash Collateralized.

5.3.Application of Certain Prepayments . Any prepayments required to be made by Borrower in connection with Asset Dispositions pursuant to Section 5.2 shall be applied as follows:




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(a)first, to all principal amounts owing to Agent on Swingline Loans and Protective Advances;

(b)second, to all principal amounts owing to Tranche A Revolver Lenders on Tranche A Revolver Loans; and
(c)third, to all principal amounts owing to Tranche B Revolver Lenders on Tranche B Revolver Loans.

Amounts shall be applied to each category of Obligations set forth above until Full Payment thereof and then to the next category. If amounts are insufficient to satisfy a category, they shall be applied on a pro rata basis among the Obligations in the category.
5.4.Payment of Other Obligations. Obligations other than Loans, including LC Obligations and Extraordinary Expenses, shall be paid by Borrower as provided in the Loan Documents or, if no payment date is specified, within one Business Day of demand in the case of LC Obligations and 10 days of demand for all other such Obligations.

5.5.Marshaling; Payments Set Aside. None of Agent or Lenders shall be under any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Obligor or against any Obligations. If any payment by or on behalf of Borrower is made to Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender, or Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender exercises a right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by Agent, Issuing Bank or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other Person, then to the extent of such recovery, the Obligation originally intended to be satisfied, and all Liens, rights and remedies relating thereto, shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred.

5.6.Post-Default Allocation of Payments.

5.6.1.Allocation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, during an Event of Default, monies to be applied to the Obligations, whether arising from payments by Obligors, realization on Collateral, setoff or otherwise, shall be allocated as follows:

(a)first, to all costs and expenses, including Extraordinary Expenses, owing to Agent;

(b)second, to all amounts owing to Agent on Swingline Loans and Protective Advances;

(c)third, to all amounts owing to Issuing Bank;

(d)fourth, to all Obligations constituting fees on Tranche A Revolver Loans and Tranche A Revolver Commitments;

(e)fifth, to all Obligations constituting interest on Tranche A Revolver Loans;

(f)sixth, to Cash Collateralization of LC Obligations;

(g)seventh, to principal payments on Tranche A Revolver Loans and all Noticed Hedges up to the amount of the Bank Product Reserve, including Cash Collateralization of Noticed Hedges;




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(h)eighth, to all Obligations constituting fees on Tranche B Revolver Loans and Tranche B Revolver Commitments;

(i)ninth, to all Obligations constituting interest on Tranche B Revolver Loans;

(j)tenth, to principal payments on Tranche B Revolver Loans;

(k)eleventh, to all other Noticed Hedges;

(l)twelfth, to all other Secured Bank Product Obligations; and

(m)last, to all other Obligations.

Amounts shall be applied to each category of Obligations set forth above until Full Payment thereof and then to the next category. If amounts are insufficient to satisfy a category, they shall be applied on a pro rata basis among the Obligations in the category. Amounts distributed with respect to any Secured Bank Product Obligations shall be the lesser of the maximum Secured Bank Product Obligations last reported to Agent or the actual Secured Bank Product Obligations as calculated by the methodology reported to Agent for determining the amount due. Agent shall have no obligation to calculate the amount to be distributed with respect to any Secured Bank Product Obligations, and may request a reasonably detailed calculation of such amount from the applicable Secured Party. If a Secured Party fails to deliver such calculation within five Business Days following request by Agent, Agent may assume the amount to be distributed is zero. The allocations set forth in this Section are solely to determine the rights and priorities of Agent and Secured Parties as among themselves, and may be changed by agreement among them without the consent of any Obligor. This Section is not for the benefit of or enforceable by Borrower.
5.6.2.Erroneous Application. Agent shall not be liable for any application of amounts made by it in good faith and, if any such application is subsequently determined to have been made in error, the sole recourse of any Lender or other Person to which such amount should have been made shall be to recover the amount from the Person that actually received it (and, if such amount was received by any Lender, such Lender hereby agrees to return it).

5.7.Application of Payments. During any Dominion Period, the ledger balance in the main Dominion Account as of the end of a Business Day shall be applied to the Obligations at the beginning of the next Business Day. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor irrevocably waives the right to direct the application of any payments or Collateral proceeds during any Dominion Period, and agrees that Agent shall have the continuing, exclusive right to apply and reapply such amounts against the Obligations in such manner as Agent deems advisable, notwithstanding any entry by Agent in its records; provided that such amounts shall not be applied in repayment of Tranche B Revolver Loans unless all outstanding Tranche A Revolver Loans have been repaid in full and all outstanding LC Obligations have been Cash Collateralized. If, as a result of Agent’s receipt of Payment Items or proceeds of Collateral, a credit balance exists, the balance shall not accrue interest in favor of Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor and shall be made available to Borrower as long as no Default or Event of Default exists.

5.8.Loan Account; Account Stated.
  
5.8.1.Loan Account. Agent shall maintain in accordance with its usual and customary practices an account or accounts (“Loan Account”) evidencing the Debt of Borrower resulting from each Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit from time to time. Any failure of Agent to record anything



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in the Loan Account, or any error in doing so, shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligation of Borrower to pay any amount owing hereunder. Agent may maintain a single Loan Account in the name of Borrower, and Borrower confirms that such arrangement shall have no effect on its liability for the Obligations.

5.8.2.Entries Binding. Entries made in the Loan Account shall constitute presumptive evidence of the information contained therein. If any information contained in the Loan Account is provided to or inspected by any Person, then such information shall be conclusive and binding on such Person for all purposes absent manifest error, except to the extent such Person notifies Agent in writing within 30 days after receipt or inspection that specific information is subject to dispute.

5.9.Taxes.

5.9.1.Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by any Obligor on account of any Obligations shall be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, except as required by Applicable Law. If Applicable Law requires any Obligor or Agent to withhold or deduct any amounts on account of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, the sum payable by Borrower shall be increased so that Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received if no such withholding or deduction (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) had been made. Without limiting the foregoing, Borrower shall timely pay all Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authorities.

5.9.2.Payment. Borrower shall indemnify, hold harmless and reimburse Agent, Lenders and Issuing Bank, within 30 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) withheld or deducted by any Obligor or Agent, or paid by Agent, any Lender or Issuing Bank, with respect to any Obligations, Letters of Credit or Loan Documents, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the calculations of such payment or liability shall be delivered to Borrower by a Lender or Issuing Bank (with a copy to Agent), or by Agent, and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by Borrower to a relevant Governmental Authority, Borrower shall deliver to Agent a receipt issued by the Governmental Authority evidencing such payment or other evidence of payment reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

5.9.3.Refunds. If any Lender or Issuing Bank determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund in respect of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes as to which indemnification or additional amounts have been paid to it by Borrower pursuant to this Section 5.9, it shall promptly remit such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by Borrower under this Section 5.9 with respect to the Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund) to such Borrower, net of all out-of-pocket expense of such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund); provided that such Borrower, upon the request of Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, agrees promptly to return such refund, plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed on such party by the relevant Governmental Authority, to such party in the event such party is required to repay such refund to the relevant Governmental Authority. This subsection shall not be construed to require any Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to Borrower or any other Person.

5.10.Lender Tax Information.



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5.10.1.Status of Lenders. Each Lender shall deliver documentation and information to Agent and Borrower, at the times and in form required by Applicable Law or reasonably requested by Agent or Borrower, sufficient to permit Agent or Borrower to determine (a) whether or not payments made with respect to Obligations are subject to Taxes, (b) if applicable, the required rate of withholding or deduction, and (c) such Lender’s entitlement to any available exemption from, or reduction of, applicable Taxes for such payments or otherwise to establish such Lender’s status for withholding tax purposes in the applicable jurisdiction.

5.10.2.Documentation. If Borrower is resident for tax purposes in the United States,

(a)any Lender that is a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code shall deliver to Agent and Borrower two duly signed and properly completed copies of IRS Form W-9 or such other documentation or information prescribed by Applicable Law on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender hereunder, upon the expiration, obsolescence or invalidity of any previously delivered form and after the occurrence of any change in circumstance relating to the Lender requiring a change in the most recent form previously delivered by it to Borrower (and from time to time thereafter upon request by Agent or Borrower), in each case certifying that such Lender is entitled to receive payments hereunder without deduction or withholding of any United States federal backup withholding tax;

(b)if any Foreign Lender is entitled to any exemption from or reduction of withholding tax for payments with respect to the Obligations, it shall deliver to Agent and Borrower (i) on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender hereunder, (ii) upon the expiration, obsolescence or invalidity of any previously delivered form, and (iii) after the occurrence of any change in circumstances relating to the Lender requiring a change in the most recent form previously delivered by it to Borrower (and from time to time thereafter upon request by Agent or Borrower, but only if such Foreign Lender is legally entitled to do so), (a) two duly signed and properly completed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party; (b) two duly signed and properly completed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI; (c) two duly signed and properly completed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY and all required supporting documentation; (d) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the Code, two duly signed and properly completed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN and a certificate showing such Foreign Lender is not (i) a “bank” within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (ii) a “10 percent shareholder” of any Obligor within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (iii) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code; or (e) any other form prescribed by Applicable Law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in withholding tax, together with such supplementary documentation necessary to allow Agent and Borrower to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made, including, if applicable, any documentation necessary to prevent withholding under Sections 1471 or 1472 of the Code (as of the date hereof, and any regulations promulgated thereunder and any interpretation or other guidance issued in connection therewith); and

(c)if payment of an Obligation to a Lender would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code), such Lender shall deliver to Borrowers and Agent at the time(s) prescribed by law and otherwise as reasonably requested by Borrowers or Agent such documentation prescribed by Applicable Law (including Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by Borrowers or Agent as may



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be necessary for them to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with its obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (c), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date hereof.
5.10.3.Lender Obligations. Each Lender and Issuing Bank shall promptly notify Borrower and Agent of any change in circumstances that would change any claimed tax exemption or reduction. Each Lender and Issuing Bank shall indemnify, hold harmless and reimburse (within 10 days after demand therefor) Borrower and Agent for any Taxes, losses, claims, liabilities, penalties, interest and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by or asserted against Borrower or Agent by any Governmental Authority due to such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s failure to deliver, or inaccuracy or deficiency in, any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to this Section. Each Lender and Issuing Bank authorizes Agent to set off any amounts due to Agent under this Section against any amounts payable to such Lender or Issuing Bank under any Loan Document.

5.11.Keepwell. Each Obligor that is a Qualified ECP when its guaranty of or grant of Lien as security for a Swap Obligation becomes effective hereby jointly and severally, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide funds or other support to each Specified Obligor with respect to such Swap Obligation as may be needed by such Specified Obligor from time to time to honor all of its obligations under the Loan Documents in respect of such Swap Obligation (but, in each case, only up to the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering such Qualified ECP’s obligations and undertakings under this Section 5.11 voidable under any applicable fraudulent transfer or conveyance act). The obligations and undertakings of each Qualified ECP under this Section shall remain in full force and effect until Full Payment of all Obligations. Each Obligor intends this Section to constitute, and this Section shall be deemed to constitute, a guarantee of the obligations of, and a “keepwell, support or other agreement” for the benefit of, each Obligor for all purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act.

SECTION 6.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

6.1.Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans. In addition to the conditions set forth in Section 6.2, Lenders shall not be required to fund any requested Loan, issue any Letter of Credit, or otherwise extend credit to Borrower hereunder, until the date (“Closing Date”) that each of the following conditions has been satisfied:

(a)Notes shall have been executed by Borrower and delivered to each Lender that requests issuance of a Note at least one (1) Business Day prior to the Closing Date. Each other Loan Document shall have been duly executed and delivered to Agent by each of the signatories thereto.

(b)Agent shall have received executed copies of all filings or recordations necessary to perfect its Liens in the Collateral, as well as UCC and Lien searches and other evidence reasonably satisfactory to Agent that such Liens are the only Liens upon the Collateral, except Permitted Liens.

(c)Agent shall have received a certificate or certificates, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it, from a knowledgeable Senior Officer or the Treasurer of Borrower certifying that, after giving effect to the initial Loans and transactions hereunder, (i) Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis are Solvent; (ii) no Default or Event of Default exists; (iii) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 9 are true and correct; and (iv) the Obligors have complied with all agreements and conditions to be satisfied by it under the Loan Documents.




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(d)Agent shall have received a certificate of a duly authorized officer of each Obligor, certifying (i) that attached copies of such Obligor’s Organic Documents are true and complete, and in full force and effect, without amendment except as shown; (ii) that an attached copy of resolutions authorizing execution and delivery of the Loan Documents is true and complete, and that such resolutions are in full force and effect, were duly adopted, have not been amended, modified or revoked, and constitute all resolutions adopted with respect to this credit facility; and (iii) to the title, name and signature of each Person authorized to execute the Loan Documents on the Closing Date. Agent and Lenders may conclusively rely on this certificate until it is otherwise notified by the applicable Obligor in writing.

(e)Agent shall have received a written opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, and Borrower’s general counsel or assistant general counsel, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

(f)Agent shall have received copies of the charter documents of each Obligor, certified by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Obligor’s jurisdiction of organization. Agent shall have received good standing certificates for each Obligor, issued by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Obligor’s jurisdiction of organization and each jurisdiction where such Obligor’s conduct of business or ownership of Property necessitates qualification.

(g)Agent shall have received copies of policies or certificates of insurance for the insurance policies carried by Borrower, together with, with respect to property insurance in respect of property constituting Collateral and the general and/or excess liability insurance on the Properties and business of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, loss payable and additional insured endorsements naming Agent as loss payee and additional insured, as applicable, all in compliance with the Loan Documents.

(h)Agent shall have (i) received financial projections of Borrower evidencing Borrower’s ability to comply with the financial covenants set forth herein on a pro forma basis, (ii) completed its business, financial and legal due diligence of Obligors, in all cases, with results reasonably satisfactory to Agent, and (iii) received a reasonably satisfactory appraisal of Borrower’s Inventory. No material adverse change in the financial condition of any Obligor or in the quality, quantity or value of any Collateral shall have occurred since December 31, 2016.

(i)Borrower shall have paid all fees and expenses to be paid to Agent and Lenders on the Closing Date.

(j)Agent shall have received a Borrowing Base Certificate prepared as of July 31, 2017.

(k)Agent shall have received an officer’s certificate certifying that neither the execution or performance of the Loan Documents nor the incurrence of any Obligations by Borrower violates the Existing Senior Notes (or, in each case, the indenture executed in connection therewith).

(l)Borrower shall have obtained all material Governmental Authority and other third party consents and approvals as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to execute the Loan Documents and perform their obligations hereunder and thereunder.

6.2.Conditions Precedent to All Credit Extensions. Agent, Issuing Bank and Lenders shall not be required to fund any Loans, arrange for issuance of any Letters of Credit or grant any other accommodation to or for the benefit of Borrower, unless the following conditions are satisfied:



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(a)No Default or Event of Default shall exist at the time of, or result from, such funding, issuance or grant;

(b)The representations and warranties of each Obligor in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (without giving effect to any materiality qualifier contained therein) on the date of, and upon giving effect to, such funding, issuance or grant (except for representations and warranties that expressly relate to an earlier date); and

(c)With respect to issuance of a Letter of Credit, the LC Conditions shall be satisfied.

Each request (or deemed request) by Borrower for funding of a Loan, issuance of a Letter of Credit or grant of an accommodation shall constitute a representation by Borrower that the foregoing conditions are satisfied on the date of such request and on the date of such funding, issuance or grant. As an additional condition to any funding, issuance or grant, Agent shall have received such other information and documents as it reasonably deems appropriate in connection therewith.
6.3.Limited Waiver of Conditions Precedent. If Agent, Issuing Bank or Lenders fund any Loans, arrange for issuance of any Letters of Credit or grant any other accommodation when any conditions precedent are not satisfied (regardless of whether the lack of satisfaction was known or unknown at the time), it shall not operate as a waiver of (a) the right of Agent, Issuing Bank and Lenders to insist upon satisfaction of all conditions precedent with respect to any subsequent funding, issuance or grant; nor (b) any Default or Event of Default due to such failure of conditions or otherwise.

SECTION 7.
COLLATERAL

7.1.Grant of Security Interest. To secure the prompt payment and performance of all Obligations, each of Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor hereby grants to Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a continuing security interest in and Lien upon all of the following Property of Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor, as applicable, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and wherever located:

(a)all Inventory;

(b)all Receivables;

(c)all contracts for sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of Inventory, whether or not performed and whether or not subject to termination upon a contingency or at the option of any party thereto;

(d)all Documents covering Inventory;

(e)each Deposit Account in which proceeds of Inventory or Receivables or other Collateral are deposited;

(f)all trademarks, servicemarks, trade names and similar intangible property owned or used by Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor in its business, together with the goodwill of the business symbolized thereby and all rights relating thereto; provided that the rights of the Agent, on



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behalf of the Lenders, shall be limited to the use of such Collateral to manufacture, process and sell the Inventory;
(g)all books and records (including customer lists, credit files, computer programs, printouts and other computer materials and records) of Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor pertaining to any of the Collateral; and

(h)all other proceeds of the Collateral described in the foregoing clauses (a) through (g).

7.2.Lien on Deposit Accounts; Cash Collateral.
  
7.2.1.Deposit Accounts. To further secure the prompt payment and performance of all Obligations, Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor hereby grants to Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a continuing security interest in and Lien upon all amounts constituting Collateral credited to any Deposit Account of Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor, as applicable, including any sums in any blocked or lockbox accounts or in any accounts into which such sums are swept. Each of Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor authorizes and directs each bank or other depository (during a Dominion Period) to deliver to Agent, on a daily basis, all balances in each Deposit Account maintained by Borrower and/or each such Borrowing Base Guarantor, as applicable, with such depository for application to the Obligations then outstanding. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor irrevocably appoints Agent as Borrower’s and each such Borrowing Base Guarantor’s attorney-in-fact to collect such balances to the extent any such delivery is not so made.

7.2.2.Cash Collateral. Any Cash Collateral may be invested, at Agent’s discretion, in Cash Equivalents, but Agent shall have no duty to do so, regardless of any agreement or course of dealing with Borrower and/or any Borrowing Base Guarantor, and shall have no responsibility for any investment or loss. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor hereby grants to Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a security interest in all Cash Collateral held from time to time and all proceeds thereof, as security for the Obligations, whether such Cash Collateral is held in a Cash Collateral Account or elsewhere. Agent may apply Cash Collateral to the payment of any Obligations, in such order as Agent may elect, as they become due and payable. Each Cash Collateral Account and all Cash Collateral shall be under the sole dominion and control of Agent. Neither Borrower, any Borrowing Base Guarantor, nor any other Person claiming through or on behalf of Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor shall have any right to any Cash Collateral, until Full Payment of all Obligations.

7.3.[Reserved].
  
7.4.Other Collateral. Borrower shall notify Agent on the same day Borrower delivers a Borrowing Base Certificate under Section 8.1 in writing if, after the Closing Date, Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor obtains any interest in any Collateral consisting of (i) Deposit Accounts, (ii) Intellectual Property, (iii) Chattel Paper, (iv) Documents, (v) Instruments or (vi) Letter-of-Credit Rights (with respect to each of (iii) through (vi), solely to the extent such Collateral has an individual value of at least $5,000,000) and, upon Agent’s reasonable request, shall promptly take such actions as Agent deems appropriate to effect Agent’s duly perfected, first priority Lien upon such Collateral, including obtaining any appropriate possession, control agreement, Lien Waiver, Patent Assignment, Copyright Security Agreement or Trademark Security Agreement. If any Collateral is in the possession of a third party, at Agent’s request, Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain an acknowledgment that such third party holds the Collateral for the benefit of Agent.




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7.5.No Assumption of Liability. The Lien on Collateral granted hereunder is given as security only and shall not subject Agent or any Lender to, or in any way modify, any obligation or liability of Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor relating to any Collateral. In no event shall the grant of any Lien under any Loan Document secure an Excluded Swap Obligation of the granting Obligor.

7.6.Further Assurances. Promptly upon request, Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor shall deliver such instruments, assignments, title certificates, or other documents or agreements, and shall take such actions, as Agent reasonably requires under Applicable Law to evidence or perfect its Lien on any Collateral, or otherwise to give effect to the express provisions of this Agreement. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor authorize Agent to file any financing statement that indicates the Collateral and ratifies any action taken by Agent before the Closing Date (or with respect to any such Borrowing Base Guarantor, before its joinder thereof to this Agreement) to effect or perfect its Lien on any Collateral.

SECTION 8.
COLLATERAL ADMINISTRATION

8.1.Borrowing Base Certificates. By the 15th day of each month, Borrower shall deliver to Agent (and Agent shall promptly deliver same to Lenders) a Borrowing Base Certificate prepared as of the close of business of the last Business Day of the previous month, and, at any time that either (i) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (ii) Availability is less than the greater of (A) 12.5% of the Line Cap at such time or (B) $125,000,000 for five consecutive days and until Availability exceeds the greater of (A) 12.5% of the Line Cap at such time or (B) $125,000,000 for 30 consecutive days, Borrower shall deliver to Agent (and Agent shall promptly deliver same to Lenders), by the second Business Day of each week, a Borrowing Base Certificate prepared as of the close of business on the last Business Day of the previous week. All calculations of Availability in any Borrowing Base Certificate shall originally be made by Borrower and certified by a Senior Officer or the Treasurer; provided that Agent may from time to time review and adjust any such calculation (a) to reflect its reasonable estimate of declines in value of any Collateral, due to collections received in the Dominion Account or otherwise; and (b) to the extent the calculation is not made in accordance with this Agreement or does not accurately reflect the Reserves. In connection with the delivery of the Borrowing Base Certificate, Borrower shall deliver a list of third-party locations where Inventory is located (together with the amount of Inventory at each such location) that is deemed “Eligible Inventory” in the applicable Borrowing Base Certificate that is not otherwise subject to a Lien Waiver.

8.2.Administration of Accounts.

8.2.1.Records and Schedules of Accounts. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor shall keep accurate and complete records of their respective Accounts, including all payments and collections thereon, and shall submit to Agent, on such periodic basis as Agent may request, a sales and collections report, in form reasonably satisfactory to Agent. Borrower shall also provide to Agent, on or before the 15th day of each month, a detailed aged trial balance of all Accounts owing to Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor as of the end of the preceding month, specifying each Account’s Account Debtor name and address, amount, invoice date and due date, showing any discount, allowance, credit, authorized return or dispute, and including such proof of delivery, copies of invoices and invoice registers, copies of related documents, repayment histories, status reports and other information as Agent may reasonably request. If either (a) Accounts owing to Borrower and/or Borrowing Base Guarantors in an aggregate face amount of $5,000,000 or more during a Dominion Period or (b) Accounts owing to Borrower and/or Borrowing Base Guarantors of any one Account Debtor in an aggregate face amount of $5,000,000 or more at any time, cease



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to be Eligible Accounts, Borrower shall notify Agent of such occurrence promptly (and in any event within five Business Days) after Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor has knowledge thereof.
8.2.2.Taxes. If an Account of Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor includes a charge for any material, past due Taxes, Agent is authorized, in its discretion, to pay the amount thereof to the proper Governmental Authority for the account of Borrower or such Borrowing Base Guarantor, as applicable, and to charge Borrower therefor; provided, however, that neither Agent nor Lenders shall be liable for any Taxes that may be due from Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor or with respect to any Collateral.

8.2.3.Account Verification. Whether or not a Default or Event of Default exists, Agent shall have the right at any time, in the name of Agent, any designee of Agent, Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor, to verify the validity, amount or any other matter relating to any Accounts of Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor by mail, telephone or otherwise. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor shall cooperate fully with Agent in an effort to facilitate and promptly conclude any such verification process.

8.2.4.Maintenance of Dominion Account. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor shall maintain Dominion Accounts pursuant to lockbox or other arrangements reasonably acceptable to Agent. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor shall obtain an agreement (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent) from each lockbox servicer and Dominion Account bank, establishing Agent’s control over and Lien in the lockbox or Dominion Account, requiring immediate deposit of all remittances received in the lockbox to a Dominion Account and, to the extent required by Agent, waiving offset rights of such servicer or bank against any funds in the lockbox or Dominion Account, except offset rights for customary administrative charges. Neither Agent nor Lenders assume any responsibility to Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor for any lockbox arrangement or Dominion Account, including any claim of accord and satisfaction or release with respect to any Payment Items accepted by any bank.

8.2.5.Proceeds of Collateral. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor shall request in writing and otherwise take all necessary steps to ensure that all payments on Accounts or otherwise relating to Collateral are made directly to a Dominion Account (or a lockbox relating to a Dominion Account). If Borrower, any Borrowing Base Guarantor or any of their Subsidiaries receives cash or Payment Items with respect to any Collateral, it shall hold same in trust for Agent and promptly (not later than the next Business Day) deposit same into a Dominion Account.

8.3.Administration of Inventory.
  
8.3.1.Records and Reports of Inventory. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor shall keep accurate and complete records of its Inventory, including costs and daily withdrawals and additions, and Borrower shall submit to Agent inventory reports in form reasonably satisfactory to Agent, on such periodic basis as Agent may reasonably request. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor shall conduct a physical inventory at least once per calendar year (and on a more frequent basis if requested by Agent when an Event of Default exists) and periodic cycle counts consistent with historical practices, and shall provide to Agent a report based on each such inventory and count promptly upon completion thereof, together with such supporting information as Agent may request. Agent may participate in and observe each physical count.

8.3.2.Returns of Inventory. Neither Borrower nor any Borrowing Base Guarantor shall return any Inventory to a supplier, vendor or other Person, whether for cash, credit or otherwise, unless (a) such return is in the Ordinary Course of Business; (b) no Default, Event of Default or Overadvance exists



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or would result therefrom; (c) Agent is promptly notified if the aggregate Value of all Inventory returned in any month exceeds $1,000,000; and (d) any payment received by Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor, as applicable, for a return is promptly remitted to Agent for application to the Obligations.

8.3.3.Acquisition, Sale and Maintenance. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor shall take all steps to assure that all Inventory is produced by Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor in accordance with all material requirements of Applicable Law, including the FLSA. Neither Borrower nor any Borrowing Base Guarantor shall sell any Inventory that is included in the definition of Eligible Inventory on consignment or approval or any other basis under which the customer may return or require Borrower or any such Borrowing Base Guarantor to repurchase such Inventory. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor shall use, store and maintain all Inventory with reasonable care and caution, in accordance with applicable standards of any insurance and in conformity with all material requirements of Applicable Law, and shall make current rent payments (within applicable grace periods provided for in leases and except in the case of a bona fide dispute) at all locations where any Collateral is located.

8.4.[Reserved].
  
8.5.Administration of Deposit Accounts. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor shall maintain Bank of America and other Lenders as Borrower’s and each Borrowing Base Guarantor’s principal depository banks, including for the maintenance of operating and deposit accounts, lockbox administration, funds transfer and information reporting service, in each case, to the extent related to the credit facility contemplated hereunder. The list of Deposit Accounts delivered in writing to Agent prior to the Closing Date (the “Deposit Account List”) sets forth all Deposit Accounts maintained by Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor, including all Dominion Accounts, as of the Closing Date. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor shall take all actions necessary to establish Agent’s control of each such Deposit Account (other than (i) an account exclusively used for payroll, trust purposes, petty cash, payroll taxes or employee benefits, (ii) an account containing not more than $10,000 at any time or (iii) an account that does not contain proceeds of Collateral). Borrower and/or each Borrowing Base Guarantor, as applicable, shall be the sole account holder of each Deposit Account and shall not allow any other Person (other than Agent) to have control over such Deposit Account constituting Collateral or any Property deposited therein. Borrower shall promptly notify Agent of any opening or closing of a Deposit Account and shall deliver to Agent an updated Deposit Account List at the time of such notification.

8.6.General Provisions.
  
8.6.1.Location of Collateral. All tangible items of Collateral, other than Inventory in transit, shall at all times be kept by Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor at their applicable business locations set forth in Schedule 8.6.1, except that Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor may (a) make sales or other dispositions of Collateral in accordance with Section 10.2.6; and (b) move Collateral to another location in the United States.

8.6.2.Insurance of Collateral; Condemnation Proceeds.

(a)Without limiting the provisions set forth in Section 10.1.7, Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor will maintain or cause to be maintained replacement value property insurance (including business interruption insurance) on the Collateral under such policies of insurance, with such insurance companies (including captive insurers reasonably acceptable to Agent), in such amounts (including after giving effect to self insurance reasonably acceptable to Agent), with such deductibles, and covering such risks as are at all times reasonably satisfactory to the Agent. Each policy of insurance on the Collateral



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shall contain a loss payable clause or endorsement, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent, that names the Agent for the benefit of the Lenders as the loss payee thereunder for any covered loss and shall endeavor to provide at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Agent of any cancellation of such policy. In addition, Borrower shall give at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Agent of any material reduction in coverage or cancellation of the policies of insurance described in the preceding sentence.

(b)Any proceeds of insurance (including, without limitation, proceeds from business interruption insurance and excluding proceeds from workers’ compensation or D&O insurance) solely to the extent attributable to the Collateral and any awards arising from condemnation solely to the extent attributable to the Collateral shall be paid to Agent. Any such proceeds or awards that relate to Collateral shall be applied to payment of the Revolver Loans, and then to any other Obligations outstanding and thereafter paid to Borrower and/or Borrowing Base Guarantor, as applicable, or in accordance with applicable law.

8.6.3.Protection of Collateral. All expenses of protecting, storing, warehousing, insuring, handling, maintaining and shipping any Collateral, all Taxes payable with respect to any Collateral (including any sale thereof), and all other payments required to be made by Agent to any Person to realize upon any Collateral, shall be borne and paid by Borrower and Borrowing Base Guarantors. Agent shall not be liable or responsible in any way for the safekeeping of any Collateral, for any loss or damage thereto (except for reasonable care in its custody while Collateral is in Agent’s actual possession), for any diminution in the value thereof, or for any act or default of any warehouseman, carrier, forwarding agency or other Person whatsoever, but the same shall be at Borrower’s and/or Borrowing Base Guarantor’s sole risk, as applicable.

8.6.4.Defense of Title to Collateral. Borrower and Borrowing Base Guarantors shall at all times take all reasonable actions to defend their title to Collateral and Agent’s Liens therein against all Persons, claims and demands whatsoever, except Permitted Liens.

8.7.Power of Attorney. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints Agent (and all Persons designated by Agent) as Borrower’s and each such Borrowing Base Guarantor’s true and lawful attorney (and agent-in-fact) for the purposes provided in this Section. Agent, or Agent’s designee, may, without notice and in any of its, Borrower’s or any such Borrowing Base Guarantor’s name, but at the cost and expense of Borrower and/or such Borrowing Base Guarantor:

(a)Endorse Borrower’s and/or any Borrowing Base Guarantor’s name, as applicable, on any Payment Item or other proceeds of Collateral (including proceeds of insurance) that come into Agent’s possession or control; and

(b)During an Event of Default which is continuing, (i) notify any Account Debtors of the assignment of their Accounts, demand and enforce payment of Accounts, by legal proceedings or otherwise, and generally exercise any rights and remedies with respect to Accounts; (ii) settle, adjust, modify, compromise, discharge or release any Accounts or other Collateral, or any legal proceedings brought to collect Accounts or Collateral; (iii) sell or assign any Accounts and other Collateral upon such terms, for such amounts and at such times as Agent reasonably deems advisable; (iv) collect, liquidate and receive balances in Deposit Accounts or investment accounts, and take control, in any manner, of any proceeds of Collateral; (v) prepare, file and sign Borrower’s and/or any Borrowing Base Guarantor’s name, as applicable, to a proof of claim or other document in a bankruptcy of an Account Debtor, or to any notice, assignment



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or satisfaction of Lien or similar document; (vi) receive, open and dispose of mail addressed to Borrower and/or any Borrowing Base Guarantor, and notify postal authorities to change the address for delivery thereof to such address as Agent may designate; (vii) endorse any Chattel Paper, Document, Instrument, invoice, freight bill, bill of lading, or other document or agreement relating to any Accounts, Inventory or other Collateral; (viii) sign its name to verifications of Accounts and notices to Account Debtors; (ix) use information contained in any data processing, electronic or information systems relating to any Collateral; (x) make and adjust claims under policies of insurance; (xi) take any action as may be reasonably necessary in Agent’s determination or appropriate to obtain payment under any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance or other instrument for which Borrower and/or any Borrowing Base Guarantor is a beneficiary; and (xii) take all other actions as Agent deems reasonably appropriate to fulfill Borrower’s and/or any Borrowing Base Guarantor’s obligations under the Loan Documents.

SECTION 9.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

9.1.General Representations and Warranties. To induce Agent and Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to make available the Commitments, Loans and Letters of Credit, each of Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor represents and warrants that:

9.1.1.Organization and Qualification. Each Obligor is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization. Each Obligor is duly qualified, authorized to do business and in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where failure to be so qualified could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

9.1.2.Power and Authority. Each Obligor is duly authorized to execute, deliver and perform the Loan Documents to which it is party. The execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and do not (a) require any consent or approval of any holders of Equity Interests of any Obligor, other than those already obtained; (b) contravene the Organic Documents of any Obligor; (c) violate or cause a default under any Applicable Law or Material Contract; or (d) result in or require the imposition of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any Property of any Obligor, except, as set forth solely in clause (c), as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

9.1.3.Enforceability. Each Loan Document is a legal, valid and binding obligation of each Obligor party thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally.

9.1.4.Capital Structure. As of the Closing Date, Schedule 9.1.4, taken together with any written notifications provided by the Borrower to the Agent and the Lenders on the Closing Date, shows, for Borrower and each Subsidiary, its name, its jurisdiction of organization, its authorized and issued Equity Interests (with respect to Obligors) and the holders of its Equity Interests. Holdings has good title to its Equity Interest in Borrower and Borrower has good title to its Equity Interests in Subsidiaries, in each case subject only to Agent’s Lien, and all such Equity Interests are duly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. There are no outstanding options to purchase, warrants, subscription rights, agreements to issue or sell, convertible interests, phantom rights or powers of attorney relating to any Equity Interests of Borrower or any Obligor.

9.1.5.Corporate Names; Locations. During the five years preceding the Closing Date, except as shown on Schedule 9.1.5, neither Borrower nor any Guarantor has been known as or used any corporate, fictitious or trade names, has been the surviving corporation of a merger or combination. As



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of the Closing Date, the chief executive offices and other places of business of Borrower and each Guarantor are shown on Schedule 8.6.1. During the five years preceding the Closing Date, neither Borrower nor any Guarantor has had any other office or place of business.

9.1.6.Title to Properties; Priority of Liens. Each of Borrower and each Material Subsidiary has good and marketable title to (or valid leasehold interests in) all of its Real Estate, and good title to all of its personal Property, including all Property reflected in any financial statements delivered to Agent or Lenders, in each case free of Liens except Permitted Liens. Each of Borrower and each Material Subsidiary has paid and discharged all lawful claims that, if unpaid, could become a Lien on its Properties, other than Permitted Liens. All Liens of Agent in the Collateral are duly perfected, first priority Liens, subject only to Permitted Liens that are expressly allowed to have priority over Agent’s Liens.

9.1.7.Accounts. Agent may rely, in determining which Accounts are Eligible Accounts, on all statements and representations made by Borrower and/or any Borrowing Base Guarantor, as applicable, with respect thereto. Each of Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor warrants, with respect to each Account at the time it is shown as an Eligible Account in a Borrowing Base Certificate, that:

(a)it is genuine and in all material respects what it purports to be, and is not evidenced by a judgment;

(b)it arises out of a completed, bona fide sale and delivery of goods in the Ordinary Course of Business, and substantially in accordance with any purchase order, contract or other document relating thereto;

(c)it is for a sum certain, maturing as stated in the invoice covering such sale, a copy of which has been furnished or is available to Agent on request;

(d)it is not subject to any offset, Lien (other than Agent’s Lien), deduction, defense, dispute, counterclaim or other adverse condition except as arising in the Ordinary Course of Business and disclosed to Agent; and it is absolutely owing by the Account Debtor, without contingency in any respect;

(e)no purchase order, agreement, document or Applicable Law validly restricts assignment of the Account to Agent, and the applicable Borrower and/or Borrowing Base Guarantor, as applicable, is the sole payee or remittance party shown on the invoice;

(f)no extension, compromise, settlement, modification, credit, deduction or return has been authorized with respect to the Account, except discounts or allowances granted in the Ordinary Course of Business for prompt payment that are reflected on the face of the invoice related thereto and in the reports submitted to Agent hereunder; and

(g)to Borrower’s and each Borrowing Base Guarantor’s actual knowledge, (i) there are no facts or circumstances that are reasonably likely to impair the enforceability or collectibility of such Account; (ii) the Account Debtor had the capacity to contract when the Account arose, continues to meet the applicable Borrower’s and/or Borrowing Base Guarantor’s, as applicable, customary credit standards, is Solvent (except to the extent clauses (f)(i) and (ii) of the definition of “Eligible Account” apply), is not contemplating or subject to an Insolvency Proceeding (except to the extent clauses (f)(i) and (ii) of the definition of “Eligible Account” apply), and has not failed, or suspended or ceased doing business; and (iii) there are no proceedings or actions threatened or pending against any Account Debtor that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Account Debtor’s financial condition.



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9.1.8.Financial Statements. The consolidated and consolidating balance sheets, and related statements of income, cash flow and shareholder’s equity, of Holdings, Borrower and Subsidiaries that have been and are hereafter delivered to Agent and Lenders, are prepared in accordance with GAAP, and fairly present in all material respects, the financial positions and results of operations of Holdings, Borrower and Subsidiaries at the dates and for the periods indicated. All projections delivered from time to time to Agent and Lenders have been prepared in good faith, based on reasonable assumptions in light of the circumstances at such time. Since December 31, 2016, there has been no change in the condition, financial or otherwise, of Borrower or any Subsidiary that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No financial statement delivered to Agent or Lenders at any time contains any untrue statement of a material fact, nor fails to disclose any material fact necessary to make such statement not materially misleading. Borrower and its Subsidiaries are Solvent on a consolidated basis.

9.1.9.Surety Obligations. Neither Borrower nor any Material Subsidiary is obligated as surety or indemnitor under any bond or other contract that assures payment or performance of any obligation of any Person, except as permitted hereunder.

9.1.10.Taxes. Each of Holdings, Borrower and each Subsidiary has filed all material federal, state and local tax returns and other reports that it is required by law to file, and has paid, or made provision for the payment of, all material Taxes upon it, its income and its Properties that are due and payable, except to the extent being Properly Contested.

9.1.11.Brokers. There are no brokerage commissions, finder’s fees or investment banking fees payable in connection with any transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents.

9.1.12.Intellectual Property. Each of Borrower and each Material Subsidiary owns or has the lawful right to use all Intellectual Property necessary for the conduct of its business, without conflict with any rights of others, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There is no pending or, to Borrower’s or any Borrowing Base Guarantor’s knowledge, threatened Intellectual Property Claim with respect to Borrower, any Material Subsidiary or any of their Property (including any Intellectual Property) except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.12, neither Borrower, any Borrowing Base Guarantor, nor any other Guarantor Subsidiary as of the Closing Date pays or owes any Royalty or other compensation to any Person with respect to any Intellectual Property. All material Intellectual Property owned, used or licensed by, or otherwise subject to any interests of, Borrower or any Guarantor Subsidiary as of the Closing Date is shown on Schedule 9.1.12. As of the Closing Date, the manufacturing, marketing, distribution or disposition of Inventory is not subject to any Licenses (except ordinary course software Licenses).

9.1.13.Governmental Approvals. Each of Borrower and each Subsidiary has, is in compliance with, and is in good standing with respect to, all Governmental Approvals necessary to conduct its business and to own, lease and operate its Properties, except where noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All necessary import, export or other licenses, permits or certificates for the import or handling of any goods or other Collateral have been procured and are in effect, and Borrower and Subsidiaries have complied with all foreign and domestic laws with respect to the shipment and importation of any goods or Collateral, except where noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

9.1.14.Compliance with Laws. Each of Holdings, Borrower and each Material Subsidiary has duly complied, and its Properties and business operations are in compliance, with all Applicable Law, except where noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse



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Effect. There have been no citations, notices or orders of material noncompliance issued to Borrower or any Material Subsidiary under any Applicable Law. No Inventory has been produced in violation of any material provisions of the FLSA.

9.1.15.Compliance with Environmental Laws. Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.15, none of Holding’s, Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s past or present operations, Real Estate or other Properties are subject to any federal, state or local investigation to determine whether any remedial action is needed to address any Environmental Release that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.15, neither Holdings, Borrower nor any Subsidiary has received any Environmental Notice that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.15, none of Holdings, Borrower or any Subsidiary has any liability with respect to any Environmental Release or under any Environmental Law, that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

9.1.16.Burdensome Contracts. None of Holdings, Borrower or any Subsidiary is a party or subject to any contract, agreement or charter restriction that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. None of Holdings, Borrower or any Subsidiary is party or subject to any Restrictive Agreement, except (i) as shown on Schedule 9.1.16, none of which prohibit the execution or delivery of any Loan Documents by an Obligor nor the performance by an Obligor of any obligations thereunder or (ii) as otherwise permitted by Section 10.2.14.

9.1.17.Litigation. Except as shown on Schedule 9.1.17, there are no proceedings or investigations pending or, to Borrower’s or any Borrowing Base Guarantor’s actual knowledge, threatened against Holdings, Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any of their businesses, operations, Properties, prospects or conditions, that (a) relate to any Loan Documents or transactions contemplated thereby; or (b) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. None of Holdings, Borrower or any Subsidiary is in default with respect to any material order, injunction or judgment of any Governmental Authority.

9.1.18.No Defaults. No event or circumstance has occurred or exists that constitutes a Default or Event of Default. None of Holdings, Borrower or any Material Subsidiary is in default under any Material Contract which default could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

9.1.19.ERISA. Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.19:

(a)Each Plan is in compliance in all respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code, and other federal and state laws, except, in each case, where non-compliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS or an application for such a letter is currently being processed by the IRS with respect thereto and, to the knowledge of Borrower and all Borrowing Base Guarantors, nothing has occurred which would prevent, or cause the loss of, such qualification, except where failure to obtain such qualification could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b)There are no pending or, to the knowledge of Borrower and all Borrowing Base Guarantors, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.




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(c)(i) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; and (ii) as of the most recent valuation date for any Pension Plan, there is no Unfunded Pension Liability, individually or in the aggregate for all Pension Plans, which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(d)With respect to any Foreign Plan, (i) all employer and employee contributions required by law or by the terms of the Foreign Plan have been made, or, if applicable, accrued, in accordance with normal accounting practices, except where such failure to make such contributions could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and (ii) it has been registered as required and has been maintained in good standing with applicable regulatory authorities, except where such failure to register or maintain such good standing could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

9.1.20.Trade Relations. There exists no actual or threatened termination, limitation or modification of any business relationship between Borrower or any Material Subsidiary and any customer or supplier, or any group of customers or suppliers, who individually or in the aggregate are material to the business of Borrower or any Material Subsidiary, except, in each case, as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There exists no condition or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to impair the ability of Holdings, Borrower or any Material Subsidiary to conduct its business at any time hereafter in substantially the same manner as conducted on the Closing Date.

9.1.21.Labor Relations. As of the Closing Date, except as described on Schedule 9.1.21, there are no grievances, disputes or controversies with any union or other organization of Holding’s, Borrower’s or Subsidiary’s employees, or, to Borrower’s and all Borrowing Base Guarantors’ knowledge, any asserted or threatened strikes, work stoppages or demands for collective bargaining, in each case, which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

9.1.22.Payable Practices. Neither Borrower nor any Material Subsidiary has made any material change in its historical accounts payable practices from those in effect on the Closing Date.

9.1.23.Not a Regulated Entity. No Obligor is (a) an “investment company” or a “person directly or indirectly controlled by or acting on behalf of an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940; or (b) subject to regulation under the Federal Power Act, the Interstate Commerce Act, any public utilities code or any other Applicable Law regarding its authority to incur Debt.

9.1.24.Margin Stock. None of Holdings, any Borrower or any Subsidiary is engaged, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock. No Loan proceeds or Letters of Credit will be used by Borrower to purchase or carry, or to reduce or refinance any Debt incurred to purchase or carry, any Margin Stock or for any related purpose governed by Regulations T, U or X of the Board of Governors.

9.1.25.Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. Each of Borrower and each Subsidiary has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by Borrower and each Subsidiary, and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and each of Borrower and each Subsidiary, and their respective officers and employees and, to the knowledge of Borrower and each Subsidiary, their respective directors and agents, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects. No Borrower or Subsidiary or any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or, to the knowledge



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of any Borrower or any Subsidiary, any agent of Borrower or any Subsidiary that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. No proceeds of Revolver Loans or Letter of Credit, use of proceeds or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions. No Borrower or Subsidiary is located, organized or resident in a Designated Jurisdiction.

9.1.26.Beneficial Ownership Certification. As of the First Amendment Effective Date, the information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification is true and correct in all respects.
  
9.2.Complete Disclosure. The Loan Documents taken as a whole do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact, nor fail to disclose any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading in light of the circumstances in which such statements were made. There is no fact or circumstance that any Obligor has failed to disclose to Agent in writing that to Borrower’s and all Borrowing Base Guarantors’ knowledge could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 10.
COVENANTS AND CONTINUING AGREEMENTS

10.1.Affirmative Covenants. Until Full Payment of the Obligations, Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to:

10.1.1.Inspections; Appraisals.

(a)Permit Agent from time to time, (but no more than once per fiscal quarter at Borrower’s expense, except during the continuance of an Event of Default), subject to reasonable notice and normal business hours, to visit and inspect the Properties of Borrower or any Subsidiary, inspect, audit and make extracts from Borrower’s or Subsidiary’s books and records, and discuss with its officers, employees, agents, advisors and independent accountants Borrower’s or Subsidiary’s business, financial condition, assets, prospects and results of operations. Lenders may participate in any such visit or inspection, at their own expense. Neither Agent nor any Lender shall have any duty to Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor to make any inspection, nor to share any results of any inspection, appraisal or report with Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor acknowledge that all inspections, appraisals and reports are prepared by Agent and Lenders for their purposes, and neither Borrower nor any Borrowing Base Guarantor shall be entitled to rely upon them.

(b)Reimburse Agent for all reasonable and documented charges, costs and expenses of Agent in connection with (i) examinations of any Obligor’s books and records or any other financial or Collateral matters as Agent deems appropriate; and (ii) appraisals of Inventory; provided, however, that absent the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, (a) field examinations shall not be undertaken more than once in each Fiscal Year except if (i) Availability falls below the greater of 17.5% of the Line Cap at such time and $175,000,000 and (ii) more than 120 days have elapsed since the date of the last field examination, then one additional field examination may be undertaken and (b) appraisals and other audits of Collateral shall not be undertaken more than once in each Fiscal Year except if Availability falls below the greater of 17.5% of the Line Cap at such time and $175,000,000, then one additional appraisal or other audit of Collateral may be undertaken; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing Agent may conduct, at the expense of Agent and the Lenders, one additional appraisal or other audit of Collateral during each Fiscal Year to the extent Agent deems appropriate in its sole discretion. Subject to and without limiting the foregoing, Borrower specifically agrees to pay Agent’s then standard charges for each day that an employee of Agent or its Affiliates is engaged in any field examinations, and shall pay the standard charges of Agent’s internal



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appraisal group as well as the charges of any third party used for such purposes. This Section shall not be construed to limit Agent’s right to conduct examinations or to obtain appraisals at any time in its discretion, nor to use third parties for such purposes.

10.1.2.Financial and Other Information. Keep adequate records and books of account with respect to its business activities, in which proper entries are made in accordance with GAAP reflecting all financial transactions; and furnish to Agent and Lenders:

(a)as soon as available, and in any event within 90 days after the close of each Fiscal Year, balance sheets as of the end of such Fiscal Year and the related statements of income, cash flow and shareholders’ equity for such Fiscal Year, on consolidated and consolidating basis for Holdings, Borrower and Subsidiaries, which consolidated statements shall be audited and certified (without qualification as to scope, “going concern” or similar items) by a firm of independent certified public accountants of recognized standing selected by Borrower and acceptable to Agent, and shall set forth in comparative form corresponding figures for the preceding Fiscal Year and other information reasonably acceptable to Agent;

(b)as soon as available, and in any event (i) within 30 days after the end of each Fiscal Quarter (but within 45 days after the last Fiscal Quarter in a Fiscal Year) and (ii) at all times during a Dominion Period, within 30 days after the end of each month (but within 45 days after the last month in a Fiscal Year), unaudited balance sheets as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter or month and the related statements of income and cash flow for such month or Fiscal Quarter and for the portion of the Fiscal Year then elapsed, on consolidated and consolidating basis for Holdings, Borrower and Subsidiaries, setting forth in comparative form corresponding figures for the preceding Fiscal Year and certified by the chief financial officer or Treasurer of Borrower as prepared in accordance with GAAP and fairly presenting the financial position and results of operations for such month or Fiscal Quarter, as applicable, and period, subject to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

(c)concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements as of the end of each month under clause (b) above, a reconciliation of Eligible Inventory and Eligible Accounts from the Aggregate Borrowing Base then in effect to the general ledger or other source document to such financial statements;

(d)concurrently with delivery of financial statements under clauses (a) and (b) above, or more frequently if requested by Agent while a Default or Event of Default exists, a Compliance Certificate executed by the chief financial officer or Treasurer of Borrower;

(e)concurrently with delivery of financial statements under clause (a) above, copies of all management letters and other material reports submitted to Borrower and/or any Borrowing Base Guarantor by its accountants in connection with such financial statements;

(f)not later than 90 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, projections of Borrower’s consolidated balance sheets, results of operations, cash flow and Availability for the next Fiscal Year, quarter by quarter;

(g)at Agent’s reasonable request, a listing of Borrower’s and each Borrowing Base Guarantor’s trade payables, specifying the trade creditor and balance due, and a detailed trade payable aging, all in form reasonably satisfactory to Agent;




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(h)promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of any proxy statements, financial statements or reports that Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor has made generally available to its shareholders; copies of any regular, periodic and special reports or registration statements or prospectuses that Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor files with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other Governmental Authority, or any securities exchange; and copies of any press releases or other statements made available by Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor to the public concerning material changes to or developments in the business of Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor;

(i)promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of any annual report to be filed in connection with each Plan; and

(j)such other reports and information (financial or otherwise) as Agent may reasonably request from time to time in connection with any Collateral or Borrower’s, Subsidiary’s or other Obligor’s financial condition or business.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 10.1.2 may be satisfied by furnishing Borrower’s (or any direct or indirect parent thereof, as applicable) Form 10-K or 10-Q, as applicable, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto to Agent and the Lenders.
10.1.3.Notices. Notify Agent and Lenders in writing, promptly after Borrower’s or any Borrowing Base Guarantor’s obtaining knowledge thereof, of any of the following that affects an Obligor:

(a)the threat or commencement of any proceeding or investigation, whether or not covered by insurance, if the foregoing could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(b)any pending or threatened (in writing) labor dispute, strike or walkout, or the expiration of any material labor contract;

(c)any default under or termination of a Material Contract;

(d)the existence of any Default or Event of Default;

(e)any judgment in an amount exceeding $25,000,000;

(f)the assertion of any Intellectual Property Claim, if an adverse resolution could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(g)any violation or asserted violation of any Applicable Law (including ERISA, OSHA, FLSA, or any Environmental Laws), if an adverse resolution could have a Material Adverse Effect;

(h)any Environmental Release by an Obligor or on any Property owned, leased or occupied by an Obligor, if any such Environmental Release could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or receipt of any Environmental Notice, if receipt of such Environmental Notice could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;



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(i)the occurrence of any ERISA Event that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(j)the discharge of or any withdrawal or resignation by Borrower’s independent accountants.

10.1.4.Landlord and Storage Agreements. Upon reasonable request, provide Agent with copies of all existing agreements, and promptly after execution thereof provide Agent with copies of all agreements, between an Obligor and any landlord, warehouseman, processor, shipper, bailee or other Person that owns any premises at which any Collateral is kept.

10.1.5.Compliance with Laws. Comply with all Applicable Laws, including ERISA, Environmental Laws, FLSA, OSHA, Anti-Terrorism Laws, and laws regarding collection and payment of Taxes, and maintain all Governmental Approvals necessary to the ownership of its Properties or conduct of its business, unless failure to comply (other than failure to comply with Anti-Terrorism Laws) or maintain could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if any Environmental Release occurs at or on any Properties of Borrower or any Subsidiary that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, it shall act promptly and diligently to investigate and report to Agent and all appropriate Governmental Authorities the extent of, and to take appropriate action to remediate, such Environmental Release, whether or not directed to do so by any Governmental Authority. Maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by Borrower and each Subsidiary and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.

10.1.6.Taxes. Pay and discharge all material Taxes prior to the date on which they become delinquent or penalties attach, unless such Taxes are being Properly Contested.

10.1.7.Insurance. In addition to the insurance required hereunder with respect to Collateral, maintain insurance with financially sound and reputable insurers (including captive insurers) reasonably satisfactory to Agent, with respect to the Properties and business of Borrower and Subsidiaries of such type, in such amounts (including after giving effect to self insurance) (such amounts to be reasonably acceptable to Agent), and with such coverages and deductibles as are customary for companies similarly situated. Unless Agent shall agree otherwise, each general liability and/or excess liability policy shall include Agent as additional insured, as appropriate, and state that the applicable insurer will endeavor to provide 30 days prior written notice to Agent in the event of cancellation of the policy for any reason whatsoever.
 
10.1.8.Licenses. Keep each material License affecting any Collateral (including the manufacture, distribution or disposition of Inventory) or any other material Property of Holdings, Borrower and Subsidiaries in full force and effect except, solely in the case of Licenses affecting Property that is not Collateral, to the extent the failure to maintain such License would not result in a Material Adverse Effect; promptly notify Agent of any proposed modification to any such License, or entry into any new License, in each case at least 30 days prior to its effective date; pay all Royalties when due; and notify Agent of any default or breach asserted by any Person to have occurred under any License.

10.1.9.Future Subsidiaries. Promptly notify Agent (a) upon any Person becoming a Subsidiary (or becoming a Material Subsidiary which was previously an Immaterial Subsidiary) and (b) if any Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary which is a Material Subsidiary of Borrower (or designated as a Material Subsidiary by Borrower in writing to the Agent) incurs or guarantees (i) Debt (other than (A) intercompany Debt owed to the Borrower or a Guarantor Subsidiary and (B) Debt incurred or assumed by



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such Domestic Subsidiary pursuant to Section 10.2.1(f) or 10.2.1(j)) in excess of $75,000,000 in the aggregate or (ii) the Existing Senior Notes, and cause such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary referred to in this clause (b), within ten (10) Business Days, to (I) guaranty the Obligations by its execution and delivery to Agent of a Guaranty and (II) take such additional actions and execute such documents as Agent may reasonably require from time to time in order to give effect to the express provisions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

10.1.10.Additional Borrowers and Borrowing Base Guarantors. Upon the request of Borrower, with the consent of Agent and the Required Lenders, any Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary may be added as a “Borrower” or a Borrowing Base Guarantor hereunder, in each case effective upon the execution and delivery to Agent by such Domestic Subsidiary of a joinder agreement to this Agreement and any other Security Documents, amendments and documents as reasonably required by Agent to accommodate such Domestic Subsidiary becoming a Borrower or Borrowing Base Guarantor, as applicable, it being understood that (a) any amendments shall be made with the consent of the Required Lenders (notwithstanding any other provision hereof) and (b) Borrower and Agent may agree to include Inventory and Receivables of such Domestic Subsidiary in the Borrowing Base subject to (i) Agent’s receipt and reasonable satisfaction with an appraisal and field examination with respect thereto and (ii) such Domestic Subsidiary’s grant of Liens in favor of Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, on the same categories of its assets as comprise the existing Collateral.

10.1.11.Post-Closing Obligations. Deliver or cause to be delivered to the Agent the items described on Schedule 10.1.11, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, on or prior to the dates set forth on Schedule 10.1.11 (or such later date or dates as may be approved by the Agent in its reasonable discretion).

10.1.12.Patriot Act; Beneficial Ownership Certification. Promptly following any request therefor, deliver or cause to be delivered to Agent information and documentation reasonably requested by the Agent or any Lender for purposes of compliance with applicable “know your customer” requirements under the PATRIOT Act, the Beneficial Ownership Regulation or other applicable anti-money laundering laws.

10.2.Negative Covenants. Until Full Payment of the Obligations, Borrower shall not, and shall cause Holdings and each Subsidiary not to:

10.2.1.Permitted Debt. Create, incur, guarantee or suffer to exist any Debt, except:

(a)the Obligations;

(b)Subordinated Debt;

(c)Permitted Purchase Money Debt;

(d)[Intentionally Omitted];

(e)Bank Product Debt and Debt pursuant to Hedging Agreements permitted under Section 10.2.15;

(f)Debt that is in existence when a Person becomes a Subsidiary or that is secured by an asset when acquired by Borrower or any Subsidiary, as long as such Debt was not incurred in



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contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary or such acquisition, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed the greater of (x) $225,000,000 and (y) 6.3% of Consolidated Total Assets;

(g)Permitted Contingent Obligations;

(h)Refinancing Debt as long as each Refinancing Condition is satisfied;

(i)Existing Senior Debt;

(j)Debt, not secured by Collateral, incurred or assumed in connection with any acquisition of a Person not constituting a Restricted Investment, and a Person that becomes a direct or indirect Subsidiary as a result of any acquisition not constituting a Restricted Investment may remain liable with respect to such Debt existing on the date of such acquisition; provided that Debt owed by a Person that becomes a Subsidiary and remains liable with respect to any Debt (after giving effect to the transaction that caused it to become a Subsidiary) shall be treated as having incurred or assumed such Debt at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided; further, that the aggregate principal amount of all such Debt incurred or assumed prior to the termination of the Commitments and Full Payment shall not exceed the greater of (x) $825,000,000 and (y) 22.9% of Consolidated Total Assets;

(k)Debt of Foreign Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the greater of (x) $30,000,000 and (y) 0.8% of Consolidated Total Assets;

(l)Debt of Immaterial Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the greater of (x) $22,500,000 and (y) 0.6% of Consolidated Total Assets;

(m)Debt incurred pursuant to any intercompany loan permitted under Section 10.2.7; provided that, to the extent such intercompany loan is made to Borrower or any Guarantor, such Debt is subordinated to the Obligations on terms acceptable to Agent;

(n)Debt described on Schedule 10.2.1;

(o)Debt which may be deemed to exist as a result of the existence of any worker’s compensation claims, self-insurance obligations, guaranties, performance, surety, statutory, appeal, custom bonds or similar obligations incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(p)Debt in respect of netting services and overdraft protections in connection with Deposit Accounts in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(q)Debt incurred in favor of insurance companies (or their financing affiliates) in connection with the financing of insurance premiums in the ordinary course;

(r)Debt that is not included in any of the other clauses of this Section, is not secured by a Lien and does not amortize or mature prior to 6 months after the Revolver Termination Date, so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom;

(s)Debt incurred by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries arising from agreements providing for indemnification, earn-outs, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in



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connection with Permitted Asset Investments or permitted dispositions of any business, asset or Subsidiary of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;
(t)guaranties in the Ordinary Course of Business of the obligations of suppliers, customers, franchisees and licensees of Borrower and its Subsidiaries;

(u)guaranties by Borrower of Debt or other obligations of a Subsidiary or guaranties by a Subsidiary of Borrower of Debt or other obligations of Borrower or a Subsidiary with respect, in each case, to Debt otherwise (i) permitted to be incurred pursuant to this Section 10.2.1, or other obligations not prohibited hereunder, (ii) subordinated to the Obligations on terms acceptable to Agent, and (iii) that would not constitute a Restricted Investment; and

(v)other Debt in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the greater of (x) $2,000,000,000 and (y) 55.0% of Consolidated Total Assets.

10.2.2.Permitted Liens. Create or suffer to exist any Lien upon any Property, except the following (collectively, “Permitted Liens”):

(a)Liens in favor of Agent;

(b)Purchase Money Liens securing Permitted Purchase Money Debt;

(c)Liens for Taxes not yet due or being Properly Contested;

(d)statutory Liens (other than Liens for Taxes or imposed under ERISA) arising in the Ordinary Course of Business, but only if (i) payment of the obligations secured thereby is not yet due or is being Properly Contested, and (ii) such Liens do not materially impair the value or use of the Property or materially impair operation of the business of Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(e)Liens incurred or deposits made in the Ordinary Course of Business to secure the performance of tenders, bids, leases, contracts (except those relating to Debt), statutory obligations and other similar obligations, or arising as a result of progress payments under government contracts, as long as such Liens are at all times junior to Agent’s Liens;

(f)Liens arising in the Ordinary Course of Business that are subject to Lien Waivers;

(g)Liens arising by virtue of a judgment or judicial order against Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any Property of Borrower or any Subsidiary, as long as such Liens are (i) in existence for less than 20 consecutive days or being Properly Contested, and (ii) at all times junior to Agent’s Liens;

(h)easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, covenants or other agreements of record, and other similar charges or encumbrances on Real Estate, that do not secure any monetary obligation and do not interfere with the Ordinary Course of Business;

(i)normal and customary rights of setoff upon deposits in favor of depository institutions, and Liens of a collecting bank on Payment Items in the course of collection;

(j)existing Liens shown on Schedule 10.2.2;




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(k)Liens securing industrial revenue or pollution control bonds issued by Borrower; provided, however, that (a) the aggregate principal amount of Debt secured by such Liens shall not exceed the lesser of cost or fair market value, as determined in good faith by the board of directors or other governing body of Borrower, of the assets or property so financed, and (b) such Liens shall not encumber any property or assets of Borrower or any Subsidiaries other than the assets or property so financed;

(l)Liens incurred in favor of insurance companies (or their financing affiliates) in connection with the financing of insurance premiums in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(m)any interest or title of a lessor or sublessor under any lease permitted hereunder;

(n)Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder;

(o)purported Liens evidenced by the filing of precautionary UCC financing statements relating solely to operating leases of personal property entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(p)any zoning or similar law or right reserved to or vested in any governmental office or agency to control or regulate the use of any real property not materially detracting from the value of such real property;

(q)licenses of patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights granted by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the Ordinary Course of Business and not interfering in any respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of Borrower or such Subsidiary;

(r)Liens incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business on deposits made in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security, or to secure the performance of tenders, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, bids, leases, government contracts, trade contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other similar obligations (exclusive of obligations for the payment of Debt);

(s)Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law and in the Ordinary Course of Business to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods;

(t)Liens (other than Liens on Collateral) securing the Existing 2023 Senior Secured Notes so long as any such Liens are subject to (x) that certain Collateral Access Agreement, dated as of June 20, 2016, between the Agent and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent for the holders of the Non-ABL Secured Obligations (as defined therein), and acknowledged and agreed to by the Borrower, Holdings, AK Tube and AK Properties or (y) any other intercreditor agreement or access agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent;

(u)Liens securing Refinancing Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(h), as applicable (to the extent such Liens comply with the applicable Refinancing Conditions); provided, that to the extent the Liens securing the Debt extended, renewed or refinanced by such Refinancing Debt are subject to an intercreditor agreement or access agreement (each, an “Existing Access Agreement”) in favor of the Agent, then such Liens securing such Refinancing Debt shall be subject to an intercreditor agreement or



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access agreement in form and substance substantially the same as such Existing Access Agreement or otherwise reasonably acceptable to Agent; and

(v)other Liens (i) on assets of Borrower or any Guarantor (other than Liens on Collateral) securing Debt in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the greater of (x) $975,000,000 and (y) 27.1% of Consolidated Total Assets, so long as any such Liens shall be subject to an intercreditor agreement or access agreement, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent, (ii) on assets not constituting Collateral to the extent securing Debt that is permitted under Section 10.2.1(j) to the extent such Liens were not granted in connection with the applicable Person becoming a Subsidiary, (iii) on assets of any Subsidiary of Borrower which is not an Obligor to the extent such Liens secure Debt of such Subsidiary that is permitted under Section 10.2.1 hereof or (iv) on Equity Interests in joint ventures.

10.2.3.[Reserved].

10.2.4.Distributions. Declare or make any Distributions; provided that (x) any Subsidiary of the Borrower may declare and make Distributions to the Borrower, any other Subsidiary of the Borrower and/or any other Person that owns any Equity Interests in such Subsidiary ratably in proportion to such Person’s and the Borrower’s and/or its applicable Subsidiary’s respective ownership of such Equity Interests and (y) Borrower may, so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall be caused thereby, make Distributions to Holdings and (as applicable) Holdings may make Distributions:

(a)(A) in an aggregate amount not to exceed in any Fiscal Year the greater of (x) $15,000,000 and (y) 0.4% of Consolidated Total Assets, to the extent necessary to permit Holdings to pay general administrative costs and expenses, (B) to the extent necessary to permit Holdings to discharge, to the extent attributable to Holding’s ownership of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, the federal consolidated tax liabilities and any state or local tax liabilities of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, in each case so long as Holdings applies the amount of any such Distribution for such purpose and (C) to permit Holdings to pay dividends in respect of its common stock in an amount not to exceed in any Fiscal Year the greater of (x) $18,000,000 and (y) 0.5% of Consolidated Total Assets;

(b)so that Holdings may make Distributions for any purpose not otherwise prohibited under applicable law or the Loan Documents, so long as on the date such Distribution is made (after giving pro forma effect thereto) either (A) Availability exceeds the greater of (x) 20.0% of the Line Cap at such time and (y) $200,000,000 or (B) (x) Availability exceeds the greater of (I) 15.0% of the Line Cap at such time and (II) $150,000,000 and (y) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter ended at least thirty days prior to the date of determination is at least 1.00:1.00; provided that the Borrower may declare and make Distributions to Holdings and Holdings may declare and make Distributions in each case within sixty (60) days of the date of declaration thereof, if, on the date of declaration of such Distributions, such Distributions would have been permitted under this clause (b); provided, further, that to the extent Borrower has made any such declaration, for purposes of compliance with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents Availability shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming such Distribution has been made; and

(c)for any purpose not otherwise prohibited under applicable law or the Loan Documents in an aggregate amount not to exceed the greater of (x) $25,000,000 and (y) 0.7% of Consolidated Total Assets.




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10.2.5.Restricted Investments. Make any Restricted Investment.

10.2.6.Disposition of Assets. Make any Asset Disposition, except:

(a)a Permitted Asset Disposition;

(b)disposition of Equipment that (i) is surplus, worn, damaged or obsolete or (ii) that does not constitute all or substantially all of the Equipment of Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor and could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(c)a transfer of Property by a Subsidiary or Obligor to Borrower or another Obligor;

(d)Investments which are not Restricted Investments, to the extent any such Investment constitutes an Asset Disposition; or     

(e)as long as no Default or Event of Default exists before or after giving effect thereto, other Asset Dispositions; provided that the aggregate consideration received for all Asset Dispositions made in reliance on clause (e) of this Section 10.2.6 shall not exceed the greater of $25,000,000 and 0.7% of Consolidated Total Assets.

10.2.7.Loans. Make any loans or other advances of money to any Person, except:
  
(a)advances to an officer or employee for salary, travel expenses, commissions and similar items in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(b)prepaid expenses and extensions of trade credit made in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(c)deposits with financial institutions permitted hereunder;

(d)as long as no Default or Event of Default exists before or after giving effect thereto, any loans that do not constitute Restricted Investments; provided, however, that any such loans made to Borrower or any other Obligor shall be subordinated to the Obligations in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Agent;

(e)loans that could otherwise be made as a distribution under Section 10.2.4; provided, however, that any such loans made to Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor shall be subordinated to the Obligations in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Agent; and

(f)advances or loans, each evidenced by promissory notes, to officers, directors or employees (i) for the purchase by such officers, directors or employees of Equity Interests of Holdings pursuant to a stock ownership or purchase plan or compensation plan, in each case, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate to such officers, directors or employees outstanding at any time or (ii) otherwise in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate to such officers, directors or employees outstanding at any time.

10.2.8.Restrictions on Payment of Certain Debt. Make any payments (whether voluntary or mandatory, or a prepayment, redemption, retirement, defeasance or acquisition) with respect



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to any (a) Subordinated Debt, except regularly scheduled payments of principal, interest and fees, but only to the extent permitted under any subordination agreement relating to such Debt (and a Senior Officer or the Treasurer of Borrower shall certify to Agent, not less than five Business Days prior to the date of payment, that all conditions under such agreement have been satisfied); or (b) Existing Senior Debt prior to the applicable due date under the agreements evidencing such Debt (as may be amended in accordance with this Agreement to extend such due date); provided, however, that Borrower may (i) prepay, redeem, repurchase, retire, or defease any Debt prior to its due date so long as Availability at the time such prepayment, redemption, repurchase, retirement, or defeasance is declared, after giving pro forma effect to such prepayment, redemption, repurchase, retirement, or defeasance, is at least $150,000,000, (ii) prepay, redeem, repurchase, retire, or defease any Debt with the proceeds of an equity issuance; (iii) prepay any Debt with the proceeds of a refinancing permitted under subsection 10.2.1(h) and (iv) as long as no Default or Event of Default exists before or after giving effect thereto, make other prepayments of Debt in an aggregate amount not to exceed the greater of (x) $25,000,000 and (y) 0.7% of Consolidated Total Assets.

10.2.9.Fundamental Changes. (a) Merge, combine or consolidate with any Person, or liquidate, wind up its affairs or dissolve itself, in each case whether in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, except for (i) mergers, consolidations, liquidations or dissolutions of an Immaterial Subsidiary with or into another Subsidiary (so long as (x) to the extent such Subsidiary is a Borrowing Base Guarantor, the Borrowing Base Guarantor is the surviving entity or (y) to the extent such Subsidiary is a Guarantor, the Guarantor is the surviving entity or the surviving entity becomes a Guarantor) or into Borrower (so long as the surviving entity is Borrower), (ii) mergers, consolidations, liquidations or dissolutions of a Material Subsidiary with or into another Material Subsidiary (so long as (x) to the extent either such Material Subsidiary is a Borrowing Base Guarantor, the Borrowing Base Guarantor is the surviving entity or (y) to the extent such Material Subsidiary is a Guarantor, the Guarantor is the surviving entity) or Borrower (so long as the surviving entity is Borrower), (iii) mergers, consolidations, liquidations or dissolutions of other Subsidiaries with or into other Subsidiaries (so long as (x) in the case of a Subsidiary that is a Borrowing Base Guarantor, such surviving or continuing Subsidiary remains a Borrowing Base Guarantor or becomes a Borrowing Base Guarantor or (y) in the case of a Subsidiary that is a Guarantor, such surviving or continuing Subsidiary remains a Guarantor or becomes a Guarantor), (iv) mergers or consolidations of any Person with or into Borrower or any Subsidiary if the acquisition of the Equity Interest in such Person by Borrower or such Subsidiary would have been permitted pursuant to Section 10.2.5 (so long as (x) in the case of Borrower, Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person, and in the case of a Borrowing Base Guarantor, such Borrowing Base Guarantor is the surviving entity, (y) if a Subsidiary is not the surviving or continuing Person, the surviving Person becomes a Subsidiary and complies with the provisions of Section 10.1.9 and (z) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing after giving effect thereto) or (v) mergers, combinations, or consolidations of any Subsidiary with any Person to consummate a Permitted Asset Disposition with respect to the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary concurrently with such consummation; or

(b)without giving 30 days prior written notice to Agent, (i) change its name, (ii) change its tax, charter or other organizational identification number, or (iii) change its form or U.S. state of organization.

10.2.10.Subsidiaries. Form or acquire any Subsidiary after the Closing Date, except in accordance with Sections 10.1.9 and 10.2.5.

10.2.11.Organic Documents. Amend, modify or otherwise change any of its Organic Documents as in effect on the Closing Date in a manner that would be materially adverse to Agent and the Lenders.



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10.2.12.Tax Consolidation. File or consent to the filing of any consolidated income tax return with any Person other than Holdings, Borrower and Subsidiaries.

10.2.13.Accounting Changes. Make any material change in accounting treatment or reporting practices, except as required by GAAP and in accordance with Section 1.2; or change its Fiscal Year.

10.2.14.Restrictive Agreements. Become a party to any Restrictive Agreement, except:

(a)a Restrictive Agreement as in effect on the Closing Date and shown on Schedule 9.1.16 and any renewal or extension of any such Restrictive Agreement or any agreement evidencing such restriction so long as such renewal or extension does not expand the scope of such restrictions;

(b)Restrictive Agreements that are binding on a Subsidiary at the time such Subsidiary first becomes a Subsidiary, so long as (i) such restrictions were not entered into solely in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary and (ii) such restrictions do not extend to any other Person following such Person becoming a Subsidiary, and any renewal or extension of a restriction of any such Restrictive Agreement or any agreement evidencing such restriction so long as such renewal or extension does not expand the scope of such restrictions;

(c)a Restrictive Agreement relating to secured Debt permitted hereunder, if such restrictions apply only to the collateral for such Debt;

(d)customary provisions in leases, licenses, joint venture agreements and other agreements with respect to dispositions permitted by this Agreement;

(e)a Restrictive Agreement relating to Debt permitted hereunder so long as such Restrictive Agreement contains restrictions which are no more restrictive (in any material respect) than the restrictions contained in this Agreement; and

(f)Restrictive Agreements relating to the Existing 2023 Senior Secured Notes (or any Refinancing Debt in respect thereof) so long as such restrictions either (i) apply only to the collateral for the Existing 2023 Senior Secured Notes (or such Refinancing Debt) or (ii) are no more restrictive (in any material respect) than the restrictions contained in this Agreement (it being agreed such Restrictive Agreements may restrict the granting of Liens on the Collateral that are subordinated or junior to the Lien on the Collateral securing the Obligations).

10.2.15.Hedging Agreements. Enter into any Hedging Agreement, except to hedge risks arising in the Ordinary Course of Business and not for primarily speculative purposes.

10.2.16.Conduct of Business. Engage in any business, other than its business as conducted by Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the Closing Date (and similar or related business, including any vertically integrated business with respect thereto) and any activities incidental thereto. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Holdings shall not (i) engage in any business other than entering into and performing its obligations under and in accordance with the Loan Documents to which it is a party or (ii) own any assets other than (a) the capital stock of Borrower and (b) cash and Cash Equivalents in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 at any one time for the purpose of paying general operating expenses of



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Holdings and for payment of dividends permitted to be paid hereunder or (iii) have any Debt or other liability other than its obligations under the Guaranty and its obligations under the guaranties of (a) the Existing Senior Notes (in each case, or any Refinancing Debt in respect thereof), and (b) other Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1 herein.

10.2.17.Affiliate Transactions. Enter into or be party to any transaction with an Affiliate, except:

(a)transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents;

(b)payment of reasonable compensation to officers and employees for services actually rendered, and loans and advances permitted by Section 10.2.7;

(c)payment of customary directors’ fees and indemnities;

(d)transactions with Affiliates that were consummated prior to the Closing Date;

(e)transactions with Affiliates in the Ordinary Course of Business, upon fair and reasonable terms not less favorable to Borrower or its applicable Subsidiary than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a non-Affiliate; and

(f)other transactions with Affiliates so long as the amount of payments (including the fair market value of assets transferred in connection therewith) in connection with all such transactions shall not exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate.

10.2.18.Amendments to Subordinated Debt or Existing Senior Debt. Amend, supplement or otherwise modify any Existing Senior Debt or any document, instrument or agreement relating to any Subordinated Debt, if such modification could reasonably be expected to affect the interests of the Lenders adversely in any material way, as determined by the Agent, in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, without obtaining the prior written consent of Required Lenders to such amendment, supplement or other modification.

10.3.Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. As long as any Commitments or Obligations are outstanding, Borrower shall maintain, as of the last day of each Fiscal Quarter commencing with the last day of the most recent Fiscal Quarter preceding the commencement of a Trigger Period for which financial information is available and ending on the expiration of such Trigger Period, a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00.

SECTION 11.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES ON DEFAULT

11.1.Events of Default. Each of the following shall be an “Event of Default” hereunder, if the same shall occur for any reason whatsoever, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise:

(a)Borrower fails to pay (i) principal of any of the Loans or reimbursement of any LC Obligation when due (whether at stated maturity, on demand, upon acceleration or otherwise) or (ii) interest on any of the Loans or any fee or any other amount or Obligation (other than as otherwise provided in clause (i) above) under this Agreement or other Loan Document within five (5) days after its due date;



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(b)Any representation, warranty or other written statement of an Obligor made in connection with any Loan Documents or transactions contemplated thereby is incorrect or misleading in any material respect when given;

(c)Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor breaches or fails to perform any covenant contained in (i) Section 7.2, 7.4, 8.2.4, 8.2.5, 8.6.2, 10.1.11, 10.2 or 10.3, (ii) Section 8.1 or 10.1.2 (a) through (f) and such breach or failure is not cured within three (3) Business Days or (iii) Section 10.1.2(g) through (j) and such breach or failure is not cured within ten (10) Business Days;

(d)An Obligor breaches or fails to perform any other covenant contained in any Loan Document, and such breach or failure is not cured within 30 days after a Senior Officer of such Obligor has knowledge thereof or receives notice thereof from Agent, whichever is sooner;

(e)A Guarantor repudiates, revokes or attempts to revoke, in writing, its Guaranty; an Obligor denies or contests the validity or enforceability of any Loan Documents or Obligations, or the perfection or priority of any Lien granted to Agent; or any material provision of a Loan Document ceases to be in full force or effect for any reason (other than a waiver or release by Agent and Lenders);

(f)Any breach or default of an Obligor occurs (after giving effect to any applicable grace period thereunder) under any Hedging Agreement, or any document, instrument or agreement to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Properties is bound, relating to Debt in excess of $40,000,000 or, in the aggregate, with all such Debt, in excess of $75,000,000, if in each case the maturity of or any payment with respect to such Debt may be accelerated or demanded due to such breach;

(g)Any judgment or order for the payment of money is entered against an Obligor in an amount that exceeds, individually $40,000,000 or cumulatively with all unsatisfied judgments or orders against all Obligors $75,000,000 (in either case, net of any insurance coverage not disputed by the insurer), unless a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order is in effect, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, or such judgment or order is covered by an indemnity from a Solvent third party which has not disputed its obligations thereunder and no judgment Lien has attached to such Obligor’s property;

(h)A loss, theft, damage or destruction occurs with respect to any Collateral if the amount not covered by insurance exceeds $40,000,000;

(i)An Obligor (x) is enjoined, restrained or in any way prevented by any Governmental Authority from conducting any part of its business; an Obligor suffers the loss, revocation or termination of any license, permit, lease or agreement necessary to its business; there is a cessation of any part of an Obligor’s business for a period of time; any Collateral or Property of an Obligor is taken or impaired through condemnation; except in each case pursuant to this clause (x) to the extent that a Material Adverse Effect could not reasonably be expected to result or (y) agrees to or commences any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of its affairs except in connection with a merger or consolidation with another Obligor that is permitted hereby;

(j)An Insolvency Proceeding is commenced by an Obligor; an Obligor makes an offer of settlement, extension or composition to its unsecured creditors generally; a trustee is appointed to take possession of any substantial Property of or to operate any of the business of an Obligor; or an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced against an Obligor and the Obligor consents to institution of the proceeding, the petition commencing the proceeding is not timely controverted by the Obligor, the petition is not dismissed within 60 days after filing, or an order for relief is entered in the proceeding;



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(k)An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of an Obligor to a Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or PBGC, or that constitutes grounds for appointment of a trustee for or termination by the PBGC of any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan; or any event similar to the foregoing occurs or exists with respect to a Foreign Plan, any of which, individually or in the aggregate, (x) results in a liability in excess of $40,000,000 that is not immediately paid when due or (y) could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

(l)A Change of Control occurs.

11.2.Remedies upon Default. If an Event of Default described in Section 11.1(j) occurs with respect to Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor, then to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, all Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) shall become automatically due and payable, all Commitments shall terminate, and Borrower shall be required to Cash Collateralize all LC Obligations, without any action by Agent or notice of any kind. In addition, or if any other Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Agent may in its discretion (and shall upon written direction of Required Lenders) do any one or more of the following from time to time:

(a)declare any Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) immediately due and payable, whereupon they shall be due and payable without diligence, presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor to the fullest extent permitted by law;

(b)terminate, reduce or condition any Commitment, or make (for so long as an Event of Default is continuing) any adjustment to the Aggregate Borrowing Base, Tranche A Borrowing Base and/or Tranche B Borrowing Base;

(c)require Obligors to Cash Collateralize LC Obligations, Secured Bank Product Obligations and other Obligations that are inchoate or contingent (other than indemnification obligations which are either contingent or inchoate to the extent no claims giving rise thereto have been asserted) or not yet due and payable, and, if Obligors fail promptly to deposit such Cash Collateral, Agent may (and shall upon the direction of Required Lenders) advance the required Cash Collateral as Revolver Loans (whether or not an Overadvance exists or is created thereby, or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied); and

(d)exercise any other rights or remedies afforded under any agreement, by law, at equity or otherwise, including the rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC. Such rights and remedies include the rights to (i) take possession of any Collateral; (ii) require Borrower and/or any Borrowing Base Guarantor to assemble Collateral, at Borrower’s expense, and make it available to Agent at a place designated by Agent; (iii) enter any premises where Collateral is located and store Collateral on such premises until sold (and if the premises are owned or leased by Borrower and/or any Borrowing Base Guarantor, Borrower and/or such Borrowing Base Guarantor, as applicable, agrees not to charge for such storage); and (iv) sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral in its then condition, or after any further manufacturing or processing thereof, at public or private sale, with such notice as may be required by Applicable Law, in lots or in bulk, at such locations, all as Agent, in its discretion, deems advisable. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor agree that 10 days’ notice of any proposed sale or other disposition of Collateral by Agent shall be reasonable. Agent shall have the right to conduct such sales on any Obligor’s premises, without charge, and such sales may be adjourned from time to time in accordance with Applicable Law. Agent shall



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have the right to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any Collateral for cash, credit or any combination thereof, and Agent may purchase any Collateral at public or, if permitted by law, private sale and, in lieu of actual payment of the purchase price, may credit bid and set off the amount of such price against the Obligations.

11.3.License. Agent is hereby granted an irrevocable, non-exclusive license or other right to use, license or sub-license following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default (without payment of royalty or other compensation to any Person) any or all Intellectual Property of Borrower and any Borrowing Base Guarantor, computer hardware and software, trade secrets, brochures, customer lists, promotional and advertising materials, labels, packaging materials and other Property, in advertising for sale, marketing, selling, collecting, completing manufacture of, or otherwise exercising any rights or remedies with respect to, any Collateral. Borrower’s and all Borrowing Base Guarantors’ rights and interests under Intellectual Property shall inure to Agent’s benefit.

11.4.Setoff. At any time during an Event of Default, Agent, Issuing Bank, Lenders, and any of their Affiliates are authorized, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by Agent, Issuing Bank, such Lender or such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of an Obligor against any Obligations, irrespective of whether or not Agent, Issuing Bank, such Lender or such Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of Agent, Issuing Bank, such Lender or such Affiliate different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness. The rights of Agent, Issuing Bank, each Lender and each such Affiliate under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Person may have.

11.5.Remedies Cumulative; No Waiver.
 
11.5.1.Cumulative Rights. All covenants, conditions, provisions, warranties, guaranties, indemnities and other undertakings of Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor contained in the Loan Documents are cumulative and not in derogation or substitution of each other. In particular, the rights and remedies of Agent, Issuing Bank and Lenders are cumulative, may be exercised at any time and from time to time, concurrently or in any order, and shall not be exclusive of any other rights or remedies that Agent, Issuing Bank and Lenders may have, whether under any agreement, by law, at equity or otherwise.

11.5.2.Waivers. The failure or delay of Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender to require strict performance by Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor with any terms of the Loan Documents, or to exercise any rights or remedies with respect to Collateral or otherwise, shall not operate as a waiver thereof nor as establishment of a course of dealing. All rights and remedies shall continue in full force and effect until Full Payment of all Obligations. No modification of any terms of any Loan Documents (including any waiver thereof) shall be effective, unless such modification is specifically provided in a writing directed to Borrower and executed by Agent and the requisite Lenders, and such modification shall be applicable only to the matter specified. No waiver of any Default or Event of Default shall constitute a waiver of any other Default or Event of Default that may exist at such time, unless expressly stated. If Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender accepts performance by any Obligor under any Loan Documents in a manner other than that specified therein, or during any Default or Event of Default, or if Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender shall delay or exercise any right or remedy under any Loan Documents, such acceptance, delay or exercise shall not operate to waive any Default or Event of Default nor to preclude exercise of any other right or remedy. It is expressly acknowledged by Borrower that any failure to satisfy a financial



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covenant on a measurement date shall not be cured or remedied by satisfaction of such covenant on a subsequent date.

SECTION 12.AGENT

12.1.Appointment, Authority and Duties of Agent.
  
12.1.1.Appointment and Authority. Each Secured Party appoints and designates Bank of America as Agent under all Loan Documents. Agent may, and each Secured Party authorizes and instructs Agent to, enter into all Loan Documents to which Agent is intended to be a party and accept all Security Documents, for Agent’s benefit and the Pro Rata benefit of the Secured Parties. Each Secured Party agrees that any action taken by Agent or Required Lenders in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Documents, and the exercise by Agent or Required Lenders of any rights or remedies set forth therein, together with all other powers reasonably incidental thereto, shall be authorized by and binding upon all Secured Parties. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Agent shall have the sole and exclusive authority to (a) act as the disbursing and collecting agent for Lenders with respect to all payments and collections arising in connection with the Loan Documents; (b) execute and deliver as Agent each Loan Document, including any intercreditor or subordination agreement, and accept delivery of each Loan Document from any Obligor or other Person; (c) act as collateral agent for Secured Parties for purposes of perfecting and administering Liens under the Loan Documents, and for all other purposes stated therein; (d) manage, supervise or otherwise deal with Collateral; and (e) take any Enforcement Action or otherwise exercise any rights or remedies with respect to any Collateral under the Loan Documents, Applicable Law or otherwise. The duties of Agent shall be ministerial and administrative in nature, and Agent shall not have a fiduciary relationship with any Secured Party, Participant or other Person, by reason of any Loan Document or any transaction relating thereto. Agent alone shall be authorized to determine whether any Accounts or Inventory constitute Eligible Accounts or Eligible Inventory, whether to impose or release any reserve, or whether any conditions to funding or to issuance of a Letter of Credit have been satisfied, which determinations and judgments, if exercised in good faith, shall exonerate Agent from liability to any Lender or other Person for any error in judgment.

12.1.2.Duties. Agent shall not have any duties except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents. The conferral upon Agent of any right shall not imply a duty on Agent’s part to exercise such right, unless instructed to do so by Required Lenders in accordance with this Agreement.

12.1.3.Agent Professionals. Agent may perform its duties through agents and employees. Agent may consult with and employ Agent Professionals, and shall be entitled to act upon, and shall be fully protected in any action taken in good faith reliance upon, any advice given by an Agent Professional. Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents, employees or Agent Professionals selected by it with reasonable care.

12.1.4.Instructions of Required Lenders. The rights and remedies conferred upon Agent under the Loan Documents may be exercised without the necessity of joinder of any other party, unless required by Applicable Law. Agent may request instructions from Required Lenders or other Secured Parties with respect to any act (including the failure to act) in connection with any Loan Documents, and may seek assurances to its satisfaction from Secured Parties of their indemnification obligations against all Claims that could be incurred by Agent in connection with any act. Agent shall be entitled to refrain from any act until it has received such instructions or assurances, and Agent shall not incur liability to any Person by reason of so refraining. Instructions of Required Lenders shall be binding upon all Secured Parties, and no Secured Party shall have any right of action whatsoever against Agent as a result of Agent acting or refraining



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from acting in accordance with the instructions of Required Lenders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, instructions by and consent of specific parties shall be required to the extent provided in Section 14.1.1. In no event shall Agent be required to take any action that, in its opinion, is contrary to Applicable Law or any Loan Documents or could subject any Agent Indemnitee to personal liability.

12.2.Agreements Regarding Collateral and Field Examination Reports.
  
12.2.1.Lien Releases; Care of Collateral. Secured Parties authorize Agent to release (and the Agent shall release) any Guaranty by a Guarantor Subsidiary and any Lien with respect to any Collateral (a) upon Full Payment of the Obligations; (b) that is the subject of an Asset Disposition which Borrower certifies in writing to Agent is a Permitted Asset Disposition or a Lien which Borrower certifies is a Permitted Lien entitled to priority over Agent’s Liens (and Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate without further inquiry); (c) that does not constitute a material part of the Collateral; or (d) with the written consent of all Lenders. Secured Parties authorize Agent to subordinate its Liens to any Purchase Money Lien permitted hereunder. Agent shall have no obligation to assure that any Collateral exists or is owned by Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor, or is cared for, protected or insured, nor to assure that Agent’s Liens have been properly created, perfected or enforced, or are entitled to any particular priority, nor to exercise any duty of care with respect to any Collateral.

12.2.2.Possession of Collateral. Agent and Secured Parties appoint each Lender as agent (for the benefit of Secured Parties) for the purpose of perfecting Liens in any Collateral held or controlled by such Lender, to the extent such Liens are perfected by possession or control. If any Lender obtains possession or control of any Collateral, it shall notify Agent thereof and, promptly upon Agent’s request, deliver such Collateral to Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with Agent’s instructions.

12.2.3.Reports. Agent shall promptly forward to each Lender, when complete, copies of any field audit, examination or appraisal report prepared by or for Agent with respect to any Obligor or Collateral (“Report”). Each Lender agrees (a) that neither Bank of America nor Agent makes any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any Report, and shall not be liable for any information contained in or omitted from any Report; (b) that the Reports are not intended to be comprehensive audits or examinations, and that Agent or any other Person performing any audit or examination will inspect only specific information regarding Obligations or the Collateral and will rely significantly upon Borrower’s and the Borrowing Base Guarantors’ books and records as well as upon representations of Borrower’s and the Borrowing Base Guarantors’ officers and employees; and (c) to keep all Reports confidential and strictly for such Lender’s internal use, and not to distribute any Report (or the contents thereof) to any Person (except to such Lender’s Participants, attorneys and accountants) or use any Report in any manner other than administration of the Loans and other Obligations. Absent gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of such Person, each Lender agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Agent and any other Person preparing a Report from any action such Lender may take as a result of or any conclusion it may draw from any Report, as well as from any Claims arising as a direct or indirect result of Agent furnishing a Report to such Lender.

12.3.Reliance By Agent. Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any certification, notice or other communication (including those by telephone, telex, telegram, telecopy or e-mail) believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person, and upon the advice and statements of Agent Professionals. Agent shall have a reasonable and practicable amount of time to act upon any instruction, notice or other communication under any Loan Document, and shall not be liable for any delay in acting.




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12.4.Action Upon Default. Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default, or of any failure to satisfy any conditions in Section 6, unless it has received written notice from Borrower or Required Lenders specifying the occurrence and nature thereof. Agent shall promptly forward such notice to all Lenders. If any Lender acquires knowledge of a Default, Event of Default or failure of such conditions, it shall promptly notify Agent and the other Lenders thereof in writing. Each Secured Party agrees that, except as otherwise provided in any Loan Documents or with the written consent of Agent and Required Lenders, it will not take any Enforcement Action, accelerate Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations), or exercise any right that it might otherwise have under Applicable Law to credit bid at foreclosure sales, UCC sales or other similar dispositions of Collateral or to assert any rights relating to any Collateral. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, a Lender may take action to preserve or enforce its rights against an Obligor where a deadline or limitation period is applicable that would, absent such action, bar enforcement of Obligations held by such Lender, including the filing of proofs of claim in an Insolvency Proceeding.

12.5.Ratable Sharing. If any Lender shall obtain any payment or reduction of any Obligation, whether through set-off or otherwise, in excess of its share of such Obligation, determined on a Pro Rata basis or in accordance with Section 5.6.1, as applicable, such Lender shall forthwith purchase from Agent, Issuing Bank and the other Lenders such participations in the affected Obligation as are necessary to cause the purchasing Lender to share the excess payment or reduction on a Pro Rata basis or in accordance with Section 5.6.1, as applicable. If any of such payment or reduction is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Lender, the purchase shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, but without interest. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Defaulting Lender obtains a payment or reduction of any Obligation, it shall immediately turn over the amount thereof to Agent for application under Section 4.2.2 and it shall provide a written statement to Agent describing the Obligation affected by such payment or reduction. No Lender shall set off against any Dominion Account without the prior consent of Agent.

12.6.Indemnification. ABSENT GROSS NEGLIGENCE, WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR BAD FAITH OF THE AGENT INDEMNITEES, EACH LENDER SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGENT INDEMNITEES AND ISSUING BANK INDEMNITEES, TO THE EXTENT NOT REIMBURSED BY OBLIGORS (BUT WITHOUT LIMITING THE INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS OF OBLIGORS UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS), ON A PRO RATA BASIS, AGAINST ALL CLAIMS THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST ANY SUCH INDEMNITEE, PROVIDED THAT ANY CLAIM AGAINST AN AGENT INDEMNITEE RELATES TO OR ARISES FROM ITS ACTING AS OR FOR AGENT (IN THE CAPACITY OF AGENT) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS HEREOF. In Agent’s discretion, it may reserve for any such Claims made against an Agent Indemnitee or Issuing Bank Indemnitee, and may satisfy any judgment, order or settlement relating thereto, from proceeds of Collateral prior to making any distribution of Collateral proceeds to Secured Parties. If Agent is sued by any receiver, bankruptcy trustee, debtor-in-possession or other Person for any alleged preference or fraudulent transfer, then any monies paid by Agent in settlement or satisfaction of such proceeding, together with all interest, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred in the defense of same, shall be promptly reimbursed to Agent by each Lender to the extent of its Pro Rata share.

12.7.Limitation on Responsibilities of Agent. Agent shall not be liable to any Secured Party for any action taken or omitted to be taken under the Loan Documents, except for losses directly and solely caused by Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Agent does not assume any responsibility for any failure or delay in performance or any breach by any Obligor, Lender or other Secured Party of any obligations under the Loan Documents. Agent does not make any express or implied warranty,



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representation or guarantee to Secured Parties with respect to any Obligations, Collateral, Loan Documents or Obligor. No Agent Indemnitee shall be responsible to Secured Parties for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties contained in any Loan Documents; the execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of any Loan Documents; the genuineness, enforceability, collectibility, value, sufficiency, location or existence of any Collateral, or the validity, extent, perfection or priority of any Lien therein; the validity, enforceability or collectibility of any Obligations; or the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any Obligor or Account Debtor. No Agent Indemnitee shall have any obligation to any Secured Party to ascertain or inquire into the existence of any Default or Event of Default, the observance or performance by any Obligor of any terms of the Loan Documents, or the satisfaction of any conditions precedent contained in any Loan Documents, except that Agent shall confirm receipt of the documents to be delivered to Agent on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 6.1.

12.8.Successor Agent and Co-Agents.

12.8.1.Resignation; Successor Agent. Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Agent as provided below, Agent may resign at any time by giving at least 30 days written notice thereof to Lenders and Borrower. Upon receipt of such notice, Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent which shall be (a) a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender; or (b) a commercial bank that is organized under the laws of the United States or any state or district thereof, has a combined capital surplus of at least $200,000,000 and (provided no Default or Event of Default exists) is reasonably acceptable to Borrower. If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation of Agent, then Agent may appoint a successor agent from among Lenders or, if no Lender accepts such role, Agent may appoint Required Lenders as successor Agent. Upon acceptance by a successor Agent of an appointment to serve as Agent hereunder, or upon appointment of Required Lenders as successor Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the powers and duties of the retiring Agent without further act, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder but shall continue to have the benefits of the indemnification set forth in Sections 12.6 and 14.2. Notwithstanding any Agent’s resignation, the provisions of this Section 12 shall continue in effect for its benefit with respect to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while Agent. Any successor to Bank of America by merger or acquisition of stock or this loan shall continue to be Agent hereunder without further act on the part of the parties hereto, unless such successor resigns as provided above. If Agent has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, become the subject of an Insolvency Proceeding or taken any action in furtherance thereof, Agent shall resign at the request of Required Lenders.

12.8.2.Separate Collateral Agent. It is the intent of the parties that there shall be no violation of any Applicable Law denying or restricting the right of financial institutions to transact business in any jurisdiction. If Agent believes that it may be limited in the exercise of any rights or remedies under the Loan Documents due to any Applicable Law, Agent may appoint an additional Person who is not so limited, as a separate collateral agent or co-collateral agent. If Agent so appoints a collateral agent or co-collateral agent, each right and remedy intended to be available to Agent under the Loan Documents shall also be vested in such separate agent. Every covenant and obligation necessary to the exercise thereof by such agent shall run to and be enforceable by it as well as Agent. Secured Parties shall execute and deliver such documents as Agent deems appropriate to vest any rights or remedies in such agent. If any collateral agent or co-collateral agent shall die or dissolve, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, then all the rights and remedies of such agent, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, shall vest in and be exercised by Agent until appointment of a new agent.




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12.9.Due Diligence and Non-Reliance. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that it has, independently and without reliance upon Agent or any other Lenders, and based upon such documents, information and analyses as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis of each Obligor and its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to fund Loans and participate in LC Obligations hereunder. Each Secured Party has made such inquiries as it feels necessary concerning the Loan Documents, Collateral and Obligors. Each Secured Party further acknowledges and agrees that the other Secured Parties have made no representations or warranties concerning any Obligor, any Collateral or the legality, validity, sufficiency or enforceability of any Loan Documents or Obligations. Each Secured Party will, independently and without reliance upon any other Secured Party, and based upon such financial statements, documents and information as it deems appropriate at the time, continue to make and rely upon its own credit decisions in making Loans and participating in LC Obligations, and in taking or refraining from any action under any Loan Documents. Except for notices, reports and other information expressly requested by a Lender, Agent shall have no duty or responsibility to provide any Secured Party with any notices, reports or certificates furnished to Agent by any Obligor or any credit or other information concerning the affairs, financial condition, business or Properties of any Obligor (or any of its Affiliates) which may come into possession of Agent or its Affiliates.

12.10.Replacement of Certain Lenders. If a Lender (a) fails to give its consent to any amendment, waiver or action for which consent of all Lenders was required and Required Lenders consented, or (b) is a Defaulting Lender, then, in addition to any other rights and remedies that any Person may have, Borrower may (at Borrower’s sole cost and expense, including the payment of any applicable processing fee), by notice to such Lender within 120 days after such event, require such Lender to assign all of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents to an Eligible Assignee(s), pursuant to appropriate Assignment and Acceptance(s), within 20 days after the notice. Agent is irrevocably appointed as attorney-in-fact to execute any such Assignment and Acceptance if the Lender fails to execute it. Such Lender shall be entitled to receive, in cash, concurrently with such assignment, all amounts owed to it under the Loan Documents, including all principal, interest, fees and other amounts owing to such Lender hereunder through the date of assignment.

12.11.Remittance of Payments and Collections.

12.11.1.Remittances Generally. All payments by any Lender to Agent shall be made by the time and on the day set forth in this Agreement, in immediately available funds. If no time for payment is specified or if payment is due on demand by Agent and request for payment is made by Agent by 11:00 a.m. (Central Time) on a Business Day, payment shall be made by Lender not later than 1:00 p.m. (Central Time) on such day, and if request is made after 11:00 a.m. (Central Time), then payment shall be made by 11:00 a.m. (Central Time) on the next Business Day. Payment by Agent to any Secured Party shall be made by wire transfer, in the type of funds received by Agent. Any such payment shall be subject to Agent’s right of offset for any amounts due from such payee under the Loan Documents.

12.11.2.Failure to Pay. If any Secured Party fails to pay any amount when due by it to Agent pursuant to the terms hereof, such amount shall bear interest from the due date until paid at the rate determined by Agent as customary in the banking industry for interbank compensation. In no event shall Borrower be entitled to receive credit for any interest paid by a Secured Party to Agent, nor shall any Defaulting Lender be entitled to interest on any amounts held by Agent pursuant to Section 4.2.

12.11.3.Recovery of Payments. If Agent pays any amount to a Secured Party in the expectation that a related payment will be received by Agent from an Obligor and such related payment is not received, then Agent may recover such amount from each Secured Party that received it. If Agent



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determines at any time that an amount received under any Loan Document must be returned to an Obligor or paid to any other Person pursuant to Applicable Law or otherwise, then, notwithstanding any other term of any Loan Document, Agent shall not be required to distribute such amount to any Lender. If any amounts received and applied by Agent to any Obligations are later required to be returned by Agent pursuant to Applicable Law, each Lender shall pay to Agent, on demand, such Lender’s Pro Rata share of the amounts required to be returned.

12.12.Agent in its Individual Capacity. As a Lender, Bank of America shall have the same rights and remedies under the other Loan Documents as any other Lender, and the terms “Lenders,” “Required Lenders” or any similar term shall include Bank of America in its capacity as a Lender. Each of Bank of America and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, maintain deposits or credit balances for, invest in, lend money to, provide Bank Products to, act as trustee under indentures of, serve as financial or other advisor to, and generally engage in any kind of business with, Obligors and their Affiliates, as if Bank of America were any other bank, without any duty to account therefor (including any fees or other consideration received in connection therewith) to the other Lenders. In their individual capacities, Bank of America and its Affiliates may receive information regarding Obligors, their Affiliates and their Account Debtors (including information subject to confidentiality obligations), and each Secured Party agrees that Bank of America and its Affiliates shall be under no obligation to provide such information to any Secured Party, if acquired in such individual capacity and not as Agent hereunder.

12.13.Agent Titles. Each Lender, other than Bank of America, that is designated (on the cover page of this Agreement or otherwise) by Bank of America as an “Agent” or “Arranger” of any type shall not have any right, power, responsibility or duty under any Loan Documents other than those applicable to all Lenders, and shall in no event be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any other Lender.

12.14.Bank Product Providers. Each Secured Bank Product Provider, by delivery of a notice to Agent of a Bank Product, agrees to be bound by Section 5.6 and this Section 12. Absent gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of such Agent Indemnitee, each Secured Bank Product Provider shall indemnify and hold harmless each Agent Indemnitee, to the extent not reimbursed by Obligors, against all Claims that may be incurred by or asserted against any Agent Indemnitee in connection with such provider’s Secured Bank Product Obligations.

12.15.No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Section 12 (except with respect to Borrower’s rights under Sections 12.8 and 12.10) is an agreement solely among Secured Parties and Agent, and shall survive Full Payment of the Obligations. This Section 12 (except with respect to Borrower’s rights under Sections 12.8 and 12.10) does not confer any rights or benefits upon Borrower or any other Person. As between Borrower and Agent, any action that Agent may take under any Loan Documents or with respect to any Obligations shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized and directed by Secured Parties.

12.16.Withholding. To the extent required by any applicable law, the Agent may withhold from any payment to any Lender an amount equivalent to any applicable withholding Tax. If any payment has been made to any Lender by the Agent without the applicable withholding Tax being withheld from such payment and the Agent has paid over the applicable withholding Tax to the Internal Revenue Service or any other Governmental Authority, or the Internal Revenue Service or any other Governmental Authority asserts a claim that the Agent did not properly withhold Tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender because the appropriate form was not delivered or was not properly executed or because such Lender failed to notify the Agent of a change in circumstance which rendered the exemption from, or reduction of, withholding Tax ineffective or for any other reason, such Lender shall indemnify the Agent fully for all



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amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by the Agent as Tax or otherwise, including any penalties or interest and together with all expenses (including legal expenses, allocated internal costs and out-of-pocket expenses) incurred.

SECTION 13.
BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS

13.1.Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each of Borrower, each Borrowing Base Guarantor, Agent, Lenders, Secured Parties, and their respective successors and permitted assigns, except that (a) neither Borrower nor any Borrowing Base Guarantor shall have the right to assign its rights or delegate its obligations under any Loan Documents; and (b) any assignment by a Lender must be made in compliance with Section 13.3. Agent may treat the Person which made any Loan as the owner thereof for all purposes until such Person makes an assignment in accordance with Section 13.3. Any authorization or consent of a Lender shall be conclusive and binding on any subsequent transferee or assignee of such Lender.

13.2.Participations.

13.2.1.Permitted Participants; Effect. Any Lender may, in the ordinary course of its business and in accordance with Applicable Law, at any time sell to a Person (other than a natural Person, or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural Person, or the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (“Participant”) a participating interest in the rights and obligations of such Lender under any Loan Documents. Despite any sale by a Lender of participating interests to a Participant, such Lender’s obligations under the Loan Documents shall remain unchanged, such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for performance of such obligations, such Lender shall remain the holder of its Loans and Commitments for all purposes, all amounts payable by Borrower shall be determined as if such Lender had not sold such participating interests, and Borrower and Agent shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with the Loan Documents. Each Lender shall be solely responsible for notifying its Participants of any matters under the Loan Documents, and Agent and the other Lenders shall not have any obligation or liability to any such Participant. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 5.9 unless Borrower agrees otherwise in writing.

13.2.2.Voting Rights. Each Lender shall retain the sole right to approve, without the consent of any Participant, any amendment, waiver or other modification of any Loan Documents other than that which forgives principal, interest or fees, reduces the stated interest rate or fees payable with respect to any Loan or Commitment in which such Participant has an interest, postpones the Commitment Termination Date or any date fixed for any regularly scheduled payment of principal, interest or fees on such Loan or Commitment, or releases Borrower, any Guarantor (except in respect of a Permitted Asset Disposition of such Guarantor) or substantial portion of the Collateral.

13.2.3.Benefit of Set-Off. Borrower agrees that each Participant shall have a right of set-off in respect of its participating interest to the same extent as if such interest were owing directly to a Lender, and each Lender shall also retain the right of set-off with respect to any participating interests sold by it to the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law. By exercising any such applicable right of set-off, a Participant agrees to share with Lenders all amounts received through its set-off, in accordance with Section 12.5 as if such Participant were a Lender. The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 3.7, 3.9, and 5.9 (subject to the requirements and limitations in Section 5.10).




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13.2.4.Participant Register. Each Lender that sells a participation, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of Borrower solely for United States federal tax purposes, shall maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement (the “Participant Register”). No Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of any Participant Register to any Person (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Loans or other rights or obligations under any Loan Document), except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that the Commitments, Loans or other rights or obligations are in registered form under Treasury Regulation Section 5f.103-1(c). Unless otherwise required by the Internal Revenue Service, any disclosure required by the foregoing sentence shall be made by the relevant Lender directly and solely to the Internal Revenue Service. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender, Borrower and the Agent shall treat each person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register pursuant to the terms hereof as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary.

13.3.Assignments.

13.3.1.Permitted Assignments. A Lender may assign to an Eligible Assignee any of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents, as long as (a) each assignment is of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of the transferor Lender’s rights and obligations under the Loan Documents and, in the case of a partial assignment, is in a minimum principal amount of $5,000,000 (unless otherwise agreed by Agent and, so long as a Specified Event of Default has not occurred, Borrower in its/their discretion) and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess of that amount; (b) except in the case of an assignment in whole of a Lender’s rights and obligations, the aggregate amount of the Commitments retained by the transferor Lender is at least $5,000,000 (unless otherwise agreed by Agent and, so long as a Specified Event of Default has not occurred, Borrower in its/their discretion); and (c) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to Agent, for its acceptance and recording, an Assignment and Acceptance. Nothing herein shall limit the right of a Lender to pledge or assign any rights under the Loan Documents to (i) any Federal Reserve Bank, the United States Treasury or other central bank as collateral security pursuant to Regulation A of the Board of Governors and any Operating Circular issued by such Federal Reserve Bank, or (ii) counterparties to swap agreements relating to any Loans; provided, however, that any payment by Borrower to the assigning Lender in respect of any Obligations assigned as described in this sentence shall satisfy Borrower’s obligations hereunder to the extent of such payment, and no such assignment shall release the assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder.

13.3.2.Effect; Effective Date. Upon delivery to Agent of an assignment notice in the form of Exhibit D and a processing fee of $3,500 (unless otherwise agreed by Agent in its discretion), the assignment shall become effective as specified in the notice, if it complies with this Section 13.3. From such effective date, the Eligible Assignee shall for all purposes be a Lender under the Loan Documents, and shall have all rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder. Upon consummation of an assignment, the transferor Lender, Agent and Borrower shall make appropriate arrangements for issuance of replacement and/or new Notes, as applicable. The transferee Lender shall comply with Section 5.10 and deliver, upon request, an administrative questionnaire reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

13.3.3.Certain Assignees. No assignment or participation may be made to Borrower, an Affiliate of Borrower, a Defaulting Lender or a natural person. Agent shall have no obligation to determine whether any assignment is permitted under the Loan Documents. In connection with any assignment by a Defaulting Lender, such assignment shall be effective only upon payment by the Eligible Assignee or Defaulting Lender to Agent of an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution (through direct



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payment, purchases of participations or other compensating actions as Agent deems appropriate), (a) to satisfy all funding and payment liabilities then owing by the Defaulting Lenders hereunder, and (b) to acquire its Pro Rata share of all Loans and LC Obligations. If an assignment by a Defaulting Lender shall become effective under Applicable Law for any reason without compliance with the foregoing sentence, then the assignee shall be deemed a Defaulting Lender for all purposes until such compliance occurs.

13.3.4.Register. The Agent, acting for this purpose as an agent of Borrower solely for tax purposes and solely with respect to the actions described in this Section 13.3.4, shall establish and maintain at one of its offices a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount (and related stated interest amounts) of the Loans and LC Obligations owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time and any assignment of any such interest (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and Borrower, the Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by Borrower, the Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Obligations (including the obligations to participate in Swingline Loans) are intended to be treated as registered obligations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Any right or title in or to any Obligations (including with respect to the principal amount and any interest thereon) may only be assigned or otherwise transferred through the Register. This Section 13.3.4 shall be construed so that the Obligations are at all times maintained in “registered form” within the meaning of Sections 163(f), 871(h)(2) and 881(c)(2) of the Code, Treasury Regulations Section 5f.103-1 and any other related regulations (or any successor provisions of the Code or such regulations).

SECTION 14.
MISCELLANEOUS

14.1.Consents, Amendments and Waivers.
  
14.1.1.Amendment. Subject to Section 2.1.4(e), no modification of any Loan Document, including any extension or amendment of a Loan Document or any waiver of a Default or Event of Default, shall be effective without the prior written agreement of Agent (with the consent of Required Lenders) and each Obligor party to such Loan Document; provided, however, that

(a)without the prior written consent of Agent, no modification shall be effective with respect to any provision in a Loan Document that relates to any rights, duties or discretion of Agent;

(b)without the prior written consent of Issuing Bank, no modification shall be effective with respect to any LC Obligations, Section 2.3 or any other provision in a Loan Document that relates to any rights, duties or discretion of Issuing Bank;

(c)without the prior written consent of each affected Lender, including a Defaulting Lender, no modification shall be effective that would (i) increase the Commitment of such Lender; (ii) reduce the amount of, or waive or delay a scheduled payment of, any principal, interest or fees payable to such Lender (except as provided in Section 4.2); (iii) extend the Revolver Termination Date applicable to such Lender’s Obligations; or (iv) amend this clause (c);

(d)without the prior written consent of all Lenders (except any Defaulting Lender), no modification shall be effective that would (i) alter Section 5.6, 7.1 (except to add Collateral) or 14.1.1; (ii) amend the definitions of Aggregate Borrowing Base, Tranche A Borrowing Base or Tranche B



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Borrowing Base (and the defined terms used in each such definition) which has the effect of increasing Availability, Pro Rata or Required Lenders; (iii) increase any advance rate or increase total Commitments; (iv) release all or substantially all of the Collateral, except as currently contemplated by the Loan Documents; or (v) release any Obligor from liability for any Obligations, unless pursuant to a Permitted Asset Disposition of such Obligor; and

(e)without the prior written consent of a Secured Bank Product Provider, no modification shall be effective that (i) adversely affects its relative payment priority under Section 5.6 or (ii) amends or modifies the definition of “Secured Bank Product Provider”, “Secured Bank Product Obligation”, “Bank Product”, “Bank Product Debt”, “Hedging Agreement”, “Bank Product Reserve”, “Secured Parties”, “Obligations” or “Secured Obligations” (as such terms (or similar terms) are defined in this Agreement or any Security Document) in a manner that adversely and directly affects in any material respect such Secured Bank Product Provider (in its capacity as a Secured Bank Product Provider); provided that an amendment or modification of the definitions of “Obligations” or “Secured Obligations” to increase the amount of obligations and/or to add additional tranches of Debt or other obligations (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 2.1.4(e)) shall not be deemed to adversely and directly affect any Secured Bank Product Provider.

14.1.2.Limitations. The agreement of Borrower or any other Obligor shall not be necessary to the effectiveness of any modification of a Loan Document that deals solely with the rights and duties of Lenders, Agent and/or Issuing Bank as among themselves. Only the consent of the parties to the Fee Letter or any agreement relating to a Bank Product shall be required for any modification of such agreement, and any non-Lender that is party to a Bank Product agreement shall have no other right to consent to or participate in any manner in modification of any other Loan Document. The making of any Loans or issuance of any Letter of Credit during the existence of a Default or Event of Default shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of such Default or Event of Default, nor to establish a course of dealing. Any waiver or consent granted by Lenders hereunder shall be effective only if in writing, and then only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it is given.

14.1.3.Payment for Consents. Borrower will not, directly or indirectly, pay any remuneration or other thing of value, whether by way of additional interest, fee or otherwise, to any Lender (in its capacity as a Lender hereunder) as consideration for agreement by such Lender with any modification of any Loan Documents, unless such remuneration or value is concurrently paid, on the same terms, on a Pro Rata basis to all Lenders providing their consent.

14.2.Indemnity. EACH OF BORROWER AND EACH BORROWING BASE GUARANTOR SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE INDEMNITEES AGAINST ANY CLAIMS THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE, INCLUDING CLAIMS ASSERTED BY ANY OBLIGOR OR OTHER PERSON OR ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF AN INDEMNITEE; provided, however, that in no event shall Borrower or any Obligor party to a Loan Document have any obligation hereunder or thereunder to indemnify or hold harmless an Indemnitee with respect to a Claim to the extent that such Claim is determined in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to result from the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or such Indemnitee’s officers, directors or employees. Each Indemnitee shall consult with Borrower with respect to the defense of any of the foregoing. In no event shall Borrower, any Borrowing Base Guarantor or any Indemnitee have any liability for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages; provided, that this sentence shall not limit the indemnification obligations of Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor under this Agreement. Neither Borrower nor any Borrowing Base Guarantor shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without Borrower’s prior written



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consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), but if settled with such written consent, or if there is a final judgment against an Indemnitee in any such proceeding, Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee in the manner set forth above. No Indemnitee referred to in this paragraph shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

14.3.Notices and Communications.

14.3.1.Notice Address. Subject to Section 14.3.2, all notices and other communications by or to a party hereto shall be given in writing and addressed to the party to be notified as follows:

(i)if to Borrower or any other Obligor:

AK Steel Corporation
9227 Centre Pointe Drive
West Chester, OH 45069
Attention: Joseph C. Alter
Electronic mail: Joe.Alter@aksteel.com
Telecopy no: 513-425-5607

with a copy to:
AK Steel Corporation
9227 Centre Pointe Drive
West Chester, OH 45069
Attention: Brian S. Duba
Electronic mail: Brian.Duba@aksteel.com
Telecopy no: 513-425-5607

and a further copy to:

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10153
Attention: Morgan Bale
Electronic mail: morgan.bale@weil.com
Telecopy no: 212-310-8007

(ii)if to any other Person, at its address shown on the signature pages hereof (or, in the case of a Person who becomes a Lender after the Closing Date, at the address shown on its Assignment and Acceptance), or at such other address as a party may hereafter specify by notice in accordance with this Section 14.3.

Each such notice or other communication shall be effective only (a) if given by facsimile transmission, when transmitted to the applicable facsimile number, if confirmation of receipt is received; (b) if given by mail, three Business Days after deposit in the U.S. mail, with first-class postage pre-paid, addressed to the



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applicable address; or (c) if given by personal delivery, when duly delivered to the notice address with receipt acknowledged. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no notice to Agent pursuant to Section 2.1.4, 2.3, 3.1.2 or 4.1.1 shall be effective until actually received by the individual to whose attention at Agent such notice is required to be sent. Any written notice or other communication that is not sent in conformity with the foregoing provisions shall nevertheless be effective on the date actually received by the noticed party.
14.3.2.Electronic Communications; Voice Mail. Electronic mail and internet websites may be used only for routine communications, such as financial statements, Borrowing Base Certificates and other information required by Section 10.1.2, administrative matters, distribution of Loan Documents for execution, and matters permitted under Section 4.1.4. Agent and Lenders make no assurances as to the privacy and security of electronic communications. Electronic and voice mail may not be used as effective notice under the Loan Documents.

14.3.3.Non-Conforming Communications. Agent and Lenders may rely upon any notices purportedly given by or on behalf of Borrower even if such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not confirmed, or if the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from a later confirmation. Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee from any liabilities, losses, costs and expenses arising from any telephonic communication purportedly given by or on behalf of Borrower.

14.4.Performance of Borrower’s Obligations. Agent may, in its discretion at any time when an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, at Borrower’s reasonable expense, pay any amount or do any act required of Borrower or any other Obligor under any Loan Documents or otherwise lawfully requested by Agent to (a) enforce any Loan Documents or collect any Obligations; (b) protect, insure, maintain or realize upon any Collateral; or (c) defend or maintain the validity or priority of Agent’s Liens in any Collateral, including any payment of a judgment, insurance premium, warehouse charge, finishing or processing charge, or landlord claim, or any discharge of a Lien. All payments, costs and expenses (including Extraordinary Expenses) of Agent under this Section shall be reimbursed to Agent by Borrower, on demand, with interest from the date incurred to the date of payment thereof at the Default Rate applicable to Base Rate Revolver Loans. Any payment made or action taken by Agent under this Section shall be without prejudice to any right to assert an Event of Default or to exercise any other rights or remedies under the Loan Documents.

14.5.Credit Inquiries. Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor hereby authorizes Agent and Lenders (but they shall have no obligation) to respond to usual and customary credit inquiries from third parties concerning Borrower, Borrowing Base Guarantors, or any other Subsidiary.

14.6.Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of the Loan Documents shall be interpreted in such manner as to be valid under Applicable Law. If any provision is found to be invalid under Applicable Law, it shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity and the remaining provisions of the Loan Documents shall remain in full force and effect.

14.7.Cumulative Effect; Conflict of Terms. The provisions of the Loan Documents are cumulative. The parties acknowledge that the Loan Documents may use several limitations, tests or measurements to regulate similar matters, and they agree that these are cumulative and that each must be performed as provided. Except as otherwise provided in another Loan Document (by specific reference to the applicable provision of this Agreement), if any provision contained herein is in direct conflict with any provision in another Loan Document, the provision herein shall govern and control.




107





14.8.Counterparts. Any Loan Document may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement shall become effective when Agent has received counterparts bearing the signatures of all parties hereto. Delivery of a signature page of any Loan Document by telecopy or other electronic means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of such agreement.

14.9.Entire Agreement. Time is of the essence of the Loan Documents. The Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof.

14.10.Obligations of Lenders. The obligations of each Lender hereunder are several, and no Lender shall be responsible for the obligations or Commitments of any other Lender. Amounts payable hereunder to each Lender shall be a separate and independent debt, and each Lender shall be entitled, to the extent not otherwise restricted hereunder, to protect and enforce its rights arising out of the Loan Documents. It shall not be necessary for Agent or any other Lender to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purposes. Nothing in this Agreement and no action of Agent, Lenders or any other Secured Party pursuant to the Loan Documents or otherwise shall be deemed to constitute Agent and any Secured Party to be a partnership, association, joint venture or any other kind of entity, nor to constitute control of any Obligor. In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated by any Loan Document, Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor acknowledges that (a)(i) this credit facility and any related arranging or other services by Agent, any Lender, any of their Affiliates or any arranger are arm’s-length commercial transactions between Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor and such Person; (ii) each of Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent they have deemed appropriate; and (iii) each of Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor is capable of evaluating, and understand and accept, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents; (b) each of Agent, Lenders, their Affiliates and any arrangers is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor, any of their Affiliates or any other Person, and has no obligation with respect to the transaction contemplated by the Loan Documents except as expressly set forth therein; and (c) Agent, Lenders, their Affiliates and any arranger may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of Borrower, each Borrowing Base Guarantor and their Affiliates, and have no obligation to disclose any of such interests to Borrower, any Borrowing Base Guarantor or their Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, each of Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against Agent, Lenders, their Affiliates and any arranger with respect to any breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any transaction contemplated by a Loan Document. Agent, each Lender and their Affiliates (collectively, solely for purposes of this paragraph, the “Lender Parties”), may have economic interests that conflict with those of the Obligors, their stockholders and/or their affiliates. Each Obligor agrees that nothing in the Loan Documents or otherwise will be deemed to create an advisory, fiduciary or agency relationship or fiduciary or other implied duty between any Lender Party, on the one hand, and such Obligor, its stockholders or its affiliates, on the other. The Obligors acknowledge and agree that (i) the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents (including the exercise of rights and remedies hereunder and thereunder) are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Lender Parties, on the one hand, and the Obligors, on the other, and (ii) in connection therewith and with the process leading thereto, (x) no Lender Party has assumed any advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of any Obligor, its stockholders or its affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby (or the exercise of rights or remedies with respect thereto) or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether any Lender Party has advised, is currently advising or will advise any Obligor, its



108





stockholders or its Affiliates on other matters) or any other obligation to any Obligor except the obligations expressly set forth in the Loan Documents and (y) each Lender Party is acting solely as principal and not as the agent or fiduciary of any Obligor, its management, stockholders, creditors or any other Person. Each Obligor acknowledges and agrees that it has consulted its own legal and financial advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate and that it is responsible for making its own independent judgment with respect to such transactions and the process leading thereto. Each Obligor agrees that it will not claim that any Lender Party has rendered advisory services of any nature or respect, or owes a fiduciary or similar duty to such Obligor, in connection with such transaction or the process leading thereto.

14.11.Confidentiality. Each of Agent, Lenders and Issuing Bank agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’ respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, insurers and reinsurers, advisors and representatives (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential); (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it or its Affiliates (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), in which case Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank shall (other than in connection with any examination of the financial condition or other routine examination of such Person by such regulatory authority) notify Borrower thereof to the extent lawfully permitted to do so; (c) to the extent required by Applicable Law or by any subpoena or similar legal process (in which case Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank shall notify Borrower to the extent lawfully permitted to do so); (d) to any other party hereto; (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies, the enforcement of any rights, or any action or proceeding relating to any Loan Documents; (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same, or at least as restrictive, as those of this Section, to any Transferee or any actual or prospective party (or its advisors) to any Bank Product; (g) with the consent of Borrower; (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to Agent, any Lender, Issuing Bank or any of their Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than Borrower; or (i) on a confidential basis to (i) any rating agency in connection with rating the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the Revolver Loans or (ii) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers with respect to the Revolver Loans. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Agent and Lenders may issue and disseminate to the public general information describing this credit facility, including the names and addresses of Borrower and a general description of Borrower’s businesses, and may use Borrower’s name, logo, trademarks or product photographs in advertising and other promotional materials. For purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from an Obligor or Subsidiary relating to it or its business, other than any information that is available to Agent, any Lender or Issuing Bank on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Obligor or Subsidiary, provided that, in the case of information received from an Obligor or Subsidiary after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information pursuant to this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information. Each of Agent, Lenders and Issuing Bank acknowledges that (i) Information may include material non-public information concerning an Obligor or Subsidiary; (ii) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public information; and (iii) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with Applicable Law, including federal and state securities laws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the confidentiality provisions contained in this Agreement shall not prohibit disclosures to any trustee, administrator, collateral manager, servicer, backup servicer, lender, rating agency or secured party of any special purpose funding vehicles (each, an “SPV”) or its affiliates in connection with the evaluation, administration, servicing of, or the reporting on, the assets or securitization activities of such SPV or its affiliates (it being understood that the Persons to



109





whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential).

14.12.Certifications Regarding Indentures. Borrower certifies to Agent and Lenders that neither the execution or performance of the Loan Documents nor the incurrence of any Obligations by Borrower violates the Existing Senior Notes (or, in each case, the indenture executed in connection therewith).

14.13.GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES (BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO NATIONAL BANKS).

14.14.Consent to Forum. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY FEDERAL OR STATE COURT SITTING IN OR WITH JURISDICTION OVER THE STATE OF NEW YORK, IN ANY PROCEEDING OR DISPUTE RELATING IN ANY WAY TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS, AND AGREES THAT ANY SUCH PROCEEDING SHALL BE BROUGHT BY IT SOLELY IN ANY SUCH COURT. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL CLAIMS, OBJECTIONS AND DEFENSES THAT IT MAY HAVE REGARDING SUCH COURT’S PERSONAL OR SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION, VENUE OR INCONVENIENT FORUM. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 14.3.1. Nothing herein shall limit the right of Agent or any Lender to bring proceedings against any Obligor in any other court, nor limit the right of any party to serve process in any other manner permitted by Applicable Law. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to preclude enforcement by Agent of any judgment or order obtained in any forum or jurisdiction.

14.15.Waivers. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, each of Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor waives (a) the right to trial by jury (which Agent, Issuing Bank and each Lender hereby also waives) in any proceeding or dispute of any kind relating in any way to any Loan Documents, Obligations or Collateral; (b) presentment, demand, protest, notice of presentment, default, non-payment, maturity, release, compromise, settlement, extension or renewal of any commercial paper, accounts, documents, instruments, chattel paper and guaranties at any time held by Agent on which Borrower or any Borrowing Base Guarantor may in any way be liable, and hereby ratifies anything Agent may do in this regard; (c) notice prior to taking possession or control of any Collateral; (d) any bond or security that might be required by a court prior to allowing Agent to exercise any rights or remedies; (e) the benefit of all valuation, appraisement and exemption laws; (f) any claim, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential, exemplary or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) (which Agent, Issuing Bank and each Lender hereby also waives) in any way relating to any Enforcement Action, Obligations, Loan Documents or transactions relating thereto; and (g) notice of acceptance hereof. Each of Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor acknowledges that the foregoing waivers are a material inducement to Agent, Issuing Bank and Lenders entering into this Agreement and that they are relying upon the foregoing in their dealings with Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor. Each of Borrower, each Borrowing Base Guarantor, Agent, Issuing Bank and each Lender has reviewed the foregoing waivers with its respective legal counsel and has knowingly and voluntarily waived its jury trial and other rights following consultation with legal counsel. In the event of litigation, this Agreement may be filed as a written consent to a trial by the court.

14.16.Patriot Act Notice. Agent and Lenders hereby notify Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor that pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act, Agent and Lenders are



110





required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies Borrower and each Borrowing Base Guarantor, including its legal name, address, tax ID number and other information that will allow Agent and Lenders to identify it in accordance with the Patriot Act. Agent and Lenders will also require information regarding each personal guarantor, if any, and may require information regarding Borrower’s and/or each Borrowing Base Guarantor’s management and owners, such as legal name, address, social security number and date of birth.

14.17.Acknowledgment and Consent to Bail-in of EEA Financial Institutions. Solely to the extent Issuing Bank or any Lender that is an EEA Financial Institution is a party to this Agreement and 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 Issuing Bank or any Lender that is an 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 Issuing Bank or any Lender that is an EEA Financial Institution; and

(b)the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:
(i)a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

(ii)a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

(iii)the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the write-down and conversion powers of any EEA Resolution Authority.

14.18.Judgments. If, in connection with obtaining judgment in any court, it is necessary to convert a sum from the currency provided under a Loan Document ("Agreement Currency") into another currency, the Spot Rate shall be used as the rate of exchange. Notwithstanding any judgment in a currency ("Judgment Currency") other than the Agreement Currency, an Obligor shall discharge its obligation in respect of any sum due under a Loan Document only if, on the Business Day following receipt by Agent of payment in the Judgment Currency, Agent can use the amount paid to purchase the sum originally due in the Agreement Currency. If the purchased amount is less than the sum originally due, such Obligor agrees, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify Agent and Lenders against such loss. If the purchased amount is greater than the sum originally due, Agent shall return the excess amount to such Obligor (or to the Person legally entitled thereto).



[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signatures begin on following page]




111





AK STEEL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, as the Borrower
By:
/s/ Roger K. Newport
Name:
Roger K. Newport
Title:
Chief Executive Officer

AK TUBE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as a Borrowing Base Guarantor
By:
/s/ Edward J. Urbaniak
Name:
Edward J. Urbaniak, Jr.
Title:
President

MOUNTAIN STATE CARBON, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as a Borrowing Base Guarantor
By:
/s/ Joseph C. Alter
Name:
Joseph C. Alter
Title:
Assistant Secretary





























[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]




BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Agent and a Lender
By:
/s/ Brian Conole
Name:
Brian Conole
Title:
Senior Vice President
    



                









































[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]




LENDERS:

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Jessica L. Zilliox
Name:
Jessica L. Zilliox
Title:
Authorized Officer




































[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]




LENDERS:

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Michael P. Henry
Name:
Michael P. Henry
Title:
Duly Authorized Signatory










































[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]




LENDERS:

DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Marcus M. Tarkington
Name:
Marcus M. Tarkington
Title:
Director
 
 
By:
/s/ Peter Cucchiara
Name:
Peter Cucchiara
Title:
Vice President
 
 






























[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]



LENDERS:

Siemens Financial Services, Inc.,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Mark B. Schafer
Name:
Mark B. Schafer
Title:
Vice President
 
 
By:
/s/ John Finore
Name:
John Finore
Title:
Vice President






































[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]



LENDERS:

Citibank, N.A.,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Brendan Mackay
Name:
Brendan Mackay
Title:
Director & Vice President











































[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]




LENDERS:

Regions Bank,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Stephen J. McGreevy
Name:
Stephen J. McGreevy
Title:
Managing Director










































[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]




LENDERS:

U.S. Bank National Association,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Rod Swenson
Name:
Rod Swenson
Title:
Vice President



































[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]





LENDERS:

BMO Harris Bank, N.A.,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Quinn Heiden
Name:
Quinn Heiden
Title:
Director


































[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]




LENDERS:

PNC bank, N.A.,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Jenna Mahler
Name:
Jenna Mahler
Title:
AVP



































[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]




LENDERS:

CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Doreen Barr
Name:
Doreen Barr
Title:
Authorized Signatory
 
 
By:
/s/ Nicholas Goss
Name:
Nicholas Goss
Title:
Authorized Signatory































[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]




LENDERS:

Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ James G. Zamborsky
Name:
James G. Zamborsky
Title:
Duly Authorized Signatory



































[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]




LENDERS:

ING Capital LLC,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Doug S. Clarida
Name:
Doug S. Clarida
Title:
Director
 
 
By:
/s/ Jerry L. McDonald
Name:
Jerry L. McDonald
Title:
Director





































[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]




LENDERS:

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Jerry Li
Name:
Jerry Li
Title:
Authorized Signatory



































[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]




LENDERS:

Fifth Third Bank,
as a Lender
By:
/s/ Mike Gifford
Name:
Mike Gifford
Title:
Vice President



































[Signature Page to Loan Agreement]



SCHEDULE 1.1

COMMITMENTS OF LENDERS
Lender
Tranche A Revolver Commitment
Tranche B Revolver Commitment
Bank of America, N.A.
$242,860,153.26
$45,000,000
Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC
$193,195,402.30
$10,000,000
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
$190,000,000.00
$10,000,000
Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch
$83,333,333.33
--
Fifth Third Bank
$83,333,333.33
--
Citibank, N.A.
$83,333,333.33
--
Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch
$83,333,333.33
--
BMO Harris Bank N.A.
$66,666,666.67
--
Goldman Sachs Bank USA
$66,666,666.67
--
Regions Bank
$60,000,000.00
--
U.S. Bank, National Association
$66,666,666.67
--
Barclays Bank PLC
$44,444,444.44
--
KeyBank National Association
$44,444,444.44
--
PNC Bank, National Association
$44,444,444.44
--
Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania
$27,000,000.00
--
ING Capital LLC
$27,500,000.00
--
Siemens Financial Services, Inc.
$27,777,777.78
--
TOTAL:
$1,435,000,000.00
$65,000,000.00


LETTER OF CREDIT COMMITMENTS OF ISSUING BANKS
Issuing Bank
Letter of Credit Commitment
Bank of America, N.A.
$109,878,048.78
Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC
$77,560,975.61
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
$77,560,975.61
PNC Bank, National Association
$35,000,000.00
TOTAL:
$300,000,000.00
















EXHIBIT 31.1
SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Roger K. Newport, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AK Steel Holding Corporation;
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 officers 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 officers 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 registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:
April 29, 2019
 
/s/ Roger K. Newport
 
 
 
Roger K. Newport
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer



EXHIBIT 31.2
SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Jaime Vasquez, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AK Steel Holding Corporation;
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 officers 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 officers 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 registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:
April 29, 2019
 
/s/ Jaime Vasquez
 
 
 
Jaime Vasquez
 
 
 
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer





EXHIBIT 32.1
SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Roger K. Newport, Chief Executive Officer of AK Steel Holding Corporation (the “Company”), do hereby certify in accordance with 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1)
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2019 fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)), and,

(2)
The information contained in this Quarterly Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:
April 29, 2019
 
/s/ Roger K. Newport
 
 
 
Roger K. Newport
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer




EXHIBIT 32.2
SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Jaime Vasquez, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of AK Steel Holding Corporation (the “Company”), do hereby certify in accordance with 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1)
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2019 fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)), and,

(2)
The information contained in this Quarterly Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:
April 29, 2019
 
/s/ Jaime Vasquez
 
 
 
Jaime Vasquez
 
 
 
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer



EXHIBIT 95.1

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE EXHIBIT

The operation of AK Coal Resources, Inc.’s North Fork mine and the Coal Innovations, LLC coal wash plant (collectively, the “AK Coal Operations”) are subject to regulation by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended (“Mine Act”). MSHA inspects mining and processing operations, such as the AK Coal Operations, on a regular basis and issues various citations and orders when it believes a violation has occurred under the Mine Act. We present information below regarding certain mining safety and health citations that MSHA has issued with respect to the AK Coal Operations. In evaluating this information with respect to the AK Coal Operations, consideration should be given to the following factors, among others: (i) the number of citations and orders will vary depending on the size of the mine or plant; (ii) the number of citations issued will vary from inspector to inspector and location to location; and (iii) citations and orders can be contested and appealed and, in that process, are often reduced in severity and amount, and are sometimes dismissed.

Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), each operator of a coal or other mine or plant is required to include certain mine safety results within its periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As required by the reporting requirements included in Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act, we provide the following items regarding certain mining safety and health matters, for the period presented, for each of our locations that are covered under the scope of the Dodd-Frank Act:

(A)
The total number of violations of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a coal or other mine safety or health hazard under section 104 of the Mine Act (30 U.S.C. 814) for which the operator received a citation from MSHA;

(B)
The total number of orders issued under section 104(b) of the Mine Act (30 U.S.C. 814(b));

(C)
The total number of citations and orders for unwarrantable failure of the mine operator to comply with mandatory health or safety standards under section 104(d) of the Mine Act (30 U.S.C. 814(d));

(D)
The total number of imminent danger orders issued under section 107(a) of the Mine Act (30 U.S.C. 817(a));

(E)
The total dollar value of proposed assessments from MSHA under the Mine Act (30 U.S.C. 801 et seq.);

(F)
Legal actions pending before Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (“FMSHRC”) involving such coal or other mine or plant as of the last day of the period;

(G)
Legal actions initiated before the FMSHRC involving such coal or other mine or plant during the period; and

(H)
Legal actions resolved before the FMSHRC involving such coal or other mine or plant during the period.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, the AK Coal Operations did not receive any flagrant violations under Section 110(b)(2) of the Mine Act. In addition, it did not receive any written notices of a pattern of violations, or the potential to have a pattern of such violations, under section 104(e) of the Mine Act. In addition, there were no mining-related fatalities at the AK Coal Operations during this same period.

For purposes of reporting regulatory matters under Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act, we are providing the following table that sets forth the total number of specific citations and orders, the total dollar value of the proposed civil penalty assessments that were issued by MSHA, and a list of legal actions pending before the FMSHRC, including the Administrative Law Judges thereof, pursuant to the Mine Act, during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 for each of our subsidiaries that is a coal mine or plant operator, by individual location.


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MSHA
 
Mine Name
 
Significant and Substantial Citations Issued (Section 104 of the Mine Act) *Excludes 104(d)
citations/ orders
 
Failure to Abate Orders (Section 104(b) of the Mine Act)
 
Unwarrantable Failure Citations/Orders Issued (Section 104(d) of the Mine Act)
 
Imminent Danger Orders Issued (Section 107(a) of the Mine Act)
 
Dollar Value of Proposed Civil Penalty Assessments (in Thousands)
 
Legal Actions Pending as of Last Day of Period
 
Legal Actions Initiated During Period
 
Legal Actions Resolved
3609406
 
Coal Innovations #1
 

 

 

 

 
$

 
 

 
 

 
 
1

 
3610041
 
North Fork
 
14

 

 

 

 
$
11

(a)
 
1

(b)
 
2

 
 
2

 

(a)
Notification has not yet been provided regarding the monetary amount of any proposed penalties with respect to some of the disclosed citations. The recipient is challenging several of the citations.
(b)
These pending legal actions all relate to contests of citations and orders referenced in Subpart B of the Mine Act’s procedural rules.


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