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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

FORM 20-F

(Mark one)    

ý

 

Registration statement pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

or

o

 

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

or

o

 

Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

or

o

 

Shell company report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission file number: 001-36302

Sundance Energy Australia Limited
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Australia
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

633 17th Street, Suite 1950
Denver, CO 80202
Tel: (303) 543-5700

(Address of principal executive offices)

Eric P. McCrady
Sundance Energy, Inc.
Chief Executive Officer
633 17th Street, Suite 1950
Denver, CO 80202
Tel: (303) 543-5700
Fax: (303) 543-5701

(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)

           Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

           Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Ordinary Shares
(Title of Class)

           Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

           Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the date of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

            548,714,663 Ordinary Shares at June 30, 2014

           Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

o  Yes     ý  No

           If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

o  Yes     o  No

           Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) for the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

o  Yes     ý  No

           Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

o  Yes     ý  No

           Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  o   Accelerated filer  o   Non-accelerated filer  ý

           Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP  o   International Financial Reporting Standards as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board  ý
  Other  o

           If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

o  Item 17     o  Item 18

           If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

o  Yes     o  No

   


Table of Contents


Table of Contents

 
  Page  

Part I

 

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

    3  

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

    3  

Item 3. Key Information

    3  

Item 4. Information on Sundance

    29  

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

    50  

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

    50  

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

    71  

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

    80  

Item 8. Financial Information

    83  

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

    85  

Item 10. Additional Information

    87  

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market

    100  

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

    103  

Part II

 

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

    104  

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and the Use of Proceeds

    104  

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

    104  

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

    104  

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

    104  

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

    104  

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees. 

    104  

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

    104  

Item 16F. Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant

    104  

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

    105  

Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure

    105  

Part III

 

Item 17. Financial Statements

    106  

Item 18. Financial Statements

    106  

Item 19. Exhibits

    106  

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EXPLANATORY NOTES

        Unless otherwise indicated or the context implies otherwise:

        We have also provided definitions for certain oil and natural gas terms used in this prospectus in the "Glossary of Oil and Natural Gas Terms" beginning on page A-1 of this registration statement.

        Effective July 1, 2011, our reporting and functional currency became the U.S. dollar. Solely for the convenience of the reader, this form contains translations of certain Australian dollar amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates. All references herein to "A$" are to Australian dollars. All references herein to "$" and "U.S. dollar" are to United States dollars. Except as otherwise stated, all monetary amounts in this registration statement are presented in United States dollars.

        Effective July 1, 2012, we changed our fiscal year end from June 30 to December 31. This change resulted in a six-month reporting period for our fiscal period ended December 31, 2012.

        The disclosures in this registration statement are based on the statutory financial information filed with the Australian Securities Exchange and the Australian Securities & Investments Commission. These registration statement disclosures can be reconciled to those Australian filings with information contained in this registration statement, however certain differences may exist as a result of the disclosure requirements under applicable U.S. and Australian rules. We do not believe that any of these differences are material.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        Certain statements in this registration statement may constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of our management as well as assumptions based on information available to us. When used in this registration statement, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "project," "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, risks or uncertainties associated with our the discovery and development of oil and natural gas reserves, cash flows and liquidity, business and financial strategy, budget, projections and operating results, oil and natural gas prices, amount, nature and timing of capital expenditures, including future development costs, availability and terms of capital, general economic and business conditions, environmental and other liability and other factors identified under Item 3.D. "Key Information—Risk Factors" of this registration statement. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this registration statement as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this registration statement and will not be revised or updated to reflect events after the date of registration statement.

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IMPLICATIONS OF BEING AN EMERGING GROWTH COMPANY

        As a company with less than $1.0 billion in revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an "emerging growth company" as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the "JOBS Act"). An emerging growth company may avail itself of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. For example, we have elected to rely on an exemption from the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 ("Sarbanes Oxley Act") relating to internal control over financial reporting, and we will not provide such an attestation from our auditors.

        We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of the following:

        Once we cease to be an emerging growth company, we will not be entitled to the exemptions provided for by the JOBS Act.

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PART I

Item 1.    Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

A.    Directors and Senior Management

        Information about our directors and senior management is provided in Item 6.A. "Directors and Senior Management" and Item 6.C. "Board Practices" of this registration statement.

B.    Advisers

        Not applicable.

C.    Auditors

        Our auditor is Ernst & Young, whose business address is 680 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. Ernst & Young is an independent registered public accounting firm, registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).

Item 2.    Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

        Not applicable.

Item 3.    Key Information

A.    Selected Financial Data

        The consolidated financial statements and operational information provided throughout for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes amounts related to the DJ Basin. See "— Divestitures " and F-1—"Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements" for further information on the planned divestiture and the impact thereof.

        The following tables set forth summary historical and pro forma financial data for the periods indicated.

        The consolidated statement of operations data for the year ended December 31, 2013, the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 and the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in this registration statement. The consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and June 30, 2012 and 2011 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in this registration statement. The consolidated statement of operations and balance sheet data as of and for the six-month period ended December 31, 2011 are derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements that are included in this registration statement. In our management's opinion, these financial statements include all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of our financial condition as of such dates and our results of operations for such periods.

        Our financial statements have been prepared in U.S. dollars and in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards. Our financial statements comply with IFRS, as issued by the IASB.

        The summary unaudited pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 is derived from the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements included in this registration statement and gives effect to our acquisition of Texon Petroleum Limited ("Texon") and our disposition of interests in properties located in the South Antelope field, Phoenix prospect and remaining Denver-Julesburg Basin assets as if such transactions had occurred on January 1, 2013. The summary pro forma unaudited balance sheet data as of December 31, 2013 gives effect to our disposition of interests in properties located in the Denver-Julesburg Basin as if such transactions had occurred on January 1, 2013. As both the Texon acquisition and the Phoenix divestiture have been

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reflected in the our statement of financial position as of December 31, 2013, there is no impact to the summary pro forma unaudited balance sheet data as a result of those transactions. The summary unaudited pro forma financial information, while helpful in illustrating our financial characteristics using certain assumptions, does not reflect the impact of possible revenue enhancements, expense efficiencies and asset dispositions, among other factors that may result as a consequence of these pro forma transactions and, accordingly, does not attempt to predict or suggest future results. It also does not necessarily reflect what our historical results would have been had the pro forma transactions occurred during these periods.

        You should read the selected consolidated financial data in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes beginning on page F-1 of this registration statement and Item 5 "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" included elsewhere in this form. Our historical results do not necessarily indicate our expected results for any future periods.

 
   
   
   
  Six-month
period ended
December 31,
  Year ended
June 30,
 
 
  Pro forma
year ended
December 31,
2013(1)
  Year ended December 31,  
(In $ '000s)
  2013   2012   2012   2011   2012   2011  
 
  (unaudited)
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
  (audited)
  (audited)
 

Statement of Operations Data:

                                           

Revenues:

                                           

Oil sales

  $ 59,507   $ 79,365   $ 33,743   $ 16,790   $ 11,012   $ 27,965   $ 16,706  

Natural gas sales

    4,256     5,980     2,029     934     727     1,822     1,470  
                               

Total oil and natural gas revenues

    63,763     85,345     35,772     17,724     11,739     29,787     18,176  

Lease operating and production tax expenses

    12,915     18,383     7,653     4,082     2,784     6,355     2,858  

Depreciation and amortization expense

    32,503     36,225     12,869     6,116     4,358     11,111     6,509  

General and administrative expense

    15,964     15,297     9,357     5,810     3,316     6,863     5,338  

Finance costs, net of interest income

    (315 )   (351 )   707     578     (240 )   (111 )   (312 )

Impairment of non-current assets

                    357     357     1,273  

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

                             

(Gain) / loss on sale of non-current assets

    870     (7,335 )   (124,872 )   (122,327 )   (459 )   (3,004 )   (10,940 )

(Gain) / loss on commodity hedging

    554     554     (1,118 )   639     (188 )   (1,945 )   1,107  

Realized currency loss

            3         1     4     559  

Other expense (income)

    1,063     1,063                      

Income tax expense (benefit)

    (1,100 )   5,567     50,102     46,616     659     4,145     4,755  
                               

Profit attributable to owners of Sundance

  $ 1,309   $ 15,942   $ 81,071   $ 76,210   $ 1,151   $ 6,012   $ 7,029  

Other comprehensive income (expense)

                                           

Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations

    (421 )   (421 )   (98 )   (154 )   (303 )   (247 )   384  
                               

Total comprehensive income attributable to owners of Sundance

  $ 888   $ 15,521   $ 80,973   $ 76,056   $ 848   $ 5,765   $ 7,413  
                               
                               

Basic and diluted earnings per share

  $ 0.00   $ 0.03   $ 0.03   $ 0.27   $ 0.00   $ 0.02   $ 0.03  

Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding

    443,637,621     413,872,184     277,171,082     277,244,883     276,904,030     277,049,463     260,935,572  

Other Supplementary Data:

                                           

Adjusted EBITDAX(2)

  $ 36,207   $ 52,594   $ 20,694   $ 9,223   $ 5,622   $ 17,093   $ 9,993  
                               
                               

(1)
The statement of operations of Armadillo Petroleum Limited (f/k/a Texon Petroleum Limited) for the period January 1 through March 7, 2013 reflects amounts in Australian dollars. The balances reflected in the pro forma statements have been converted to U.S. dollars at an average rate of 1.036 U.S. dollar per Australian dollar for the period January 1 through March 7, 2013.

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(2)
Adjusted EBITDAX is a supplemental non-IFRS financial measure. For a definition of Adjusted EBITDAX and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDAX to our profit (loss) attributable to owners of Sundance, see "—Adjusted EBITDAX" below.


 
   
  December 31,   June 30,  
 
  Pro forma
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ '000s)
  2013   2012(1)   2011   2012   2011  
 
  (unaudited)
  (audited)
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
  (audited)
  (audited)
 

Balance Sheet Data:

                                     

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 201,930   $ 96,871   $ 154,110   $ 11,701   $ 15,328   $ 25,244  

Assets held for sale

    11,484     11,484                  

Total current assets

    246,200     141,141     175,424     19,336     30,691     31,173  

Oil and natural gas properties:

                                     

Development and production assets

    277,980     312,230     79,729     61,842     87,274     45,873  

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

    151,771     166,144     33,439     6,875     11,436     6,626  

Total assets

    681,496     625,060     291,435     88,825     130,316     84,080  

Current liabilities

    140,862     140,862     51,842     12,880     30,393     10,160  

Credit facilities

    29,141     29,141     29,570         14,655      

Restoration provision

    2,908     5,074     1,228     412     588     349  

Deferred tax liabilities

    125,126     102,711     56,979     7,263     10,476     6,104  

Total non-current liabilities

    157,206     136,957     87,777     7,675     25,719     6,453  

Total liabilities

    298,068     277,819     139,619     20,555     56,112     16,613  

Net assets

    383,428     347,241     151,816     68,270     74,204     67,467  

Issued capital

    237,008     237,008     58,694     57,978     57,978     57,831  

(1)
Difference in amounts disclosed for total assets, credit facilities and total liabilities within the F-Pages are due to the netting of deferred financing fees of $0.3 million within credit facilities.


 
  Year ended
December 31,
  Six-month period
ended December 31,
  Year ended
June 30,
 
(In $ '000s)
  2013   2012   2012   2011   2012   2011  
 
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
  (audited)
  (audited)
 

Net Cash Flow Data:

                                     

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 62,646   $ 19,123   $ 9,386   $ 2,095   $ 11,832   $ 8,908  

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

    (164,355 )   93,355     114,571     (14,933 )   (36,149 )   (13,465 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    44,455     29,661     14,846     (81 )   14,734     18,869  

Adjusted EBITDAX

        Adjusted EBITDAX is a supplemental non-IFRS financial measure that is used by our management and external users of our consolidated financial statements, such as investors, industry analysts and lenders.

        We define "Adjusted EBITDAX" as earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, property impairments, gain/(loss) on sale of non-current assets, exploration expense, share-based compensation and gains and losses on commodity hedging, net of settlements of commodity hedging.

        Our management believes Adjusted EBITDAX is useful because it allows us to more effectively evaluate our operating performance and compare the results of our operations from period to period

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without regard to our financing methods or capital structure. We exclude the items listed above from profit attributable to owners of Sundance in arriving at Adjusted EBITDAX, because these amounts can vary substantially from company to company within our industry, depending upon accounting methods and book values of assets, capital structures and the method by which the assets were acquired. Adjusted EBITDAX should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or cash flows from operating activities as determined in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB, or as an indicator of our operating performance or liquidity.

        Certain items excluded from Adjusted EBITDAX are significant components in understanding and assessing a company's financial performance, such as cost of capital and tax structure, as well as the historic costs of depreciable assets. Our computations of Adjusted EBITDAX may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. We believe that Adjusted EBITDAX is a widely followed measure of operating performance and may also be used by investors to measure our ability to meet debt service requirements.

        The following table presents a reconciliation of the profit (loss) attributable to owners of Sundance to Adjusted EBITDAX:

 
   
   
   
  Six-month
period ended
December 31,
  Year ended
June 30,
 
 
  Pro forma
Year ended
December 31,
2013
  Year ended December 31,  
(In $ '000s)
  2013   2012   2012   2011   2012   2011  
 
  (unaudited)
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
  (audited)
  (audited)
 

IFRS Profit (Loss) Reconciliation to Adjusted EBITDAX:

                                           

Profit (loss) attributable to owners of Sundance

  $ 1,309   $ 15,942   $ 81,071   $ 76,210   $ 1,151   $ 6,012   $ 7,029  

Income tax expense (benefit)

    (1,100 )   5,567     50,102     46,616     659     4,145     4,755  

Finance costs, net of (interest received)

    197     (232 )   707     578     (240 )   (111 )   (312 )

(Gain)/loss on commodity hedging

    554     554     (1,118 )   639     (188 )   (1,945 )   1,107  

Settlement of commodity hedging

    283     283     718     551     (464 )   (297 )   (643 )

Depreciation and amortization expense

    32,504     36,225     12,869     6,116     4,358     11,111     6,509  

Impairment of non-current assets

                    357     357     1,273  

Stock compensation, value of services

    1,590     1,590     1,217     840     448     825     1,215  

(Gain)/loss on sale of non-current assets

    870     (7,335 )   (124,872 )   (122,327 )   (459 )   (3,004 )   (10,940 )
                               

Adjusted EBITDAX

  $ 36,207   $ 52,594   $ 20,694   $ 9,223   $ 5,622   $ 17,093   $ 9,993  
                               
                               

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Exchange Rate Information

        The Australian dollar is convertible into U.S. dollars at freely floating rates. There are no legal restrictions on the flow of Australian dollars between Australia and the United States. Any remittances of dividends or other payments by Sundance to persons in the United States are not and will not be subject to any exchange controls.

        While our financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, Texon's financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 (and which have been included elsewhere in this registration statement) have been prepared in Australian dollars. For purposes of the presentation of our pro forma financial data for the year ended December 31, 2013, which are based on such Texon financial statements, we have translated all Australian dollar amounts into U.S. dollar amounts at a rate of 1.036 U.S. dollars per Australian dollar.

        The table below sets forth for the periods identified the number of U.S. dollars per Australian dollar as published by the Reserve Bank of Australia as of July 8, 2014. We make no representation that any Australian dollar or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Australian dollars, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all.

 
  At Period
End
  Average
Rate
  High   Low  

Year ended December 31,

                         

2011

    1.0156     1.0320     1.1055     0.9500  

2012

    1.0384     1.0358     1.0816     0.9675  

2013

    0.8948     0.9679     1.0583     0.8836  

Month ended

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

July 31, 2014 (through July 8, 2014)

    0.9385     0.9400     0.9458     0.9356  

June 30, 2014

    0.9420     0.9368     0.9439     0.9260  

May 31, 2014

    0.9319     0.9309     0.9401     0.9235  

April 30, 2014

    0.9287     0.9314     0.9414     0.9219  

March 31, 2014

    0.9221     0.9071     0.9270     0.8912  

February 28, 2014

    0.8947     0.8966     0.9057     0.8755  

January 31, 2014

    0.8763     0.8865     0.9036     0.8716  

(1)
For the fiscal years, determined by averaging the published rate on the last day of each full month during the fiscal year.

Recent Developments

Preliminary Unaudited Financial and Operational Information for the Three-Month Period Ended March 31, 2014

        Our independent auditors have not audited or reviewed either the selected 2014 or 2013 unaudited financial information set forth below and do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect to this financial information. In connection with the completion of these activities, we may identify items that would require us to make adjustments to the financial information. As a result, our financial results could be different from those set forth below and those differences could be material.

        Certain estimated unaudited financial information as of and for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 is set forth below. The estimates set forth below were prepared by our management and are based upon a number of assumptions. See "Forward-Looking Statements," Item 3.D. "Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Oil and Natural Gas Industry and Our Business" and Item 5.A. "Operating Results—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates."

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OUR ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER FROM THESE EXPECTATIONS. ANY SUCH DIFFERENCES COULD BE MATERIAL.

 
  Three-months ended
March 31,
 
 
  2014   2013  

Net Sales Volumes:

             

Oil (Bbls)

    278,291     85,831  

Natural gas, excluding flare (MMcf)

    352,593     115,965  

NGL (Bbls)

    51,584     5,288  

Oil equivalent (MBoe)

    388,641     110,447  

Average daily volumes, excluding flare (Boe/d)

    4,318     1,227  

Revenue (in $ '000s):

             

Oil sales

  $ 26,288   $ 7,993  

Natural gas sales

    1,895     490  

NGL sales

    1,966     202  
           

Total oil and natural gas revenues

  $ 30,149   $ 8,685  

Average Sales Price:

             

Oil (per Bbl)

    94.46     93.13  

Natural gas (per Mcf)

    5.37     4.23  

NGL (per Bbl)

    38.11     38.20  

Adjusted EBITDAX (in $ '000s)

  $ 20,720   $ 4,097  

Acquisitions

        In May 2014, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of working interests in approximately 9,200 gross (5,700 net) and 18,000 gross (5,400 net) mineral acres in Dimmit and Maverick Counties, Texas, respectively. The purchase price includes an initial cash payment of $33 million and a commitment to drill four Eagle Ford wells. In addition, we have the option, at our sole discretion, to acquire the Seller's remaining working interests in Dimmit and Maverick Counties, Texas (including the Seller's interest in producing wells) for an additional $45 million (comprised of the Seller's choice of all cash or cash and ordinary shares, with certain restrictions).

        In April 2014, we acquired approximately 4,800 net acres in the Eagle Ford for an initial purchase price of approximately $10.5 million and two separate earn out payments due upon commencement of drilling ($7.7 million) and payout of the first six wells drilled on the acreage ($7.7 million). The term of the agreement is two years and provides a one year extension for $500 per acre extended. This acreage is adjacent to our current acreage in McMullen County, Texas.

Divestitures

        In May 2014, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to divest of our remaining Denver-Julesburg Basin assets. The sale price of $116 million in cash includes the reimbursement of capital expenditures incurred on 8 gross (3.1 net) non-operated horizontal wells. The sale is expected to close before September 30, 2014.

Equity Financing

        In February 2014, we completed a private placement in which we sold 84.2 million ordinary shares at A$0.95 per share, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $68.4 million. The first tranche of 63.7 million shares was issued in March 2014 and the second tranche of 20.5 million shares was issued in April 2014.

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Credit Facilities—Borrowing Base Redetermination

        Our credit arrangements currently consist of a five-year $300 million credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent providing for a senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Senior Credit Facility") and a five-year $100 million second lien credit agreement with Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as administrative agent (the "Junior Credit Facility" and together with the Senior Credit Facility, the "Credit Facilities").

        In May 2014, our borrowing capacity under our Credit Facilities increased from an aggregate of $63 million to $135 million. The increase in our borrowing capacity was driven by the significant uplift our proved oil and gas reserves as of December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013 we had $30 million of debt outstanding under our Credit Facilities, and subsequent to December 31, 2013 an additional $50 million was drawn-down under our Credit Facilities. In conjunction with the increase in our borrowing base, we have expanded the syndicate of banks under our Senior Credit Facility. Led by Wells Fargo, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and the Bank of Nova Scotia have now joined the banking group.

B.    Capitalization and Indebtedness

        The following table sets forth our capitalization and cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2013:

    on an actual basis; and

    on an as-adjusted basis to further give effect to (i) the sale and issuance of 84.2 million ordinary shares and the net proceeds of $68.4 million therefrom, after deducting commissions and broker fees and (ii) an additional $50.0 million drawn-down under our Credit Facilities subsequent to December 31, 2013.

 
  As of December 31, 2013  
(In $ '000s)
  Actual   As Adjusted  

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 96,871   $ 215,296  
           
           

Non-current liabilities

             

Credit facilities net of deferred financing fees(1)

    29,141     79,141  
           

Total debt

    29,141     79,141  
           

Equity

             

Issued capital

    237,008     305,433  

Share option reserve

    5,635     5,635  

Foreign currency translation

    (1,516 )   (1,516 )

Retained earnings

    106,114     106,114  
           

Total equity

    347,241     415,666  
           

Total capitalization

  $ 376,382   $ 494,807  
           
           

(1)
As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately $15 million of indebtedness outstanding under our Senior Credit Facility and $15 million of indebtedness outstanding under our Junior Credit Facility.

C.    Reasons for Offer and Use of Proceeds

        Not applicable.

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D.    Risk Factors

Risks Related to the Oil and Natural Gas Industry and Our Business

Our future revenues are dependent on our ability to successfully replace our proved producing reserves.

        Our business strategy is to generate profit through the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas reserves. Future success therefore depends on our ability to find, develop or acquire additional oil and natural gas reserves that are economically recoverable. Further to this, our proved reserves generally decline when produced, unless we conduct successful exploration or development activities or acquire properties containing proved reserves or both. We may not be able to find, develop or acquire additional reserves on an economically viable basis. Furthermore, if oil and natural gas prices increase, the cost of finding, developing or acquiring additional reserves could also increase.

        Exploration and development activities involve numerous risks, including the risk that no commercially productive oil or natural gas reservoirs will be discovered. In addition, the future cost and timing of drilling, completing and operating wells is often uncertain. Furthermore, drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of a variety of factors, including:

    lack of prospective acreage available on acceptable terms;

    unexpected or adverse drilling conditions;

    elevated pressure or irregularities in geologic formations;

    equipment failures or accidents;

    adverse weather conditions;

    title problems;

    limited availability of financing upon acceptable terms;

    reductions in oil and natural gas prices;

    compliance with governmental requirements; and

    shortages or delays in the availability of drilling rigs, equipment and personnel.

        Even if our drilling efforts are successful, our wells, once completed, may not produce reserves of oil or natural gas that are economically viable or that meet our prior estimates of economically recoverable reserves. Unsuccessful drilling activities could result in a significant decline in our production and revenues and materially harm our operations and financial position by reducing our available cash and liquidity. In addition, the potential for production decline rates for our wells could be greater than we expect. Because of the risks and uncertainties inherent to our businesses, our future drilling results may not be comparable to our historical results described elsewhere in this registration statement.

A decline in oil and natural gas prices may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations and our ability to meet our capital expenditure obligations and financial commitments.

        The price we receive for our oil and natural gas heavily affects our revenue, profitability, access to capital and future growth prospects. Oil and natural gas are commodities and, therefore, their prices are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in supply and demand. Historically, the markets for oil and natural gas have been volatile, and the prices we receive for our

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production and the levels of our production depend on numerous factors beyond our control. These factors include:

    worldwide and regional economic and political conditions impacting the global supply and demand for oil and natural gas;

    the price and quantity of imports of foreign oil and natural gas;

    the level of global oil and natural gas exploration and production;

    the level of global oil and natural gas inventories;

    localized supply and demand fundamentals and transportation availability;

    weather conditions and natural disasters;

    domestic and foreign governmental regulations;

    speculation as to the future price of oil and natural gas and the speculative trading of oil and natural gas futures contracts;

    price and availability of competitors' supplies of oil and natural gas;

    the actions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ("OPEC");

    technological advances affecting energy consumption; and

    the price and availability of alternative fuels.

        Further, oil and natural gas prices do not necessarily fluctuate in direct relationship to each other. Because approximately 62% of our estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2013 was attributed to oil, our financial results are more sensitive to movements in oil prices. The price of oil has been extremely volatile, and we expect this volatility to continue for the foreseeable future.

        Substantially all of our oil production is sold to purchasers under short-term (less than 12 months) contracts at market-based prices. Lower oil and natural gas prices will reduce our cash flows, our borrowing capacity and the present value of our reserves. Lower commodity prices may also reduce the amount of oil and natural gas that we can economically produce and may adversely affect our proved reserves.

        As of December 31, 2013, we have commodity price hedging agreements on approximately 29% of our expected Boe production for 2014. To the extent we are unhedged, we have significant exposure to adverse changes in the prices of oil and natural gas that could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our exploration, development and exploitation projects require substantial capital expenditures. We may be unable to obtain needed capital or financing on satisfactory terms, which could lead to a decline in our oil and natural gas reserves with resulting adverse effects on our cash flow and liquidity.

        The oil and natural gas industry is capital intensive. We make and expect to continue to make substantial capital expenditures in our business for the development, exploitation, production and acquisition of oil and natural gas reserves. Our capital expenditures are estimated at approximately $318 to $342 million for 2014, substantially all of which has been allocated for the development of our oil and natural gas properties. The actual amount and timing of our future capital expenditures may differ materially from our estimates as a result of, among other things, commodity prices, actual drilling results, the availability of drilling rigs and other services and equipment, and regulatory, technological and competitive developments. We intend to finance our future capital expenditures primarily through our cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit facilities. However, our financing

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needs may require us to alter or increase our capitalization substantially through the issuance of debt or equity securities or the sale of assets.

        Our cash flows from operations and access to capital are subject to a number of variables, including:

    our proved reserves;

    the volume of oil and natural gas we are able to produce and sell from existing productive wells;

    the prices at which our oil and natural gas are sold;

    our ability to acquire, locate and produce new reserves; and

    the ability of our banks to provide us with credit or additional borrowing capacity.

        If our revenues or the amounts we can borrow under our credit facilities decrease as a result of lower oil or natural gas prices, operating difficulties, declines in reserves or for any other reason, we may have limited ability to obtain the capital necessary to sustain our operations at current levels. If additional capital is needed, we may not be able to obtain debt or equity financing on favorable terms or at all. If cash generated by operations or cash available under our credit facilities is not sufficient to meet our capital requirements, the failure to obtain additional financing could result in a curtailment of our operations relating to development of our prospects, which in turn could lead to a decline in our oil and natural gas reserves and production levels, and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Operating hazards, natural disasters or other interruptions of our operations could result in potential liabilities, which may not be fully covered by our insurance.

        The oil and natural gas business involves operating hazards such as:

    well blowouts;

    mechanical failures;

    explosions;

    pipe or cement failures and casing collapses, which could release natural gas, oil, drilling fluids or hydraulic fracturing fluids;

    uncontrollable flows of oil, natural gas or well fluids;

    fires;

    geologic formations with abnormal pressures;

    handling and disposal of materials, including drilling fluids and hydraulic fracturing fluids;

    pipeline ruptures or spills;

    releases of toxic gases; and

    other environmental hazards and risks.

        Any of these hazards and risks can result in the loss of hydrocarbons, environmental pollution, personal injury claims and other damage to our properties and the property of others.

        We maintain insurance against losses and liabilities in accordance with customary industry practices and in amounts that our management believes to be prudent. However, insurance against all operational risks is not available to us. We do not carry business interruption insurance. We may elect

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not to carry insurance if our management believes that the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the risks presented.

        In addition, losses could occur for uninsured risks or in amounts in excess of existing insurance coverage. We cannot insure fully against pollution and environmental risks. We cannot assure investors that we will be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates we consider reasonable or that any particular types of coverage will be available. The occurrence of an event not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.

Our planned exploratory drilling involves drilling in existing or emerging shale plays using the latest available horizontal drilling and completion techniques, which are subject to risks. As a result, drilling results may not meet our expectations for reserves or production.

        Our operations involve utilizing the latest drilling and completion techniques as developed by us and our service providers in order to maximize cumulative recoveries and therefore generate the highest possible returns. Risks that we face while drilling include, but are not limited to:

    landing our well bore in the desired formation;

    staying in the desired formation while drilling horizontally through the formation;

    running our casing the entire length of the well bore; and

    being able to run tools and other equipment consistently through the well bore.

Risks that we face while completing our wells include, but are not limited to:

    being able to fracture stimulate the planned number of stages;

    being able to run tools the entire length of the well bore during completion operations; and

    successfully cleaning out the well bore after completion of the final fracture stimulation stage.

        The results of our drilling in new or emerging formations, such as the Mississippian/Woodford, are more uncertain initially than drilling results in areas that are more developed and have a longer history of established production. Newer or emerging formations and areas have limited or no production history and, consequently, we are less able to predict future drilling results in these areas.

        Ultimately, the success of these drilling and completion techniques can only be evaluated as more wells are drilled and production profiles are established over a sufficiently long time period. If our drilling results are less than anticipated or we are unable to execute our drilling program because of capital constraints, lease expirations, access to gathering systems and limited takeaway capacity or otherwise and/or oil and natural gas prices decline, the return on our investment in these areas may not be as attractive as we anticipate. Further, as a result of any of these developments we could incur material write-downs of our oil and natural gas properties and the value of our undeveloped acreage could decline in the future.

Our identified drilling locations are scheduled to be developed over several years, making them susceptible to uncertainties that could materially alter the occurrence or timing of their drilling.

        Our final determination of whether to drill any scheduled or budgeted wells will be dependent on a number of factors, including:

    the results of our exploration efforts;

    review and analysis of geologic and engineering data;

    the availability of sufficient capital resources to us and the other participants for drilling and completing of the prospects;

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    the approval of the prospects by other participants once additional data has been compiled;

    economic and industry conditions at the time of drilling, including prevailing and anticipated prices for oil and natural gas and the availability and prices of drilling rigs and personnel; and

    the ability to maintain, extend or renew leases and permits on reasonable terms for the prospects.

        Although we have identified or budgeted for numerous drilling prospects, we may not be able to lease or drill those prospects within our expected time frame or at all. Wells that are currently part of our capital plan may be based on results of drilling activities in other areas that we believe are geologically similar to a prospect rather than on analysis of seismic or other data in the prospect area, in which case actual drilling and results are likely to vary, possibly materially, from results in other areas. In addition, our drilling schedule may vary from our expectations because of future uncertainties. In addition, our ability to produce oil and natural gas may be significantly affected by the availability and prices of hydraulic fracturing equipment and personnel.

Certain of our undeveloped leasehold acreage is subject to leases expiring over the next several years unless production is established on units containing the acreage.

        Certain of our undeveloped leasehold acreage is subject to leases that will expire unless production is established. For these properties, if production in commercial quantities has not been established on the leased property or units that include the leased property containing these leases, our leases will expire and we will lose our right to develop the related properties. As of December 31, 2013, 48,240 net acres of our total acreage position was not held by production. For the acreage underlying such properties, if production in paying quantities is not established on units containing these leases, approximately 9,437 net acres will expire in 2014, approximately 20,135 net acres will expire in 2015 and approximately 18,668 net acres will expire thereafter.

        Our drilling plans for these areas are subject to change based upon various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:

    drilling results;

    oil and natural gas prices;

    the availability and cost of capital;

    drilling and production costs;

    the availability of drilling services and equipment;

    gathering system and pipeline transportation constraints; and

    regulatory approvals.

        As a non-operating leaseholder in certain of our properties, we have less control over the timing of drilling and there is a higher risk of lease expirations occurring where we are not the operator. For certain properties in which we are a non-operating leaseholder, we have the right to propose the drilling of wells pursuant to a joint operating agreement. Those properties that are not subject to a joint operating agreement are located in states where state law grants us the right to force pooling.

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We have limited control over activities in properties we do not operate, which could reduce our production and revenues.

        We utilize joint operating agreements in some of our properties where we have less than 100% working interest. Other companies may be operators under these joint operating agreements and, as a minority working interest owner, we will be dependent to a degree on the efficient and effective management of the operators. The objectives and strategy of those operators may not always be consistent with our objectives and strategy. As a result, we have limited ability to exercise influence over, and control the risks associated with, operations of these properties. The failure of an operator of our wells to adequately perform operations, an operator's breach of the applicable agreements or an operator's failure to act in ways that are in our best interests could reduce our production and revenues or could create liability for the operator's failure to properly maintain the well and facilities and to adhere to applicable safety and environmental standards. With respect to properties that we do not operate:

    the operator could refuse to initiate exploration or development projects;

    if we proceed with any of those projects the operator has refused to initiate, we may not receive any funding from the operator with respect to that project;

    the operator may initiate exploration or development projects on a different schedule than we would prefer;

    the operator may propose greater capital expenditures than we wish, including expenditures to drill more wells or build more facilities on a project than we have funds available, which may cause us to not fully participate in those projects or participate in a substantial amount of the revenues from those projects; and

    the operator may not have sufficient expertise or financial resources to develop such projects.

        Any of these events could significantly and adversely affect our anticipated exploration and development activities. Under our joint operating agreements, we will be required to pay our percentage interest share of all costs and liabilities incurred by the operator on behalf of the working interest owners in connection with joint venture activities. In common with other working interest owners, if we fail to pay our share of any costs and liabilities, we may be deemed to have elected non-participation with respect to operations affected and may be subject to loss of interest through foreclosure of operator liens invoked by participating working interest owners and subject us to non-consent penalties.

Our estimated proved reserves are based on many assumptions that may turn out to be inaccurate and any significant inaccuracies in these reserve estimates or underlying assumptions could materially affect the quantities and present value of our reserves.

        There are uncertainties inherent in estimating oil and natural gas reserves and their estimated value, including many factors beyond our control. The reserve data in this registration statement represent only estimates. Reservoir engineering is a subjective and inexact process of estimating underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact manner and is based on assumptions that may vary considerably from actual results. Reservoir engineering also requires economic assumptions about matters such as oil and natural gas prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. Accordingly, actual production, oil and natural gas prices, revenue, taxes, operating expenses, expenditures and quantities of recoverable oil and natural gas reserves will likely vary, possibly materially, from estimates. Any significant variance in our estimates or the accuracy of our assumptions could materially affect the estimated quantities and present value of reserves shown in this registration statement.

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        As of December 31, 2013, approximately 66% of our total proved reserves were proved undeveloped.

SEC rules could limit our ability to book additional PUDs in the future.

        SEC rules require that, subject to limited exceptions, our PUDs may only be booked if they relate to wells scheduled to be drilled within five years after the date of booking. This requirement limits our ability to book additional PUDs as we pursue our drilling program. Moreover, we may be required to write down our PUDs if we do not drill those wells within the required five-year time frame.

The present value of future net revenues from our proved reserves will not necessarily be the same as the current market value of our estimated oil and natural gas reserves.

        The discounted future net cash flows in this registration statement are not necessarily the same as the current market value of our estimated oil and natural gas reserves. As required by the current requirements for oil and natural gas reserve estimation and disclosures, the estimated discounted future net cash flows from proved reserves are based on the average of the sales price on the first day of each month in the applicable year, with costs determined as of the date of the estimate. Actual future net cash flows also will be affected by various factors, including:

    the actual prices we receive for oil and natural gas;

    our actual operating costs in producing oil and natural gas;

    the amount and timing of actual production;

    supply and demand for oil and natural gas;

    increases or decreases in consumption of oil and natural gas; and

    changes in governmental regulations or taxation.

        In addition, the 10% discount factor we use when calculating discounted future net cash flows for reporting requirements may not be the most appropriate discount factor based on interest rates in effect from time to time and risks associated with us or the oil and gas industry in general.

Our derivative activities could result in financial losses or could reduce our income.

        Because oil and natural gas prices are subject to volatility, we may periodically enter into price-risk-management transactions such as fixed-rate swaps, costless collars, puts, calls and basis differential swaps to reduce our exposure to price declines associated with a portion of our oil and natural gas production and thereby achieve a more predictable cash flow. The use of these arrangements limits our ability to benefit from increases in the prices of oil and natural gas. Our derivative arrangements may apply to only a portion of our production, thereby providing only partial protection against declines in oil and natural gas prices.

        These arrangements may expose us to the risk of financial loss in certain circumstances, including instances in which production is less than expected, our customers fail to purchase contracted quantities of oil and natural gas or a sudden, unexpected event materially impacts oil or natural gas prices. In addition, the counterparties under our derivatives contracts may fail to fulfill their contractual obligations to us.

If oil and natural gas prices decrease, we may be required to write-down the carrying values of our oil and natural gas properties.

        We review our proved oil and natural gas properties for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that a decline in the recoverability of their carrying value may have occurred.

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Based on specific market factors and circumstances at the time of prospective impairment reviews and the continuing evaluation of development plans, production data, economics and other factors, we may be required to write down the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties, which may result in a decrease in the amount we can borrow under our credit facilities. A write-down constitutes a non-cash charge to earnings. We may incur impairment charges in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to borrow under our credit facilities and adversely impact our results of operations for the periods in which such charges are taken.

Our inability to market our oil and natural gas could adversely affect our business.

        Market conditions or the unavailability of satisfactory oil and natural gas transportation arrangements may hinder our access to oil and natural gas markets or delay production. The availability of a ready market for our oil and natural gas production depends on a number of factors, including the demand for and supply of oil and natural gas and the proximity of reserves to pipelines and gathering facilities. Our ability to market our production depends in substantial part on the availability and capacity of gathering systems, pipelines and processing facilities owned and operated by third parties. Our failure to obtain such services on favorable terms could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

        Our productive properties may be located in areas with limited or no access to pipelines, thereby requiring compression facilities or delivery by other means, such as trucking and train. Such restrictions on our ability to sell our oil or natural gas may have several adverse effects, including higher transportation costs, fewer potential purchasers (thereby potentially resulting in a lower selling price) or, in the event we were unable to market and sustain production from a particular lease for an extended period of time, possibly causing us to lose a lease due to the lack of commercially established production.

        We generally deliver our oil and natural gas production through gathering systems and pipelines that we do not own under interruptible or short-term transportation agreements. Under the interruptible transportation agreements, the transportation of our oil and natural gas production may be interrupted due to capacity constraints on the applicable system, for maintenance or repair of the system or for other reasons as dictated by the particular agreements. Due to the lack of available pipeline capacity in certain regions in which we operate, we have entered into firm transportation agreements for a portion of our production in order to secure guaranteed capacity on major pipelines. We may also enter into firm transportation arrangements for additional production in the future. Because we are obligated to pay fees on minimum volumes to our service providers under these agreements regardless of actual volume throughput, these firm transportation agreements may be significantly more costly than interruptible or short-term transportation agreements, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

        A portion of our oil and natural gas production in any region may be interrupted, or shut in, from time to time for numerous reasons, including as a result of weather conditions, accidents, loss of pipeline or gathering system access, or field personnel issues or strikes. We may also voluntarily curtail production in response to market conditions. If a substantial amount of our production is interrupted or curtailed, it could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Borrowings under our Senior Credit Facility are limited by our borrowing base, which is subject to periodic redetermination.

        Our Senior Credit Facility is a revolving line of credit that had a borrowing base of $48 million as of December 31, 2013. In May 2014, the borrowing base under our Senior Credit Facility was increased to $100 million. Our Senior Credit Facility has a five-year term and contains both negative and

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affirmative covenants, including minimum current ratio and maximum leverage ratio compliance requirements. Substantially all of our assets have been pledged as collateral.

        The borrowing base under our Senior Credit Facility is redetermined at least semi-annually, but no more than quarterly. Redeterminations are based upon a number of factors, including commodity prices and reserve levels. In addition, our lenders have substantial flexibility to reduce our borrowing base due to subjective factors. Upon a redetermination, we could be required to repay a portion of the debt owed under our Senior Credit Facility to the extent our outstanding borrowings at such time exceeds the redetermined borrowing base. We may not have sufficient funds to make such repayments, which could result in a default under the terms of our Senior Credit Facility and an acceleration of the loans outstanding under our credit facilities. Failure to timely pay these debt obligations when due could cause us to lose our assets through mortgage foreclosure, which would materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our credit facilities have substantial restrictions and financial covenants that restrict our business and financing activities.

        The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our credit facilities restrict our ability to finance future operations or capital needs and to engage, expand or pursue our business activities. Our ability to comply with these restrictions and covenants in the future is uncertain and will be affected by our results of operations and financial condition and events or circumstances beyond our control. If we violate any of the restrictions, covenants, ratios or tests in our credit agreements, our indebtedness may become immediately due and payable, the interest rates under our credit agreements may increase and the lenders' commitment, if any, to make further loans to us may terminate. In the event that some or all of the amounts outstanding under our credit facilities are accelerated and become immediately due and payable, we may not have the funds to repay, or the ability to refinance, such outstanding amounts under our credit facilities, and our lenders could foreclose upon critical assets, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. For a description of our credit facilities, please see Item 5.B. "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources— Credit Facilities ."

Our level of indebtedness may increase, reducing our financial flexibility.

        We intend to fund our capital expenditures through a combination of cash flow from operations, borrowings under our credit facilities and, if necessary, debt or equity financings. Our ability to make the necessary capital investment to maintain or expand our asset base and develop oil and natural gas reserves will be impaired if cash flow from operations is reduced and external sources of capital become limited or unavailable. If we incur additional debt for these or other purposes, the related risks that we now face could intensify. Our level of debt could adversely affect our business and results of operations in several important ways, including the following:

    a portion of our cash flow from operations would be used to pay interest on borrowings;

    the covenants contained in our credit facilities limit our ability to borrow additional funds, pay dividends, dispose of assets or issue shares of preferred stock and otherwise may affect our flexibility in planning for, and reacting to, changes in general business and economic conditions;

    a high level of debt may impair our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate or other purposes;

    a leveraged financial position would make us more vulnerable to economic downturns and decreases in commodity prices and could limit our ability to withstand competitive pressures; and

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    a debt that we incur under our credit facilities will be at variable rates, which could make us vulnerable to an increase in interest rates.

Increased costs of capital could adversely affect our business.

        Our business and operating results can be adversely affected by factors such as the availability, terms and cost of capital and increases in interest rates. Changes in any one or more of these factors could cause our cost of doing business to increase, limit our access to capital, limit our ability to pursue acquisition opportunities, reduce our cash flows available for drilling and place us at a competitive disadvantage. Disruptions in the global financial markets may lead to an increase in interest rates or a contraction in credit availability, which would impact our ability to finance our operations. We will require continued access to capital for the foreseeable future. A significant reduction in the availability of credit could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Competition in the oil and natural gas industry is intense and many of our competitors have resources that are greater than ours.

        The oil and natural gas industry is highly competitive. Public integrated and independent oil and gas companies, private equity backed and private operators are all active bidders for desirable oil and natural gas properties as well as the equipment and personnel required to operate those properties. Many of these companies have substantially greater financial resources, staff and facilities than we do. There is a risk that increased industry competition will adversely impact our ability to purchase assets or secure services at prices that will allow us to generate sufficient returns on investment in the future.

The loss of any of our key personnel could adversely affect our business, financial condition, the results of operations and future growth.

        We are reliant on a number of key members of our executive management team. Loss of such personnel may have an adverse effect on our performance. We currently have an employment agreement with our chief executive officer and managing director, however we have not entered into agreements with any of the other members of our executive management team. Certain areas in which we operate are highly competitive regions and competition for qualified personnel is intense. We may be unable to hire suitable field personnel for our technical team or there may be periods of time where a particular position remains vacant while a suitable replacement is identified and appointed. Our ability to manage our growth will require us to continue to train, motivate and manage our employees and to attract, motivate and retain additional qualified personnel. We may not be successful in attracting and retaining the personnel required to grow and operate our business profitably.

Our ability to manage growth will have an impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Our growth historically has been achieved through the acquisition of leaseholds and the expansion of our drilling programs. Future growth may place strains on our financial, technical, operational and administrative resources and cause us to rely more on project partners and independent contractors, potentially adversely affecting our financial position and results of operations. Our ability to grow will depend on a number of factors, including:

    our ability to obtain leases or options on properties;

    our ability to identify and acquire new exploratory prospects;

    our ability to develop existing prospects;

    our ability to continue to retain and attract skilled personnel;

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    our ability to maintain or enter into new relationships with project partners and independent contractors;

    the results of our drilling programs;

    commodity prices; and

    our access to capital.

        We may not be successful in upgrading our technical, operational and administrative resources or increasing our internal resources sufficiently to provide certain of the services currently provided by third parties, and we may not be able to maintain or enter into new relationships with project partners and independent contractors on financially attractive terms, if at all. Our inability to achieve or manage growth may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We may incur losses as a result of title deficiencies.

        We may lose title to, or interests in, our leases and other properties if the conditions to which those interests are subject are not satisfied or if insufficient funds are available to meet the commitments.

        The existence of title differences with respect to our oil and natural gas properties could reduce their value or render such properties worthless, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. We do not obtain title insurance and have not necessarily obtained drilling title opinions on all of our oil and natural gas properties. As is customary in the industry in which we operate, we generally rely upon the judgment of oil and natural gas lease brokers or independent landmen who perform the field work in examining records in the appropriate governmental offices and abstract facilities before attempting to acquire or place under lease a specific mineral interest and before drilling a well on a leased tract, and we generally make title investigations and receive title opinions of local counsel before we commence drilling operations. In some cases, we perform curative work to correct deficiencies in the marketability or adequacy of the title assigned to us. In cases involving more serious title problems, the amount paid for affected oil and natural gas leases can be lost, and the target area can become undrillable. While we undertake to cure all title deficiencies prior to drilling, the failure of title may not be discovered until after a well is drilled, in which case we may lose the lease, our investment in the well and the right to produce all or a portion of the minerals under the property. A significant portion of our acreage is undeveloped leasehold, which has a greater risk of title defects than developed acreage.

Our operations are subject to health, safety and environmental laws and regulations that may expose us to significant costs and liabilities.

        The conduct of exploration for, and production of, hydrocarbons may expose our staff to potentially dangerous working environments. Occupational health and safety legislation and regulations differ in each jurisdiction. If any of our employees suffer injury or death, compensation payments or fines may have to be paid, and such circumstances could result in the loss of a license or permit required to carry on the business, or other legislative sanction, all of which have the potential to materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

        There is an inherent risk of incurring significant environmental costs and liabilities in the performance of our operations, some of which may be material, due to our handling of petroleum hydrocarbons and wastes, our emissions to air and water, the underground injection or other disposal of our wastes and historical industry operations and waste disposal practices. Under certain environmental laws and regulations, we may be liable, regardless of whether we were at fault, for the full cost of removing or remediating contamination, even when multiple parties contributed to the release and the contaminants were released in compliance with all applicable laws. In addition,

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accidental spills or releases on our properties may expose us to significant liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Aside from government agencies, the owners of properties where our wells are located, the operators of facilities where our petroleum hydrocarbons or wastes are taken for reclamation or disposal and other private parties may be able to sue us to enforce compliance with environmental laws and regulations, as well as collect penalties for violations or obtain damages for any related personal injury or property damage. Some sites we operate are located near current or former third-party oil and natural gas operations or facilities, and there is a risk that contamination has migrated from those sites to ours. Changes in environmental laws and regulations occur frequently, and any changes that result in more stringent or costly material handling, emission, waste management or cleanup requirements could require us to make significant expenditures to attain and maintain compliance or may otherwise materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We may not be able to recover some or any of these costs from insurance.

        In addition, our operations and financial performance may be adversely affected by governmental action, including delay, inaction, policy change or the introduction of new, or amendment of or changes in interpretation of existing legislation or regulations, particularly in relation to foreign ownership, access to infrastructure, environmental regulation (including in respect of carbon emissions and management), royalties and production and exploration licensing.

Hydraulic fracturing, which is the process used for releasing hydrocarbons from shale rock, has recently come under increased scrutiny and could be the subject of further regulation that could impact the timing and cost of development.

        Hydraulic fracturing is an important and commonly used process in the completion of unconventional oil and natural gas wells. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals under pressure into deep rock formations to stimulate oil or natural gas production. Currently, hydraulic fracturing is primarily regulated in the United States at the state level, which generally focuses on regulation of well design, pressure testing and other operating practices. However, some states and local jurisdictions across the United States, including states in which we operate, have begun adopting more restrictive regulation, including measures such as:

    required disclosure of chemicals used during the hydraulic fracturing process;

    restrictions on wastewater disposal activities;

    required baseline and post-drilling sampling of water supplies in close proximity to hydraulic fracturing operations;

    new municipal or state land use regulations, such as changes in setback requirements, which may restrict drilling locations or related activities;

    financial assurance requirements, such as the posting of bonds, to secure site restoration obligations; and

    local moratoria or even bans on oil and natural gas development utilizing hydraulic fracturing in some communities.

        At the U.S. federal level, hydraulic fracturing that does not involve the use of diesel fuels is exempt from regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act ("SDWA"). However, the United States Congress ("Congress") has considered and likely will continue to consider eliminating this regulatory exemption, which could subject hydraulic fracturing activities to regulation and permitting by the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") under the SDWA. Congressional action will be informed by a study commenced in 2011 by the EPA on the impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources, with final results anticipated in 2016. Despite the existing exemption, the EPA has begun

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utilizing other legal authorities in various ways to regulate portions of the hydraulic fracturing process, exemplified by its issuance of regulations under the Clean Air Act limiting emission of pollutants during the hydraulic fracturing process, as well as its plans to initiate a proposed rulemaking under the Toxic Substances Control Act to obtain data on chemical substances and mixtures used in hydraulic fracturing. In addition, the United States Department of the Interior has recently proposed comprehensive regulations governing the use of hydraulic fracturing on federally managed lands.

        These efforts by Congress, federal regulators, states and local governments could result in additional costs, delay and operational uncertainty that could limit, preclude or add costs to use of hydraulic fracturing in our drilling operations.

Our ability to produce oil and natural gas economically and in commercial quantities could be impaired if we are unable to acquire adequate supplies of water for our drilling operations or are unable to dispose of or recycle the water we use economically and in an environmentally safe manner.

        Drilling activities require the use of water. For example, the hydraulic fracturing process that we employ to produce commercial quantities of oil and natural gas from many reservoirs, including the Eagle Ford, requires the use and disposal of significant quantities of water. In certain areas, there may be insufficient local aquifer capacity to provide a source of water for drilling activities. Water must be obtained from other sources and transported to the drilling site.

        Our inability to secure sufficient amounts of water, or to dispose of or recycle the water used in our operations, could adversely impact our operations in certain areas. Moreover, the imposition of new environmental initiatives and regulations could include restrictions on our ability to conduct certain operations such as hydraulic fracturing or disposal of waste, including, but not limited to, produced water, drilling fluids and other materials associated with the exploration, development or production of oil and natural gas. In particular, regulatory focus on disposal of produced water and drilling waste through underground injection has increased because of alleged links between such injection and regional seismic impacts in disposal areas.

        Compliance with environmental regulations and permit requirements governing the withdrawal, storage and use of surface water or groundwater necessary for hydraulic fracturing of wells may increase our operating costs and cause delays, interruptions or termination of our operations, the extent of which cannot be predicted, all of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Climate change laws and regulations restricting emissions of "greenhouse gases" could result in increased operating costs and reduced demand for the oil and natural gas that we produce while the physical effects of climate change could disrupt our production and cause us to incur significant costs in preparing for or responding to those effects.

        On December 15, 2009, the EPA published its findings that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other "greenhouse gases" present an endangerment to human health and the environment because emissions of such gases are, according to the EPA, contributing to warming of the Earth's atmosphere and other climatic changes. These findings by the EPA have allowed the agency to proceed with the adoption and implementation of regulations restricting emissions of greenhouse gases under existing provisions of the federal Clean Air Act. Among other things, EPA regulations now require specified large greenhouse gas emitters in the United States, including companies in the energy industry, to annually report those emissions. In addition, starting in 2011, new sources or modifications of existing sources of significant quantities of greenhouse gas emissions are required to obtain permits—and to use best available control technology to control those emissions—pursuant to the Clean Air Act as a prerequisite to the development of that emissions source. While these regulations have not to date materially affected us, such regulations may over time require us to incur costs to reduce emissions of

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greenhouse gases associated with our operations or could adversely affect demand for the oil and natural gas we produce.

        In addition, Congress has considered legislation to restrict or regulate emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that are understood to contribute to global warming. While comprehensive climate legislation will likely not be passed by either house of Congress in the near future, energy legislation and other initiatives continue to be proposed that may be relevant to greenhouse gas emissions issues. In addition, almost half of the states, either individually or through multi-state regional initiatives, have begun to address greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through the planned development of emission inventories or regional greenhouse gas cap and trade programs. Although most of the state-level initiatives have to date been focused on large sources of greenhouse gas emissions such as electric power plants, smaller sources could become subject to greenhouse gas-related regulation. Depending on the particular program, we could be required to control emissions or to purchase and surrender allowances for greenhouse gas emissions resulting from our operations. Any future federal laws or implementing regulations that may be adopted to address greenhouse gas emissions could require us to incur increased operating costs and could adversely affect demand for the oil and natural gas we produce.

        Finally, some scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods and other climatic events. If any such effects were to occur, they could have an adverse effect on our exploration and production operations. Significant physical effects of climate change could also have an indirect effect on our financing and operations by disrupting the transportation or process-related services provided by midstream companies, service companies or suppliers with whom we have a business relationship. We may not be able to recover through insurance some or any of the damages, losses, or costs that may result from potential physical effects of climate change.

Certain federal income tax deductions currently available with respect to oil and natural gas exploration and development may be eliminated as a result of future legislation.

        We are also subject to changing and extensive tax laws, the effects of which cannot be predicted. Certain legislation introduced in the Congress, if enacted into law, would make significant changes to U.S. tax laws, including, but not limited to, the elimination of certain key federal income tax incentives currently available to oil and natural gas exploration and production companies. These or any other similar changes in federal tax laws could defer or eliminate certain tax deductions that are currently available with respect to oil and natural gas exploration and development, and any such change could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

General economic conditions could adversely affect our business and future growth.

        Instability in the global financial markets may have a material impact on our liquidity and financial condition, and we may ultimately face major challenges if conditions in the financial markets were to materially change or worsen. Our ability to access the capital markets or to borrow money may be restricted or may be more expensive at a time when we would need to raise capital, which could have an adverse effect on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions and on our ability to fund our operations and capital expenditures in the future. Such economic conditions could have an impact on our customers, causing them to fail to meet their obligations to us. In addition, it could have an impact on the liquidity of our operating partners, resulting in delays in operations or their failure to make required payments.

        Also, market conditions could have an impact on our oil and natural gas derivative instruments if our counterparties are unable to perform their obligations or seek bankruptcy protection, which could

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lead to reductions in the demand for oil and natural gas, or reductions in the prices of oil and natural gas or both, which could have an adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. While the ultimate outcome and impact of changing economic conditions cannot be predicted, they may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Changes in the differential between benchmark prices of oil and natural gas and the reference or regional index price used to price our actual oil and natural gas sales could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

        The reference or regional index prices that we will use to price our oil and natural gas sales sometimes will reflect a discount to the relevant benchmark prices. The difference between the benchmark price and the price we reference in our sales contracts is called a differential. We cannot accurately predict oil and natural gas differentials. Changes in differentials between the benchmark price for oil and natural gas and the reference or regional index price we reference in our sales contracts could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Recent federal legislation could have an adverse impact on our ability to use derivative instruments to reduce the effects of commodity prices, interest rates and other risks associated with our business.

        Historically, we have entered into a number of commodity derivative contracts in order to hedge a portion of our oil and natural gas production. On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank Act"), which requires the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") to promulgate rules and regulations implementing the new legislation. The CFTC issued regulations setting position limits for certain futures and option contracts in the major energy markets and for swaps that are their economic equivalents. Certain bona fide hedging transactions are exempt from these limits. The position limits regulation was vacated by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in September 2012. The CFTC has appealed the District Court's decision and its Chairman has stated that the agency is working on developing a new proposed rulemaking to address position limits. The CFTC has finalized other regulations, including critical rulemakings on the "swap" and "swap dealer" definitions, swap dealer registration, swap data reporting and mandatory clearing, among others. The Dodd-Frank Act and CFTC rules also will require us in connection with certain derivatives activities to comply with clearing and trade-execution requirements (or take steps to qualify for an exemption to such requirements). In addition, new regulations may require us to comply with margin requirements although these regulations are not finalized and their application to us is uncertain at this time. The legislation may also require the counterparties to our derivative contracts to spin off some of their derivatives activities to a separate entity, which may not be as creditworthy as the current counterparty.

        The new legislation and any new regulations could:

    significantly increase the cost of some derivative contracts (including through requirements to post collateral that could adversely affect our available liquidity);

    materially alter the terms of some derivative contracts;

    reduce the availability of some derivatives to protect against risks we encounter;

    reduce our ability to monetize or restructure our existing derivative contracts; and

    potentially increase our exposure to less creditworthy counterparties.

        If we reduce our use of derivatives as a result of the new legislation and regulations, our results of operations may become more volatile and our cash flows may be less predictable, which could adversely

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affect our ability to plan for and fund capital expenditures. Increased volatility may make us less attractive to certain types of investors. Finally, the Dodd-Frank Act was intended, in part, to reduce the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, which some legislators attributed to speculative trading in derivatives and commodity instruments related to oil and natural gas. If the new legislation and regulations result in lower commodity prices, our revenues could be adversely affected. Any of these consequences could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We may be subject to risks in connection with acquisitions, and the integration of significant acquisitions may be difficult.

        In accordance with our business strategies, we periodically evaluate acquisitions of reserves, properties, prospects and leaseholds and other strategic transactions that appear to fit within our overall business strategy. The successful acquisition of producing properties requires an assessment of several factors, including:

    recoverable reserves;

    future oil and natural gas prices and their appropriate differentials;

    development and operating costs; and

    potential environmental and other liabilities.

        The accuracy of these assessments is inherently uncertain. In connection with these assessments, we perform a review of the subject properties that we believe to be generally consistent with industry practices. Our review will not reveal all existing or potential problems nor will it permit us to become sufficiently familiar with the properties to fully assess their deficiencies and potential recoverable reserves. Inspections may not always be performed on every well, and environmental problems are not necessarily observable even when an inspection is undertaken. Even when problems are identified, the seller may be unwilling or unable to provide effective contractual protection against all or part of the problems. We often are not entitled to contractual indemnification for environmental liabilities and acquire properties on an "as is" basis.

        Significant acquisitions and other strategic transactions may involve other risks, including:

    diversion of our management's attention to evaluating, negotiating and integrating significant acquisitions and strategic transactions;

    the challenge and cost of integrating acquired operations, information management and other technology systems and business cultures with those of our operations while carrying on our ongoing business;

    difficulty associated with coordinating geographically separate organizations; and

    the challenge of attracting and retaining personnel associated with acquired operations.

        The process of integrating operations could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activities of our business. Our senior management may be required to devote considerable amounts of time to this integration process, which will decrease the time they will have to manage our business. If our senior management is not able to effectively manage the integration process, or if any significant business activities are interrupted as a result of the integration process, our business could suffer.

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        In addition, even if we successfully integrate an acquisition, it may not be possible to realize the full benefits we may expect, including with respect to estimated proved reserves, production volume or cost savings from operating synergies, within our expected time frame. Anticipated benefits of an acquisition may also be offset by operating losses relating to changes in commodity prices in oil and natural gas industry conditions, risks and uncertainties relating to the exploratory prospects of the combined assets or operations, or an increase in operating or other costs or other difficulties. Failure to realize the benefits we anticipate from an acquisition may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Related to our Shares

The market price and trading volume of our shares may be volatile and may be affected by economic conditions beyond our control.

        Our shares are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (the "ASX") under the symbol "SEA." The market price of our shares on the ASX may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations. In addition, the trading volume of our shares may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. If the market price of our shares declines significantly, you may be unable to resell your shares at or above the purchase price, if at all. We cannot assure you that the market price of our shares will not fluctuate or significantly decline in the future.

        Some specific factors that could negatively affect the price of our shares or result in fluctuations in their price and trading volume include:

    actual or expected fluctuations in our operating results;

    actual or expected changes in our growth rates or our competitors' growth rates;

    changes in commodity prices for hydrocarbons we produce;

    changes in market valuations of similar companies;

    changes in our key personnel;

    potential acquisitions and divestitures;

    changes in financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts;

    changes or proposed changes in laws and regulations affecting the oil and natural gas industry;

    sales of ordinary shares by us, our executive officers or our shareholders in the future;

    conditions in the oil and natural gas industry in general; and

    conditions in the financial markets or changes in general economic conditions.

There is no established public market for our securities in the United States and we cannot assure you that our ordinary shares will be listed on any securities exchange or that an active trading market will ever develop for any of our securities in the United States.

        There is currently no established public market in the United States for our ordinary shares. While our ordinary shares are listed for quotation on the OTC Pink marketplace operated by the OTC Markets Group, trading is limited, sporadic and volatile. There is no assurance that an active trading market in our ordinary shares will develop in the United States, or if such a market develops, that it will be sustained. As a result, an investor may find it more difficult to dispose of, or to obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of, our ordinary shares in the United States.

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As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to file less information with the SEC than a company that is not a foreign private issuer or that files as a domestic issuer.

        As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), that impose disclosure requirements as well as procedural requirements for proxy solicitations under Section 14 of the Exchange Act. In addition, our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and "short-swing" profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Moreover, we are not required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as a company that files as a domestic issuer whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, nor are we generally required to comply with the SEC's Regulation FD, which restricts the selective disclosure of material non-public information.

If we fail to establish and maintain proper internal controls, our ability to produce accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired.

        Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that, beginning with our annual report for the year ending December 31, 2016, our management assess and report annually on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting and identify any material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting. Although Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires our independent registered public accounting firm to issue an annual report that addresses the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, we have opted to rely on the exemptions provided in the JOBS Act, and consequently will not be required to comply with SEC rules that implement Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act until such time as we are no longer an emerging growth company.

        Our first Section 404(a) assessment will take place beginning with our annual report for the year ending December 31, 2016. The presence of material weaknesses could result in financial statement errors which, in turn, could lead to errors in our financial reports and/or delays in our financial reporting, which could require us to restate our operating results or our auditors may be required to issue a qualified audit report. We might not identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal controls in connection with evaluating our compliance with Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In order to maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting, we will need to expend significant resources and provide significant management oversight. Implementing any appropriate changes to our internal controls may require specific compliance training of our directors and employees, entail substantial costs in order to modify our existing accounting systems, take a significant period of time to complete and divert management's attention from other business concerns. These changes may not, however, be effective in maintaining the adequacy of our internal control.

        If either we are unable to conclude that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting or, at the appropriate time, our independent auditors are unwilling or unable to provide us with an unqualified report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as required by Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, investors may lose confidence in our operating results, the price of our shares could decline and we may be subject to litigation or regulatory enforcement actions.

We could be classified as a "passive foreign investment company," which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders of our shares.

        Based on our business results for the last fiscal year and composition of our assets, we do not believe that we were a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the taxable year ended December 31, 2013. Similarly, based on our business projections and the anticipated composition of our assets for the current and future years, we do not expect that

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we will be a PFIC for the taxable year ending December 31, 2014. However, a separate determination is required after the close of each taxable year as to whether we are a PFIC. If our actual business results do not match our projections, it is possible that we may become a PFIC in the current or any future taxable year. A non-U.S. corporation will be considered a PFIC for a taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is passive income or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets during the fiscal year) is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. Because the determination of our PFIC status is based on an annual determination that cannot be made until the close of a taxable year, and involves extensive factual investigation, including ascertaining the fair market value of all of our assets on a quarterly basis and the character of each item of income we earn, our U.S. counsel expresses no opinion with respect to our PFIC status. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. holder (as defined in Item 10.E. "Additional Information—Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations") holds an ordinary share, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to such U.S. holder. See Item 10.E. "Additional Information—Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations— Passive Foreign Investment Company ."

We have never declared or paid dividends on our ordinary shares and we do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.

        We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our ordinary shares. For the foreseeable future, we currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to support our operations and to finance the growth and development of our business. Any future determination to declare cash dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to compliance with applicable laws and covenants under current or future credit facilities, which may restrict or limit our ability to pay dividends, and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. As a result, a return on your investment will only occur if our ordinary share price appreciates.

Australian takeover laws may discourage takeover offers being made for us or may discourage the acquisition of a significant position in our ordinary shares.

        We are incorporated in Australia and are subject to the takeover laws of Australia. Among other things, we are subject to the Corporations Act 2001 ("Corporations Act"). Subject to a range of exceptions, the Corporations Act prohibits the acquisition of a direct or indirect interest in our issued voting shares if the acquisition of that interest will lead to a person's voting power in us increasing to more than 20%, or increasing from a starting point that is above 20%, though below 90%. Australian takeover laws may discourage takeover offers being made for us or may discourage the acquisition of a significant position in our ordinary shares. This may have the ancillary effect of entrenching our board of directors and may deprive or limit our shareholders' opportunity to sell their ordinary shares and may further restrict the ability of our shareholders to obtain a premium from such transactions.

Our Constitution and Australian laws and regulations applicable to us may adversely affect our ability to take actions that could be beneficial to our shareholders.

        As an Australian company we are subject to different corporate requirements than a corporation organized under the laws of the United States. Our Constitution, as well as the Australian Corporations Act, set forth various rights and obligations that are unique to us as an Australian company. These requirements may operate differently than those of many U.S. companies.

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Item 4.    Information on Sundance

A.    History and Development

        Sundance Energy Australia Limited, a public company, was incorporated under the laws of Australia in December 2004. In April 2005, we completed an initial public offering of our ordinary shares and listing of these shares on the ASX.

        Our principal office is located at 633 17th Street, Suite 1950, Denver, Colorado 80202. Our telephone number is (303) 543-5700. Our website address is www.sundanceenergy.net. Information on our website and the websites linked to it do not constitute part of this registration statement. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Sundance Energy, Inc., which has its principal place of business at 633 17th Street, Suite 1950, Denver, Colorado 80202.

Acquisitions

        In May 2014, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of working interests in approximately 9,200 gross (5,700 net) and 18,000 gross (5,400 net) mineral acres in Dimmit and Maverick Counties, Texas, respectively. The purchase price includes an initial cash payment of $33 million and a commitment to drill four Eagle Ford wells. In addition, we have the option, at our sole discretion, to acquire the Seller's remaining working interests in Dimmit and Maverick Counties, Texas (including the Seller's interest in producing wells) for an additional $45 million (comprised of the Seller's choice of all cash or cash and ordinary shares, with certain restrictions).

        In April 2014, we acquired approximately 4,800 net acres in the Eagle Ford for an initial purchase price of approximately $10.5 million and two separate earn out payments due upon commencement of drilling ($7.7 million) and payout of the first six wells drilled on the acreage ($7.7 million). The term of the agreement is two years and provides a one year extension for $500 per acre extended. This acreage is adjacent to our current acreage in McMullen County, Texas.

        In March 2013, we completed our merger with Texon through which we acquired the majority of our assets in the Eagle Ford, consisting of approximately 7,735 gross (7,336 net) acres at the time of acquisition. Shortly after the acquisition, we changed the name of Texon to Armadillo Petroleum Limited, and we similarly renamed Texon's subsidiaries. The purchase price for the Texon acquisition was approximately $158.4 million, which involved the issuance of approximately 122,669,678 of our ordinary shares to Texon's shareholders. At the acquisition date, Texon had average net daily production of approximately 717 Boe/d. Subsequent to the acquisition date, Eagle Ford acreage has increased to 9,691 gross (8,101 net) acres and we have drilled 16 gross (13.8 net) wells during 2013.

        In December 2012, we acquired approximately 2,686 gross (2,629 net) acres of oil and natural gas properties in the Denver-Julesburg Basin for approximately $13.7 million.

Divestitures

        In May 2014, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to divest our remaining Denver-Julesburg Basin assets. The sale price of $116 million in cash includes the reimbursement of capital expenditures incurred on 8 gross (3.1 net) non-operated horizontal wells. The sale is expected to close before September 30, 2014.

        In November 2013, we sold our entire interest in an individual operated well and 622 net developed acres, located in the Phoenix prospect, for gross proceeds of approximately $4.3 million. In December 2013, we sold our interests in properties also located in the Phoenix prospect of the Bakken for $35.5 million. The assets sold included 77 gross (3.7 net) non-operated producing wells in McKenzie, Dunn and Mountrail Counties, North Dakota.

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        In September 2012, we sold our interest in properties located in the South Antelope field of the Williston Basin, North Dakota to a third party for approximately $172 million in net proceeds. At the time of the sale, our interest in properties located in that field included approximately 3,939 net non-operated acres in McKenzie County, North Dakota, with average net daily production of approximately 827 Boe/d during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 and proved reserves of approximately 4.7 MMBoe as of September 2012.

B.    Business Overview

        We are an onshore oil and natural gas company focused on the exploration, development and production of large, repeatable resource plays in North America. Our oil and natural gas properties are located in premier U.S. oil and natural gas basins, and through the year ended December 31, 2013 our operational activities are conducted in the Eagle Ford, Mississippian/Woodford, Denver-Julesburg, and Bakken in the Williston Basin.

        We intend to utilize our U.S.-based management and technical team to appraise, develop, produce and grow our portfolio of assets. Our strategy is to develop assets where we are the operator and have high working interests, which positions us to control the pace of our development and the allocation of our capital resources. As of December 31, 2013, we operated approximately 85% of our developed acreage with an average working interest of approximately 82% with respect to such operated developed acreage.

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Our Operations

Estimated Proved Reserves

        The following table presents summary information regarding our estimated net proved oil and natural gas reserves as of the dates indicated. The estimates of our net proved reserves as of December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and June 30, 2012 and 2011 are based on the reserve reports prepared by Netherland Sewell in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC regarding oil and natural gas reserve reporting. For more information about our proved reserves as of December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2011 and 2012, please see Netherland Sewell's reserve reports, which have been filed as exhibits to this registration statement.

 
  As of December 31,   As of June 30,  
 
  2013   2012   2012   2011  

Estimated proved reserves:

                         

Oil (MBbls)

    12,956     5,758     7,979     4,788  

Natural gas (MMcf)

    30,655     16,888     13,052     7,692  

NGL (MBbls)(1)

    2,683              
                   

Total estimated proved reserves (MBoe)(2)

    20,747     8,572     10,154     6,070  
                   
                   

Estimated proved developed reserves:

                         

Oil (MBbls)

    4,140     1,932     2,565     1,497  

Natural gas (MMcf)

    10,765     5,242     4,904     2,637  

NGL (MBbls)(1)

    1,087              
                   

Total estimated proved developed reserves (MBoe)(2)

    7,021     2,806     3,382     1,937  
                   
                   

Estimated proved undeveloped reserves:

                         

Oil (MBbls)

    8,815     3,826     5,415     3,291  

Natural gas (MMcf)

    19,890     11,646     8,147     5,055  

NGL (MBbls)(1)

    1,596              
                   

Total estimated proved undeveloped reserves (MBoe)(2)

    13,726     5,767     6,773     4,134  
                   
                   

PV-10 (in thousands)(3)

  $ 336,984   $ 135,582   $ 174,418   $ 77,496  
                   
                   

Standardized Measure (in thousands)

  $ 268,163   $ 115,547   $ 137,285   $ 59,444  
                   
                   

(1)
Prior to the year ended 31 December 2013, our NGL Proved Reserves were insignificant; and as such, were included in Natural Gas Proved Reserves and not separately reported in our reserve report.

(2)
Certain totals may not add due to rounding.

(3)
PV-10 is considered a non-GAAP financial measure under SEC regulations. For a reconciliation of PV-10 to the Standardized Measure, see the following section.

        The increase in total proved reserves from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013 was due primarily to successful development and resulting extensions and discoveries on our Eagle Ford properties and from acquired Eagle Ford reserves. The decrease in total proved reserves from June 30, 2012 to December 31, 2012 was due primarily to the divestiture of our interest in properties in the South Antelope field of the Williston Basin, North Dakota in September 2012. The increase in total proved reserves from June 30, 2011 to June 30, 2012 was due primarily to successful development and resulting extensions and discoveries on our Bakken properties.

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PV-10

        Certain of our oil and natural gas reserve disclosures included in this registration statement are presented on a PV-10 basis. PV-10 is the estimated present value of the future cash flows less future development and production costs from our proved reserves before income taxes discounted using a 10% discount rate. PV-10 is considered a non-GAAP financial measure under SEC regulations because it does not include the effects of future income taxes, as is required in computing the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows (the "Standardized Measure"). We believe that PV-10 is an important measure that can be used to evaluate the relative significance of our oil and natural gas properties and that PV-10 is widely used by securities analysts and investors when evaluating oil and gas companies. Because many factors that are unique to each individual company impact the amount of future income taxes to be paid, we believe that the use of a pre-tax measure provides greater comparability of assets when evaluating companies, and that most other companies in the oil and gas industry calculate PV-10 on the same basis. Investors should be cautioned that neither PV-10 nor Standardized Measure represents an estimate of the fair market value of our proved reserves.

        The following table provides a reconciliation of PV-10 to the Standardized Measure (in thousands):

 
  As of December 31,   As of June 30,  
 
  2013   2012   2012   2011  

PV-10 of proved reserves

  $ 336,984   $ 135,582   $ 174,418   $ 77,496  

Present value of future income tax discounted at 10%

    (68,821 )   (20,035 )   (37,133 )   (18,052 )
                   

Standardized Measure

  $ 268,163   $ 115,547   $ 137,285   $ 59,444  
                   
                   

Proved Undeveloped Reserves

        At December 31, 2013, our proved undeveloped reserves were approximately 13,726 MBoe, an increase of approximately 7,959 MBoe over our December 31, 2012 proved undeveloped reserves estimate of approximately 5,767 MBoe. The change consisted of a decrease of approximately 23 MBoe due to the conversion of proved undeveloped reserves to proved developed reserves during 2013, an increase of approximately 3,383 MBoe attributable to the Eagle Ford acquisition, a decrease of approximately 1,524 MBoe due to the sale of our interests in the Phoenix and South Antelope prospects and an increase of approximately 6,123 MBoe due to the addition of proved undeveloped locations net of revisions to previous estimates. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we incurred capital expenditures of approximately $4.1 million to convert proved undeveloped reserves to proved developed reserves. All proved undeveloped locations are scheduled to be spud within the next five years.

        At December 31, 2012, our proved undeveloped reserves were approximately 5,767 MBoe, a decrease of approximately 1,006 MBoe over our June 30, 2012 proved undeveloped reserves estimate of approximately 6,773 MBoe. The change consisted of a decrease of approximately 461 MBoe due to the conversion of proved undeveloped reserves to proved developed reserves during the second half of 2012, a decrease of approximately 3,193 Mboe sold as part of the South Antelope divestiture, an increase of approximately 1,774 MBoe attributable to the Denver-Julesburg acquisition, an increase of approximately 1,443 MBoe due to the addition of new proved undeveloped locations and a reduction for revisions to previous estimates of approximately 569 MBoe. During the six-month period ended December 31, 2012, we incurred capital expenditures of approximately $9.3 million to convert proved undeveloped reserves to proved developed reserves. All proved undeveloped locations are scheduled to be spud within the next five years.

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Independent Reserve Engineers

        Our proved reserves estimates as of December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012 and 2011, have been independently prepared by Netherland Sewell, which was founded in 1961 and performs consulting petroleum engineering services under Texas Board of Professional Engineers Registration No. F-2699. Within Netherland Sewell, the technical person primarily responsible for the estimates set forth in the reserves report incorporated herein is Mr. Joseph J. Spellman. Mr. Spellman is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas (No. 73709) with over 30 years of practical experience in petroleum engineering studies and evaluation of reserves and has been practicing consulting petroleum engineering at Netherland Sewell since 1989. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin—Platteville in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. Mr. Spellman meets or exceeds the education, training and experience requirements set forth in the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. We believe that he is proficient in judiciously applying industry standard practices to engineering and geoscience evaluations as well as applying SEC and other industry reserves definitions and guidelines.

Technology Used To Establish Proved Reserves

        As referred to in this registration statement, proved reserves are those quantities of oil and natural gas that, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward from known reservoirs and under existing economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations. The term "reasonable certainty" implies a high degree of confidence that the quantities of oil and/or natural gas actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate. Reasonable certainty can be established using techniques that have been proved effective by actual production from projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir or by other evidence using reliable technology that establishes reasonable certainty. Reliable technology is a grouping of one or more technologies (including computational methods) that has been field tested and has been demonstrated to provide reasonably certain results with consistency and repeatability in the formation being evaluated or in an analogous formation.

        In order to establish reasonable certainty with respect to our estimated proved reserves, Netherland Sewell employed technologies that have been demonstrated to yield results with consistency and repeatability. The technologies and economic data used in the estimation of our proved reserves include, but are not limited to, electrical logs, radioactivity logs, core analyses, geologic maps and available downhole and production data, 3-D seismic data and well test data. Reserves attributable to producing wells with sufficient production history were estimated using appropriate decline curves or other performance relationships. Reserves attributable to producing wells with limited production history and for undeveloped locations were estimated using performance from analogous wells in the surrounding area and geologic data to assess the reservoir continuity. These wells were considered to be analogous based on production performance from the same formation and completion using similar techniques. The evaluation included an assessment of the beneficial impact of the use of multi-stage hydraulic fracture stimulation treatments on estimated recoverable reserves. In addition to assessing reservoir continuity, geologic data from well logs and core analyses were used to estimate original oil and natural gas in place in certain areas.

Internal Controls Over Reserves Estimation Process

        Our technical team consists of an internal staff of petroleum engineers and geoscience professionals who work closely with our independent reserve engineers to ensure the integrity, accuracy and timeliness of data furnished to our independent reserve engineers in their reserves estimation process. Throughout each fiscal year, our technical team meets with representatives of our independent reserve engineers to review properties and discuss methods and assumptions used in preparation of the proved reserves estimates. Historically, we had no formal committee specifically designated to review our reserves reporting. Prior to release of the reserve report prepared by our independent reserve engineers, the draft of the report is reviewed by our internal petroleum engineers and by management.

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Acreage

        We had the following developed, undeveloped and total acres for each of our operating areas as of December 31, 2013:

 
  Developed   Undeveloped   Total  
 
  Gross   Net   Gross   Net   Gross   Net  

Eagle Ford

    6,246     5,793     3,445     2,308     9,691     8,101  

Mississippian/Woodford

    11,495     9,450     64,973     36,463     76,468     45,913  

Denver-Julesburg(1)(2)

    4,080     3,819     1,735     1,044     5,815     4,863  

Bakken(3)

    88,527     3,000         166     88,527     3,166  
                           

All properties

    110,348     22,062     70,153     39,981     180,501     62,043  
                           
                           

(1)
Excludes approximately 36,213 gross (10,029 net) acres located in greater Denver-Julesburg Basin that are outside the Wattenberg field to which we do not currently allocate any of our capital expenditure budget.

(2)
In May 2014, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to divest our remaining Denver-Julesburg Basin Assets. See Item 3.A. "Recent Developments— Acquisitions ."

(3)
The remaining Bakken assets are expected to be divested in 2014.

Production and Pricing

 
  Year ended
December 31,
  Six-month
period ended
December 31,
  Year ended
June 30,
 
 
  2013(1)   2012   2012   2011   2012   2011  

Net Sales Volumes:

                                     

Oil (MBbls)

    827.4     397.9     195.5     135.2     337.7     210.1  

Natural gas (MMcf)

    934.2     505.5     260.4     124.3     370.3     282.5  

NGL (MBbls)(2)

    95.8                      

Oil equivalent (MBoe)

    1,079.0     482.2     238.9     156.0     399.4     257.1  

Average daily volumes (Boe/d)          

    2,956     1,317     1,298     848     1,091     704  

Average Sales Price:

                                     

Oil (per Bbl)

    95.92     84.80   $ 85.88   $ 81.43   $ 82.82   $ 79.53  

Natural gas (per Mcf)

    2.97     4.01     3.59     5.84     4.92     5.20  

NGL (per MBbls)(2)

    33.45                      

Average equivalent price (per Boe)

    79.10     74.19     74.19     75.27     74.59     70.69  

Expenses (per Boe):

                                     

Lease operating expenses

    11.23     7.89   $ 9.19   $ 9.56   $ 7.76   $ 3.46  

Production tax expense

    5.80     7.98     7.90     8.29     8.15     7.65  
                           

Lease operating and production tax expenses

    17.03     15.87     17.09     17.85     15.91     11.11  

Administrative expense, including employee benefits

    14.18     19.41     24.32     21.26     17.18     20.76  

Depreciation and amortization expense

    33.57     26.69     25.60     27.94     27.82     25.31  

(1)
Production volumes for the year ended December 31, 2013 include 147.0 MBbls of oil and 94.4 MMcf of natural gas production, for a total of 161.6 MBoe (average daily volumes of 443 Boe/d), from the Phoenix prospect. We sold our entire interest in the Phoenix prospect in November and December 2013.

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(2)
Prior to the year ended 31 December 2013, our NGLs were insignificant; and as such, were included in Natural Gas.

        The following tables set forth information regarding our total production and average daily production for the periods indicated from our operating areas:

 
  Year ended   Six-month period ended  
 
  December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012  
 
  Oil   Natural
Gas
  NGL   Oil
Equivalent
  Average
Daily
Volume
  Oil   Natural
Gas
  Oil
Equivalent
  Average
Daily
Volume
 
 
  (MBbls)
  (MMcf)
  (MBbls)
  (MBoe)
  (Boe/d)
  (MBbls)
  (MMcf)
  (MBoe)
  (Boe/d)
 

Eagle Ford

    409     320     38     500     1,371                  

Mississippian/Woodford

    108     247     35     184     503     10     28     15     82  

Denver-Julesburg

    121     296     14     185     506     29     137     52     281  

Bakken

    189     71     9     210     576     156     95     172     935  
                                       

Total

    827     934     96     1,079     2,956     195     260     239     1,298  
                                       
                                       

 

 
  Year ended June 30,  
 
  2012   2011  
 
  Oil   Natural
Gas
  Oil
Equivalent
  Average
Daily
Volume
  Oil   Natural
Gas
  Oil
Equivalent
  Average
Daily
Volume
 
 
  (MBbls)
  (MMcf)
  (MBoe)
  (Boe/d)
  (MBbls)
  (MMcf)
  (MBoe)
  (Boe/d)
 

Eagle Ford

                                 

Mississippian/Woodford

    4         4     10     1         1     3  

Denver-Julesburg

    33     202     66     181     14     147     39     105  

Bakken

    301     168     329     900     195     135     217     596  
                                   

Total

    338     370     399     1,091     210     282     257     704  
                                   
                                   

Producing Wells

        We had the following producing wells for each of our operating areas as of December 31, 2013:

 
  Oil Wells   Natural Gas
Wells
  Total Wells  
 
  Gross   Net   Gross   Net   Gross   Net  

Eagle Ford

    23     19.9             23     19.9  

Mississippian/Woodford

    27     12.8             27     12.8  

Denver-Julesburg(1)

    53     40.5     39     24.8     92     65.3  

Bakken(2)

    70     1.9     1         71     1.9  
                           

Total

    173     75.1     40     24.8     213     99.9  
                           
                           

(1)
In May 2014, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to divest our remaining Denver-Julesburg Basin Assets.

(2)
The remaining Bakken assets are expected to be divested in 2014.

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Drilling Activity

        The following table summarizes our drilling activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 and the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

 
   
   
  Six-month
period
ended
December 31,
2012
  Year ended  
 
  Year ended
December 31,
2013
  June 30,
2012
  June 30,
2011
 
 
  Gross   Net   Gross   Net   Gross   Net   Gross   Net  

Development wells

                                                 

Oil

    102     58.6     37     12.3     77     11.3     65     6.4  

Natural Gas

                            1     0.1  

Dry

                                     

Exploratory Wells

                                                 

Oil

                                 

Natural Gas

                                 

Dry

                                 
                                   

Total Wells

                                                 

Oil

    102     58.6     37     12.3     77     11.3     65     6.4  

Natural Gas

                            1     0.1  

Dry

                                 
                                   

    102     58.6     37     12.3     77     11.3     66     6.5  
                                   
                                   

Present Activities

        The following table describes wells being drilled or awaiting completion or production testing as of December 31, 2013.

 
  Development
Wells
  Exploratory
Wells
  Total Wells  
 
  Gross   Net   Gross   Net   Gross   Net  

Eagle Ford

    8     6.2             8     6.2  

Mississippian/Woodford

    9     4.8             9     4.8  

Denver-Julesburg

    12     6.5             12     6.5  

Bakken

                         
                           

Total

    29     17.5             29     17.5  
                           
                           


Principal Customers and Marketing

        For the year ended December 31, 2013, purchases by four of our customers accounted for 83% of our total sales revenues. These customers purchase the oil production from us pursuant to existing marketing agreements with terms that are currently on "evergreen" status and renew on a month- to-month basis until either party gives 30-day advance written notice of non-renewal. The oil and natural gas that we sell are commodities for which there are a large number of potential buyers. Because of the adequacy of the infrastructure to transport oil and natural gas in the areas in which we operate, if we were to lose one or more customers, we believe that we could readily procure substitute or additional customers such that our production volumes would not be materially affected for any significant period of time.

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        The prices we receive for our oil and natural gas production fluctuate widely. Factors that cause price fluctuations include the level of demand for oil and natural gas, the price and quantity of foreign oil and natural gas, the level of global oil and natural gas exploration and production, global oil and gas inventories, weather conditions, governmental regulations, oil and natural gas speculation, actions of OPEC, technological advances, and the price and availability of alternative fuels. Decreases in these commodity prices adversely affect the carrying value of our proved reserves and our revenues, profitability and cash flows. Short-term disruptions of our oil and natural gas production occur from time to time due to downstream pipeline system failure, capacity issues and scheduled maintenance, as well as maintenance and repairs involving our own well operations. These situations, if they occur, curtail our production capabilities and ability to maintain a steady source of revenue. In addition, demand for natural gas has historically been seasonal in nature, with peak demand and typically higher prices during the colder winter months. See Item 3.D. "Key Information—Risk Factors."


Competition

        The oil and natural gas industry is highly competitive, and we compete with a substantial number of other companies that have greater resources. Many of these companies explore for, produce and market oil and natural gas, carry on refining operations and market the resultant products on a worldwide basis. The primary areas in which we encounter substantial competition are in locating and acquiring desirable leasehold acreage for our drilling and development operations, locating and acquiring attractive producing oil and natural gas properties, and obtaining drilling rigs, completion crews and other services. There is also competition between producers of oil and natural gas and other industries producing alternative energy and fuel. Furthermore, competitive conditions may be substantially affected by various forms of energy legislation and/or regulation considered from time to time by the government of the United States. However, it is not possible to predict the nature of any such legislation or regulation that may ultimately be adopted or its effects upon our future operations. Such laws and regulations may substantially increase the costs of exploring for, developing or producing gas and oil and may prevent or delay the commencement or continuation of a given operation. The effect of these risks cannot be accurately predicted.


Regulation of the Oil and Natural Gas Industry

        Our operations are substantially affected by federal, state and local laws and regulations. In particular, oil and natural gas production and related operations are, or have been, subject to price controls, taxes and numerous other laws and regulations. All of the jurisdictions in which we own or operate properties for oil and natural gas production have statutory provisions regulating the exploration for and production of oil and natural gas, including provisions related to permits for the drilling of wells, bonding requirements to drill or operate wells, the location of wells, the method of drilling and casing wells, the surface use and restoration of properties upon which wells are drilled, sourcing and disposal of water used in the drilling and completion process, and the abandonment of wells. Our operations are also subject to various conservation laws and regulations. These include regulation of the size of drilling and spacing units or proration units, the number of wells that may be drilled in an area, and the unitization or pooling of oil and natural gas wells, as well as regulations that generally prohibit the venting or flaring of natural gas and that impose certain requirements regarding the ratability or fair apportionment of production from fields and individual wells.

        The regulatory burden on the industry increases the cost of doing business and affects profitability. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations can result in substantial penalties. Furthermore, such laws and regulations are frequently amended or reinterpreted, and new proposals that affect the oil and natural gas industry are regularly considered by Congress, the states, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") and the courts. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and that our continued substantial compliance with existing

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requirements will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations. Nor are we currently aware of any specific pending legislation or regulation that is reasonably likely to be enacted, or for which we cannot predict the likelihood of enactment, and that is reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

Regulation of Transportation of Oil

        Our sales of oil are affected by the availability, terms and cost of transportation. Interstate transportation of oil by pipeline is regulated by FERC pursuant to the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 ("ICA"), the Energy Policy Act of 1992 ("EPAct 1992"), and the rules and regulations promulgated under those laws. The ICA and its implementing regulations require that tariff rates for interstate service on oil pipelines, including interstate pipelines that transport oil and refined products (collectively referred to as "petroleum pipelines"), be just and reasonable and non-discriminatory and that such rates and terms and conditions of service be filed with FERC. EPAct 1992 deemed certain interstate petroleum pipeline rates then in effect to be just and reasonable under the ICA, which are commonly referred to as "grandfathered rates." Pursuant to EPAct 1992, FERC also adopted a generally applicable rate-making methodology, which, as currently in effect, allows petroleum pipelines to change their rates provided they do not exceed prescribed ceiling levels that are tied to changes in the Producer Price Index for Finished Goods ("PPI"), plus 1.3 percent. For the five-year period beginning July 1, 2011, the index will be PPI plus 2.65%.

        FERC has also established cost-of-service rate-making, market- based rates and settlement rates as alternatives to the indexing approach. A pipeline may file rates based on its cost of service if there is a substantial divergence between its actual costs of providing service and the rate resulting from application of the index. A pipeline may charge market-based rates if it establishes that it lacks significant market power in the affected markets. Further, a pipeline may establish rates through settlement with all current non-affiliated shippers.

        Intrastate oil pipeline transportation rates are subject to regulation by state regulatory commissions. The basis for intrastate oil pipeline regulation and the degree of regulatory oversight and scrutiny given to intrastate oil pipeline rates vary from state to state. Insofar as effective interstate and intrastate rates are equally applicable to all comparable shippers, we believe that the regulation of oil transportation rates will not affect our operations in any way that is of material difference from those of our competitors that are similarly situated.

        Further, interstate and intrastate common carrier oil pipelines must provide service on a non-discriminatory basis. Under this open access standard, common carriers must offer service to all similarly situated shippers requesting service on the same terms and under the same rates. When oil pipelines operate at full capacity, access is governed by prorationing provisions set forth in the pipelines' published tariffs. Accordingly, we believe that access to oil pipeline transportation services generally will be available to us to the same extent as to our similarly situated competitors.

Regulation of Transportation and Sales of Natural Gas

        Historically, the transportation and sale for resale of natural gas in interstate commerce has been regulated by FERC under the Natural Gas Act of 1938 ("NGA"), the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 ("NGPA") and regulations issued under those statutes. In the past, the federal government has regulated the prices at which natural gas could be sold. While sales by producers of natural gas can currently be made at market prices, Congress could reenact price controls in the future. Deregulation of wellhead natural gas sales began with the enactment of the NGPA and culminated in the adoption of the Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act, which removed all price controls affecting wellhead sales of natural gas effective January 1, 1993.

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        FERC regulates interstate natural gas, transportation rates and terms and conditions of service, which affect the marketing of natural gas that we produce as well as the revenues we receive for sales of our natural gas. Since 1985, FERC has endeavored to make natural gas transportation more accessible to natural gas buyers and sellers on an open and non-discriminatory basis. FERC has stated that open access policies are necessary to improve the competitive structure of the interstate natural gas pipeline industry and to create a regulatory framework that will put natural gas sellers into more direct contractual relations with natural gas buyers by, among other things, unbundling the sale of natural gas from the sale of transportation and storage services. Beginning in 1992, FERC issued a series of orders, beginning with Order No. 636, to implement its open access policies. As a result, the interstate pipelines' traditional role of providing the sale and transportation of natural gas as a single service has been eliminated and replaced by a structure under which pipelines provide transportation and storage service on an open access basis to others that buy and sell natural gas. Although FERC's orders do not directly regulate natural gas producers, they are intended to foster increased competition within all phases of the natural gas industry.

        In 2000, FERC issued Order No. 637 and subsequent orders, which imposed a number of additional reforms designed to enhance competition in natural gas markets. Among other things, Order No. 637 revised FERC's pricing policy by waiving price ceilings for short-term released capacity for a two-year experimental period and effected changes in FERC regulations relating to scheduling procedures, capacity segmentation, penalties, rights of first refusal and information reporting.

        Gathering services, which occur upstream of jurisdictional transmission services, are regulated by the states onshore and in state waters. Although FERC has set forth a general test for determining whether facilities perform a non-jurisdictional gathering function or a jurisdictional transmission function, FERC's determinations as to the classification of facilities is done on a case-by-case basis. To the extent that FERC issues an order that reclassifies transmission facilities as gathering facilities and, depending on the scope of that decision, our costs of getting gas to point of sale locations may increase. State regulation of natural gas gathering facilities generally includes various safety, environmental and, in some circumstances, non- discriminatory take requirements. Although such regulation has not generally been affirmatively applied by state agencies, natural gas gathering may receive greater regulatory scrutiny in the future.

        Intrastate natural gas transportation and facilities are also subject to regulation by state regulatory agencies, and certain transportation services provided by intrastate pipelines are also regulated by FERC. The basis for intrastate regulation of natural gas transportation and the degree of regulatory oversight and scrutiny given to intrastate natural gas pipeline rates and services vary from state to state. Insofar as such regulation within a particular state will generally affect all intrastate natural gas shippers within the state on a comparable basis, we believe that the regulation of similarly situated intrastate natural gas transportation in any states in which we operate and ship natural gas on an intrastate basis will not affect our operations in any way that is of material difference from those of our competitors. Like the regulation of interstate transportation rates, the regulation of intrastate transportation rates affects the marketing of natural gas that we produce, as well as the revenues we receive for sales of our natural gas.

Regulation of Production

        The production of oil and natural gas is subject to regulation under a wide range of local, state and federal statutes, rules, orders and regulations. Federal, state and local statutes and regulations require permits for drilling operations, drilling bonds and reports concerning operations. All of the states in which we own and operate properties have regulations governing conservation matters, including provisions for the unitization or pooling of oil and natural gas properties, the establishment of maximum allowable rates of production from oil and natural gas wells, the regulation of well spacing, and plugging and abandonment of wells. The effect of these regulations is to limit the amount

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of oil and natural gas that we can produce from our wells and to limit the number of wells or the locations at which we can drill, although we can apply for exceptions to such regulations or to have reductions in well spacing. Moreover, each state generally imposes a production or severance tax with respect to the production and sale of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids within its jurisdiction. The failure to comply with these rules and regulations can result in substantial penalties. Our competitors in the oil and natural gas industry are subject to the same regulatory requirements and restrictions that affect our operations.


Environmental, Health and Safety Regulation

        Our exploration, development, production and processing operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to health and safety, the discharge of materials and environmental protection. These laws and regulations may, among other things: require the acquisition of permits to conduct exploration, drilling and production operations; govern the amounts and types of substances that may be released into the environment in connection with oil and natural gas drilling and production; restrict the way we handle or dispose of our wastes; limit or prohibit construction or drilling activities in sensitive areas, such as wetlands, wilderness areas, or areas inhabited by endangered or threatened species; require investigatory and remedial actions to mitigate pollution conditions caused by our operations or attributable to former operations; and impose obligations to reclaim and abandon well sites and pits. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of remedial obligations and the issuance of orders enjoining some or all of our operations in affected areas.

        These laws and regulations may also restrict the rate of oil and natural gas production below the rate that would otherwise be possible. The regulatory burden on the oil and gas industry increases the cost of doing business in the industry and consequently affects profitability. In addition, Congress and federal and state agencies frequently revise environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, and any changes that result in more stringent and costly waste handling, disposal, cleanup and remediation requirements for the oil and gas industry could have a significant impact on our operating costs.

        The clear trend in environmental regulation is to place more restrictions and limitations on activities that may affect the environment, and thus, any changes in environmental laws and regulations or re-interpretations of enforcement policies that result in more stringent and costly waste handling, storage, transport, disposal, or remediation requirements could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial position in the future. We may be unable to pass on such increased compliance costs to our customers. Moreover, accidental releases or spills may occur in the course of our operations, and we cannot assure you that we will not incur significant costs and liabilities as a result of such releases or spills, including any third party claims for damage to property, natural resources or persons. We maintain insurance against costs of cleanup operations, but we are not fully insured against all such risks. While we believe that we are in substantial compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations and that current requirements would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations, there is no assurance that this will continue in the future.

        The following is a summary of the more significant existing environmental, health and safety laws and regulations to which our business operations are subject and for which compliance in the future may have a material adverse effect on our capital expenditures, results of operations or financial position.

Hazardous Substances and Waste

        The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), also known as the Superfund law, and comparable state laws impose liability without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct on certain classes of persons who are considered to be responsible for

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the release of a "hazardous substance" into the environment. CERCLA exempts "petroleum, including oil or any fraction thereof" from the definition of "hazardous substance" unless specifically listed or designated under CERCLA. While the EPA interprets CERCLA to exclude oil and fractions of oil, hazardous substances that are added to petroleum or that increase in concentration as a result of contamination of the petroleum during use are not considered part of the petroleum and are regulated under CERCLA as a hazardous substance.

        Responsible persons under CERCLA include current and prior owners or operators of the site where the release occurred and entities that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substances found at the site. Under CERCLA, these "responsible persons" may be subject to strict, joint and several liability for the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances that have been released into the environment, for damages to natural resources, and for the costs of certain health studies. CERCLA also authorizes the EPA and, in some instances, third parties to act in response to threats to the public health or the environment and to seek to recover from the responsible classes of persons the costs they incur. It is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances or other pollutants into the environment. We generate materials in the course of our operations that may be regulated as hazardous substances.

        We also generate solid and hazardous wastes that are subject to the requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended ("RCRA"), and comparable state statutes. The RCRA imposes requirements on the generation, storage, treatment, transportation and disposal of hazardous wastes. In the course of our operations we generate petroleum hydrocarbon wastes and ordinary industrial wastes that may be regulated as hazardous wastes. The RCRA regulations specifically exclude from the definition of hazardous waste "drilling fluids, produced waters and other wastes associated with the exploration, development or production of oil, natural gas or geothermal energy." However, legislation has been proposed in Congress from time to time that would reclassify certain natural gas and oil exploration and production wastes as "hazardous wastes," which would make the reclassified wastes subject to much more stringent handling, disposal and cleanup requirements. In addition, an environmental group petitioned the EPA in 2010 to remove this exclusion. Under RCRA, the EPA is required to respond to the petition within a reasonable time; however to date, the EPA has not acted on the petition and has not announced a time frame for responding. Any regulatory repeal of the RCRA exclusion would require Congressional approval. If any such legislation were to be enacted, it could have a significant impact on our operating costs, as well as the natural gas and oil industry in general.

        We currently own or lease, and have in the past owned or leased, properties that have been used for numerous years to explore and produce oil and natural gas. Although we have utilized operating and disposal practices that were standard in the industry at the time, hydrocarbons and wastes may have been disposed of or released on or under the properties owned or leased by us or on or under the other locations where these hydrocarbons and wastes have been taken for treatment or disposal. In addition, certain of these properties have been operated by third parties whose treatment and disposal or release of hydrocarbons and wastes was not under our control. These properties and wastes disposed thereon may be subject to CERCLA, RCRA and analogous state laws. Under these laws, we could be required to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes (including wastes disposed of or released by prior owners or operators), to clean up contaminated property (including groundwater contaminated by prior owners or operators) and to perform remedial operations to prevent future contamination.

Pipeline Safety and Maintenance

        Pipelines, gathering systems and terminal operations are subject to increasingly strict safety laws and regulations. Both the transportation and storage of refined products and oil involve a risk that hazardous liquids may be released into the environment, potentially causing harm to the public or the

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environment. In turn, such incidents may result in substantial expenditures for response actions, significant government penalties, liability to government agencies for natural resources damages and significant business interruption. The U.S. Department of Transportation ("DOT") has adopted safety regulations with respect to the design, construction, operation, maintenance, inspection and management of our pipeline and storage facilities. These regulations contain requirements for the development and implementation of pipeline integrity management programs, which include the inspection and testing of pipelines and the correction of anomalies. These regulations also require that pipeline operation and maintenance personnel meet certain qualifications and that pipeline operators develop comprehensive spill response plans.

        There have been recent initiatives to strengthen and expand pipeline safety regulations and to increase penalties for violations. In 2012, the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 was signed into law. This Act provides additional requirements related to spill and accident reporting, as well as more stringent oversight of pipelines and increased penalties for violations of safety rules. Since enactment, DOT has initiated a series of rulemakings to implement the new law. DOT has also recently promulgated new regulations extending safety rules to certain low-pressure, small-diameter pipelines in rural areas.

Air Emissions

        The Clean Air Act, as amended ("CAA"), and comparable state laws and regulations restrict the emission of air pollutants from many sources, including oil and natural gas operations, and impose various monitoring and reporting requirements. These laws and regulations may require us to obtain preapproval for the construction or modification of certain projects or facilities expected to produce or significantly increase air emissions, obtain and comply with stringent air permit requirements, or utilize specific equipment or technologies to control emissions. Obtaining permits has the potential to delay the development of oil and natural gas projects.

        In August 2010, the EPA published new regulations under the CAA to control emissions of hazardous air pollutants from existing stationary reciprocating internal combustion engines ("RICE NESHAP"). The rule may require us to undertake certain expenditures and activities, likely including purchasing and installing emissions control equipment, such as oxidation catalysts or non-selective catalytic reduction equipment, on a portion of our engines located at major sources of hazardous air pollutants and all our engines over a certain size regardless of location, following prescribed maintenance practices for engines (which are consistent with our existing practices), and implementing additional emissions testing and monitoring. On January 14, 2013, the EPA signed final revisions to the 2010 RICE NESHAP to reflect new technical information submitted by stakeholders and in response to lawsuits and administrative petitions. On January 30, 2013 the final RICE NESHAP rule was published in the Federal Register with an effective date of April 1, 2013. Several petitions requesting administrative reconsideration of the 2013 RICE NESHAP were received by the EPA. By means of a letter dated June 28, 2013 from the EPA to petitioners, the EPA stated it intends to initiate a reconsideration process of several issues in the 2013 RICE NESHAP, including timing for compliance for certain engines. While it reconsiders the rule, the EPA has issued guidance on responding to requests for compliance extensions for entities that operate certain compression ignition engines covered by the rule for which the compliance date has already passed.

        In June 2010, the EPA formally proposed modifications to existing regulations under the CAA that established new source performance standards for manufacturers, owners and operators of new, modified and reconstructed stationary internal combustion engines. The EPA finalized the modifications on June 28, 2011 with an effective date of August 2011. The rule modifications may require us to undertake significant expenditures, including expenditures for purchasing, installing, monitoring and maintaining emissions control equipment on a potentially significant percentage of our natural gas compression engine fleet.

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        The EPA also issued new CAA regulations relevant to hydraulic fracturing in 2012, including a new source performance standard for volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) emissions with expanded applicability to natural gas operations, as well as a new air toxics standard. These rules create significant new technology requirements for controlling wellhead emissions from our operations. The EPA is currently considering multiple changes to these rules in response to industry and environmental group legal challenges and administrative petitions. Legal challenges to the rule have been stayed while the EPA considers possible revisions. Several of the challenges to the EPA's initial rule relate to the EPA's decision not to include a performance standard for methane emissions from oil and natural gas operations. In general, there is increasing interest in and focus on regulation of methane emissions from oil and natural gas operations, and hydraulic fracturing operations in particular, under the CAA. We cannot predict future regulatory requirements in this area or the cost to comply with such requirements. The adoption and implementation of any regulations imposing reporting obligations on, or limiting emissions of greenhouse gases from, our equipment and operations could require us to incur costs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases associated with our operations or could adversely affect demand for the oil and natural gas we produce.

Climate Change

        The United States is a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ("UNFCCC"), an international treaty focused on stabilizing greenhouse gases ("GHGs") concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent serious damage to the climate system. The UNFCCC did not establish any substantive obligations for parties to reduce GHGs. The subsequent treaty, the Kyoto Protocol, did establish binding GHG targets for developed countries, but the United States did not ratify it. The current focus is on a new treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol upon its expiration in 2020. In 2011, parties to the UNFCCC, including the United States, agreed to develop a new treaty with binding GHG targets by 2015 in order for it to be implemented by 2020. This new treaty remains under negotiation, but it could result in new targets or codify existing actions taken by individual countries to reduce GHGs. The United States' involvement in developing the new treaty may create significant political pressure for the United States to take responsive action to reduce GHGs. Both houses of Congress have previously considered legislation to reduce emissions of GHGs, and there are current legislative proposals to regulate GHGs. Any future federal laws, treaties or implementing regulations that may be adopted to address GHG emissions could require us to incur increased operating costs and could adversely affect demand for the oil and natural gas we produce.

        In addition, the EPA has begun to regulate GHG emissions. In December 2009, the EPA published its finding that certain emissions of GHGs presented an endangerment to human health and the environment. These findings by the EPA allow the agency to proceed with the adoption and implementation of regulations that would restrict emissions of GHGs under existing provisions of the CAA. Consequently, the EPA is requiring a reduction in emissions of GHGs from new motor vehicles beginning with the 2012 model year. Furthermore, the EPA published a final rule on June 3, 2010 to address the permitting of GHG emissions from stationary sources under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration ("PSD") and Title V permitting programs. This rule "tailors" these permitting programs to apply to certain stationary sources of GHG emissions, such as power plants and oil refineries. Facilities required to obtain PSD permits for their GHG emissions will be required to meet emissions limits that are based on the "best available control technology," which will be established by the permitting agencies on a case-by-case basis. New facilities with GHG emissions of at least 100,000 tons per year ("tpy") of carbon dioxide equivalent ("CO2e") and existing facilities with at least 100,000 tpy of CO2e making changes that would increase GHG emissions by at least 75,000 tpy of CO2e are required to obtain PSD permits. Facilities that must obtain a PSD permit anyway (i.e., to cover other regulated pollutants) must also address GHG emission increases greater than 75,000 tpy of CO2e. New and existing sources with GHG emissions above 100,000 tpy of CO2e must obtain Title V operating permits.

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        In addition, the EPA requires the reporting of GHGs from specified large GHG emission sources, including GHGs from petroleum and natural gas systems that emit more than 25,000 tons of GHGs per year. Reporting is required from onshore and offshore petroleum and natural gas production, natural gas processing, transmission and distribution, underground natural gas storage and liquefied natural gas import, export and storage. The EPA is also proceeding with the first-ever regulation of GHGs from new power plants under the New Source Performance Standard provisions of the CAA. Revisions to the proposed standards were released in September 2013, and a final rule is expected during the fourth quarter of 2013. The release of this rule will trigger a requirement to regulate GHGs from existing power plants. Pursuant to a settlement agreement, the EPA has also committed to regulate GHGs from new petroleum refineries, though no draft rule has yet been released.

        Several of the EPA's GHG rules are being challenged in court proceedings and depending on the outcome of such proceedings, such rules may be modified or rescinded or the EPA could develop new rules. The adoption and implementation of any regulations imposing reporting obligations on, or limiting emissions of GHGs from, our equipment and operations could require us to incur costs to reduce emissions of GHGs associated with our operations or could adversely affect demand for the oil and natural gas we produce.

        Even if new legislation requiring GHG controls is not adopted at the national level, almost one-half of the states have taken actions to monitor and/or reduce emissions of GHGs, including obligations on utilities to purchase renewable energy and GHG cap and trade programs. Although most of the state level initiatives have to date focused on large sources of GHG emissions, such as coal-fired electric plants, it is possible that smaller sources of emissions could become subject to GHG emission limitations or allowance purchase requirements in the future.

        Any one of these climate change regulatory and legislative initiatives could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Legislation or regulations that may be adopted to address climate change could also affect the markets for our products by making our products more or less desirable than competing sources of energy. To the extent that our products are competing with higher GHG emitting energy sources, such as coal, our products would become more desirable in the market with more stringent limitations on GHG emissions. To the extent that our products are competing with lower GHG emitting energy sources, such as solar and wind, our products would become less desirable in the market with more stringent limitations on GHG emissions. We cannot predict with any certainty at this time how these possibilities may affect our operations.

        Finally, it should be noted that some scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of GHGs in the Earth's atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods and other climatic events. If any such effects were to occur, they could adversely affect or delay demand for the oil or natural gas we produce or otherwise cause us to incur significant costs in preparing for or responding to those effects.

Water Discharges

        The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, or the Clean Water Act ("CWA"), and analogous state laws impose restrictions and controls regarding the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. Pursuant to the CWA and analogous state laws, permits must be obtained to discharge pollutants into state waters or waters of the United States. Any such discharge of pollutants into regulated waters must be performed in accordance with the terms of the permits issued by the EPA or analogous state agencies. The CWA and regulations implemented thereunder also prohibit the discharge of dredge and fill material into regulated waters, including jurisdictional wetlands, unless authorized by an appropriately issued permit. Spill prevention, control and countermeasure requirements under federal law require appropriate containment berms and similar structures to help prevent the contamination of navigable waters in the event of a petroleum hydrocarbon tank spill,

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rupture or leak. In addition, the CWA and analogous state laws require individual permits or coverage under general permits for discharges of stormwater runoff from certain types of facilities. Currently, storm water discharges from oil and natural gas exploration, production, processing or treatment operations, or transmission facilities are exempt from regulation under the CWA. However, a bill pending in the U.S. House of Representatives would remove this exemption, which could have a significant impact on our operations. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties, as well as other enforcement mechanisms for noncompliance with discharge permits or other requirements of the CWA and analogous state laws and regulations.

Endangered Species Act

        The federal Endangered Species Act, as amended ("ESA"), restricts activities that may affect endangered and threatened species or their habitats. While some of our facilities may be located in areas that are designated as habitats for endangered or threatened species, we believe that we are in substantial compliance with the ESA. However, the designation of previously unidentified endangered or threatened species could cause us to incur additional costs or become subject to operating restrictions or bans in the affected areas.

Employee Health and Safety

        We are subject to a number of federal and state laws and regulations, including the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended (the "OSH Act"), and comparable state statutes, whose purpose is to protect the health and safety of workers. In addition, the OSH Act's hazard communication standard, the EPA community right-to-know regulations under Title III of the federal Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act, and comparable state statutes require that information be maintained concerning hazardous materials used, produced or released in our operations and that this information be provided to employees, state and local government authorities and citizens. In 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") issued a hazard alert related to worker exposure to respirable dust from silica sand, a common additive to hydraulic fracturing fluids. The alert stated that workers at drill sites can be exposed to excessive levels of respirable silica sand, which can cause lung disease and cancer. Increasing concerns about worker safety at drill sites may lead to increased regulation and enforcement or related tort claims by our employees. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and regulations relating to worker health and safety.

Hydraulic Fracturing

        The federal Safe Drinking Water Act ("SDWA") and comparable state statutes may restrict the disposal, treatment or release of water produced or used during oil and natural gas development. Subsurface emplacement of fluids (including disposal wells) is governed by federal or state regulatory authorities that, in some cases, include the state oil and gas regulatory authority or the state's environmental authority. We utilize hydraulic fracturing in our operations as a means of maximizing the productivity of our wells and operate saltwater disposal wells to dispose of produced water. The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 amended the Underground Injection Control ("UIC") provisions of the SDWA to expressly exclude hydraulic fracturing without diesel additives from the definition of "underground injection." However, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have considered several bills in recent years to end this exemption, as well as other exemptions for oil and gas activities under U.S. environmental laws. The Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act ("FRAC Act"), first introduced in 2011, would amend the SDWA to repeal the exemption from regulation under the UIC program for hydraulic fracturing. This bill has been reintroduced in each congressional session since it was initially proposed but has not yet garnered enough support to be put to a vote. If enacted, the FRAC Act would amend the definition of "underground injection" in the

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SDWA to encompass hydraulic fracturing activities. Such a provision could require hydraulic fracturing operations to meet permitting and financial assurance requirements, to adhere to certain construction specifications, to fulfill monitoring, reporting and recordkeeping obligations, and to meet plugging and abandonment requirements. The FRAC Act also proposes to require the reporting and public disclosure of chemicals used in the fracturing process. Note that each of the above components of the FRAC Act have become increasingly common in state laws since the FRAC Act was first introduced. Other recent bills in the U.S. House of Representatives would end certain exemptions for oil and natural gas operations related to permitting requirements for multiple commonly owned and adjacent sources of hazardous air pollutants under the CAA and permitting requirements for stormwater discharges under the CWA. If the exemptions for hydraulic fracturing are removed from U.S. environmental laws, or if the FRAC Act or other legislation is enacted at the federal, state or local level, any restrictions on the use of hydraulic fracturing contained in any such legislation could have a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

        Federal agencies have also begun to directly regulate hydraulic fracturing. The EPA has recently asserted federal regulatory authority over, and issued draft permitting guidance for, hydraulic fracturing involving diesel additives under the SDWA's UIC Program. As a result, service providers or companies that use diesel products in the hydraulic fracturing process could be subject to additional permitting requirements or enforcement actions under the SDWA. The EPA has also issued new CAA regulations relevant to hydraulic fracturing in 2012, including a new source performance standard (NSPS) for VOC and SO 2 emissions with expanded applicability to natural gas operations and new national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) standards for air toxics, which are discussed in more detail above. These regulatory developments are indicative of increasing federal regulatory activity related to hydraulic fracturing, which has the potential to create additional permitting, technology, recordkeeping and site study requirements, among others, for our business. The EPA is also collecting information as part of a multi-year study into the effects of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water. A draft report is expected to be released for public comment and peer review in 2014. The results of this study could result in additional regulations, which could lead to operational burdens similar to those described above. The U.S. Department of the Interior has likewise proposed comprehensive regulations for hydraulic fracturing on federal land.

        Several state governments in the areas where we operate have adopted or are considering adopting additional requirements relating to hydraulic fracturing that could restrict its use in certain circumstances or make it more costly to utilize. Such measures may address any risk to drinking water, the potential for hydrocarbon migration and disclosure of the chemicals used in fracturing. For example, the State of Colorado recently approved new rules requiring hydraulic fracturing operators in the state to sample water within a half-mile of a well site before operations can begin, and twice within six years after operations at the site end. Colorado is the first state to specifically include baseline groundwater monitoring in its permitting process, and it is expected that such requirements will be adopted by other states, in particular where fracturing occurs in more populous, developed or otherwise sensitive areas. A number of states around the country, including both Colorado and Texas, have also adopted some form of fracturing fluid disclosure law to compel disclosure of fracturing fluid ingredients and additives that are not subject to trade secret protection. Other states, such as Ohio, have begun to study potential seismic risks related to underground injection of fracturing fluids. Any enforcement actions or requirements of additional studies or investigations by governmental authorities where we operate could increase our operating costs and cause delays or interruptions of our operations.

        At this time, it is not possible to estimate the potential impact on our business of these state and local actions or the enactment of additional federal or state legislation or regulations affecting hydraulic fracturing.

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Other Laws

        The Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended ("OPA"), establishes strict liability for owners and operators of facilities that are the site of a release of oil into waters of the United States. The OPA and its associated regulations impose a variety of requirements on responsible parties related to the prevention of oil spills and liability for damages resulting from such spills. A "responsible party" under the OPA includes owners and operators of certain onshore facilities from which a release may affect waters of the United States. The OPA assigns liability to each responsible party for oil cleanup costs and a variety of public and private damages. While liability limits apply in some circumstances, a party cannot take advantage of liability limits if the spill was caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct or resulted from violation of a federal safety, construction or operating regulation. If the party fails to report a spill or to cooperate fully in the cleanup, liability limits likewise do not apply. Few defenses exist to the liability imposed by the OPA. The OPA imposes ongoing requirements on a responsible party, including the preparation of oil spill response plans and proof of financial responsibility to cover environmental cleanup and restoration costs that could be incurred in connection with an oil spill.

        The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended ("NEPA"), requires federal agencies to evaluate major agency actions having the potential to significantly impact the environment before their commencement. Generally, federal agencies must prepare either an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement, depending on whether the specific circumstances surrounding the proposed federal action will have a significant impact on the environment. The NEPA process involves significant public input through comments on alternatives to the proposed project or resource-specific mitigation options for the project. NEPA decisions can be and often are appealed through the administrative and federal court systems by process participants. Environmental groups in the United States have increasingly focused on the required public consultation process under NEPA as a forum for voicing concerns over continued development of fossil fuel energy sources in the United States and for seeking expansive environmental reviews of projects that relate to the production, transportation, or combustion of these fuels. Although we believe that our actions do not typically trigger NEPA analysis, should we ever be subject to NEPA, the process could result in delaying the permitting and development of projects, increase the costs of permitting and developing some facilities and result in certain instances in litigation and/or the cancellation of certain leases.

        Our properties located in Colorado are subject to the authority of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission ("COGCC"). The COGCC recently approved new rules governing oil and gas activity that are intended to prevent or mitigate environmental impacts of oil and natural gas development and include the permitting of wells. Depending on how these and any other new rules are applied to our operations, they could add substantial increases in well costs in our Colorado operations. The rules could also impact the ability and extend the time necessary to obtain drilling permits, which creates substantial uncertainty about our ability to meet future drilling plans and thus production and capital expenditure targets.


Insurance Matters

        As is common in the oil and gas industry, we do not insure fully against all risks associated with our business, either because such insurance is not available or because premium costs are considered prohibitive. A loss not fully covered by insurance could have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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C.    Organizational Structure

        The following is the organizational structure of Sundance Energy Australia Limited:

GRAPHIC

        All Sundance Energy Australia Limited subsidiaries are wholly owned. Substantially all of our oil and natural gas operations are conducted by our subsidiaries Sundance Energy, Inc. and Armadillo Petroleum Limited and their subsidiaries, Armadillo E&P, Inc., SEA Eagle Ford, LLC and Sundance Energy Oklahoma, LLC. The majority of our corporate general and administrative expenditures are incurred within Sundance Energy, Inc. We completed the divestiture of all of our real property interests located in Australia in 2011.

D.    Property, Plant and Equipment

Our Properties

Eagle Ford

        As of December 31, 2013, our Eagle Ford properties consisted of approximately 9,691 gross (8,101 net) acres that are primarily located in northeastern McMullen County, Texas, in the volatile oil window of the Eagle Ford trend. In March 2013, we acquired the majority of these properties through a merger with Texon for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $158.4 million. As of

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December 31, 2012, Texon had approximately 7,735 gross (7,336 net) acres in the Eagle Ford, 5 gross (4.5 net) producing wells, and proved reserves of approximately 1.6 MMBoe. During 2013, Texon drilled and completed another 2 gross (1.5 net) wells resulting in 7 gross (6.0 net) producing wells as of March 8, 2013. During March 2013, the Texon properties had average net daily production of approximately 717 Boe/d.

        As of December 31, 2013, we were running a two-rig horizontal development program and, during December 2013, we had average net daily production of approximately 2,566 Boe/d from our Eagle Ford properties. Since our acquisition of the Texon properties in March 2013 through December 31, 2013, we have spent $133.6 million drilling a total of 24 gross (20.0 net) Eagle Ford horizontal wells, of which 16 are producing and 8 are awaiting completion. In 2014, we expect to spend approximately $210 million to $220 million on development and production assets.

        In May 2014, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of working interests in approximately 9,200 gross (5,700 net) and 18,000 gross (5,400 net) mineral acres in Dimmit and Maverick Counties, Texas, respectively.

Mississippian/Woodford

        The Mississippian/Woodford formation spans six counties located throughout northeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Kansas. As of December 31, 2013, our properties in the Mississippian/Woodford consisted of approximately 76,468 gross (45,913 net) acres that are primarily located in Logan County, Oklahoma along the eastern flank of the Nemaha Ridge. We acquired the majority of these properties through direct mineral leases with the mineral owners. As of December 31, 2013, we were running a two-rig horizontal program to appraise the economic potential of our Mississippian/Woodford properties. During 2013, we spent $64.3 million drilling a total of 32 gross (14.7 net) Mississippian/Woodford wells, of which 23 are producing and 9 are drilling or awaiting completion as of December 31, 2013. During the month of December 2013, we had average net daily production of approximately 1,135 Boe/d from our Mississippian/Woodford properties. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we had average net daily production of approximately 503 Boe/d from these properties. In 2014, we expect to spend approximately $60 million to $70 million on development and production assets.

Denver-Julesburg

        As of December 31, 2013, our Denver-Julesburg properties consisted of approximately 5,815 gross (4,863 net) acres that are primarily located in Weld County, Colorado. In 2013, we spent $14.1 million drilling and/or completing a total of 20 gross (19.4 net) vertical Wattenberg wells and 14 gross (3.5 net) horizontal Niobrara wells, of which 22 were producing and 12 were awaiting completion as of December 31, 2013. During the month of December 2013, we had average net daily production of approximately 837 Boe/d from our Denver-Julesburg properties. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we had average net daily production of approximately 506 Boe/d from these properties. In May 2014, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to divest our remaining Denver-Julesburg Basin assets to focus on the development of our operated assets in our other major operating areas. The sale is expected to close before September 30, 2014. See Item 3.A. "Recent Developments— Divestitures. "

Bakken

        As of December 31, 2013, our Bakken properties consisted of approximately 88,527 gross (3,166 net) acres that are primarily located in McKenzie, Dunn and Mountrail Counties, North Dakota. The majority of these properties are operated by EOG Resources, Inc. and Hess Corporation. During the month of December 2013, we had average net daily production of approximately 490 Boe/d from our Bakken properties. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we had average net daily production of

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approximately 576 Boe/d from our Bakken properties. During 2013, we spent approximately $7.1 million to participate in approximately 12 gross (1.0 net) horizontal wells. In November and December 2013, we sold our interest in our Phoenix prospect located in the Bakken. See Item 4.A. "Information on Sundance—History and Development." We expect to continue to divest our Bakken assets as we continue to focus on the development of our operated assets in our other major operating areas.


Title to Properties

        Our properties are subject to what we believe to be customary royalty interests, liens incident to operating agreements, liens for current taxes and other burdens, including other mineral encumbrances and restrictions. We believe that we have generally satisfactory title to or rights in all of our producing properties. As is customary in the oil and gas industry, we conduct what we believe to be sufficient investigation of title at the time we acquire undeveloped properties and generally make title investigations and receive title opinions of local counsel before we commence drilling operations. We believe that we have satisfactory title to all of our other assets. Although title to our properties is subject to encumbrances in certain cases, we believe that none of these burdens will materially detract from the value of our properties or from our interest therein or will materially interfere with the operation of our business.


Facilities

        We lease approximately 24,200 square feet of office space at 633 17th Street, Denver, Colorado, where our principal offices are located. We do not have any material field office facilities.

Item 4A.    Unresolved Staff Comments

        Not applicable.

Item 5.    Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

A.    Operating Results

        You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with Item 3.A. "Key Information—Selected Financial Data" and our consolidated financial statements and the notes to those consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this registration statement.

        In addition to historical information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, intentions, expectations and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. See Item 3.D. "Key Information—Risk Factors" for a discussion of factors that could cause or contribute to such differences.


Overview

        We are an onshore oil and natural gas company focused on the exploration, development and production of large, repeatable resource plays in North America. Our oil and natural gas properties are located in premier U.S. oil and natural gas basins, and our current operational activities are focused in the Eagle Ford, Mississippian/Woodford, Denver-Julesburg and Bakken.

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        We intend to utilize our U.S.-based management and technical team to appraise, develop, produce and grow our portfolio of assets. Our strategy is to develop assets where we are the operator and have high working interests, which positions us to control the pace of our development and the allocation of our capital resources. As of December 31, 2013, we operated approximately 85% of our developed acreage with an average working interest of 82% with respect to such developed acreage.

        Our properties and operations have changed significantly over the past 18 months, with the divestiture of our interest in properties located in the South Antelope field of the Williston Basin, North Dakota and our expected disposition of DJ Basin in September 2012 and by September 30, 2014, respectively, and the acquisition of Texon in March 2013, through which we acquired the majority of our Eagle Ford assets. See Item 4.A. "History and Development— Acquisitions."

        Over the past few years, we have shifted our focus from being a primarily low working-interest, non-operating participant to a high working-interest operator. By divesting our low working-interest prospects and realizing significant returns on investment, we have been able to fund a substantial portion of our investments in higher-interest wells while maintaining what we view as a conservative balance sheet.

        Netherland Sewell estimated our proved reserves to be approximately 20.7 MMBoe as of December 31, 2013, of which approximately 62% are oil, approximately 25% are liquids-rich natural gas and approximately 13% NGLs, with a PV-10 of approximately $337.0 million.


How We Conduct Our Business and Evaluate Our Operations

        We employ our capital resources for exploration, acquisitions and development in what we believe to be the most attractive opportunities available to us as market conditions evolve. We have historically acquired properties that we believe have significant appreciation potential through exploration, development, production optimization or cost reduction. We intend to continue to focus our efforts on the acquisition of operated properties to the extent we believe they meet our return objectives.

        We use a variety of financial and operational metrics to assess the performance of our oil and natural gas operations, including:

    production volumes;

    realized prices on the sale of oil and natural gas, including the effect of our commodity derivative contracts;

    lease operating and production expenses;

    general and administrative expenses; and

    Adjusted EBITDAX.

Production Volumes

        Production volumes directly impact our results of operations. Based on the expected timing of our drilling schedule and decline curves, we determine our oil and natural gas production budgets and forecasts. We assess our actual production performance by comparing oil and natural gas production at a prospect level to budgets, forecasts and prior periods. In addition, we compare our initial production rates compared to our peers in each of our operated prospects. For more information about our production volumes, see Item 4.B. "Information on Sundance—Business Overview—Operating Data— Production and Pricing ."

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Realized Prices on the Sale of Oil and Natural Gas

        Factors Affecting the Sales Price of Oil and Natural Gas.     We expect to market our oil and natural gas production to a variety of purchasers based on regional pricing. The relative prices of oil and natural gas are determined by the factors impacting global and regional supply and demand dynamics, such as geopolitical events, economic conditions, production levels, weather cycles and other events. In addition, relative prices are heavily influenced by product quality and location relative to consuming and refining markets.

        Oil.     The New York Mercantile Exchange—West Texas Intermediate (NYMEX-WTI) futures price is a widely used benchmark in the pricing of domestic crude oil in the United States. The actual prices realized from the sale of oil differ from the quoted NYMEX-WTI price as a result of quality and location differentials. Quality differentials to NYMEX-WTI prices result from the fact that oil differs in its molecular makeup, which plays an important part in refining and subsequent sale as petroleum products. Among other things, there are two characteristics that commonly drive quality differentials: (i) the American Petroleum Institute ("API") gravity of the oil; and (ii) the percentage of sulfur content by weight of the oil. In general, lighter oil (with higher API gravity) produces a larger number of lighter products, such as gasoline, which have higher resale value and, therefore, depending on supply and demand fundamentals, normally sell at a higher price than heavier oil. Oil with low sulfur content ("sweet" oil) is less expensive to refine and, as a result, normally sells at a higher price than high sulfur content oil ("sour" oil).

        Location differentials to NYMEX-WTI prices result from variances in transportation costs based on the proximity to the major consuming and refining markets. Oil that is produced close to major consuming and refining markets, such as near Cushing, Oklahoma, is in higher demand as compared to oil that is produced farther from such markets. Consequently, oil that is produced close to major consuming and refining markets normally realizes a higher price (i.e., a lower location differential to NYMEX-WTI).

        Oil prices have historically been extremely volatile, and we expect this volatility to continue. For example, the NYMEX-WTI oil price ranged from a high of $109.39 per Bbl to a low of $77.72 per Bbl during 2012 and from a high of $110.62 per Bbl to a low of $87.65 per Bbl during 2013. Our realized price per Bbl varies by basin and is based upon transportation costs, mainly trucking costs and pipeline tariffs, and regional basis differentials.

        Natural Gas.     The NYMEX-Henry Hub price of natural gas is a widely used benchmark for the pricing of natural gas in the United States. Similar to oil, the actual prices realized from the sale of natural gas differ from the quoted NYMEX-Henry Hub price as a result of quality and location differentials. Quality differentials to NYMEX-Henry Hub prices result from: (i) the Btu content of natural gas, which measures its heating value; and (ii) the percentage of sulfur, CO2 and other inert content by volume. Wet natural gas with a high Btu content sells at a premium to low Btu content dry natural gas because it yields a greater quantity of NGLs. Natural gas with low sulfur and CO2 content sells at a premium to natural gas with high sulfur and CO2 content because of the added cost to separate the sulfur and CO2 from the natural gas to render it marketable. Wet natural gas is processed in third-party natural gas plants, and residue natural gas as well as NGLs are recovered and sold. Dry natural gas residue from our properties is generally sold based on index prices in the region from which it is produced.

        Location differentials to NYMEX-Henry Hub prices result from variances in transportation costs based on the proximity to the major consuming markets. The processing fee deduction retained by the natural gas processing plant generally in the form of percentage of proceeds also affects the differential. Generally, these index prices have historically been at a discount to NYMEX-Henry Hub natural gas prices.

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        Natural gas prices have historically been extremely volatile, and we expect this volatility to continue. For example, the NYMEX-Henry Hub natural gas price ranged from a high of $3.77 per MMBtu to a low of $1.82 per MMBtu during 2012 and from a high of $4.52 per MMBtu to a low of $3.08 per MMBtu during 2013. Our realized gas price per MMBtu varies by basin based upon transportation costs, mainly pipeline tariffs, as well as liquids premiums and regional basis differentials.

        Commodity Derivative Contracts.     We have adopted a commodity derivative policy designed to minimize volatility in our cash flows from changes in commodity prices. Our current policy is to hedge up to 80% of forecasted proved developed producing production, but not more than 25% of total estimated production for the next five years. Should we reduce our estimates of future production to amounts that are lower than our commodity derivative volumes, we will reduce our positions as soon as practical. Our credit facilities prohibit us from entering into hedging arrangements for more than 85% of our projected production of oil and natural gas. For more information on our commodity derivative policy, see Item 11 "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Risk."

Lease Operating Expenses

        We strive to increase our production levels to maximize our revenue. We evaluate operating costs to determine reserves, rates of return, and current and long-term profitability of our wells. We expect expenses for utilities, direct labor, water injection and disposal, and materials and supplies to comprise the most significant portion of our oil and natural gas production expenses. Oil and natural gas production expenses do not include general and administrative costs or production and other taxes. Certain items, such as direct labor and materials and supplies, generally remain relatively fixed across broad production volume ranges but can fluctuate depending on activities performed during a specific period. For instance, repairs to our pumping equipment or surface facilities may result in increased oil and natural gas production expenses during periods the repairs are performed.

        A majority of our operating cost components are variable and may increase or decrease as the level of produced hydrocarbons and water increases or decreases. For example, we incur power costs in connection with various production-related activities, such as pumping to recover oil and natural gas and separation and treatment of water produced in connection with our oil and natural gas production. Over the life of hydrocarbon fields, the amount of water produced may increase and, as pressure declines in natural gas wells that also produce water, more power will be needed for artificial lift systems that help to remove water produced from the wells. Thus, production of a given volume of hydrocarbons may become more expensive each year as the cumulative oil and natural gas produced from a field increases until additional production becomes uneconomic. Our lease operating and production expense are both included in lease operating expenses.

        Production and Ad Valorem Taxes.     Texas regulates the development, production, gathering and sale of oil and natural gas, including imposing production taxes. The state currently imposes a production tax equal to 4.6% of the market value of oil sold, and a regulatory fee and tax of 0.8125% per barrel of oil sold. The State of Texas also imposes a production tax equal to 7.5% of the market value of the natural gas sold, and a regulatory fee of 0.0667% per Mcf of gas sold. In addition to the state taxes, McMullen County, Texas assesses an annual ad valorem tax which currently is approximately 1.87% of the gross annual oil and gas sales value.

        Colorado imposes production taxes ranging from 2.0% to 5.0% of gross oil and natural gas sales, a conservation tax of 0.07% of oil and gas sales, and an annual ad valorem tax of approximately 7.0% of the assessed net sales from the property. Wyoming oil production taxes are assessed at a rate of 6.0% of net sales with a conservation tax of 0.04% of the gross income, and ad valorem taxes vary by county and average between 6.5% to 7.5% of net sales.

        Oklahoma currently has a production tax rate of 7.0% of the market value of the oil and gas sold. However, we have qualified for a horizontal well incentive tax rate of 1.0% which is imposed during

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the earlier of the first 48 months of sales or until the well has achieved payout. There is an additional excise tax of 0.095% on the value of oil and gas sold. Oklahoma ad valorem taxes are imposed on personal property, specifically well equipment, at a rate of approximately 12.0% of the value of the equipment.

        North Dakota currently imposes a production tax equal to 11.5% (5.0% production tax and 6.5% excise tax) of the market value of the oil sold.

        Generally, production taxes include taxes calculated on production volumes and sales values. Lease operating expenses including taxes which are calculated on asset values.

General and Administrative Expenses

        General and administrative expenses are comprised of employee benefits expense (including salaries and wages) and administrative expenses. Employee benefits expense includes salaries, wages and related benefits for our corporate personnel. Stock compensation, including stock options and restricted share units, are expensed in the statement of comprehensive income over their vesting period. The total amount expensed over the vesting period is determined by reference to the fair value of the options and restricted share units at the grant date. Administrative expenses include overhead costs, such as maintaining our headquarters, costs of managing our production and development operations, audit and other fees for professional services, and legal compliance. Effective July 1, 2013, with retrospective application to January 1, 2013, we changed our general and administrative overhead policy whereby general and administrative overhead costs directly attributable to the exploration, acquisition and development of oil and gas properties such as salaries, wages, benefits and consultant fees, are capitalized. Prior to 2013 we did not capitalize allowable general and administrative overhead costs as amounts were insignificant.

Adjusted EBITDAX

        Adjusted EBITDAX is a supplemental, non-IFRS measure and is defined as our earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, property impairments, gain (loss) on sale of non-current assets, exploration expense, share-based compensation and income and gains and losses on commodity hedging net of settlements of commodity hedging. We use this non-IFRS measure primarily to compare our results with other companies in the industry that make a similar disclosure. We believe that this measure may also be useful to investors for the same purpose. Investors should not consider this measure in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, or any other measure for determining our operating performance that is calculated in accordance with IFRS. In addition, because Adjusted EBITDAX is not an IFRS measure, it may not necessarily be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. See Item 3.A. "Key Information—Selected Financial Data— Adjusted EBITDAX " for a reconciliation between Adjusted EBITDAX and net income before income tax expense.


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that can affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. We analyze our estimates and judgments, including those related to oil and natural gas revenues, oil and natural gas properties, fair value of derivative instruments, contingencies and litigation, and we base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may vary from our estimates. We have outlined below policies of particular importance to the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations and that require the application of significant judgment or estimates by our management.

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        In addition, we note that our significant accounting policies are detailed in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

Development and Production Assets and Plant and Equipment

        Development and production assets and plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, amortization and, where applicable, impairment losses. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows that will be received from the asset's employment and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows have been discounted to their present values in determining recoverable amount. A downward revision in reserves could increase depletion and amortization. A downward revision to the expected discounted future net cash flows, resulting from either a reduction to estimated reserves or sales prices or from an increase to estimated operating or developments costs, could result in a write-down to the carrying value of the underlying properties.

        Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of profit or loss during the financial period in which are they are incurred.

Exploration and Evaluation Expenditure

        Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred is accumulated in respect of each identifiable area of interest. These costs are only carried forward to the extent that they are expected to be recouped through the successful development of the area or where activities in the area have not yet reached a stage that permits reasonable assessment of the existence of economically recoverable reserves.

        Accumulated costs in relation to an abandoned area are written off in full against profit in the year in which the decision to abandon the area is made. When production commences, the accumulated costs for the relevant area of interest are transferred to production assets and amortized over the life of the area according to the rate of depletion of the economically recoverable reserves.

        Our policy for exploration and evaluation (as discussed in Note 1(c) to our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013) requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances. Any such estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. If, after having capitalized an exploration and evaluation expenditure, our board of directors concludes that the capitalized expenditure is unlikely to be recovered by future sale or exploitation, then the relevant capitalized amount will be written off through the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

Derivative Financial Instruments

        We use derivative financial instruments to hedge our exposure to changes in commodity prices arising in the normal course of business. The principal derivatives that may be used are commodity price swap, option and costless collar contracts. The use of these instruments is subject to policies and procedures as approved by our board directors. We do not trade in derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. None of our derivative contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. Derivative financial instruments are initially recognized at cost, if any, which approximates fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivative financial instruments are recognized at fair value. The derivatives are valued on a mark-to-market valuation, and the gain or loss on re-measurement to fair value is recognized through the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. The estimated fair value of our derivative instruments requires substantial judgment. These values are based upon, among other things, option pricing models, futures prices, volatility, time to maturity and credit risk. The values we report in our financial statements change as these estimates are revised to reflect actual results, changes in market conditions or other factors, many

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of which are beyond our control. The effect on profit and equity as a result of changes in oil prices is included in Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Risk, Oil Prices Risk Sensitivity Analysis.

Estimates of Reserve Quantities

        The estimated quantities of hydrocarbon reserves reported by the consolidated entity are integral to the calculation of amortization (depletion), and depreciation expense and to assessments of possible impairment of assets. Estimated reserve quantities are based upon interpretations of geological and geophysical models and assessments of the technical feasibility and commercial viability of producing the reserves. For purposes of the calculation of amortization (depletion), and depreciation expense and the assessment of possible impairment of assets, management prepares reserve estimates that conform to guidelines prepared by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. These assessments require assumptions to be made regarding future development and production costs, commodity prices, exchange rates and fiscal regimes. The estimates of reserves may change from period to period as the economic assumptions used to estimate the reserves can change from period to period and as additional geological data is generated during the course of operations. These reserve estimates may differ from estimates prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC regarding oil and natural gas reserve reporting.

Income taxes

        We provide for deferred income taxes on the difference between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its carrying amount in our financial statements. This difference will result in taxable income or deductions in future years when the reported amount of the asset or liability is recovered or settled, respectively. Considerable judgment is required in predicting when these events may occur and whether recovery of an asset is more likely than not. Additionally, our federal and state income tax returns are generally not filed before the consolidated financial statements are prepared. Therefore, we estimate the tax basis of our assets and liabilities at the end of each period as well as the effects of tax rate changes, tax credits, and net operating and capital loss carryforwards and carrybacks. Adjustments related to differences between the estimates we use and actual amounts we report are recorded in the periods in which we file our income tax returns. These adjustments and changes in our estimates of asset recovery and liability settlement could have an impact on our results of operations. Revisions to our estimated effective tax rate could increase or decrease our reported income tax expense or benefit.

        Because our Australian operations are not significant to the consolidated profit or loss, foreign income taxes are not significant to consolidated income tax expense. Our effective and statutory income tax rates could be impacted by the state income tax rates in which we operate, and the effective and statutory income tax rates are not significantly different as the amount of permanent differences resulting from treatment that differs for assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes is not significant. The tax impact of temporary differences, primarily development and production assets and exploration and evaluation expenditures, is reflected in deferred income taxes. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had no unrecognized tax benefits that would impact our effective tax rate and we have not provided for interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.


Recently Issued Accounting Standards

IFRS 15— Revenue from Contracts with Customers

        In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15, which establishes a comprehensive new revenue recognition model designed to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Statement allows for the use of either the full or modified retrospective transition method, and the standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2017. We are currently evaluating

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the impact of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements, as well as which transition method we intend to use.


Certain Differences Between IFRS and GAAP

        IFRS differs from GAAP in certain respects. Management has not assessed the materiality of differences between IFRS and GAAP. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013.


Comparison of Results of Operations

        The following discussion relates to our consolidated results of operations, financial condition and capital resources. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this registration statement. Comparative results of operations for the period indicated are discussed below.

Change in Accounting Policy

        Effective July 1, 2013, we retrospectively changed our general and administrative overhead policy ("capitalised overhead policy") from expensing overhead costs directly attributable to the exploration, acquisition and development of oil and gas properties such as salaries, wages, benefits and consultant fees, to capitalizing these costs using an appropriate allocation method in accordance with AASB 6— Exploration and Evaluation Assets and AASB 116— Property and Equipment . This new policy provides reliable and more relevant information as we have shifted our focus from non-operated properties to operated properties and this policy better aligns costs with revenues.

        We adopted the capitalised overhead policy subsequent to the issuance of our report for the half year ended June 30, 2013 and retrospectively applied the policy to January 1, 2013. We determined the capitalized overhead amounts for periods ended on or before December 31, 2012 were immaterial.

Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2012

        Revenues and Production.     The following table provides the components of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, as well as each period's respective sales volumes:

 
  Year ended
December 31,
   
   
 
 
   
  Change as %  
 
  2013   2012   Change in $  
 
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
   
   
 

Revenue (In $ '000s)

                         

Oil sales

  $ 79,365   $ 33,743   $ 45,622     135.2 %

Natural gas sales

    2,774     2,029     745     36.7 %

NGL

    3,206         3,206     100.0 %
                     

Product revenue

  $ 85,345   $ 35,772   $ 49,573     138.9 %
                     
                     

 

 
  Year ended December 31,    
   
 
 
  Change in
Volume
  Change as %  
 
  2013   2012  
 
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
   
   
 

Net sales volumes:

                         

Oil (Bbls)

    827,432     397,913     429,519     107.9 %

Natural gas (Mcf)

    934,200     505,543     428,657     84.8 %

NGL (Bbls)

    95,821         95,821     100.0 %
                     

Oil equivalent (Boe)

    1,078,953     482,170     596,783     123.8 %
                     
                     

        Barrel of oil equivalent (Boe) and average net daily production (Boe/d).     Production increased by 596,783 Boe (123.8%) to 1,078,953 Boe (2,956 Boe/d) for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 482,170 Boe (1,321 Boe/d) for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in production volumes was primarily due to a net increase from 186 gross (49.4 net) producing wells to 213 gross (99.9 net) wells. This higher net producing well count was achieved through execution of our strategy to divest lower working interest wells and increase operated drilling activity and production through the Texon merger. Our production is oil-weighted, with oil representing 77% and 83% of total production for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

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        Oil sales.     Oil sales increased by $45.6 million (135.2%) to $79.4 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 from $33.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Increase in oil revenues was the result of both increased oil production volumes and improved product pricing. Oil production volumes increased 107.9% to 827,432 Bbls for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 397,913 Bbls for the year ended December 31, 2012. The average price we realized on the sale of our oil increased by 13.1% to $95.92 per Bbl for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $84.80 per Bbl for the year ended December 31, 2012.

        Natural gas sales.     Natural gas sales increased by $0.7 million (36.7%) to $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $2.0 million for the ended December 31, 2012. Increase in natural gas revenues was primarily the result of increased production volumes. Natural gas production volumes increased 428,657 Mcf (84.8%) to 934,200 Mcf for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 505,543 Mcf for the ended December 31, 2012. The average price we realized on the sale of our natural gas decreased by 26.0% to $2.97 per Mcf for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $4.01 per Mcf for the year ended December 31, 2012.

        NGL sales.     Prior to the year ended December 31, 2013, our NGL sales were insignificant as compared to our overall gas sales and as such, were included in our natural gas sales.

 
  Year ended
December 31,
   
   
 
Selected per Boe metrics
  2013   2012   Change   Percent  
 
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
   
   
 

Total oil and natural gas revenues

  $ 79.10   $ 74.19   $ 4.91     6.6 %

Lease operating expenses

    11.23     7.89     3.34     42.3 %

Production taxes

    5.80     7.98     (2.18 )   (27.3 )%
                     

Lease operating and production tax expenses

    17.03     15.87     1.16     7.3 %

Depreciation and amortization

    33.57     26.69     6.88     25.8 %

General and administrative expense

    14.18     19.41     (5.23 )   (26.9 )%

        Lease operating expenses.     Our lease operating expenses ("LOE") increased by $8.3 million (218.4%) to $12.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in LOE was primarily due to additional production (increased 123.8% over the comparable period in 2012).

        Production taxes.     Our production taxes increased by $2.5 million (62.8%) to $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase was less than the 138.9% increase in oil, natural gas and NGL revenue, and production taxes per Boe declined by $2.18 (27.3%), due to divesting the majority of our production in North Dakota, which has a 10.6% effective production tax rate compared to Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado, which have effective production tax rates of 6.8%, 1.3%, and 10.2%, respectively.

        Depreciation and amortization expense, including depletion.     Our depreciation and amortization expense increased by $23.4 million (181.5%) to $36.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $12.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase reflects our increase in production (123.8%) and an increase in our asset base, subject to amortization as a result of our drilling acquisition and activity, and our Texon acquisition during 2013. Depreciation and amortization per Boe increased by approximately 25.8% to $33.57.

        General and administrative expenses.     General and administrative expenses are comprised of employee benefits expense, including salaries and wages, and administrative expenses. Employee benefits expense increased by $1.1 million (22.0%) to $6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Included in the employee benefits

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expense for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 in accordance with IFRS 2 Share-based Payment is a stock-based compensation charge of $1.6 million for options issued to officers, management and employees, an increase of $0.4 million (30.6%) compared to $1.2 million for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012. Excluding share-based stock compensation, employee benefits increased $0.7 million for year ended December 31, 2013, compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. This increase was primarily driven by an increased number of employees that was necessary to support the execution of our change in strategy. As of December 31, 2013, we had 47 employees, an increase of 20 employees (74.1%) from December 31, 2012.

        Administrative expense increased by $4.8 million (111.8%) to $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Included in administrative expenses were $0.5 million of costs related to the Texon acquisition and $2.1 million of costs related to our proposed initial public offering, which was subsequently abandoned, incurred in the year ended December 31, 2013. Excluding acquisition and offering-related expense, administrative expenses increased $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the level of our activity and number of employees.

        General and administrative expenses per Boe decreased by 26.9% as compared to the prior year, primarily related to a change in policy, effective January 1, 2013, whereby the overhead costs, including salaries, wages, benefits and consultant fees, directly attributable to the exploration, acquisition and development of oil and gas properties are capitalized. Total amount capitalized for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $2.3 million. Prior to 2013, overhead amounts allowable for capitalization were insignificant and therefore, we did not capitalize overhead costs in the comparable period in 2012.

        Finance costs, net of interest income.     Finance costs, net of interest income and amounts capitalized, decreased by $1.1 million (147.1%), resulting in net interest income of $0.4 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 from a net cost of $0.7 million for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012. The change relates to the capitalization of $1.3 million of interest to our oil and natural gas properties related to interest charges incurred. Prior to 2013, these interest amounts subject to capitalization were insignificant and therefore, we did not capitalize interest in the comparable period in 2012.

        Gain/(loss) on commodity hedging.     The gain/(loss) on commodity hedging changed by $1.7 million to a $0.6 million loss for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to a $1.1 million gain for the year ended December 31, 2012.

        Profit attributable to owners of Sundance (or net income).     Our profit attributable to owners of Sundance (or net income after tax) decreased by $65.1 million (80.3%) to net income of $15.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from net income of $81.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, which included a pre-tax gain on the sale of our South Antelope prospect of $122.5 million. Excluding the gain on sale, our profit attributable to owners increased $57.4 million.

        Adjusted EBITDAX.     Adjusted EBITDAX increased by $31.9 million (154.1%) to $52.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $20.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The overall increase in Adjusted EBITDAX was primarily driven by our production and revenue growth.

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Six-Month Period Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Six-Month Period Ended December 31, 2011

        Revenues and Production.     The following table provides the components of our revenues for the six-month periods ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, as well as each period's respective sales volumes:

 
  Six-month period
ended December 31,
   
   
 
 
  Change in $   Change as %  
 
  2012   2011  
 
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
   
   
 

Revenues (In $ '000s)

                         

Oil sales

  $ 16,790   $ 11,012   $ 5,778     52.5 %

Natural gas sales

    934     727     207     28.5 %
                     

Total revenues

  $ 17,724   $ 11,739   $ 5,985     51.0 %
                     
                     

 

 
  Six-month period
ended December 31,
   
   
 
 
  Change in
Volume
  Change as %  
 
  2012   2011  
 
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
   
   
 

Net sales volumes:

                         

Oil (Bbl)

    195,498     135,234     60,264     44.6 %

Natural gas (Mcf)

    260,435     124,305     136,130     109.5 %
                     

Oil equivalent (Boe)

    238,904     155,952     82,952     53.2 %
                     
                     

        Barrel of oil equivalent (Boe) and average net daily production (Boe/d).     Production increased by 82,952 Boe (53.2%) to 238,904 Boe (1,298 Boe/d) for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 compared to 155,952 Boe (848 Boe/d) for the same period in 2011. The producing well count increased by 44 gross (35.4 net) to 186 gross (49.4 net) from 142 gross (14.0 net). The increase in production was primarily due to these new producing wells. In September 2012, we disposed of 42 gross (4.5 net) low working interest South Antelope field wells. We also disposed of 4 gross (0.6 net) low working interest Pawnee wells. This higher net producing well count was achieved through execution of our strategy to divest lower working interest wells and increase operated drilling activity and production. Production was not impacted by the December 2012 acquisition of 22 gross (22.0 net) producing wells in the Denver-Julesburg as these were acquired at the end of the period. Our production is oil-concentrated, with oil comprising 82% and 87% of total production for the six months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

        Oil sales.     Oil sales increased by $5.8 million (52.5%) to $16.8 million for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 from $11.0 million for the same period of 2011. Favorable revenues were the result of both increased oil production volumes and improved product pricing. Oil production volumes increased 44.6% to 195,498 Bbls for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 compared to 135,234 Bbls for the same period in 2011. The average price realized on the sale of our oil increased by 5.5% to $85.88 per Bbl for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 from $81.43 per Bbl for the same six-month period in 2011.

        Natural gas sales.     Natural gas sales increased by $0.2 million (28.5%) to $0.9 million for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 from $0.7 million for the same period of 2011. Increased natural gas production volumes more than offset price declines between the periods. Natural gas production volumes increased 136,130 Mcf (109.5%) to 260,435 Mcf for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 compared to 124,305 Mcf for the same period in 2011. The average price we

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realized on the sale of our natural gas declined by 38.5% to $3.59 per Mcf for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 from $5.84 per Mcf for the same period of 2011.

 
  Six-month period
ended December 31,
   
   
 
Selected Per Boe Metrics
  2012   2011   Change   Percent  
 
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
   
   
 

Total oil and natural gas revenues

  $ 74.19   $ 75.27   $ (1.08 )   (1.4 )%

Lease operating expenses

    9.19     9.56     (0.37 )   (3.9 )%

Production taxes

    7.90     8.29     (0.39 )   (4.7 )%
                     

Lease operating and production tax expenses

    17.09     17.85     (0.76 )   (4.3 )%

Depreciation and amortization expense

    25.60     27.94     (2.34 )   (8.4 )%

General and administrative expense

    24.32     21.26     3.06     14.4 %

        Lease operating expenses.     Our LOE increased by $0.7 million (47.2%) to $2.2 million for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 from $1.5 million for the same period in 2011. This increase was primarily due to additional production, which increased 53.2% over the same periods. LOE per Boe slightly decreased.

        Production taxes.     The increase in the production tax expense of $0.6 million (45.8%) was consistent with that of the increase in oil and natural gas revenue (51.0%) for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 compared to same period in 2011. Production tax per Boe slightly decreased.

        Depreciation and amortization expense, including depletion.     Our depreciation and amortization expense increased by $1.8 million (40.3%) to $6.1 million for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 from $4.4 million for the same period in 2011. The increase reflects our increase in production (53.2%) and an increase in our asset base subject to amortization as a result of our drilling activity during 2012. Depreciation and amortization per Boe decreased by approximately 8.4% to $25.60.

        General and administrative expenses.     General and administrative expenses are comprised of employee benefits expense (including salaries and wages) and administrative expenses. Employee benefits expense increased by $0.7 million (34.4%) to $2.8 million for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 from $2.1 million for the same period in 2011. Included in the employee benefits expense for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 in accordance with IFRS 2 Share-Based Payment is a stock-based compensation charge of $0.8 million for options issued to officers and employees, an increase of $0.4 million (87.5%) compared to $0.4 million for the same period in 2011. Excluding stock-based compensation, employee benefits expense increased by $0.3 million (19.9%) to $2.0 million for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 from $1.6 million for the same period in 2011. This increase was primarily driven by higher head count that was necessary to support the execution of our change in strategy. As of December 31, 2012, we had 25 employees, an increase of 9 employees (56%) from December 31, 2011.

        Administrative expense increased by $1.8 million (150.0%) to $3.0 million for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 from $1.2 million for the same period in 2011. Included in administrative expenses were $0.7 million of costs related to the Texon acquisition incurred in the six-month period ended December 31, 2012. Excluding acquisition related expenses, administrative expenses increased $1.1 million (86.4%) for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the level of our activity and number of employees.

        General and administrative expense per Boe increased by 14.4% as we increased our staffing levels to support the growth of our drilling program and operated production that we expected and have realized through December 31, 2012.

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        Gain on sale of non-current assets.     Gain on sale of non-current assets was $122.3 million for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 compared to $0.5 million for the same period in 2011. Substantially all of the gain on sale for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 was the result of the sale of non-operated wells and acreage in properties located in the South Antelope field for $172 million.

        Finance costs, net of interest income.     Finance costs, net of interest income, increased by $0.8 million to $0.6 million for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 from $0.2 million of interest income for the same period in 2011. The increase related to $0.3 million of interest expense on our outstanding debt under our former Bank of Oklahoma credit facility, and the $0.3 million write-off of capitalized deferred loan costs related to the extinguishment of the Bank of Oklahoma credit facility in December 2012. The write-off was the result of our refinancing such debt with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

        Gain/(loss) on commodity hedging.     The gain/(loss) on commodity hedging changed by $0.8 million to a $0.6 million loss for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 compared to a $0.2 million gain for the same period in 2011.

        Income tax expense.     Income tax expense for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 was $46.6 million compared to $0.7 million for the same period in 2011. Substantially all of the income tax expense in the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 was related to the gain on the sale of our interest in properties located in the South Antelope field. The income tax expense related to the gain on the South Antelope field sale has been deferred through qualifying Section 1031 like-kind exchanges and the use of income tax credits generated by our intangible drilling costs. Our current portion of our deferred income tax liability is insignificant relative to its total deferred income tax liability.

        Profit attributable to owners of Sundance (or net income).     Our net income increased by $75.0 million to $76.2 million for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 from $1.2 million for the same period in 2011. As more fully described above, the increase was primarily related to the gain on sale of certain oil and natural gas properties, net of income tax expense.

        Adjusted EBITDAX.     Adjusted EBITDAX increased by $3.7 million (64.1%) to $9.2 million for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 from $5.6 million for the same period in 2011. This increase in profitability was primarily driven by our increased production and improved product pricing.

Year Ended June 30, 2012 Compared to Year Ended June 30, 2011

        Revenues and Production.     The following table provides the components of our revenues for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, as well as each period's respective sales volumes:

 
  Year ended June 30,    
   
 
 
   
  Change as %  
 
  2012   2011   Change in $  
 
  (audited)
  (audited)
   
   
 

Revenue (In $ '000s)

                         

Oil sales

  $ 27,965   $ 16,706   $ 11,259     67.4 %

Natural gas sales

    1,822     1,470     352     23.9 %
                     

Product revenue

  $ 29,787   $ 18,176   $ 11,611     63.9 %
                     
                     

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  For the fiscal year
ended June 30,
   
   
 
 
  Change in
Volume
  Change as %  
 
  2012   2011  
 
  (audited)
  (audited)
   
   
 

Net sales volumes:

                         

Oil (Bbls)

    337,650     210,060     127,590     60.7 %

Natural gas (Mcf)

    370,296     282,463     87,833     31.1 %
                     

Oil equivalent (Boe)

    399,366     257,137     142,229     55.3 %
                     
                     

        Barrel of oil equivalent (Boe) and average net daily production (Boe/d).     Production increased by 142,229 Boe (55.3%) to 399,366 Boe (1,091 Boe/d) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 compared to 257,137 Boe (704 Boe/d) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. The increase in production volumes was primarily due to a net increase from 107 gross (10.7 net) producing wells to 184 gross (22.0 net) wells as a result of our successful drilling program in the Bakken and Denver-Julesburg during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012. Our production is oil-concentrated, with oil comprising 85% and 82% of total production for the years ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

        Oil sales.     Oil sales increased by $11.3 million (67.4%) to $28.0 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 from $16.7 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. Increase in oil revenues was the result of both increased oil production volumes and improved product pricing. Oil production volumes increased 60.7% to 337,650 Bbls for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 compared to 210,060 Bbls for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. The average price we realized on the sale of our oil increased by 4.1% to $82.82 per Bbl for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 from $79.53 per Bbl for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.

        Natural gas sales.     Natural gas sales increased by $0.4 million (23.9%) to $1.8 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 from $1.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. Increase in natural gas revenues was primarily the result of increased production volumes, partially offset by lower realized product pricing. Natural gas production volumes increased 87,833 Mcf (31.1%) to 370,296 Mcf for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 compared to 282,463 Mcf for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. The average price we realized on the sale of our natural gas decreased by 5.4% to $4.92 per Mcf for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 from $5.20 per Mcf for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.

 
  Year ended June 30,    
   
 
Selected per Boe metrics
  2012   2011   Change   Percent  
 
  (audited)
  (audited)
   
   
 

Total oil and natural gas revenues

  $ 74.59   $ 70.69   $ 3.90     5.5 %

Lease operating expenses

    7.76     3.46     4.30     124.3 %

Production taxes

    8.15     7.65     0.50     6.5 %
                     

Lease operating and production tax expenses

    15.91     11.11     4.80     43.2 %

Depreciation and amortization

    27.82     25.31     2.51     9.9 %

General and administrative expense

    17.18     20.76     (3.58 )   (17.2 )%

        Lease operating expenses.     Our LOE increased by $2.2 million to $3.1 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 from $0.9 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. Although partially due to an increase in production, LOE/Boe increased $4.30/Boe (124.3%) to $7.76/Boe for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 compared to $3.46/Boe for fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. This increase was due to higher operating expenses related to increased concentration of our production coming from our non-operated wells in the Williston Basin.

        Production taxes.     The increase in the production tax expense (65.3%) was consistent with that of the increase in oil and natural gas revenue (63.9%) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 compared

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to fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. Production taxes per Boe increased by 6.5%, which was primarily due to increased production in states with higher severance and ad valorem tax rates.

        Depreciation and amortization expense, including depletion.     Our depreciation and amortization expense increased by $4.6 million (70.7%) to $11.1 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 from $6.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. The increase reflects our increase in production (55.3%) and growing number of net producing wells. Depreciation and amortization per Boe increased by approximately 9.9% to $27.82.

        General and administrative expenses.     General and administrative expenses are comprised of employee benefits expense (including salaries and wages) and administrative expenses. Employee benefits expense increased by $0.8 million (21.2%) to $4.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 from $3.6 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. Included in the employee benefits expense for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 in accordance with IFRS 2 Share-based Payment is a stock-based compensation charge of $0.8 million for options issued to officers, management and employees, a decrease of $0.4 million (32.1%) compared to $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. Excluding share-based stock compensation, employee benefits increased $1.1 million for fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, compared to the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, which was due to an increase in our number of employees and related salary and payroll expense. As of June 30, 2012, we had 18 employees, an increase of 4 employees (29%) from June 30, 2011.

        Administrative expense increased by $0.8 million (43.3%) to $2.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 from $1.8 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. This increase was due to an increase in our level of activity and number of employees. General and administrative expenses per Boe decreased by 17.2%.

        Finance costs, net of interest income.     Interest income, net of expense, decreased by $0.2 million (64.4%) to $0.1 million of interest income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 from $0.3 million of interest income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. The decrease resulted from interest incurred on debt outstanding under our former Bank of Oklahoma credit facility in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 compared to no outstanding debt during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.

        Gain/(loss) on commodity hedging.     The gain/(loss) on commodity hedging changed by $3.0 million to a $1.9 million gain for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 compared to a $1.1 million loss for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.

        Profit attributable to owners of Sundance (or net income).     For the reasons discussed above, our profit attributable to owners of Sundance (or net income after tax) decreased by $1.0 million (14.5%) to net income of $6.0 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 from net income of $7.0 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.

        Adjusted EBITDAX.     Adjusted EBITDAX increased by $7.1 million (71.0%) to $17.1 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 from $10.0 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. The overall increase in Adjusted EBITDAX is consistent with the increase in production.

B.    Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Our primary sources of liquidity to date have been proceeds from strategic dispositions of low-interest non-operated oil and natural gas properties, private placements of ordinary shares, borrowings under our credit facilities and cash flows from operations. Our primary use of capital has been for the acquisition and development of oil and natural gas properties. Our future ability to grow our reserves and production will be highly dependent on the capital resources available to us. In December 2012, we entered into our $300 million Senior Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which as of December 31, 2013, has a borrowing base of $48 million ($15 million of which was

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outstanding as of December 31, 2013). In August 2013, we entered into our Junior Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., under which we may borrow up to $100 million ($15 million of which was outstanding as of December 31, 2013). In May 2014, our borrowing capacity under our Credit Facilities increased from an aggregate of $63 million to $135 million. The increase in our borrowing capacity was driven by the significant uplift our proved oil and gas reserves as of December 31, 2013. In conjunction with the increase in our borrowing base, we have expanded the syndicate of banks under our Senior Credit Facility. Led by Wells Fargo, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and the Bank of Nova Scotia have now joined the banking group.

        Our 2014 capital budget is approximately $270 million to $290 million, which we intend to use toward the development of our oil and natural gas projects. We also expect to spend approximately $48 million to $52 million towards exploration and evaluation. We believe that our internally generated cash flows and expected future availability under our Senior Credit Facility and Junior Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund our operations and planned capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months. We may also use other sources of capital, including the issuance of debt or equity securities, to fund acquisitions or maintain our financial flexibility.

        The amount, timing and allocation of these and other future expenditures is largely discretionary. As a result, the amount of funds devoted to any particular activity may increase or decrease significantly, depending on available opportunities, timing of projects and market conditions. We expect that in the future our commodity derivative positions will help us stabilize a portion of our expected cash flows from operations despite potential declines in the price of oil and natural gas. However, should commodity prices decline for an extended period of time or the capital/credit markets become constrained, the borrowing capacity under our credit agreements could be adversely affected. In the event of a reduction in the borrowing base under our credit agreements, we may be required to prepay some or all of our indebtedness, which would adversely affect our capital expenditure program.

Cash Flows

        Our cash flows for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012, for the six-month periods ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,   Six-month
period ended
December 31,
  Fiscal year ended
June 30,
 
(In $ '000s)
  2013   2012   2012   2011   2012   2011  
 
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
  (audited)
  (unaudited)
  (audited)
  (audited)
 

Financial Measures:

                                     

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 62,646   $ 19,123   $ 9,386   $ 2,095   $ 11,832   $ 8,908  

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    (164,355 )   93,355     114,571     (14,933 )   (36,149 )   (13,465 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    44,455     29,661     14,846     (81 )   14,734     18,869  

Cash and cash equivalents

    96,871     154,110     154,110     11,701     15,328     25,244  

Payments for development expenditure

    (154,700 )   (52,725 )   (32,551 )   (14,659 )   (34,833 )   (22,889 )

Payments for exploration expenditure

    (20,006 )   (13,115 )   (8,031 )   (601 )   (5,685 )   (1,362 )

Acquisitions, net

    (27,273 )   (11,470 )   (11,470 )            

Proceeds from the sale of non-current assets

    37,848     178,042     173,822     459     4,679     10,647  

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Cash flows provided by operating activities

        Net cash provided by operating activities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 was $62.6 million compared to $19.1 million provided by operating activities for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $43.5 million (228%). The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities resulted primarily from an increase in receipts from oil, natural gas and natural gas liquid sales of $60.3 million, offset by an increase in payments to suppliers and employees of $15.8 million.

        Net cash provided by operating activities was $9.4 million for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012, compared to $2.1 million provided by operating activities for the six-month period ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $7.3 million (348.0%). The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities resulted primarily from an increase receipts from oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquid sales of $3.4 million and decreased payments to suppliers and employees of $2.9 million.

        Net cash provided by operating activities was $11.8 million for the year ended June 30, 2012 compared to $8.9 million provided by operating activities for the year ended June 30, 2011, an increase of $2.9 million, or 33.0%. The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities resulted primarily from an increase receipts from sales of $5.6 million, offset by an increase in payments to suppliers and employees of $1.5 million and a decrease in income taxes (paid)/refunded of $1.5 million.

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

        Net cash used in investing activities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 was $164.4 million compared to $93.4 million provided by investing activities for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012, a change of $257.7 million (276%). Our payments for development and exploration expenditures increased by $102.0 million and $6.9 million, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. Net cash consideration paid for the Texon merger was $26.3 million during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013; there were no comparable transactions during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012. Proceeds received from the sales of non-current assets for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 decreased by $140.2 million to $37.8 million as compared to $178.0 million for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012.

        Expenditures for development of oil and natural gas properties are the primary use of our capital resources. Net cash provided by investing activities for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 was $114.6 million compared to $14.9 million cash used in investing activities for the same period in 2011. Sales of non-current assets for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 were $173.8 million compared to $0.5 million for the same period in 2011. Excluding sales of non-current assets, net cash used in investing activities for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 was $59.3 million compared to $15.4 million for the for the same period in 2011, an increase of $43.9 million. Our payments for development and exploration expenditures increased by $17.9 million and $7.4 million, respectively, for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. In addition, we had $11.5 million of payments for the acquisition of oil and natural gas properties in the Denver-Julesburg and $6.3 million of related payments to establish escrows for drilling commitments.

        Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended June 30, 2012 was $36.1 million compared to $13.5 million cash used in investing activities for the year ended June 30, 2011. Sales of non-current assets for the year ended June 30, 2012 was $4.7 million compared to $10.6 million for the same period in 2011. Excluding sales of non-current assets, net cash used in investing activities for the year ended June 30, 2012 was $40.8 million compared to $24.1 million for the year ended June 30, 2011, an increase of $16.7 million (69.0%). Our payments for development and exploration expenditures

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increased by $11.9 million and $4.3 million, respectively, for the year ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

        Net cash provided by financing activities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 was $44.5 million compared to $29.7 million provided by financing activities for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $14.8 million (50%). Our primary source of cash provided by financing activities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 was proceeds from the issuance of shares of $48.2 million, reduced by associated capital raising costs of $2.6 million, and by acquisition costs from the Texon merger of $0.5 million; there were no comparable transactions during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012. Our primary source of cash provided by financing activities for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012 was net borrowings on our credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. in the amount of $30.0 million; there were no comparable transactions during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

        Net cash flow provided by financing activities for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 was $14.8 million compared to net cash flow used in financing activities of $0.1 million for the same period in 2011. Our primary source of the cash provided by financing activities for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 related to net borrowings on our credit facility with the Bank of Oklahoma in the amount of $15.0 million.

        Net cash flow provided by financing activities for the year ended June 30, 2012 was $14.7 million compared to $18.9 million for the same period in 2011. Our primary source of the cash provided by financing activities for the year ended June 30, 2012 related to net borrowings on our credit facility with the Bank of Oklahoma in the amount of $15.0 million. Our primary source of the cash provided by financing activities for the year ended June 30, 2011 related to proceeds from the issue of ordinary shares of $18.9 million ($19.9 million gross proceeds, net of $1.0 million payments for the costs of such equity financing).

Credit Facilities

        Senior Credit Facility.     On December 31, 2012, we entered into our Senior Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Our Senior Credit Facility provides us with a $300 million facility with a borrowing base of $48.0 million as of December 31, 2013 as determined by our March 2013 oil and natural gas reserves. Upon closing on December 31, 2012, we drew the full $30 million initial borrowing base (subsequently increased to $48 million based on March 2013 oil and gas reserves) under our Senior Credit Facility and used $15 million of the proceeds to repay and retire our then-outstanding loan with the Bank of Oklahoma. As of December 31, 2013, there was $15 million outstanding under our Senior Credit Facility. The size of our borrowing base under our Senior Credit Facility is determined at the discretion of the lenders under our Senior Credit Facility and is dependent upon a number of factors, including commodity prices and reserve levels. Our Senior Credit Facility specifies a semi annual borrowing base redetermination, and we can request two additional redeterminations each year. Borrowings under our Senior Credit Facility are secured by substantially all our assets. Our Senior Credit Facility matures in December 2017.

        Interest on borrowed funds accrues, at our option, at:

    LIBOR plus a margin that ranges from 175 to 275 basis points; or

    the Base Rate, which is defined as a rate equal to the highest of (i) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1 / 2 of 1%, (ii) the Prime Rate or (iii) LIBOR plus a margin that ranges from 75 to 175 basis points.

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        The applicable margin varies depending on the amount drawn. We also pay a commitment that ranges from 37.5 to 50 basis points on the undrawn balance of the borrowing base. The key financial covenants of our Senior Credit Facility require us to (i) maintain a minimum current ratio, which is defined as consolidated total current assets inclusive of undrawn borrowing capacity divided by consolidated total current liabilities, of 1.0 or greater, and (ii) a debt to EBITDAX ratio (as defined in our Senior Credit Facility), determined on a rolling four quarter basis, of 4.0 to 1.0 or less beginning on December 31, 2012. In addition, our Senior Credit Facility contains various covenants that limit our ability to take certain actions, including, but not limited to, the following:

    incur indebtedness or grant liens on any of our assets;

    enter into certain commodity hedging agreements;

    sell, transfer, assign or convey assets or engage in certain mergers or acquisitions;

    make certain distributions;

    make any loans or investments;

    make certain loans, advances and investments;

    engage in transactions with affiliates; and

    engage in certain asset dispositions, including a sale of all or substantially all of our assets.

        If an event of default exists under our Senior Credit Facility, the lender will be able to accelerate the maturity of the credit agreement and exercise other rights and remedies. Events of default include, but are not limited to, the following events:

    failure to pay any principal, interest, fees, expenses or other amounts when due under the credit agreement;

    failure to pay any other obligation when due and payable within three business days after same becomes due;

    a default or event of default under the credit agreement or other loan documents, subject, in certain instances, to certain grace periods;

    failure to notify the lender of certain changes, to maintain good standing in the jurisdictions where we do business or to perform all obligations under material contracts (as defined in our Senior Credit Facility);

    bankruptcy or insolvency events involving us or our subsidiaries;

    failure to pay any portion due under our Junior Credit Facility or any other indebtedness in excess of $2 million or otherwise a breach or default under our Junior Credit Facility;

    certain ERISA events involving us or our subsidiaries;

    bankruptcy or insolvency; and

    a change of control (as defined in our Senior Credit Facility).

        In May 2014, our borrowing base on our Senior Credit Facility was increased to $100 million based on the significant uplift of our December 31, 2013 oil and gas reserves and $50 million was drawn-down under our Credit Facilities subsequent to December 31, 2013. In conjunction with the increase in our borrowing base, we have expanded the syndicate of banks under our Senior Credit Facility. Led by Wells Fargo, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and the Bank of Nova Scotia have now joined the banking group.

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        Junior Credit Facility.     In August 2013, we entered into our Junior Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as the administrative agent, which provides for term loans to be made to us in a series of draws up to $100 million. Our Junior Credit Facility matures in June 2018. Upon entering into our Junior Credit Facility, we immediately borrowed $15 million pursuant to the terms of our Junior Credit Facility and paid down the outstanding principal of our Senior Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2013, there was $15 million outstanding under our Junior Credit Facility. An intercreditor agreement governs the relationship between the lenders under our Senior Credit Facility and our Junior Credit Facility.

        The principal amount of the loans borrowed under our Junior Credit Facility is due in full on the maturity date. Interest on our Junior Credit Facility accrues at a rate equal to the greater of (i) 8.50% and (ii) a base rate (being, at our option, either (a) LIBOR for the applicable interest period (adjusted for Eurodollar Reserve Requirements) or (b) the greatest of (x) the prime rate announced by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., (y) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (z) one-month adjusted LIBOR plus 1.00%), plus a margin of either 6.5% or 7.5%, based on the base rate selected.

        We are also required under our Junior Credit Facility to maintain the following financial ratios:

    a current ratio, consisting of consolidated current assets to consolidated current liabilities, of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter;

    a maximum leverage ratio, consisting of consolidated debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDAX (as defined in our Junior Credit Facility), of not greater than 4.5 to 1.0 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter (beginning September 30, 2013); and

    an asset coverage ratio, consisting of PV-10 to consolidated debt, of not less than 1.5 to 1.0, as of certain test dates.

        Our Junior Credit Facility contains various restrictive covenants similar to those in our Senior Credit Facility. If an event of default exists under our Junior Credit Facility, the lenders will be able to accelerate the obligations outstanding under our Junior Credit Facility and exercise other rights and remedies. Our Junior Credit Facility also contains events of default similar to those in our Senior Credit Facility, together with certain cross-defaults with respect to our Senior Credit Facility.

        In May 2014, the borrowings available under our Junior Credit Facility increased to $35 million based on the increase in our borrowing base on our Senior Credit Facility due to the significant uplift of our December 31, 2013 oil and gas reserves.

Capital Expenditures

        The following table summarizes our estimated capital expenditures for the year ending December 31, 2014 and actual capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2013, the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 and years ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. We routinely monitor and adjust our estimated capital expenditures in response to changes in oil and natural gas prices, availability of financing, drilling and acquisition costs, industry conditions, the timing of regulatory approvals, the availability of rigs, success or lack of success in drilling activities, contractual obligations, internally generated cash flows and other factors both within and outside our control. As a result, actual capital expenditures for 2014 may not be as estimated below. As described above, we plan to finance our ongoing expenditures through a variety of sources including using internally generated cash flow, availability under our credit facilities and asset sales.


Historical and Projected Capital Expenditures

 
   
   
   
  Year ended
June 30,
 
 
   
   
  Six-month
period ended
December 31,
2012
 
 
  Year ending
December 31,
2014
  Year ended
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ '000s)
  2012   2011  
 
  (estimated)
  (audited)
  (audited)
  (audited)
  (audited)
 

Development and production assets

  $270,000 - $290,000   $ 219,121   $ 47,949   $ 50,520   $ 5,954  

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

  48,000 - 52,000     14,770     23,348     8,670     1,293  
                       

Total

  $318,000 - $342,000   $ 233,891   $ 71,297   $ 59,190   $ 7,247  
                       
                       

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        A summary of estimated capital expenditures by core operating asset for the year ending December 31, 2014 is as follows:

(In $ '000s)
  Year ending
December 31, 2014
 
  (estimated)

Eagle Ford

  $257,000 - $269,000

Mississippian/Woodford

  61,000 - 73,000

Denver-Julesburg

 
     

Total

  $318,000 - $342,000
     
     

C.    Research and Development

        Not applicable.

D.    Trend Information

        We believe that oil and natural gas prices may remain volatile for the foreseeable future. While oil and/or natural gas prices are high, drilling and completion activity may increase around our properties. Increased demand for oil field services may result in shortages of these services and an escalation in rig rates, field service costs, material prices and all costs associated with drilling, completing and operating wells in certain of the areas where we operate. If oil prices remain high relative to historical levels, we anticipate that the recent trends toward increasing costs and equipment and personnel shortages will continue. There is no guarantee that we will retain qualified employees during a competitive period in the industry. Any of these situations could have a material adverse effect upon our net sales or revenues, income from continuing operations, profitability, liquidity or capital resources or cause reported financial information not necessarily to be indicative of future operating results or financial condition. While we have identified prospects we intend to drill, our ability to grow could be adversely affected by these shortages and price increases.

E.    Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a significant effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

F.     Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations

        The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2013:

 
  Payments due by period  
(In $ '000s)
  Total   Less than
1 year
  1 - 3 years   3 - 5 years   More than
5 years
 

Credit Facilities(1)

  $ 37,037   $ 1,600   $ 3,200   $ 32,237   $  

Drilling rig commitments(2)

    5,159     5,159              

Drilling commitments(3)

    3,000     1,000     2,000          

Operating lease obligations

    1,860     200     645     709     306  

Employment commitments

    104     104              

Asset retirement obligation(4)

    5,183         358         4,825  
                       

Total

  $ 52,343   $ 8,063   $ 6,203   $ 32,946   $ 5,131  
                       
                       

(1)
Includes principal and projected interest payments due under our Senior Credit Facility and Junior Credit Facility. Projected interest payments are based on a 2.165% and 8.50% interest rate for the

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    Senior Credit Facility and the Junior Credit Facility, respectively, in effect as of December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, there was $30 million outstanding under these credit facilities. Please read the description of our Senior Credit Facility and our Junior Credit Facility above.

(2)
As of December 31, 2013, we had 4 outstanding drilling rig contracts to explore and develop our properties. The contracts have terms of 6 to 12 months. Amounts represent minimum expenditure commitments should we elect to terminate these contracts prior to term. During 2014, we entered into one drilling rig contract and extended the terms on another drilling rig contract. Our maximum outstanding aggregate commitment as of June 30, 2014 on these early termination obligations was approximately $5.8 million.

(3)
As a part of our acquisition agreement for certain Wattenberg assets, we are committed to drilling 15 vertical or four horizontal development wells per year for the years ending December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 (collectively 45 vertical or 15 horizontal development wells). We have established an escrow account that will release the funds to us at a rate of $67,000 per vertical or $267,000 per horizontal well drilled, with any shortfall wells (less than 45 cumulative vertical or 15 horizontal wells drilled as of December 31, 2015) to be paid to the seller of the assets from the escrow account. If we complete drilling any of the shortfall wells after the deadline, we are able to recoup up to $67,000 per vertical or $267,000 per horizontal well by obtaining an assignment of a 5% overriding royalty interest from the seller until the shortfall well fee is recouped. As of December 31, 2013, we had not yet drilled any wells, as such, $1.0 million, equal to one third of the total commitment, was accrued and recognized in other expense (income) in the consolidated statement of operations and was released from the escrow account subsequent to the balance sheet date. Total contractual obligation represents amounts accrued and future commitments.

(4)
We have established a restoration provision liability for the reclamation of oil and natural gas properties at the end of their economic lives. Based on our current projections, we believe the majority of our reclamation obligations will be incurred beyond five years from December 31, 2013.

Item 6.    Directors, Senior Management and Employees

A.    Directors and Senior Management

        The following table lists the names of our directors and executive officers. The directors have served since their respective election or appointment and will serve until the next annual general meeting of shareholders or until a successor is duly appointed.

Name
  Position
Eric P. McCrady   Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Cathy L. Anderson   Chief Financial Officer
Grace Ford*   Vice President of Exploration and Development
Mike Wolfe*   Vice President of Land
David Ramsden-Wood*   Vice President of Reservoir Engineering and Business Development
John Whittington*   Vice President of Operations
Michael D. Hannell   Chairman of the Board
Damien A. Hannes   Director
Neville W. Martin   Director
H. Weldon Holcombe   Director

*
Officers only of Sundance Energy, Inc.

         Eric P. McCrady has been our Chief Executive Officer since April 2011 and Managing Director of our board of directors since November 2011. He also served as our Chief Financial Officer from June

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2010 until becoming Chief Executive Officer in 2011. Mr. McCrady has served in numerous positions in the energy, private investment and retail industries. From 2004 to 2010, Mr. McCrady was employed by The Broe Group, a private investment firm, in various financial and executive management positions across a variety of industry investment platforms, including energy, transportation and real estate. From 1997 to 2003, Mr. McCrady was employed by American Coin Merchandising, Inc. in various corporate finance roles. Mr. McCrady holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

         Cathy L. Anderson has been our Chief Financial Officer since December 2011. Ms. Anderson has over 25 years of experience, primarily in the oil and gas industry, and has extensive experience in budgeting and forecasting, regulatory reporting, corporate controls, and financial analysis and reporting. Prior to joining us in 2011, Ms. Anderson had been a consultant to companies in the oil and gas industry since 2006. Ms. Anderson held various positions, including Chief Financial Officer of Optigas, Inc., a natural gas gathering, processing and marketing company, from 2005 to 2006 and Vice President of Internal Audit and Consulting for TeleTech Holdings, Inc., a NASDAQ-listed global service firm providing outsourced customer management, from 2002 to 2004. From 1993 to 1999, Ms. Anderson was the Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of NYSE-listed Key Production Company, Inc. (predecessor to Cimarex Energy). She began her career in 1985 with Arthur Andersen, LLP. Ms. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with High Honors, emphasis in Accounting, from the University of Montana. She is a certified public accountant.

         Grace L. Ford has been Vice President of Exploration and Development of our subsidiary, Sundance Energy, Inc., since March 2013 and had previously served as Vice President of Geology of Sundance Energy, Inc. since September 2011. Prior to joining us in 2011, Ms. Ford served in numerous positions in the oil and gas industry, working throughout the United States and in West Africa. Ms. Ford's experience spans both conventional and unconventional resource exploration, development, reservoir characterization and enhanced recovery projects. Ms. Ford has extensive operational experience in multi-rig horizontal development programs. From 2010 to 2011, Ms. Ford was employed as a geologist by Rock Oil, a private equity-backed company with operations in the Eagle Ford in south Texas. From 2007 to 2010, Ms. Ford was employed as a geoscience manager by Baytex Energy, USA, and from 2001 to 2007, Ms. Ford was employed as a geologist by EOG Resources, Inc. Prior to her tenure with EOG Resources, Inc., Ms. Ford served in various geologic or engineering capacities for Marathon Oil Company, Schlumberger and the U.S. Geological Survey. Ms. Ford received her PhD in Geology from the Colorado School of Mines, a Master of Science degree in Geology from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelors of Science degree in geology from the University of Wyoming. Ms. Ford is a registered professional geologist in the states of Texas, Wyoming and Utah.

         Mike Wolfe has been Vice President of Land of our subsidiary, Sundance Energy, Inc., since March 2013 and was previously Senior Land Manager from December 2010. He has more than 30 years of senior land experience in the oil and gas industry. His experience encompasses all areas of land management, including field leasing, title, lease records, joint venture contracts and management of multi-rig drilling programs in numerous basins throughout the United States. From 1997 to 2010, Mr. Wolfe was a regional land manager for Cimarex Energy Company, a public oil and gas exploration and production company. From 1996 to 1997, he was a site acquisition agent for PacBell Mobile, a cellular phone service provider. From 1990 to 1996, he was a project landman for Capitol Oil Corporation, an oil and gas exploration and production company. From 1981 to 1990, he was an assistant land manager for TXO Production Corporation, an oil and gas exploration and production company. Prior to his tenure with TXO Production Corporation, he was a land representative for Texaco. Mr. Wolfe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in finance and real estate from Colorado State University.

         David Ramsden-Wood has been Vice President of Reservoir Engineering and Business Development of our subsidiary, Sundance Energy, Inc., since May 2014 and previously served as a consultant for us

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in a similar role since January 2013. He has more than 15 years of engineering experience in the oil and gas industry. His experience has been focused on reservoir engineering, strategic and financial planning and production engineering. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Ramsden-Wood was a regional senior manager for Enerplus Resources (USA) Corporation, a public oil and gas exploration and production company. From 2001 to 2009, he served as a manager in various engineering and business planning capacities for Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, a public oil and gas exploration and production company. Prior to his tenure with Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Ramsden-Wood worked on mergers and acquisitions and oil and gas marketing for Canadian Hunter Exploration Ltd and Barrington Petroleum. Mr. Ramsden-Wood holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from Cornell University (with Distinction) and Queen's University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Chemical) from the University of Calgary. He is a professional engineer, licensed in Alberta, Canada.

         John Whittington has been Vice President of Operations of our subsidiary, Sundance Energy, Inc., since May 2014. He has more than 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. His experience has focused on the development and optimization of onshore US resource plays with a particular emphasis on completion optimization and production operations. From 2011 to 2014, Mr. Whittington served as the Operations Manager, Vice President of Operations, and Shared Services Manager for Triangle Petroleum Corporation, a vertically integrated, public oil and gas exploration and production company. From 2005 to 2010, Mr. Whittington was a lead completions and operations engineer and completions advisor for EOG Resources, Inc., a public oil and gas exploration and production company. From 2002 to 2005, he was an engineer for Encana Oil and Gas USA, Inc, a public oil and gas exploration and production company; a portion of which he was an alliance engineer with Schlumberger Oilfield Services, a public oilfield service company. From 1999 to 2002, he was a petroleum consultant for Apex Petroleum Engineering, an oil and gas technical consulting service company. Prior to his tenure with Apex Petroleum Engineering, Mr. Whittington served as field, acquisitions, production and senior petroleum engineer for a variety of oil and gas companies and consulting firms, including Dowell Schlumberger Inc, the predecessor to Schlumberger Oilfield Services, Lomak Petroleum, Inc., and Integrated Petroleum Technologies, Inc. Mr. Whittington holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

         Michael D. Hannell has been a director of Sundance since March 2006 and chairman of our board of directors since December 2008. He is also the chairman of our Remuneration and Nomination Committee and a member of our Audit and Risk Management Committee. Mr. Hannell has over 45 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, initially in the downstream sector and subsequently in the upstream sector. His extensive experience has been in a wide range of engineering, operations, exploration and development, commercial, financial and corporate areas in the United States, United Kingdom, continental Europe and Australia at the senior executive level with Mobil Oil (now Exxon) and Santos Ltd. Mr. Hannell recently finished his term as the chairman of Rees Operations Pty Ltd (doing business as Milford Industries Pty Ltd), an Australian automotive components and transportation container manufacturer and supplier. He has also held a number of other board appointments including, until recently, the chairman of Sydac Pty Ltd, a designer and producer of simulation training products for industry. Mr. Hannell has also served on a number of not-for-profit boards, with appointments as president of the Adelaide-based Chamber of Mines and Energy, president of Business SA (formerly the South Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry), chairman of the Investigator Science and Technology Centre, chairman of the Adelaide Graduate School of Business, and a member of the South Australian Legal Practitioners Conduct Board. Mr. Hannell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with Honors) from the University of London and is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia.

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         Damien A. Hannes has been a Director since August 2009 and is the chairman of our Audit and Risk Management Committee and a member of our Remuneration and Nomination Committee. Mr. Hannes has over 25 years of finance experience. He has served over 15 years as a managing director and a member of the operating committee, among other senior management positions, for Credit Suisse's listed derivatives business in equities, commodities and fixed income in its Asia and Pacific region. From 1986 to 1993, Mr. Hannes was a director for Fay Richwhite Australia, a New Zealand merchant bank. Prior to his tenure with Fay Richwhite, Mr. Hannes was the director of operations and chief financial officer of Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette Futures Ltd, a U.S. investment bank. He has successfully raised capital and developed and managed mining, commodities trading and manufacturing businesses in the global market. Mr. Hannes also serves as the chairman of the board of directors of Australia Gold Corporation Ltd, a gold mining company with operations in Peru and South America and as a director of Quill Stationery Manufacturers Limited, a paper products business with operations in China. He holds a Bachelor of Business degree from the NSW University of Technology in Australia. Mr. Hannes is a qualified chartered accountant.

         Neville W. Martin has been a Director since January 2012 and is a member of our Audit and Risk Management Committee. Prior to his election, he was an alternate director on our board of directors. Mr. Martin has over 40 years of experience as a lawyer specializing in corporate law and mining, oil and gas law. He is currently a consultant to the Australian law firm, Minter Ellison. Mr. Martin has served as a director on the boards of several Australian companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, including Stuart Petroleum Ltd from 1999 to 2002, Austin Exploration Ltd. from 2005 to 2008 and Adelaide Energy Ltd from 2005 to 2011. Mr. Martin is the former state president of the Australian Resource and Energy Law Association. Mr. Martin holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Adelaide University.

         H. Weldon Holcombe has been a director and a member of our Remuneration and Nomination Committee since December 2012. Mr. Holcombe has over 30 years of onshore and offshore U.S. oil and gas industry experience, including technology, reservoir engineering, drilling and completions, production operations, construction, field development and optimization, Health, Safety and Environmental ("HSE"), and management of office, field and contract personnel. Most recently, Mr. Holcombe served as the Executive Vice President, Mid-Continental Region, for Petrohawk Energy Corporation from 2006 until its acquisition by BHP Billiton in 2011, after which Mr. Holcombe served as Vice President of New Technology Development for BHP Billiton. In his capacity as Executive Vice President for Petrohawk Energy Corporation, Mr. Holcombe managed development of leading unconventional resource plays, including the Haynesville, Fayetteville and Permian areas. In addition, Mr. Holcombe served as President of Big Hawk LLC, a subsidiary of Petrohawk Energy Corporation, a provider of basic oil and gas construction, logistics and rental services. Mr. Holcombe also served as corporate HSE officer for Petrohawk and joint chairperson of the steering committee that managed construction and operation of a gathering system in Petrohawk's Haynesville field with one billion cubic feet of natural gas of production per day. Prior to Petrohawk, Mr. Holcombe served in a variety of senior-level management, operations and engineering roles for KCS Energy and Exxon. Mr. Holcombe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Auburn.

        There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers. The business addresses for each of our directors and executive officers is Sundance Energy, Inc., 633 17th Street, Denver, Colorado 80202.


Employment Agreements with Executive Officers

        Our Chief Executive Officer, Eric P. McCrady, has an employment agreement with a three-year term commencing January 2014 and base remuneration of $370,000 per year, which is reviewed annually by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee. In the event of a not-for-cause termination or change in control (as described in the employment agreement) in which Mr. McCrady does not

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remain employed by the acquirer, the employment agreement provides payment of Mr. McCrady's base remuneration through the end of the term of the employment agreement. He is eligible to participate in our incentive compensation program.

        Other than Mr. McCrady, none of our executive officers has an employment agreement. Mr. Gooden, our former Company Secretary, provided services to Sundance through a contractual arrangement. Subsequent to Mr Gooden's retirement in August 2013, Damien Connor was appointed our Company Secretary. Mr. Connor provides services to Sundance through a contractual arrangement. None of our directors has any service contracts with Sundance or any of its subsidiaries providing for benefits upon termination of employment.

B.    Compensation

        Our board of directors recognizes that the attraction and retention of high-caliber directors and executives with appropriate incentives is critical to generating shareholder value. We have designed our compensation program to provide rewards for individual performance and corporate results and to encourage an ownership mentality among our executives and other key employees.

        The Australian non-executive directors receive a basic annual fee for board membership and annual fees for committee service and chairmanships, all of which includes the superannuation guarantee contribution required by the Australian government, which was 9.25% as of July 1, 2013. In accordance with ASX corporate governance principles, they do not receive any other retirement benefits or any performance-related incentive payments by means of cash or equity. Some individuals, however, have chosen to forego part of their salary to increase payments toward superannuation. To align directors' interests with shareholder interests, the directors are encouraged to hold our ordinary shares. Our U.S.-based executives receive statutory retirement benefit payments as required under applicable U.S. law and receive contributions into their retirement account at a level commensurate with all other employees. All remuneration paid to directors and executives is valued in accordance with applicable IFRS accounting rules.

        The Remuneration and Nomination Committee makes recommendations to our board of directors in relation to total compensation of directors and executives and reviews their remuneration annually. Independent external advice is sought when required. There were no consultants utilized during the most recent fiscal period.

        In assessing total compensation, our objective is to be competitive with industry compensation while considering individual and company performance. Base salaries for executives recognize their qualifications, experience and responsibilities as well as their unique value and historical contributions to Sundance. In addition to being important to attracting and retaining executives, setting base salaries at appropriate levels motivates employees to aspire to and accept enlarged opportunities. We do not consider base salaries to be part of performance-based compensation, in setting the amount, the individuals' performance is considered. The majority of each executive's compensation is performance based and "at risk." We believe that equity ownership is an important element of compensation and that, over time, more of the executives' compensation should be equity-based rather than cash-based so as to better align executive compensation with shareholder return. The portion of "at risk" compensation for the most recently concluded fiscal year is set forth in the table below.

        In support of this, we recently adopted stock ownership guidelines for certain key executive officers. Our Chief Executive Officer is required to hold ordinary shares with a value equal to five times the amount of his annual base salary. The remaining executive officers are required to hold ordinary shares with a value equal to 2.5 times their respective annual base salaries. The applicable level of ownership is required to be achieved within five years of the later of the date these guidelines were adopted or the date the person first became an executive officer. Unexercised and/or unvested equity awards do not count toward satisfaction of the guidelines.

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        We have an incentive compensation program, comprised of short and long-term components, to incentivize key executives and employees of Sundance and its subsidiaries. The goal of the incentive compensation program is to motivate management and senior employees to achieve short and long-term goals to improve shareholder value. This plan represents the performance-based, at risk component of each executive's total compensation. The incentive compensation program is designed to:

    align management and shareholder interests; and

    attract and retain management and senior employees to execute strategic business plans to grow Sundance as approved by our board of directors.

        The incentive compensation program has provisions for an annual cash and equity bonus in addition to the base salary levels. The annual cash bonus Short-Term Incentive ("STI") is established to reward short-term performance towards our goal of increasing shareholder value. The equity component Long-Term Incentive ("LTI") is intended to reward progress towards our long-term goals and to motivate and retain management to make decisions benefiting long-term value creation.

        We have two active equity incentive plans under the LTI component of the incentive compensation program. These are the Sundance Employee Option Plan ("ESOP") and the Sundance Energy Australia Limited Restricted Share Units available only to our U.S. employees under the Incentive Compensation Plan (the "RSU Plan"). Any grants made to employees that also serve as a director are subject to shareholder approval prior to issuance.

        The ESOP provides for the issuance of stock options at an exercise price determined at the time of the issue by a committee designated by the board (the "Plan Committee"). Options under the ESOP may be granted to eligible employees, as determined by the Plan Committee, and typically include our executive officers, directors and key employees. Historically, the Plan Committee has granted options in connection with attracting new employees, which grant is made once employment has commenced. It is within the discretion of the Plan Committee, however, to authorize additional option grants during the term of employment. Generally, an option vests 20% on the 90th day following the grant date, with an additional 20% vesting on the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries thereof. Options are valued using the Black-Scholes methodology and recognized as remuneration in accordance with their vesting conditions. In the event of a voluntary winding up of Sundance, unvested stock options vest immediately. We may amend the ESOP or any portion thereof, or waive or modify the application of the ESOP rules in relation to a participant, at any time. Certain amendments to the ESOP may require the approval of the holders of the options granted under the ESOP.

        The RSU Plan provides for the issuance of restricted stock units ("RSUs") to our U.S. employees. The purpose of issuing RSUs is to reward senior executives and employees for achievement of financial and operational performance targets established by our board. The RSU Plan is administered by our board. RSUs under the RSU Plan may be granted to eligible employees (as determined by our board, which typically include our executive officers, directors and key employees) from a bonus pool established at the sole discretion of our board. The bonus pool is subject to board and management review of performance metrics with respect to both our and the individual employee's performance over a measured period determined by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee and the board as discussed below. The RSUs may be settled in cash or stock at the discretion of our board. Under the RSU Plan, 25% of the RSUs vest on the grant date, and 25% vest on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date. The RSUs are based on performance targets established and approved by our board. In the event of a corporate take-over or change in control (as defined in the RSU Plan), our board in its discretion may cause all unvested RSUs to vest and be satisfied by the issue of one share each or provide for the cancellation of outstanding RSUs and a cash payment equal to the then-fair market value of the RSUs. We may amend, suspend or terminate the RSU Plan or any portion thereof at any time. Certain amendments to the RSU Plan may require approval of the holders of the RSUs who will be affected by the amendment.

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        The available bonus pool for both STI and LTI is based on a percentage of each employee's annual base salary. On an annual basis, targets are established and agreed by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee, subject to endorsement by our board of directors. The targets are used to determine the bonus pool, but both the STI and LTI bonuses require approval by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee and are fully discretionary. Bonuses earned under the STI will be paid in cash and those under the LTI by means of awarding RSUs under the RSU Plan.

        For the year ended December 31, 2013, the following metrics were adopted as targets:

    production of oil and natural gas per debt-adjusted share (15% weighting);

    return on capital employed (20% weighting);

    net asset value per debt-adjusted share (20% weighting);

    cash margin (15% weighting); and

    an assessment of the individual performances of senior executives and managers (30% weighting).

        In addition, certain ceilings and claw-back provisions have been set by our board of directors to ensure that the performance metrics are aligned with the best interests of the shareholders. It is the intention of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee to carefully monitor the incentive compensation program to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.

        The following discussion is based upon a remuneration report that we prepared in compliance with listing rules of the Australian Securities Exchange. Ms. Ford and Mr. Wolfe are executive officers of our subsidiary Sundance Energy, Inc. but not of Sundance Energy Australia Limited. As a result, their remuneration is not discussed below.

        Details of the remuneration of our directors and executive officers of Sundance Energy Australia Limited for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 
  Fixed Based Remuneration   Share
Based
  Performance Based    
 
Director
  Salary
and Fees
  Non-
monetary
Benefits
  Post-
employment
Benefits
  Superannuation   Payments-
Options
  STI-Cash
Bonus
  LTI-
Share
Based
  Total  

E. McCrady

  $ 275,000   $ 15,165   $ 7,650   $   $   $ 402,277   $ 371,113   $ 1,071,205  

M. Hannell

    163,985             15,058                 179,043  

D. Hannes

    144,031             13,237                 157,268  

N. Martin

    128,510             11,821                 140,331  

W. Holcombe

    140,000                             140,000  
                                   

  $ 851,526   $ 15,165   $ 7,650   $ 40,116   $   $ 402,277   $ 371,113   $ 1,687,847  
                                   

Executive officers

                                                 

C. Anderson

  $ 225,000     12,693   $ 7,650   $   $ 44,532   $ 310,075   $ 209,516   $ 809,466  

C. Gooden(1)

    106,518                             106,518  
                                   

    331,518     12,693     7,650         44,532     310,075     209,516     915,984  
                                   

Total

  $ 1,183,044   $ 27,858   $ 15,300   $ 40,116   $ 44,532   $ 712,352   $ 580,629   $ 2,603,831  
                                   
                                   

(1)
C. Gooden resigned as Company Secretary in August 2013.

At risk remuneration

        Remuneration is structured to recognize both an individual's responsibilities, qualifications and experience, as well as to drive performance over the short and long-term. Fixed remuneration is established relative to the market and aligned with responsibilities, qualifications and experience, while

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variable remuneration is used to reward and motivate outcomes beyond the standard expected. The relative weightings of "at risk" variable remuneration compared to fixed remuneration is as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31, 2013   Six-month period ended December 31, 2012  
 
  Fixed
Remuneration
  STI   LTI   Actual
Performance
Related(1)
  Fixed
Remuneration
  STI   LTI   Actual
Performance
Related(1)
 

E. McCrady

    32 %   19 %   48 %   68 %   32 %   19 %   48 %   68 %

C. Anderson

    20 %   20 %   40 %   60 %   40 %   20 %   40 %   60 %

Non-executive directors

    100 %               100 %            

(1)
The fair value of executive officer's performance-related remuneration as a percentage of total remuneration for the periods indicated.

C.    Board Practices

        Our board of directors currently consists of five members, including our Chief Executive Officer. We believe that each of our directors has relevant industry experience. The membership of our board of directors is directed by the following requirements:

    our Constitution specifies that there must be a minimum of three directors and a maximum of 10, and our board of directors may determine the number of directors within those limits;

    it is the intention of our board of directors that its membership consists of a majority of independent directors who satisfy the criteria recommended by the ASX Principles and Recommendations;

    the chairperson of our board of directors should be an independent director who satisfies the criteria for independence recommended by the ASX Principles and Recommendations; and

    our board of directors should, collectively, have the appropriate level of personal qualities, skills, experience, and time commitment to properly fulfill its responsibilities or have ready access to such skills where they are not available.

        Our board of directors has delegated responsibility for the conduct of our businesses to the Managing Director, but remains responsible for overseeing the performance of management. Our board of directors has established delegated limits of authority, which define the matters that are delegated to management and those that require board of directors approval. None of our directors have any service contracts with Sundance or any of its subsidiaries providing for benefits upon termination of employment.

Committees

        To assist our board of directors with the effective discharge of its duties, it has established a Remuneration and Nominations Committee and an Audit and Risk Management Committee. Each committee operates under a specific charter approved by our board of directors.

        Remuneration and Nominations Committee.     The members of our Remuneration and Nominations Committee are Messrs. Hannell (Chairman), Hannes and Holcombe, all of whom are independent, non-executive directors. This committee will identify, evaluate and recommend qualified nominees to serve on our board of directors, develop and oversee our internal corporate governance processes, and maintain a management succession plan. In addition, the committee will oversee, review, act on and report on various remuneration matters to our board of directors.

        Audit and Risk Management Committee.     The members of our Audit and Risk Management Committee are Messrs. Hannes (Chairman), Hannell and Martin, all of whom are independent,

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non-executive directors. Mr. McCrady and Ms. Anderson are non-voting management representatives who advise the committee as appropriate. This committee will oversee, review, act on and report on various auditing and accounting matters to our board of directors, including the selection of our independent accountants, the scope of our annual audits, fees to be paid to the independent accountants, the performance of our independent accountants and our accounting practices. In addition, the committee will oversee, review, act on and report on various risk management matters to our board of directors.

        The effective management of risk is central to our ongoing success. We have adopted a risk management policy to ensure that:

    appropriate systems are in place to identify, to the extent that is reasonably practical, all material risks that we face in conducting our business;

    the financial impact of those risks is understood and appropriate controls are in place to limit exposures to them;

    appropriate responsibilities are delegated to control the risks; and

    any material changes to our risk profile are disclosed in accordance with the our continuous disclosure policy.

        It is our objective to appropriately balance, protect and enhance the interests of all of our shareholders. Proper behavior by our directors, officers, employees and those organizations that we contract to carry out work is essential in achieving this objective.

        We have established a code of conduct, which sets out the standards of behavior that apply to every aspect of our dealings and relationships, both within and outside Sundance. The following standards of behavior apply:

    comply with all laws that govern us and our operations;

    act honestly and with integrity and fairness in all dealings with others and each other;

    avoid or manage conflicts of interest;

    use our assets properly and efficiently for the benefit of all of our shareholders; and

    seek to be an exemplary corporate citizen.

D.    Employees

        As of December 31, 2013, we had 47 full-time employees, including 15 in executive, finance and accounting and administration, six in geology, 15 in production and engineering and 11 in land. All of our employees are located in the United States. None of our employees are represented by a labor union or covered by any collective bargaining agreement. We believe that our relations with our employees are satisfactory.

E.    Share Ownership

Number of Options Held by Executive Officers

Executive Officers
  Balance
12/31/2012
  Granted as
Compensation
  Options
Exercised
  Options
Expired
  Balance
12/31/2013
  Total
Vested
12/31/2013
  Total
Exercisable
12/31/2013
  Total
Unexercisable
12/31/2013
 

E. McCrady

    1,500,000         (1,500,000 )                    

C. Anderson

    1,000,000                 1,000,000     400,000 (1)   400,000     600,000  
                                   

Total

    2,500,000         (1,500,000 )       1,000,000     400,000     400,000     600,000  
                                   
                                   

(1)
Consists of options to purchase up to 400,000 ordinary shares exercisable at $0.95 per share, which expire in March 2019.

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        No options were issued as part of remuneration to directors or executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. In May 2013, Mr. McCrady exercised 1,500,000 options.


Number of Restricted Shares Units Held by Executive Officers

Executive Officer
  Balance
12/31/2012
  Issued as
Compensation
  Forfeited   RSUs
converted to
ordinary
shares
  Balance
12/31/2013
  Total
Vested
12/31/2013
  Total
Unvested
12/31/2013
 

E. McCrady

    695,785     374,248         (514,955 )   555,078         555,078  

C. Anderson

    267,857     249,003         (196,180 )   320,680         320,680  
                               

Total

    963,642     623,251         (711,135 )   875,758         875,758  
                               
                               

        In April 2013, 247,447 and 66,957 of Mr. McCrady and Ms. Anderson's RSUs vested as of December 31, 2012 were converted to ordinary shares respectively.

        All RSUs vest 25% on date of grant and 25% vest equally on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date.

Item 7.    Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

A.    Major Shareholders

        The following table presents certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares based on 548,714,663 ordinary shares outstanding as of June 30, 2014 by:

    each person known by us (through substantial shareholder notices filed with the ASX) to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our ordinary shares;

    each of our directors and executive officers individually; and

    each of our directors and executive officers as a group.

        Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC and generally means that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he or she possesses sole or shared voting or investment power of that security and includes options that are exercisable within 60 days. Information with respect to beneficial ownership has been furnished to us by each director, executive officer, or 5% or more shareholder, as the case may be.

        As of June 30, 2014, we had 57 shareholders of record in the United States. These shareholders held an aggregate of 6,941,840 of our outstanding ordinary shares, or approximately 1.3% of our outstanding ordinary shares.

        Unless otherwise indicated, to our knowledge each shareholder possesses sole voting and investment power over the ordinary shares listed subject to community property laws, where applicable. None of our shareholders has different voting rights from other shareholders. Unless otherwise

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indicated, the address for each of the persons listed in the table below is Sundance Energy, Inc., 633 17th Street, Suite 1950, Denver, Colorado 80202.

 
  Ordinary Shares
Beneficially Owned
 
Shareholder
  Number   Percent  

5% Shareholders

             

IOOF Holdings Limited(1)

    34,259,557     6.24 %

Acorn Capital Limited(2)

    31,302,035     5.70 %

Eley Griffiths Group Pty Limited(3)

    28,220,556     5.14 %

Officers and Directors

             

Eric P. McCrady

    1,614,635     *  

Michael D. Hannell

    947,442     *  

Damien A. Hannes

    5,681,561 (4)   1.04 %

Neville W. Martin

    295,300 (5)   *  

H. Weldon Holcombe

    295,000     *  

Cathy L. Anderson

    827,723 (6)   *  
             

Officers and directors as a group (six persons)

    9,661,661     1.76 %
             
             

*
Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Sundance.

(1)
The address for IOOF Holdings Limited is Level 6, 161 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000.

(2)
The address of Acorn Capital Limited is Level 12, 90 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000.

(3)
The address of Eley Griffiths Group Pty Limited is Level 7, 139 Macquarie Street, Sydney New South Wales 2000.

(4)
Includes (i) 377,858 ordinary shares held by Mr. Hannes individually and (ii) 5,303,703 ordinary shares held in a trust of which Mr. Hannes serves as a director and shares voting and investment power with respect to such shares.

(5)
Includes (i) 272,442 ordinary shares held in trust of which Mr. Martin serves as trustee and is a beneficiary and (ii) 22,858 ordinary shares jointly held with Mr. Martin's spouse.

(6)
Includes (i) 227,723 ordinary shares and (ii) options to purchase up to 600,000 ordinary shares, exercisable until March 2019 at an exercise price of A$0.95 per share.

        To our knowledge, there have not been any significant changes in the ownership of our ordinary shares by major shareholders over the past three years, except as follows (which is based upon substantial shareholder notices filed with the ASX):

    IOOF Holdings Limited ("IOOF") became a substantial shareholder on August 15, 2012, when it reported that it held 13,970,252 ordinary shares, or 5.042%, of the total voting power as of that date. Between August 2012 and July 2013, IOOF acquired an aggregate of 30,774,625 ordinary shares for A$25,233,026 and sold an aggregate of 5,944,185 ordinary shares for A$5,858,091. On July 9, 2013, IOOF reported that it held 34,259,557 ordinary shares, or 7.406%, of the total voting power as of that date.

    Acorn Capital Limited ("Acorn") became a substantial holder on November 23, 2010, when it reported that it held 18,202,032 ordinary shares, or 6.69%, of the total voting power as of that date. Between December 2010 and November 2012, Acorn acquired an aggregate of 9,263,375 ordinary shares for A$7,008,404. On March 8, 2013, Acorn reported that it held 31,141,966 of our ordinary shares, or 7.76%, of the total voting power as of that date. On February 18, 2014,

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      Acorn reported that it held 31,302,035 of our ordinary shares, or 6.76%, of the total voting power as of that date.

    Eley Griffiths Group Pty Limited ("Eley Griffiths") became a substantial holder on March 7, 2012, when it reported that it held 13,921,963 ordinary shares, or 5.02%, of the total voting power as of that date. Between March 2012 and June 2014, Eley Griffiths acquired an aggregate of 23,047,940 ordinary shares via open market purchases and anti-dilution adjustments and sold an aggregate of 9,630,278 ordinary shares via open market sales. On June 25, 2014, Eley Griffiths reported that it held 28,220,556 of our ordinary shares, or 5.15%, of the total voting power as of that date.

        We note that, with the exception of Mr. Hannes, each of our directors and executive officers owns less than 1% of our outstanding ordinary shares.

B.    Related Party Transactions

        Other than as disclosed below, from July 1, 2010 to December 31, 2013 we did not enter into any transactions or loans with any: (i) enterprises that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, control, are controlled by or are under common control with us; (ii) associates; (iii) individuals owning, directly or indirectly, an interest in our voting power that gives them significant influence over us, and close members of any such individual's family; (iv) key management personnel and close members of such individuals' families; or (v) enterprises in which a substantial interest in our voting power is owned, directly or indirectly, by any person described in (iii) or (iv) or over which such person is able to exercise significant influence.

        Neville Martin has been a director of Sundance since March 2012 and was a partner and is now a consultant of Minter Ellison, an Australian law firm. Minter Ellison was paid a total of $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million for legal services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, the six-month period ended December 31, 2012 and the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, respectively.

        On June 6, 2013, IOOF acquired 6,700,000 of our ordinary shares in a private placement for A$5,762,000.

C.    Interest of Experts and Counsel

        Not applicable.

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Item 8.    Financial Information

A.    Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information

        Our financial statements are included in Item 18 "Financial Statements."

Legal Proceedings

        From time to time, we are subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. Like other gas and oil producers and marketers, our operations are subject to extensive and rapidly changing federal and state environmental, health and safety, and other laws and regulations governing air emissions, wastewater discharges, and solid and hazardous waste management activities. We are not aware of any material pending or overtly threatened legal action against Sundance or its directors of senior management.

Dividends

        Subject to the Corporations Act and the ASX Listing Rules, the rights attaching to our ordinary shares are detailed in our Constitution. Our Constitution provides that any of our ordinary shares may be issued with preferred, deferred or other special rights, whether in relation to dividends, voting, return of share capital, payment of calls or otherwise as our board of directors may determine from time to time. Subject to the Corporations Act and the ASX Listing Rules, any rights and restrictions attached to a class of shares, we may issue further shares on such terms and conditions as our board of directors resolve. Currently, our outstanding share capital consists of only one class of ordinary shares.

        Our board of directors may from time to time determine to pay dividends to shareholders. All unclaimed dividends may be invested or otherwise made use of by our board of directors for our benefit until claimed or otherwise disposed of in accordance with our Constitution.

B.    Significant Changes

        In May 2014, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of approximately 60% and 30% working interests in 9,200 gross (5,700 net) and 18,000 gross (5,400 net) mineral acres in Dimmit and Maverick Counties, Texas, respectively. The purchase price includes an initial cash payment of $33 million and a commitment to drill four Eagle Ford wells. In addition, we have the option, at our sole discretion, to acquire the Seller's remaining 40% and 20% working interests in Dimmit and Maverick Counties, Texas (including the Seller's interest in producing wells) for an additional $45 million (comprised of the Seller's choice of all cash or cash and ordinary shares, with certain restrictions).

        In May 2014, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to divest our remaining Denver-Julesburg Basin assets. The sale price of $116 million in cash includes the reimbursement of capital expenditures incurred on 8 gross (3.1 net) non-operated horizontal wells. The sale is expected to close before September 30, 2014. As of December 31, 2013, our Denver-Julesburg properties consisted of approximately 5,815 gross (4,863 net) acres that are primarily located in Weld County, Colorado. In 2013, we spent $14.1 million drilling and/or completing a total of 20 gross (19.4 net) vertical Wattenberg wells and 14 gross (3.5 net) horizontal Niobrara wells, of which 22 were producing and 12 were awaiting completion as of December 31, 2013. During the month of December 2013, we had average net daily production of approximately 837 Boe/d from our Denver-Julesburg properties. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we had average net daily production of approximately 506 Boe/d from these properties.

        In May 2014, our borrowing capacity under our Credit Facilities increased from an aggregate of $63 million to $135 million and $50 million was drawn-down under our Credit Facilities subsequent to December 31, 2013. The increase in our borrowing capacity was driven by the significant uplift in our proved oil and gas reserves as of December 31, 2013. In conjunction with the increase in our borrowing

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base, we have expanded the syndicate of banks under our Senior Credit Facility. Led by Wells Fargo, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and the Bank of Nova Scotia have now joined the banking group.

        In April 2014, we acquired approximately 4,800 net acres in the Eagle Ford for an initial purchase price of approximately $10.5 million and two separate earn out payments due upon commencement of drilling ($7.7 million) and payout of the first six wells drilled on the acreage ($7.7 million). The term of the agreement is two years and provides a one year extension for $500 per acre extended. This acreage is adjacent to our current acreage in McMullen County, Texas.

        In February 2014, we completed a private placement in which we sold 84.2 million ordinary shares at A$0.95 per share, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $68.4 million. The first tranche of 63.7 million shares was issued in March 2014 and the second tranche of 20.5 million shares was issued in April 2014.

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Item 9.    The Offer and Listing

A.    Listing Details

Pricing History—Australian Securities Exchange

        Our ordinary shares were initially quoted and admitted to trading on the ASX (symbol: "SEA") in April 2005. The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the reported low and high market prices for our ordinary shares as quoted on the ASX. All prices are in Australian dollars.

 
  High   Low  
 
  A$
  A$
 

Annual:

             

Fiscal year ended December 31

             

2013

    1.18     0.76  

Six-month period ended December 31

             

2012

    0.85     0.38  

Fiscal year ended June 30

             

2012

    0.88     0.36  

2011

    1.10     0.17  

2010

    0.20     0.08  

2009

    0.54     0.03  

Quarterly:

   
 
   
 
 

Fiscal year ending December 31, 2014

             

Third Quarter (through July 8, 2014)

    1.27     1.16  

Second Quarter

    1.20     0.92  

First Quarter

    1.12     0.94  

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

             

Fourth Quarter

    1.18     0.88  

Third Quarter

    1.14     0.84  

Second Quarter

    1.13     0.77  

First Quarter

    1.11     0.76  

Six-month period ended December 31, 2012

             

Second Quarter

    0.84     0.66  

First Quarter

    0.85     0.38  

Fiscal year ended June 30, 2012

             

Fourth Quarter

    0.82     0.46  

Third Quarter

    0.83     0.40  

Second Quarter

    0.58     0.37  

First Quarter

    0.88     0.40  

Most Recent Six Months:

   
 
   
 
 

June 2014

    1.20     1.04  

May 2014

    1.11     0.94  

April 2014

    1.04     0.92  

March 2014

    1.02     0.94  

February 2014

    1.12     0.94  

January 2014

    1.05     0.94  

        On July 8, 2014, the closing price of our ordinary shares as traded on the ASX was A$1.26 per ordinary share (U.S.$1.18 per share based on the foreign exchange rate of A$1.00 to $0.9385 as published by the Reserve Bank of Australia as of July 8, 2014).

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        As of June 30, 2014, we had 548,714,663 ordinary shares outstanding, with 6,941,840 of our ordinary shares being held in the United States by 57 holders of record and 517,655,394 of our ordinary shares being held in Australia by 4,169 holders of record. A large number of our ordinary shares are held in nominee companies so we cannot be certain of the origin of those beneficial owners.


Rights and Restrictions on Classes of Shares

        Subject to the Corporations Act and the ASX Listing Rules, the rights attaching to our ordinary shares are detailed in our Constitution. Our Constitution provides that any of our ordinary shares may be issued with preferred, deferred or other special rights, whether in relation to dividends, voting, return of share capital, payment of calls or otherwise as our board of directors may determine from time to time. Subject to the Corporations Act and the ASX Listing Rules, any rights and restrictions attached to a class of shares, we may issue further shares on such terms and conditions as our board of directors resolve. Currently, our outstanding share capital consists of only one class of ordinary shares.

Dividend Rights

        Our board of directors may from time to time determine to pay dividends to shareholders. All unclaimed dividends may be invested or otherwise made use of by our board of directors for our benefit until claimed or otherwise disposed of in accordance with our Constitution.

Voting Rights

        Under our Constitution, each shareholder has one vote determined by a show of hands at a meeting of the shareholders. On a poll vote, each shareholder shall have one vote for each fully paid share and a fractional vote for each share that is not fully paid, such fraction being equivalent to the proportion of the amount that has been paid to such date on that share. Shareholders may vote by proxy, but not electronically. Under Australian law, shareholders of a public company are not permitted to approve corporate matters by written consent. Our Constitution does not provide for cumulative voting.

Right To Share in Our Profits

        Subject to the Corporations Act and pursuant to our Constitution, our shareholders are entitled to participate in our profits only by payment of dividends. Our board of directors may from time to time determine to pay dividends to the shareholders; however, no dividend is payable except in accordance with the thresholds set out in the Corporations Act.

Rights To Share in the Surplus in the Event of Liquidation

        Our Constitution provides for the right of shareholders to participate in a surplus in the event of our liquidation.

Redemption Provisions

        There are no redemption provisions in our Constitution in relation to ordinary shares. Under our Constitution and subject to the Corporations Act, any preference shares may be issued on the terms that they are, or may at our option be, liable to be redeemed.

Sinking Fund Provisions

        There are no sinking fund provisions in our Constitution in relation to ordinary shares.

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Liability for Further Capital Calls

        According to our Constitution, our board of directors may make any calls from time to time upon shareholders in respect of all monies unpaid on partly paid shares, subject to the terms upon which any of the partly paid shares have been issued. Each shareholder is liable to pay the amount of each call in the manner, at the time and at the place specified by our board of directors. Calls may be made payable by instalment.

Provisions Discriminating Against Holders of a Substantial Number of Shares

        There are no provisions under our Constitution discriminating against any existing or prospective holders of a substantial number of our ordinary shares.


Variation or Cancellation of Share Rights

        The rights attached to shares in a class of shares may only be varied or cancelled by a special resolution of Sundance, together with either:

    a special resolution passed by members holding shares in the class; or

    the written consent of members with at least 75% of the votes in the class.

        We must give written notice of any variation or cancellation if rights to the members of the class within seven days after the variation or cancellation is made.

B.    Plan of Distribution

        Not applicable.

C.    Markets

        Our ordinary shares trade on the ASX under the symbol "SEA."

D.    Selling Shareholders

        Not applicable.

E.    Dilution

        Not applicable.

F.     Expenses of the Issue

        Not applicable.

Item 10.    Additional Information

A.    Share Capital

        Not applicable.

B.    Our Constitution

        Our Constitution is similar in nature to the bylaws of a U.S. corporation. It does not provide for or prescribe any specific objectives or purposes of Sundance. Our Constitution is subject to the terms of the ASX Listing Rules and the Corporations Act. It may be amended or repealed and replaced by special resolution of shareholders, which is a resolution passed by at least 75% of the votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote on the resolution.

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        Under Australian law, a company has the legal capacity and powers of an individual both within and outside Australia. The material provisions of our Constitution are summarized below. This summary is not intended to be complete nor to constitute a definitive statement of the rights and liabilities of our shareholders. Our Constitution is filed as an exhibit to this registration statement.


Directors

Interested Directors

        Except where permitted by the Corporations Act, a director may not vote in respect of any contract or arrangement in which the director has, directly or indirectly, any material interest according to our Constitution. Such director must not be counted in a quorum, must not vote on the matter and must not be present at the meeting while the matter is being considered.

        Unless a relevant exception applies, the Corporations Act requires our directors to provide disclosure of certain interests and prohibits directors of companies listed on the ASX from voting on matters in which they have a material personal interest and from being present at the meeting while the matter is being considered. In addition, the Corporations Act and the ASX Listing Rules require shareholder approval of any provision of related party benefits to our directors.

Directors' Compensation

        Our directors are paid remuneration for their services as directors, which is determined in a general meeting of shareholders. The aggregate, fixed sum for directors' remuneration is to be divided among the directors in such proportion as the directors themselves agree and in accordance with our Constitution. The fixed sum remuneration for directors may not be increased except at a general meeting of shareholders and the particulars of the proposed increase are required to have been provided to shareholders in the notice convening the meeting. In addition, executive directors may be paid remuneration as employees of Sundance.

        Pursuant to our Constitution, any director who devotes special attention to our business or who otherwise performs services that in the opinion of our board of directors, are outside the scope of the ordinary duties of a director may be paid extra remuneration, which is determined by our board of directors.

        In addition to other remuneration provided in our Constitution, all of our directors are entitled to be paid by us for reasonable travel accommodation and other expenses incurred by the directors in attending company meetings, board meetings, committee meetings or while engaged on our business.

        In addition, in accordance with our Constitution, a director may be paid a retirement benefit as determined by our board of directors, subject to the limits set out in the Corporations Act and the ASX Listing Rules.

Borrowing Powers Exercisable by Directors

        Pursuant to our Constitution, the management and control of our business affairs are vested in our board of directors. Our board of directors has the power to raise or borrow money, and charge any of our property or business or any uncalled capital, and may issue debentures or give any other security for any of our debts, liabilities or obligations or of any other person, in each case, in the manner and on terms it deems fit.

Retirement of Directors

        Pursuant to our Constitution, one-third of our directors, other than the director who is the Chief Executive Officer, must retire from office at every annual general meeting. If the number of directors is

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not a multiple of three, then the number nearest, to but not less than, one-third must retire from office. The directors who retire in this manner are required to be the directors or director longest in office since last being elected. A director, other than the director who is the Chief Executive Officer, must retire from office at the conclusion of the third annual general meeting after which the director was elected. Retired directors are eligible for a re-election to the board of directors.

Share Qualifications

        There are currently no requirements for directors to own our ordinary shares in order to qualify as directors.


General Meetings of Shareholders

        General meetings of shareholders may be called by our board of directors. Except as permitted under the Corporations Act, shareholders may not convene a meeting. Under the Corporations Act, shareholders with at least 5% of the votes that may be cast at a general meeting may call and arrange to hold a general meeting. The Corporations Act requires the directors to call and arrange to hold a general meeting on the request of shareholders with at least 5% of the votes that may be cast at a general meeting or at least 100 shareholders who are entitled to vote at the general meeting. Notice of the proposed meeting of our shareholders is required at least 28 days prior to such meeting under the Corporations Act.

        According to our Constitution, the chairperson of the general meeting may refuse admission to or exclude from the meeting any person who is in possession of a picture recording or sound recording device, in possession of a placard or banner, in possession of an object considered by the chairperson to be dangerous, offensive or liable to cause disruption, any person who refuses to produce or permit examination of any object, who behaves or threatens to behave in a dangerous, offensive or destructive manner, or is not a director or one of our auditors, one of our shareholders, or a proxy, attorney or representative of one of our shareholders.


Foreign Ownership Regulation

        There are no limitations on the rights to own securities imposed by our Constitution. However, acquisitions and proposed acquisitions of shares in Australian companies may be subject to review and approval by the Australian Federal Treasurer under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (the "FATA"), which generally applies to acquisitions or proposed acquisitions:

    by a foreign person (as defined in the FATA) or associated foreign persons that would result in such persons having an interest in 15% or more of the issued shares of, or control of 15% or more of the voting power in, an Australian company; and

    by non-associated foreign persons that would result in such foreign person having an interest in 40% or more of the issued shares of, or control of 40% or more of the voting power in, an Australian company.

        The Australian Federal Treasurer may prevent a proposed acquisition in the above categories or impose conditions on such acquisition if the Treasurer is satisfied that the acquisition would be contrary to the national interest. If a foreign person acquires shares or an interest in shares in an Australian company in contravention of the FATA, the Australian Federal Treasurer may order the divestiture of such person's shares or interest in shares in Sundance. The Australian Federal Treasurer may order divestiture pursuant to the FATA if he determines that the acquisition has resulted in that foreign person, either alone or together with other non-associated or associated foreign persons, controlling Sundance and that such control is contrary to the national interest.

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Ownership Threshold

        There are no provisions in our Constitution that require a shareholder to disclose ownership above a certain threshold. The Corporations Act, however, requires a substantial shareholder to notify us and the Australian Securities Exchange once a 5% interest in our ordinary shares is obtained. Further, once a shareholder owns a 5% interest in us, such shareholder must notify us and the ASX of any increase or decrease of 1% or more in its holding of our ordinary shares. Upon becoming a U.S. public company, our shareholders will also be subject to disclosure requirements under U.S. securities laws.


Issues of Shares and Change in Capital

        Subject to our Constitution, the Corporations Act, the ASX Listing Rules and any other applicable law, we may at any time issue shares and grant options or warrants on any terms, with preferred, deferred or other special rights and restrictions and for the consideration and other terms that the directors determine. Our power to issue shares includes the power to issue bonus shares (for which no consideration is payable to Sundance), preference shares and partly paid shares.

        Subject to the requirements of our Constitution, the Corporations Act, the ASX Listing Rules and any other applicable law, including relevant shareholder approvals, we may consolidate or divide our share capital into a larger or smaller number by resolution, reduce our share capital (provided that the reduction is fair and reasonable to our shareholders as a whole and does not materially prejudice our ability to pay creditors) or buy back our ordinary shares whether under an equal access buy-back or on a selective basis.


Change of Control

        Takeovers of listed Australian public companies, such as Sundance, are regulated by the Corporations Act, which prohibits the acquisition of a "relevant interest" in issued voting shares in a listed company if the acquisition will lead to that person's or someone else's voting power in Sundance increasing from 20% or below to more than 20% or increasing from a starting point that is above 20% and below 90%, subject to a range of exceptions.

        Generally, a person will have a relevant interest in securities if the person:

    is the holder of the securities;

    has power to exercise, or control the exercise of, a right to vote attached to the securities; or

    has the power to dispose of, or control the exercise of a power to dispose of, the securities (including any indirect or direct power or control).

        If, at a particular time, a person has a relevant interest in issued securities and the person:

    has entered or enters into an agreement with another person with respect to the securities;

    has given or gives another person an enforceable right, or has been or is given an enforceable right by another person, in relation to the securities; or

    has granted or grants an option to, or has been or is granted an option by, another person with respect to the securities, and the other person would have a relevant interest in the securities if the agreement were performed, the right enforced or the option exercised, the other person is taken to already have a relevant interest in the securities.

        There are a number of exceptions to the above prohibition on acquiring a relevant interest in issued voting shares above 20%. In general terms, some of the more significant exceptions include:

    when the acquisition results from the acceptance of an offer under a formal takeover bid;

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    when the acquisition is conducted on market by or on behalf of the bidder under a takeover bid and the acquisition occurs during the bid period;

    when shareholders of Sundance approve the takeover by resolution passed at general meeting;

    an acquisition by a person if, throughout the six months before the acquisition, that person or any other person has had voting power in Sundance of at least 19% and, as a result of the acquisition, none of the relevant persons would have voting power in Sundance more than three percentage points higher than they had six months before the acquisition;

    as a result of a rights issue;

    as a result of dividend reinvestment schemes;

    as a result of underwriting arrangements;

    through operation of law;

    an acquisition that arises through the acquisition of a relevant interest in another listed company;

    arising from an auction of forfeited shares; or

    arising through a compromise, arrangement, liquidation or buy-back.

        Breaches of the takeovers provisions of the Corporations Act are criminal offenses. ASIC and the Australian Takeover Panel have a wide range of powers relating to breaches of takeover provisions, including the ability to make orders canceling contracts, freezing transfers of, and rights attached to, securities, and forcing a party to dispose of securities. There are certain defenses to breaches of the takeover provisions provided in the Corporations Act.


Share Rights

        For information regarding the provisions in our Constitution relating to rights and restrictions on our shares and variation or cancellation of share rights, please see Item 9.A. "The Offer and Listing—Listing Details."

C.    Material Contracts

Credit Facilities

        On December 31 2012, we entered into our Senior Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The Senior Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of our assets. As of December 31, 2013, the borrowing base was $48 million and there was $15 million outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility.

        In August 2013, we entered into our Junior Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as the administrative agent, which provides for term loans to be made to us in a series of draws up to $100 million. The Junior Credit Facility has a stated maturity of five years and is secured by a second priority lien on substantially all of our assets. As of December 31, 2013, there was $15 million outstanding under the Junior Credit Facility.

        In May 2014, our borrowing capacity under our Credit Facilities increased from an aggregate of $63 million to $135 million. The increase in our borrowing capacity was driven by the significant uplift in our proved oil and gas reserves as of December 31, 2013. In conjunction with the increase in our borrowing base, we have expanded the syndicate of banks under our Senior Credit Facility. Led by Wells Fargo, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and the Bank of Nova Scotia have now joined the banking group.

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        For a description of the material terms of our credit facilities, see Item 5.B. "Liquidity and Capital Resources— Credit Facilities ."

D.    Exchange Controls

        The Australian dollar is convertible into U.S. dollars at freely floating rates. There are no legal restrictions on the flow of Australian dollars between Australia and the United States. Any remittances of dividends or other payments by Sundance to persons in the United States are not and will not be subject to any exchange controls.

E.    Taxation

         The following is a summary of material U.S. federal and Australian income tax considerations to U.S. holders, as defined below, of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares. This discussion is based on the laws in force as of the date of this registration statement, and is subject to changes in the relevant income tax law, including changes that could have retroactive effect. The following summary does not take into account or discuss the tax laws of any country or other taxing jurisdiction other than the United States and Australia. Holders are advised to consult their tax advisors concerning the overall tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares in their particular circumstances. This discussion is not intended, and should not be construed, as legal or professional tax advice.

         This summary does not describe U.S. federal estate and gift tax considerations or any state and local tax considerations within the United States, and is not a comprehensive description of all U.S. federal or Australian income tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to acquire or dispose of ordinary shares. Furthermore, this summary does not address U.S. federal or Australian income tax considerations relevant to holders subject to taxing jurisdictions other than, or in addition to, the United States and Australia, and does not address all possible categories of holders, some of which may be subject to special tax rules.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

        The following summary describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares as of the date hereof. Except where noted, this summary deals only with ordinary shares held as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). This section does not discuss the tax consequences to any particular holder, nor any tax considerations that may apply to holders subject to special tax rules, such as:

    insurance companies;

    financial institutions;

    individual retirement and other tax-deferred accounts;

    regulated investment companies;

    real estate investment trusts;

    individuals who are former U.S. citizens or former long-term U.S. residents;

    brokers or dealers in securities or currencies;

    traders that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting;

    investors in pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

    tax-exempt entities;

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    persons subject to the alternative minimum tax;

    persons that hold ordinary shares as a position in a straddle or as part of a hedging, constructive sale or conversion transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

    persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar;

    persons that own (directly, indirectly or constructively) 10% or more of our equity; or

    persons that are not U.S. holders (as defined below).

        In this section, a "U.S. holder" means a beneficial owner of ordinary shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

    an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

    a corporation, or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

    an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

    a trust (i) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a court in the United States and for which one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions or (ii) that has an election in effect under applicable income tax regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

        As used in this section, a "non-U.S. holder" is a beneficial owner of ordinary shares that is not a U.S. holder or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        The discussion below is based upon the provisions of the Code, and the U.S. Treasury regulations, rulings and judicial decisions thereunder as of the date hereof, and such authorities may be replaced, revoked or modified, possibly with retroactive effect, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below.

        If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes acquires, owns or disposes of ordinary shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners of partnerships that acquire, own or dispose of ordinary shares should consult their tax advisors.

         You are urged to consult your own tax advisor with respect to the U.S. federal, as well as state, local and non-U.S., tax consequences to you of acquiring, owning and disposing of ordinary shares in light of your particular circumstances, including the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal and other tax laws.

Distributions

        Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, U.S. holders generally will include as dividend income the U.S. dollar value of the gross amount of any distributions of cash or property (without deduction for any withholding tax), other than certain pro rata distributions of ordinary shares, with respect to ordinary shares to the extent the distributions are made from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A U.S. holder of ordinary shares will include the dividend income on the day actually or constructively received by the holder. To the extent, if any, that the amount of any distribution by us exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as so determined, the excess will be treated first as a tax-free return of the U.S. holder's tax basis in the ordinary shares and thereafter as capital gain. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we do not intend to maintain calculations of earnings and profits, as

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determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Consequently, any distributions generally will be reported as dividend income for U.S. information reporting purposes. See "Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting Requirements" below. Dividends paid by us will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporate shareholders.

        Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by an individual, trust or estate with respect to the ordinary shares will be subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 20% if the dividends are "qualified dividends." Dividends paid on ordinary shares will be treated as qualified dividends if (i) either (a) we are eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") has approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules, or (b) the dividends are with respect to ordinary shares readily tradable on a U.S. securities market, provided that we are not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and are not, in the year which the dividend is paid, a PFIC and (ii) certain holding period requirements are met. The Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Australia for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (the "Treaty") has been approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules, and we expect to qualify for benefits under the Treaty. However, the determination of whether a dividend qualifies for the preferential tax rates must be made at the time the dividend is paid. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisers.

        Includible distributions paid in Australian dollars, including any Australian withholding taxes, will be included in the gross income of a U.S. holder in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the spot exchange rate in effect on the date of actual or constructive receipt, regardless of whether the Australian dollars are converted into U.S. dollars at that time. If Australian dollars are converted into U.S. dollars on the date of actual or constructive receipt, the tax basis of the U.S. holder in those Australian dollars will be equal to their U.S. dollar value on that date and, as a result, a U.S. holder generally should not be required to recognize any foreign exchange gain or loss.

        If Australian dollars so received are not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, the U.S. holder will have a basis in the Australian dollars equal to their U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the Australian dollars generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss to such U.S. holder and generally will be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

        Dividends received by a U.S. holder with respect to ordinary shares will be treated as foreign source income, which may be relevant in calculating the holder's foreign tax credit limitation. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. For these purposes, dividends generally will be categorized as "passive" or "general" income depending on a U.S. holder's circumstance.

        Subject to certain complex limitations, a U.S. holder generally will be entitled, at its option, to claim either a credit against its U.S. federal income tax liability or a deduction in computing its U.S. federal taxable income in respect of any Australian taxes withheld. If a U.S. holder elects to claim a deduction, rather than a foreign tax credit, for Australian taxes withheld for a particular taxable year, the election will apply to all foreign taxes paid or accrued by or on behalf of the U.S. holder in the particular taxable year.

        You may not be able to claim a foreign tax credit (and instead may claim a deduction) for non-U.S. taxes imposed on dividends paid on the ordinary shares if you (i) have held the ordinary shares for less than a specified minimum period during which you are not protected from risk of loss with respect to such shares, or (ii) are obligated to make payments related to the dividends (for example, pursuant to a short sale).

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        The availability of the foreign tax credit and the application of the limitations on its availability are fact specific and are subject to complex rules. You are urged to consult your own tax advisor as to the consequences of Australian withholding taxes and the availability of a foreign tax credit or deduction. See "—Australian Tax Considerations—Taxation of Dividends."

Sale, Exchange or other Disposition of Ordinary Shares

        Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, a U.S. holder generally will, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, recognize capital gain or loss on a sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares equal to the difference between the amount realized on the disposition and the U.S. holder's tax basis (in U.S. dollars) in the ordinary shares. This recognized gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder has held the ordinary shares for more than one year. Generally, for U.S. holders who are individuals (as well as certain trusts and estates), long-term capital gains are subject to U.S. federal income tax at preferential rates. For foreign tax credit limitation purposes, gain or loss recognized upon a disposition generally will be treated as from sources within the United States. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the availability of a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of any Australian tax imposed on a sale or other disposition of ordinary shares. See "—Australian Tax Considerations—Tax on Sales or other Dispositions of Shares."

Passive Foreign Investment Company

        The Code provides special, generally adverse, rules regarding certain distributions received by U.S. holders with respect to, and sales, exchanges and other dispositions, including pledges, of, shares of stock of a PFIC. A foreign corporation will be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year if at least 75% of its gross income for the taxable year is passive income or at least 50% of its gross assets during the taxable year, based on a quarterly average and generally by value, produce or are held for the production of passive income. Passive income for this purpose generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, gains from commodities and securities transactions and gains from assets that produce passive income. In determining whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC, a pro-rata portion of the income and assets of each corporation in which it owns, directly or indirectly, at least a 25% interest (by value) is taken into account.

        Based on our business results for the last fiscal year and composition of our assets, we do not believe that we were a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the taxable year ended December 31, 2013. Similarly, based on our business projections and the anticipated composition of our assets for the current and future years, we do not expect that we will be a PFIC for the taxable year ending December 31, 2014. However, a separate determination is required after the close of each taxable year as to whether we are a PFIC. If our actual business results do not match our projections, it is possible that we may become a PFIC in the current or any future taxable year. Because the determination of our PFIC status is based on an annual determination that cannot be made until the close of a taxable year, and involves extensive factual investigation, including ascertaining the fair market value of all of our assets on a quarterly basis and the character of each item of income we earn, our U.S. counsel expresses no opinion with respect to our PFIC status.

        If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. holder holds ordinary shares, any "excess distribution" that the holder receives and any gain realized from a sale or other disposition (including a pledge) of such ordinary shares will be subject to special tax rules, unless the holder makes a mark-to-market election or qualified electing fund election, as discussed below. Any distribution in a taxable year that is greater than 125% of the average annual distribution received by a U.S. holder

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during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or such holder's holding period for the ordinary shares will be treated as an excess distribution. Under these special tax rules:

    the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over the U.S. holder's holding period for the ordinary shares;

    the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we are a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income; and

    the amount allocated to each other year will be subject to income tax at the highest rate in effect for that year and the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such year.

        The tax liability for amounts allocated to years prior to the year of disposition or excess distribution cannot be offset by any net operating loss, and gains (but not losses) realized on the transfer of the ordinary shares cannot be treated as capital gains, even if the ordinary shares are held as capital assets. In addition, non-corporate U.S. holders will not be eligible for reduced rates of taxation on any dividends that we pay if we are a PFIC for either the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding year. Furthermore, unless otherwise provided by the U.S. Treasury Department, each U.S. holder of a PFIC is required to file an annual report containing such information as the U.S. Treasury Department may require.

        If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which any of our non-U.S. subsidiaries is also a PFIC, a U.S. holder of ordinary shares during such year would be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of the lower-tier PFIC for purposes of the application of these rules to such subsidiary. You should consult your tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if the PFIC rules apply to any of our subsidiaries.

        In certain circumstances, in lieu of being subject to the excess distribution rules discussed above, you may make an election to include gain on the stock of a PFIC as ordinary income under a mark-to-market method, provided that such stock is regularly traded on a qualified exchange. Generally, a "qualified exchange" includes a foreign securities exchange that is regulated or supervised by a governmental authority of the country in which the market is located and that has certain characteristics. A class of stock is "regularly traded" on an exchange or market for any calendar year during which that class of stock is traded, other than in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. Our ordinary shares are listed on the ASX. So long as our ordinary shares are regularly traded on that exchange, we expect that the mark-to-market election would be available to you were we to be or become a PFIC.

        If you make an effective mark-to-market election, you will include in each year that we are a PFIC as ordinary income the excess of the fair market value of your ordinary shares at the end of your taxable year over your adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares. You will be entitled to deduct as an ordinary loss in each such year the excess of your adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares over their fair market value at the end of the year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. If you make an effective mark-to-market election, any gain you recognize upon the sale or other disposition of your ordinary shares will be treated as ordinary income and any loss will be treated as ordinary loss, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election.

        Your adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares will be increased by the amount of any income inclusion and decreased by the amount of any deductions under the mark-to-market rules. If you make a mark-to-market election it will be effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years unless the ordinary shares are no longer regularly traded on a qualified exchange or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election. You are urged to consult your tax advisors about the availability of the mark-to-market election, and whether making the election would

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be advisable in your particular circumstances. Any distributions we make would generally be subject to the rules discussed above under "—Taxation of Dividends," except the reduced rates of taxation on any dividends received from us would not apply.

        Alternatively, you can sometimes avoid the PFIC rules described above by electing to treat us as a "qualified electing fund" under Section 1295 of the Code. However, this option likely will not be available to you because we do not intend to comply with the requirements necessary to permit you to make this election.

        U.S. holders are urged to contact their own tax advisors regarding the determination of whether we are a PFIC and the tax consequences of such status.

Medicare Tax

        A U.S. holder, which is an individual, an estate or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax, will be subject to a 3.8% tax (the "Medicare Tax") on the lesser of (i) the U.S. holder's "net investment income" for the relevant taxable year and (ii) the excess of the U.S. holder's modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (which in the case of individuals will be between US$125,000 and US$250,000 depending on the individual's circumstances). A U.S. holder's net investment income will generally include dividends received on the ordinary shares and net gains from the disposition of ordinary shares, unless such dividend income or net gains are derived in the ordinary course of the conduct of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that consists of certain passive or trading activities). A U.S. holder that is an individual, estate or trust should consult the holder's tax advisor regarding the applicability of the Medicare Tax to the holder's dividend income and gains in respect of the holder's investment in the ordinary shares.

Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting Requirements

        U.S. backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements may apply to payments to non-corporate holders of ordinary shares. Information reporting will apply to payments of dividends on, and to proceeds from the disposition of, ordinary shares by a paying agent within the United States to a U.S. holder, other than an "exempt recipient," including a corporation and certain other persons that, when required, demonstrate their exempt status. A paying agent within the United States will be required to withhold at the applicable statutory rate, currently 28%, in respect of any payments of dividends on, and the proceeds from the disposition of, ordinary shares within the United States to a U.S. holder, other than an "exempt recipient," if the holder fails to furnish its correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with applicable backup withholding requirements. U.S. holders who are required to establish their exempt status generally must provide IRS Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification).

        Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as a result of backup withholding may be credited against a U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability. A U.S. holder generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS in a timely manner and furnishing any required information.

        Under the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2010 and recently promulgated Treasury Regulations, certain U.S. holders may be required to report information with respect to such holder's interest in "specified foreign financial assets" (as defined in Section 6038D of the Code), including stock of a non-U.S. corporation that is not held in an account maintained by a U.S. "financial institution," if the aggregate value of all such assets exceeds US$50,000 on the last day of the taxable year or US$75,000 at any time during such year. Persons who are required to report specified foreign financial assets and fail to do so may be subject to substantial penalties. U.S. holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding foreign financial asset reporting obligations and their possible application to the holding of ordinary shares.

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         The discussion above is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax considerations applicable to an investment in ordinary shares. You should consult with your own tax advisor concerning the tax consequences to you in your particular situation.

Australian Tax Considerations

        In this section, we discuss the material Australian income tax, stamp duty and goods and services tax considerations related to the acquisition, ownership and disposal by the absolute beneficial owners of the ordinary shares. It is based upon existing Australian tax law as of the date of this registration statement, which is subject to change, possibly retrospectively. This discussion does not address all aspects of Australian tax law which may be important to particular investors in light of their individual investment circumstances, such as shares held by investors subject to special tax rules (for example, financial institutions, insurance companies or tax exempt organizations). In addition, this summary does not discuss any foreign or state tax considerations, other than stamp duty and goods and services tax. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the Australian and foreign income and other tax considerations of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the shares. This summary is based upon the premise that the holder is not an Australian tax resident and is not carrying on business in Australia through a permanent establishment.

    Taxation of Dividends

        Australia operates a dividend imputation system under which dividends may be declared to be "franked" to the extent of tax paid on company profits. Fully franked dividends are not subject to dividend withholding tax. Dividends payable to non-Australian resident shareholders that are not operating from an Australian permanent establishment ("Foreign Shareholders") will be subject to dividend withholding tax, to the extent the dividends are not foreign sourced and declared to be conduit foreign income ("CFI") and are unfranked. Dividend withholding tax will be imposed at 30%, unless a shareholder is a resident of a country with which Australia has a double taxation agreement and qualifies for the benefits of the treaty. Under the provisions of the current Double Taxation Convention between Australia and the United States, the Australian tax withheld on unfranked dividends that are not CFI paid by us to which a resident of the United States is beneficially entitled is limited to 15%.

        If a company that is a non-Australian resident shareholder owns a 10% or more interest, the Australian tax withheld on dividends paid by us to which a resident of the United States is beneficially entitled is limited to 5%. In limited circumstances the rate of withholding can be reduced to zero.

    Tax on Sales or other Dispositions of Shares—Capital gains tax

        Foreign Shareholders will not be subject to Australian capital gains tax on the gain made on a sale or other disposal of our ordinary shares, unless they, together with associates, hold 10% or more of our issued capital, at the time of disposal or for 12 months of the last 2 years prior to disposal.

        Foreign Shareholders who own a 10% or more interest would be subject to Australian capital gains tax if more than 50% of our direct or indirect assets, determined by reference to market value, consists of Australian land, leasehold interests or Australian mining, quarrying or prospecting rights. The Double Taxation Convention between the United States and Australia is unlikely to limit the amount of this taxable gain. Australian capital gains tax applies to net capital gains at a taxpayer's marginal tax rate but for certain shareholders a discount of the capital gain may apply if the shares have been held for 12 months or more prior to disposal. We note that legislation was introduced in June 2013 to remove the 50% discount for foreign resident individuals on gains accrued after May 8, 2012. Companies are not entitled to a discount on capital gains tax. Net capital gains are calculated after reduction for capital losses, which may only be offset against capital gains.

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    Tax on Sales or other Dispositions of Shares—Shareholders Holding Shares on Revenue Account

        Some Foreign Shareholders may hold shares on revenue rather than on capital account for example, share traders. These shareholders may have the gains made on the sale or other disposal of the shares included in their assessable income under the ordinary income provisions of the income tax law, if the gains are sourced in Australia.

        Non-Australian resident shareholders assessable under these ordinary income provisions in respect of gains made on shares held on revenue account would be assessed for such gains at the Australian tax rates for non-Australian residents, which start at a marginal rate of 32.5%. Some relief from Australian income tax may be available to such non-Australian resident shareholders under the Double Taxation Convention between the United States and Australia.

        To the extent an amount would be included in a non-Australian resident shareholder's assessable income under both the capital gains tax provisions and the ordinary income provisions, the capital gain amount would generally be reduced, so that the shareholder would not be subject to double tax on any part of the income gain or capital gain.

    Dual Residency

        If a shareholder were a resident of both Australia and the United States under those countries' domestic taxation laws, that shareholder may be subject to tax as an Australian resident. If, however, the shareholder is determined to be a U.S. resident for the purposes of the Double Taxation Convention between the United States and Australia, the Australian tax would be subject to limitation by the Double Taxation Convention. Shareholders should obtain specialist taxation advice in these circumstances.

    Stamp Duty

        No stamp duty is payable by Australian residents or foreign residents on the issue and trading of shares that are quoted on the ASX at all relevant times and the shares do not represent 90% or more of all issued shares in Sundance.

    Australian Death Duty

        Australia does not have estate or death duties. As a general rule, no capital gains tax liability is realized upon the inheritance of a deceased person's shares. The disposal of inherited shares by beneficiaries may, however, give rise to a capital gains tax liability if the gain falls within the scope of Australia's jurisdiction to tax (as discussed above).

    Goods and Services Tax

        The issue or transfer of shares to a non-Australian resident investor will not incur Australian goods and services tax.

F.     Dividends and Paying Agents

        Not applicable.

G.    Statement by Experts

        The audited consolidated financial statements of Sundance Energy Australia Limited as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and as of and for the six months ended December 31, 2012, appearing in this registration statement, have been audited by Ernst & Young, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of the firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

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        The audited consolidated financial statements of Sundance Energy Australia Limited as of June 30, 2012 and 2011 and for each of the two years in the period ended June 30, 2012 appearing in this registration statement, have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of the firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

        KPMG, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the consolidated financial statements of Texon Petroleum Limited for our fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012, as set forth in their report. We have included such financial statements herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of the firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

        The liability of KPMG, in relation to the performance of their professional services provided to Texon Petroleum Ltd including, without limitation, KPMG's audits of Texon Petroleum Ltd's consolidated financial statements described above, is limited under the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (NSW) Scheme approved by the New South Wales Professional Standards Council or such other applicable scheme approved pursuant to the Professional Standards Act 1994 (NSW), including the Treasury Legislation Amendment (Professional Standards) Act (the "Accountants Scheme").

        If the limitation of liability as set forth in the paragraph above does not apply, it is agreed that, to the extent permitted by law, KPMG's liability for any loss, including without limitation liability for any negligent act or omission by KPMG, shall be limited to an amount equal to ten (10) times the reasonable charge for the services up to a maximum amount of AUD20million.

        The information included in this registration statement regarding estimated quantities of proved reserves, the future net revenues from those reserves and their present value is based on estimates of the proved reserves, and present values of proved reserves as of December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012 and 2011. The reserve estimates are based on reports prepared by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent reserve engineers. These estimates are included in this registration statement in reliance upon the authority of each such firm as an expert in these matters.

H.    Documents on Display

        Inspection of our records is governed by the Corporations Act. Any member of the public has the right to inspect or obtain copies of our registers on the payment of a prescribed fee. Shareholders are not required to pay a fee for inspection of our registers or minute books of the meetings of shareholders. Other corporate records, including minutes of directors' meetings, financial records and other documents, are not open for inspection by shareholders. Where a shareholder is acting in good faith and an inspection is deemed to be made for a proper purpose, a shareholder may apply to the court to make an order for inspection of our books.

I.     Subsidiary Information

        Not applicable.

Item 11.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market

        We are exposed to a variety of financial market risks including interest rate, commodity prices, foreign exchange and liquidity risk. Our risk management focuses on the volatility of commodity markets and protecting cash flow in the event of declines in commodity pricing. We utilize derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures. Our financial instruments consist mainly of deposits with banks, short-term investments, accounts receivable, derivative financial instruments,

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finance facility and payables. The main purpose of non-derivative financial instruments is to raise finance for our operations.

        See to note 33 of our December 31, 2013 financial statements included in this registration statement for detailed information on our financial risk management.


Treasury Risk Management

        Financial risk management is carried out by our management. Our board of directors sets financial risk management policies and procedures to which our management is required to adhere. Our management identifies and evaluates financial risks and enters into financial risk instruments to mitigate these risk exposures in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined by our board of directors.

Financial Risk Exposure and Management

        The main risk to which we are exposed through our financial instruments is interest rate risk. We manage interest rate risk with a mixture of fixed and floating rate cash deposits. As of December 31, 2013, none of our deposits were fixed. It is our policy to keep surplus cash in interest-yielding deposits.

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis

        We perform a sensitivity analysis relating to our exposure to interest rate risk. The sensitivity analysis demonstrates the effect on results and equity that could result from a change in these risks. The impact on equity is the same as the impact on income. The effect on income as a result of changes in the interest rate, based on net debt position as of December 31, 2013 and taking into consideration interest rate swaps, with all other variables remaining constant for the year ended December 31, 2013, would be as follows (in $ '000s):

Change in profit/(loss)

       

—increase in interest rates + 2%

  $ (177 )

—decrease in interest rates - 2%

     

Commodity Price Risk Exposure and Management

        Our board of directors actively reviews oil and natural gas hedging on a monthly basis. Reports providing detailed analysis of our hedging activity are continually monitored against our policy. We sell our oil and natural gas on market using NYMEX market spot rates reduced for basis differentials in the basins from which we produce. We use forward contracts to manage our commodity price risk exposure. Our current policy is to hedge up to 80% of forecasted proved developed producing production, but not more than 25% of total estimated production for the next five years.

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        The following table provides a summary of derivative contracts as of December 31, 2013:

 
   
   
  Units per month    
   
   
 
   
   
  Floor
Price
  Ceiling
Price
   
Description
  Commodity   Basis   2014   2015   2016   Term

Collar

  Oil (Bbls)   NYMEX-WTI     2,500           $ 80.00   $ 98.25   Jul '14 - Dec '14

Collar

  Oil (Bbls)   NYMEX-WTI     3,000             90.00     99.75   Jul '13 - Jun '14

Collar

  Oil (Bbls)   NYMEX-WTI     3,000             85.00     94.75   Jan '14 - Dec '14

Swap

  Oil (Bbls)   NYMEX-WTI     2,000             97.40     97.40   Jan '14 - Dec '14

Collar

  Oil (Bbls)   NYMEX-WTI         2,000         75.00     98.65   Jan '15 - Dec '15

Collar

  Oil (Bbls)   NYMEX-WTI     2,000             90.00     102.85   Jan '14 - Dec '14

Collar

  Oil (Bbls)   NYMEX-WTI         2,000         80.00     97.00   Jan '15 - Dec '15

Collar

  Oil (Bbls)   LLS     2,000             90.00     102.00   Jan '14 - Dec '14

Collar

  Oil (Bbls)   LLS     3,000             90.00     101.30   Jan '14 - Dec '14

Collar

  Oil (Bbls)   LLS     2,000             85.00     102.00   Jan '14 - Dec '14

Collar

  Oil (Bbls)   LLS         3,000         85.00     101.05   Jan '15 - Dec '15

Swap

  Oil (Bbls)   LLS     3,000             101.75     101.75   Jul '13 - Jun '14

Swap

  Oil (Bbls)   LLS     3,000             100.15     102.30   Jan '14 - Dec '14

Swap

  Oil (Bbls)   LLS     3,000             102.30     102.30   Jan '14 - Dec '14
                                     

Total Oil/Weighted Average Price

            28,500     7,000         86.78     99.65   Jul '13 - Dec '15
                                     
                                     

Swap

  Gas (MMBtu)   NYMEX-HH     20,000             4.23     4.23   Jan '14 - Dec '14

Collar

  Gas (MMBtu)   HSC     10,000             3.75     4.60   Jan '14 - Dec '14
                                     

Total Gas/Weighted Average Price

            30,000             4.07     4.35   Jan '14 - Dec '14
                                     
                                     

        In the above tables, "NYMEX-WTI" refers to NYMEX-West Texas Intermediate, "NYMEX-HH" refers to NYMEX-Henry Hub, "LLS" refers to Light Louisiana Sweet and "HSC" refers to Houston Ship Channel.

Oil Prices Risk Sensitivity Analysis

        The table below summarizes the impact on income and equity for changes in commodity prices on the fair value of derivative financial instruments. The impact on equity is the same as the impact on income as these derivative financial instruments have not been designated as hedges and are, and therefore, fair valued through the statement of operations. The effect on income as a result of changes in crude oil and natural gas prices, with all variables remaining constant, for the ear ended December 31, 2013 would be as follows (in $ '000s):

Change in profit/(loss)

       

Oil

       

—improvement in oil price of $10 per Bbl

  $ (2,351 )

—decline in oil price of $10 per Bbl

    1,477  

Gas

       

—improvement in gas price of $0.50 per Mcf

  $ (124 )

—decline in gas price of $0.50 per Mcf

    180  

Foreign Currency Risk Sensitivity Analysis

        Effective July 1, 2011, our functional currency changed from Australian dollars to U.S. dollars. All of our operations are conducted in the United States and in transactions denominated in U.S. dollars. Only a relatively immaterial amount of administrative expense is incurred in Australia and paid in Australian dollars, and cash balances maintained in Australian banks are also relatively immaterial.

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Therefore, the impact resulting from changes in the value of the U.S. dollar to the Australian dollar would not have a material effect on our income and equity.

Counterparty and Customer Credit Risk

        In connection with our hedging activity, we have exposure to financial institutions in the form of derivative transactions. The counterparties on our derivative instruments currently in place have investment-grade credit ratings. We expect that any future derivative transactions we enter into will be with these counterparties or our lenders under our credit facilities that will carry an investment-grade credit rating.

        We are also subject to credit risk due to concentration of our oil and natural gas receivables with certain significant customers. The inability or failure of our significant customers to meet their obligations to us or their insolvency or liquidation may adversely affect our financial results. We review the credit rating, payment history and financial resources of our customers, but we do not require our customers to post collateral.

Item 12.    Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

        Not applicable.

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PART II

Item 13.    Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

        Not applicable.

Item 14.    Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and the Use of Proceeds

        Not applicable.

Item 15.    Controls and Procedures

        Not applicable.

Item 16A.    Audit Committee Financial Expert

        Not applicable.

Item 16B.    Code of Ethics

        Not applicable.

Item 16C.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services

        Not applicable.

Item 16D.    Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees.

        Not applicable.

Item 16E.    Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

        Not applicable.

Item 16F.    Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant

        In November 2012, Grant Thornton South Australian Partnership was terminated as our independent public accounting firm. Grant Thornton South Australian Partnership's reports, issued in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, on our financial statements for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

        Our board of directors and our shareholders approved the resignation of Grant Thornton South Australian Partnership and the appointment, on December 14, 2012, of Ernst & Young as our independent public accounting firm.

        During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 and through the effective date of Grant Thornton South Australian Partnership's resignation, there were no disagreements with Grant Thornton South Australian Partnership on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure that would have caused Grant Thornton South Australian Partnership to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in its reports.

        On July 18, 2013, Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd., was engaged to reaudit our financial statements for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 and issue a report in accordance with PCAOB standards. This engagement was approved by our board of directors. Such engagement was complete with the issuance of its report on October 18, 2013. Such report did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was

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not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During the period from July 18, 2013 to October 18, 2013, there were no disagreements with Grant Thornton LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure that would have caused Grant Thornton LLP to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in its reports.

        None of the events described in paragraphs (A) through (D) of Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F occurred in connection with the audits of our financial statements for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011 and 2012.

Item 16G.    Corporate Governance

        Not applicable.

Item 16H.    Mine Safety Disclosure

        Not applicable.

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PART III

Item 17.    Financial Statements

        Not applicable.

Item 18.    Financial Statements

        The financial statements are included as the "F" pages to this registration statement.

Item 19.    Exhibits

        See Exhibit Index.

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Appendix A

GLOSSARY OF SELECTED OIL AND NATURAL GAS TERMS

        We are in the business of exploring for and producing oil and natural gas. Oil and natural gas exploration is a specialized industry. Many of the terms used to describe our business are unique to the oil and natural gas industry. The following is a description of the meanings of some of the oil and natural gas industry terms used in this document.

        3-D seismic data.     Geophysical data that depicts the subsurface strata in three dimensions.

        Analogous reservoir.     Analogous reservoirs, as used in resource assessments, have similar rock and fluid properties, reservoir conditions (depth, temperature, and pressure) and drive mechanisms, but are typically at a more advanced stage of development than the reservoir of interest and thus may provide concepts to assist in the interpretation of more limited data and estimation of recovery. When used to support proved reserves, analogous reservoir refers to a reservoir that shares all of the following characteristics with the reservoir of interest: (i) the same geological formation (but not necessarily in pressure communication with the reservoir of interest; (ii) the same environment of deposition; (iii) similar geologic structure; and (iv) the same drive mechanism.

        Basin.     A large natural depression on the earth's surface in which sediments accumulate.

        Bbl.     One stock tank barrel, or 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume, of oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

        Boe.     Barrels of oil equivalent, with 6,000 cubic feet of natural gas being equivalent to one barrel of oil.

        Boe/d.     Barrels of oil equivalent per day.

         Btu or British thermal unit .    The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

        Completion.     The installation of permanent equipment for the production of oil or natural gas.

        Deterministic method.     The method of estimating reserves or resources is called deterministic when a single value for each parameter (from the geoscience, engineering or economic data) in the reserves calculation is used in the reserves estimation procedure.

        Developed acreage.     The number of acres that are allocated or assignable to productive wells or wells capable of production.

        Development costs.     Costs incurred to obtain access to proved reserves and to provide facilities for extracting, treating, gathering and storing oil and natural gas.

        Development well.     A well drilled within the proved boundaries of an oil or natural gas reservoir with the intention of completing the stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.

        Dry well.     A well found to be incapable of producing hydrocarbons in sufficient quantities such that proceeds from the sale of such production exceeds production expenses and taxes.

         Economically producible or viable .    The term economically producible or economically viable, as it relates to a resource, means a resource that generates revenue that exceeds, or is reasonably expected to exceed, the costs of the operation. The value of the products that generate revenue shall be determined at the terminal point of oil and natural gas producing activities.

         Estimated ultimate recovery or EUR .    Estimated ultimate recovery is the sum of reserves remaining as of a given date and cumulative production as of that date.

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        Exploitation.     Optimizing oil and natural gas production from producing properties or establishing additional reserves in producing areas through additional drilling or the application of new technology.

        Exploratory well.     A well drilled to find and produce oil or natural gas reserves not classified as proved, to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or natural gas in another reservoir or to extend a known reservoir.

        Field.     An area consisting of either a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on or related to the same individual geological structural feature and/or stratigraphic condition.

         Gross acres or gross wells .    The total acres or wells, as the case may be, in which a working interest is owned.

        Held-by-production acreage.     Acreage covered by a mineral lease that perpetuates a company's right to operate a property as long as the property produces a minimum paying quantity of oil or gas.

        Horizontal well.     A well in which a portion of the well has been drilled horizontally within a productive or potentially productive formation. This operation usually results in the ability of the well to produce higher volumes than a vertical well drilled in the same formation.

         Hydraulic fracturing or fracking .    The technique of improving a well's production or injection rates by pumping a mixture of fluids into the formation and rupturing the rock, creating an artificial channel. As part of this technique, sand or other material may also be injected into the formation to keep the channel open, so that fluids or natural gases may more easily flow through the formation.

        Injection.     A well which is used to place liquids or natural gases into the producing zone during secondary/tertiary recovery operations to assist in maintaining reservoir pressure and enhancing recoveries from the field.

        MBoe.     Thousand barrels of oil equivalent with 6,000 cubic feet of natural gas being equivalent to one barrel of oil.

        MMBoe.     Million barrels of oil equivalent with 6,000 cubic feet of natural gas being equivalent to one barrel of oil.

        Mcf.     Thousand cubic feet of natural gas.

        MMBtu.     Million British Thermal Units.

         Natural gas liquids or NGL.     Hydrocarbons found in natural gas which may be extracted as liquefied petroleum gas and natural gasoline.

         Net acres or net wells.     The sum of the fractional working interests owned in gross acres or wells, as the case may be. An owner who has 50% interest in 100 acres owns 50 net acres.

        NYMEX.     New York Mercantile Exchange.

        Overriding royalty interest.     A fractional, undivided interest or right of participation in the oil or natural gas, or in the proceeds from the sale of the oil or natural gas, produced from a specified tract or tracts, which is limited in duration to the terms of an existing lease and which is not subject to any portion of the expense of development, operation or maintenance.

        Possible Reserves.     Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. When deterministic methods are used, the total quantities ultimately recovered from a project have a low probability of exceeding proved plus probable plus possible reserves. When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 10% probability that the total

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quantities ultimately recovered will equal or exceed proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates.

        Probable Reserves.     Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered. When deterministic methods are used, it is as likely as not that actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of estimated proved plus probable reserves. When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 50% probability that the actual quantities recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable reserves estimates.

        Probabilistic method.     The method of estimation of reserves or resources is called probabilistic when the full range of values that could reasonably occur for each unknown parameter (from the geoscience and engineering data) is used to generate a full range of possible outcomes and their associated probabilities of occurrence.

        Productive well.     A well that is producing or is capable of production, including natural gas wells awaiting pipeline connections to commence deliveries and oil wells awaiting connection to production facilities.

        Prospect.     A specific geographic area which, based on supporting geological, geophysical or other data and also preliminary economic analysis using reasonably anticipated prices and costs, is deemed to have potential for the discovery of commercial hydrocarbons.

         Proved oil and natural gas reserves or Proved reserves .    Proved oil and natural gas reserves are those quantities of oil and natural gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulation prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced, or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project, within a reasonable time.

        The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes all of the following: (i) the area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts, if any; and (ii) adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain economically producible oil and natural gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.

        In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering or performance data and reliable technology establish a lower contact with reasonable certainty. Where direct observation from well penetrations has defined a highest known oil elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience, engineering or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher contact with reasonable certainty.

        Reserves that can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when: (i) successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous reservoir or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based; and (ii) the project has been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.

        Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined. The price shall be the 12-month first day of the month historical average

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price during the twelve- month period prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of- the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.

         Proved undeveloped reserves or PUD .    Proved undeveloped oil and natural gas reserves are reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion. Reserves on undrilled acreage are limited to those drilling units offsetting productive units that are reasonably certain of production when drilled. Proved reserves for other undrilled units are claimed only where it can be demonstrated with certainty that there is continuity of production from the existing productive formation. Estimates for proved undeveloped reserves will not be attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual tests in the area and in the same reservoir.

        Reasonable certainty.     If deterministic methods are used, reasonable certainty means a high degree of confidence that the quantities will be recovered. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 90% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate. A high degree of confidence exists if the quantity is much more likely to be achieved than not, and, as changes due to increased availability of geoscience (geological, geophysical and geochemical), engineering and economic data are made to estimated ultimate recovery with time, reasonably certain estimated ultimate recovery is much more likely to increase or remain constant than to decrease.

        Reliable technology.     Reliable technology is a grouping of one or more technologies (including computational methods) that has been field tested and has been demonstrated to provide reasonably certain results with consistency and repeatability in the formation being evaluated or in an analogous formation.

        Reserves.     Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and natural gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations. In addition, there must exist, or there must be a reasonable expectation that there will exist, the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in the production, installed means of delivering oil and natural gas or related substances to market and all permits and financing required to implement the project.

        Reservoir.     A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible oil and/or natural gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is individual and separate from other reservoirs.

        Resource play.     These plays develop over long periods of time, well- by-well, in large-scale operations. They typically have lower than average long-term decline rates and lower geological and commercial development risk than conventional plays. Unlike most conventional exploration and development, resource plays are relatively predictable in timing, costs, production rates and reserve additions which can provide steady long-term reserves and production growth.

        Resources.     Resources are quantities of oil and natural gas estimated to exist in naturally occurring accumulations. A portion of the resources may be estimated to be recoverable and another portion may be considered unrecoverable. Resources include both discovered and undiscovered accumulations.

        Stratigraphic horizon.     A sealed geologic container capable of retaining hydrocarbons that was formed by changes in rock type or pinch-outs, unconformities, or sedimentary features such as reefs.

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        Undeveloped acreage.     Lease acreage on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would permit the production of commercial quantities of oil or natural gas regardless of whether or not such acreage contains proved reserves.

         Undeveloped oil and natural gas reserves or Undeveloped reserves .    Undeveloped oil and natural gas reserves are reserves of any category that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion. Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those directly offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of economic producibility at greater distances. Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, unless the specific circumstances justify a longer time. Under no circumstances shall estimates for undeveloped reserves be attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir, or by other evidence using reliable technology establishing reasonable certainty.

        Working interest.     The operating interest that gives the owner the right to drill, produce and conduct operating activities on the property and receive a share of production.

        Workover.     The repair or stimulation of an existing production well for the purpose of restoring, prolonging or enhancing the production of hydrocarbons.

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Sundance Energy Australia Limited

       

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:

       

Introduction

    F-2  

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss for the Year Ended December 31, 2013

    F-4  

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2013

    F-5  

Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

    F-6  

Consolidated Financial Statements for December 31, 2013 and the Year Then Ended:

   
 
 

Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm

    F-8  

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income

    F-9  

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

    F-10  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

    F-11  

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

    F-12  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

    F-13  

Consolidated Financial Statements for December 31, 2012 and the Six-Month Period Then Ended:

   
 
 

Reports of Registered Public Accounting Firms

    F-65  

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income

    F-67  

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

    F-68  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

    F-69  

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

    F-70  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

    F-71  

Consolidated Financial Statements for December 31, 2011 and the Six-Month Period Then Ended (Unaudited):

   
 
 

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income

    F-115  

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

    F-116  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

    F-117  

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

    F-118  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

    F-119  

Consolidated Financial Statements for June 30, 2012 and 2011 the Years Then Ended:

   
 
 

Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm

    F-125  

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income

    F-126  

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

    F-127  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

    F-128  

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

    F-129  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

    F-130  

Armadillo Petroleum Ltd (formerly Texon Petroleum Ltd)

   
 
 

Consolidated Financial Statements for December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the Years Then Ended:

       

Independent Auditor's Report

    F-169  

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

    F-170  

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

    F-171  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

    F-172  

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

    F-173  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

    F-174  

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Texon Acquisition

        On March 8, 2013, Sundance Energy Australia Limited ("the Company"), acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Texon Petroleum Ltd ("Texon", whose name was changed to Armadillo Petroleum Ltd ("Armadillo")), an Australian corporation with oil and natural gas assets in the Eagle Ford formation in the United States. The Company acquired Texon to gain access to its existing production and drilling inventory in the Eagle Ford formation. As consideration, the Company issued 122.7 million ordinary shares (approximately 30.6% of the total outstanding shares immediately subsequent to the acquisition), which had a fair value of $132.1 million on the acquisition date and net cash consideration of $26.3 million for a total purchase price of $158.4 million. The net cash consideration includes a $141.0 million pre-merger purchase by the Company of certain Texon oil and natural gas properties, offset by $114.7 million of cash acquired at the time of the merger. The current income tax liability, included in accrued expenses, and deferred tax liability of $33.4 million and $16.9 million, respectively, are comprised of tax liabilities assumed as at the acquisition date and an increase in the tax liability related to the incremental acquisition date fair value of the acquired development and production and exploration and evaluation assets as compared to Texon's historical basis.

Phoenix Prospect Divestiture

        In December 2013, the Company sold its interest in properties located in the Phoenix prospect of the Bakken, North Dakota for $35.5 million. The prospect included 77 gross producing wells in McKenzie, Dunn and Mountrail Counties, North Dakota. In connection with the sale of the Phoenix prospect assets, the Company elected "like-kind exchange" treatment under U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 1031, which provides for deferral of the gain if the proceeds are used to acquire "like-kind property" within six months of the closing of the transaction. The Company deferred a majority of the gain by investing a portion of the proceeds in its Eagle Ford and Mississippian/Woodford programs.

        In November 2013, the Company sold its entire interest in an individual operated well and the developed 622 acres, also located in the Phoenix prospect for $4.3 million. Both dispositions are collectively referred to as the Phoenix prospect divestiture. The remainder of the Bakken properties not divested are reflected in assets held for sale.

DJ Basin Assets Divestiture

        In May 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its entire interest in the DJ Basin assets for $116.0 million, of which $16.0 pertained to the reimbursement of capital expenditures on eight gross (3.1 net) horizontal wells in the Denver-Julesburg. The Company's DJ Basin assets include approximately 5,100 net acres in the Wattenberg field, and the remaining northern Niobrara projects including the Twister, Bull Canyon and Silo prospects. In connection with the sale of the DJ Basin assets, the Company intends to elect "like-kind exchange" treatment under U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 1031, which provides for deferral of the gain if the proceeds are used to acquire "like-kind property" within six months of the closing of the transaction. The Company expects to defer a majority of the gain by investing all or a portion of the proceeds in its Eagle Ford and Mississippian/Woodford programs. Upon completion of the divestiture, the Company will deposit the proceeds into a Section 1031 escrow account.

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Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

        The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements are presented to give effect to the acquisition of substantially all of Texon (except for those Texon assets that were retained by Talon Petroleum Limited ("Talon") and the disposition of the Phoenix prospect assets and the DJ Basin assets as if these transactions had occurred on January 1, 2013 for the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of profit or loss and as at December 31, 2013 for the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of financial position. Upon completion of the existing sales, the Company deposited the proceeds into a Section 1031 escrow account.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements are provided for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to represent or be indicative of the profit or loss of the Company that would have been recorded had the acquisition of the Texon assets, net of the Texon assets retained by Talon, and the dispositions of the Phoenix prospect and the DJ Basin assets had been completed as of the dates presented and should not be taken as representative of the future profit or loss of the Company. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not reflect the impact of any potential operational efficiencies, cost savings or economies of scale that the Company may achieve with respect to the consolidated operations. Additionally, the pro forma statement of profit or loss does not include non-recurring charges or credits and the related tax effects which result directly from the transactions. Furthermore, certain reclassifications have been reflected to Texon's historical financial statements presented herein to conform to the Company's historical presentation.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed statement of the profit or loss for the year ended December 31, 2013, which presents our operations as if the acquisition of the Texon assets, net of the Texon assets retained by Talon, and the disposition of the Phoenix prospect assets and the DJ Basin assets had occurred on January 1, 2013, has been derived from the following:

    Our statement of profit or loss for the year ended December 31, 2013;

    Armadillo statement of profit or loss for the period from January 1, 2013 through March 7, 2013, the date of demerger, net of Talon; and

    Pro forma adjustments.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed statement of financial position as at December 31, 2013, which presents our financial position as if the disposition of the DJ Basin assets had occurred on December 31, 2013, has been derived from the following:

    Our statement of financial position as at December 31, 2013; and

    Pro forma adjustments.

        As the Texon acquisition and the Phoenix prospect divestitures have been reflected in the Company's statement of financial position as at December 31, 2013, there is no impact to the pro forma condensed statement of financial position as a result of those transactions.

        The assets and liabilities of Texon, net of the Texon assets retained by Talon, have been recorded at their estimated fair value, with no resulting bargain purchase gain or goodwill. The amounts recorded have taken into consideration the cash paid and the fair value of the Company's stock exchanged with the shareholders of Texon and the estimated fair value of the acquired oil and gas properties of Texon.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes contained in the referenced financial statements.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013

 
  Sundance
Historical
US$'000
  Armadillo
Historical
US$'000
  Phoenix
Historical
US$'000
  DJ Basin
Historical
US$'000
  Pro Forma
Adjustments
US$'000
   
  Sundance
Pro Forma
Consolidated
As Adjusted
US$'000
 
 
   
  (a)
  (b)
  (c)
   
   
   
 

Oil and natural gas revenue (net of transportation)

  $ 85,345   $ 5,163   $ (14,135 ) $ (12,610 )         $ 63,763  

Lease operating and production expenses

    (18,383 )   (1,150 )   3,077     3,541             (12,915 )

                            2,704   (d)        

Depreciation and amortization expense

    (36,225 )   (2,704 )   1,617     3,987     (1,882 ) (d)     (32,503 )

Employee benefits expense

    (6,143 )   (359 )                   (6,502 )

Administrative expense

    (9,154 )   (3,540 )           431   (e)     (9,462 )

                          2,801   (e)        

Finance cost

    232     (2,180 )           2,144   (f)     196  

Net gain (loss) on sale of non-current assets

    7,335         (8,205 )               (870 )

Loss on commodity hedging

    (554 )                       (554 )

Other income loss

    (944 )                       (944 )
                               

Profit before income tax

    21,509     (4,770 )   (17,646 )   (5,082 )   6,198         209  

                            (1,448 ) (g)        

Income tax expense

    (5,567 )       6,723     1,936     (544 ) (h)     1,100  
                               

Profit attributable to owners of the Company

  $ 15,942   $ (4,770 ) $ (10,923 ) $ (3,146 ) $ 5,111       $ 1,309  
                               
                               

Earnings per share

                                         

Basic earning

  $ 0.04                               $ 0.00  
                                       
                                       

Diluted earnings

  $ 0.04                               $ 0.00  
                                       
                                       

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2013

 
  Sundance
Historical
US$'000
  Pro Forma
Adjustments
US$'000
   
  Sundance
Pro Forma
Consolidated
As Adjusted
US$'000
 
 
   
  (c)
   
   
 

CURRENT ASSETS

                       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 96,871   $ 105,059   (i)   $ 201,930  

Trade and other receivables

    28,748               28,748  

Other current assets

    4,038               4,038  
                   

CURRENT ASSETS

    129,657     105,059         234,716  

Assets held for sale

    11,484               11,484  
                   

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

    141,141     105,059         246,200  
                   

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

                       

Development and production assets

    312,230     (34,250 ) (i)     277,980  

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

    166,144     (14,373 ) (i)     151,771  

Plant and equipment

    1,047               1,047  

Derivative financial instruments

    176               176  

Deferred tax assets

    2,303               2,303  

Other non-current assets

    2,019               2,019  
                   

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

    483,919     (48,623 )       435,296  
                   

TOTAL ASSETS

  $ 625,060   $ 56,436       $ 681,496  
                   
                   

CURRENT LIABILITIES

                       

Trade and other payables

    62,811               62,811  

Accrued expenses

    77,716               77,716  

Derivative financial instruments

    335               335  
                   

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

    140,862               140,862  
                   

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

                       

Derivative financial instruments

    31               31  

Credit facility, net of deferred financing fees

    29,141               29,141  

Restoration provision

    5,074     (2,166 ) (i)     2,908  

Deferred tax liabilities

    102,711     22,415   (i)     125,126  
                   

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

    136,957     20,249         157,206  
                   

TOTAL LIABILITIES

  $ 277,819   $ 20,249       $ 298,068  
                   

NET ASSETS

  $ 347,241   $ 36,187       $ 383,428  
                   
                   

EQUITY

                       

Issued capital

    237,008               237,008  

Share option reserve

    5,635               5,635  

Foreign currency translation

    (1,516 )             (1,516 )

Retained earnings

    106,114     36,187   (i)     142,301  
                   

TOTAL EQUITY

  $ 347,241   $ 36,187       $ 383,428  
                   
                   

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands)

1. Supplemental Pro Forma Oil and Gas Disclosures Estimated Net Quantities of Proved Oil and Gas Reserves

        The following pro forma estimated reserve quantities reflect the impact of the disposition of DJ Basin as of December 31, 2013. These reserve estimates have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding oil and natural gas reserve reporting:

 
  Sundance   DJ Basin   Pro Forma
Consolidated
 

Proved developed and undeveloped:

                   

Oil (MBbls)

    12,956     (2,507 )   10,449  

Natural gas (MMcf)

    30,655     (12,976 )   17,679  

Natural gas liquids (MBbls)

    2,683         2,683  

Total barrels of oil equivalent

    20,747     (4,670 )   16,077  

Proved developed :

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Oil (MBbls)

    4,140     (1,035 )   3,105  

Natural gas (MMcf)

    10,765     (3,879 )   6,886  

Natural gas liquids (MBbls)

    1,087         1,087  

Total barrels of oil equivalent

    7,021     (1,681 )   5,340  

2. Pro Forma Adjustments

    (a)
    The Armadillo historical profit or loss represents the results of the acquired assets, net of Talon, for the period from January 1, 2013 through March 7, 2013, the day prior to the date of the merger between the Company and Armadillo.

    (b)
    The Phoenix historical profit or loss, net of tax, represents the results of the disposed assets for the period from January 1, 2013 through the dates of sale during November and December 2013, and have been eliminated to reflect the disposition as if it had occurred as at January 1, 2013.

    (c)
    The DJ Basin historical profit or loss, net of tax, represents the results of the disposed assets for the period from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, and have been eliminated to reflect the disposition as if it had occurred as at January 1, 2013.

    (d)
    The adjustment to depreciation and amortization expense represents the elimination of the Armadillo expense of $2,704 and an estimated provision of $(1,882) computed on the new depreciable and amortizable basis of $43,712 for the development and production assets of $53,937, net of wells in-progress of $10,225, under the units-of-production method based on historical production volumes and reserve volumes obtained by the Company's reservoir engineers.

    (e)
    The Company incurred $431 of transaction costs that have been eliminated as they are non-recurring costs resulting from the acquisition of substantially all of the net assets of Armadillo; Armadillo incurred $2,801 of transaction costs that have also been eliminated.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(In Thousands)

2. Pro Forma Adjustments (Continued)

    (f)
    Armadillo incurred $2,144 of finance costs associated with its loans and borrowings. As the loans and borrowings were not liabilities assumed by the Company, the associated finance costs have been eliminated.

    (g)
    The change in apportioned state tax rates in U.S. controlled entities is a result of the Company disposing of its property in North Dakota (income tax rate of 4.53%) through a tax deferred sale and reinvesting the property in Texas (margin tax rate of 1.00%). As the Texas margin tax computation is similar in nature to an income tax computation, it is treated as an income tax for financial reporting purposes.

    (h)
    The impact of reflecting the profit or loss of Armadillo, net of Talon, and the impact of the pro forma adjustments for depreciation and amortization expense, transaction costs and the elimination of the (loss)/gain from non-current assets has resulted in an increase to taxable profits of $1,428. Applying the Company's historical effective tax rate of 38.1% results in additional income tax expense of $544.

    (i)
    The Company entered into an agreement to sell its interest in the DJ Basin assets for net proceeds of $105,059 (gross proceeds of $100,000, plus the reimbursement of costs to drill and complete eight gross (3.1 net) horizontal wells of $5,159 as at December 31, 2013, less estimated closing costs of $100), including a release from the future restoration provision of $2,166. The assets sold included net development and production assets of $34,250 and exploration and evaluation assets of $14,373 at cost. The net proceeds and relieved liabilities in excess of the total basis results in a pre-tax gain from the disposition of $58,602. Estimated deferred taxes from the planned like-kind exchange of $22,415 results in an after tax gain of $36,187.

F-7



LOGO
  Ernst & Young Services Pty Limited
680 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
GPO Box 2646 Sydney NSW 2001
  Tel: +61 2 9248 5555
Fax: +61 2 9248 5959
ey.com/au
   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Sundance Energy Australia Limited:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Sundance Energy Australia Limited as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the six-month period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Sundance Energy Australia Limited at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2013 and for the six-month period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Ernst & Young
Sydney, Australia
680 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

11 July 2014

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

 
  Note   Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Oil and natural gas revenue

  3   $ 85,345   $ 17,724  

Lease operating and production tax expense

  4     (18,383 )   (4,082 )

Depreciation and amortisation expense

  17, 19     (36,225 )   (6,116 )

General and administrative expense

  5     (15,297 )   (5,810 )

Finance costs

        232     (593 )

Gain on sale of non-current assets

  6     7,335     122,327  

(Loss)/gain on commodity hedging

        (554 )   (639 )

Other (loss)/income

        (944 )   15  
               

Profit before income tax

        21,509     122,826  

Income tax expense

 

7

   
(5,567

)
 
(46,616

)
               

Profit attributable to owners of the Company

        15,942     76,210  

Other comprehensive income

 

 

   
 
   
 
 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

                 

Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations (no income tax effect)

       
(421

)
 
(154

)
               

Other comprehensive income

        (421 )   (154 )
               

Total comprehensive income attributable to owners of the Company

      $ 15,521   $ 76,056  
               
               

Earnings per share (cents)

                 

Basic earnings

  10     3.9 ¢     27.5 ¢  

Diluted earnings

  10     3.8 ¢     27.2 ¢  

   

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

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

 
  Note   31 December 2013
US$'000
  31 December 2012
US$'000
 

CURRENT ASSETS

                 

Cash and cash equivalents

  11   $ 96,871   $ 154,110  

Trade and other receivables

  12     28,748     15,672  

Derivative financial instruments

  13         617  

Other current assets

  15     4,038     5,025  
               

CURRENT ASSETS

        129,657     175,424  

Assets held for sale

  16     11,484      
               

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

        141,141     175,424  

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

   
 
   
 
 

Development and production assets

  17     312,230     79,729  

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

  18     166,144     33,439  

Property and equipment

  19     1,047     423  

Derivative financial instruments

  13     176      

Deferred tax assets

  24     2,303      

Other non-current assets

  20     2,019     2,420  
               

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

        483,919     116,011  
               

TOTAL ASSETS

      $ 625,060   $ 291,435  
               
               

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

   
 
   
 
 

Trade and other payables

  21     62,811     38,770  

Accrued expenses

  21     77,716     13,072  

Derivative financial instruments

  13     335      
               

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

        140,862     51,842  
               

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

   
 
   
 
 

Derivative financial instruments

  13     31      

Credit facilities, net of deferred financing fees

  22     29,141     29,570  

Restoration provision

  23     5,074     1,228  

Deferred tax liabilities

  24     102,711     56,979  
               

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

        136,957     87,777  
               

TOTAL LIABILITIES

      $ 277,819   $ 139,619  
               
               

NET ASSETS

      $ 347,241   $ 151,816  
               
               

EQUITY

 

 

   
 
   
 
 

Issued capital

  25   $ 237,008   $ 58,694  

Share option reserve

  26     5,635     4,045  

Foreign currency translation

  26     (1,516 )   (1,095 )

Retained earnings

        106,114     90,172  
               

TOTAL EQUITY

      $ 347,241   $ 151,816  
               
               

   

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

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

 
  Issued
Capital
US$'000
  Share
Option
Reserve
US$'000
  Foreign
Currency
Translation
Reserve
US$'000
  Retained
Earnings
US$'000
  Total
US$'000
 

Balance at 30 June 2012

  $ 57,978   $ 3,205   $ (941 ) $ 13,962   $ 74,204  

Profit attributable to owners of the Company

                76,210     76,210  

Other comprehensive loss for the period

            (154 )       (154 )
                       

Total comprehensive income

            (154 )   76,210     76,056  

Shares issued during the period

    716                 716  

Share based payments

        840             840  
                       

Balance at 31 December 2012

    58,694     4,045     (1,095 )   90,172     151,816  
                       
                       

Profit attributable to owners of the Company

                15,942     15,942  

Other comprehensive loss for the year

            (421 )       (421 )
                       

Total comprehensive income

            (421 )   15,942     15,521  

Shares issued in connection with:

                               

a) Merger with Texon

    132,092                 132,092  

b) Private placement

    47,398                 47,398  

c) Exercise of stock options

    813                 813  

Cost of capital raising, net of tax

    (1,989 )                     (1,989 )

Share based payments

        1,590             1,590  
                       

Balance at 31 December 2013

  $ 237,008   $ 5,635   $ (1,516 ) $ 106,114   $ 347,241  
                       
                       

   

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

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

 
  Note   Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                   

Receipts from sales

        $ 84,703   $ 11,648  

Payments to suppliers and employees

          (21,765 )   (2,886 )

Interest received

          126     16  

Derivative proceeds, net

          253     608  

Income taxes paid

          (671 )    
                 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    30     62,646     9,386  
                 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

   

 

   
 
   
 
 

Payments for development expenditure

          (154,700 )   (32,551 )

Payments for exploration expenditure

          (20,006 )   (8,031 )

Payments for acquisition of oil and gas properties

          (141,963 )   (11,470 )

Sale of non-current assets

          37,848     173,822  

Transaction costs related to sale of non-current assets

          (161 )   (862 )

Payments to establish escrow related to acquisition

              (6,230 )

Cash acquired from merger

          114,690      

Cash received from escrow account

          837      

Payments for plant and equipment

          (900 )   (107 )
                 

NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES

          (164,355 )   114,571  
                 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

   

 

   
 
   
 
 

Proceeds from the issuance of shares

          48,211     716  

Payments for costs of capital raisings

          (2,654 )    

Payments for acquisition related costs

          (533 )   (192 )

Borrowing costs paid

          (569 )   (678 )

Proceeds from borrowings

          15,000     45,000  

Repayments from borrowings

          (15,000 )   (30,000 )
                 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

          44,455     14,846  
                 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash held

          (57,254 )   138,803  

Cash at beginning of period

         
154,110
   
15,328
 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

          15     (21 )
                 

CASH AT END OF PERIOD

    11   $ 96,871   $ 154,110  
                 
                 

   

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

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        The consolidated financial report of Sundance Energy Australia Limited ("SEAL") and its wholly owned subsidiaries, (collectively, the "Company", "Consolidated Group" or "Group"), for the year ended 31 December 2013 was authorised for issuance in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors on 28 March 2014.

        The nature of the operations and principal activities of the Group are described in the Directors' Report.

Change in reporting period

        Effective 1 July 2012, the Company changed its financial reporting year end from 30 June to 31 December in order to be more comparable to the Company's peer group in the US market. This change resulted in the comparative reporting period being a six month period. The six month period ended 31 December 2012, which is the previous reporting period shown in these financial statements, is a shorter reporting period than that of the year ended 31 December 2013, therefore, the amounts presented in the financial statements are not entirely comparable.

Basis of Preparation

        The consolidated financial report is a general purpose financial report that has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, Australian Accounting Interpretations, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board ("AASB") and the Corporations Act 2001.

        These consolidated financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"). Material accounting policies adopted in the preparation of this financial report are presented below. They have been consistently applied unless otherwise stated.

        The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical basis, except for derivative financial instruments that have been measured at fair value. The consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand (US$'000), except where stated otherwise.

Principles of Consolidation

        A controlled entity is any entity over which SEAL is exposed, or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all entities controlled by SEAL as at 31 December 2013 and the results of all controlled entities for the year then ended.

        All inter-group balances and transactions between entities in the Group, including any recognised profits or losses, are eliminated on consolidation.

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Table of Contents


SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

a)    Income Tax

        The income tax expense for the period comprises current income tax expense/(income) and deferred tax expense/(income).

        Current income tax expense charged to the statement of profit or loss is the tax payable on taxable income calculated using applicable income tax rates enacted, or substantially enacted, as at the reporting date. Current tax liabilities/(assets) are therefore measured at the amounts expected to be paid to/(recovered from) the relevant taxation authority.

        Deferred income tax expense reflects movements in deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability balances during the period as well as unused tax losses. Current and deferred income tax expense/(income) is charged or credited directly to equity instead of the statement of profit or loss when the tax relates to items that are credited or charged directly to equity.

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are ascertained based on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets also result where amounts have been fully expensed but future tax deductions are available. No deferred income tax will be recognised from the initial recognition of an asset or liability, excluding a business combination, where there is no effect on accounting or taxable profit or loss.

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset recognised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Their measurement also reflects the manner in which management expects to recover or settle the carrying amount of the related asset or liability.

        Deferred tax assets relating to temporary differences and unused tax losses are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the benefits of the deferred tax asset can be utilised.

        Where temporary differences exist in relation to investments in subsidiaries, branches, associates, and joint ventures, deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognised where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is not probable that the reversal will occur in the foreseeable future.

        Current tax assets and liabilities are offset where a legally enforceable right of set-off exists and it is intended that net settlement or simultaneous realisation and settlement of the respective asset and liability will occur. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where a legally enforceable right of set-off exists, the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where it is intended that net settlement or simultaneous realisation and settlement of the respective asset and liability will occur in future periods in which significant amounts of deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled.

b)    Exploration and Evaluation Expenditure

        Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred is accumulated in respect of each identifiable area of interest. These costs are capitalised to the extent that they are expected to be recouped through the

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Table of Contents


SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

successful development of the area or where activities in the area have not yet reached a stage that permits reasonable assessment of the existence of economically recoverable reserves. The costs of assets constructed within the Group includes the leasehold cost, geological and geophysical costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads directly attributable to the exploration and acquisition of undeveloped oil and gas properties.

        Accumulated costs in relation to an abandoned area are written off in full against profit in the year in which the decision to abandon the area is made.

        When production commences, the accumulated costs for the relevant area of interest are transferred to production assets and amortised over the life of the area according to the rate of depletion of the economically recoverable reserves.

        A regular review is undertaken of each area of interest to determine the appropriateness of continuing to carry forward costs in relation to that area of interest.

c)     Development and Production Assets and Property and Equipment

        Development assets, property and equipment are carried at cost less, where applicable, any accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses. The costs of assets constructed within the Group includes the cost of materials, direct labor, borrowing costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads directly attributable to the acquisition or development of oil and gas properties and facilities necessary for the extraction of resources.

        The carrying amount of development and production assets and property and equipment are reviewed semi-annually to ensure that they are not in excess of the recoverable amount from these assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows that will be received from the assets employment and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows have been discounted to their present values in determining recoverable amounts.

        Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of profit or loss during the financial period in which are they are incurred.

Depreciation / Amortisation

        Property and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their useful lives from the time the asset is held and ready for use. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of either the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement.

        The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets are:

Class of Non-Current
  Asset Depreciation   Rate Basis of Depreciation

Plant and Equipment

    10 - 33 % Straight Line

        The Group uses the units-of-production method to amortise costs carried forward in relation to its development assets. For this approach, the calculation is based upon economically recoverable reserves,

F-15


Table of Contents


SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

being proved developed reserves and probable developed reserves, over the life of an asset or group of assets.

        The assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. An asset's carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset's carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.

        Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount. These gains and losses are included in the statement of profit or loss.

d)    Leases

        The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at date of inception. The arrangement is assessed to determine whether its fulfillment is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and whether the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an arrangement.

        Leases are classified as finance leases when the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to the ownership of the asset, but not the legal ownership to the entities in the Group. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

        Finance leases are capitalised by recording an asset and a liability at the lower of the amounts equal to the fair value of the leased property or the present value of the minimum lease payments, including any guaranteed residual values. Lease payments are allocated between the reduction of the lease liability and the lease interest expense for the period.

        Assets under financing leases are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term. Lease payments for operating leases, where substantially all the risks and benefits remain with the lessor, are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.

        Lease incentives under operating leases are recognised as a liability and amortised on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease term.

e)     Financial Instruments

Recognition and Initial Measurement

        Financial instruments, incorporating financial assets and financial liabilities, are recognised when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Trade date accounting is adopted for financial assets that are delivered within timeframes established by marketplace convention.

        Financial instruments are initially measured at fair value plus transactions costs where the instrument is not classified at fair value through profit or loss. Transaction costs related to instruments classified at fair value through profit or loss are expensed to profit or loss immediately. Financial instruments are classified and measured as set out below.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Derivative Financial Instruments

        The Group uses derivative financial instruments to economically hedge its exposure to changes in commodity prices arising in the normal course of business. The principal derivatives that may be used are commodity crude oil price swap, option and costless collar contracts and interest rate swaps. Their use is subject to policies and procedures as approved by the Board of Directors. The Group does not trade in derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

        Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at cost, which approximates fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivate financial instruments are recognised at fair value. The fair value of these derivative financial instruments is the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the contracts at the reporting date, taking into account current market prices and the current creditworthiness of the contract counterparties. The derivatives are valued on a mark to market valuation and the gain or loss on re-measurement to fair value is recognised through the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

Derecognition

        Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual right to receipt of cash flows expires or the asset is transferred to another party whereby the entity no longer has any significant continuing involvement in the risks and benefits associated with the asset. Financial liabilities are derecognised when the related obligations are either discharged, cancelled or expire. The difference between the carrying value of the financial liability extinguished or transferred to another party and the fair value of consideration paid, including the transfer of non-cash assets or liabilities assumed, is recognised in profit or loss.

i)
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

        Financial assets are classified at fair value through profit or loss when they are held for trading for the purpose of short term profit taking, when they are derivatives not held for hedging purposes, or designated as such to avoid an accounting mismatch or to enable performance evaluation where a group of financial assets is managed by key management personnel on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy. Realised and unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

ii)
Loans and receivables

        Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

iii)
Held-to-maturity investments

        Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets that have fixed maturities and fixed or determinable payments, and it is the Group's intention to hold these investments to maturity. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

iv)
Available-for-sale financial assets

        Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are either designated as such or that are not classified in any of the other categories. They comprise investments in the equity of other entities where there is neither a fixed maturity nor fixed determinable payments.

v)
Financial liabilities

        Non-derivative financial liabilities (excluding financial guarantees) are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

f)     Impairment of Non-Financial Assets

        At each reporting date, the group reviews the carrying values of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the asset's carrying value. Any excess of the asset's carrying value over its recoverable amount is expensed to the statement of comprehensive income.

        Impairment testing is performed annually for intangible assets with indefinite lives.

        Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

g)     Foreign Currency Transactions and Balances

Functional and presentation currency

        The functional currency of each of the Group's entities is measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which that entity operates. The consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars.

Transactions and Balances

        Foreign currency transactions are translated into functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency monetary items are translated at the year-end exchange rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost continue to be carried at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary items measured at fair value are reported at the exchange rate at the date when fair values were determined.

        Exchange differences arising on the translation of non-monetary items are recognised directly in equity to the extent that the gain or loss is directly recognised in equity, otherwise the exchange difference is recognised in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Group Companies

        The financial results and position of foreign operations whose functional currency is different from the Group's presentation currency are translated as follows:

    assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates prevailing at that reporting date;

    income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the period; and

    retained profits are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction.

        Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations are transferred directly to the Group's foreign currency translation reserve. These differences are recognised in the statement of profit or loss and comprehensive income upon disposal of the foreign operation.

h)    Employee Benefits

        A provision is made for the Group's liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to balance date. Employee benefits that are expected to be settled within one year have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled, plus related on-costs. Employee benefits payable later than one year have been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for these benefits. Those cash flows are discounted using market yields on national government bonds with terms to maturity that match the expected timing of cash flows.

Equity—Settled Compensation

        The Group has an incentive compensation plan where employees may be issued shares and/or options. The fair value of the equity to which employees become entitled is measured at grant date and recognized as an expense over the vesting period with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value of shares issued is determined with reference to the latest ASX share price. Options are valued using an appropriate valuation technique which takes into account the vesting conditions.

Restricted Share Unit Plan

        The group has a restricted share unit ("RSU") plan to motivate management and employees to make decisions benefiting long-term value creation, retain management and employees and reward the achievement of the Group's long-term goals. The target RSUs are based on goals established and approved by the Board. The actual RSUs, awarded annually, are modified according to actual results and vest in four equal tranches beginning on the grant date and each of the first three subsequent anniversaries.

i)     Provisions

        Provisions are recognised when the group has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result and that outflow can be reliably measured.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

j)     Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, unrestricted escrow accounts that management expects to be used to settle current liabilities, capital or operating expenditures, or complete acquisitions and bank overdrafts.

k)    Revenue

        Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised upon the delivery of goods to the customer. Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised upon the delivery of the service to the customers. All revenue is stated net of the amount of goods and services tax ("GST").

l)     Borrowing Costs

        Borrowing costs, including interest, directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to prepare for their intended use or sale are added to the cost of those assets until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale. Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, borrowings are stated as amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption being recognised in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis. The Company capitalised borrowing costs at 100 percent equal to $1.3 million and nil for the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 and 2012, respectively.

        All other borrowing costs are recognised in income in the period in which they are incurred.

m)   Goods and Services Tax

        Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Tax Office. In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the statement of financial position are shown inclusive of GST.

        Cash flows are presented in the consolidated statement of cash flows on a gross basis except for the GST component of investing and financing activities, which are disclosed as operating cash flows.

n)    Business Combinations

        A business combination is a transaction in which an acquirer obtains control of one or more businesses. The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for all business combinations regardless of whether equity instruments or other assets are acquired. The acquisition method is only applied to a business combination when control over the business is obtained. Subsequent changes in interests in a business where control already exists are accounted for as transactions between owners. The cost of the business combination is measured at fair value of the assets given, shares issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of acquisition. Costs directly attributable to the business

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

combination are expensed as incurred, except those directly and incrementally attributable to equity issuance.

        The excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquire over the fair value of the Group's share of the net identifiable asset acquired, if any, is recorded as goodwill. If those amounts are less than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the subsidiary acquired and the measurement of all amounts has been reviewed, the difference is recognised directly in the income statement as a bargain purchase. Adjustments to the purchase price and excess on consideration transferred may be made up to one year from the acquisition date.

o)    Assets Held for Sale

        The Company classifies property as held for sale when management commits to a plan to sell the property, the plan has appropriate approvals, the sale of the property is probable within the next twelve months, and certain other criteria are met. At such time, the respective assets and liabilities are presented separately on the Company's consolidated statement of financial position and amortisation is no longer recognized. Assets held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or their estimated fair value, less the costs to sell the assets. The Company recognizes an impairment loss if the current net book value of the property exceeds its fair value, less selling costs. As at 31 December 2013 and 2012, all of the Company's Williston properties and nil properties were classified as held for sale, respectively.

p)    Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements

        The Directors evaluate estimates and judgements incorporated into the financial report based on historical knowledge and best available current information. Estimates assume a reasonable expectation of future events and are based on current trends and economic data obtained both externally and within the Group. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

        Management has made the following judgements, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements.

Estimates of reserve quantities

        The estimated quantities of hydrocarbon reserves reported by the Group are integral to the calculation of amortisation (depletion) and to assessments of possible impairment of assets. Estimated reserve quantities are based upon interpretations of geological and geophysical models and assessment of the technical feasibility and commercial viability of producing the reserves. Management prepares reserve estimates which conform to guidelines prepared by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. These assessments require assumptions to be made regarding future development and production costs, commodity prices, exchange rates and fiscal regimes. The estimates of reserves may change from period to period as the economic assumptions used to estimate the reserves can change from period to period, and as additional geological data is generated during the course of operations.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Impairment of Non-Financial Assets

        The Group assesses impairment at each reporting date by evaluating conditions specific to the Group that may lead to impairment of assets. Where an indicator of impairment exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined. Value-in-use calculations performed in assessing recoverable amounts incorporate a number of key estimates including projections of cash flows, prices of products, production costs, reserve estimates and capitalised amounts.

Exploration and Evaluation

        The Company's policy for exploration and evaluation is discussed in Note 1 (b). The application of this policy requires the Company to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances. Any such estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. If, after having capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure, management concludes that the capitalised expenditure is unlikely to be recovered by future sale or exploitation, then the relevant capitalised amount will be written off through the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

Restoration Provision

        A provision for rehabilitation and restoration is provided by the Group to meet all future obligations for the restoration and rehabilitation of oil and gas producing areas when oil and gas reserves are exhausted and the oil and gas fields are abandoned. Restoration liabilities are discounted to present value and capitalised as a component part of capitalised development expenditure. The capitalised costs are amortised over the units of production and the provision is revised at each balance sheet date through the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income as the discounting of the liability unwinds.

        In most instances, the removal of the assets associated with these oil and gas producing areas will occur many years in the future. The estimate of future removal costs therefore requires management to make significant judgements regarding removal date or well lives, the extent of restoration activities required, discount and inflation rates.

Units of Production Depreciation

        Oil and gas properties are depreciated using the units of production method over economically recoverable reserves representing total proved developed and probable developed reserves. This results in a depreciation or amortisation charge proportional to the depletion of the anticipated remaining production from the area of interest.

        The life of each item has regard to both its physical life limitations and present assessments of economically recoverable reserves of the field at which the asset is located. Economically recoverable reserves are defined as proved developed and probable developed reserves. These calculations require the use of estimates and assumptions, including the amount of recoverable reserves and estimates of future capital expenditure. The calculation of the units of production rate of depreciation or amortisation could be impacted to the extent that actual production in the future is different from current forecast production based on total economically recoverable reserves, or future capital

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

expenditure estimates change. Changes to economically recoverable reserves could arise due to change in the factors or assumptions used in estimating reserves, including the effect on economically recoverable reserves of differences between actual commodity prices and commodity price assumptions and unforeseen operational issues. Changes in estimates are accounted for prospectively.

Stock Based Compensation

        The Group's policy for stock based compensation is discussed in Note 1 (h). The application of this policy requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances. Stock based compensation related to stock options use estimates for expected volatility of the Company's share price and expected term, including a forfeiture rate, if appropriate.

q)    Change in Accounting Estimate

        Effective 1 July 2013, the Company had a change in accounting estimate related to the economically recoverable reserves in its Eagle Ford formation used in the units-of-production depletion calculation. Subsequent to the change, the Company began to include management's best estimate of economically recoverable reserves associated with developed properties, which include both proved developed and probable developed reserves. Prior to the change, the Company used economically recoverable reserves associated only with proved developed reserves as probable developed reserves were not significant. The amount of the effect of this change in accounting estimate in future periods is not practically estimable.

r)     Reclassifications

        Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year consolidated financial statements and associated notes to the financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. Employee benefits expense has been reclassified to be presented with General and administrate expense and Interest received has been reclassified to be presented with Other (loss)/income on the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. These reclassifications did not impact Profit attributable to owners of the Company.

s)     Rounding of Amounts

        The company is of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/100 issued by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, relating to rounding of amounts in the financial statements. Amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

t)     Parent Entity Financial Information

        The financial information for the parent entity, SEAL ("Parent Company"), also the ultimate parent, discussed in Note 34, has been prepared on the same basis, using the same accounting policies as the consolidated financial statements.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

u)    Earnings Per Share

        The group presents basic and diluted earnings per share for its ordinary shares. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares for the dilutive effect, if any, of outstanding share rights and share options which have been issued to employees.

v)     Change in Accounting Policy

        Effective 1 July 2013, the Group retrospectively changed its general and administrative overhead policy ("capitalised overhead policy") from expensing overhead costs directly attributable to the exploration, acquisition and development of oil and gas properties such as salaries, wages, benefits and consultant fees, to capitalizing these costs using an appropriate allocation method in accordance with AASB 6— Exploration and Evaluation Assets and AASB 116— Property and Equipment . This new policy provides reliable and more relevant information as the Company has shifted its focus from non-operated properties to operated properties and this policy better aligns costs with revenues.

        The Group adopted the capitalised overhead policy subsequent to the issuance of the Company's report for the half year ended 30 June 2013 and retrospectively applied the policy for the year ended 31 December 2013. As a result, the half year ended 30 June 2013 is not entirely comparable to the Company's year ended 31 December 2013. Included in the Company's year ended 31 December 2013 capitalised overhead amounts are retrospectively applied for pre-effective 1 July 2012 capitalised overhead amounts, which would have increased the Company's non-current assets and decreased general and administrative expense, of approximately $1.2 million as at 30 June 2013 and for the half year then ended. These overhead amounts capitalised to development and production assets would have been subject to the Company's units-of-production depletion calculation, which would have been immaterial for the period. The related increase in the Company's profit attributable to owners and retained earnings of the Company would have been approximately $0.7 million for the half year ended 30 June 2013. The Company determined the capitalized overhead amounts for periods ended on or before 31 December 2012 are immaterial.

w)    Adoption of New and Revised Accounting Standards

        During the current reporting period the Group adopted all of the new and revised Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations applicable to its operations which became mandatory. The nature and effect of each new standard and amendment on the Group's consolidated financial report are described below.

AASB 10— Consolidated Financial Statements /IFRS 10— Consolidated Financial Statements

        The Group adopted AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements /IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements , which replaces the guidance on control and consolidation in AASB 127— Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements /IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements and Interpretation 12— Consolidation—Special Purpose Entities. AASB 10/IFRS 10 includes a new definition of control that focuses on the need to have both power and rights or exposure to variable returns. As all of the Group's subsidiaries are owned 100%, AASB 10/IFRS 10 did not have an impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

AASB 11— Joint Arrangements /IFRS 11 —Joint Arrangements

        AASB 11/IFRS 11 replaces AASB 131 Interests in Joint Ventures and removes the option to account for jointly controlled entities using proportionate consolidation. Instead, jointly controlled entities that meet the definition of a joint venture under AASB 11/IFRS 11 must be accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements.

AASB 13— Fair Value Measurement /IFRS 13— Fair Value Measurement and AASB 2011-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 13

        AASB 13/IFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures. The standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires more extensive disclosures than current standards. Additional disclosures, where required, are provided in the individual notes relating to the assets and liabilities whose fair values were determined.

Recently issued accounting standards to be applied in future reporting periods:

        The following Standards and Interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014 and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. The Group's assessment of the impact of these new standards, amendments to standards, and interpretations is set out below.

AASB 9— Financial Instruments /IFRS 9— Financial Instruments and AASB 2010-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arriving from AASB 9

        AASB 9/IFRS 9 introduces new requirements for the classification, measurement, and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. In November 2013 the effective date was removed from AASB 9/IFRS 9. A new effective date will be provided when the entire standard is closer to completion. The Group will quantify the effect of the application of AASB 9/IFRS 9 when the final standard is issued, however, the impact from adopting this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements.

AASB 2011-4— Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards to Remove Individual Key Management Personnel Disclosure

        This standard removes the requirements to include individual key management personnel disclosures in the notes to and forming part of the Financial Report. The Group will include detailed key management personnel disclosures in the Group's Remuneration Report for the year beginning on 1 January 2014 incorporating changes from this standard.

IFRS 15— Revenue from Contracts with Customers

        In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15, which establishes a comprehensive new revenue recognition model designed to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Statement allows for the use of either the full or modified retrospective transition method, and the

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Table of Contents


SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements, as well as which transition method we intend to use.

NOTE 2—BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Texon Acquisition

        On 8 March 2013, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Texon Petroleum Ltd ("Texon", whose name was changed to Armadillo Petroleum Ltd), an Australian corporation with oil and gas assets in the Eagle Ford formation in the United States. The Company acquired Texon to gain access to its existing production and drilling inventory in the Eagle Ford formation. As consideration for substantially all of the net assets of Texon, the Company issued 122.7 million ordinary shares (approximately 30.6% of the total outstanding shares immediately subsequent to the acquisition), which had a fair value of $132.1 million on the acquisition date and net cash consideration of $26.3 million for a total purchase price of $158.4 million. The net cash consideration includes a $141.0 million pre-merger purchase by the Company of certain Texon oil and gas properties, offset by $114.7 million of cash acquired at the time of the merger. The current income tax liability, included in accrued expenses, and deferred tax liability of $33.4 million and $16.9 million, respectively, are comprised of tax liabilities assumed as at the acquisition date and an increase in the tax liability related to the incremental acquisition date fair value of the acquired development and production and exploration and evaluation assets as compared to Texon's historical basis.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 2—BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Continued)

        The following table reflects the final adjusted assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their fair value or otherwise where specified by AASB 3/IFRS 3— Business Combinations (in thousands):

Fair value of assets acquired:

       

Trade and other receivables

  $ 5,604  

Other current assets

    456  

Development and production assets

    53,937  

Exploration and evaluation assets

    150,474  

Prepaid drilling and completion costs

    3,027  
       

Amount attributable to assets acquired

    213,498  
       

Fair value of liabilities assumed:

   
 
 

Trade and other payables

    119  

Accrued expenses

    37,816  

Restoration provision

    277  

Deferred tax liabilities

    16,884  
       

Amount attributable to liabilities assumed

    55,096  
       

Net assets acquired

  $ 158,402  
       
       

Purchase price:

   
 
 

Cash and cash equivalents, net of cash acquired

  $ 26,310  

Issued capital

    132,092  
       

Total consideration paid

  $ 158,402  
       
       

        Since the acquisition date of 8 March 2013 through 31 December 2013, the Company has earned revenue of $42.3 million and generated net income of $12.6 million. The following reflects the

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 2—BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Continued)

acquisition's contribution to the Group as if the merger had occurred on 1 January 2013 instead of the closing date of 8 March 2013 (in thousands, except per share information):

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
 

Oil and natural gas revenue

  $ 5,163  

Lease operating and production expenses

    (1,150 )

Depreciation and amortization expense

    (1,882 )

General and administrative expense

    (667 )

Finance costs

    (35 )
       

Profit before income tax

    1,429  

Income tax expense

    (542 )
       

Proforma profit attributable to the period 1 January to 7 March 2013

    887  

Profit attributable to owners of the Company for the year

    15,942  
       

Adjusted profit attributable to the owners of the Company for the year

  $ 16,829  
       

Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share

    4.1 ¢  
       
       

Adjusted diluted earnings per ordinary share

    4.0 ¢  
       
       

        The Company incurred $0.5 million and $0.7 million for the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 2012, respectively, in acquisition related costs primarily for professional fees and services. These amounts are included in general and administrative expense and financing activities in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income and the consolidated statement of cash flows, respectively.

NOTE 3—REVENUE

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Oil revenue

  $ 79,365   $ 16,790  

Natural gas revenue

    5,980     934  
           

Total oil and natural gas revenue (net of transportation)

  $ 85,345   $ 17,724  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 4—LEASE OPERATING AND PRODUCTION TAX EXPENSE

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Lease operating expense

  $ (11,378 ) $ (1,908 )

Workover expense

    (743 )   (287 )

Production tax expense

    (6,262 )   (1,887 )
           

Total lease operating and production tax expense

  $ (18,383 ) $ (4,082 )
           
           

NOTE 5—GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Employee benefits expense, including salaries and wages, net of capitalised overhead

  $ (6,143 ) $ (2,801 )

Professional fees

    (2,892 )   (929 )

Abandoned US IPO transaction costs(1)

    (2,081 )    

Travel

    (791 )   (280 )

Director fees

    (617 )   (132 )

Acquisition and merger related fees

    (533 )   (713 )

Accounting and company secretarial

    (415 )   (150 )

Insurance

    (264 )   (130 )

Rent

    (234 )   (181 )

Share registry and listing fees

    (232 )   (75 )

Audit fees

    (139 )   (145 )

Other expenses

    (956 )   (274 )
           

Total general and administrative expenses

  $ (15,297 ) $ (5,810 )
           
           

(1)
See Note 36—Events After the Balance Sheet Date for further discussion.

NOTE 6—GAIN ON SALE OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS

        In the fourth quarter of 2013 and the third quarter of 2012, the Company sold all of its interests in the Phoenix prospect and South Antelope prospect, both located in the Williston Basin, for gross proceeds of $39.8 million and $172.4 million, respectively. Prior to the dispositions, the Phoenix and South Antelope development and production properties were part of the Williston Basin depletion base. To determine the carrying costs of the sold properties, the Company used the relative fair value of the prospect's proved developed reserves as compared to the Company's total proved developed reserves in the Williston Basin. As a result, it was determined that approximately $26.0 million and $49.4 million of the Company's carrying costs related to its Phoenix and South Antelope development and production properties, respectively, at the time of the disposal. In addition to the South Antelope development and production properties, the Purchaser acquired approximately $3.9 million of assets and assumed approximately $3.8 million of liabilities, which were removed from the Company's

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 6—GAIN ON SALE OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS (Continued)

consolidated statement of financial position at the time of the sale. The Company incurred approximately $0.9 million and $0.9 million of legal and other transaction related costs related to the Phoenix and South Antelope sale, respectively. The sales resulted in a pre-tax gain of $8.2 million and $122.5 million, respectively, which is included in the net gain (loss) on sale of non-current assets in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 and 2012, respectively. In early 2013, the Company finalised the adjustments to the purchase price for the South Antelope sale, resulting in a net reduction of $0.9 million, which is included in the net gain (loss) on sale of non-current assets in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2013. During the six months ended 31 December 2012, the Company also sold all of its properties in the Pawnee prospect for $0.9 million of proceeds, which resulted in a loss of $0.2 million.

        For both the Phoenix and South Antelope prospect sales proceeds, the Company elected to apply Section 1031 "like-kind exchange" treatment under the US tax rules, which allow deferral of the gain if the proceeds are used to acquire "like-kind property" within six months of the closing date of the transaction. In addition, the US tax rules allow the deduction of all intangible drilling costs ("IDCs") in the period incurred. As at 31 December 2013, the Company expects to defer the majority of the taxable gain on the sale of the Phoenix development by acquiring qualified replacement properties or utilizing IDCs from its development program. These proceeds are included in the Company's cash balance. See Note 11—Cash and Cash Equivalents.

        In January and February 2014, the Company entered into lease acquisition agreements to acquire oil and gas properties in the Mississippian/Woodford Basin and the Eagle Ford Basin—see Events After the Balance Sheet Date in Note 36 for further discussion. Management believes the properties that the Company plans to acquire will qualify as "like-kind property" under Section 1031.

        In March 2013, the Company completed a transaction in which the majority of the funds remaining in its South Antelope Section 1031 escrow accounts were used to acquire oil and gas properties in connection with the Texon Scheme of Arrangement transaction—see Business Combinations in Note 2 for further discussion.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 7—INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 
   
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

a)

 

The components of income tax expense comprise:

             

 

Current tax benefit/(expense)

  $ 21,398   $ (11 )

 

Deferred tax expense

    (26,965 )   (46,605 )
               

      $ (5,567 ) $ (46,616 )
               
               

b)

 

The prima facie tax on income from ordinary activities before income tax is reconciled to the income tax as follows:

             

 

Profit before income tax

 
$

21,509
 
$

122,826
 
               
               

 

Prima facie tax expense at the Group's statutory income tax rate of 30% (2012:30%)

  $ 6,453   $ 36,848  

 

Tax effect of amounts which are non-deductible/(non- taxable) in calculating taxable income:

   
 
   
 
 

 

Difference of tax rate in US controlled entities

   
1,607
   
9,417
 

 

Employee options

        44  

 

Other allowable items

    144     93  

 

Tax adjustments relating to prior years

    (984 )    

 

Change in apportioned state tax rates in US controlled entities(1)

    (1,448 )    

 

Acquisition related costs

        214  

 

Recognition of previously unrecognized tax losses

    (205 )    
               

 

Income tax attributable to entity

  $ 5,567   $ 46,616  
               
               

c)

 

Unused tax losses and temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised at 30%

  $ 170   $ 375  

d)

 

Deferred tax charged directly to equity:

   
 
   
 
 

 

Equity raising costs

  $ 665   $  

(1)
The change in apportioned state tax rates in US controlled entities is a result of the Company disposing of its property in North Dakota (income tax rate of 4.53%) through a tax deferred sale and reinvesting the property in Texas (margin tax rate of 1%). As the Texas margin tax computation is similar in nature to an income tax computation, it is treated as an income tax for financial reporting purposes.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 8—KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

a)
Names and positions held of Consolidated Group key management personnel in office at any time during the financial period are:

Mr M Hannell   Chairman Non-executive
Mr E McCrady   Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Mr D Hannes   Director—Non-executive
Mr N Martin   Director—Non-executive
Mr W Holcombe   Director—Non-executive
Ms C Anderson   Chief Financial Officer
Mr C Gooden   Company Secretary (resigned on 23 August 2013)

        Other than Directors and Officers of the Company listed above, there are no additional key management personnel.

b)    Key Management Personnel Compensation

        The total of remuneration paid to Key Management Personnel ("KMP") of the Group during the year is as follows:

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$ '000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$ '000
 

Short term wages and benefits

  $ 1,923   $ 695  

Equity settled-options based payments

    625     262  

Post-employment benefit

    56     17  
           

  $ 2,604   $ 974  
           
           

c)     Options Granted as Compensation

        Options granted as compensation were zero ($nil fair value) during each of the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 and 2012 to KMP from the Sundance Energy Employee Stock Option Plan. Options generally vest in five equal tranches of 20% on the grant date and each of the four subsequent anniversaries of the grant date.

d)    Restricted Share Units Granted as Compensation

        RSUs awarded as compensation were 623,251 ($0.6 million fair value) and 669,642 ($0.5 million fair value) during the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 and 2012, respectively, to KMP from the Sundance Energy Long Term Incentive Plan. RSUs generally vest in four equal tranches of 25% on the grant date and each of the three subsequent anniversaries of the grant date.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 9—AUDITORS' REMUNERATION

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Remuneration of the auditor for:

             

Auditing or review of the financial report

  $ 91   $ 131  

Professional services related US IPO

    430      

Non-audit services related to Texon acquisition

    77     148  

Taxation services provided by the practice of auditor

    48     14  
           

Total remuneration of the auditor

  $ 646   $ 293  
           
           

NOTE 10—EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Profit for periods used to calculate basic and diluted EPS

  $ 15,942   $ 76,210  

 

 
  Number of
shares
  Number of
shares
 

—Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period used in calculation of basic EPS

    413,872,184     277,244,883  

—Incremental shares related to options and restricted share units

    2,685,150     2,896,496  
           

—Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period used in calculation of diluted EPS

    416,557,334     280,141,379  
           
           

NOTE 11—CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 
  31 December 2013
US$'000
  31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Cash at bank and on hand

  $ 59,918   $ 12,747  

Cash equivalents in escrow accounts

    36,953     141,363  
           

Total cash and cash equivalents

  $ 96,871   $ 154,110  
           
           

        As at 31 December 2013 and 2012, the Company had approximately $37.0 million and $141.4 million, respectively, in Section 1031 escrow accounts which are not limited in use, except that the timing of tax payments will be accelerated if not used on qualified "like-kind property." As such, the balances have been included in the Company's cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated statement of financial position and consolidated statement of cash flows as at 31 December 2013 and 2012 and for the year and six month period then ended, respectively.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 12—TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

 
  31 December 2013
US$'000
  31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Oil and natural gas sales

  $ 23,364   $ 11,376  

Trade receivables

    5,353     4,185  

Other

    31     111  
           

Total trade and other receivables

  $ 28,748   $ 15,672  
           
           

        As at 31 December 2013 and 2012, the Group had receivable balances of $11.7 million and $8.6 million, respectively, which were outside normal trading terms (the receivable was past due but not impaired). The receivable balance is more than fully offset by the amount due to the same operator, which is also outside normal payment terms. See Note 21 for payable balance information.

        Due to the short-term nature of trade and other receivables, their carrying amounts are assumed to approximate fair value.

NOTE 13—DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 
  31 December 2013
US$'000
  31 December 2012
US$'000
 

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

             

Current

             

Derivative financial instruments—commodity contracts

  $   $ 617  

Non-current

             

Derivative financial instruments—interest rate swaps

    176      
           

Total financial assets

  $ 176   $ 617  
           
           

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:

   
 
   
 
 

Current

             

Derivative financial instruments—commodity contracts

  $ (188 ) $  

Derivative financial instruments—interest rate swaps

    (147 )    

Non-current

             

Derivative financial instruments—commodity contracts

    (31 )    
           

Total financial liabilities

  $ (366 ) $  
           
           

NOTE 14—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

        The following table presents financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financial position in accordance with the fair value hierarchy. This hierarchy groups financial assets

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 14—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

and liabilities into three levels based on the significance of inputs used in measuring the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:

Level 1:   quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2:

 

inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

Level 3:

 

inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

        The Level within which the financial asset or liability is classified is determined based on the lowest level of significant input to the fair value measurement. The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financial position are grouped into the fair value hierarchy as follows:

Consolidated 31 December 2013
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total  

Assets measured at fair value

                         

Interest rate swap contracts

  $   $ 176   $   $ 176  

Liabilities measured at fair value

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Derivative commodity contracts

        (219 )       (219 )

Interest rate swap contracts

        (147 )       (147 )
                   

Net fair value

  $   $ (190 ) $   $ (190 )
                   
                   

 

Consolidated 31 December 2012
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total  

Assets

                         

Derivative financial instruments

  $   $ 617   $   $ 617  

Liabilities

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Derivative financial instruments

                 
                   

Net fair value

  $   $ 617   $   $ 617  
                   
                   

        During the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 and 2012, respectively, there were no transfers between level 1 and level 2 fair value measurements, and no transfer into or out of level 3 fair value measurements.

Measurement of Fair Value

a)    Derivatives

        Derivatives entered into by the Company consist of commodity contracts and interest rate swaps. The Company utilises present value techniques and option-pricing models for valuing its derivatives. Inputs to these valuation techniques include published forward prices, volatilities, and credit risk considerations, including the incorporation of published interest rates and credit spreads. All of the

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 14—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; therefore, the Company's derivative instruments are included within the level 2 fair value hierarchy.

NOTE 15—OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

 
  31 December 2013
US$'000
  31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Cash advances to other operators

  $ 685   $ 625  

Escrow accounts

    1,498     3,830  

Oil inventory on hand, at cost

    1,088     69  

Prepayments

    753     501  

Other

    14      
           

Total other current assets

  $ 4,038   $ 5,025  
           
           

        On 31 December 2012, the Company completed a transaction to acquire certain oil and natural gas properties in the Wattenberg field of the Denver-Julesburg ("DJ") Basin (the "Wattenberg Acquisition"). In connection with the transaction, the Company transferred $3.0 million, $2.7 million and $0.5 million to escrow accounts related to a drilling commitment, title defect and environmental remediation, respectively ($6.2 million collectively). The use of the Wattenberg Acquisition related escrow accounts are restricted or generally will not be used to settle short-term Company operating costs, as such they have been excluded from the Company's cash and cash equivalents balance in the consolidated statement of financial position and the consolidated statement of cash flows as at 31 December 2013 and 2012 and for the year and six month period then ended, respectively. Of this $6.2 million escrow account balance, $1.5 million and $3.8 million are classified as other current asset in the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2013 and 2012, respectively, with $2.7 million being settled during the year ended 31 December 2013.

NOTE 16—ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

        As at 31 December 2013, all of the Company's Williston properties were held for sale. The expected proceeds, net of selling costs, exceed the carrying amount. The following Williston assets and liabilities were included in assets held for sale in the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2013 (in thousands):

Development and production assets

  $ 10,489  

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

    1,104  

Restoration provision liability

    (109 )
       

Total assets held for sale, net of restoration provision liability

  $ 11,484  
       
       

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 17—DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION ASSETS

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Costs carried forward in respect of areas of interest in:

             

Development and production assets, at cost:

             

Producing assets

  $ 297,469   $ 70,470  

Wells-in-progress

    55,636     26,193  
           

Development and production assets, at cost:

    353,105     96,663  

Accumulated amortisation

    (40,635 )   (14,619 )

Provision for impairment(1)

    (240 )   (2,315 )
           

Total Development and Production Expenditure

  $ 312,230   $ 79,729  
           
           

a) Movements in carrying amounts:

             

Development expenditure

             

Balance at the beginning of the period

  $ 79,729   $ 87,274  

Amounts capitalised during the period

    219,121     46,963  

Amounts transferred from exploration phase

    31,999     527  

Fair value of assets acquired

    54,258     986  

Reclassifications to assets held for sale

    (10,489 )    

Amortisation expense

    (36,294 )   (6,013 )

Development and production assets, net of accumulated amortization, sold during the period

    (26,094 )   (50,008 )
           

Balance at end of period

  $ 312,230   $ 79,729  
           
           

(1)
There was an impairment provision of $1.9 million associated with the Phoenix development and production properties that were sold in 2013. See Note 6—Gain on sale of non-current assets for further discussion.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 18—EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION EXPENDITURE

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Costs carried forward in respect of areas of interest in:

             

Exploration and evaluation phase, at cost

  $ 167,694   $ 35,053  

Provision for impairment

    (1,550 )   (1,614 )
           

Total Exploration and Evaluation Expenditure

  $ 166,144   $ 33,439  
           
           

a) Movements in carrying amounts:

             

Exploration and evaluation

             

Balance at the beginning of the period

  $ 33,439   $ 11,436  

Amounts capitalised during the period

    14,770     10,704  

Fair value of assets acquired

    151,115     12,644  

Reclassifications to assets held for sale

    (1,104 )    

Amounts transferred to development phase

    (31,999 )   (527 )

Exploration tenements sold during the period

    (77 )   (818 )
           

Balance at end of period

  $ 166,144   $ 33,439  
           
           

        The ultimate recoupment of costs carried forward for exploration phase is dependent on the successful development and commercial exploitation or sale of respective areas.

NOTE 19—PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 
  31 December 2013
US$'000
  31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Property and equipment, at cost

  $ 1,603   $ 737  

Accumulated depreciation

    (556 )   (314 )
           

Total Property and Equipment

  $ 1,047   $ 423  
           
           

a) Movements in carrying amounts:

             

Balance at the beginning of the period

  $ 423   $ 418  

Amounts capitalised during the period

    886     107  

Depreciation expense

    (262 )   (102 )
           

Balance at end of period

  $ 1,047   $ 423  
           
           

NOTE 20—OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS

 
  31 December 2013
US$'000
  31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Escrow accounts

  $ 2,000   $ 2,400  

Casing and tubulars at net realisable value

    19     20  
           

Total other non-current assets

  $ 2,019   $ 2,420  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 20—OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS (Continued)

        The $2.0 million and $2.4 million of escrow accounts as of 31 December 2013 and 2012, respectively, are the long-term portions related to the escrow accounts discussed in Note 15—Other Current Assets.

NOTE 21—TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

 
  31 December 2013
US$'000
  31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Oil and natural gas related

  $ 135,381   $ 49,407  

Administrative expenses, including salaries and wages

    5,146     2,435  
           

Total trade, other payables and accrued expenses

  $ 140,527   $ 51,842  
           
           

        At 31 December 2013 and 2012, the Group had payable balances of $16.7 million and $15.7 million, respectively, which were outside normal payment terms. These payable balances are partially offset by receivable balances due from the same operator and which are also outside normal paying terms. See Note 12—Trade and Other Receivables for receivable balance information.

NOTE 22—CREDIT FACILITIES

 
  31 December 2013
US$000
  31 December 2012
US$000
 

Senior Credit Facility

  $ 15,000   $ 30,000  

Junior Credit Facility

    15,000      
           

Total credit facilities

    30,000     30,000  

Deferred financing fees

    (859 )   (430 )
           

Total credit facilities, net of deferred financing fees

  $ 29,141   $ 29,570  
           
           

Junior Credit Facility

        In August 2013, Sundance Energy, Inc. ("Sundance Energy"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a second lien credit agreement with Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as the administrative agent (the "Junior Credit Facility"), which provides for term loans to be made in a series of draws up to $100 million. The Junior Credit Facility matures in June 2018 and is secured by a second priority lien on substantially all of the Company's assets. Upon entering into the Junior Credit Facility, the Company immediately borrowed $15 million pursuant to the terms of the Junior Credit Facility and paid down the outstanding principal of the Senior Credit Facility.

        The principal amount of the loans borrowed under our Junior Credit Facility is due in full on the maturity date. Interest on the Junior Credit Facility accrues at a rate equal to the greater of (i) 8.50% or (ii) a base rate (being, at our option, either (a) LIBOR for the applicable interest period (adjusted for Eurodollar Reserve Requirements) or (b) the greatest of (x) the prime rate announced by Wells

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 22—CREDIT FACILITIES (Continued)

Fargo Bank, N.A., (y) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (z) one-month adjusted LIBOR plus 1.00%), plus a margin of either 6.5% or 7.5%, based on the base rate selected.

        The Company is also required under our Junior Credit Facility to maintain the following financial ratios:

    a current ratio, consisting of consolidated current assets including undrawn borrowing capacity to consolidated current liabilities, of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter;

    a maximum leverage ratio, consisting of consolidated debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDAX (as defined in the Junior Credit Facility), of not greater than 4.5 to 1.0 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter (beginning 30 September 2013); and

    an asset coverage ratio, consisting of PV10 to consolidated debt, of not less than 1.5 to 1.0, as of certain test dates.

        For the year ended 31 December 2013, the Company capitalised $0.3 million of financing costs related to the Junior Credit Facility, which offset the principal balance. As at 31 December 2013 there was $15 million outstanding under the Company's Junior Credit Facility. As at 31 December 2013, the Company was in compliance with all restrictive financial and other covenants under the Junior Credit Facility.

Senior Credit Facility

        On 31 December 2012, Sundance Energy entered into a credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the "Senior Credit Facility"), pursuant to which up to $300 million is available on a revolving basis. The borrowing base under the Senior Credit Facility is determined by reference to the value of the Company's proved reserves. The agreement specifies a semi-annual borrowing base redetermination and the Company can request two additional redeterminations each year. The initial borrowing base was set at $30 million and was subsequently increased to $48 million based on March 2013 reserves.

        Interest on borrowed funds accrue, at the Company's option, of i) LIBOR plus a margin that ranges from 175 to 275 basis points or ii) the Base Rate, defined as a rate equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1 / 2 of 1%, (b) the Prime Rate, or (c) LIBOR plus a margin that ranges from 75 to 175 basis points. The applicable margin varies depending on the amount drawn. The Company also pays a commitment that ranges from 37.5 to 50 basis points on the undrawn balance of the borrowing base. The agreement has a five-year term and contains both negative and affirmative covenants, including minimum current ratio and maximum leverage ratio requirements consistent with the Junior Credit Facility's. Certain development and production assets are pledged as collateral and the facility is guaranteed by the Parent Company. On 31 December 2012, the Company drew $30 million on the Senior Credit Facility's borrowing base and used $15 million of the proceeds to repay and retire its outstanding loan with the Bank of Oklahoma. As a part of its Bank of Oklahoma debt extinguishment, the Company expensed approximately $0.3 million of unamortised deferred financing costs, which is included in financing costs in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the six month period ended 31 December 2012.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 22—CREDIT FACILITIES (Continued)

        For the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 and 2012, the Company capitalised $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of financing costs related to the Senior Credit Facility, which offset the principal balance. As at 31 December 2013 there was $15 million outstanding under the Company's Senior Credit Facility. As at 31 December 2013, the Company was in compliance with all restrictive financial and other covenants under the Senior Credit Facility.

        The Company capitalised $1.3 million and nil of interest expense during the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 and 2012, respectively.

NOTE 23—RESTORATION PROVISION

        The restoration provision represents the best estimate of the present value of restoration costs relating to the Company's oil and natural gas interests, which are expected to be incurred up to 2043. Assumptions, based on the current economic environment, have been made which management believes are a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the future liability. The estimate of future removal costs requires management to make significant judgments regarding removal date or well lives, the extent of restoration activities required, discount and inflation rates. These estimates are reviewed regularly to take into account any material changes to the assumptions. However, actual restoration costs will reflect market conditions at the relevant time. Furthermore, the timing of restoration is likely to depend on when the fields cease to produce at economically viable rates. This in turn will depend on future oil and natural gas prices, which are inherently uncertain.

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Balance at the beginning of the period

  $ 1,228   $ 588  

New provisions and changes in estimates

    3,622     310  

Dispositions

    (146 )   (192 )

New provisions assumed from acquisition

    397     506  

Reclassified to assets held for sale

    (109 )    

Unwinding of discount

    82     16  
           

Balance at end of period

  $ 5,074   $ 1,228  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 24—DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

 
  31 December 2013
US$'000
  31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Net deferred tax assets:

             

Share issuance costs

  $ 1,069   $  

Net operating loss carried forward

    473      

Unrecognized foreign currency gain (loss)

    761      
           

Total net deferred tax assets

  $ 2,303   $  
           
           

Deferred tax liabilities:

             

Development and production expenditure

  $ (114,042 ) $ (79,600 )

Offset by deferred tax assets with legally enforceable right of set-off:

   
 
   
 
 

Net operating loss carried forward

   
10,373
   
22,647
 

Other

    958     (26 )
           

Total net deferred tax liabilities

  $ (102,711 ) $ (56,979 )
           
           

NOTE 25—ISSUED CAPITAL

        Total ordinary shares issued and outstanding at each period end are fully paid. All shares issued are authorized. Shares have no par value.

a)    Ordinary Shares

 
  Number of Shares  

Total shares issued and outstanding at 30 June 2012

    277,098,474  

Shares issued during the period

    1,666,667  
       

Total shares issued and outstanding at 31 December 2012

    278,765,141  

Shares issued during the year

    184,408,527  
       

Total shares issued and outstanding at 31 December 2013

    463,173,668  
       
       

        Ordinary shares participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding of the Parent Company in proportion to the number of shares held. At shareholders' meetings each ordinary share is entitled to one vote when a poll is called, otherwise each shareholder has one vote on a show of hands.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 25—ISSUED CAPITAL (Continued)

b)    Issued Capital

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Beginning of the period

  $ 58,694   $ 57,978  

Shares issued in connection with:

             

Merger with Texon

    132,092      

Private placement

    47,398      

Exercise of stock options

    813     716  
           

Total shares issued during the period

    180,303     716  
           

Cost of capital raising during the period, net of tax

    (1,989 )    
           

Closing balance at end of period

  $ 237,008   $ 58,694  
           
           

c)     Options on Issue

        Details of the share options outstanding as at the end of the period:

Grant Date
  Expiry Date   Exercise Price   31 December 2013   31 December 2012  

10 Sep 2010

  31 May 2013   A$ 0.20         1,000,000  

10 Sep 2010

  31 May 2013   A$ 0.30         500,000  

02 Dec 2010

  01 Dec 2015   A$ 0.37     291,666     1,166,666  

02 Mar 2011

  30 Jun 2014   A$ 0.95     30,000     30,000  

03 Jun 2011

  31 May 2013   A$ 0.35         100,000  

03 Jun 2011

  15 Jan 2016   A$ 0.65     500,000     500,000  

03 Jun 2011

  28 Jan 2016   A$ 0.50         250,000  

06 Jun 2011

  01 Sep 2015   A$ 0.95     30,000     30,000  

06 Sep 2011

  31 Dec 2018   A$ 0.95     1,200,000     1,200,000  

05 Dec 2011

  05 Mar 2019   A$ 0.95     1,000,000     1,000,000  

01 Nov 2012

  01 Feb 2020   A$ 1.15     350,000      

03 Dec 2012

  03 Mar 2020   A$ 1.15     350,000      

01 Apr 2013

  01 Jul 2020   A$ 1.25     350,000      

24 Sept 2013

  23 Dec 2020   A$ 1.40     950,000      
                     

Total share options outstanding

              5,051,666     5,776,666  
                     
                     

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 25—ISSUED CAPITAL (Continued)

d)    Restricted Share Units on Issue

        Details of the restricted share units outstanding as at the end of the period:

Grant Date
  31 December 2013   31 December 2012  

05 Dec 2011

    88,500     608,750  

15 Oct 2012

    709,817     1,482,143  

19 April 2013

    905,990      
           

Total RSUs outstanding

    1,704,307     2,090,893  
           
           

e)     Capital Management

        Management controls the capital of the Group in order to maintain an appropriate debt to equity ratio, provide the shareholders with adequate returns and ensure that the Group can fund its operations and continue as a going concern.

        The Group's debt and capital includes ordinary share capital and financial liabilities, supported by financial assets. Other than the covenants described in Note 22, the Group has no externally imposed capital requirements.

        Management effectively manages the Group's capital by assessing the Group's financial risks and adjusting its capital structure in response to changes in these risks and in the market. These responses include the management of debt levels, distributions to shareholders and shareholder issues.

        There have been no changes in the strategy adopted by management to control the capital of the Group since the prior period. The strategy is to ensure that the Group's gearing ratio remains minimal. As at 31 December 2013 and 2012, the Company had $29.1 million and $29.6 million of outstanding debt, net of deferred financing fees, respectively.

NOTE 26—RESERVES

a)    Share Option Reserve

        The share option reserve records items recognised as expenses on valuation of employee and supplier share options and restricted share units.

b)    Foreign Currency Translation Reserve

        The foreign currency translation reserve records exchange differences arising on translation of the Parent Company.

NOTE 27—CAPITAL AND OTHER EXPENDITURE COMMITMENTS

Capital commitments relating to tenements

        As at 31 December 2013, all of the Company's exploration and evaluation and development and production assets are located in the United States of America ("US").

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 27—CAPITAL AND OTHER EXPENDITURE COMMITMENTS (Continued)

        The mineral leases in the exploration prospects in the US have primary terms ranging from 3 years to 5 years and generally have no specific capital expenditure requirements. However, mineral leases that are not successfully drilled and included within a spacing unit for a producing well within the primary term will expire at the end of the primary term unless re-leased.

        The following tables summarize the Group's contractual commitments not provided for in the consolidated financial statements:

 
  As At 31 December 2013  
 
  Total   Less than
1 year
  1 - 5 years   More than
5 years
 

Drilling rig commitments(1)

  $ 5,159   $ 5,159   $   $  

Drilling commitments(2)

    2,000         2,000      

Operating lease commitments(3)

    1,860     200     1,354     306  

Employment commitments(4)

    104     104          
                   

Total expenditure commitments

  $ 9,123   $ 5,463   $ 3,354   $ 306  
                   
                   

 

 
  As at 31 December 2012  
 
  Total   Less than 1 year   1 - 5 years   More than 5 years  

Drilling commitments(2)

  $ 3,000   $   $ 3,000   $  

Operating lease commitments(3)

    243     162     81      

Employment commitments(4)

    379     275     104      
                   

Total expenditure commitments

  $ 3,622   $ 437   $ 3,185   $  
                   
                   

(1)
As at 31 December 2013, the Company had 4 outstanding drilling rig contracts to explore and develop the Company's properties. The contracts generally have terms of 6 to 12 months. Amounts represent minimum expenditure commitments should the Company elect to terminate these contracts prior to term. Subsequent to year end, the Company entered into a drilling rig contract in which minimum commitments due to early termination would be $2.1 million.

(2)
On 31 December 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire certain oil and natural gas properties located in the Wattenberg Field and to drill 45 net wells by 31 December 2015 on the acquired properties (the "Drilling Commitment"). As each qualifying well is drilled, approximately $67 thousand is paid from the escrow account to the Company. However, for each required net commitment well not completed by the Company during that prorated commitment year, the Company is to pay the seller of the properties approximately $67 thousand from the escrow account. Certain clawback provisions allow the Company to recoup amounts paid to the sellers if the total 45 wells are drilled by 31 December 2015. As at 31 December 2013, the Company has not yet drilled any wells, as such, $1.0 million, equal to one third of the total commitment, was accrued and recognised in other (expense) income in the consolidated statement of profit

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 27—CAPITAL AND OTHER EXPENDITURE COMMITMENTS (Continued)

    or loss and comprehensive income and was released from the escrow account subsequent to the balance sheet date.

(3)
Represents commitments for minimum lease payments in relation to non-cancellable operating leases for office space not provided for in the consolidated financial statements.

(4)
Represents commitments for the payment of salaries and other remuneration under long-term employment and consultant contracts not provided for in the consolidated financial statements. Details relating to the employment contracts are set out in the Company's Remuneration Report.

NOTE 28—CONTINGENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

        At the date of signing this report, the Group is not aware of any contingent assets or liabilities that should be recognised or disclosed in accordance with AASB 137— Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets / IFRS 37— Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets.

NOTE 29—OPERATING SEGMENTS

        The Company's strategic focus is the exploration, development and production of large, repeatable onshore resource plays in North America, which is the Company's only major line of business and only major geographic area of operations. All of the basins and/or formations in which the Company operates have common operational characteristics, challenges and economic characteristics. As such, Management has determined, based upon the reports reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") and used to make strategic decisions, that the Company has one reportable segment being oil and natural gas exploration and production in North America.

        The CODM reviews internal management reports on a monthly basis that are consistent with the information provided in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, statement of financial position and statement of cash flows. As a result no reconciliation is required, because the information as presented is used by the CODM to make strategic decisions.

Geographic Information

        The operations of the Group are located in only one geographic location, the United States of America. All revenue is generated from sales to customers located in the US.

        Revenue from four major customers exceeded 10 percent of Group consolidated revenue for the year ended 31 December 2013 and accounted for 47 percent, 15 percent, 10 percent and 10 percent (six month period ended 31 December 2012: four major customers accounted for 29 percent, 22 percent, 21 percent and 10 percent) of our consolidated oil and natural gas revenues.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 30—CASH FLOW INFORMATION

a)    Reconciliation of cash flows from operations with income from ordinary activities after income tax

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Profit from ordinary activities after income tax

  $ 15,942   $ 76,210  

Non cash flow in operating income

             

Depreciation and amortisation expense

    36,225     6,116  

Share options expensed

    1,590     733  

Unrealised losses on derivatives

    837     1,190  

Net gain on sale of properties

    (7,335 )   (122,327 )

Write-off of Bank of Oklahoma deferred financing fees

        349  

Other

    (13 )    

Changes in assets and liabilities:

             

—Increase in current and deferred tax

    5,812     46,616  

—Decrease (increase) in other assets, excluding investing activities

    2,155     (381 )

—Increase in trade and other receivables

    (3,541 )   (3,320 )

—Increase in trade and other payables

    10,974     4,200  
           

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 62,646   $ 9,386  
           
           

b)    Non Cash Financing and Investing Activities

    During the year ended 31 December 2013 $132.1 million in shares were issued in connection with the Texon acquisition.

NOTE 31—SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

        During the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 and 2012, a total of 2,000,000 and nil options were granted to employees pursuant to employment agreements and a total of 2,725,000 and 1,666,667 previously issued options were exercised, respectively. There were 700,000 awarded options that the Company expected to issue in early 2013 for which Company employees rendered services during the six month period ended 31 December 2012. Using the best estimate of fair value on the employees' hire date, the Company began expensing these awards during the six month period ended

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 31—SHARE BASED PAYMENTS (Continued)

31 December 2012. The 700,000 options were issued in early 2013, but were excluded from the outstanding options summary below as at 31 December 2012:

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
 
 
  Number of
Options
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price A$
  Number of
Options
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price A$
 

Outstanding at start of period

    5,776,666     0.59     7,443,333     0.55  

Formally issued

    2,000,000     1.29          

Forfeited

                 

Exercised

    (2,725,000 )   0.31     (1,666,667 )   0.41  

Expired

                 
                   

Outstanding at end of period

    5,051,666     1.02     5,776,666     0.59  
                   
                   

Exercisable at end of period

    2,241,666     0.87     3,729,999     0.44  
                   
                   

        The following tables summarise the options issued and awarded and their related grant date, fair value and vesting conditions for the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 and 2012, respectively:

        Options issued during the year ended 31 December 2013:

Grant Date
  Number of
Options
  Estimated
Fair Value
(US$'000)
  Vesting Conditions

1 April 2013

    350,000   $ 217   20% issuance date, 20% first four anniversaries

24 September 2013

    950,000   $ 475   20% issuance date, 20% first four anniversaries
             

Total

    1,300,000   $ 692    
             
             

        Options awarded, but not yet issued during the six month period ended 31 December 2012:

Award Date (not issued)
  Number of
Options
  Estimated
Fair Value
(US$'000)
  Vesting Conditions

1 November 2012

    350,000   $ 145   20% issuance date, 20% first four anniversaries

3 December 2012

    350,000   $ 157   20% issuance date, 20% first four anniversaries
             

    700,000   $ 302    
             
             

        Share based payments expense related to options is determined pursuant to AASB 2—Share Based Payments ("AASB 2") / IFRS 2—Share Based Payments ("IFRS 2"), and is recognised pursuant to the attached vesting conditions. The fair value of the options awarded ranged from A$0.53 to A$0.59 and A$0.42 to A$0.45 for the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 and 2012, respectively, which were calculated using a Black-Sholes options pricing model. Expected volatilities are based upon the historical volatility of the ordinary shares. Historical data is also used to estimate the probability of option exercise and potential forfeitures. Included in the 2,000,000 options issued during the year ended

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 31—SHARE BASED PAYMENTS (Continued)

2013 were 700,000 options that were granted in the fourth quarter of 2012, which began being expensed during the six month period ended 31 December 2012 according to the relevant service periods.

        The following table summarises the key assumptions used to calculate the estimated fair value awarded or granted during the periods:

 
  Issued during
year ended
31 December 2013
  Issued in
early 2013(1)

Share price:

  A$1.06 - 1.10   A$0.78 - A$0.82

Exercise price:

  A$1.25 - 1.40   A$1.15

Expected volatility:

  60%   65%

Option term:

  5.75 years   5.75 years

Risk free interest rate:

  2.82% to 3.10%   2.75%

(1)
As at 31 December 2012, options were subject to formal issuance, but had been awarded and expensed beginning on the employees' hire date during the six month period ended 31 December 2012.

Restricted Share Units

        During the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 and 2012, the Board of Directors awarded 1,237,994 and 1,482,143 RSUs to certain employees. These awards were made in accordance with the long-term equity component of the Company's incentive compensation plan, the details of which are described in more detail in the remuneration section of the Directors' Report. Share based payment expense for RSUs awarded was calculated pursuant to AASB 2 / IFRS 2. The fair values of RSUs were estimated at the date they were approved by the Board of Directors, 19 April 2013 and 15 October 2012 (the measurement dates). As at 30 June 2012, the 5 December 2011 awards had been approved but not yet issued. All unforfeited awards were issued to employees upon finalisation of the plan documents, which occurred in December 2012. The value of the vested portion of these awards has been recognised within the financial statements. This information is summarised for the Group for the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 and 2012, respectively, below:

 
  Year ended 31 December 2013  
 
  Number
of RSUs
  Weighted Average
Fair Value at
Measurement Date
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

    2,090,893   A$ 0.59  

Issued

    1,237,994   A$ 0.91  

Converted to ordinary shares

    (1,511,511 ) A$ 0.76  

Forfeited

    (113,069 ) A$ 0.76  
           

Outstanding at end of year

    1,704,307   A$ 0.83  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 31—SHARE BASED PAYMENTS (Continued)


 
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
 
 
  Number
of RSUs
  Weighted Average
Fair Value at
Measurement Date
 

Awarded, but not yet issued (beginning of period)*

    910,000   A$ 0.38  

Forfeited prior to finalisation of plan*

    (301,250 ) A$ 0.38  

Formally issued (in addition to unissued units at beginning of period)

    1,482,143   A$ 0.68  

Forfeited subsequent to finalisation of plan

         

Converted to ordinary shares

         
           

Outstanding at end of period

    2,090,893   A$ 0.59  
           
           

Vested at end of period

    765,286   A$ 0.48  
           
           

*
RSUs awarded, but not yet issued at beginning of period were issued upon finalisation of the plan during the period ended 31 December 2012 and are included in the total outstanding at end of period (net of forfeited units).

        The following tables summarise the RSUs issued and their related grant date, fair value and vesting conditions for the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 and 2012, respectively:

        RSUs awarded during the year ended 31 December 2013:

Grant Date
  Number
of RSUs
  Estimated
Fair Value
(US$'000)
  Vesting Conditions

19 April 2013

    863,746   $ 789   25% issuance date, 25% first three anniversaries

28 May 2013

    374,248   $ 354   25% issuance date, 25% first three anniversaries
             

    1,237,994   $ 1,143    
             
             

        RSUs issued during the six month period ended 31 December 2012:

Grant Date
  Number
of RSUs
  Estimated
Fair Value
(US$'000)
  Vesting Conditions

15 October 2012

    1,080,358   $ 809   25% issuance date, 25% first three anniversaries

29 November 2012

    401,785   $ 340   25% issuance date, 25% first three anniversaries
             

    1,482,143   $ 1,149    
             
             

        Upon vesting, and after a certain administrative period, the RSUs are converted to ordinary shares of the Company. Once converted to ordinary shares, the RSUs are no longer restricted. As the daily closing price of the Company's ordinary shares approximates its estimated fair value at that time, the Company used the grant date closing price to estimate the fair value of the RSUs.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 32—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

        N Martin was previously a partner of Minter Ellison Lawyers and is now a consultant for Minter Ellison Lawyers as well as a Director of the Company. Minter Ellison Lawyers were paid a total of $0.2 million and $0.1 million for legal services for the year and six month period ended 31 December 2013 and 2012, respectively.

NOTE 33—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

a)    Financial Risk Management Policies

        The Group is exposed to a variety of financial market risks including interest rate, commodity prices, foreign exchange and liquidity risk. The Group's risk management strategy focuses on the volatility of commodity markets and protecting cash flow in the event of declines in commodity pricing. The Group utilises derivative financial instruments to hedge exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and commodity prices. The Group's financial instruments consist mainly of deposits with banks, short term investments, accounts receivable, derivative financial instruments, finance facility, and payables. The main purpose of non-derivative financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group operations.

i)
Treasury Risk Management

        Financial risk management is carried out by Management. The Board sets financial risk management policies and procedures by which Management are to adhere. Management identifies and evaluates all financial risks and enters into financial risk instruments to mitigate these risk exposures in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined by the Board.

ii)
Financial Risk Exposure and Management

        Interest rate risk is managed with a mixture of fixed and floating rate cash deposits. As at 31 December 2013 and 2012 approximately nil of Group deposits are fixed. It is the policy of the Group to keep surplus cash in interest yielding deposits.

        The Group's interest rate risk arises from its borrowings. Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Group's exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the Group's long-term debt obligations with floating interest rates.

        During the year ended 31 December 2013, the Group entered into US dollar denominated interest rate swaps which fix the interest rate associated with the credit facilities to protect against the floating LIBOR rates through 2017.

        As at 31 December 2013 the Group had interest rate swaps with a notional contract amount of $15.0 million (2012: nil).

        The net fair value of interest rate swaps at 31 December 2013 was relatively immaterial, comprising long-term assets of $0.2 million and current liabilities of $0.1 million. These amounts were recognised as fair value derivatives.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 33—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

iii)
Commodity Price Risk Exposure and Management

        The Board actively reviews oil and gas hedging on a monthly basis. Reports providing detailed analysis of the Group's hedging activity are continually monitored against Group policy. The Group sells its oil on market using Nymex and LLS market spot rates reduced for basis differentials in the basins from which the Company produces. Gas is sold using Henry Hub and Houston Ship Channel market spot prices. Forward contracts are used by the Group to manage its forward commodity price risk exposure. The Group's policy is to hedge less than 50% of anticipated future oil and gas production for up to 24 months. The Group may hedge over 50% or beyond 24 months with approval of the Board. The Group has not elected to utilise hedge accounting treatment and changes in fair value are recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

Commodity Hedge Contracts outstanding as at 31 December 2013

Contract Type
  Counterparty   Basis   Quantity/mo   Strike Price   Term

Collar

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   2.500 BBL   $80.00/$98.25   1-Jul-14 - 31-Dec-14

Collar

  Wells Fargo   NYMEX   3,000 BBL   $90.00/$99.75   1-Jul-13 - 30-Jun-14

Collar

  Wells Fargo   NYMEX   3,000 BBL   $85.00/$94.75   1-Jan-14 - 31-Dec-14

Swap

  Wells Fargo   NYMEX   2,000 BBL   $97.40   1-Jan-14 - 31-Dec-14

Collar

  Wells Fargo   NYMEX   2,000 BBL   $75.00/$98.65   1-Jan-15 - 31-Dec-15

Collar

  Wells Fargo   NYMEX   2,000 BBL   $90.00/$102.85   1-Jan-14 - 31-Dec-14

Collar

  Wells Fargo   NYMEX   2,000 BBL   $80.00/$97.00   1-Jan-15 - 31-Dec-15

Collar

  Shell Trading US   LLS   2,000 BBL   $90.00/$102.00   1-Jan-14 - 31-Dec-14

Collar

  Shell Trading US   LLS   3,000 BBL   $90.00/$101.30   1-Jan-14 - 31-Dec-14

Collar

  Shell Trading US   LLS   2,000 BBL   $85.00/$102.00   1-Jul-14 - 31-Dec-14

Collar

  Shell Trading US   LLS   3,000 BBL   $85.00/$101.05   1-Jan-15 - 31-Dec-15

Swap

  Wells Fargo   LLS   3,000 BBL   $101.75   1-Jul-13 - 30-Jun-14

Swap

  Wells Fargo   LLS   3,000 BBL   $100.15   1-Jan-14 - 31-Dec-14

Swap

  Wells Fargo   LLS   3,000 BBL   $102.30   1-Jan-14 - 31-Dec-14

Swap

  Shell Trading US   HH   20,000 MCF   $4.23   1-Jan-14 - 31-Dec-14

Collar

  Shell Trading US   HSC   10,000 MCF   $3.75/$4.60   1-Jan-14 - 31-Dec-14

b)    Net Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

        The net fair value of cash and cash equivalent and non-interest bearing monetary financial assets and financial liabilities of the consolidated entity approximate their carrying value.

        The net fair value of other monetary financial assets and financial liabilities is based on discounting future cash flows by the current interest rates for assets and liabilities with similar risk profiles. The balances are not materially different from those disclosed in the consolidated statement of financial position of the Group.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 33—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

c)     Credit Risk

        Credit risk for the Group arises from investments in cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to customers including outstanding receivables and committed transactions, and represents the potential financial loss if counterparties fail to perform as contracted. The Group trades only with recognised, creditworthy third parties.

        The maximum exposure to credit risk, excluding the value of any collateral or other security, at balance date to recognise the financial assets, is the carrying amount, net of any impairment of those assets, as disclosed in the balance sheet and notes to the financial statements.

        The Group does not have any material credit risk exposure to any single debtor or group of debtors under financial instruments entered into by the consolidated entity.

d)    Liquidity Risk

        Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and marketable securities and the availability of funding through an adequate committed credit facility. The Company aims to maintain flexibility in funding to meet ongoing operational requirements and exploration and development expenditures by keeping a committed credit facility available.

        The Company has the following commitments related to its non-derivative financial liabilities as at 31 December 2013 (in 000s):

 
  Total   Less than
1 year
  1 - 5 years   More than
5 years
 

Trade and other payable

  $ 62,811   $ 62,811   $   $  

Accrued expenses

    77,716     77,716          

Credit facilities payments

    37,037     1,600     35,437      
                   

Total

  $ 177,564   $ 142,127   $ 35,437   $  
                   
                   

        The Company has the following commitments related to its non-derivative financial liabilities as at 31 December 2012 (in 000s):

 
  Total   Less than
1 year
  1 - 5 years   More than
5 years
 

Trade and other payable

  $ 38,770   $ 38,770   $   $  

Accrued expenses

    13,072     13,072          

Credit facilities payments

    30,000         30,000      
                   

Total

  $ 81,842   $ 51,842   $ 30,000   $  
                   
                   

e)     Market Risk

        Market risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Market risk comprises three types of risk: commodity

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 33—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

price risk, interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. Financial instruments affected by market risk include loans and borrowings, deposits, trade receivables, trade payables, accrued liabilities and derivative financial instruments.

Commodity Price Risk

        The Group is exposed to the risk of fluctuations in prevailing market commodity prices on the mix of oil and gas products it produce.

Commodity Price Risk Sensitivity Analysis

        The table below summarises the impact on profit before tax for changes in commodity prices on the fair value of derivative financial instruments. The impact on equity is the same as the impact on profit before tax as these derivative financial instruments have not been designated as hedges and are and therefore fair valued through profit and loss. The analysis assumes that the crude oil and natural gas price moves $10 per barrel and $0.50 per mcf, with all other variables remaining constant, respectively.

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Change in profit/(loss)

             

Oil

             

—improvement in US$ oil price of $10 per barrel

  $ (2,351 ) $ (702 )

—decline in US$ oil price of $10 per barrel

    1,477     840  

Gas

   
 
   
 
 

—improvement in US$ gas price of $0.50 per mcf

  $ (124 ) $ (60 )

—decline in US$ gas price of $0.50 per mcf

    180     60  

Interest Rate Risk

        Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Group's exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the Group's long-term debt obligations with floating interest rates.

F-54


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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 33—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis

        Based on the net debt position as at 31 December 2013, taking into account interest rate swaps, with all other variables remaining constant, the following table represents the effect on income as a result of changes in the interest rate. The impact on equity is the same as the impact on profit before tax.

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six month ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Change in profit/(loss)

             

—increase in interest rates + 2%

  $ (177 ) $ (157 )

—decrease in interest rates - 2%

        157  

        This assumes that the change in interest rates is effective from the beginning of the financial year and the net debt position and fixed/floating mix is constant over the year. However, interest rates and the debt profile of the Group are unlikely to remain constant and therefore the above sensitivity analysis will be subject to change.

Foreign Currency Risk

        The Group is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency arising from transactions in currencies other than the Group's functional currency (US$).

F-55


Table of Contents


SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 34—PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION

a)    Cost Basis

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Parent Entity

             

Assets

             

Current assets

  $ 1,962   $ 1,490  

Investment in subsidiaries

    173,633     134,094  

Non-current assets

    42,840      
           

Total assets

  $ 218,435   $ 135,584  
           
           

Liabilities

             

Current liabilities

  $ 425   $ 127  

Non-current liabilities

         
           

Total Liabilities

    425     127  
           
           

Total net assets

  $ 218,010   $ 135,457  
           
           

Equity

             

Issued capital

    237,008     58,694  

Share options reserve

    386     386  

Foreign currency translation

    (20,509 )   925  

Retained earnings (loss)

    1,125     75,452  
           

Total equity

  $ 218,010   $ 135,457  
           
           

Financial Performance

             

Profit/(loss) for the period

  $ 275   $ (241 )

Other comprehensive income

    (31,307 )    
           

Total profit or loss and other comprehensive income

  $ (31,032 ) $ (241 )
           
           

F-56


Table of Contents


SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 34—PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION (Continued)

b)    Equity Basis

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Parent Entity

             

Assets

             

Current assets

  $ 1,962   $ 1,490  

Investment in subsidiaries

    302,864     150,453  

Non-current assets

    42,840      
           

Total assets

  $ 347,666   $ 151,943  
           
           

Liabilities

             

Current liabilities

  $ 425   $ 127  

Non-current liabilities

         
           

Total Liabilities

    425     127  
           
           

Total net assets

  $ 347,241   $ 151,816  
           
           

Equity

             

Issued capital

    237,008     58,694  

Share options reserve

    5,635     4,045  

Foreign currency translation

    (1,516 )   (1,095 )

Retained earnings (loss)

    106,114     90,172  
           

Total equity

  $ 347,241   $ 151,816  
           
           

Financial Performance

             

Profit/(loss) for the period before equity in income of subsidiaries

  $ 275   $ (241 )

Equity in income of subsidiaries

    15,667     76,451  

Other comprehensive income

    (421 )   (154 )
           

Total profit or loss and other comprehensive income

  $ 15,521   $ 76,056  
           
           

c)     Cash Flow

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
US$'000
 

Cash flow from operating activities

  $ (42,934 ) $ (1,655 )

Cash flow from investing activities

    (136,890 )   11  

Cash flow from financing activities

    179,904     716  

F-57


Table of Contents


SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 35—DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE

        Pursuant to Class Order 98/1418, the wholly-owned subsidiary, Armadillo Petroleum Limited ("APL"), is relieved from the Corporations Act 2001 requirements for preparation, audit and lodgement of its financial reports.

        As a condition of the Class Order, SEAL and APL ("the Closed Group") have entered into a Deed of Cross Guarantee ("Deed"). The effect of the Deed is that SEAL has guaranteed to pay any deficiency in the event of the winding up of APL under certain provision of the Corporations Act 2001 . APL has also given a similar guarantee in the event that SEAL is wound up.

        The Closed Group was formed in 2013; therefore, there is no comparable information.

        Set out below is a consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income and retained earnings for the year ended 31 December 2013 of the Closed Group:

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
US$'000
 

Profit / (loss) before income tax

  $ (1,497 )

Income tax benefit

    1,780  
       

Profit attributable to members of SEAL

  $ 283  
       
       

Total comprehensive loss attributable to members of SEAL

  $ (18,924 )
       
       

Retained earnings at 1 January

  $ 849  
       
       

Retained earnings at 31 December

  $ 1,132  
       
       

F-58


Table of Contents


SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 35—DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE (Continued)

        Set out below is a condensed consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2013 of the Closed Group:

 
  31 December 2013
US$'000
 

Current assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 1,558  

Other current assets

    2,200  
       

Total current assets

    3,758  
       

Non-current assets

       

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

    170  

Related party note receivable

    40,537  

Other non-current assets

    174,240  
       

Total non-current assets

    214,947  
       

Total assets

  $ 218,705  
       
       

Current liabilities

       

Trade and other payables

    176  

Accrued expenses

    302  
       

Total current liabilities

    478  
       

Non-current liabilities

       

Deferred tax liabilities

    4  
       

Total non-current liabilities

    4  
       

Total liabilities

  $ 482  
       
       

Net assets

  $ 218,223  
       
       

Equity

       

Issued capital

  $ 237,008  

Share option reserve

    386  

Foreign currency translation

    (20,303 )

Retained earnings

    1,132  
       

Total equity

  $ 218,223  
       
       

F-59


Table of Contents


SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 36—EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE

        In May 2014, the Company entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to divest of its remaining Denver-Julesburg Basin assets. The sale price of $116 million in cash includes capital expenditure reimbursement on 8 gross (3.1 net) non-operated horizontal wells. The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2014.

        In July 2014, the Company acquired the working interests in 9,200 gross (5,700 net) and 18,000 gross (5,400 net) mineral acres in Dimmit and Maverick Counties, Texas, respectively. The purchase price includes an initial cash payment of $33 million and a commitment to drill four Eagle Ford wells. In addition, the Company has the option, at its sole discretion, to acquire the Seller's remaining working interests in Dimmit and Maverick Counties, Texas (including the Seller's interest in producing wells) for an additional $45 million (comprised of the Seller's choice of all cash or cash and ordinary shares, with certain restrictions).

        In May 2014, the Company's borrowing capacity under its Credit Facilities increased from $63 million to $135 million. Contemporaneously with and subsequent to the borrowing base redetermination, the Company drew an additional $50 million of net debt under its Credit Facilities, which increased the debt outstanding to $80 million as of June 30, 2014.

        In April 2014, the Company acquired approximately 4,800 net acres in the Eagle Ford for an initial purchase price of approximately $10.5 million and two separate earn out payments due upon commencement of drilling ($7.7 million) and payout of the first six wells drilled on the acreage ($7.7 million). The term of the agreement is two years and provides a one year extension for $500 per acre extended. This acreage is adjacent to the Company's current acreage in McMullen County, Texas.

        In February 2014, the Company completed a placement of 84.2 million ordinary shares at A$0.95 per share, raising A$80.0 million. The first tranche of 63.7 million shares were issued in March 2014 and the second tranche of 20.5 million shares were issued in April 2014. The placement was undertaken after the Company chose not to proceed with its U.S. initial public offering as it did not meet the goals and objectives of the proposed issue. As a result, the Company expensed all transaction costs incurred on the initial public offering as at 31 December 2013 of $2.1 million.

        After year-end, there was a well site accident in which two employees of a sub-contractor were injured. One of those employees subsequently passed away from their injuries. Due to various available indemnities and applicable insurance coverage, the Company believes the resolution of any potential claims that may ultimately name the Company as a defendant will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations

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Table of Contents


SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 37—UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES

Costs Incurred

        The following table sets forth the capitalised costs incurred in our oil and gas production, exploration, and development activities:

(in thousands)
  Year ended
31 December 2013
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
 

Property Acquisition Costs

             

Proved(1)

  $ 158,116   $ 986  

Unproved(1)

    60,690     23,330  

Exploration costs

    1,338      

Development costs(2)

    219,121     46,981  
           

  $ 439,265   $ 71,297  
           
           

(1)
2013 property acquisition costs include acquisition date fair value of $157.2 million and $47.3 million for proved and unproved assets acquired related to the Texon merger, which was primarily a non-cash business combination.

(2)
2013 development costs include $55.6 million of costs associated with non-producing wells in progress as at 31 December 2013. These wells in progress were either drilling, waiting on hydraulic fracturing or production testing at year-end.

Oil and Gas Reserve Information

        Netherland Sewall & Associates, Inc. ("NSAI"), an independent petroleum engineering consulting firm, prepared all of the total future net revenue discounted at 10% attributable to the total interest owned by the Company as at 31 December 2013 and 2012. The individual primarily responsible for overseeing the review is a Senior Vice President with NSAI and a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas with over 30 years of experience in oil and gas reservoir studies and evaluations.

        Proved reserves are those quantities of oil and natural gas, which, by analysis of geosciences and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.

        There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and projecting future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures. The estimation of our proved reserves employs one or more of the following: production trend extrapolation, analogy, volumetric assessment and material balance analysis. Techniques including review of production and pressure histories, analysis of electric logs and fluid tests, and interpretations of geologic and geophysical data are also involved in this estimation process.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 37—UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (Continued)

        The following reserve data represents estimates only and should not be construed as being exact.

 
  Oil
(MBbl)
  Natural
Gas
(MMcf)
  NGL(1)
(MBbl)
  Total Oil
Equivalents
(MBbl)
 

Total proved reserves:

                         

30 June 2012

    7,979     13,052         10,155  

Revisions of previous estimates

    (556 )   (1,205 )       (757 )

Extensions and discoveries

    1,597     4,322         2,317  

Purchases of reserves in-place

    827     5,797         1,793  

Production

    (195 )   (233 )       (234 )

Sales of reserves in-place

    (3,894 )   (4,845 )       (4,702 )
                   

31 December 2012

    5,758     16,888         8,572  
                   
                   

Revisions of previous estimates

    (1,160 )   (4,091 )   74     (1,767 )

Extensions and discoveries

    7,081     16,270     1,946     11,739  

Purchases of reserves in-place

    3,857     4,674     758     5,393  

Production

    (827 )   (934 )   (96 )   (1,079 )

Sales of reserves in-place

    (1,753 )   (2,152 )       (2,111 )
                   

31 December 2013

    12,956     30,655     2,683     20,747  
                   
                   

Proved developed reserves:

                         

30 June 2012

    2,564     4,905         3,382  
                   
                   

31 December 2012

    1,932     5,242         2,805  
                   
                   

31 December 2013

    4,140     10,765     1,087     7,021  
                   
                   

Proved undeveloped reserves

                         

30 June 2012

    5,415     8,147         6,773  
                   
                   

31 December 2012

    3,826     11,646         5,767  
                   
                   

31 December 2013

    8,816     19,890     1,596     13,726  
                   
                   

(1)
Prior to the year ended 31 December 2013, the Company's NGL Proved Reserves were insignificant; and as such, were included in Natural Gas Proved Reserves and not separately reported in the Company's reserve report.

Depletable Reserve Base

        In accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, the Company includes economically recoverable reserves as its depletable Reserve base used for its depletion calculation. With the exception of its Eagle Ford formation, the Company uses only Proved Developed Reserves in its depletable Reserve base. In addition to Proved Developed Reserves, the Company included Probable Developed Reserves of 887.3 MBoe in its Eagle Ford depletable Reserve base used for its six-month ended 31 December 2013 depletion calculation.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 37—UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (Continued)

The Proved and Probable Developed Reserves represent managements' best estimate of economically recoverable reserves associated with developed properties located in the Eagle Ford formation.

Revisions of Previous Estimates

        The Company's previous estimates of Proved Reserves related to its DJ Basin decreased by 1,431 MBoe in 2013 (81 percent of the Company's total revisions of previous estimate). This decrease was due to adjusted forecasts for the DJ Basin.

Extensions and Discoveries

        As a result of the Company's active 2013 drilling programs in its Eagle Ford and Mississippian/Woodford formations, the Proved Reserves had extensions and discoveries of 5,378 MBoe 4,252 MBoe, which represent 46 and 36 percent of the Company's total extensions and discoveries, respectively.

Standardized Measure of Future Net Cash Flow

        The Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Natural Gas Reserves ("Standardized Measure") does not purport, nor should it be interpreted, to present the fair value of a company's proved oil and natural gas reserves. Fair value would require, among other things, consideration of expected future economic and operating conditions, a discount factor more representative of the time value of money, and risks inherent in reserve estimates.

        Under the Standardized Measure, future cash inflows are based upon the forecasted future production of year-end proved reserves. Future cash inflows are then reduced by estimated future production and development costs to determine net pre-tax cash flow. Future income taxes are computed by applying the statutory tax rate to the excess of pre-tax cash flow over our tax basis in the associated oil and gas properties. Tax credits and permanent differences are also considered in the future income tax calculation. Future net cash flow after income taxes is discounted using a 10% annual discount rate to arrive at the Standardized Measure.

        The following summary sets forth our Standardized Measure:

(in thousands)
  Year ended
31 December 2013
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
 

Cash inflows

  $ 1,407,871   $ 594,549  

Production costs

    (393,300 )   (198,304 )

Development costs

    (382,259 )   (113,531 )

Income tax expense

    (137,994 )   (51,408 )
           

Net cash flow

    494,318     231,306  

10% annual discount rate

    (226,155 )   (115,759 )
           

Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flow

  $ 268,163   $ 115,547  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NOTE 37—UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (Continued)

        The following are the principal sources of change in the Standardized Measure:

(in thousands)
  Year ended
31 December 2013
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
 

Standardized Measure, beginning of period

  $ 115,547   $ 137,285  

Sales, net of production costs

    (66,962 )   (13,642 )

Net change in sales prices, net of production costs

    6,450     (4,997 )

Extensions and discoveries, net of future production and development costs

    182,267     41,481  

Changes in future development costs

    16,222     (3,565 )

Previously estimated development costs incurred during the period

    13,854     33,714  

Revision of quantity estimates

    (33,809 )   (15,138 )

Accretion of discount

    13,558     17,442  

Change in income taxes

    (48,786 )   17,098  

Purchases of reserves in-place

    131,043     7,626  

Sales of reserves in-place

    (36,935 )   (87,374 )

Change in production rates and other

    (24,286 )   (14,383 )
           

Standardized Measure, end of period

  $ 268,163   $ 115,547  
           
           

        The following table provides a reconciliation of PV10 to the Standardized Measure:

(in thousands)
  Year ended
31 December 2013
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
 

PV10 of proved reserves

  $ 336,984   $ 135,582  

Present value of future income tax discounted at 10%

    (68,821 )   (20,035 )
           

Standardized Measure

  $ 268,163   $ 115,547  
           
           

Impact of Pricing

        The estimates of cash flows and reserve quantities shown above are based upon the unweighted average first-day-of-the-month prices. If future gas sales are covered by contracts at specified prices, the contract prices would be used. Fluctuations in prices are due to supply and demand and are beyond our control.

        The following average prices were used in determining the Standardized Measure as at:

 
  Year ended
31 December 2013
  Six months ended
31 December 2012
 

Oil price per Bbl

  $ 94.55   $ 94.71  

Gas price per Mcf

  $ 3.45   $ 2.75  

NGL price per Bbl

  $ 28.78     N/A  

        The Company calculates the projected income tax effect using the "year-by-year" method for purposes of the supplemental oil and gas disclosures.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Sundance Energy Australia Limited

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Sundance Energy Australia Limited as of December 31, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the half year ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Sundance Energy Australia Limited at December 31, 2012, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the half year ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

/s/ Ernst & Young

680 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
GP Box 2646 Sydney NSW 2001

October 18, 2013

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Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Sundance Energy Australia Limited

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Sundance Energy Australia Limited and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of June 30, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the year ended June 30, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sundance Energy Australia Limited and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended June 30, 2012, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

707 17 th Street
Denver, Colorado 80202

October 18, 2013

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

 
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
  Note   6 months to
31 December 2012
US$'000
  12 months to
30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Oil and gas sales revenue

        $ 17,724   $ 29,787  

Lease operating and production expenses

    2     (4,082 )   (6,355 )

Depreciation and amortisation expense

          (6,116 )   (11,111 )

Employee benefits expense

          (2,801 )   (4,318 )

Administrative expense

    3     (3,009 )   (2,545 )

Interest received

          15     263  

Finance costs

    18     (593 )   (152 )

Impairment of non-current assets

              (357 )

Gain on sale of non-current assets

    4     122,327     3,004  

(Loss)/gain on commodity hedging

          (639 )   1,945  

Realised currency (loss)

              (4 )
                 

Profit before income tax

          122,826     10,157  

Income tax expense

    5     (46,616 )   (4,145 )
                 

Profit attributable to owners of the Company

          76,210     6,012  

Other comprehensive income

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

                   

Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations (no income tax effect)

          (154 )   (247 )
                 

Total comprehensive income attributable to owners of the Company

        $ 76,056   $ 5,765  
                 
                 

Earnings per share

                   

Basic earnings

    8   $ 0.27   $ 0.02  

Diluted earnings

    8   $ 0.27   $ 0.02  

   

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

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2012

 
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
  Note   31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

CURRENT ASSETS

                   

Cash and cash equivalents

    9   $ 154,110   $ 15,328  

Trade and other receivables

    10     15,672     12,352  

Derivative financial instruments

    11     617     1,331  

Other current assets

    12     5,025     1,680  
                 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

          175,424     30,691  
                 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

                   

Development and production assets

    13     79,729     87,274  

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

    14     33,439     11,436  

Plant and equipment

    15     423     418  

Derivative financial instruments

    11         476  

Other non-current assets

    16     2,420     21  
                 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

          116,011     99,625  
                 

TOTAL ASSETS

        $ 291,435   $ 130,316  
                 
                 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

                   

Trade and other payables

    17     38,770     22,056  

Accrued expenses

    17     13,072     8,337  
                 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

          51,842     30,393  
                 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

                   

Credit facility, net of $430 and $345 of deferred financing fees, respectively

    18     29,570     14,655  

Restoration provision

    19     1,228     588  

Deferred tax liabilities

    20     56,979     10,476  
                 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

          87,777     25,719  
                 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

        $ 139,619   $ 56,112  
                 
                 

NET ASSETS

        $ 151,816   $ 74,204  
                 
                 

EQUITY

                   

Issued capital

    21   $ 58,694   $ 57,978  

Share option reserve

    22     4,045     3,205  

Foreign currency translation

    22     (1,095 )   (941 )

Retained earnings

          90,172     13,962  
                 

TOTAL EQUITY

        $ 151,816   $ 74,204  
                 
                 

   

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

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

Consolidated Group
  Issued
Capital
US$'000
  Retained
Earnings
US$'000
  Foreign
Currency
Translation
Reserve
US$'000
  Share
Option
Reserve
US$'000
  Total
US$'000
 

Balance at 30 June 2011

  $ 57,831   $ 7,950   $ (694 ) $ 2,380   $ 67,467  

Shares issued during the year

    147                 147  

Stock compensation, value of services

                825     825  

Profit attributable to owners of the Company

        6,012             6,012  

Other comprehensive loss for the year

            (247 )       (247 )
                       

Balance at 30 June 2012

    57,978     13,962     (941 )   3,205     74,204  

Shares issued during the period

    716                 716  

Stock compensation, value of services

                840     840  

Profit attributable to owners of the Company

        76,210             76,210  

Other comprehensive loss for the period

            (154 )       (154 )
                       

Balance at 31 December 2012

  $ 58,694   $ 90,172   $ (1,095 ) $ 4,045   $ 151,816  
                       
                       

   

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

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

 
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
  Note   6 months to
31 December 2012
US$'000
  12 months to
30 June 2012
US$'000
 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                   

Receipts from sales

        $ 11,648   $ 20,987  

Payments to suppliers and employees

          (2,886 )   (8,900 )

Interest received

          16     263  

Derivative proceeds (payments)

          608     (297 )

Income taxes (paid)/refunded

              (221 )
                 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    26     9,386     11,832  
                 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                   

Payments for development expenditure

          (32,551 )   (34,833 )

Payments for exploration expenditure

          (8,031 )   (5,685 )

Payments for acquisition of oil and gas properties

          (11,470 )    

Sale of non-current assets

          173,822     4,679  

Transaction costs related to sale of non-current assets

          (862 )    

Payments to establish escrow related to acquisition

          (6,230 )    

Payments for plant and equipment

          (107 )   (310 )
                 

NET CASH (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

          114,571     (36,149 )
                 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                   

Proceeds from the issue of shares

          716     147  

Payments for acquisition related costs

          (192 )    

Borrowing costs, including capitalised financing fees

          (678 )   (408 )

Proceeds from borrowings

          45,000     15,000  

Payments of borrowings

          (30,000 )    

Realised currency (loss)

              (5 )
                 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

          14,846     14,734  
                 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash held

          138,803     (9,583 )

Cash at beginning of period

         
15,328
   
25,244
 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

          (21 )   (333 )
                 

CASH AT END OF PERIOD

    9   $ 154,110   $ 15,328  
                 
                 

   

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

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        The financial report includes the consolidated financial statements and notes of Sundance Energy Australia Limited (SEAL) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Sundance Energy, Inc. (collectively, the 'Company,' 'Consolidated Group' or 'Group').

Basis of Preparation

        The financial report is a general purpose financial report that has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, Australian Accounting Interpretations, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) and the Corporations Act 2001.

        These consolidated financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Material accounting policies adopted in the preparation of this financial report are presented below. They have been consistently applied unless otherwise stated.

Change in reporting period

        Effective 1 July 2012, the Company changed its financial year end from 30 June to 31 December. This change resulted in the current reporting period being a six-month period. The six-month period ended 31 December 2012 is a shorter reporting period than that of the year ended 30 June 2012, which is the previous reporting period shown in these financial statements; therefore, the amounts presented in the financial statements are not entirely comparable.

Change in presentation currency

        The Group's cash flows and economic returns are principally denominated in US Dollars. From 1 July 2011, SEAL changed the currency in which it presents its consolidated and parent Company Financial Statements from Australian Dollars to US Dollars.

Principles of Consolidation

        A controlled entity is any entity over which SEAL has the power to govern the financial and operating policies so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing the power to govern, the existence and effect of holdings of actual and potential voting rights are considered. The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all entities controlled by SEAL as at 31 December 2012 and the results of all controlled entities for the financial period then ended.

        All inter-group balances and transactions between entities in the Group, including any recognised profits or losses, have been eliminated on consolidation.

a)    Income Tax

        The income tax expense for the period comprises current income tax expense/(income) and deferred tax expense/(income).

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        Current income tax expense charged to the statement of profit or loss is the tax payable on taxable income calculated using applicable income tax rates enacted, or substantially enacted, as at the reporting date. Current tax liabilities/(assets) are therefore measured at the amounts expected to be paid to/(recovered from) the relevant taxation authority.

        Deferred income tax expense reflects movements in deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability balances during the period as well as unused tax losses. Current and deferred income tax expense/(income) is charged or credited directly to equity instead of the statement of profit or loss when the tax relates to items that are credited or charged directly to equity.

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are ascertained based on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets also result where amounts have been fully expensed but future tax deductions are available. No deferred income tax will be recognised from the initial recognition of an asset or liability, excluding a business combination, where there is no effect on accounting or taxable profit or loss.

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset recognised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Their measurement also reflects the manner in which management expects to recover or settle the carrying amount of the related asset or liability.

        Deferred tax assets relating to temporary differences and unused tax losses are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the benefits of the deferred tax asset can be utilised.

        Where temporary differences exist in relation to investments in subsidiaries, branches, associates, and joint ventures, deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognised where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is not probable that the reversal will occur in the foreseeable future.

        Current tax assets and liabilities are offset where a legally enforceable right of set-off exists and it is intended that net settlement or simultaneous realisation and settlement of the respective asset and liability will occur. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where a legally enforceable right of set-off exists, the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where it is intended that net settlement or simultaneous realisation and settlement of the respective asset and liability will occur in future periods in which significant amounts of deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled.

b)    Development Assets and Plant and Equipment

        Development assets and plant and equipment are carried at cost less where applicable, any accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses. The initial measurement of development and production assets subject to depreciation and amortisation include developed leasehold costs, intangible and tangible drilling and completion costs, allocated drilling overhead, capitalised finance costs and the estimated fair value of restoration provisions as at the date of each

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

wells' initial production. The initial measurement of development and production assets not subject to depreciation and amoritsation include similar costs of wells that have not had initial production as at the date of the statement of financial position. The initial measurement of plant and equipment assets include primarily office and computer equipment.

        The carrying amount of development assets and plant and equipment are reviewed semi-annually to ensure that they are not in excess of the recoverable amount from these assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows that will be received from the assets employment and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows have been discounted to their present values in determining recoverable amounts.

        Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of profit or loss during the financial period in which are they are incurred.

Depreciation / Amortisation

        Fixed assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their useful lives from the time the asset is held and ready for use. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of either the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement.

        The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets are:

Class of Non-Current
  Asset Depreciation   Rate Basis of Depreciation

Plant and Equipment

    10 - 33%   Straight Line

        The Group uses the units of production method to amortise costs carried forward in relation to its development assets. For this approach, the calculation is based upon proved developed reserves.

        The assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. An asset's carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset's carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.

        Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount. These gains and losses are included in the statement of profit or loss.

c)     Exploration and Evaluation Expenditure

        Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred is accumulated in respect of each identifiable area of interest. The initial measurement of these costs include the acquisition of rights to explore and mineral rights, various topographical, geological, geochemical and geophysical studies and other expenditures associated with finding specific mineral resources. These costs are only carried forward to the extent that they are expected to be recouped through the successful development of the area or where activities in the area have not yet reached a stage that permits reasonable assessment of the existence of economically recoverable reserves.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        Accumulated costs in relation to an abandoned area are written off in full against profit in the year in which the decision to abandon the area is made.

        When production commences, the accumulated costs for the relevant area of interest are transferred to production assets and amortised over the life of the area according to the rate of depletion of the economically recoverable reserves.

        A regular review is undertaken of each area of interest to determine the appropriateness of continuing to carry forward costs in relation to that area of interest.

d)    Leases

        Leases of fixed assets where substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to the ownership of the asset, but not the legal ownership that are transferred to entities in the consolidated group, are classified as finance leases.

        Finance leases are capitalised by recording an asset and a liability at the lower of the amounts equal to the fair value of the leased property or the present value of the minimum lease payments, including any guaranteed residual values. Lease payments are allocated between the reduction of the lease liability and the lease interest expense for the period.

        Leased assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term. Lease payments for operating leases, where substantially all the risks and benefits remain with the lessor, are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.

        Lease incentives under operating leases are recognised as a liability and amortised on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease term.

e)     Financial Instruments

Recognition and Initial Measurement

        Financial instruments, incorporating financial assets and financial liabilities, are recognised when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Trade date accounting is adopted for financial assets that are delivered within timeframes established by marketplace convention.

        Financial instruments are initially measured at fair value plus transactions costs where the instrument is not classified as at fair value through profit or loss. Transaction costs related to instruments classified at fair value through profit or loss are expensed to profit or loss immediately. Financial instruments are classified and measured as set out below.

Derivative Financial Instruments

        The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to changes in commodity prices arising in the normal course of business. The principal derivatives that may be used are commodity crude oil price swap, option, and costless collar contracts. Their use is subject to policies and procedures as approved by the Board of Directors. The Group does not trade in derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

at cost, which approximates fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivate financial instruments are recognised at fair value. The derivatives are valued on a mark to market valuation and the gain or loss on re-measurement to fair value is recognised through the statement of comprehensive income.

Derecognition

        Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual right to receipt of cash flows expires or the asset is transferred to another party whereby the entity no longer has any significant continuing involvement in the risks and benefits associated with the asset. Financial liabilities are derecognised when the related obligations are either discharged, cancelled or expire. The difference between the carrying value of the financial liability extinguished or transferred to another party and the fair value of consideration paid, including the transfer of non-cash assets or liabilities assumed, is recognised in profit or loss.

i)     Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

        Financial assets are classified at fair value through profit or loss when they are held for trading for the purpose of short term profit taking, when they are derivatives not held for hedging purposes, or designated as such to avoid an accounting mismatch or to enable performance evaluation where a group of financial assets is managed by key management personnel on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy. Realised and unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

ii)    Loans and receivables

        Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

iii)   Held-to-maturity investments

        Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets that have fixed maturities and fixed or determinable payments, and it is the Group's intention to hold these investments to maturity. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

iv)    Available-for-sale financial assets

        Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are either designated as such or that are not classified in any of the other categories. They comprise investments in the equity of other entities where there is neither a fixed maturity nor fixed determinable payments.

v)     Financial liabilities

        Non-derivative financial liabilities (excluding financial guarantees) are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

f)     Impairment of Non-Financial Assets

        At each reporting date, the group reviews the carrying values of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the asset's carrying value. Any excess of the asset's carrying value over its recoverable amount is expensed to the statement of comprehensive income.

        Impairment testing is performed annually for intangible assets with indefinite lives.

        Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

g)     Foreign Currency Transactions and Balances

Functional and presentation currency

        The functional currency of each of the Group's entities is measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which that entity operates. The consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars.

Transactions and Balances

        Foreign currency transactions are translated into functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency monetary items are translated at the year-end exchange rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost continue to be carried at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary items measured at fair value are reported at the exchange rate at the date when fair values were determined.

        Exchange differences arising on the translation of non-monetary items are recognised directly in equity to the extent that the gain or loss is directly recognised in equity, otherwise the exchange difference is recognised in the income statement of comprehensive income.

Group Companies

        The financial results and position of foreign operations whose functional currency is different from the Group's presentation currency are translated as follows:

    assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates prevailing at that reporting date;

    income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the period; and

    retained profits are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction.

        Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations are transferred directly to the Group's foreign currency translation reserve in the statement of comprehensive income. These differences are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income in the period in which the operation is disposed.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

h)    Employee Benefits

        Provision is made for the Group's liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to balance date. Employee benefits that are expected to be settled within one year have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled, plus related on-costs. Employee benefits payable later than one year have been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for these benefits. Those cash flows are discounted using market yields on national government bonds with terms to maturity that match the expected timing of cash flows.

Equity—Settled Compensation

        The Group has an employee share option plan. The fair value of the options awarded are amortised as an expense in the statement of comprehensive income over their performance period. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is determined by reference to the fair value of the options at the grant date.

Restricted Share Unit Plan

        The group has a restricted share unit plan (RSU) to motivate management and employees to make decisions benefiting long-term value creation, retain management and employees and reward the achievement of the Group's long-term goals. The RSUs are based on targets established and approved by the Board. Actual RSUs, awarded annually, are modified according to actual results and vest in four equal tranches beginning on the grant date.

i)     Provisions

        Provisions are recognised when the group has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result and that outflow can be reliably measured.

j)     Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, unrestricted escrow accounts that management expects to be used to settle current liabilities, capital or operating expenditures, or complete acquisitions and bank overdrafts.

k)    Revenue

        Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised upon the delivery of goods to customer. Interest revenue is recognised on a proportional basis taking into account the interest rates applicable to the financial assets.

        Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised upon the delivery of the service to the customers. All revenue is stated net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST).

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

l)     Borrowing Costs

        Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to prepare for their intended use or sale are added to the cost of those assets until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale. Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, borrowings are stated as amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption being recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis. No borrowing costs were capitalised in the six month period and year ended 31 December 2012 and 30 June 2012.

        All other borrowing costs are recognised in income in the period in which they are incurred.

m)   Goods and Services Tax (GST)

        Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Tax Office. In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the statement of financial position are shown inclusive of GST.

        Cash flows are presented in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis, except for the GST component of investing and financing activities, which are disclosed as operating cash flows.

n)    Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

        The Directors evaluate estimates and judgments incorporated into the financial report based on historical knowledge and best available current information. Estimates assume a reasonable expectation of future events and are based on current trends and economic data obtained both externally and within the Group.

Key estimates

Estimates of reserve quantities

        The estimated quantities of hydrocarbon reserves reported by the consolidated entity are integral to the calculation of amortisation (depletion), depreciation expense and to assessments of possible impairment of assets. Estimated reserve quantities are based upon interpretations of geological and geophysical models and assessment of the technical feasibility and commercial viability of producing the reserves. For purposes of the calculation of amortization (depletion), and depreciation and the assessment of possible impairment of assets, management prepares reserve estimates which conform to guidelines prepared by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. These assessments require assumptions to be made regarding future development and production costs, commodity prices, exchange rates and fiscal regimes. The estimates of reserves may change from period to period as the economic assumptions used to estimate the reserves can change from period to period, and as additional geological data is generated during the course of operations. These reserve estimates may differ from estimates prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Commission ("SEC") regarding oil and natural gas reserve reporting including those presented in Note 33.

Exploration and Evaluation

        The Company's policy for exploration and evaluation is discussed in Note 1 (c). The application of this policy requires the Company to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances. Any such estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. If, after having capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure, the directors conclude that the capitalised expenditure is unlikely to be recovered by future sale or exploitation, then the relevant capitalised amount will be written off through the statement of comprehensive income.

Restoration Provision

        A provision for rehabilitation and restoration is provided by the Group to meet all future obligations for the restoration and rehabilitation of oil and gas producing areas when oil and gas reserves are exhausted and the oil and gas fields are abandoned. Restoration liabilities are discounted to present value and capitalised as a component part of capitalised development expenditure. The capitalised costs are amortised over the life of the assets and the provision is revised at each balance date through the statement of profit or loss as the discounting of the liability unwinds.

o)    Change in Accounting Estimate

        The same accounting policies and methods of computation have been followed in this financial report as were applied in the 30 June 2012 financial statements.

p)    Reclassifications

        Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements and associated notes to the financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

q)    Rounding of amounts

        The company is of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/100 issued by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, relating to rounding of amounts in the financial statements. Amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

r)     Parent Entity Financial Information

        The financial information for the parent entity, SEAL, discussed in Note 32, has been prepared on the same basis, using the same accounting policies as the consolidated financial statements.

s)     Earnings Per Share

        The group presents basic and diluted earnings per share for its ordinary shares. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares for the dilutive effect, if any, of outstanding share rights and share options which have been issued to employees.

t)     Adoption of New and Revised Accounting Standards

        During the current reporting period the Group adopted all of the new and revised International Accounting Standards and Australia Accounting Standards and Interpretations applicable to its operations which became mandatory.

AASB 2011-9 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income (IAS 1 Amendments)

        The IAS 1 Amendments require an entity to group items presented in other comprehensive income into those that, in accordance with other IFRSs: (a) will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss and (b) will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss when specific conditions are met. It is applicable for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2012. The Group's management adopted this change in the current presentation of items in other comprehensive income. This adoption did not affect the measurement or recognition of such items.

Recently issued accounting standards to be applied in future reporting periods:

        The following Standards and Interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013 and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. The Group's assessment of the impact of these new standards, amendments to standards, and interpretations is set out below.

IFRS 9— Financial Instruments

        IFRS 9 introduces new requirements for the classification, measurement, and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015, and is available for early adoption.

IFRS 10— Consolidated Financial Statements

        IFRS 10 replaces the guidance on control and consolidation in IAS 27— Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements and Interpretation 12— Consolidation—Special Purpose Entities. IFRS 10 includes a new definition of control that focuses on the need to have both power and rights or exposure to variable returns.

F-80


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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

IFRS 13— Fair Value Measurement

        IFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures. The standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires more extensive disclosures than current standards. IFRS 13 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013.

AASB 2011-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards to Remove Individual Key Management Personnel Disclosure

        This standard removes the requirements to include individual key management personnel disclosures in the notes to and forming part of the Financial Report. AASB 2011-4 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2013.

AASB 2012-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from Annual Improvements 2009-2011 Cycle

        AASB 2012-5 makes amendments to several Australian Accounting Standards. These amendments primarily relate to clarification of narrative requirements for comparative information and segment disclosures for interim financial reports. AASB 2012-5 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013.

        The potential effect of these Standards is yet to be fully determined. However, it is not expected that the new or amended standards will significantly affect the Group's financial position or performance.

        The financial report was authorised for issue on 28 March 2013, by the Board of Directors.

NOTE 2—LEASE OPERATING AND PRODUCTION EXPENSES

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  6 months to
31 December 2012
US$'000
  12 months to
30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Lease operating expense

  $ (1,908 ) $ (2,921 )

Workover expense

    (287 )   (180 )

Production taxes

    (1,887 )   (3,254 )
           

  $ (4,082 ) $ (6,355 )
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 3—ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  6 months to
31 December 2012
US$'000
  12 months to
30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Accounting and company secretarial

  $ (150 ) $ (271 )

Acquisition and merger related fees

    (713 )    

Audit fees

    (145 )   (51 )

Professional fees

    (929 )   (789 )

Travel

    (280 )   (390 )

Rent

    (181 )   (287 )

Share registry and listing fees

    (75 )   (122 )

Other expenses

    (536 )   (635 )
           

  $ (3,009 ) $ (2,545 )
           
           

NOTE 4—GAIN ON SALE OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS

        On 27 September 2012, the Company sold all of its interest in properties located in the South Antelope field for $172.4 million. Prior to the disposition, the South Antelope development and production properties were part of the Williston Basin depletion base. To determine the carrying costs of the sold properties, the Company used the relative fair value of South Antelope proved developed reserves as compared to the Company's total proved developed reserves in the Williston Basin. As a result, it was determined that approximately $49.4 million of the Company's carrying costs related to its South Antelope development and production properties at the time of the disposal. In addition to the South Antelope development and production properties, the Purchaser acquired approximately $3.9 million of assets and assumed approximately $3.8 million of liabilities, which were removed from the Company's statement of financial position at the time of the sale. The Company incurred approximately $0.9 million of legal and other transaction related costs. This sale resulted in a gain of $122.5 million. The Company also sold all of its properties in the Pawnee prospect for $0.9 million of proceeds, which resulted in a loss of $0.2 million. Both the South Antelope gain and the Pawnee loss on sale are included in the gain on sale of non-current assets in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the six month period ended 31 December 2012.

        The Company elected to apply Section 1031 "like-kind exchange" treatment of the South Antelope sales proceeds under the US tax rules which allow deferral of the gain if the proceeds are used to acquire "like-kind property" within six months of the closing date of the transaction. In addition, the US tax rules allow the deduction of all intangible drilling costs ("IDCs") in the period incurred. As at 31 December 2012, the Company expected to defer the majority of the taxable gain on the sale by acquiring qualified replacement properties or utilising IDCs from its development program. In March 2013, the Company completed a transaction in which the majority of the funds remaining in its Section 1031 escrow account were used to acquire oil and gas properties in connection with the Texon Scheme of Arrangement transaction discussed in more detail in Note 29. Management believes the properties acquired qualify as "like-kind property" under Section 1031 which will result in deferral of the majority of the gain associated with the South Antelope sale.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 5—INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
   
  6 months to
31 December 2012
US$'000
  12 months to
30 June 2012
US$'000
 

a)

 

The components of income tax expense comprise:

             

 

Current tax benefit/(expense)

  $ (11 ) $ 242  

 

Deferred tax expense

    (46,605 )   (4,387 )
               

      $ (46,616 ) $ (4,145 )
               
               

b)

 

The prima facie tax on income from ordinary activities before income tax is reconciled to the income tax as follows:

             

 

Profit before income tax

 
$

122,826
 
$

10,157
 
               
               

  Prima facie tax expense on income from ordinary activities before income tax at 30%   $ 36,848   $ 3,047  

 

Add:

   
 
   
 
 

 

Tax effect of:

   
 
   
 
 

 

—difference of tax rate in US controlled entities

    9,417     862  

 

—employee options

    44     276  

 

—other allowable items

    93     4  

 

—previously unrecognised tax gains used to (reduce)/increase current tax expense

        (139 )

 

—previously unrecognised tax losses used to (reduce)/increase current tax expense

         

 

—Acquisition related costs

    214      

 

—Deferred tax assets associated with capital raising costs recognised direct to equity but not meeting the recognition criteria

        95  
               

 

Income tax attributable to entity

  $ 46,616   $ 4,145  
               
               

c)

 

Unused tax losses and temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised at 30%

  $ 375   $ 375  

        At December 31, 2012 the Company had U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes of approximately $58.8 million and $54.5 million, respectively which will expire in 2030 through 2032. We believe that it is more likely than not that the carryforward will be utilized before it expires.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 6—KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

a)    Names and positions held of Consolidated Group key management personnel in office at any time during the financial period are:

Mr M Hannell   Chairman Non-executive
Mr E McCrady   Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director
Mr D Hannes   Director—Non-executive
Mr N Martin   Director—Non-executive
Mr W Holcombe   Director—Non-executive (appointed as Director on 19 December 2012)
Mr A Hunter III   Director—Executive (resigned as a Director on 13 July 2012)
Ms C Anderson   Chief Financial Officer
Mr C Gooden   Company Secretary

    Other than employees of the Company listed above, there are no additional key management personnel.

b)    Key Management Personnel Compensation

    Refer to the Remuneration Report contained in the Report of Directors' for details of the remuneration paid or payable to each member of the Group's key management personnel (KMP) for the six month period ended 31 December 2012 and year ended 30 June 2012.

    The total of remuneration paid to KMP of the Group during the year is as follows:

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  6 months to
31 December 2012
US$ '000
  12 months to
30 June 2012
US$ '000
 

Short term wages and benefits

  $ 695   $ 1,389  

Equity settled-options based payments

    262     496  

Post-employment benefit

    17     31  
           

  $ 974   $ 1,916  
           
           

c)     Options Granted as Compensation

    Options granted as compensation were zero ($nil fair value) and 1,000,000 ($0.2 million fair value) during the six month period and year ended 31 December and 30 June 2012, respectively, to KMP from the Sundance Energy Employee Stock Option Plan. Options generally vest in five equal tranches of 20% on the grant date and each of the four subsequent anniversaries of the grant date.

d)    Restricted Share Units Granted as Compensation

    Restricted share units (RSUs) awarded as compensation were 669,642 ($0.5 million fair value) and 776,000 ($0.3 million fair value) during the six month period and year ended 31 December and 30 June 2012, respectively, to KMP from the Sundance Energy Long Term Incentive Plan. RSUs

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 6—KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (Continued)

    generally vest in four equal tranches of 25% on the grant date and each of the three subsequent anniversaries of the grant date.

NOTE 7—AUDITORS' REMUNERATION

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  6 months to
31 December 2012
US$'000
  12 months to
30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Remuneration of the auditor for:

             

Auditing or review of the financial report

  $ 131   $ 90  

Non-audit services related to Texon acquisition

    148      

Taxation services provided by the practice of auditor

    14     13  
           

Total remuneration of the auditor

  $ 293   $ 103  
           
           

NOTE 8—EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  6 months to
31 December 2012
US$'000
  12 months to
30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Profit for periods used to calculate basic and diluted EPS

  $ 76,210   $ 6,012  

 

 
  Number of shares   Number of shares  

—Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year used in calculation of basic EPS

    277,244,883     277,049,463  

—Incremental shares related to options and restricted share units

    2,896,496     1,900,976  
           

—Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year used in calculation of diluted EPS

    280,141,379     278,950,439  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 9—CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Cash at bank and on hand

  $ 12,747   $ 14,353  

Cash equivalents in escrow accounts

    141,363      

Short term deposits

        975  
           

  $ 154,110   $ 15,328  
           
           

        Included in cash equivalents, the Company has approximately $141.4 million in a Section 1031 escrow account which is not limited in use, except that the timing of tax payments will be accelerated if not used on qualified "like-kind property." As such, the balance has been included in the Company's cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position and statement of cash flows as at 31 December 2012 and for the six month period then ended.

        For the year ended 30 June 2012, the effective interest rate on short term bank deposits was 1.5% for the Group. 94% of deposits were at 24 hours call and the balance of deposits has an average maturity of 49 days. The Groups' exposure to interest rate risk is summarised at Note 31.

NOTE 10—TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Oil and gas sales

  $ 11,376   $ 8,244  

Trade receivables

    4,185     3,940  

Other

    111     168  
           

  $ 15,672   $ 12,352  
           
           

        At 31 December and 30 June 2012, the Group had receivable balances of $8.6 million and $6.7 million, respectively, which were outside normal trading terms (the receivable was past due but not impaired). Due to the short term nature of these receivables, their carrying amounts are assumed to approximate their fair value.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 11—DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  6 months to
31 December 2012
US$'000
  12 months to
30 June 2012
US$'000
 

FINANCIAL ASSETS COMPRISE:

             

Current

             

Derivative financial instruments—commodity contracts

  $ 617   $ 1,331  

Non-current

             

Derivative financial instruments—commodity contracts

        476  
           

Total financial assets

  $ 617   $ 1,807  
           
           

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES COMPRISE:

             

Current

             

Derivative financial instruments—commodity contracts

  $   $  

Non-current

             

Derivative financial instruments—commodity contracts

         
           

Total financial liabilities

  $   $  
           
           

        The following table presents financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financial position in accordance with the fair value hierarchy. This hierarchy groups financial assets and liabilities into three levels based on the significance of inputs used in measuring the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:

    Level 1:   quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

 

Level 2:

 

inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

 

 

Level 3:

 

inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

        The Level within which the financial asset or liability is classified is determined based on the lowest level of significant input to the fair value measurement. The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financial position are grouped into the fair value hierarchy as follows.

Consolidated 31 December 2012
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total  

Assets

                         

Derivative financial instruments

  $   $ 617   $   $ 617  

Liabilities

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Derivative financial instruments

                 
                   

Net fair value

  $   $ 617   $   $ 617  
                   
                   

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 11—DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)


Consolidated 30 June 2012
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total  

Assets

                         

Derivative financial instruments

  $   $ 1,807   $   $ 1,807  

Liabilities

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Derivative financial instruments

                 
                   

Net fair value

  $   $ 1,807   $   $ 1,807  
                   
                   

Measurement of Fair Value

        The methods and valuation techniques used for the purpose of measuring fair value are unchanged compared to the previous reporting period.

a)    Derivatives

        Where derivatives are traded either on exchanges or liquid over-the-counter markets the Group uses the closing price at the reporting date. Normally, the derivatives entered into by the Group are not traded in active markets. The fair values of these contracts are estimated using a valuation technique that maximises the use of observable market inputs, eg market exchange and interest rates (Level 2). Most derivatives entered into by the Group are included in Level 2 and consist of commodity contracts.

NOTE 12—OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Cash advances to other operators

  $ 625   $ 1,514  

Escrow accounts

    3,830      

Oil inventory on hand, at cost

    69     46  

Prepayments

    501     120  
           

  $ 5,025   $ 1,680  
           
           

        On 31 December 2012, the Company completed a transaction to acquire certain oil and gas properties in the Wattenberg field of the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin (the "Wattenberg Acquisition"). In connection with the transaction the Company transferred $3.0 million, $2.7 million and $0.5 million to escrow accounts related to a drilling commitment, title defect and environmental remediation, respectively ($6.2 million collectively). Because the use of the Wattenberg Acquisition related escrow accounts are restricted or generally will not be used to settle short-term Company operating costs, they have been excluded from the Company's cash and cash equivalents balance in the statement of financial position and statement of cash flows as at 31 December 2012 and for the six month period then ended. Of this $6.2 million escrow account balance, $3.8 million is classified as other current asset in the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2012.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 13—DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION ASSETS

 
   
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
   
   
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Costs carried forward in respect of areas of interest in:

             

Development and production phase at cost

  $ 96,663   $ 113,830  

Accumulated amortisation

    (14,619 )   (24,241 )

Provision for impairment

    (2,315 )   (2,315 )
                   

Total Development and Production Expenditure

  $ 79,729   $ 87,274  
                   
                   

  a)   Movements in carrying amounts:              

      Development expenditure              

      Balance at the beginning of the period   $ 87,274   $ 45,873  

      Amount transferred from exploration phase     527     2,277  

      Amounts capitalised during the period     47,949     50,520  

      Amortisation expense     (6,013 )   (10,971 )

      Development assets sold during the period     (50,008 )   (425 )
                   

      Balance at end of period   $ 79,729   $ 87,274  
                   
                   

NOTE 14—EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION EXPENDITURE

 
   
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
   
   
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Costs carried forward in respect of areas of interest in:

             

Exploration and evaluation phase at cost

  $ 35,053   $ 13,050  

Provision for impairment

    (1,614 )   (1,614 )
                   

Total Exploration and Evaluation Expenditure

  $ 33,439   $ 11,436  
                   
                   

  a)   Movements in carrying amounts:              

      Exploration and evaluation              

      Balance at the beginning of the period   $ 11,436   $ 6,626  

      Amounts capitalised during the period     23,348     8,670  

      Impairment of exploration and expenditure         (357 )

      Amount transferred to development phase     (527 )   (2,277 )

      Exploration tenements sold during the period     (818 )   (1,226 )
                   

      Balance at end of period   $ 33,439   $ 11,436  
                   
                   

        Included in the amounts capitalised during the six month period ended 31 December 2012, was $12.7 million related the Wattenberg Acquisition, which occurred on 31 December 2012. The remaining $1.0 million of the total consideration paid or liabilities assumed was included in the amount capitalised of the Company's development and production assets.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 14—EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION EXPENDITURE (Continued)

        The ultimate recoupment of costs carried forward for exploration phase is dependent on the successful development and commercial exploitation or sale of respective areas.

NOTE 15—PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 
   
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
   
   
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Plant and equipment at cost

  $ 737   $ 630  

Accumulated depreciation

    (314 )   (212 )
                   

Total Plant and Equipment

  $ 423   $ 418  
                   
                   

  a)   Movements in carrying amounts:              

      Balance at the beginning of the period   $ 418   $ 210  

      Additions     107     310  

      Depreciation     (102 )   (102 )
                   

      Balance at end of period   $ 423   $ 418  
                   
                   

NOTE 16—OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Escrow accounts

  $ 2,400   $  

Casing and tubulars at net realisable value

    20     21  
           

  $ 2,420   $ 21  
           
           

        The $2.4 million of escrow accounts is the long-term portion related to the escrow accounts discussed in Note 12.

NOTE 17—TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Oil and gas related

  $ 49,407   $ 29,059  

Administrative expenses

    2,435     1,334  
           

Total trade and other payable and accrued expenses

  $ 51,842   $ 30,393  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 18—CREDIT FACILITY

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$000
  30 June 2012
US$000
 

Wells Fargo Credit Facility

  $ 30,000   $  

Bank of Oklahoma Credit Facility

        15,000  
           

Total credit facilities

    30,000     15,000  

Deferred financing fees

    (430 )   (345 )
           

  $ 29,570   $ 14,655  
           
           

        On 31 December 2012, Sundance Energy, Inc. ("SEI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit agreement with Wells Fargo (the "Credit Facility"), pursuant to which up to $300 million is available on a revolving basis. The borrowing base under the Credit Facility is determined by reference to the value of the Company's proved reserves. The agreement specifies a semi-annual borrowing base redetermination and the Company can request two additional redeterminations each year. The borrowing base was originally set at $30 million. Interest on borrowed funds accrues, at the Company's option, of i) LIBOR plus a margin that ranges from 175 to 275 basis points or ii) the Base Rate, defined as a rate equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus  1 / 2  of 1%, (b) the Prime Rate, or (c) LIBOR plus a margin that ranges from 75 to 175 basis points. The applicable margin varies depending on the amount drawn. The Company also pays a commitment that ranges from 37.5 to 50 basis points on the undrawn balance of the borrowing base. The agreement has a five year term and contains both negative and affirmative covenants, including minimum current ratio and maximum leverage ratio requirements. As at 31 December 2012 the Company requested and received a waiver from Wells Fargo regarding compliance with the maximum leverage ratio as at 31 December 2012 as required under the terms of the Credit Facility. Certain development and production assets are pledged as collateral and the facility is guaranteed by the Parent Company. The Company immediately drew on the Credit Facility's full $30 million borrowing base and used $15 million of the proceeds to repay and retire its outstanding loan with the Bank of Oklahoma. As a part of its Bank of Oklahoma debt extinguishment, the Company expensed approximately $0.3 million of unamortised deferred financing costs, which is included in financing costs in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the six month period ended 31 December 2012. The Company capitalised $0.4 million of financing costs related to the Wells Fargo credit facility, which will be amortised over the term of the loan. Under the terms of the credit facility, SEI is limited to payment of $2 million in dividends annually to SEAL without prior creditor approval.

NOTE 19—RESTORATION PROVISION

        The restoration provision represents the present value of restoration costs relating to the Company's oil and gas interests, which are expected to be incurred up to 2042. Assumptions, based on the current economic environment, have been made which management believes are a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the future liability. These estimates are reviewed regularly to take into account any material changes to the assumptions. However, actual restoration costs will reflect market conditions at the relevant time. Furthermore, the timing of restoration is likely to depend on when the

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 19—RESTORATION PROVISION (Continued)

fields cease to produce at economically viable rates. This in turn will depend on future oil and gas prices, which are inherently uncertain.

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June
US$'000
 

a) Decommissioning costs:

             

Balance at the beginning of the period

  $ 588   $ 349  

New provisions and changes in estimates

    310     230  

Dispositions

    (192 )   (2 )

New provisions assumed from asset acquisition

    506      

Unwinding of discount

    16     11  
           

Balance at end of period

  $ 1,228   $ 588  
           
           

NOTE 20—DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to:

             

Plant and equipment

  $ 26   $ 37  

Development and production expenditure

    79,600     24,276  

Net operating loss carried forward

    (22,647 )   (13,837 )
           

  $ 56,979   $ 10,476  
           
           

NOTE 21—ISSUED CAPITAL

        Total ordinary shares issued at each year end are fully paid.

 
   
  Number of Shares  
a)   Ordinary Shares        
    Total shares issued at 30 June 2011     276,709,585  
    Shares issued during the year     388,889  
           
    Total shares issued at 30 June 2012     277,098,474  
    Shares issued during the year     1,666,667  
           
    Total shares issued at 31 December 2012     278,765,141  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 21—ISSUED CAPITAL (Continued)

    Ordinary shares participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding of the parent entity in proportion to the number of shares held. At shareholders' meetings each ordinary share is entitled to one vote when a poll is called, otherwise each shareholder has one vote on a show of hands.

 
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
   
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 
b)   Issued Capital              

  Opening balance   $ 57,978   $ 57,831  

  Shares issued during the period     716     147  
               

  Closing balance at end of period   $ 58,694   $ 57,978  
               
               

c)     Options on Issue

    Details of the share options outstanding as at the end of the period:

Grant Date
  Expiry Date   Exercise Price   31 December 2012   30 June 2012  
10 Sep 2010   31 May 13   A$0.20     1,000,000     1,000,000  
10 Sep 2010   31 May 13   A$0.30     500,000     500,000  
02 Dec 2010   01 Dec 15   A$0.37     1,166,666     2,333,333  
02 Mar 2011   30 Jun 14   A$0.95     30,000     30,000  
03 Jun 2011   31 May 13   A$0.35     100,000     100,000  
03 Jun 2011   15 Jan 16   A$0.65     500,000     500,000  
03 Jun 2011   28 Jan 16   A$0.50     250,000     750,000  
06 Jun 2011   01 Sep 15   A$0.95     30,000     30,000  
06 Sep 2011   31 Dec 18   A$0.95     1,200,000     1,200,000  
05 Dec 2011   05 Mar 19   A$0.95     1,000,000     1,000,000  
                   
              5,776,666     7,443,333  
                   
                   

d)    Restricted Share Units (RSUs) on Issue

    Details of the restricted share units outstanding as at the end of the period:

 
  Consolidated Group  
Grant Date
  31 December 2012   30 June 2012  
05 Dec 2011     608,750      
15 Oct 2012     1,482,143      
           
      2,090,893      
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 21—ISSUED CAPITAL (Continued)

e)     Capital Management

    Management controls the capital of the Group in order to maintain a good debt equity ratio, provide the shareholders with adequate returns and ensure that the Group can fund its operations and continue as a going concern.

    The Group's debt and capital includes ordinary share capital and financial liabilities, supported by financial assets. Other than the covenants described in Note 18, the Group has no externally imposed capital requirements.

    Management effectively manages the Group's capital by assessing the Group's financial risks and adjusting its capital structure in response to changes in these risks and in the market. These responses include the management of debt levels, distributions to shareholders and shareholder issues.

    There have been no changes in the strategy adopted by management to control the capital of the Group since the prior year. The strategy is to ensure that the Group's gearing ratio remains minimal. At 31 December and 30 June 2012, the Company had $30 million and $15 million of outstanding debt, respectively.

NOTE 22—RESERVES

a)    Share Option Reserve

    The share option reserve records items recognised as expenses on valuation of employee and supplier share options and restricted share units.

b)    Foreign Currency Translation Reserve

    The foreign currency translation reserve records exchange differences arising on translation of the Parent Company.

NOTE 23—CAPITAL AND OTHER EXPENDITURE COMMITMENTS

Capital commitments relating to joint ventures and tenements

        As at 31 December 2012, all of the Company's exploration and evaluation and development and production assets are located in the United States of America.

        The mineral leases in the exploration prospects in the USA have primary terms ranging from 3 years to 5 years and generally have no specific capital expenditure requirements. However, mineral leases that are not successfully drilled and included within a spacing unit for a producing well within the primary term will expire at the end of the primary term unless re-leased.

        On 31 December 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire certain oil and gas properties located in the Wattenberg Field and to drill 45 net wells by 31 December 2015 on the acquired properties (the "Drilling Commitment"). As each qualifying well is drilled, approximately $67 thousand is paid from the escrow account to the Company. However, for each required net

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 23—CAPITAL AND OTHER EXPENDITURE COMMITMENTS (Continued)

commitment well not completed by the Company during that prorated commitment year, the Company is to pay the seller of the properties approximately $67 thousand from the escrow account. Certain clawback provisions allow the Company to recoup amounts paid to the sellers if the total 45 wells are drilled by 31 December 2015.

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Operating lease commitments

             

Commitments for minimum lease payments in relation to non-cancellable operating leases not provided for in the financial statements.

             

Lease expenditure commitments

             

—due within one year

  $ 162   $ 202  

—due within 1 - 5 years

    81     162  
           

  $ 243   $ 364  
           
           

Drilling commitments

             

Commitments for the payment related to drilling not provided for in the financial statements.

             

Expenditure commitments

   
 
   
 
 

due within one year

  $ 1,000   $  

due within 1 - 5 years

    2,000      
           

  $ 3,000   $  
           
           

Employment and consultant commitments

             

Commitments for the payment of salaries and other remuneration under long-term employment and consultant contracts not provided for in the financial statements.

             

Expenditure commitments

   
 
   
 
 

—due within one year

  $ 275   $ 180  

—due within 1 - 5 years

    104     270  
           

  $ 379   $ 450  
           
           

        Details relating to the employment contracts are set out in the remuneration report.

NOTE 24—CONTINGENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

        At the date of signing this report, the Group is not aware of any contingent assets or liabilities that should be disclosed in accordance with IAS 37.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 25—OPERATING SEGMENTS

        Management has determined, based upon the reports reviewed by the CEO and used to make strategic decisions, that the Group has one reportable segment being oil and gas exploration and production in the United States of America.

        The CEO reviews internal management reports on a monthly basis that are consistent with the information provided in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, statement of financial position and statement of cash flows. As a result no reconciliation is required, because the information as presented is used by the CEO to make strategic decisions.

NOTE 26—CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
   
  6 months to
31 December 2012
US$'000
  12 months to
30 June 2012
US$'000
 

a)

 

Reconciliation of cash flows from operations with income from ordinary activities after income tax

             

 

Profit from ordinary activities after income tax

  $ 76,210   $ 6,012  

 

Non cash flow in operating income

             

 

Depreciation and exploration expenditure written off

    6,116     11,468  

 

Share options expensed

    733     930  

 

Unrealised losses (gains) on derivatives

    1,190     (2,242 )

 

Net gain on sale of properties

    (122,327 )   (3,004 )

 

Write-off of Bank of Oklahoma deferred financing fees

    349      

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

             

 

—Increase in current and deferred tax

    46,616     3,732  

 

—(Increase) / decrease in other assets, excluding investing

    (381 )   1,517  

 

—Increase in trade and other receivables

    (3,320 )   (8,814 )

 

—Increase in trade and other payables

    4,200     2,233  
               

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 9,386   $ 11,832  
               
               

b)    Non Cash Financing and Investing Activities

        During the six month period and year ended 31 December and 30 June 2012, 1,666,667 and 388,889 shares were issued at A$0.41 and A$0.37 per weighted average share, respectively.

c)     Business Combinations

        There were no non-cash business combinations in the six month period and year ended 31 December and 30 June 2012.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 27—SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

        During the six month period ended 31 December 2012, a total of nil (year ended 30 June 2012: 2,260,000) options were granted to employees pursuant to employment agreements and a total of 1,666,667 (year ended 30 June 2012: 388,889) previously issued options were exercised. There were 700,000 awarded options that the Company expected to issue in early 2013 for which Company employees rendered services during the six month period ended 31 December 2012. Using the best estimate of fair value on the employees' hire date, the Company began expensing these awards during the six month period ended 31 December 2012. The 700,000 options expected to be issued in early 2013 are excluded from the outstanding options summary below:

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012   30 June 2012  
 
  Number
of Options
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price A$
  Number
of Options
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price A$
 

Outstanding at start of year

    7,443,333     0.55     5,632,222     0.38  

Formally issued

            2,260,000     0.95  

Forfeited

            (60,000 )   0.50 - 0.70  

Exercised

    (1,666,667 )   0.41     (388,889 )   0.37  

Expired

                 
                   

Outstanding at end of year

    5,776,666     0.59     7,443,333     0.55  
                   
                   

Exercisable at end of year

    3,729,999     0.44     3,551,889     0.45  
                   
                   

        The following tables summarise the options issued and awarded and their related grant date, fair value and vesting conditions for the six month period ended 31 December 2012 and the year ended 30 June 2012:

        Options awarded, but not yet issued during the six month period ended 31 December 2012:

Award Date (not issued)
  Number
of Options
  Estimated
Fair Value
  Vesting Conditions

1 November 2012

    350,000   $ 145   20% issuance date, 20% first four anniversaries

3 December 2012

    350,000     157   20% issuance date, 20% first four anniversaries
             

    700,000   $ 302    
             
             

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 27—SHARE BASED PAYMENTS (Continued)

        Options issued during the year ended 30 June 2012:

Grant Date
  Number
of Options
  Estimated
Fair Value
(US$'000)
  Vesting Conditions

1 July 2011

    30,000   $ 14   33% issuance date, 33% first two anniversaries

1 September 2011

    30,000     12   33% issuance date, 33% first two anniversaries

7 October 2011

    1,200,000     408   17% issuance date, 17% first five anniversaries

5 March 2012

    1,000,000     212   20% issuance date, 20% first four anniversaries
             

    2,260,000   $ 646    
             
             

        Share based payments expense related to options is determined pursuant to IFRS 2: Share Based Payments, and is recognised pursuant to the attached vesting conditions. The fair value of the options awarded ranged from A$0.42 to A$0.45 for the period ended 31 December 2012 and A$0.21 to A$0.46 for the year ended 30 June 2012, which was calculated using a Black-Sholes options pricing model. Expected volatilities are based upon the historical volatility of the ordinary shares. Historical data is also used to estimate the probability of option exercise and potential forfeitures. No options were issued in the six month period ended 31 December 2012; however, 700,000 awarded options were expected to be issued in early 2013 and were expensed during the period according to the relevant service period.

        The following table summarises the key assumptions used to calculate the estimated fair value awarded or granted during the periods:

 
  Expected to be
issued in
early 2013(1)
  Issued during
year ended
30 June 2012

Share price:

  A$0.78 - A$0.82   A$0.38 - 0.96

Exercise price:

  A$1.15   A$0.95

Expected volatility:

  65%   75%

Option term:

  5.75 years   3.3 to 7.3 years

Risk free interest rate:

  2.75%   5.5% to 6.25%

(1)
Options subject to formal issuance, but were awarded and expensed beginning on the employees' hire date during the six month period ended 31 December 2012.

Restricted Share Units

        During the six month period and year ended 31 December and 30 June 2012, the Board of Directors awarded 1,482,143 and 910,000 restricted share units (RSUs) to certain employees. These awards were made in accordance with the long term equity component of the Company's incentive compensation plan, the details of which are described in more detail in the remuneration section of the Directors' Report. Share based payment expense for RSUs awarded was calculated pursuant to IFRS 2: Share Based Payments. The fair values of RSUs were estimated at the date they were approved by the

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 27—SHARE BASED PAYMENTS (Continued)

Board of Directors, 15 October 2012 and 5 December 2011 (the measurement dates). As at 30 June 2012, the 5 December 2011 awards had been approved but not yet issued. All unforfeited awards were issued to employees upon finalisation of the plan documents, which occurred in December 2012. The value of the vested portion of these awards has been recognised within the financial statements. This information is summarised for the Consolidated Group for the six month period ended 31 December 2012 below:

 
  Number
of RSUs
  Weighted
Average
Fair Value at
Measurement
Date A$
 

Awarded, but not yet issued (beginning of period)*

    910,000     0.38  

Forfeited prior to finalisation of plan*

    (301,250 )   0.38  

Formally issued (in addition to unissued units at beginning of period)

    1,482,143     0.68  

Forfeited subsequent to finalisation of plan

         

Converted to ordinary shares

         
           

Outstanding at end of period

    2,090,893     0.59  
           
           

Vested at end of period

    765,286     0.48  
           
           

*
RSUs awarded, but not yet issued at beginning of period were issued upon finalisation of the plan during the period ended 31 December 2012 and are included in the total outstanding at end of period (net of forfeited units).

        The following tables summarise the RSUs issued and their related grant date, fair value and vesting conditions for the six month period ended 31 December 2012 and the year ended 30 June 2012:

        RSUs issued during the six month period ended 31 December 2012:

Award Date (not issued)
  Number of
Options
  Estimated
Fair Value
(US$'000)
  Vesting Conditions

15 October 2012

    1,080,358   $ 809   25% issuance date, 25% first three anniversaries

29 November 2012

    401,785     340   25% issuance date, 25% first three anniversaries
             

    1,482,143   $ 1,149    
             
             

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 27—SHARE BASED PAYMENTS (Continued)

        RSUs awarded during the year ended 30 June 2012:

Award Date (not issued)
  Number of
Options
  Estimated
Fair Value
(US$'000)
  Vesting Conditions

5 December 2011

    375,000   $ 146   25% issuance date, 25% first three anniversaries

29 November 2012

    535,000     212   25% issuance date, 25% first three anniversaries
             

    910,000   $ 358    
             
             

        Upon vesting, and after a certain administrative period, the RSUs are converted to common shares of the Company's stock. Once converted to common shares, the RSUs are no longer restricted. As the daily closing price of the Company stock approximates its estimated fair value at that time, the Company used the grant date closing price to estimate the fair value of the RSUs.

NOTE 28—JOINT VENTURE INTERESTS

        The Group had interests in joint venture operations of 23.34% in oil and gas exploration in the PEL 100 blocks in South Australia. In December 2011, the joint venture interests were sold for $0.5 million. The net book value was nil, as the joint venture interests were impaired in previous years.

NOTE 29—EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE

        On 8 March 2013, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Texon Petroleum Ltd ("Texon", whose name was changed to Armadillo Petroleum Ltd), an Australian corporation with oil and gas assets in the Eagle Ford formation in the United States. The Company acquired Texon to gain access to its existing production and drilling inventory in the Eagle Ford formation. As consideration, the Company issued 122.7 million ordinary shares (approximately 30.6% of the total outstanding shares immediately subsequent to the acquisition), which had a fair value of $132.1 million on the acquisition date and net cash consideration of $26.3 million for a total purchase price of $158.4 million. The net cash consideration includes a $141.0 million pre-merger purchase by the Company of certain Texon oil and gas properties, offset by $114.7 million of cash acquired at the time of the merger. The current income tax liability, included in accrued expenses, and deferred tax liability of $30.3 million and $15.1 million, respectively, are comprised of tax liabilities assumed as at the acquisition date and an increase in the tax liability related to the incremental acquisition date fair value of the acquired development and production and exploration and evaluation assets as compared to Texon's historical basis.

        The Company paid $158.4 million for substantially all of the net assets of Armadillo Petroleum Ltd. Due to the complexity and timing of the merger, the fair values are provisional. The following table reflects the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their estimated fair value (in

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 29—EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE (Continued)

thousands). The Company will continue to review the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed for twelve months from the date of the merger.

Estimated fair value of assets acquired:

       

Trade and other receivables

  $ 5,284  

Other current assets

    456  

Development and production assets

    53,937  

Exploration and evaluation assets

    145,881  

Prepaid drilling and completion costs

    3,027  
       

Amount attributable to assets acquired

    208,585  
       

Estimated fair value of liabilities assumed:

       

Trade and other payables

    119  

Accrued expenses

    34,693  

Restoration provision

    277  

Deferred tax liabilities

    15,094  
       

Amount attributable to liabilities assumed

    50,183  
       

Net assets acquired

  $ 158,402  
       
       

Purchase price:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 26,310  

Issued capital

    132,092  
       

Total consideration paid

  $ 158,402  
       
       

        Since the acquisition date of March 8, 2013, the Company has earned revenue of $11.3 million and generated income of $5.8 million. The following reflects select pro forma information as if the merger

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 29—EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE (Continued)

had occurred on July 1, 2012 instead of the closing date of March 8, 2013, and excludes the results of operations for and the disposition of the South Antelope property:

 
  6 months to
31 December 2012
 

Oil and gas revenue

  $ 913  

Lease operating and production expenses

    (1,689 )

Depreciation and amortisation expense

    (3,471 )

Employee benefits expense

    (1,085 )

Administrative expense

    (2,098 )

Finance income

    201  

Exploration and evaluation expenditures

    (359 )

Impairment of non-current assets

    (576 )

Net gain/loss on sale of non-current assets

    (122,327 )

Realised currency loss

    (108 )
       

Profit (loss) before income tax

    (130,599 )

Income tax benefit (expense)

   
49,585
 
       

    (81,014 )

Profit attributable to owners of the Company for the period

   
76,210
 
       

Adjusted profit (loss) attributable to the owners of the Company for the period

  $ (4,804 )
       
       

Adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $ (0.01 )
       
       

        In the six month period ended 31 December 2012, the Company incurred approximately $0.7 million of transaction costs related to the acquisition of Texon. These transaction costs are included in the administrative expenses in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income and are not deductible for US tax purposes. These transaction costs continued through the effective date of the acquisition and were expensed as incurred.

        In connection with the sale of its South Antelope assets in September 2012, the Company elected Section 1031 "like-kind exchange" treatment which, under the US tax rules, provides for deferral of the gain if the proceeds are used to acquire "like-kind property" within six months of the closing of the transaction. In March 2013, the Company completed a transaction in which the majority of the funds remaining in its Section 1031 escrow account were used to acquire oil and gas properties in connection with the Texon Scheme of Arrangement transaction discussed above. Management believes the properties acquired qualify as "like-kind property" under Section 1031 which will result in deferral of the majority of the gain associated with the South Antelope sale.

        On 6 June 2013, SEAL completed an A$48.1 million placement of 55,984,884 shares priced at A$0.86 per share. Proceeds from the placement will be used primarily to accelerate development of the Company's Eagle Ford and Mississippian/Woodford acreage and for general corporate purposes.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 29—EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE (Continued)

        After settlement of the placement, SEAL offered its shareholders with registered addresses in Australia and New Zealand the opportunity to participate in a capital raise pursuant to a Share Purchase Plan at the placement price of A$0.86 per share for up to A$15,000 per shareholder of record as at 30 May 2013 and up to a maximum capital raise of A$15.0 million. The Share Purchase Plan was open for a period from 10 June 2013 through 28 June 2013 and raised A$1.3 million from the sale of 1,517,454 shares.

        On 30 August 2013, the Company entered into a second lien five-year term loan with Wells Fargo Energy Capital for $15 million and used the proceeds to pay down the balance of the first lien revolving line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank on 3 September 2013. Substantially all of the Company's assets are collateralized by both the first lien revolving line of credit and the second lien term loan. The Company's total outstanding debt remained at $30 million as at 18 October 2013.

        The following table provides a summary of derivative contracts entered into during 2013:

Contract Type
  Basis   Quantity/Month   Floor Price   Ceiling Price   Term

Swap

  LLS     3,000   $ 101.75   $ 101.75   Jul 13 - Dec 13

Collar

  LLS     3,000     95.00     104.90   Jul 13 - Dec 13

Swap

  NYMEX-WTI     1,000     106.55     106.55   Oct 13 - Dec 13

Swap

  LLS     10,000     110.85     110.85   Oct 13 - Dec 13

Swap

  LLS     5,000     103.75     103.75   Jul 13 - Dec 13

Swap

  LLS     3,000     101.75     101.75   Jul 13 - Jun 14

Collar

  NYMEX-WTI     3,000     90.00     99.75   Jul 13 - Jun 14

Collar

  LLS     2,000     90.00     102.00   Jan 14 - Dec 14

Collar

  LLS     3,000     90.00     101.30   Jan 14 - Dec 14

Swap

  NYMEX-WTI     2,000     97.40     97.40   Jan 14 - Dec 14

Swap

  LLS     3,000     102.30     102.30   Jan 14 - Dec 14

Collar

  NYMEX-WTI     3,000     85.00     94.75   Jan 14 - Dec 14

Swap

  LLS     3,000     100.15     100.15   Jan 14 - Dec 14

Collar

  LLS     2,000     85.00     102.00   Jul 14 - Dec 14

Collar

  NYMEX-WTI     2,500     80.00     98.25   Jul 14 - Dec 14

Collar

  NYMEX-WTI     2,000     75.00     98.65   Jan 15 - Dec 15

Collar

  LLS     3,000     85.00     101.05   Jan 15 - Dec 15

 

Contract Type
  Basis   Quantity/Month   Floor Price   Ceiling Price   Term

Swap

  NYMEX-HH     10,000   $ 4.15   $ 4.15   May 13 - Dec 13

Swap

  HSC     10,000     4.01     4.01   Jun 13 - Dec 13

Swap

  NYMEX-HH     20,000     4.23     4.23   Jan 14 - Dec 14

Collar

  HSC     10,000     3.75     4.60   Jan 14 - Dec 14

        Other than as detailed above, no matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the Group, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Group in future financial years.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 30—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

        Transactions with related parties: N Martin was a partner and is now a consultant of Minter Ellison Lawyers and has been a Director since 1 March 2012. Minter Ellison Lawyers were paid a total of $148,073 and $124,007 for legal services for the period and year ended 31 December and 30 June 2012, respectively.

NOTE 31—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

a)    Financial Risk Management Policies

        The Group is exposed to a variety of financial market risks including interest rate, commodity prices, foreign exchange and liquidity risk. The Group's risk management focuses on the volatility of commodity markets and protecting cash flow in the event of declines in commodity pricing. The Group utilise derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures. The Group's financial instruments consist mainly of deposits with banks, short term investments, accounts receivable, derivative financial instruments, finance facility, and payables. The main purpose of non-derivative financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group operations.

i)
Treasury Risk Management

        Financial risk management is carried out by Management. The Board sets financial risk management policies and procedures by which Management are to adhere. Management identifies and evaluates all financial risks and enters into financial risk instruments to mitigate these risk exposures in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined by the Board.

ii)
Financial Risk Exposure and Management

        The main risk the Group is exposed to through its financial instruments is interest rate risk. The interest rate risk is managed with a mixture of fixed and floating rate cash deposits. At 31 December and 30 June 2012 approximately nil and 6% of Group deposits are fixed, respectively. It is the policy of the Group to keep surplus cash in interest yielding deposits.

iii)
Commodity Price Risk Exposure and Management

        The Board actively reviews oil hedging on a monthly basis. Reports providing detailed analysis of the Group's hedging activity are continually monitored against Group policy. The Group sells its oil on market using Nymex market spot rates reduced for basis differentials in the basins from which the Company produces. Nymex is a light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma, which is used as the benchmark for onshore United States petroleum prices. Forward contracts are used by the Group to manage its forward commodity price risk exposure. The Group's policy is to hedge less than 50% of anticipated future oil production for up to 24 months. The Group may hedge over 50% or beyond 24 months with approval of the Board. The Group has not elected to utilise hedge accounting treatment and changes in fair value are recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 31—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

Commodity Hedge Contracts outstanding at 31 December 2012

Contract Type
  Counterparty   Basis   Quantity/mo   Strike Price   Term

Swap

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   2,000 BBL   $99.00   1-Mar-12 - 31-Dec-13

Collar

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   1,000 BBL   $90.00/$117.50   1-Jan-13 - 31-Dec-13

Collar

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   1,000 BBL   $95.00/$112.75   1-Jan-13 - 31-Dec-13

Swap

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   3,000 BBL   $102.95   1-Jan-13 - 31-Dec-13

Swap

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   10,000 MMBTU   $3.58   1-Jan-13 - 31-Dec-13

a)    Sensitivity Analysis

Interest Rate and Price Risk

        The Group has performed a sensitivity analysis relating to its exposure to interest rate risk at balance date. This sensitivity analysis demonstrates the effect on the current period results and equity which could result from a change in these risks. The balance of debt as at 31 December and 30 June 2012 was $30 million and $15 million and is included in the Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis below.

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis

        The effect on income and equity as a result of changes in the interest rate, with all other variables remaining constant would be as follows:

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  6 months to
31 December 2012
US$'000
  12 months
30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Change in profit/(loss)

             

—increase in interest rates + 2%

  $ (157 ) $ 310  

—decrease in interest rates - 2%

    157     (234 )

Change in equity

             

—increase in interest rates + 2%

  $ (157 ) $ 310  

—decrease in interest rates - 2%

    157     (234 )

Foreign Currency Risk Sensitivity Analysis

        Effective 1 July 2011, the functional currency was changed from Australian dollars to US dollars. All of the Company's operations are conducted in the US in transactions denominated in US dollars. Only a relatively immaterial amount of administrative expense is incurred in Australia and paid in Australian dollars and cash balances maintained in Australian banks are also relatively immaterial. Therefore, the impact resulting from changes in the value of the US dollar to the Australian dollar would not have a material effect on income and equity.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 31—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

Oil Prices Risk Sensitivity Analysis

        The effect on profit and equity as a result of changes in oil prices with all variables remaining constant would be as follows:

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  6 months to
31 December 2012
US$'000
  12 months to
30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Change in profit/(loss)

             

—improvement in US$ oil price of $10 per barrel

  $ 1,476   $ 3,648  

—decline in US$ oil price of $10 per barrel

    (1,424 )   (3,637 )

Change in equity

   
 
   
 
 

—improvement in US$ oil price of $10 per barrel

 
$

1,476
 
$

3,648
 

—decline in US$ oil price of $10 per barrel

    (1,424 )   (3,637 )

b)    Net Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

        The net fair value of cash and cash equivalent and non-interest bearing monetary financial assets and financial liabilities of the consolidated entity approximate their carrying value.

        The net fair value of other monetary financial assets and financial liabilities is based on discounting future cash flows by the current interest rates for assets and liabilities with similar risk profiles. The balances are not materially different from those disclosed in the statement of financial position of the Group.

c)     Credit Risk

        The maximum exposure to credit risk, excluding the value of any collateral or other security, at balance date to recognise the financial assets, is the carrying amount, net of any impairment of those assets, as disclosed in the balance sheet and notes to the financial statements.

        The Group does not have any material credit risk exposure to any single debtor or group of debtors under financial instruments entered into by the consolidated entity.

d)    Major Customers

        For the six-month period ended 31 December 2012, our major customers were Helis Oil & Gas Company LLC ("Helis"), EOG Resources Inc. ("EOG"), Hess Corporation ("Hess") and Suncor Energy Marketing Inc. ("Suncor") and accounted for 29%, 22%, 21% and 10%, respectively, of our consolidated oil and gas sales revenue. For the year period ended 30 June 2012, our major customers were Helis, Hess, and EOG, and accounted for 47%, 20% and 14%, respectively, of our consolidated oil and gas sales revenue.

        Helis, Hess and EOG are operators of our properties in the Bakken; they sell crude oil and natural gas to various purchasers in the region and remit our share of the revenue to us. If any of the

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 31—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

companies who purchase the crude oil and natural gas from the operators were to discontinue purchasing production from this area, there are a number of other purchasers to whom we could sell our production with little or no delay. If those parties were to discontinue purchasing our product, there would be challenges initially, but ample markets to handle the disruption.

e)     Liquidity Risk

        Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and marketable securities and the availability of funding through an adequate committed credit facility. The Company aims to maintain flexibility in funding to meet ongoing operational requirements and exploration and development expenditures by keeping a committed credit facility available. The Company has the following commitments related to its non-derivative financial liabilities:

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Trade and other payables

             

—due within one year

  $ 38,770   $ 22,056  

—due within 1 - 5 years

         

—due later than 5 years

         
           

  $ 38,770   $ 22,056  
           
           

 

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Accrued expenses

             

—due within one year

  $ 13,072   $ 8,337  

—due within 1 - 5 years

         

—due later than 5 years

         
           

  $ 13,072   $ 8,337  
           
           

 

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Credit facility principal payments

             

—due within one year

  $   $  

—due within 1 - 5 years

    30,000     15,000  

—due later than 5 years

         
           

  $ 30,000   $ 15,000  
           
           

F-107


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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 31—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

f)     Foreign Currency Risk

        The Group is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency arising from transactions in currencies other than the Group's functional currency (US$).

g)     Market Risk

        The Company is exposed to fluctuations in its share price arising from the Texon Acquisition Scheme, in which subsequent to 31 December 2012, the Company used approximately 122.7 million newly issued Sundance shares to acquire Texon ("Acquisition Scheme Consideration"). Immediately preceding the announcement of the Acquisition Scheme, Sundance shares were valued at A$0.82 per share, which would have represented equity consideration of A$100.6 million. As at the Acquisition Date, Sundance shares were valued at A$1.05 per share, which resulted in equity consideration fair value of A$128.8 million. Following the completion of the Acquisition Scheme, the Company will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at the acquisition date and record the asset and liability fair values accordingly. Any difference between the fair value of the Acquisition Scheme Consideration and the fair value of the net assets acquired will be accounted for as goodwill or a bargain purchase as appropriate.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 32—PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION

a)    Cost Basis

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Parent Entity

             

Assets

             

Current assets

  $ 1,490   $ 986  

Investment in subsidiaries

    134,094     57,643  
           

Total assets

  $ 135,584   $ 58,629  
           
           

Liabilities

             

Current liabilities

  $ 127   $ 109  

Non-current liabilities

         
           

Total liabilities

    127     109  
           
           

Total net assets

  $ 135,457   $ 58,520  
           
           

Equity

             

Issued capital

    58,694     57,978  

Share options reserve

    386     386  

Retained earnings (loss)

    76,377     156  
           

Total equity

  $ 135,457   $ 58,520  
           
           

Financial Performance

             

Profit/(loss) for the year

  $ (241 ) $ 464  

Other comprehensive income

         
           

Total profit or loss and other comprehensive income

  $ (241 ) $ 464  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 32—PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION (Continued)

b)    Equity Basis

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Parent Entity

             

Assets

             

Current assets

  $ 1,490   $ 986  

Investment in subsidiaries

    150,453     73,327  
           

Total assets

  $ 151,943   $ 74,313  
           
           

Liabilities

             

Current liabilities

  $ 127   $ 109  

Non-current liabilities

         
           

Total liabilities

    127     109  
           
           

Total net assets

  $ 151,816   $ 74,204  
           
           

Equity

             

Issued capital

  $ 58,694   $ 57,978  

Share options reserve

    4,045     3,205  

Foreign currency translation

    (1,095 )   (941 )

Retained earnings (loss)

    90,172     13,962  
           

Total equity

  $ 151,816   $ 74,204  
           
           

Financial Performance

             

Profit/(loss) for the period before equity in income of subsidiaries

  $ (241 ) $ 464  

Equity in income of subsidiaries

    76,451     5,548  

Other comprehensive income

    (154 )   (247 )
           

Total profit or loss and other comprehensive income

  $ 76,056   $ 5,765  
           
           

c)     Cash Flow

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December 2012
US$'000
  30 June 2012
US$'000
 

Cash flow from operating activities

  $ (1,655 ) $ 396  

Cash flow from investing activities

    11     (7,629 )

Cash flow from financing activities

    716     147  

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Table of Contents


SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 32—PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION (Continued)

Guarantees in relation to relation to the debts of subsidiaries

        Sundance Energy Australia Limited has not entered into a deed of cross guarantee with its' wholly-owned subsidiary, Sundance Energy, Inc. related to the credit facility with Wells Fargo.

NOTE 33. UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES

        Costs Incurred —The following table sets forth the capitalized costs incurred in our oil and gas production, exploration, and development activities:

(in thousands)
  Six months ended
December 31, 2012
  Year ended
June 30, 2012
 

Property Acquisition Costs

             

Proved

  $ 986   $  

Unproved

    23,330     8,670  

Exploration costs

         

Development costs

    46,981     50,520  
           

  $ 71,297   $ 59,190  
           
           

        Oil and Gas Reserve Information —Proved reserve quantities are based on estimates prepared by the Company in accordance with guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Reserve definitions comply with definitions of Rules 4-10(a) (1)-(32) of Regulation S-X of the SEC.

        Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. ("NSAI"), an independent petroleum engineering consulting firm, prepared all of the total future net revenue discounted at 10% attributable to the total interests owned by the Company as at December 31, 2012, and June 30, 2012 and 2011. The individual primarily responsible for overseeing the review is a Senior Vice President with NSAI and a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas with over 30 years of experience in oil and gas reservoir studies and evaluations.

        Proved reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geosciences and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.

        There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and projecting future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures. The estimation of our proved reserves employs one or more of the following: production trend extrapolation, analogy, volumetric assessment and material balance analysis. Techniques including review of production and pressure histories, analysis of electric logs and fluid tests, and interpretations of geologic and geophysical data are also involved in this estimation process.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 33. UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (Continued)

        The following reserve data represents estimates only and should not be construed as being exact.

 
  Oil
(MBbl)
  Gas
(MMcf)
  Total Oil
Equivalents
(MBbl)
 

Total proved reserves:

                   

June 30, 2011

    4,788     7,692     6,070  

Revisions of previous estimates

    220     170     248  

Extensions and discoveries

    3,309     5,560     4,236  

Production

    (338 )   (370 )   (399 )
               

June 30, 2012

    7,979     13,052     10,155  

Revisions of previous estimates

    (556 )   (1,205 )   (757 )

Extensions and discoveries

    1,597     4,322     2,317  

Purchases of reserves in-place

    827     5,797     1,793  

Production

    (195 )   (233 )   (234 )

Sales of reserves in-place

    (3,894 )   (4,845 )   (4,702 )
               

December 31, 2012

    5,758     16,888     8,572  
               
               

Proved developed reserves:

                   

June 30, 2011

    1,497     2,637     1,936  
               
               

June 30, 2012

    2,564     4,905     3,382  
               
               

December 31, 2012

    1,932     5,242     2,805  
               
               

Proved undeveloped reserves:

                   

June 30, 2011

    3,291     5,055     4,134  
               
               

June 30, 2012

    5,415     8,147     6,773  
               
               

December 31, 2012

    3,826     11,646     5,767  
               
               

        During the year ended June 30, 2012, we added 4,236 MBoe through extensions and discoveries. Of these additions, approximately 1,486 and 2,750 MBoe were attributable to our Wattenberg and Bakken assets, respectively.

        During the six-month period ended December 31, 2012, we added 2,317 MBoe through extensions and discoveries. Of these additions, approximately 1,522, 306 and 489 MBoe were attributable to our Wattenberg, Bakken and Mississippian/Woodford assets, respectively. Our purchase of reserves were located in the Machii Ross project of the Wattenberg, and sales of reserves were located in the South Antelope prospect of the Bakken.

        Standardized Measure of Future Net Cash Flows —The "Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves" (Standardized Measure) is calculated in accordance with guidance provided by the FASB. The Standardized Measure does not purport, nor should it be interpreted, to present the fair value of a company's proved oil and gas reserves. Fair value would require, among other things, consideration of expected future economic and operating

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 33. UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (Continued)

conditions, a discount factor more representative of the time value of money, and risks inherent in reserve estimates.

        Under the Standardized Measure, future cash inflows are based upon the forecasted future production of year-end proved reserves. Future cash inflows are then reduced by estimated future production and development costs to determine net pre-tax cash flow. Future income taxes are computed by applying the statutory tax rate to the excess of pre-tax cash flow over our tax basis in the associated oil and gas properties. Tax credits and permanent differences are also considered in the future income tax calculation. Future net cash flow after income taxes is discounted using a 10% annual discount rate to arrive at the Standardized Measure.

        The following summary sets forth our Standardized Measure:

(in thousands)
  Six months ended
December 31, 2012
  Year ended
June 30, 2012
 

Cash inflows

  $ 594,549   $ 773,203  

Production costs

    (198,304 )   (215,252 )

Development costs

    (113,531 )   (137,121 )

Income tax expense

    (51,408 )   (101,481 )
           

Net cash flow

    231,306     319,349  

10% annual discount rate

    (115,759 )   (182,064 )
           

Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flow

  $ 115,547   $ 137,285  
           
           

        The following are the principal sources of change in the Standardized Measure:

(in thousands)
  Six months ended
December 31, 2012
  Year ended
June 30, 2012
 

Standardized Measure, beginning of period

  $ 137,285   $ 59,444  

Sales, net of production costs

    (13,642 )   (23,432 )

Net change in sales prices, net of production costs

    (4,997 )   23,379  

Extensions and discoveries, net of future production and development costs

    41,481     63,264  

Changes in future development costs

    (3,565 )   (13,921 )

Previously estimated development costs incurred during the period

    33,714     39,268  

Revision of quantity estimates

    (15,138 )   5,645  

Accretion of discount

    17,442     7,750  

Change in income taxes

    17,098     (19,081 )

Purchases of reserves in-place

    7,626      

Sales of reserves in-place

    (87,374 )    

Change in production rates and other

    (14,383 )   (5,031 )
           

Standardized Measure, end of period

  $ 115,547   $ 137,285  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND
THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

NOTE 33. UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (Continued)

        Impact of Pricing —The estimates of cash flows and reserve quantities shown above are based upon the unweighted average first-day-of-the-month prices. If future gas sales are covered by contracts at specified prices, the contract prices would be used. Fluctuations in prices are due to supply and demand and are beyond our control.

        The following average prices were used in determining the Standardized Measure as at:

 
  December 31, 2012   June 30, 2012  

Oil price per Bbl

  $ 94.71   $ 95.67  

Gas price per Mcf

  $ 2.75   $ 3.15  

        We calculate the projected income tax effect using the "year-by-year" method for purposes of the supplemental oil and gas disclosures.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011

 
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
  Note   31 December
2011
US$'000
  31 December
2010
US$'000
 
 
   
  (unaudited)
  (unaudited)
 

REVENUE

                   

Sales

    2     11,739     6,989  

Interest income

          240     67  

Net gain on disposal of assets

    3     459     10,384  

Realised foreign currency gain/(loss)

          4     (22 )

Unrealised foreign currency gain/(loss)

          (5 )    

EXPENSES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Cost of sales

          (2,784 )   (1,112 )

Finance costs

              (1 )

Loss on commodity transactions

          (464 )   (173 )

Unrealised gain/(loss) on commodity transactions

          652     (804 )

Depreciation and amortisation

          (4,358 )   (1,952 )

Impairment/write off of development and exploration assets

          (357 )   (1,239 )

Employee benefit expense

          (2,084 )   (1,904 )

Other expense from ordinary activities

          (1,232 )   (998 )

PROFIT/(LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE

         
1,810
   
9,235
 

Income tax (expense)/benefit

          (659 )   (4,014 )

PROFIT/(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PARENT ENTITY

          1,151     5,221  

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

                   

Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations

          (303 )   95  

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PARENT ENTITY

          848     5,316  

 
   
  Cents
  Cents
 

Basic profit/(loss) per share

          0.4     2.5  

Diluted profit/(loss) per share

          0.4     2.5  

   

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2011

 
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
  Note   31 December
2011
US$'000
  31 December
2010
US$'000
 
 
   
  (unaudited)
  (unaudited)
 

CURRENT ASSETS

                   

Cash and cash equivalents

          11,701     25,244  

Trade and other receivables

          7,341     3,538  

Inventory

          22     10  

Derivative financial instruments

          122        

Other current assets

          150     81  
                 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

          19,336     28,873  
                 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

                   

Inventory

          21     21  

Plant and equipment

          298     210  

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

          6,875     6,626  

Development and production assets

          61,842     48,173  

Derivative financial instruments

          95     50  

Other non-current assets

          358     127  
                 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

          69,489     55,207  
                 

TOTAL ASSETS

          88,825     84,080  
                 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

                   

Trade and other payables

          12,826     9,594  

Derivative financial instruments

                486  

Current tax liabilities

          54     80  
                 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

          12,880     10,160  
                 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

                   

Long-term provision

          412     349  

Deferred tax liabilities

          7,263     6,744  
                 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILTIES

          7,675     7,093  
                 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

          20,555     17,253  
                 

NET ASSETS

          68,270     66,827  
                 
                 

EQUITY

                   

Issued capital

    4     57,978     57,831  

Share option reserve

          2,828     2,380  

Foreign currency translation reserve

          (997 )   (694 )

Retained earnings

          8,461     7,310  
                 

TOTAL EQUITY

          68,270     66,827  
                 
                 

   

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011

Consolidated Group
  Issued
Capital
US$'000
  Retained
Earnings
US$'000
  Foreign
Currency
Translation
Reserve
US$'000
  Share
Option
Reserve
US$'000
  Total
US$'000
 

Balance at 30 June 2010

    38,962     1,927     (2,724 )   1,165     39,330  
                       

Shares issued during the period

    19,893                 19,893  

Cost of capital raising (net of tax)

    (749 )               (749 )

Fair value of options issued

                663     663  

Total comprehensive income for the period

        5,221     95         5,316  
                       

Balance at 31 December 2010

    58,106     7,148     (2,629 )   1,828     64,453  
                       

Balance at 30 June 2011

    57,831     7,310     (694 )   2,380     66,827  

Shares issued during the period

    147                 147  

Fair value of options issued

                448     448  

Total comprehensive income for the period

        1,151             848  
                       

Balance at 31 December 2011

    57,978     8,461     (303 )   2,828     68,270  
                       

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  31 December
2011
US$'000
  31 December
2010
US$'000
 
 
  (unaudited)
  (unaudited)
 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

             

Receipts from sales

    8,252     5,331  

Payments to suppliers and employees

    (5,792 )   (2,925 )

Interest received

    240     64  

Finance costs

        (4 )

Derivative payments

    (464 )   (14 )

Income taxes refunded/(paid)

    (141 )   1,150  
           

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    2,095     3,602  
           

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

             

Payments for exploration expenditure

    (601 )   (806 )

Payments for development expenditure

    (14,659 )   (9,313 )

Sale of non-current assets

    459     10,788  

Payments for plant and equipment

    (132 )   (28 )
           

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    (14,933 )   641  
           

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

             

Proceeds from the issue of shares

    147     19,897  

Payments for the costs of capital raisings

        (1,071 )

Borrowing costs

    (232 )    

Realised currency gain/(loss)

    4     7  
           

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    (81 )   18,833  
           

Net increase/(decrease) in cash held

    (12,919 )   23,076  
           

Cash at beginning of financial half-year

    25,244     9,770  

Effect of exchange rates on cash holdings in foreign currencies

    (624 )   (132 )
           

Cash at end of financial half-year

    11,701     32,714  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

Note 1—BASIS OF PREPARATION

        These general purpose financial statements for the interim half-year reporting period ended 31 December 2011 have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and International Accounting Standards including IAS 34: Interim Financial Reporting. Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards ensures that the financial statements and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

        This interim financial report is intended to provide users with an update on the latest annual financial statements of Sundance Energy Australia Limited and its controlled entities (the Group). As such, it does not contain information that represents relatively insignificant changes occurring during the half-year within the Group. It is therefore recommended that this financial report be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements of the Group for the year ended 30 June 2011, together with any public announcements made during the half-year.

        The same accounting policies and methods of computation have been followed in this interim financial report as were applied in the most recent annual financial statements except as described below.

Amendments to IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting

        The amendments clarified certain disclosures relating to events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of changes in the Group's circumstances since the last annual financial statements. The Group's interim financial statements as of 31 December 2011 reflect these amended disclosure requirements, where applicable.

Change in presentation currency

        Following a period of sustained international growth, the Group's cash flows and economic returns are now principally denominated in US Dollars. From 1 July 2011, Sundance Energy Australia Ltd changed the currency in which it presents its consolidated and parent Company Financial Statements from Australian Dollars to US Dollars. This change has no impact on the net loss of the Consolidated Entity other than presentation in US Dollars instead of Australian Dollars.

        A change in presentation currency is a change in accounting policy which is accounted for retrospectively. Statutory financial information included in this report that had been previously reported in Australian Dollars has been restated into US Dollars using the procedures outlined below:

    assets and liabilities denominated in non-US Dollar currencies were translated into US Dollars at closing rates of exchange. Non-US Dollar trading results were translated into US Dollars at average rates of exchange. Differences resulting from the retranslation of the opening net assets and the results for the year have been taken to equity;

    the cumulative translation reserve was set to nil at the acquisition date of Sundance Energy, Inc. (the company's wholly owned subsidiary). All subsequent movements comprising differences on the retranslation of the opening net assets of non-US Dollar subsidiaries have been charged to the translation reserve. Share capital, share based payments and other reserves were translated at the historic rates prevailing at the dates of transactions; and

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

Note 1—BASIS OF PREPARATION (Continued)

    all exchange rates used were extracted from the Group's underlying financial records.

        The exchange rates of US Dollar to Australian Dollars over the periods included in this Annual Report and Accounts are as follows:

US Dollar/Australian
Dollar exchange rate
  2011   2010   2009   2008   2007   2006   2005  

Closing rate

    1.06020     0.85338     0.80273     0.95200     0.84139     0.74131     0.76629  

Average rate

    0.98917     0.88198     0.74778     0.89623     0.78570     0.74762     0.77331  

Rounding of amounts

        The company is of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/100 issued by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, relating to rounding of amounts in the financial statements. Amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

Note 2—REVENUE

 
  Consolidated
Group
 
 
  2011
US$000
  2010
US$000
 

Oil sales

    11,012     6,265  

Gas sales

    727     632  

Other revenue

        92  
           

Total revenue

    11,739     6,989  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

Note 3—DISPOSAL OF ASSETS

 
  Consolidated
Group
 
 
  2011
US$000
  2010
US$000
 

Disposal price for undeveloped acreage

    507     10,785  
           

Cash consideration

    507     10,785  
           

Cost of assets sold and transaction costs

    (48 )   (414 )
           

Net gain/(loss) on disposal

    459     10,371  
           

Assets held for resale

             

Disposal price for tubing inventory

        72  
           

Cash consideration

        72  
           

Cost of assets sold and transaction costs

        (59 )
           

Net gain/(loss) on disposal

        13  
           

Total net gain/(loss) recognised in the statement of comprehensive income

    459     10,384  
           
           

Note 4—ISSUED CAPITAL

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  Ordinary
Shares
  US$000  

BALANCE AT 1 JULY 2011

    276,709,585     57,831  

Shares issued as a placement during period net of issue costs

         

Share options exercised during the period net of issue costs

    388,889     147  
           
           

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2011

    277,098,474     57,978  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

Note 5—SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

Share Options

        During the half year ended 31 December 2011, a total of 2,260,000 options were granted to employees pursuant to employment agreements and a total of 60,000 options expired. In addition, a total of 388,889 previously issued options were exercised. This information is summarized below:

 
  Options   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Term

Outstanding at 30 June 2011

    5,632,223   A$ 0.38    

Exercised

   
(388,889

)

A$

0.37
   

Granted

    2,260,000   A$ 0.95    

Cancelled

    (60,000 ) A$ 0.60    
               

Outstanding at 31 Dec 2011

    7,443,334   A$ 0.55   3.7 Years
               

Exercisable at 31 Dec 2011

    2,925,222   A$ 0.40   2.5 Years
               
               

        Share based payments expense related to options is determined pursuant to IFRS 2: Share Based Payments, and is recognised pursuant to the attached vesting conditions. The fair value of the options ranged from A$0.21 to A$0.46 and was calculated as of the grant date using a Black-Scholes options pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the ordinary shares. Historical data is also used to estimate the probability of option exercise and potential forfeitures. The following table summarises the key assumptions used to calculate the fair market value of options granted during the period:

Share price:

  A$ $0.38 - 0.96

Exercise price:

  A$ $0.95

Expected volatility:

  75%

Option term:

  3.3 to 7.3 years

Risk free interest rate:

  5.5% - 6.25%

Restricted Share Units

        During the half year ended 31 December 2011, the Board of Directors awarded 910,000 restricted share units (RSUs) to certain employees. These awards were made in accordance with the long term equity component of the Company's incentive compensation plan, the details of which are described in more detail in the Company's 30 June 2011 Annual Report. Share based payment expense for RSUs awarded was calculated pursuant to IFRS 2: Share Based Payments. The fair value of RSUs was estimated at the date they were approved by the Board of Directors (the measurement date). These awards will be issued to employees upon finalisation of the associated plan documents.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

Note 6—OPERATING SEGMENTS

Segment Performance

 
  Rocky Mountains
USA
  Other States
USA
  Total  
 
  2011
US$000
  2010
US$000
  2011
US$000
  2010
US$000
  2011
US$000
  2010
US$000
 

Segment Revenue

    11,596     17,345     142     5     11,739     6,989  
                           

Total revenue

                            11,739     6,989  

Expenses

                                     

Operating expenses

    (2,775 )   (1,111 )   (9 )   (1 )   (2,784 )   (1,112 )

Depreciation and depletion

    (4,324 )   (1,912 )   (34 )   (41 )   (4,358 )   (1,952 )

Net impairment on oil and gas assets

            (357 )   (1,239 )   (357 )   (1,239 )
                           

Segment results before income tax

    4,497     3,960     (258 )   (1,276 )   4,240     2,686  
                               
                               

Reconciliation:

                                     

Unallocated income and expenses

                                     

Parent company other revenue

                            4     48  

Gain/(loss) on sale of assets

                            459     10,384  

Exploration and evaluation expensed

                            (45 )    

Interest and currency income

                            240     44  

Derivatives

                            188     (976 )

Corporate unallocated costs

                            (3,276 )   (2,951 )
                                   

Net income/(loss) before tax

                            1,810     9,235  

Income tax expense

                            (659 )   (4,014 )
                                   

Net income/(loss) for period

                            1,151     5,221  
                                   
                                   

 

 
  Rocky Mountains
USA
  Other States
USA
  Total  
 
  31 Dec
2011
US$000
  30 June
2011
US$000
  31 Dec
2011
US$000
  30 June
2011
US$000
  31 Dec
2011
US$000
  30 June
2011
US$000
 

Segment assets

    66,074     43,599     2,434     593     68,508     44,192  

Segment assets increase for the period

                                     

Total corporate and unallocated assets

                            20,317     39,888  
                                   

Total Group assets

                            88,825     84,080  
                                   
                                   

Capitalised expenditures

    22,520     10,780     2,198     239              

Capitalised costs expensed during the period

    (45 )       (357 )   (1,241 )            

Note 7—CONTINGENT LIABILITIES & COMMITMENTS

        There were no contingent liabilities at 31 December 2011 and there has been no material change to commitments since the last annual reporting date.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED

Note 8—EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO REPORTING DATE

        On 27 February 2011, the Company announced the sale of its Arriba Prospect in the southern Denver-Julesburg Basin for US$4.2M, or US$90 per acre. As announced, this divestiture is part of the Company's continuing strategy of redeploying capital from non-core assets to more prospective liquids rich resource plays.

        Subsequent to December 31, 2011, the Company decided to pursue divestiture of its Goliath prospect assets. This decision is consistent with the Company's previously disclosed business strategy of focusing on higher working interest, operated projects. The assets being disposed of are included in the Company's "Rocky Mountain USA" segment.

        There have been no other material events subsequent to the half-year ended 31 December 2011.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Sundance Energy Australia Limited

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Sundance Energy Australia Limited and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of June 30, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended June 30, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sundance Energy Australia Limited and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended June 30, 2012, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

707 17 th Street
Denver, Colorado 80202

October 18, 2013

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011

 
   
  Consolidated
Group
 
 
  Note   2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Oil and gas sales revenue

      $ 29,787   $ 18,176  

Cost of sales

  2     (6,355 )   (2,858 )

Depreciation and amortisation expense

        (11,111 )   (6,509 )

Employee benefits expense

        (4,318 )   (3,562 )

Administrative expense

  3     (2,545 )   (1,776 )

Interest received

        263     312  

Finance costs

        (152 )    

Impairment of non-current assets

        (357 )   (1,273 )

Net profit on sale of non-current assets

        3,004     10,926  

Net profit on sale of assets held for resale

            14  

Gain/ (loss) on commodity hedging

                 

Realized (loss)

        (297 )   (643 )

Unrealized gain / (loss)

        2,242     (464 )

Realised currency (loss)

        (4 )   (559 )
               

Profit before income tax

        10,157     11,784  

Income tax expense

  4     (4,145 )   (4,755 )
               

Profit attributable to owners of the Company

        6,012     7,029  

Other comprehensive income

                 

Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations

        (247 )   384  
               

Total comprehensive income attributable to owners of the Company

      $ 5,765   $ 7,413  
               
               

Earnings per share

                 

Basic earnings

  7   $ 0.02   $ 0.03  

Diluted earnings

  7   $ 0.02   $ 0.03  

   

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

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT JUNE 30, 2012

 
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
  Note   2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

CURRENT ASSETS

                   

Cash and cash equivalents

    8   $ 15,328   $ 25,244  

Trade and other receivables

    9     12,352     3,538  

Inventory current

    10     46     10  

Derivative financial instruments

    11     1,331      

Other current assets

    12     1,634     2,381  
                 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

          30,691     31,173  
                 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

                   

Inventory

    10     21     21  

Plant and equipment

    14     418     210  

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

    15     11,436     6,626  

Development and production assets

    16     87,274     45,873  

Derivative financial instruments

    11     476     50  

Other non-current assets

          345     127  
                 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

          99,970     52,907  
                 

TOTAL ASSETS

        $ 130,661   $ 84,080  
                 
                 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

                   

Trade and other payables

          22,056     3,793  

Accrued expenses

          8,337     5,881  

Derivative liabilities

    11         486  
                 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

          30,393     10,160  
                 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

                   

Revolving credit facility

    17     15,000      

Restoration provision

          588     349  

Deferred tax liabilities

    18     10,476     6,104  
                 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

          26,064     6,453  
                 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

        $ 56,457   $ 16,613  
                 
                 

NET ASSETS

        $ 74,204   $ 67,467  
                 
                 

EQUITY

                   

Issued capital

    19   $ 57,978   $ 57,831  

Share option reserve

    20     3,205     2,380  

Foreign currency translation

    20     (941 )   (694 )

Retained earnings

          13,962     7,950  
                 

TOTAL EQUITY

        $ 74,204   $ 67,467  
                 
                 

   

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

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011

Consolidated Group
  Issued
Capital
US$'000
  Retained
Earnings
US$'000
  Foreign
Currency
Translation
Reserve
US$'000
  Share
Option
Reserve
US$'000
  Total
US$'000
 

Balance at 30 June 2010

  $ 38,962   $ 921   $ (1,078 ) $ 1,165   $ 39,970  

Shares issued during the year

    19,893                 19,893  

Cost of capital raising (net of tax)

    (1,024 )               (1,024 )

Fair value of options issued

                1,215     1,215  

Total comprehensive income for the year

        7,029     384         7,413  
                       

Balance at 30 June 2011

    57,831     7,950     (694 )   2,380     67,467  

Shares issued during the year

    147                 147  

Fair value of options issued

                825     825  

Total comprehensive income for the year

        6,012     (247 )       5,765  
                       

Balance at 30 June 2012

  $ 57,978   $ 13,962   $ (941 ) $ 3,205   $ 74,204  
                       
                       

   

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

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011

 
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
  Note   2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                 

Receipts from sales

      $ 20,987   $ 15,362  

Payments to suppliers and employees

        (8,900 )   (7,390 )

Interest received

        263     312  

Derivative payments

        (297 )   (642 )

Income taxes (paid)/refunded

        (221 )   1,266  
               

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

  24     11,832     8,908  
               

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                 

Payments for exploration expenditure

        (5,685 )   (1,362 )

Payments for development expenditure

        (34,833 )   (22,889 )

Sale of assets held for resale

            345  

Sale of non-current assets

        4,679     10,647  

Payments for plant and equipment

        (310 )   (206 )
               

NET CASH (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

        (36,149 )   (13,465 )
               

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                 

Proceeds from the issue of shares

        147     19,893  

Payments for the costs of capital raisings

            (1,024 )

Borrowing costs

        (408 )    

Proceeds from borrowings

        15,000      

Realised currency (loss)

        (5 )    
               

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

        14,734     18,869  
               

Net (decrease)/increase in cash held

        (9,583 )   14,312  

Cash at beginning of year

       
25,244
   
9,685
 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

        (333 )   1,247  
               

CASH AT END OF YEAR

  8   $ 15,328   $ 25,244  
               
               

   

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

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        The financial report includes the consolidated financial statements and notes of Sundance Energy Australia Limited and controlled entities ('Company,' 'Consolidated Group' or 'Group').

Basis of Preparation

        The financial report is a general purpose financial report that has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, Australian Accounting Interpretations, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) and the Corporations Act 2001.

        Australian Accounting Standards set out accounting policies that the AASB has concluded would result in a financial report containing relevant and reliable information about transactions, events and conditions to which they apply. Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards ensures that the financial statements and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Material accounting policies adopted in the preparation of this financial report are presented below. They have been consistently applied unless otherwise stated.

Adoption of new and revised accounting standards

        In the current year, the group has adopted all of the new and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and the Australian Accounting Standards Board that are relevant to its operations and effective for the current annual reporting period.

IAS 24   Related Party Disclosures
AASB 2011-1   Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Trans-Tasman Convergence Project
AASB 1054   Australian Additional Disclosures

        The adoption of these standards did not have any effect on the financial position or performance of the group although it has enabled the removal of certain disclosures in relation to the franking of dividends and commitments.

Change in presentation currency

        Following a period of sustained international growth, the Group's cash flows and economic returns are now principally denominated in US Dollars. From 1 July 2011, Sundance Energy Australia Ltd changed the currency in which it presents its consolidated and parent Company Financial Statements from Australian Dollars to US Dollars. This change has no impact on the net income of the Consolidated Entity other than presentation in US Dollars instead of Australian Dollars.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        A change in presentation currency is a change in accounting policy which is accounted for retrospectively. Statutory financial information included in this report that had been previously reported in Australian Dollars has been restated into US Dollars using the procedures outlined below:

    assets and liabilities denominated in non-US Dollar currencies were translated into US Dollars at closing rates of exchange. Non-US Dollar trading results were translated into US Dollars at average rates of exchange. Differences resulting from the retranslation of the opening net assets and the results for the year have been taken to equity;

    the cumulative translation reserve was set to nil at the acquisition date of Sundance Energy, Inc. (the company's wholly owned subsidiary). All subsequent movements comprising differences on the retranslation of the opening net assets of non-US Dollar subsidiaries have been charged to the translation reserve. Share capital, share based payments and other reserves were translated at the historic rates prevailing at the dates of transactions; and

    all exchange rates used were extracted from the Group's underlying financial records.

        The exchange rates of US Dollar to Australian Dollars over the periods included in this report and Accounts are as follows:

US Dollar/Australian
Dollar exchange rate
  2011   2010   2009   2008   2007   2006   2005  

Closing rate

    1.06020     0.85338     0.80273     0.95200     0.84139     0.74131     0.76629  

Average rate

    0.98917     0.88198     0.74778     0.89623     0.78570     0.74762     0.77331  

        The financial report has been prepared on an accruals basis and is based on historical costs modified, where applicable, by the measurement at fair value of selected non-current assets, financial assets and financial liabilities.

u)    Principles of Consolidation

        A controlled entity is any entity over which Sundance Energy Australia Limited has the power to govern the financial and operating policies so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing the power to govern, the existence and effect of holdings of actual and potential voting rights are considered.

        A list of controlled entities is contained in Note 13 to the financial statements.

        As at reporting date, the assets and liabilities of all controlled entities have been incorporated into the consolidated financial statements as well as their results for the year then ended. Where controlled entities have entered/(left) the Group during the year, their operating results have been included/(excluded) from the date control was obtained/(ceased).

        All inter-group balances and transactions between entities in the Group, including any recognised profits or losses, have been eliminated on consolidation. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed, where necessary, to ensure consistency with those adopted by the parent entity.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

v)     Income Tax

        The income tax expense/(revenue) for the year comprises current income tax expense/(income) and deferred tax expense/(income).

        Current income tax expense charged to the profit or loss is the tax payable on taxable income calculated using applicable income tax rates enacted, or substantially enacted, as at reporting date. Current tax liabilities/(assets) are therefore measured at the amounts expected to be paid to/(recovered from) the relevant taxation authority.

        Deferred income tax expense reflects movements in deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability balances during the year as well as unused tax losses. Current and deferred income tax expense/(income) is charged or credited directly to equity instead of the profit or loss when the tax relates to items that are credited or charged directly to equity.

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are ascertained based on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets also result where amounts have been fully expensed but future tax deductions are available. No deferred income tax will be recognised from the initial recognition of an asset or liability, excluding a business combination, where there is no effect on accounting or taxable profit or loss.

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset recognised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at reporting date. Their measurement also reflects the manner in which management expects to recover or settle the carrying amount of the related asset or liability.

        Deferred tax assets relating to temporary differences and unused tax losses are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the benefits of the deferred tax asset can be utilised.

        Where temporary differences exist in relation to investments in subsidiaries, branches, associates, and joint ventures, deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognised where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is not probable that the reversal will occur in the foreseeable future.

        Current tax assets and liabilities are offset where a legally enforceable right of set-off exists and it is intended that net settlement or simultaneous realisation and settlement of the respective asset and liability will occur. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where a legally enforceable right of set-off exists, the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where it is intended that net settlement or simultaneous realisation and settlement of the respective asset and liability will occur in future periods in which significant amounts of deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled.

w)    Development Assets and Plant and Equipment

        Development assets and plant and equipment are carried at cost less where applicable, any accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        The carrying amount of development assets and plant and equipment are reviewed semi-annually by directors to ensure that they are not in excess of the recoverable amount from these assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows that will be received from the assets employment and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows have been discounted to their present values in determining recoverable amounts.

        Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of comprehensive income during the financial period in which are they are incurred.

Depreciation / Amortisation

        The depreciable amount of all fixed assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their useful lives to the Group commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of either the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements.

        The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets are:

Class of Non-Current
  Asset Depreciation   Rate Basis of Depreciation

Plant and Equipment

  10 - 33%   Straight Line

        The Group uses the units of production method to amortise costs carried forward in relation to its development assets. For this approach, the calculation is based upon proved developed reserves.

        The assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each statement of financial position date. An asset's carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset's carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.

        Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount. These gains and losses are included in the statement of comprehensive income.

x)     Exploration and Evaluation Expenditure

        Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred is accumulated in respect of each identifiable area of interest. These costs are only carried forward to the extent that they are expected to be recouped through the successful development of the area or where activities in the area have not yet reached a stage that permits reasonable assessment of the existence of economically recoverable reserves.

        Accumulated costs in relation to an abandoned area are written off in full against profit in the year in which the decision to abandon the area is made.

        When production commences, the accumulated costs for the relevant area of interest are transferred to production assets and amortised over the life of the area according to the rate of depletion of the economically recoverable reserves.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        A regular review is undertaken of each area of interest to determine the appropriateness of continuing to carry forward costs in relation to that area of interest.

y)     Leases

        Leases of fixed assets where substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to the ownership of the asset, but not the legal ownership that are transferred to entities in the consolidated group, are classified as finance leases.

        Finance leases are capitalised by recording an asset and a liability at the lower of the amounts equal to the fair value of the leased property or the present value of the minimum lease payments, including any guaranteed residual values. Lease payments are allocated between the reduction of the lease liability and the lease interest expense for the period.

        Leased assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term. Lease payments for operating leases, where substantially all the risks and benefits remain with the lessor, are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.

        Lease incentives under operating leases are recognised as a liability and amortised on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease term.

z)     Financial Instruments

Recognition and Initial Measurement

        Financial instruments, incorporating financial assets and financial liabilities, are recognised when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Trade date accounting is adopted for financial assets that are delivered within timeframes established by marketplace convention.

        Financial instruments are initially measured at fair value plus transactions costs where the instrument is not classified as at fair value through profit or loss. Transactions costs related to instruments classified as at fair value through profit or loss are expensed to profit or loss immediately. Financial instruments are classified and measured as set out below.

Derivative Financial Instruments

        The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to changes in commodity prices arising in the normal course of business. The principal derivatives that may be used are commodity crude oil price swap and option contracts. Their use is subject to policies and procedures as approved by the Board of Directors. The Group does not trade in derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at cost. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivate financial instruments are recognised at fair value. The derivatives are valued on a mark to market valuation and the gain or loss on re-measurement to fair value is recognised through the statement of comprehensive income.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Derecognition

        Financial assets are derecognised where the contractual rights to receipt of cash flows expires or the asset is transferred to another party whereby the entity no longer has any significant continuing involvement in the risks and benefits associated with the asset. Financial liabilities are derecognised where the related obligations are either discharged, cancelled or expire. The difference between the carrying value of the financial liability extinguished or transferred to another party and the fair value of consideration paid, including the transfer of non-cash assets or liabilities assumed, is recognised in profit or loss.

vi)
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

        Financial assets are classified at fair value through profit or loss when they are held for trading for the purpose of short term profit taking, where they are derivatives not held for hedging purposes, or designated as such to avoid an accounting mismatch or to enable performance evaluation where a group of financial assets is managed by key management personnel on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy. Realised and unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

vii)
Loans and receivables

        Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

viii)
Held-to-maturity investments

        Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets that have fixed maturities and fixed or determinable payments, and it is the Group's intention to hold these investments to maturity. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

ix)
Available-for-sale financial assets

        Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are either designated as such or that are not classified in any of the other categories. They comprise investments in the equity of other entities where there is neither a fixed maturity nor fixed determinable payments.

x)
Financial liabilities

        Non-derivative financial liabilities (excluding financial guarantees) are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

aa)  Impairment of Non-Financial Assets

        At each reporting date, the group reviews the carrying values of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset's fair value less costs to sell

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

and value in use, is compared to the asset's carrying value. Any excess of the asset's carrying value over its recoverable amount is expensed to the statement of comprehensive income.

        Impairment testing is performed annually for intangible assets with indefinite lives.

        Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

bb)  Interests in Joint Ventures

        The Group's share of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of joint ventures are included in the appropriate items of the consolidated financial statements. Details of the Group's interest are shown in Note 26.

cc)   Foreign Currency Transactions and Balances

Functional and presentation currency

        The functional currency of each of the Group's entities is measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which that entity operates. The consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars.

Transactions and Balances

        Foreign currency transactions are translated into functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency monetary items are translated at the year-end exchange rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost continue to be carried at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary items measured at fair value are reported at the exchange rate at the date when fair values were determined.

        Exchange differences arising on the translation of monetary items are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income except where deferred in equity as a qualifying cash flow or net investment hedge.

        Exchange differences arising on the translation of non-monetary items are recognised directly in equity to the extent that the gain or loss is directly recognised in equity, otherwise the exchange difference is recognised in the income statement of comprehensive income.

Group Companies

        The financial results and position of foreign operations whose functional currency is different from the Group's presentation currency are translated as follows:

    assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates prevailing at that reporting date;

    income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the period; and

    retained profits are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations are transferred directly to the group's foreign currency translation reserve in the statement of comprehensive income. These differences are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income in the period in which the operation is disposed.

dd)  Employee Benefits

        Provision is made for the Group's liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to balance date. Employee benefits that are expected to be settled within one year have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled, plus related on-costs. Employee benefits payable later than one year have been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for these benefits. Those cash flows are discounted using market yields on national government bonds with terms to maturity that match the expected timing of cash flows.

Equity—Settled Compensation

        The Group has an employee share option plan. The bonus element over the exercise price of the employees services rendered in exchange for the grant of shares and options is recognised as an expense in the statement of comprehensive income. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is determined by reference to the fair value of the shares of the option granted.

Restricted Share Unit Plan

        The group has a restricted share unit plan (RSU) to motivate management and senior employees to make decisions benefiting long-term value creation, retain management and senior employees and reward the achievement of the Group's long-term goals. The RSUs are based on targets established and approved by the Board. Actual RSUs, awarded annually, are modified according to actual results and vest in four equal tranches beginning on the grant date.

ee)   Provisions

        Provisions are recognised when the group has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result and that outflow can be reliably measured.

ff)    Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within short-term borrowings in current liabilities on the Statement of Financial Position.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

gg)   Revenue

        Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised upon the delivery of goods to customers. Interest revenue is recognised on a proportional basis taking into account the interest rates applicable to the financial assets.

        Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised upon the delivery of the service to the customers. All revenue is stated net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST).

hh)  Borrowing Costs

        Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to prepare for their intended use or sale are added to the cost of those assets until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale. Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, borrowings are stated as amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption being recognised in the statement of comprehensive income over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis.

        All other borrowing costs are recognised in income in the period in which they are incurred.

ii)    Goods and Services Tax (GST)

        Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Tax Office. In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the statement of financial position are shown inclusive of GST.

        Cash flows are presented in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis, except for the GST component of investing and financing activities, which are disclosed as operating cash flows.

jj)    Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

        The Directors evaluate estimates and judgments incorporated into the financial report based on historical knowledge and best available current information. Estimates assume a reasonable expectation of future events and are based on current trends and economic data obtained both externally and within the Group.

Key estimates

Estimates of reserve quantities

        The estimated quantities of hydrocarbon reserves reported by the consolidated entity are integral to the calculation of amortisation (depletion), depreciation expense and to assessments of possible impairment of assets. Estimated reserve quantities are based upon interpretations of geological and geophysical models and assessment of the technical feasibility and commercial viability of producing the reserves. For purposes of the calculation of amortization (depletion), and depreciation and the assessment of possible impairment of assets, management prepares reserve estimates which conform to

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

guidelines prepared by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. These assessments require assumptions to be made regarding future development and production costs, commodity prices, exchange rates and fiscal regimes. The estimates of reserves may change from period to period as the economic assumptions used to estimate the reserves can change from period to period, and as additional geological data is generated during the course of operations. These reserve estimates may differ from estimates prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") regarding oil and natural gas reserve reporting including those presented in Note 31.

Impairment of Non-Financial Assets

        The Group assesses impairment at each reporting date by evaluating conditions specific to the group that may lead to impairment of assets. Where an impairment trigger exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined. Value-in-use calculations performed in assessing recoverable amounts incorporate a number of key estimates.

Exploration and Evaluation

        The Group's policy for exploration and evaluation is discussed in Note 1 (d). The application of this policy requires the directors to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances. Any such estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. If, after having capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure, the directors conclude that the capitalised expenditure is unlikely to be recovered by future sale or exploitation, then the relevant capitalised amount will be written off through the statement of comprehensive income.

Restoration Provision

        A provision for rehabilitation and restoration is provided by the Group to meet all future obligations for the restoration and rehabilitation of oil and gas producing areas when oil and gas reserves are exhausted and the oil/gas fields are abandoned. Restoration liabilities are discounted to present value and capitalised as a component part of capitalised development expenditure. The capitalised costs are amortised over the life of the assets and the provision revised at each balance date through the statement of comprehensive income as the discounting of the liability unwinds.

kk)  Carbon Tax

        At the date of this report the Carbon Tax legislation has passed through parliament, and the commencement date for the scheme is 1 July 2012. As the Group will not fall within the 'Top 500 Australian Polluters,' the impact of the Carbon Scheme will be through indirect effects of increased prices on many production inputs and general business expenses as suppliers subject to the carbon pricing mechanism are likely to pass on their carbon price burden to their customers in the form of increased prices. Directors expect that this will not have a significant impact upon the operating costs within the business, and therefore will not have an impact upon the valuation of assets and/or going concern of the business.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

ll)    Change in Accounting Estimate

        The same accounting policies and methods of computation have been followed in this financial report as were applied in the 2011 annual financial statements.

mm)  Reclassifications

        Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements and associated notes to the financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

nn)  Rounding of amounts

        The company is of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/100 issued by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, relating to rounding of amounts in the financial statements. Amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

oo)  Parent Entity Financial Information

        The financial information for the parent entity, Sundance Energy Australia Limited, discussed in Note 30, has been prepared on the same basis, using the same accounting policies as the consolidated financial statements.

pp)  Earnings Per Share

        The group presents basic and diluted earnings per share for its ordinary shares. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares for the dilutive effect, if any, of outstanding share rights and share options which have been issued to employees.

qq)  Adoption of New and Revised Accounting Standards

        During the current year the Group adopted all of the new and revised International Accounting Standards and Australia Accounting Standards and Interpretations applicable to its operations which became mandatory.

        Recently issued accounting standards to be applied in future reporting periods:

Consolidation Standards

        A package of consolidation standards are effective for annual periods beginning or after 1 January 2013. Information on these new standards is presented below. The Group's management have yet to assess the impact of these new and revised standards on the Group's consolidated financial statements.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements

        IFRS 10 supersedes the consolidation requirements in IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (IAS 27) and Interpretation 112 Consolidation—Special Purpose Entities. It revised the definition of control together with accompanying guidance to identify an interest in a subsidiary. However, the requirements and mechanics of consolidation and the accounting for any non-controlling interests and changes in control remain the same.

IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements

        IFRS 11 supersedes IAS 31 Interests in Joint Ventures (IAS 31). It aligns more closely the accounting by the investors with their rights and obligations relating to the joint arrangement. It introduces two accounting categories (joint operations and joint ventures) whose applicability is determined based on the substance of the joint arrangement. In addition, IAS 31's option of using proportionate consolidation for joint ventures has been eliminated. IFRS 11 now requires the use of the equity accounting method for joint ventures, which is currently used for investments in associates.

IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities

        IFRS 12 integrates and makes consistent the disclosure requirements for various types of investments, including unconsolidated structured entities. It introduces new disclosure requirements about the risks to which an entity is exposed from its involvement with structured entities.

Consequential amendments to IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

        IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements was amended to IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements which now deals only with separate financial statements. IAS 28 brings investments in joint ventures into its scope. However, IAS 28's equity accounting methodology remains unchanged.

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement

        IFRS 13 does not affect which items are required to be fair-valued, but clarifies the definition of fair value and provides related guidance and enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. It is applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. The Group's management have yet to assess the impact of this new standard.

AASB 2011-9 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income s (IAS 1 Amendments)

        The IAS 1 Amendments require an entity to group items presented in other comprehensive income into those that, in accordance with other IFRSs: (a) will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss and (b) will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss when specific conditions are met. It is applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2012. The Group's management expects this will change the current presentation of items in other comprehensive income; however, it will not affect the measurement or recognition of such items.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 1—STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

AASB 2011-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards to Remove Individual Key Management Personnel Disclosure Requirements (IAS 24 Amendments)

        AASB 2011-4 makes amendments to IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures to remove individual key management personnel disclosure requirements, to achieve consistency with the international equivalent (which includes requirements to disclose aggregate (rather than individual) amounts of KMP compensation), and remove duplication with the Corporations Act 2011. The amendments are applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2013. The Group's management have yet to assess the impact of these amendments.

        The financial report was authorised for issue on 28 September 2012, by the Board of Directors.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

NOTE 2—COST OF SALES

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Lease operating expense

  $ (2,921 ) $ (875 )

Workover expense

    (180 )   (15 )

Production taxes

    (3,254 )   (1,968 )
           

  $ (6,355 ) $ (2,858 )
           
           

NOTE 3—ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Accounting and company secretarial

  $ (271 ) $ (216 )

Audit fees

    (51 )   (117 )

Professional fees

    (789 )   (605 )

Travel

    (390 )   (134 )

Rent

    (287 )   (201 )

Share registry and listing fees

    (122 )   (86 )

Other expenses

    (635 )   (417 )
           

  $ (2,545 ) $ (1,776 )
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 4—INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
   
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

d)

 

The components of income tax expense comprise:

             

 

Current tax benefit/(expense)

  $ 242   $ (117 )

 

Deferred tax expense

    (4,387 )   (4,638 )
               

      $ (4,145 ) $ (4,755 )
               
               

e)

 

The prima facie tax on income from ordinary activities before income tax is reconciled to the income tax as follows:

             

 

Net profit

 
$

10,157
 
$

11,784
 
               
               

 

Prima facie tax expense on income from ordinary activities before income tax at 30%

  $ 3,047   $ 3,535  

 

Add:

   
 
   
 
 

 

Tax effect of:

   
 
   
 
 

 

—difference of tax rate in US controlled entities

    862     752  

 

—employee options

    276     349  

 

—other allowable items

    4      

 

—previously unrecognised tax gains used to (reduce)/increase current tax expense

    (139 )    

 

—previously unrecognised tax losses used to (reduce)/increase current tax expense

        55  

 

—Deferred tax assets associated with capital raising costs recognised direct to equity but not meeting the recognition criteria

   
95
   
64
 
               

 

Income tax attributable to entity

  $ 4,145   $ 4,755  
               
               

f)

 

Unused tax losses and temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised at 30%

  $ 375   $ 526  

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 5—KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

e)     Names and positions held of Consolidated Group key management personnel in office at any time during the financial year are:

Mr M Hannell

 

Chairman Non-executive

Mr E McCrady

 

Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director

Ms C Anderson

 

Chief Financial Officer

Mr P Franks

 

Director—Executive (resigned as a Director on 29 November 2011)

Mr A Hunter III

 

Director—Executive (resigned as a Director on 13 July 2012)

Mr D Hannes

 

Director—Non-executive

Mr R Nelson

 

Director—Non-executive (resigned as a Director 1 March 2012)

Mr N Martin

 

Director—Non-executive (appointed as Director, previously an alternate, on 1 March 2012)

Mr C Gooden

 

Company Secretary

        Other than employees of the Company listed above, there are no additional key management personnel.

f)     Key Management Personnel Compensation

        Refer to the Remuneration Report contained in the Report of Directors' for details of the remuneration paid or payable to each member of the Group's key management personnel (KMP) for the year ended 30 June 2012.

        The total of remuneration paid to KMP of the Group during the year is as follows:

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$ '000
  2011
US$ '000
 

Short term wages and benefits

  $ 1,375   $ 1,463  

Equity settled-options based payments

    357     1,074  

Post-employment benefit

    18     12  
           

  $ 1,750   $ 2,549  
           
           

g)     Options Granted as Compensation

        Options granted as compensation were 1,000,000 ($207,700 fair value) and 5,000,000 ($1,704,430 fair value) during the fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively, to KMP from the Sundance Energy Employee Stock Option Plan.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 5—KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (Continued)

h)    Number of Options Held by Key Management Personnel

2012

Key Management
Personnel
  Balance
1.7.2011
  Granted as
Compensation
  Options
Exercised
  Options
Expired
  Balance
30.6.2012
  Total
Vested
30.6.2012
  Total
Exercisable
30.6.2012
  Total
Unexercisable
30.6.2012
 

Mr A Hunter III*

    1,166,666                 1,166,666     777,778     777,778     388,888  

Mr J McCoy**

    388,889         (388,889 )                    

Mr P Franks

    1,166,667                 1,166,667     777,778     777,778     388,889  

Mr E McCrady

    1,500,000                 1,500,000     666,000     666,000     834,000  

Ms C Anderson

        1,000,000             1,000,000     200,000     200,000     800,000  

Mr C Gooden

                                 
                                   

Total

    4,222,222     1,000,000     (388,889 )       4,833,333     2,421,556     2,421,556     2,411,777  
                                   
                                   

2011

Key Management
Personnel
  Balance
1.7.2010
  Granted as
Compensation
  Options
Exercised
  Options
Expired
  Balance
30.6.2011
  Total
Vested
30.6.2011
  Total
Exercisable
30.6.2011
  Total
Unexercisable
30.6.2011
 

Mr A Hunter III*

    3,300,000     1,166,666     (3,300,000 )       1,166,666     388,889     388,889     777,777  

Mr J McCoy**

        1,166,667         (777,778 )   388,889     388,889     388,889      

Mr P Franks

        1,166,667             1,166,667     388,889     388,889     777,778  

Mr E McCrady

        1,500,000             1,500,000     333,333     333,333     1,166,667  

Mr C Gooden

    200,000         (200,000 )                    
                                   

Total

    3,500,000     5,000,000     (3,500,000 )   (777,778 )   4,222,222     1,500,000     1,500,000     2,722,222  
                                   
                                   

*
Mr Hunter III resigned on 13 July 2012.

**
Mr McCoy resigned on 18 May 2011. Mr Martin appointed 18 May 2011.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 5—KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (Continued)

i)     Shareholdings—Number of shares held by Key Management Personnel

2012

Key Management
Personnel
  Balance
1.7.2011
  Granted as
Compensation
  Options
Exercised
  On Market
Purchases
  Balance
30.6.2012
 

Mr P Franks

    5,845,193                 5,845,193  

Mr A Hunter III*

    3,037,143                 3,037,143  

Mr D Hannes

    5,160,000             421,561     5,581,561  

Mr R Nelson

    267,149             (267,149 )    

Mr M Hannell

    860,398             12,500     872,898  

Mr N Martin***

    22,858             115,000     137,858  

Mr C Gooden

    143,970                 143,970  

Ms C Anderson

                     

Mr E McCrady

                165,000     165,000  
                       

Total

    15,336,711             446,912     15,783,623  
                       
                       

2011

Key Management
Personnel
  Balance
1.7.2010
  Granted as
Compensation
  Options
Exercised
  On Market
Purchases
  Balance
30.6.2011
 

Mr J McCoy**

    8,950,498             (8,950,498 )    

Mr P Franks

    9,345,193             (3,500,000 )   5,845,193  

Mr A Hunter III*

    3,037,143         3,300,000     (3,300,000 )   3,037,143  

Mr D Hannes

    5,301,128             (141,128 )   5,160,000  

Mr R Nelson

    267,149                 267,149  

Mr M Hannell

    835,398             25,000     860,398  

Mr N Martin***

                22,858     22,858  

Mr C Gooden

    458,969         200,000     (514,999 )   143,970  

Mr E McCrady            

                     
                       

Total

    28,195,478         3,500,000     (16,358,767 )   15,336,711  
                       
                       

*
Mr Hunter III resigned on 13 July 2012.

**
Mr McCoy resigned on 18 May 2011.

***
Mr Martin appointed 18 May 2011.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 6—AUDITORS' REMUNERATION

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Remuneration of the auditor for:

             

Auditing or review of the financial report

  $ 90   $ 86  

Taxation services provided by the practice of auditor

    13     14  
           

  $ 103   $ 100  
           
           

Remuneration of other auditors of subsidiary not related to the parent entity auditor

  $   $ 30  
           
           

NOTE 7—EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Profit for years used to calculate basic and diluted EPS

  $ 6,012   $ 7,029  

 

 
  Number
of shares
  Number
of shares
 

—Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year used in calculation of basic EPS

    277,049,463     260,935,572  

—Incremental shares related to options and restricted share units

    1,900,976     2,952,557  
           

—Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year used in calculation of diluted EPS

    278,950,439     263,888,129  
           
           

NOTE 8—CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Cash at bank and on hand

  $ 14,353   $ 85  

Short term deposits

    975     25,159  
           

  $ 15,328   $ 25,244  
           
           

        The effective interest rate on short term bank deposits was 1.5% for the Group. 94% of deposits are at 24 hours call and the balance of deposits has an average maturity of 49 days (2011: 69% of deposits had an average maturity of 102 days). The Groups' exposure to interest rate risk is summarised at Note 29.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 9—TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

GST receivable

  $ 8   $ 12  

Trade receivables

    4,100     297  

Oil and gas sales

    8,244     3,229  
           

  $ 12,352   $ 3,538  
           
           

        At 30 June 2012 and 2011, the Group did not have any additional receivables which were outside normal trading terms (past due but not impaired). Due to the short term nature of these receivables, their carrying amounts are assumed to approximate their fair value.

NOTE 10—INVENTORY

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

CURRENT

             

Oil inventory on hand at cost

  $ 46   $ 10  

NON-CURRENT

             

Casing and tubulars at net realisable value

  $ 21   $ 21  

NOTE 11—DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Financial assets comprise:

             

CURRENT

             

Derivative financial instruments—commodity contracts

  $ 1,331   $  

NON-CURRENT

             

Derivative financial instruments—commodity contracts

    476     50  
           

Total financial assets

  $ 1,807   $ 50  
           
           

Financial liabilities comprise:

             

CURRENT

             

Derivative financial instruments—commodity contracts

  $   $ (486 )

NON-CURRENT

             

Derivative financial instruments—commodity contracts

         
           

Total financial liabilities

  $   $ (486 )
           
           

        The following table presents financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financial position in accordance with the fair value hierarchy. This hierarchy groups financial assets

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 11—DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

and liabilities into three levels based on the significance of inputs used in measuring the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:

Level 1:   quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2:

 

inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

Level 3:

 

inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

        The Level within which the financial asset or liability is classified is determined based on the lowest level of significant input to the fair value measurement. The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financial position are grouped into the fair value hierarchy as follows.

Consolidated 30 June 2012
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total  

Assets

                         

Derivative financial instruments

  $   $ 1,807   $   $ 1,807  

Liabilities

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Derivative financial instruments

                 
                   

Net fair value

  $   $ 1,807   $   $ 1,807  
                   
                   

 

Consolidated 30 June 2011
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total  

Assets

                         

Derivative financial instruments

  $   $ 50   $   $ 50  

Liabilities

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Derivative financial instruments

        (486 )       (486 )
                   

Net fair value

  $   $ (436 ) $   $ (436 )
                   
                   

Measurement of Fair Value

        The methods and valuation techniques used for the purpose of measuring fair value are unchanged compared to the previous reporting period.

a)    Derivatives

        Where derivatives are traded either on exchanges or liquid over-the-counter markets the Group uses the closing price at the reporting date. Normally, the derivatives entered into by the Group are not traded in active markets. The fair values of these contracts are estimated using a valuation technique that maximises the use of observable market inputs, eg market exchange and interest rates (Level 2). Most derivatives entered into by the Group are included in Level 2 and consist of commodity contracts.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 12—OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Cash advances to other operators

  $ 1,514   $ 2,300  

Prepayments

    120     81  
           

  $ 1,634   $ 2,381  
           
           

NOTE 13—CONTROLLED ENTITIES

 
   
  Percentage
Owned
 
 
  Country of
Incorporation
 
 
  2012   2011  

Parent Entity:

                 

Sundance Energy Australia Limited

  Australia     100 %   100 %

Subsidiaries:

                 

Sundance Energy, Inc. 

  USA     100 %   100 %

NOTE 14—PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Plant and equipment at cost

  $ 630   $ 339  

Accumulated depreciation

    (212 )   (129 )
           

Total Plant and Equipment

  $ 418   $ 210  
           
           

b) Movements in carrying amounts:

             

Balance at the beginning of the year

 
$

210
 
$

28
 

Additions

    310     211  

Disposals

        (2 )

Depreciation

    (102 )   (27 )
           

Balance at end of year

  $ 418   $ 210  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 15—EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION EXPENDITURE

 
  Consolidated
Group
 
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Costs carried forward in respect of areas of interest in:

             

Exploration and evaluation phase at cost

  $ 13,050   $ 9,442  

Provision for impairment

    (1,614 )   (2,816 )
           

Total Exploration and Evaluation Expenditure

  $ 11,436   $ 6,626  
           
           

b) Movements in carrying amounts:

             

Exploration and evaluation

             

Balance at the beginning of the year

  $ 6,626   $ 7,722  

Amounts capitalised during the year

    8,670     1,293  

Impairment of exploration and expenditure

    (357 )   (1,273 )

Amount transferred to development phase

    (2,277 )   (621 )

Exploration tenements sold during the year

    (1,226 )   (495 )
           

Balance at end of year

  $ 11,436   $ 6,626  
           
           

        The ultimate recoupment of costs carried forward for exploration phase is dependent on the successful development and commercial exploitation or sale of respective areas.

NOTE 16—DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION ASSETS

 
  Consolidated
Group
 
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Costs carried forward in respect of areas of interest in:

             

Development and production phase at cost

  $ 113,830   $ 63,048  

Accumulated amortisation

    (24,241 )   (13,779 )

Provision for impairment

    (2,315 )   (3,396 )
           

Total Development and Production Expenditure

  $ 87,274   $ 45,873  
           
           

b) Movements in carrying amounts:

             

Development expenditure

             

Balance at the beginning of the year

  $ 45,873   $ 45,754  

Amount transferred from exploration phase

    2,277     621  

Amounts capitalised during the year

    50,520     5,954  

Amortisation expense

    (10,971 )   (6,456 )

Development assets sold during the year

    (425 )    
           

Balance at end of year

  $ 87,274   $ 45,873  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 17—BORROWINGS

 
  Consolidated
Group
 
 
  2012
US$000
  2011
US$000
 

Revolving Line of Credit Facility

  $ 15,000      

        On 21 July 2011, Sundance Energy, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit agreement with the Bank of Oklahoma (the "Credit Facility"), pursuant to which up to $100M is available on a revolving basis. The borrowing base under the Credit Facility is determined by reference to the value of the Company's proved developed reserves. The agreement specifies a semi-annual borrowing base redetermination and the Company can request two additional redeterminations each year. The borrowing base, originally set at $10M, had been increased to $25M as at 30 June 2012. Interest on borrowed funds accrues, at the Company's option, of i) LIBOR plus a margin that ranges from 225 to 300 basis points or ii) the Base Rate, defined as a rate equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1 / 2 of 1%, (b) the Prime Rate, or (c) LIBOR plus a margin that ranges from 100 to 175 basis points. The applicable margin varies depending on the amount drawn. The Company also pays a commitment fee of 50 basis points on the undrawn balance of the borrowing base. The agreement has a four year term and contains both negative and affirmative covenants, including minimum current ratio and maximum leverage ratio requirements. Certain development and production assets are pledged as collateral and the facility is guaranteed by the Parent Company.

NOTE 18—DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES

 
  Consolidated
Group
 
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to:

             

Plant and equipment

  $ 37   $ (11 )

Development and production expenditure

    24,276     (3,102 )

Net operating profit carried forward

    (13,837 )   9,217  
           

  $ 10,476   $ 6,104  
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 19—ISSUED CAPITAL

        Total ordinary shares issued at each year end are fully paid.

 
   
  Number of Shares  
h)   Ordinary Shares        
    Total shares issued at 30 June 2010     238,008,335  
    Shares issued during the year     38,701,250  
           
    Total shares issued at 30 June 2011     276,709,585  
    Shares issued during the year     388,889  
           
    Total shares issued at 30 June 2012     277,098,474  
           
           

    Ordinary shares participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding of the parent entity in proportion to the number of shares held. At shareholders' meetings each ordinary share is entitled to one vote when a poll is called, otherwise each shareholder has one vote on a show of hands.

 
   
  Consolidated
Group
 
 
   
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 
i)   Issued Capital              

  Opening balance   $ 57,831   $ 38,962  
    Shares issued during the year     147     19,893  
    Transaction costs (net of tax)         (1,024 )
               
    Closing balance at end of year   $ 57,978   $ 57,831  
               
               

j)     Options on Issue

        Details of the share options outstanding as at the end of the year:

Grant Date
  Expiry Date   Exercise
Price
  2012   2011  
11 Aug 2009   31 Dec 11   $0.50 - 0.70         60,000  
10 Sep 2010   31 May 13   0.20     1,000,000     1,000,000  
10 Sep 2010   31 May 13   0.30     500,000     500,000  
02 Dec 2010   01 Dec 15   0.37     2,333,333     2,722,222  
02 Mar 2011   30 Jun 14   0.95     30,000      
03 Jun 2011   31 May 13   0.35     100,000     100,000  
03 Jun 2011   15 Jan 16   0.65     500,000     500,000  
03 Jun 2011   28 Jan 16   0.50     750,000     750,000  
06 Jun 2011   01 Sep 15   0.95     30,000      
06 Sep 2011   31 Dec 18   0.95     1,200,000      
05 Dec 2011   05 Mar 19   0.95     1,000,000      
                   
              7,443,333     5,632,222  
                   
                   

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 19—ISSUED CAPITAL (Continued)

k)    Capital Management

    Management controls the capital of the Group in order to maintain a good debt equity ratio, provide the shareholders with adequate returns and ensure that the Group can fund its operations and continue as a going concern.

    The Group's debt and capital includes ordinary share capital and financial liabilities, supported by financial assets. There are no externally imposed capital requirements.

    Management effectively manages the Group's capital by assessing the Group's financial risks and adjusting its capital structure in response to changes in these risks and in the market. These responses include the management of debt levels, distributions to shareholders and shareholder issues.

    There have been no changes in the strategy adopted by management to control the capital of the Group since the prior year. The strategy is to ensure that the Group's gearing ratio remains minimal. At 30 June 2012, the Company had $15,000,000 of outstanding debt (2011: Nil).

NOTE 20—RESERVES

a)    Share Option Reserve

        The share option reserve records items recognised as expenses on valuation of employee and supplier share options.

b)    Foreign Currency Translation Reserve

        The foreign currency translation reserve records exchange differences arising on translation of the Parent Company.

NOTE 21—CAPITAL AND OTHER EXPENDITURE COMMITMENTS

Capital commitments relating to joint ventures and tenements

        As at 30 June 2012, all of the Company's exploration and evaluation and development and production assets are located in the United States of America.

        The mineral leases in the exploration prospects in the USA have primary terms ranging from three years to ten years and have no specific capital expenditure requirements. However, mineral leases that

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 21—CAPITAL AND OTHER EXPENDITURE COMMITMENTS (Continued)

are not successfully drilled and included within a spacing unit for a producing well within the primary term will expire at the end of the primary term unless re-leased.

 
  Consolidated
Group
 
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Operating lease commitments

             

Commitments for minimum lease payments in relation to non-cancellable operating leases not provided for in the financial statements.

             

Lease expenditure commitments

             

—due within one year

  $ 202   $ 172  

—due within 1 - 5 years

    162     89  
           

  $ 364   $ 261  
           
           

Employment and consultant commitments

             

Commitments for the payment of salaries and other remuneration under long-term employment and consultant contracts not provided for in the financial statements.

             

Expenditure commitments

             

—due within one year

  $ 180   $ 270  

—due within 1 - 5 years

    270     450  
           

  $ 450   $ 720  
           
           

        Details relating to the employment contracts are set out in the remuneration report.

NOTE 22—CONTINGENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

        At the date of signing this report, the Group is not aware of any contingent assets or liabilities that should be disclosed in accordance with IAS 37.

NOTE 23—OPERATING SEGMENTS

        Management has determined, based upon the reports reviewed by the CEO and used to make strategic decisions, that the Group has one reportable segment being oil and gas exploration and production in the United States of America.

        The CEO reviews internal management reports on a monthly basis that are consistent with the information provided in the statement of comprehensive income, statement of financial position and statement of cash flows. As a result no reconciliation is required, because the information as presented is used by the CEO to make strategic decisions.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 24—CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 
   
  Consolidated Group  
 
   
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

d)

 

Reconciliation of cash flows from operations with income from ordinary activities after income tax

             

 

Profit from ordinary activities after income tax

  $ 6,012   $ 7,029  

 

Non cash flow in operating loss

             

 

Depreciation and exploration expenditure written off

    11,468     7,782  

 

Deferred tax asset written off

        321  

 

Share options expensed

    930     1,161  

 

Unrealised gains on derivatives

    (2,242 )   (434 )

 

Net gain on sale of properties

    (3,004 )   (10,926 )

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

             

 

—Increase in inventory

    (36 )   (74 )

 

—Increase in current and deferred tax

    3,732     6,917  

 

—Decrease in other current assets

    1,553      

 

—Increase in trade and other receivables

    (8,814 )   (2,458 )

 

—Increase in trade and other payables

    2,233     (410 )
               

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 11,832   $ 8,908  
               
               

e)     Non Cash Financing and Investing Activities

        During the year 388,889 shares were issued at A$0.37 per share.

f)     Business Combinations

        There were no non-cash business combinations in 2012 or 2011.

NOTE 25—SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

        During the year ended 30 June 2012, a total of 2,260,000 (2011: 6,350,000) options were granted to employees pursuant to employment agreements and a total of 388,889 previously issued options were exercised. This information is summarised below:

 
  Consolidated Group 2012   Consolidated Group 2011
 
  Number
of Options
  Weighted Average
Exercise Price $
  Number
of Options
  Weighted Average
Exercise Price $

Outstanding at start of year

    5,632,222   0.38     9,926,667   0.38

Granted

    2,260,000   0.95     6,350,000   0.95

Forfeited

    (60,000 ) 0.50 - 0.70     (777,778 ) 0.50 - 0.70

Exercised

    (388,889 ) 0.37     (4,500,000 ) 0.37

Expired

          (5,366,667 )
                 

Outstanding at end of year

    7,443,333   0.55     5,632,222   0.38
                 
                 

Exercisable at end of year

    3,551,889   0.45     1,952,667   0.39
                 
                 

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 25—SHARE BASED PAYMENTS (Continued)

        Share based payments expense related to options is determined pursuant to IFRS 2: Share Based Payments, and is recognised pursuant to the attached vesting conditions. The fair value of the options ranged from A$0.21 to A$0.46 and was calculated using a Black-Sholes options pricing model. Expected volatilities are based upon the historical volatility of the ordinary shares. Historical data is also used to estimate the probability of option exercise and potential forfeitures. The following table summarises the key assumptions used to calculate the fair market value of options granted during the period:

Share price:

  A$0.38 - 0.96

Exercise price:

  A$0.95

Expected volatility:

  75%

Option term:

  3.3 to 7.3 years

Risk free interest rate:

  5.5% to 6.25%

Restricted Share Units

        During the year ended 30 June 2012, the Board of Directors awarded 910,000 restricted share units (RSUs) to certain employees. These awards were made in accordance with the long term equity component of the Company's incentive compensation plan, the details of which are described in more detail in the remuneration section of the Directors' Report. Share based payment expense for RSUs awarded was calculated pursuant to IFRS 2: Share Based Payments. The fair value of RSUs was estimated at the date they were approved by the Board of Directors, 5 December 2011 (the measurement date). These awards have been approved but not yet issued. They will be issued to employees upon finalisation of the plan documents. The value of the vested portion of these has been recognised within the financial statements.

NOTE 26—JOINT VENTURE INTERESTS

        The Group had interests in joint venture operations of 23.34% in oil and gas exploration in the PEL 100 blocks in South Australia. In December 2011, the joint venture interests were sold for US$511,155. The net book value was nil, impaired in previous years.

        The Group and its partners have accumulated acreage in a number of oil and gas prospects comprising mineral leases in the United States. The mineral leases that have producing wells drilled on them during the primary lease term will be held as producing leases. Mineral leases that are drilled and produce a dry hole, or not drilled at all, will expire at the end of the primary term unless re-leased for a further term. The exploration of the leases is managed by operators who make cash calls, hire contractors and pay all accounts. The contracted operations are not a joint venture, and therefore not presented above.

NOTE 27—EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE DATE

        On 13 July 2012 Mr A Hunter III, Director—Executive, Legal Counsel / Director of Communications resigned from the Company. Mr A Hunter III has been retained on a consulting basis.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 27—EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE DATE (Continued)

        On 17 July 2012 the Company sold its oil and gas producing and non-producing assets in the Pawnee Prospect in the Kansas Uplift Basin for US$900,000.

        On 23 August 2012 the Company executed a Purchase and Sale Agreement to divest of approximately 3,900 acres of oil and gas non-producing and producing assets in the South Antelope field for approximately US$172.4M. The effective date of the sale is 1 July 2012 and the transaction closed in late September 2012.

        Other than as detailed above, no matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the Group, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Group in future financial years.

NOTE 28—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

        Subsidiaries: Interest in subsidiary is disclosed in Note 13.

        Transactions with related parties: Minter Ellison Lawyers were paid a total of US$124,007 and US$73,943 for legal services for the years ended 30 June 2012 and 2011, respectively. (N Martin was a partner and is now a consultant of Minter Ellison Lawyers and has been an alternate director since 18 May 2011 and a Director since 1 March 2012).

NOTE 29—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

a)    Financial Risk Management Policies

        The Group is exposed to a variety of financial market risks including interest rate, commodity prices, foreign exchange and liquidity risk. The Group's risk management focuses on the volatility of commodity markets and protecting cash flow in the event of declines in commodity pricing. The Group utilise derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures. The Group's financial instruments consist mainly of deposits with banks, short term investments, accounts receivable, derivative financial instruments, finance facility, and payables. The main purpose of non-derivative financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group operations.

iv)
Treasury Risk Management

        Financial risk management is carried out by Management. The Board sets financial risk management policies and procedures by which Management are to adhere. Management identifies and evaluates all financial risks and enters into financial risk instruments to mitigate these risk exposures in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined by the Board.

v)
Financial Risk Exposure and Management

        The main risk the Group is exposed to through its financial instruments is interest rate risk. The interest rate risk is managed with a mixture of fixed and floating rate cash deposits. At 30 June 2012 approximately 6% of Group deposits are fixed. It is the policy of the Group to keep surplus cash in interest yielding deposits.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 29—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

vi)
Commodity Price Risk Exposure and Management

        The Board actively reviews oil hedging on a monthly basis. Reports providing detailed analysis of the Group's hedging activity are continually monitored against Group policy. The Group sells its oil on market using Nymex market spot rates reduced for basis differentials in the basins from which the Company produces. Nymex is a light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma, which is used as the benchmark for onshore United States petroleum prices. Forward contracts are used by the Group to manage its forward commodity price risk exposure. The Group's policy is to hedge less than 50% of anticipated future oil production for up to 24 months. The Group may hedge over 50% or beyond 24 months with approval of the Board. The Group has not elected to utilise hedge accounting treatment and changes in fair value are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

Commodity Hedge Contracts outstanding at 30 June 2012

Contract Type
  Counterparty   Basis   Quantity/mo   Strike Price   Term

Swap

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   2,000 BBL   $100.00   1-Jan-12 - 31-Dec-12

Collar

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   1,000 BBL   $100.00/$117.50   1-Jan-12 - 31-Dec-12

Collar

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   1,000 BBL   $90.00/$126.00   1-Jan-12 - 31-Dec-12

Swap

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   2,000 BBL   $99.00   1-Mar-12 - 31-Dec-13

Swap

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   3,000 BBL   $104.70   1-May-12 - 31-Dec-12

Collar

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   1,000 BBL   $90.00/$117.50   1-Jan-13 - 31-Dec-13

Collar

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   1,000 BBL   $95.00/$112.75   1-Jan-13 - 31-Dec-13

Swap

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   3,000 BBL   $102.95   1-Jan-13 - 31-Dec-13

Swap

  Shell Trading US   NYMEX   10,000 MMBTU   $3.58   1-Jan-13 - 31-Dec-13

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 29—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)


 
  Weighted
Average
Effective
Interest
Rate
  Floating Interest
Rate
  Non Interest
Bearing
  Total  
 
  2012
%
  2011
%
  2012
USD$
  2011
USD$
  2012
USD$
  2011
USD$
  2012
USD$
  2011
USD$
 

Financial Assets

                                                 

Cash at bank

    0 %   0 % $ 14,353   $ 85   $   $   $ 14,353   $ 85  

Deposits

    0.6 %   1.4 %   975     25,159                 975     25,159  

Receivables

                        12,352     3,538     12,352     3,538  

Other current assets

                        1,634     2,381     1,634     2,381  

Derivatives

                        1,807     50     1,807     50  
                                       

Total Financial Assets

              $ 15,328   $ 25,244   $ 15,793   $ 5,969   $ 31,121   $ 31,213  
                                       
                                       

Financial Liabilities

                                                 

Payables

              $   $   $ (22,056 ) $ (3,793 ) $ (22,056 ) $ (3,793 )

Revolving Credit Facility

    2.7 %       (15,000 )               (15,000 )    

Other current liabilities

                        (8,337 )   (5,881 )   (8,337 )   (5,881 )

Derivatives

                            (486 )       (486 )
                                       

Total Financial liabilities

                (15,000 )       (30,393 )   (10,160 )   (45,393 )   (10,160 )
                                       

Total Net Financial Assets/(Liabilities)

              $ 328   $ 25,244   $ (14,600 ) $ (4,191 ) $ (14,272 ) $ 21,053  
                                       
                                       

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 29—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

c)     Sensitivity Analysis

Interest Rate and Price Risk

        The Group has performed a sensitivity analysis relating to its exposure to interest rate risk at balance date. This sensitivity analysis demonstrates the effect on the current year results and equity which could result from a change in these risks. It should be noted that the Company did not have borrowings at 30 June 2011 and any impacts would be in relation to deposit yields on cash investments. The balance of debt at 30 June 2012 was $15,000,000 and is included in the 2012 Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis below.

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis

        The effect on income and equity as a result of changes in the interest rate, with all other variables remaining constant would be as follows:

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Change in profit/(loss)

             

—increase in interest rates + 2%

  $ 310   $ 150  

—decrease in interest rates - 2%

    (234 )   (150 )

Change in equity

             

—increase in interest rates + 2%

  $ 310   $ 150  

—decrease in interest rates - 2%

    (234 )   (150 )

Foreign Currency Risk Sensitivity Analysis

        Effective 1 July 2011, the functional currency was changed from Australian dollars to US dollars. All of the Company's operations are conducted in the US in transactions denominated in US dollars. Only a relatively immaterial amount of administrative expense is incurred in Australia and paid in Australian dollars and cash balances maintained in Australian banks are also relatively immaterial. Therefore, the impact resulting from changes in the value of the US dollar to the Australian dollar would not have a material effects on income and equity.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 29—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

Oil Prices Risk Sensitivity Analysis

        The effect on profit and equity as a result of changes in oil prices with all variables remaining constant would be as follows:

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Change in profit/(loss)

             

—improvement in US$ oil price of $10 per barrel

  $ 4,280   $ 2,074  

—decline in US$ oil price of $10 per barrel

    (4,280 )   (2,074 )

Change in equity

             

—improvement in US$ oil price of $10 per barrel

  $ 4,280   $ 2,074  

—decline in US$ oil price of $10 per barrel

    (4,280 )   (2,074 )

d)    Net Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

        The net fair value of cash and cash equivalent and non-interest bearing monetary financial assets and financial liabilities of the consolidated entity approximate their carrying value.

        The net fair value of other monetary financial assets and financial liabilities is based on discounting future cash flows by the current interest rates for assets and liabilities with similar risk profiles. The balances are not materially different from those disclosed in the statement of financial position of the Group.

e)     Credit Risk

        The maximum exposure to credit risk, excluding the value of any collateral or other security, at balance date to recognise the financial assets, is the carrying amount, net of any impairment of those assets, as disclosed in the balance sheet and notes to the financial statements.

        The Group does not have any material credit risk exposure to any single debtor or group of debtors under financial instruments entered into by the consolidated entity.

f)     Liquidity Risk

        Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and marketable securities and the availability of funding through an adequate committed credit facility. The Company aims to maintain flexibility in funding to meet ongoing operational requirements and exploration and development expenditures by keeping a committed credit facility available.

g)     Foreign Currency Risk

        The Group is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency arising from transactions in currencies other than the Group's functional currency (US$).

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 30—PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION

a)    Cost Basis

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Parent Entity

             

Assets

             

Current assets

  $ 986   $ 8,058  

Investment in subsidiaries

    57,643     50,255  
           

Total assets

  $ 58,629   $ 58,313  
           
           

Liabilities

             

Current liabilities

  $ 109   $ 127  

Non-current liabilities

        36  
           

Total liabilities

    109     163  
           
           

Total net assets

  $ 58,520   $ 58,150  
           
           

Equity

             

Issued capital

    57,978     57,831  

Share options reserve

    386     386  

Retained earnings (loss)

    156     (67 )
           

Total equity

  $ 58,520   $ 58,150  
           
           

Financial Performance

             

Profit/(loss) for the year

  $ 464   $ (145 )

Other comprehensive income

         
           

Total comprehensive income (loss)

  $ 464   $ (145 )
           
           

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 30—PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION (Continued)

b)    Equity Basis

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Parent Entity

             

Assets

             

Current assets

  $ 986   $ 8,058  

Investment in subsidiaries

    73,327     59,572  
           

Total assets

  $ 74,313   $ 67,630  
           
           

Liabilities

             

Current liabilities

  $ 109   $ 127  

Non-current liabilities

        36  
           

Total liabilities

    109     163  
           
           

Total net assets

  $ 74,204   $ 67,467  
           
           

Equity

             

Issued capital

  $ 57,978   $ 57,831  

Share options reserve

    3,205     2,380  

Foreign currency translation

    (941 )   (694 )

Retained earnings (loss)

    13,962     7,950  
           

Total equity

  $ 74,204   $ 67,467  
           
           

Financial Performance

             

Profit/(loss) for the period before equity in income of subsidiaries

  $ 464   $ (145 )

Equity in income of subsidiaries

    5,548     7,174  

Other comprehensive income

    (247 )   384  
           

Total profit or loss and other comprehensive income

  $ 5,765   $ 7,413  
           
           

c)     Cash Flow

 
  Consolidated Group  
 
  2012
US$'000
  2011
US$'000
 

Cash flow operating activities

  $ 396   $ (62 )

Cash flow investing activities

  $ (7,629 ) $ (10,221 )

Cash flow financing activities

  $ 147   $ (16,911 )

Guarantees in relation to relation to the debts of subsidiaries

        Sundance Energy Australia Limited has not entered into a deed of cross guarantee with its' wholly-owned subsidiary, Sundance Energy, Inc. related to the credit facility with Bank of Oklahoma.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 30—PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION (Continued)

Contingent Liabilities

        Lease expenditure commitments, employment and consultant commitments.

Contractual Commitments

        There are no contractual capital commitments for the acquisition of property, plant or equipment.

NOTE 31—UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES

        Costs Incurred —The following table sets forth the capitalized costs incurred in our oil and gas production, exploration, and development activities:

(in thousands)
  Year ended
June 30, 2012
  Year ended
June 30, 2011
 

Property Acquisition Costs

             

Proved

  $   $  

Unproved

    8,670     1,161  

Exploration costs

         

Development costs

    50,520     6,086  
           

  $ 59,190   $ 7,247  
           
           

        Oil and Gas Reserve Information —Proved reserve quantities are based on estimates prepared by the Company in accordance with guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Reserve definitions comply with definitions of Rules 4-10(a) (1)-(32) of Regulation S-X of the SEC.

        The estimates of proved reserves as at June 30, 2010 that are compliant with SEC rules and regulations were prepared by management. Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. ("NSAI"), an independent petroleum engineering consulting firm, prepared the estimates of proved reserves and all of the total future net revenue discounted at 10% attributable to the total interests owned by the Company as at June 30, 2012 and 2011. The individual primarily responsible for overseeing the review is a Senior Vice President with NSAI and a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas with over 30 years of experience in oil and gas reservoir studies and evaluations.

        Proved reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geosciences and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.

        There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and projecting future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures. The estimation of our proved reserves employs one or more of the following: production trend extrapolation, analogy,

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 31—UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (Continued)

volumetric assessment and material balance analysis. Techniques including review of production and pressure histories, analysis of electric logs and fluid tests, and interpretations of geologic and geophysical data are also involved in this estimation process.

        The following reserve data represents estimates only and should not be construed as being exact.

 
  Oil
(MBbl)
  Gas
(MMcf)
  Total Oil
Equivalents
(MBbl)
 

Total proved reserves:

                   

June 30, 2010

    3,696     7,896     5,012  

Revisions of previous estimates

    (449 )   (2,329 )   (838 )

Extensions and discoveries

    1,749     2,407     2,151  

Production

    (208 )   (282 )   (255 )
               

June 30, 2011

    4,788     7,692     6,070  

Revisions of previous estimates

    220     170     248  

Extensions and discoveries

    3,309     5,560     4,236  

Production

    (338 )   (370 )   (399 )
               

June 30, 2012

    7,979     13,052     10,155  
               
               

Proved developed reserves:

                   

June 30, 2010

    758     1,846     1,065  
               
               

June 30, 2011

    1,497     2,637     1,936  
               
               

June 30, 2012

    2,564     4,905     3,382  
               
               

Proved undeveloped reserves:

                   

June 30, 2010

    2,938     6,050     3,947  
               
               

June 30, 2011

    3,291     5,055     4,134  
               
               

June 30, 2012

    5,415     8,147     6,773  
               
               

        During the year ended June 30, 2011, we added 2,151 MBoe through extensions and discoveries. Of these additions, approximately 182 and 1,969 MBoe were attributable to our Wattenberg and Bakken assets, respectively. In addition, we reduced previous estimates by 838 MBoe. Of these revisions, approximately 216 and 644 MBoe were attributable to our Wattenberg and Bakken assets, respectively, which were partially offset by revisions to our other assets. The downward revision to our Bakken assets resulted from performance reductions and reduction to drilling plans. During the year ended June 30, 2012, we added 4,236 MBoe through extensions and discoveries. Of these additions, approximately 1,486 and 2,750 MBoe were attributable to our Wattenberg and Bakken assets, respectively.

        Standardized Measure of Future Net Cash Flows —The "Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves" (Standardized Measure) is calculated in accordance with guidance provided by the FASB. The Standardized Measure does not purport, nor should it be interpreted, to present the fair value of a company's proved oil and gas reserves. Fair value

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 31—UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (Continued)

would require, among other things, consideration of expected future economic and operating conditions, a discount factor more representative of the time value of money, and risks inherent in reserve estimates.

        Under the Standardized Measure, future cash inflows are based upon the forecasted future production of year-end proved reserves. Future cash inflows are then reduced by estimated future production and development costs to determine net pre-tax cash flow. Future income taxes are computed by applying the statutory tax rate to the excess of pre-tax cash flow over our tax basis in the associated oil and gas properties. Tax credits and permanent differences are also considered in the future income tax calculation. Future net cash flow after income taxes is discounted using a 10% annual discount rate to arrive at the Standardized Measure.

        The following summary sets forth our Standardized Measure:

(in thousands)
  Year ended
June 30, 2012
  Year ended
June 30, 2011
 

Cash inflows

  $ 773,203   $ 410,720  

Production costs

    (215,252 )   (135,030 )

Development costs

    (137,121 )   (90,462 )

Income tax expense

    (101,481 )   44,191  
           

Net cash flow

    319,349     141,036  

10% annual discount rate

    (182,064 )   (81,592 )
           

Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flow

  $ 137,285   $ 59,444  
           
           

        The following are the principal sources of change in the Standardized Measure:

(in thousands)
  Year ended
June 30, 2012
  Year ended
June 30, 2011
 

Standardized Measure, beginning of period

  $ 59,444   $ 38,419  

Sales, net of production costs

    (23,432 )   (15,318 )

Net change in sales prices, net of production costs

    23,379     10,320  

Extensions and discoveries, net of future production and development costs

    63,264     30,512  

Changes in future development costs

    (13,921 )   (2,792 )

Previously estimated development costs incurred during the period

    39,268     15,933  

Revision of quantity estimates

    5,645     (13,848 )

Accretion of discount

    7,750     4,932  

Change in income taxes

    (19,081 )   (7,150 )

Change in production rates and other

    (5,031 )   (1,564 )
           

Standardized Measure, end of period

  $ 137,285   $ 59,444  
           
           

        Impact of Pricing —The estimates of cash flows and reserve quantities shown above are based upon the unweighted average first-day-of-the-month prices. If future gas sales are covered by contracts at specified prices, the contract prices would be used. Fluctuations in prices are due to supply and demand and are beyond our control.

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SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011 AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED

NOTE 31—UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (Continued)

        The following average prices were used in determining the Standardized Measure as at:

 
  June 30, 2012   June 30, 2011  

Oil price per Bbl

  $ 95.67   $ 90.09  

Gas price per Mcf

  $ 3.15   $ 4.31  

        We calculate the projected income tax effect using the "year-by-year" method for purposes of the supplemental oil and gas disclosures.

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Independent Auditors' Report

The Board of Directors
Armadillo Petroleum Limited (formerly Texon Petroleum Limited):

Report on the Financial Statements

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Armadillo Petroleum Limited (formerly Texon Petroleum Limited) and its subsidiaries, which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes 1 to 30 of the consolidated financial statements.

Management's Responsibility for the Financial Statements

        Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In note 1, management also states, in accordance with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements , that the financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Auditors' Responsibility

        Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

        An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors' judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

        We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Opinion

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Armadillo Petroleum Limited (formerly Texon Petroleum Limited) and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards. The consolidated financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, as disclosed in note 1.

/s/ KPMG

Brisbane, Australia
18 October 2013

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

 
   
  Consolidated  
 
  Note   Year ended
31 Dec
2012
A$
  Year ended
31 Dec
2011
A$
 

Revenue

  3     14,757,324     20,868,510  

Cost of oil and gas sold

        (13,332,191 )   (13,601,360 )
               

Gross profit

        1,425,133     7,267,150  

Other income

 

3

   
2,466,012
   
 

Employee benefits

  4     (1,933,244 )   (2,294,499 )

Administrative and other expenses

  4     (5,705,538 )   (2,191,007 )

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

  15     (1,306,084 )   (1,084,486 )

Impairment expense

  14     (556,299 )    
               

Results from operating activities

        (5,610,020 )   1,697,158  
               

Finance income

  5     203,590     634,149  

Finance expense

  5     (460,602 )    
               

Net finance income / (expense)

        (257,012 )   634,149  
               

Profit / (loss) before tax

        (5,867,032 )   2,331,307  

Income tax (expense) / benefit

 

6

   
(2,376,239

)
 
(336,793

)
               

Profit / (loss) for the period

        (8,243,271 )   1,994,514  
               
               

Other comprehensive income

                 

Foreign exchange translation differences, net of tax

  5     (648,920 )   (298,513 )
               

Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax

        (648,920 )   (298,513 )
               

Total comprehensive income attributable to members of the Company

        (8,892,191 )   1,696,001  
               
               

 
   
  Cents
  Cents
 

Basic (loss) / earnings per share

  8     (3.37 )   0.88  

Diluted (loss) / earnings per share

  8     (3.37 )   0.88  

   

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2012

 
   
  Consolidated  
 
  Note   2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Current assets

                   

Cash and cash equivalents

    9     30,358,291     13,365,634  

Trade and other receivables

    10     1,185,464     5,042,443  

Prepayments

    12     114,388     183,407  

Assets held for sale

    13         9,114,878  
                 

Total current assets

          31,658,143     27,706,362  
                 

Non-current assets

                   

Security deposits

    11     100,962     53,178  

Property, plant and equipment

    14     66,471,841     42,498,126  

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

    15     15,370,553     10,983,859  
                 

Total non-current assets

          81,943,356     53,535,163  
                 

TOTAL ASSETS

          113,601,499     81,241,525  
                 
                 

Current liabilities

                   

Trade and other payables

    16     11,332,721     2,756,765  

Loans and borrowings

    17     25,000,000      

Current tax liabilities

          282,439      

Employee benefits

          82,651     34,883  
                 

Total current liabilities

          36,697,811     2,791,648  
                 

Non-current liabilities

                   

Provisions

    18     2,432,494     344,721  

Deferred tax liabilities

    19     2,391,665     321,434  
                 

Total non-current liabilities

          4,824,159     666,155  
                 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

          41,521,970     3,457,803  
                 
                 

NET ASSETS

          72,079,529     77,783,722  
                 
                 

Equity

                   

Issued capital

          85,182,020     83,854,020  

Reserves

          (686,494 )   (1,897,572 )

Retained earnings / (accumulated losses)

          (12,415,997 )   (4,172,726 )
                 

TOTAL EQUITY

          72,079,529     77,783,722  
                 
                 

   

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

Consolidated
  Note   Share
capital
A$
  Share-based
payment
reserve
A$
  Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
A$
  Retained
earnings /
(accumulated
losses)
A$
  Total
equity
A$
 

Balance at 1 January 2011

        42,337,115     234,148     (3,938,009 )   (6,167,240 )   32,466,014  
                           

Total comprehensive income for the period

                                   

Profit for the period

                    1,994,514     1,994,514  

Other comprehensive income

                                   

Foreign exchange translation differences

                (298,513 )       (298,513 )
                           

Total comprehensive income for the period

                (298,513 )   1,994,514     1,696,001  
                           
                           

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Contributions by and distributions to owners

                                   

Shares Issued

        43,350,280                 43,350,280  

Share-based payments

  21         2,104,802             2,104,802  

Share issue expenses

        (1,833,375 )               (1,833,375 )
                           

Balance at 31 December 2011

        83,854,020     2,338,950     (4,236,522 )   (4,172,726 )   77,783,722  
                           
                           

Balance at 1 January 2012

        83,854,020     2,338,950     (4,236,522 )   (4,172,726 )   77,783,722  
                           

Total comprehensive income for the period

                                   

Loss for the period

                    (8,243,271 )   (8,243,271 )

Other comprehensive income

                                   

Foreign exchange translation differences

                (648,920 )       (648,920 )
                           

Total comprehensive (loss) / income for the period

                (648,920 )   (8,243,271 )   (8,892,191 )
                           
                           

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Contributions by and distributions to owners

                                   

Shares issued

        1,328,000                 1,328,000  

Share-based payments

  21         1,859,998             1,859,998  
                           

Balance at 31 December 2012

        85,182,020     4,198,948     (4,885,442 )   (12,415,997 )   72,079,529  
                           
                           

Amounts are stated net of tax.

                                   

   

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statement

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

 
   
  Consolidated  
 
  Note   Year ended
31 Dec 2012
A$
  Year ended
31 Dec 2011
A$
 

Cash flows from operating activities

                   

Cash receipts from customers

          18,417,308     16,480,956  

Cash paid to suppliers and employees

          (10,748,234 )   (4,983,848 )

Interest received

          210,098     228,110  

Income taxes paid

          (21,260 )   (18,157 )
                 

Net cash from operating activities

    27     7,857,912     11,707,061  
                 

Cash flows used in investing activities

                   

Exploration, evaluation and development expenditure

          (29,315,145 )   (53,425,181 )

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

          (24,359 )   (120,521 )

Proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties

          12,160,945      

Payments for security deposits

          (48,400 )    
                 

Net cash used in investing activities

          (17,226,959 )   (53,545,702 )
                 

Cash flows from financing activities

                   

Proceeds from borrowings

          25,000,000      

Proceeds from share issues

          1,328,000     43,350,280  

Share issue expenses

              (1,833,375 )
                 

Net cash from financing activities

          26,328,000     41,516,905  
                 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

          16,958,953     (321,736 )

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held

          33,704     30,489  

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

          13,365,634     13,656,881  
                 

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

    9     30,358,291     13,365,634  
                 
                 

   

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        Armadillo Petroleum Ltd (the "Company") is a company domiciled in Australia. The address of the Company's registered office is 32 Beulah Road, Norwood, SA 5067, Australia. The consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended 31 December 2012 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group"). The Group is a for-profit entity.

        The Company was incorporated on 17 May 2006. The Company changed its name from Texon Petroleum Ltd to Armadillo Petroleum Ltd on 4 April 2013.

(a)   Statement of compliance

        The consolidated financial statements are general purpose financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards ("AASBs") adopted by the Australian Accounting Standards Board ("AASB"). These consolidated financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB").

        The consolidated financial statements were authorised for issue by the directors on 18 October 2013.

(b)   Basis of preparation

        The consolidated financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis.

        A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning after 1 January 2013, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. None of these is expected to have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Group, except for AASB 9 Financial Instruments (which becomes mandatory for the Group's 2015 consolidated financial statements), AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, AASB 11 Joint Arrangements and AASB 12 Disclosures of Interests in Other Entities (which becomes mandatory for the Group's 2013 consolidated financial statements) and could change the classification and measurement of financial assets and disclosure of interests in joint ventures and other entities. The Group does not plan to adopt these standards early and the extent of the impact has not been determined.

        The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with Australian Accounting Standards requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

        The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised and in any future periods affected.

        In particular, information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty and critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amount recognised in the

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

financial statements are described in note 1(e) exploration and evaluation expenditure, 1(f) property, plant and equipment, 1(j) impairment, note 1(l) employee benefits (share-based payment transactions) and 1(n) provisions.

        The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. The accounting policies have been applied consistently by all entities in the Group.

(c)   Basis of consolidation

Subsidiaries

        Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that presently are exercisable or convertible are taken into account. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.

        Investments in subsidiaries are carried at their cost of acquisition in the Company's financial statements.

Joint ventures

        Joint ventures are those entities over whose activities the Group has joint control, established by contractual agreement.

Jointly controlled operations and assets

        The interest of the Group in unincorporated joint ventures and jointly controlled assets are brought to account by recognising in its financial statements the assets it controls, the liabilities that it incurs, the expenses it incurs and its share of income that it earns from the sale of goods or services by the joint venture.

Transactions eliminated on consolidation

        Intragroup balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

(d)   Foreign currency

Functional and presentation currency

        Items included in the financial statements of each subsidiary within the Group are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operated (the "functional currency"). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Australian Dollars, the functional currency of Armadillo Petroleum Ltd.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Foreign currency transactions

        Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of the Group's subsidiaries at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated to the functional currency at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are stated at fair value are translated to the functional currency at foreign exchange rates ruling at the date the fair value was determined.

Financial statements of foreign operations

        The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated to Australian dollars at foreign exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated to Australian dollars at rates approximating the foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions. Foreign currency differences are recognised directly in equity in the translation reserve. When a foreign operation is disposed of, the relevant amount in the translation reserve is transferred to profit or loss.

Net investment in foreign operations

        Exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are taken to the translation reserve. They are released into the statement of comprehensive income upon disposal.

(e)   Exploration and evaluation expenditure

        Exploration and evaluation costs, including the costs of acquiring leases, are intangible assets capitalised as exploration and evaluation assets on an area of interest basis. Costs incurred before the Group has obtained the legal rights to explore an area are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

        Exploration and evaluation assets are only recognised if the rights of the area of interest are current and either:

    (i)
    the expenditures are expected to be recouped through successful development and exploitation of the area of interest; or

    (ii)
    activities in the area of interest have not, at the reporting date, reached a stage which permits a reasonable assessment of the existence or otherwise of economically recoverable reserves, and active and significant operations in, or in relation to, the area of interest are continuing.

        When an area of interest is abandoned or the directors decide that it is not commercial, any capitalised costs in respect of that area are written off in the financial period the decision is made.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment if (i) sufficient data exists to determine technical feasibility and commercial viability, and (ii) facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount. For the purposes of impairment testing, exploration and evaluation assets are allocated to cash-generating units to which the exploration activity relates. The cash generating unit shall not be larger than the area of interest.

        Once the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the extraction of oil and gas reserves relating to a prospect are demonstrable, exploration and evaluation assets attributable to that prospect are first tested for impairment and then reclassified from intangible assets to oil and gas properties within property, plant and equipment.

(f)    Property, plant and equipment

Owned assets

        Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. The cost of acquired assets includes (i) the initial estimate at the time of installation and during the period of use, when relevant, of the costs of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site on which they are located, and (ii) changes in the measurement of existing liabilities recognised for these costs resulting from changes in the timing or outflow of resources required to settle the obligation. Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment.

        Oil and gas properties include construction, installation or completion of infrastructure facilities such as pipelines and platforms, capitalised borrowing costs, transferred exploration and evaluation costs, costs of direct labour, costs of dismantling and removing the items and restoration of the site on which they are located, the cost of development wells and any other costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to a working condition for its intended use.

Subsequent costs

        The Group recognises in the carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment the cost of replacing part of such an item when that cost is incurred if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised. The costs of day to day servicing of property, plant and equipment are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income as an expense as incurred.

Depreciation

        Depreciation is charged to the statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment. Oil and gas properties are depreciated from the time production commences on a unit-of-production basis using estimated reserves that are forecast to be produced over the economic life of the property. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life and the lease term. The residual value, the useful life and the depreciation method applied to an asset are reassessed at each balance sheet date.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        The estimated useful lives for the current year are as follows:

Plant, equipment, furniture and fixtures:

  3 to 9 years

Oil and gas properties:

  units of production

(g)   Non-current assets held for sale

        Non-current assets, or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities, that are expected to be recovered primarily through sale rather than through continuing use, are classified as held for sale. Immediately before classification as held for sale, the assets, or components of a disposal group, are remeasured in accordance with the Group's accounting policies. Thereafter generally the assets, or disposal group, are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell. Any impairment loss on a disposal group first is allocated to goodwill, and then to remaining assets and liabilities on a pro rata basis, except that no loss is allocated to inventories, financial assets and deferred tax assets which continue to be measured in accordance with the Group's accounting policies. Impairment losses on initial classification as held for sale and subsequent gains or losses on remeasurement are recognised in profit or loss. Gains are not recognised in excess of any cumulative impairment loss. Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment once classified as held for sale or distribution are not amortised or depreciated.

(h)   Trade and other receivables

        Trade and other receivables are measured at their amortised cost less impairment losses.

(i)    Cash and cash equivalents

        Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits with an original maturity of three months or less.

(j)    Impairment

    (i)    Financial assets

        A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset.

        An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.

        Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.

        All impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised. For financial assets measured at amortised cost the reversal is recognised in profit or loss.

    (ii)    Non-financial assets

        The carrying amounts of the Group's non-financial assets, other than deferred tax assets, are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists then the asset's recoverable amount is estimated. The Group performs an impairment test on capitalised exploration and evaluation costs if there is an impairment indicator such as:

    the right to explore has expired during the period or will expire in the near future and is not expected to be renewed

    substantive expenditure on further exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources in the specific area is neither budgeted nor planned

    exploration and evaluation in the specific area has not led to the discovery of commercially viable quantities of mineral resources and the entity has decided to discontinue such activities in the specific area

    sufficient data exists to indicate that the carrying amount of the asset is unlikely to be recovered in full from successful development or by sale even if development in the specific area is likely to proceed.

        The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets (the "cash-generating unit").

        An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss. Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated to reduce the carrying amount of the assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro rata basis.

        Impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset's carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

(k)   Share capital—transaction costs

        Transaction costs of an equity transaction relating to the raising of new share capital are accounted for as a deduction from equity, net of any recoverable income tax benefit applicable.

(l)    Employee benefits

Wages, salaries and annual leave

        Liabilities for employee benefits for wages, salaries and annual leave that are expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date represent present obligations resulting from employees' services provided to balance sheet date, calculated at undiscounted amounts based on remuneration wage and salary rates that the Group expects to pay as at balance sheet date, including related on-costs.

Defined contribution superannuation funds

        Obligations for contributions to defined contribution superannuation funds are recognised as an expense in the statement of comprehensive income as incurred.

Share-based payment transactions

        The fair value of options granted is recognised as an expense with a corresponding increase in equity (share-based payment reserve). The fair value is measured at grant date and spread over the period during which the employees and vendors become unconditionally entitled to the options. The fair value of the options granted is measured using a valuation technique, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that vest except where forfeiture is only due to market-related conditions.

(m)  Trade and other payables

        Trade and other payables are measured at their amortised cost.

(n)   Provisions

        A provision is recognised if, as a result of a past event, the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. If the effects of the time value of money are material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.

Restoration

        The Group records the present value of the estimated cost of legal and constructive obligations to restore operating locations in the period in which the obligation arises. The nature of restoration activities includes the removal of facilities, abandonment of wells and restoration of affected areas.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        Typically, the obligation arises when the asset is installed at the production location. When the liability is initially recorded, the estimated cost is capitalised by increasing the carrying amount of the related oil and gas properties. Over time, the liability is increased for the change in the present value based on a risk adjusted pre-tax discount rate appropriate to the risks inherent in the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recorded as an accretion charge within finance expense. The carrying amount capitalised in oil and gas properties is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset.

        Costs incurred that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations, and do not have future economic benefit, are expensed.

(o)   Revenue and other income

Sale of oil and gas

        Revenue from the sale of oil and gas is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the buyer and can be measured reliably. Delivery of gas is by pipeline and sales contracts define the point of transfer in ownership.

Management fee income

        Income from management services is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income in line with the management agreements and contracts.

Other income—Disposal of non-current assets

        The proceeds from the disposal of non-current assets are recognised at the date control of the asset passes to the buyer, usually when an unconditional contract of sale is signed. The gain or loss on disposal is calculated as the difference between the carrying amount of the asset at the time of disposal and the net proceeds on disposal (including incidental costs).

(p)   Net finance income/expense

        Net finance income/expense comprises interest receivable on funds invested and foreign exchange gains and losses. Interest income is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income as it accrues, using the effective interest method.

(q)   Lease payments

Operating lease payments

        Payments made under operating leases are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income as an integral part of the total lease expense and spread over the lease term.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

(r)   Income tax

        Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

        Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

        Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognised for the following temporary differences: the initial recognition of goodwill, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit/loss, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

        A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

        Additional income taxes that arise from the distribution of dividends are recognised at the same time as the liability to pay the related dividend is recognised.

(s)   Segment reporting

        The Group determines operating segments based on the information that internally is provided to the CEO, who is the Group's chief operating decision maker.

        The Group operates within one business segment (the petroleum exploration and production industry) and one geographical segment (the United States of America).

        An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Group's other components.

Geographical information

        The geographical locations of the Group's non-current assets are USA $81,936,574 and Australia $6,782 (2011: USA $53,525,046 and Australia $10,117).

(t)    Goods and services tax

        Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority. In these

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

circumstances, the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense.

        Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST included. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is included as a current asset or liability in the balance sheet.

        Cash flows are included in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO are classified as operating cash flows.

2. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Overview

        The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

    liquidity risk

    market risk

    credit risk.

        This note presents information about the Group's exposure to each of the above risks, its objectives, policies and processes for measuring and managing risk, and the management of capital. Further quantitative disclosures are included throughout these consolidated financial statements.

        The board of directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the risk management framework. The board oversees the establishment, implementation and regular review of the Group's risk management system and to this end has adopted risk management policies to protect the assets and undertakings of the Group.

        Risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the Group, to set appropriate controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to controls. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the Group's activities.

        The board oversees how management monitors compliance with the Group's risk management policies and procedures and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the Group.

        Financial risk is managed by the whole of the board.

Liquidity risk

        Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group's approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient cash or liquid assets to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group's reputation. The Group monitors its cash holdings on a regular basis in relation to actual cash flows, financial obligations and planned activities in order to manage liquidity risk.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

2. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

Market risk

        Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as commodity prices, foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices will affect the Group's income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimising the return.

Commodity price risk

        The Group is exposed to commodity price risk as oil and gas prices fluctuate depending on market conditions. The Group does not presently enter into hedging arrangements to hedge this risk, taking into account the Group's size, current stage of development, financial position and the board's approach to risk management.

Currency risk

        The Group is exposed to currency risk on sales, purchases, assets and borrowings that are denominated in a currency other than the respective functional currencies of group entities. The Group's operations are located in the USA and its reported results and financial position can be significantly affected by changes in the USD/AUD exchange rate. The Group seeks to minimise its exposure to currency risk by monitoring exchange rates and entering into foreign currency transactions that maximise cash available for the USA operations. The Group does not presently enter into hedging arrangements to hedge its currency risk. All foreign currency transactions are entered into at spot rates. The board considers this policy appropriate, taking into account the Group's size, current stage of development, financial position and the board's approach to risk management.

Credit risk

        Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Group's exposure to credit risk is minimal at present as the majority of its financial assets are held in cash with banks. The exposure with respect to trade receivables is set out in Note 22.

Capital management

        The board's policy is to maintain a suitable capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain future development of the business. Given the Group's current stage of development and financial position the board is focused on investment of available capital in the Group's USA operations.

        There were no changes in the Group's approach to capital management during the year. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries are subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

3. REVENUE AND OTHER INCOME

 
  Consolidated  
 
  Year ended
31 Dec 2012
A$
  Year ended
31 Dec 2011
A$
 

Revenue

             

Oil sales

    13,663,574     16,751,625  

Gas sales

    1,093,750     4,116,885  
           

    14,757,324     20,868,510  
           
           

Other income

             

Net gain on sale of oil and gas properties

    2,466,012      
           
           

        The net gain on sale resulted from the sale of the Group's interests in the Leighton Field Olmos reservoir and certain Yegua gas wells (2011: $nil).

Operating segment disclosures

        All oil and gas revenues are from customers in the USA. Revenues from two customers represent $13,663,574 and $1,093,750, respectively (2011: three customers represent $14,221,952, $3,574,073 and $2,419,317, respectively) of the Group's total revenues.

4. EXPENSES

 
   
  Consolidated  
 
  Note   Year ended
31 Dec 2012
A$
  Year ended
31 Dec 2011
A$
 

Employee benefits

                   

Wages and salaries

          615,097     332,766  

Other associated employee costs

          77,229     46,055  

Increase in annual leave liability

          48,007     10,789  

Equity-settled share-based payments

    21     1,192,911     1,904,889  
                 

          1,933,244     2,294,499  
                 
                 

Administrative and other expenses

                   

Equity-settled share-based payments

    21     667,087     199,913  

Transaction costs—merger and demerger schemes

          1,752,851      

Other administrative / other expenses

          3,285,600     1,991,094  
                 

          5,705,538     2,191,007  
                 
                 

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

5. FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSE

 
  Consolidated  
 
  Year ended
31 Dec 2012
A$
  Year ended
31 Dec 2011
A$
 

Interest income—bank deposits

    203,590     213,209  

Net foreign exchange gain

        420,940  
           

Finance income

    203,590     634,149  
           

Interest expense—loans and borrowings

    (356,164 )    

Net foreign exchange loss

    (104,438 )    
           

Finance expense

    (460,602 )    
           

Net finance income / (expense)

    (257,012 )   634,149  
           
           

        Finance expense relating to foreign exchange translation differences (net of tax) recognised in comprehensive income is $649,530 (2011: $298,513).

6. INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Numerical reconciliation between tax expense and pre-tax net profit / (loss)

 
  Consolidated  
 
  Year ended
31 Dec 2012
A$
  Year ended
31 Dec 2011
A$
 

Profit / (loss) before tax

    (5,867,032 )   2,331,307  
           
           

Income tax expense/(benefit) using the domestic corporation tax rate of 30%

    (1,760,110 )   699,392  

Increase/(decrease) in income tax expense due to:

             

Change in unrecognised temporary differences

    1,168,801     (1,390,508 )

Non-deductible expenditure

    560,314     637,808  

Withholding tax payable

    282,439      

Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions

    (72,979 )   205,007  

Adjustments for prior periods

    1,011,734     18,157  

Tax losses not brought to account

    1,186,040     166,937  
           

Income tax expense/(benefit) on pre-tax net profit/loss

    2,376,239     336,793  
           
           

        Income tax expense consists of current tax expense of $300,286 (2011: $18,157) and deferred tax expense of $2,075,953 (2011: $318,636).

        Income tax expense/benefit recognised directly in equity for the Group is $nil (2011: $nil).

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

7. AUDITORS' REMUNERATION

 
  Consolidated  
 
  Year ended
31 Dec 2012
A$
  Year ended
31 Dec 2011
A$
 

Audit services:

             

Auditors of the Company, KPMG Australia

             

—audit and review of financial reports

    172,184     95,502  

Other services:

             

Auditors of the Company, KPMG Australia

             

—taxation and other services

    513,680     181,366  

Overseas KPMG firms

             

—taxation and other services

    91,423     52,348  
           

    777,287     329,216  
           
           

8. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 
  Consolidated  
 
  Year ended
31 Dec 2012
ACents
  Year ended
31 Dec 2011
ACents
 

Basic (loss) / earnings per share

    (3.37 )   0.88  

Diluted (loss) /earnings per share

    (3.37 )   0.88  
           
           

 

 
  A$   A$  

Profit / (loss) used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share

    (8,243,271 )   1,994,514  
           
           

 

 
  Number   Number  

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (basic)

             

Issued ordinary shares at 1 January

    242,539,848     175,177,879  

Effect of shares issued April 2012

    1,787,671      

Effect of shares issued December 2012

    9,041      

Effect of shares issued February 2011

        72,548  

Effect of shares issued March 2011

        20,194,076  

Effect of shares issued April 2011

        26,032,260  

Effect of shares issued May 2011

        4,356,000  
           

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in calculating basic earnings per share

    244,336,560     225,832,763  
           
           

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

8. EARNINGS PER SHARE (Continued)

 
  Number   Number  

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted)

             

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (basic)

    244,336,560     225,832,763  

Effect of share options on issue

    150,912     772,519  
           

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in calculating diluted earnings per share

    244,487,472     226,605,282  
           
           

        At 31 December 2012 20,000,000 options (2011: 2,500,000) were excluded from the diluted weighted average number of ordinary share calculation as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

        At 31 December 2012 nil options (2011: 14,500,000) were excluded from the diluted weighted average number of ordinary share calculation as conditions for their exercise had not yet been met.

9. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Bank balances and cash on hand

    30,358,291     13,365,634  
           
           

        The Group's exposure to credit risk, foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk and a sensitivity analysis for financial assets and liabilities are disclosed in Note 22.

10. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

 
  Consolidated  
Current
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Trade receivables

    997,489     4,642,762  

Other receivables

    187,975     399,681  
           

    1,185,464     5,042,443  
           
           

        The Group's exposure to credit risk, foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk and a sensitivity analysis for financial assets and liabilities are disclosed in Note 22.

11. SECURITY DEPOSITS

 
  Consolidated  
Non-current
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Security deposits

    100,962     53,178  
           
           

        The amounts consist of security deposits held with entities in the USA and secure obligations in relation to drilling activities in the USA.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

11. SECURITY DEPOSITS (Continued)

        The Group's exposure to credit risk, foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk and a sensitivity analysis for financial assets and liabilities are disclosed in Note 22.

12. PREPAYMENTS

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Prepayments

    114,388     183,407  
           
           

13. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

        The Group's Leighton Olmos and Yegua producing oil and gas properties were presented as assets held for sale at 31 December 2011. A purchase and sale agreement closed on 6 March 2012.

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Property, plant and equipment

        9,335,618  

Provisions

        (220,740 )
           

        9,114,878  
           
           

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

14. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Oil and gas properties

             

Cost

             

Balance at 1 January

    51,066,767     26,845,237  

Transferred from exploration and evaluation expenditure

    757,873     2,555,172  

Additions

    33,079,176     35,893,608  

Transferred to assets held for sale (refer Note 13)

    (702,779 )   (14,100,564 )

Foreign exchange translation

    (622,889 )   (126,686 )
           

Balance at 31 December

    83,578,148     51,066,767  
           

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

             

Balance at 1 January

    8,673,203     3,864,609  

Depreciation expense

    8,057,789     9,769,515  

Impairment expense

    556,299      

Transferred to assets held for sale (refer Note 13)

        (4,954,185 )

Foreign exchange translation

    (108,671 )   (6,736 )
           

Balance at 31 December

    17,178,620     8,673,203  
           

Carrying amounts

             

At 1 January

    42,393,564     22,980,628  
           
           

At 31 December

    66,399,528     42,393,564  
           
           

Plant, equipment, furniture and fixtures

             

Cost

             

Balance at 1 January

    246,732     127,004  

Additions

    24,359     120,521  

Foreign exchange translation

    (2,050 )   (793 )
           

Balance at 31 December

    269,041     246,732  
           

Accumulated depreciation

             

Balance at 1 January

    142,170     114,415  

Depreciation expense

    55,564     28,339  

Foreign exchange translation

    (1,006 )   (584 )
           

Balance at 31 December

    196,728     142,170  
           

Carrying amounts

             

At 1 January

    104,562     12,589  
           
           

At 31 December

    72,313     104,562  
           
           

Total carrying amounts

             

At 1 January

    42,498,126     22,993,217  
           
           

At 31 December

    66,471,841     42,498,126  
           
           

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

15. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION EXPENDITURE

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Balance 1 January

    10,983,859     1,545,851  

Additions

    6,582,113     13,014,954  

Transferred to oil and gas properties

    (757,873 )   (2,555,172 )

Expenditure written off

    (1,306,084 )   (1,084,486 )

Foreign exchange translation

    (131,462 )   62,712  
           

Balance at 31 December

    15,370,553     10,983,859  
           
           

        The recoverability of the carrying amounts of exploration and evaluation assets is dependent on the successful development and commercial exploitation or sale of the respective areas of interest.

16. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Trade payables

    1,025,619     871,797  

Other payables and accrued expenses

    10,307,102     1,884,968  
           

    11,332,721     2,756,765  
           
           

        The Group's exposure to foreign currency and liquidity risks is disclosed in Note 22.

17. LOANS AND BORROWINGS

 
  Consolidated  
Current
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Secured loan notes

    25,000,000      
           
           

        In December 2012 the Group obtained senior secured short term funding of $25 million at an interest rate of 20% p.a. payable six monthly. The funding was provided by a consortium of lenders who were issued non-convertible loan notes with a term of 12 months. The facility was repayable in the event the proposed acquisition scheme of arrangement with Sundance Energy Australia Limited was implemented, and was repaid on 8 March 2013 (refer Note 30). The loan notes were secured over the Group's oil and gas properties and other assets.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

18. PROVISIONS

 
  Consolidated  
Non-current
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Restoration provision

             

Balance at 1 January

   
344,721
   
324,101
 

Provisions made during the period

    2,093,780     243,334  

Transferred to assets held for sale (refer Note 13)

        (220,740 )

Foreign exchange translation

    (6,007 )   (1,974 )
           

Balance at 31 December

    2,432,494     344,721  
           
           

        The restoration provision represents the present value of the estimated cost of obligations to restore operating locations including the removal of facilities, abandonment of wells and restoration of affected areas.

19. TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities

        Deferred tax assets and (liabilities) are attributable to the following:

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Exploration and development expenditure

    (11,371,009 )   (13,411,106 )

Other items

    357,285     904,128  

Tax losses

    8,622,059     12,185,544  
           

Net tax liabilities

    (2,391,665 )   (321,434 )
           
           

Unrecognised deferred tax assets

        Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items:

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Temporary differences

    537,391     667,765  

Tax losses

    3,479,586     1,067,878  
           

    4,016,977     1,735,643  
           
           

        The deductible temporary differences and tax losses do not expire under current Australian tax legislation. USA tax losses expire after a period of 20 years. Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of these items because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the Group can utilise the benefits.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

20. CAPITAL AND RESERVES

Share capital

        Movements in shares on issue during the period were as follows:

 
  2012
Ordinary
shares
(number)
  2011
Ordinary
shares
(number)
 

On issue at 1 January

    242,539,848     175,177,879  

Issue of ordinary shares 1 March 2011

        24,166,681  

Issue of ordinary shares 15 April 2011

        36,545,288  

Exercise of share options

    2,800,000     6,650,000  
           

On issue at 31 December—fully paid

    245,339,848     242,539,848  
           
           

Issuance of ordinary shares

        During the period the Company issued 2,500,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $0.50 per share and 300,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $0.26 per share upon the exercise of options (refer Note 21).

        In February 2011 the Company completed a placement issuing 24,166,681 ordinary shares at an issue price of $0.65 per share. The shares were allotted on 1 March 2011. The issue was ratified at an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on 12 April 2011.

        In April 2011 the Company completed a share purchase plan issuing 36,545,288 ordinary shares at an issue price of $0.65 per share.

        During 2011 the Company issued 4,400,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $0.50 per share and 2,250,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $0.75 per share upon the exercise of options.

        All issued shares are fully paid.

Ordinary shares

        Effective 1 July 1998, the Company Law Review Act abolished the concept of par value shares and the concept of authorised capital. Accordingly, the Company does not have authorised capital or par value in respect of its issued shares.

        The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company. All shares rank equally with regard to the Company's residual assets.

Share-based payment reserve

        The share-based payment reserve comprises the increase in equity resulting from the recognition of the grant date fair value of share-based payment awards as an expense over the period that the recipients unconditionally become entitled to the awards.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

20. CAPITAL AND RESERVES (Continued)

Foreign currency translation reserve

        The foreign currency translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations where their functional currency is different to the presentation currency of the reporting entity.

Dividends

        No dividends have been declared, provided for or paid in respect of the year ended 31 December 2012 or the year ended 31 December 2011. In respect to the payment of dividends by the Company in subsequent reporting periods (if any), no franking credits are currently available.

21. SHARE OPTIONS

        Information with respect to the number of options granted is as follows.

Consolidated

Holder
UNLISTED:
  Notes   Grant
date
  Expiry
date
  Exercise
price
A$
  Number of
instruments
granted
  Number of
instruments
outstanding at
31 Dec 2012
  Number of
instruments
outstanding at
31 Dec 2011
 

Tranche 1(a)

                                         

Seitel Data Ltd

  (5)     26/7/06     8/5/12     0.50     2,500,000         2,500,000  

Tranche 2

                                         

Seitel Data Ltd

  (5)     26/7/06     8/5/12     1.00     2,500,000         2,500,000  

2010 issue

                                         

CBA

  (6)     15/2/10     14/2/13     0.26     300,000         300,000  

2011 issue

                                         

Mr C Foss—Tranche 1

  (1)(6)(8)     28/11/11     30/11/16     0.70     1,000,000     1,000,000     1,000,000  

Mr C Foss—Tranche 2

  (2)(6)(8)     28/11/11     30/11/16     0.70     6,000,000     6,000,000     6,000,000  

Dr J Armstrong

  (3)(6)(8)     30/5/12     29/5/16     0.70     6,000,000     6,000,000     6,000,000  

Mr B Rowley

  (3)(6)(8)     30/5/12     29/5/16     0.70     600,000     600,000     600,000  

Mr D Olling

  (3)(6)(8)     6/12/11     31/12/15     0.70     600,000     600,000     600,000  

Contractor

  (4)(6)(8)     29/6/11     28/6/15     0.585     100,000     100,000     100,000  

Contractor

  (4)(6)(8)     26/8/11     29/8/15     0.49     100,000     100,000     100,000  

Contractor

  (4)(6)(8)     29/8/11     29/8/15     0.585     100,000     100,000     100,000  

2012 issue

                                         

Mr D Mason

  (6)(7)(8)     31/8/12     30/4/19     0.70     2,250,000     2,250,000      

Other

  (6)(7)(8)     31/8/12     30/4/19     0.70     750,000     750,000      
                                       
                                       

                                17,500,000     19,800,000  
                                       
                                       

Notes

        Terms and conditions of options granted in 2006 are set out in the prospectus dated 26 March 2007 lodged with ASIC relating to the initial public offering of the Company's shares.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

21. SHARE OPTIONS (Continued)


(1)
The options include the following conditions: (i) the options are only exercisable when the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the shares of the Company on the ASX over a period of 20 consecutive trading days exceeds $1.05 per share (Price Target); (ii) if there is a change in control of the Company or if the Company disposes of more than 50% of its assets then the Tranche 1 options may be exercised without the requirement of the Price Target being met; (iii) unless already exercised, the options will terminate if Mr Foss commits a material breach of his employment contract, the Company terminates Mr Foss' employment for serious misconduct or bankruptcy or if Mr Foss elects to terminate his employment with the Company within six months of commencing employment with the Company (that is, six months from 1 December 2011); (iv) Mr Foss cannot participate in any new issues or bonus issues without exercising the Tranche 1 options.

(2)
The options include the following conditions: (i) the Tranche 2 options are only exercisable from 1 January 2013 and only when the Price Target is met; (ii) however, if the Company, either directly or indirectly, disposes of more than 50% of its assets before 1 January 2013 then the Tranche 2 options: (a) may be exercised at a price per option equal to the VWAP of the shares of the company on the ASX over the 20 trading days starting on the 21st day after the sale of the assets has occurred; and (b) may only be exercised when the VWAP of the shares of the Company on the ASX over a period of 20 consecutive trading days exceeds 150% of the exercise price as calculated in (a) above; (iii) if there is a change in control of the Company other than by disposing more than 50% of its assets, the Tranche 2 options are exercisable at a price of $0.70 per option and can be exercised immediately without the requirement of the Price Target being met; (iv) unless already exercised, the Tranche 2 options will terminate if Mr Foss commits a material breach of his employment contract, the Company terminates Mr Foss' employment for serious misconduct or bankruptcy or if Mr Foss elects to terminate his employment with the Company; (v) Mr Foss cannot participate in any new issues or bonus issues without exercising the Tranche 2 options. The options terms originally provided for a re-pricing date of 1 September 2012 if an asset sale occurred, however this date was amended to 1 January 2013 with approval of shareholders at a general meeting on 31 August 2012.

(3)
As for (4) above, except that there is no termination of employment clause in the terms of the options. In addition, Dr Armstrong's and Mr Rowley's options were approved by the Board in December 2011, and the grant date was the date of approval by shareholders at the annual general meeting on 30 May 2012. Dr Armstrong's and Mr Rowley's options will expire four years after shareholder approval.

(4)
The options include the following conditions: the options may only be exercised after six (6) months of commencement of the contractor's engagement and if the VWAP of the Company's shares exceeds $0.735 to $0.8775; the options may be exercised if there is a change of control of the Company and the directors determine that it is likely that more than 50% of the shares of the Company will held by another party; the options will terminate if the contractor is in breach of his engagement contract or declared bankrupt or is placed into liquidation by a court. If terminated for any other reason the options shall remain outstanding until exercised or lapse upon expiry of the term; that a contractor cannot participate in any new issues or bonus issues without exercising the options.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

21. SHARE OPTIONS (Continued)

(5)
No value was attributed to options issued at the time the Company was established which was prior to the creation of business opportunities including contractual arrangements relating to exploration leases.

(6)
The grant-date fair value of services received in return for share options issued was measured based on Monte Carlo sampling for the 2012 and 2011 issues, and the Black-Scholes formula in prior years. The following inputs were used in the models. Expected volatility was estimated by considering historic average share price volatility. The fair value of services received by non-employees has been estimated by reference to the fair value of the options granted as this is considered a more reliable estimate than direct measurement of the services' fair value.
 
  2012   2011   July 2010   Feb 2010   2007  

Fair value at grant date

  $ 0.217   $ 0.197 - 0.27   $ 0.005   $ 0.06   $ 0.08  

Share price

  $ 0.47   $ 0.56 - 0.60   $ 0.38   $ 0.26   $ 0.50  

Exercise price

  $ 0.70   $ 0.70   $ 0.50   $ 0.26   $ 0.75  

Expected volatility

    55 %   60 %   22.12 %   21.58 %   32.04 %

Expected option life

    4.4 - 4.7 yrs     2.2 - 3.6 years     10 mths     3 years     3 years  

Expected dividends

    Nil     Nil     Nil     Nil     Nil  

Risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds)

    2.52 - 2.53 %   3.05 - 4.65 %   4.60 %   4.60 %   6.45 %
(7)
The options include the following conditions: (i) the options vest immediately and are only exercisable when the VWAP of the shares of the Company on the ASX over a period of 20 consecutive days exceeds A$1.05 per option ("Price Target"); (ii) however, if the Company, either directly or indirectly, disposes of more than 50% of its assets ("Transaction") before 1 January 2013 then the options: (a) may be exercised at a price per option equal to the VWAP of the shares of the company on the ASX over the 20 trading days starting on the 21st day after the sale of the assets has occurred ("Transaction Exercise Price"); and (b) may only be exercised when the VWAP of the shares of the Company on the ASX over a period of 20 consecutive trading days exceeds 150% of the exercise price as calculated in (a) above ("Transaction Price Target"); (iii) if there is a change in control of the Company other than by disposing more than 50% of its assets, the options are exercisable at a price of $0.70 per option and can be exercised immediately without the requirement of the Price Target being met, or are exercisable at the Transaction Exercise Price if a Transaction has occurred at the date of the change of control of the Company and can be exercised without the requirement of the Transaction Price Target being met; and (iv) the option holders cannot participate in any new issues or bonus issues without exercising the Tranche 2 options.

(8)
As a condition precedent to the Acquisition Scheme of Arrangement between the Company and Sundance Energy Australia, all existing options were cancelled on the Acquisition Scheme becoming effective on 27 February 2013 (refer Note 30).

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

21. SHARE OPTIONS (Continued)

        The number and weighted average exercise prices of share options are as follows:

 
  Weighted
average
exercise
price 2012
A$
  Number of
options
2012
  Weighted
average
exercise
price 2011
A$
  Number of
options
2011
 

Outstanding at 1 January

  $ 0.72     19,800,000   $ 0.76     18,880,000  

Granted during the period(1)

  $ 0.70     3,000,000   $ 0.70     14,500,000  

Exercised during the period

  $ 0.47     (2,800,000 ) $ 0.58     (6,650,000 )

Expired during the period

  $ 1.00     (2,500,000 ) $ 0.94     (6,930,000 )
                       

Outstanding at 31 December

  $ 0.70     17,500,000   $ 0.70     19,800,000  
                       
                       

Exercisable at 31 December

          $ 0.72     5,300,000  
                       
                       

(1)
6,600,000 options granted in 2011 were approved by the Board in 2011 but were subject to shareholder approval at a general meeting. Approval was obtained at the annual general meeting on 30 May 2012.

        The options outstanding at 31 December 2012 have an exercise price in the range $0.49 to $0.70 and a weighted average contractual life of 4.1 years (2011: 3.5 years).

        The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year ended 31 December 2012 was $0.56 (2011: $0.75).

        The total expense recognised in relation to share options is as follows.

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Employee benefits—employee options

    1,192,911     1,904,889  

Administrative and other expenses—contractor options

    667,087     199,913  
           

    1,859,998     2,104,802  
           
           

22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        Exposure to credit, interest rate and currency risks arises in the normal course of the Group's business.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

Interest rate risk

        At the reporting date, the interest rate profile of the Group's interest-bearing financial instruments was as follows.

 
   
   
  Consolidated  
 
  Note   Rates   2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  9   Variable     30,358,291     13,365,634  

Security deposits (non-current)

  11   Variable     52,746     53,178  

Secured loan notes

  17   Fixed     (25,000,000 )    

Sensitivity analysis

        A 1 percent decrease in prevailing interest rates during the year would have reduced interest income and increased the loss for the year of the Group by $203,590 (2011: $135,645). This analysis assumes that all other variables remain constant.

        A 1 percent increase in prevailing interest rates during the year would have increased interest income and decreased the loss for the year of the Group by $219,149 (2011: $135,645). This analysis assumes that all other variables remain constant. The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2011.

Credit risk

        The carrying amount of the Group's financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date was:

 
   
  Consolidated
Carrying amount
 
 
  Note   2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  9     30,358,291     13,365,634  

Trade and other receivables (current)

  10     1,185,464     5,042,443  

Security deposits (non-current)

  11     100,962     53,178  
               

        31,644,717     18,461,255  
               
               

        The maximum exposure to credit risk for cash and cash equivalents at the reporting date by geographic region was as set out below. The exposure was partially offset by various government guarantees in place in the jurisdictions, and these guarantees are one of the factors considered by the Group in the allocation its cash resources between regions and financial institutions.

 
  Consolidated
Carrying amount
 
 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Australia

    22,281,186     10,427,177  

USA

    8,077,105     2,938,457  
           

    30,358,291     13,365,634  
           
           

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

        At reporting date the Group had a significant concentration of credit risk in trade receivables from oil and gas sales with one customer totalling $997,489 for the Group (2011: $4,607,944 for the Group). These receivables are all concentrated in the USA.

        None of the Group's receivables are past due (2011: nil). The Group believes that no impairment allowance is necessary in respect of receivables based on customer credit history.

Liquidity risk

        The Group's financial liabilities consist of trade and payables with carrying amounts of $11,332,721 (2011: $2,756,765) and loans and borrowings with carrying amounts of $25,000,000 (2011: $nil). The contractual cash flows equal the carrying amounts and are due in six months or less.

Currency risk

Exposure to currency risk

        The Group's exposure to foreign currency risk at balance date was as follows, based on notional amounts.

 
  2012   2011  
In AUD
  AUD $   USD $   AUD $   USD $  

Cash and cash equivalents

    18,578,234     11,780,057     2,798,882     10,566,752  

Trade and other receivables (current)

    71,574     1,113,890     70,853     4,971,590  

Prepayments

    60,377     54,011     109,576     73,831  

Security deposits (non-current)

        100,962         53,178  

Trade and other payables

    (1,251,769 )   (10,080,952 )   (256,125 )   (2,500,640 )

Loans and borrowings (current)

    (25,000,000 )            
                   

Net exposure

    (7,541,584 )   2,967,968     2,723,186     13,164,711  
                   
                   

        The following significant exchange rates applied during the year.

 
  Average rate   Reporting
date spot
rate
 
AUD
  2012   2011   2012   2011  

USD

    1.036     1.034     1.037     1.025  

Sensitivity analysis

        The functional currency of the main operating entities in the Group is US dollars. For the years ended 31 December 2012 and 31 December 2011 the majority of the Groups' operations were located in the USA and the majority of transactions and balances were denominated in US dollars. The Group's presentation currency is Australian dollars. As a result, a change in the value of the Australian dollar against the US dollar at 31 December 2012 and 31 December 2011 would not have a material impact on the profit / loss of the Group.

F-199


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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

Fair values

        The fair values of the Group's financial assets and financial liabilities at 31 December 2012 and 2011 approximate their carrying amounts.

23. CAPITAL AND OTHER COMMITMENTS

Non-cancellable operating lease expense commitments

        Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows:

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012 A$   2011 A$  

Less than one year

    192,731     191,003  

Between one and five years

    55,159     189,292  
           

    247,890     380,295  
           
           

        The operating lease rentals relate to office and equipment leases with terms ranging from one to five years. During the year $217,453 was recognised by the Group as an expense in the statement of comprehensive income in respect of operating leases (2011: $180,248).

Natural gas transportation commitments

        Commitments with respect to natural gas transportation are as follows. Commitments are only payable in the event contractual minimum volumes are not met.

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Less than one year

    433,252     354,816  

Between one and five years

    1,781,936     2,413,330  
           

    2,215,188     2,768,146  
           
           

Employee compensation commitments—Key management personnel

        Commitments under non-cancellable employment contracts not provided for in the financial statements and payable:

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Within one year

    561,938     855,943  

Between one and five years

        152,439  
           

    561,938     1,008,382  
           
           

F-200


Table of Contents


ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

23. CAPITAL AND OTHER COMMITMENTS (Continued)

        Mr C Foss is employed by the Group under an executive service agreement for a period of three years from December 2011 which may be terminated after 1 December 2012 without cause by giving 6 months' notice. Mr D Mason was employed by the Group under an executive service agreement for a period of five years from July 2006. The appointment agreements with other directors include provision for 12 months' notice or payment in lieu of notice.

Other commitments

        Commitments under a prospect generation agreement with Wandoo Energy LLC, a company controlled by Mr D Mason:

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Within one year

    607,522     585,366  

One year or later and no later than five years

    2,749,419     829,756  

More than five years

    1,046,748      
           

    4,403,689     1,415,122  
           
           

24. CONTINGENCIES

Indemnities

        Indemnities have been provided to directors and certain executive officers of the Company in respect of liabilities to third parties arising from their positions, except where the liability arises out of conduct involving a lack of good faith. No monetary limit applies to these agreements and there are no known obligations outstanding at 31 December 2012 and 2011.

Guarantees

        The Group has provided guarantees and deposits totaling $96,432 (2011: $48,780) in relation to exploration activities in Texas, USA.

Joint ventures

        In accordance with normal industry practice the Group has entered into joint ventures with other parties for the purpose of exploring for and developing petroleum interests. If a party to a joint venture defaults and does not contribute its share of joint venture obligations, then the other joint venture participants may be liable to meet those obligations. In this event the interest in the prospect held by the defaulting party may be redistributed to the remaining joint venturers.

F-201


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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

25. CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES

 
  Country of
Incorporation
  Ownership
interest
2012 %
  Ownership
interest
2011 %
 

Parent entity

                 

Armadillo Petroleum Ltd (formerly Texon Petroleum Ltd)

                 

Subsidiaries

                 

Armadillo (Eagle Ford) Pty Ltd (formerly Texon (Eagle Ford) Pty Ltd)

  Australia     100     100  

Talon Petroleum Limited (formerly Texon III Ltd)

  Australia     100     100  

Texon I Pty Ltd

  Australia     100     100  

Armadillo Eagle Ford Holdings, Inc. (formerly Texoz Eagle Ford Holdings, Inc.)

  USA     100     100  

Texoz E&P I, Inc. 

  USA     100     100  

Armadillo E&P, Inc. (formerly Texoz E&P II, Inc.)

  USA     100     100  

Texoz E&P III, Inc. 

  USA     100     100  

Texoz E&P Holdings I, Inc. 

  USA     100     100  

Texoz E&P Holdings III, Inc. 

  USA     100     100  

        In the financial statements of the Company, investments in controlled entities are measured at cost.

        During the 2011 year the Company undertook a restructure which involved the insertion of new entities into the Group. There were no business combinations and all transactions occurred under common control at book carrying values.

26. INTERESTS IN JOINT VENTURES

        The Group holds working interests in joint operating agreements relating to the following projects, whose principal activities are oil and gas exploration and production.

 
  Working interest  
 
  2012 %   2011 %  

Leighton Project—Eagle Ford

    82.2 to 89.2     82.2  

Mosman-Rockingham Project

    95 to 100     95 to 100  

Roundhouse Project

    47      

Leighton Project—Olmos

        50 to 80  

Yegua Project

        32.3 to 95  

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

27. RECONCILIATION OF CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Cash flows from operating activities

             

Profit / (loss) for the period

    (8,243,271 )   1,994,514  

Adjustments for non-cash items:

             

Exploration and evaluation expenditure written-off

    1,306,084     1,084,486  

Impairment expense

    556,299      

Depreciation—plant and equipment

    55,563     28,339  

Depreciation—oil and gas properties

    8,057,789     9,769,515  

Share-based payment expense

    1,859,998     2,104,802  

Net gain on sale of oil and gas properties

    (2,466,012 )    

Interest expense accrued

    356,164      

Net foreign exchange gain / loss

    104,438     (420,940 )

Income tax expense—deferred

    2,354,978     318,636  
           

Operating profit/(loss) before changes in working capital and provisions

    3,942,030     14,879,352  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

             

(Increase)/decrease in receivables

    3,645,273     (3,761,109 )

(Increase)/decrease in prepayments

    69,019     (95,576 )

(Decrease)/increase in payables

    153,822     690,944  

(Decrease)/increase in employee benefits

    47,768     (6,550 )
           

Net cash from operating activities

    7,857,912     11,707,061  
           
           

Non-cash investing and financing activities

        There were no non-cash investing and financing activities during the year.

28. RELATED PARTIES

        The following were key management personnel of the Group at any time during the reporting period and unless otherwise indicated were key management personnel for the entire period:

Executive director

        Dr J Armstrong (chairman)

Non-executive directors

        Mr B Rowley

        Mr D Mason (president and chief executive officer until 30 November 2011)

Executives

        Mr C Foss (president and chief executive officer from 1 December 2011)

        Mr D Olling (company secretary)

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

28. RELATED PARTIES (Continued)

Key management personnel compensation

        Key management personnel compensation comprised:

 
  Consolidated  
 
  2012 A$   2011 A$  

Short-term benefits

    783,667     729,496  

Post-employment benefits

    85,004     103,116  

Share-based payment

    1,957,131     2,043,489  
           

    2,825,802     2,876,101  
           
           

Loans to key management personnel and their related parties

        There were no loans made to key management personnel or their related parties during the reporting period.

Other key management personnel transactions

        Certain directors, or their related parties, hold positions in other entities that result in them having control or significant influence over the financial or operating policies of those entities. Certain of these entities transacted with the Company or its controlled entities in the reporting period.

        Wandoo Energy LLC (Wandoo), a company controlled by Mr D Mason, provided the Group with services during the period under a prospect generation agreement. Payments to Wandoo under the agreement are US$50,000 per month for an initial term of eight years commencing 1 May 2006. Amendments to the agreement during the period increased the amount payable in 2013 to US$52,500 per month and in 2014 to US$55,125 per month, and extended the term until April 2019. During the current period US$600,000 (A$579,151) was paid by the Group and its related parties to Wandoo (2011: US$600,000 (A$580,271)) for these services.

        Under the prospect generation agreement, Wandoo is entitled to an overriding royalty interest (ORRI) and a carried working interest (CWI) and Dr Armstrong is entitled to an ORRI, being a share of petroleum production, in relation to each prospect accepted by the Group. The entitlements vary depending on the net revenue interest obtained by the Group under leases in respect of the prospect. Wandoo's ORRI entitlement varies from nil to 4.5% and CWI entitlement varies from nil to 5%. Dr Armstrong's ORRI entitlement varies from nil to 0.5%. The Group markets the production associated with any ORRI on behalf of Wandoo and Dr Armstrong.

        Wandoo provided the Group during the period with geological and geophysical, operations support, data acquisition and reprocessing, and other services. During the current period US$500,118 (A$482,739) was paid by the Group and its related parties to Wandoo (2011: US$306,023 (A$295,960)) for these services.

        Amendments to the prospect generation agreement were proposed in 2011 and were approved by Armadillo Petroleum Ltd shareholders at a general meeting of the Company on 31 August 2012.

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

28. RELATED PARTIES (Continued)

        During the period, in conjunction with the proposed merger of Armadillo with Sundance Energy Australia Limited, subject to all necessary approvals and to the completion of the proposed demerger of Armadillo's non Eagle Ford shale assets, Armadillo contracted to buy from Wandoo Energy, LLC, its working interest in jointly owned Eagle Ford shale assets in McMullen County, Texas, as of 1 October 2012, for the following consideration:

    US$1,200,000 cash payable by Armadillo subsidiary Texoz E&P II, Inc. in four equal quarterly instalments, the first payable three months after completion of the demerger; and

    4,480,000 shares in Armadillo subsidiary Talon Petroleum Limited.

        The consideration is subject to adjustment downwards (to US$1,000,000 and 4,000,000 shares in Talon Petroleum Limited) if binding agreements with certain landowners are not entered into within 12 months. The transaction with Wandoo, involving the removal of the carried working interest on Armadillo's EFS acreage, was a key component of the proposed merger terms with Sundance.

        Liabilities arising from the above transactions at 31 December 2012 were $93,350 (2011: $213,613).

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

28. RELATED PARTIES (Continued)

Options over equity instruments

        The movement during the reporting period in the number of options over ordinary shares in the Company held, directly, indirectly or beneficially, by each key management person, including their related parties, is as follows.

2012
  Held at
1 January
2012
  Granted
and
acquired
  Exercised,
expired and
other
  Held at
31 Dec 2012
  Vested and
exercisable
at 31 Dec 2012
 

Directors

                               

Mr D Mason

        2,250,000         2,250,000      

Dr J Armstrong

    6,000,000             6,000,000      

Mr B Rowley

    600,000             600,000      

Executives

                               

Mr C Foss

    7,000,000             7,000,000      

Mr D Olling

    600,000             600,000      

 

2011
  Held at
1 January
2011
  Granted
and
acquired
  Exercised,
expired and
other
  Held at
31 Dec 2011
  Vested and
exercisable
at 31 Dec 2011
 

Directors

                               

Mr D Mason

    7,000,000         (7,000,000 )        

Dr J Armstrong

    4,000,000     6,000,000 (1)   (4,000,000 )   6,000,000      

Mr B Rowley

    400,000     600,000 (1)   (400,000 )   600,000      

Executives

                               

Mr C Foss

        7,000,000         7,000,000      

Mr D Olling

    280,000     600,000     (280,000 )   600,000      

(1)
Options to Dr Armstrong and Mr Rowley were approved by the Board in 2011 but were subject to shareholder approval at a general meeting. Approval was obtained at the annual general meeting on 30 May 2012.

        Refer Note 21 for terms of the options.

        All of the options are vested but were not exercisable at 31 December 2012 and 31 December 2011.

        As a condition precedent to the Acquisition Scheme of Arrangement between the Company and Sundance Energy Australia, all existing options were cancelled on the Acquisition Scheme becoming effective on 27 February 2013 (refer Note 30).

        The aggregate number of options held by key management personnel related parties at 31 December 2012 included in the table above is nil (2011: nil).

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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

28. RELATED PARTIES (Continued)

Movements in shares

        The movement during the reporting period in the number of ordinary shares in the Company held, directly, indirectly or beneficially, by each key management person, including their related parties, is as follows.

2012
  Held at
1 January 2012
  Acquisitions   Disposals
and Other
  Held at
31 Dec 2012
 

Directors

                         

Mr D Mason

    15,189,228             15,189,228  

Dr J Armstrong

    2,564,046             2,564,046  

Mr B Rowley

    400,000             400,000  

Executives

                         

Mr C Foss

    79,000             79,000  

Mr D Olling

    234,655             234,655  

 

2011
  Held at
1 January 2011
  Acquisitions   Disposals
and Other
  Held at
31 Dec 2011
 

Directors

                         

Mr D Mason

    15,030,000     3,509,228     (3,350,000 )   15,189,228  

Dr J Armstrong

    2,667,894     1,308,248     (1,412,096 )   2,564,046  

Mr B Rowley

        400,000         400,000  

Executives

                         

Mr C Foss

        79,000         79,000  

Mr D Olling

    131,579     223,076     (120,000 )   234,655  

        The aggregate number of shares held by key management personnel related parties at 31 December 2012 included in the table above is 483,251 (2011: 483,251).

Changes in key management personnel in the period after the reporting date and prior to the date when the financial report is authorised for issue

        On 27 February 2013 Dr Armstrong, Mr Rowley and Mr Mason resigned as directors of the Company and Mr Hannell, Mr McCrady and Mr Hannes were appointed as directors of the Company.

        On 8 March 2013 Mr Olling resigned as company secretary and Mr Gooden was appointed as company secretary.

        Apart from the above, there were no changes in key management personnel in the period after the reporting date and prior to the date when the financial report is authorised for issue.

Non-key management personnel disclosures

Identity of related parties

        The Group has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries (see Note 25) and with its key management personnel (see disclosures for key management personnel on preceding pages).

F-207


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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

28. RELATED PARTIES (Continued)

Joint ventures

        From time to time, to support the activities of joint ventures, venturers increase their investments in joint ventures.

Other related parties

Key management persons related parties

        For details of these transactions refer to key management personnel related disclosures.

29. PARENT ENTITY DISCLOSURES

        As at, and throughout, the financial year ending 31 December 2012 the parent entity of the Group was Armadillo Petroleum Ltd.

 
  2012
A$
  2011
A$
 

Result of the parent entity

             

Loss for the period

    (4,994,802 )   (2,142,357 )

Other comprehensive income for the period

         
           

    (4,994,802 )   (2,142,357 )
           
           

Financial position of the parent entity at year end

             

Current assets

    5,395,099     13,134,180  

Total assets

    76,579,953     77,503,435  

Current liabilities

   
1,157,554
   
274,230
 

Total liabilities

    1,157,554     274,230  

Total equity of the parent entity comprising of:

   
 
   
 
 

Share capital

    85,182,020     83,854,020  

Share-based payment reserve

    4,198,948     2,338,950  

Accumulated losses

    (13,958,569 )   (8,963,765 )
           

Total Equity

    75,422,399     77,229,205  
           
           

Parent entity guarantees in respect of the debts of its subsidiaries

        The parent entity has provided guarantees with the effect that the Company guarantees certain obligations of its USA subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.

30. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

        Subsequent to the end of the reporting period:

    Following shareholder approval on 25 February 2013 and approval by the Federal Court of Australia on 27 February 2013, a proposal by Armadillo Petroleum Ltd to demerge by scheme of arrangement and list its subsidiary Talon Petroleum Limited ("Talon") on the Australian

F-208


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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

30. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Continued)

      Securities Exchange ("Demerger Scheme") became effective on 27 February 2013. The Demerger Scheme was implemented on 7 March 2013. Full details of the demerger Scheme are set out in the Demerger Scheme Booklet released on 22 January 2013. Talon shares commenced trading on a deferred settlement basis on 27 February 2013 and commenced normal trading on 14 March 2013. Pursuant to the Demerger Scheme, on 25 February 2013 Armadillo shareholders approved a reduction in the share capital of the Company of $19,220,000.

    Following shareholder approval on 25 February 2013 and approval by the Federal Court of Australia on 27 February 2013, a proposal under which Armadillo Petroleum Ltd was to be acquired by Sundance Energy Australia Limited ("Acquisition Scheme") became effective on 27 February 2013. The Acquisition Scheme was implemented on 8 March 2013. Full details of the Acquisition Scheme are set out in the Acquisition Scheme Booklet released on 22 January 2013.

    On 25 February 2013 shareholders of Armadillo Petroleum Ltd approved the issue of up to 4,480,000 Talon shares to Wandoo Energy, LLC ("Wandoo"), which is part of the consideration payable to Wandoo for the transfer of certain carried working interests to Armadillo Petroleum Ltd. The shares are to be issued by Talon within three months of the demerger. The consideration also included up to US$1,200,000 cash payable by Armadillo subsidiary Texoz E&P II, Inc. in four equal quarterly instalments, the first payable three months after completion of the demerger.

    On 25 February 2013 the Company was issued 10,000,000 ordinary shares in Talon at an issue price of $0.50 per share. On 7 March 2013 the Company was issued 4,096,117 ordinary shares in Talon at an issue price of $0.5103931 per share. The share issues were made in satisfaction of amounts owing by the Talon to the Company as a result of cash loaned after 31 December 2012 of $7,090,630.

    Pursuant to the Acquisition Scheme, the secured loan notes of $25 million were repaid by Sundance Energy Australia Limited on 8 March 2013.

    The Acquisition Scheme and Demerger Scheme documents contain provisions to ensure obligations of Armadillo and Talon remain the responsibility of the proper entity subsequent to the demerger of Talon. The agreements provide various mechanisms, including an escrow account, to accomplish proper alignment of obligations and liabilities. In September 2013, in accordance with the provisions of the agreements, Sundance Energy Australia Limited ("Sundance") presented a claim against Talon related to certain liabilities and obligations Sundance believes are the responsibility of Talon. Talon has responded that they are not in agreement with the claim presented by Sundance. It is impractical to determine the impact of this matter at this time.

F-209


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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

31. NOTE 31—UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES

        Costs Incurred —The following table sets forth the capitalized costs incurred in our oil and gas production, exploration, and development activities:

(in thousands)
  Year ended
December 31,
2012
  Year ended
December 31,
2011
 

Property Acquisition Costs

             

Proved

  $   $  

Unproved

    5,921     11,810  

Exploration costs

         

Development costs

    34,440     38,635  
           

  $ 40,361   $ 50,445  
           
           

        Oil and Gas Reserve Information —Proved reserve quantities are based on estimates prepared by the Company in accordance with guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Reserve definitions comply with definitions of Rules 4-10(a) (1)-(32) of Regulation S-X of the SEC. The December 31, 2012 reserve estimates and information were prepared by a consultant of the Company. The December 31, 2011 reserve estimates and information were prepared by employees and consultants of Armadillo.

        Proved reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geosciences and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.

        There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and projecting future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures. The estimation of our proved reserves employs one or more of the following: production trend extrapolation, analogy, volumetric assessment and material balance analysis. Techniques including review of production and pressure histories, analysis of electric logs and fluid tests, and interpretations of geologic and geophysical data are also involved in this estimation process.

F-210


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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

31. NOTE 31—UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (Continued)

        The following reserve data represents estimates only and should not be construed as being exact.

 
  Oil
(MBbl)
  Gas
(MMcf)
  Total Oil
Equivalents
(MBbl)
 

Total proved reserves:

                   

December 31, 2010

    492     6,903     1,642  

Revisions of previous estimates

    21     44     28  

Extensions and discoveries

    1,263     1,925     1,584  

Production

    (192 )   (620 )   (295 )
               

December 31, 2011

    1,584     8,252     2,959  

Revisions of previous estimates

    21     42     28  

Extensions and discoveries

    479     598     579  

Production

    (145 )   (231 )   (183 )

Sales of reserves in-place

    (387 )   (6,217 )   (1,423 )
               

December 31, 2012

    1,552     2,444     1,960  
               
               

Proved developed reserves:

                   

December 31, 2010

    492     6,903     1,642  
               
               

December 31, 2011

    699     6,782     1,829  
               
               

December 31, 2012

    282     510     368  
               
               

Proved undeveloped reserves:

                   

December 31, 2010

             
               
               

December 31, 2011

    885     1,470     1,130  
               
               

December 31, 2012

    1,270     1,934     1,592  
               
               

        Standardized Measure of Future Net Cash Flows —The "Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves" (Standardized Measure) is calculated in accordance with guidance provided by the FASB. The Standardized Measure does not purport, nor should it be interpreted, to present the fair value of a company's proved oil and gas reserves. Fair value would require, among other things, consideration of expected future economic and operating conditions, a discount factor more representative of the time value of money, and risks inherent in reserve estimates.

        Under the Standardized Measure, future cash inflows are based upon the forecasted future production of year-end proved reserves. Future cash inflows are then reduced by estimated future production and development costs to determine net pre-tax cash flow. Future income taxes are computed by applying the statutory tax rate to the excess of pre-tax cash flow over our tax basis in the associated oil and gas properties. Tax credits and permanent differences are also considered in the future income tax calculation. Future net cash flow after income taxes is discounted using a 10% annual discount rate to arrive at the Standardized Measure.

F-211


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ARMADILLO PETROLEUM LTD (FORMERLY TEXON PETROLEUM LTD)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

FOR DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND THE YEAR THEN ENDED

31. NOTE 31—UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (Continued)

        The following summary sets forth our Standardized Measure:

(in thousands)
  December 31,
2012
  December 31,
2011
 

Cash inflows

  $ 161,158   $ 198,321  

Production costs

    (39,290 )   (54,263 )

Development costs

    (88,843 )   (75,789 )

Income tax expense

        (8,282 )
           

Net cash flow

    33,025     59,987  

10% annual discount rate

    (17,487 )   (23,500 )
           

Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flow

  $ 15,538   $ 36,487  
           
           

        The following are the principal sources of change in the Standardized Measure:

(in thousands)
  Year Ended
December 31,
2012
  Year ended
December 31,
2011
 

Standardized Measure, beginning of period

  $ 36,487   $ 20,256  

Sales, net of production costs

    (9,824 )   (17,616 )

Net change in sales prices, net of production costs

    (3,567 )   6,080  

Extensions and discoveries, net of future production and development costs

    7,465     26,574  

Previously estimated development costs incurred during the period

    839     4,468  

Revision of quantity estimates

    1,034     535  

Accretion of discount

    4,063     2,112  

Change in income taxes

    4,144     (3,280 )

Sales of reserves in-place

    (21,377 )    

Change in production rates and other

    (3,726 )   (2,642 )
           

Standardized Measure, end of period

  $ 15,538   $ 36,487  
           
           

        Impact of Pricing —The estimates of cash flows and reserve quantities shown above are based upon the unweighted average first-day-of-the-month prices. If future gas sales are covered by contracts at specified prices, the contract prices would be used. Fluctuations in prices are due to supply and demand and are beyond our control.

        The following average prices were used in determining the Standardized Measure as at:

 
  December 31,
2012
  December 31,
2011
 

Oil price per Bbl

  $ 94.72   $ 96.34  

Gas price per Mcf

  $ 2.76   $ 4.12  

        We calculate the projected income tax effect using the "year-by-year" method for purposes of the supplemental oil and gas disclosures.

F-212


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SIGNATURES

        The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this registration statement on its behalf.

  SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  By:   /s/ ERIC P. MCCRADY

      Name:   Eric P. McCrady

      Title:   Chief Executive Officer

Date: July 11, 2014


Table of Contents


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
  Description of Exhibit
  1.1   Constitution of Sundance Energy Australia Limited

 

4.1

 

Credit Agreement, dated December 28, 2012, by and among Sundance Energy, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender, and LC issuer, and the lender parties thereto

 

4.2

 

Amended and Restated Guaranty, dated as of December 28, 2012, by Sundance Energy Australia Limited in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent

 

4.3

 

Stock Pledge Agreement, dated as of December 28, 2012, by Sundance Energy Australia Limited in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent

 

4.4

 

Second-Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2013, by and among Sundance Energy, Inc., Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as administrative agent, and the lender parties thereto

 

4.5

 

Second-Lien Security Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2013, by Sundance Energy, Inc. and the other guarantor parties thereto, in favor of Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as administrative agent

 

4.6

 

Second-Lien Stock Pledge Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2013, by Sundance Energy Australia Limited in favor of Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as administrative agent

 

4.7

 

Second-Lien Guaranty, dated as of August 30, 2013, by the subsidiaries of Sundance Energy, Inc. in favor of Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as administrative agent

 

4.8

 

Second-Lien Guaranty, dated as of August 30, 2013, by Sundance Energy Australia Limited in favor of Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as administrative agent

 

4.9

 

Form of Deed of Access, Insurance and Indemnity for Directors and Officers

 

4.10

 

Form of Employment Agreement, by and between Sundance Energy Inc. and Eric P. McCrady

 

8.1

 

List of significant subsidiaries of Sundance Energy Australia Limited

 

15.1

 

Letter from Grant Thornton South Australia Partnership regarding change in certifying accountant

 

15.2

 

Letter from Grant Thornton LLP (U.S.)

 

15.3

 

Consent of Ernst & Young

 

15.4

 

Consent of Grant Thornton LLP

 

15.5

 

Consent of KPMG

 

15.6

 

Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.

 

15.7

 

Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. regarding the registrant's estimated proved reserves as of June 30, 2011 dated December 5, 2013

 

15.8

 

Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. regarding the registrant's estimated proved reserves as of June 30, 2012 dated December 9, 2013

 

15.9

 

Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. regarding the registrant's estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2012 dated December 3, 2013

 

15.10

 

Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. regarding the registrant's estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2013 dated July 3, 2014



Exhibit 1.1

 

Constitution

 

Sundance Energy Australia Limited

 

(ACN 112 202 883)

 

 



 

Constitution of Sundance Energy Australia Limited

 

Preliminary

 

7

 

 

 

 

1.

Defined terms

 

7

 

 

 

 

2.

Interpretation

 

8

 

 

 

 

3.

Replaceable rules

 

9

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

9

 

 

 

 

4.

Rights

 

9

 

 

 

 

5.

Issue of Shares

 

9

 

 

 

 

6.

Commission and brokerage

 

10

 

 

 

 

7.

Trusts not recognised

 

10

 

 

 

 

8.

Joint holders

 

10

 

 

 

 

9.

Share certificates

 

10

 

 

 

 

10.

Class meetings

 

11

 

 

 

 

11.

Non-marketable parcels

 

11

 

 

 

 

Calls

 

12

 

 

 

 

12.

General

 

12

 

 

 

 

13.

Instalments and amounts which become payable

 

13

 

 

 

 

14.

Interest and expenses

 

13

 

 

 

 

15.

Recovery of amounts due

 

13

 

 

 

 

16.

Differentiation

 

13

 

 

 

 

17.

Payment of calls in advance

 

14

 

 

 

 

Lien and forfeiture

 

14

 

 

 

 

18.

Lien

 

14

 

 

 

 

19.

Lien sale

 

15

 

 

 

 

20.

Forfeiture notice

 

15

 

 

 

 

21.

Forfeiture

 

15

 

 

 

 

22.

Liability of former Member

 

16

 

 

 

 

23.

Disposal of Shares

 

16

 

2



 

Transfer of Shares

 

17

 

 

 

 

24.

General

 

17

 

 

 

 

25.

Proportional takeover bid

 

18

 

 

 

 

26.

Transfer procedure

 

18

 

 

 

 

27.

Right to refuse registration

 

19

 

 

 

 

Transmission of Shares

 

19

 

 

 

 

28.

Title on death

 

19

 

 

 

 

29.

Entitlement to transmission

 

20

 

 

 

 

Changes to Share capital

 

20

 

 

 

 

30.

Consolidation or division

 

20

 

 

 

 

Powers of attorney

 

20

 

 

 

 

31.

Powers of attorney

 

20

 

 

 

 

General meetings

 

21

 

 

 

 

32.

Calling general meeting

 

21

 

 

 

 

33.

Notice

 

21

 

 

 

 

34.

Business

 

22

 

 

 

 

Proceedings at general meetings

 

22

 

 

 

 

35.

Member

 

22

 

 

 

 

36.

Quorum

 

22

 

 

 

 

37.

Chairperson

 

23

 

 

 

 

38.

General conduct

 

23

 

 

 

 

39.

Adjournment

 

23

 

 

 

 

40.

Decisions

 

24

 

 

 

 

41.

Taking a poll

 

24

 

 

 

 

42.

Casting vote of chairperson

 

25

 

 

 

 

43.

Admission to general meetings

 

25

 

 

 

 

44.

Auditor’s right to be heard

 

25

 

 

 

 

Votes of Members

 

25

 

 

 

 

45.

Entitlement to vote

 

25

 

3



 

46.

Unpaid calls

 

26

 

 

 

 

47.

Joint holders

 

26

 

 

 

 

48.

Objections

 

26

 

 

 

 

49.

Votes by proxy

 

27

 

 

 

 

50.

Document appointing proxy

 

27

 

 

 

 

51.

Proxy in blank

 

28

 

 

 

 

52.

Lodgment of proxy

 

28

 

 

 

 

53.

Validity

 

28

 

 

 

 

54.

Representatives of bodies corporate

 

29

 

 

 

 

Appointment and removal of Directors

 

29

 

 

 

 

55.

Number of Directors

 

29

 

 

 

 

56.

Qualification

 

29

 

 

 

 

57.

Power to remove and appoint

 

30

 

 

 

 

58.

Additional and casual Directors

 

30

 

 

 

 

59.

Retirement by rotation

 

30

 

 

 

 

60.

Nomination of Director

 

31

 

 

 

 

61.

Vacation of office

 

31

 

 

 

 

Remuneration of Directors

 

32

 

 

 

 

62.

Remuneration of Non-Executive Directors

 

32

 

 

 

 

63.

Remuneration of Executive Directors

 

32

 

 

 

 

64.

Retirement benefits

 

33

 

 

 

 

Powers and duties of Directors

 

33

 

 

 

 

65.

Directors to manage Company

 

33

 

 

 

 

Proceedings of Directors

 

33

 

 

 

 

66.

Directors’ meetings

 

33

 

 

 

 

67.

Decisions

 

34

 

 

 

 

68.

Directors’ interests

 

34

 

 

 

 

69.

Alternate Directors

 

35

 

 

 

 

70.

Remaining Directors

 

35

 

4



 

71.

Chairperson

 

36

 

 

 

 

72.

Delegation

 

36

 

 

 

 

73.

Written resolutions

 

36

 

 

 

 

74.

Validity of acts of Directors

 

37

 

 

 

 

75.

Minutes

 

37

 

 

 

 

Executive Directors

 

37

 

 

 

 

76.

Appointment

 

37

 

 

 

 

77.

Powers of Executive Directors

 

38

 

 

 

 

Local management

 

38

 

 

 

 

78.

General

 

38

 

 

 

 

79.

Appointment of attorneys and agents

 

38

 

 

 

 

Secretary

 

39

 

 

 

 

80.

Secretary

 

39

 

 

 

 

Seals

 

39

 

 

 

 

81.

Common Seal

 

39

 

 

 

 

82.

Duplicate Seal

 

40

 

 

 

 

83.

Share Seal

 

40

 

 

 

 

Inspection of records

 

40

 

 

 

 

84.

Times for inspection

 

40

 

 

 

 

Dividends and reserves

 

40

 

 

 

 

85.

Dividends

 

40

 

 

 

 

86.

Amend resolution to pay dividend

 

40

 

 

 

 

87.

No interest

 

41

 

 

 

 

88.

Reserves

 

41

 

 

 

 

89.

Dividend entitlement

 

41

 

 

 

 

90.

Restricted securities

 

41

 

 

 

 

91.

Deductions from dividends

 

41

 

 

 

 

92.

Distribution of assets

 

41

 

 

 

 

93.

Payment

 

42

 

5



 

94.

Election to reinvest dividend

 

42

 

 

 

 

95.

Election to accept Shares in lieu of dividend

 

42

 

 

 

 

96.

Unclaimed dividends

 

43

 

 

 

 

97.

Capitalisation of profits

 

43

 

 

 

 

Notices

 

44

 

 

 

 

98.

Service of notices

 

44

 

 

 

 

99.

Persons entitled to notice

 

45

 

 

 

 

Audit and financial records

 

45

 

 

 

 

100.

Company to keep financial records

 

45

 

 

 

 

Winding up

 

46

 

 

 

 

101.

Winding up

 

46

 

 

 

 

Indemnity

 

46

 

 

 

 

102.

Indemnity

 

46

 

 

 

 

103.

Shareholder disclosure

 

47

 

6



 

Preliminary

 

1.                                    Defined terms

 

1.1                             In this Constitution:

 

Alternate Director means a person appointed as an alternate director under clause 69.

 

Approving Resolution means a resolution passed in accordance with clause 25.

 

Approving Resolution Deadline in relation to a proportional takeover bid means the day that is the 14th day before the last day of the bid period.

 

ASTC means ASX Settlement and Transfer Corporation Pty Limited ABN 49 008 504 532.

 

ASTC Settlement Rules  means the operating rules of ASTC.

 

ASX means Australian Stock Exchange Limited ABN 98 008 624 691.

 

ASX Listing Rules  means the listing rules of ASX and any other rules of ASX applicable to the Company or the Shares while the Company is admitted to the Official List, each as amended or replaced from time to time, except to the extent of any express written waiver by ASX.

 

Auditor means the Company’s auditor.

 

Business Day has the same meaning as in the ASX Listing Rules.

 

CHESS Holding has the same meaning as in the ASTC Settlement Rules.

 

Company means Sundance Energy Australia Limited (ACN 112 202 883).

 

Constitution means the constitution of the Company as amended from time to time.

 

Corporations Act means the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) as amended or replaced from time to time and includes any regulations made under that Act and any exemption or modification to that Act applying to the Company.

 

CS Facility Rules  means the operating rules of an applicable CS facility licensee.

 

Director means a person appointed to the position of a director of the Company and where appropriate, includes an Alternate Director.

 

Directors means all or some of the Directors acting as a board.

 

Dividend includes bonus.

 

Executive Director has the meaning given by clause 76.2.

 

Issuer Sponsored Holding has the same meaning as in the ASTC Settlement Rules.

 

Managing Director means a Director appointed as managing director under clause 76.1.

 

Marketable Parcel has the same meaning as in the business rules of ASX in force from time to time.

 

Member means a person who is a member of the Company under the Corporations Act.

 

Non-Executive Director means a Director who is not an Executive Director.

 

Non-Marketable Parcel means a parcel of securities that is less than a Marketable Parcel.

 

Register means the register of Members of the Company.

 

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Representative means a person appointed by a Member to act as its representative under clause 54.1.

 

Restricted Securities has the same meaning as in the ASX Listing Rules.

 

Seal means the Company’s common seal.

 

Secretary means any person appointed by the Directors to perform any of the duties of a secretary of the Company and if more than one person is appointed, any one or more of such persons.

 

Shares means shares in the share capital of the Company.

 

1.2                             In this Constitution, except where the context otherwise requires, an expression in a clause of this Constitution has the same meaning as in the Corporations Act.  Where the expression has more than one meaning in the Corporations Act and a provision of the Corporations Act deals with the same matter as a clause of this Constitution, that expression has the same meaning as in that provision.

 

2.                                    Interpretation

 

2.1                             In this Constitution, except where the context otherwise requires:

 

(a)                                the singular includes the plural and vice versa, and a gender includes other genders;

 

(b)                                another grammatical form of a defined word or expression has a corresponding meaning;

 

(c)                                 a reference to a clause, paragraph, schedule or annexure is to a clause or paragraph of, or schedule or annexure to, this Constitution, and a reference to this Constitution includes any schedule or annexure;

 

(d)                                a reference to a document or instrument includes the document or instrument as novated, altered, supplemented or replaced from time to time;

 

(e)                                 a reference to A$ , $A , dollar or $ is to Australian currency; and

 

(f)                                  the meaning of general words is not limited by specific examples introduced by including , for example or similar expressions.

 

2.2                             Headings are for ease of reference only and do not affect interpretation.

 

2.3                             The Corporations Act prevails over any inconsistency with:

 

(a)                                this Constitution;

 

(b)                                the ASX Listing Rules; and

 

(c)                                 the CS Facility Rules.

 

2.4                            For as long as the Company is admitted to the Official List of ASX, the following clauses apply:

 

(a)                                Notwithstanding anything contained in this Constitution, if the ASX Listing Rules prohibit an act being done, the act shall not be done.

 

(b)                                Nothing contained in this Constitution prevents an act being done that the ASX Listing Rules require to be done.

 

(c)                                 If the ASX Listing Rules require an act to be done or not to be done, authority is given for that act to be done or not to be done (as the case may be).

 

(d)                                If the ASX Listing Rules require this Constitution to contain a provision and it does not contain such a provision, this Constitution is deemed to contain that provision.

 

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(e)                                 If the ASX Listing Rules require this Constitution not to contain a provision and it contains such a provision, this Constitution is deemed not to contain that provision.

 

(f)                                  If any provision of this Constitution is or becomes inconsistent with the ASX Listing Rules, this Constitution is deemed not to contain that provision to the extent of the inconsistency.

 

3.                                    Replaceable rules

 

The provisions of the Corporations Act that apply to certain companies as replaceable rules are displaced by this Constitution in their entirety and do not apply to the Company.

 

Shares

 

4.                                    Rights

 

Subject to this Constitution and to the terms of issue of Shares, all Shares attract the following rights:

 

(a)                                the right to receive notice of and to attend and vote at all general meetings of the Company;

 

(b)                                the right to receive dividends; and

 

(c)                                 in a winding up or a reduction of capital, the right to participate equally in the distribution of the assets of the Company (both capital and surplus), subject to any amounts unpaid on the Share and, in the case of a reduction, to the terms of the reduction.

 

5.                                    Issue of Shares

 

5.1                             Subject to the Corporations Act, the ASX Listing Rules and this Constitution, the Directors may issue and allot, or dispose of, Shares:

 

(a)                                on terms determined by the Directors;

 

(b)                                at the issue price that the Directors determine; and

 

(c)                                 to Members whether in proportion to their existing shareholdings or otherwise, and to such other persons as the Directors may determine.

 

5.2                             The Directors’ power under clause 5.1 includes the power to:

 

(a)                                grant options over unissued Shares;

 

(b)                                issue and allot Shares:

 

(i)                                   with any preferential, deferred or special rights, privileges or conditions;

 

(ii)                                with any restrictions in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital or otherwise;

 

(iii)                             which are liable to be redeemed;

 

(iv)                            which are bonus Shares for whose issue no consideration is payable to the Company; or

 

(v)                               which have any combination of the characteristics described in clauses 5.2(b)(i) to 5.2(b)(iv) inclusive.

 

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6.                                    Commission and brokerage

 

Any brokerage or commission which may be paid by the Company may be made in cash, by the issue and allotment of Shares, or the issue of debentures, or by a combination of any of those methods.

 

7.                                    Trusts not recognised

 

7.1                             Except as required by law, the CS Facility Rules or as otherwise provided by this Constitution, the Company will not recognise any person as holding a Share on trust and the Company will not be bound to recognise any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest or any other right in respect of a Share except the registered holder’s absolute right of ownership.

 

7.2                             This clause 7 applies even if the Company has notice of the relevant trust, interest or right.

 

8.                                    Joint holders

 

8.1                             If two or more persons are registered as the holders of a Share, they are taken to hold the Share as joint tenants with benefit of survivorship and the person whose name appears first on the Register is the only joint holder entitled to receive notices from the Company.

 

8.2                             Any one of the joint holders of a Share may give an effective receipt for any dividend or return of capital payable to the joint holders.

 

8.3                             The Company is entitled to and in respect of CHESS Holdings, must:

 

(a)                                record the names of only the first three joint holders of a Share on the Register;

 

(b)                                regard the three joint holders of a Share appearing first on the Register as the registered holders of that Share to the exclusion of any other holders; and

 

(c)                                 disregard the entitlement of any person to be registered on the Register as a holder if the name of the person would appear on the Register after the first three holders for that Share.

 

9.                                    Share certificates

 

9.1                             The Directors will not, unless they determine otherwise or the ASX Listing Rules require, issue a certificate to a Member for any Shares registered in the Member’s name or record any holding as held on a certificated subregister.

 

9.2                             Any certificate for Shares must be issued and despatched in accordance with the Corporations Act, the ASX Listing Rules and the CS Facility Rules.

 

9.3                             Subject to the ASX Listing Rules, the Directors may in their absolute discretion elect whether to maintain a certificated subregister for any class of Shares.

 

9.4                             Subject to the ASX Listing Rules and the CS Facility Rules, Shares may be held on any subregister maintained by or on behalf of the Company or on any branch register kept by the Company.

 

9.5                            The Directors may order worn out or defaced certificates to be cancelled and, if necessary, replaced by new certificates.

 

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10.                             Class meetings

 

10.1                      The rights attached to any class of Shares may be varied in accordance with the Corporations Act.

 

10.2                      The provisions of this Constitution relating to general meetings apply, with necessary changes, to a meeting of a class of Members holding Shares in that class as if it was a general meeting except that:

 

(a)                                a quorum is two persons holding or representing by proxy, attorney or Representative not less than 5% of the Shares of the class or, if there is one holder of Shares in the class, that holder or a proxy, attorney or representative of that holder; and

 

(b)                                any five holders, or holders of Shares of the class present in person or by proxy, attorney or Representative who can vote not less than 5% of all votes held by Members of that class, may demand a poll.

 

11.                             Non-marketable parcels

 

11.1                      If one or more Members hold less than a Marketable Parcel of Shares, the Directors may invoke the procedure for the sale of Shares under this clause 11 ( Procedure ).

 

11.2                      To invoke the Procedure, the Directors must give each Member (or each Member whose Shares are not held in a CHESS Holding) who holds less than a Marketable Parcel of Shares ( Eligible Member ) written notice ( Notice of Divestiture ) that complies with this clause 11.

 

11.3                      A Notice of Divestiture given to a Member must:

 

(a)                                state that the Shares referred to in the Notice of Divestiture are liable to be sold in accordance with the Procedure if the Member does not advise the Company before a specified date ( Relevant Date ) that the Member wishes to keep those Shares; and

 

(b)                                if the Member holds Shares in a CHESS Holding, contain a statement to the effect that if those Shares remain in a CHESS Holding after the Relevant Date, the Company may, without further notice, move those Shares from the CHESS Holding to an Issuer Sponsored Holding or a Certificated Holding for the purposes of divestment by the Company in accordance with the Procedure.

 

11.4                      The Relevant Date must be six weeks or more after the date that the Notice of Divestiture is sent.

 

11.5                      A copy of a Notice of Divestiture must be given to any other person required by the CS Facility Rules.

 

11.6                      If an Eligible Member on whom a Notice of Divestiture has been served, wants to keep the Shares referred to in the Notice of Divesture, the Eligible Member must give the Company written notice before the Relevant Date, advising the Company that the Member wants to keep those Shares in which event the Company will not sell the Shares.

 

11.7                      If an Eligible Member on whom a Notice of Divestiture has been served does not give the Company written notice before the Relevant Date advising the Company that the Eligible Member wants to keep the Shares referred in the Notice of Divestiture, the Company may:

 

(a)                                if the Member holds those Shares in a CHESS Holding, move those Shares from the CHESS Holding to an Issuer Sponsored Holding or a Certificated Holding; and

 

(b)                                in any case, sell those Shares in accordance with the Procedure,

 

but only if the Shares held by the Eligible Member on the Relevant Date is less than a Marketable Parcel.

 

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11.8                      Any Shares which may be sold under this clause 11 may be sold on the terms, in the manner (whether on-market, by private treaty, through a share sale facility established by, on behalf or, or at the request of the Company, or otherwise) and at the time or times determined by the Directors and, for the purposes of a sale under this clause 11, each Eligible Member:

 

(a)                                appoints the Company as the Eligible Member’s agent for sale;

 

(b)                                authorises the Company to effect on the Eligible Member’s behalf a transfer of the Shares sold and to deal with the proceeds of the sale of the Shares in accordance with clause 11.10;

 

(c)                                 appoints the Company, it’s Directors and the Secretary jointly and severally as the Eligible Member’s attorneys to execute an instrument or take other steps, in the Eligible Member’s name and on the Eligible Member’s behalf, as they or any of them may consider appropriate to transfer the Shares sold; and

 

(d)                                authorises each of the attorneys appointed under clause 11.8(c) to appoint an agent to do a thing referred to in clause 11.8(c).

 

11.9                      The title of the transferee to Shares acquired under this clause 11 is not affected by an irregularity or invalidity in connection with the sale of Shares to the Transferee.

 

11.10               The proceeds of any sale of Shares under this clause 11 less any unpaid calls and interest ( Sale Consideration ) will be paid to the relevant Member or as that Member may direct.

 

11.11               The Company will hold the Sale Consideration in trust for the Member whose Shares are sold under this clause and will forthwith notify the Member in writing that the Sale Consideration in respect of the Member’s Shares has been received by the Company and is being held by the Company pending instructions from the Member as to how it is to be dealt with.  If the Member has been issued with a share certificate or certificates, the Member’s instructions, to be effective, must be accompanied by the share certificate or certificates to which the Sale Consideration relates or, if the certificate or certificates has or have been lost or destroyed, by a statement and undertaking under subsection 1070D(5) of the Corporations Act.

 

11.12               Subject to the Corporations Act, the Company or the purchaser will bear all costs, including brokerage and stamp duty, associated with the sale of any Shares under this clause.

 

11.13               The Procedure may only be invoked once in any 12 month period after its adoption or renewal.

 

11.14               If the Procedure has been invoked and there is an announcement of a takeover bid for Shares, no more sales of Shares may be made under this clause 11 until after the close of the offers made under the takeover.  The Procedure may then be invoked again.

 

Calls

 

12.                             General

 

12.1                      Subject to the Corporations Act and the terms on which partly paid Shares are issued, the Directors may make calls on the holders of the Shares for any money unpaid on them.

 

12.2                      A call is made when the resolution of the Directors authorising it is passed.

 

12.3                      The Directors may revoke or postpone a call before its due date for payment.

 

12.4                      The Directors may require a call to be paid by instalments.

 

12.5                      The Company must comply with the Corporations Act and the ASX Listing Rules in relation to the dispatch and content of notices to Members on whom a call is made.

 

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12.6                      A Member to whom notice of a call is given in accordance with this clause 12 must pay to the Company the amount called in accordance with the notice.

 

12.7                      Failure to send a notice of a call to any Member or the non-receipt of a notice by any Member does not invalidate the call.

 

12.8                      Joint holders of Shares are jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in respect of their Shares.

 

13.                             Instalments and amounts which become payable

 

If:

 

(a)                                the Directors require a call to be paid by instalments; or

 

(b)                                an amount becomes payable by the terms of issue of Shares on allotment, or at a time or in circumstances specified in the terms of issue,

 

then:

 

(c)                                 every instalment or the amount payable under the terms of issue is payable as if it were a call made by the Directors and as if they had given notice of it; and

 

(d)                                the consequences of late payment or non-payment of an instalment or the amount payable under the terms of issue are the same as the consequences of late payment or non-payment of a call.

 

14.                             Interest and expenses

 

If an amount called is not paid on or before the due date, the person liable to pay the amount must also pay:

 

(a)                                interest on the amount from the due date to the time of actual payment at a rate determined by the Directors (not exceeding 20% per annum); and

 

(b)                                all expenses incurred by the Company as a consequence of the non-payment,

 

but the Directors may waive payment of the interest and expenses in whole or in part.

 

15.                             Recovery of amounts due

 

On the hearing of any action for the recovery of money due for any call, proof that:

 

(a)                                the name of the person sued was, when the call was made, entered in the Register as a holder or the holder of Shares in respect of which the call was made;

 

(b)                                the resolution making the call is duly recorded in the Directors’ minute book; and

 

(c)                                 notice of the call was given to the person sued,

 

will be conclusive evidence of the debt.

 

16.                             Differentiation

 

The Directors may, on the issue of Shares, differentiate between the holders as to the amount of calls to be paid and the times of payment.

 

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17.                            Payment of calls in advance

 

17.1                      The Directors may accept from a Member the whole or part of the amount unpaid on a Share before the amount accepted has been called.

 

17.2                      The Company may:

 

(a)                                pay interest on any amount accepted, until the amount is payable under a call and at a rate (not exceeding 20% per annum) agreed between the Member and the Directors; and

 

(b)                                subject to any contract between the Company and the Member, repay all or any of the amount accepted in excess of the amount called on the Share.

 

17.3                      Payment of an amount in advance of a call does not entitle the paying Member to any:

 

(a)                                dividend, benefit or advantage, other than the payment of interest under this clause 17; or

 

(b)                                voting right,

 

to which the Member would not have been entitled if it had paid the amount when it became due.

 

Lien and forfeiture

 

18.                             Lien

 

18.1                      To the extent permitted by the ASX Listing Rules, the Company has a first and paramount lien on every partly paid Share and dividends payable in respect of the Share for all money:

 

(a)                                due and unpaid to the Company at a fixed time, in respect of the Share;

 

(b)                                presently payable by a holder or the holder of the Share, or the holder’s estate, to the Company in respect of the Share; or

 

(c)                                 which the Company is required by law to pay (and has paid) in respect of the Share.

 

18.2                      The lien extends to reasonable interest and expenses incurred because the amount is not paid.

 

18.3                      If any law for the time being of any country, state or place imposes or purports to impose an immediate or contingent liability on the Company to make any payment or authorises a taxing authority or Government official to require the Company to make payment in respect of Shares or dividends or other moneys accruing due to the Member who holds the Shares:

 

(a)                                the Member or, if the Member is deceased, the Member’s legal personal representative, indemnifies the Company in respect of any such payment or liability; and

 

(b)                                subject to the Corporations Act and the ASX Listing Rules, the Company:

 

(i)                                   has a lien on the Shares and dividends and other moneys payable in respect of the Shares, whether the Shares are held by the Member solely or jointly with another person in respect of any payment made or liability incurred by the Company, together with reasonable expenses and interest on any payment made by the Company at a rate to be fixed by the Directors not exceeding 20% per annum from the date of payment by the Company to the date of repayment by the Member;

 

(ii)                                may set off amounts so paid by the Company against amounts payable by the Company to the Member as dividends or otherwise; and

 

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(iii)                             may recover as a debt due from the Member or its legal personal representative the amount of all payments made by the Company together with reasonable expenses and interest at the rate and for the period referred to in clause 18.3(b)(i).

 

18.4                      The Company may do all things which the Directors think necessary or appropriate to do under the ASX Listing Rules and the CS Facility Rules to enforce or protect the Company’s lien.

 

18.5                      Unless the Directors determine otherwise, the registration of a transfer of a Share operates as a waiver of the Company’s lien on the Share.

 

18.6                      The Directors may declare a Share to be wholly or partly exempt from a lien.

 

19.                             Lien sale

 

If:

 

(a)                                the Company has a lien on a Share for money presently payable;

 

(b)                                the Company has given the Member or the Member’s executors or administrators (as the case may be) holding the Share written notice demanding payment of the money; and

 

(c)                                 that Member fails to pay all of the money demanded,

 

then 14 or more days after giving the notice, the Directors may, if the ASX Listing Rules permit, sell the Share in any manner determined by them.

 

20.                             Forfeiture notice

 

20.1                      The Directors may at any time after a call or instalment becomes payable and remains unpaid by a Member, serve a notice on the Member requiring the Member to pay all or any of the following:

 

(a)                                the unpaid amount;

 

(b)                                any interest that has accrued; and

 

(c)                                 all expenses incurred by the Company as a consequence of the non-payment.

 

20.2                      The notice under clause 20.1 must:

 

(a)                                specify a day (not earlier than 14 days after the date of the notice) on or before which the payment required by the notice must be made; and

 

(b)                                state that if a Member does not comply with the notice, the Shares in respect of which the call was made or instalment is payable will be liable to be forfeited.

 

21.                             Forfeiture

 

21.1                      If a Member does not comply with a notice served under clause 20, then any or all of the Shares in respect of which the notice was given may be forfeited under a resolution of the Directors.

 

21.2                      Unpaid dividends in respect of forfeited Shares will also be forfeited.

 

21.3                      On forfeiture, Shares become the property of the Company and forfeited Shares must be:

 

(a)                                if the ASX Listing Rules permit, sold, disposed of, or cancelled on terms determined by the Directors; or

 

(b)                                offered by public auction in accordance with any requirements of the ASX Listing Rules.

 

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21.4                     The Directors may, at any time before a forfeited Share is sold, disposed of or cancelled, annul the forfeiture of the Share on conditions determined by them.

 

21.5                      Promptly after a Share has been forfeited:

 

(a)                                notice of the forfeiture must be given to the Member in whose name the Share was registered immediately before its forfeiture; and

 

(b)                                the forfeiture and its date must be noted in the Register.

 

21.6                      Omission or neglect to give notice of or to note the forfeiture as specified in clause 21.5 will not invalidate a forfeiture.

 

22.                             Liability of former Member

 

22.1                      The interest of a person who held Shares which are forfeited is extinguished but subject to the ASX Listing Rules, the former Member remains liable to pay:

 

(a)                                all money (including interest and expenses) that was payable by the Member to the Company at the date of forfeiture in respect of the forfeited Shares; and

 

(b)                                interest from the date of forfeiture until payment of the money referred to in clause 22.1(a), of this clause at a rate determined by the Directors (not exceeding 20% per annum).

 

22.2                      A former Member’s liability to the Company ceases if and when the Company receives payment in full of all money (including interest and expenses) payable by the former Member in respect of the Shares.  The liability may only be released or waived in accordance with the ASX Listing Rules.

 

23.                             Disposal of Shares

 

23.1                      The Company may:

 

(a)                                receive the consideration (if any) given for a forfeited Share on any sale or disposition of the Share, or a Share sold under a lien sale; and

 

(b)                                effect a transfer of the Share in favour of a person to whom the Share is sold or disposed of.

 

23.2                      The purchaser of the Share:

 

(a)                                is not bound to check the regularity of the sale or the application of the purchase price;

 

(b)                                obtains title to the Share despite any irregularity in the sale; and

 

(c)                                 will not be subject to complaint or remedy by the former holder of the Share in respect of the purchase.

 

23.3                      A statement signed by a Director and the Secretary that the Share has been regularly forfeited and sold or reissued or regularly sold without forfeiture to enforce a lien, is conclusive evidence of the matters stated as against all persons claiming to be entitled to the Share.

 

23.4                      Subject to the terms on which a Share is on issue, the net proceeds of any sale made to enforce a lien or on forfeiture must be applied by the Company in the following order:

 

(a)                                in payment of the costs of the sale;

 

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(b)                                in payment of all amounts (if any) secured by the lien or all money (if any) that was payable in respect of the forfeited Share; and

 

(c)                                 where the Share was forfeited under clause 21.1, in payment of any surplus to the former Member whose Share was sold.

 

Transfer of Shares

 

24.                             General

 

24.1                      Subject to this Constitution, a Member may transfer Shares held by that Member.

 

24.2                      Subject to clause 24.3, Shares may be transferred by:

 

(a)                                a written transfer instrument in any usual or common form; or

 

(b)                                any other form approved by the Directors.

 

24.3                      The Company may participate in any computerised or electronic system for market settlement, securities transfer and registration conducted in accordance with the Corporations Act, the ASX Listing Rules and the CS Facility Rules, or corresponding laws or securities exchange rules in any other country.

 

24.4                      If the Company participates in a system of the kind described in clause 24.3, then despite any other provision of this Constitution:

 

(a)                                Shares may be transferred, and transfers may be registered, in any manner required or permitted by the ASX Listing Rules or the CS Facility Rules (or corresponding laws or securities exchange rules in any other country) applying in relation to the system;

 

(b)                                the Company must comply with and give effect to those rules; and

 

(c)                                 the Company may, in accordance with those rules, decline to issue certificates for holdings of Shares.

 

24.5                      A written transfer instrument must be:

 

(a)                                executed by the transferor or (where the Corporations Act permits) stamped by the transferor’s broker;

 

(b)                                unless the Directors decide otherwise in the case of a fully paid Share, executed by the transferee or (where the Corporations Act permits) stamped by the transferee’s broker; and

 

(c)                                 in the case of a transfer of partly paid Shares, endorsed or accompanied by an instrument executed by the transferee or by the transferee’s broker to the effect that the transferee agrees to accept the Shares subject to the terms and conditions on which the transferor held them, to become a Member and to be bound by the Constitution.

 

Subject to the Corporation Act, the written transfer instrument may comprise more than one document.

 

24.6                      Except as required by the CS Facility Rules:

 

(a)                                a transferor of Shares remains the holder of the Shares transferred until the transfer is registered and the name of the transferee is entered in the Register in respect of the Shares; and

 

(b)                                a transfer of Shares does not pass the right to any dividends on the Shares until such registration.

 

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25.                             Proportional takeover bid

 

25.1                      Registration of a transfer giving effect to a contract resulting from the acceptance of an offer made under a proportional takeover bid is prohibited unless and until an Approving Resolution approving the proportional takeover bid is passed.

 

25.2                     A person (other than the bidder or an associate of the bidder) who, as at the end of the day on which the first offer under the proportional takeover bid was made, held bid class Shares is entitled to:

 

(a)                                vote on a Approving Resolution; and

 

(b)                                has one vote for each bid class Share held.

 

25.3                      Where offers have been made under a proportional takeover bid, the Directors must ensure that an Approving Resolution is voted on at a meeting of the persons described in clause 25.2 before the Approving Resolution Deadline.

 

25.4                      An Approving Resolution is passed if more than 50% of the votes cast on the resolution are cast in favour of the resolution, and otherwise is taken to have been rejected.

 

25.5                      The provisions of this Constitution that apply to a general meeting of the Company apply, with such modifications as the circumstances require, to a meeting that is called under this clause as if the meeting was a general meeting of the Company.

 

25.6                      If an Approving Resolution to approve the proportional takeover bid is voted on in accordance with this clause before the Approving Resolution Deadline, the Company must, on or before the Approving Resolution Deadline, give:

 

(a)                                the bidder; and

 

(b)                                each relevant financial market,

 

a written notice stating that an Approving Resolution to approve the proportional takeover bid has been voted on and whether it was passed or rejected.

 

25.7                      If no resolution has been voted on in accordance with this clause as at the end of the day before the Approving Resolution Deadline, a resolution to approve the proportional takeover bid is taken, for the purposes of this clause, to have been passed in accordance with this clause.

 

25.8                      Under the Corporations Act, this clause 25 automatically ceases to have effect on that date which is three years after the date of adoption of this Constitution by the Company.

 

26.                             Transfer procedure

 

26.1                      Except where the Directors determine (to comply with laws or securities exchange rules of a foreign country or the CS Facility Rules), for a transfer of Shares that is not an ASTC-regulated transfer:

 

(a)                                the written transfer instrument must be left at the Company’s registered office or another place acceptable to the Company;

 

(b)                                the instrument must be accompanied by a certificate for the Shares dealt with in the transfer where a certificate has been issued, unless the Directors waive production of the certificate on receiving satisfactory evidence of the loss or destruction of the certificate; and

 

(c)                                 the Directors may, if the ASX Listing Rules permit, require other evidence of the transferor’s right to transfer the Shares.

 

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26.2                      For a transfer of Shares that is an ASTC-regulated transfer, a Share transfer must be effected in accordance with the ASX Listing Rules and the ASTC Settlement Rules.

 

27.                             Right to refuse registration

 

27.1                      The Directors may in their absolute discretion refuse to register any transfer of Shares or other securities where the Shares or other securities are not quoted by ASX.  Where the Shares or other securities are quoted by ASX, the Directors may in their absolute discretion refuse to register any transfer in any of the circumstances permitted by the ASX Listing Rules.

 

27.2                      The Directors must:

 

(a)                                except as permitted by ASX, refuse to register any transfer of Shares or other securities which are Restricted Securities if that transfer is or might be in breach of the ASX Listing Rules or any restriction agreement entered into by the Company under the ASX Listing Rules in relation to the Shares; and

 

(b)                                refuse to register any transfer where the Company is, or the Directors are, required to do so by the ASX Listing Rules.

 

27.3                      Despite clauses 27.1 and 27.2, the Company must not refuse or fail to register or give effect to, or delay or in any way interfere with, a proper ASTC transfer of Shares or other securities quoted by ASX.

 

27.4                      If a person has lodged a transfer which the Directors have refused to register, the Company must, within five Business Days after the date of lodgment, give to the lodging person written notice of the refusal and the reasons for it.

 

27.5                      Subject to clause 27.3, Restricted Securities cannot be disposed of during the escrow period except as permitted by the ASX Listing Rules or ASX.  The Company will refuse to acknowledge a disposal of Restricted Securities to the extent required under the ASX Listing Rules.

 

Transmission of Shares

 

28.                             Title on death

 

28.1                      The legal personal representative of a deceased Member who was the sole holder of Shares is the only person whom the Company will recognise as having any title to the deceased Member’s Shares.

 

28.2                      If a deceased Member was a joint holder of Shares, the other joint holder is the only person whom the Company will recognise as having any title to the deceased Member’s Shares.

 

28.3                      The estate of the deceased Member will not be released from any liability to the Company in respect of the Shares.

 

28.4                      The Company may register or give effect to a transfer to a transferee who dies before the transfer is registered.

 

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29.                             Entitlement to transmission

 

29.1                      A person who becomes entitled to a Share in consequence of the death, mental incapacity or bankruptcy of a Member may, subject to clause 27 and to producing to the Company evidence of its entitlement which is satisfactory to the Directors, elect to:

 

(a)                                be registered as the holder of the Share; or

 

(b)                                transfer the Share to some other person nominated by it.

 

29.2                     If the person who has become entitled to a Share:

 

(a)                                elects to be registered as the holder, then the person must deliver or send to the Company a written notice of election signed by him or her; or

 

(b)                                elects to transfer the Share, then the person must effect a transfer of the Share.

 

29.3                      An election to be registered as a holder of a Share under clause 29.1(a) or a transfer of a Share from a Member or deceased Member under this clause 29 is subject to the same limitations, restrictions and provisions of this Constitution as would apply if the election were a transfer or the transfer were made by the Member or deceased Member himself or herself.

 

29.4                      A person who:

 

(a)                                has become entitled to a Share by operation of law; and

 

(b)                                has produced evidence of that person’s entitlement which is satisfactory to the Directors,

 

is entitled to the dividends and other rights of the registered holder of the Share.

 

29.5                      Where two or more persons are jointly entitled to any Share in consequence of the death of the registered holder, they will be considered to be joint holders of the Share.

 

29.6                      Any person who is registered under this clause must indemnify the Company against all liabilities, costs, losses and expenses incurred by the Company as a result of registering the person.

 

Changes to Share capital

 

30.                             Consolidation or division

 

For the purpose of giving effect to any consolidation or division of Shares, the Directors may, subject to the CS Facility Rules, settle any difficulty which arises with respect to fractions of Shares in any manner that they think expedient.

 

Powers of attorney

 

31.                             Powers of attorney

 

31.1                      If a Member executes or proposes to execute any document or do any act by or through an attorney which is relevant to the Company or the Member’s shareholding in the Company, that Member must deliver the instrument appointing the attorney to the Company for notation.

 

31.2                      The Company may require the Member to lodge a certified copy of the instrument for retention by the Company, and ask for whatever evidence it thinks appropriate that the power of attorney is effective and continues to be in force.

 

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31.3                      Any power of attorney granted by a Member will, as between the Company and the Member who granted the power of attorney:

 

(a)                                continue in force; and

 

(b)                                may be acted on,

 

unless express notice in writing of its revocation or of the death of the Member who granted it is lodged with the Company.

 

31.4                     Where a Member proposes that an attorney represent the Member at a general meeting or adjourned meeting, the Member must comply with clause 52.1 of this Constitution.

 

General meetings

 

32.                             Calling general meeting

 

32.1                      A Director may call a meeting of Members.

 

32.2                      The Directors must call annual general meetings in accordance with the Corporations Act, to be held by the Company at times to be determined by the Directors.

 

32.3                      Members may also request or call and arrange to hold general meetings in accordance with the procedures and requirements set out in the Corporations Act.

 

32.4                      A general meeting may be held at two or more venues simultaneously using any technology that gives the Members as a whole a reasonable opportunity to participate.

 

33.                             Notice

 

33.1                      Notice of a general meeting must be given in accordance with the Corporations Act to the persons referred to in clause 99.1.

 

33.2                      Except as permitted by the Corporations Act, general meetings must be called on at least the minimum number of days notice required by the Corporations Act (which at the date of adoption of this Constitution is 28 days) and otherwise in accordance with the procedures set out in the Corporations Act.

 

33.3                      Subject to the requirements of the Corporations Act, a notice calling a general meeting must:

 

(a)                                specify the place, date and time of the meeting (and if the meeting is to be held in two or more places, the technology that will be used to facilitate this);

 

(b)                                state the general nature of the business to be transacted at the meeting;

 

(c)                                 if a special resolution is to be proposed at the meeting, set out an intention to propose the special resolution and state the resolution;

 

(d)                                include such statements about the appointment of proxies as are required by the Corporations Act;

 

(e)                                 specify a place and facsimile number and may specify an electronic address for the purposes of proxy appointments;

 

(f)                                  subject to the CS Facility Rules, specify particulars of any determination made under regulation 7.11.37 of the Corporations Regulations 2001 (Cth); and

 

(g)                                 comply with any other requirements of the Corporations Act.

 

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34.                             Business

 

34.1                      The business of an annual general meeting may include:

 

(a)                                any of the following matters, even if not referred to in the notice of meeting:

 

(i)                                   consideration of the annual financial report, directors’ report and auditor’s report;

 

(ii)                                election of directors;

 

(iii)                             appointment of the auditor;

 

(iv)                            fixing the auditor’s remuneration;

 

(b)                                any business which under this Constitution or the Corporations Act is required to be transacted at an annual general meeting; and

 

(c)                                 any other business which may lawfully be transacted at a general meeting.

 

34.2                      The chairperson of an annual general meeting must allow a reasonable opportunity for the Members as a whole at the meeting to:

 

(a)                                ask questions about or make comments on the management of the Company; and

 

(b)                                ask the Auditor or their representative questions relevant to the conduct of the audit and the preparation and content of the Auditor’s report for the Company.

 

34.3                      The Directors may postpone or cancel any general meeting (other than a meeting requested or called by Members under clause 32.3) at any time before the day of the meeting. The Directors must give notice of the postponement or cancellation to all persons entitled to receive notices of a general meeting.

 

34.4                      An accidental omission to send a notice of a general meeting (including a proxy appointment form) or the postponement of a general meeting to any Member or the non-receipt of a notice (or form) by any Member does not invalidate the proceedings at or any resolution passed at the general meeting.

 

Proceedings at general meetings

 

35.                             Member

 

In clauses 36, 37, 40 and 45, Member includes a Member present in person or by proxy, attorney or Representative.

 

36.                             Quorum

 

36.1                      No business may be transacted at a general meeting unless a quorum of Members is present at the commencement of business.

 

36.2                      A quorum of Members is three Members unless there is only one Member, when a quorum is that Member.

 

36.3                      If a quorum is not present within 30 minutes after the time appointed for a general meeting:

 

(a)                                the general meeting is automatically dissolved if it was requested or called by Members under clause 32.3; or

 

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(b)                                in any other case:

 

(i)                                   it will stand adjourned to the same time and place seven days after the meeting, or to another day, time and place determined by the Directors; and

 

(ii)                                if at the adjourned general meeting a quorum is not present within 30 minutes after the time appointed for the general meeting two Members will be a quorum.

 

37.                             Chairperson

 

37.1                      The chairperson, or in the chairperson’s absence the deputy chairperson, of Directors’ meetings will be the chairperson at every general meeting.

 

37.2                      If:

 

(a)                                there is no chairperson or deputy chairperson; or

 

(b)                                neither the chairperson nor deputy chairperson is present within 15 minutes after the time appointed for holding the general meeting; or

 

(c)                                 the chairperson and deputy chairperson are unwilling to act as chairperson of the general meeting,

 

the Directors present may elect a chairperson of the general meeting of the Members.

 

37.3                      If no chairperson is elected in accordance with clause 37.2, then:

 

(a)                                the Members may elect one of the Directors present as chairperson; or

 

(b)                                if no Director is present or is willing to take the chair, the Members may elect one of the Members present as chairperson.

 

37.4                      At any time during a meeting and in respect of any specific item or items of business, the chairperson may elect to vacate the chair in favour of another person nominated by the chairperson (which person must be a Director unless no Director is present or is willing to act).  That person is to be taken to be the chairperson and will have all the powers of the chairperson (other than the power to adjourn the meeting), during the consideration of that item of business or those items of business.

 

37.5                      If there is a dispute at a general meeting about a question of procedure, the chairperson may determine the question.

 

38.                             General conduct

 

The general conduct of each general meeting of the Company and the procedures to be adopted at the meeting will be determined by the chairperson, including the procedure for the conduct of the election of Directors.

 

39.                             Adjournment

 

39.1                      The chairperson of a general meeting at which a quorum is present:

 

(a)                                in his or her discretion may adjourn the general meeting; and

 

(b)                                must adjourn the general meeting if the meeting directs him or her to do so.

 

39.2                      An adjourned general meeting may take place at a different venue from the initial general meeting.

 

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39.3                      The only business that can be transacted at an adjourned general meeting is the unfinished business of the initial general meeting.

 

39.4                      If a general meeting has been adjourned for more than 30 days, notice of the adjourned general meeting must be given to Members as if it were an original general meeting, but otherwise it is not necessary to give notice of an adjourned general meeting or the business of the adjourned general meeting.

 

39.5                      A poll cannot be demanded on any resolution concerning the adjournment of a general meeting except by the chairperson.

 

40.                             Decisions

 

40.1                      Subject to the Corporations Act in relation to special resolutions, a resolution is carried if a majority of the votes cast on the resolution are in favour of the resolution.

 

40.2                      A resolution put to the vote of a meeting is decided on a show of hands unless a poll is demanded by:

 

(a)                                at least 5 Members entitled to vote on the resolution;

 

(b)                                Members with at least 5% of the votes that may be cast on the resolution on a poll; or

 

(c)                                 the chairperson.

 

40.3                      A poll may be demanded:

 

(a)                                before a vote is taken; or

 

(b)                                in the case of a vote taken on a show of hands, immediately before or immediately after, the results of the vote are declared.

 

40.4                      Unless a poll is demanded:

 

(a)                                a declaration by the chairperson that a resolution has been carried, carried by a specified majority, or lost; and

 

(b)                                an entry to that effect in the minutes of the meeting,

 

are conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes in favour of or against the resolution.

 

40.5                      The demand for a poll may be withdrawn.

 

40.6                      A decision of a general meeting may not be impeached or invalidated on the ground that a person voting at the meeting was not entitled to do so.

 

41.                             Taking a poll

 

41.1                      Subject to clause 41.5, a poll will be taken when and in the manner that the chairperson directs.  No notice need be given of any poll.

 

41.2                      The result of the poll will determine whether the resolution on which the poll was demanded is carried or lost.

 

41.3                      The chairperson may determine any dispute about the admission or rejection of a vote, and such determination, if made in good faith, will be final and conclusive.

 

41.4                      A poll cannot be demanded on any resolution concerning the election of the chairperson of a general meeting.

 

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41.5                      A poll demanded by the chairperson on any resolution concerning the adjournment of a general meeting must be taken immediately.

 

41.6                      After a poll has been demanded at a general meeting, the general meeting may continue for the transaction of business other than the question on which the poll was demanded.

 

42.                             Casting vote of chairperson

 

The chairperson does not have a casting vote (in addition to the chairperson’s votes as a Member, proxy, attorney or Representative) on a show of hands or on a poll.

 

43.                             Admission to general meetings

 

The chairperson of a general meeting may refuse admission to a person, or require a person to leave and not return to, a meeting if the person:

 

(a)                               refuses to permit examination of any article in the person’s possession; or

 

(b)                                is in possession of any:

 

(i)                                   electronic or recording device;

 

(ii)                                placard or banner; or

 

(iii)                             other article,

 

which the chairperson considers to be dangerous, offensive or liable to cause disruption; or

 

(c)                                 causes any disruption to the meeting.

 

44.                             Auditor’s right to be heard

 

The Auditor is entitled to:

 

(a)                                attend any general meeting of the Company;

 

(b)                                be heard at any general meeting of the Company on any part of the business of the meeting that concerns the Auditor in their capacity as auditor, even if:

 

(i)                                   the Auditor retires at the general meeting; or

 

(ii)                                Members pass a resolution to remove the Auditor from office; and

 

(c)                                 authorise a person in writing to attend and speak at any general meeting as the Auditor’s representative.

 

Votes of Members

 

45.                             Entitlement to vote

 

45.1                      Subject to this Constitution and to any rights or restrictions attaching to any class of Shares:

 

(a)                                every Member may vote;

 

(b)                                subject to clause 49.4 and the Corporations Act, on a show of hands every Member has one vote; and

 

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(c)                                 on a poll every Member has:

 

(i)                                   for each fully paid Share held by the Member, one vote; and

 

(ii)                                for each partly paid Share held by the Member, a fraction of a vote equivalent to the proportion which the amount paid (not credited) is of the total amounts paid and payable, whether or not called (excluding amounts credited), on the Share.  Without limiting the generality of clause 17.3, an amount paid on a Share in advance of a call is not to be taken as paid for the purposes of this clause.

 

45.2                      During a breach of the ASX Listing Rules relating to Shares which are Restricted Securities, or a breach of a restriction agreement, the holder of the relevant Restricted Securities is not entitled to any voting rights in respect of those Restricted Securities.

 

45.3                      If a Member:

 

(a)                                dies; or

 

(b)                                through mental or physical infirmity, is incapable of managing the Member’s affairs,

 

and a personal representative, trustee or other person is appointed under law to administer the Member’s estate or property, the personal representative, trustee or person so appointed may exercise any rights of the Member in relation to a general meeting as if the personal representative, trustee or person (as the case may be) was a Member.

 

46.                             Unpaid calls

 

A Member is entitled to:

 

(a)                                vote; or

 

(b)                                be counted in a quorum,

 

only in respect of Shares on which all calls due and payable have been paid.

 

47.                             Joint holders

 

47.1                      If two or more joint holders purport to vote, the vote of the joint holder whose name appears first in the Register will be accepted, to the exclusion of the other joint holder or holders.

 

47.2                      For the purposes of this clause 47, several executors or administrators of a deceased Member in whose sole name any Shares are registered will be taken to be joint holders of those Shares.

 

48.                             Objections

 

48.1                      An objection to the qualification of a voter may only be raised at the general meeting or adjourned general meeting at which the voter tendered its vote.

 

48.2                      An objection must be referred to the chairperson of the general meeting, whose decision made in good faith is final.

 

48.3                      Subject to clause 48.4, a vote which the chairperson does not disallow under an objection is valid for all purposes.

 

48.4                      A vote which the ASX Listing Rules require the Company to disregard is not valid.

 

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49.                             Votes by proxy

 

49.1                      A Member who is entitled to vote at a general meeting of the Company may appoint not more than two proxies to attend and vote at the general meeting on that Member’s behalf.

 

49.2                      A proxy need not be a Member.

 

49.3                      If a Member appoints one proxy, that proxy may, subject to the Corporations Act, vote on a show of hands.

 

49.4                      If a Member appoints two proxies and the appointment does not specify the proportion or number of the Member’s votes each proxy may exercise, each proxy may exercise half the votes.  However, neither proxy may vote on a show of hands.

 

49.5                      A proxy may demand or join in demanding a poll.

 

49.6                      A proxy may vote or abstain as he or she chooses except where the appointment of the proxy directs the way the proxy is to vote on a particular resolution.  If an appointment directs the way the proxy is to vote on a particular resolution:

 

(a)                               the proxy need not vote on a show of hands, but if the proxy does so, the proxy must vote that way;

 

(b)                                if the proxy has two or more appointments that specify different ways to vote on the resolution - the proxy must not vote on a show of hands;

 

(c)                                 if the proxy is the chair - the proxy must vote on a poll and must vote that way; and

 

(d)                                if the proxy is not the chair - the proxy need not vote on a poll, but if the proxy does so, the proxy must vote that way.

 

49.7                      If:

 

(a)                                a Member nominates the chairperson of the meeting as the Member’s proxy; or

 

(b)                                the chairperson is to act as proxy under clause 51 or otherwise under a default appointment according to the terms of the proxy form,

 

then the person acting as chairperson in respect of an item of business at the meeting must act as proxy under the appointment in respect of that item of business.

 

50.                             Document appointing proxy

 

50.1                      An appointment of a proxy is valid if it is signed by the Member making the appointment and contains the information required by subsection 250A(1) of the Corporations Act.

 

50.2                      For the purposes of clause 50.1, an appointment received at an electronic address will be taken to be signed by the Member if:

 

(a)                                a personal identification code allocated by the Company to the Member has been input into the appointment; or

 

(b)                                the appointment has been verified in another manner approved by the Directors.

 

50.3                      The Company may send a proxy appointment form to Members in a form which has been approved by the Directors or by the chairperson and the Managing Director.

 

50.4                      A proxy’s appointment is valid at an adjourned general meeting.

 

50.5                      A proxy or attorney may be appointed for all meetings or for any number of general meetings or for a particular purpose.

 

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50.6                      Unless otherwise provided for in the proxy’s appointment or in any instrument appointing an attorney, the appointment of the proxy or the attorney will be taken to confer authority:

 

(a)                                to vote on:

 

(i)                                   any amendment moved to the proposed resolutions and on any motion that the proposed resolutions not be put or any similar motion; and

 

(ii)                                any procedural motion, including any motion to elect the chairperson, to vacate the chair or to adjourn the general meeting,

 

even though the appointment may specify the way the proxy or attorney is to vote on a particular resolution; and

 

(b)                                to vote on any motion before the general meeting whether or not the motion is referred to in the appointment.

 

51.                            Proxy in blank

 

If a proxy appointment is signed by the Member but does not name the proxy or proxies in whose favour it is given, the chairperson may either act as proxy or complete the proxy appointment by inserting the name or names of one or more Directors or the Secretary.

 

52.                             Lodgment of proxy

 

52.1                      Subject to clause 52.3, the appointment of a proxy or attorney must be received by the Company, at least 48 hours (unless reduced in the notice of meeting to which the appointment relates) before the general meeting (or the resumption of an adjourned general meeting) at which the appointee is to attend and vote.

 

52.2                      If the appointment purports to be executed under a power of attorney or other authority, the original document or a certified copy of it must be received by the Company at least 48 hours (unless reduced in the notice of meeting to which the appointment relates) before the general meeting (or the resumption of an adjourned general meeting)].

 

52.3                      The Company receives an appointment of a proxy or attorney or other authority under which it was signed when they are received at:

 

(a)                                the Company’s registered office;

 

(b)                                a facsimile number at the Company’s registered office; or

 

(c)                                 a place, facsimile number or electronic address specified for that purpose in the notice of general meeting.

 

53.                             Validity

 

A vote cast in accordance with an appointment of proxy or power of attorney is valid even if before the vote was cast the appointor:

 

(a)                                died;

 

(b)                                became mentally incapacitated;

 

(c)                                 revoked the proxy or power; or

 

(d)                                transferred the Shares in respect of which the vote was cast,

 

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unless the Company received written notification of the death, mental incapacity, revocation or transfer before the relevant general meeting or adjourned general meeting.

 

54.                             Representatives of bodies corporate

 

54.1                      Any Member that is a body corporate may appoint an individual as its representative as provided by the Corporations Act.

 

54.2                      The appointment of a Representative may set out restrictions on the Representative’s powers.

 

54.3                      The original form of appointment of a Representative, a certified copy of the appointment, or a certificate of the body corporate evidencing the appointment of a Representative is prima facie evidence of a Representative having been appointed.

 

54.4                      The chairperson of a general meeting may permit a person claiming to be a Representative to exercise the body’s powers even if he or she has not produced a certificate or other satisfactory evidence of his or her appointment.

 

Appointment and removal of Directors

 

55.                             Number of Directors

 

55.1                      Subject to the Corporations Act, the Company may by resolution passed at a general meeting increase the minimum number of Directors or increase or reduce the maximum number of Directors.

 

55.2                      Until the Company resolves otherwise in accordance with clause 55.1 there will be:

 

(a)                                a minimum of three Directors; and

 

(b)                                a maximum of ten Directors.

 

55.3                      Subject to any resolution of the Members determining the maximum and minimum numbers of Directors, the Directors may from time to time determine the respective numbers of Executive and Non-Executive Directors.

 

55.4                      The initial Directors of the Company are the persons who have consented to act as directors and are set out in the Company’s application for registration as a company.  Those persons hold office subject to this Constitution.

 

56.                             Qualification

 

56.1                      Neither a Director nor an Alternate Director has to hold any Shares.

 

56.2                      In addition to the circumstances which disqualify a person from managing a corporation according to the Corporations Act, no person who has been an insolvent under administration within the previous five years is eligible to become a Director.

 

56.3                      A Director (and an Alternate Director when acting as a Director) is entitled to notice of all general meetings and meetings of the holders of any class of Shares.

 

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57.                             Power to remove and appoint

 

57.1                      The Company may, subject to the Corporations Act, by resolution passed in general meeting:

 

(a)                                remove any Director before the end of the Director’s term of office; and

 

(b)                                if the outgoing Director is a Non-Executive Director, elect another person to replace the Director.

 

57.2                      A person appointed under clause 57.1 will hold office for the remainder of the term for which the Director replaced would have held office if the Director had not been removed.

 

57.3                      Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Company may appoint a person as a Director by resolution passed in general meeting.

 

57.4                      A Director appointed or elected at a general meeting is taken to have been appointed or elected with effect from immediately after the end of that general meeting unless the resolution by which the Director was appointed or elected specifies a different time.

 

57.5                     If the conduct or position of any Director is such that continuance in office appears to the majority of the Directors to be prejudicial to the interests of the Company, a majority of Directors at a meeting of the Directors specifically called for that purpose may suspend that Director.

 

57.6                      A suspended Director may not take any part in the business or affairs of the Company until the suspension has been terminated.

 

57.7                      Within 14 days of suspension of Director, the Directors must call a general meeting, at which the Members may consider a motion to remove the Director from office in accordance with clause 57.1(a).

 

57.8                      If a motion to remove a suspended Director from office is not carried at the general meeting called to consider the matter, the suspension of the Director is terminated and the Director is reinstated in his or her office.

 

58.                             Additional and casual Directors

 

58.1                      Subject to clause 55, the Directors may appoint any person as a Director to fill a casual vacancy or as an addition to the existing Directors.

 

58.2                      Unless the Director is an Executive Director and the ASX Listing Rules do not require that Director to be subject to retirement as set out in this clause, a Director appointed under clause 58.1 will hold office until the end of the next annual general meeting of the Company, at which the Director may be re-elected but he or she will not be taken into account in determining the number of Directors who must retire by rotation at the meeting in accordance with clause 59.1.

 

59.                             Retirement by rotation

 

59.1                      At the close of each annual general meeting one-third of the Directors or, if their number is not a multiple of three, then the number nearest to but not more than one-third of the Directors, must retire from office.

 

59.2                      The Directors to retire by rotation at an annual general meeting are those Directors who have been longest in office since their last election.

 

59.3                      Directors elected on the same day may agree among themselves or determine by lot which of them must retire.

 

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59.4                      Subject to clause 76.9, a Director must retire from office at the conclusion of the third annual general meeting after the Director was last elected, even if his or her retirement results in more than one-third of all Directors retiring from office.

 

59.5                      A retiring Director remains in office until the end of the meeting and will be eligible for re-election at the meeting.

 

60.                             Nomination of Director

 

60.1                      A person, other than a Director retiring under clause 58.2 or under clause 59.1 who seeks re-election, is not eligible for election as a Director at a general meeting unless:

 

(a)                                the person is proposed as a candidate by at least 50 Members or Members holding between them at least 5% of the votes that may be cast at a general meeting of the Company; and

 

(b)                                the proposing Member leaves a notice at the Company’s registered office which nominates the candidate for the office of Director and includes the signed consent of the candidate.

 

60.2                     A notice given in accordance with clause 60.1 must be left at the Company’s registered office not less than 35 Business Days before the relevant general meeting.

 

61.                             Vacation of office

 

The office of a Director immediately becomes vacant if the Director:

 

(a)                                ceases to be a Director by virtue of the Corporations Act;

 

(b)                                is prohibited by the Corporations Act from holding office or continuing as a Director;

 

(c)                                 is liable to pay a call but does pay the call within 21 days after the date on which it is payable;

 

(d)                                is prohibited from holding or is removed from the office of Director by an order made under the Corporations Act;

 

(e)                                 becomes bankrupt or makes any general arrangement or composition with his or her creditors;

 

(f)                                  cannot fully participate in the management of the Company because of his or her mental incapacity or is a person whose estate is liable to have a person appointed, under the law relating to the administration of estates of persons who through mental or physical infirmity are incapable of managing their affairs, to administer it, or becomes in the opinion of the Directors incapable of performing his or her duties;

 

(g)                                 resigns from his or her office of Director by notice in writing to the Company;

 

(h)                                is removed by a resolution of the Company; or

 

(i)                                    is resident in Australia and not being engaged abroad on the business of the Company, is absent from Directors’ meetings for three consecutive months without leave of absence from the Directors.

 

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Remuneration of Directors

 

62.                             Remuneration of Non-Executive Directors

 

62.1                      Subject to the ASX Listing Rules, the Directors as a whole (other than Executive Directors) may be paid or provided remuneration for their services the total amount or value of which must not exceed an aggregate maximum of $500,000 per annum or such other maximum amount determined from time to time by the Company in general meeting.

 

62.2                      The notice calling a general meeting at which it is proposed that Members approve an increase of the aggregate maximum sum must state the amount of the increase and the aggregate maximum sum, and any other matters required by the ASX Listing Rules.

 

62.3                      Subject to the ASX Listing Rules, the aggregate maximum sum will be divided among the Non-Executive Directors in such proportion and manner as the Directors agree and, in default of agreement, equally and shall be deemed to accrue from day to day.

 

62.4                     Non-Executive Directors may not be paid a commission on or a percentage of profits or operating revenue.

 

62.5                      If a Non-Executive Director is required to perform services for the Company which in the opinion of the Directors, are outside the scope of the ordinary duties of a Director, the Company may pay or provide the Director remuneration determined by the Directors which may be either in addition to or instead of the Director’s remuneration under clause 62.1.  No remuneration may be paid or provided under this clause 62.5 if the effect would be to exceed the aggregate maximum sum of Directors’ remuneration determined by the Company in general meeting.

 

62.6                      Non-Executive Directors may also be paid all travelling, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them in attending and returning from meetings of the Directors or any committee of the Directors or general meetings of the Company or otherwise in connection with the Company’s business.

 

62.7                      The Company may also pay a premium for a contract insuring a person who is or has been a Non-Executive Director against liability incurred by the person as a Director, except in circumstances prohibited by the Corporations Act.

 

62.8                      Shares may be provided to Non-Executive Directors as part of their remuneration under clauses 62.3 and 62.4 according to the rules of any share plan for the remuneration of Non-Executive Directors that may be introduced by the Company.  For the purposes of clause 62.1, the value of any Shares provided will be determined according to the rules of the share plan.

 

63.                             Remuneration of Executive Directors

 

63.1                      The remuneration of an Executive Director may from time to time be fixed by the Directors.  The remuneration may be by way of salary or commission or participation in profits or by all or any of these modes but may not be by commission on, or a percentage of, operating revenue.

 

63.2                      The Company may reimburse an Executive Director for his or her expenses properly incurred as a Director or in the course of his or her office.

 

63.3                      Except in circumstances prohibited by the Corporations Act, the Company may pay a premium for a contract insuring a person who is or has been an Executive Director against liability incurred by the person as a Director.

 

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64.                             Retirement benefits

 

Subject to the Corporations Act , the Company may give a person a benefit in connection with a Director’s retirement from a Board or managerial office in the Company.

 

Powers and duties of Directors

 

65.                             Directors to manage Company

 

65.1                      The business of the Company is managed by or under the direction of the Directors who may exercise all powers of the Company that this Constitution, the Corporations Act or the ASX Listing Rules do not require to be exercised by the Company in general meeting.

 

65.2                      Without limiting the generality of clause 65.1, the Directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to:

 

(a)                                borrow money;

 

(b)                                charge any property or business of the Company or all or any of its uncalled capital;

 

(c)                                 issue debentures or give any other security for a debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any other person; and

 

(d)                                guarantee or to become liable for the payment of money or the performance of any obligation by or of any other person.

 

Proceedings of Directors

 

66.                             Directors’ meetings

 

66.1                      The chairperson, the deputy chairperson, or any two Directors may at any time, and the Secretary must on the request of the chairperson, the deputy chairperson, or any two Directors, call a meeting of the Directors.

 

66.2                      A Directors’ meeting must be called by not less than 48 hours notice of a meeting to each Director, unless the Directors unanimously agree otherwise.  The notice may be in writing or given using any technology consented to by all the Directors.

 

66.3                      An accidental omission to send a notice of a meeting of Directors to any Director or the non-receipt of such a notice by any Director does not invalidate the proceedings, or any resolution passed, at the meeting.

 

66.4                      Subject to the Corporations Act, a Directors’ meeting may be held by the Directors communicating with each other by any technological means consented to by all the Directors.  The consent may be a standing one.

 

66.5                      The Directors need not all be physically present in the same place for a Directors’ meeting to be held.

 

66.6                      A Director who participates in a meeting held in accordance with clause 66.4 is taken to be present and entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

66.7                      A Director can only withdraw his or her consent under clause 66.4 to the means of communication between Directors proposed for a Directors’ meeting if the Director does so at least 48 hours before the meeting.

 

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66.8                      Clause 66.4 applies to meetings of Directors’ committees as if all committee members were Directors.

 

66.9                      The Directors may meet together, adjourn and regulate their meetings as they think fit.

 

66.10               A quorum for meetings of Directors may be fixed by the Directors and unless so fixed, is three Directors present.  The quorum must be present at all times during the meeting.

 

66.11               Where a quorum cannot be established for the consideration of a particular matter at a meeting of Directors, one or more of the Directors may call a general meeting of Members to deal with the matter.

 

67.                             Decisions

 

67.1                      Questions arising at a meeting of Directors are to be decided by a majority of votes of the Directors present and voting and, subject to the Corporations Act, each Director has one vote.

 

67.2                      Subject to the ASX Listing Rules, in the case of an equality of votes the chairperson of a meeting, has a casting vote in addition to his or her deliberative vote.

 

67.3                     An Alternate Director has one vote for each Director for whom he or she is an alternate. If an Alternate Director is a Director, he or she also has a vote as a Director.

 

68.                             Directors’ interests

 

68.1                      As required by the Corporations Act, a Director must give the Directors notice of any material personal interest in a matter that relates to the affairs of the Company.

 

68.2                      Subject to the provisions of this clause 68, a Director or a body or entity in which a Director has a direct or indirect interest may:

 

(a)                                enter into any agreement or arrangement with the Company;

 

(b)                                hold any office or place of profit other than as auditor in the Company; and

 

(c)                                 act in a professional capacity other than as auditor for the Company,

 

and the Director or the body or entity can receive and keep beneficially any remuneration, profits or benefits under any agreement or arrangement with the Company or from holding an office or place of profit in or acting in a professional capacity with the Company.

 

68.3                      The fact that a Director holds office as a director, and has fiduciary obligations arising out of that office:

 

(a)                                will not void or render voidable a contract made by a Director with the Company;

 

(b)                                will not void or render voidable a contract or arrangement entered into by or on behalf of the Company and in which the Director may have any interest; and

 

(c)                                 will not require the Director to account to the Company for any profit realised by or under any contract or arrangement entered into by or on behalf of the Company and in which the Director may have any interest.

 

68.4                      A Director may be or become a director or other officer of, or otherwise be interested in:

 

(a)                                any related body corporate of the company; or

 

(b)                                any other body corporate promoted by the Company or in which the Company may be interested as a vendor, shareholder or otherwise,

 

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and is not accountable to the Company for any remuneration or other benefits received by the Director as a director or officer of, or from having an interest in, that body corporate.

 

68.5                      A Director who has a material personal interest in a matter that is being considered at a Directors’ meeting must not:

 

(a)                                be present while the matter is being considered at the meeting; or

 

(b)                                vote on the matter,

 

unless permitted to do so by the Corporations Act, in which case the Director may:

 

(c)                                 be counted in determining whether or not a quorum is present at any meeting of Directors considering that contract or arrangement or proposed contract or arrangement;

 

(d)                                sign or countersign any document relating to that contract or arrangement or proposed contract or arrangement; and

 

(e)                                vote in respect of, or in respect of any matter arising out of, the contract or arrangement or proposed contract or arrangement.

 

68.6                      A Director must give to the Company such information about the Shares or other securities in the Company in which the Director has a relevant interest and at the times that the Secretary requires, to enable the Company to comply with any disclosure obligations it has under the Corporations Act or the ASX Listing Rules.

 

69.                             Alternate Directors

 

69.1                      A Director may, with the approval of the Directors, appoint any person as his or her alternate.

 

69.2                      An Alternate Director is entitled to notice of Directors’ meetings while he or she is acting in that capacity and, if the appointor is not present at a meeting, is entitled to attend, be counted in a quorum and vote as a Director.

 

69.3                      An Alternate Director is an officer of the Company and is not an agent of the appointor.

 

69.4                      The provisions of this Constitution which apply to Directors also apply to Alternate Directors, except that Alternate Directors are not entitled in that capacity to any remuneration from the Company.

 

69.5                      The appointment of an Alternate Director may be revoked at any time by the appointor or by the other Directors.

 

69.6                      An Alternate Director’s appointment ends automatically when his or her appointor ceases to be a Director.

 

69.7                      Any appointment or revocation under this clause must be effected by written notice delivered to the Secretary.

 

69.8                      An Alternate Director does not have an interest in a contract or arrangement or a material personal interest in a matter by reason only of the fact that his or her appointor has such an interest.

 

70.                             Remaining Directors

 

70.1                      The Directors may act even if there are vacancies on the board.

 

70.2                      If the number of Directors is not sufficient to constitute a quorum at a Directors’ meeting, the Director or Directors may act only to:

 

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(a)                                appoint a Director or Directors; or

 

(b)                                call a general meeting.

 

71.                             Chairperson

 

71.1                      The Directors may elect a Director as chairperson of Directors’ meetings and may determine the period for which the chairperson will hold office.

 

71.2                      If no chairperson is elected or if the chairperson is not present at any Directors’ meeting within 10 minutes after the time appointed for the meeting to begin, the Directors present must elect a Director to be chairperson of the meeting.

 

71.3                      The Directors may elect a Director as deputy chairperson to act as chairperson in the chairperson’s absence.

 

72.                             Delegation

 

72.1                      The Directors may delegate any of their powers, other than those which by law must be dealt with by the Directors as a board, to a committee or committees.

 

72.2                     The Directors may at any time revoke any delegation of power under clause 72.1.

 

72.3                      At least one member of each committee of Directors must be a Director.

 

72.4                      A committee may be authorised by the Directors to sub-delegate all or any of the powers for the time being vested in it.

 

72.5                      Meetings of any committee of Directors will be governed by the provisions of this Constitution which deal with Directors’ meetings so far as they are applicable and are not inconsistent with any directions of the Directors.  The provisions apply as if each member was a Director.

 

73.                             Written resolutions

 

73.1                      If all the Directors who are eligible to vote on a resolution have signed a document containing a statement that they are in favour of a resolution set out in the document, then a resolution in those terms is taken to have been passed by the Directors without a meeting.  The resolution is passed when the last Director signs.

 

73.2                      For the purposes of clause 73.1, separate copies of a document may be used for signing by the Directors if the wording of the resolution and statement is identical in each copy.

 

73.3                      Any document referred to in this clause may be in the form of a facsimile transmission or electronic notification.

 

73.4                      If a resolution is taken to have been passed in accordance with this clause 73, the minutes must record that fact.

 

73.5                      This clause 73 applies to meetings of Directors’ committees as if all members of the committee were Directors.

 

73.6                      Any document referred to in this clause 73 must be sent to every Director who is entitled to vote on the resolution.

 

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74.                             Validity of acts of Directors

 

74.1                      An act done by a Director is effective even if their appointment, or the continuance of their appointment, is invalid because the Company or Director did not comply with this Constitution or any provision of the Corporations Act.

 

74.2                      Clause 74.1 does not deal with the question whether an effective act by a director:

 

(a)                                binds the company in its dealings with other people; or

 

(b)                                makes the company liable to another person.

 

75.                             Minutes

 

75.1                      The Directors must cause minutes to be made of:

 

(a)                                the names of the Directors present at all Directors’ meetings and meetings of Directors’ committees;

 

(b)                                all proceedings and resolutions of general meetings, Directors’ meetings and meetings of Directors’ committees;

 

(c)                                 all resolutions passed in accordance with clause 73;

 

(d)                                appointments of officers, but only if the Directors resolve that a minute of the appointment should be made; and

 

(e)                                 all disclosures of interests made in accordance with the Corporations Act.

 

75.2                     Minutes must be signed by the chairperson of the meeting or by the chairperson of the next meeting, and if so signed will be conclusive evidence of the matters stated in such minutes.

 

Executive Directors

 

76.                             Appointment

 

76.1                      The Directors may appoint a Director to the office of Managing Director on such terms as they think fit.

 

76.2                      The Directors may appoint a Director to any other full-time or substantially full-time executive position in the Company on such terms as they think fit.

 

76.3                      A Director appointed under clauses 76.1 or 76.2, and a Director (however appointed) occupying for the time being a full-time or substantially full-time executive position in the Company or a related body corporate of the Company, is referred to in this Constitution as an Executive Director.

 

76.4                      If the appointment of an Executive Director is for a fixed term, the term must not exceed five years.

 

76.5                      The Directors may, subject to the terms of the Executive Director’s employment contract, suspend, remove or dismiss him or her from executive office and appoint another Director in that place.

 

76.6                      If an Executive Director ceases to be a Director, his or her appointment as an Executive Director terminates automatically.

 

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76.7                      If an Executive Director ceases to hold an executive office in the Company, then, unless the Directors resolve otherwise, he or she also ceases to be a Director from the same date.

 

76.8                      If an Executive Director is suspended from executive office of the Company or of a related body corporate of the Company, his or her duties and obligations as Director are suspended for the same period.

 

76.9                      A Managing Director is not subject to retirement by rotation and is not to be taken into account in determining the rotation of retirement of Directors.  Any other Executive Directors are subject to retirement by rotation.

 

77.                             Powers of Executive Directors

 

77.1                      The Directors may confer on an Executive Director any powers exercisable by the Directors, subject to any terms and restrictions determined by the Directors.

 

77.2                      The Directors may authorise an Executive Director to sub-delegate all or any of the powers vested in him or her.

 

77.3                      Any power conferred under this clause may be concurrent with but not to the exclusion of the Directors’ powers.

 

77.4                      The Directors may at any time withdraw or vary any of the powers conferred on an Executive Director.

 

Local management

 

78.                             General

 

78.1                      The Directors may provide for the management and transaction of the affairs of the Company in any place and in such manner as they think fit.

 

78.2                      Without limiting clause 78.1, the Directors may:

 

(a)                                establish local boards or agencies for managing any of the affairs of the Company in a specified place and appoint any persons to be members of those local boards or agencies; and

 

(b)                                delegate to any person appointed under clause 78.2(a) any of the powers, authorities and discretions which may be exercised by the Directors under this Constitution,

 

on any terms and subject to any conditions determined by the Directors.

 

78.3                      The Directors may at any time revoke or vary any delegation under this clause 78.

 

79.                             Appointment of attorneys and agents

 

79.1                      The Directors may from time to time by resolution or power of attorney appoint any person to be the attorney or agent of the Company:

 

(a)                                for the purposes;

 

(b)                                with the powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those exercisable by the Directors under this Constitution);

 

(c)                                 for the period; and

 

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(d)                                subject to the conditions,

 

determined by the Directors.

 

79.2                      An appointment by the Directors of an attorney or agent of the Company may be made in favour of:

 

(a)                                any member of any local board established under this Constitution;

 

(b)                                any company;

 

(c)                                 the members, directors, nominees or managers of any company or firm; or

 

(d)                                any fluctuating body of persons whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Directors.

 

79.3                      A power of attorney may contain such provisions for the protection and convenience of persons dealing with an attorney as the Directors think fit.

 

79.4                      An attorney or agent appointed under this clause 79 may be authorised by the Directors to sub-delegate all or any of the powers authorities and discretions for the time being vested in it.

 

Secretary

 

80.                            Secretary

 

80.1                      There must be at least one Secretary of the Company appointed by the Directors on conditions determined by them.

 

80.2                      The Secretary is entitled to attend all Directors’ and general meetings.

 

80.3                      The Directors may, subject to the terms of the Secretary’s employment contract, suspend, remove or dismiss the Secretary.

 

Seals

 

81.                             Common Seal

 

If the Company has a Seal:

 

(a)                                the Directors must provide for the safe custody of the Seal;

 

(b)                                it must not be used except with the authority of the Directors or a Directors’ committee authorised to permit use of the Seal;

 

(c)                                 every document to which the Seal is affixed must be signed by a Director and be countersigned by another Director, the Secretary or another person appointed by the Directors to countersign the document; and

 

(d)                                the Directors may determine by resolution either generally or in any particular case that the signature of any Director or the Secretary to a document to which the Seal or a duplicate seal or certificate seal is affixed may be a facsimile applied to the document by specified mechanical means.

 

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82.                             Duplicate Seal

 

If the Company has a Seal, the Company may have one or more duplicate seals of the Seal each of which:

 

(a)                                must be a facsimile of the Seal with the addition on its face of the words Duplicate Seal ; and

 

(b)                                must only be used with the authority of the Directors or a Directors’ committee.

 

83.                             Share Seal

 

If the Company has a Seal, the Company may have a certificate seal which:

 

(a)                                may be affixed to Share, option or other certificates;

 

(b)                                must be a facsimile of the Seal with the addition on its face of the words Share Seal ; and

 

(c)                                 must only be used with the general or specific authority of the Directors or a Directors’ committee.

 

Inspection of records

 

84.                             Times for inspection

 

84.1                      Except as otherwise required by the Corporations Act, the Directors may determine whether and to what extent, and at what times and places and under what conditions, the financial records and other documents of the Company or any of them will be open for inspection by Members other than Directors.

 

84.2                      A Member other than a Director does not have the right to inspect any financial records or other documents of the Company unless the Member is authorised to do so by a court order or a resolution of the Directors.

 

84.3                      Notwithstanding clauses 84.1 and 84.2, the books of the Company containing the minutes of general meetings will be kept at the Company’s registered office and will be open to inspection of Members at all times when the office is required to be open to the public.

 

Dividends and reserves

 

85.                             Dividends

 

The Directors may by resolution either:

 

(a)                                declare a dividend and may fix the amount, the time for and method of payment; or

 

(b)                                determine a dividend is payable and fix the amount and the time for and method of payment.

 

86.                             Amend resolution to pay dividend

 

If the Directors determine that a dividend is payable under clause 85(b), they may, if permitted by the ASX Listing Rules, amend or revoke the resolution to pay the dividend before the record date notified to ASX for determining entitlements to that dividend.

 

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87.                             No interest

 

Interest is not payable by the Company on a dividend.

 

88.                             Reserves

 

88.1                      The Directors may set aside out of profits such amounts by way of reserves as they think appropriate before declaring a dividend or determining to pay a dividend.

 

88.2                      The Directors may apply the reserves for any purpose for which profits may be properly applied.

 

88.3                      Pending any application of the reserves, the Directors may invest or use the reserves in the business of the Company or in other investments as they think fit.

 

88.4                      The Directors may carry forward any undistributed profits without transferring them to a reserve.

 

89.                             Dividend entitlement

 

89.1                      Subject to the rights of persons (if any) entitled to Shares with special rights as to dividends:

 

(a)                                all fully paid Shares on which any dividend is declared or paid, are entitled to participate in that dividend equally; and

 

(b)                                each partly paid Shares is entitled to a fraction of the dividend declared or paid on a fully paid Share of the same class, equivalent to the proportion which the amount paid (not credited) on the Share bears to the total amounts paid and payable, whether or not called, (excluding amounts credited) on the Share.

 

89.2                      An amount paid on a Share in advance of a call is not to be taken as paid for the purposes of clause 89.1.

 

89.3                     Unless otherwise determined by the Directors, Shares rank for dividends from their date of allotment.

 

89.4                      Subject to the Corporations Act and the CS Facility Rules, a transfer of Shares registered after the record date notified to ASX for determining entitlements to a dividend paid or payable in respect of the transferred Shares, does not pass the right to that dividend.

 

90.                             Restricted securities

 

During a breach of the ASX Listing Rules relating to Shares which are Restricted Securities, or a breach of a restriction agreement, the holder of the relevant Restricted Securities is not entitled to any dividend in respect of those Restricted Securities.

 

91.                             Deductions from dividends

 

The Directors may deduct from a dividend payable to a Member all sums presently payable by the Member to the Company on account of calls or otherwise in relation to Shares in the Company.

 

92.                             Distribution of assets

 

92.1                      The Directors may resolve that a dividend (interim or final) will be paid wholly or partly by the transfer or distribution of specific assets, including fully paid shares in, or debentures of, any other corporation.

 

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92.2                      If a difficulty arises in making a transfer or distribution of specific assets, the Directors may:

 

(a)                                deal with the difficulty as they consider expedient;

 

(b)                                fix the value of all or any part of the specific assets for the purposes of the distribution;

 

(c)                                 determine that cash will be paid to any Members on the basis of the fixed value in order to adjust the rights of all the Members; and

 

(d)                                vest any such specific assets in trustees as the Directors consider expedient.

 

92.3                      If a transfer or distribution of specific assets to a particular Member or Members is illegal or, in the Directors’ opinion, impracticable, the Directors may make a cash payment to the Member or Members on the basis of the cash amount of the dividend instead of the transfer or distribution of specific assets.

 

93.                             Payment

 

93.1                      Any dividend or other money payable in respect of Shares may be paid:

 

(a)                                by cheque sent through the mail directed to:

 

(i)                                   by the address of the Member shown in the Register or to the address of the joint holder of Shares shown first in the Register; or

 

(ii)                                by an address which the Member has, or joint holders have, in writing notified the Company as the address to which dividends should be sent;

 

(b)                                by electronic funds transfer to an account with a bank or other financial institution nominated by the Member and acceptable to the Company; or

 

(c)                                by any other means determined by the Directors.

 

93.2                      Any joint holder may give an effectual receipt for any dividend or other money paid in respect of Shares held by holders jointly.

 

94.                             Election to reinvest dividend

 

The Directors may:

 

(a)                                establish a plan under which Members or any class of Members may elect to reinvest cash dividends paid by the Company by subscribing for Shares;

 

(b)                                vary, suspend or terminate the arrangements established under clause 94(a).

 

95.                             Election to accept Shares in lieu of dividend

 

95.1                      The Directors may resolve, in respect of any dividend which it is proposed to pay on any Shares, that holders of those Shares may elect to:

 

(a)                                forego their right to share in the proposed dividend or part of the proposed dividend; and

 

(b)                                instead receive an issue of Shares credited as fully paid.

 

95.2                      If the Directors resolve to allow the election provided for in clause 95.1, each holder of Shares conferring a right to share in the proposed dividend may, by notice in writing to the Company given in such form and within such period as the Directors may decide, elect to:

 

42



 

(a)                                forego the dividend which otherwise would have been paid to the holder on such of the holder’s Shares conferring a right to share in the proposed dividend as the holder specifies in the notice of election; and

 

(b)                                receive instead Shares to be issued to the holder credited as fully paid, on and subject to such terms and conditions as the Directors may determine.

 

95.3                      Following the receipt of duly completed notices of election under clause 95.1(b), the Directors must:

 

(a)                                appropriate from the Company’s profits or any reserve available for distribution to Members an amount equal to the aggregate issue price (if any) of the Shares to be issued credited as fully paid to those holders of Shares who have given such notices of election; and

 

(b)                                apply the amount (if any) in paying up in full the number of Shares required to be so issued.

 

95.4                      The Directors may rescind, vary or suspend a resolution of the Directors made under clause 95.1 and the arrangements implemented under the resolution.

 

95.5                      The powers given to the Directors by this clause 95 are additional to the provisions for capitalisation of profits provided for by this Constitution.  If the Directors exercise their power to capitalise profits under clause 97 then any Member who has elected to participate in arrangements established under this clause 95 is deemed, for the purpose of determining the Member’s entitlement to share in the capitalised sum, not to have so elected.

 

96.                             Unclaimed dividends

 

All dividends unclaimed for one year after the time for payment has passed may be invested by the Directors as they think fit for the benefit of the Company until claimed or until required to be dealt with in accordance with any law relating to unclaimed money.

 

97.                            Capitalisation of profits

 

97.1                      The Directors may resolve:

 

(a)                                to capitalise any sum being the Company’s profits or any reserve available for distribution to Members; and

 

(b)                                that:

 

(i)                                   no Shares be issued and no amounts unpaid on Shares be paid up on capitalisation of the sum; or

 

(ii)                                the sum be applied in any of the ways mentioned in clause 97.2 for the benefit of Members in the proportions in which the members would have been entitled if the sum had been distributed by way of Dividend.

 

97.2                      The ways in which a sum may be applied for the benefit of Members under clause 97.1(b)(ii) are:

 

(a)                                in paying up any amounts unpaid on Shares held or to be held by Members;

 

(b)                                in paying up in full unissued Shares or debentures to be issued to Members as fully paid; or

 

(c)                                 partly as mentioned in clause 97.2(a) and partly as mentioned in clause 97.2(b).

 

43



 

97.3                      To the extent necessary to adjust the rights of the Members among themselves, the Directors may:

 

(a)                                make cash payments in cases where Shares or debentures become issuable in fractions; and

 

(b)                                authorise any person to make, on behalf of all the Members entitled to a benefit on the capitalisation, an agreement with the Company providing for:

 

(i)                                   the issue to them, credited as fully paid up, of any such further Shares or debentures; or

 

(ii)                                the payment by the Company on their behalf of the amount or any part of the amount remaining unpaid on their existing Shares by the application of their respective proportions of the sum resolved to be capitalised,

 

and any agreement made under the authority of clause 97.3(b) is effective and binding on all the Members concerned.

 

Notices

 

98.                             Service of notices

 

98.1                      Notice may be given by the Company to any person who is entitled to notice under this Constitution by:

 

(a)                                serving it on the person;

 

(b)                                sending it by post, courier, facsimile transmission or electronic notification to the person at the person’s address shown in the Register or the address supplied by the person to the Company for sending notices to the person; or

 

(c)                                 (except in the case of a notice of meeting of Members which is required to be given individually to each Member entitled to vote at the meeting and to each Director), advertising in one or more newspapers published in the city of Adelaide as determined by the Directors.

 

98.2                      A notice sent by post or courier is taken to be served:

 

(a)                                by properly addressing, prepaying and posting or directing the delivery of the notice; and

 

(b)                                on the day after the day on which it was posted or given to the courier for delivery.

 

98.3                      A notice sent by facsimile transmission or electronic notification is taken to be served:

 

(a)                                by properly addressing the facsimile transmission or electronic notification and transmitting it; and

 

(b)                                on the day of its transmission except if transmitted after 5:00 pm in which case is taken to be served on the next day.

 

98.4                      A notice given by advertisement is taken to be served on the date on which the advertisement first appears in a newspaper.

 

98.5                      A notice may be served by the Company on joint holders under clause 98.1(a) or 98.1(b) by giving the notice to the joint holder whose name appears first in the Register.

 

98.6                      Every person who is entitled to a Share by operation of law and who is not registered as the holder of the Share is taken to receive any notice served in accordance with this clause by advertisement or on that person from whom the first person derives title.

 

44



 

98.7                      A Share certificate, cheque, warrant or other document may be delivered by the Company either personally or by sending it:

 

(a)                                in the case of a Member whose address recorded in the Register is not in Australia, by airmail post, facsimile transmission, electronic notification or in another way that ensures that it will be received quickly, as appropriate; and

 

(b)                                in any other case by ordinary post,

 

and is at the risk of the addressee as soon as it is given or posted.

 

A Member whose address recorded in the Register is not in Australia may specify in writing an address in Australia for the purposes of clause 98.

 

98.8                      A certificate in writing signed by a Director, Secretary or other officer of the Company, or by any person that the Company has engaged to maintain the Register, that a document or its envelope or wrapper was addressed and stamped and was posted or given to a courier is conclusive evidence of posting or delivery by courier.

 

98.9                      Subject to the Corporations Act the signature to a written notice given by the Company may be written or printed.

 

98.10               All notices sent by post outside Australia must be sent by prepaid airmail post.

 

98.11               A notice sent by post, courier, facsimile transmission or electronic notification to a Member’s address shown in the Register or the address supplied by the Member to the Company for the purpose of sending notices to the Member is deemed to have been served notwithstanding that the Member has died, whether or not the Company has notice of his or her death.

 

99.                             Persons entitled to notice

 

99.1                      Notice of every general meeting must be given to:

 

(a)                                every Member;

 

(b)                                every Director and Alternate Director;

 

(c)                                ASX; and

 

(d)                                the Auditor.

 

99.2                      No other person is entitled to receive notice of a general meeting.

 

Audit and financial records

 

100.                      Company to keep financial records

 

100.1               The Directors must cause the Company to keep written financial records and to prepare financial documents and reports in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act and the ASX Listing Rules.

 

100.2               The Directors must cause the financial records and financial documents of the Company to be audited in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act and the ASX Listing Rules.

 

45



 

Winding up

 

101.                      Winding up

 

101.1               Nothing in this clause prejudices the rights of the holders of Shares issued on special terms and conditions.

 

101.2               If the Company is wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution of the Company:

 

(a)                                divide among the Members in kind all or any of the Company’s assets; and

 

(b)                                for that purpose, determine how he or she will carry out the division between the different classes of Members,

 

but may not require a Member to accept any Shares or other securities in respect of which there is any liability.

 

101.3               The liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution of the Company, vest all or any of the Company’s assets in a trustee on trusts determined by the liquidator for the benefit of the contributories.

 

Indemnity

 

102.                      Indemnity

 

102.1               To the extent permitted by law and subject to the restrictions in section 199A of the Corporations Act, the Company indemnifies every person who is or has been an officer of the Company against any liability (other than for legal costs) incurred by that person as an officer of the Company (including liabilities incurred by the officer as an officer of a subsidiary of the Company where the Company requested the officer to accept that appointment).

 

102.2               To the extent permitted by law and subject to the restrictions in section 199A of the Corporations Act, the Company indemnifies every person who is or has been an officer of the Company against reasonable legal costs incurred in defending an action for a liability incurred or allegedly incurred by that person as an officer of the Company (including such legal costs incurred by the officer as an officer of a subsidiary of the Company where the Company requested the officer to accept that appointment).

 

102.3               The amount of any indemnity payable under clauses 102.1 or 102.2 will include an additional amount ( GST Amount ) equal to any GST payable by the officer being indemnified ( Indemnified Officer ) in connection with the indemnity (less the amount of any input tax credit claimable by the Indemnified Officer in connection with the indemnity).  Payment of any indemnity which includes a GST Amount is conditional upon the Indemnified Officer providing the Company with a GST tax invoice for the GST Amount.

 

102.4               The Directors may agree to advance to an officer an amount which it might otherwise be liable to pay to the officer under clause 102.1 on such terms as the Directors’ think fit but which are consistent with this clause, pending the outcome of any findings of a relevant court or tribunal which would have a bearing on whether the Company is in fact liable to indemnify the officer under clause 102.1.  If after the Company makes the advance, the Directors form the view that the Company is not liable to indemnify the officer, the Company may recover any advance from the officer as a debt due by the officer to the Company.

 

46



 

102.5               For the purposes of this clause 102, officer means:

 

(a)                                a Director; or

 

(b)                                a Secretary.

 

103.                      Shareholder disclosure

 

If a Member has entered into any arrangement restricting the transfer or other disposal of Shares and those arrangements are of the nature of arrangements which the Company is required to disclose under the ASX Listing Rules, then the Member must provide to the Company such information that the Company requires and within the time that the Company requires, to comply with the Company’s disclosure obligations.

 

We, the undersigned, being each person specified in the application for the Company’s registration as a person who consents to become a Member, hereby agree to the terms of this Constitution:

 

 

Dated

 

2004

 

NAME OF MEMBER

 

ADDRESS AND OCCUPATION

 

 

 

NEVILLE WAYNE MARTIN

 

21 Brandreth Street
TUSMORE SA 5065
Solicitor

 

 

 

JENNIFER FRANCES TOBIN

 

49 Gray Street
NORWOOD SA 5067
Solicitor

 

 

 

KENT MILLWARD GREY

 

109 Cambridge Terrace
MALVERN SA 5061

Solicitor

 

Signed by Neville Wayne Martin in the
presence of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature of witness

 

Neville Wayne Martin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of witness (print)

 

 

 

 

 

Signed by Jennifer Frances Tobin in the
presence of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature of witness

 

Jennifer Frances Tobin

 

 

47



 

 

 

 

Name of witness (print)

 

 

 

 

 

Signed by Kent Millward Grey in the
presence of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature of witness

 

Kent Millward Grey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of witness (print)

 

 

 

 

48




Exhibit 4.1

 

[EXECUTION]

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 


 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.,

as Borrower,

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender

and

LC Issuer,

 

and CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS,

as Lenders

 

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC

as

Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager

 


 

$300,000,000

 

December 28, 2012

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I - Definitions and References

1

Section 1.1. Defined Terms

1

Section 1.2. Exhibits and Schedules; Additional Definitions

27

Section 1.3. Terms Generally; References and Titles

27

Section 1.4. Calculations and Determinations

27

Section 1.5. Rounding

28

Section 1.6. Times of Day

28

Section 1.7. Joint Preparation; Construction of Indemnities and Releases

28

 

 

ARTICLE II - The Loans and Letters of Credit

28

Section 2.1. Commitments to Lend; Notes

28

Section 2.2. Requests for New Revolving Loans

28

Section 2.3. Continuations and Conversions of Existing Loans

29

Section 2.4. Use of Proceeds

30

Section 2.5. Interest Rates and Fees; Payment Dates

31

Section 2.6. Optional Prepayments

31

Section 2.7. Mandatory Prepayments

32

Section 2.8. Borrowing Base

33

Section 2.9. Letters of Credit

35

Section 2.10. Requesting Letters of Credit

36

Section 2.11. Reimbursement and Participations

38

Section 2.12. Letter of Credit Fees

39

Section 2.13. No Duty to Inquire

40

Section 2.14. Sharing of Payments by Lenders

41

Section 2.15. Obligations of Lenders Several

42

Section 2.16. Cash Collateral

42

Section 2.17. Defaulting Lenders

43

Section 2.18. Swing Line Loans

45

 

 

ARTICLE III - Payments to Lenders

48

Section 3.1. General Procedures

48

Section 3.2. Increased Costs

48

Section 3.3. Illegality

50

Section 3.4. Funding Losses

50

Section 3.5. Taxes

51

Section 3.6. Alternative Rate of Interest

54

Section 3.7. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders

55

Section 3.8. Payments by Borrower; Presumptions by Administrative Agent

56

 

 

ARTICLE IV - Conditions Precedent to Lending

56

Section 4.1. Closing Date Conditions

56

Section 4.2. Additional Conditions Precedent

59

 

 

ARTICLE V - Representations and Warranties

60

Section 5.1. No Default

60

 



 

Section 5.2. Organization and Good Standing

60

Section 5.3. Authorization

60

Section 5.4. No Conflicts or Consents

60

Section 5.5. Enforceable Obligations

60

Section 5.6. Initial Financial Statements

61

Section 5.7. Other Obligations and Restrictions

61

Section 5.8. Full Disclosure

61

Section 5.9. Litigation

61

Section 5.10. ERISA Plans and Liabilities

62

Section 5.11. Environmental and Other Laws

62

Section 5.12. Names and Places of Business

63

Section 5.13. Subsidiaries

63

Section 5.14. Government Regulation

63

Section 5.15. Solvency

63

Section 5.16. Taxes

63

Section 5.17. Title to Properties; Intellectual Property

64

Section 5.18. Regulation U

64

Section 5.19. Leases and Contracts; Performance of Obligations

64

Section 5.20. Marketing Arrangements

65

Section 5.21. Right to Receive Payment for Future Production

66

Section 5.22. Operation of Oil and Gas Properties

66

Section 5.23. Ad Valorem and Severance Taxes

67

Section 5.24. Limitation to Proved Reserves

67

Section 5.25. Insurance

67

Section 5.26. Anti-Terrorism Laws

67

 

 

ARTICLE VI - Affirmative Covenants

67

Section 6.1. Payment and Performance

68

Section 6.2. Books, Financial Statements and Reports

68

Section 6.3. Other Information and Inspections

70

Section 6.4. Notice of Material Events and Change of Address

71

Section 6.5. Maintenance of Properties

72

Section 6.6. Maintenance of Existence and Qualifications

72

Section 6.7. Payment of Trade Liabilities, Taxes, etc.

72

Section 6.8. Insurance

72

Section 6.9. Performance on Borrower’s Behalf

73

Section 6.10. Interest

73

Section 6.11. Compliance with Agreements and Law; Permits

73

Section 6.12. Environmental Matters; Environmental Reviews

74

Section 6.13. Evidence of Compliance

74

Section 6.14. Intentionally Omitted

74

Section 6.15. Guaranties

74

Section 6.16. Agreement to Deliver Security Documents

75

Section 6.17. Production Proceeds

75

Section 6.18. Perfection and Protection of Security Interests and Liens

76

Section 6.19. Leases and Contracts; Performance of Obligations

76

Section 6.20. Representations Continue to be True

76

Section 6.21. Hedging Contracts

76

 

II



 

Section 6.22. Material Contracts

77

Section 6.23. Post-Closing Obligations

77

 

 

ARTICLE VII - Negative Covenants

77

Section 7.1. Indebtedness

77

Section 7.2. Limitation on Liens

77

Section 7.3. Hedging Contracts

78

Section 7.4. Limitation on Mergers, Issuances of Securities

78

Section 7.5. Limitation on Dispositions

79

Section 7.6. Limitation on Dividends and Redemptions

80

Section 7.7. Limitation on Investments and New Businesses

80

Section 7.8. Limitation on Credit Extensions

80

Section 7.9. Transactions with Affiliates

80

Section 7.10. Prohibited Contracts

80

Section 7.11. Conduct of Business

81

Section 7.12. Amendments to Organizational Documents

81

Section 7.13. Fiscal Year

81

Section 7.14. Financial Covenants

81

Section 7.15. Sale and Leaseback Transactions

82

Section 7.16. Negative Pledge

82

 

 

ARTICLE VIII - Events of Default and Remedies

82

Section 8.1. Events of Default

82

Section 8.2. Remedies

84

Section 8.3. Application of Proceeds After Acceleration

84

 

 

ARTICLE IX - Administrative Agent

86

Section 9.1. Appointment and Authority

86

Section 9.2. Exculpatory Provisions

86

Section 9.3. Reliance by Administrative Agent

87

Section 9.4. Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders

88

Section 9.5. Rights as a Lender

88

Section 9.6. Investments

88

Section 9.7. Resignation of Administrative Agent

89

Section 9.8. Delegation of Duties

90

Section 9.9. No Other Duties, etc.

90

Section 9.10. Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

90

Section 9.11. Guaranty Matters

91

Section 9.12. Collateral Matters

91

Section 9.13. Agreement to Assignment of ISDA Master Agreement

92

Section 9.14. Notice of Default

93

Section 9.15. Lender Hedging Obligations and Cash Management Obligations

93

 

 

ARTICLE X - Miscellaneous

93

Section 10.1. Waivers and Amendments; Acknowledgments

93

Section 10.2. Survival of Agreements; Cumulative Nature

95

Section 10.3. Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication

96

Section 10.4. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver

97

Section 10.5. Successors and Assigns; Joint and Several Liability

99

 

III



 

Section 10.6. Confidentiality

104

Section 10.7. Governing Law; Submission to Process

104

Section 10.8. Limitation on Interest

105

Section 10.9. Severability

106

Section 10.10. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness

106

Section 10.11. Waiver of Jury Trial, Punitive Damages, etc.

106

Section 10.12. No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility

106

Section 10.13. USA PATRIOT Act Notice

107

Section 10.14. Right of Setoff

107

Section 10.15. Payments Set Aside

108

Section 10.16. Amendment and Restatement

108

 

Schedules and Exhibits:

 

 

Schedule 1

Lenders Schedule

Schedule 2

Disclosure Schedule

Schedule 3

Security Schedule

Schedule 4

Insurance Schedule

 

 

Exhibit A

Promissory Note

Exhibit B-1

Borrowing Notice

Exhibit B-2

Swing Line Borrowing Notice

Exhibit C

Continuation/Conversion Notice

Exhibit D

Compliance Certificate

Exhibit E

Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit F-1

Opinion of Counsel to Restricted Persons

Exhibit F-2

Opinion of Counsel to Parent

 

IV



 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT is made as of December 28, 2012, by and among SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC., a Colorado corporation (“ Borrower” ), WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender, and as LC Issuer, and the Lenders referred to below.

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, in consideration of the Loans that may hereafter be made by Lenders, the Swing Line Loans that may be made available by Swing Line Lender to Borrower, and the Letters of Credit that may be made available by LC Issuer to Borrower, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I - Definitions and References

 

Section 1.1. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, each of the following terms has the meaning given to such term in this Section 1.1 or in the sections and subsections referred to below:

 

Adjusted Base Rate” means, on any day, the per annum rate equal to the sum of (a) the Base Rate for such day plus (b) the Applicable Margin for such day, provided that the Adjusted Base Rate charged by any Person shall never exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.

 

“Adjusted Consolidated EBITDAX” means, for any Fiscal Quarter, Consolidated EBITDAX for such Fiscal Quarter adjusted (a) as permitted and in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC, and (b) to give effect to any acquisition or divestiture made by Parent or any of its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such Fiscal Quarter as if such transactions had occurred on the first day of such Fiscal Quarter, regardless of whether the effect is positive or negative.

 

Adjusted Eurodollar Rate” means, for any Eurodollar Loan for any day during any Interest Period therefor, the rate per annum equal to the sum of (a) the Applicable Margin for such day plus (b) the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) determined by Administrative Agent to be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Eurodollar Rate for such Eurodollar Loan for such Interest Period by (ii) 1 minus the Reserve Requirement for such Eurodollar Loan for such Interest Period, provided that no Adjusted Eurodollar Rate charged by any Person shall ever exceed the Highest Lawful Rate. The Adjusted Eurodollar Rate for any Eurodollar Loan shall change whenever the Applicable Margin or the Reserve Requirement changes.

 

Administrative Agent” means Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent hereunder, and its successors in such capacity; provided, however, that until such time as a Lender other than Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. becomes a party hereto, “Administrative Agent” shall mean Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., individually.

 



 

Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire m a form supplied by Administrative Agent.

 

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

 

Aggregate Commitment” means the Commitments of all the Lenders.

 

“Agreement” means this Credit Agreement.

 

“Anti-Terrorism Laws” shall mean any requirement of Law related to terrorism financing or money laundering, including the Patriot Act, The Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act (also known as the “ Bank Secrecy Act” , 31 U.S.C. §§ 5311-5330 and 12 U.S.C. §§ 1818(s), 1820(b) and 1951-1959), the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., as amended), and Executive Order 13224 (effective September 24, 2001).

 

Applicable Lending Office” means a Lender’s Domestic Lending Office (in the case of Base Rate Loans) and such Lender’s Eurodollar Lending Office (in the case of Eurodollar Loans).

 

Applicable Margin ” means, for any day, with respect to any Base Rate Loan or Eurodollar Loan, or with respect to the Commitment Fee Rate, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth in the grid below based upon the Utilization Percentage then in effect:

 

Applicable Margin

 

Pricing
Level

 

Utilization
Percentage

 

Eurodollar Loans
Letter of Credit
Fee

 

Base Rate
Loans

 

Commitment
Fee Rate

 

1

 

<25%

 

1.75

%

0.75

%

0.375

%

2

 

> 2:25% but <50%

 

2.00

%

1.00

%

0.375

%

3

 

> 2:50% but <75%

 

2.25

%

1.25

%

0.50

%

4

 

> 2:75% but <90%

 

2.50

%

1.50

%

0.50

%

5

 

> 2:90%

 

2.75

%

1.75

%

0.50

%

 

Each change in the Applicable Margin shall apply during the period commencing on the effective date of such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change; provided, however, that if an Engineering Report is not delivered when due in accordance with Section 6.2(i) or G), as applicable, then Pricing Level 5 shall apply as of the first Business Day after the date on which such Engineering Report was required to have

 

2



 

been delivered and in each case shall remain in effect until the date on which such Engineering Report is delivered.

 

Applicable Percentage ” means with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate Commitment represented by such Lender’s Commitment at such time, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.17. If the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of LC Issuer to issue or extend Letters of Credit have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.2 or if the Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments. The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on the Lenders Schedule or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.

 

Approved Counterparty” means a counterparty to a Hedging Contract that at the time of entering into such Hedging Contract either (a) is a Lender Counterparty, (b) is a Person whose senior unsecured long-term debt obligations are rated A or higher by S&P and A3 or higher by Moody’s, or (c) Shell Oil Trading (US) Company.

 

Approved Fund” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender, or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

 

Assignment and Assumption ” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 10.5), and accepted by Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit E or any other form approved by Administrative Agent.

 

Bankruptcy Code ” means the United States Bankruptcy Code, Title 11 U.S.C., as amended.

 

Base Rate ” means for any day the higher of (a) Administrative Agent’s Prime Rate; (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus ‘l2 of one percent (0.50%) per annum; and (c) the One-Month Eurodollar Rate plus one percent (1.0%) per annum. As used in this definition, Administrative Agent’s “Prime Rate” means the per annum rate of interest most recently announced within Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. at its principal office in San Francisco, California as its “Prime Rate”, with the understanding that the Prime Rate of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is one of its base rates and serves as the basis upon which effective rates of interest are calculated for those loans making reference thereto, and is evidenced by the recording thereof after its announcement in such internal publication or publications as Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. may designate. Each change in the Prime Rate will be effective on the day the change is announced within Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. If Administrative Agent’s Prime Rate changes after the date hereof the Base Rate shall be automatically increased or decreased, as the case may be, without notice to Borrower from time to time as of the effective time of each change in Administrative Agent’s Prime Rate.

 

Base Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at the Adjusted Base Rate.

 

Borrower ” has the meaning given to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

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Borrowing” means (a) a borrowing of new Loans of a single Type (and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, with the same Interest Period) pursuant to Section 2.2 or a Continuation or Conversion of existing Loans into a single Type (and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, with the same Interest Period) pursuant to Section 2.3, and (b) a borrowing of a Swing Line Loan pursuant to Section 2.18.

 

Borrowing Base” means, at the particular time in question, the Initial Borrowing Base, as adjusted from time to time pursuant to Section 2.8; provided, however, that in no event shall the Borrowing Base ever exceed the Maximum Credit Amount.

 

Borrowing Base Deficiency” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.7(b).

 

Borrowing Base Properties” means the Oil and Gas Properties of the Restricted Persons evaluated by Lenders for purposes of establishing the Borrowing Base then in effect.

 

Borrowing Notice” means a written or e-mail request made by Borrower that meets the requirements of Section 2.2.

 

Business Day” means a day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which commercial banks are open for business with the public in Denver, Colorado. Any Business Day in any way relating to Eurodollar Loans (such as the day on which an Interest Period begins or ends) must also be a day on which, in the judgment of Administrative Agent, significant transactions in Dollars are carried out in the interbank eurocurrency market.

 

Capital Lease” means a lease with respect to which the lessee is required concurrently to recognize the acquisition of an asset and the incurrence of a liability in accordance with IFRS.

 

Capital Lease Obligation” means, with respect to any Person and a Capital Lease, the amount of the obligation of such Person as the lessee under such Capital Lease that should, in accordance with IFRS, appear as a liability on the balance sheet of such Person.

 

Cash Collateralize” means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to Administrative Agent, for the benefit of Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender, or LC Issuer (as applicable) and the Lenders, as collateral for LC Obligations, Obligations in respect of Swing Line Loans, or obligations of Lenders to fund participations in respect of either thereof (as the context may require), cash or deposit account balances or, if LC Issuer or Swing Line Lender benefitting from such collateral shall agree in its discretion, other credit support, in each case pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to (a) Administrative Agent and (b) LC Issuer or Swing Line Lender (as applicable). “ Cash Collateral” shall have a meaning correlative to the foregoing and shall include the proceeds of such cash collateral and other credit support.

 

Cash Equivalents” means Investments in:

 

(a)              marketable obligations, maturing within 12 months after acquisition thereof, issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States or an instrumentality or agency thereof and entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States;

 

(b)              demand deposits, and time deposits (including certificates of deposit) maturing within 12 months from the date of deposit thereof, with any office of any Lender or with a

 

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domestic office of any national or state bank or trust company that is organized under the Laws of the United States or any state therein, which has capital, surplus and undivided profits of at least $500,000,000, and whose long term certificates of deposit are rated at least Aa3 by Moody’s or AA- by S & P;

 

(c)              repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 7 days for underlying securities of the types described in subsection (a) above entered into with any commercial bank meeting the specifications of subsection (b) above;

 

(d)              open market commercial paper, maturing within 270 days after acquisition thereof, rated in the highest grade by Moody’s or S&P; and

 

(e)              money market or other mutual funds (i) that are rated Aa2 or better by Moody’s or AA or better by S&P or (ii) substantially all of the assets of which comprise securities of the types described in subsections (a) through (d) above.

 

Cash Management Lender” means any Lender or any Affiliate of any Lender that provides a Cash Management Service to any Restricted Person, in its capacity as a provider of such service. If a Person ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, such Person shall nonetheless remain a Cash Management Lender, but only with respect to transactions entered into thereunder during or prior to the time such Person was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender.

 

Cash Management Obligation” means any obligation of any Restricted Person arising from time to time in respect of Cash Management Services heretofore, presently or hereafter entered into with a Cash Management Lender; provided that if any Person that was a Cash Management Lender ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, the Cash Management Obligations shall only include such obligations to the extent arising from Cash Management Services provided to such Restricted Person during or prior to the time such Person was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender and shall not include any obligations arising from any Cash Management Services provided to such Restricted Person after such Person ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender.

 

Cash Management Services” means any banking services that are provided to any Restricted Person by a Cash Management Lender (other than pursuant to this Agreement), including: (a) credit cards, (b) credit card processing services, (c) debit cards, (d) purchase cards, (e) stored value cards, (f) automated clearing house or wire transfer services, or (g) treasury management, including controlled disbursement, consolidated account, lockbox, overdraft, return items, sweep and interstate depository network services.

 

Change in Law ” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation, or application thereof by any Governmental Authority, or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory

 

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authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

 

Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)             Parent shall at any time after the Closing Date fail to own, in the aggregate, 100% of the then issued and outstanding Equity in Borrower or, except as permitted by Section 7.4, any other direct or indirect Subsidiary of Parent that is a Guarantor,

 

(b)             Eric McCrady shall for any reason cease to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Borrower and is not replaced within 180 days thereafter by a new Chief Executive Officer acceptable to Majority Lenders, or

 

(c)              Borrower shall cease to own and control 100% of the voting and economic interest in the Equity in each Subsidiary of Borrower which owns Borrowing Base Properties.

 

Closing Date ” means the date on which all of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.1 shall have been satisfied or waived.

 

Collateral ” means all property of any kind that is subject to a Lien in favor of Lenders (or in favor of Administrative Agent for the benefit of Lenders) or that, under the terms of any Security Document, is purported to be subject to such a Lien, in each case that secures the Secured Obligations.

 

Commitment ” means, for each Lender, the obligation of such Lender to make Loans to, and participate in Letters of Credit issued upon the application of, Borrower in an aggregate amount not exceeding the amount set forth on the Lenders Schedule or as set forth in any Assignment and Assumption relating to any assignment that has become effective pursuant to Section 10.5.

 

Commitment Fee Rate ” means, on any date, the rate per annum set forth in the definition of Applicable Margin.

 

Commitment Period ” means the period from and including the Closing Date until the Maturity Date (or, if earlier, the day on which the obligations of Lenders to make Loans hereunder and the obligations of LC Issuer to issue Letters of Credit hereunder have been terminated or the Notes first become due and payable in full).

 

Compliance Certificate” means a certificate in the form of Exhibit D.

 

Connection Income Taxes ” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

 

Consolidated ” refers to the consolidation of any Person, in accordance with IFRS, with its properly consolidated subsidiaries. References herein to a Person’s Consolidated financial statements, financial position, financial condition, liabilities, etc. refer to the consolidated financial statements, financial position, financial condition, liabilities, etc. of such Person and its properly consolidated subsidiaries.

 

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Consolidated EBITDAX” means, for any period (without duplication), the sum of (1) Consolidated Net Income during such period (excluding extraordinary gains and losses), plus (2) all interest paid or accrued during such period on Indebtedness (including amortization of original issue discount and the interest component of any deferred payment obligations and Capital Lease Obligations) that was deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income, plus (3) all income taxes that were deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income, plus (4) all depreciation, amortization (including amortization of good will and debt issue costs), depletion, exploration expense and other non-cash charges (including any provision for the reduction in the carrying value of assets recorded in accordance with IFRS and including those resulting from the requirements of ASC Topic 815, ASC Topic 410, or ASC Topic 360 (or similar provisions of IFRS)) that were deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income, minus (5) all non-cash items of income that were included in determining such Consolidated Net Income.

 

Consolidated Funded Debt” means the categories of Liabilities of Parent and its properly Consolidated Subsidiaries described in clauses (a), (b), (c), (f), (h) and G) of the definition of “Indebtedness” in Section 1.1 (without duplication).

 

Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, Parent’s and its properly Consolidated Subsidiaries’ gross revenues for such period, including any cash dividends or distributions actually received from any other Person during such period, minus Parent’s and such Subsidiaries’ expenses and other proper charges against income (including taxes on income, to the extent imposed), determined on a Consolidated basis, after eliminating earnings or losses attributable to outstanding minority interests and excluding the net earnings of any Person (other than a Restricted Person) in which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest.

 

Continuation ” shall refer to the continuation pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof of a Eurodollar Loan as a Eurodollar Loan from one Interest Period to the next Interest Period. “ Continued” has a meaning correlative thereto.

 

Continuation/Conversion Notice” means a written or e-mail request, or a written confirmation, made by Borrower that meets the requirements of Section 2.3.

 

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

 

Conversion ” shall refer to a conversion pursuant to Section 2.3 or Article III of one Type of Loan into another Type of Loan. “ Converted” has a meaning correlative thereto.

 

Core Acquisitions and Investments” means (i) acquisitions and/or development and commercialization (including but not limited to drilling) of Oil and Gas Properties and acquisitions of assets used in the producing, drilling, or transportation of petroleum products that are related to a Restricted Person’s producing Oil and Gas Properties, and (ii) acquisitions of or Investments in Persons engaged primarily in the business of acquiring, developing and producing Oil and Gas Properties; provided that with respect to any acquisition or Investment described in this clause (ii), immediately after making such acquisition or Investment, Borrower shall directly or indirectly own at least 51% of the Equity Interests of such Person, measured by voting power.

 

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Credit Parties ” means any of the Restricted Persons, Parent and any other Guarantor.

 

Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.

 

Default ” means any Event of Default and any default, event or condition that would, with the giving of any requisite notices or the passage of any requisite periods of time, or both constitute an Event of Default.

 

Default Rate” means, at the time in question (a) with respect to any Base Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to 2.0% above the Adjusted Base Rate then in effect for such Loan and (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the rate per annum equal to 2.0% above the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate then in effect for such Loan, provided in each case that no Default Rate charged by any Person shall ever exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.

 

Defaulting Lender” means, subject to Section 2.17(b), any Lender that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of its Loans within 2 Business Days of the date such Loans were required to be funded hereunder unless such Lender notifies Administrative Agent and Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to Administrative Agent, any LC Issuer, any Swing Line Lender or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder (including in respect of its participation in Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans) within 2 Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified Borrower, Administrative Agent or any LC Issuer or Swing Line Lender in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lender’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied), (c) has failed, within 3 Business Days after written request by Administrative Agent or Borrower, to confirm in writing to Administrative Agent and Borrower that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by Administrative Agent and Borrower), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender. Any determination by

 

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Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.l 7(b)) upon delivery of written notice of such determination to Borrower, each LC Issuer, each Swing Line Lender and each Lender.

 

Determination Date” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.8.

 

Disclosure Schedule” means Schedule 2 hereto.

 

Disposition” or “ Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease, abandonment, or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction) of any property by any Person (or the granting of any option or other right to do any of the foregoing), including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith and any assignment, termination, close out, or restructuring (which restructuring has a negative effect on the Borrowing Base valuation thereof, as determined by Administrative Agent) of any Hedging Contract.

 

Distribution” means (a) any dividend or other distribution made by a Restricted Person on or in respect of any Equity in such Restricted Person or any other Restricted Person, or (b) any payment made by a Restricted Person to purchase, redeem, acquire, retire, cancel, or terminate any Equity in such Restricted Person or any other Restricted Person.

 

Dollar ” and “ .$. ” mean lawful money of the United States.

 

Domestic Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender specified as its “Domestic Lending Office” below its name on the Lenders Schedule, or such other office as such Lender may from time to time specify to Borrower and Administrative Agent; with respect to LC Issuer, the office, branch, or agency through which it issues Letters of Credit; and, with respect to Administrative Agent, the office, branch, or agency through which it administers this Agreement.

 

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any direct or indirect Subsidiary of Parent or Borrower, as applicable, that is organized under the laws of any state of the United States or the District of Columbia and is not a Foreign Subsidiary.

 

Eligible Assignee” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section I 0.5(b)(iii), (v) and (vi) (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section I 0.5(b)(iii)).

 

Embargoed Person” shall mean any party that (i) is publicly identified on the most current list of “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” published by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“ OFAC” ) or resides, is organized or chartered, or has a place of business in a country or territory subject to OFAC sanctions or embargo programs or (ii) is publicly identified as prohibited from doing business with the United States under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Trading With the Enemy Act, or any other Requirement of Law.

 

Engineering Report” means the Initial Engineering Report and each engineering report delivered pursuant to Section 6.2.

 

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Environmental Laws ” means any and all Laws relating to the environment or to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes into the environment including ambient air, surface water, ground water, or land, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or handling of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes.

 

Equity” in any Person means any share of capital stock issued by such Person, any general or limited partnership interest, profits interest, capital interest, membership interest, or other equity interest in such Person, any option, warrant or any other right to acquire any share of capital stock or any partnership, profits, capital, membership or other equity interest in such Person, and any other voting security issued by such Person.

 

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and any successor statutes or statute, together with all rules and regulations promulgated with respect thereto.

 

ERISA Affiliate ” means each Restricted Person and all members of a controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control that, together with such Restricted Person, are (or were at any time in the past six years) treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

ERISA Plan ” means any “employee pension benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan) that is subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code and maintained, contributed to or required to be contributed to by any ERISA Affiliate and with respect to which any Restricted Person has a fixed or contingent liability.

 

ERISA Plan Funding Rules ” means the rules in the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA (and related regulations and other guidance) regarding minimum funding standards and minimum required contributions to ERISA Plans as set forth in Sections 412, 430 and 436 of the Internal Revenue Code and Sections 302 and 303 of ERISA (and as set forth in Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 302 of ERISA for periods prior to the effective date of the Pension Protection Act of 2006).

 

Eurodollar Lending Office ” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender specified as its “Eurodollar Lending Office” below its name on the Lenders Schedule (or, if no such office is specified, its Domestic Lending Office), or such other office of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify to Borrower and Administrative Agent.

 

Eurodollar Loan ” means a Revolving Loan that bears interest at the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate.

 

Eurodollar Rate” means, for any Eurodollar Loan within a Borrowing and with respect to the related Interest Period therefor, (a) the interest rate per annum (carried out to the fifth decimal place) equal to the applicable London interbank offered rate for deposits in the requested currency appearing on the Reuters Reference LIBORO l page for such currency as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, or (b) in the event the rate referenced in the preceding clause (a) does not appear on such page or service or such

 

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page or service shall cease to be available, the rate per annum (carried out to the fifth decimal place) equal to the rate determined by Administrative Agent to be the offered rate on Page BBAM of the Bloomberg Financial Market Information Service as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, or (c) in the event the rates referenced in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) are not available, the rate per annum determined by Administrative Agent as the rate of interest at which deposits in U.S. dollars (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) in same day funds in the approximate amount of the applicable Eurodollar Loan and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or one of its Affiliate banks to major banks in the London interbank market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period.

 

Event of Default ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 8.1.

 

Excluded Taxes ” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its Applicable Lending Office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, United States federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by Borrower under Section 3.7(b)) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 3.5, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 3.5(g) and (d) any United States federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

 

Existing Credit Agreement ” means that certain Credit Agreement dated as of July 18, 2011 among Borrower, BOKF, NA dba Bank of Oklahoma, as administrative agent and letter of credit issuer, and certain financial institutions, as lenders, as amended or supplemented to the Closing Date.

 

Existing Credit Documents” means (a) the Existing Credit Agreement, (b) the promissory notes made by Borrower thereunder, and (c) all deeds of trust, mortgages, security agreements, and other documents, instruments or agreements executed and delivered in connection therewith by any Restricted Person, or any predecessor in interest to any Restricted Person.

 

Existing Indebtedness ” means all Indebtedness outstanding under the Existing Credit Documents on the date hereof.

 

Facility Usage” means, at the time in question, the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Loans and existing LC Obligations at such time.

 

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FATCA ” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Internal Revenue Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof and any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(l) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any day, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/lOOth of one percent) equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day, provided that (a) if the day for which such rate is to be determined is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if such rate is not so published for any day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate quoted to Administrative Agent on such day on such transactions as determined by Administrative Agent.

 

Fee Letter ” means the letter agreement, dated December 18, 2012 among Borrower, Administrative Agent and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC.

 

First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Foreign Subsidiary that is owned directly by Parent or Borrower (as applicable) or one of its Domestic Subsidiaries.

 

Fiscal Quarter ” means a 3 month period ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 or December 31 of any year.

 

Fiscal Year ” means a 12 month period ending on June 30 of any year, or as changed by Borrower with the consent of the Majority Lenders, such consent to not unreasonably be withheld or delayed.

 

Floor Contracts ” means put option contracts that protect against falling oil and gas prices and do not require any payments in respect thereof other than an initial premium or purchase price. For the avoidance of doubt, Floor Contracts do not include swaps or collars.

 

Foreign Lender ” means (a) if Borrower is a U.S. Person, a Lender that is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if Borrower is not a U.S. Person, a Lender that is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which Borrower is resident for tax purposes.

 

Foreign Subsidiary ” means any direct or indirect Subsidiary of Parent or Borrower, as applicable, (a) that is a “controlled foreign corporation,” (b) substantially all of whose assets consist of the equity in a subsidiary described in clause (a) above, or (c) that is an entity treated as disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes that owns more than 65% of the voting equity in a subsidiary described in clause (a) or (b) above.

 

Fronting Exposure ” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to LC Issuer, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding LC Obligations other than LC Obligations as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof, and (b) with respect to Swing Line Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of

 

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Swing Line Loans other than Swing Line Loans as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business.

 

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

 

Guarantor” means any Person who has guaranteed some or all of the Secured Obligations pursuant to a guaranty listed on the Security Schedule or any other Person who has guaranteed some or all of the Obligations and who has been accepted by Administrative Agent as a Guarantor or any Subsidiary of Parent or Borrower that now or hereafter executes and delivers a guaranty to Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 6.15.

 

Hazardous Materials” means any substances regulated under any Environmental Law, whether as pollutants, contaminants, or chemicals, or as industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes, or otherwise.

 

Hedging Contract” means (a) any agreement providing for options, swaps, floors, caps, collars, forward sales or forward purchases involving interest rates, commodities or commodity prices, equities, currencies, bonds, or indexes based on any of the foregoing, (b) any option, futures or forward contract traded on an exchange, and (c) any other derivative agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement.

 

Highest Lawful Rate” means, with respect to each Lender Party to whom Obligations are owed, the maximum nonusurious rate of interest that such Lender Party is permitted under applicable Law to contract for, take, charge, or receive with respect to such Obligations. All determinations herein of the Highest Lawful Rate, or of any interest rate determined by reference to the Highest Lawful Rate, shall be made separately for each Lender Party as appropriate to assure that the Loan Documents are not construed to obligate any Person to pay interest to any Lender Party at a rate in excess of the Highest Lawful Rate applicable to such Lender Party.

 

Hydrocarbons” means crude oil, natural gas, condensate, or other liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons.

 

IFRS” means International Financial Reporting Standards or Australian Accounting Standards, which are substantially the same as International Financial Reporting Standards and that, in the case of Credit Parties and their Consolidated Subsidiaries, are applied for all periods after the date hereof in a manner consistent with the manner in which such principles and practices were applied to the Initial Financial Statements. If any change in any accounting principle or practice is required by the International Financial Accounting Standards Board (or any such successor) in order for such principle or practice to continue as a generally accepted

 

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accounting principle or practice, all reports and financial statements required hereunder with respect to any Credit Party or with respect to any Credit Party and its Consolidated Subsidiaries may be prepared in accordance with such change, but all calculations and determinations to be made hereunder may be made in accordance with such change only after notice of such change is given to each Lender, and Majority Lenders, Administrative Agent and Borrower agree to negotiate in good faith in respect of the modification of any covenants hereunder that are affected by such change in order to cause them to measure substantially the same financial performance as the covenants in effect immediately prior to such change.

 

Indebtedness ” of any Person means Liabilities in any of the following categories (without duplication):

 

(a)              Liabilities for borrowed money;

 

(b)              Liabilities constituting an obligation to pay the deferred purchase pnce of property or services;

 

(c)              Liabilities evidenced by a bond, debenture, note or similar instrument;

 

(d)              Liabilities that (i) would under IFRS be shown on such Person’s balance sheet as a liability, and (ii) are payable more than one (1) year from the date of creation or incurrence thereof (other than reserves for taxes and reserves for contingent obligations);

 

(e)              Liabilities arising under Hedging Contracts (on a net basis to the extent netting is provided for in the applicable Hedging Contract), excluding any portion thereof that would be accounted for as an interest expense under IFRS;

 

(f)               Liabilities constituting principal under Capital Leases Obligations;

 

(g)              Liabilities arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements relating to property purchased by such Person;

 

(h)              Liabilities owing under direct or indirect guaranties of Indebtedness of any other Person or otherwise constituting obligations to purchase or acquire or to otherwise protect or insure a creditor against loss in respect of Indebtedness of any other Person (such as obligations under working capital maintenance agreements, agreements to keep-well, or agreements to purchase Indebtedness, assets, goods, securities or services), but excluding endorsements in the ordinary course of business of negotiable instruments in the course of collection;

 

(i)                Liabilities (for example, repurchase agreements, mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and sale/leaseback agreements) consisting of an obligation to purchase or redeem securities or other property of such Person, if such Liabilities arise out of or in connection with the sale or issuance of the same or similar securities or property;

 

(j)               Liabilities with respect to letters of credit or applications or reimbursement agreements therefor;

 

(k)               Liabilities with respect to banker’s acceptances;

 

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(l)               Liabilities with respect to payments received in consideration of oil, gas, or other minerals yet to be acquired or produced at the time of payment (including obligations under “take-or-pay” contracts to deliver gas in return for payments already received and the undischarged balance of any production payment created by such Person or for the creation of which such Person directly or indirectly received payment); or

 

(m)          Liabilities with respect to other obligations to deliver goods or services m consideration of advance payments therefor;

 

provided, however, that the “Indebtedness” of any Person shall not include Liabilities that were incurred by such Person on ordinary trade terms to vendors, suppliers, or other Persons providing goods and services for use by such Person in the ordinary course of its business, unless and until such Liabilities are outstanding more than 90 days past the original invoice or billing date therefor.

 

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

 

Independent Engineers ” means (a) Netherland, Sewell  & Associates, Inc., and (b) any other nationally recognized independent petroleum engineering company that is designated by Borrower with the consent of Administrative Agent.

 

Initial Borrowing Base ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.8.

 

Initial Engineering Report ” means the reserve engineering report with respect to the Oil and Gas Properties of Restricted Persons prepared as of June 30, 2012 by the Independent Engineers, a copy of which report has been delivered to Administrative Agent.

 

Initial Financial Statements ” means (a) the audited Consolidated annual financial statements of Parent and Borrower as of June 30, 2012, and (b) their unaudited quarterly Consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2012.

 

Insolvent ” means with respect to any Person, that (a) such Person is insolvent (as such term is defined in the Bankruptcy Code, and with all terms used in this definition that are defined in the Bankruptcy Code having the meanings ascribed to those terms in the text and interpretive case law applicable to the Bankruptcy Code), (b) the sum of such Person’s debts, including absolute and contingent liabilities, the Obligations or guarantees thereof, exceeds the value of such Person’s assets, at a fair valuation, (c) such Person’s capital is umeasonably small for the business in which such Person is engaged and intends to be engaged, or (d) such Person has incurred (whether under the Loan Documents or otherwise), or intends to incur debts that will be beyond its ability to pay as such debts mature. In determining whether a Person is “Insolvent” all rights of contribution (whether or not enforceable in any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or employed for the purpose of determining the insolvency of such Person in any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law and without giving effect to any waiver thereof contained in the Loan Documents) of each Restricted Person against other Restricted Parties under the guaranty of the Obligations, at law, in equity or otherwise shall be taken into account.

 

Insurance Schedule” means Schedule 4 hereto.

 

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Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to each Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each calendar month, and (b) with respect to each Eurodollar Loan, the last day of the Interest Period that is applicable thereto and, if such Interest Period exceeds 3 months, the respective dates that fall every 3 months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; provided that the last day of each calendar month shall also be an Interest Payment Date for each such Loan so long as any Event of Default exists under Section 8.l (a) or (b).

 

Interest Period” means, with respect to each Eurodollar Loan, the period specified in the Borrowing Notice or Continuation/Conversion Notice applicable to such Eurodollar Loan, beginning on and including the date specified in such Borrowing Notice or Continuation/ Conversion Notice (which must be a Business Day), and ending 1, 2, 3, or 6 months thereafter, as Borrower may elect in such notice; provided that: (a) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day; (b) any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day in a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day in a calendar month; and (c) notwithstanding the foregoing, any Interest Period that would otherwise end after the last day of the Commitment Period shall end on the last day of the Commitment Period (or, if the last day of the Commitment Period is not a Business Day, on the first preceding Business Day).

 

Internal Revenue Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time and any successor statute or statutes, together with all rules and regulations promulgated with respect thereto.

 

Investment” means any investment, made directly or indirectly, in any Person, whether by purchase or acquisition of Equity, Indebtedness or other obligations or securities or by extension of credit, loan, advance, capital contribution or otherwise and whether made in cash, by the transfer of property, or by any other means.

 

Law” means any statute, law, regulation, ordinance, rule, treaty, judgment, order, decree, permit, concession, franchise, license, agreement or other governmental restriction of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof or of any foreign country or any department, province or other political subdivision thereof. Any reference to a Law includes any amendment or modification to such Law, and all regulations, rulings, and other Laws promulgated under such Law.

 

LC Application ” means any application for a Letter of Credit hereafter made by Borrower to LC Issuer.

 

LC Conditions” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.9.

 

LC Issuer” means Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. in its capacity as the issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, and its successors in such capacity. Administrative Agent may, with the consent of Borrower and the Lender in question, appoint any Lender hereunder as an LC Issuer in place of or in addition to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

 

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LC Obligations ” means, at the time in question, the sum of all Matured LC Obligations plus the maximum amounts that LC Issuer might then or thereafter be called upon to advance under all Letters of Credit then outstanding.

 

LC Sublimit ” means $5,000,000.

 

Lender Counterparty ” means any Lender or any Affiliate of any Lender that is a party to a Hedging Contract with any Restricted Person. If a Person ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender but remains a party to such Hedging Contract, such Person shall nonetheless remain a Lender Counterparty, but only with respect to transactions entered into thereunder during or prior to the time such Person was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender.

 

Lender Hedging Obligation ” means any obligation of any Restricted Person arising from time to time under any Hedging Contract heretofore, presently or hereafter entered into with a Lender Counterparty; provided that if any Person that was a Lender Counterparty ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, the Lender Hedging Obligations shall only include such obligations to the extent arising from transactions entered into during or prior to the time such Person was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender and shall not include any obligations arising from any transaction entered into after such Person ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender.

 

Lender Parties ” means Administrative Agent, LC Issuer, Swing Line Lender, and all Lenders.

 

Lenders ” means each signatory hereto (other than Borrower and any Restricted Person that is a party hereto), including Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. in its capacity as a Lender and as Swing Line Lender hereunder rather than as Administrative Agent or LC Issuer, and the successors of each such party as a Lender hereunder pursuant to Section 10.5.

 

Lenders Schedule ” means Schedule 1 hereto.

 

Letter of Credit ” means any standby letter of credit issued by LC Issuer hereunder at the application of Borrower.

 

Letter of Credit Fee Rate” means, on any date, the rate per annum set forth in the definition of “Applicable Margin”.

 

Letter of Credit Termination Date ” means the date that is 7 days prior to the Maturity Date or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day.

 

Liabilities ” means, as to any Person, all indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of such Person, whether matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, primary or secondary, direct or indirect, absolute, fixed or contingent, and whether or not required to be considered pursuant to IFRS.

 

Lien ” means, with respect to any property or assets, any right or interest therein of a creditor to secure Liabilities owed to it or any other arrangement with such creditor that provides for the payment of such Liabilities out of such property or assets or that allows such creditor to have such Liabilities satisfied out of such property or assets prior to the general creditors of any

 

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owner thereof, including any lien, mortgage, security interest, pledge, deposit, production payment, rights of a vendor under any title retention or conditional sale agreement or lease substantially equivalent thereto, tax lien, mechanic’s or materialman’s lien, or any other charge or encumbrance for security purposes, whether arising by Law or agreement or otherwise, but excluding any right of offset that arises without agreement in the ordinary course of business. “Lien” also means any filed financing statement, any registration of a pledge (such as with an issuer of uncertificated securities), or any other arrangement or action that would serve to perfect a Lien described in the preceding sentence, regardless of whether such financing statement is filed, such registration is made, or such arrangement or action is undertaken before or after such Lien exists.

 

Loan Documents” means this Agreement, the Notes, the Security Documents, the Letters of Credit, the LC Applications, the Fee Letter, any agreement creating or perfecting rights in Cash Collateral pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 of this Agreement, and all other agreements, certificates, documents, instruments and writings at any time delivered in connection herewith or therewith (exclusive of term sheets and commitment letters).

 

Loans ” means the Revolving Loans and the Swing Line Loans.

 

Majority Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, at least two (if more than one Lender) Lenders having more than 50% of the Aggregate Commitments or, if the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of LC Issuer to issue or extend Letters of Credit have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.1, at least two (if more than one Lender) Lenders holding in the aggregate more than 50% of the Facility Usage (with the aggregate amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in LC Obligations and Swing Line Loans being deemed “held” by such Lender for purposes of this definition); provided that the Commitment of, and the portion of the Facility Usage held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Majority Lenders.

 

Material Adverse Change” means (a) a material and adverse change in (i) the Credit Parties’ business, assets, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), operations or financial condition, considered as a whole, (ii) Borrower’s ability to timely pay the Obligations or any Restricted Person’s ability to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party, (b) a material impairment of the rights and remedies of Administrative Agent or any Lender Party under any Loan Document, or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Restricted Person of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

 

Material Contracts” means any contract or other arrangement to which any Restricted Person is a party (other than the Loan Documents) for which breach, nonperformance, cancellation or failure to renew could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change, provided that contracts and oil and gas leases that are specifically listed on an Exhibit or Schedule to any Security Document shall not be deemed to be Material Contracts for purposes of this definition.

 

Matured LC Obligations” means all amounts paid by LC Issuer on drafts or demands for payment drawn or made under or purported to be drawn on or made under any Letter of Credit and all other amounts due and owing to LC Issuer under any LC Application for any Letter of

 

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Credit, to the extent the same have not been repaid to LC Issuer (with the proceeds of Loans or otherwise).

 

Maturity Date” means December 28, 2017.

 

Maximum Credit Amount ” means the amount of $300,000,000.

 

Minimum Collateral Amount” means Oil and Gas Properties to which are attributable, 80% of the Present Value of the Proved Reserves attributable to all of the Borrowing Base Properties.

 

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or its successor.

 

Multiemployer Plan” means any plan described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

 

Non-Consenting Lender” means any Lender that does not approve (a) any Borrowing Base increase that has been approved by Required Lenders or (b) any other consent, waiver, or amendment that requires the approval of all affected Lenders and has been approved by Majority Lenders.

 

Note” means a promissory note made by Borrower in favor of a Lender or its registered assigns evidencing Revolving Loans or Swing Line Loans, as the case may be, made by such Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit A.

 

Obligations ” means all Liabilities from time to time owing by any Restricted Person to any Lender Party under or pursuant to any of the Loan Documents, including all LC Obligations. “Obligation” means any part of the Obligations.

 

Oil and Gas Properties” means all oil, gas and/or mineral leases, oil, gas or mineral properties, mineral servitudes and/or mineral rights of any kind (including mineral fee interests, lease interests, farmout interests, overriding royalty and royalty interests, net profits interests, oil payment interests, production payment interests and other types of mineral interests), and all oil and gas gathering, treating, storage, processing and handling assets.

 

One-Month Eurodollar Rate” means, for any day for any Base Rate Loan within a Borrowing, (a) the interest rate per annum (carried out to the fifth decimal place) equal to the applicable London interbank offered rate for deposits in the requested currency appearing on the Reuters Reference LIBORO 1 page for such currency as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such day with a term equivalent to one month, or (b) in the event the rate referenced in the preceding clause (a) does not appear on such page or service or such page or service shall cease to be available, the rate per annum (carried out to the fifth decimal place) equal to the rate determined by Administrative Agent to be the offered rate on Page BBAM of the Bloomberg Financial Market Information Service as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such day with a term equivalent to one month, or (c) in the event the rates referenced in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) are not available, the rate per annum determined by Administrative Agent using another comparable publicly available service for displaying London interbank offered rates for deposits of U.S. Dollars with a term equivalent to one month.

 

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Organizational Documents” means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and limited liability company agreement or operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.

 

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

 

Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 3.7).

 

Parent ” means Sundance Energy Australia Limited (ACN 112 202 883), a limited company organized and existing under the laws of South Australia.

 

Parent Guaranty” means the Guaranty of even date herewith made by Parent in favor of Administrative Agent for the benefit of beneficiaries named therein, as from time to time supplemented, amended and restated and all guaranties given in substitution therefore or in replacement thereof.

 

Participant ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 10.5(d).

 

Participant Register ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 10.5(d).

 

Patriot Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56), which was signed into law October 26, 2001.

 

PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

 

Permitted Investments” means

 

(a)           Cash Equivalents;

 

(b)                                  existing Investments described in the Disclosure Schedule;

 

(c)                                   Investments consisting of Hedge Contracts permitted under Section 7.3;

 

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(d)             normal and prudent extensions of credit by Restricted Persons to their customers for buying goods and services in the ordinary course of business or to another Restricted Person in the ordinary course of business, which extensions shall not be for longer periods than those extended by similar businesses operated in a normal and prudent manner;

 

(e)              extensions of credit among Borrower and its Subsidiaries that are Guarantors that are subordinated to the Obligations upon terms and conditions satisfactory to Majority Lenders and Administrative Agent in their discretion;

 

(f)              Core Acquisitions and Investments that are made when no Default has occurred and is continuing or will occur as a result thereof;

 

(g)              Investments of the type described in clause (ii) of the definition of Core Acquisitions and Investments that are made when a Restricted Person acquires less than 51% of the Equity in the applicable Person and no Default has occurred and is continuing or will occur as a result of such acquisition, which Investments do not exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate during any Fiscal Year; and

 

(h)             Investments not described in subsections (a) through (g) above that do not (taking into account all Investments of all Restricted Persons) exceed an aggregate amount of $5,000,000 during any Fiscal Year.

 

Permitted Liens ” means:

 

(a)              statutory Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or levies that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with IFRS;

 

(b)              landlords’, operators’, carriers’, warehousemen’s, repairmen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’ s, or other like Liens that do not secure Indebtedness, in each case only to the extent arising in the ordinary course of business and only to the extent securing obligations that are not delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with IFRS;

 

(c)              minor defects and irregularities in title to any property, so long as such defects and irregularities neither secure Indebtedness nor materially impair the value of such property or the use of such property for the purposes for which such property is held;

 

(d)              deposits of cash, letters of credit, or securities to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations and other obligations of a like nature (excluding appeal bonds) incurred in the ordinary course of business and not constituting Indebtedness;

 

(e)              Liens under the Security Documents;

 

(f)               with respect only to property subject to any particular Security Document, additional Liens burdening such property that are expressly allowed by such Security Document;

 

(g)              easements, restrictions, servitudes, permits, conditions, covenants, exceptions or reservations in any property of any Restricted Person for the purpose of roads, pipelines, transmission lines, transportation lines, distribution lines for the removal of gas, oil, coal or other

 

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minerals or timber, and other like purposes, or for the joint or common use of real estate, rights of way, facilities and equipment, that do not secure Indebtedness and that do not materially interfere with the future development of such property or with cash flow from such property as reflected in the most recent Engineering Report;

 

(h)              judgment and attachment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default, provided that any appropriate legal proceedings that may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment shall not have been finally terminated or the period within which such proceeding may be initiated shall not have expired no action to enforce such Lien has been commenced, and such Liens are covered by a bond or insurance reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent;

 

(i)               pledges or deposits in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislations;

 

G)               Liens under joint operating agreements, pooling or unitization agreements or similar contractual arrangements arising in the ordinary course of the business of any Restricted Person to secure amounts owing under such agreements and contracts, which amounts are not more than 90 days past due or are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with IFRS;

 

(k)              encumbrances consisting of deed restrictions, zoning restrictions, easements, governmental or environmental permitting and operation restrictions, the exercise by Governmental Authorities or third parties of eminent domain or condemnation rights, or any other similar restrictions on the use of the Oil and Gas Properties, none of which materially impairs the use of such property by Borrower or any Subsidiary in the operation of its business, and none of which is or shall be violated in any material respect by existing proposed operations;

 

(1)              (i) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.l (d) and which (A) secure Capital Lease Obligations, or (B) fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by Borrower or its Subsidiaries; provided, that, with respect to Liens permitted under this clause (B) (1) such Liens and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred substantially simultaneously with the acquisition, construction or improvement of such fixed or capital assets or within 180 days thereafter, (2) such Liens do not at any time encumber any property other than the property financed by such Indebtedness, replacements and proceeds thereof and accession thereto, and (3) the amount of Indebtedness secured thereby is not more than 100% of the purchase price, and (ii) Liens in the nature of precautionary financing statements filed against leased property by the applicable lessors thereof;

 

(m)             all lessors’ royalties, overriding royalties, net profits interests, carried interests, production payments that do not constitute Indebtedness, reversionary interests and other burdens on or deductions from the proceeds of production with respect to each Oil and Gas Property (in each case) that do not operate to reduce the net revenue interest for such Oil and Gas Property (if any) as reflected in any Security Document or Engineering Report or increase the working interest for such Oil and Gas Property (if any) as reflected in any Security Document or Engineering Report without a corresponding increase in the corresponding net revenue interest; and

 

(n)               Liens that secure the Second Lien Facility, provided that (i) the property covered by such Liens is also subject to Liens securing the Secured Obligations and (ii) the Liens

 

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securing the Second Lien Facility have been subordinated to the Liens securing the Secured Obligations on terms acceptable to Administrative Agent and Majority Lenders.

 

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

 

Plan” means any employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) established by a Restricted Person and any ERISA Plan.

 

Platform ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 10.3(d).

 

Present Value” of any Oil and Gas Property means the present value of the future net revenues attributed to such property in the most recent Engineering Report using a discount rate of 10% per annum.

 

Projected Oil and Gas Production” means the projected production of oil, natural gas, or natural gas liquids (measured by volume unit or BTU equivalent, not sales price) for the term of the contracts or a particular month, as applicable, from reserves that are at the time in question, Proved Developed Producing Reserves attributable to Oil and Gas Properties owned by the Restricted Persons that are located in the United States, as such production is projected in the Engineering Report most recently delivered, after deducting projected production from any properties or interests sold or under contract for sale that had been included in such report and after adding projected production from any properties or interests that had not been reflected in such report but that are reflected in a separate or supplemental report meeting the requirements of Section 6.2(f) or (g) and otherwise are satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

 

Proved Reserves ” means “Proved Reserves” as defined in the Petroleum Resources Management System as in effect at the time in question (in this definition, the “ PRMS” ) prepared by the Oil and Gas Reserves Committee of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and reviewed and jointly sponsored by the World Petroleum Council, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (or any generally recognized successor organizations). “ Proved Developed Producing Reserves” means Proved Reserves that are categorized as “Developed Producing Reserves” in the PRMS, “ Proved Developed Nonproducing Reserves” means Proved Reserves that are categorized as “Developed Nonproducing Reserves” in the PRMS, and “ Proved Undeveloped Reserves” means Proved Reserves that are categorized as “ Undeveloped Reserves” in the PRMS.

 

Recipient ” means (a) Administrative Agent, (b) any Lender, and (c) any LC Issuer, as applicable.

 

Regulation D” means Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor thereto or other regulation or official interpretation of said Board of Governors relating to reserve requirements applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve System.

 

Regulation U” means Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor or other regulation or official interpretation of said Board of Governors relating to the extension of credit by banks for the

 

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purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stocks applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve System.

 

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

 

Required Lenders ” means, as of any date of determination, at least two (if two or more Lenders) Lenders having at least 66-2/3% of the Aggregate Commitment or, if the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of LC Issuer to issue or extend Letters of Credit have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.1, at least two (if more than one Lender) Lenders holding in the aggregate at least 66-2/3% of the Facility Usage (with the aggregate amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in LC Obligations and Swing Line Loans being deemed “held” by such Lender for purposes of this definition); provided that the Commitment of, and the portion of the Facility Usage held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.

 

Reserve Requirement ” means, at any time, the maximum rate at which reserves (including any marginal, special, supplemental, or emergency reserves) are required to be maintained under regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) by member banks of the Federal Reserve System against “Eurocurrency liabilities” (as such term is used in Regulation D). Without limiting the effect of the foregoing, the Reserve Requirement shall reflect any other reserves required to be maintained by such member banks with respect to (a) any category of liabilities that includes deposits by reference to which the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate is to be determined, or (b) any category of extensions of credit or other assets that includes Eurodollar Loans.

 

Responsible Officer” means, with respect to Borrower, the Chief Executive Officer, President or Chief Financial Officer of Borrower, and with respect to any other Restricted Person, if such Restricted Person is a corporation, the President or Chief Financial Officer of such Restricted Person, if such Restricted Person is a limited liability company, a Manager or officer of such Restricted Person, as applicable, and if such Restricted Person is a limited partnership, the applicable officer of the General Partner of such limited partnership.

 

Restricted Person” means any of Borrower and each Subsidiary of Borrower.

 

Revolving Loans” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1.

 

Revolving Note ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1.

 

S & P” means Standard  & Poor’s Ratings Services (a division of The McGraw Hill Companies), or its successor.

 

Scheduled Determination” means each determination of the Borrowing Base that is not a Special Determination.

 

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

 

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Second Lien Facility” means that certain second lien term loan facility provided to Borrower by Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as agent, which is subject to an intercreditor agreement acceptable to Administrative Agent and Majority Lenders.

 

Secured Obligations” means all Obligations, Cash Management Obligations, and Lender Hedging Obligations.

 

Security Documents” means all security agreements, deeds of trust, mortgages, chattel mortgages, pledges, guaranties, financing statements, continuation statements, extension agreements, subordination agreements, intercreditor agreements, and other agreements or instruments now, heretofore, or hereafter delivered by any Restricted Person to Administrative Agent in connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby to secure or guarantee the payment of any part of the Secured Obligations or the performance of any Restricted Person’s other duties and obligations under the Loan Documents.

 

Security Schedule” means Schedule 3 hereto.

 

Special Determinations” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.8(d).

 

Staff Engineers” means petroleum engineers who are employees of Borrower or of a staffing company that provides its employees to Borrower.

 

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, or other business or corporate entity, enterprise or organization that is directly or indirectly (through one or more intermediaries) controlled by or owned 50% or more by such Person, provided that associations, joint ventures or other relationships (a) that are established pursuant to a standard form operating agreement or similar agreement or that are partnerships for purposes of federal income taxation only, (b) that are not corporations or partnerships (or subject to the Uniform Partnership Act) under applicable state Law, and (c) whose businesses are limited to the exploration, development and operation of oil, gas or mineral properties and interests owned directly by the parties in such associations, joint ventures or relationships, shall not be deemed to be “Subsidiaries” of such Person.

 

Swing Line Borrowing” means a borrowing of a Swing Line Loan pursuant to Section 2.18.

 

Swing Line Borrowing Notice” means a notice of a Swing Line Borrowing pursuant to Section 2. l 8(b), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B-2.

 

Swing Line Lender” means Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. in its capacity as provider of Swing Line Loans, or any successor swing line lender hereunder.

 

Swing Line Loans” has the meaning specified in Section 2.18(a).

 

Swing Line Sublimit” means $10,000,000. The Swing Line Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Revolving Loan facility.

 

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

 

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Termination Event ” means (a) the occurrence with respect to any ERISA Plan of (i) a reportable event described in Section 4043(c)(5) or (6) of ERISA or (ii) any other reportable event described in Section 4043(c) of ERISA other than such a reportable event for which the 30-day notice requirement has been waived, or (b) the withdrawal by any ERISA Affiliate from an ERISA 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, or (c) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate any ERISA Plan or the treatment of any ERISA Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 of ERISA, or (d) the institution of proceedings to terminate any ERISA Plan by the PBGC under Section 4042 of ERISA, or (e) any other event or condition which might constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any ERISA Plan, or (f) any failure by any ERISA Plan to satisfy the ERISA Plan Funding Rules, whether or not waived, or (g) the filing pursuant to Section 412(c) of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any ERISA Plan, the failure to make by its due date a required installment under Section 4300) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to any ERISA Plan, or (h) a determination that any ERISA Plan is, or is expected to be, an at-risk plan (as defined in Section 430 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 303 of ERISA) and the funding target attainment percentage (as defined in Section 430 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 303 of ERISA) for such plan is, or is expected to be, less than 60 percent, or (i) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent, upon any ERISA Affiliate.

 

Threshold Amount ” means $2,000,000.

 

Type ” means, with respect to any Loans, the characterization of such Loans as either Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Loans.

 

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of Colorado from time to time.

 

United States” and “ U.S.” mean the United States of America.

 

Unused Availability ” means, at any time of determination, an amount equal to (a) the lesser of (i) the Aggregate Commitment and (ii) the Borrowing Base, minus (b) the Facility Usage.

 

U.S. Borrower ” means any Borrower that is a U.S. Person.

 

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

 

Utilization Percentage ” means, as of any day, the fraction expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the Facility Usage on such day, and the denominator of which is the Borrowing Base in effect on such day.

 

Withholding Agent ” means Borrower and Administrative Agent.

 

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Section 1.2. Exhibits and Schedules; Additional Definitions. All Exhibits and Schedules attached to this Agreement are a part hereof for all purposes. Reference is hereby made to the Security Schedule for the meaning of certain terms defined therein and used but not defined herein, which definitions are incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

(a) shall include all exhibits, schedules, and other attachments thereto, and (b) shall include all documents, instruments, or agreements issued or executed in replacement thereof. Titles appearing at the beginning of any subdivisions are for convenience only and do not constitute any part of such subdivisions and shall be disregarded in construing the language contained in such subdivisions. The phrases “this section” and “ this subsection” and similar phrases refer only to the sections or subsections hereof in which such phrases occur. The word “ or” is not exclusive. Accounting terms have the meanings assigned to them by IFRS, as applied by the accounting entity to which they refer. References to “ days” shall mean calendar days, unless the term “Business Day” is used.

 

Section 1.4. Calculations and Determinations. All calculations under the Loan Documents of interest chargeable with respect to Eurodollar Loans and of fees shall be made on the basis of actual days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last) and a year of 360 days. All other calculations of interest made under the Loan Documents shall be made on the basis of actual days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last) and a year of 365 or 366 days, as appropriate. Each determination by a Lender Party of amounts to be paid under Article III or any other matters that are to be determined hereunder by a Lender Party (such as any Eurodollar Rate, Adjusted Eurodollar Rate, Business Day, Interest Period, or Reserve Requirement) shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein or unless Majority Lenders otherwise consent all financial statements and reports furnished to any Lender Party hereunder shall be prepared and all financial computations and determinations pursuant hereto shall be made in accordance with IFRS. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all financial statements delivered hereunder shall

 

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be prepared, and all financial covenants contained herein shall be calculated, without giving effect to any election under ASC Topic 825 (or similar provisions of IFRS or any other similar accounting principle) permitting a Person to value its financial liabilities at the fair value thereof.

 

Section 1.5. Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by Borrower pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).

 

Section 1.6. Times of Day. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Mountain time (daylight or standard, as applicable).

 

Section 1.7. Joint Preparation; Construction of Indemnities and Releases. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents have been reviewed and negotiated by sophisticated parties with access to legal counsel and no rule of construction shall apply hereto or thereto that would require or allow any Loan Document to be construed against any party because of its role in drafting such Loan Document. All indemnification and release provisions of this Agreement shall be construed broadly (and not narrowly) in favor of the Persons receiving indemnification or being released.

 

ARTICLE II - The Loans and Letters of Credit

 

Section 2.1. Commitments to Lend; Notes. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Lender agrees to make loans to Borrower (herein called such Lender’s “Revolving Loans”) upon Borrower’s request from time to time during the Commitment Period, provided that (a) subject to Sections 3.3, 3.4 and 3.6, Loans of the same Type shall be made by Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages and as part of the same Borrowing, and (b) after giving effect to such Revolving Loans, the Facility Usage does not exceed the lesser of the Borrowing Base or the Aggregate Commitment then in effect. The aggregate amount of all Revolving Loans (other than Revolving Loans made pursuant to Section 2.1 l (b)) in any Borrowing must be greater than or equal to (a) in the case of Eurodollar Loans, $1,000,000 or any higher integral multiple of $100,000, (b) in the case of Base Rate Loans, $500,000 or any higher integral multiple of $100,000, or (c) must equal the remaining Unused Availability. Borrower may have no more than 5 Borrowings of Eurodollar Loans outstanding at any time. Interest on each Loan shall accrue and be due and payable as provided herein. Each Loan shall be due and payable as provided herein, and shall be due and payable in full on the Maturity Date. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Borrower may borrow, repay, and reborrow hereunder. The obligation of Borrower to repay to each Lender the aggregate amount of all Loans made by such Lender, together with interest accruing in connection therewith, shall be evidenced by a single promissory note (herein called such Lender’s “Revolving Note”) made by Borrower payable to such Lender or its registered assigns in the form of Exhibit A with appropriate insertions. The amount of principal owing on any Lender’s Revolving Note at any given time shall be the aggregate amount of all Loans theretofore made by such Lender minus all payments of principal theretofore received by such Lender on such Revolving Note.

 

Section 2.2. Requests for New Revolving Loans. Borrower must give to Administrative Agent written or electronic notice of any requested Borrowing of new

 

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Revolving Loans to be advanced by Lenders. Each such notice constitutes a “ Borrowing Notice hereunder and must:

 

(a)              specify (i) the aggregate amount of any such Borrowing of new Base Rate Loans and the date on which such Base Rate Loans are to be advanced, or (ii) the aggregate amount of any such Borrowing of new Eurodollar Loans, the date on which such Eurodollar Loans are to be advanced (which date shall be the first day of the Interest Period that is to apply thereto), and the length of the applicable Interest Period; and

 

(b)             be received by Administrative Agent not later than 10:00 a.m. on (i) the day on which any such Base Rate Loans are to be made, or (ii) the 3rd Business Day preceding the day on which any such Eurodollar Loans are to be made.

 

Each such written request or confirmation must be made in the form and substance of the “Borrowing Notice” attached hereto as Exhibit B-1, duly completed. Each such request shall be deemed a representation, warranty, acknowledgment and agreement by Borrower as to the matters that are required to be set out in such written confirmation. Upon receipt of any such Borrowing Notice, Administrative Agent shall give each Lender prompt notice of the terms thereof. If all conditions precedent to such new Revolving Loans have been met, each Lender will on the date requested promptly remit to Administrative Agent at Administrative Agent’s office in Denver, Colorado the amount of such Lender’s new Revolving Loan in immediately available funds, and upon receipt of such funds, unless to its actual knowledge any conditions precedent to such Revolving Loans have been neither met nor waived as provided herein, Administrative Agent shall promptly make such Revolving Loans available to Borrower. Unless Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, Administrative Agent may in its discretion assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with this Section 2.2 and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and Borrower severally agree to pay to Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation and (ii) in the case of a payment to be made by Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. If Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to Borrower the amount of such interest paid by Borrower for such period. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Borrowing to Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Revolving Loan included in such Borrowing. Any payment by Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to Administrative Agent.

 

Section 2.3. Continuations and Conversions of Existing Loans. Borrower may make the following elections with respect to Loans already outstanding: to convert Base Rate Loans to Eurodollar Loans, to convert Eurodollar Loans to Base Rate Loans on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, and to continue Eurodollar Loans beyond the expiration of such

 

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Interest Period by designating a new Interest Period to take effect at the time of such expiration. In making such elections, Borrower may combine existing Loans made pursuant to separate Borrowings into one new Borrowing or divide existing Loans made pursuant to one Borrowing into separate new Borrowings, provided that Borrower may have no more than 5 Borrowings of Eurodollar Loans outstanding at any time. To make any such election, Borrower must give to Administrative Agent written or electronic notice of any such Conversion or Continuation of existing Loans, with a separate notice given for each new Borrowing. Each such notice constitutes a “ Continuation/Conversion Notice” hereunder and must:

 

(a)             specify the existing Loans that are to be Continued or Converted;

 

(b)             specify (i) the aggregate amount of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans into which such existing Loans are to be continued or converted and the date on which such Continuation or Conversion is to occur, or (ii) the aggregate amount of any Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans into which such existing Loans are to be continued or converted, the date on which such Continuation or Conversion is to occur (which date shall be the first day of the Interest Period that is to apply to such Eurodollar Loans), and the length of the applicable Interest Period; and

 

(c)              be received by Administrative Agent not later than 10:00 a.m. on (i) the day on which any such Continuation or Conversion to Base Rate Loans is to occur, or (ii) the 3rd Business Day preceding the day on which any such Continuation or Conversion to Eurodollar Loans is to occur.

 

Each such written request or confirmation must be made in the form and substance of the “Continuation/Conversion Notice” attached hereto as Exhibit C, duly completed. Each such request shall be deemed a representation, warranty, acknowledgment and agreement by Borrower as to the matters that are required to be set out in such written confirmation. Upon receipt of any such Continuation/Conversion Notice, Administrative Agent shall give each Lender prompt notice of the terms thereof. Each Continuation/Conversion Notice shall be irrevocable and binding on Borrower. During the continuance of any Default, Borrower may not make any election to convert existing Loans into Eurodollar Loans or continue existing Loans as Eurodollar Loans. If (due to the existence of a Default or for any other reason) Borrower fails to timely and properly give any Continuation/Conversion Notice with respect to a Borrowing of existing Eurodollar Loans at least 3 Business Days prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, such Eurodollar Loans shall automatically be converted into Base Rate Loans at the end of such Interest Period. No new funds shall be repaid by Borrower or advanced by any Lender in connection with any Continuation or Conversion of existing Loans pursuant to this section, and no such Continuation or Conversion shall be deemed to be a new advance of funds for any purpose; such Continuations and Conversions merely constitute a change in the interest rate applicable to already outstanding Loans.

 

Section 2.4. Use of Proceeds. Borrower shall use all Loans to refinance the Existing Indebtedness, to finance capital expenditures, to refinance Matured LC Obligations, and provide working capital for its operations and for other general business purposes. Borrower shall use all Letters of Credit for its general corporate purposes, including acquisitions permitted hereby. In no event shall the funds from any Loan or any Letter of Credit be used directly or indirectly by any Person for personal, family, household or agricultural purposes or for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of purchasing, acquiring or carrying any “margin stock” (as such term is defined in Regulation U) or to extend credit to others

 

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directly or indirectly for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any such margin stock. Borrower represents and warrants that Borrower is not engaged principally, or as one of Borrower’s important activities, in the business of extending credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying such margin stock.

 

Section 2.5. Interest Rates and Fees; Payment Dates.

 

(a)              Interest Rates. Subject to subsection (b) below, (i) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on each day outstanding at the Adjusted Base Rate in effect on such day, and (ii) each Eurodollar Loan shall bear interest on each day during the related Interest Period at the related Adjusted Eurodollar Rate in effect on such day.

 

(b)              Default Rate. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing under Section 8.1(a), (b), G)(i), G)(ii), or G)(iii), all outstanding Loans shall bear interest at the applicable Default Rate. In addition, if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (other than under Section 8.l(a), (b), G)(i), G)(ii), or G)(iii)), Majority Lenders (or Administrative Agent at the direction of Majority Lenders) may, by notice to Borrower, elect to have the outstanding Loans bear interest at the applicable Default Rate, whereupon such Loans shall bear interest at the applicable Default Rate until the earlier of (i) the first date thereafter upon which there shall be no Event of Default continuing and (ii) the date upon which Majority Lenders shall have rescinded such notice.

 

(c)              Commitment Fees. In consideration of each Lender’s commitment to make Loans, Borrower will pay to Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a commitment fee determined on a daily basis by applying the Commitment Fee Rate to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Unused Borrowing Base determined at the end of each day during the Commitment Period. For the avoidance of doubt, the outstanding principal amount of Swing Line Loans shall not be counted towards or considered as Facility Usage of the Aggregate Commitment for purposes of determining such commitment fee, however the outstanding principal amount of Swing Line Loans for any Lender that is also a Swing Line Lender shall be counted towards and considered as Facility Usage for purposes of determining such Lender’s commitment fee. This commitment fee shall be due and payable in arrears on the last day of each Fiscal Quarter and at the end of the Commitment Period.

 

(d)              Fee Letter. In addition to all other amounts due under the Loan Documents, Borrower will pay fees to Administrative Agent as described in the Fee Letter.

 

(e)              Payment Dates. On each Interest Payment Date relating to Base Rate Loans, Borrower shall pay to Lenders all unpaid interest that has accrued on the Base Rate Loans to but not including such Interest Payment Date. On each Interest Payment Date relating to a Eurodollar Loan, Borrower shall pay to Lenders all unpaid interest that has accrued on such Eurodollar Loan to but not including such Interest Payment Date.

 

Section 2.6. Optional Prepayments. Borrower may, from time to time and without premium or penalty prepay the Loans, in whole or in part, upon prior written notice to Administrative Agent, provided that (a) such notice must be received by Administrative Agent not later than 10:00 a.m. (i) on the Business Day preceding the day on which any Base Rate Loan is to be prepaid and (ii) on the 3rd Business Day preceding the day on which any Eurodollar Loan is to be prepaid, (b) the aggregate amounts of all partial prepayments of

 

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principal on the Loans equals $1,000,000 or any higher integral multiple of $100,000 (or at least $100,000 with respect to Swing Line Loans or, if less, the outstanding principal balance of the Swing Line Loans), and (c) if Borrower prepays any Eurodollar Loan on any day other than the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, it shall pay to Lenders any amounts due under Section 3.4. Each prepayment of principal under this section shall be accompanied by all interest then accrued and unpaid on the principal so prepaid. Any principal or interest prepaid pursuant to this section shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all payments otherwise required to be paid under the Loan Documents at the time of such prepayment.

 

Section 2.7. Mandatory Prepayments.

 

(a)             If at any time the Facility Usage exceeds the Aggregate Commitment (whether due to a reduction in the Aggregate Commitment in accordance with this Agreement, or otherwise), Borrower shall immediately upon demand prepay the principal of the Loans (and after all Loans are repaid in full, Cash Collateralize the LC Obligations in accordance with Section 2.16) in an amount at least equal to such excess.

 

(b)             If at any time the Facility Usage is less than the Aggregate Commitment but in excess of the Borrowing Base (such excess being herein called a “ Borrowing Base Deficiency ”), Borrower shall, except with respect to a Borrowing Base adjustment pursuant to Section 2.8(e), within 5 Business Days after Administrative Agent gives notice of such fact to Borrower, either:

 

(i)               give notice to Administrative Agent electing to prepay the principal of the Loans (and, if the Facility Usage exceeds the Borrowing Base after all Loans are repaid in full, Cash Collateralize the LC Obligations in accordance with Section 2.16) in an aggregate amount sufficient to eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency (or, if the Facility Usage exceeds the Borrowing Base after the Loans have been paid in full, Cash Collateralize the LC Obligations in accordance with Section 2.16), such prepayment to be made in full on or before the 30th day after such notice by Administrative Agent to Borrower of such Borrowing Base Deficiency;

 

(ii)              give notice to Administrative Agent electing to prepay the principal of the Loans (and, if the Facility Usage exceeds the Borrowing Base after all Loans are repaid in full, Cash Collateralize the LC Obligations in accordance with Section 2.16) in up to 6 monthly installments in an aggregate amount at least equal to such Borrowing Base Deficiency, with each such installment equal to or in excess of one-sixth of such Borrowing Base Deficiency, and with the first such installment to be paid within 30 days after the giving of such notice by Administrative Agent to Borrower of such Borrowing Base Deficiency and the subsequent installments to be due and payable at one month intervals thereafter until such Borrowing Base Deficiency has been eliminated; provided, however, (x) Borrower shall have demonstrated to the satisfaction of Administrative Agent on or before the date of the first such payment that Borrower has sufficient available monthly cash from its Projected Oil and Gas Production to make such payments and (y) Borrower shall pay such Borrowing Base Deficiency in full on or before the next Determination Date (if the new Borrowing Base determined on such Determination Date is less than the amount of the Borrowing Base that gave rise to such Borrowing Base Deficiency); or

 

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(iii)            give notice to Administrative Agent that Borrower desires to provide (or cause to be provided by other Restricted Persons) Administrative Agent with deeds of trust, mortgages, chattel mortgages, security agreements, financing statements and other security documents in form and substance similar to the Security Documents previously delivered to Administrative Agent (with any changes required to conform to changes in Law or changes in the type of collateral covered thereby), and otherwise satisfactory to Administrative Agent, granting, confirming, and perfecting first and prior liens or security interests in collateral acceptable to all Lenders subject to no liens other than Permitted Liens, to the extent needed to allow all Lenders to increase the Borrowing Base (as they in their reasonable discretion deem consistent with prudent oil and gas banking industry lending standards at the time) to an amount that eliminates such Borrowing Base Deficiency, and such Security Documents shall be executed and delivered to Administrative Agent within 30 days after Administrative Agent confirms to Borrower what collateral shall be required. If , prior to any such specification by Administrative Agent, Majority Lenders determine that the giving of such Security Documents will not serve to eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency, then, within 5 Business Days after receiving notice of such determination from Administrative Agent, Borrower will elect to make, and thereafter make, the prepayments specified in either of the preceding subsections (i) or (ii) of this subsection (b).

 

(c)              On the effective day of a Borrowing Base adjustment pursuant to Section 2.8(e), Borrower shall prepay the principal of the Loans (and, if the Facility Usage exceeds the Borrowing Base after all Loans are repaid in full, Cash Collateralize the LC Obligations in accordance with Section 2.16) in an amount, if any, required to eliminate any Borrowing Base Deficiency existing after giving effect to such Borrowing Base adjustment.

 

(d)              Each prepayment of principal under this Section shall be accompanied by all interest then accrued and unpaid on the principal so prepaid. Any principal or interest prepaid pursuant to this Section shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all payments otherwise required to be paid under the Loan Documents at the time of such prepayment.

 

Section 2.8. Borrowing Base.

 

(a)              During the period from the date hereof to the first Determination Date the Borrowing Base shall be $30,000,000 (the “ Initial Borrowing Base ”).

 

(b)              By March 15 and September 15 of each year beginning March 15, 2013, Borrower shall furnish to Administrative Agent all information, reports and data that Administrative Agent has then requested concerning Restricted Persons’ businesses and properties (including their Oil and Gas Properties and interests and the reserves and production relating thereto), together with, as applicable, the Engineering Report as of January 1 of such year described in Section 6.2(f) or as of July  1 of such year described in Section 6.2(g). Within 15 days after receiving such information, reports and data, or as promptly thereafter as practicable, Administrative Agent shall determine the amount of a proposed Borrowing Base; and Administrative Agent shall then deliver to each Lender such proposed Borrowing Base. Within 15 days after the Lenders’ receipt of such proposed Borrowing Base, or as promptly thereafter as practicable, Required Lenders shall agree on an amount for the Borrowing Base (provided that all Lenders must agree on any increase in the Borrowing Base), which Borrowing Base need not be equal to such proposed Borrowing Base. Required Lenders shall determine the

 

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amount of the Borrowing Base based upon the loan collateral value that they in their discretion assign to the discounted net present value of the various Oil and Gas Properties of Restricted Persons included in the Collateral at the time in question and based upon such other credit factors (including the assets, liabilities, cash flow, hedged and unhedged exposure to price, foreign exchange rate, and interest rate changes, business, properties, prospects, management and ownership of Restricted Persons) as they in their discretion deem significant. If Required Lenders (or all Lenders in the case of an increase in the Borrowing Base) have not approved the Borrowing Base within the 15 day period after their receipt of such proposed Borrowing Base, Administrative Agent shall poll Lenders to ascertain the highest Borrowing Base then acceptable to a number of Lenders sufficient to constitute Required Lenders (or all Lenders in the case of an increase in the Borrowing Base) and such amount shall then become the Borrowing Base. Administrative Agent shall by notice to Borrower designate such amount as the new Borrowing Base available to Borrower hereunder, which designation shall take effect immediately on the date such notice is sent (herein called a “ Determination Date” ) and shall remain in effect until but not including the next date as of which the Borrowing Base is redetermined. IT IS EXPRESSLY UNDERSTOOD THAT LENDERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO AGREE UPON OR DESIGNATE THE BORROWING BASE AT ANY PARTICULAR AMOUNT, WHETHER IN RELATION TO THE MAXIMUM CREDIT AMOUNT OR OTHERWISE, AND THAT LENDERS’ COMMITMENTS TO ADVANCE FUNDS HEREUNDER IS DETERMINED BY REFERENCE TO THE BORROWING BASE FROM TIME TO TIME IN EFFECT, WHICH BORROWING BASE SHALL BE USED FOR CALCULATING COMMITMENT FEES UNDER SECTION 2.5 AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW AND REGULATORY AUTHORITIES, FOR THE PURPOSES OF CAPITAL ADEQUACY DETERMINATION AND REIMBURSEMENTS UNDER SECTION 3.2.

 

(c)              If Borrower does not furnish all such information, reports and data by the date specified in the first sentence of subsection (a) of this section, Administrative Agent may nonetheless determine the Borrowing Base at any amount that Required Lenders determine and may redetermine the Borrowing Base from time to time thereafter (provided that all Lenders must agree to any increase in the Borrowing Base) until each Lender receives all such information, reports and data, whereupon Required Lenders (or all Lenders, as applicable) shall designate a new Borrowing Base as described above.

 

(d)              In addition to the redeterminations of the Borrowing Base pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section, Borrower and Administrative Agent (or Administrative Agent at the request of Required Lenders) may each request additional determinations (“ Special Determinations” ) of the Borrowing Base from time to time; provided, that no such Person may request more than 1 Special Determination between Scheduled Determinations. In the event Administrative Agent (or Administrative Agent at the request of Required Lenders) requests such a Special Determination, Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver notice of such request to Borrower and Borrower shall, within 30 days following the date of such request, deliver to Lenders an Engineering Report as of the last day of the calendar month preceding the date of such request prepared by Staff Engineers (or prepared by Independent Engineers) and such other information that Administrative Agent shall have requested. In the event Borrower requests a Special Determination, Borrower shall deliver written notice of such request to Lenders that includes (i) an Engineering Report prepared by Staff Engineers as of a date not more than 30 days prior to the date of such request (or, in the case of a request made on the 31st day of any calendar month, 31 days), and (ii) such other information requested by Administrative Agent. Upon receipt of such Engineering Report and other information, Administrative Agent

 

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shall, subject to approval of Required Lenders, or all Lenders in the event of a proposed increase in the Borrowing Base, redetermine the Borrowing Base in accordance with the procedure set forth in subsection (a) of this section, which Borrowing Base shall become effective on the Determination Date (or as soon thereafter as Administrative Agent and Required Lenders, or all Lenders in the event of a proposed increase in the Borrowing Base, approve such Borrowing Base and provide notice thereof to Borrower).

 

(e)           Not less than fifteen (15) days prior to any Disposition of Restricted Persons’ Oil and Gas Properties (other than pursuant to Section 7.5(b)) or Hedging Contracts, Borrower shall furnish to Administrative Agent information on such Disposition. If Administrative Agent or Borrower determine that such Disposition would result in the aggregate Disposition of Restricted Persons’ Oil and Gas Properties or Hedging Contracts since the most recent redetermination of the Borrowing Base equal to an amount greater than 5% of the Borrowing Base then in effect, Borrower shall furnish to Administrative Agent all information, reports and data that Administrative Agent has then requested concerning such sales and Oil and Gas Properties, including the interests and the reserves and production relating thereto and information regarding such Hedging Contracts, and shall furnish to Administrative Agent all information, reports and data which Administrative Agent has then requested concerning Restricted Persons’ businesses and properties which are not being Disposed of, including their Oil and Gas Properties and interests and the reserves and production relating thereto and the remaining Hedging Contracts. Administrative Agent shall propose a Borrowing Base, subject to the agreement of all Lenders under the standards provided in subsection (b) above and taking into account the proposed Disposition of Restricted Persons’ properties or Hedging Contracts. If each Lender is satisfied that the proceeds of the Disposition of the properties and such Hedging Contract close out, net of out-of-pocket costs and expenses, will be sufficient to pay any Borrowing Base Deficiency resulting from the proposed redetermination of the Borrowing Base, then (x) Restricted Persons may Dispose of such Oil and Gas Properties and, if applicable, such Hedging Contract, (y) the new Borrowing Base shall be designated as provided herein, and (z) Borrower shall pay the Borrowing Base Deficiency resulting from the redetermination of the Borrowing Base pursuant hereto on the day of such Disposition.

 

Section 2.9. Letters of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Borrower may at any time during the Commitment Period request LC Issuer to issue, increase the amount of or otherwise amend or extend, one or more Letters of Credit, provided that, after taking such Letter of Credit into account:

 

(a)           the Facility Usage does not exceed the lesser of the Aggregate Commitment and the Borrowing Base at such time;

 

(b)           the aggregate amount of LC Obligations at such time does not exceed the LC Sublimit;

 

(c)               the expiration date of such Letter of Credit (as extended, if applicable) is prior to the earliest to occur of (i) 12 months after the issuance thereof , and (ii) the Letter of Credit Termination Date;

 

(d)               such Letter of Credit is to be used for general business purposes of Borrower or a Restricted Person that is a Guarantor;

 

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(e)                                          such Letter of Credit is not directly or indirectly used to assure payment of or otherwise support any Indebtedness of any Person other than Indebtedness of Borrower or any Restricted Person that is a Guarantor;

 

(f)                                          the issuance of such Letter of Credit will be in compliance with all applicable governmental restrictions, policies, and guidelines and will not subject LC Issuer to any cost that is not reimbursable under Article III;

 

(g)                                         the form and terms of such Letter of Credit are acceptable to LC Issuer in its discretion; and

 

(h)                                         all other conditions in this Agreement to the issuance of such Letter of Credit have been satisfied.

 

LC Issuer will honor any such request if the foregoing conditions (a) through (h) (the “LC Conditions” ) have been met as of the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit. LC Issuer may choose to honor any such request for any other Letter of Credit but has no obligation to do so and may refuse to issue any other requested Letter of Credit for any reason that LC Issuer in its discretion deems relevant. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, LC Issuer shall not at any time be obligated to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit if any Lender is at that time a Defaulting Lender, unless LC Issuer has entered into arrangements, including the delivery of Cash Collateral, satisfactory to LC Issuer (in its discretion) with Borrower or such Lender to eliminate LC Issuer’s actual or potential Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.l 7(a)(iv)) with respect to the Defaulting Lender arising from either the Letter of Credit then proposed to be issued or that Letter of Credit and all other LC Obligations as to which LC Issuer has actual or potential Fronting Exposure, as it may elect in its discretion.

 

Borrower may also at any time during the Commitment Period request that LC Issuer extend the expiration date of an existing Letter of Credit or modify an existing Letter of Credit (other than an increase or extension) and LC Issuer will honor such request if the LC Conditions set forth in subsection (c) of this Section 2.9 are met and no Default exists at the time of such request; provided that in the case of any such modification (other than an increase or extension), LC Issuer shall have approved such modification.

 

LC Issuer shall have at all times the benefits and immunities (a) provided to Administrative Agent in Sections 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, and 9.5 with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by LC Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and documents pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term “Administrative Agent” as used in Article IX included LC Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (b) as additionally provided herein with respect to LC Issuer, provided that Section 9.2(b) shall apply vis-a-vis the Lenders and not third parties (such as letter of credit beneficiaries).

 

Section 2.10.                                        Requesting Letters of Credit.

 

(a)                                            Borrower must make written application for any Letter of Credit or amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit at least 5 Business Days (or such shorter period as LC Issuer may in its discretion from time to time agree) before the date on which Borrower desires for LC Issuer to issue such Letter of Credit. By making any such written application, unless otherwise expressly stated therein, Borrower shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that the

 

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LC Conditions described in Section 2.9 will be met as of the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit. Each such written application for a Letter of Credit must be made in writing in the form customarily used by LC Issuer, the terms and provisions of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference (or in such other form as may mutually be agreed upon by LC Issuer and Borrower).

 

(b)                                          If Borrower so requests in any applicable LC Application, LC Issuer may, in its discretion, agree to issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, an “ Auto-Extension Letter of Credit” ); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit LC Issuer to prevent any such extension at least once in each 12 month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the “ Non-Extension Notice Date” ) in each such 12 month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is issued. Unless otherwise directed by LC Issuer, Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to LC Issuer for any such extension. Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) LC Issuer to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the Letter of Credit Termination Date; provided, however, that LC Issuer shall not permit any such extension if (i) LC Issuer has determined that it would not be permitted, or would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its revised form (as extended) under the terms hereof (by reason of the provisions of Section 2.9 or otherwise), or (ii) it has received notice (which notice may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is 5 Business Days before the Non-Extension Notice Date (1) from Administrative Agent that Majority Lenders have elected not to permit such extension or (2) from Administrative Agent, any Lender or Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.2 is not then satisfied, and in each such case directing LC Issuer not to permit such extension.

 

(c)                                            Two Business Days after the LC Conditions for a Letter of Credit have been met as described in Section 2.9 (or if LC Issuer otherwise desires to issue such Letter of Credit earlier), LC Issuer will issue such Letter of Credit at LC Issuer’s office in Denver, Colorado. If any provisions of any LC Application conflict with any provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern and control. Borrower shall promptly examine a copy of each Letter of Credit and each amendment thereto that is delivered to it and, in the event of any claim of noncompliance with Borrower’s instructions or other irregularity, Borrower will immediately notify LC Issuer.

 

(d)                                           Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder is in support of any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Subsidiary of Borrower, Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse LC Issuer hereunder for any and all drawings under such Letter of Credit. Borrower hereby acknowledges that the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of such Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of Borrower, and that Borrower’s business derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such Subsidiaries.

 

(e)                                             Unless otherwise agreed by Administrative Agent, each LC Issuer shall report in writing to Administrative Agent (i) on or prior to each Business Day on which such LC Issuer issues, amends, renews or extends any Letter of Credit, the date of such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, and the currencies and face amounts of the Letters of Credit issued, amended, renewed or extended by it and outstanding after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (and whether the amounts thereof shall have changed), it being understood that such LC Issuer shall not effect any issuance, renewal, extension or amendment

 

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resulting in an increase in the aggregate amount of the Letters of Credit issued by it without first obtaining written confirmation from Administrative Agent that such increase is then permitted under this Agreement, (ii) on each Business Day on which such LC Issuer makes any payment under any draw made under any Letter of Credit, the date, currency and amount of such payment, (iii) on any Business Day on which Borrower fails to reimburse any Matured LC Obligation required to be reimbursed to such LC Issuer on such day, the date of such failure and the currency and amount of such Matured LC Obligation, and (iv) on any other Business Day, such other information as Administrative Agent shall reasonably request as the Letters of Credit issued by such LC Issuer.

 

Section 2.11.                                      Reimbursement and Participations.

 

(a)                                          Reimbursement by Borrower. Each Matured LC Obligation shall constitute a loan by LC Issuer to Borrower. Borrower promises to pay to LC Issuer, or to LC Issuer’s order, on demand, the full amount of each Matured LC Obligation, together with interest thereon (i) at the rate applicable to Base Rate Loans to and including the first Business Day after such demand is made by LC Issuer and (ii) at the Default Rate applicable to Base Rate Loans on each day thereafter. The obligation of Borrower to reimburse LC Issuer for each Matured LC Obligation shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (including any LC Application) under all circumstances, including the following: (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto; (ii) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, set-off, defense or other right that Borrower may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), LC Issuer or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction; (iii) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit; (iv) any payment by LC Issuer under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or (v) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is expressly agreed that the absolute and unconditional nature of Borrower’s obligations under this section to reimburse LC Issuer for each drawing under a Letter of Credit will not be excused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of LC Issuer. However, the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse LC Issuer from liability to Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable Law) suffered by Borrower that are caused by LC Issuer’s gross negligence or willful misconduct in determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof.

 

(b)                                             Letter of Credit Advances. If the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit makes a draft or other demand for payment thereunder then Borrower may, during the interval between the making thereof and the honoring thereof by LC Issuer, request Lenders to make Revolving Loans to Borrower in the amount of such draft or demand, which Revolving Loans shall be made concurrently with LC Issuer’s payment of such draft or demand and shall be immediately used

 

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by LC Issuer to repay the amount of the resulting Matured LC Obligation. Such a request by Borrower shall be made in compliance with all of the provisions hereof, provided that for the purposes of the first sentence of Section 2.1, the amount of such Revolving Loans shall be considered, but the amount of the Matured LC Obligation to be concurrently paid by such Loans shall not be considered.

 

(c)                                          Participation by Lenders. LC Issuer irrevocably agrees to grant and hereby grants to each Lender, and -to induce LC Issuer to issue Letters of Credit hereunder -each Lender irrevocably agrees to accept and purchase and hereby accepts and purchases from LC Issuer, on the terms and conditions hereinafter stated and for such Lender’s own account and risk, an undivided interest equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of LC Issuer’s obligations and rights under each Letter of Credit issued hereunder and the amount of each Matured LC Obligation paid by LC Issuer thereunder. Each Lender unconditionally and irrevocably agrees with LC Issuer that, if a Matured LC Obligation is paid under any Letter of Credit for which LC Issuer is not reimbursed in full by Borrower in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the related LC Application (including any reimbursement by means of concurrent Loans or by the application of Cash Collateral), such Lender shall (in all circumstances and without set-off or counterclaim) pay to LC Issuer on demand (and Administrative Agent may apply Cash Collateral provided for this purpose), in immediately available funds at LC Issuer’s address for notices hereunder, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Matured LC Obligation (or any portion thereof that has not been reimbursed by Borrower). Each Lender’s obligation to pay LC Issuer pursuant to the terms of this subsection is irrevocable and unconditional. If any amount required to be paid by any Lender to LC Issuer pursuant to this subsection is paid by such Lender to LC Issuer within 3 Business Days after the date such payment is due, LC Issuer shall in addition to such amount be entitled to recover from such Lender, on demand, interest thereon calculated from such due date at the Federal Funds Rate. If any amount required to be paid by any Lender to LC Issuer pursuant to this subsection is not paid by such Lender to LC Issuer within 3 Business Days after the date such payment is due, LC Issuer shall in addition to such amount be entitled to recover from such Lender, on demand, interest thereon calculated from such due date at the Default Rate applicable to Base Rate Loans.

 

(d)                                           Distributions to Participants. Whenever LC Issuer has in accordance with this section received from any Lender payment of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of any Matured LC Obligation, if LC Issuer thereafter receives any payment of such Matured LC Obligation or any payment of interest thereon (whether directly from Borrower or by application of Cash Collateral or otherwise, and excluding only interest for any period prior to LC Issuer’s demand that such Lender make such payment of its Applicable Percentage), LC Issuer will distribute to such Lender its Applicable Percentage of the amounts so received by LC Issuer; provided, however, that if any such payment received by LC Issuer must thereafter be returned by LC Issuer, such Lender shall return to LC Issuer the portion thereof that LC Issuer has previously distributed to it.

 

(e)                                             Calculations. A written advice setting forth in reasonable detail the amounts owing under this section, submitted by LC Issuer to Borrower or any Lender from time to time, shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, as to the amounts thereof.

 

Section 2.12.                                        Letter of Credit Fees. In consideration of LC Issuer’s issuance of any Letter of Credit, Borrower agrees to pay (a) to Administrative Agent, for the account of all Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages, a letter of credit issuance

 

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fee at a rate equal to the Letter of Credit Fee Rate then in effect (which fee shall be increased by 2.0% per annum during any period in which interest on the Loans accrues at the Default Rate) calculated on the undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit on each day, and (b) to such LC Issuer for its own account, a letter of credit fronting fee at a rate equal to 0.125% per annum times the face amount of such Letter of Credit (but in no event less than $500 per annum); provided, however, any Letter of Credit fees otherwise payable for the account of a Defaulting Lender with respect to any Letter of Credit as to which such Defaulting Lender has not provided Cash Collateral satisfactory to LC Issuer pursuant to Section 2.9 shall be payable, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law, to the other Lenders in accordance with the upward adjustments in their respective Applicable Percentages allocable to such Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.17(a)(iv), with the balance of such fee, if any, payable to LC Issuer for its own account. In addition, Borrower will pay to LC Issuer LC Issuer’s customary fees for issuance, amendment and drawing of each Letter of Credit. The letter of credit fee and the letter of credit fronting fee will be calculated on the undrawn face amount of each Letter of Credit outstanding on each day at the above-applicable rates and will be due and payable in arrears on the last Business Day of each Fiscal Quarter and at the end of the Commitment Period.

 

Section 2.13.                                      No Duty to Inquire.

 

(a)                                          Drafts and Demands. LC Issuer is authorized and instructed to accept and pay drafts and demands for payment under any Letter of Credit without requiring, and without responsibility for, any determination as to the existence of any event giving rise to said draft, either at the time of acceptance or payment or thereafter. LC Issuer is under no duty to determine the proper identity of anyone presenting such a draft or making such a demand (whether by tested telex or otherwise) as the officer, representative or agent of any beneficiary under any Letter of Credit, and payment by LC Issuer to any such beneficiary when requested by any such purported officer, representative or agent is hereby authorized and approved. LC Issuer shall have the right, in its discretion, to decline to accept documents and to make such payment if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit. Borrower releases each Lender Party from, and agrees to hold each Lender Party harmless and indemnified against, any liability or claim in connection with or arising out of the subject matter of this section, which indemnity shall apply whether or not any such liability or claim is in any way or to any extent caused, in whole or in part, by any negligent act or omission of any kind by any Lender Party, provided only that no Lender Party shall be released from or entitled to indemnification for that portion, if any, of any liability or claim that is proximately caused by or results from its own individual gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined in a final judgment.

 

(b)                                           Extension of Maturity. If the maturity of any Letter of Credit is extended by its terms or by Law or governmental action, if any extension of the maturity or time for presentation of drafts or any other modification of the terms of any Letter of Credit is made at the request of any Restricted Person, or if the amount of any Letter of Credit is increased at the request of any Restricted Person, this Agreement shall be binding upon all Restricted Persons with respect to such Letter of Credit as so extended, increased or otherwise modified, with respect to drafts and property covered thereby, and with respect to any action taken by LC Issuer, LC Issuer’s correspondents, or any Lender Party in accordance with such extension, increase or other modification.

 

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(c)                                          Transferees of Letters of Credit. If any Letter of Credit provides that it is transferable, LC Issuer shall have no duty to determine the proper identity of anyone appearing as transferee of such Letter of Credit, nor shall LC Issuer be charged with responsibility of any nature or character for the validity or correctness of any transfer or successive transfers, and payment by LC Issuer to any purported transferee or transferees as determined by LC Issuer is hereby authorized and approved, and Borrower releases each Lender Party from, and agrees to hold each Lender Party harmless and indemnified against, any liability or claim in connection with or arising out of the foregoing, which indemnity shall apply whether or not any such liability or claim is in any way or to any extent caused, in whole or in part, by any negligent act or omission of any kind by any Lender Party, provided only that no Lender Party shall be released from or entitled to indemnification for that portion, if any, of any liability or claim that is proximately caused by or results from its own individual gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined in a final judgment.

 

Section 2.14.                                        Sharing of Payments by Lenders. If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of the Loans made by it, or the participations in LC Obligations or in Swing Line Loans held by it resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Loans or participations and accrued interest thereon greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and subparticipations in LC Obligations and Swing Line Loans of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and other amounts owing them (except that with respect to any other Lender that is a Defaulting Lender by virtue of such Lender failing to fund its required share (if any) of any Loan or LC Obligation, such Defaulting Lender’s pro rata share of the excess payment shall be allocated to the Lender (or the Lenders, pro rata) that funded such Defaulting Lender’s required share (if any)), provided that:

 

(i)                                               if any such participations or subparticipations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations or subparticipations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and

 

(ii)                                            the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by or on behalf of Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender), (y) the application of Cash Collateral provided for in Section 2.16, or (z) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or subparticipations in LC Obligations or Swing Line Loans to any assignee or participant, other than an assignment to Borrower or any Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).

 

Each Restricted Person consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable Law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against such Restricted Person rights of setoff and

 

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counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Restricted Person in the amount of such participation.

 

Section 2.15.                                     Obligations of Lenders Several. The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans, to fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 2.2 are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan; to fund any such participation or to make any payment under Section 10.4(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section 10.4(c).

 

Section 2.16.                                      Cash Collateral.

 

(a)                                          Certain Credit Support Events. Upon the request of Administrative Agent or LC Issuer (i) if LC Issuer has honored any full or partial drawing request under any Letter of Credit and such drawing has resulted in a Matured LC Obligation, or (ii) if, as of the Letter of Credit Termination Date, any LC Obligation for any reason remains outstanding, Borrower shall, in each case, immediately Cash Collateralize the then outstanding amount of all LC Obligations. If , after the making of all mandatory prepayments required under Section 2.7, the outstanding LC Obligations will exceed the Borrowing Base, then in addition to prepayment of the entire principal balance of the Loans required under Section 2.7, Borrower shall immediately Cash Collateralize the then outstanding LC Obligations in an amount equal to such excess. At any time that there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, immediately upon the request of Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender, or LC Issuer, Borrower shall deliver Cash Collateral to Administrative Agent in an amount sufficient to cover all Fronting Exposure allocable to such Defaulting Lender (after giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv) and any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender).

 

(b)                                           Grant of Security Interest. All Cash Collateral (other than credit support not constituting funds subject to deposit) shall be maintained in blocked, non-interest bearing deposit accounts at Administrative Agent. Borrower, and to the extent provided by any Lender, such Lender, hereby grants to (and subjects to the control of) Administrative Agent, for the benefit of Administrative Agent, LC Issuer and the Lenders (including Swing Line Lender), and agrees to maintain, a first priority security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein, and all other property so provided as collateral pursuant hereto, and in all proceeds of the foregoing, all as security for the obligations to which such Cash Collateral may be applied pursuant to Section 2.16(c). If at any time Administrative Agent determines that Cash Collateral is subject to any right or claim of any Person other than Administrative Agent as herein provided, or that the total amount of such Cash Collateral is less than the applicable Fronting Exposure and other obligations secured thereby, Borrower or the relevant Defaulting Lender will, promptly upon demand by Administrative Agent, pay or provide to Administrative Agent additional Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to eliminate such deficiency.

 

(c)                                             Application. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Cash Collateral provided under any of this Section 2.16 or Section 2.7, 2.9, 2.17, 2.18, or 8.3 in respect of Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans shall be held and applied to the satisfaction of the specific LC Obligations, Swing Line Loans, obligations to fund participations therein (including, as to Cash Collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, any interest accrued

 

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on such obligation) and other obligations for which the Cash Collateral was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may otherwise be provided for herein.

 

(d)                                          Release. Cash Collateral (or the appropriate portion thereof) provided to reduce Fronting Exposure or other obligations shall be released promptly following (i) the elimination of the applicable Fronting Exposure or other obligations giving rise thereto (including by the termination of Defaulting Lender status of the applicable Lender (or, as appropriate, its assignee following compliance with Section 10.5(h)) or (ii) Administrative Agent’s good faith determination that there exists excess Cash Collateral; provided, however, (x) that Cash Collateral furnished by or on behalf of a Restricted Person shall not be released during the continuance of a Default or Event of Default (and following application as provided in this Section 2.16 may be otherwise applied in accordance with Section 8.3), and (y) the Person providing Cash Collateral and LC Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as applicable, may agree that Cash Collateral shall not be released but instead held to support future anticipated Fronting Exposure or other obligations.

 

Section 2.17.                                       Defaulting Lenders.

 

(a)                                            Adjustments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as that Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:

 

(i)                                     Waivers and Amendments. That Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in Section 10.1 and the definition of Majority Lenders.

 

(ii)                                  Reallocation of Payments. Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by Administrative Agent for the account of that Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article III or VIII or otherwise, and including any amounts made available to Administrative Agent by that Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 10.14), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to LC Issuer or Swing Line Lender hereunder; third, if so determined by Administrative Agent or requested by LC Issuer or Swing Line Lender, to be held as Cash Collateral for future funding obligations of that Defaulting Lender of any participation in any Swing Line Loan or Letter of Credit; fourth, as Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by Administrative Agent and Borrower, to be held in a non-interest bearing deposit account and released in order to satisfy obligations of that Defaulting Lender to fund Loans under this Agreement; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to Lenders, LC Issuer or Swing Line Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, LC Issuer or Swing Line Lender against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by Borrower against that

 

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Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and eighth, to that Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or Matured LC Obligations in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (y) such Loans or Matured LC Obligations were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and Matured LC Obligations owed to, all non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or Matured LC Obligations owed to, that Defaulting Lender. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 2.17(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by that Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

 

(iii)                               Certain Fees. That Defaulting Lender (1) shall not be entitled to receive any commitment fee pursuant to Section 2.5(c) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender) and (2) shall be limited in its right to receive Letter of Credit Fees as provided in Section 2.12.

 

(iv)                               Reallocation of Applicable Percentages to Reduce Fronting Exposure. All or any part of that Defaulting Lender’s participation in LC Obligations and Swing Line Loans shall be reallocated among the non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages (calculated without regard to that Defaulting Lender’s Commitment) but only to the extent that (x) the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 are satisfied at the time of such reallocation (and, unless Borrower shall have otherwise notified Administrative Agent at such time, Borrower shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that such conditions are satisfied at such time), and (y) such reallocation does not cause the aggregate amount of the Loans and participations in LC Obligations and Swing Line Loans of any non-Defaulting Lender to exceed the lesser of (1) such non-Defaulting Lender’s Commitment and (2) such non-Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Borrowing Base (calculated without giving effect to any reallocations pursuant to this clause (iv)). No reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such non-Defaulting Lender’s increased exposure following such reallocation.

 

(v)                                  Cash Collateral, Repayment of Swing Line Loans. If the reallocation described in the preceding clause (iv) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, Borrower shall, without prejudice to any right or remedy available to it hereunder or under Law, (1) first, prepay Swing Line Loans in an amount equal to the Swing Line Lender’s Fronting Exposure and (2) second, Cash Collateralize LC Issuer’s Fronting Exposure in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.16.

 

(b)                                 Defaulting Lender Cure. If Borrower, Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and LC Issuer agree in writing in their discretion that a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender, Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth

 

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therein (which conditions may include arrangements with respect to any Cash Collateral), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Applicable Percentages (without giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv)), whereupon that Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

 

Section 2.18.                                        Swing Line Loans.

 

(a)                                   Swing Line. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Swing Line Lender, in its discretion and in reliance upon the agreements of the other Lenders set forth in this Section 2.18, may make loans (herein called “ Swing Line Loans” ) to Borrower from time to time on any Business Day during the Commitment Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of the Swing Line Sublimit, notwithstanding the fact that such Swing Line Loans, when aggregated with Swing Line Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding principal balance of Swing Line Lender’s Revolving Loans and LC Obligations, may exceed the amount of Swing Line Lender’s Commitment, provided that after giving effect to any Swing Line Loan, (i) the aggregate outstanding principal balance of all Swing Line Loans does not exceed the Swing Line Sublimit, (ii) the Facility Usage does not exceed the lesser of the Borrowing Base or the Aggregate Commitment then in effect, (iii) Swing Line Lender shall not be required to make a Swing Line Loan to refinance an outstanding Swing Line Loan, and (iv) a period of at least 2 Business Days must exist in each calendar month in which no Swing Line Loans remain outstanding. Borrower shall not use the proceeds of any Swing Line Loan to refinance any outstanding Swing Line Loan. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.18, prepay under Sections 2.6 and 2.7, and reborrow under this Section 2.18. The obligation of Borrower to repay to Swing Line Lender the aggregate amount of all Swing Line Loans made by Swing Line Lender, together with interest accruing in connection therewith, shall be evidenced by a Note made by Borrower payable to Swing Line Lender. Each Swing Line Loan shall bear interest on each day outstanding at a rate equal to the Adjusted Base Rate. Immediately upon the making of a Swing Line Loan, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from Swing Line Lender a risk participation in such Swing Line Loan in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage times the amount of such Swing Line Loan.

 

(b)                                   Borrowing Procedures. Each Swing Line Borrowing shall be made upon Borrower’s irrevocable written or e-mail notice to Swing Line Lender and Administrative Agent. Each such request shall be deemed a representation, warranty, acknowledgment and agreement by Borrower as to the matters that are required to be set out in a written Swing Line Borrowing Notice. Each such notice must be received by Swing Line Lender and Administrative Agent not later than 10:00 a.m. on the day on which any such Swing Line Loan is to be made, and shall specify (i) the amount to be borrowed, which shall be a minimum of $100,000, and (ii) the

 

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requested borrowing date, which shall be a Business Day. Each such e-mail notice must be confirmed promptly by delivery to Swing Line Lender and Administrative Agent of a written Swing Line Borrowing Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of Borrower. Unless Swing Line Lender has received notice from Administrative Agent (including at the request of any Lender) prior to 11:00 a.m. on the date of the proposed Swing Line Borrowing (i) directing Swing Line Lender not to make such Swing Line Loan as a result of the limitations set forth in the first proviso to the first sentence of Section 2.18(a), or (ii) that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Article IV is not then satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Swing Line Lender will promptly make such Swing Line Loan available to Borrower.

 

(c)                                          Refinancing of Swing Line Loans. (i) Each Swing Line Loan shall be paid in full by Borrower on or before the date that is 30 days after such Swing Line Loan is made by the Swing Line Lender. In addition, the Swing Line Lender at any time in its discretion may request, on behalf of Borrower (which hereby irrevocably authorizes Swing Line Lender to so request on its behalf), that each Lender make a Base Rate Loan in an amount equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the amount of Swing Line Loans then outstanding. Such request shall be made in writing (which written request shall be deemed to be a Borrowing Notice for purposes hereof) and in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.2, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.1 for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the Unused Availability and the conditions set forth in Section 4.2. The Swing Line Lender shall furnish Borrower with a copy of the applicable Borrowing Notice promptly after delivering such notice to Administrative Agent. Each Lender shall make an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the amount specified in such Borrowing Notice available to Administrative Agent in immediately available funds (and Administrative Agent may apply Cash Collateral available with respect to the applicable Swing Line Loan) for the account of Swing Line Lender at Administrative Agent’s office promptly on the day specified in such Borrowing Notice, whereupon, subject to Section 2.18(c)(ii), each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Loan to Borrower in such amount. Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to Swing Line Lender.

 

(ii)                                           If for any reason any Swing Line Loan cannot be refinanced by such a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.18(c)(i), the request for Base Rate Loans submitted by Swing Line Lender as set forth herein shall be deemed to be a request by Swing Line Lender that each of the Lenders fund its risk participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan and each Lender’s payment to Administrative Agent for the account of Swing Line Lender pursuant to Section 2.18(c)(i) shall be deemed payment in respect of such participation.

 

(iii)                                        If any Lender fails to make available to Administrative Agent for the account of Swing Line Lender any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.18(c) by the time specified in Section 2.18(c)(i), Swing Line Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to Swing Line Lender at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by Swing Line Lender in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or

 

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similar fees customarily charged by Swing Line Lender in connection with the foregoing. If such Lender pays such amount (with interest and fees as aforesaid), the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in the relevant Borrowing or funded participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan, as the case may be. A certificate of Swing Line Lender submitted to any Lender (through Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (iii) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(iv)                                     Each Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Loans or to purchase and fund risk participations in Swing Line Loans pursuant to this Section 2.18(c) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right that such Lender may have against Swing Line Lender, Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided, however, that each Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Loans pursuant to this Section 2.18(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.2. No such funding of risk participations shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of Borrower to repay Swing Line Loans, together with interest as provided herein.

 

(d)                                         Repayment of Participations. (i) At any time after any Lender has purchased and funded a risk participation in a Swing Line Loan, if Swing Line Lender receives any payment on account of such Swing Line Loan, Swing Line Lender will distribute to such Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof in the same funds as those received by Swing Line Lender.

 

(ii)                                          If any payment received by Swing Line Lender in respect of principal or interest on any Swing Line Loan is required to be returned by Swing Line Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.15 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by Swing Line Lender in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to Swing Line Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate. Administrative Agent will make such demand upon the request of Swing Line Lender. The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

 

(e)                                           Interest for Account of Swing Line Lender. The Swing Line Lender shall be responsible for invoicing Borrower for interest on the Swing Line Loans. Until each Lender funds its Base Rate Loan or risk participation pursuant to this Section 2.18 to refinance such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of any Swing Line Loan, interest in respect of such Applicable Percentage shall be solely for the account of Swing Line Lender. On each Interest Payment Date relating to Base Rate Loans, Borrower shall pay to Swing Line Lender all unpaid interest that has accrued on the Swing Line Loans to but not including such date.

 

(f)                                             Payments Directly to Swing Line Lender. Borrower shall make all payments of principal and interest in respect of the Swing Line Loans directly to Swing Line Lender.

 

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ARTICLE III - Payments to Lenders

 

Section 3.1. General Procedures. Borrower will make each payment that it owes under the Loan Documents to Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender Party to whom such payment is owed, in lawful money of the United States, without set-off, deduction or counterclaim, and in immediately available funds. Each such payment must be received by Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. on the date such payment becomes due and payable. Any payment received by Administrative Agent after such time will be deemed to have been made on the next following Business Day. Should any such payment become due and payable on a day other than a Business Day, the maturity of such payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of a payment of principal or past due interest, interest shall accrue and be payable thereon for the period of such extension as provided in the Loan Document under which such payment is due. Each payment under a Loan Document shall be due and payable at the place set forth for Administrative Agent on the Lenders Schedule. When Administrative Agent collects or receives money on account of the Obligations, Administrative Agent shall distribute all money so collected or received, and each Lender Party shall apply all such money so distributed, as follows (except as otherwise provided in Section 8.3):

 

(a)                                          first, for the payment of all Obligations that are then due (and if such money is insufficient to pay all such Obligations, first to any reimbursements due to Administrative Agent under Section 6.9 or 10.4 and then to the partial payment of all other Obligations then due in proportion to the amounts thereof, or as Lender Parties shall otherwise agree);

 

(b)                                         then for the prepayment of principal of the Loans, together with accrued and unpaid interest on the principal so prepaid; and

 

(c)                                           last, for the payment or prepayment of any other Obligations.

 

All payments applied to principal or interest shall be applied first to any interest then due and payable, then to principal then due and payable, and last to any prepayment of principal and interest in compliance with Sections 2.6 and 2.7. All distributions of amounts described in any of subsections (b) or (c) above shall be made by Administrative Agent pro rata to each Lender Party then owed Obligations described in such subsection in proportion to all amounts owed to all Lender Parties that are described in such subsection; provided that if any Lender then owes payments to LC Issuer for the purchase of a participation under Section 2.ll(c) or to Administrative Agent under Section 10.4(c), any amounts otherwise distributable under this section to such Lender shall be deemed to belong to LC Issuer, or Administrative Agent, respectively, to the extent of such unpaid payments, and Administrative Agent shall apply such amounts to make such unpaid payments rather than distribute such amounts to such Lender. Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender, and LC Issuer are each hereby authorized to charge the account of Borrower maintained with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. for each payment of any Obligation as it becomes due hereunder.

 

Section 3.2. Increased Costs.

 

(a)                                                       Increased Costs Generally. If any Change in Law shall:

 

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(i)                                             impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any Reserve Requirement reflected in the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate) or LC Issuer;

 

(ii)                                          subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) with respect to this Agreement, any Letter of Credit, any participation in a Letter of Credit, any Commitment, any Eurodollar Loan made by it, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto or change the basis of taxation of payments to such Recipient; or

 

(iii)                                       impose on any Lender or LC Issuer or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;

 

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Eurodollar Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to increase the cost to such Lender, LC Issuer, or such other Recipient of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, LC Issuer, or other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender, LC Issuer, or other Recipient, Borrower will pay to such Lender, LC Issuer, or other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, LC Issuer, or other Recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 

(b)                                           Capital Requirements. If any Lender or LC Issuer determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or LC Issuer or any lending office of such Lender or such Lender’s or LC Issuer’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 or LC Issuer’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or LC Issuer’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by LC Issuer, to a level below that which such Lender or LC Issuer or such Lender’s or LC Issuer’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or LC Issuer’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or LC Issuer’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time Borrower will pay to such Lender or LC Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or LC Issuer or such Lender’s or LC Issuer’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

(c)                                             Certificates for Reimbursement. A certificate of a Lender or LC Issuer setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or LC Issuer or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in subsections (a) or (b) of this Section and delivered to Borrower, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Borrower shall pay such Lender or LC Issuer, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

 

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(d)                                          Delay in Requests. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or LC Issuer to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or LC Issuer’s right to demand such compensation, provided that Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or LC Issuer pursuant to this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than 9 months prior to the date that such Lender or LC Issuer, as the case may be, notifies Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions, and of such Lender’s or LC Issuer’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 9 month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

 

Section 3.3. Illegality. If any Change in Law after the date hereof shall make it unlawful for any Lender Party to fund or maintain Eurodollar Loans, then, upon notice by such Lender Party to Borrower and Administrative Agent, (a) Borrower’s right to elect Eurodollar Loans from such Lender Party shall be suspended to the extent and for the duration of such illegality, (b) all Eurodollar Loans of such Lender Party that are then the subject of any Borrowing Notice and that cannot be lawfully funded shall be funded as Base Rate Loans of such Lender Party, and (c) all Eurodollar Loans of such Lender Party shall be converted automatically to Base Rate Loans on the respective last days of the then current Interest Periods with respect to such Loans or within such earlier period as required by Law. If any such conversion of a Eurodollar Loan occurs on a day that is not the last day of the then current Interest Period with respect thereto, Borrower shall pay to such Lender Party such amounts, if any, as may be required pursuant to Section 3.4.

 

Section 3.4. Funding Losses. In addition to its other obligations hereunder, Borrower will indemnify each Lender Party against, and reimburse each Lender Party on demand for, any loss or expense incurred or sustained by such Lender Party (including any loss or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by a Lender Party to fund or maintain Eurodollar Loans), as a result of (a) any payment or prepayment (whether authorized or required hereunder or otherwise) of all or a portion of a Eurodollar Loan on a day other than the day on which the applicable Interest Period ends, (b) any payment or prepayment, whether required hereunder or otherwise, of a Loan made after the delivery, but before the effective date, of a Continuation/Conversion Notice requesting the continuation of outstanding Eurodollar Loans as, or the conversion of outstanding Base Rate Loans to, Eurodollar Loans, if such payment or prepayment prevents such Continuation/ Conversion Notice from becoming fully effective, (c) the failure of any Loan to be made or of any Continuation/Conversion Notice requesting the continuation of outstanding Eurodollar Loans as, or the conversion of outstanding Base Rate Loans to, Eurodollar Loans to become effective due to any condition precedent not being satisfied or due to any other action or inaction of any Restricted Person, (d) any Conversion (whether authorized or required hereunder or otherwise) of all or any portion of any Eurodollar Loan into a Base Rate Loan or into a different Eurodollar Loan on a day other than the day on which the applicable Interest Period ends, or (e) any assignment of a Eurodollar Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by Borrower pursuant to Section 3.7(b). Such indemnification shall be on an after-tax basis.

 

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Section 3.5. Taxes.

 

(a)                                          Defined Terms. For purposes of this Section 3.5, the term “Lender” includes any LC Issuer and the term “applicable Law” includes FATCA.

 

(b)                                          P ayments Free of Taxes . Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Credit Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable Law. If any applicable Law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable Withholding Agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a Withholding Agent, then (i) the applicable Withholding Agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Law and, (ii) if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by Borrower shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

 

(c)                                           P ayment of Other Taxes by Credit Partie s. Without limiting the provisions of subsection (b) above, each Credit Party shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Law, or at the option of Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

 

(d)                                           I ndemnification by Credit Par ties. Borrower shall indemnify each Recipient, within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to Administrative Agent), or by Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(e)                                            Indem nification by Len ders. Each Credit Party shall severally indemnify Administrative Agent, within 10 days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that Borrower has not already indemnified Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of Borrower to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 10.5(d) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by Administrative Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to Administrative Agent under this subsection (e).

 

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(f)                                           Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Credit Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 3.5, such Credit Party shall deliver to Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

 

(g)                                           Status of Lenders.

 

(i)                                             Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to Borrower and Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable Law or reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent as will enable Borrower or Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 3.5(g)(ii)(A) and (ii)(B) and (ii)(C) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material umeimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

 

(ii)                                           Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that Borrower is a U.S. Borrower:

 

(A)                               Any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to Borrower and Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of Borrower or Administrative Agent), executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from United States federal backup withholding tax.

 

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

 

(I)                                    in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, United States federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, Internal Revenue Service

 

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Form W-8BEN establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, United States federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

 

(II)                           executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI;

 

(III)                         in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, (x) a certificate to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of Borrower within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (C) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code (a “ U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” ) and (y) executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN,

 

(IV)                          to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed originals of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W- 8ECI, W-8BEN, IRS Form W-9, and/or a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate satisfactory to the Administrative Agent on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner, or

 

(V)                               executed originals of any other form prescribed by applicable Law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States federal withholding Tax duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable Law to permit Borrower to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.

 

(C)                               If a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to United States federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to Borrower and Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by Law and at such time or times reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable Law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent as may be necessary for Borrower and Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (C),

 

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“FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement. In addition, each Lender shall indemnify Administrative Agent and Borrower for any withholding Tax or other penalties imposed in connection with any “withholdable payment,” as defined in Section 1473 of the Internal Revenue Code, made to a Foreign Lender that has failed to comply with the reporting requirements or otherwise qualify for an exemption under FATCA.

 

Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify Borrower and Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

 

(h)                                          Tre atment of Certain Refunds . If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 3.5 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 3.5), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 3.5 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this subsection (h) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subsection (h), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this subsection (h) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This subsection shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

 

(i)                                                Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 3.5 shall survive the resignation or replacement of Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document.

 

Section 3.6. Alternative Rate of Interest. If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans:

 

(a)                                            Administrative Agent determines that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period (any such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error); or

 

(b)                                            Administrative Agent is advised by Majority Lenders that the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Loans included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;

 

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then Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to Borrower and Lenders by telephone or facsimile as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until Administrative Agent notifies Borrower and Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Continuation/Conversion Notice that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans shall be ineffective and shall be deemed a request to continue such Borrowing as a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans and (ii) if any Borrowing Notice requests a Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans, such Borrowing shall be made as a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans. Upon receipt of such notice, Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Loans.

 

Section 3.7. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

 

(a)                                          Designation of a Different Lending Office. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.2, or requires Borrower to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.5, then such Lender shall (at the request of Borrower) use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.5, as the case may be, in the future, and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

(b)                                           Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.2, or if Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.5 and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different lending office in accordance with Section 3.7(a), or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or a Non-Consenting Lender, then Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 10.5), all of its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Section 3.2 or Section 3.5) and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that:

 

(i)                                     Borrower shall have paid to Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 10.5;

 

(ii)                                   such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in Matured LC Obligations, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.4) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);

 

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(iii)                               in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.2 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.5, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter;

 

(iv)                               such assignment does not conflict with applicable Law; and

 

(v)                                in the case of any assignment resulting from any Lender becoming a Non- Consenting Lender, the applicable assignee shall have consented to the applicable amendment, waiver or consent.

 

A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

 

Section 3.8. Payments by Borrower; Presumptions by Administrative Agent. Unless Administrative Agent shall have received notice from Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to Administrative Agent for the account of Lenders or LC Issuer hereunder that Borrower will not make such payment, Administrative Agent may assume that Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or LC Issuer, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or LC Issuer, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or LC Issuer, with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

ARTICLE IV - Conditions Precedent to Lending

 

Section 4.1. Closing Date Conditions. The obligation of each Lender to make its initial Loan hereunder is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

 

(a)                                             Loan Documents. Administrative Agent shall have received duly executed and delivered counterparts of each Loan Document (i) in form, substance and date satisfactory to Administrative Agent, and (ii) in such numbers as Administrative Agent or its counsel may request. In connection with the execution and delivery of the Security Documents, Administrative Agent shall (i) be reasonably satisfied that the Security Documents create first priority, perfected Liens on at least 80% of the total Present Value of the Proved Reserves evaluated for purposes of establishing the Initial Borrowing Base, all Equity in Borrower and in Subsidiaries, and all personal property of the Restricted Persons, and (ii) have received UCC financing statements (duly authorized) as Administrative Agent may request to perfect the Liens granted pursuant to such Security Documents.

 

(b)                                              Organizational Documents; Incumbency. Administrative Agent shall have received (i) copies of each Organizational Document executed and delivered by each Restricted Person, as applicable, and, to the extent applicable, certified as of a recent date by the appropriate governmental official, each dated the Closing Date or a recent date prior thereto; (ii) signature and incumbency certificates of the officers of such Person executing the Loan Documents to which it is a party; (iii) resolutions of the board of directors or similar governing body of each

 

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Restricted Person approving and authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party or by which it or its assets may be bound as of the Closing Date, certified as of the Closing Date by a Responsible Officer as being in full force and effect without modification or amendment; (iv) an existence and good standing certificate from the applicable Governmental Authority of each Restricted Person’s jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation and in each jurisdiction in which it owns real property Collateral, each dated a recent date prior to the Closing Date; and (v) such other documents as Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

 

(c)                                             Closing Certificate. Administrative Agent shall have received a “Closing Certificate” of a Responsible Officer of Borrower, of even date with this Agreement, in which such officer certifies to the satisfaction of each of the conditions set out in Section 4.1 and Section 4.2.

 

(d)                                            Governmental Authorizations and Consents. Each Restricted Person shall have obtained all governmental authorizations from any Governmental Authority and all consents of other Persons, in each case that are necessary or deemed by Administrative Agent to be advisable in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents and each of the foregoing shall be in full force and effect and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent. All applicable waiting periods shall have expired without any action being taken or threatened by any competent authority that would restrain, prevent or otherwise impose adverse conditions on the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or the financing thereof and no action, request for stay, petition for review or rehearing, reconsideration, or appeal with respect to any of the foregoing shall be pending, and the time for any applicable agency to take action to set aside its consent on its own motion shall have expired.

 

(e)                                              Environmental Information. Administrative Agent shall have received information, in form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, regarding environmental matters relating to Restricted Persons’ material real property assets.

 

(f)                                               Evidence of Insurance. Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate from Restricted Persons’ insurance broker or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to them that all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to Section 6.8 is in full force and effect and that Administrative Agent have been named as additional insured and loss payee thereunder as its interests may appear and to the extent required under Section 6.8.

 

(g)                                               Opinions of Counsel to Restricted Persons. Administrative Agent shall have received originally executed copies of the favorable written opinions of counsel to Restricted Persons and Parent in the form of Exhibits F-1 and F-2 and opining as to such matters as Administrative Agent may reasonably request, dated as of the Closing Date and otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent (and each Restricted Person hereby instructs such counsel to deliver such opinions to Administrative Agent and Lenders).

 

(h)                                              Fees. Administrative Agent shall have received all commitment, facility, agency, recording, filing, and other fees or reimbursements required to be paid to Administrative Agent or any Lender pursuant to the Fee Letter or any other Loan Documents or any commitment agreement heretofore entered into. Administrative Agent’s counsel shall have received payment from Borrower for estimated fees charged by filing officers and other public officials incurred or

 

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to be incurred in connection with filing any recordation of any Security Documents and for which invoices have been presented as of the Closing Date.

 

(i)                                             Financial Statements. Lenders shall have received the Initial Financial Statements, which shall be in form reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, together with a certificate by a Responsible Officer certifying the Initial Financial Statements.

 

(j)                                            Initial Engineering Report. Lenders shall have received the Initial Engineering Report, which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

 

(k)                                          Title. Administrative Agent shall have received title reports and title opinions in form, substance and authorship satisfactory to Administrative Agent, with respect to Restricted Persons’ Proved Reserves representing not less than 80% of the Present Value of Restricted Persons’ Proved Reserves evaluated for purposes of establishing the Initial Borrowing Base.

 

(1)                                          No Litigation. There shall not exist any action, suit, investigation, litigation or proceeding or other legal or regulatory developments, pending or threatened in any court or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority that, in the reasonable opinion of Administrative Agent, singly or in the aggregate, materially impairs the financing hereunder or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, or that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

 

(m)                                       Completion of Proceedings. All partnership, corporate and other proceedings taken or to be taken in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and all documents incidental thereto not previously found acceptable by Administrative Agent and its counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Administrative Agent and such counsel, and Administrative Agent and such counsel shall have received all such counterpart originals or certified copies of such documents as Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

 

(n)                                           Material Adverse Change. No event or circumstance shall have occurred or be continuing since the date of the audited Initial Financial Statements that has had, or could reasonably be expected to cause, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Change.

 

(o)                                            Reserved.

 

(p)                                            Purchase and Assumption of Assigned Indebtedness. Administrative Agent shall have received documents, in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent, confirming that with the purchase by Lenders (acting through Administrative Agent as their agent) of the Existing Indebtedness on the Closing Date, all lien assignments, UCC-3 assignment statements and other documentation evidencing the assignment of Liens on any Restricted Person’s property securing such Indebtedness shall be assigned to Administrative Agent.

 

(q)                                            Material Contracts. Borrower shall have delivered to Administrative Agent a certificate certifying that true and correct copies of all Material Contracts listed thereon have been delivered to Administrative Agent (including all waivers, supplements or amendments thereto), in each case, in the form existing on the Closing Date.

 

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(r)                                            Due Diligence. Administrative Agent and Lenders shall have completed satisfactory due diligence review of the assets, liabilities, business, operations and condition (financial or otherwise) of the Restricted Persons, including, a review of their Oil and Gas Properties and all legal, financial, accounting, governmental, environmental, tax and regulatory matters, and fiduciary aspects of the proposed financing.

 

(s)                                    Other Documentation. Administrative Agent shall have received all documents and instruments that Administrative Agent has then reasonably requested, in addition to those described in this Section 4.1. All such additional documents and instruments shall be reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent in form, substance and date.

 

Section 4.2. Additional Conditions Precedent. No Lender has any obligation to make any Loan (including its first), and LC Issuer has no obligation to issue any Letter of Credit (including its first), unless the following conditions precedent have been satisfied:

 

(a)                                          All representations and warranties made by any Credit Party in any Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of the date of such Loan or such Letter of Credit as if such representations and warranties had been made as of the date of such Loan or such Letter of Credit (except to the extent that such representation or warranty was made as of a specific date, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects as of such specific date).

 

(b)                                          No Default shall exist at the date of such Loan or the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit (or would result after giving effect thereto).

 

(c)                                            No Material Adverse Change shall have occurred to, and no event or circumstance shall have occurred that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change to, Borrower’s Consolidated financial condition or businesses since the date of the audited Initial Financial Statements.

 

(d)                                            Each Credit Party shall have performed and complied with all agreements and conditions required in the Loan Documents to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the date of such Loan or the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit.

 

(e)                                             The making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit shall not be prohibited by any Law and shall not subject any Lender or any LC Issuer to any penalty or other onerous condition under or pursuant to any such Law.

 

(f)                                               Administrative Agent shall have received all documents and instruments that Administrative Agent has then requested, in addition to those described in Section 4.1 (including opinions of legal counsel for Restricted Persons and Administrative Agent; corporate documents and records; documents evidencing governmental authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses and exemptions; and certificates of public officials and of officers and representatives of Borrower and other Persons), as to (i) the accuracy and validity of or compliance with all representations, warranties and covenants made by any Restricted Person in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (ii) the satisfaction of all conditions contained herein or therein, and

 

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(iii)                          all other matters pertaining hereto and thereto. All such additional documents and instruments shall be satisfactory to Administrative Agent in form, substance and date.

 

ARTICLE V - Representations and Warranties

 

To confirm each Lender’s understanding concerning Restricted Persons and Restricted Persons’ businesses, properties and obligations and to induce Administrative Agent and each Lender to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit hereunder, Borrower represents and warrants to Administrative Agent and each Lender that:

 

Section 5.1. No Default. No Restricted Person is in default in the performance of any of its covenants and agreements contained in any Loan Document. No event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes a Default.

 

Section 5.2. Organization and Good Standing. Each Restricted Person is duly organized, validly existing and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization, having all powers required to carry on its business and enter into and carry out the transactions contemplated hereby. Each Restricted Person is duly qualified, in good standing, and authorized to do business in all other jurisdictions within the United States wherein Collateral or a principal office of a Restricted Person is located. Each Restricted Person has taken all actions and procedures customarily taken in order to enter, for the purpose of conducting business or owning property, each jurisdiction outside the United States wherein the character of the properties owned or held by it or the nature of the business transacted by it makes such actions and procedures desirable.

 

Section 5.3. Authorization. Each Restricted Person has duly taken all action necessary to authorize the execution and delivery by it of the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to authorize the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby and the performance of its obligations thereunder. Borrower is duly authorized to borrow funds hereunder.

 

Section 5.4. No Conflicts or Consents. The execution and delivery by the various Restricted Persons of the Loan Documents to which each is a party, the performance by each of its obligations under such Loan Documents, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the various Loan Documents, do not and will not (a) conflict with, violate or result in a breach of any provision of (i) any Law, (ii) the Organizational Documents of any Restricted Person, or (iii) any material agreement, judgment, license, order or permit applicable to or binding upon any Restricted Person, (b) result in the acceleration of any Indebtedness owed by any Restricted Person, or (c) result in or require the creation of any Lien upon any assets or properties of any Restricted Person except as expressly contemplated or permitted in the Loan Documents. Except (i) as expressly contemplated in the Loan Documents and (ii) such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, no permit, consent, approval, authorization or order of, and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or third party is required on the part of or in respect of a Restricted Person in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by any Restricted Person of any Loan Document or to consummate any transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents.

 

Section 5.5. Enforceable Obligations. This Agreement is, and the other Loan Documents when duly executed and delivered will be, legal, valid and binding obligations of each Restricted Person that is a party hereto or thereto, enforceable against such Restricted

 

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Person in accordance with their terms except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar Laws of general application relating to the enforcement of creditors’ rights and by general principles of equity.

 

Section 5.6. Initial Financial Statements. Restricted Persons have heretofore delivered to each Lender true, correct and complete copies of the Initial Financial Statements. Each of the Initial Financial Statements fairly present Parent’s and Borrower’s Consolidated financial position at the date thereof and the Consolidated results of Parent’s and Borrower’s operations and Parent’s and Borrower’s Consolidated cash flows for the period thereof. Since the date of the annual Initial Financial Statements no Material Adverse Change has occurred, except as reflected in Section 5.6 of the Disclosure Schedule. All Initial Financial Statements other than pro forma financial statements were prepared in accordance with IFRS. All Initial Financial Statements that are pro forma financial statements were prepared in good faith based upon assumptions specified therein with such pro forma adjustments as have been accepted by Administrative Agent.

 

Section 5.7. Other Obligations and Restrictions. No Restricted Person has any outstanding Liabilities of any kind (including contingent obligations, tax assessments, and unusual forward or long-term commitments) that are, in the aggregate, material to Borrower or material with respect to Borrower’s Consolidated financial condition and not shown in the Initial Financial Statements or disclosed in Section 5.7 of the Disclosure Schedule or otherwise permitted under Section 7.1. Except as shown in the Initial Financial Statements or disclosed in Section 5.7 of the Disclosure Schedule, no Restricted Person is subject to or restricted by any franchise, contract, deed, charter restriction, or other instrument or restriction that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

 

Section 5.8. Full Disclosure. No certificate, statement or other information delivered herewith or heretofore by any Restricted Person to any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or in connection with any transaction contemplated hereby contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact known to any Restricted Person (other than industry-wide risks normally associated with the types of businesses conducted by Restricted Persons) necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading as of the date made or deemed made. There is no fact known to any Restricted Person (other than industry-wide risks normally associated with the types of businesses conducted by Restricted Persons) that has not been disclosed to each Lender in writing that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change. There are no statements or conclusions in any Engineering Report that are based upon or include misleading information or fail to take into account material information regarding the matters reported therein, it being understood that each Engineering Report is necessarily based upon professional opinions, estimates and projections and that Borrower does not warrant that such opinions, estimates and projections will ultimately prove to have been accurate. Borrower has heretofore delivered to each Lender true, correct and complete copies of the Initial Engineering Report.

 

Section 5.9. Litigation. Except as disclosed in the Initial Financial Statements or in Section 5.9 of the Disclosure Schedule: (a) there are no actions, suits or legal, equitable, arbitrative or administrative proceedings pending, or to the knowledge of any Restricted Person threatened, against any Restricted Person or affecting any Collateral before any Governmental Authority that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change, (b) there are

 

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no outstanding judgments, injunctions, writs, rulings or orders by any such Governmental Authority against any Restricted Person or any Restricted Person’s stockholders, partners, members, directors or officers or affecting any Collateral or any of its material assets or property that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change, and (c) there are no actions, suits or legal, equitable, arbitrative or administrative proceedings or demands pending (or, to any Restricted Person’s knowledge, threatened) that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the rights of Borrower and its Subsidiaries in and to any such Collateral, including any that challenge or otherwise pertain to Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ title to such Collateral or the rights to produce and sell Hydrocarbons therefrom.

 

Section 5.10. ERISA Plans and Liabilities. All currently existing ERISA Plans are listed in Section 5.10 of the Disclosure Schedule. Except as disclosed in the Initial Financial Statements or in Section 5.10 of the Disclosure Schedule, no Termination Event has occurred with respect to any ERISA Plan, and no event or circumstance has occurred or exists that could reasonably be expected to constitute or result in a Termination Event. All ERISA Affiliates are in compliance in all material respects with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and other applicable Laws with respect to each Plan. No ERISA Affiliate is required to contribute to, or has any other absolute or contingent liability in respect of, any Multiemployer Plan or any ERISA Plan subject to Section 4064 of ERISA. There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of Borrower, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits with respect to any Plan that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change, and there has been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Plan that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. Except as set forth in Section 5.10 of the Disclosure Schedule: (a) the current value of each ERISA Plan’s benefits does not exceed the current value of such ERISA Plan’s assets available for the payment of such benefits by more than the Threshold Amount, (b) neither Borrower nor any other ERISA Affiliate is obligated to provide benefits to any retired employees (or their dependents) under any employee welfare benefits plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) other than as required by applicable Law and (c) neither Borrower nor any other ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could reasonably be expected to be subject to Section 4069 or Section 4212(c) of ERISA.

 

Section 5.11. Environmental and Other Laws. Except as disclosed in Section 5.11 of the Disclosure Schedule: (a) Restricted Persons are conducting their businesses in material compliance with all applicable Laws, including Environmental Laws, and have, and are in material compliance with, all licenses and permits required under any such Laws; (b) to the best of Borrower’s knowledge, none of the operations or properties of any Restricted Person is the subject of federal, state or local investigation evaluating whether any material remedial action is needed to respond to a release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or to the improper storage or disposal (including storage or disposal at offsite locations) of any Hazardous Materials; (c) no Restricted Person (and to the best knowledge of Borrower, no other Person) has filed any notice under any Law indicating that any Restricted Person is responsible for the improper release into the environment, or the improper storage or disposal, of any material amount of any Hazardous Materials or that any material amount of any Hazardous Materials have been improperly released, or are improperly stored or disposed of, upon any property of any Restricted Person; (d) no Restricted Person has transported or arranged for the transportation of any Hazardous Material to any location that is (i) listed on the National Priorities List under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation

 

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and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, listed for possible inclusion on such National Priorities List by the Environmental Protection Agency in its Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Information System List, or listed on any similar state list or (ii) the subject of federal, state or local enforcement actions or other investigations that may lead to material claims against any Restricted Person for clean-up costs, remedial work, damages to natural resources or for personal injury claims (whether under Environmental Laws or otherwise); and (e) no Restricted Person otherwise has any known material contingent liability under any Environmental Laws or in connection with the release into the environment, or the storage or disposal, of any Hazardous Materials.

 

Section 5.12. Names and Places of Business. No Restricted Person has, during the 5 years preceding the Closing Date, been known by, or used any other trade or fictitious name, except as disclosed in Section 5.12 of the Disclosure Schedule or been organized in a jurisdiction other than its jurisdiction of organization as of the date hereof.

 

Section 5.13. Subsidiaries. Section 5.13 of the Disclosure Schedule (as supplemented from time to time by Borrower in written notices to Administrative Agent and Lenders) sets forth a true, correct and complete description of (a) the Subsidiaries of Parent and the ownership of such Subsidiaries’ outstanding Equity and (b) any other Equity in any other Person that are owned by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. All of Borrower’s Equity in its Subsidiaries, and all other Equity set forth in such section of the Disclosure Schedule, have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. Except for Liens under the Loan Documents, Borrower and its indicated Subsidiaries own such Subsidiaries and Equity free and clear of any Liens and other restrictions (including any restrictions on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of any such Equity) and free and clear of any preemptive rights, rescission rights, or other rights to subscribe for or to purchase or repurchase any such Equity.

 

Section 5.14. Government Regulation. Neither Borrower nor any other Restricted Person owing Obligations is (a) an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or (b) subject to regulation under the Federal Power Act, as amended, or any other Law that regulates the incurring by such Person of Indebtedness, including Laws relating to common contract carriers or the sale of electricity, gas, steam, water or other public utility services.

 

Section 5.15. Solvency. Upon giving effect to the making of the Loans, the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents by Borrower and each Guarantor and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, no Credit Party will be Insolvent.

 

Section 5.16. Taxes. Except as may be permitted under Section 6.7, each Restricted Person has filed all United States Federal income tax returns and all other material tax returns that are required to be filed by it and has paid all taxes due pursuant to such returns or pursuant to any assessment received by any Restricted Person and all other penalties or charges. The charges, accruals and revenues on the books of each Restricted Person in respect of taxes and other governmental charges are, in the opinion of Borrower, adequate. No Restricted Person has given or been requested to give a waiver of the statute of limitations relating to the payment of any federal or other taxes.

 

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Section 5.17. Title to Properties; Intellectual Property. Each Restricted Person has (a)               good and defensible title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all of the Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report to the extent same are included in the Borrowing Base Properties, and (b) good and valid title to, or valid leasehold interests in, licenses of, or rights to use, all other Collateral owned or leased by such Restricted Person and all of its other material properties and assets necessary or used in the ordinary conduct of its business, in each case free and clear of all Liens, encumbrances, or adverse claims other than Permitted Liens and of all impediments to the use of such properties and assets in such Restricted Person’s business, except that no representation or warranty is made with respect to any Oil and Gas Property to which no Proved Reserves are properly attributed. Other than changes that arise pursuant to non-consent provisions of operating agreements or other agreements (if any) described in Exhibit A to any Security Document: (x) each Restricted Person owns the net interests in production attributable to the wells and units of such Restricted Person evaluated in the most recent Engineering Report subject to Permitted Liens and (y) the ownership of such properties does not in the aggregate in any material respect obligate such Restricted Person to bear the costs and expenses relating to the drilling, development and operations of such properties in an amount materially in excess of the working interest of such properties set forth in the most recent Engineering Report without a corresponding increase in net revenue interest. Each Engineering Report at any time delivered pursuant to Section 6.2 correctly states the working interests and net revenue interests of the Restricted Persons in the Proved Reserves that are the subject of such Engineering Report. Except for obligations to contribute a proportionate share of the costs of defaulting co-owners, no Restricted Person is obligated, at any time during the production life of the Oil and Gas Property, to bear any percentage share of the costs and expenses relating to the drilling, development and production of such Proved Reserves in excess of such working interests, and (subject to the Loan Documents) each Restricted Person is entitled, at any time during the production life of the Oil and Gas Property, to receive percentage shares of the revenues from the production of such Proved Reserves that are at least equal to such net revenue interests. Each Restricted Person possesses all licenses, permits, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names, and other intellectual property (or otherwise possesses the right to use such intellectual property without violation of the rights of any other Person) that are necessary to carry out its business as presently conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted hereafter, and no Restricted Person is in violation in any material respect of the terms under which it possesses such intellectual property or the right to use such intellectual property. No Restricted Person has granted control over any Deposit Accounts to any Person, other than Administrative Agent and the bank with which any Deposit Account is maintained. No Restricted Person has any “securities accounts” as defined and described in the UCC.

 

Section 5.18. Regulation U. None of Borrower and its Subsidiaries are engaged in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying “margin stock” (as such term is defined in Regulation U), and no proceeds of any Loans will be used for a purpose that violates Regulation U.

 

Section 5.19. Leases and Contracts; Performance of Obligations. The leases, contracts, servitudes and other agreements forming a part of the Borrowing Base Properties of the Restricted Persons covered by the most recent Engineering Report are in full force and effect. All rents, royalties and other payments due and payable under such leases, contracts, servitudes and other agreements, or under any Permitted Liens, or otherwise attendant to the ownership or

 

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operation of any Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report, have been properly and timely paid. No Restricted Person is in default with respect to its obligations (and no Restricted Person is aware of any default by any third party with respect to such third party’s obligations) under any such leases, contracts, servitudes and other agreements, or under any Permitted Liens, or otherwise attendant to the ownership or operation of any part of the Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report, where such default could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the ownership or operation of such Oil and Gas Properties. No Restricted Person is currently accounting for any royalties, or overriding royalties or other payments out of production, on a basis (other than delivery in kind) less favorable to such Restricted Person than proceeds received by such Restricted Person (calculated at the well) from sale of production, and no Restricted Person has any liability (or alleged liability) to account for the same on any such less favorable basis; provided that the representations and warranties made in this sentence are limited to the best of the Restricted Persons’ knowledge with respect to Oil and Gas Properties for which no Restricted Person is the operator.

 

Section 5.20. Marketing Arrangements. Except as set forth in Section 5.20 of the Disclosure Schedule, no Oil and Gas Property covered by the most recent Engineering Report is subject to any contractual or other arrangement (a) whereby payment for production is or can be deferred for a substantial period after the month in which such production is delivered (in the case of oil, not in excess of 60 days, and in the case of gas, not in excess of 90 days), unless Borrower otherwise notifies Administrative Agent in writing and Administrative Agent, in its reasonable discretion, consents thereto in writing, or (b) whereby payments are made to a Restricted Person other than by checks, drafts, wire transfers, or other similar writings, instruments or communications for the immediate payment of money. Except for production sales contracts, processing agreements, transportation agreements and other agreements relating to the marketing of production that are listed in Section 5.20 of the Disclosure Schedule in connection with the Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report to which such contract or agreement relates: (i) no Oil and Gas Property is subject to any contractual or other arrangement for the sale, processing or transportation of production (or otherwise related to the marketing of production) that cannot be canceled by such Restricted Person on 120 days’ (or less) notice or that does not provide for the prices to be paid for such production to float with the market at least as often as monthly, and (ii) all contractual or other arrangements for the sale, processing or transportation of production (or otherwise related to the marketing of production) are bona fide arm’s length transactions made on the best terms reasonably available with third parties not affiliated with Restricted Persons. Each Restricted Person is presently receiving a price for all production from (or attributable to) each Oil and Gas Property covered by the most recent Engineering Report that is subject to a production sales contract or marketing contract that is computed in all material respects in accordance with the terms of such contract, and no Restricted Person is having deliveries of production from any such Oil and Gas Property curtailed materially below such property’s delivery capacity, except for curtailments caused (1) by an act or event of force majeure not reasonably within the control of and not caused by the fault or negligence of a Restricted Person and which by the exercise of reasonable diligence such Restricted Person is unable to prevent or overcome, or (2) by routine maintenance requirements in the ordinary course of business.

 

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Section 5.21. Right to Receive Payment for Future Production. Except as set forth in Section 5.21 of the Disclosure Schedule, no Restricted Person, nor any Restricted Person’s predecessors in title, has received prepayments (including payments for gas not taken pursuant to “take or pay” or other similar arrangements) for any Hydrocarbons produced or to be produced from any Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report after the date hereof. Except as set forth in Section 5.21 of the Disclosure Schedule, no Oil and Gas Property covered by the most recent Engineering Report is subject to any “take or pay”, gas imbalances or other similar arrangement (a) as a result of which Hydrocarbons produced from such Oil and Gas Property may be required to be delivered to one or more third parties without current payment (or without full payment) therefor or (b) that is determined in whole or in part by reference to the production or transportation of Hydrocarbons from other properties. Except as set forth in Section 5.21 of the Disclosure Schedule, there is no Oil and Gas Property covered by the most recent Engineering Report with respect to which any Restricted Person, or any Restricted Person’s predecessors in title, has, prior to the date hereof, taken more (“overproduced”), or less (“underproduced” ), gas from the lands covered thereby (or pooled or unitized therewith) than its ownership interest in such Oil and Gas Property would entitle it to take; and Section 5.21 of the Disclosure Schedule accurately reflects, for each well or unit with respect to which such an imbalance is shown thereon to exist, (i) whether such Restricted Person is overproduced or underproduced and (ii) the volumes (in cubic feet or British thermal units) of such overproduction or underproduction and the effective date of such information. Since the date of this Agreement, no material changes have occurred in such overproduction or underproduction except those that have been reported as required pursuant to Section 6.2. No Oil and Gas Property covered by the most recent Engineering Report is subject to any regulatory refund obligation and, to the best of each Restricted Person’s knowledge, no facts exist that might cause the same to be imposed.

 

Section 5.22. Operation of Oil and Gas Properties. The Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report (and all properties unitized therewith) are being (and, to the extent the same could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the ownership or operation of the Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report after the date hereof, have in the past been) maintained, operated and developed in a good and workmanlike manner, in accordance with prudent industry standards and in conformity with all applicable Laws and in conformity with all oil, gas or other mineral leases and other contracts and agreements forming a part of the Oil and Gas Property covered by the most recent Engineering Report and in conformity with the Permitted Liens; provided that the representations and warranties made in this sentence are limited to the best of the Restricted Persons’ knowledge with respect to Oil and Gas Properties for which no Restricted Person is the operator. No Oil and Gas Property covered by the most recent Engineering Report is subject to having allowable production after the date hereof reduced below the full and regular allowable (including the maximum permissible tolerance) because of any overproduction (whether or not the same was permissible at the time) prior to the date hereof and all oil and gas wells located on the Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report (or properties unitized therewith) have been drilled and completed within the boundaries of the applicable Oil and Gas Properties or within limits otherwise permitted by a valid and enforceable pooling, unit, or other agreement or contract or by applicable Law. There are no dry holes, or otherwise inactive wells, located on the Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report or on lands pooled or unitized therewith, except for wells that have been properly plugged and abandoned. Each Restricted Person has all governmental

 

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licenses and permits necessary or appropriate to own and operate its Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report, and no Restricted Person has received notice of any violations in respect of any such licenses or permits.

 

Section 5.23. Ad Valorem and Severance Taxes. Each Restricted Person has paid and discharged all ad valorem taxes that are payable and have been assessed against its Oil and Gas Property or any part thereof and all production, severance and other taxes that are payable and have been assessed against, or measured by, the production or the value, or proceeds, of the production therefrom, or are otherwise being contested in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.7.

 

Section 5.24. Limitation to Proved Reserves. No representation or warranty is made in this Sections 5.19 through 5.23 with respect to any Oil and Gas Property to which no Proved Reserves are attributed.

 

Section 5.25. Insurance. The Oil and Gas Properties of each Restricted Person are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies that are not Affiliates of such Restricted Person, in such amounts, with such deductibles and covering such risks as are required to comply with Section 6.8. No Restricted Person owns any Building (as defined in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulations) or Manufactured (Mobile) Home (as defined in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulations) that is material to the operations of such Restricted Person or for which such Restricted Person has ascribed a material value. As used herein, “Flood Insurance Regulations” shall mean (i) the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 as now in effect, (ii) the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 as now in effect, (iii) the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (amending 42 USC 4001, et seq.) as now in effect, and (iv)  the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 as now in effect.

 

Section 5.26. Anti-Terrorism Laws. Neither Borrower, nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of Borrower, none of its Affiliates and none of the respective officers, directors or agents of Borrower, such Subsidiaries or such Affiliates (i) has violated or is in violation of Anti-Terrorism Laws, (ii) has engaged or engages in any transaction, investment, undertaking or activity that conceals the identity, source or destination of the proceeds from any category of offenses designated in the “Forty Recommendations” and “Nine Special Recommendations” published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering, (iii) is an Embargoed Person, (iv) conducts any business or engages in making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Embargoed Person, (v) deals in, or otherwise engages in any transaction related to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to any Anti-Terrorism Law or (vi) engages in or conspires to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law.

 

ARTICLE VI - Affirmative Covenants

 

To conform with the terms and conditions under which each Lender is willing to have credit outstanding to Borrower, and to induce each Lender to enter into this Agreement and extend credit hereunder, Borrower covenants and agrees that until the full and final payment of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement (as determined without regard to unasserted indemnity claims), unless Majority Lenders have previously agreed otherwise:

 

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Section 6.1. Payment and Performance. Each Credit Party will pay all amounts due under the Loan Documents, to which it is a party, in accordance with the terms thereof and will observe, perform and comply with every covenant, term and condition set forth in the Loan Documents to which it is a party. Borrower will cause each other Restricted Person to observe, perform and comply with every such term, covenant and condition in any Loan Document.

 

Section 6.2. Books, Financial Statements and Reports. Each Credit Party will at all times maintain full and accurate books of account and records. Borrower will maintain and will cause its Subsidiaries to maintain a standard system of accounting, will maintain its Fiscal Year, and will furnish the following statements and reports to Administrative Agent at Borrower’s expense:

 

(a)                                  As soon as available, and in any event within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, complete audited Consolidated financial statements of Parent together with all notes thereto, prepared in reasonable detail in accordance with IFRS, together with an unqualified opinion, based on an audit using generally accepted auditing standards, by an independent certified public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing selected by Parent and acceptable to Administrative Agent, stating that such Consolidated financial statements have been so prepared. These financial statements shall contain a Consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such Fiscal Year and Consolidated statements of earnings, of cash flows, and of changes in owners’ equity for such Fiscal Year, each setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the preceding Fiscal Year. In addition, Borrower shall provide internally prepared unaudited consolidating financial statements including Borrower’s balance sheet and statement of earnings which agree in total to the corresponding audited Consolidated statements of Parent for the Fiscal Year.

 

In the event that the Consolidated gross operating revenues of Borrower for any Fiscal Year are less than 95% but greater than or equal to 75% of Consolidated gross operating revenues of Parent for that same Fiscal Year, the unqualified opinion set forth above shall also cover the consolidating statements which include Borrower’s balance sheet and statement of earnings for that same Fiscal Year.

 

In the event that the Consolidated gross operating revenues of Borrower for any Fiscal Year are less than 75% of Consolidated gross operating revenues of Parent for that same Fiscal Year, complete audited Consolidated financial statements of Borrower together with all notes thereto, prepared in reasonable detail in accordance with IFRS, together with an unqualified opinion, based on an audit using generally accepted auditing standards, by an independent certified public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing selected by Borrower and acceptable to Administrative Agent, stating that such Consolidated financial statements have been so prepared. These financial statements shall contain a Consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such Fiscal Year and Consolidated statements of earnings, of cash flows, and of changes in owners’ equity for such Fiscal Year, each setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the preceding Fiscal Year.

 

(b)                                  As soon as available, and in any event within 60 days after the end of each Fiscal Quarter, Parent’s unaudited Consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter and unaudited Consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for each such Fiscal Quarter and for the period beginning on the first day of the then current Fiscal Year to the end of such Fiscal Quarter, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with IFRS, subject to changes

 

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resulting from normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes. In addition, Borrower shall provide internally prepared unaudited consolidating financial statements including Borrower’s balance sheet and statement of earnings which agree in total to the unaudited Consolidated balance sheet and statement of earnings of Parent for that same Fiscal Quarter.

 

In the event that the Consolidated gross operating revenues of Borrower for any Fiscal Quarter are less than 95% but greater than or equal to 75% of Consolidated gross operating revenues of Parent for that same Fiscal Quarter, Borrower shall also furnish consolidating statements which include Borrower’s balance sheet and statement of earnings for that same Fiscal Quarter.

 

In the event that the Consolidated gross operating revenues of Borrower for any Fiscal Quarter are less than 75% of Consolidated gross operating revenues of Parent for that same Fiscal Quarter, complete unaudited Consolidated financial statements of Borrower, prepared in reasonable detail in accordance with IFRS. These financial statements shall contain a Consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter and Consolidated statements of earnings, of cash flows, and of changes in owners’ equity for such Fiscal Quarter, each setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the preceding Fiscal Quarter.

 

(c)                                   Borrower will, together with each set of financial statements furnished under Section 6.2(a) or (b), as applicable, furnish a Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of Borrower and, as applicable, Parent stating that such financial statements are accurate and complete (subject to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes), stating that he/she has reviewed the Loan Documents, containing calculations showing compliance (or non-compliance) at the end of such Fiscal Quarter with the requirements of Section 7.14 and stating that no Default exists at the end of such Fiscal Quarter or at the time of such certificate or specifying the nature and period of existence of any such Default.

 

(d)                                   [Reserved]

 

(e)                                   Promptly upon their becoming available, copies of all financial statements, reports, notices and proxy statements sent by any Restricted Person to its equity holders and all registration statements, periodic reports and other statements and schedules filed by any Restricted Person with any securities exchange, the SEC or any similar Governmental Authority.

 

(f)                                    As soon as available, and in any event within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, a cash flow budget of Borrower’s projected revenues, expenses, capital expenditures, production volumes, and product prices for the next Fiscal Year, prepared on a monthly basis in form reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent.

 

(g)                                    Together with each set of financial statements furnished under subsections (a) and (b) of this section, Borrower will furnish a report (in form reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent) of all Hedging Contracts of Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries, setting forth the type, term, effective date, termination date and notional amounts or volumes and the counterparty to each such agreement.

 

(h)                                   Together with each set of financial statements furnished under subsections (a) and (b) of this section, Borrower will furnish a monthly report on the Borrowing Base Properties, covering a twelve-month period, describing by lease or unit and in total the net volume of

 

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production and sales attributable to such production from the Borrowing Base Properties and describing the related severance taxes, other taxes, operating expenses and capital costs attributable to the production.

 

(i)                                     By March 15 of each year, an Engineering Report prepared by the Independent Engineers as of January 1 of such year concerning substantially all Oil and Gas Properties and interests owned by any Restricted Person which are located in the United States and which have attributable to them Proved Reserves. This report shall be satisfactory to Administrative Agent, shall take into account any “over-produced” status under gas balancing arrangements, and shall contain information and analysis comparable in scope to that contained in the Initial Engineering Report. This report shall distinguish (or shall be delivered together with a certificate from an appropriate officer of Borrower which distinguishes) those properties treated in the report which are Collateral from those properties treated in the report which are not Collateral.

 

G)           By September 15 of each year, and promptly following notice of a Special Determination under Section 2.8, an Engineering Report prepared as of the preceding July 1 (or the last day of the preceding calendar month in the case of a Special Determination) by Staff Engineers (or at Borrower’s option, by the Independent Engineers), together with an accompanying report on property sales, property purchases and changes in categories, both in the same form and scope as the reports in subsection (e) above.

 

(k)                                   With the delivery of each Engineering Report, Borrower shall provide to Administrative Agent a certificate from a Responsible Officer certifying that in all material respects that except as set forth on an exhibit to the certificate, on a net basis there are no gas imbalances, take or pay or other prepayments with respect to its Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in such Engineering Report which would require Borrower or any Subsidiary to deliver Hydrocarbons either generally or produced from such Oil and Gas Properties at some future time without then or thereafter receiving full payment therefor, none of their proved Oil and Gas Properties have been sold since the date of the last Borrowing Base determination except as set forth on an exhibit to the certificate, which certificate shall list all such Oil and Gas Properties sold and attached thereto is a schedule of the Oil and Gas Properties evaluated by such Engineering Report that are Mortgaged Properties and demonstrating the percentage of the total value of the proved Oil and Gas Properties that the value of such Mortgaged Properties represents in compliance with Section 6.16(c).

 

(1)                                  Upon request by Administrative Agent, a list, by name and address, of those Persons who have paid Restricted Persons for production during such Fiscal Quarter from the Oil and Gas Properties subject to the Security Documents, giving each such purchaser’s owner number for the applicable Restricted Person and each such purchaser’s property number for each such Oil and Gas Property.

 

(m)         Promptly upon its becoming available, copies of all notices or documents received by Borrower or any other Restricted Person pursuant to any Material Contract alleging a material default or nonperformance by such Person thereunder or terminating or suspending any such Material Contract.

 

Section 6.3. Other Information and Inspections. Each Credit Party will furnish to Administrative Agent any information which Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request concerning any provision of the Loan Documents, any Collateral, or any

 

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matter in connection with the businesses, properties, prospects, financial condition and operations of any Credit Party, including all evidence which Administrative Agent from time to time reasonably requests in writing as to the accuracy and validity of or compliance with all representations, warranties and covenants made by any Credit Party in the Loan Documents, the satisfaction of all conditions contained therein, and all other matters pertaining thereto. Each Credit Party will permit representatives appointed by Administrative Agent (including independent accountants, auditors, agents, attorneys, appraisers and any other Persons) to visit and inspect during normal business hours any of such Credit Party’s property, including its books of account, other books and records, and any facilities or other business assets, and to make extra copies therefrom and photocopies and photographs thereof, and to write down and record any information such representatives obtain, and each Credit Party shall permit Administrative Agent or its representatives to investigate and verify the accuracy of the information furnished to Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the Loan Documents and to discuss all such matters with its officers, employees and representatives. Administrative Agent shall give reasonable notice to Borrower of each such request for information, inspection or audit, but only if no Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

Section 6.4. Notice of Material Events and Change of Address. Borrower will promptly and in no event later than the 3rd Business Day, after becoming aware thereof, notify each Lender Party in writing, stating that such notice is being given pursuant to this Agreement, of:

 

(a)                                  the occurrence of any Material Adverse Change;

 

(b)                                  the occurrence of any Default;

 

(c)                                   the acceleration of the maturity of any Indebtedness owed by any Restricted Person or of any default by any Restricted Person under any indenture, mortgage, agreement, contract or other instrument to which any of them is a party or by which any of them or any of their properties is bound, if such acceleration or default could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change;

 

(d)                                   the occurrence of any Termination Event;

 

(e)                                    any claim of $100,000 or more, any notice of potential liability of any Restricted Person under any Environmental Laws which might exceed such amount, or any other material adverse claim asserted against any Restricted Person or with respect to any Restricted Person’s properties; and

 

(f) the filing of any suit or proceeding against any Restricted Person in which an adverse decision could, in Borrower’s reasonable opinion, reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change if successfully prosecuted by the claimant(s).

 

Upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing Restricted Persons will take all necessary or appropriate steps to remedy promptly any such Material Adverse Change, Default, acceleration, default, or Termination Event, to protect against any such adverse claim, to defend any such suit or proceeding, and to resolve all controversies on account of any of the foregoing. Each notice pursuant to this Section shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action, if

 

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any, the applicable Restricted Person has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto. Borrower will also notify Administrative Agent and Administrative Agent’s counsel in writing at least 20 Business Days (or such shorter time as Administrative Agent may approve in writing) prior to the date that any Restricted Person changes its name or the location of its chief executive office or its location under the Uniform Commercial Code.

 

Section 6.5. Maintenance of Properties. Except as permitted under Section 7.5, each Restricted Person will maintain, preserve, protect, and keep all Collateral and all other property used or useful in the conduct of its business in good condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) in accordance with prudent industry standards, and in material compliance with all applicable Laws, in conformity with all applicable contracts, servitudes, leases and agreements, and will from time to time make all repairs, renewals and replacements needed to enable the business and operations carried on in connection therewith to be promptly and advantageously conducted at all times.

 

Section 6.6. Maintenance of Existence and Qualifications. Except as permitted under Section 7.4, each Credit Party will maintain and preserve its existence and its rights and franchises in full force and effect. Each Restricted Person will qualify to do business in all states or jurisdictions where required by applicable Law, except where the failure so to qualify could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

 

Section 6.7. Payment of Trade Liabilities, Taxes, etc. Each Restricted Person will (a) timely file all required tax returns including any extensions; (b) timely pay all taxes, assessments, and other governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income, profits or property before the same become delinquent; (c) within 90 days past the original invoice billing date therefore, or, if earlier, when due in accordance with its terms, pay and discharge all Liabilities owed by it on ordinary trade terms to vendors, suppliers and other Persons providing goods and services used by it in the ordinary course of its business; (d) pay and discharge before the same becomes delinquent all other Liabilities now or hereafter owed by it, other than royalty payments suspended in the ordinary course of business; and (e) maintain appropriate accruals and reserves for all of the foregoing in accordance with IFRS. Each Restricted Person may, however, delay paying or discharging any of the foregoing so long as it is in good faith contesting the validity thereof by appropriate proceedings, if necessary, and has set aside on its books adequate reserves therefore which are required by IFRS.

 

Section 6.8. Insurance.

 

(a)                                 Each Restricted Person shall at all times maintain insurance with responsible and reputable insurance companies or associations (including comprehensive general liability, hazard, and business interruption insurance) with respect to its business and properties (including all real properties leased or owned by it), in such amounts and covering such risks as required by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction with respect thereto or as carried generally in accordance with sound business practice by similarly situated companies in similar businesses, and, in any event in amount, adequacy and scope as set forth in the Insurance Schedule. If any Restricted Person fails to maintain such insurance, Administrative Agent may arrange for such insurance, but at Borrower’s expense and without any responsibility on the part of Administrative Agent for obtaining the insurance, the solvency of the insurance companies, the adequacy of the coverage, or the collection of claims. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Administrative Agent shall have the sole right (both in the

 

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name of Lenders and in the name of the Restricted Persons), to file claims under any insurance policies, to receive, receipt and give acquittance for any payments that may be payable thereunder, and to execute any and all endorsements, receipts, releases, assignments, reassignments or other documents that may be necessary to effect the collection, compromise or settlement of any claims under any such insurance policies.

 

(b)                                  On or prior to the Closing Date and thereafter, upon request of Administrative Agent, each Restricted Person will furnish or cause to be furnished to Administrative Agent from time to time a summary of the respective insurance coverage of such Restricted Person in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, and, if requested, will furnish Administrative Agent copies of the applicable policies. Each Restricted Person will cause any insurance policies covering any Collateral to be endorsed (i) to provide that such policies may not be cancelled, reduced or affected in any manner for any reason without 30 days prior notice to Administrative Agent, (ii) to name Administrative Agent as an additional insured (in the case of all liability insurance policies) and loss payee (in the case of all casualty and property insurance policies), and (iii) to provide for such other matters as any Lender Party may reasonably require.

 

(c)                                   Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, all insurance payments in respect of such Collateral in excess of $1,000,000 shall be paid to Administrative Agent and shall be applied to the prepayment of the Obligations unless otherwise agreed to by Administrative Agent and Borrower.

 

Section 6.9. Performance on Borrower’s Behalf. If any Restricted Person fails to pay any taxes, insurance premiums, expenses, attorneys’ fees or other amounts it is required to pay under any Loan Document, Administrative Agent may, but shall have no obligation to, pay the same. Borrower shall immediately reimburse Administrative Agent for any such payments and each amount paid by Administrative Agent shall constitute an Obligation owed hereunder which is due and payable on the date such amount is paid by Administrative Agent.

 

Section 6.10. Interest. Borrower hereby promises to Administrative Agent and each Lender Party to pay interest at the Default Rate applicable to Base Rate Loans on all Obligations (including Obligations to pay fees or to reimburse or indemnify Administrative Agent or any Lender but excluding principal of, and interest on, any Loan, and any Matured LC Obligation, interest on which is covered by Sections 2.5 and 2.l O(a)) which Borrower has in this Agreement promised to pay to Administrative Agent or such Lender Party and which are not paid when due. Such interest shall accrue from the date such Obligations become due until they are paid.

 

Section 6.11. Compliance with Agreements and Law; Permits. Each Restricted Person will perform all material obligations it is required to perform under the terms of each indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, security agreement, lease, franchise, agreement, contract or other instrument or obligation to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound. Each Restricted Person will conduct its business and affairs in compliance with all Laws applicable thereto. Each Restricted Person will cause all licenses and permits necessary or appropriate for the conduct of its business and the ownership and operation of its property used and useful in the conduct of its business to be at all times maintained in good standing and in full force and effect.

 

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Section 6.12. Environmental Matters; Environmental Reviews.

 

(a)                                 Each Restricted Person will comply in all material respects with all Environmental Laws now or hereafter applicable to such Restricted Person, as well as all contractual obligations and agreements with respect to environmental remediation or other environmental matters, and shall obtain, at or prior to the time required by applicable Environmental Laws, all environmental, health and safety permits, licenses and other authorizations necessary for its operations and will maintain such authorizations in full force and effect. No Restricted Person will do anything or permit anything to be done which will subject any of its properties to any remedial obligations under, or result in noncompliance with applicable permits and licenses issued under, any applicable Environmental Laws, assuming disclosure to the applicable governmental authorities of all relevant facts, conditions and circumstances. If a Default has occurred and is continuing, and upon Administrative Agent’s reasonable request, at any time and from time to time, Borrower will provide at its own expense an environmental inspection of any of the Restricted Persons’ material real properties and audit of their environmental compliance procedures and practices, in each case from an engineering or consulting firm approved by Administrative Agent; provided in the case of Oil and Gas Properties for which no Restricted Person is the operator, Borrower will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide such inspection and audit.

 

(b)                                 Borrower will promptly furnish to Administrative Agent copies of all written notices of violation, orders, claims, citations, complaints, penalty assessments, suits or other proceedings received by any Restricted Person, or of which Borrower otherwise has notice, pending or threatened against any Restricted Person by any Governmental Authority with respect to any alleged violation of or non-compliance with any Environmental Laws or any permits, licenses or authorizations in connection with any Restricted Person’s ownership or use of its properties or the operation of its business.

 

(c)                                   Borrower will promptly furnish to Administrative Agent all requests for information, notices of claim, demand letters, and other notifications, received by Borrower in connection with any Restricted Person’s ownership or use of its properties or the conduct of its business, relating to potential responsibility with respect to any investigation or clean-up of Hazardous Material at any location.

 

Section 6.13. Evidence of Compliance. Each Restricted Person will furnish to Administrative Agent at such Restricted Person’s or Borrower’s expense all evidence which Administrative Agent from time to time reasonably requests in writing as to the accuracy and validity of or compliance with all representations, warranties and covenants made by any Restricted Person in the Loan Documents, the satisfaction of all conditions contained therein, and all other matters pertaining thereto.

 

Section 6.14. Intentionally Omitted.

 

Section 6.15. Guaranties. At the request of Administrative Agent, each Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower and each Domestic Subsidiary of Parent (other than Borrower) now existing or created, acquired or coming into existence after the date hereof shall, promptly and in any event within 10 days after it has become a Subsidiary of Borrower or Parent, execute and deliver to Administrative Agent an absolute and unconditional guaranty of the timely repayment of the Obligations and the due and punctual performance of the obligations of Borrower hereunder and a security agreement covering all of its personal property, which guaranty and security agreement shall be satisfactory to Administrative Agent in form and substance. Each

 

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Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower and each Domestic Subsidiary of Parent (other than Borrower) existing on the date hereof shall duly execute and deliver such a guaranty and security agreement prior to the making of any Loan hereunder. Borrower will cause each of such Domestic Subsidiaries to deliver to Administrative Agent, simultaneously with its delivery of such a guaranty, written evidence satisfactory to Administrative Agent and its counsel that such Subsidiary has taken all company action necessary to duly approve and authorize its execution, delivery and performance of such guaranty and any other documents which it is required to execute.

 

Section 6.16. Agreement to Deliver Security Documents.

 

(a)                                  At all times the Secured Obligations shall be secured by first and prior Liens (subject only to Permitted Liens) covering and encumbering (i) the Minimum Collateral Amount, (ii) all of the issued and outstanding Equity of Borrower, each Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower, and each Domestic Subsidiary of Parent, (iii) 65% of the issued and outstanding Equity of each First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary, and (iv) all other personal property of the Restricted Persons. On the Closing Date, Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall deliver to Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of each Lender, Security Documents covering the foregoing, each in form and substance acceptable to Administrative Agent. Beginning 45 days after the Closing Date, the Restricted Persons shall maintain all of their operating deposit accounts (excluding any existing or future 1031 accounts) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

 

(b)                                  To the extent necessary to comply with the first sentence of Section 6.16(a), within 30 days after each Determination Date, Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of each Lender, deeds of trust, mortgages, chattel mortgages, security agreements and financing statements in form and substance acceptable to Administrative Agent and duly executed by Borrower and any such Subsidiary (as applicable) together with such other assignments, conveyances, amendments, agreements and other writings (each duly authorized and executed) as Administrative Agent shall deem necessary or appropriate to grant, evidence and perfect the Liens required by this Section 6.16.

 

(c)                                   Borrower also agrees to deliver favorable title opinions or updates of title opinions from legal counsel acceptable to Administrative Agent with respect to Oil and Gas Properties described in subsection (b) immediately above to which are attributable to the Minimum Collateral Amount and confirming that such Restricted Person has good and defensible title to such properties and interests, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens.

 

Section 6.17. Production Proceeds. Notwithstanding that, by the terms of the various Security Documents, Restricted Persons are and will be assigning to Administrative Agent and Lenders all of the “Production Proceeds” (as defined therein) accruing to the property covered thereby, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing Restricted Persons may continue to receive from the purchasers of production all such Production Proceeds, subject, however, to the Liens created under the Security Documents, which Liens are hereby affirmed and ratified. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Administrative Agent and Lenders may exercise all rights and remedies granted under the Security Documents subject to the terms thereof, including the right to obtain possession of all Production Proceeds then held by Restricted Persons or to receive directly from the purchasers of production all other Production Proceeds. In no case shall any failure, whether intentional or

 

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inadvertent, by Administrative Agent or Lenders to collect directly any such Production Proceeds constitute in any way a waiver, remission or release of any of their rights under the Security Documents, nor shall any release of any Production Proceeds by Administrative Agent or Lenders to Restricted Persons constitute a waiver, remission, or release of any other Production Proceeds or of any rights of Administrative Agent or Lenders to collect other Production Proceeds thereafter.

 

Section 6.18.  Perfection and Protection of Security Interests and Liens. Each Restricted Person from time to time shall deliver, to Administrative Agent any financing statements, continuation statements, extension agreements, amendments to Security Documents, and other documents, properly completed and executed (and acknowledged when required) by such Restricted Person in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent, which Administrative Agent requests for the purpose of (i) perfecting, confirming, or protecting any Liens or other rights in Collateral securing any Secured Obligations and (ii) maintaining compliance with all applicable Laws, including those of any applicable Indian tribe, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Each Restricted Person hereby authorizes Administrative Agent to file one or more financing or continuation statements, and amendments thereto, relative to all or any part of the collateral describing the Collateral as “all assets” without the signature of any Restricted Person.

 

Section 6.19.  Leases and Contracts; Performance of Obligations. Each Restricted Person will maintain in full force and effect, or if no Restricted Person is the operator of the applicable Oil and Gas Property, will exert its commercially reasonable efforts to insure the maintenance in full force and effect of, all oil, gas or mineral leases, contracts, servitudes and other agreements forming a part of any Borrowing Base Property to the extent the same cover or otherwise relate to such Borrowing Base Property, and each Restricted Person will timely perform all of its obligations thereunder. Each Restricted Person will properly and timely pay all rents, royalties and other payments due and payable under any such leases, contracts, servitudes and other agreements, or under the Permitted Liens, or otherwise attendant to its ownership or operation of any Oil and Gas Property. Each Restricted Person will promptly notify Administrative Agent of any claim (or any conclusion by such Restricted Person) that such Restricted Person is obligated to account for any royalties, or overriding royalties or other payments out of production, on a basis (other than delivery in kind) less favorable to such Restricted Person than proceeds received by Restricted Person (calculated at the well) from sale of production; provided that the obligations of Restricted Persons made in this sentence to so notify Administrative Agent are limited to the best of the Restricted Persons’ knowledge with respect to Oil and Gas Properties for which no Restricted Person is the operator.

 

Section 6.20.  Representations Continue to be True. Each Restricted Person will carry out its sales of production, will operate the Oil and Gas Properties, and will otherwise deal with the Oil and Gas Properties and the production, in such a way that the representations and warranties in Sections 5.19 through 5.23 remain true and correct at, and as of, all times that this Agreement is in effect (and not just at, and as of, the times such representations and warranties are made).

 

Section 6.21.   Hedging Contracts. Each Restricted Person shall maintain in effect for their full term (and will not sell, assign, transfer, terminate, or novate) all Hedging Contracts that are used by Lenders in determining the Borrowing Base from time to time, including all Hedging Contracts in existence on the Closing Date; provided, however, Restricted Persons may terminate

 

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Hedging Contracts in connection with a Disposition permitted pursuant to Section 7.5(f) and redetermination of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 2.8(e).

 

Section 6.22.   Material Contracts. Each Restricted Person will perform and observe in all material respects all of the terms and provisions of each Material Contract to be performed or observed by it within any grace period applicable thereto and, in accordance with prudent business practices, enforce its rights under each Material Contract, and, upon request by Administrative Agent, make to each other party to each such Material Contract such requests for information and reports as any Restricted Person is entitled to make under such Material Contract, except, in any case, where the failure to do so, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change.

 

Section 6.23.  Post-Closing Obligations. Within 45 days after the Closing Date, the Restricted Persons shall move their operating accounts to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as required by Section 6.16(a).

 

ARTICLE VII - Negative Covenants

 

To conform with the terms and conditions under which each Lender is willing to have credit outstanding to Borrower, and to induce each Lender to enter into this Agreement and make the Loans, Borrower covenants and agrees that until the full and final payment of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement (as determined without regard to unasserted indemnity claims), unless Majority Lenders have previously agreed otherwise:

 

Section 7.1. Indebtedness. No Restricted Person will in any manner owe or be liable for Indebtedness except:

 

(a)                                  the Obligations.

 

(b)                                  Indebtedness arising under Hedging Contracts permitted under Section 7.3.

 

(c)                                   Indebtedness among Borrower and Restricted Persons that are Guarantors and Indebtedness among Restricted Persons that are Guarantors, in each case arising in the ordinary course of business; provided, that all such Indebtedness shall be unsecured and subordinated in right of payment to the payment in full of all of the Obligations in a manner and on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

 

(d)                                  Indebtedness under the Second Lien Credit Facility in an amount not to exceed $30,000,000 at any one time outstanding.

 

(e)                                   Indebtedness incurred in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000 in any Fiscal Year which is secured by Permitted Liens described in clause (1) of the definition thereof.

 

(f)                                    miscellaneous items of unsecured Indebtedness of Restricted Persons not described in subsections (a) through (e) which do not in the aggregate (taking into account all such Indebtedness of all Restricted Persons) exceed $5,000,000 at any one time outstanding.

 

Section 7.2.  Limitation on Liens. Except for Permitted Liens, no Restricted Person will create, assume or permit to exist any Lien upon any of the properties or assets which it now owns or hereafter acquires.

 

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Section 7.3.  Hedging Contracts. No Restricted Person will be a party to or in any manner be liable on any Hedging Contract except:

 

(a)                                  Hedging Contracts (excluding Floor Contracts covered by the following subsection (b)) entered into with the purpose and effect of fixing prices on oil, natural gas, or natural gas liquids expected to be produced by Restricted Persons, provided that at all times: (i) no such Hedging Contract fixes a price for a period later than 60 months after such contract is entered into; (ii) the aggregate monthly production covered by all such contracts (determined, in the case of contracts that are not settled on a monthly basis, by a monthly proration acceptable to Administrative Agent) for any single month does not in the aggregate exceed 85% of Restricted Persons’ aggregate Projected Oil and Gas Production (calculated separately for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids) anticipated (at the time such Hedging Contract is entered into) to be sold in the ordinary course of the Restricted Persons’ businesses for such month, determined separately with respect to oil and gas, (iii) except for the Collateral under the Security Documents with respect to Lender Hedging Obligations, no such contract requires any Restricted Person to put up money, assets, or other security against the event of its nonperformance prior to actual default by such Restricted Person in performing its obligations thereunder, and (iv) each such contract is with an Approved Counterparty;

 

(b)                                  Floor Contracts, provided that (i) no such contract has a term of more than 60 months after such contract is entered into, (ii) the aggregate monthly production covered by all such contracts for any single month does not in the aggregate exceed 100% of Restricted Persons’ aggregate Projected Oil and Gas Production anticipated (at the time such Hedging Contract is entered into) to be sold in the ordinary course of the Restricted Persons’ businesses for such month, and (iii) each such contract is with an Approved Counterparty; and

 

(c)                                   Hedging Contracts entered into by a Restricted Person with the purpose and effect of fixing interest rates on a principal amount of indebtedness of such Restricted Person that is accruing interest at a variable rate, provided that (i) at the time such Hedging Contract is entered into, the aggregate notional amount of such contracts does not exceed 75% of the anticipated outstanding principal balance of the indebtedness to be hedged by such contracts or an average of such principal balances calculated using a generally accepted method of matching interest swap contracts to declining principal balances, (ii) the floating rate index of each such contract generally matches the index used to determine the floating rates of interest on the corresponding indebtedness to be hedged by such contract and (iii) each such contract is with an Approved Counterparty.

 

Section 7.4.  Limitation on Mergers, Issuances of Securities. No Restricted Person will merge or consolidate with or into any other Person, except that any Subsidiary of Borrower may be merged into or consolidated with (a) another Subsidiary of Borrower, so long as a Guarantor is the surviving business entity, or (b) Borrower, so long as Borrower is the surviving business entity. No Restricted Person will issue any Equity, provided that (i) Subsidiaries of Borrower and its wholly-owned Subsidiaries may issue Equity to Borrower and Borrower may issue additional common Equity to Parent. No Subsidiary of Borrower will otherwise allow any diminution of Borrower’s Equity (direct or indirect) in such Subsidiary. For purposes of clarification, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the ability of Parent, at its sole discretion, to merge, consolidate or issue securities so long as, in the case of merger or consolidation, Administrative Agent is reasonably satisfied that the duties and

 

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obligations of Borrower hereunder are in no fashion modified thereby and so long as there is no Change of Control.

 

Section 7.5. Limitation on Dispositions. No Restricted Person will Dispose of any of its material assets or properties or any material interest therein, except, to the extent not otherwise forbidden under the Security Documents:

 

(a)                                  equipment that is worthless or obsolete or worn out in the ordinary course of business, which is no longer used or useful in the conduct of its business or which is replaced by equipment of equal suitability and value;

 

(b)                                  inventory (including oil and gas sold as produced and seismic data) that is sold in the ordinary course of business on ordinary trade terms;

 

(c)                                   Equity of any of Borrower’s Domestic Subsidiaries that is transferred to Borrower or a Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower (provided that if any such Domestic Subsidiary is wholly-owned prior to such transfer, such Domestic Subsidiary shall be transferred to Borrower or a wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary), and Equity of any of Borrower’s Foreign Subsidiaries that is transferred to Borrower, a Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower or a Foreign Subsidiary of Borrower (provided that (i) if any such Foreign Subsidiary is wholly-owned by a Domestic Subsidiary prior to such transfer, such Foreign Subsidiary shall be transferred to Borrower or a wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary and (ii) if any such Foreign Subsidiary is wholly-owned by a Foreign Subsidiary prior to such transfer, such Foreign Subsidiary shall be transferred to Borrower or a wholly-owned Foreign Subsidiary);

 

(d)                                  Dispositions of property by any Domestic Subsidiary to Borrower or to a Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower, provided that (i) if the transferor of such property is a Guarantor, the transferee thereof must either be Borrower or a Guarantor and (ii) if the transferor is a wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary, the transferee thereof must either be Borrower or a wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary, and Dispositions of property by any Foreign Subsidiary to Borrower, a Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower or a Foreign Subsidiary of Borrower (provided that if the transferor is a wholly-owned Foreign Subsidiary, the transferee thereof must either be Borrower, a wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary or a wholly-owned Foreign Subsidiary);

 

(e)                                   interests in Oil and Gas Properties, or portions thereof, to which no Proved Reserves are attributed; and

 

(f)                                    interests in Oil and Gas Properties to which Proved Reserves are attributed, Hedging Contracts, and the abandonment of any oil or gas well; provided that, if Administrative Agent or Borrower determine that such Disposition would result in the aggregate Disposition of Restricted Persons’ Oil and Gas Properties since the most recent redetermination of the Borrowing Base plus the Borrowing Base value of all Hedging Contracts Disposed of since the most recent redetermination of the Borrowing Base plus the Present Value of all Borrowing Base Properties abandoned, equal to an amount greater than 5% of the Borrowing Base then in effect, the Borrowing Base shall have been redetermined as provided in Section 2.8(e) and the prepayment, if any, required under Section 2.7(c) shall have been made.

 

No Disposition may be made pursuant to Section 7.5(e) or (f) unless (i) made for fair consideration to a Person who is not an Affiliate and (ii) no Default has occurred and is

 

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continuing at the time of such Disposition or would result therefrom. No Restricted Person will elect not to participate in a proposed operation on any Oil and Gas Property constituting Collateral where the effect of such election would be the forfeiture either temporarily (e.g., until a certain sum of money is received out of the forfeited interest) or permanently of any interest in the Collateral.

 

Section 7.6.  Limitation on Dividends and Redemptions. No Restricted Person will declare or make directly or indirectly any Distribution, other than, provided that no Default or Event of Default exists at the time such Distribution is made or will occur as a result thereof (a) Distributions payable to Borrower; and (b) Distributions payable to Parent, to the extent that the aggregate value of all such Distributions made during any Fiscal Year does not exceed $2,000,000; provided that such Distributions must be used by Parent in the ordinary course of business of the Credit Parties and must not be distributed to holders of Parent’s Equity or to any other Person.

 

Section 7.7.  Limitation on Investments and New Businesses. No Restricted Person will (a) make any expenditure or commitment or incur any obligation or enter into or engage in any transaction except in the ordinary course of business and as described below in this Section 7.7 and in Section 7.11, (b) engage directly or indirectly in any business or conduct any operations except in connection with or incidental to its present businesses and operations as presently conducted, or (c) make any acquisitions of or capital contributions to or other Investments in any Person or property, other than Permitted Investments.

 

Section 7.8.  Limitation on Credit Extensions. Except for Permitted Investments, no Restricted Person will extend credit, make advances or make loans other than (a) normal and prudent extensions of credit to customers buying goods and services in the ordinary course of business, which extensions shall not be for longer periods than those extended by similar businesses operated in a normal and prudent manner, and (b) loans to Borrower or to any Subsidiary of Borrower that is a Guarantor.

 

Section 7.9. Transactions with Affiliates. Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries will engage in any material transaction with any of its Affiliates on terms which are less favorable to it than those which would have been obtainable at the time in arm’s-length dealing with Persons other than such Affiliates, provided that such restriction shall not apply to transactions among Borrower and its wholly owned Subsidiaries that are Guarantors.

 

Section 7.10.  Prohibited Contracts. Except as expressly provided for in the Loan Documents, no Restricted Person will, directly or indirectly, enter into, create, or otherwise allow to exist any contractual restriction or other consensual restriction on the ability of any Subsidiary of Borrower to: (a) pay dividends or make other distributions to Borrower, (b) to redeem Equity interests held in it by Borrower, (c) to repay loans and other indebtedness owing by it to Borrower, or (d) to transfer any of its assets to Borrower, except in the case of clause (d) for (i) customary limitations and restrictions contained in, and limited to, specific leases, licenses, conveyances, partnership agreements and co-owners’ agreements, and similar conveyances and agreements, (ii) customary restrictions on the assignment or transfer of any contract or agreement that are contained in such contract or agreement, (iii) limitations and restrictions arising in connection with Permitted Liens affecting only property subject to such Permitted Lien, (iv) any restriction imposed on particular assets or properties pursuant to an agreement entered into for a sale of such assets or properties not prohibited by Section 7.5 of this Agreement pending the

 

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closing of such sale, and (v) limitations and restrictions ansmg or existing by reason of applicable Law. No Restricted Person will enter into any “take-or-pay” contract. No Restricted Person will amend or permit any amendment to any contract or lease that releases, qualifies, limits, makes contingent or otherwise detrimentally affects the rights and benefits of Administrative Agent or any Lender under or acquired pursuant to any Security Documents. No ERISA Affiliate will incur any obligation to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan or any plan subject to Section 4064 of ERISA.

 

Section 7.11.  Conduct of Business. Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Person to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by Borrower and the Restricted Persons on the date of execution of this Agreement and businesses reasonably related thereto or the date such Restricted Person became a Guarantor, as the case may be.

 

Section 7.12.  Amendments to Organizational Documents. Borrower will not and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into or permit any modification of, or waive any material right or obligation of any Person under its, Organizational Documents, except for such modifications and waivers that are not adverse to the interests of the Lender Parties.

 

Section 7.13. Fiscal Year. No Restricted Person shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, change its Fiscal Year end from June 30 without the consent of the Majority Lenders, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed.

 

Section 7.14.  Financial Covenants.

 

(a)                                  Current Ratio. The ratio of Parent’s Consolidated current assets to Parent’s Consolidated current liabilities will not be less than 1.0 to 1.0 as of the end of each Fiscal Quarter, beginning December 31, 2012. For purposes of this section, (i) any non-cash gains or losses resulting from the requirements of ASC Topic 815 or ASC Topic 410 (or other similar provision of IFRS) shall be excluded from current assets and from current liabilities, (ii) the Unused Availability shall be included as a current asset to the extent that such unused portion can be borrowed by Borrower without causing a Default after giving effect thereto, and (iii) current maturities of the Obligations shall be excluded from current liabilities.

 

(b)                                  Maximum Leverage Ratio. As of the end of each Fiscal Quarter, beginning December 31, 2012, the ratio of (i) Consolidated Funded Debt as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter to (ii) Adjusted Consolidated EBITDAX for such Fiscal Quarter, shall not exceed 4.0 to 1.1. The ratios in this Section 7.14(b) with respect to the 3 Fiscal Quarters commencing with the Fiscal Quarter ending December 31, 2012 shall be calculated using “Annualized EBITDAX”. For purposes of this Section 7.14, “Annualized EBITDAX” means (i) with respect to the Fiscal Quarter ending December 31, 2012, Adjusted Consolidated EBITDAX for such Fiscal Quarter multiplied by 4; (ii) with respect to the Fiscal Quarter ending March 31, 2013, Adjusted Consolidated EBITDAX for the period commencing on October 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013 multiplied by 2; (iii) with respect to the Fiscal Quarter ending June 30, 2013, Adjusted Consolidated EBITDAX for the period commencing on October 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 multiplied by 4/3; and (iv) for each Fiscal Quarter thereafter, Adjusted Consolidated EBITDAX for the four consecutive Fiscal Quarters then ended.

 

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Section 7.15.  Sale and Leaseback Transactions. No Restricted Person will, directly or indirectly, enter into any arrangement with any Person whereby in a substantially contemporaneous transaction such Restricted Person sells or transfers all or substantially all of its right, title and interest in an asset and, in connection therewith, acquires or leases back the right to use such asset.

 

Section 7.16. Negative Pledge. No Restricted Person will enter into (a) any agreement for the borrowing of money (excluding this Agreement) prohibiting the creation or assumption of any Lien upon its properties, revenues or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired (provided that (x) this provision is not intended to limit in any manner the Restricted Persons’ obligations to grant Liens securing the Collateral as otherwise set forth in this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, and (y) this provision shall not prohibit the inclusion of customary negative pledge language in agreements entered into in connection with Permitted Liens described in clause (1) of the definition thereof); (b) any agreement (excluding this Agreement) prohibiting the ability of any Restricted Person to amend or otherwise modify this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or (c) any agreement containing the prohibitions set forth in the preceding clause (a).

 

ARTICLE VIII - Events of Default and Remedies

 

Section 8.1.  Events of Default. Each of the following events constitutes an Event of Default under this Agreement:

 

(a)                                  Any Credit Party fails to pay any principal component of any Obligation when due and payable, whether at a date for the payment of a fixed installment or as a contingent or other payment becomes due and payable or as a result of acceleration or otherwise or Parent fails to pay any amount when due and payable under the Parent Guaranty;

 

(b)                                  Any Credit Party fails to pay any Obligation (other than the Obligations in subsection (a) above) when due and payable, whether at a date for the payment of a fixed installment or as a contingent or other payment becomes due and payable or as a result of acceleration or otherwise, within 3 Business Days after the same becomes due;

 

(c)                                   Any “default” or “event of default” occurs under any Loan Document which defines either such term, and the same is not remedied within the applicable period of grace (if any) provided in such Loan Document;

 

(d)                                  Any Credit Party fails to duly observe, perform or comply with any covenant, agreement or provision of Sections 6.4, 6.6 or 6.22, or Article VII;

 

(e)                                   Any Credit Party fails (other than as referred to in subsections (a), (b), (c) or (d) above) to duly observe, perform or comply with any covenant, agreement, condition or provision of any Loan Document to which it is a party, and such failure remains unremedied for a period of 30 days after notice of such failure is given by Administrative Agent to Borrower;

 

(f)                                    Any representation or warranty previously, presently or hereafter made in writing by or on behalf of any Credit Party in connection with any Loan Document shall prove to have been false or incorrect in any material respect on any date on or as of which made;

 

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(g)                                   Any Credit Party fails to duly observe, perform or comply with any agreement with any Person or any term or condition of any instrument, if such failure could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change and is not remedied within the applicable period of grace (if any) provided in such agreement or instrument;

 

(h)                                  Any Credit Party (i) fails to pay any portion, when such portion is due, of any Indebtedness outstanding under the Second Lien Facility or any of its other Indebtedness in excess of the Threshold Amount, or (ii) breaches or defaults in the performance of any agreement or instrument by which any the Second Lien Facility or such other Indebtedness is issued, evidenced, governed, or secured, and any such failure, breach or default continues beyond any applicable period of grace provided therefor;

 

(i)                                      (i) A Termination Event occurs which, when taken together with all other Termination Events that have occurred, has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in, liability of any Credit Party in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount, or (ii) any other event or condition shall occur or exist with respect to a Plan and such event or condition, together with all other such events or conditions and Termination Events, if any, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change;

 

G)                                    Any Credit Party:

 

(i)                                      suffers the entry against it of a judgment, decree or order for relief by a Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction in an involuntary proceeding commenced under any applicable Debtor Relief Laws now or hereafter in effect, or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law commenced against it remains undismissed for a period of 60 days; or

 

(ii)                                   commences a voluntary case under any applicable Debtor Relief Laws now or hereafter in effect; or applies for or consents to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such Debtor Relief Law; or makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or is generally not paying (or admits in writing its inability to pay) its debts as such debts become due; or takes corporate or other action authorizing any of the foregoing; or

 

(iii)                                suffers the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of all or a substantial part of its assets or of any part of the Collateral in a proceeding brought against or initiated by it, and such appointment or taking possession is neither made ineffective nor discharged within 60 days after the making thereof, or such appointment or taking possession is at any time consented to, requested by, or acquiesced to by it; or

 

(iv)                               suffers the entry against it of (1) one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount (as to all such judgments or orders) in excess of the Threshold Amount (not covered by insurance satisfactory to Administrative Agent in its discretion), or (2) one or more non-monetary final judgments that have, or could reasonably be expected to cause, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Change and, in either case, (x) enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order, or (y) there is a period of 30 consecutive days

 

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during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect; or

 

(v)                                  suffers a writ or warrant of attachment or any similar process to be issued by any Governmental Authority against all or any substantial part of its assets or any part of the Collateral (to the extent that the aggregate value of Collateral since the Closing Date subject to such action is in excess of the Threshold Amount), and such writ or warrant of attachment or any similar process is not stayed or released within 30 days after the entry or levy thereof or after any stay is vacated or set aside;

 

(k)                                  Any Change of Control occurs; and

 

(1)                                  Any material provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Credit Party or any Affiliate of any Credit Party contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document; or any Credit Party denies that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document, or purports to revoke, terminate or rescind any provision of any Loan Document.

 

Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in subsection G)(i), G)(ii) or G)(iii) of this section with respect to any Credit Party, all of the Obligations shall thereupon be immediately due and payable, without demand, presentment, notice of demand or of dishonor and nonpayment, protest, notice of protest, notice of intention to accelerate, declaration or notice of acceleration, or any other notice or declaration of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Borrower and each Credit Party who at any time ratifies or approves this Agreement. Upon any such acceleration, any obligation of any Lender to make any further Loans and any obligation of LC Issuer to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall be permanently terminated. During the continuance of any other Event of Default, Administrative Agent at any time and from time to time may (and upon written instructions from Majority Lenders, Administrative Agent shall), without notice to Borrower or any other Credit Party, do either or both of the following: (1) terminate any obligation of Lenders to make Loans hereunder, and any obligation of LC Issuer to issue Letters of Credit hereunder, and (2) declare any or all of the Obligations ii:nmediately due and payable, and all such Obligations shall thereupon be immediately due and payable, without demand, presentment, notice of demand or of dishonor and nonpayment, protest, notice of protest, notice of intention to accelerate, declaration or notice of acceleration, or any other notice or declaration of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Borrower and each Credit Party who at any time ratifies or approves this Agreement.

 

Section 8.2.  Remedies. If any Default shall occur and be continuing, Majority Lenders, or Administrative Agent at the direction of Majority Lenders, may protect and enforce its rights under the Loan Documents by any appropriate proceedings, including proceedings for specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained in any Loan Document. All rights, remedies and powers conferred upon Lender Parties under the Loan Documents shall be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or powers available under the Loan Documents or at Law or in equity.

 

Section 8.3.  Application of Proceeds After Acceleration. After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.2 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately

 

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due and payable and the LC Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash Collateralized as set forth in Section 2.16), any amounts received on account of the Secured Obligations shall be applied by Administrative Agent in the following order:

 

First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to Administrative Agent (but excluding fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of Administrative Agent) and amounts payable under Article III ) payable to Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;

 

Second, to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (excluding other amounts provided for in clauses “Third” or “Fourth” below) payable to Lenders, LC Issuer and Lender Counterparties (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders, LC Issuer, and the Lender Counterparties and amounts payable under Article III ), ratably among them in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;

 

Third, to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid Letter of Credit fees, accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, accrued and unpaid interest on Matured LC Obligations, and accrued and unpaid interest on Lender Hedging Obligations, ratably among Lenders, LC Issuer, and the Lender Counterparties, in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;

 

Fourth, to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and Matured LC Obligations, obligations to Cash Collateralize LC Obligations pursuant to Section 2.16, and settlements under Hedging Contracts, ratably among Lenders, LC Issuer, and the Lender Counterparties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them;

 

Fifth, to payment of any other Secured Obligations (other than Cash Management Obligations);

 

Sixth, to payment of the outstanding obligations under the Second Lien Facility as required by the intercreditor agreement for the Second Lien Facility;

 

Seventh, to payment of the Cash Management Obligations;

 

Eighth, the balance, if any, after all of the Secured Obligations and obligations under the Second Lien Facility have been indefeasibly paid in full, to Borrower or as otherwise required by Law or by the intercreditor agreement for the Second Lien Facility.

 

Subject to Section 2.16, amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fourth above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur. If any amount remains on deposit as Cash Collateral after all Letters of Credit have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied to the other Secured Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lender Hedging Obligations and Cash Management Obligations shall be excluded from the application described above if Administrative Agent has not received

 

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written notice thereof, together with such supporting documentation as Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Lender Counterparty or Cash Management Lender, as the case may be. Each Lender Counterparty or Cash Management Lender not a party to this Agreement that has given the notice contemplated by the preceding sentence shall, by such notice, be deemed to have acknowledged and accepted the appointment of Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms of Article IX hereof for itself and its Affiliates as if a “Lender” party hereto.

 

ARTICLE IX - Administrative Agent

 

Section 9.1. Appointment and Authority. Each of the Lenders and LC Issuer hereby irrevocably appoints Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. to act on its behalf as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of Administrative Agent, the Lenders and LC Issuer, and neither Borrower nor any other Restricted Person shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions. It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” herein or in any other Loan Documents (or any other similar term) with reference to Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law. Instead such term is used as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties.

 

Section 9.2.  Exculpatory Provisions.

 

(a)                                  Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, and its duties hereunder shall be administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Administrative Agent:

 

(i)                                      shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing;

 

(ii)                                   shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Majority Lenders (or such other number or percentage of Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable Law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law;

 

(iii)                                shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity; and

 

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(iv)                               shall not be responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any failure of any Credit Party to perform its obligations hereunder or in any Loan Document.

 

(b)                                  Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of Majority Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.l and 8.2) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment.

 

(c)                                   Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to Administrative Agent.

 

Section 9.3. Reliance by Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance, extension, renewal, or increase of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or LC Issuer, Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or LC Issuer unless Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or LC Issuer prior to the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit. Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts. Administrative Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Note as the owner thereof for all purposes unless a notice of assignment, negotiation or transfer thereof shall have been filed with Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of Majority Lenders, as it deems appropriate or as otherwise required by Sections 8.2 or 10.1 or it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents in accordance with a request of Majority Lenders, or as otherwise required by Sections 8.2 or 10.l and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all of the Lenders and all future holders of the Loans and all other Obligations.

 

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Section 9.4. Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders. Each Lender and LC Issuer acknowledges that (a) it has, independently and without reliance upon Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement, and (b) none of Administrative Agent nor any of its respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates has made any representations or warranties to it and that no act by Administrative Agent hereinafter taken, including any review of the affairs of any Restricted Person or any audit or due diligence review prepared by the internal auditor of Administrative Agent, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by Administrative Agent to any Lender or LC Issuer. Each Lender and LC Issuer also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by Administrative Agent hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, Administrative Agent shall have no duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, operations, property, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or creditworthiness of Borrower which may come into the possession of Administrative Agent or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys in fact or Affiliates. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Administrative Agent shall have no duty to monitor or verify the Collateral used to calculate the Borrowing Base or the reporting requirements or the contents of reports delivered by Borrower. Each Lender assumes the responsibility of keeping itself informed at all times.

 

Section 9.5.  Rights as a Lender. The Person serving as Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not Administrative Agent, and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for, and generally engage in any kind of business with, Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

 

Section 9.6.  Investments. Whenever Administrative Agent in good faith determines that it is uncertain about how to distribute to Lender Parties any funds that it has received, or whenever Administrative Agent in good faith determines that there is any dispute among Lender Parties about how such funds should be distributed, Administrative Agent may choose to defer distribution of the funds that are the subject of such uncertainty or dispute. If Administrative Agent in good faith believes that the uncertainty or dispute will not be promptly resolved, or if Administrative Agent is otherwise required to invest funds pending distribution to Lender Parties, Administrative Agent shall invest such funds pending distribution; all interest on any such Investment shall be distributed upon the distribution of such Investment and in the same proportion and to the same Persons as such Investment. All moneys received by Administrative Agent for distribution to Lender Parties (other than to the Person who is Administrative Agent in its separate capacity as a Lender Party) shall be held by Administrative Agent pending such

 

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distribution solely as Administrative Agent for such Lender Parties, and Administrative Agent shall have no equitable title to any portion thereof.

 

Section 9.7.  Resignation of Administrative Agent.

 

(a)                                  Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, LC Issuer and Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, Majority Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with Borrower, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by Majority Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Majority Lenders) (the “Resignation Effective Date”), then the retiring Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to), on behalf of the Lenders and LC Issuer, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above. Whether or not a successor has been appointed, such resignation shall become effective in accordance with such notice on the Resignation Effective Date.

 

(b)                                  If the Person serving as Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (d) of the definition thereof, Majority Lenders may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, by notice in writing to Borrower and such Person remove such Person as Administrative Agent and, in consultation with Borrower, appoint a successor. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by Majority Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by Majority Lenders) (the “ Removal Effective Date” ), then such removal shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice on the Removal Effective Date.

 

(c)                                   With effect from the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date (as applicable) (i) the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders or LC Issuer under any of the Loan Documents, the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed), and (ii) except for any indemnity payments owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent, all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender and LC Issuer directly, until such time, if any, as Majority Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring or removed Administrative Agent (other than any rights to indemnity payments owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent), and the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents. The fees payable by Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between Borrower and such successor. After the retiring or removed Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 10.4 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring or removed Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or

 

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omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring or removed Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.

 

Section 9.8.  Delegation of Duties. Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agents except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and nonappealable judgment that Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agents.

 

Section 9.9. No Other Duties, etc. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the “Bookrunners,” “Arrangers,” “Co-Arrangers,” “Syndication Administrative Agent” or “Documentation Administrative Agent” listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as Administrative Agent, a Lender or LC Issuer hereunder. Each Lender acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not rely, on the “Bookrunners,” “Arrangers,” “Co-Arrangers,” “Syndication Administrative Agent” or “Documentation Administrative Agent” in deciding to enter into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or in taking or not taking any action hereunder or thereunder.

 

Section 9.10. Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim. In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Restricted Person, Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or LC Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated), by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise

 

(a)                                  to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, LC Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of Lenders, LC Issuer and Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of Lenders, LC Issuer and Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due Lenders, LC Issuer and Administrative Agent under Sections 2.5 and 10.4) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

 

(b)                                  to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

 

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender and LC Issuer to make such payments to Administrative Agent and, in the event that Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to Lenders and LC Issuer, to pay to Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of

 

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Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due Administrative Agent under Sections 2.5 and 10.4.

 

Section 9.11.  Guaranty Matters. Each Lender and LC Issuer hereby irrevocably authorizes Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty (i) if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted hereunder and (ii) upon termination of all Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations) and the expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit (other than Letters of Credit as to which other arrangements satisfactory to Administrative Agent and LC Issuer shall have been made). Upon request by Administrative Agent at any time, each Lender and LC Issuer will confirm in writing Administrative Agent’s authority to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Subsidiary Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.11, provided that the absence of any such confirmation for whatever reason shall not affect Administrative Agent’s rights under this Section 9.11.

 

Section 9.12.  Collateral Matters.

 

(a)                                  Each Lender and LC Issuer hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs Administrative Agent to enter into the Security Documents for the benefit of such Lender and LC Issuer. Each Lender and LC Issuer hereby agrees, and each holder of any Note by the acceptance thereof will be deemed to agree, that, except as otherwise set forth in Section 10.1, any action taken by the Majority Lenders, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or the Security Documents, and the exercise by the Majority Lenders of the powers set forth herein or therein, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be authorized and binding upon all of Lenders and LC Issuer. Administrative Agent is hereby authorized (but not obligated) on behalf of all of Lenders and LC Issuer, without the necessity of any notice to or further consent from any Lender or LC Issuer from time to time prior to, an Event of Default, to take any action with respect to any Collateral or Security Documents that may be necessary to perfect and maintain perfected the Liens upon the Collateral granted pursuant to the Security Documents.

 

(b)                                  Each Lender and LC Issuer hereby irrevocably authorize Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion,

 

(i)                                      to release any Lien on any property granted to or held by Administrative Agent under any Loan Document (1) upon termination of all Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations) and the expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit (other than Letters of Credit as to which other arrangements satisfactory to Administrative Agent and LC Issuer shall have been made), (2) that is Disposed of or to be Disposed of as part of or in connection with any sale or other Disposition permitted under the Loan Documents, (3) subject to Section 10.1, if approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Majority Lenders, or (4) in connection with any foreclosure sale or other disposition of Collateral after the occurrence of an Event of Default; and

 

(ii)                                   to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

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Upon request by Administrative Agent at any time, each Lender and LC Issuer will confirm in writing Administrative Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of Collateral pursuant to this Section 9.12, provided that the absence of any such confirmation for whatever reason shall not affect Administrative Agent’s rights under this Section 9.12.

 

(c)                                   Subject to subsection (b) above, Administrative Agent shall (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Lender and LC Issuer to) execute such documents as may be necessary to evidence the release or subordination of the Liens granted to Administrative Agent for the benefit of Administrative Agent and Lenders and LC Issuer herein or pursuant hereto upon the applicable Collateral; provided that (i) Administrative Agent shall not be required to execute any such document on terms that, in Administrative Agent’s opinion, would expose Administrative Agent to or create any liability or entail any consequence other than the release or subordination of such Liens without recourse or warranty and (ii) such release or subordination shall not in any manner discharge, affect or impair the Obligations or any Liens upon (or obligations of Borrower or any other Restricted Person in respect of) all interests retained by Borrower or any other Restricted Person, including the proceeds of the sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral. In the event of any sale or transfer of Collateral, or any foreclosure with respect to any of the Collateral, Administrative Agent shall be authorized to deduct all expenses reasonably incurred by Administrative Agent from the proceeds of any such sale, transfer or foreclosure.

 

(d)                                  Administrative Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to any Lender, LC Issuer or any other Person to assure that the Collateral exists or is owned by Borrower or any other Restricted Person or is cared for, protected or insured or that the Liens granted to Administrative Agent herein or in any of the Security Documents or pursuant hereto or thereto have been properly or sufficiently or lawfully created, perfected, protected or enforced or are entitled to any particular priority, or to exercise or to continue exercising at all or in any manner or under any duty of care, disclosure or fidelity any of the rights, authorities and powers granted or available to Administrative Agent in this Section 9.12 or in any of the Security Documents, it being understood and agreed that in respect of the Collateral, or any act, omission or event related thereto, Administrative Agent may act in any manner it may deem appropriate, in its discretion, given Administrative Agent’s own interest in the Collateral as one of Lenders and that Administrative Agent shall have no duty or liability whatsoever to Lenders or LC Issuer.

 

(e)                                   Each Lender and LC Issuer hereby appoints each other Lender as agent for the purpose of perfecting Lenders’ and LC Issuer’s security interest in assets that, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC, can be perfected only by possession. Should any Lender or LC Issuer (other than Administrative Agent) obtain possession of any such Collateral, such Lender or LC Issuer shall notify Administrative Agent thereof, and, promptly upon Administrative Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to Administrative Agent or in accordance with Administrative Agent’s instructions.

 

Section 9.13.  Agreement to Assignment of ISDA Master Agreement. Each Lender hereby agrees (on behalf of itself and any of its Affiliates party to Hedging Contract with any Restricted Person) that the rights of the Restricted Persons under Hedging Contracts with such Lender (or, if applicable, its Affiliate) may be included in the Collateral.

 

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Section 9.14.  Notice of Default. Administrative Agent shall be deemed to have no knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default hereunder unless Administrative Agent has received written notice from a Lender or Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” In the event that Administrative Agent receives such a notice, Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Lenders. Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably directed by the Majority Lenders; provided that unless and until Administrative Agent shall have received such directions, Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of the Lenders.

 

Section 9.15.  Lender Hedging Obligations and Cash Management Obligations. Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein or in any Loan Document, no Lender Counterparty or Cash Management Lender that obtains the benefits of Section 8.3 or any Loan Document by virtue of the provisions hereof or thereof shall have any right to notice of any action or to consent to, direct or object to any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document or otherwise in respect of the Collateral (including the release or impairment of any Collateral) other than in its capacity as a Lender and, in such case, only to the extent expressly provided in the Loan Documents. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article IX to the contrary, Administrative Agent shall not be required to verify the payment of, or that other satisfactory arrangements have been made with respect to, Obligations arising under Lender Hedging Obligations and Cash Management Obligations unless Administrative Agent has received written notice of such Obligations, together with such supporting documentation as Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Lender Counterparty or Cash Management Lender, as the case may be.

 

ARTICLE X - Miscellaneous

 

Section 10.1.  Waivers and Amendments; Acknowledgments.

 

(a)                                  Waivers and Amendments. No failure or delay (whether by course of conduct or otherwise) by any Lender in exercising any right, power or remedy that such Lender Party may have under any of the Loan Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof or of any other right, power or remedy, nor shall any single or partial exercise by any Lender Party of any such right, power or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or of any other right, power or remedy. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document and no consent to any departure therefrom shall ever be effective unless it is in writing and signed as provided below in this section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instances and for the purposes for which given and to the extent specified in such writing. No notice to or demand on any Restricted Person shall in any case of itself entitle any Restricted Person to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents set forth the entire understanding between the parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated herein and therein and supersede all prior discussions and understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and no waiver, consent, release, modification or amendment of or supplement to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall be valid or effective against any party hereto unless the same is in writing and signed by (i) if such party is Borrower, by Borrower, (ii) if such party is Administrative Agent or LC Issuer, by such party, and (iii) if such party is a Lender, by such Lender or by Administrative

 

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Agent on behalf of Lenders with the written consent of Majority Lenders. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, Administrative Agent shall not, without the prior consent of each individual Lender, execute and deliver on behalf of such Lender any waiver or amendment that would: (1) waive any of the conditions specified in Article IV (provided that Administrative Agent may in its discretion withdraw any request it has made under Section 4.2(f)), (2) increase the maximum amount that such Lender is committed hereunder to lend, (3) reduce any fees payable to such Lender hereunder, or the principal of, or interest on, such Lender’s Loans, (4) extend the Maturity Date, or postpone any date fixed for any payment of any such fees, principal or interest, (5) amend the definition herein of “Majority Lenders” or otherwise change the aggregate amount of Applicable Percentages that is required for Administrative Agent, Lenders or any of them to take any particular action under the Loan Documents, (6) release Borrower from its obligation to pay such Lender’s Obligations or any Guarantor from its guaranty of such payment (except pursuant to Section 9.11), (7) release all or substantially all of the Collateral, except for such releases relating to sales or dispositions of property permitted by the Loan Documents, (8) amend the pro-rata sharing provisions in Section 2.14 or 8.3, or (9) amend this Section 10.l(a). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent that by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x)  the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended, and the principal amount of Loans of any Defaulting Lender may not be decreased, without the consent of such Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms affects any Defaulting Lender more adversely than other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.

 

(b)                                  Acknowledgments and Admissions. Borrower hereby represents, warrants, acknowledges and admits that (i) it has been advised by counsel in the negotiation, execution and delivery of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (ii) it has made an independent decision to enter into this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, without reliance on any representation, warranty, covenant or undertaking by Administrative Agent or any Lender Party, whether written, oral or implicit, other than as expressly set out in this Agreement or in another Loan Document delivered on or after the date hereof, (iii) there are no representations, warranties, covenants, undertakings or agreements by any Lender Party as to the Loan Documents except as expressly set out in this Agreement or in another Loan Document delivered on or after the date hereof, (iv) no Lender Party has any fiduciary obligation toward Borrower with respect to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated thereby, (v) the relationship pursuant to the Loan Documents between Borrower and the other Restricted Persons, on one hand, and each Lender Party, on the other hand, is and shall be solely that of debtor and creditor, respectively, provided that, solely for purposes of Section 10.5(c) Administrative Agent shall act as agent of Borrower in maintaining the Register as set forth therein, (vi) no partnership or joint venture exists with respect to the Loan Documents between any Restricted Person and any Lender Party, (vii) Administrative Agent is not Borrower’s Administrative Agent, but Administrative Agent for Lender Parties, provided that, solely for purposes of Section 10.5(c) Administrative Agent shall act as agent of Borrower in maintaining the Register as set forth therein, (viii) should an Event of Default or Default exist, each Lender Party will determine in its discretion and for its own reasons what remedies and actions it will or will not request that Administrative Agent exercise or take at that time, (ix) without limiting any of the foregoing,

 

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Borrower is not relying upon any representation or covenant by any Lender Party, or any representative thereof, and no such representation or covenant has been made, that any Lender Party will, at the time of an Event of Default or Default, or at any other time, waive, negotiate, discuss, or take or refrain from taking any action permitted under the Loan Documents with respect to any such Event of Default or Default or any other provision of the Loan Documents, and (x) all Lender Parties have relied upon the truthfulness of the acknowledgments in this section in deciding to execute and deliver this Agreement and to become obligated hereunder.

 

(c)                                   Joint Acknowledgment. THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.

 

THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

 

Section 10.2.  Survival of Agreements; Cumulative Nature. All of Restricted Persons’ various representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in the Loan Documents shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the performance hereof and thereof, including the making or granting of the Loans and the delivery of the Notes and the other Loan Documents, and shall further survive until all of the Obligations are paid in full to each Lender Party and all of Lender Parties’ obligations to Borrower are terminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything herein to the contrary, any waivers or admissions made by any Restricted Person in any Loan Document, any Obligations under Sections 3.2 through 3.6, and any obligations that any Person may have to indemnify or compensate any Lender Party shall survive any termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document. In addition, Articles VIII and IX shall survive until all of the Security Documents have been terminated. All statements and agreements contained in any certificate or other instrument delivered by any Restricted Person to any Lender Party under any Loan Document shall be deemed representations and warranties by Borrower or agreements and covenants of Borrower under this Agreement. The representations, warranties, indemnities, and covenants made by Restricted Persons in the Loan Documents, and the rights, powers, and privileges granted to Lender Parties in the Loan Documents, are cumulative, and, except for expressly specified waivers and consents, no Loan Document shall be construed in the context of another to diminish, nullify, or otherwise reduce the benefit to any Lender Party of any such representation, warranty, indemnity, covenant, right, power or privilege. In particular and without limitation, no exception set out in this Agreement to any representation, warranty, indemnity, or covenant herein contained shall apply to any similar representation, warranty, indemnity, or covenant contained in any other Loan Document, and each such similar representation, warranty, indemnity, or covenant shall be subject only to those exceptions that are expressly made applicable to it by the terms of the various Loan Documents.

 

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Section 10.3. Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication.

 

(a)                                 Notices Generally. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in subsection (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile as follows and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:

 

If to Borrower or any other Restricted Person:

 

Sundance Energy, Inc.

 

 

633 17th Street, Suite 1950

 

 

Denver, CO 80202

 

 

Attention: Eric P. McCrady

 

 

Telephone No.  (303) 543-5700

 

 

Facsimile No.  (303) 543-5701

 

 

 

If to Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender, or LC Issuer:

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
1700 Lincoln Street, 6th Floor

 

 

Denver, CO 80203

 

 

Attention: Oleg Kogan

 

 

Telephone No.  (303) 863-5367

 

 

Facsimile No. (303) 863-5196

 

 

 

If to any other Lender Party:

 

Its address, facsimile number, or telephone number as specified in its Administrative Questionnaire

 

Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient). Notices delivered through electronic communications, to the extent provided in subsection (b) below, shall be effective as provided in said subsection (b).

 

(b)                                 Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lenders and LC Issuer hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or LC Issuer pursuant to Article II if such Lender or LC Issuer, as applicable, has notified Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article  by electronic communication. Administrative Agent or Borrower or any other Restricted Person may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

 

Unless Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or

 

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communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient, at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i), of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient.

 

(c)                                  Change of Address, Etc. Any party hereto may change its address or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

(d)                                 Platform.

 

(i)                                     Borrower (and each Restricted Person by signing its Guaranty) agrees that Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make the Communications (as defined below) available to LC Issuer and the other Lenders by posting the Communications on Debt Domain, Intralinks, Syndtrak or a substantially similar electronic transmission system (the “Platform”).

 

(ii)                                  The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.” The Agent Parties (as defined below) do not warrant the adequacy of the Platform and expressly disclaim liability for errors or omissions in the Communications. No warranty of any kind, express, implied or statutory, including, without limitation, any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third-party rights or freedom from viruses or other code defects, is made by any Agent Party in connection with the Communications or the Platform. In no event shall Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “ Agent Parties” ) have any liability to Borrower or the other Restricted Persons, any Lender or any other Person or entity for damages of any kind, including, without limitation, direct or indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of Borrower’s, any Loan Party’s or Administrative Agent’s transmission of communications through the Platform . “ Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Restricted Person pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed to Administrative Agent, any Lender or LC Issuer by means of electronic communications pursuant to this Section, including through the Platform.

 

Section 10.4. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

 

(a) Costs and Expenses. Borrower shall promptly pay (i) all transfer, stamp, mortgage, documentary or other similar taxes, assessments or charges levied by any governmental or revenue authority in respect of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or any other document or transaction referred to herein or therein, (ii) all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including fees and expenses of attorneys that are not employees of any Lender Party or its Affiliates, consultants, reserve engineers, accountants, and other advisors, travel costs, expenses related to the Platform and in connection with the issuance of CUSIP numbers, and other miscellaneous expenses) in connection with (1) the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, (2) the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other

 

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Loan Documents, or any amendments, modifications, or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (3) the filing, recording, refiling and re-recording of any Loan Documents and any other documents or instruments or further assurances required to be filed or recorded or refiled or re-recorded by the terms of any Loan Document, (4) any action reasonably required in the course of administration hereof, or (5) monitoring or confirming (or preparation or negotiation of any document related to) any Restricted Person’s compliance with any covenants or conditions contained in this Agreement or in any Loan Document, (iii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by LC Issuer in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder, and (iv) all out of pocket expenses incurred by or on behalf of any Lender Party (including fees and expenses of attorneys that are not employees of any Lender Party or its Affiliates, consultants, reserve engineers, accountants, and other advisors, travel costs, court costs, and miscellaneous expenses) (A) in connection with the preservation of any rights under the Loan Documents, the exercise or enforcement of any rights or remedies under the Loan Documents (including this Section), or the defense of any such exercise or enforcement, or (B) in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit.

 

(b)                                 Indemnification. Each Credit Party shall indemnify Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Lender and LC Issuer, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “ Indernnitee” ) against, and hold each Indernnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indernnitee that is not an employee of such Indemnitee or its Affiliates), incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indernnitee by any third party or by Borrower or any other Credit Party arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by LC Issuer to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any environmental liability related in any way to Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by Borrower or any other Credit Party, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto. THE FOREGOING INDEMNIFICATION WILL APPLY WHETHER OR NOT SUCH LIABILITIES AND COSTS ARE IN ANY WAY OR TO ANY EXTENT OWED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, UNDER ANY CLAIM OR THEORY OF STRICT LIABILITY OR CAUSED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY ANY NEGLIGENT ACT OR OMISSION OF ANY KIND BY ANY INDEMNITEE, provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) result from a

 

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claim brought by Borrower or any other Credit Party against an Indernnitee for breach in bad faith of such Indernnitee’s obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if Borrower or such Credit Party has obtained a final and nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

(c)                                  Reimbursement by Lenders. To the extent that any Credit Party for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by it to Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), LC Issuer, Swing Line Lender, or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), LC Issuer, Swing Line Lender, or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount, provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or LC Issuer or Swing Line Lender in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or LC Issuer or Swing Line Lender in connection with such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.15.

 

(d)                                 Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indernnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or Letter of Credit, or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

 

(e)                                  Payments. All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than 10 days after demand therefor.

 

(f)                                   Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section shall survive the termination of the Loan Documents and payment of the obligations hereunder.

 

Section 10.5.  Successors and Assigns; Joint and Several Liability.

 

(a)                                 Successors and Assigns Generally. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that neither Borrower nor any other Credit Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under any Loan Document without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an Eligible Assignee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section, or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (f) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the

 

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parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

(b)                                 Assignments by Lenders. Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

(i)                                     Minimum Amounts.

 

(1)                                 in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and/or the Loans at the time owing to it or contemporaneous assignments to related Approved Funds that equal at least the amount specified in subsection (b)(i)(2) of this Section in the aggregate or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and

 

(2)                                 in any case not described in subsection (b)(i)(l) of this Section, except in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to a Lender, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the applicable Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date) shall not be less than $5,000,000, unless each of Administrative Agent and, so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

(ii)                                  Proportionate Amounts. Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loan or the Commitment assigned.

 

(iii)                               Required Consents. No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by subsection (b)(i)(2) of this Section and, in addition:

 

(1)                                 the consent of Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (x) a Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment, or (y) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; provided that Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to Administrative Agent within 5 Business Days after having received notice thereof and provided, further, that Borrower’s consent shall not be

 

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required during the primary syndication of the credit facilities evidenced by this Agreement;

 

(2)                                 the consent of Administrative Agent (such consent not to be umeasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender with a Commitment, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender; and

 

(3)                                 the consent of LC Issuer and Swing Line Lender shall be required for any assignment.

 

(iv)                              Assignment and Assumption. The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; provided that Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment. The assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.

 

(v)                                 No Assignment to Certain Persons. No such assignment shall be made to (1) Borrower or any of Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries or (2) to any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (2).

 

(vi)                              No Assignment to Natural Persons. No such assignment shall be made to a natural Person.

 

(vii)                           Certain Additional Payments. In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of Borrower and Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to Administrative Agent, LC Issuer, Swing Line Lender and each other Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon), and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans and participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.

 

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the

 

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interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits, and subject to the requirements of, of Sections 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 10.4, and 10.14 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment; provided, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no assignment by a Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender. Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 10.5, (i) the consent of Borrower and its execution of an Assignment and Acceptance shall not be required, and, unless requested by the Eligible Assignee and/or the assigning Lender, new Notes shall not be required to be executed and delivered by Borrower, for any assignment which occurs at any time when any Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (ii) Borrower shall not unreasonably withhold or delay in providing any consent or executing any Assignment and Acceptance otherwise required under this Section 10.5. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section.

 

(c)                                  Register. Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices in Denver, Colorado a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and Borrower and each Lender Party 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. Any assignment of any Loan or other Obligation hereunder, whether or not evidenced by a Note, shall be effective only upon appropriate entries with respect thereto being made in the Register. In addition, Administrative Agent shall maintain on the Register information regarding the designation, and revocation of designation, of any Lender as a Defaulting Lender. The Register shall be available for inspection by Borrower or any Lender Party, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

(d)                                 Participations. Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, Borrower or Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person, a Defaulting Lender or Borrower or any of Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries ) (each, a “ Participant” ) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) Borrower, Administrative Agent, LC Issuer, and the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, each Lender shall be responsible for the indemnity under Section 3.5(e) with respect to any payments made by such Lender to its Participant(s).

 

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Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the fifth sentence of Section 10.l (a) that affects such Participant. Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.2, 3.4, and 3.5 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 3.5(g) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 3.5(g) shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Section 3.7 as if it were an assignee under subsection (b) of this Section; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 3.2 or 3.5, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation. Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at Borrower’s request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 3.7 with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by Law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 6.14 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.14 as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “ Participant Register” ). The Participant Register shall be available for inspection by Administrative Agent or Borrower at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice; provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

 

(e)                                  Certain Pledges. Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

(f)                                   Joint and Several Liability. All Obligations that are incurred by two or more Credit Parties shall be their joint and several obligations and liabilities.

 

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Section 10.6. Confidentiality. Each of Administrative Agent, the Lenders and LC Issuer agree to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its Related Parties (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential); (b) to the extent required or requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over such Person or its Related Parties (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners); (c) to the extent required by applicable Laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process; (d) to any other party hereto; (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder; (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement, or (ii) any actual or prospective party (or its Related Parties) to any swap, derivative or other transaction under which payments are to be made by reference to Borrower and its obligations, this Agreement or payments hereunder; (g) on a confidential basis to (i) any rating agency in connection with rating Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided by this Agreement, or (ii) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers with respect to such credit facilities; (h) with the consent of Borrower; or (i) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section, or (y) becomes available to Administrative Agent, any Lender, LC Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than a Credit Party. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section 10.6 to the contrary, Administrative Agent may disclose the existence of this Agreement and information about this Agreement, as amended from time to time, to the “Gold Sheets” and other market data collectors and trade publications and in “tombstone” advertisements, such information to consist of deal terms and other information customarily found in such publications, services and advertisements.

 

For purposes of this Section, “ Information” means all information received from Borrower, Parent or any of its Subsidiaries relating to Borrower, Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to Administrative Agent, any Lender or LC Issuer on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, provided that, in the case of information received from Borrower, Parent or any of its Subsidiaries after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

 

Section 10.7. Governing Law; Submission to Process.

 

(a)                                 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSE OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT (EXCEPT, AS TO ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH THEREIN) AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY SHALL BE

 

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GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF COLORADO.

 

(b)                                 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. PARENT, BORROWER AND EACH OTHER CREDIT PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT COMMENCE ANY ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND OR DESCRIPTION, WHETHER IN LAW OR EQUITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT OR OTHERWISE, AGAINST ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER, LC ISSUER, OR ANY RELATED PARTY OF THE FOREGOING IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATING HERETO OR THERETO, IN ANY FORUM OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF COLORADO SITTING IN DENVER COUNTY, AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLORADO, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH COLORADO STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER OR LC ISSUER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST BORROWER OR ANY OTHER RESTRICTED PERSON OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

 

(c}                                WAIVER OF VENUE. PARENT, BORROWER AND EACH OTHER CREDIT PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

 

(d)  SERVICE OF PROCESS. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 10.3. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

Section 10.8. Limitation on Interest. Lender Parties, Credit Parties and the other parties to the Loan Documents intend to contract in strict compliance with applicable usury Law from time to time in effect. In furtherance thereof such Persons stipulate and agree that none of the terms and provisions contained in the Loan Documents shall ever be construed to create a contract to pay, for the use, forbearance or detention of money, interest in excess of the maximum amount of interest permitted to be charged by applicable Law from time to time in effect. Neither any Credit Party nor any present or future guarantors, endorsers, or other Persons hereafter becoming liable for payment of any Obligation shall ever be liable for unearned interest thereon or shall ever be required to pay interest thereon in excess of the maximum amount that may be lawfully contracted for, charged, or received under applicable Law from time to time in

 

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effect, and the provisions of this section shall control over all other provisions of the Loan Documents that may be in conflict or apparent conflict herewith.

 

Section 10.9. Severability. If any term or provision of any Loan Document shall be determined to be illegal or unenforceable all other terms and provisions of the Loan Documents shall nevertheless remain effective and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.9, if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by Administrative Agent Swing Line Lender, or LC Issuer, as applicable, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited.

 

Section 10.10. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to Administrative Agent, constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.1, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by Administrative Agent and when Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or in electronic (i.e., “pdf ‘ or “tif ‘) format shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

Section 10.11. Waiver of Jury Trial, Punitive Damages, etc. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, (A) ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER THEORY), AND (B) ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO CLAIM OR RECOVER IN ANY SUCH LEGAL PROCEEDING ANY “SPECIAL DAMAGES”, AS DEFINED BELOW. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT, OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION. As USED IN THIS SECTION, “SPECIAL DAMAGES” INCLUDES ALL SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (REGARDLESS OF HOW NAMED), BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY PAYMENTS OR FUNDS THAT ANY PARTY HERETO AS EXPRESSLY PROMISED TO PAY OR DELIVER TO ANY OTHER PARTY HERETO.

 

Section 10.12. No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility. In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated by this Agreement, Borrower and each other Credit Party acknowledges and agrees , and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that: (i) the credit facilities provided for hereunder and any related services in connection therewith (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any

 

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other Loan Document) are an arm’s-length commercial transaction between Borrower, each other Credit Party and their respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and Administrative Agent, on the other hand, and Borrower and each other Credit Party is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or thereof); (ii) in connection with the process leading to such transaction, Administrative Agents is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the financial advisor, agent or fiduciary, for Borrower, any other Credit Party or any of their respective Affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other Person; (iii) Administrative Agent has neither assumed nor will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary responsibility in favor of Borrower or any other Credit Party with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto, including with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document (irrespective of whether Administrative Agent has advised or is currently advising Borrower, any other Credit Party or any of their respective Affiliates on other matters) and Administrative Agent has no obligation to Borrower, any other Credit Party or any of their respective Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; (iv) Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of Borrower, the other Credit Parties and their respective Affiliates, and Administrative Agent has no obligation to disclose any of such interests by virtue of any advisory, agency or fiduciary relationship; and (v) Administrative Agent will not provide any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) and each of Borrower and the other Credit Parties has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate. Each of Borrower and the other Credit Parties hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any claims that it may have against Administrative Agent with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty.

 

Section 10.13. USA PATRIOT Act Notice. Each Lender that is subject to the Patriot Act and Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies Borrower and each other Credit Party that, pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies Borrower and each other Credit Party, which information includes the name and address of Borrower and each other Credit Party and other information that will allow such Lender or Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify Borrower and each other Credit Party in accordance with the Act.

 

Section 10.14. Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, LC Issuer and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, after obtaining the prior written consent of Administrative Agent, 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 such Lender, LC Issuer or any such Affiliate, to or for the credit or the account of Borrower or any other Credit Party against any and all of the obligations of Borrower or such Credit Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or LC Issuer or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender, LC Issuer, or Affiliate

 

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shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of Borrower or such Credit Party may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch, office, or Affiliate of such Lender or LC Issuer different from the branch, office, or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.17 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of Administrative Agent, LC Issuer, and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The rights of each Lender, LC Issuer and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, LC Issuer or their respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender and LC Issuer agrees to notify Borrower and Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.

 

Section 10.15. Payments Set Aside. To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of Borrower is made to Administrative Agent, LC Issuer or any Lender, or Administrative Agent, LC Issuer or any Lender exercises its 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 Administrative Agent, LC Issuer or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender and LC Issuer severally agrees to pay to Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders and LC Issuer under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 10.16. Amendment and Restatement. This Agreement amends and restates in its entirety the Existing Credit Agreement, and from and after the date hereof, the terms and provisions of the Existing Credit Agreement shall be superseded by the terms and provisions of this Agreement. Borrower hereby agrees that (i) the Existing Indebtedness, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and all accrued and unpaid fees under the Existing Credit Documents shall be deemed to be Indebtedness of Borrower outstanding under and governed by this Agreement and (ii) all Liens securing the Existing Indebtedness shall continue in full force and effect to secure the Secured Obligations.

 

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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IN WI’INESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed as of the date first written above.

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.,

 

Borrower

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Eric P. Mccrady

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 



 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,

 

Administrative Agent, LC Issuer, Swing Line Lender, and a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

Suzanne Ridenhour

 

 

Title:

Director

 


 

EXHIBIT A

 

PROMISSORY NOTE

 

 

Denver, Colorado

[Date]

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC., a Colorado corporation (“Borrower”), hereby promises to pay to                                                                  (“ Lender” ), the principal sum equal to such Lender’s Commitment under the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), or, if greater or less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loans made by Lender to Borrower pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), together with interest on the unpaid principal balance thereof as set forth in the Credit Agreement, both principal and interest payable as herein provided in lawful money of the United States of America at the offices of Administrative Agent under the Credit Agreement, or at such other place as from time to time may be designated by the holder of this Note.

 

This Note (a) is issued and delivered under that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 2012 among Borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the lenders (including Lender) referred to therein (as from time to time supplemented, amended or restated, the “ Credit Agreement” ), and is a “Note” as defined therein, (b) is subject to the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement, which contains provisions for payments and prepayments hereunder and acceleration of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain stated events, and (c) is secured by and entitled to the benefits of certain Security Documents (as identified and defined in the Credit Agreement). Payments on this Note shall be made and applied as provided in the Credit Agreement. Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement for a description of certain rights, limitations of rights, obligations and duties of the parties hereto and for the meanings assigned to terms used and not defined herein and to the Security Documents for a description of the nature and extent of the security thereby provided and the rights of the parties thereto.

 

The indebtedness evidenced by this Note is given in partial renewal extension and restatement of (but not in extinguishment or novation of) the Existing Indebtedness, as defined and described in the Credit Agreement.

 

The principal amount of this Note, together with all interest accrued hereon, shall be due and payable in full on the Maturity Date.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph and all other provisions of this Note, in no event shall the interest payable hereon, whether before or after maturity, exceed the maximum interest that, under applicable Law, may be contracted for, charged, or received on this Note, and this Note is expressly made subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement that more fully set out the limitations on how interest accrues hereon.

 

If this Note is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection after default, or if all or any part of the indebtedness represented hereby is proved, established or collected in any court or in any bankruptcy, receivership, debtor relief, probate or other court proceedings, Borrower and all endorsers, sureties and guarantors of this Note jointly and severally agree to pay reasonable attorneys’ fees and collection costs to the holder hereof in addition to the principal and interest payable hereunder.

 



 

Borrower and all endorsers, sureties and guarantors of this Note hereby severally waive demand, presentment, notice of demand and of dishonor and nonpayment of this Note, protest, notice of protest, notice of intention to accelerate the maturity of this Note, declaration or notice of acceleration of the maturity of this Note, diligence in collecting, the bringing of any suit against any party and any notice of or defense on account of any extensions, renewals, partial payments or changes in any manner of or in this Note or in any of its terms, provisions and covenants, or any releases or substitutions of any security, or any delay, indulgence or other act of any trustee or any holder hereof, whether before or after maturity.

 

This Note and the rights and duties of the parties hereto shall be governed by the Laws of the State of Colorado (without regard to principles of conflicts of law), except to the extent the same are governed by applicable federal Law.

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

Exhibit A -Page 2



 

EXHIBIT B-1

 

BORROWING NOTICE

 

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 2012 (as amended or supplemented, the “ Agreement” ), by and among SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC. (“ Borrower” ), Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and certain financial institutions (“Lenders”). Terms that are defined in the Agreement are used herein with the meanings given them in the Agreement. Borrower hereby requests a Borrowing of new Revolving Loans to be advanced pursuant to Section 2.1 of the Agreement as follows:

 

Aggregate amount of Borrowing:

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

Type of Revolving Loans in Borrowing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date on which Revolving Loans are to be advanced:

 

 

 

 

 

months

 

Length of Interest Period for Eurodollar Loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If combined with existing Eurodollar Loans see attached Continuation/Conversion Notice.

 

 

 

 

To induce Lenders to make such Revolving Loans, Borrower hereby represents, warrants, acknowledges, and agrees to and with Administrative Agent and each Lender that:

 

(a)                                 The officer of Borrower signing this instrument is the duly elected, qualified and acting officer of Borrower as indicated below such officer’s signature hereto having all necessary authority to act for Borrower in making the request herein contained.

 

(b)                                  The representations and warranties of the Restricted Persons set forth in the Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date hereof, except for any such representation or warranty that expressly applies to a specified earlier date, in which case such representation or warranty shall have been true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date.

 

(c)                                  No Default exists as of the date hereof; nor will any Default result from the proposed Revolving Loan or from the application of the proceeds thereof.

 

(d)                                  Except to the extent waived in writing as provided in Section 10.l(a) of the Agreement, Borrower has performed and complied with all agreements and conditions in the Agreement required to be performed or complied with by Borrower on or ·prior to the date hereof, and each of the conditions precedent to Revolving Loans contained in the Agreement remains satisfied.

 



 

(e)                                   The Facility Usage, after the making of the Revolving Loans requested hereby, will not be in excess of the lesser of the Borrowing Base or the Aggregate Commitment on the date requested for the making of such Revolving Loans.

 

(f)                                    The Loan Documents have not been modified, amended or supplemented by any unwritten representations or promises, by any course of dealing, or by any other means not provided for in Section 10.l(a) of the Agreement. The Agreement and the other Loan Documents are hereby ratified, approved, and confirmed in all respects.

 

The officer of Borrower signing this instrument hereby certifies (as an officer of Borrower and not in his or her individual capacity) that, to the best of his knowledge after due inquiry, the above representations, warranties, acknowledgments, and agreements of Borrower are true, correct and complete.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this instrument is executed as of                  , 20  

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

Exhibit B-1 -Page 2



 

EXHIBIT B-2

 

SWING LINE BORROWING NOTICE

 

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 2012 (as amended or supplemented, the “Agreement”), by and among Sundance Energy, Inc. (“ Borrower” ), Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and certain financial institutions (“ Lenders” ). Terms that are defined in the Agreement are used herein with the meanings given them in the Agreement. Borrower hereby requests a Borrowing of new Swing Line Loans to be advanced pursuant to Section 2.18 of the Agreement as follows:

 

Aggregate amount of Borrowing:

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

Type of Swing Line Loans in Borrowing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date on which Loans are to be advanced:

 

 

 

 

To induce Swing Line Lender to make such Loans, Borrower hereby represents, warrants, acknowledges, and agrees to and with Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender, and each Lender that:

 

(a)                                  The officer of Borrower signing this instrument is the duly elected, qualified and acting officer of Borrower as indicated below such officer’s signature hereto having all necessary authority to act for Borrower in making the request herein contained.

 

(b)                                  The representations and warranties of the Restricted Persons set forth in the Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date hereof, except for any such representation or warranty that expressly applies to a specified earlier date, in which case such representation or warranty shall have been true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date.

 

(c)                                  No Default exists as of the date hereof; nor will any Default result from the proposed Swing Line Loan or from the application of the proceeds thereof.

 

(d)                                 Except to the extent waived in writing as provided in Section 10.l(a) of the Agreement, Borrower has performed and complied with all agreements and conditions in the Agreement required to be performed or complied with by Borrower on or prior to the date hereof, and each of the conditions precedent to Loans contained in the Agreement remains satisfied.

 

(e)                                  The Facility Usage, after the making of the Swing Line Loans requested hereby, will not be in excess of the lesser of the Borrowing Base or the Aggregate Commitment on the date requested for the making of such Swing Line Loans.

 



 

(f)  The Loan Documents have not been modified, amended or supplemented by any unwritten representations or promises, by any course of dealing, or by any other means not provided for in Section 10.l(a) of the Agreement. The Agreement and the other Loan Documents are hereby ratified, approved, and confirmed in all respects.

 

The officer of Borrower signing this instrument hereby certifies (as an officer of Borrower and not in his or her individual capacity) that, to the best of his knowledge after due inquiry, the above representations, warranties, acknowledgments, and agreements of Borrower are true, correct and complete.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this instrument is executed as of                     , 20  

 

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

Exhibit B-2 - Page 2



 

EXHIBIT C

 

CONTINUATION/CONVERSION NOTICE

 

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 2012 (as amended or supplemented, the “ Agreement” ), by   and among Sundance Energy, Inc. (“ Borrower” ), Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the lenders referred to therein (“ Lenders” ). Terms that are defined in the Agreement are used herein with the meanings given them in the Agreement.

 

Borrower hereby requests a Conversion or Continuation of existing Loans into a new Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Agreement as follows:

 

Existing Borrowing(s) to be continued or converted:

 

$of Eurodollar Loans with Interest Period ending   

 

$of Base Rate Loans

 

If being combined with new Loans, $                   of new Loans to be advanced on

 

Aggregate amount of Borrowing:

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

Type of Loans in new Borrowing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of Continuation or Conversion:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Length of Interest Period for Eurodollar Loans:

 

months

 

 

To meet the conditions set out in the Agreement for such conversion/continuation, Borrower hereby represents, warrants, acknowledges, and agrees to and with Administrative Agent and each Lender that:

 

(a)                                  The officer of Borrower signing this instrument is the duly elected, qualified and acting officer of Borrower as indicated below such officer’s signature hereto having all necessary authority to act for Borrower in making the request contained herein.

 

(b)                                  There does not exist on the date hereof any condition or event that constitutes a Default that has not been waived in writing as provided in Section 10.l(a) of the Agreement.

 

(c)                                  The Loan Documents have not been modified, amended or supplemented by any unwritten representations or promises, by any course of dealing, or by any other means not provided for in Section 10.1(a) of the Agreement. The Agreement and the other Loan Documents are hereby ratified, approved, and confirmed in all respects.

 

The officer of Borrower signing this instrument hereby certifies (as an officer of Borrower and not in his or her individual capacity) that, to the best of his knowledge after due

 



 

inquiry, the above representations, warranties, acknowledgments, and agreements of Borrower are true, correct and complete.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF this instrument is executed as of

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

Exhibit C -Page 2



 

EXHIBIT D

 

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 2012 (as amended or supplemented, the “Agreement”), by and among Sundance Energy, Inc. (“ Borrower” ), Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and certain financial institutions (“ Lenders” ), which Agreement is in full force and effect on the date hereof. Terms that are defined in the Agreement are used herein with the meanings given them in the Agreement.

 

This Certificate is furnished pursuant to Section 6.2(b) of the Agreement. Together herewith Borrower is furnishing to Administrative Agent and each Lender Borrower’s *[audited/unaudited] financial statements (the “ Financial Statements” ) as at (the “ Reporting Date’ ’). Borrower hereby represents, warrants, and acknowledges to Administrative Agent and each Lender that:

 

(a)                          the officer of Borrower signing this instrument is the duly elected, qualified and acting of Borrower and as such is Borrower’s chief financial officer;

 

(b)                         the Financial Statements are accurate and complete and satisfy the requirements of the Agreement;

 

(c)                          attached hereto is a schedule of calculations showing Borrower’s compliance as of the Reporting Date with the requirements of Section 7.14 of the Agreement *[and Borrower’s non-compliance as of such date with the requirements of Section(s)           of the Agreement];

 

(d)                         on the Reporting Date Borrower was, and on the date hereof Borrower is, in full compliance with the disclosure requirements of Section 6.4 of the Agreement, and no Default otherwise existed on the Reporting Date or otherwise exists on the date of this instrument *[except for Default( s) under Section(s) of the Agreement, which *[is/are] more fully described on a schedule attached hereto]; and

 

(e)                          *[unless otherwise disclosed on a schedule attached hereto,] the representations and warranties of the Credit Parties set forth in the Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of the date hereof in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date hereof, except for any such representation or warranty that expressly applies to a specified earlier date, in which case such representation or warranty shall have been true and correct in all respects on and as of such earlier date.

 

The officer of Borrower signing this instrument hereby certifies (as an officer of Borrower and not in his or her individual capacity) that he has reviewed the Loan Documents and the Financial Statements and has otherwise undertaken such inquiry as is in his/her opinion necessary to enable him/her to express an informed opinion with respect to the above representations, warranties and acknowledgments of Borrower and, to the best of his/her

 



 

knowledge, such representations, warranties, and acknowledgments are true, correct and complete.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this instrument is executed as of                        , 20  

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

Exhibit D -Page 2



 

EXHIBIT E

 

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

This Assignment and Assumption (the “ Assignment and Assumption” ) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [the][each] Assignor identified in item 1 below ([the][each, an] “ Assignor” ) and [the][each] Assignee identified in item 2 below ([the][each, an] “Assignee”). [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors][the Assignees] hereunder are several and not joint.] Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, the “ Credit Agreement” ), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by [the][each] Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

 

For an agreed consideration, [the][each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee][the respective Assignees], and [the][each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor][the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignor’s][the respective Assignors’] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender][their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor][the respective Assignors] under the respective facilities identified below (including without limitation any letters of credit, guarantees, and swingline loans included in such facilities), and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)][the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the][any] Assignor to [the][any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as [the][an] “ Assigned Interest” ).  Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the][any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by [the][any] Assignor.

 

1.                                     Assignor[s]:

 

[Assignor [is] [is not] a Defaulting Lender]

 

2.                                       Assignee[s]:

 

[for each Assignee, indicate [Affiliate][Approved Fund] of [identify Lender ] ]

 

3.                                       Borrower:                                      Sundance Energy, Inc.

 



 

4.                                       Administrative Agent: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement

 

5.                                       Credit Agreement: Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 2012 among Sundance Energy, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and LC Issuer.

 

Assigned Interest[s]:

 

Assignor[s]

 

Assignee[s]

 

Facility
Assigned

 

Aggregate
Amount of
Commitment /
Loans for all
Lenders

 

Amount of
Commitment /
Loans
Assigned (8)

 

Percentage
Assigned of
Commitment /
Loans

 

CUSIP
Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

[7.                             Trade Date:

 

[Page break]

 

Exhibit E -Page 2



 

Effective Date:                         , 20   [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]

 

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

 

ASSIGNOR

 

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

ASSIGNEE

 

[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

[Consented to and] Accepted:

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as

 

Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Title

 

 

 

[Consented to]:

 

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Title

 

 

Exhibit E -Page 3



 

ANNEX 1 to Assignment and Assumption

 

[SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.]

 

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
FOR ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

1.                                     Representations and Warranties.

 

1.1.                           Assignor[s].                               [The][Each] Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, (ii) [the][such] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim, (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and (iv) it is [not] a Defaulting Lender; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document, or (iv) the performance or observance by Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

 

1.2.                           Assignee[s]. [The][Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements of an Eligible Assignee under the Credit Agreement (subject to receipt of such consents, if any, as may be required under the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire the Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.2 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, and (vii) [if it is a Foreign Lender] attached to the Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the][such] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on Administrative Agent, [the][any] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations that by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

 



 

2.                                       Payments. From and after the Effective Date, Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [the][each] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [the][the relevant] Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the][the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Administrative Agent shall make all payments of interest, fees or other amounts paid or payable in kind from and after the Effective Date to [the][the relevant] Assignee.

 

3.                                       General Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Colorado.

 

Annex 1-Page 2



 

EXHIBIT F-1

 

OPINION OF COUNSEL TO RESTRICTED PERSONS

 



 

EXHIBIT F-2

 

OPINION OF COUNSEL TO PARENT

 




Exhibit 4.2

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED GUARANTY

 

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED GUARANTY is made as of December 28, 2012, by SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED (ACN 112 202 883), a company organized under the laws of South Australia (“ Guarantor” ), in favor of WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., individually and as Administrative Agent for the Guaranteed Parties.

 

RECITALS:

 

1.                                      Sundance Energy, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“Borrower”), is executing in favor of Lenders those certain promissory notes of even date herewith, payable to the order of Lenders in the aggregate principal amount of up to $300,000,000 (such promissory notes, as from time to time amended, and all promissory notes given in substitution, renewal or extension therefor or thereof, in whole or in part, being herein collectively called the “Note”).

 

2.                                      The Note is being executed pursuant to a Credit Agreement of even date herewith, (herein, as from time to time amended, supplemented or restated, called the “Credit Agreement” ), by and among Borrower, Administrative Agent and Lenders, pursuant to which Lenders have agreed to advance funds to Borrower under the Note, which amends and restates the Original Credit Agreement in its entirety.

 

3.                                      Pursuant to Hedging Contracts, certain Lenders have entered into or may hereafter enter into, or Affiliates of Lenders have entered into or may hereafter enter into, other transactions with Restricted Persons.

 

4.                                       It is a condition precedent to Lenders’ obligations to advance funds and issue letters of credit pursuant to the Credit Agreement and to enter into transactions under Hedging Contracts that Guarantor shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent a satisfactory guaranty of the Obligations.

 

5.                                      Guarantor owns directly, or indirectly through one or more subsidiaries, one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding shares of common stock of Borrower.

 

6.                                      Guarantor has executed and delivered that certain Guaranty dated as of July 18, 2011, in favor of Administrative Agent and Lenders (as amended or supplemented to the date hereof, the “ Original Guaranty ”).

 

7.                                       Guarantor, Administrative Agent and Lenders desire to amend and restate the Original Guaranty by executing and delivering this Guaranty.

 

8.                                     The board of directors of Guarantor has determined that Guarantor’s execution, delivery and performance of this Guaranty may reasonably be expected to benefit Guarantor, directly or indirectly, and are in the best interests of Guarantor.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, of the benefits which will inure to Guarantor from Lenders’ advances of funds to Borrower under the Credit Agreement, and of Ten Dollars and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of all of which are hereby acknowledged, and in order to induce Lenders to advance funds and issue letters of credit

 



 

under the Credit Agreement, Guarantor hereby agrees with Administrative Agent, for the benefit of Administrative Agent and Lenders as follows:

 

AGREEMENTS:

 

Section 1.                                           Definitions.                           Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement for all purposes. All terms used in this Guaranty which are defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings when used herein. All references herein to any Obligation Document, Loan Document, or other document or instrument refer to the same as from time to time amended, supplemented or restated. As used herein the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

Administrative Agent” means the Person who, at the time in question, is the “Administrative Agent” under the Credit Agreement. Whenever there is only one Lender under the Credit Agreement, “Administrative Agent” shall also refer to such Lender in such capacity as the only Lender.

 

Borrower ” has the meaning specified in Recital 1.

 

Credit Agreement ” has the meaning specified in Recital 1.

 

Guaranteed Parties ” means Administrative Agent, LC Issuer, Lenders, each Cash Management Lender, each Lender Counterparty and any other Person to which Obligations are owmg.

 

Lenders ” means Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and all other Persons who at any time are “Lenders” under the Credit Agreement.

 

Obligations ” means collectively all of the indebtedness, obligations, and undertakings which are guaranteed by Guarantor and described in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 2.

 

Obligation Documents ” means this Guaranty, the Note, the Credit Agreement, the Loan Documents, the Hedging Contracts with respect to Lender Hedging Obligations, all other documents and instruments under, by reason of which, or pursuant to which any or all of the Obligations are evidenced, governed, secured, or otherwise dealt with, and all other documents, instruments, agreements, certificates, legal opinions and other writings heretofore or hereafter delivered in connection herewith or therewith.

 

Obligors ” means Borrower, Guarantor and any other endorsers, guarantors or obligors, primary or secondary, of any or all of the Obligations.

 

Original Guaranty ” has the meaning specified in Recital 6.

 

Original Credit Agreement ” means that certain Credit Agreement dated as of July 18, 2011 among Borrower, BOKF, NA dba Bank of Oklahoma, as administrative agent and letter of credit issuer, and certain financial institutions, as lenders, as amended or supplemented to the date hereof.

 

2



 

Security” means any rights, properties, or interests of Administrative Agent or Lenders, under the Obligation Documents or otherwise, which provide recourse or other benefits to Administrative Agent or Lenders in connection with the Obligations or the non-payment or non-performance thereof, including collateral (whether real or personal, tangible or intangible) in which Administrative Agent or Lenders have rights under or pursuant to any Obligation Documents, guaranties of the payment or performance of any Obligation, bonds, surety agreements, keep-well agreements, letters of credit, rights of subrogation, rights of set off.

 

Section 2.                                            Guaranty.

 

(a)                                  Guarantor hereby irrevocably, absolutely, and unconditionally guarantees to each Guaranteed Party the prompt, complete, and full payment when due, and no matter how the same shall become due, of:

 

(i)                                     The Note, including all principal, all interest thereon and all other sums payable thereunder;

 

(ii)                                   All Lender Hedging Obligations;

 

(iii)                               All Cash Management Obligations; and

 

(iv)                               All other sums payable under the other Obligation Documents, whether for principal, interest, fees or otherwise.

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Guarantor’s liability hereunder shall extend to and include all post-petition interest, expenses, and other duties and liabilities of each Restricted Person described above in this subsection (a), or below in the following subsection (b), which would be owed by such Restricted Person but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of a bankruptcy, reorganization, or similar proceeding involving a Restricted Person.

 

(b)                                  Guarantor hereby irrevocably, absolutely, and unconditionally guarantees to Administrative Agent and each Lender the prompt, complete and full performance, when due, and no matter how the same shall become due, of all obligations and undertakings of the Restricted Persons to Administrative Agent or such Lender under, by reason of, or pursuant to any of the Obligation Documents.

 

(c)                                   If any Restricted Person shall for any reason fail to pay any Obligation, as and when such Obligation shall become due and payable, whether at its stated maturity, as a result of the exercise of any power to accelerate, or otherwise, Guarantor will, upon demand by Administrative Agent, pay such Obligation in full to Administrative Agent for the benefit of Administrative Agent or the Lender to whom such Obligation is owed. If any Restricted Person shall for any reason fail to perform promptly any Obligation, Guarantor will, upon demand by Administrative Agent, cause such Obligation to be performed or, if specified by Administrative Agent, provide sufficient funds, in such amount and manner as Administrative Agent shall in good faith determine, for the prompt, full and faithful performance of such Obligation by Administrative Agent or such other Person as Administrative Agent shall designate.

 

3



 

(d)                                 If any Restricted Person or Guarantor fails to pay or perform any Obligation as described in the immediately preceding subsections (a), (b), or (c) Guarantor will incur the additional obligation to pay to Administrative Agent, and Guarantor will forthwith upon demand by Administrative Agent pay to Administrative Agent, the amount of any and all reasonable expenses, including fees and disbursements of Administrative Agent’s counsel that are not employees of Administrative Agent or any Affiliate of Administrative Agent and of any experts or agents retained by Administrative Agent, which Administrative Agent may incur as a result of such failure.

 

(e)                                  As between Guarantor and Administrative Agent or Lenders, this Guaranty shall be considered a primary and liquidated liability of Guarantor.

 

Section 3.                                           Unconditional Guaranty.

 

(a)                                No action which Administrative Agent or any Lender may take or omit to take in connection with any of the Obligation Documents which does not violate the terms thereof, any of the Obligations (or any other indebtedness owing by Borrower to Administrative Agent or any Lender), or any Security, and no course of dealing of Administrative Agent or any Lender with any Obligor or any other Person, shall release or diminish Guarantor’s obligations, liabilities, agreements or duties hereunder, affect this Guaranty in any way, or afford Guarantor any recourse against Administrative Agent or any Lender, regardless of whether any such action or inaction may increase any risks to or liabilities of Administrative Agent or any Lender or any Obligor or increase any risk to or diminish any safeguard of any Security. Without limiting the foregoing, Guarantor hereby expressly agrees that Administrative Agent and Lenders may, from time to time, without notice to or the consent of Guarantor, do any or all of the following:

 

(i)                                     Amend, change or modify, in whole or in part, any one or more of the Obligation Documents and give or refuse to give any waivers or other indulgences with respect thereto.

 

(ii)                                  Neglect, delay, fail, or refuse to take or prosecute any action for the collection or enforcement of any of the Obligations, to foreclose or take or prosecute any action in connection with any Security or Obligation Document, to bring suit against any Obligor or any other Person, or to take any other action concerning the Obligations or the Obligation Documents.

 

(iii)                               Accelerate, change, rearrange, extend, or renew the time, rate, terms, or manner for payment or performance of any one or more of the Obligations (whether for principal, interest, fees, expenses, indemnifications, affirmative or negative covenants, or otherwise).

 

(iv)                               Compromise or settle any unpaid or unperformed Obligation or any other obligation or amount due or owing, or claimed to be due or owing, under any one or more of the Obligation Documents.

 

(v)                                 Take, exchange, amend, eliminate, surrender, release, or subordinate any or all Security for any or all of the Obligations, accept additional or substituted

 

4



 

Security therefor, and perfect or fail to perfect Administrative Agent’s or Lenders’ rights in any or all Security.

 

(vi)                              Discharge, release, substitute or add Obligors.

 

(vii)                           Apply all monies received from Obligors or others, or from any Security for any of the Obligations, as Administrative Agent or Lenders may determine to be in their best interest, without in any way being required to marshall Security or assets or to apply all or any part of such monies upon any particular Obligations.

 

(b)                                 No action or inaction of any Obligor or any other Person, and no change of law or circumstances, shall release or diminish Guarantor’s obligations, liabilities, agreements, or duties hereunder, affect this Guaranty in any way, or afford Guarantor any recourse against Administrative Agent or any Lender. Without limiting the foregoing, the obligations, liabilities, agreements, and duties of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall not be released, diminished, impaired, reduced, or affected by the occurrence of any or all of the following from time to time, even if occurring without notice to or without the consent of Guarantor:

 

(i)                                      Any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of all or substantially all assets, marshalling of assets or liabilities, receivership, conservatorship, assignment for the benefit of creditors, insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, or composition of any Obligor or any other proceedings involving any Obligor or any of the assets of any Obligor under laws for the protection of debtors, or any discharge, impairment, modification, release, or limitation of the liability of, or stay of actions or lien enforcement proceedings against, any Obligor, any properties of any Obligor, or the estate in bankruptcy of any Obligor in the course of or resulting from any such proceedings.

 

(ii)                                  The failure by Administrative Agent or any Lender to file or enforce a claim in any proceeding described in the immediately preceding subsection (i) or to take any other action in any proceeding to which any Obligor is a party.

 

(iii)                               The release by operation of law of any Obligor from any of the Obligations or any other obligations to Administrative Agent or any Lender.

 

(iv)                              The invalidity, deficiency, illegality, or unenforceability of any of the Obligations or the Obligation Documents, in whole or in part, any bar by any statute of limitations or other law of recovery on any of the Obligations, or any defense or excuse for failure to perform on account of force majeure, act of God, casualty, impossibility, impracticability, or other defense or excuse whatsoever.

 

(v)                                 The fact that Guarantor may have incurred directly part of the Obligations or is otherwise primarily liable therefor.

 

(vi)                              Without limiting any of the foregoing, any fact or event (whether or not similar to any of the foregoing) which in the absence of this provision would or might constitute or afford a legal or equitable discharge or release of or defense to a

 

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guarantor or surety other than the actual payment and performance by Guarantor under this Guaranty.

 

(c)                                  This is a guaranty of payment and not of collection. Administrative Agent and Lenders may invoke the benefits of this Guaranty before pursuing any remedies against any Obligor or any other Person and before proceeding against any Security now or hereafter existing for the payment or performance of any of the Obligations. Administrative Agent and Lenders may maintain an action against Guarantor on this Guaranty without joining any other Obligor therein and without bringing a separate action against any other Obligor.

 

(d)                                  If any payment to Administrative Agent or any Lender by any Obligor is held to constitute a preference or a voidable transfer under applicable state or federal laws, or if for any other reason Administrative Agent or any Lender is required to refund such payment to the payor thereof or to pay the amount thereof to any other Person, such payment to Administrative Agent or such Lender shall not constitute a release of Guarantor from any liability hereunder, and Guarantor agrees to pay such amount to Administrative Agent or such Lender on demand and agrees and acknowledges that this Guaranty shall continue to be effective or shall be reinstated, as the case may be, to the extent of any such payment or payments. Any transfer by subrogation which is made as contemplated in Section 6 prior to any such payment or payments shall (regardless of the terms of such transfer) be automatically voided upon the making of any such payment or payments, and all rights so transferred shall thereupon revert to and be vested in Administrative Agent and Lenders.

 

(e)                                   This is a continuing guaranty and shall apply to and cover all Obligations and renewals and extensions thereof and substitutions therefor from time to time.

 

Section 4.                                          Waiver.                       Guarantor hereby waives, with respect to the Obligations, this Guaranty, and the other Obligation Documents:

 

(a)                                 notice of the incurrence of any Obligation by any Restricted Person, and notice of any kind concerning the assets, liabilities, financial condition, creditworthiness, businesses, prospects, or other affairs of any Restricted Person (it being understood and agreed that: (i) Guarantor shall take full responsibility for informing itself of such matters, (ii) neither Administrative Agent nor any other Guaranteed Party shall have any responsibility of any kind to inform Guarantor of such matters, and (iii) Guaranteed Parties are hereby authorized to assume that Guarantor, by virtue of its relationships with Borrower which are independent of this Guaranty, has full and complete knowledge of such matters whenever Guaranteed Parties extend credit to any Restricted Person or take any other action which may change or increase Guarantor’s liabilities or losses hereunder).

 

(b)                                 notice that Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Obligor, or any other Person has taken or omitted to take any action under any Obligation Document or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto or relating to any Obligation.

 

(c)                                  default, demand, presentment for payment, and notice of default, demand, dishonor, nonpayment, or nonperformance.

 

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(d)                                 notice of intention to accelerate, notice of acceleration, protest, notice of protest, notice of any exercise ofremedies (as described in the following Section 5 or otherwise), and all other notices of any kind whatsoever.

 

Section 5.                                          Exercise of Remedies.    Administrative Agent shall have the right to enforce, from time to time, in any order and at Administrative Agent’s sole discretion, any rights, powers and remedies which Administrative Agent or Lenders may have under the Obligation Documents or otherwise, including judicial foreclosure, the exercise of rights of power of sale, the taking of a deed or assignment in lieu of foreclosure, the appointment of a receiver to collect rents, issues and profits, the exercise of remedies against personal property, or the enforcement of any assignment of leases, rentals, oil or gas production, or other properties or rights, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible; and Guarantor shall be liable to Administrative Agent and each Lender hereunder for any deficiency resulting from the exercise by Administrative Agent of any such right or remedy even though any rights which Guarantor may have against Borrower or others may be destroyed or diminished by exercise of any such right or remedy. No failure on the part of Administrative Agent or any Lender to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any other Obligation Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The rights, powers and remedies of Administrative Agent and each Lender provided herein and in the other Obligation Documents are cumulative and are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any other rights, powers or remedies provided by law or in equity. The rights of Administrative Agent and each Lender hereunder are not conditional or contingent on any attempt by Administrative Agent or any Lender to exercise any of its rights under any other Obligation Document against any Obligor or any other Person.

 

Section 6.                                          Limited Subrogation.

 

(a)                                 Until all of the Obligations have been paid and performed in full Guarantor shall have no right to exercise any right of subrogation, reimbursement, indemnity, exoneration, contribution or any other claim which it may now or hereafter have against or to any Obligor or any Security in connection with this Guaranty, and Guarantor hereby waives any rights to enforce any remedy which Guarantor may have against any Restricted Person and any right to participate in any Security until such time. If any amount shall be paid to Guarantor on account of any such subrogation or other rights, any such other remedy, or any Security at any time when all of the Obligations and all other expenses guaranteed pursuant hereto shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of Administrative Agent, shall be segregated from the other funds of Guarantor and shall forthwith be paid over to Administrative Agent to be held by Administrative Agent as collateral for, or then or at any time thereafter applied in whole or in part by Administrative Agent against, all or any portion of the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in such order as Administrative Agent shall elect.

 

(b)                                  If Guarantor shall make payment to Administrative Agent of all or any portion of the Obligations and if all of the Obligations shall be finally paid in full in cash, Administrative Agent will, at Guarantor’s request and expense, execute and deliver to Guarantor (without recourse, representation or warranty) appropriate documents necessary to evidence the transfer by subrogation to Guarantor of an interest in the Obligations resulting from such payment by Guarantor; provided that such transfer shall be subject to Section 3(d) above and that without the

 

7



 

consent of Administrative Agent (which Administrative Agent may withhold in its discretion) Guarantor shall not have the right to be subrogated to any claim or right against any Obligor which has become owned by Administrative Agent or any Lender, whose ownership has otherwise changed in the course of enforcement of the Obligation Documents.

 

Section 7.                                            Successors and Assigns. Guarantor’s rights or obligations hereunder may not be assigned or delegated, but this Guaranty and such obligations shall pass to and be fully binding upon the successors of Guarantor, as well as Guarantor. This Guaranty shall apply to and inure to the benefit of Administrative Agent and Lenders and their successors or assigns who acquire their interests in accordance with the assignment provisions of the Credit Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding sentence, Administrative Agent and each Lender may assign, grant a participation in, or otherwise transfer any Obligation held by it or any portion thereof, and Administrative Agent and each Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or any portion thereof under any Obligation Document, to any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become entitled to all of the benefits in respect thereof granted to Administrative Agent or such Lender hereunder unless otherwise expressly provided by Administrative Agent or such Lender in connection with such assignment or transfer.

 

Section 8.                                            Subordination and Set Off. Guarantor hereby subordinates and makes inferior to the Obligations any and all indebtedness now or at any time hereafter owed by Restricted Persons to Guarantor. Guarantor agrees that after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default (including the commencement and continuation of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any Restricted Person) it will neither permit any Restricted Person to repay such indebtedness or any part thereof nor accept payment from any Restricted Person of such indebtedness or any part thereof without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent. If Guarantor receives any such payment without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent, the amount so paid shall be held in trust for the benefit of Lenders, shall be segregated from the other funds of Guarantor, and shall forthwith be paid over to Administrative Agent to be held by Administrative Agent as collateral for, or then or at any time thereafter applied in whole or in part by Administrative Agent against, all or any portions of the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in such order as Administrative Agent shall elect. In any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any Restricted Person, the Guaranteed Parties shall be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of all Obligations (including all interest and expenses accruing after the commencement of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, whether or not constituting an allowed claim in such proceeding) before Guarantor receives payment of any Subordinated Obligation.

 

If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Guaranteed Party is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time after obtaining the prior written consent of Administrative Agent, 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 such Guaranteed Party to or for the credit or the account of Guarantor against any and all of the obligations of Guarantor now or hereafter existing under this Guaranty to such Guaranteed Party. The rights of each Guaranteed Party under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of set off) that such Guaranteed Party may have.

 

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Section 9.                                          Representations and Warranties. Guarantor hereby represents and warrants to Administrative Agent and each Lender as follows:

 

(a)                                  The Recitals at the beginning of this Guaranty are true and correct in all respects.

 

(b)                                  Guarantor is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization as set forth in the Recitals to this Guaranty; and Guarantor has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Guaranty.

 

(c)                                  The execution, delivery and performance by Guarantor of this Guaranty have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and do not and will not contravene its certificate or articles of incorporation or bylaws.

 

(d)                                 The execution, delivery and performance by Guarantor of this Guaranty do not and will not contravene any law or governmental regulation or any material contractual restriction binding on or affecting Guarantor or any of its Affiliates or properties, and do not and will not result in or require the creation of any lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance upon or with respect to any of its properties.

 

(e)                                  No authorization or approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority or other regulatory body or third party is required for the due execution, delivery and performance by Guarantor of this Guaranty, other than reporting requirements to the ASX, with which Guarantor agrees to comply.

 

(f)                                    This Guaranty is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Guarantor, enforceable against Guarantor in accordance with its terms except as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws of general application relating to the enforcement of creditors’ rights and general principles of equity.

 

(g)                                  There is no action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Guarantor, threatened against or otherwise affecting Guarantor before any court, arbitrator or governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality which may materially and adversely affect Guarantor’s financial condition or its ability to perform its obligations hereunder.

 

(h)                                 The direct or indirect value of the consideration received and to be received by Guarantor in connection herewith is reasonably worth at least as much as the liability and obligations of Guarantor hereunder, and the incurrence of such liability and obligations in return for such consideration may reasonably be expected to benefit Guarantor, directly or indirectly.

 

(i)                                     Each representation and warranty made by Borrower with respect to Guarantor in any other Loan Document is correct in all material respects (expect that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representation or warranty that already is qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof).

 

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Section 10.                            Covenants.

 

(a)                                 General. Guarantor will, so long as any Obligation shall remain unpaid, any letter of credit shall be outstanding, or any Guaranteed Party shall have any Commitment, perform and observe, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to perform and observe, all of the terms, covenants and agreements in the Obligation Documents on its or their part to be performed or observed or that the Borrower has agreed to cause Guarantor or such Subsidiaries to perform.

 

(b)                                 Indebtedness. Guarantor will not in any manner owe or be liable for Indebtedness except the Obligations and the guarantee of Indebtedness under the Second Lien Credit Facility in an amount not to exceed $30,000,000 at any one time outstanding.

 

Section 11.                                   No Oral Change. No amendment of any provision of this Guaranty shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by Guarantor and Lenders, and no waiver of any provision of this Guaranty, and no consent to any departure by Guarantor therefrom, shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by Lenders, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.

 

Section 12.                                    Invalidity of Particular Provisions.    If any term or provision of this Guaranty shall be determined to be illegal or unenforceable all other terms and provisions hereof shall nevertheless remain effective and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

 

Section 13.                                    Headings and References. The headings used herein are for purposes of convenience only and shall not be used in construing the provisions hereof. The words “this Guaranty,” “this instrument,” “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby” and words of similar import refer to this Guaranty as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The phrases “this section” and “this subsection” and similar phrases refer only to the subdivisions hereof in which such phrases occur. The word “or” is not exclusive, and the word “including” (in its various forms) means “including without limitation”. Pronouns in masculine, feminine and neuter genders shall be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise reqmres.

 

Section 14.                                     Term. This Guaranty shall be irrevocable until the date (the “Termination Date”) on which (a) all of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations) have been completely and finally paid and performed, no Lender has any obligation to make any loans or other advances to Borrower, no Lender or LC Issuer has any obligation to pay draws under any Letter of Credit (other than Letters of Credit as to which arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and LC Issuer have been made), all obligations and undertakings of Borrower under, by reason of, or pursuant to the Obligation Documents have been completely performed, and all Hedging Contracts with respect to Lender Hedging Obligations (other than Lender Hedging Obligations as to which arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and Lender Counterparty have been made) have been terminated; or (b) the Guarantor has been provided with a written release from its obligations under this Guaranty by the Administrative Agent. This Guaranty is thereafter subject to reinstatement as provided in Section 3(d). All extensions of credit and financial accommodations heretofore or hereafter made by Administrative Agent or Lenders to Borrower shall be conclusively presumed to have been made in acceptance hereof and in reliance hereon.

 

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Section 15.                                   Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing, sent by personal delivery, by telecopy, by delivery service with proof of delivery, or by registered or certified United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the appropriate party as follows:

 

To Guarantor:

 

Sundance Energy Australia Limited
c/o Sundance Energy, Inc.

633 17th Street, Suite 1950

Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Eric P. McCrady
Facsimile: 303/543-5701

 

Sundance Energy Australia Limited

32 Beulah Road

Norwood, SA, Australia 5067

Attention: Craig Gooden

Facsimile: 08 8132 0766

 

To Administrative Agent:

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
1700 Lincoln St., 6th Floor
Denver, Colorado 80203
Attention: Oleg Kogan
Facsimile: 303/863-5367

 

or to such other address or to the attention of such other individual as hereafter shall be designated in writing by the applicable party sent in accordance herewith. Any such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given (a) in the case of personal delivery or delivery service, as of the date of first attempted delivery at the address or in the manner provided herein, (b) in the case of telecopy, upon receipt, or (c) in the case of registered or certified United States mail, three days after deposit in the mail.

 

Section 16.                                    Limitation on Interest.    Administrative Agent, Lenders and Guarantor intend to contract in strict compliance with applicable usury law from time to time in effect, and the provisions of the Credit Agreement limiting the interest for which Guarantor is obligated are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

 

Section 17.                                   Loan Document.    This Guaranty is a Loan Document, as defined in the Credit Agreement, and is subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement governing Loan Documents. Guarantor hereby agrees to comply with all of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement which are applicable to Guarantor.

 

Section 18.                                    Counterparts; Fax.    This Guaranty may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to constitute one and the same

 

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Guaranty. This Guaranty may be validly executed and delivered by facsimile or other electronic transmission.

 

Section 19.                                   Governing Law; Submission to Process.

 

(a)                                  GOVERNING LAW. THIS GUARANTY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF COLORADO.

 

(b)                                  SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. GUARANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF COLORADO SITTING IN DENVER COUNTY, COLORADO AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SITTING IN DENVER, COLORADO, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER OBLIGATION DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND GUARANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH STATE COURTS OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS GUARANTY OR IN ANY OTHER OBLIGATION DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER OR LC ISSUER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER OBLIGATION DOCUMENT AGAINST BORROWER OR ANY OTHER RESTRICTED PERSON OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

 

(c)                                   WAIVER OF VENUE. GUARANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER OBLIGATION DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

 

(d)                                   SERVICE OF PROCESS. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 14. GUARANTOR HEREBY APPOINTS SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC. AS ITS AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS AT ITS ADDRESS OF 633 1ih STREET, SUITE 1950, DENVER, COLORADO 80202, AND AGREES AND CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS ON GUARANTOR BY NOTICE TO SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC. NOTHING IN

 

12



 

THIS GUARANTY WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

Section 20.                                   Waiver of Jury Trial, Punitive Damages, etc. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, (A) ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER OBLIGATION DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY), AND (B) ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO CLAIM OR RECOVER IN ANY SUCH LEGAL PROCEEDING ANY “SPECIAL DAMAGES,” AS DEFINED BELOW. EACH PARTY HERETO (X) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (Y) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS GUARANTY AND THE OTHER OBLIGATION DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION. AS USED IN THIS SECTION, “SPECIAL DAMAGES” INCLUDES ALL SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (REGARDLESS OF HOW NAMED), BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY PAYMENTS OR FUNDS WHICH ANY PARTY HERETO HAS EXPRESSLY PROMISED TO PAY OR DELIVER TO ANY OTHER PARTY HERETO.

 

Section 21.                                    Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any taxes or other charges, provided that if Guarantor shall be required by applicable law to deduct any such taxes or other charges from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the applicable Guaranteed Party receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) Guarantor shall make such deductions; and (iii) Guarantor shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

 

Section 22.                                    Currency Equivalents Generally. Any amount specified in this Guaranty to be in Dollars shall also include the equivalent of such amount in any currency other than Dollars, such equivalent amount thereof in the applicable currency to be determined by the Administrative Agent at such time on the basis of the Spot Rate (as defined below) for the purchase of such currency with Dollars. For purposes of this Section 21, the “ Spot Rate” for a currency means the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate quoted by the Person acting in such capacity as the spot rate for the purchase by such Person of such currency with another currency through its principal foreign exchange trading office at approximately 11:00 a.m. on the date two Business Days prior to the date of such determination; provided that the Administrative Agent may obtain such spot rate from another financial institution designated by the Administrative Agent if the Person acting in such capacity does not have as of the date of

 

13



 

determination a spot buying rate for any such currency.

 

14



 

Section 23.                                   Amendments and Waivers.    No amendment of this Guaranty shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by Guarantor and the Administrative Agent, and no waiver of this Guaranty or consent to any departure by Guarantor herefrom shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for that given and to the extent specified in such writing. In addition, all such amendments and waivers shall be effective only if given with the necessary approvals required in the Credit Agreement. No such amendment shall bind any Guarantor not a party thereto, but no such amendment with respect to any Guarantor shall require the consent of any other Guarantor.

 

Section 24.                                   Acceptance by the Guaranteed Parties. By their acceptance of the benefits hereof, the Guaranteed Parties shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound hereby and to perform any obligation on their part set forth herein.

 

Section 25.                                    Survival of Agreements.    All representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of Guarantor herein and in each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party shall survive the execution and delivery of this Guaranty, the execution and delivery of any other Guaranteed Document and the creation of the Obligations.

 

Section 26. FINAL AGREEMENT. THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER OBLIGATION DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES HERETO. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO.

 

Section 27.                                   Restatement.    This Guaranty amends and restates in its entirety the Original Guaranty, and from and after the date hereof, the terms and provisions of the Original Guaranty shall be superseded by the terms and provisions of this Guaranty.

 

[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.]

 

15



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Guarantor has executed and delivered this Guaranty as of the date first written above.

 

 

Executed by SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED ACN 112 202 883 in accordance with Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001(Australia) by:

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name (please print)

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCEPTED AS OF THE DATE FIRST

 

WRITTEN ABOVE BY:

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

 

as Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Guarantor has executed and delivered this Guaranty as of the date first written above.

 

 

 

Executed by SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED ACN 112 202 883 in accordance with Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Australia) by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Secretary/Director

 

 

 

 

 

Name (please print)

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Secretary/Director

 

 

 

 

 

Name (please print)

 

 

ACCEPTED AS OF THE DATE FIRST

 

WRITTEN ABOVE BY:

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,

 

as Administrative

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Suzanne Ridenhour

 

Title: Director

 

 




Exhibit 4.3

 

STOCK PLEDGE AGREEMENT

 

dated as of December 28, 2012

 

of

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED (ACN 112 202 883)

 

in favor of

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

 

 

ARTICLE I Definitions and References

1

 

 

Section 1.1.

Definitions in Credit Agreement

1

Section 1.2.

Definitions in the UCC, etc.

1

Section 1.3.

Definitions in this Agreement

2

Section 1.4.

Rules of Construction; References and Titles

3

 

 

 

ARTICLE II Security Interest

4

 

 

Section 2.1.

Grant of Security Interest

4

Section 2.2.

Secured Obligations Secured

4

 

 

 

ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties

4

 

 

Section 3.1.

Representations and Warranties

4

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV Covenants

7

 

 

Section 4.1.

General Covenants

7

Section 4.2.

Covenants Relating Specifically to the Nature of the Collateral

9

 

 

 

ARTICLE V Voting and Distribution Rights in Respect Of Pledged Equity

10

 

 

Section 5.1.

Voting Rights

10

Section 5.2.

Dividend Rights While No Event of Default Exists

10

Section 5.3.

Actions by Secured Party

10

Section 5.4.

Rights While an Event of Default Exists

10

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI Remedies, Powers and Authorizations

11

 

 

Section 6.1.

Normal Provisions Concerning the Collateral

11

Section 6.2.

Event of Default Remedies

12

Section 6.3.

Application of Proceeds

14

Section 6.4.

Deficiency

14

Section 6.5.

Private Sales of Pledged Equity

14

Section 6.6.

Indemnity and Expenses

15

Section 6.7.

Non-Judicial Remedies

16

Section 6.8.

Limitation on Duty of the Secured Party in Respect of Collateral

16

Section 6.9.

Appointment of Other Agents

16

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII Miscellaneous

16

 

 

Section 7.1.

Notices

16

 



 

Section 7.2.

Amendments and Waivers

17

Section 7.3.

Preservation of Rights

17

Section 7.4.

Severability

17

Section 7.5.

Survival

17

Section 7.6.

Binding Effect and Assignment

17

Section 7.7.

Release of Collateral; Termination

17

Section 7.8.

Governing Law

18

Section 7.9.

Final Agreement

18

Section 7.10.

Facsimile

19

Section 7.11.

Acceptance by the Secured Party

19

 

Schedule

 

 

Schedule 1

Schedule of Pledged Equity

 

 



 

THIS STOCK PLEDGE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement” ) is made as of December 28, 2012, by SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED (ACN 112 202 883), a company organized under the laws of South Australia (“ Grantor” ), in favor of WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., individually and as administrative agent under the Credit Agreement, as defined below (the “ Secured Party” ) for the benefit of the Beneficiaries.

 

RECITALS

 

A.                                      Sundance Energy, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“Borrower”), is executing in favor of Lenders those certain promissory notes of even date herewith, payable to the order of Lenders in the aggregate principal amount of up to $300,000,000 (such promissory notes, as from time to time amended, and all promissory notes given in substitution, renewal or extension therefor or thereof, in whole or in part, being herein collectively called the “Note”).

 

B.                                      The Note is being executed pursuant to a Credit Agreement of even date herewith, (herein, as from time to time amended, supplemented or restated, called the “Credit Agreement” ), by and among Borrower, Administrative Agent and Lenders, pursuant to which Lenders have agreed to advance funds to Borrower under the Note.

 

C.                                     It is a condition precedent to Lenders’ obligations to advance funds and issue letters of credit pursuant to the Credit Agreement and to enter into transactions under Hedging Contracts that Grantor shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent a satisfactory pledge to secure Borrower’s obligations under the Note, the Credit Agreement and the Hedging Contracts.

 

D.                                     In order to induce the Beneficiaries to extend such credit, to issue letters of credit, provide Cash Management Services, and to enter into the Hedging Contracts, Grantor has agreed to grant to the Secured Party, for the benefit of the Beneficiaries, a security interest in the Collateral.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which the parties acknowledge, Grantor agrees as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

Definitions and References

 

Section 1.1.                                 Definitions in Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the respective meanings specified in the Credit Agreement.

 

Section 1.2.                                 Definitions in the UCC, etc. The following terms have the meanings specified in the UCC:

 

(a)                                  Investment Property.

 

(b)                                 Proceeds.

 

(c)                                   Securities Account.

 



 

(d)                                   Security.

 

(e)                                  Uncertificated Security.

 

Other terms used in this Agreement that are defined in the UCC and not otherwise defined herein or in the Credit Agreement have the meanings specified in the UCC, unless the context otherwise requires.

 

Section 1.3.                                  Definitions in this Agreement. The following terms have the following meamngs:

 

Agreement ” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

Beneficiaries ” means the Secured Party, LC Issuer, each Cash Management Lender, each Lender Counterparty, the Lenders, and any other Person to which any Secured Obligation is owed.

 

Borrower ” has the meaning specified in Recital A.

 

Collateral ” means all property described in Section 2.1 in which Grantor has any right, title or interest.

 

Credit Agreement” has the meaning specified in Recital B.

 

Credit Parties ” means Grantor and all Restricted Persons.

 

Grantor” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

Lenders ” has the meaning specified in Recital A.

 

Loan Documents” means each Loan Document (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and each Hedging Contract entered into from time to time between any Restricted Person and any Lender Counterparty.

 

Pledged Equity ” has the meaning specified in Section 2. l(a).

 

Secured Obligations” means all Obligations of the Credit Parties now or hereafter arising under the Loan Documents, all Lender Hedging Obligations now or hereafter arising under any Hedging Contract and all Cash Management Obligations, including all amounts that constitute part of the Secured Obligations and would be owed by any Credit Party to any Beneficiary but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of a bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding involving such Credit Party.

 

Secured Party” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of Colorado from time to time; provided that, if perfection or the effect of perfection or non-perfection or the

 

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priority of any security interest in any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of Colorado, “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection, effect of perfection or non-perfection or priority.

 

Section 1.4.                                Rules of Construction; References and Titles. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise:

 

(a)                                 Any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein).

 

(b)                                 Unless otherwise specified, any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns.

 

(c)                                   The words “herein,” “hereof ‘ and “hereunder,” and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof.

 

(d)                                 All references herein to Articles, Sections and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Schedules to, this Agreement.

 

(e)                                   Any reference to any Law herein shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

 

(f)                                   The words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

(g)                                  Except as specified otherwise, references to any document, instrument, or agreement shall include:

 

(i)                                     all exhibits, schedules, and other attachments thereto, and

 

(ii)                                  all documents, instruments, or agreements issued or executed in replacement thereof.

 

(h)                                  A title appearing at the beginning of any subdivision is for convenience only, does not constitute any part of such subdivision and shall be disregarded in construing the language contained in such subdivision.

 

(i)                                     The phrases “this Section” and “this subsection” and similar phrases refer only to the section or subsection hereof in which such phrases occur.

 

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G)                                   The word “or” is not exclusive, and the word “including” (in all of its grammatical variations) means “including without limitation”.

 

ARTICLE II

 

Security Interest

 

Section 2.1.                                 Grant of Security Interest. As collateral security for the payment and performance of all Secured Obligations, Grantor pledges, collaterally assigns and grants to the Secured Party for the benefit of the Beneficiaries a continuing security interest in all right, title and interest of Grantor in and to all of the following property, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or arising, regardless of where located and howsoever Grantor’s interests therein arise, whether by ownership, security interest, claim or otherwise:

 

(a)                                 All Equity in Borrower including the Equity listed on Schedule 1 and all Equity in Borrower issued after the date hereof, all Equity that it may acquire in the future that is issued by any Person referred to in Schedule 1, all Equity that it may hold at any time in the future that is issued by any of its Domestic Subsidiaries and 65% of the issued and outstanding Equity that it may hold at any time in the future that is issued by any of its First-Tier Foreign Subsidiaries (the “Pledged Equity”).

 

(b)                                 All rights and benefits, but no duty or obligation, of Grantor under all agreements, documents and instruments relating to the Pledged Equity.

 

(c)                                   Proceeds of the foregoing.

 

Section 2.2.                                 Secured Obligations Secured.

 

(a)                                  The security interest created hereby in the Collateral secures the payment and performance of all Secured Obligations.

 

(b)                                 Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement secures the payment of all amounts that constitute part of the Secured Obligations and would be owed by any Credit Party to any Beneficiary under the Loan Documents but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of a bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding involving a Credit Party.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Representations and Warranties

 

Section 3.1.                                Representations and Warranties. Grantor represents and warrants to the Beneficiaries as follows:

 

(a)                                 Each representation and warranty made by the Borrower with respect to Grantor in any other Loan Document is correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representation or warranty that already is qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof).

 

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(b)                                  Grantor has and will have at all times the right, power and authority to grant to the Secured Party as provided herein a security interest in the Collateral, free and clear of any Lien. This Agreement creates a valid and binding security interest in favor of the Secured Party in the Collateral, securing the Secured Obligations.

 

(c)                                  With respect to Pledged Equity:

 

(i)                                     All securities constituting Pledged Equity have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable, and were not issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any Person or of any agreement by which Grantor or any issuer of Pledged Equity is bound.

 

(ii)                                  All documentary, stamp or other taxes or fees owing in connection with the issuance, transfer or pledge of any Pledged Equity (or rights in respect thereof) have been paid.

 

(iii)                              No restriction or condition exists with respect to the transfer, voting or capital of any Pledged Equity.

 

(iv)                              Except as disclosed on Schedule 1, neither Grantor nor any issuer of Pledged Equity has any outstanding subscription agreement, option, warrant or convertible security outstanding or any other right outstanding pursuant to which any Person would be entitled to have issued to it units of ownership interest in any issuer of Pledged Equity.

 

(v)                                 Grantor has taken or concurrently herewith is taking all actions necessary to perfect the Secured Party’s security interest in Pledged Equity, including any registration, filing or notice that may be necessary or advisable under Article 8 or 9 of the UCC, and no other Person has any such registration, filing or notice in effect.

 

(vi)                              Schedule 1 correctly and completely reflects all Pledged Equity owned by Grantor as of the date hereof and Schedule 1 accurately sets forth the percentage of each class or series of Equity issued by the issuer of such Pledged Equity that is held by Grantor.

 

(vii)                            Schedule 1 sets forth all agreements, including all operating, management, voting and shareholder agreements to which Grantor is a party or by which it is bound and that relate to Pledged Equity and a correct and complete copy of each such agreement has been delivered to counsel for the Secured Party.

 

(viii)                        No issuer of Pledged Equity has made any call for capital that has not been fully paid by Grantor and each other holder of Equity of such issuer.

 

(ix)                             Neither Grantor nor any other holder of equity issued by any issuer of Pledged Equity is in default under any agreement relating to Pledged Equity.

 

(x)                                Neither the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement nor the exercise of any right or remedy of the Secured Party hereunder will cause a default under

 

5



 

any agreement in respect of Pledged Equity or otherwise adversely affect or diminish any Pledged Equity.

 

(xi)                               Grantor’s rights under any agreement in respect of Pledged Equity are enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws of general application relating to the enforcement of creditors’ rights.

 

(d)                                  The Pledged Equity listed on Schedule 1 constitutes all Equity owned by Granter in Borrower as of the date hereof. None of such Pledged Equity is certificated.

 

(e)                                   Granter is an entity of the type specified in the preamble and is organized under the laws of the jurisdiction specified in the preamble. Granter has not conducted business under any name except the name in which it has executed this Agreement, which is the exact name that appears in Grantor’s Organizational Documents.

 

(f)                                    Granter has good and marketable title to the Collateral, free and clear of all Liens, except for the security interest created by this Agreement. No effective financing statement or other registration or instrument similar in effect covering any Collateral is on file in any recording office except any that have been filed in favor of the Secured Party relating to this Agreement.

 

(g)                                  Neither the ownership or intended use of the Collateral by Granter, nor the grant of the security interest by Granter to the Secured Party hereunder:

 

(i)                                      conflicts with:

 

(A)                      any domestic or foreign Law,

 

(B)                      any Organizational Document of Granter or any issuer of Pledged Equity, or

 

(C)                       any agreement, judgment, license, order or permit applicable to or binding upon Granter or any issuer of Pledged Equity, or

 

(ii)                                  results in or requires the creation of any Lien, charge or encumbrance upon any asset of Granter (other than in favor of the Secured Party).

 

(h)                                  Except as expressly contemplated in the Loan Documents, no consent, approval, authorization or order of, and no notice to or filing with, any court, governmental authority or third party is required under the UCC in connection with the grant by Granter of the security interest hereunder.

 

(i)                                       This Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation of Granter, enforceable against Granter in accordance with its terms, except as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws of general application relating to the enforcement of creditors’ rights and general principles of equity.

 

6



 

G)                                   There is no action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Granter, threatened against or otherwise affecting Granter before any court, arbitrator or governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality that could reasonably be expected materially and adversely to affect Granter’s financial condition or its ability to perform its obligations hereunder.

 

(k)                                  There is no condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement that has not been satisfied or waived.

 

(1)                                  Granter has, independently and without reliance upon any Beneficiary and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which it is or is to be a party, and Granter has established adequate means of obtaining from each other Credit Party on a continuing basis information pertaining to, and is now and on a continuing basis will be completely familiar with, the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, performance, properties and prospects of each other Credit Party.

 

(m)                              The direct or indirect value of the consideration received and to be received by Granter in connection herewith is reasonably worth at least as much as the liability of Granter hereunder and under each other Loan Document to which Grantor is a party, and the incurrence of such liability in return for such consideration may reasonably be expected to benefit Granter, directly or indirectly.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Covenants

 

Section 4.1.                                  General Covenants. Granter will at all times perform and observe the covenants contained in the Loan Documents that are applicable to Granter for so long as any Secured Obligation is outstanding. In addition, Granter will, so long as this Agreement shall be in effect, perform and observe the following:

 

(a)                                   Without limitation of any other covenant herein, Granter shall not cause or permit any change in its name, identity or organizational structure, or any change to its jurisdiction of organization, unless Granter shall have first:

 

(i)                                     notified the Secured Party of such change at least 30 days prior to the effective date of such change (or such shorter notice as the Secured Party may approve),

 

(ii)                                 taken all action reasonably requested by the Secured Party (under the following subsection (b) or otherwise) for the purpose of further confirming and protecting the Secured Party’s security interest and rights under this Agreement and the perfection and priority thereof, and

 

(iii)                               if requested by the Secured Party, provided to the Secured Party a legal opinion to the Secured Party’s satisfaction confirming that such change shall not adversely affect the Secured Party’s security interest and rights under this Agreement or the perfection or priority of such security interest.

 

7


 

In any notice delivered pursuant to this subsection, Granter will expressly state that the notice is required by this Agreement and contains facts that may require additional filings of financing statements or other notices for the purposes of continuing perfection of the Secured Party’s security interest in the Collateral.

 

(b)                                 Granter will, at its expense and as from time to time reasonably requested by the Secured Party, promptly execute and deliver all further instruments, agreements, filings and registrations, and take all further action, in order:

 

(i)                                      to confirm and validate this Agreement and the Secured Party’s rights and remedies hereunder;

 

(ii)                                  to correct any error or omission in the description herein of the Secured Obligations or the Collateral or in any other provision hereof;

 

(iii)                               to perfect, register and protect the security interest and rights created or purported to be created hereby or to maintain or upgrade in rank the priority of such security interests and rights;

 

(iv)                              to enable the Secured Party to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder; or

 

(v)                                  otherwise to give the Secured Party the full benefits of the rights and remedies described in or granted under this Agreement.

 

As part of the foregoing, Granter will, whenever reasonably requested by the Secured Party:

 

(A)                                execute and file any financing statement, continuation statement or other filing or registration relating to the Secured Party’s security interest and rights hereunder, and any amendment thereto, and

 

(B)                                mark its books and records relating to any Collateral to reflect that such Collateral is subject to this Agreement and the security interests hereunder.

 

(c)                                   Granter will:

 

(i)                                     Maintain good and marketable title to all Collateral, free and clear of all Liens except for the security interest created by this Agreement, and not grant or allow any such Lien to exist.

 

(ii)                                 Not allow to remain in effect, and cause to be terminated, any financing statement or other registration or instrument similar in effect covering any Collateral, except any that has been filed in favor of the Secured Party relating to this Agreement.

 

(iii)                               Defend the Secured Party’s right, title and special property and security interest in and to the Collateral against the claims of any Person.

 

8



 

(d)                                  Grantor shall not take any action that would, or fail to take any action if such failure would, impair the enforceability, perfection or priority of the Secured Party’s security interest in any Collateral.

 

Section 4.2.                                 Covenants Relating Specifically to the Nature of the Collateral. Grantor will, for so long as any Secured Obligation is outstanding, perform and observe the following:

 

(a)                                  (i)                                     If Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire any certificated Security evidencing Collateral, Grantor will forthwith endorse, assign, and deliver the same to the Secured Party, accompanied by such instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Secured Party may from time to time specify.

 

(ii)                                   If any Pledged Equity is an Uncertificated Security and is issued to Grantor or its nominee directly by the issuer thereof, Grantor will immediately notify the Secured Party of such issuance and, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Secured Party, cause the issuer thereof to agree to comply with instructions from the Secured Party as to such Security, without further consent of Grantor or such nominee, or take such other action as the Secured Party may approve in order to perfect the Secured Party’s security interest in such Security.

 

(iii)                                Grantor shall not permit any Pledged Equity to be held by a securities intermediary or held in a Securities Account.

 

(iv)                               Grantor shall not permit any Pledged Equity that is an equity interest in a limited liability company or a limited partnership and that is a General Intangible to become Investment Property unless the Secured Party shall have control of such Investment Property within the meaning of Section 8-106 of the UCC.

 

(v)                                  Grantor shall not:

 

(A)                               adjust, settle, compromise, amend or modify any right in respect of any Pledged Equity or any agreement relating thereto;

 

(B)                               permit the creation of any additional equity interest in any issuer of Pledged Equity, unless immediately upon creation the same is pledged to the Secured Party pursuant hereto to the extent necessary to give the Secured Party a first-priority security interest in such Pledged Equity after such creation that is in the aggregate at least the same percentage of such Pledged Equity as was subject hereto before such issue, whether such additional interest is presently vested or will vest upon the payment of money or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other condition; or

 

(C)                                enter into any agreement, other than the Loan Documents, creating, or otherwise permit to exist, any restriction or condition upon the transfer or exercise of any rights in respect of any Pledged Equity, including any restriction or condition upon the transfer, voting or control of any Pledged Equity.

 

9



 

(b)                                   If Granter shall acquire at any time any additional Equity constituting Collateral, Granter shall promptly notify the Secured Party in writing of the details thereof and execute and deliver to the Secured Party a supplement to Schedule 1 listing such Equity, which supplement shall take effect without further action on the part of any party hereto or beneficiary hereof.

 

ARTICLE V

 

Voting and Distribution Rights in Respect Of Pledged Equity

 

Section 5.1.                                 Voting Rights. Granter shall be entitled to exercise all voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the Pledged Equity or any part thereof for any purpose; provided that Granter shall not exercise or refrain from exercising any such right if such action would have a material adverse effect on the value of any Pledged Equity or on the Secured Party’s security interest or the value thereof.

 

Section 5.2.                                  Dividend Rights While No Event of Default Exists. Granter shall be entitled to receive and retain all dividends and other distributions paid in respect of the Pledged Equity if and to the extent that the payment thereof is not otherwise prohibited by the Loan Documents; provided that:

 

(a)                                  all dividends, interest and other distributions paid or payable other than in cash in respect of, and instruments and other property received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Equity;

 

(b)                                  all dividends and other distributions paid or payable in cash in respect of any Pledged Equity in connection with a partial or total liquidation or dissolution or in connection with a reduction of capital, capital surplus or paid-in surplus; and

 

(c)                                    all cash paid, payable or otherwise distributed in redemption of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Equity, shall be, and shall be forthwith delivered to the Secured Party to hold as Collateral and shall, if received by Granter, be received in trust for the benefit of the Secured Party, be segregated from the other property or funds of Granter and be forthwith delivered by Granter to the Secured Party as Pledged Equity in the same form as so received (with any necessary indorsement).

 

Section 5.3.                                 Actions by Secured Party. The Secured Party will promptly execute and deliver (or promptly cause to be executed and delivered) to Granter all such proxies and other instruments as Granter may reasonably request for the purpose of enabling Granter to exercise the voting and other rights that it is entitled to exercise pursuant to Section 5.1 above and to receive the dividends or interest payments that it is authorized to receive and retain pursuant to Section 5.2 above.

 

Section 5.4.                                 Rights While an Event of Default Exists. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default:

 

(a)                                  All rights of Granter to receive the dividends and other distributions that it would otherwise be authorized to receive and retain pursuant to Section 5.2 shall automatically cease,

 

10



 

and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Secured Party, which shall thereupon have the sole right to exercise or refrain from exercising such voting and other consensual rights and to receive and hold as Pledged Equity such dividends and other distributions.

 

(b)                                  All dividends and other distributions that are received by Grantor contrary to subsection (a) above shall be received in trust for the benefit of the Secured Party, shall be segregated from other funds of Grantor and shall be forthwith paid over to the Secured Party as Pledged Equity in the same form as so received (with any necessary indorsement).

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Remedies, Powers and Authorizations

 

Section 6.1.                                Normal Provisions Concerning the Collateral.

 

(a)                                  Grantor irrevocably authorizes the Secured Party at any time and from time to time to file, without the signature of Grantor, in any jurisdiction any amendments to existing financing statements and any initial financing statements and amendments thereto that:

 

(i)                                     indicate the nature of the Collateral;

 

(ii)                                  contain any other information required for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance of any financing statement or amendment, including whether Grantor is an organization, the type of organization and any organization identification number issued to Grantor; and

 

(iii)                               properly effectuate the transactions described in the Loan Documents, as determined by the Secured Party in its discretion.

 

Grantor will furnish any such information to the Secured Party promptly upon request. A carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Agreement or any financing statement describing any Collateral is sufficient as a financing statement and may be filed in any jurisdiction by the Secured Party. Grantor ratifies and approves all financing statements heretofore filed by or on behalf of the Secured Party in any jurisdiction in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(b)                                  Grantor appoints the Secured Party as Grantor’s attorney in fact and proxy, with full authority in the place and stead of Grantor and in the name of Grantor or otherwise, from time to time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to take any action and to execute any instrument that the Secured Party may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement including any action or instrument:

 

(i)                                     to ask for, demand, collect, sue for, recover, compound, receive and give acquittance and receipts for moneys due and to become due under or in respect of any Collateral;

 

(ii)                                  to receive, indorse and collect any drafts or other Instruments or Documents;

 

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(iii)                               to enforce any obligations included in the Collateral; and

 

(iv)                              to file any claims or take any action or institute any proceedings that the Secured Party may deem necessary or desirable for the collection of any Collateral or otherwise to enforce the rights of Granter or the Secured Party with respect to any Collateral.

 

Such power of attorney and proxy are coupled with an interest, are irrevocable, and are to be used by the Secured Party for the sole benefit of the Beneficiaries.

 

(c)                                  If Granter fails to perform any agreement or obligation contained herein, the Secured Party may, but shall have no obligation to, itself perform, or cause performance of, such agreement or obligation, and the expenses of the Secured Party incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by Granter under Section 6.6.

 

(d)                                 The Secured Party shall have the right, at any time upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and without notice to Granter, to transfer to or to register in the name of the Secured Party or any of its nominees any Pledged Equity, subject only to the revocable rights specified in Section 5.1.

 

(e)                                   Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding:

 

(i)                                     Granter shall remain liable to perform all duties and obligations under the agreements included in the Collateral to the same extent as if this Agreement had not been executed.

 

(ii)                                  The exercise by the Secured Party of any right hereunder shall not release Granter from any duty or obligation under any agreement included in the Collateral.

 

(iii)                               No Beneficiary shall have any obligation or liability under the agreements in respect of the Collateral by reason of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, nor shall any Beneficiary be obligated to perform any duty or obligation of Granter thereunder or take any action to collect or enforce any claim for payment assigned hereunder.

 

Section 6.2.                                 Event of Default Remedies. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Secured Party may from time to time in its discretion, without limitation and without notice except as expressly provided below:

 

(a)                                  Exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to any other right and remedy provided for herein, under the other Loan Documents, or otherwise available to it, all the rights and remedies of a secured party on default under the UCC (whether or not the UCC applies to the affected Collateral) and any other applicable law.

 

(b)                                  Require Granter to, and Granter will at its expense and upon request of the Secured Party forthwith, assemble all or part of the Collateral as directed by the Secured Party and make it (together with all books, records and information of Granter relating thereto)

 

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available to the Secured Party at a place to be designated by the Secured Party that is reasonably convenient to both parties.

 

(c)                                 Prior to the disposition of any Collateral:

 

(i)                                     to the extent permitted by applicable Law, enter, with or without process of law and without breach of the peace, any premises where any Collateral is or may be located, and without charge or liability to the Secured Party seize and remove such Collateral from such premises;

 

(ii)                                   have access to and use the Company’s books, records, and information relating to the Collateral; and

 

(iii)                                store or transfer any Collateral without charge in or by means of any storage or transportation facility owned or leased by Grantor, process, repair or recondition any Collateral or otherwise prepare it for disposition in any manner and to the extent the Secured Party deems appropriate and, in connection with such preparation and disposition, use without charge any copyright, trademark, trade name, patent or technical process used by Grantor.

 

(d)                                  Reduce its claim to judgment or foreclose or otherwise enforce, in whole or in part, the security interest created hereby by any available judicial procedure.

 

(e)                                  Dispose of, at its office, on the premises of Grantor or elsewhere, any Collateral, as a unit or in parcels, by public or private proceedings, and by way of one or more contracts (but that the sale of any Collateral shall not exhaust the Secured Party’s power of sale, and sales may be made from time to time, and at any time, until all of the Collateral has been sold or until the Secured Obligations have been paid and performed in full), and at any such sale it shall not be necessary to exhibit any Collateral.

 

(f)                                   Buy (or allow any Beneficiary to buy) Collateral, or any part thereof, at any public sale.

 

(g)                                  Buy (or allow any Beneficiary to buy) Collateral, or any part thereof, at any private sale if any Collateral is of a type customarily sold in a recognized market or is of a type that is the subject of widely distributed standard price quotations.

 

(h)                                 Apply by appropriate judicial proceedings for appointment of a receiver for the Collateral, or any part thereof, and Grantor consents to any such appointment.

 

(i)                                     Comply with any applicable state or federal Law requirement in connection with a disposition of Collateral and such compliance shall not be considered to affect adversely the commercial reasonableness of any sale of Collateral.

 

(j)                                     Sell Collateral without giving any warranty with respect to title or any other matter and for cash, on credit or for non-cash consideration as the Secured Party determines is appropriate.

 

13



 

(k)                                  To the extent notice of sale shall be required by law with respect to Collateral, at least 10-days’ notice to Granter of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale is to be made shall constitute reasonable notification; provided that, if the Secured Party fails in any respect to give such notice, its liability for such failure shall be limited to the liability (if any) imposed on it by law under the UCC. The Secured Party shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless of notice of sale having been given. The Secured Party may adjourn any public or private sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned.

 

Section 6.3.                                 Application of Proceeds. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, any cash held by or on behalf of the Secured Party and all cash proceeds received by or on behalf of the Secured Party in respect of any sale of, collection from, or other realization upon any Collateral may, in the discretion of the Secured Party, be held by the Secured Party as collateral for, and/or then or at any time thereafter applied in whole or in part by the Secured Party for the benefit of the Beneficiaries against, any Secured Obligation, in the following manner:

 

(a)                                  First, paid to the Secured Party for any amounts then owing to the Secured Party pursuant to the Credit Agreement or otherwise under the Loan Documents or that has otherwise been incurred by the Secured Party in connection with the payment or other satisfaction of any Lien, encumbrance or adverse claim upon or against any Collateral or any other action that the Secured Party determines is reasonably appropriate in connection with the preservation or maintenance of the Collateral.

 

(b)                                  Second, paid to the Beneficiaries in payment of the Secured Obligations, ratably in accordance with the respective amounts thereof then owing to the Beneficiaries or as otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

(c)                                   Third, any surplus of such cash or cash proceeds held by or on the behalf of the Secured Party and remaining after payment in full of all the Secured Obligations shall be paid over to Granter or to whatever Person may be lawfully entitled to receive such surplus.

 

Section 6.4.                                 Deficiency. If the proceeds of any sale, collection or realization of or upon the Collateral of Granter by the Secured Party are insufficient to pay all Secured Obligations and all other amounts to which the Secured Party is entitled, Granter shall be liable for the deficiency, together with interest thereon as provided in the Loan Documents or (if no interest is so provided) at such other rate as shall be fixed by applicable law, together with the costs of collection and the reasonable fees of any attorneys employed by the Secured Party (that are not employees of the Secured Party or any Affiliate of the Secured Party) and/or the other Beneficiaries to collect such deficiency. Collateral may be sold at a loss to Granter, and the Secured Party shall have no liability or responsibility to Granter for such loss. Granter acknowledges that a private sale may result in less proceeds than a public sale.

 

Section 6.5.                                Private Sales of Pledged Equity. The Beneficiaries may deem it impracticable to effect a public sale of any Pledged Equity and may determine to make one or more private sales of such Pledged Equity to a restricted group of purchasers that will be

 

14



 

obligated to agree, among other things, to acquire the same for their own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof. Any such private sale may be at a price and on other terms less favorable to the seller than the price and other terms that might have been obtained at a public sale. Any such private sale nevertheless shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner, and neither the Secured Party nor any other Beneficiary shall have any obligation to delay sale of any such Pledged Equity for the period of time necessary to permit their registration for public sale under the Securities Act. Any offer to sell any such Collateral that has been:

 

(i)                                     publicly advertised on a bona-fide basis in a newspaper or other publication of general circulation in the financial community of Denver, Colorado (to the extent that such an offer may be so advertised without prior registration under the Securities Act), or

 

(ii)                                  made privately in the manner described above to not less than 15 bona-fide offerees,

 

shall be deemed to involve a “public disposition” under Section 9-610(c) of the UCC, notwithstanding that such sale may not constitute a “public offering” under the Securities Act, and any Beneficiary may bid for such Collateral.

 

Section 6.6.                                 Indemnity and Expenses. In addition to, but not in qualification or limitation of, any similar obligations under other Loan Documents:

 

(a)                                  Grantor will indemnify the Secured Party, each other Beneficiary and any agent appointed pursuant to Section 6.9 from and against all claims, losses and liabilities growing out of or resulting from this Agreement (including enforcement of this Agreement), WHETHER OR NOT SUCH CLAIMS, LOSSES AND LIABILITIES ARE IN ANY WAY OR TO ANY EXTENT CAUSED BY OR ARISING OUT OF SUCH INDEMNIFIED PARTY’S OWN NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY, except to the extent such claims, losses or liabilities are proximately caused by such indemnified party’s individual gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

(b)                                  Grantor will upon demand pay to the Secured Party the amount of all costs and expenses, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of the Secured Party’s counsel (that are not employees of the Secured Party or any of its Affiliates) and of any experts and agents, that the Secured Party may incur in connection with:

 

(i)                                     the transactions that give rise to this Agreement;

 

(ii)                                 the preparation of this Agreement and the perfection and preservation of this security interest created under this Agreement; or

 

(iii)                               the administration of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   Grantor will upon demand pay to the Secured Party the amount of all costs and expenses, including the fees and disbursements of the Secured Party’s counsel (that are not

 

15



 

employees of the Secured Party or any of its Affiliates) and of any experts and agents, that the Secured Party may incur in connection with:

 

(i)                                      the custody, preservation, use or operation of, or the sale of, collection from, or other realization upon, any Collateral;

 

(ii)                                  the exercise or enforcement of any right of the Secured Party hereunder; or

 

(iii)                               the failure by Grantor to perform or observe any of the provisions hereof.

 

Section 6.7.                                Non-Judicial Remedies. In granting to the Secured Party the power to enforce its rights hereunder without prior judicial process or judicial hearing, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, Grantor waives, renounces and knowingly relinquishes any legal right that might otherwise require the Secured Party to enforce its rights by judicial process and confirms that such remedies are consistent with the usage of trade, are responsive to commercial necessity and are the result of a bargain at arm’s length. The Secured Party may, however, in its discretion, resort to judicial process.

 

Section 6.8.                                 Limitation on Duty of the Secured Party in Respect of Collateral. Beyond the exercise of reasonable care in the custody thereof, the Secured Party shall have no duty as to any Collateral in its possession or control or in the possession or control of any agent or bailee or as to the preservation of rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining thereto. The Secured Party shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody of Collateral in its possession if such Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to which that it accords its own property, and the Secured Party shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or damage to any Collateral, or for any diminution in the value thereof, by reason of the act or omission of any warehouseman, carrier, forwarding agency, consignee or other agent or bailee selected by the Secured Party in good faith.

 

Section 6.9.                                 Appointment of Other Agents. At any time, in order to comply with any legal requirement in any jurisdiction, the Secured Party may appoint any bank or trust company or one or more other Persons, either to act as co-agent or co-agents, jointly with the Secured Party, or to act as separate agent or agents on behalf of the Secured Party, with such power and authority as may be necessary for the effective operation of the provisions hereof and may be specified in the instrument of appointment.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Miscellaneous

 

Section 7.1.                                 Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing, sent in the manner provided in the Amended and Restated Guaranty of even date herewith by Grantor in favor of Secured Party (“ Guaranty” ), or to such other address or to the attention of such other individual as hereafter shall be designated in writing by the applicable party sent in accordance herewith. Any such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given as provided in the Guaranty for notices given thereunder.

 

16



 

Section 7.2.                                 Amendments and Waivers. Except as provided in Section 4.2(b) or 7.3, no amendment of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by Grantor and the Secured Party, and no waiver of this Agreement or consent to any departure by Grantor herefrom shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the Secured Party, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for that given and to the extent specified in such writing. In addition, all such amendments and waivers shall be effective only if given with the necessary approvals required in the Credit Agreement.

 

Section 7.3.                                 Preservation of Rights. No failure on the part of the Secured Party or any other Beneficiary to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The rights and remedies of the Secured Party provided herein and in the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies provided by law or otherwise.

 

Section 7.4.                                  Severability. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remaining portions hereof or thereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

Section 7.5.                                  Survival. Each representation and warranty, covenant and other obligation of Grantor herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the execution and delivery of any other Loan Document and the creation of the Secured Obligations.

 

Section 7.6.                                 Binding Effect and Assignment. This Agreement shall:

 

(a)                                 be binding on Grantor and its successors and permitted assigns, and

 

(b)                                  inure, together with all rights and remedies of the Secured Party hereunder, to the benefit of the Secured Party and the other Beneficiaries and their respective successors, transferees and assigns who acquire their interests in accordance with the assignment provisions of the Credit Agreement.

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Secured Party and any other Beneficiary may (in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Documents) pledge, assign or otherwise transfer any right under any Loan Document to any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all benefits in respect thereof granted herein or otherwise. No right or duty of Grantor hereunder may be assigned or otherwise transferred without the prior written consent of the Secured Party.

 

Section 7.7.                                 Release of Collateral; Termination.

 

(a)                                  Upon any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of any Collateral of Grantor in accordance with the Loan Documents, the Secured Party will, at Grantor’s expense, execute and deliver to Grantor such documents as Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence the release of such Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted hereby; provided that:

 

17



 

(i)                                      at the time of such request and such release no Default shall have occurred and be continuing,

 

(ii)                                   Grantor shall have delivered to the Secured Party, at least 10 Business Days prior to the date of the proposed release (or by such lesser notice as the Secured Party may approve), a written request for release describing the item of Collateral and the terms of the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition in reasonable detail, including the price thereof and any expenses in connection therewith, together with a form of release for execution by the Secured Party and a certificate of Grantor to the effect that the transaction is in compliance with the Loan Documents and such other matters as the Secured Party may request, and

 

(iii)                               if any Loan Document provides for any application of the proceeds of any such sale, lease, transfer or other disposition, or any payment to be made, in connection therewith, such proceeds shall have been applied or payment made as provided therein, or arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent for such application or payment have been made.

 

(b)                                Upon, and only upon the payment and satisfaction in full in cash of the Secured Obligations (other than (i) contingent indemnification obligations, (ii) Lender Hedging Obligations as to which arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and Lender Counterparty have been made, and (iii) Letters of Credit as to which arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and LC Issuer have been made) and the termination or expiration of all Commitments of the Lenders under the Credit Agreement, this Agreement and the security interest created hereby shall terminate, all rights in the Collateral shall revert to Grantors and the Secured Party, ata Grantor’s request and at its expense, will:

 

(i)                                      return to Grantor such of Grantor’s Collateral in the Secured Party’s possession as shall not have been sold or otherwise disposed of or applied pursuant to the terms hereof, and

 

(ii)                                  execute and deliver to Grantor such documents as Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 6.6 shall suI”Vive the termination of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                 No Grantor is authorized to file any financing statement or amendment or termination statement with respect to any financing statement originally filed in connection with this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Secured Party, subject to Grantors’ rights under Sections 9-509(d)(2) and 9-518 of the UCC.

 

Section 7.8.                                 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado.

 

Section 7.9.                                Final Agreement. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents represent the final agreement between the parties hereto and may not be contradicted by evidence of prior, contemporaneous, or subsequent oral agreements of the parties hereto. There are no unwritten oral agreements between the parties hereto.

 

18



 

Section 7.10.   Facsimile. This Agreement may be validly delivered by facsimile or other electronic transmission of an executed counterpart of the signature page hereof.

 

Section 7.11.   Acceptance by the Secured Party. By their acceptance of the benefits hereof, the Secured Party and the Beneficiaries shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound hereby and to perform any obligation on their part set forth herein.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

19



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor has executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first-above written.

 

 

 

Executed by SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED ACN 112 202 883 in accordance with Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Australia) by:

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name (please print)

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name (please print)

 




Exhibit 4.4

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

SECOND LIEN CREDIT AGREEMENT

 


 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.,

as Borrower,

 

WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC.

as Administrative Agent

 

and CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS,

as Lenders

 


 

$100,000,000

 

August 30, 2013

 

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS AND REFERENCES

 

 

 

 

Section 1.1

Defined Terms

1

Section 1.2

Exhibits and Schedules; Additional Definitions

26

Section 1.3

Terms Generally; References and Titles

26

Section 1.4

Calculations and Determinations

26

Section 1.5

Rounding

27

Section 1.6

Times of Day

27

Section 1.7

Joint Preparation; Construction of Indemnities and Releases

27

 

 

ARTICLE II - THE LOANS

 

 

 

 

Section 2.1

Commitments to Lend; Notes

27

Section 2.2

Requests for Loan

27

Section 2.3

Continuations and Conversions of Existing Loans

28

Section 2.4

Use of Proceeds

29

Section 2.5

Interest Rates and Fees; Payment Dates

30

Section 2.6

Prepayments

30

Section 2.7

Sharing of Payments by Lenders

31

Section 2.8

Obligations of Lenders Several

31

Section 2.9

Defaulting Lenders

32

 

 

ARTICLE III - PAYMENTS TO LENDERS

 

 

 

Section 3.1

General Procedures

33

Section 3.2

Increased Costs

33

Section 3.3

Illegality

34

Section 3.4

Funding Losses

35

Section 3.5

Taxes

35

Section 3.6

Alternative Rate of Interest

39

Section 3.7

Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders

40

Section 3.8

Payments by Borrower; Presumptions by Administrative Agent

41

 

 

ARTICLE IV - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO LENDING

 

 

 

Section 4.1

Closing Date Conditions

41

Section 4.2

Additional Conditions Precedent

44

 

 

ARTICLE V - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

 

 

Section 5.1

No Default

45

 

i



 

Section 5.2

Organization and Good Standing

45

Section 5.3

Authorization

45

Section 5.4

No Conflicts or Consents

45

Section 5.5

Enforceable Obligations

45

Section 5.6

Initial Financial Statements

45

Section 5.7

Other Obligations and Restrictions

46

Section 5.8

Full Disclosure

46

Section 5.9

Litigation

46

Section 5.10

ERISA Plans and Liabilities

47

Section 5.11

Environmental and Other Laws

47

Section 5.12

Names and Places of Business

48

Section 5.13

Subsidiaries

48

Section 5.14

Government Regulation

48

Section 5.15

Solvency

48

Section 5.16

Taxes

48

Section 5.17

Title to Properties; Intellectual Property

48

Section 5.18

Regulation U

49

Section 5.19

Leases and Contracts; Performance of Obligations

49

Section 5.20

Marketing Arrangements

50

Section 5.21

Right to Receive Payment for Future Production

50

Section 5.22

Operation of Oil and Gas Properties

51

Section 5.23

Ad Valorem and Severance Taxes

52

Section 5.24

Limitation to Proved Reserves

52

Section 5.25

Insurance

52

Section 5.26

Anti-Terrorism Laws

52

 

 

ARTICLE VI - AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

 

 

Section 6.1

Payment and Performance

52

Section 6.2

Books, Financial Statements and Reports

53

Section 6.3

Other Information and Inspections

56

Section 6.4

Notice of Material Events and Change of Address

56

Section 6.5

Maintenance of Properties

57

Section 6.6

Maintenance of Existence and Qualifications

57

Section 6.7

Payment of Trade Liabilities, Taxes, etc.

57

Section 6.8

Insurance

58

Section 6.9

Performance on Borrower’s Behalf

59

Section 6.10

Interest

59

Section 6.11

Compliance with Agreements and Law; Permits

59

Section 6.12

Environmental Matters; Environmental Reviews

59

Section 6.13

Evidence of Compliance

60

Section 6.14

[Reserved]

60

Section 6.15

Guaranties

60

Section 6.16

Agreement to Deliver Security Documents

60

Section 6.17

Production Proceeds

61

Section 6.18

Perfection and Protection of Security Interests and Liens

62

 

ii



 

Section 6.19

Leases and Contracts; Performance of Obligations

62

Section 6.20

Representations Continue to be True

62

Section 6.21

Hedging Contracts

62

Section 6.22

Material Contracts

63

 

 

ARTICLE VII - NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

 

 

Section 7.1

Indebtedness

63

Section 7.2

Limitation on Liens

64

Section 7.3

Hedging Contracts

64

Section 7.4

Limitation on Mergers, Issuances of Securities

65

Section 7.5

Limitation on Dispositions

65

Section 7.6

Limitation on Dividends and Redemptions

67

Section 7.7

Limitation on Investments and New Businesses

67

Section 7.8

Limitation on Credit Extensions

67

Section 7.9

Transactions with Affiliates

67

Section 7.10

Prohibited Contracts

67

Section 7.11

Conduct of Business

68

Section 7.12

Amendments to Organizational Documents

68

Section 7.13

Fiscal Year

68

Section 7.14

Financial Covenants

68

Section 7.15

Sale and Leaseback Transactions

69

Section 7.16

Negative Pledge

69

 

 

ARTICLE VIII - EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

 

 

 

Section 8.1

Events of Default

69

Section 8.2

Remedies

72

Section 8.3

Application of Proceeds After Acceleration

72

 

 

ARTICLE IX - ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

 

 

 

Section 9.1

Appointment and Authority

73

Section 9.2

Exculpatory Provisions

73

Section 9.3

Reliance by Administrative Agent

74

Section 9.4

Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders

74

Section 9.5

Rights as a Lender

75

Section 9.6

Investments

76

Section 9.7

Resignation of Administrative Agent

76

Section 9.8

Delegation of Duties

77

Section 9.9

[Reserved]

77

Section 9.10

Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

77

Section 9.11

Guaranty Matters

78

Section 9.12

Collateral Matters

78

Section 9.13

[Reserved]

79

Section 9.14

Notice of Default

79

 

3



 

ARTICLE X - MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

 

 

Section 10.1

Waivers and Amendments; Acknowledgments

80

Section 10.2

Survival of Agreements; Cumulative Nature

82

Section 10.3

Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication

82

Section 10.4

Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver

84

Section 10.5

Successors and Assigns; Joint and Several Liability

86

Section 10.6

Confidentiality

90

Section 10.7

Governing Law; Submission to Process

91

Section 10.8

Limitation on Interest

92

Section 10.9

Severability

92

Section 10.10

Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness

93

Section 10.11

Waiver of Jury Trial, Punitive Damages, etc.

93

Section 10.12

No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility

93

Section 10.13

USA PATRIOT Act Notice

94

Section 10.14

Right of Setoff

94

Section 10.15

Payments Set Aside

95

Section 10.16

Intercreditor Agreement

95

 

Schedules and Exhibits

 

Schedule 1

 

 

Lenders Schedule

Schedule 2

 

 

Disclosure Schedule

Schedule 3

 

 

Security Schedule

Schedule 4

 

 

Insurance Schedule

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

 

Form of Promissory Note

Exhibit B

 

 

Borrowing Notice

Exhibit C

 

 

Continuation/Conversion Notice

Exhibit D

 

 

Compliance Certificate

Exhibit E

 

 

Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit F-1

 

 

Opinion of Counsel to Restricted Persons

Exhibit F-2

 

 

Opinion of Counsel to Parent

Exhibit G

 

 

Form of Intercreditor Agreement

Exhibit H

 

 

Form of Certificate of Financial Officer

 

4



 

SECOND LIEN CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

THIS SECOND LIEN CREDIT AGREEMENT is made as of August 30, 2013, by and among SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC., a Colorado corporation (“ Borrower” ), WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC., as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders referred to below.

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, in consideration of the Loans that may hereafter be made by Lenders and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I- DEFINITIONS AND REFERENCES

 

Section 1.1.              Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, each of the following terms has the meaning given to such term in this Section 1.1 or in the Sections and subsections referred to below:

 

Adjusted Base Rate” means, on any day, the per annum rate equal to the greater of (a)  the sum of (i) the Base Rate for such day plus (ii) the Applicable Margin for such day or (b)  8.50%, provided that the Adjusted Base Rate charged by any Person shall never exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.

 

Adjusted Consolidated EBITDAX” means, for any Fiscal Quarter, Consolidated EBITDAX for such Fiscal Quarter adjusted (a) as permitted and in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC, and (b) to give effect to any acquisition or divestiture made by Parent or any of its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such Fiscal Quarter as if such transactions had occurred on the first day of such Fiscal Quarter, regardless of whether the effect is positive or negative.

 

Adjusted Eurodollar Rate” means, for any Eurodollar Loan for any day during any Interest Period therefor, the rate per annum equal to the greater of (a) the sum of (i) the Applicable Margin for such day plus (ii) the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) determined by Administrative Agent to be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the Eurodollar Rate for such Eurodollar Loan for such Interest Period by (y) 1 minus the Reserve Requirement for such Eurodollar Loan for such Interest Period or (b) 8.50%, provided that no Adjusted Eurodollar Rate charged by any Person shall ever exceed the Highest Lawful Rate. The Adjusted Eurodollar Rate for any Eurodollar Loan shall change whenever the Applicable Margin or the Reserve Requirement changes.

 

Administrative Agent” means Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as Administrative Agent hereunder, and its successors in such capacity.

 

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

 



 

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

 

Aggregate Commitment” means the Commitments of all the Lenders.

 

Agreement” means this Credit Agreement.

 

Anti-Terrorism Laws” shall mean any requirement of Law related to terrorism financing or money laundering, including the Patriot Act, The Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act (also known as the “ Bank Secrecy Act” , 31 U.S.C. §§ 5311-5330 and 12 U.S.C. §§ 1818(s), 1820(b) and 1951-1959), the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. § 1 et seq. , as amended), and Executive Order 13224 (effective September 24, 2001).

 

Applicable Lending Office” means a Lender’s Domestic Lending Office (in the case of Base Rate Loans) and such Lender’s Eurodollar Lending Office (in the case of Eurodollar Loans).

 

Applicable Margin” means, for any day, (i) with respect to Base Rate Loans 6.50% and (ii) with respect to Eurodollar Loans 7.50%.

 

Applicable Percentage” means with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Loans to the aggregate principal amount of all of the Loans.

 

Approved Counterparty” means a counterparty to a Hedging Contract that at the time of entering into such Hedging Contract either (a) is an Approved Counterparty (as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement), (b) any Lender or any Affiliate of Lender, (c) is a Person whose senior unsecured long-term debt obligations are rated A or higher by S&P and A3 or higher by Moody’s, or (d) Shell Oil Trading (US) Company.

 

Approved Fund” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender, or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

 

Asset Coverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Total Proved PV-10 to (b) Consolidated Funded Debt as of such date.

 

Asset Coverage Test Date” means (a) each date on which a Material Acquisition or Material Disposition is consummated (after giving effect to such Material Acquisition or Material Disposition on such date) and (b) (i) prior to the First Priority Obligations Payment Date (A) each Redetermination Date, (B) each Mandatory Asset Coverage Test Date and (C) such other date during each calendar year, if any, as selected by the Administrative Agent at the request of any Lender and notified to the Borrower at least 30 days in advance, provided that the Administrative Agent shall select no more than one additional testing date during any calendar year and (ii) from and after the First Priority Obligations Payment Date, each May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing with the first such date following the First Priority Obligations Payment Date.

 

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Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 10.5), and accepted by Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit E or any other form approved by Administrative Agent.

 

Bankruptcy Code” means the United States Bankruptcy Code, Title 11 U.S.C., as amended.

 

Base Rate” means for any day the higher of (a) Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.’s Prime Rate; (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus ½ of one percent (0.50%) per annum; and (c) the One-Month Eurodollar Rate plus one percent (1.0%) per annum. As used in this definition, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.’s “Prime Rate” means the per annum rate of interest most recently announced within Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. at its principal office in San Francisco, California as its “Prime Rate”, with the understanding that the Prime Rate of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is one of its base rates and serves as the basis upon which effective rates of interest are calculated for those loans making reference thereto, and is evidenced by the recording thereof after its announcement in such internal publication or publications as Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. may designate. Each change in the Prime Rate will be effective on the day the change is announced within Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. If Administrative Agent’s Prime Rate changes after the date hereof the Base Rate shall be automatically increased or decreased, as the case may be, without notice to Borrower from time to time as of the effective time of each change in Administrative Agent’s Prime Rate.

 

Base Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at the Adjusted Base Rate.

 

Borrower” has the meaning given to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

Borrowing” means a borrowing of Loans of a single Type (and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, with the same Interest Period) pursuant to Section 2.2, 2.10(d) or a Continuation or Conversion of existing Loans into a single Type (and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, with the same Interest Period) pursuant to Section 2.3.

 

Borrowing Base” has the meaning provided in the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Borrowing Base Deficiency” has the meaning provided in the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Borrowing Base Properties” means the Oil and Gas Properties of the Restricted Persons evaluated by the First Lien Lenders for purposes of establishing the Borrowing Base then in effect.

 

Borrowing Notice” means a written or e-mail request made by Borrower that meets the requirements of Section 2.2.

 

Business Day” means a day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which commercial banks are open for business with the public in Denver, Colorado. Any Business Day in any way relating to Eurodollar Loans (such as the day on which an Interest Period begins or ends) must also be a day on which, in the judgment of Administrative Agent, significant transactions in Dollars are carried out in the interbank eurocurrency market.

 

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Capital Lease” means a lease with respect to which the lessee is required concurrently to recognize the acquisition of an asset and the incurrence of a liability in accordance with IFRS.

 

Capital Lease Obligation” means, with respect to any Person and a Capital Lease, the amount of the obligation of such Person as the lessee under such Capital Lease that should, in accordance with IFRS, appear as a liability on the balance sheet of such Person.

 

Cash Equivalents” means Investments in:

 

(a)              marketable obligations, maturing within 12 months after acquisition thereof, issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States or an instrumentality or agency thereof and entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States;

 

(b)              demand deposits, and time deposits (including certificates of deposit) maturing within 12 months from the date of deposit thereof, with any office of any Lender or with a domestic office of any national or state bank or trust company that is organized under the Laws of the United States or any state therein, which has capital, surplus and undivided profits of at least $500,000,000, and whose long term certificates of deposit are rated at least Aa3 by Moody’s or AA- by S & P;

 

(c)              repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 7 days for underlying securities of the types described in subsection (a) above entered into with any commercial bank meeting the specifications of subsection (b) above;

 

(d)              open market commercial paper, maturing within 270 days after acquisition thereof, rated in the highest grade by Moody’s or S&P; and

 

(e)              money market or other mutual funds (i) that are rated Aa2 or better by Moody’s or AA or better by S&P or (ii) substantially all of the assets of which comprise securities of the types described in subsections (a) through (d) above.

 

Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation, or application thereof by any Governmental Authority, or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

 

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Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)           Parent shall at any time after the Closing Date fail to own, in the aggregate, 100% of the then issued and outstanding Equity in Borrower or, except as permitted by Section 7.4, any other direct or indirect Subsidiary of Parent that is a Guarantor,

 

(b)           Eric McCrady shall for any reason cease to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Borrower and is not replaced within 180 days thereafter by a new Chief Executive Officer acceptable to Majority Lenders, or

 

(c)           Borrower shall cease to own and control 100% of the voting and economic interest in the Equity in each Subsidiary of Borrower which owns Borrowing Base Properties.

 

Closing Date” means the date on which all of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.1 shall have been satisfied or waived.

 

Collateral” means all property of any kind that is subject to a Lien in favor of Lenders (or in favor of Administrative Agent for the benefit of Lenders) or that, under the terms of any Security Document, is purported to be subject to such a Lien, in each case that secures the Secured Obligations.

 

Commitment” means, for each Lender, the amount set opposite such Lender’s name on Annex I as its Commitment and “ Commitments” shall mean all such Commitments collectively. The aggregate Commitments on the date hereof are $15,000,000.

 

Commitment Period” means the period from and including the Closing Date until the Maturity Date (or, if earlier, the day on which the Notes first become due and payable in full).

 

Compliance Certificate” means a certificate in the form of Exhibit D.

 

Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

 

Consolidated” refers to the consolidation of any Person, in accordance with IFRS, with its properly consolidated subsidiaries. References herein to a Person’s Consolidated financial statements, financial position, financial condition, liabilities, etc. refer to the consolidated financial statements, financial position, financial condition, liabilities, etc. of such Person and its properly consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Consolidated EBITDAX” means, for any period (without duplication), the sum of (1)  Consolidated Net Income during such period (excluding extraordinary gains and losses), plus (2)  all interest paid or accrued during such period on Indebtedness (including amortization of original issue discount and the interest component of any deferred payment obligations and Capital Lease Obligations) that was deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income, plus (3)  all income taxes that were deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income, plus (4)  all depreciation, amortization (including amortization of good will and debt issue costs), depletion, exploration expense and other non-cash charges (including any provision for the

 

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reduction in the carrying value of assets recorded in accordance with IFRS and including those resulting from the requirements of ASC Topic 815, ASC Topic 410, or ASC Topic 360 (or similar provisions of IFRS)) that were deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income, minus (5) all non-cash items of income that were included in determining such Consolidated Net Income.

 

Consolidated Funded Debt” means the categories of Liabilities of Parent and its properly Consolidated Subsidiaries described in clauses (a), (b), (c), (f), (h) and (j) of the definition of “Indebtedness” in Section 1.1 (without duplication).

 

Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, Parent’s and its properly Consolidated Subsidiaries’ gross revenues for such period, including any cash dividends or distributions actually received from any other Person during such period, minus Parent’s and such Subsidiaries’ expenses and other proper charges against income (including taxes on income, to the extent imposed), determined on a Consolidated basis, after eliminating earnings or losses attributable to outstanding minority interests and excluding the net earnings of any Person (other than a Restricted Person) in which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest.

 

Continuation” shall refer to the continuation pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof of a Eurodollar Loan as a Eurodollar Loan from one Interest Period to the next Interest Period.

 

Continued” has a meaning correlative thereto.

 

Continuation/Conversion Notice” means a written or e-mail request, or a written confirmation, made by Borrower that meets the requirements of Section 2.3.

 

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

 

Conversion” shall refer to a conversion pursuant to Section 2.3 or Article III of one Type of Loan into another Type of Loan.

 

Converted” has a meaning correlative thereto.

 

Core Acquisitions and Investments” means (i) acquisitions and/or development and commercialization (including but not limited to drilling) of Oil and Gas Properties and acquisitions of assets used in the producing, drilling, or transportation of petroleum products that are related to a Restricted Person’s producing Oil and Gas Properties, and (ii) acquisitions of or Investments in Persons engaged primarily in the business of acquiring, developing and producing Oil and Gas Properties; provided that with respect to any acquisition or Investment described in this clause (ii), immediately after making such acquisition or Investment, Borrower shall directly or indirectly own at least 51% of the Equity Interests of such Person, measured by voting power.

 

Credit Parties” means any of the Restricted Persons, Parent and any other Guarantor.

 

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Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.

 

Default” means any Event of Default and any default, event or condition that would, with the giving of any requisite notices or the passage of any requisite periods of time, or both constitute an Event of Default.

 

Default Rate” means, at the time in question (a) with respect to any Base Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to 2.0% above the Adjusted Base Rate then in effect for such Loan and (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the rate per annum equal to 2.0% above the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate then in effect for such Loan, provided in each case that no Default Rate charged by any Person shall ever exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.

 

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed to fund all or any portion of its Loans within 2 Business Days of the date such Loans were required to be funded hereunder unless such Lender notifies Administrative Agent and Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, (b) has notified Borrower or Administrative Agent in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lender’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied), (c) has failed, within 3 Business Days after written request by Administrative Agent or Borrower, to confirm in writing to Administrative Agent and Borrower that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by Administrative Agent and Borrower), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender. Any determination by Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender upon delivery of written notice of such determination to Borrower and each Lender.

 

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Determination Date” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.8.

 

Disclosure Schedule” means Schedule 2 hereto.

 

Disposition ” or “ Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease, abandonment, or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction) of any property by any Person (or the granting of any option or other right to do any of the foregoing), including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith and any assignment, termination, close out, or restructuring (which restructuring has a negative effect on the Borrowing Base valuation thereof, as determined by the First Lien Agent) of any Hedging Contract.

 

Distribution” means (a) any dividend or other distribution made by a Restricted Person on or in respect of any Equity in such Restricted Person or any other Restricted Person, or (b)  any payment made by a Restricted Person to purchase, redeem, acquire, retire, cancel, or terminate any Equity in such Restricted Person or any other Restricted Person.

 

Dollar” and “ $” mean lawful money of the United States.

 

Domestic Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender specified as its “Domestic Lending Office” below its name on the Lenders Schedule, or such other office as such Lender may from time to time specify to Borrower and Administrative Agent, and with respect to Administrative Agent, the office, branch, or agency through which it administers this Agreement.

 

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any direct or indirect Subsidiary of Parent or Borrower, as applicable, that is organized under the laws of any state of the United States or the District of Columbia and is not a Foreign Subsidiary.

 

Eligible Assignee” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 10.5(b)(iii), (v) and (vi) (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 10.5(b)(iii)).

 

Embargoed Person” shall mean any party that (i) is publicly identified on the most current list of “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” published by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“ OFAC” ) or resides, is organized or chartered, or has a place of business in a country or territory subject to OFAC sanctions or embargo programs or (ii) is publicly identified as prohibited from doing business with the United States under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Trading With the Enemy Act, or any other Requirement of Law.

 

Engineering Report” means the Initial Engineering Report and each engineering report delivered pursuant to Section 6.2.

 

Environmental Laws” means any and all Laws relating to the environment or to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes into the environment including ambient air, surface water, ground water, or land, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing,

 

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distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or handling of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes.

 

Equity” in any Person means any share of capital stock issued by such Person, any general or limited partnership interest, profits interest, capital interest, membership interest, or other equity interest in such Person, any option, warrant or any other right to acquire any share of capital stock or any partnership, profits, capital, membership or other equity interest in such Person, and any other voting security issued by such Person.

 

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and any successor statutes or statute, together with all rules and regulations promulgated with respect thereto.

 

ERISA Affiliate” means each Restricted Person and all members of a controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control that, together with such Restricted Person, are (or were at any time in the past six years) treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

ERISA Plan” means any “employee pension benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan) that is subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code and maintained, contributed to or required to be contributed to by any ERISA Affiliate and with respect to which any Restricted Person has a fixed or contingent liability.

 

ERISA Plan Funding Rules” means the rules in the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA (and related regulations and other guidance) regarding minimum funding standards and minimum required contributions to ERISA Plans as set forth in Sections 412, 430 and 436 of the Internal Revenue Code and Sections 302 and 303 of ERISA (and as set forth in Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 302 of ERISA for periods prior to the effective date of the Pension Protection Act of 2006).

 

Eurodollar Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender specified as its “Eurodollar Lending Office” below its name on the Lenders Schedule (or, if no such office is specified, its Domestic Lending Office), or such other office of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify to Borrower and Administrative Agent.

 

Eurodollar Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate.

 

Eurodollar Rate” means, for any Eurodollar Loan within a Borrowing and with respect to the related Interest Period therefor, (a) the interest rate per annum (carried out to the fifth decimal place) equal to the applicable London interbank offered rate for deposits in dollars appearing on the Reuters Reference LIBOR01 page for such currency as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, or (b) in the event the rate referenced in the preceding clause (a) does not appear on such page or service or such page or service shall cease to be available, the rate per annum (carried out to the fifth decimal place) equal to the rate determined by Administrative Agent to be the offered rate on Page BBAM of the Bloomberg Financial Market Information Service as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, or (c) in the event the rates

 

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referenced in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) are not available, the rate per annum determined by Administrative Agent as the rate of interest at which deposits in U.S. dollars (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) in same day funds in the approximate amount of the applicable Eurodollar Loan and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or one of its Affiliate banks to major banks in the London interbank market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period.

 

Event of Default” has the meaning given to such term in Section 8.1.

 

Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its Applicable Lending Office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, United States federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by Borrower under Section 3.7(b)) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 3.5, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 3.5(g) and (d) any United States federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

 

Facility Usage” means, at the time in question, the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Loans at such time.

 

FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Internal Revenue Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof and any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100th of one percent) equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day, provided that (a) if the day for which such rate is to be determined is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if such rate is not so published for any day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate quoted to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. on such day on such transactions as determined by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

 

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Fee Letter” means the letter agreement, dated as of even date herewith, between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

 

First Lien Agent” means the Administrative Agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

First Lien Credit Agreement” means the Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 2012, as amended by the First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 14, 2013 and by the Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of June 26, 2013, as such document may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof, of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

First Lien Indebtedness ” means the “Obligations” as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

First Lien Lenders” means the “Lenders” from time to time party to the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

First Lien Loan Documents” means the First Lien Credit Agreement and the other “Loan Documents” as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement, as each such document may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

First Priority Obligations Payment Date” means the date on which Discharge of First Lien Obligations (as such term is defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) occurs.

 

First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary” means any Foreign Subsidiary that is owned directly by Parent or Borrower (as applicable) or one of its Domestic Subsidiaries.

 

Fiscal Quarter” means a 3 month period ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 or December 31 of any year.

 

Fiscal Year” means a 12 month period ending on December 31 of any year, or as changed by Borrower with the consent of the Majority Lenders, such consent to not unreasonably be withheld or delayed.

 

Floor Contracts” means put option contracts that protect against falling oil and gas prices and do not require any payments in respect thereof other than an initial premium or purchase price. For the avoidance of doubt, Floor Contracts do not include swaps or collars.

 

Foreign Lender” means (a) if Borrower is a U.S. Person, a Lender that is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if Borrower is not a U.S. Person, a Lender that is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which Borrower is resident for tax purposes.

 

Foreign Subsidiary” means any direct or indirect Subsidiary of Parent or Borrower, as applicable, (a) that is a “controlled foreign corporation,” (b) substantially all of whose assets consist of the equity in a subsidiary described in clause (a) above, or (c) that is an entity treated

 

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as disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes that owns more than 65% of the voting equity in a subsidiary described in clause (a) or (b) above.

 

Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business.

 

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

 

Guarantor” means any Person who has guaranteed some or all of the Secured Obligations pursuant to a guaranty listed on the Security Schedule or any other Person who has guaranteed some or all of the Obligations and who has been accepted by Administrative Agent as a Guarantor or any Subsidiary of Parent or Borrower that now or hereafter executes and delivers a guaranty to Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 6.15.

 

Hazardous Materials” means any substances regulated under any Environmental Law, whether as pollutants, contaminants, or chemicals, or as industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes, or otherwise.

 

Hedging Contract” means (a) any agreement providing for options, swaps, floors, caps, collars, forward sales or forward purchases involving interest rates, commodities or commodity prices, equities, currencies, bonds, or indexes based on any of the foregoing, (b) any option, futures or forward contract traded on an exchange, and (c) any other derivative agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement.

 

Highest Lawful Rate” means, with respect to each Lender Party to whom Obligations are owed, the maximum nonusurious rate of interest that such Lender Party is permitted under applicable Law to contract for, take, charge, or receive with respect to such Obligations. All determinations herein of the Highest Lawful Rate, or of any interest rate determined by reference to the Highest Lawful Rate, shall be made separately for each Lender Party as appropriate to assure that the Loan Documents are not construed to obligate any Person to pay interest to any Lender Party at a rate in excess of the Highest Lawful Rate applicable to such Lender Party.

 

Hydrocarbons” means crude oil, natural gas, condensate, or other liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons.

 

IFRS” means International Financial Reporting Standards or Australian Accounting Standards, which are substantially the same as International Financial Reporting Standards and that, in the case of Parent and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, are applied for all periods after the date hereof in a manner consistent with the manner in which such principles and practices were applied to the Initial Financial Statements. If any change in any accounting principle or practice is required by the International Financial Accounting Standards Board (or any such successor) in order for such principle or practice to continue as a generally accepted accounting principle or

 

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practice, all reports and financial statements required hereunder with respect to any Credit Party or with respect to Parent and its Consolidated Subsidiaries may be prepared in accordance with such change, but all calculations and determinations to be made hereunder may be made in accordance with such change only after notice of such change is given to each Lender, and Majority Lenders, Administrative Agent and Borrower agree to negotiate in good faith in respect of the modification of any covenants hereunder that are affected by such change in order to cause them to measure substantially the same financial performance as the covenants in effect immediately prior to such change.

 

Indebtedness” of any Person means Liabilities in any of the following categories (without duplication):

 

(a)                                  Liabilities for borrowed money;

 

(b)            Liabilities constituting an obligation to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services;

 

(c)            Liabilities evidenced by a bond, debenture, note or similar instrument;

 

(d)            Liabilities that (i) would under IFRS be shown on such Person’s balance sheet as a liability, and (ii) are payable more than one (1) year from the date of creation or incurrence thereof (other than reserves for taxes and reserves for contingent obligations);

 

(e)            Liabilities arising under Hedging Contracts (on a net basis to the extent netting is provided for in the applicable Hedging Contract), excluding any portion thereof that would be accounted for as an interest expense under IFRS;

 

(f)             Liabilities constituting principal under Capital Leases Obligations;

 

(g)            Liabilities arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements relating to property purchased by such Person;

 

(h)            Liabilities owing under direct or indirect guaranties of Indebtedness of any other Person or otherwise constituting obligations to purchase or acquire or to otherwise protect or insure a creditor against loss in respect of Indebtedness of any other Person (such as obligations under working capital maintenance agreements, agreements to keep-well, or agreements to purchase Indebtedness, assets, goods, securities or services), but excluding endorsements in the ordinary course of business of negotiable instruments in the course of collection;

 

(i)             Liabilities (for example, repurchase agreements, mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and sale/leaseback agreements) consisting of an obligation to purchase or redeem securities or other property of such Person, if such Liabilities arise out of or in connection with the sale or issuance of the same or similar securities or property;

 

(j)             Liabilities with respect to letters of credit or applications or reimbursement agreements therefor;

 

(k)            Liabilities with respect to banker’s acceptances;

 

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(l)                Liabilities with respect to payments received in consideration of oil, gas, or other minerals yet to be acquired or produced at the time of payment (including obligations under “take-or-pay” contracts to deliver gas in return for payments already received and the undischarged balance of any production payment created by such Person or for the creation of which such Person directly or indirectly received payment); or

 

(m)             Liabilities with respect to other obligations to deliver goods or services in consideration of advance payments therefor;

 

provided, however, that the “Indebtedness” of any Person shall not include Liabilities that were incurred by such Person on ordinary trade terms to vendors, suppliers, or other Persons providing goods and services for use by such Person in the ordinary course of its business, unless and until such Liabilities are outstanding more than 90 days past the original invoice or billing date therefor.

 

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

 

Independent Engineers” means (a) Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., and (b) any other nationally recognized independent petroleum engineering company that is designated by Borrower with the consent of Administrative Agent.

 

Initial Borrowing Base” has the meaning given to such term in the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Initial Engineering Report” means the reserve engineering report with respect to the Oil and Gas Properties of Restricted Persons prepared as of March 1, 2013 by Staff Engineers, a copy of which report has been delivered to Administrative Agent.

 

Initial Financial Statements” means (a) the audited Consolidated annual financial statements of Parent and Borrower as of June 30, 2012, and (b) their unaudited quarterly Consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2013.

 

Insolvent” means with respect to any Person, that (a) such Person is insolvent (as such term is defined in the Bankruptcy Code, and with all terms used in this definition that are defined in the Bankruptcy Code having the meanings ascribed to those terms in the text and interpretive case law applicable to the Bankruptcy Code), (b) the sum of such Person’s debts, including absolute and contingent liabilities, the Obligations or guarantees thereof, exceeds the value of such Person’s assets, at a fair valuation, (c) such Person’s capital is unreasonably small for the business in which such Person is engaged and intends to be engaged, or (d) such Person has incurred (whether under the Loan Documents or otherwise), or intends to incur debts that will be beyond its ability to pay as such debts mature. In determining whether a Person is “Insolvent” all rights of contribution (whether or not enforceable in any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or employed for the purpose of determining the insolvency of such Person in any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law and without giving effect to any waiver thereof contained in the Loan Documents) of each Restricted Person against other Restricted Parties under the guaranty of the Obligations, at law, in equity or otherwise shall be taken into account.

 

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Insurance Schedule” means Schedule 4 hereto.

 

Intercreditor Agreement” means the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of even date herewith substantially in the form of Exhibit G hereto by and among the Administrative Agent, the First Lien Agent and the Borrower, as the same may from time to time be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified.

 

Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to each Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each calendar month, and (b) with respect to each Eurodollar Loan, the last day of the Interest Period that is applicable thereto and, if such Interest Period exceeds 3 months, the respective dates that fall every 3 months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; provided that the last day of each calendar month shall also be an Interest Payment Date for each such Loan so long as any Event of Default exists under Section 8.1(a) or (b).

 

Interest Period” means, with respect to each Eurodollar Loan, the period specified in the Borrowing Notice or Continuation/Conversion Notice applicable to such Eurodollar Loan, beginning on and including the date specified in such Borrowing Notice or Continuation/ Conversion Notice (which must be a Business Day), and ending 1, 2, 3, or 6 months thereafter, as Borrower may elect in such notice; provided that: (a) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day; (b) any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day in a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day in a calendar month; and (c) notwithstanding the foregoing, any Interest Period that would otherwise end after the last day of the Commitment Period shall end on the last day of the Commitment Period (or, if the last day of the Commitment Period is not a Business Day, on the first preceding Business Day).

 

Internal Revenue Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time and any successor statute or statutes, together with all rules and regulations promulgated with respect thereto.

 

Investment” means any investment, made directly or indirectly, in any Person, whether by purchase or acquisition of Equity, Indebtedness or other obligations or securities or by extension of credit, loan, advance, capital contribution or otherwise and whether made in cash, by the transfer of property, or by any other means.

 

Law” means any statute, law, regulation, ordinance, rule, treaty, judgment, order, decree, permit, concession, franchise, license, agreement or other governmental restriction of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof or of any foreign country or any department, province or other political subdivision thereof. Any reference to a Law includes any amendment or modification to such Law, and all regulations, rulings, and other Laws promulgated under such Law.

 

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Lender Hedging Obligation” has the meaning provided in the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Lender Parties ” means Administrative Agent and all Lenders.

 

Lenders” means each signatory hereto (other than Borrower and any Restricted Person that is a party hereto), and the successors of each such party as a Lender hereunder pursuant to Section 10.5.

 

Lenders Schedule” means Schedule 1 hereto.

 

Liabilities ” means, as to any Person, all indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of such Person, whether matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, primary or secondary, direct or indirect, absolute, fixed or contingent, and whether or not required to be considered pursuant to IFRS.

 

Lien” means, with respect to any property or assets, any right or interest therein of a creditor to secure Liabilities owed to it or any other arrangement with such creditor that provides for the payment of such Liabilities out of such property or assets or that allows such creditor to have such Liabilities satisfied out of such property or assets prior to the general creditors of any owner thereof, including any lien, mortgage, security interest, pledge, deposit, production payment, rights of a vendor under any title retention or conditional sale agreement or lease substantially equivalent thereto, tax lien, mechanic’s or materialman’s lien, or any other charge or encumbrance for security purposes, whether arising by Law or agreement or otherwise, but excluding any right of offset that arises without agreement in the ordinary course of business. “Lien” also means any filed financing statement, any registration of a pledge (such as with an issuer of uncertificated securities), or any other arrangement or action that would serve to perfect a Lien described in the preceding sentence, regardless of whether such financing statement is filed, such registration is made, or such arrangement or action is undertaken before or after such Lien exists.

 

Loan Documents” means this Agreement, the Notes, the Security Documents, the Fee Letter, the Intercreditor Agreement, and all other agreements, certificates, documents, instruments and writings at any time delivered in connection herewith or therewith (exclusive of term sheets and commitment letters).

 

Loans” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1.

 

Majority Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, at least two (if more than one Lender) Lenders having more than 50% of the Facility Usage; provided that the portion of the Facility Usage held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Majority Lenders.

 

Mandatory Asset Coverage Test Date” means any date that is 45 days (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may elect in its sole discretion) following any date on which a Scheduled Determination (as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement in effect on the date hereof) was scheduled to occur under the First Lien Credit Agreement, but only to the extent that such Scheduled Determination has not yet occurred as of such date.

 

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Material Acquisition” means any acquisition of Property or series of related acquisitions of Property that involves the payment of consideration by any Restricted Person in excess of a dollar amount equal to the greater of (i) $10,000,000 or (ii) (a) at any time prior to the First Priority Obligations Payment Date, five percent (5%) of the then effective Borrowing Base and (b) at any time thereafter, two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the Total Proved PV-10 most recently calculated hereunder for purposes of determining the Borrower’s compliance with Section 7.14 on the most recent Asset Coverage Test Date.

 

Material Adverse Change” means (a) a material and adverse change in (i) the Credit Parties’ business, assets, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), operations or financial condition, considered as a whole, (ii) Borrower’s ability to timely pay the Obligations or any Restricted Person’s ability to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party, (b) a material impairment of the rights and remedies of Administrative Agent or any Lender Party under any Loan Document, or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Restricted Person of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

 

Material Contracts” means any contract or other arrangement to which any Restricted Person is a party (other than the Loan Documents) for which breach, nonperformance, cancellation or failure to renew could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change, provided that contracts and oil and gas leases that are specifically listed on an Exhibit or Schedule to any Security Document shall not be deemed to be Material Contracts for purposes of this definition.

 

Material Disposition” means any Disposition of Property or series of related Dispositions of Property that yields gross proceeds to any Restricted Person in excess of a dollar amount equal to (a) at any time prior to the First Priority Obligations Payment Date, five percent (5%) of the then effective Borrowing Base and (b) at any time thereafter, two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the Total Proved PV-10 most recently calculated hereunder for purposes of determining the Borrower’s compliance with Section 7.14 on the most recent Asset Coverage Test Date.

 

Maturity Date” means June 28, 2018.

 

Maximum Credit Amount” means the amount of $100,000,000.

 

Minimum Collateral Amount” means Oil and Gas Properties to which are attributable, 80% of the Present Value of the Proved Reserves attributable to all of the Borrowing Base Properties.

 

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or its successor.

 

Multiemployer Plan” means any plan described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

 

Non-Consenting Lender” means any Lender that does not approve any consent, waiver, or amendment that requires the approval of all affected Lenders and has been approved by Majority Lenders.

 

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Note” means a promissory note made by Borrower in favor of a Lender or its registered assigns evidencing Loans made by such Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit A.

 

NYMEX Pricing” means, as of any date of determination with respect to any month (i)  for crude oil, the closing settlement price for the Light, Sweet Crude Oil futures contract for such month, and (ii) for natural gas, the closing settlement price for the Henry Hub Natural Gas futures contract for such month, in each case as published by New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) on its website currently located at www.nymex.com, or any successor thereto (as such price may be corrected or revised from time to time by the NYMEX in accordance with its rules and regulations). If, with the consent of the Administrative Agent, the relevant benchmarks used in any Engineering Report change, then NYMEX Pricing shall refer to such new benchmarks.

 

Obligations ” means all Liabilities from time to time owing by any Restricted Person to any Lender Party under or pursuant to any of the Loan Documents. “ Obligation” means any part of the Obligations. Without limitation of the foregoing, the term “Obligations” shall include the unpaid principal of and interest on the Loans (including, without limitation, interest accruing at the then applicable rate provided in this Agreement after the maturity of the Loans and interest accruing at the then applicable rate provided in this Agreement after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy, or the commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or like proceeding, relating to the Borrower or any Restricted Person, whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding), and unpaid amounts, fees, expenses, indemnities, costs, and all other obligations and liabilities of every nature of the Borrower, any Restricted Person or any Guarantor, whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

Oil and Gas Properties” means all oil, gas and/or mineral leases, oil, gas or mineral properties, mineral servitudes and/or mineral rights of any kind (including mineral fee interests, lease interests, farmout interests, overriding royalty and royalty interests, net profits interests, oil payment interests, production payment interests and other types of mineral interests), and all oil and gas gathering, treating, storage, processing and handling assets.

 

One-Month Eurodollar Rate” means, for any day for any Base Rate Loan within a Borrowing, (a) the interest rate per annum (carried out to the fifth decimal place) equal to the applicable London interbank offered rate for deposits in the requested currency appearing on the Reuters Reference LIBOR01 page for such currency as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such day with a term equivalent to one month, or (b) in the event the rate referenced in the preceding clause (a) does not appear on such page or service or such page or service shall cease to be available, the rate per annum (carried out to the fifth decimal place) equal to the rate determined by Administrative Agent to be the offered rate on Page BBAM of the Bloomberg Financial Market Information Service as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such day with a term equivalent to one month, or (c) in the event the rates referenced in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) are not available, the rate per annum determined by Administrative Agent using another comparable publicly available service for displaying London interbank offered rates for deposits of U.S. Dollars with a term equivalent to one month.

 

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Organizational Documents” means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and limited liability company agreement or operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.

 

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

 

Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 3.7).

 

Parent” means Sundance Energy Australia Limited (ACN 112 202 883), a limited company organized and existing under the laws of South Australia.

 

Parent Guaranty” means the Guaranty of even date herewith made by Parent in favor of Administrative Agent for the benefit of beneficiaries named therein, as from time to time supplemented, amended and restated and all guaranties given in substitution therefore or in replacement thereof.

 

Participant” has the meaning given to such term in Section 10.5(d).

 

Participant Register” has the meaning given to such term in Section 10.5(d).

 

Patriot Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56), which was signed into law October 26, 2001.

 

PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

 

Permitted Investments” means:

 

(a)            Cash Equivalents;

 

(b)            existing Investments described in the Disclosure Schedule;

 

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(c)            Investments consisting of Hedge Contracts permitted under Section 7.3;

 

(d)            normal and prudent extensions of credit by Restricted Persons to their customers for buying goods and services in the ordinary course of business or to another Restricted Person in the ordinary course of business, which extensions shall not be for longer periods than those extended by similar businesses operated in a normal and prudent manner;

 

(e)            extensions of credit among Restricted Persons that are permitted pursuant to Section 7.1;

 

(f)             Core Acquisitions and Investments that are made when no Default has occurred and is continuing or will occur as a result thereof;

 

(g)            Investments of the type described in clause (ii) of the definition of Core Acquisitions and Investments that are made when a Restricted Person acquires less than 51% of the Equity in the applicable Person and no Default has occurred and is continuing or will occur as a result of such acquisition, which Investments do not exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate during any Fiscal Year; and

 

(h)            Investments not described in subsections (a) through (g) above that do not (taking into account all Investments of all Restricted Persons) exceed an aggregate amount of $5,000,000 during any Fiscal Year.

 

Permitted Liens” means:

 

(a)            statutory Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or levies that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with IFRS;

 

(b)            landlords’, operators’, carriers’, warehousemen’s, repairmen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, or other like Liens that do not secure Indebtedness, in each case only to the extent arising in the ordinary course of business and only to the extent securing obligations that are not delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with IFRS;

 

(c)            minor defects and irregularities in title to any property, so long as such defects and irregularities neither secure Indebtedness nor materially impair the value of such property or the use of such property for the purposes for which such property is held;

 

(d)            deposits of cash, letters of credit, or securities to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations and other obligations of a like nature (excluding appeal bonds) incurred in the ordinary course of business and not constituting Indebtedness;

 

(e)            Liens under the Security Documents;

 

(f)             with respect only to property subject to any particular Security Document, additional Liens burdening such property that are expressly allowed by such Security Document;

 

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(g)               easements, restrictions, servitudes, permits, conditions, covenants, exceptions or reservations in any property of any Restricted Person for the purpose of roads, pipelines, transmission lines, transportation lines, distribution lines for the removal of gas, oil, coal or other minerals or timber, and other like purposes, or for the joint or common use of real estate, rights of way, facilities and equipment, that do not secure Indebtedness and that do not materially interfere with the future development of such property or with cash flow from such property as reflected in the most recent Engineering Report;

 

(h)               judgment and attachment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default, provided that any appropriate legal proceedings that may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment shall not have been finally terminated or the period within which such proceeding may be initiated shall not have expired no action to enforce such Lien has been commenced, and such Liens are covered by a bond or insurance reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent;

 

(i)                pledges or deposits in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislations;

 

(j)                Liens under joint operating agreements, pooling or unitization agreements or similar contractual arrangements arising in the ordinary course of the business of any Restricted Person to secure amounts owing under such agreements and contracts, which amounts are not more than 90 days past due or are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with IFRS;

 

(k)               encumbrances consisting of deed restrictions, zoning restrictions, easements, governmental or environmental permitting and operation restrictions, the exercise by Governmental Authorities or third parties of eminent domain or condemnation rights, or any other similar restrictions on the use of the Oil and Gas Properties, none of which materially impairs the use of such property by Borrower or any Restricted Person in the operation of its business, and none of which is or shall be violated in any material respect by existing proposed operations;

 

(l)                (i) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.1(d) and which (A)     secure Capital Lease Obligations, or (B) fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by Borrower or any other Restricted Person; provided, that, with respect to Liens permitted under this clause (B) (1) such Liens and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred substantially simultaneously with the acquisition, construction or improvement of such fixed or capital assets or within 180 days thereafter, (2) such Liens do not at any time encumber any property other than the property financed by such Indebtedness, replacements and proceeds thereof and accession thereto, and (3) the amount of Indebtedness secured thereby is not more than 100% of the purchase price, and (ii) Liens in the nature of precautionary financing statements filed against leased property by the applicable lessors thereof;

 

(m)             all lessors’ royalties, overriding royalties, net profits interests, carried interests, production payments that do not constitute Indebtedness, reversionary interests and other burdens on or deductions from the proceeds of production with respect to each Oil and Gas Property (in each case) that do not operate to reduce the net revenue interest for such Oil and Gas Property (if any) as reflected in any Security Document or Engineering Report or increase the

 

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working interest for such Oil and Gas Property (if any) as reflected in any Security Document or Engineering Report without a corresponding increase in the corresponding net revenue interest; and

 

(n)               Liens that secure the First Lien Loan Documents, provided that the property covered by such Liens is also subject to Liens securing the Secured Obligations.

 

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

 

Plan” means any employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) established by a Restricted Person and any ERISA Plan.

 

Platform ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 10.3(d).

 

Present Value” of any Oil and Gas Property means the present value of the future net revenues attributed to such property in the most recent Engineering Report using a discount rate of 10% per annum.

 

Projected Oil and Gas Production” means the projected production of oil, natural gas, or natural gas liquids (measured by volume unit or BTU equivalent, not sales price) for the term of the contracts or a particular month, as applicable, from reserves that are at the time in question, Proved Developed Producing Reserves attributable to Oil and Gas Properties owned by the Restricted Persons that are located in the United States, as such production is projected in the Engineering Report most recently delivered, after deducting projected production from any properties or interests sold or under contract for sale that had been included in such report and after adding projected production from any properties or interests that had not been reflected in such report but that are reflected in a separate or supplemental report meeting the requirements of Section 6.2(f) or (g) and otherwise are satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

 

Proved Reserves” means “Proved Reserves” as defined in the Petroleum Resources Management System as in effect at the time in question (in this definition, the “ PRMS” ) prepared by the Oil and Gas Reserves Committee of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and reviewed and jointly sponsored by the World Petroleum Council, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (or any generally recognized successor organizations). “ Proved Developed Producing Reserves ” means Proved Reserves that are categorized as “Developed Producing Reserves” in the PRMS, “ Proved Developed Nonproducing Reserves” means Proved Reserves that are categorized as “Developed Nonproducing Reserves” in the PRMS, and “ Proved Undeveloped Reserves” means Proved Reserves that are categorized as “Undeveloped Reserves” in the PRMS.

 

Recipient” means (a) Administrative Agent, and (b) any Lender, as applicable.

 

Redetermination Date” means the effective date of each redetermination of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 2.8(b), (c), (d) or (e) or Section 7.5(f) of the First Lien Credit Agreement as in effect on the date hereof.

 

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Regulation D” means Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor thereto or other regulation or official interpretation of said Board of Governors relating to reserve requirements applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve System.

 

Regulation U” means Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor or other regulation or official interpretation of said Board of Governors relating to the extension of credit by banks for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stocks applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve System.

 

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

 

Reserve Requirement” means, at any time, the maximum rate at which reserves (including any marginal, special, supplemental, or emergency reserves) are required to be maintained under regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) by member banks of the Federal Reserve System against “Eurocurrency liabilities” (as such term is used in Regulation D). Without limiting the effect of the foregoing, the Reserve Requirement shall reflect any other reserves required to be maintained by such member banks with respect to (a) any category of liabilities that includes deposits by reference to which the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate is to be determined, or (b) any category of extensions of credit or other assets that includes Eurodollar Loans.

 

Responsible Officer” means, with respect to Borrower, the Chief Executive Officer, President or Chief Financial Officer of Borrower, and with respect to any other Restricted Person, if such Restricted Person is a corporation, the President or Chief Financial Officer of such Restricted Person, if such Restricted Person is a limited liability company, a Manager or officer of such Restricted Person, as applicable, and if such Restricted Person is a limited partnership, the applicable officer of the General Partner of such limited partnership.

 

Restricted Person” means any of Borrower, each Subsidiary of Borrower, and each Domestic Subsidiary of Parent which is a Guarantor.

 

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (a division of The McGraw Hill Companies), or its successor.

 

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

 

Secured Obligations” means all Obligations.

 

Security Documents” means all security agreements, deeds of trust, mortgages, chattel mortgages, pledges, guaranties, financing statements, continuation statements, extension agreements, subordination agreements, intercreditor agreements, and other agreements or instruments now, heretofore, or hereafter delivered by any Restricted Person to Administrative Agent in connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby to secure or

 

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guarantee the payment of any part of the Secured Obligations or the performance of any Restricted Person’s other duties and obligations under the Loan Documents.

 

Security Schedule” means Schedule 3 hereto.

 

Special Determinations” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.8(d) of the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Staff Engineers” means petroleum engineers who are employees of Borrower or of a staffing company that provides its employees to Borrower.

 

Strip Price” shall mean, at any time, (a) for the remainder of the then-current calendar year, the average NYMEX Pricing for the remaining months in such calendar year, (b) for each of the succeeding three complete calendar years, the average NYMEX Pricing for the twelve months in each such calendar year, and (c) for the succeeding fourth complete calendar year and each calendar year thereafter, the average NYMEX pricing for the twelve months in such fourth calendar year.

 

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, or other business or corporate entity, enterprise or organization that is directly or indirectly (through one or more intermediaries) controlled by or owned 50% or more by such Person, provided that associations, joint ventures or other relationships (a) that are established pursuant to a standard form operating agreement or similar agreement or that are partnerships for purposes of federal income taxation only, (b) that are not corporations or partnerships (or subject to the Uniform Partnership Act) under applicable state Law, and (c) whose businesses are limited to the exploration, development and operation of oil, gas or mineral properties and interests owned directly by the parties in such associations, joint ventures or relationships, shall not be deemed to be “Subsidiaries” of such Person.

 

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

 

Termination Event” means (a) the occurrence with respect to any ERISA Plan of (i) a reportable event described in Section 4043(c)(5) or (6) of ERISA or (ii) any other reportable event described in Section 4043(c) of ERISA other than such a reportable event for which the 30-day notice requirement has been waived, or (b) the withdrawal by any ERISA Affiliate from an ERISA 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, or (c) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate any ERISA Plan or the treatment of any ERISA Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 of ERISA, or (d) the institution of proceedings to terminate any ERISA Plan by the PBGC under Section 4042 of ERISA, or (e) any other event or condition which might constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any ERISA Plan, or (f) any failure by any ERISA Plan to satisfy the ERISA Plan Funding Rules, whether or not waived, or (g) the filing pursuant to Section 412(c) of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the

 

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minimum funding standard with respect to any ERISA Plan, the failure to make by its due date a required installment under Section 430(j) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to any ERISA Plan, or (h) a determination that any ERISA Plan is, or is expected to be, an at-risk plan (as defined in Section 430 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 303 of ERISA) and the funding target attainment percentage (as defined in Section 430 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 303 of ERISA) for such plan is, or is expected to be, less than 60 percent, or (i) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent, upon any ERISA Affiliate.

 

Threshold Amount” means $2,000,000.

 

Total Proved PV-10” means, as of any date of determination thereof with respect to the Oil and Gas Properties described in the then most recent Engineering Report delivered to the Administrative Agent, the net present value, discounted at ten percent (10%) per annum, of the future net revenues expected to accrue to the Credit Parties’ collective interest in such Oil and Gas Properties during the remaining expected economic lives of such Oil and Gas Properties. Each calculation of such expected future net revenues shall be made in accordance with then existing standards of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, provided that in any event (a) reasonable deductions shall be made for severance and ad valorem taxes, and for operating, gathering, transportation and marketing costs required for the production and sale of Hydrocarbons from such Oil and Gas Properties, (b) the pricing assumptions used in determining Total Proved PV-10 for any Oil and Gas Properties shall be based upon the Strip Price, adjusted in a manner reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent to reflect the Credit Parties’ Hedging Contracts in respect of forecasted production from Proved Developed Producing Reserves then in effect and (c) the cash-flows derived from the pricing assumptions set forth in clause (b) above shall be further adjusted to account for the historical basis differential in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent; provided however, that for purposes of this calculation, not less than 60% of the Total Proved PV-10 shall be attributable to Oil and Gas Properties described in the Engineering Report as Proved Developed Producing Reserves. The amount of Total Proved PV-10 at any time shall be calculated on a pro forma basis for Material Dispositions and Material Acquisitions of Oil and Gas Properties consummated by the Credit Parties since the date of the Engineering Report most recently delivered hereto (provided that, in the case of any such Material Acquisition, the Administrative Agent shall have received an Engineering Report evaluating the proved reserves attributable to the Oil and Gas Properties subject thereto).

 

Type” means, with respect to any Loans, the characterization of such Loans as either Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Loans.

 

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of Colorado from time to time.

 

United States” and “ U.S .” mean the United States of America.

 

Unused Availability” has the meaning provided in the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

U.S. Borrower” means any Borrower that is a U.S. Person.

 

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

 

Withholding Agent” means Borrower and Administrative Agent.

 

Section 1.2.                                  Exhibits and Schedules; Additional Definitions.    All Exhibits and Schedules attached to this Agreement are a part hereof for all purposes. Reference is hereby made to the Security Schedule for the meaning of certain terms defined therein and used but not defined herein, which definitions are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Section 1.3.                                  Terms Generally; References and Titles . The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” References to a Person’s “discretion” means its sole and absolute discretion. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (c) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement, (e) any reference to any Law herein shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such Law, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time and (f) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights. References to any document, instrument, or agreement (a) shall include all exhibits, schedules, and other attachments thereto, and (b) shall include all documents, instruments, or agreements issued or executed in replacement thereof. Titles appearing at the beginning of any subdivisions are for convenience only and do not constitute any part of such subdivisions and shall be disregarded in construing the language contained in such subdivisions. The phrases “this section” and “this subsection” and similar phrases refer only to the Sections or subsections hereof in which such phrases occur. The word “or” is not exclusive. Accounting terms have the meanings assigned to them by IFRS, as applied by the accounting entity to which they refer. References to “days” shall mean calendar days, unless the term “Business Day” is used.

 

Section 1.4.                                  Calculations and Determinations.   All calculations under the Loan Documents of interest chargeable with respect to Eurodollar Loans and of fees shall be made on the basis of actual days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last) and a year of 360 days. All other calculations of interest made under the Loan Documents shall be made on the basis of actual days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last) and a year of 365 or 366 days, as appropriate. Each determination by a Lender Party of amounts to be paid under Article III or any other matters that are to be determined hereunder by a Lender Party (such as any Eurodollar Rate, Adjusted Eurodollar Rate, Business Day, Interest Period, or Reserve

 

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Requirement) shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein or unless Majority Lenders otherwise consent all financial statements and reports furnished to any Lender Party hereunder shall be prepared and all financial computations and determinations pursuant hereto shall be made in accordance with IFRS. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all financial statements delivered hereunder shall be prepared, and all financial covenants contained herein shall be calculated, without giving effect to any election under ASC Topic 825 (or similar provisions of IFRS or any other similar accounting principle) permitting a Person to value its financial liabilities at the fair value thereof.

 

Section 1.5.                                  Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by Borrower pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).

 

Section 1.6.                                  Times of Day. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Mountain time (daylight or standard, as applicable).

 

Section 1.7.                                  Joint Preparation; Construction of Indemnities and Releases. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents have been reviewed and negotiated by sophisticated parties with access to legal counsel and no rule of construction shall apply hereto or thereto that would require or allow any Loan Document to be construed against any party because of its role in drafting such Loan Document. All indemnification and release provisions of this Agreement shall be construed broadly (and not narrowly) in favor of the Persons receiving indemnification or being released.

 

ARTICLE II- THE LOANS

 

Section 2.1.                                  Commitments to Lend; Notes.   Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender agrees to make a Loan (each a “ Loan” ) to the Borrower on or before the date hereof in an aggregate principal amount equal to such Lender’s Commitment. The Commitments are not revolving and amounts repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed under any circumstance. Any Commitment not drawn by Borrower on or before the date hereof shall be permanently cancelled. The obligation of Borrower to repay to each Lender the aggregate amount of all Loans made by such Lender, together with interest accruing in connection therewith, shall be evidenced by a single Note made by Borrower payable to such Lender or its registered assigns in the form of Exhibit A with appropriate insertions. The amount of principal owing on any Lender’s Note at any given time shall be the aggregate amount of all Loans theretofore made by such Lender minus all payments of principal theretofore received by such Lender on such Note.

 

Section 2.2.                                  Requests for Loan. Borrower must give to Administrative Agent written or electronic notice of any requested Borrowing of new Loans to be advanced by Lenders. Each such notice constitutes a “ Borrowing Notice” hereunder and must:

 

(a)                                  specify (i) the aggregate amount of any such Borrowing of Base Rate Loans and the date on which such Base Rate Loans are to be advanced, or (ii) the aggregate amount of any

 

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such Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans, the date on which such Eurodollar Loans are to be advanced (which date shall be the first day of the Interest Period that is to apply thereto), and the length of the applicable Interest Period; and

 

(b)                                  be received by Administrative Agent not later than 10:00 a.m. on (i) the day on which any such Base Rate Loans are to be made, or (ii) the 3rd Business Day preceding the day on which any such Eurodollar Loans are to be made.

 

Each such written request or confirmation must be made in the form and substance of the “Borrowing Notice” attached hereto as Exhibit B, duly completed. Each such request shall be deemed a representation, warranty, acknowledgment and agreement by Borrower as to the matters that are required to be set out in such written confirmation. Upon receipt of any such Borrowing Notice, Administrative Agent shall give each Lender prompt notice of the terms thereof. If all conditions precedent to such Loans have been met, each Lender will on the date requested promptly remit to Administrative Agent at Administrative Agent’s office in Denver, Colorado the amount of such Lender’s Loan in immediately available funds, and upon receipt of such funds, unless to its actual knowledge any conditions precedent to such Loans have been neither met nor waived as provided herein, Administrative Agent shall promptly make such Loans available to Borrower. Unless Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, Administrative Agent may in its discretion assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with this Section 2.2 and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and Borrower severally agree to pay to Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation and (ii) in the case of a payment to be made by Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. If Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to Borrower the amount of such interest paid by Borrower for such period. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Borrowing to Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing. Any payment by Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to Administrative Agent.

 

Section 2.3.                                  Continuations and Conversions of Existing Loans. Borrower may make the following elections with respect to Loans already outstanding: to convert Base Rate Loans to Eurodollar Loans, to convert Eurodollar Loans to Base Rate Loans on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, and to continue Eurodollar Loans beyond the expiration of such Interest Period by designating a new Interest Period to take effect at the time of such expiration. In making such elections, Borrower may combine existing Loans made pursuant to separate Borrowings into one new Borrowing or divide existing Loans made pursuant to one Borrowing into separate new Borrowings, provided that Borrower may have no more than 3 Borrowings of

 

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Eurodollar Loans outstanding at any time. To make any such election, Borrower must give to Administrative Agent written or electronic notice of any such Conversion or Continuation of existing Loans, with a separate notice given for each new Borrowing. Each such notice constitutes a “ Continuation/Conversion Notice” hereunder and must:

 

(a)                                  specify the existing Loans that are to be Continued or Converted;

 

(b)                                  specify (i) the aggregate amount of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans into which such existing Loans are to be continued or converted and the date on which such Continuation or Conversion is to occur, or (ii) the aggregate amount of any Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans into which such existing Loans are to be continued or converted, the date on which such Continuation or Conversion is to occur (which date shall be the first day of the Interest Period that is to apply to such Eurodollar Loans), and the length of the applicable Interest Period; and

 

(c)                                   be received by Administrative Agent not later than 10:00 a.m. on (i) the day on which any such Continuation or Conversion to Base Rate Loans is to occur, or (ii) the 3rd Business Day preceding the day on which any such Continuation or Conversion to Eurodollar Loans is to occur.

 

Each such written request or confirmation must be made in the form and substance of the “Continuation/Conversion Notice” attached hereto as Exhibit C, duly completed. Each such request shall be deemed a representation, warranty, acknowledgment and agreement by Borrower as to the matters that are required to be set out in such written confirmation. Upon receipt of any such Continuation/Conversion Notice, Administrative Agent shall give each Lender prompt notice of the terms thereof. Each Continuation/Conversion Notice shall be irrevocable and binding on Borrower. During the continuance of any Default, Borrower may not make any election to convert existing Loans into Eurodollar Loans or continue existing Loans as Eurodollar Loans. If (due to the existence of a Default or for any other reason) Borrower fails to timely and properly give any Continuation/Conversion Notice with respect to a Borrowing of existing Eurodollar Loans at least 3 Business Days prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, such Eurodollar Loans shall automatically be converted into Base Rate Loans at the end of such Interest Period. No new funds shall be repaid by Borrower or advanced by any Lender in connection with any Continuation or Conversion of existing Loans pursuant to this section, and no such Continuation or Conversion shall be deemed to be a new advance of funds for any purpose; such Continuations and Conversions merely constitute a change in the interest rate applicable to already outstanding Loans.

 

Section 2.4.                                  Use of Proceeds.   Borrower shall use all Loans to finance capital expenditures, and provide working capital for its operations and for other general business purposes. In no event shall the funds from any Loan be used directly or indirectly by any Person for personal, family, household or agricultural purposes or for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of purchasing, acquiring or carrying any “margin stock” (as such term is defined in Regulation U) or to extend credit to others directly or indirectly for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any such margin stock. Borrower represents and warrants that Borrower is not engaged principally, or as one of Borrower’s important activities, in the business of extending credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying such margin stock.

 

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Section 2.5.                                  Interest Rates and Fees; Payment Dates.

 

(a)                                  Interest Rates.                   Subject to subsection (b) below, (i) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on each day outstanding at the Adjusted Base Rate in effect on such day, and (ii) each Eurodollar Loan shall bear interest on each day during the related Interest Period at the related Adjusted Eurodollar Rate in effect on such day.

 

(b)                                  Default Rate. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing under Section 8.1(a), (b), (j)(i), (j)(ii), or (j)(iii), all outstanding Loans shall bear interest at the applicable Default Rate. In addition, if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (other than under Section 8.1(a), (b), (j)(i), (j)(ii), or (j)(iii)), Majority Lenders (or Administrative Agent at the direction of Majority Lenders) may, by notice to Borrower, elect to have the outstanding Loans bear interest at the applicable Default Rate, whereupon such Loans shall bear interest at the applicable Default Rate until the earlier of (i) the first date thereafter upon which there shall be no Event of Default continuing and (ii) the date upon which Majority Lenders shall have rescinded such notice.

 

(c)                                   [Reserved].

 

(d)                                  Fee Letter.   In addition to all other amounts due under the Loan Documents, Borrower will pay fees to Administrative Agent as described in the Fee Letter.

 

(e)                                   Payment Dates.   On each Interest Payment Date relating to Base Rate Loans, Borrower shall pay to Lenders all unpaid interest that has accrued on the Base Rate Loans to but not including such Interest Payment Date. On each Interest Payment Date relating to a Eurodollar Loan, Borrower shall pay to Lenders all unpaid interest that has accrued on such Eurodollar Loan to but not including such Interest Payment Date.

 

Section 2.6.                                  Prepayments.

 

(a)                                  Optional. Subject to clause (b) of this Section 2.6, Borrower may, from time to time prepay the Loans, in whole or in part, upon prior written notice to Administrative Agent, provided that (i) such notice must be received by Administrative Agent not later than 10:00 a.m. (x) on the Business Day preceding the day on which any Base Rate Loan is to be prepaid and (y) on the 3rd Business Day preceding the day on which any Eurodollar Loan is to be prepaid and (ii) the aggregate amounts of all partial prepayments of principal on the Loans equals $1,000,000 or any higher integral multiple of $500,000.

 

(b)                                  Prepayment Penalty and Other Amounts. To the extent the Borrower makes a prepayment under this Section 2.6, such prepayment shall be accompanied by the following additional amounts: (i) if Borrower prepays any Eurodollar Loan on any day other than the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, it shall pay to applicable Lenders any amounts due under Section 3.4 and (ii) any prepayment made on or before the first anniversary of the Closing Date shall be accompanied by a premium of 2% of the principal amount prepaid and any prepayment made after the first anniversary of the Closing Date but on or before the second anniversary of the Closing Date shall be accompanied by a premium of 1% of the principal amount prepaid. Each prepayment of principal under this Section 2.6 shall be accompanied by all interest then accrued and unpaid on the principal so prepaid. Any principal or interest prepaid

 

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pursuant to this Section 2.6 shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all payments otherwise required to be paid under the Loan Documents at the time of such prepayment.

 

Section 2.7.                                  Sharing of Payments by Lenders. If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of the Loan made by it, resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Loan or participations and accrued interest thereon greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and other amounts owing them (except that with respect to any other Lender that is a Defaulting Lender by virtue of such Lender failing to fund its required share (if any) of any Loan, such Defaulting Lender’s pro rata share of the excess payment shall be allocated to the Lender (or the Lenders, pro rata) that funded such Defaulting Lender’s required share (if any)), provided that:

 

(i)                                      if any such participations or subparticipations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations or subparticipations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and

 

(ii)                                   the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by or on behalf of Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender), or (y) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loan to any assignee or participant, other than an assignment to Borrower or any Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).

 

Each Restricted Person consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable Law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against such Restricted Person rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Restricted Person in the amount of such participation.

 

Section 2.8.                                  Obligations of Lenders Several. The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans, and to make payments pursuant to Section 2.2 are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan; or to make any payment under Section 10.4(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section 10.4(c).

 

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Section 2.9.                                  Defaulting Lenders.

 

(a)                                  Adjustments.                         Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as that Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:

 

(i)                                      Waivers and Amendments. That Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in Section 10.1 and the definition of Majority Lenders.

 

(ii)                                   Reallocation of Payments.   Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by Administrative Agent for the account of that Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article III or VIII or otherwise, and including any amounts made available to Administrative Agent by that Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 10.14), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment of any amounts owing to Lenders as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; third, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by Borrower against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and fourth, to that Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (y) such Loans were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of all non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of that Defaulting Lender. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this Section 2.9(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by that Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

 

(b)                                  Defaulting Lender Cure . If Borrower and Administrative Agent agree in writing in their discretion that a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender, Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein, that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Applicable Percentages, whereupon that Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to payments made by or on behalf of Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

 

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ARTICLE III - PAYMENTS TO LENDERS

 

Section 3.1.                                  General Procedures. Borrower will make each payment that it owes under the Loan Documents to Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender Party to whom such payment is owed, in lawful money of the United States, without set-off, deduction or counterclaim, and in immediately available funds. Each such payment must be received by Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. on the date such payment becomes due and payable. Any payment received by Administrative Agent after such time will be deemed to have been made on the next following Business Day. Should any such payment become due and payable on a day other than a Business Day, the maturity of such payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of a payment of principal or past due interest, interest shall accrue and be payable thereon for the period of such extension as provided in the Loan Document under which such payment is due. Each payment under a Loan Document shall be due and payable at the place set forth for Administrative Agent on the Lenders Schedule. When Administrative Agent collects or receives money on account of the Obligations, Administrative Agent shall distribute all money so collected or received, and each Lender Party shall apply all such money so distributed, as follows (except as otherwise provided in Section 8.3):

 

(a)                                  first, for the payment of all Obligations that are then due (and if such money is insufficient to pay all such Obligations, first to any reimbursements due to Administrative Agent under Section 6.9 or 10.4 and then to the partial payment of all other Obligations then due in proportion to the amounts thereof, or as Lender Parties shall otherwise agree);

 

(b)                                  then for the prepayment of principal of the Loans, together with accrued and unpaid interest on the principal so prepaid; and

 

(c)                                   last, for the payment or prepayment of any other Obligations.

 

All payments applied to principal or interest shall be applied first to any interest then due and payable, then to principal then due and payable, and last to any prepayment of principal and interest in compliance with Section 2.6(a). All distributions of amounts described in any of subsections (b) or (c) above shall be made by Administrative Agent pro rata to each Lender Party then owed Obligations described in such subsection in proportion to all amounts owed to all Lender Parties that are described in such subsection.

 

Section 3.2.                                  Increased Costs.

 

(a)                                  Increased Costs Generally. If any Change in Law shall:

 

(i)                                      impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any Reserve Requirement reflected in the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate); or

 

(ii)                                   subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) with respect to this Agreement, any Eurodollar Loan

 

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made by it, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto or change the basis of taxation of payments to such Recipient;

 

(iii)                                impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Loans made by such Lender or participation therein;

 

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Eurodollar Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender, Borrower will pay to such Lender, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 

(b)                                  Capital Requirements.   If any Lender determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or any lending office of such Lender, regarding capital or liquidity requirements, has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loan made by such Lender, to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time Borrower will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

(c)                                   Certificates for Reimbursement.   A certificate of a Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in subsections (a) or (b) of this Section and delivered to Borrower, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

 

(d)                                  Delay in Requests.   Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation, provided that Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than 9 months prior to the date that such Lender notifies Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions, and of such Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 9 month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

 

Section 3.3.                                  Illegality.   If any Change in Law after the date hereof shall make it unlawful for any Lender Party to fund or maintain Eurodollar Loans, then, upon notice by such Lender Party to Borrower and Administrative Agent, (a) Borrower’s right to elect Eurodollar Loans from such Lender Party shall be suspended to the extent and for the duration of such illegality, (b) all Eurodollar Loans of such Lender Party that are then the subject of any

 

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Borrowing Notice and that cannot be lawfully funded shall be funded as Base Rate Loans of such Lender Party, and (c) all Eurodollar Loans of such Lender Party shall be converted automatically to Base Rate Loans on the respective last days of the then current Interest Periods with respect to such Loans or within such earlier period as required by Law. If any such conversion of a Eurodollar Loan occurs on a day that is not the last day of the then current Interest Period with respect thereto, Borrower shall pay to such Lender Party such amounts, if any, as may be required pursuant to Section 3.4.

 

Section 3.4.                                  Funding Losses. In addition to its other obligations hereunder, Borrower will indemnify each Lender Party against, and reimburse each Lender Party on demand for, any loss or expense incurred or sustained by such Lender Party (including any loss or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by a Lender Party to fund or maintain Eurodollar Loans), as a result of (a) any payment or prepayment (whether authorized or required hereunder or otherwise) of all or a portion of a Eurodollar Loan on a day other than the day on which the applicable Interest Period ends, (b) any payment or prepayment, whether required hereunder or otherwise, of a Loan made after the delivery, but before the effective date, of a Continuation/Conversion Notice requesting the continuation of outstanding Eurodollar Loans as, or the conversion of outstanding Base Rate Loans to, Eurodollar Loans, if such payment or prepayment prevents such Continuation/ Conversion Notice from becoming fully effective, (c) the failure of any Loan to be made or of any Continuation/Conversion Notice requesting the continuation of outstanding Eurodollar Loans as, or the conversion of outstanding Base Rate Loans to, Eurodollar Loans to become effective due to any condition precedent not being satisfied or due to any other action or inaction of any Restricted Person, (d) any Conversion (whether authorized or required hereunder or otherwise) of all or any portion of any Eurodollar Loan into a Base Rate Loan or into a different Eurodollar Loan on a day other than the day on which the applicable Interest Period ends, or (e) any assignment of a Eurodollar Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by Borrower pursuant to Section 3.7(b). Such indemnification shall be on an after-tax basis.

 

Section 3.5.                                  Taxes.

 

(a)                                  Defined Terms.   For purposes of this Section 3.5, the term “applicable Law” includes FATCA.

 

(b)                                  Payments Free of Taxes.   Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Credit Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable Law. If any applicable Law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable Withholding Agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a Withholding Agent, then (i) the applicable Withholding Agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Law and, (ii) if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by Borrower shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the applicable Recipient receives an

 

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amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

 

(c)                                   Payment of Other Taxes by Credit Parties. Without limiting the provisions of subsection (b) above, each Credit Party shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Law, or at the option of Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

 

(d)                                  Indemnification by Credit Parties.   Borrower shall indemnify each Recipient, within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to Administrative Agent), or by Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(e)                                   Indemnification by Lenders.   Each Credit Party shall severally indemnify Administrative Agent, within 10 days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that Borrower has not already indemnified Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of Borrower to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 10.5(d) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by Administrative Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to Administrative Agent under this subsection (e).

 

(f)                                    Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Credit Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 3.5, such Credit Party shall deliver to Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

 

(g)                                   Status of Lenders.

 

(i)                                              Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to Borrower and Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent as will permit such payments

 

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to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable Law or reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent as will enable Borrower or Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 3.5(g)(ii)(A) and (ii)(B) and (ii)(C) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

 

(ii)                                   Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that Borrower is a U.S. Borrower:

 

(A)                                Any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to Borrower and Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of Borrower or Administrative Agent), executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from United States federal backup withholding tax.

 

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

 

(I)                                    in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, United States federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” Article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, United States federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” Article of such tax treaty;

 

(II)                               executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI;

 

(III)                          in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, (x) a certificate to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal

 

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Revenue Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (C) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code (a “ U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” ) and (y) executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN,

 

(IV)                           to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed originals of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, W-8BEN, IRS Form W-9, and/or a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate satisfactory to the Administrative Agent on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner, or

 

(V)                                executed originals of any other form prescribed by applicable Law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States federal withholding Tax duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable Law to permit Borrower to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.

 

(C)                                If a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to United States federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to Borrower and Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by Law and at such time or times reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable Law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent as may be necessary for Borrower and Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (C), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement. In addition, each Lender shall indemnify Administrative Agent and Borrower for any withholding Tax or other penalties imposed in connection with any “withholdable payment,” as defined in Section 1473 of the Internal Revenue Code, made to a Foreign Lender that has failed to comply with the reporting requirements or otherwise qualify for an exemption under FATCA.

 

Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify Borrower and Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

 

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(h)                                  Treatment of Certain Refunds.   If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 3.5 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 3.5), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 3.5 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this subsection (h) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subsection (h), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this subsection (h) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This subsection shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

 

(i)                                      Survival.    Each party’s obligations under this Section 3.5 shall survive the resignation or replacement of Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document.

 

Section 3.6.    Alternative Rate of Interest. If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans:

 

(a)                                  Administrative Agent determines that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period (any such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error); or

 

(b)                                  Administrative Agent is advised by Majority Lenders that the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Loans included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;

 

then Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to Borrower and Lenders by telephone or facsimile as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until Administrative Agent notifies Borrower and Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Continuation/Conversion Notice that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans shall be ineffective and shall be deemed a request to continue such Borrowing as a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans and (ii) if any Borrowing Notice requests a Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans, such Borrowing shall be made as a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans. Upon receipt of such notice, Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Loans.

 

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Section 3.7.                                  Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

 

(a)                                  Designation of a Different Lending Office. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.2, or requires Borrower to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.5, then such Lender shall (at the request of Borrower) use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.5, as the case may be, in the future, and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

(b)                                  Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.2, or if Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.5 and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different lending office in accordance with Section 3.7(a), or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or a Non-Consenting Lender, then Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 10.5), all of its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Section 3.2 or Section 3.5) and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that:

 

(i)                                      Borrower shall have paid to Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 10.5;

 

(ii)                                   such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loan, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.4) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);

 

(iii)                                in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.2 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.5, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter;

 

(iv)                               such assignment does not conflict with applicable Law; and

 

(v)                                  in the case of any assignment resulting from any Lender becoming a Non- Consenting Lender, the applicable assignee shall have consented to the applicable amendment, waiver or consent.

 

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A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

 

Section 3.8.                                  Payments by Borrower; Presumptions by Administrative Agent. Unless Administrative Agent shall have received notice from Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to Administrative Agent for the account of Lenders hereunder that Borrower will not make such payment, Administrative Agent may assume that Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders the amount due. In such event, if Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders severally agrees to repay to Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

ARTICLE IV - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO LENDING

 

Section 4.1.                                  Closing Date Conditions. The obligation of each Lender to make its Loan hereunder is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

 

(a)                                  Loan Documents. Administrative Agent shall have received duly executed and delivered counterparts of each Loan Document (i) in form, substance and date satisfactory to Administrative Agent, and (ii) in such numbers as Administrative Agent or its counsel may request. In connection with the execution and delivery of the Security Documents, Administrative Agent shall (i) be reasonably satisfied that the Security Documents create second priority, perfected Liens on at least 80% of the total Present Value of the Proved Reserves evaluated for purposes of establishing the Initial Borrowing Base, all Equity in Borrower and in Subsidiaries, and all personal property of the Restricted Persons, and (ii) have received UCC financing statements (duly authorized) as Administrative Agent may request to perfect the Liens granted pursuant to such Security Documents.

 

(b)                                  Organizational Documents; Incumbency.   Administrative Agent shall have received (i) copies of each Organizational Document executed and delivered by each Restricted Person, as applicable, and, to the extent applicable, certified as of a recent date by the appropriate governmental official, each dated the Closing Date or a recent date prior thereto; (ii) signature and incumbency certificates of the officers of such Person executing the Loan Documents to which it is a party; (iii) resolutions of the board of directors or similar governing body of each Restricted Person approving and authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party or by which it or its assets may be bound as of the Closing Date, certified as of the Closing Date by a Responsible Officer as being in full force and effect without modification or amendment; (iv) an existence and good standing certificate from the applicable Governmental Authority of each Restricted Person’s jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation and in each jurisdiction in which it owns real property Collateral, each dated a recent date prior to the Closing Date; and (v) such other documents as Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

 

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(c)                                   Closing Certificate.   Administrative Agent shall have received a “Closing Certificate” of a Responsible Officer of Borrower, of even date with this Agreement, in which such officer certifies to the satisfaction of each of the conditions set out in Section 4.1 and Section 4.2 and which attaches a copy of the First Lien Credit Agreement certified as being true and complete.

 

(d)                                  Governmental Authorizations and Consents . Each Restricted Person shall have obtained all governmental authorizations from any Governmental Authority and all consents of other Persons, in each case that are necessary or deemed by Administrative Agent to be advisable in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents and each of the foregoing shall be in full force and effect and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent. All applicable waiting periods shall have expired without any action being taken or threatened by any competent authority that would restrain, prevent or otherwise impose adverse conditions on the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or the financing thereof and no action, request for stay, petition for review or rehearing, reconsideration, or appeal with respect to any of the foregoing shall be pending, and the time for any applicable agency to take action to set aside its consent on its own motion shall have expired.

 

(e)                                   Environmental Information.   Administrative Agent shall have received information, in form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, regarding environmental matters relating to Restricted Persons’ material real property assets.

 

(f)                                    Evidence of Insurance.   Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate from Restricted Persons’ insurance broker or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to them that all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to Section 6.8 is in full force and effect and that Administrative Agent have been named as additional insured and loss payee thereunder as its interests may appear and to the extent required under Section 6.8.

 

(g)                                   Opinions of Counsel to Restricted Persons.   Administrative Agent shall have received originally executed copies of the favorable written opinions of counsel to Restricted Persons and Parent in the form of Exhibits F-1 and F-2 and opining as to such matters as Administrative Agent may reasonably request, dated as of the Closing Date and otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent (and each Restricted Person hereby instructs such counsel to deliver such opinions to Administrative Agent and Lenders).

 

(h)                                  Fees. Administrative Agent shall have received all facility, agency, recording, filing, and other fees or reimbursements required to be paid to Administrative Agent or any Lender pursuant to the Fee Letter or any other Loan Documents or any commitment agreement heretofore entered into. Administrative Agent’s counsel shall have received payment from Borrower for estimated fees charged by filing officers and other public officials incurred or to be incurred in connection with filing any recordation of any Security Documents and for which invoices have been presented as of the Closing Date.

 

(i)                                      Financial Statements.   Lenders shall have received the Initial Financial Statements, which shall be in form reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, together with a certificate by a Responsible Officer certifying the Initial Financial Statements.

 

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(j)                                     Initial Engineering Report. Lenders shall have received the Initial Engineering Report, which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

 

(k)                                  Title. Administrative Agent shall have received title reports and title opinions in form, substance and authorship satisfactory to Administrative Agent, with respect to Restricted Persons’ Proved Reserves representing not less than 80% of the Present Value of Restricted Persons’ Proved Reserves evaluated for purposes of establishing the Initial Borrowing Base.

 

(l)                                      No Litigation. There shall not exist any action, suit, investigation, litigation or proceeding or other legal or regulatory developments, pending or threatened in any court or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority that, in the reasonable opinion of Administrative Agent, singly or in the aggregate, materially impairs the financing hereunder or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, or that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

 

(m)                              Completion of Proceedings.   All partnership, corporate and other proceedings taken or to be taken in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and all documents incidental thereto not previously found acceptable by Administrative Agent and its counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Administrative Agent and such counsel, and Administrative Agent and such counsel shall have received all such counterpart originals or certified copies of such documents as Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

 

(n)                                  Material Adverse Change . No event or circumstance shall have occurred or be continuing since the date of the audited Initial Financial Statements that has had, or could reasonably be expected to cause, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Change.

 

(o)                                  Minimum Liquidity. The Borrowing Base under the First Lien Credit Agreement shall be at least $40,000,000.

 

(p)                                  Commodity Hedges. The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a correct and complete list in reasonable detail of all of the Borrower’s commodity hedges.

 

(q)                                  Material Contracts.   Borrower shall have delivered to Administrative Agent a certificate certifying that true and correct copies of all Material Contracts listed thereon have been delivered to Administrative Agent (including all waivers, supplements or amendments thereto), in each case, in the form existing on the Closing Date.

 

(r)                                     Due Diligence.   Administrative Agent and Lenders shall have completed satisfactory due diligence review of the assets, liabilities, business, operations and condition (financial or otherwise) of the Restricted Persons, including, a review of their Oil and Gas Properties and all legal, financial, accounting, governmental, environmental, tax and regulatory matters, and fiduciary aspects of the proposed financing.

 

(s)                                    Other Documentation. Administrative Agent shall have received all documents and instruments that Administrative Agent has then reasonably requested, in addition to those

 

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described in this Section 4.1. All such additional documents and instruments shall be reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent in form, substance and date.

 

Section 4.2.                                  Additional Conditions Precedent. No Lender has any obligation to make any Loan, unless the following conditions precedent have been satisfied:

 

(a)                                  All representations and warranties made by any Credit Party in any Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of the date of such Loan as if such representations and warranties had been made as of the date of such Loan (except to the extent that such representation or warranty was made as of a specific date, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects as of such specific date).

 

(b)                                  No Default shall exist at the date of such Loan (or would result after giving effect thereto).

 

(c)                                   No Material Adverse Change shall have occurred to, and no event or circumstance shall have occurred that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change to, Borrower’s Consolidated financial condition or businesses since the date of the audited Initial Financial Statements.

 

(d)                                  Each Credit Party shall have performed and complied with all agreements and conditions required in the Loan Documents to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the date of such Loan.

 

(e)                                   The making of such Loan shall not be prohibited by any Law and shall not subject any Lender to any penalty or other onerous condition under or pursuant to any such Law.

 

(f)                                    Administrative Agent shall have received all documents and instruments that Administrative Agent has then requested, in addition to those described in Section 4.1 (including opinions of legal counsel for Restricted Persons and Administrative Agent; corporate documents and records; documents evidencing governmental authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses and exemptions; and certificates of public officials and of officers and representatives of Borrower and other Persons), as to (i) the accuracy and validity of or compliance with all representations, warranties and covenants made by any Restricted Person in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (ii) the satisfaction of all conditions contained herein or therein, and (iii) all other matters pertaining hereto and thereto. All such additional documents and instruments shall be satisfactory to Administrative Agent in form, substance and date.

 

ARTICLE V- REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

To confirm each Lender’s understanding concerning Restricted Persons and Restricted Persons’ businesses, properties and obligations and to induce Administrative Agent and each Lender to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit hereunder, Borrower represents and warrants to Administrative Agent and each Lender that:

 

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Section 5.1.                                  No Default. No Restricted Person is in default in the performance of any of its covenants and agreements contained in any Loan Document. No event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes a Default.

 

Section 5.2.                                  Organization and Good Standing.   Each Restricted Person is duly organized, validly existing and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization, having all powers required to carry on its business and enter into and carry out the transactions contemplated hereby. Each Restricted Person is duly qualified, in good standing, and authorized to do business in all other jurisdictions within the United States wherein Collateral or a principal office of a Restricted Person is located. Each Restricted Person has taken all actions and procedures customarily taken in order to enter, for the purpose of conducting business or owning property, each jurisdiction outside the United States wherein the character of the properties owned or held by it or the nature of the business transacted by it makes such actions and procedures desirable.

 

Section 5.3.                                  Authorization. Each Restricted Person has duly taken all action necessary to authorize the execution and delivery by it of the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to authorize the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby and the performance of its obligations thereunder. Borrower is duly authorized to borrow funds hereunder.

 

Section 5.4.                                  No Conflicts or Consents.   The execution and delivery by the various Restricted Persons of the Loan Documents to which each is a party, the performance by each of its obligations under such Loan Documents, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the various Loan Documents, do not and will not (a) conflict with, violate or result in a breach of any provision of (i) any Law, (ii) the Organizational Documents of any Restricted Person, or (iii) any material agreement, judgment, license, order or permit applicable to or binding upon any Restricted Person, (b) result in the acceleration of any Indebtedness owed by any Restricted Person, or (c) result in or require the creation of any Lien upon any assets or properties of any Restricted Person except as expressly contemplated or permitted in the Loan Documents. Except (i) as expressly contemplated in the Loan Documents and (ii) such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, no permit, consent, approval, authorization or order of, and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or third party is required on the part of or in respect of a Restricted Person in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by any Restricted Person of any Loan Document or to consummate any transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents.

 

Section 5.5.                                  Enforceable Obligations .  This Agreement is, and the other Loan Documents when duly executed and delivered will be, legal, valid and binding obligations of each Restricted Person that is a party hereto or thereto, enforceable against such Restricted Person in accordance with their terms except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar Laws of general application relating to the enforcement of creditors’ rights and by general principles of equity.

 

Section 5.6.                                  Initial Financial Statements. Restricted Persons have heretofore delivered to each Lender true, correct and complete copies of the Initial Financial Statements. Each of the Initial Financial Statements fairly present Parent’s and Borrower’s Consolidated financial position at the date thereof and the Consolidated results of Parent’s and Borrower’s operations

 

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and Parent’s and Borrower’s Consolidated cash flows for the period thereof. Since the date of the annual Initial Financial Statements no Material Adverse Change has occurred, except as reflected in Section 5.6 of the Disclosure Schedule. All Initial Financial Statements other than pro forma financial statements were prepared in accordance with IFRS. All Initial Financial Statements that are pro forma financial statements were prepared in good faith based upon assumptions specified therein with such pro forma adjustments as have been accepted by Administrative Agent.

 

Section 5.7.                                  Other  Obligations  and  Restrictions .   No Restricted Person has any outstanding Liabilities of any kind (including contingent obligations, tax assessments, and unusual forward or long-term commitments) that are, in the aggregate, material to Borrower or material with respect to Borrower’s Consolidated financial condition and not shown in the Initial Financial Statements or disclosed in Section 5.7 of the Disclosure Schedule or otherwise permitted under Section 7.1. Except as shown in the Initial Financial Statements or disclosed in Section 5.7 of the Disclosure Schedule, no Restricted Person is subject to or restricted by any franchise, contract, deed, charter restriction, or other instrument or restriction that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

 

Section 5.8.                                  Full Disclosure. No certificate, statement or other information delivered herewith or heretofore by any Restricted Person to any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or in connection with any transaction contemplated hereby contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact known to any Restricted Person (other than industry-wide risks normally associated with the types of businesses conducted by Restricted Persons) necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading as of the date made or deemed made. There is no fact known to any Restricted Person (other than industry-wide risks normally associated with the types of businesses conducted by Restricted Persons) that has not been disclosed to each Lender in writing that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change. There are no statements or conclusions in any Engineering Report that are based upon or include misleading information or fail to take into account material information regarding the matters reported therein, it being understood that each Engineering Report is necessarily based upon professional opinions, estimates and projections and that Borrower does not warrant that such opinions, estimates and projections will ultimately prove to have been accurate. Borrower has heretofore delivered to each Lender true, correct and complete copies of the Initial Engineering Report.

 

Section 5.9.                                  Litigation. Except as disclosed in the Initial Financial Statements or in Section 5.9 of the Disclosure Schedule: (a) there are no actions, suits or legal, equitable, arbitrative or administrative proceedings pending, or to the knowledge of any Restricted Person threatened, against any Restricted Person or affecting any Collateral before any Governmental Authority that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change, (b) there are no outstanding judgments, injunctions, writs, rulings or orders by any such Governmental Authority against any Restricted Person or any Restricted Person’s stockholders, partners, members, directors or officers or affecting any Collateral or any of its material assets or property that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change, and (c) there are no actions, suits or legal, equitable, arbitrative or administrative proceedings or demands pending (or, to any Restricted Person’s knowledge, threatened) that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the rights of Borrower and the other Restricted Persons in and to any such

 

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Collateral, including any that challenge or otherwise pertain to Borrower’s or any other Restricted Person’s title to such Collateral or the rights to produce and sell Hydrocarbons therefrom.

 

Section 5.10.  ERISA Plans and Liabilities.   All currently existing ERISA Plans are listed in Section 5.10 of the Disclosure Schedule. Except as disclosed in the Initial Financial Statements or in Section 5.10 of the Disclosure Schedule, no Termination Event has occurred with respect to any ERISA Plan, and no event or circumstance has occurred or exists that could reasonably be expected to constitute or result in a Termination Event. All ERISA Affiliates are in compliance in all material respects with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and other applicable Laws with respect to each Plan. No ERISA Affiliate is required to contribute to, or has any other absolute or contingent liability in respect of, any Multiemployer Plan or any ERISA Plan subject to Section 4064 of ERISA. There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of Borrower, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits with respect to any Plan that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change, and there has been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Plan that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. Except as set forth in Section 5.10 of the Disclosure Schedule: (a) the current value of each ERISA Plan’s benefits does not exceed the current value of such ERISA Plan’s assets available for the payment of such benefits by more than the Threshold Amount, (b) neither Borrower nor any other ERISA Affiliate is obligated to provide benefits to any retired employees (or their dependents) under any employee welfare benefits plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) other than as required by applicable Law and (c) neither Borrower nor any other ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could reasonably be expected to be subject to Section 4069 or Section 4212(c) of ERISA.

 

Section 5.11. Environmental and Other Laws. Except as disclosed in Section 5.11 of the Disclosure Schedule: (a) Restricted Persons are conducting their businesses in material compliance with all applicable Laws, including Environmental Laws, and have, and are in material compliance with, all licenses and permits required under any such Laws; (b) to the best of Borrower’s knowledge, none of the operations or properties of any Restricted Person is the subject of federal, state or local investigation evaluating whether any material remedial action is needed to respond to a release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or to the improper storage or disposal (including storage or disposal at offsite locations) of any Hazardous Materials; (c) no Restricted Person (and to the best knowledge of Borrower, no other Person) has filed any notice under any Law indicating that any Restricted Person is responsible for the improper release into the environment, or the improper storage or disposal, of any material amount of any Hazardous Materials or that any material amount of any Hazardous Materials have been improperly released, or are improperly stored or disposed of, upon any property of any Restricted Person; (d) no Restricted Person has transported or arranged for the transportation of any Hazardous Material to any location that is (i) listed on the National Priorities List under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, listed for possible inclusion on such National Priorities List by the Environmental Protection Agency in its Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Information System List, or listed on any similar state list or (ii) the subject of federal, state or local enforcement actions or other investigations that may lead to material claims against any Restricted Person for clean-up costs, remedial work, damages to natural resources or for personal

 

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injury claims (whether under Environmental Laws or otherwise); and (e) no Restricted Person otherwise has any known material contingent liability under any Environmental Laws or in connection with the release into the environment, or the storage or disposal, of any Hazardous Materials.

 

Section 5.12. Names and Places of Business. No Restricted Person has, during the 5 years preceding the Closing Date, been known by, or used any other trade or fictitious name, except as disclosed in Section 5.12 of the Disclosure Schedule or been organized in a jurisdiction other than its jurisdiction of organization as of the date hereof.

 

Section 5.13. Subsidiaries. Section 5.13 of the Disclosure Schedule (as supplemented from time to time by Borrower in written notices to Administrative Agent and Lenders) sets forth a true, correct and complete description of (a) the Subsidiaries of Parent and the ownership of such Subsidiaries’ outstanding Equity and (b) any other Equity in any other Person that are owned by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. All of Borrower’s Equity in its Subsidiaries, and all other Equity set forth in such Section of the Disclosure Schedule, have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. Except for Liens under the Loan Documents, Borrower and its indicated Subsidiaries own such Subsidiaries and Equity free and clear of any Liens and other restrictions (including any restrictions on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of any such Equity) and free and clear of any preemptive rights, rescission rights, or other rights to subscribe for or to purchase or repurchase any such Equity.

 

Section 5.14.  Government  Regulation.   Neither Borrower nor any other Restricted Person owing Obligations is (a) an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or (b) subject to regulation under the Federal Power Act, as amended, or any other Law that regulates the incurring by such Person of Indebtedness, including Laws relating to common contract carriers or the sale of electricity, gas, steam, water or other public utility services.

 

Section 5.15. Solvency. Upon giving effect to the making of the Loans, the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents by Borrower and each Guarantor and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, no Credit Party will be Insolvent.

 

Section 5.16.  Taxes.   Except as may be permitted under Section 6.7, each Restricted Person has filed all United States Federal income tax returns and all other material tax returns that are required to be filed by it and has paid all taxes due pursuant to such returns or pursuant to any assessment received by any Restricted Person and all other penalties or charges. The charges, accruals and revenues on the books of each Restricted Person in respect of taxes and other governmental charges are, in the opinion of Borrower, adequate. No Restricted Person has given or been requested to give a waiver of the statute of limitations relating to the payment of any federal or other taxes.

 

Section 5.17.   Title  to  Properties;  Intellectual  Property.   Each  Restricted  Person  has (a)  good and defensible title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all of the Borrowing Base Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report to the extent same are included in the Borrowing  Base  Properties,  and  (b) good  and  valid title to, or valid leasehold interests in,

 

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licenses of, or rights to use, all other Collateral owned or leased by such Restricted Person and all of its other material properties and assets necessary or used in the ordinary conduct of its business, in each case free and clear of all Liens, encumbrances, or adverse claims other than Permitted Liens and of all impediments to the use of such properties and assets in such Restricted Person’s business, except that no representation or warranty is made with respect to any Oil and Gas Property to which no Proved Reserves are properly attributed. Other than changes that arise pursuant to non-consent provisions of operating agreements or other agreements (if any) described in Exhibit A to any Security Document: (x) each Restricted Person owns the net interests in production attributable to the wells and units of such Restricted Person evaluated in the most recent Engineering Report subject to Permitted Liens and (y) the ownership of such properties does not in the aggregate in any material respect obligate such Restricted Person to bear the costs and expenses relating to the drilling, development and operations of such properties in an amount materially in excess of the working interest of such properties set forth in the most recent Engineering Report without a corresponding increase in net revenue interest. Each Engineering Report at any time delivered pursuant to Section 6.2 correctly states the working interests and net revenue interests of the Restricted Persons in the Proved Reserves that are the subject of such Engineering Report. Except for obligations to contribute a proportionate share of the costs of defaulting co-owners, no Restricted Person is obligated, at any time during the production life of the Oil and Gas Property, to bear any percentage share of the costs and expenses relating to the drilling, development and production of such Proved Reserves in excess of such working interests, and (subject to the Loan Documents) each Restricted Person  is entitled, at any time during the production life of the Oil and Gas Property, to receive percentage shares of the revenues from the production of such Proved Reserves that are at least equal to such net revenue interests. Each Restricted Person possesses all licenses, permits, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names, and other intellectual property (or otherwise possesses the right to use such intellectual property without violation of the rights of any other Person) that are necessary to carry out its business as presently conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted hereafter, and no Restricted Person is in violation in any material respect of the terms under which it possesses such intellectual property or the right to use such intellectual property. No Restricted Person has granted control over any Deposit Accounts to any Person, other than Administrative Agent and the bank with which any Deposit Account is maintained. No Restricted Person has any “securities accounts” as defined and described in the UCC.

 

Section 5.18.  Regulation U.   None of Borrower and the other Restricted Persons are engaged in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying “margin stock” (as such term is defined in Regulation U), and no proceeds of any Loans will be used for a purpose that violates Regulation U.

 

Section 5.19. Leases and Contracts; Performance of Obligations. The leases, contracts, servitudes and other agreements forming a part of the Oil and Gas Properties of the Restricted Persons covered by the most recent Engineering Report are in full force and effect. All rents, royalties and other payments due and payable under such leases, contracts, servitudes and other agreements, or under any Permitted Liens, or otherwise attendant to the ownership or operation of any Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report, have been properly and timely paid. No Restricted Person is in default with respect to its obligations (and no Restricted Person is aware of any default by any third party with respect to such third party’s

 

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obligations) under any such leases, contracts, servitudes and other agreements, or under any Permitted Liens, or otherwise attendant to the ownership or operation of any part of the Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report, where such default could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the ownership or operation of such Oil and Gas Properties. No Restricted Person is currently accounting for any royalties, or overriding royalties or other payments out of production, on a basis (other than delivery in kind) less favorable to such Restricted Person than proceeds received by such Restricted Person (calculated at the well) from sale of production, and no Restricted Person has any liability (or alleged liability) to account for the same on any such less favorable basis; provided that the representations and warranties made in this sentence are limited to the best of the Restricted Persons’ knowledge with respect to Oil and Gas Properties for which no Restricted Person is the operator.

 

Section 5.20.  Marketing  Arrangements.   Except as set forth in Section 5.20 of the Disclosure Schedule, no Oil and Gas Property covered by the most recent Engineering Report is subject to any contractual or other arrangement (a) whereby payment for production is or can be deferred for a substantial period after the month in which such production is delivered (in the case of oil, not in excess of 60 days, and in the case of gas, not in excess of 90 days), unless Borrower otherwise notifies Administrative Agent in writing and Administrative Agent, in its reasonable discretion, consents thereto in writing, or (b) whereby payments are made to a Restricted Person other than by checks, drafts, wire transfers, or other similar writings, instruments or communications for the immediate payment of money. Except for production sales contracts, processing agreements, transportation agreements and other agreements relating to the marketing of production that are listed in Section 5.20 of the Disclosure Schedule in connection with the Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report to which such contract or agreement relates: (i) no Oil and Gas Property is subject to any contractual or other arrangement for the sale, processing or transportation of production (or otherwise related to the marketing of production) that cannot be canceled by such Restricted Person on 120 days’ (or less) notice or that does not provide for the prices to be paid for such production to float with the market at least as often as monthly, and (ii) all contractual or other arrangements for the sale, processing or transportation of production (or otherwise related to the marketing of production) are bona fide arm’s length transactions made on the best terms reasonably available with third parties not affiliated with Restricted Persons. Each Restricted Person is presently receiving a price for all production from (or attributable to) each Oil and Gas Property covered by the most recent Engineering Report that is subject to a production sales contract or marketing contract that is computed in all material respects in accordance with the terms of such contract, and no Restricted Person is having deliveries of production from any such Oil and Gas Property curtailed materially below such property’s delivery capacity, except for curtailments caused (1) by an act or event of force majeure not reasonably within the control of and not caused by the fault or negligence of a Restricted Person and which by the exercise of reasonable diligence such Restricted Person is unable to prevent or overcome, or (2) by routine maintenance requirements in the ordinary course of business.

 

Section 5.21. Right to Receive Payment for Future Production. Except as set forth in Section 5.21 of the Disclosure Schedule, no Restricted Person, nor any Restricted Person’s predecessors in title, has received prepayments (including payments for gas not taken pursuant to “take or pay” or other similar arrangements) for any Hydrocarbons produced or to be produced from any Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report after the date

 

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hereof. Except as set forth in Section 5.21 of the Disclosure Schedule, no Oil and Gas Property covered by the most recent Engineering Report is subject to any “take or pay”, gas imbalances or other similar arrangement (a) as a result of which Hydrocarbons produced from such Oil and Gas Property may be required to be delivered to one or more third parties without current payment (or without full payment) therefor or (b) that is determined in whole or in part by reference to the production or transportation of Hydrocarbons from other properties. Except as set forth in Section 5.21 of the Disclosure Schedule, there is no Oil and Gas Property covered by the most recent Engineering Report with respect to which any Restricted Person, or any Restricted Person’s predecessors in title, has, prior to the date hereof, taken more (“ overproduced” ), or less (“ underproduced” ), gas from the lands covered thereby (or pooled or unitized therewith) than its ownership interest in such Oil and Gas Property would entitle it to take; and Section 5.21 of the Disclosure Schedule accurately reflects, for each well or unit with respect to which such an imbalance is shown thereon to exist, (i) whether such Restricted Person is overproduced or underproduced and (ii) the volumes (in cubic feet or British thermal units) of  such overproduction or underproduction and the effective date of such information. Since the date of this Agreement, no material changes have occurred in such overproduction or underproduction except those that have been reported as required pursuant to Section 6.2. No Oil and Gas Property covered by the most recent Engineering Report is subject to any regulatory refund obligation and, to the best of each Restricted Person’s knowledge, no facts exist that might cause the same to be imposed.

 

Section 5.22. Operation of Oil and Gas Properties. The Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report (and all properties unitized therewith) are being (and, to the extent the same could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the ownership or operation of the Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report after the date hereof, have in the past been) maintained, operated and developed in a good and workmanlike manner, in accordance with prudent industry standards and in conformity with all applicable Laws and in conformity with all oil, gas or other mineral leases and other contracts and agreements forming a part of the Oil and Gas Property covered by the most recent Engineering Report and in conformity with the Permitted Liens; provided that the representations and warranties made in this sentence are limited to the best of the Restricted Persons’ knowledge with respect to Oil and Gas Properties for which no Restricted Person is the operator. No Oil and Gas Property covered by the most recent Engineering Report is subject to having allowable production after the date hereof reduced below the full and regular allowable (including the maximum permissible tolerance) because of any overproduction (whether or not the same was permissible at the time) prior to the date hereof and all oil and gas wells located on the Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report (or properties unitized therewith) have been drilled and completed within the boundaries of the applicable Oil and Gas Properties or within limits otherwise permitted by a valid and enforceable pooling, unit, or other agreement or contract or by applicable Law. There are no dry holes, or otherwise inactive wells, located on the Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report or on lands pooled or unitized therewith, except for wells that have been properly plugged and abandoned. Each Restricted Person has all governmental licenses and permits necessary or appropriate to own and operate its Oil and Gas Properties covered by the most recent Engineering Report, and no Restricted Person has received notice of any violations in respect of any such licenses or permits.

 

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Section 5.23. Ad Valorem and Severance Taxes. Each Restricted Person has paid and discharged all ad valorem taxes that are payable and have been assessed against its Oil and Gas Property or any part thereof and all production, severance and other taxes that are payable and have been assessed against, or measured by, the production or the value, or proceeds, of the production therefrom, or are otherwise being contested in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.7.

 

Section 5.24. Limitation to Proved Reserves. No representation or warranty is made in this Sections 5.19 through 5.23 with respect to any Oil and Gas Property to which no Proved Reserves are attributed.

 

Section 5.25.  Insurance.   The Oil and Gas Properties of each Restricted Person are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies that are not Affiliates of such Restricted Person, in such amounts, with such deductibles and covering such risks as are required to comply with Section 6.8. No Restricted Person owns any Building (as defined in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulations) or Manufactured (Mobile) Home (as defined in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulations) that is material to the operations of such Restricted Person or for which such Restricted Person has ascribed a material value. As used herein, “ Flood Insurance Regulations” shall mean (i) the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 as now in effect, (ii) the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 as now in effect, (iii) the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (amending 42 USC 4001, et seq.) as now in effect, and (iv) the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 as now in effect.

 

Section 5.26. Anti-Terrorism Laws. Neither Borrower, nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of Borrower, none of its Affiliates and none of the respective officers, directors or agents of Borrower, such Subsidiaries or such Affiliates (i) has violated or is in violation of Anti-Terrorism Laws, (ii) has engaged or engages in any transaction, investment, undertaking or activity that conceals the identity, source or destination of the proceeds from any category of offenses designated in the “Forty Recommendations” and “Nine Special Recommendations” published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering, (iii) is an Embargoed Person, (iv) conducts any business or engages in making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Embargoed Person, (v) deals in, or otherwise engages in any transaction related to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to any Anti-Terrorism Law or (vi) engages in or conspires to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law.

 

ARTICLE VI - AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

To conform with the terms and conditions under which each Lender is willing to have credit outstanding to Borrower, and to induce each Lender to enter into this Agreement and extend credit hereunder, Borrower covenants and agrees that until the full and final payment of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement (as determined without regard to unasserted indemnity claims), unless Majority Lenders have previously agreed otherwise:

 

Section 6.1.                                  Payment and Performance. Each Credit Party will pay all amounts due under the Loan Documents, to which it is a party, in accordance with the terms thereof and will

 

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observe, perform and comply with every covenant, term and condition set forth in the Loan Documents to which it is a party. Borrower will cause each other Restricted Person to observe, perform and comply with every such term, covenant and condition in any Loan Document.

 

Section 6.2.                                  Books, Financial Statements and Reports . Each Credit Party will at all times maintain full and accurate books of account and records. Borrower will maintain and will cause its Subsidiaries to maintain a standard system of accounting, will maintain its Fiscal Year, and will furnish the following statements and reports to Administrative Agent at Borrower’s expense:

 

(a)                                  As soon as available, and in any event within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, complete audited Consolidated financial statements of Parent together with all  notes thereto, prepared in reasonable detail in accordance with IFRS, together with an unqualified opinion, based on an audit using generally accepted auditing standards, by an independent certified public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing selected by Parent and acceptable to Administrative Agent, stating that such Consolidated financial statements have been so prepared. These financial statements shall contain a Consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such Fiscal Year and Consolidated statements of earnings, of cash flows, and of changes in owners’ equity for such Fiscal Year, each setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the preceding Fiscal Year. In addition, Borrower shall provide internally prepared unaudited consolidating financial statements including Borrower’s balance sheet and statement of earnings which agree in total to the corresponding audited Consolidated statements of Parent for the Fiscal Year.

 

In the event that the Consolidated gross operating revenues of Borrower for any Fiscal Year are less than 95% but greater than or equal to 75% of Consolidated gross operating revenues of Parent for that same Fiscal Year, the unqualified opinion set forth above shall also cover the consolidating statements which include Borrower’s balance sheet and statement of earnings for that same Fiscal Year.

 

In the event that the Consolidated gross operating revenues of Borrower for any Fiscal Year are less than 75% of Consolidated gross operating revenues of Parent for that same Fiscal Year, complete audited Consolidated financial statements of Borrower together with all notes thereto, prepared in reasonable detail in accordance with IFRS, together with an unqualified opinion, based on an audit using generally accepted auditing standards, by an independent certified public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing selected by Borrower and acceptable to Administrative Agent, stating that such Consolidated financial statements have been so prepared. These financial statements shall contain a Consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such Fiscal Year and Consolidated statements of earnings, of cash flows, and of changes in owners’ equity for such Fiscal Year, each setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the preceding Fiscal Year.

 

(b)                                  As soon as available, and in any event within 60 days after the end of each Fiscal Quarter, Parent’s unaudited Consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter and unaudited Consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for each such Fiscal Quarter and for the period beginning on the first day of the then current Fiscal Year to the end of such Fiscal Quarter, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with IFRS, subject to changes

 

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resulting from normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes. In addition, Borrower shall provide internally prepared unaudited consolidating financial statements including Borrower’s balance sheet and statement of earnings which agree in total to the unaudited Consolidated balance sheet and statement of earnings of Parent for that same Fiscal Quarter.

 

In the event that the Consolidated gross operating revenues of Borrower for any Fiscal Quarter are less than 95% but greater than or equal to 75% of Consolidated gross operating revenues of Parent for that same Fiscal Quarter, Borrower shall also furnish consolidating statements which include Borrower’s balance sheet and statement of earnings for that same Fiscal Quarter.

 

In the event that the Consolidated gross operating revenues of Borrower for any Fiscal Quarter are less than 75% of Consolidated gross operating revenues of Parent for that same Fiscal Quarter, complete unaudited Consolidated financial statements of Borrower, prepared in reasonable detail in accordance with IFRS. These financial statements shall contain a Consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter and Consolidated statements of earnings, of cash flows, and of changes in owners’ equity for such Fiscal Quarter, each setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the preceding Fiscal Quarter.

 

(c)                                   Borrower will, together with each set of financial statements furnished under Section 6.2(a) or (b), as applicable, furnish a Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of Borrower and, as applicable, Parent stating that such financial statements are accurate and complete (subject to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes), stating that he/she has reviewed the Loan Documents, containing calculations showing compliance (or non- compliance) at the end of such Fiscal Quarter with the requirements of Section 7.14 and stating that no Default exists at the end of such Fiscal Quarter or at the time of such certificate or specifying the nature and period of existence of any such Default.

 

(d)                                  Certificate of Financial Officer — Asset Coverage. On or before the tenth (10 th ) Business Day after each Asset Coverage Test Date, a certificate of a Financial Officer in the form set forth in Exhibit H setting forth, as of such Asset Coverage Test Date, a calculation in reasonable detail of the Asset Coverage Ratio as of such Asset Coverage Test Date.

 

(e)                                   Promptly upon their becoming available, copies of all financial statements, reports, notices and proxy statements sent by any Restricted Person to its equity holders and all registration statements, periodic reports and other statements and schedules filed by any Restricted Person with any securities exchange, the SEC or any similar Governmental Authority.

 

(f)                                    As soon as available, and in any event within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, a cash flow budget of Borrower’s projected revenues, expenses, capital expenditures, production volumes, and product prices for the next Fiscal Year, prepared on a monthly basis in form reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent.

 

(g)                                   Together with each set of financial statements furnished under subsections (a) and (b)  of this section, Borrower will furnish a report (in form reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent) of all Hedging Contracts of Borrower and each of the other Restricted

 

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Persons, setting forth the type, term, effective date, termination date and notional amounts or volumes and the counterparty to each such agreement.

 

(h)                                  Together with each set of financial statements furnished under subsections (a) and (b)           of this section, Borrower will furnish a monthly report on the Borrowing Base Properties, covering a twelve-month period, describing by lease or unit and in total the net volume of production and sales attributable to such production from the Borrowing Base Properties and describing the related severance taxes, other taxes, operating expenses and capital costs attributable to the production.

 

(i)                                      By March 15 of each year, an Engineering Report prepared by the Independent Engineers as of January 1 of such year concerning substantially all Oil and Gas Properties and interests owned by any Restricted Person which are located in the United States and which have attributable to them Proved Reserves. This report shall be satisfactory to Administrative Agent, shall take into account any “over-produced” status under gas balancing arrangements, and shall contain information and analysis comparable in scope to that contained in the Initial Engineering Report. This report shall distinguish (or shall be delivered together with a certificate from an appropriate officer of Borrower which distinguishes) those properties treated in the report which are Collateral from those properties treated in the report which are not Collateral.

 

(j)                                     By September 15 of each year, and promptly following notice of a Special Determination under Section 2.8, an Engineering Report prepared as of the preceding July 1 (or the last day of the preceding calendar month in the case of a Special Determination) by Staff Engineers (or at Borrower’s option, by the Independent Engineers), together with an accompanying report on property sales, property purchases and changes in categories, both in the same form and scope as the reports in subsection (e) above.

 

(k)                                  With the delivery of each Engineering Report, Borrower shall provide to Administrative Agent a certificate from a Responsible Officer certifying that in all material respects that except as set forth on an exhibit to the certificate, on a net basis there are no gas imbalances, take or pay or other prepayments with respect to its Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in such Engineering Report which would require Borrower or any other Restricted Person to deliver Hydrocarbons either generally or produced from such Oil and Gas Properties at some future time without then or thereafter receiving full payment therefor, none of their proved Oil and Gas Properties have been sold since the date of the last Borrowing Base determination except as set forth on an exhibit to the certificate, which certificate shall list all such Oil and Gas Properties sold and attached thereto is a schedule of the Oil and Gas Properties evaluated by such Engineering Report that are Mortgaged Properties and demonstrating the percentage of the total value of the proved Oil and Gas Properties that the value of such Mortgaged Properties represents in compliance with Section 6.16(c).

 

(l)                                      Upon request by Administrative Agent, a list, by name and address, of those Persons who have paid Restricted Persons for production during such Fiscal Quarter from the Oil and Gas Properties subject to the Security Documents, giving each such purchaser’s owner number for the applicable Restricted Person and each such purchaser’s property number for each such Oil and Gas Property.

 

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(m)                              Promptly upon its becoming available, copies of all notices or documents received by Borrower or any other Restricted Person pursuant to any Material Contract alleging a material default or nonperformance by such Person thereunder or terminating or suspending any such Material Contract.

 

Section 6.3.                                  Other Information and Inspections .  Each Credit Party will furnish to Administrative Agent any information which Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request concerning any provision of the Loan Documents, any Collateral, or any matter in connection with the businesses, properties, prospects, financial condition and operations of any Credit Party, including all evidence which Administrative Agent from time to time reasonably requests in writing as to the accuracy and validity of or compliance with all representations, warranties and covenants made by any Credit Party in the Loan Documents, the satisfaction of all conditions contained therein, and all other matters pertaining thereto. Each Credit Party will permit representatives appointed by Administrative Agent (including independent accountants, auditors, agents, attorneys, appraisers and any other Persons) to visit and inspect during normal business hours any of such Credit Party’s property, including its books of account, other books and records, and any facilities or other business assets, and to make extra copies therefrom and photocopies and photographs thereof, and to write down and record any information such representatives obtain, and each Credit Party shall permit Administrative Agent or its representatives to investigate and verify the accuracy of the information furnished to Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the Loan Documents and to discuss all such matters with its officers, employees and representatives. Administrative Agent shall give reasonable notice to Borrower of each such request for information, inspection or audit, but only if no Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

Section 6.4.                                  Notice of Material Events and Change of Address.   Borrower will promptly and in no event later than the 3rd Business Day, after becoming aware thereof, notify each Lender Party in writing, stating that such notice is being given pursuant to this Agreement, of:

 

(a)                                  the occurrence of any Material Adverse Change;

 

(b)                                  the occurrence of any Default;

 

(c)                                   the acceleration of the maturity of any Indebtedness owed by any Restricted Person or of any default by any Restricted Person under any indenture, mortgage, agreement, contract or other instrument to which any of them is a party or by which any of them or any of their properties is bound, if such acceleration or default could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change;

 

(d)                                  the occurrence of any Termination Event;

 

(e)                                   any claim of $100,000 or more, any notice of potential liability of any Restricted Person under any Environmental Laws which might exceed such amount, or any other material adverse claim asserted against any Restricted Person or with respect to any Restricted Person’s properties;

 

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(f)                                    the filing of any suit or proceeding against any Restricted Person in which an adverse decision could, in Borrower’s reasonable opinion, reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change if successfully prosecuted by the claimant(s); and

 

(g)                                   the occurrence of any “default” or “event of default” under the First Lien Credit Agreement;

 

(h)                                  promptly upon receipt thereof, all demands or material notices in connection with the First Lien Credit Agreement either received by Borrower or on its behalf; and

 

(i)                                      promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any statement, report or notice furnished to any Person (other than routine communications and notices, such as borrowing requests) pursuant to the First Lien Credit Agreement and not otherwise required to be furnished to Administrative Agent or Lenders pursuant to any other provision of the Loan Documents.

 

Upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing Restricted Persons will take all necessary or appropriate steps to remedy promptly any such Material Adverse Change, Default, acceleration, default, or Termination Event, to protect against any such adverse claim, to defend any such suit or proceeding, and to resolve all controversies on account of any of the foregoing. Each notice pursuant to this Section shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action, if any, the applicable Restricted Person has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto. Borrower will also notify Administrative Agent and Administrative Agent’s counsel in writing at least 20 Business Days (or such shorter time as Administrative Agent may approve in writing) prior to the date that any Restricted Person changes its name or the location of its chief executive office or its location under the Uniform Commercial Code.

 

Section 6.5.                                  Maintenance of Properties. Except as permitted under Section 7.5, each Restricted Person will maintain, preserve, protect, and keep all Collateral and all other property used or useful in the conduct of its business in good condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) in accordance with prudent industry standards, and in material compliance with all applicable Laws, in conformity with all applicable contracts, servitudes, leases and agreements, and will from time to time make all repairs, renewals and replacements needed to enable the business and operations carried on in connection therewith to be promptly and advantageously conducted at all times.

 

Section 6.6.                                  Maintenance of Existence and Qualifications. Except as permitted under Section 7.4, each Credit Party will maintain and preserve its existence and its rights and franchises in full force and effect. Each Restricted Person will qualify to do business in all states or jurisdictions where required by applicable Law, except where the failure so to qualify could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

 

Section 6.7.                                  Payment of Trade Liabilities, Taxes, etc.   Each Restricted Person will (a)  timely file all required tax returns including any extensions; (b) timely pay all taxes, assessments, and other governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income, profits or property before the same become delinquent; (c) within 90 days past the original invoice billing date therefore, or, if earlier, when due in accordance with its terms, pay and

 

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discharge all Liabilities owed by it on ordinary trade terms to vendors, suppliers and other Persons providing goods and services used by it in the ordinary course of its business; (d) pay and discharge before the same becomes delinquent all other Liabilities now or hereafter owed by it, other than royalty payments suspended in the ordinary course of business; and (e) maintain appropriate accruals and reserves for all of the foregoing in accordance with IFRS. Each Restricted Person may, however, delay paying or discharging any of the foregoing so long as it is in good faith contesting the validity thereof by appropriate proceedings, if necessary, and has set aside on its books adequate reserves therefore which are required by IFRS.

 

Section 6.8.                                  Insurance.

 

(a)                                  Each Restricted Person shall at all times maintain insurance with responsible and reputable insurance companies or associations (including comprehensive general liability, hazard, and business interruption insurance) with respect to its business and properties (including all real properties leased or owned by it), in such amounts and covering such risks as required by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction with respect thereto or as carried generally in accordance with sound business practice by similarly situated companies in similar businesses, and, in any event in amount, adequacy and scope as set forth in the Insurance Schedule. If any Restricted Person fails to maintain such insurance, Administrative Agent may arrange for such insurance, but at Borrower’s expense and without any responsibility on the part of Administrative Agent for obtaining the insurance, the solvency of the insurance companies, the adequacy of the coverage, or the collection of claims. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Administrative Agent shall have the sole right (both in the name of Lenders and in the name of the Restricted Persons), to file claims under any insurance policies, to receive, receipt and give acquittance for any payments that may be payable thereunder, and to execute any and all endorsements, receipts, releases, assignments, reassignments or other documents that may be necessary to effect the collection, compromise or settlement of any claims under any such insurance policies.

 

(b)                                  On or prior to the Closing Date and thereafter, upon request of Administrative Agent, each Restricted Person will furnish or cause to be furnished to Administrative Agent from time to time a summary of the respective insurance coverage of such Restricted Person in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, and, if requested, will furnish Administrative Agent copies of the applicable policies. Each Restricted Person will cause any insurance policies covering any Collateral to be endorsed (i) to provide that such policies may not be cancelled, reduced or affected in any manner for any reason without 30 days prior notice to Administrative Agent, (ii) to name Administrative Agent as an additional insured (in the case of all liability insurance policies) and loss payee (in the case of all casualty and property insurance policies), and (iii) to provide for such other matters as any Lender Party may reasonably require.

 

(c)                                   Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, all insurance payments in respect of such Collateral in excess of $1,000,000 shall be paid to Administrative Agent and shall be applied to the prepayment of the Obligations unless otherwise agreed to by Administrative Agent and Borrower.

 

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Section 6.9.                                  Performance on Borrower’s Behalf. If any Restricted Person fails to pay any taxes, insurance premiums, expenses, attorneys’ fees or other amounts it is required to pay under any Loan Document, Administrative Agent may, but shall have no obligation to, pay the same. Borrower shall immediately reimburse Administrative Agent for any such payments and each amount paid by Administrative Agent shall constitute an Obligation owed hereunder which is due and payable on the date such amount is paid by Administrative Agent.

 

Section 6.10.                           Interest.   Borrower hereby promises to Administrative Agent and each Lender Party to pay interest at the Default Rate applicable to Base Rate Loans on all Obligations (including Obligations to pay fees or to reimburse or indemnify Administrative Agent or any Lender but excluding principal of, and interest on, any Loan, interest on which is covered by Sections 2.5 and 2.10) which Borrower has in this Agreement promised to pay to Administrative Agent or such Lender Party and which are not paid when due. Such interest shall accrue from the date such Obligations become due until they are paid.

 

Section 6.11.                           Compliance with Agreements and Law; Permits. Each Restricted Person will perform all material obligations it is required to perform under the terms of each indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, security agreement, lease, franchise, agreement, contract or other instrument or obligation to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound. Each Restricted Person will conduct its business and affairs in compliance with all Laws applicable thereto. Each Restricted Person will cause all licenses and permits necessary or appropriate for the conduct of its business and the ownership and operation of its property used and useful in the conduct of its business to be at all times maintained in good standing and in full force and effect.

 

Section 6.12.  Environmental Matters; Environmental Reviews.

 

(a)                                  Each Restricted Person will comply in all material respects with all Environmental Laws now or hereafter applicable to such Restricted Person, as well as all contractual obligations and agreements with respect to environmental remediation or other environmental matters, and shall obtain, at or prior to the time required by applicable Environmental Laws, all environmental, health and safety permits, licenses and other authorizations necessary for its operations and will maintain such authorizations in full force and effect. No Restricted Person will do anything or permit anything to be done which will subject any of its properties to any remedial obligations under, or result in noncompliance with applicable permits and licenses issued under, any applicable Environmental Laws, assuming disclosure to the applicable governmental authorities of all relevant facts, conditions and circumstances. If a Default has occurred and is continuing, and upon Administrative Agent’s reasonable request, at any time and from time to time, Borrower will provide at its own expense an environmental inspection of any of the Restricted Persons’ material real properties and audit of their environmental compliance procedures and practices, in each case from an engineering or consulting firm approved by Administrative Agent; provided in the case of Oil and Gas Properties for which no Restricted Person is the operator, Borrower will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide such inspection and audit.

 

(b)                                  Borrower will promptly furnish to Administrative Agent copies of all written notices of violation, orders, claims, citations, complaints, penalty assessments, suits or other

 

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proceedings received by any Restricted Person, or of which Borrower otherwise has notice, pending or threatened against any Restricted Person by any Governmental Authority with respect to any alleged violation of or non-compliance with any Environmental Laws or any permits, licenses or authorizations in connection with any Restricted Person’s ownership or use of its properties or the operation of its business.

 

(c)                                   Borrower will promptly furnish to Administrative Agent all requests for information, notices of claim, demand letters, and other notifications, received by Borrower in connection with any Restricted Person’s ownership or use of its properties or the conduct of its business, relating to potential responsibility with respect to any investigation or clean-up of Hazardous Material at any location.

 

Section 6.13.   Evidence of Compliance.   Each Restricted Person will furnish to Administrative Agent at such Restricted Person’s or Borrower’s expense all evidence which Administrative Agent from time to time reasonably requests in writing as to the accuracy and validity of or compliance with all representations, warranties and covenants made by any Restricted Person in the Loan Documents, the satisfaction of all conditions contained therein, and all other matters pertaining thereto.

 

Section 6.14.   [Reserved]

 

Section 6.15.    Guaranties.   At the request of Administrative Agent, each Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower and each Domestic Subsidiary of Parent (other than Borrower) now existing or created, acquired or coming into existence after the date hereof shall, promptly and in any event within 10 days after it has become a Subsidiary of Borrower or Parent, execute and deliver to Administrative Agent an absolute and unconditional guaranty of the timely repayment of the Obligations and the due and punctual performance of the obligations of Borrower hereunder and a security agreement covering all of its personal property, which guaranty and security agreement shall be satisfactory to Administrative Agent in form and substance. Each Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower and each Domestic Subsidiary of Parent (other than Borrower) existing on the date hereof shall duly execute and deliver such a guaranty and security agreement prior to the making of any Loan hereunder. Borrower will cause each of such Domestic Subsidiaries to deliver to Administrative Agent, simultaneously with its delivery of such a guaranty, written evidence satisfactory to Administrative Agent and its counsel that such Subsidiary has taken all company action necessary to duly approve and authorize its execution, delivery and performance of such guaranty and any other documents which it is required to execute.

 

Section 6.16.    Agreement to Deliver Security Documents.

 

(a)                                  At all times the Secured Obligations shall be secured by second and prior Liens (subject only to Permitted Liens and Liens in favor of the First Lien Administrative Agent to secure the First Lien Indebtedness) covering and encumbering (i) the Minimum Collateral Amount, (ii) all of the issued and outstanding Equity of Borrower, each Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower, and each Domestic Subsidiary of Parent, (iii) 65% of the issued and outstanding Equity of each First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary, and (iv) all other personal property of the Restricted Persons. On the Closing Date, the Credit Parties shall deliver to Administrative Agent

 

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for the ratable benefit of each Lender, Security Documents covering the foregoing, each in form and substance acceptable to Administrative Agent.

 

(b)                                  To the extent necessary to comply with the first sentence of Section 6.16(a), contemporaneously with each Redetermination Date, Borrower and the other Restricted Persons shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of each Lender, Security Documents covering the Minimum Collateral Amount, in form and substance acceptable to Administrative Agent and duly executed by Borrower and any such Restricted Person (as applicable) together with such other assignments, conveyances, amendments, agreements and other writings (each duly authorized and executed) as Administrative Agent shall deem necessary or appropriate to grant, evidence and perfect the Liens required by this Section 6.16.

 

(c)                                   Borrower also agrees to deliver favorable title opinions or updates of title opinions from legal counsel acceptable to Administrative Agent with respect to Oil and Gas Properties described in subsection (b) immediately above to which are attributable to the Minimum Collateral Amount and confirming that such Restricted Person has good and defensible title to such properties and interests, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens.

 

(d)                                  In the event that the Borrower or any Restricted Person intends to grant any Lien on any Property to secure any First Lien Indebtedness, the Borrower will, and will cause the Restricted Persons to, concurrently grant to the Administrative Agent to secure the Obligations a second Lien on the same Property pursuant to Security Instruments in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent to the extent a second Lien has not already been granted to the Administrative Agent on such Property. In connection therewith, the Borrower shall, or shall cause the Restricted Persons to, execute and deliver such other additional closing documents, certificates and legal opinions as shall reasonably be requested by the Administrative Agent. The Borrower will cause any Restricted Person guaranteeing any First Lien Indebtedness to contemporaneously guarantee the Obligations pursuant to Security Documents reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

Section 6.17.   Production Proceeds. Notwithstanding that, by the terms of the various Security Documents, Restricted Persons are and will be assigning to Administrative Agent and Lenders all of the “Production Proceeds” (as defined therein) accruing to the property covered thereby, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing Restricted Persons may continue to receive from the purchasers of production all such Production Proceeds, subject, however, to the Liens created under the Security Documents, which Liens are hereby affirmed and ratified. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, Administrative Agent and Lenders may exercise all rights and remedies granted under the Security Documents subject to the terms thereof, including the right to obtain possession of all Production Proceeds then held by Restricted Persons or to receive directly from the purchasers of production all other Production Proceeds. In no case shall any failure, whether intentional or inadvertent, by Administrative Agent or Lenders to collect directly any such Production Proceeds constitute in any way a waiver, remission or release of any of their rights under the Security Documents, nor shall any release of any Production Proceeds by Administrative Agent or Lenders to Restricted Persons constitute a waiver, remission, or release

 

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of any other Production Proceeds or of any rights of Administrative Agent or Lenders to collect other Production Proceeds thereafter.

 

Section 6.18.    Perfection and Protection of Security Interests and Liens. Each Restricted Person from time to time shall deliver, to Administrative Agent any financing statements, continuation statements, extension agreements, amendments to Security Documents, and other documents, properly completed and executed (and acknowledged when required) by such Restricted Person in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent, which Administrative Agent requests for the purpose of (i) perfecting, confirming, or protecting any Liens or other rights in Collateral securing any Secured Obligations and (ii) maintaining compliance with all applicable Laws, including those of any applicable Indian tribe, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Each Restricted Person hereby authorizes Administrative Agent to file one or more financing or continuation statements, and amendments thereto, relative to all or any part of the collateral describing the Collateral as “all assets” without the signature of any Restricted Person.

 

Section 6.19.    Leases and Contracts; Performance of Obligations.   Each Restricted Person will maintain in full force and effect, or if no Restricted Person is the operator of the applicable Oil and Gas Property, will exert its commercially reasonable efforts to insure the maintenance in full force and effect of, all oil, gas or mineral leases, contracts, servitudes and other agreements forming a part of any Borrowing Base Property to the extent the same cover or otherwise relate to such Borrowing Base Property, and each Restricted Person will timely perform all of its obligations thereunder. Each Restricted Person will properly and timely pay all rents, royalties and other payments due and payable under any such leases, contracts, servitudes and other agreements, or under the Permitted Liens, or otherwise attendant to its ownership or operation of any Oil and Gas Property. Each Restricted Person will promptly notify Administrative Agent of any claim (or any conclusion by such Restricted Person) that such Restricted Person is obligated to account for any royalties, or overriding royalties or other payments out of production, on a basis (other than delivery in kind) less favorable to such Restricted Person than proceeds received by Restricted Person (calculated at the well) from sale of production; provided that the obligations of Restricted Persons made in this sentence to so notify Administrative Agent are limited to the best of the Restricted Persons’ knowledge with respect to Oil and Gas Properties for which no Restricted Person is the operator.

 

Section 6.20.    Representations Continue to be True . Each Restricted Person will carry out its sales of production, will operate the Oil and Gas Properties, and will otherwise deal with the Oil and Gas Properties and the production, in such a way that the representations and warranties in Sections 5.19 through 5.23 remain true and correct at, and as of, all times that this Agreement is in effect (and not just at, and as of, the times such representations and warranties are made).

 

Section 6.21.    Hedging Contracts. Each Restricted Person shall maintain in effect for their full term (and will not sell, assign, transfer, terminate, or novate) all Hedging Contracts that are used by the First Lien Lenders in determining the Borrowing Base from time to time, including all Hedging Contracts in existence on the Closing Date; provided, however, Restricted Persons may terminate Hedging Contracts in connection with a Disposition permitted pursuant to

 

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Section 7.5(f) and redetermination of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 2.8(e) of the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Section 6.22.    Material Contracts. Each Restricted Person will perform and observe in all material respects all of the terms and provisions of each Material Contract to be performed or observed by it within any grace period applicable thereto and, in accordance with prudent business practices, enforce its rights under each Material Contract, and, upon request by Administrative Agent, make to each other party to each such Material Contract such requests for information and reports as any Restricted Person is entitled to make under such Material Contract, except, in any case, where the failure to do so, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change.

 

ARTICLE VII - NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

To conform with the terms and conditions under which each Lender is willing to have credit outstanding to Borrower, and to induce each Lender to enter into this Agreement and make the Loans, Borrower covenants and agrees that until the full and final payment of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement (as determined without regard to unasserted indemnity claims), unless Majority Lenders have previously agreed otherwise:

 

Section 7.1.                                  Indebtedness . No Restricted Person will in any manner owe or be liable for Indebtedness except:

 

(a)                                  the Obligations.

 

(b)                                  Indebtedness arising under Hedging Contracts permitted under Section 7.3.

 

(c)                                   (i) Indebtedness among Borrower and its Subsidiaries that are Guarantors and Indebtedness among Subsidiaries of Borrower that are Guarantors, in each case arising in the ordinary course of business; provided that all such Indebtedness shall be unsecured and subordinated in right of payment to the payment in full of all of the Obligations in a manner and on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, and (ii) Indebtedness among Borrower and Domestic Subsidiaries of Parent that are Guarantors (and not Subsidiaries of Borrower) in an amount not to exceed $50,000,000 at any one time outstanding, in each case arising in the ordinary course of business; provided that (x) such Indebtedness must be evidenced by a master note in form reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent and endorsed or assigned in blank to Administrative Agent (or First Lien Agent as bailee for Administrative Agent) to hold as Collateral under the Security Documents and (y) all such Indebtedness shall be unsecured and subordinated in right of payment to the payment in full of all of the Obligations in a manner and on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

 

(d)                                  Indebtedness under the First Lien Credit Facility permitted by the Intercreditor Agreement in an amount not to exceed $300,000,000 at any one time outstanding.

 

(e)                                   Indebtedness incurred in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000 in any Fiscal Year which is secured by Permitted Liens described in clause (l) of the definition thereof.

 

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(f)                                    miscellaneous items of unsecured Indebtedness of Restricted Persons not described in subsections (a) through (e) which do not in the aggregate (taking into account all such Indebtedness of all Restricted Persons) exceed $5,000,000 at any one time outstanding.

 

Section 7.2.                                  Limitation on Liens.   Except for Permitted Liens, no Restricted Person will create, assume or permit to exist any Lien upon any of the properties or assets which it now owns or hereafter acquires. No Restricted Person will grant a Lien on any property to secure the First Lien Indebtedness without contemporaneously granting to Administrative Agent, as security for the Secured Obligations, a second priority Lien on the same property pursuant to Security Documents in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

 

Section 7.3.                                  Hedging Contracts.   No Restricted Person will be a party to or in any manner be liable on any Hedging Contract except:

 

(a)                                  Hedging Contracts (excluding Floor Contracts covered by the following subsection (b)) entered into with the purpose and effect of fixing prices on oil, natural gas, or natural gas liquids expected to be produced by Restricted Persons, provided that at all times: (i) no such Hedging Contract fixes a price for a period later than 60 months after such contract is entered into; (ii) the aggregate monthly production covered by all such contracts (determined, in the case of contracts that are not settled on a monthly basis, by a monthly proration acceptable to Administrative Agent) for any single month does not in the aggregate exceed 85% of Restricted Persons’ aggregate Projected Oil and Gas Production (calculated separately for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids) anticipated (at the time such Hedging Contract is entered into) to be sold in the ordinary course of the Restricted Persons’ businesses for such month, determined separately with respect to oil and gas, (iii) except for the Collateral under the Security Documents with respect to Lender Hedging Obligations, no such contract requires any Restricted Person to put up money, assets, or other security against the event of its nonperformance prior to actual default by such Restricted Person in performing its obligations thereunder, and (iv) each such contract is with an Approved Counterparty;

 

(b)                                  Floor Contracts, provided that (i) no such contract has a term of more than 60 months after such contract is entered into, (ii) the aggregate monthly production covered by all such contracts for any single month does not in the aggregate exceed 100% of Restricted Persons’ aggregate Projected Oil and Gas Production anticipated (at the time such Hedging Contract is entered into) to be sold in the ordinary course of the Restricted Persons’ businesses for such month, and (iii) each such contract is with an Approved Counterparty;

 

(c)                                   Hedging Contracts entered into by a Restricted Person with the purpose and effect of fixing interest rates on a principal amount of indebtedness of such Restricted Person that is accruing interest at a variable rate, provided that (i) at the time such Hedging Contract is entered into, the aggregate notional amount of such contracts does not exceed 75% of the anticipated outstanding principal balance of the indebtedness to be hedged by such contracts or an average of such principal balances calculated using a generally accepted method of matching interest swap contracts to declining principal balances, (ii) the floating rate index of each such contract generally matches the index used to determine the floating rates of interest on the corresponding indebtedness to be hedged by such contract and (iii) each such contract is with an Approved Counterparty; and

 

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(d)                                  Hedging Contracts entered into by a Restricted Person with the purpose and effect of fixing prices on currency expected to be exchanged (x) from U.S. Dollars into Australian dollars or (y) from Australian dollars into U.S. Dollars, in each case in the ordinary course of the Credit Parties’ business and not for speculative purposes, provided that at all times: (i) no such Hedging Contract fixes a price for a period later than 12 months after such contract is entered into, (ii) the Credit Parties must maintain at all times Cash Equivalents at least equal to the aggregate notional amount of all such contracts, (iii) if any monthly notional amount of currency subject to any such Hedging Contract is on deposit in any Section 1031 tax-deferred exchange account (or other similar restricted account), then such amount must be permanently released from such account or restrictions prior to the date on which the Hedging Contract for such month is settled, (iv) except for the Collateral under the Security Documents with respect to Lender Hedging Obligations, no such contract requires any Restricted Person to put up money, assets, or other security against the event of its nonperformance prior to actual default by such Restricted Person in performing its obligations thereunder, and (v) each such contract is with an Approved Counterparty.

 

Section 7.4.                                  Limitation on Mergers, Issuances of Securities. No Restricted Person will merge or consolidate with or into any other Person, except that (a) any Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower may be merged into or consolidated with (i) another Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower, so long as a Guarantor is the surviving business entity, or (ii) Borrower, so long as Borrower is the surviving business entity and (b) any Domestic Subsidiary of Parent (that is not a Subsidiary of Borrower) may be merged or consolidated with (i) a Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower, so long as a Guarantor and a Domestic Subsidiary is the surviving business entity, (ii) Borrower, so long as Borrower is the surviving business entity, or (iii) another Domestic Subsidiary of Parent (that is not a Subsidiary of Borrower), so long as if either of such Domestic Subsidiaries is a Guarantor, a Guarantor is the surviving business entity. No Restricted Person will issue any Equity, provided that (i) Subsidiaries of Borrower and its wholly-owned Subsidiaries may issue Equity to Borrower and (ii) Subsidiaries of Parent and its wholly-owned Subsidiaries that are not Subsidiaries of Borrower may issue additional common Equity to Parent. No Subsidiary of Borrower will otherwise allow any diminution of Borrower’s Equity (direct or indirect) in such Subsidiary, and no Domestic Subsidiary of Parent (that is not a Subsidiary of Borrower and is a Guarantor) will otherwise allow any diminution of Parent’s Equity (direct or indirect) in such Subsidiary. For purposes of clarification, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the ability of Parent, at its sole discretion, to merge, consolidate or issue securities so long as, in the case of merger or consolidation, Administrative Agent is reasonably satisfied that the duties and obligations of Borrower hereunder are in no fashion modified thereby and so long as there is no Change of Control.

 

Section 7.5.                                  Limitation on Dispositions. No Restricted Person will Dispose of any of its material assets or properties or any material interest therein, except, to the extent not otherwise forbidden under the Security Documents:

 

(a)                                  equipment that is worthless or obsolete or worn out in the ordinary course of business, which is no longer used or useful in the conduct of its business or which is replaced by equipment of equal suitability and value;

 

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(b)                                  inventory (including oil and gas sold as produced and seismic data) that is sold in the ordinary course of business on ordinary trade terms;

 

(c)                                   Equity of any of Parent’s Domestic Subsidiaries that is transferred to Borrower or to another Domestic Subsidiary of Parent (provided that (i) if any such Domestic Subsidiary is wholly-owned by Borrower prior to such transfer, such Domestic Subsidiary shall be transferred to Borrower or to another wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower), and (ii) if any such Domestic Subsidiary is a Guarantor prior to such transfer, such Domestic Subsidiary shall be transferred to Borrower or to another Guarantor and Equity of any of Borrower’s Foreign Subsidiaries that is transferred to Borrower, a Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower or a Foreign Subsidiary of Borrower (provided that (i) if any such Foreign Subsidiary is wholly-owned by a Domestic Subsidiary prior to such transfer, such Foreign Subsidiary shall be transferred to Borrower or a wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary and (ii) if any such Foreign Subsidiary is wholly-owned by a Foreign Subsidiary prior to such transfer, such Foreign Subsidiary shall be transferred to Borrower or a wholly-owned Foreign Subsidiary);

 

(d)                                  Dispositions of property by any Domestic Subsidiary to Borrower or to a Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower, provided that (i) if the transferor of such property is a Guarantor, the transferee thereof must either be Borrower or a Guarantor and (ii) if the transferor is a wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary, the transferee thereof must either be Borrower or a wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary, and Dispositions of property by any Foreign Subsidiary to Borrower, a Domestic Subsidiary of Borrower or a Foreign Subsidiary of Borrower (provided that if the transferor is a wholly-owned Foreign Subsidiary, the transferee thereof must either be Borrower, a wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary or a wholly-owned Foreign Subsidiary);

 

(e)                                   subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of this Section 7.5, interests in Oil and Gas Properties, or portions thereof, to which no Proved Reserves are attributed;

 

(f)                                    subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of this Section 7.5, interests in Oil and Gas Properties to which Proved Reserves are attributed, Hedging Contracts, and the abandonment of any oil or gas well; provided that, no such Disposition shall be permitted pursuant to this clause (f) if Administrative Agent or Borrower determines that (i) such Disposition would result in the aggregate value of (x) the Dispositions of Restricted Persons’ Oil and Gas Properties since the then most recent Asset Coverage Test Date plus (y) the value of all Hedging Contracts Disposed of since the then most recent Asset Coverage Test Date used in determining the Asset Coverage Ratio as of such most recent Asset Coverage Test Date plus (z) the value of all Oil and Gas Properties abandoned since the then most recent Asset Coverage Test Date to equal an amount greater than 10% of the Total Proved PV-10 on such date or (ii) if as a result of such Disposition the Borrower shall not be in pro forma compliance with Section 7.14(c) hereof after giving effect to such Disposition and any prepayments of the Obligations.

 

(g)                                   a farmout of a drilling spacing unit that has no Proved Developed Producing Reserves by (i) Borrower to a Domestic Subsidiary of Parent that is a Guarantor, or (ii) A Domestic Subsidiary of Parent that is a Guarantor to another Domestic Subsidiary of Parent that is a Guarantor or to Borrower.

 

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No Disposition may be made pursuant to Section 7.5(e) or (f) unless (i) made for fair consideration to a Person who is not an Affiliate, and (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such Disposition or would result therefrom. No Restricted Person will elect not to participate in a proposed operation on any Oil and Gas Property constituting Collateral where the effect of such election would be the forfeiture either temporarily (e.g., until a certain sum of money is received out of the forfeited interest) or permanently of any interest in the Collateral.

 

Section 7.6.                                  Limitation on Dividends and Redemptions.   No Restricted Person will declare or make directly or indirectly any Distribution, other than, provided that no Default or Event of Default exists at the time such Distribution is made or will occur as a result thereof (a) Distributions payable to Borrower; and (b) Distributions payable to Parent, to the extent that the aggregate value of all such Distributions made during any Fiscal Year does not exceed $2,000,000; provided that such Distributions must be used by Parent in the ordinary course of business of the Credit Parties and must not be distributed to holders of Parent’s Equity or to any other Person.

 

Section 7.7.                                  Limitation on Investments and New Businesses.   No Restricted Person will (a) make any expenditure or commitment or incur any obligation or enter into or engage in any transaction except in the ordinary course of business and as described below in this Section 7.7 and in Section 7.11, (b) engage directly or indirectly in any business or conduct any operations except in connection with or incidental to its present businesses and operations as presently conducted, or (c) make any acquisitions of or capital contributions to or other Investments in any Person or property, other than Permitted Investments.

 

Section 7.8.                                  Limitation on Credit Extensions. Except for Permitted Investments, no Restricted Person will extend credit, make advances or make loans other than (a) normal and prudent extensions of credit to customers buying goods and services in the ordinary course of business, which extensions shall not be for longer periods than those extended by similar businesses operated in a normal and prudent manner, and (b) loans to Borrower or to any Subsidiary of Borrower that is a Guarantor.

 

Section 7.9.                                  Transactions with Affiliates. Neither Borrower nor any other Restricted Person will engage in any material transaction with any of its Affiliates on terms which are less favorable to it than those which would have been obtainable at the time in arm’s-length dealing with Persons other than such Affiliates, provided that such restriction shall not apply to transactions among Borrower and its wholly owned Subsidiaries that are Guarantors.

 

Section 7.10.  Prohibited Contracts.   Except as expressly provided for in the Loan Documents, no Restricted Person will, directly or indirectly, enter into, create, or otherwise allow to exist any contractual restriction or other consensual restriction on the ability of any Subsidiary of Borrower to: (a) pay dividends or make other distributions to Borrower, (b) to redeem Equity interests held in it by Borrower, (c) to repay loans and other indebtedness owing by it to Borrower, or (d) to transfer any of its assets to Borrower, except in the case of clause (d) for (i)  customary limitations and restrictions contained in, and limited to, specific leases, licenses, conveyances, partnership agreements and co-owners’ agreements, and similar conveyances and agreements, (ii) customary restrictions on the assignment or transfer of any contract or agreement

 

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that are contained in such contract or agreement, (iii) limitations and restrictions arising in connection with Permitted Liens affecting only property subject to such Permitted Lien, (iv) any restriction imposed on particular assets or properties pursuant to an agreement entered into for a sale of such assets or properties not prohibited by Section 7.5 of this Agreement pending the closing of such sale, and (v) limitations and restrictions arising or existing by reason of applicable Law. No Restricted Person will enter into any “take-or-pay” contract. No Restricted Person will amend or permit any amendment to any contract or lease that releases, qualifies, limits, makes contingent or otherwise detrimentally affects the rights and benefits of Administrative Agent or any Lender under or acquired pursuant to any Security Documents. No ERISA Affiliate will incur any obligation to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan or any plan subject to Section 4064 of ERISA. No Restricted Person will, directly or indirectly, enter into, create, or otherwise allow to exist any contractual restriction or other consensual restriction on the ability of any Restricted Person to repay any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.1(c).

 

Section 7.11.  Conduct of Business.   Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Person to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by Borrower and the Restricted Persons on the date of execution of this Agreement and businesses reasonably related thereto or the date such Restricted Person became a Guarantor, as the case may be.

 

Section 7.12.  Amendments to Organizational Documents.   No Restricted Person will enter into or permit any modification of, or waive any material right or obligation of any Person under its, Organizational Documents, except for such modifications and waivers that are not adverse to the interests of the Lender Parties.

 

Section 7.13.  Fiscal Year.   No Restricted Person shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, change its Fiscal Year end from June 30 without the consent of the Majority Lenders, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed.

 

Section 7.14.  Financial Covenants.

 

(a)                                  Current  Ratio.   The ratio of Parent’s Consolidated current assets to Parent’s Consolidated current liabilities will not be less than 1.0 to 1.0 as of the end of each Fiscal Quarter, beginning September 30, 2013. For purposes of this section, (i) any non-cash gains or losses resulting from the requirements of ASC Topic 815 or ASC Topic 410 (or other similar provision of IFRS) shall be excluded from current assets and from current liabilities, (ii) the Unused Availability shall be included as a current asset to the extent that such unused portion can be borrowed by Borrower without causing a Default (as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement) after giving effect thereto, and (iii) current maturities of the Obligations shall be excluded from current liabilities.

 

(b)                                  Maximum Leverage Ratio.   As of the end of each Fiscal Quarter, beginning September 30, 2013, the ratio of (i) Consolidated Funded Debt as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter to (ii) Adjusted Consolidated EBITDAX for such Fiscal Quarter, shall not exceed 4.5 to 1.0. The ratios in this Section 7.14(b) with respect to the Fiscal Quarter commencing with the Fiscal Quarter ending September 30, 2013 shall be calculated using “Annualized EBITDAX”.

 

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For purposes of this Section 7.14, “ Annualized EBITDAX” means (i) with respect to the Fiscal Quarter ending June 30, 2013, Adjusted Consolidated EBITDAX for the period commencing on October 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 multiplied by 4/3; and (ii) for each Fiscal Quarter thereafter, Adjusted Consolidated EBITDAX for the four consecutive Fiscal Quarters then ended.

 

(c)                                   Asset Coverage Test. The Borrower will not permit, as of any Asset Coverage Test Date, Asset Coverage Ratio to be less than 1.5 to 1.0.

 

Section 7.15. Sale and Leaseback Transactions. No Restricted Person will, directly or indirectly, enter into any arrangement with any Person whereby in a substantially contemporaneous transaction such Restricted Person sells or transfers all or substantially all of its right, title and interest in an asset and, in connection therewith, acquires or leases back the right to use such asset.

 

Section 7.16. Negative Pledge. No Restricted Person will enter into (a) any agreement for the borrowing of money (excluding the Loan Documents and the First Lien Loan Documents) prohibiting the creation or assumption of any Lien upon its properties, revenues or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired ( provided that (x) this provision is not intended to limit in any manner the Restricted Persons’ obligations to grant Liens securing the Collateral as otherwise set forth in this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, and (y) this provision shall not prohibit the inclusion of customary negative pledge language in agreements entered into in connection with Permitted Liens described in clause (l) of the definition thereof); (b) any agreement (excluding the Loan Documents and the First Lien Loan Documents) prohibiting the ability of any Restricted Person to amend or otherwise modify this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or (c) any agreement containing the prohibitions set forth in the preceding clause (a).

 

ARTICLE VIII - EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

 

Section 8.1.                                  Events of Default. Each of the following events constitutes an Event of Default under this Agreement:

 

(a)                                  Any Credit Party fails to pay any principal component of any Obligation when due and payable, whether at a date for the payment of a fixed installment or as a contingent or other payment becomes due and payable or as a result of acceleration or otherwise or Parent fails to pay any amount when due and payable under the Parent Guaranty;

 

(b)                                  Any Credit Party fails to pay any Obligation (other than the Obligations in subsection (a) above) when due and payable, whether at a date for the payment of a fixed installment or as a contingent or other payment becomes due and payable or as a result of acceleration or otherwise, within 3 Business Days after the same becomes due;

 

(c)                                   Any “default” or “event of default” occurs under any Loan Document which defines either such term, and the same is not remedied within the applicable period of grace (if any) provided in such Loan Document;

 

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(d)                                  Any Credit Party fails to duly observe, perform or comply with any covenant, agreement or provision of Sections 6.4, 6.6 or 6.22, or Article VII;

 

(e)                                   Any Credit Party fails (other than as referred to in subsections (a), (b), (c) or (d) above) to duly observe, perform or comply with any covenant, agreement, condition or provision of any Loan Document to which it is a party, and such failure remains unremedied for a period of 30 days after notice of such failure is given by Administrative Agent to Borrower;

 

(f)                                    Any representation or warranty previously, presently or hereafter made in writing by or on behalf of any Credit Party in connection with any Loan Document shall prove to have been false or incorrect in any material respect on any date on or as of which made;

 

(g)                                   Any Credit Party fails to duly observe, perform or comply with any agreement with any Person or any term or condition of any instrument, if such failure could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change and is not remedied within the applicable period of grace (if any) provided in such agreement or instrument;

 

(h)                                  Any Credit Party (i) fails to pay any portion, when such portion is due, of any Indebtedness outstanding under the First Lien Credit Agreement or any of its other Indebtedness in excess of the Threshold Amount, or (ii) breaches or defaults in the performance of any agreement (other than Section 7.14 of the First Lien Credit Agreement) or instrument by which any the First Lien Credit Agreement or such other Indebtedness is issued, evidenced, governed, or secured, and any such failure, breach or default continues beyond any applicable period of grace provided therefor;

 

(i)                                      (i) A Termination Event occurs which, when taken together with all other Termination Events that have occurred, has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in, liability of any Credit Party in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount, or (ii)  any other event or condition shall occur or exist with respect to a Plan and such event or condition, together with all other such events or conditions and Termination Events, if any, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change;

 

(j)                                     Any Credit Party:

 

(i)                                    suffers the entry against it of a judgment, decree or order for relief by a Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction in an involuntary proceeding commenced under any applicable Debtor Relief Laws now or hereafter in effect, or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law commenced against it remains undismissed for a period of 60 days; or

 

(ii)                                     commences a voluntary case under any applicable Debtor Relief Laws now or hereafter in effect; or applies for or consents to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such Debtor Relief Law; or makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or is generally not paying (or admits in writing its inability to pay) its debts as such debts become due; or takes corporate or other action authorizing any of the foregoing; or

 

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(iii)                                       suffers the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of all or a substantial part of its assets or of any part of the Collateral in a proceeding brought against or initiated by it, and such appointment or taking possession is neither made ineffective nor discharged within 60 days after the making thereof, or such appointment or taking possession is at any time consented to, requested by, or acquiesced to by it; or

 

(iv)                                     suffers the entry against it of (1) one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount (as to all such judgments or orders) in excess of the Threshold Amount (not covered by insurance satisfactory to Administrative Agent in its discretion), or (2) one or more non-monetary final judgments that have, or could reasonably be expected to cause, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Change and, in either case, (x) enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order, or (y) there is a period of 30 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect; or

 

(v)                                    suffers a writ or warrant of attachment or any similar process to be issued by any Governmental Authority against all or any substantial part of its assets or any part of the Collateral (to the extent that the aggregate value of Collateral since the Closing Date subject to such action is in excess of the Threshold Amount), and such writ or warrant of attachment or any similar process is not stayed or released within 30 days after the entry or levy thereof or after any stay is vacated or set aside;

 

(k)                                  Any Change of Control occurs; and

 

(l)                                      Any material provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Credit Party or any Affiliate of any Credit Party contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document; or any Credit Party denies that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document, or purports to revoke, terminate or rescind any provision of any Loan Document.

 

Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in subsection (j)(i), (j)(ii) or (j)(iii) of this Section with respect to any Credit Party, all of the Obligations shall thereupon be immediately due and payable, without demand, presentment, notice of demand or of dishonor and nonpayment, protest, notice of protest, notice of intention to accelerate, declaration or notice of acceleration, or any other notice or declaration of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Borrower and each Credit Party who at any time ratifies or approves this Agreement. During the continuance of any other Event of Default, Administrative Agent at any time and from time to time may (and upon written instructions from Majority Lenders, Administrative Agent shall), without notice to Borrower or any other Credit Party, declare any or all of the Obligations immediately due and payable, and all such Obligations shall thereupon be immediately due and payable, without demand, presentment, notice of demand or of dishonor and nonpayment, protest, notice of protest, notice of intention to accelerate, declaration or notice

 

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of acceleration, or any other notice or declaration of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Borrower and each Credit Party who at any time ratifies or approves this Agreement.

 

Section 8.2.                                  Remedies.   If any Default shall occur and be continuing, Majority Lenders, or Administrative Agent at the direction of Majority Lenders, may protect and enforce its rights under the Loan Documents by any appropriate proceedings, including proceedings for specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained in any Loan Document. All rights, remedies and powers conferred upon Lender Parties under the Loan Documents shall be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or powers available under the Loan Documents or at Law or in equity.

 

Section 8.3.                                  Application of Proceeds After Acceleration.   After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.2 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable, any amounts received on account of the Secured Obligations shall be applied by Administrative Agent (subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement) in the following order:

 

First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to Administrative Agent (but excluding fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of Administrative Agent) and amounts payable under Article III) payable to Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;

 

Second, to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (excluding other amounts provided for in clauses “Third” or “Fourth” below) payable to Lenders (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders, and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;

 

Third, to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, ratably among Lenders, in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;

 

Fourth, to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans, ratably among Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them;

 

Fifth, to payment of any other Secured Obligations;

 

Sixth, the balance, if any, after all of the Secured Obligations and after the First Lien Indebtedness has been indefeasibly paid in full (to the extent required to be paid pursuant to the First Lien Credit Agreement), to Borrower or as otherwise required by Law or by the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE IX - ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

 

Section 9.1.                                  Appointment and Authority.   Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc. to act on its behalf as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of Administrative Agent and the Lenders and neither Borrower nor any other Restricted Person shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions. It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” herein or in any other Loan Documents (or any other similar term) with reference to Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law. Instead such term is used as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties.

 

Section 9.2.                                  Exculpatory Provisions.

 

(a)                                  Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, and its duties hereunder shall be administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Administrative Agent:

 

(i)                                    shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing;

 

(ii)                                     shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Majority Lenders (or such other number or percentage of Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable Law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law;

 

(iii)                                       shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity; and

 

(iv)                                     shall not be responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any failure of any Credit Party to perform its obligations hereunder or in any Loan Document.

 

(b)                                  Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of Majority Lenders (or such other number or percentage of

 

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the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.1 and 8.2) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment.

 

(c)                                   Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to Administrative Agent.

 

Section 9.3.                                  Reliance by Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender prior to the making of such Loan. Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts. Administrative Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Note as the owner thereof for all purposes unless a notice of assignment, negotiation or transfer thereof shall have been filed with Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of Majority Lenders, as it deems appropriate or as otherwise required by Sections 8.2 or 10.1 or it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents in accordance with a request of Majority Lenders, or as otherwise required by Sections 8.2 or 10.1 and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all of the Lenders and all future holders of the Loans and all other Obligations.

 

Section 9.4.                                  Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders. Each Lender acknowledges that (a) it has, independently and without reliance upon Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this

 

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Agreement, and (b) none of Administrative Agent nor any of its respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates has made any representations or warranties to it and that no act by Administrative Agent hereinafter taken, including any review of the affairs of any Restricted Person or any audit or due diligence review prepared by the internal auditor of Administrative Agent, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by Administrative Agent to any Lender. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by Administrative Agent hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, Administrative Agent shall have no duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, operations, property, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or creditworthiness of Borrower or any other Restricted Person which may come into the possession of Administrative Agent or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys in fact or Affiliates. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Administrative Agent shall have no duty to monitor or verify the Collateral or the reporting requirements or the contents of reports delivered by Borrower. Each Lender assumes the responsibility of keeping itself informed at all times.

 

Section 9.5.                                  Rights as a Lender.   The Person serving as Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not Administrative Agent, and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for, and generally engage in any kind of business with, Parent and Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders. The Lenders acknowledge that the Administrative Agent is acting solely in administrative capacities with respect to the structuring and syndication of this facility and have no duties, responsibilities or liabilities under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents other than its administrative duties, responsibilities and liabilities specifically as set forth in the Loan Documents and in its capacity as Lender hereunder. Each Lender (and each person that becomes a Lender hereunder pursuant to Section 10.5) hereby (a) acknowledges that Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is acting under such Intercreditor Agreement as the First Lien Administrative Agent, and that its Affiliate, Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., is acting under such Intercreditor Agreement as the Second Lien Administrative Agent and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., or both, is or may be a Lender hereunder and/or a lender under the First Lien Credit Agreement and (b) waives any conflict of interest, now contemplated or arising hereafter, in connection therewith and agrees not to assert against Administrative Agent or the First Lien Agent any claims, cause of action, damages or liabilities of whatever kind or nature relating thereto. Each Lender (and each Person that becomes a Lender hereunder pursuant to Section 10.5) hereby authorizes and directs Administrative Agent to enter into such Intercreditor Agreement on behalf of such Lender and agrees that each of Administrative Agent and the First

 

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Lien Agent, in its various capacities thereunder, may take such actions on its behalf as is contemplated by the terms of such Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Section 9.6.                                          Investments. Whenever Administrative Agent in good faith determines that it is uncertain about how to distribute to Lender Parties any funds that it has received, or whenever Administrative Agent in good faith determines that there is any dispute among Lender Parties about how such funds should be distributed, Administrative Agent may choose to defer distribution of the funds that are the subject of such uncertainty or dispute. If Administrative Agent in good faith believes that the uncertainty or dispute will not be promptly resolved, or if Administrative Agent is otherwise required to invest funds pending distribution to Lender Parties, Administrative Agent shall invest such funds pending distribution; all interest on any such Investment shall be distributed upon the distribution of such Investment and in the same proportion and to the same Persons as such Investment. All moneys received by Administrative Agent for distribution to Lender Parties (other than to the Person who is Administrative Agent in its separate capacity as a Lender Party) shall be held by Administrative Agent pending such distribution solely as Administrative Agent for such Lender Parties, and Administrative Agent shall have no equitable title to any portion thereof.

 

Section 9.7.                                          Resignation of Administrative Agent.

 

(a)                                          Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders and Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, Majority Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with Borrower, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by Majority Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Majority Lenders) (the “ Resignation Effective Date” ), then the retiring Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to), on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above. Whether or not a successor has been appointed, such resignation shall become effective in accordance with such notice on the Resignation Effective Date.

 

(b)                                          [Reserved]

 

(c)                                           With effect from the Resignation Effective Date (i) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders under any of the Loan Documents, the retiring Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed), and (ii) except for any indemnity payments owed to the retiring Administrative Agent, all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender directly, until such time, if any, as Majority Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent (other than any rights to indemnity payments owed to the retiring Administrative Agent), and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its

 

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duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents. The fees payable by Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between Borrower and such successor. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 10.4 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.

 

Section 9.8.                                          Delegation of Duties. Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agents except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and nonappealable judgment that Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agents.

 

Section 9.9.                                          [Reserved]

 

Section 9.10. Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim . In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Restricted Person, Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated), by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

 

(a)                                          to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of Lenders and Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of Lenders and Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due Lenders and Administrative Agent under Sections 2.5 and 10.4) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

 

(b)                                          to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

 

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to Administrative Agent and, in the event that Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to Lenders, to pay to Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of Administrative Agent and its

 

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agents and counsel, and any other amounts due Administrative Agent under Sections 2.5 and 10.4.

 

Section 9.11. Guaranty Matters. Each Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Subsidiary Guaranty (i) if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted hereunder and (ii) upon termination of all Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations). Upon request by Administrative Agent at any time, each Lender will confirm in writing Administrative Agent’s authority to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Subsidiary Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.11, provided that the absence of any such confirmation for whatever reason shall not affect Administrative Agent’s rights under this Section 9.11.

 

Section 9.12. Collateral Matters.

 

(a)                                          Each Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs Administrative Agent to enter into the Security Documents for the benefit of such Lender. Each Lender hereby agrees, and each holder of any Note by the acceptance thereof will be deemed to agree, that, except as otherwise set forth in Section 10.1, any action taken by the Majority Lenders, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or the Security Documents, and the exercise by the Majority Lenders of the powers set forth herein or therein, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be authorized and binding upon all of Lenders. Administrative Agent is hereby authorized (but not obligated) on behalf of all of Lenders, without the necessity of any notice to or further consent from any Lender from time to time prior to, an Event of Default, to take any action with respect to any Collateral or Security Documents that may be necessary to perfect and maintain perfected the Liens upon the Collateral granted pursuant to the Security Documents.

 

(b)                                  Each Lender hereby irrevocably authorize Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion,

 

(i)                                              to release any Lien on any property granted to or held by Administrative Agent under any Loan Document (1) upon termination of all Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations), (2) that is Disposed of or to be Disposed of as part of or in connection with any sale or other Disposition permitted under the Loan Documents, (3) subject to Section 10.1, if approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Majority Lenders, or (4) in connection with any foreclosure sale or other disposition of Collateral after the occurrence of an Event of Default; and

 

(ii)                                           to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

Upon request by Administrative Agent at any time, each Lender will confirm in writing Administrative Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items

 

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of Collateral pursuant to this Section 9.12, provided that the absence of any such confirmation for whatever reason shall not affect Administrative Agent’s rights under this Section 9.12.

 

(c)                                           Subject to subsection (b) above, Administrative Agent shall (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Lender to) execute such documents as may be necessary to evidence the release or subordination of the Liens granted to Administrative Agent for the benefit of Administrative Agent and Lenders herein or pursuant hereto upon the applicable Collateral; provided that (i) Administrative Agent shall not be required to execute any such document on terms that, in Administrative Agent’s opinion, would expose Administrative Agent to or create any liability or entail any consequence other than the release or subordination of such Liens without recourse or warranty and (ii) such release or subordination shall not in any manner discharge, affect or impair the Obligations or any Liens upon (or obligations of Borrower or any other Restricted Person in respect of) all interests retained by Borrower or any other Restricted Person, including the proceeds of the sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral. In the event of any sale or transfer of Collateral, or any foreclosure with respect to any of the Collateral, Administrative Agent shall be authorized to deduct all expenses reasonably incurred by Administrative Agent from the proceeds of any such sale, transfer or foreclosure.

 

(d)                                          Administrative Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to any Lender or any other Person to assure that the Collateral exists or is owned by Borrower or any other Restricted Person or is cared for, protected or insured or that the Liens granted to Administrative Agent herein or in any of the Security Documents or pursuant hereto or thereto have been properly or sufficiently or lawfully created, perfected, protected or enforced or are entitled to any particular priority, or to exercise or to continue exercising at all or in any manner or under any duty of care, disclosure or fidelity any of the rights, authorities and powers granted or available to Administrative Agent in this Section 9.12 or in any of the Security Documents, it being understood and agreed that in respect of the Collateral, or any act, omission or event related thereto, Administrative Agent may act in any manner it may deem appropriate, in its discretion, given Administrative Agent’s own interest in the Collateral as one of Lenders and that Administrative Agent shall have no duty or liability whatsoever to Lenders.

 

(e)                                           Each Lender hereby appoints each other Lender as agent for the purpose of perfecting Lenders’ security interest in assets that, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC, can be perfected only by possession. Should any Lender (other than Administrative Agent) obtain possession of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify Administrative Agent thereof, and, promptly upon Administrative Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to Administrative Agent or in accordance with Administrative Agent’s instructions.

 

Section 9.13. [Reserved]

 

Section 9.14. Notice of Default. Administrative Agent shall be deemed to have no knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default hereunder unless Administrative Agent has received written notice from a Lender or Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” In the event that Administrative Agent receives such a notice, Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Lenders. Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably directed by the Majority Lenders;

 

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provided that unless and until Administrative Agent shall have received such directions, Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of the Lenders.

 

ARTICLE X - MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 10.1. Waivers and Amendments; Acknowledgments.

 

(a)                                          Waivers and Amendments. No failure or delay (whether by course of conduct or otherwise) by any Lender in exercising any right, power or remedy that such Lender Party may have under any of the Loan Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof or of any other right, power or remedy, nor shall any single or partial exercise by any Lender Party of any such right, power or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or of any other right, power or remedy. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document and no consent to any departure therefrom shall ever be effective unless it is in writing and signed as provided below in this section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instances and for the purposes for which given and to the extent specified in such writing. No notice to or demand on any Restricted Person shall in any case of itself entitle any Restricted Person to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents set forth the entire understanding between the parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated herein and therein and supersede all prior discussions and understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and no waiver, consent, release, modification or amendment of or supplement to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall be valid or effective against any party hereto unless the same is in writing and signed by (i) if such party is Borrower, by Borrower, (ii) if such party is Administrative Agent by such party, and (iii) if such party is a Lender, by such Lender or by Administrative Agent on behalf of Lenders with the written consent of Majority Lenders. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, Administrative Agent shall not, without the prior consent of each individual Lender affected thereby, execute and deliver on behalf of such Lender any waiver or amendment that would: (1) waive any of the conditions specified in Article IV ( provided that Administrative Agent may in its discretion withdraw any request it has made under Section 4.2(f)), (2) increase the maximum amount that such Lender is committed hereunder to lend, (3) reduce any fees payable to such Lender hereunder, or the principal of, or interest on, such Lender’s Loans, (4) extend the Maturity Date, or postpone any date fixed for any payment of any such fees, principal or interest, (5) amend the definition herein of “Majority Lenders” or otherwise change the aggregate amount of Applicable Percentages that is required for Administrative Agent, Lenders or any of them to take any particular action under the Loan Documents, (6) release Borrower from its obligation to pay such Lender’s Obligations or any Guarantor from its guaranty of such payment (except pursuant to Section 9.11), (7) release all or substantially all of the Collateral, except for such releases relating to sales or dispositions of property permitted by the Loan Documents, (8) amend the pro-rata sharing provisions in Section 2.7 or 8.3, or (9) amend this Section 10.1(a). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent that by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the

 

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applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x) the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended, and the principal amount of Loans of any Defaulting Lender may not be decreased, without the consent of such Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms affects any Defaulting Lender more adversely than other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.

 

(b)                                          Acknowledgments and Admissions. Borrower hereby represents, warrants, acknowledges and admits that (i) it and the other Credit Parties have been advised by counsel in the negotiation, execution and delivery of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (ii) it and the other Credit Parties have made an independent decision to enter into this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, without reliance on any representation, warranty, covenant or undertaking by Administrative Agent or any Lender Party, whether written, oral or implicit, other than as expressly set out in this Agreement or in another Loan Document delivered on or after the date hereof, (iii) there are no representations, warranties, covenants, undertakings or agreements by any Lender Party as to the Loan Documents except as expressly set out in this Agreement or in another Loan Document delivered on or after the date hereof, (iv) no Lender Party has any fiduciary obligation toward Borrower with respect to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated thereby, (v) the relationship pursuant to the Loan Documents between Borrower and the other Restricted Persons, on one hand, and each Lender Party, on the other hand, is and shall be solely that of debtor and creditor, respectively, provided that, solely for purposes of Section 10.5(c) Administrative Agent shall act as agent of Borrower in maintaining the Register as set forth therein, (vi) no partnership or joint venture exists with respect to the Loan Documents between any Restricted Person and any Lender Party, (vii) Administrative Agent is not Borrower’s Administrative Agent, but Administrative Agent for Lender Parties, provided that, solely for purposes of Section 10.5(c) Administrative Agent shall act as agent of Borrower in maintaining the Register as set forth therein, (viii) should an Event of Default or Default exist, each Lender Party will determine in its discretion and for its own reasons what remedies and actions it will or will not request that Administrative Agent exercise or take at that time, (ix) without limiting any of the foregoing, Borrower is not relying upon any representation or covenant by any Lender Party, or any representative thereof, and no such representation or covenant has been made, that any Lender Party will, at the time of an Event of Default or Default, or at any other time, waive, negotiate, discuss, or take or refrain from taking any action permitted under the Loan Documents with respect to any such Event of Default or Default or any other provision of the Loan Documents, and (x) all Lender Parties have relied upon the truthfulness of the acknowledgments in this Section in deciding to execute and deliver this Agreement and to become obligated hereunder.

 

(c)                                           Joint Acknowledgment. THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.

 

THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

 

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Section 10.2. Survival of Agreements; Cumulative Nature. All of Restricted Persons’ various representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in the Loan Documents shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the performance hereof and thereof, including the making or granting of the Loans and the delivery of the Notes and the other Loan Documents, and shall further survive until all of the Obligations are paid in full to each Lender Party and all of Lender Parties’ obligations to Borrower are terminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything herein to the contrary, any waivers or admissions made by any Restricted Person in any Loan Document, any Obligations under Sections 3.2 through 3.6, and any obligations that any Person may have to indemnify or compensate any Lender Party shall survive any termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document. In addition, Articles VIII and IX shall survive until all of the Security Documents have been terminated. All statements and agreements contained in any certificate or other instrument delivered by any Restricted Person to any Lender Party under any Loan Document shall be deemed representations and warranties by Borrower or agreements and covenants of Borrower under this Agreement. The representations, warranties, indemnities, and covenants made by Restricted Persons in the Loan Documents, and the rights, powers, and privileges granted to Lender Parties in the Loan Documents, are cumulative, and, except for expressly specified waivers and consents, no Loan Document shall be construed in the context of another to diminish, nullify, or otherwise reduce the benefit to any Lender Party of any such representation, warranty, indemnity, covenant, right, power or privilege. In particular and without limitation, no exception set out in this Agreement to any representation, warranty, indemnity, or covenant herein contained shall apply to any similar representation, warranty, indemnity, or covenant contained in any other Loan Document, and each such similar representation, warranty, indemnity, or covenant shall be subject only to those exceptions that are expressly made applicable to it by the terms of the various Loan Documents.

 

Section 10.3. Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication.

 

(a)                                          Notices Generally. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in subsection (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile as follows and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:

 

If to Borrower or any other

 

Restricted Person:

Sundance Energy, Inc.

 

633 17th Street, Suite 1950

 

Denver, CO 80202

 

Attention: Eric P. McCrady

 

Telephone No.: (303) 543-5700

 

Facsimile No.: (303) 543-5701

 

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If to Administrative Agent:

Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc.

 

1000 Louisiana Street, 9th Floor

 

Houston, Texas 77002

 

Attention: Ryan Sauer

 

Facsimile: 713-652-5874

 

 

If to any other Lender Party:

Its address, facsimile number, or telephone number as specified in its Administrative Questionnaire

 

Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient). Notices delivered through electronic communications, to the extent provided in subsection (b) below, shall be effective as provided in said subsection (b).

 

(b)                                          Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender pursuant to Article II if such Lender has notified Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. Administrative Agent or Borrower or any other Restricted Person may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

 

Unless Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient, at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i), of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient.

 

(c)                                           Change of Address, Etc. Any party hereto may change its address or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

(d)                                          Platform .

 

(i)                                            Borrower (and each Restricted Person by signing its Guaranty) agrees that Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make the Communications (as

 

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defined below) available to the Lenders by posting the Communications on Debt Domain, Intralinks, Syndtrak or a substantially similar electronic transmission system (the “ Platform ”).

 

(ii)                                             The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.” The Agent Parties (as defined below) do not warrant the adequacy of the Platform and expressly disclaim liability for errors or omissions in the Communications. No warranty of any kind, express, implied or statutory, including, without limitation, any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third-party rights or freedom from viruses or other code defects, is made by any Agent Party in connection with the Communications or the Platform. In no event shall Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “ Agent Parties” ) have any liability to Borrower or the other Restricted Persons, any Lender or any other Person or entity for damages of any kind, including, without limitation, direct or indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of Borrower’s, any Loan Party’s or Administrative Agent’s transmission of communications through the Platform. “ Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Restricted Person pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed to Administrative Agent or any Lender by means of electronic communications pursuant to this Section, including through the Platform.

 

Section 10.4. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

 

(a)                                          Costs and Expenses. Borrower shall promptly pay (i) all transfer, stamp, mortgage, documentary or other similar taxes, assessments or charges levied by any governmental or revenue authority in respect of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or any other document or transaction referred to herein or therein, (ii) all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including fees and expenses of attorneys that are not employees of any Lender Party or its Affiliates, consultants, reserve engineers, accountants, and other advisors, travel costs, expenses related to the Platform and in connection with the issuance of CUSIP numbers, and other miscellaneous expenses) in connection with (1) the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, (2) the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, or any amendments, modifications, or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (3) the filing, recording, refiling and re-recording of any Loan Documents and any other documents or instruments or further assurances required to be filed or recorded or refiled or re- recorded by the terms of any Loan Document, (4) any action reasonably required in the course of administration hereof, or (5) monitoring or confirming (or preparation or negotiation of any document related to) any Restricted Person’s compliance with any covenants or conditions contained in this Agreement or in any Loan Document, and (iii) all out of pocket expenses incurred by or on behalf of any Lender Party (including fees and expenses of attorneys that are not employees of any Lender Party or its Affiliates, consultants, reserve engineers, accountants, and other advisors, travel costs, court costs, and miscellaneous expenses) (A) in connection with the preservation of any rights under the Loan Documents, the exercise or enforcement of any rights or remedies under the Loan Documents (including this Section), or the defense of any such

 

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exercise or enforcement, or (B) in connection with the Loans made hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans.

 

(b)                                          Indemnification. Each Credit Party shall indemnify Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “ Indemnitee” ) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee that is not an employee of such Indemnitee or its Affiliates), incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by Borrower or any other Credit Party arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, (ii) any Loan or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom, (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by Borrower or any other Credit Party, or any environmental liability related in any way to Borrower or any other Credit Party, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by Borrower or any other Credit Party, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto. THE FOREGOING INDEMNIFICATION WILL APPLY WHETHER OR NOT SUCH LIABILITIES AND COSTS ARE IN ANY WAY OR TO ANY EXTENT OWED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, UNDER ANY CLAIM OR THEORY OF STRICT LIABILITY OR CAUSED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY ANY NEGLIGENT ACT OR OMISSION OF ANY KIND BY ANY INDEMNITEE , provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) result from a claim brought by Borrower or any other Credit Party against an Indemnitee for breach in bad faith of such Indemnitee’s obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if Borrower or such Credit Party has obtained a final and nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

(c)                                           Reimbursement by Lenders. To the extent that any Credit Party for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by it to Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount, provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) in connection with such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.8.

 

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(d)                                         Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, Borrower and the other Credit Parties shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

 

(e)                                          Payments. All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than 10 days after demand therefor.

 

(f)                                           Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section shall survive the termination of the Loan Documents and payment of the obligations hereunder.

 

Section 10.5. Successors and Assigns; Joint and Several Liability.

 

(a)                                         Successors and Assigns Generally. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that neither Borrower nor any other Credit Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under any Loan Document without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an Eligible Assignee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section, or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (f) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

(b)                                         Assignments by Lenders. Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

(i)                                    Minimum Amounts.

 

(1)                                  in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and/or the Loans at the time owing to it or contemporaneous assignments to related Approved Funds that equal at least the amount specified in subsection (b)(i)(2) of this Section in the aggregate or in the

 

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case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and

 

(2)                           in any case not described in subsection (b)(i)(1) of this Section, except in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to a Lender, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the applicable Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date) shall not be less than $5,000,000, unless each of Administrative Agent and, so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

(ii)                               Proportionate Amounts. Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loan or the Commitment assigned.

 

(iii)                                Required Consents. No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by subsection (b)(i)(2) of this Section and, in addition:

 

(1)                                  the consent of Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (x) a Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment, or (y) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; provided that Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to Administrative Agent within 5 Business Days after having received notice thereof and provided, further, that Borrower’s consent shall not be required during the primary syndication of the credit facilities evidenced by this Agreement; and

 

(2)                                  the consent of Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender with a Commitment, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender.

 

(iv)                              Assignment and Assumption. The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; provided that Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment. The assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.

 

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(v)                                         No Assignment to Certain Persons. No such assignment shall be made to (1) Borrower or any of Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries or (2) to any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (2).

 

(vi)                                      No Assignment to Natural Persons. No such assignment shall be made to a natural Person.

 

(vii)                                   Certain Additional Payments. In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of Borrower and Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to Administrative Agent and each other Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon), and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.

 

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits, and subject to the requirements of, of Sections 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 10.4, and 10.14 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment; provided, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no assignment by a Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender. Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 10.5, (i) the consent of Borrower and its execution of an Assignment and Acceptance shall not be required, and, unless requested by the Eligible Assignee and/or the assigning Lender, new Notes shall not be required to be executed and delivered by Borrower, for any assignment which occurs at any time when any Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (ii) Borrower shall not unreasonably withhold or delay in providing any consent or executing any Assignment and Acceptance otherwise required under this Section 10.5. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or

 

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obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section.

 

(c)                                           Register. Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices in Houston, Texas a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register” ). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and Borrower and each Lender Party 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. Any assignment of any Loan or other Obligation hereunder, whether or not evidenced by a Note, shall be effective only upon appropriate entries with respect thereto being made in the Register. In addition, Administrative Agent shall maintain on the Register information regarding the designation, and revocation of designation, of any Lender as a Defaulting Lender. The Register shall be available for inspection by Borrower or any Lender Party, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

(d)                                          Participations. Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, Borrower or Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person, a Defaulting Lender or Borrower or any of Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “ Participant” ) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) Borrower, Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, each Lender shall be responsible for the indemnity under Section 3.5(e) with respect to any payments made by such Lender to its Participant(s).

 

Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the fifth sentence of Section 10.1(a) that affects such Participant. Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.2, 3.4, and 3.5 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 3.5(g) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 3.5(g) shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Section 3.7 as if it were an assignee under subsection (b) of this Section; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 3.2 or 3.5, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation. Each Lender that sells a participation

 

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agrees, at Borrower’s request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 3.7 with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by Law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 6.14 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.7 as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “ Participant Register” ). The Participant Register shall be available for inspection by Administrative Agent or Borrower at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice; provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

 

(e)                                           Certain Pledges. Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

(f)                                            Joint and Several Liability. All Obligations that are incurred by two or more Credit Parties shall be their joint and several obligations and liabilities.

 

Section 10.6. Confidentiality. Each of Administrative Agent and the Lenders agree to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its Related Parties (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential); (b) to the extent required or requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over such Person or its Related Parties (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners); (c) to the extent required by applicable Laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process; (d) to any other party hereto; (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder; (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement, or (ii) any actual or prospective party (or its Related Parties) to any swap, derivative or other transaction under which payments are to be made by reference to Borrower and its obligations, this Agreement or payments hereunder;

 

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(g) on a confidential basis to (i) any rating agency in connection with rating Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided by this Agreement, or (ii) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers with respect to such credit facilities; (h) with the consent of Borrower; or (i) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section, or (y) becomes available to Administrative Agent, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than a Credit Party. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section 10.6 to the contrary, Administrative Agent may disclose the existence of this Agreement and information about this Agreement, as amended from time to time, to the “Gold Sheets” and other market data collectors and trade publications and in “tombstone” advertisements, such information to consist of deal terms and other information customarily found in such publications, services and advertisements.

 

For purposes of this Section, “ Information” means all information received from Borrower, Parent or any of its Subsidiaries relating to Borrower, Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, provided that, in the case of information received from Borrower, Parent or any of its Subsidiaries after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

 

Section 10.7. Governing Law; Submission to Process.

 

(a)                                          GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSE OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT (EXCEPT, AS TO ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH THEREIN) AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF COLORADO.

 

(b)                                          SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. PARENT, BORROWER AND EACH OTHER CREDIT PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT COMMENCE ANY ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND OR DESCRIPTION, WHETHER IN LAW OR EQUITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT OR OTHERWISE, AGAINST ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER, OR ANY RELATED PARTY OF THE FOREGOING IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATING HERETO OR THERETO, IN ANY FORUM OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF COLORADO SITTING IN DENVER COUNTY, AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF COLORADO, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY

 

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SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH COLORADO STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST BORROWER OR ANY OTHER RESTRICTED PERSON OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

 

(c)                                           WAIVER OF VENUE. PARENT, BORROWER AND EACH OTHER CREDIT PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

 

(d)                                          SERVICE OF PROCESS. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 10.3. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

Section 10.8. Limitation on Interest. Lender Parties, Credit Parties and the other parties to the Loan Documents intend to contract in strict compliance with applicable usury Law from time to time in effect. In furtherance thereof such Persons stipulate and agree that none of the terms and provisions contained in the Loan Documents shall ever be construed to create a contract to pay, for the use, forbearance or detention of money, interest in excess of the maximum amount of interest permitted to be charged by applicable Law from time to time in effect. Neither any Credit Party nor any present or future guarantors, endorsers, or other Persons hereafter becoming liable for payment of any Obligation shall ever be liable for unearned interest thereon or shall ever be required to pay interest thereon in excess of the maximum amount that may be lawfully contracted for, charged, or received under applicable Law from time to time in effect, and the provisions of this Section shall control over all other provisions of the Loan Documents that may be in conflict or apparent conflict herewith.

 

Section 10.9. Severability. If any term or provision of any Loan Document shall be determined to be illegal or unenforceable all other terms and provisions of the Loan Documents

 

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shall nevertheless remain effective and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.9, if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by Administrative Agent, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited.

 

Section 10.10. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to Administrative Agent, constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.1, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by Administrative Agent and when Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or in electronic (i.e., “ pdf” or “ tif” ) format shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

Section 10.11. Waiver of Jury Trial, Punitive Damages, etc. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, (A) ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER THEORY), AND (B) ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO CLAIM OR RECOVER IN ANY SUCH LEGAL PROCEEDING ANY “SPECIAL DAMAGES”, AS DEFINED BELOW. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT, OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION. AS USED IN THIS SECTION, “ SPECIAL DAMAGES ” INCLUDES ALL SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (REGARDLESS OF HOW NAMED), BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY PAYMENTS OR FUNDS THAT ANY PARTY HERETO AS EXPRESSLY PROMISED TO PAY OR DELIVER TO ANY OTHER PARTY HERETO.

 

Section 10.12. No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility. In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated by this Agreement, Borrower and each other Credit Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that: (i) the credit facilities provided for hereunder and any related services in connection therewith (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan

 

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Document) are an arm’s-length commercial transaction between Borrower, each other Credit Party and their respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and Administrative Agent, on the other hand, and Borrower and each other Credit Party is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or thereof); (ii) in connection with the process leading to such transaction, Administrative Agents is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the financial advisor, agent or fiduciary, for Borrower, any other Credit Party or any of their respective Affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other Person; (iii) Administrative Agent has neither assumed nor will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary responsibility in favor of Borrower or any other Credit Party with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto, including with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document (irrespective of whether Administrative Agent has advised or is currently advising Borrower, any other Credit Party or any of their respective Affiliates on other matters) and Administrative Agent has no obligation to Borrower, any other Credit Party or any of their respective Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; (iv) Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of Borrower, the other Credit Parties and their respective Affiliates, and Administrative Agent has no obligation to disclose any of such interests by virtue of any advisory, agency or fiduciary relationship; and (v) Administrative Agent will not provide any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) and each of Borrower and the other Credit Parties has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate. Each of Borrower and the other Credit Parties hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any claims that it may have against Administrative Agent with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty.

 

Section 10.13. USA PATRIOT Act Notice. Each Lender that is subject to the Patriot Act and Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies Borrower and each other Credit Party that, pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies Borrower and each other Credit Party, which information includes the name and address of Borrower and each other Credit Party and other information that will allow such Lender or Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify Borrower and each other Credit Party in accordance with the Act.

 

Section 10.14. Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, after obtaining the prior written consent of Administrative Agent, 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 such Lender or any such Affiliate, to or for the credit or the account of Borrower or any other Credit Party against any and all of the obligations of Borrower or such Credit Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other

 

94



 

Loan Document and although such obligations of Borrower or such Credit Party may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch, office, or Affiliate of such Lender different from the branch, office, or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.9 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The rights of each Lender and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender or their respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender agrees to notify Borrower and Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.

 

Section 10.15. Payments Set Aside. To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of Borrower is made to Administrative Agent or any Lender, or Administrative Agent, or any Lender exercises its 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 Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 10.16. Intercreditor Agreement.

 

(a)                                          Each Lender hereby (i) instructs and authorizes the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver the Intercreditor Agreement on its behalf, (ii) authorizes and directs the Administrative Agent to exercise all of the Administrative Agent’s rights and to comply with all of its obligations under the Intercreditor Agreement, (iii) agrees that the Administrative Agent may take actions on its behalf as is contemplated by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, and (iv) understands, acknowledges and agrees that at all times following the execution and delivery of the Intercreditor Agreement such Lender (and each of its successors and assigns) shall be bound by the terms thereof.

 

(b)                                          Each Lender acknowledges that it has reviewed and is satisfied with the terms and provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and acknowledges and agrees that such Lender is responsible for making its own analysis and review of the Intercreditor Agreement and the terms and provisions thereof, and no agent or any of its affiliates makes any representation to any

 

95


 

Lender as to the sufficiency or advisability of the provisions contained in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

(c)                                          Each Lender hereunder (a) acknowledges that it has received a copy of the Intercreditor Agreement, (b) consents to the subordination of liens provided for in the Intercreditor Agreement, (c) agrees that it will be bound by and will take no actions contrary to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement as if it was a signatory thereto and (d) authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent to enter into the Intercreditor Agreement as Administrative Agent and on behalf of such Lender. The foregoing provisions are intended as an inducement to the First Lien Lenders (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) to permit the incurrence of obligations under this Agreement and to extend credit to the Borrower and such Lenders are intended third party beneficiaries of such provisions.

 

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

96



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed as of the date first written above.

 

 

 

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.,

 

 

Borrower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Eric P. Mccrady

 

 

President & Chief Executive Officer

 

S-1



 

 

WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL INC.,

 

 

Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Ryan Sauer

 

 

Vice President

 

S-2



 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,

 

 

as Lender

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Ryan Sauer

 

 

Vice President

 

S-3


 

EXHIBIT A

 

PROMISSORY NOTE

 

Denver, Colorado

[Date]

 

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC., a Colorado corporation (“ Borrower” ), hereby promises to pay to (“ Lender” ), the principal sum equal to such Lender’s Commitment under the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), or, if greater or less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loan made by Lender to Borrower pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), together with interest on the unpaid principal balance thereof as set forth in the Credit Agreement, both principal and interest payable as herein provided in lawful money of the United States of America at the offices of Administrative Agent under the Credit Agreement, or at such other place as from time to time may be designated by the holder of this Note.

 

This Note (a) is issued and delivered under that certain Second Lien Credit Agreement dated as of August 30, 2013 among Borrower, Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as Administrative Agent, and the lenders (including Lender) referred to therein (as from time to time supplemented, amended or restated, the “ Credit Agreement” ), and is a “Note” as defined therein, (b) is subject to the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement, which contains provisions for payments and prepayments hereunder and acceleration of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain stated events, and (c) is secured by and entitled to the benefits of certain Security Documents (as identified and defined in the Credit Agreement). Payments on this Note shall be made and applied as provided in the Credit Agreement. Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement for a description of certain rights, limitations of rights, obligations and duties of the parties hereto and for the meanings assigned to terms used and not defined herein and to the Security Documents for a description of the nature and extent of the security thereby provided and the rights of the parties thereto.

 

The principal amount of this Note, together with all interest accrued hereon, shall be due and payable in full on the Maturity Date.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph and all other provisions of this Note, in no event shall the interest payable hereon, whether before or after maturity, exceed the maximum interest that, under applicable Law, may be contracted for, charged, or received on this Note, and this Note is expressly made subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement that more fully set out the limitations on how interest accrues hereon.

 

If this Note is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection after default, or if all or any part of the indebtedness represented hereby is proved, established or collected in any court or in any bankruptcy, receivership, debtor relief, probate or other court proceedings, Borrower and all endorsers, sureties and guarantors of this Note jointly and severally agree to pay reasonable attorneys’ fees and collection costs to the holder hereof in addition to the principal and interest payable hereunder.

 

Exhibit A - 1



 

Borrower and all endorsers, sureties and guarantors of this Note hereby severally waive demand, presentment, notice of demand and of dishonor and nonpayment of this Note, protest, notice of protest, notice of intention to accelerate the maturity of this Note, declaration or notice of acceleration of the maturity of this Note, diligence in collecting, the bringing of any suit against any party and any notice of or defense on account of any extensions, renewals, partial payments or changes in any manner of or in this Note or in any of its terms, provisions and covenants, or any releases or substitutions of any security, or any delay, indulgence or other act of any trustee or any holder hereof, whether before or after maturity.

 

This Note and the rights and duties of the parties hereto shall be governed by the Laws of the State of Colorado (without regard to principles of conflicts of law), except to the extent the same are governed by applicable federal Law.

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

Exhibit A - 2



 

EXHIBIT B

 

BORROWING NOTICE

 

Reference is made to that certain Second Lien Credit Agreement dated as of August 30, 2013 (as amended or supplemented, the “ Agreement” ), by and among SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC. (“ Borrower” ), Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as Administrative Agent, and certain financial institutions (“ Lenders” ). Terms that are defined in the Agreement are used herein with the meanings given them in the Agreement. Borrower hereby requests a Borrowing of Loans to be advanced pursuant to Section 2.1 of the Agreement as follows:

 

Aggregate amount of Borrowing:

$

 

 

Type of Loans in Borrowing:

 

 

 

Date on which Loans are to be advanced:

 

 

 

Length of Interest Period for Eurodollar Loans:

months

 

To induce Lenders to make such Loans, Borrower hereby represents, warrants, acknowledges, and agrees to and with Administrative Agent and each Lender that:

 

(a)                                         The officer of Borrower signing this instrument is the duly elected, qualified and acting officer of Borrower as indicated below such officer’s signature hereto having all necessary authority to act for Borrower in making the request herein contained.

 

(b)                                         The representations and warranties of the Restricted Persons set forth in the Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date hereof, except for any such representation or warranty that expressly applies to a specified earlier date, in which case such representation or warranty shall have been true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date.

 

(c)                                          No Default exists as of the date hereof; nor will any Default result from the proposed Loan or from the application of the proceeds thereof.

 

(d)                                         Except to the extent waived in writing as provided in Section 10.1(a) of the Agreement, Borrower has performed and complied with all agreements and conditions in the Agreement required to be performed or complied with by Borrower on or prior to the date hereof, and each of the conditions precedent to Loans contained in the Agreement remains satisfied.

 

(e)                                          The Loan Documents have not been modified, amended or supplemented by any unwritten representations or promises, by any course of dealing, or by any other means not

 

Exhibit B - 1



 

Provided for in Section 10.1(a) of the Agreement. The Agreement and the other Loan Documents are hereby ratified, approved, and confirmed in all respects.

 

The officer of Borrower signing this instrument hereby certifies (as an officer of Borrower and not in his or her individual capacity) that, to the best of his knowledge after due inquiry, the above representations, warranties, acknowledgments, and agreements of Borrower are true, correct and complete.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this instrument is executed as of                , 2013.

 

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

Exhibit B - 2



 

EXHIBIT C

 

CONTINUATION/CONVERSION NOTICE

 

Reference is made to that certain Second Lien Credit Agreement dated as of August 30, 2013 (as amended or supplemented, the “ Agreement” ), by and among Sundance Energy, Inc. (“ Borrower” ), Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as Administrative Agent, and the lenders referred to therein (“ Lenders ”). Terms that are defined in the Agreement are used herein with the meanings given them in the Agreement.

 

Borrower hereby requests a Conversion or Continuation of existing Loans into a new Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Agreement as follows:

 

Existing Borrowing(s) to be continued or converted:

 

$                            of Eurodollar Loans with Interest Period ending                           .

 

$                            of Base Rate Loans

 

Aggregate amount of Borrowing:

$

 

 

Type of Loans in new Borrowing:

 

 

 

Date of Continuation or Conversion:

 

 

 

Length of Interest Period for Eurodollar Loans:

months

 

To meet the conditions set out in the Agreement for such conversion/continuation, Borrower hereby represents, warrants, acknowledges, and agrees to and with Administrative Agent and each Lender that:

 

(a)                                         The officer of Borrower signing this instrument is the duly elected, qualified and acting officer of Borrower as indicated below such officer’s signature hereto having all necessary authority to act for Borrower in making the request contained herein.

 

(b)                                         There does not exist on the date hereof any condition or event that constitutes a Default that has not been waived in writing as provided in Section 10.1(a) of the Agreement.

 

(c)                                          The Loan Documents have not been modified, amended or supplemented by any unwritten representations or promises, by any course of dealing, or by any other means not provided for in Section 10.1(a) of the Agreement. The Agreement and the other Loan Documents are hereby ratified, approved, and confirmed in all respects.

 

The officer of Borrower signing this instrument hereby certifies (as an officer of Borrower and not in his or her individual capacity) that, to the best of his knowledge after due inquiry, the above representations, warranties, acknowledgments, and agreements of Borrower are true, correct and complete.

 

Exhibit C - 1



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF this instrument is executed as of                                       .

 

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

Exhibit C - 2



 

EXHIBIT D

 

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

Reference is made to that certain Second Lien Credit Agreement dated as of August 30, 2013 (as amended or supplemented, the “ Agreement” ), by and among Sundance Energy, Inc. (“ Borrower” ), Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as Administrative Agent, and certain financial institutions (“ Lenders” ), which Agreement is in full force and effect on the date hereof. Terms that are defined in the Agreement are used herein with the meanings given them in the Agreement.

 

This Certificate is furnished pursuant to Section 6.2(b) of the Agreement. Together herewith Borrower is furnishing to Administrative Agent and each Lender Borrower’s *[audited/unaudited] financial statements (the “ Financial Statements” ) as at                   (the “ Reporting Date” ). Borrower hereby represents, warrants, and acknowledges to Administrative Agent and each Lender that:

 

(a)                                          the officer of Borrower signing this instrument is the duly elected, qualified and acting             of Borrower and as such is Borrower’s chief financial officer;

 

(b)                                          the Financial Statements are accurate and complete and satisfy the requirements of the Agreement;

 

(c)                                           attached hereto is a schedule of calculations showing Borrower’s compliance as of the Reporting Date with the requirements of Section 7.14 of the Agreement *[and Borrower’s non-compliance as of such date with the requirements of Section(s)                    of the Agreement];

 

(d)                                          on the Reporting Date Borrower was, and on the date hereof Borrower is, in full compliance with the disclosure requirements of Section 6.4 of the Agreement, and no Default otherwise existed on the Reporting Date or otherwise exists on the date of this instrument *[except for Default(s) under Section(s)                     of the Agreement, which *[is/are] more fully described on a schedule attached hereto]; and

 

(e)                                           *[unless otherwise disclosed on a schedule attached hereto,] the representations and warranties of the Credit Parties set forth in the Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of the date hereof in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date hereof, except for any such representation or warranty that expressly applies to a specified earlier date, in which case such representation or warranty shall have been true and correct in all respects on and as of such earlier date.

 

The officer of Borrower signing this instrument hereby certifies (as an officer of Borrower and not in his or her individual capacity) that he has reviewed the Loan Documents and the Financial Statements and has otherwise undertaken such inquiry as is in his/her opinion

 

Exhibit D - 1



 

necessary to enable him/her to express an informed opinion with respect to the above representations, warranties and acknowledgments of Borrower and, to the best of his/her knowledge, such representations, warranties, and acknowledgments are true, correct and complete.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this instrument is executed as of                              , 20        .

 

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

Exhibit D - 2



 

EXHIBIT E

 

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

This Assignment and Assumption (the “ Assignment and Assumption” ) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [the][each] Assignor identified in item 1 below ([the][each, an] “ Assignor” ) and [the][each] Assignee identified in item 2 below ([the][each, an] “ Assignee” ). [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors][the Assignees] hereunder are several and not joint.] Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, the “ Credit Agreement” ), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by [the][each] Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

 

For an agreed consideration, [the][each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee][the respective Assignees], and [the][each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor][the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignor’s][the respective Assignors’] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender][their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor][the respective Assignors] under the respective facilities identified below (including without limitation any letters of credit, guarantees, and swingline loans included in such facilities), and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)][the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the][any] Assignor to [the][any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as [the][an] “ Assigned Interest” ). Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the][any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by [the][any] Assignor.

 

1.

Assignor[s]:

 

 

 

[Assignor [is] [is not] a Defaulting Lender]

 

 

2.

Assignee[s]:

 

 

 

[for each Assignee, indicate [Affiliate][Approved Fund] of [ identify Lender ]]

 

Exhibit E - 1



 

3.

Borrower:

Sundance Energy, Inc.

 

 

4.

Administrative Agent: Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement

 

 

5.

Credit Agreement: Second Lien Credit Agreement dated as of August 30, 2013 among Sundance Energy, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as Administrative Agent.

 

 

Assigned Interest[s]:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of

 

Amount of

 

Percentage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Facility

 

Loans for

 

Loans

 

Assigned

 

CUSIP

 

Assignor[s]

 

Assignee[s]

 

Assigned

 

all Lenders

 

Assigned

 

Loans

 

Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

 

%

 

 

 

[7.

Trade Date:

                        ]

 

[Page break]

 

Exhibit E - 3



 

Effective Date:                               , 20         [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]

 

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

 

 

ASSIGNOR

 

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

ASSIGNEE

 

[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

[Consented to and] Accepted:

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC., as

 

Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Title

 

 

 

 

 

[Consented to]:

 

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Title

 

 

Exhibit E - 3


 

ANNEX 1 to Assignment and Assumption

 

[SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.]

 

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

FOR ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

1.                                              Representations and Warranties.

 

1.1.                                     Assignor[s]. [The][Each] Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, (ii) [the][such] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim, (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and (iv) it is [not] a Defaulting Lender, and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document, or (iv) the performance or observance by Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

 

1.2.                                     Assignee[s]. [The][Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements of an Eligible Assignee under the Credit Agreement (subject to receipt of such consents, if any, as may be required under the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire the Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.2 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, and (vii) [if it is a Foreign Lender] attached to the Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the][such] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on Administrative Agent, [the][any] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan

 

Annex 1 to Exhibit E - Page 1



 

Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations that by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

 

2.                                              Payments. From and after the Effective Date, Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [the][each] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [the][the relevant] Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the][the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Administrative Agent shall make all payments of interest, fees or other amounts paid or payable in kind from and after the Effective Date to [the][the relevant] Assignee.

 

3.                                              General Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Colorado.

 

Annex 1 to Exhibit E - Page 2


 

EXHIBIT G

 

FORM OF INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

 

(attached hereto)

 

Exhibit G

 



 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

 

dated as of

 

August 30, 2013

 

among

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.,

 

as Company,

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,

 

as First Lien Administrative Agent

 

and

 

WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC.,

 

as Second Lien Administrative Agent

 

THIS IS THE INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT REFERRED TO IN THE SECURITY INSTRUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THE CREDIT AGREEMENTS REFERRED TO HEREIN.

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

 

 

Article I Definitions

2

 

 

 

Section 1.01

Certain Defined Terms

2

 

 

 

 

 

Section 1.02

Other Defined Terms

2

 

 

 

 

 

Section 1.03

Terms Generally

9

 

 

 

Article II Lien Priorities

10

 

 

 

 

Section 2.01

Relative Priorities

10

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.02

Prohibition on Contesting Liens

10

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.03

No New Liens

10

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.04

Similar Liens and Agreements

11

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.05

Judgment Creditors

11

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.06

No Debt Subordination

11

 

 

 

Article III Enforcement of Rights; Matters Relating to Collateral

11

 

 

 

Section 3.01

Exercise of Rights and Remedies

11

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3.02

No Interference

15

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3.03

Rights as Unsecured Creditors

17

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3.04

Automatic Release of Second Priority Liens

17

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3.05

Automatic Release of First Priority Liens

18

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3.06

Notice of Exercise of Second Liens

19

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3.07

Insurance and Condemnation Awards

19

 

 

 

Article IV Payments

20

 

 

 

Section 4.01

Application of Proceeds

20

 

 

 

 

 

Section 4.02

Payment Over

20

 

 

 

 

 

Section 4.03

Certain Agreements with Respect to Unenforceable Liens

20

 

 

 

Article V Bailment

21

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

Section 5.01

Bailment for Perfection of Certain Security Interests

21

 

 

 

 

 

Section 5.02

Bailment for Perfection of Certain Security Interests — Other Control Collateral (Second Lien Administrative Agent)

22

 

 

 

Article VI Insolvency Proceedings

23

 

 

 

 

Section 6.01

Finance and Sale Matters

23

 

 

 

 

 

Section 6.02

Relief from the Automatic Stay

25

 

 

 

 

 

Section 6.03

Reorganization Securities

25

 

 

 

 

 

Section 6.04

Post-Petition Interest

25

 

 

 

 

 

Section 6.05

Certain Waivers by the Second Lien Secured Parties

26

 

 

 

 

 

Section 6.06

Certain Voting Matters

26

 

 

 

 

 

Section 6.07

Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classification

26

 

 

 

Article VII Other Agreements

27

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7.01

  Matters Relating to Loan Documents

27

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7.02

Effect of Refinancing of Indebtedness under First Lien Loan Documents

29

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7.03

No Waiver by First Lien Secured Parties

30

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7.04

Reinstatement

30

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7.05

Further Assurances

31

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7.06

Notice of Exercise of Remedies

31

 

 

 

Article VIII Representations and Warranties

31

 

 

 

 

Section 8.01

Representations and Warranties of Each Party

31

 

 

 

 

 

Section 8.02

Representations and Warranties of Each Administrative Agent

32

 

 

 

Article IX No Reliance; No Liability; Obligations Absolute

32

 

 

 

 

Section 9.01

No Reliance; Information

32

 

 

 

 

 

Section 9.02

No Warranties or Liability

33

 

ii



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

Section 9.03

Obligations Absolute

34

 

 

 

Article X Miscellaneous

34

 

 

 

 

Section 10.01

Notices

34

 

 

 

 

 

Section 10.02

Conflicts

35

 

 

 

 

 

Section 10.03

Effectiveness; Survival

36

 

 

 

 

 

Section 10.04

Severability

36

 

 

 

 

 

Section 10.05

Amendments; Waivers

36

 

 

 

 

 

Section 10.06

Subrogation

36

 

 

 

 

 

Section 10.07

Applicable Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process

37

 

 

 

 

 

Section 10.08

Waiver of Jury Trial

37

 

 

 

 

 

Section 10.09

Parties in Interest

38

 

 

 

 

 

Section 10.10

Specific Performance

38

 

 

 

 

 

Section 10.11

Headings

38

 

 

 

 

 

Section 10.12

Counterparts

38

 

 

 

 

 

Section 10.13

Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights

38

 

 

 

 

 

Section 10.14

Sharing of Information

38

 

 

 

 

 

Section 10.15

No Indirect Actions

39

 

iii



 

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of August 30, 2013 (this “ Agreement ”), among SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC., a Colorado corporation (the “ Company ”), WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as agent for the First Lien Lenders (as defined below) (in such capacity, together with any successor “Administrative Agent” as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined below), the “ First Lien Administrative Agent ”), and WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC., as agent for the Second Lien Lenders (as defined below) (in such capacity, together with any successor “Administrative Agent” as defined in the Second Lien Credit Agreement (as defined below), the “ Second Lien Administrative Agent ”).

 

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

 

Reference is made to (a) the Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 2012 (as heretofore amended or modified or hereafter amended, restated, or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, the “ First Lien Credit Agreement ”), among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ First Lien Lenders ”) and the First Lien Administrative Agent, (b) the Second Lien Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof (as amended, restated, or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, the “ Second Lien Credit Agreement ” and, together with the First Lien Credit Agreement, the “ Credit Agreements ”), among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Second Lien Lenders ”) and Second Lien Administrative Agent, and (c) the Security Documents referred to in the Credit Agreements.

 

RECITALS

 

A.                             The First Lien Lenders have agreed to make loans and other extensions of credit to the Company pursuant to the First Lien Credit Agreement on the condition, among others, that the First Lien Obligations (such term and each other capitalized term used but not defined in the preliminary statement or these recitals having the meaning given it in Article I) shall be secured by first priority Liens on, and security interests in, the First Lien Collateral.

 

B.                             The Second Lien Lenders have agreed to make loans to the Company pursuant to the Second Lien Credit Agreement on the condition, among others, that the Second Lien Obligations shall be secured by second priority Liens on, and security interests in, the Second Lien Collateral.

 

C.                             The Credit Agreements require, among other things, that the parties hereto set forth in this Agreement, among other things, their respective rights, obligations and remedies with respect to the Collateral.

 

Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 


 

Article I

 

Definitions

 

Section 1.01                              Certain Defined Terms . Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the First Lien Credit Agreement, the Second Lien Credit Agreement or the Security Documents, as applicable.

 

Section 1.02                       Other Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following term shall have the meanings specified below:

 

Administrative   Agents ” shall mean collectively each of First Lien Administrative Agent and Second Lien Administrative Agent.

 

Bankruptcy Code shall mean Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy,” as now and hereinafter in effect, or any successor statute.

 

Bankruptcy Law ” shall mean the Bankruptcy Code and any other Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law.

 

Borrowing Base ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the First Lien Credit Agreement or, if the Indebtedness outstanding under the First Lien Loan Documents is Refinanced as contemplated by Section 7.02, as defined in the New First Lien Loan Documents, provided that such “Borrowing Base”, whether in the First Lien Loan Documents or the New First Lien Loan Documents, is a traditional conforming corp rate banking borrowing base for oil and gas secured loan transactions, similar with the existing transaction, including customary mechanisms for periodic redeterminations thereof.

 

Cash Management Lender ” means any First Lien Lender or any Affiliate of any First Lien Lender that provides a Cash Management Service to any Grantor, in its capacity as a provider of such service. If a Person ceases to be a First Lien Lender or an Affiliate of a First Lien Lender, such Person shall nonetheless remain a Cash Management Lender, but only with respect to transactions entered into thereunder during or prior to the time such Person was a First Lien Lender or an Affiliate of a First Lien Lender.

 

Cash Management Obligation ” means any obligation of any Grantor arising from time to time in respect of Cash Management Servicesheretofore, presently or hereafter entered into with a Cash Management Lender; provided that if any Person that was a Cash Management Lender ceases to be a First Lien Lender or an Affiliate of a First Lien Lender, the Cash Management Obligations shall only include such obligations to the extent arising from Cash Management Services provided to such Grantor during or prior to the time such Person was a First Lien Lender or an Affiliate of a First Lien Lender and shall not include any obligations arising from any Cash Management Services provided to such Grantor after such Person ceases to be a First Lien Lender or an Affiliate of a First Lien Lender.

 

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Cash Management Services ” means any banking services that are provided to any Grantor by a Cash Management Lender (other than pursuant to the First Lien Credit Agreement), including: (a) credit cards, (b) credit card processing services, (c) debit cards, (d) purchase cards, (e) stored value cards, (f) automated clearing house or wire transfer services, or (g) treasury management, including controlled disbursement, consolidated account, lockbox, overdraft, return items, sweep and interstate depository network services.

 

Collateral ” shall mean, collectively, the First Lien Collateral and the Second Lien Collateral.

 

Company ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

Comparable Second Lien Security Document ” shall mean, in relation to any Collateral subject to any Lien created under any First Lien Security Document, the Second Lien Security Document that creates a Lien on the same Collateral, granted by the same Grantor.

 

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

 

Credit Agreements ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

 

Credit Exposure ” means the Swap Termination Value under a Hedging Contract.

 

DIP Financing ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(a)(ii).

 

DIP Financing Liens ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(a)(ii).

 

Discharge of First Lien Obligations ” shall mean, subject to Section 7.02 and Section 7.04, (a) payment in full in cash of the principal of and interest (including interest accruing during the pendency of any Insolvency Proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such Insolvency Proceeding) and premium, if any, on all First Lien Obligations outstanding under the First Lien Loan Documents, (b) payment in full in cash of all other First Lien Obligations, other than Lender Hedging Obligations and Cash Management Obligations and any contingent obligations for which no claim or demand for payment has been made at such time, that are due and payable or otherwise accrued and owing at or prior to the time such principal and interest are paid, (c) cancellation of, cash collateralization in an amount equal to 102% of the aggregate undrawn face amount of, or the entry into other arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the First Lien Administrative Agent and the LC Issuer with respect to all letters of credit issued and

 

3



 

outstanding under the First Lien Credit Agreement, (d) payment of all Lender Hedging Obligations under all Lender Hedging Contracts to the extent the First Lien Administrative Agent has received written notice of such Lender Hedging Obligations (or, with respect to any particular Lender Hedging Contract, such other arrangements as have been made by the Company and the Lender Counterparty who is a party to such Lender Hedging Contract in a manner satisfactory to such Lender Counterparty in its sole discretion to protect such Lender Counterparty from default risk under such Lender Hedging Contract (and communicated to the First Lien Administrative Agent) as provided in the First Lien Credit Agreement), (e) payment of all Cash Management Obligations to the extent the First Lien Administrative Agent has received written notice of such Cash Management Obligations (or, with respect to any particular agreement to provide Cash Management Services, such other arrangements as have been made by the Company and the Cash Management Lender who is a party to such agreement in a manner satisfactory to such Cash Management Lender in its sole discretion to protect such Cash Management Lender from default risk under such agreement (and communicated to the First Lien Administrative Agent) as provided in the First Lien Credit Agreement), and (f) termination or expiration of all commitments to lend and all obligations to issue or extend letters of credit under the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Disposition ” shall mean any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition. “ Dispose ” shall have a correlative meaning.

 

Enforcement Action ” shall mean an action under applicable law to (a) foreclose, execute, levy, or collect on, take possession or control of, sell or otherwise realize upon (judicially or non-judicially), or lease, license, or otherwise dispose of (whether publicly or privately), Collateral, or otherwise exercise or enforce remedial rights with respect to Collateral under the First Lien Loan Documents or the Second Lien Loan Documents (including by way of setoff, recoupment, notification of a public or private sale or other disposition pursuant to the UCC or other applicable law, notification to account debtors, notification to depositary banks under deposit account control agreements, or exercise of rights under landlord consents, if applicable), (b) solicit bids from third Persons to conduct the liquidation or disposition of Collateral or to engage or retain sales brokers, marketing agents, or auctioneers for the purposes of marketing, promoting, and selling Collateral, (c) to receive a transfer of Collateral in satisfaction of any Obligation secured thereby, (d) to otherwise enforce a security interest or exercise a remedy, as a secured creditor or otherwise, in equity, or pursuant to the First Lien Loan Documents or the Second Lien Loan Documents (including the commencement of applicable legal proceedings or other actions with respect to all or any portion of the Collateral to facilitate the actions described in the preceding clauses, and exercising voting rights in respect of equity interests comprising Collateral), or (e) the Disposition of Collateral by any Grantor after the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default under the First Lien Loan Documents or the Second Lien Loan Documents with the consent of First Lien Administrative Agent or Second Lien Administrative Agent, as applicable; provided that “Enforcement Action” will be deemed to include the commencement of, or joinder in filing of a petition for commencement of, an Insolvency Proceeding against the owner of Collateral.

 

4



 

First Lien Administrative Agent ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

 

First Lien Collateral ” shall mean all assets of any Grantor, whether real, personal or mixed, now or at any time hereafter subject to Liens securing any First Lien Obligations.

 

First Lien Credit Agreement ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

 

First Lien Lenders ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

 

First Lien Loan Documents ” shall mean the “Loan Documents”, as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

First Lien Majority Lenders ” shall mean the “Majority Lenders”, as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

First Lien Obligations ” shall mean the “Secured Obligations”, as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

First Lien Secured Parties ” shall mean, at any time, (a) the First Lien Lenders, (b) the First Lien Administrative Agent, (c) the LC Issuer, (d) the Lender Counterparties, (e) the Cash Management Lenders, (f) each other Person to whom any of the First Lien Obligations (including First Lien Obligations under any indemnification obligations) is owed, and (g) the successors and permitted assigns of each of the foregoing.

 

First Lien Security Documents ” shall mean the “Security Documents”, as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

First Priority Liens ” shall mean all Liens on the First Lien Collateral securing the First Lien Obligations, whether created under the First Lien Security Documents or acquired by possession, statute (including any judgment lien), operation of law, subrogation or otherwise.

 

Grantors ” shall mean (a) the Company, (b) each other Person that shall have created or purported to create any First Priority Lien or Second Priority Lien on all or any part of its assets to secure any First Lien Obligations or any Second Lien Obligations, and (c) each other Person that shall have provided a Guaranty or other similar credit support for either the First Lien Obligations or the Second Lien Obligations.

 

Guarantors ” shall mean, collectively, Parent and each Subsidiary of Parent that has guaranteed, or that may from time to time hereafter guarantees, the First Lien Obligations or the Second Lien Obligations.

 

Hedging Contract ” means (a) any agreement providing for options, swaps, floors, caps, collars, forward sales or forward purchases involving interest rates,

 

5



 

commodities or commodity prices, equities, currencies, bonds, or indexes based on any of the foregoing, (b) any option, futures or forward contract traded on an exchange, and (c) any other derivative agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement.

 

Indebtedness ” shall mean and includes all obligations that constitute “Obligations”, as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement or the Second Lien Credit Agreement, as applicable.

 

Insolvency Proceeding ” shall mean (a) any voluntary or involuntary proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code or any other Bankruptcy Law with respect to any Grantor, (b) any voluntary or involuntary appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for any Grantor or for a substantial part of the property or assets of any Grantor, (c) any voluntary or involuntary winding-up or liquidation of any Grantor, or (d) a general assignment for the benefit of creditors by any Grantor.

 

“Lender Counterparty” shall mean any First Lien Lender or any Affiliate of any First Lien Lender that is a party to a Hedging Contract with any Grantor. If a Person ceases to be a First Lien Lender or an Affiliate of a First Lien Lender but remains a party to such Hedging Contract, such Person shall nonetheless remain a Lender Counterparty, but only with respect to transactions entered into thereunder during or prior to the time such Person was a First Lien Lender or an Affiliate of a First Lien Lender.

 

“Lender Hedging Contract” shall mean a Hedging Contract between any Grantor and a Lender Counterparty.

 

“Lender Hedging Obligation” shall mean any obligation of any Grantor arising from time to time under any Hedging Contract heretofore, presently or hereafter entered into with a Lender Counterparty; provided that if any Person that was a Lender Counterparty ceases to be a First Lien Lender or an Affiliate of a First Lien Lender, the Lender Hedging Obligations shall only include such obligations to the extent arising from transactions entered into during or prior to the time such Person was a First Lien Lender or an Affiliate of a First Lien Lender and shall not include any obligations arising from any transaction entered into after such Person ceases to be a First Lien Lender or an Affiliate of a First Lien Lender, provided that when used with reference to any Guarantor, the term “Lender Hedging Obligation” excludes any Excluded Swap Obligations with respect to such Guarantor.

 

“Lender Party” shall mean one of the “Lender Parties”, as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

“Lien” shall mean, with respect to any property or assets, any right or interest therein of a creditor to secure Liabilities owed to it or any other arrangement with such creditor that provides for the payment of such Liabilities out of such property or assets or that allows such creditor to have such Liabilities satisfied out of such property or assets prior to the general creditors of any owner thereof, including any lien, mortgage, security interest, pledge, deposit, production payment, rights of a vendor under any title retention

 

6



 

or conditional sale agreement or lease substantially equivalent thereto, tax lien, mechanic’s or materialman’s lien, or any other charge or encumbrance for security purposes, whether arising by Law or agreement or otherwise, but excluding any right of offset that arises without agreement in the ordinary course of business. “Lien” also means any filed financing statement, any registration of a pledge (such as with an issuer of uncertificated securities), or any other arrangement or action that would serve to perfect a Lien described in the preceding sentence, regardless of whether such financing statement is filed, such registration is made, or such arrangement or action is undertaken before or after such Lien exists.

 

Loan Documents ” shall mean the First Lien Loan Documents and the Second Lien Loan Documents.

 

New First Lien Administrative Agent ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.02.

 

New First Lien Loan Documents ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.02.

 

New First Lien Obligations ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.02.

 

Person ” shall mean any individual, corporation, company, voluntary association, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency, instrumentality or political subdivision thereof, or any other form of entity.

 

Pledged or Controlled Collateral ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.01(a).

 

Property ” means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible, including, without limitation, cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

Refinance ” shall mean, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, restructure or replace, or to issue other Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness, in whole or in part. “ Refinanced ” and “ Refinancing ” shall have correlative meanings.

 

Refinancing Indebtedness ” shall mean Indebtedness that Refinances First Lien Obligations pursuant to Section 7.02.

 

Refinancing Notice ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.02.

 

Release ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.04.

 

7



 

Second Lien Administrative Agent ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

 

Second Lien Collateral ” shall mean all assets of any Grantor now or at any time hereafter subject to Liens securing any Second Lien Obligations.

 

Second Lien Credit Agreement ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

 

Second Lien Lenders ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

 

Second Lien Loan Documents ” shall mean the “Loan Documents”, as defined in the Second Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Second Lien Obligations ” shall mean the “Obligations”, as defined in the Second Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Second Lien Permitted Actions ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01(a).

 

Second Lien Release ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.05.

 

Second Lien Required Lenders ” shall mean the “Majority Lenders”, as defined in the Second Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Second Lien Secured Parties ” shall mean, at any time, (a) the Second Lien Lenders, (b) the Second Lien Administrative Agent, (c) each other Person to whom any of the Second Lien Obligations (including indemnification obligations) is owed and (d) the successors and permitted assigns of each of the foregoing.

 

Second Lien Security Documents ” shall mean the “Security Documents” , as defined in the Second Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Second Priority Liens ” shall mean all Liens on the Second Lien Collateral securing the Second Lien Obligations, whether created under the Second Lien Security Documents or acquired by possession, statute (including any judgment Lien), operation of law, subrogation or otherwise.

 

Security Documents ” shall mean the First Lien Security Documents and the Second Lien Security Documents.

 

Standstill Period ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.02(a)(i).

 

Subsidiary ” of a Person means (a) a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which at least a majority of the

 

8



 

outstanding Equity Interests having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors, managers or other governing body (irrespective of whether or not at the time Equity Interests of any other class or classes of such Person shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries or such Person and one or more of its “Subsidiaries”, and (b) any partnership of which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries is a general partner. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each reference to the term “ Subsidiary” shall mean a Domestic Subsidiary of the Parent (other than the Company).

 

Swap Termination Value ” means, in respect of any one or more Lender Hedging Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Lender Hedging Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Lender Hedging Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Lender Hedging Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Lender Hedging Contracts.

 

Uniform Commercial Code ” or “ UCC ” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code (or any similar or equivalent legislation) as in effect from time to time in any applicable jurisdiction.

 

Section 1.03 Terms Generally . The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, (b) any reference herein (i) to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns and (ii) to the Company or any other Grantor shall be construed to include the Company or such Grantor as debtor and debtor-in-possession and any receiver or trustee for the Company or any other Grantor, as the case may be, in any Insolvency Proceeding, (c) the words “herein”, “hereof’ and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles or Sections shall be construed to refer to Articles or Sections of this Agreement, and (e) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

9



 

Article II

 

Lien Priorities

 

Section 2.01                              Relative Priorities . Notwithstanding (a) the date, manner or order of grant, attachment or perfection of any Second Priority Lien or any First Priority Lien, (b) any provision of the UCC or any other applicable law or the provisions of any Security Document or any other Loan Document, (c) any defect in, or non-perfection, setting aside, or avoidance of a Lien or a First Lien Loan Document or a Second Lien Loan Document, (d) the modification of a First Lien Loan Document or a Second Lien Loan Document, (e) the exchange of any security interest in any Collateral for a security interest in other Collateral, (f) the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding or any other circumstace whatsoever, including a circumstance that might be a defense available to, or a discharge of, a Grantor in respect of a First Lien Obligation or a Second Lien Obligation or holder of such Obligation, the Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, hereby agrees that, so long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, (g) any First Priority Lien now or hereafter held by or for the benefit of any First Lien Secured Party shall be senior in right, priority, operation, effect and ll other respects to any and all Second Priority Lien , (h) any Second Priority Lien now or hereafter held by or for the benefit of any Second Lien Secured Party shall be junior and subordinate in right, priority, operation, effect and all other respects to any and all First Priority Liens, and (i) the First Priority Lien shall be and remain senior in right, priority, operation, effect and all other respects to any Second Priority Liens for all purposes, whether or not any First Priority Liens are subordinated in any respect to any other Lien securing any other obligation of the Company, any other Grantor or any other Person.

 

Section 2.02                              Prohibition on Contesting Liens Each of the First Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other First Lien Secured Parties, and the Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, agrees that it will not, and hereby waives any right to, contest or support any other Person in contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency Proceeding), the creation, priority, perfection, validity or enforceability of any Second Priority Lien or any First Priority Lien, as the case may be; provided that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of the First Lien Administrative Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party to enforce this Agreement.

 

Section 2.03                              No New Liens The parties hereto agree that, so long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, none of the Grantors shall, or shall permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (a) grant or permit any additional Liens on any asset to secure any Second Lien Obligation unless it has granted, or concurrently therewith grants, a First Priority Lien on such asset to secure the First Lien Obligations or (b) grant or permit any additional Liens on any asset to secure any First Lien Obligations unless it has granted, or concurrently therewith grants, a Second Priority Lien on such asset to secure the Second Lien Obligations, with each such Lien to be subject to the provisions of this Agreement, in each case, subject to the terms and conditions hereof (including Sections 5.01 and 5.02 hereof). To the extent that the provisions of the immediately

 

10



 

preceding sentence are not complied with for any reason, without limiting any other right or remedy available to the First Lien Administrative Agent or the other First Lien Secured Parties, the Second Lien Administrative Agent agrees, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, that any amounts received by or distributed to any Second Lien Secured Party pursuant to or as a result of any Lien granted in contravention of this Section 2.03 shall be subject to Section 4.02 .

 

Section 2.04                              Similar Liens and Agreements . The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that it is their intention that the First Lien Collateral and the Second Lien Collateral be identical. In furtherance of the foregoing, the parties hereto agree:

 

(a)                                  to cooperate in good faith in order to determine, upon any reasonable request by the First Lien Administrative Agent or the Second Lien Administrative Agent, the specific assets included in the First Lien Collateral and the Second Lien Collateral, the steps taken to perfect the First Priority Liens and the Second Priority Liens thereon and the identity of the respective parties obligated under the First Lien Loan Documents and the Second Lien Loan Documents; and

 

(b)                                  that the Second Lien Security Documents shall be in all material respects in the same form as the First Lien Security Documents, other than with respect to the first priority and second priority nature of the Liens created or evidenced thereunder, the identity of the Secured Parties that are parties thereto or secured thereby and other matters contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Section 2.05                              Judgment Creditors . In the event that any Second Lien Secured Party becomes a judgment lien creditor as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor, such judgment Lien shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement or all purposes (including in relation to the First Priority Liens and the First Lien Obli ations) to the same extent as all other Liens securing the Second Lien Obligations are subject to the terms of this Agreement.

 

Section 2.06                              No Debt Subordination . Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to subordinate any debt claim by a Second Lien Secured Party to a debt claim by a First Lien Secured Party. All debt claims of the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties are intended to be pari passu.

 

Article III

 

Enforcement of Rights; Matters Relating to Collateral

 

Section 3.01                       Exercise of Rights and Remedies .

 

(a)                                  S long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, whether or not any Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced, the First Lien Administrative Agent and the other First Lien Secured Parties shall have the exclusive right to (i) commence and maintain any Enforcement Action (including rights to set-off or credit bid), (ii) subject to Section 3.04 , make determinations regarding the release or Disposition of, or restrictions with respect to, the Collateral, and (iii) otherwise enforce

 

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the rights and remedies of a secured creditor under the UCC and Bankruptcy Laws of any applicable jurisdiction, so long as any proceeds received by the First Lien Administrative Agent in excess of those necessary to achieve Discharge of First Lien Obligations are distributed in accordance with the UCC and applicable law, subject to the relative priorities described in Section 2.01 , without any consultation with or the consent of the Second Lien Administrative Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing,

 

(i)                                      in any Insolvency Proceeding, the Second Lien Administrative Agent and any Second Lien Secured Party may file a proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to the Second Lien Obligations;

 

(ii)                                   the Second Lien Administrative Agent may take any action to create, perfect, preserve or protect the validity and enforceability of the Second Priority Liens, provided that no such action is, or could reasonably be expected to be, (A) adverse to the First Priority Liens or the rights of the First Lien Administrative Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party to exercise remedies in respect thereof or (B) otherwise inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, including the automatic release of Second Priority Liens provided in Section 3.04;

 

(iii)                                the Second Lien Secured Parties may file any responsive or defensive pleadings in opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding or other pleading made by any Person objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of the claims of the Second Lien Secured Parties, including any claims secured by the Collateral or otherwise make any agreements or file any motions pertaining to the Second Lien Obligations, in each case, to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement;

 

(iv)                               the Second Lien Secured Parties may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors, as provided in Section 3.03;

 

(v)                                  the Second Lien Secured Parties may (A) present a cash bid for Collateral or purchase Collateral for cash at any Section 363 hearing or at any public or judicial foreclosure sale and (B) credit bid for Collateral pursuant to Section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code (provided that such credit bid may only be made if the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred or will occur concurrently as a result of a cash bid for such Collateral in addition to such credit bid); provided, however, in no event shall the bid pursuant to this Section 3.01(a)(v) be less than the amount in cash that would be necessary to purchase the First Lien Obligations pursuant to Section 3.01(d) hereof;

 

(vi)                               the Second Lien Secured Parties shall be entitled to vote on any plan of reorganization, to the extent consistent with the provisions hereof; and

 

(vii)                            subject to Section 3.02(a), the Second Lien Administrative Agent and the other Second Lien Secured Parties may enforce any of their rights and

 

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exercise any of their remedies with respect to the Collateral after the termination of the Standstill Period

 

(the actions described in clauses (i) through (vii) above being referred to herein as the “ Second Lien Permitted Actions ”). Except for the Second Lien Permitted Actions, unless and until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, the sole right of the Second Lien Administrative Agent and the other Second Lien Secured Parties with respect to the Collateral shall be to receive the proceeds of the Collateral, if any, remaining after the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred and in accordance with the Second Lien Loan Documents and applicable law.

 

(b)                                  In exercising rights and remedies with respect to the Collateral, the First Lien Administrative Agent and the other First Lien Secured Parties may enforce the provisions of the First Lien Loan Documents and exercise remedies thereunder, all in such order and in such manner as they may determine in their sole discretion. Such exercise and enforcement shall include the rights of an agent appointed by them to Dispose of Collateral upon foreclosure, to incur expenses in connection with any such Disposition and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured creditor under the Uniform Commercial Code, the Bankruptcy Code or any other Bankruptcy Law. The First Lien Administrative Agent agrees to provide at least five days’ prior written notice to the Second Lien Administrative Agent of its intention to foreclose upon or Dispose of any Collateral.

 

(c)                                   The Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, hereby acknowledges and agrees that (i) no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in any Second Lien Security Document or any other Second Lien Loan Document shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of the First Lien Administrative Agent or the other First Lien Secured Parties with respect to the Collateral as set forth in this Agreement and the other First Lien Loan Documents and (ii) the rights of any First Lien Secured Party to enforce any provision of this Agreement or any First Lien Loan Document will not be prejudiced or impaired by (A)                          any act or failure to act of any Grantor, any other First Lien Secured Party or the First Lien Administrative Agent, or (B) noncompliance by any Person other than such First Lien Secured Party with any provision of this Agreement, any First Lien Loan Document or any Second Lien Loan Document.

 

(d)                                  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, following the earliest to occur of (i) the acceleration of the Indebtedness then outstanding under the First Lien Credit Agreement, (ii) a payment default under the First Lien Credit Agreement that has not been cured within sixty (60) days of the occurrence thereof or (iii) the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, the Second Lien Secured Parties may, at their sole expense and effort, upon notice within thirty (30) days following such acceleration, payment default or the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, as the case may be, to the First Lien Administrative Agent and the Company, require the First Lien Secured Parties to transfer and assign to the Second Lien Secured Parties, without warranty or representation or recourse (except for representations and warranties required to be made by assigning lenders pursuant to the Assignment and Assumption (as such

 

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term is defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement)), all (but not less than all) of the First Lien Obligations; provided that (x) such assignment shall not conflict with any law, rule or regulation or order of any court or other Governmental Authority having jurisdiction, and (y) the Second Lien Secured Parties shall have paid to the First Lien Administrative Agent, for the account of the First Lien Secured Parties, in immediately available funds, an amount equal to 100% of the principal of the First Lien Obligations plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon plus all accrued and unpaid fees and expenses plus all the other First Lien Obligations then outstanding (which shall include, with respect to (i) the aggregate face amount of the letters of credit outstanding under the First Lien Credit Agreement, an amount in cash equal to 102% thereof, (ii) obligations under Lender Hedging Contracts that constitute First Lien Obligations, 100% of the aggregate Lender Hedging Obligations then due and owing thereunder (unless, with respect to any particular Lender Hedging Contract, such other arrangements have been made by the Company and the Lender Counterparty who is a party to such Lender Hedging Contract in a manner satisfactory to such Lender Counterparty in its sole discretion to protect such Lender Counterparty from default risk under such Lender Hedging Contract (and communicated to the First Lien Administrative Agent) as provided in the First Lien Credit Agreement), and (iii) Cash Management Obligations that constitute First Lien Obligations, 100% of the aggregate Cash Management Obligations then due and owing thereunder (unless, with respect to any particular agreement to provide Cash Management Services, such other arrangements have been made by the Company and the Cash Management Lender who is a party to such agreement in a manner satisfactory to such Cash Management Lender in its sole discretion to protect such Cash Management Lender from default risk under such agreement (and communicated to the First Lien Administrative Agent) as provided in the First Lien Credit Agreement). In order to effectuate the foregoing, the First Lien Administrative Agent shall calculate, upon the written request of the Second Lien Administrative Agent from time to time, the amount in cash that would be necessary so to purchase the First Lien Obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the First Lien Administrative Agent and the First Lien Secured Parties shall retain any and all rights with respect to indemnification and other similar contingent obligations under the First Lien Loan Documents or any Lender Hedging Contract that are expressly stated to survive the termination of the First Lien Loan Documents or any Lender Hedging Contract.

 

(e)                           Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, following the earliest to occur of (i) the acceleration of the Indebtedness then outstanding under the First Lien Credit Agreement, (ii) a payment default under the First Lien Credit Agreement that has not been cured within sixty (60) days of the occurrence thereof or (iii) the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, the First Lien Secured Parties may, at their sole expense and effort, upon notice within thirty (30) days following such acceleration, payment default or the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, as the case may be, to the Second Lien Administrative Agent and the Company, require the Second Lien Secured Parties to transfer and assign to the First Lien Secured Parties, without warranty or representation or recourse (except for representations and warranties required to be made by assigning lenders pursuant to the Assignment and Assumption (as such term is defined in the Second Lien Credit Agreement)), all (but not less than all) of the Second Lien Obligations; provided that (x) such assignment shall not conflict with

 

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any law, rule or regulation or order of any court or other Governmental Authority having jurisdiction, and (y) the First Lien Secured Parties shall have paid to the Second Lien Administrative Agent, for the account of the Second Lien Secured Parties, in immediately available funds, an amount equal to 100% of the principal of the Second Lien Obligations plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon plus all accrued and unpaid fees and expenses plus all the other Second Lien Obligations then outstanding (which shall include a premium in an amount equal to the prepayment premium as set forth in Section 3.04(a) of the Second Lien Credit Agreement). In order to effectuate the foregoing, the Second Lien Administrative Agent shall calculate, upon the written request of the First Lien Administrative Agent from time to time, the amount in cash that would be necessary so to purchase the Second Lien Obligations. Each Second Lien Secured Party will retain all rights to indemnification provided by the Borrower in the relevant Second Lien Loan Documents for all claims and other amounts relating to periods prior to the purchase of the Second Lien Obligations pursuant to this Section 3.01.

 

Section 3.02                              No Interference .

 

(a)                                  The Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, agrees that, whether or not any Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced, the Second Lien Secured Parties:

 

(i)                                      except for Second Lien Permitted Actions, will not, so long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, (A) commence any Enforcement Action; provided, however, that the Second Lien Administrative Agent may enforce or exercise any or all such rights and remedies, or commence, join with any Person in commencing, or petition for or vote in favor of any resolution for, any such action or proceeding, after a period of 180 days has elapsed since the date on which the Second Lien Administrative Agent has delivered to the First Lien Administrative Agent written notice of the acceleration of the Indebtedness then outstanding under the Second Lien Credit Agreement (the “ Standstill Period ”); provided further, however, that (A) notwithstanding the expiration of the Standstill Period or anything herein to the contrary, except for Second Lien Permitted Actions, in no event shall the Second Lien Administrative Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party commence an Enforcement Action with respect to any Collateral, or commence, join with any Person in commencing, or petition for or vote in favor of any resolution for, any such Enforcement Action, if the First Lien Administrative Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party shall have commenced, and shall be diligently pursuing (or shall have sought or requested relief from or modification of the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency Proceeding to enable the commencement and pursuit thereof), an Enforcement Action with respect to all or a portion of the Collateral (prompt written notice thereof to be given to the Second Lien Administrative Agent by the First Lien Administrative Agent), and (B) after the expiration of the Standstill Period, so long as neither the First Lien Administrative Agent nor the First Lien Secured Parties have commenced any action to enforce their Lien on any material portion of the Collateral, in the event that and for so long as the Second Lien Secured Parties (or the Second Lien Administrative

 

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Agent on their behalf) have commenced actions to enforce their Lien with respect to all or any material portion of the Collateral to the extent permitted hereunder and are diligently pursuing such actions (it being understood that this clause shall not constitute a waiver by the First Lien Administrative Agent or the other First Lien Secured Parties of the provisions of Article VI ), neither the First Lien Secured Parties nor the First Lien Administrative Agent shall take any action of a similar nature with respect to such Collateral; provided that all other provisions of this Intercreditor Agreement (including the turnover provisions of Article IV) are complied with; and provided further that the Standstill Period shall be tolled for so long as any automatic stay or any other stay or other order prohibiting the exercise of remedies by the First Lien Administrative Agent or the First Lien Secured Parties with respect to the Collateral is in effect by operation of law or has been entered into by a court of competent jurisdiction;

 

(ii)                                   will not contest, protest or object to any Enforcement Action brought by the First Lien Administrative Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party, including any Enforcement Action by any First Lien Secured Party relating to the Collateral;

 

(iii)                                subject to the rights of the Second Lien Secured Parties under clause (i) above, will not object to the forbearance by the First Lien Administrative Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party from commencing or pursuing any Enforcement Action with respect to the Collateral;

 

(iv)                               will not, so long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred and except for Second Lien Permitted Actions, take or receive any Collateral, or any proceeds thereof or payment with respect thereto, in connection with the exercise of any Enforcement Action with respect to any Collateral or in connection with any insurance policy award under a policy of insurance relating to any Collateral or any condemnation award (or deed in lieu of condemnation) relating to any Collateral;

 

(v)                                  will not, except for Second Lien Permitted Actions, take any action that would, or could reasonably be expected to, hinder, in any manner, any exercise of remedies under the First Lien Loan Documents, including any Disposition of any Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise;

 

(vi)                               will not, except for Second Lien Permitted Actions, object to the manner in which the First Lien Administrative Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party may seek to enforce or collect the First Lien Obligations or the First Priority Liens, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of the First Lien Administrative Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party is, or could be, adverse to the interests of the Second Lien Secured Parties, and will not assert, and hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to demand, request, plead or otherwise assert or claim the benefit of any marshalling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that may be available under

 

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applicable law with respect to the Collateral or any similar rights a junior secured creditor may have under applicable law; and

 

(vii)                            will not attempt, directly or indirectly, whether by judicial proceeding or otherwise, to challenge or question the validity or enforceability of any First Lien Obligation or any First Lien Security Document, including this Agreement, or the validity or enforceability of the priorities, rights or obligations established by this Agreement;

 

provided, however, that, in the case of clauses (i) through (vii) above, it is the intention of the parties hereto that the Liens granted to secure the Second Lien Obligations of the Second Lien Secured Parties shall attach to any proceeds remaining from any such Enforcement Action taken by the First Lien Administrative Agent or any First Lien Secured Party in accordance with this Agreement after application of such proceeds to Discharge the First Lien Obligations.

 

Section 3.03 Rights as Unsecured Creditors . The Second Lien Administrative Agent and the other Second Lien Secured Parties may, in accordance with the terms of the Second Lien Loan Documents and applicable law, enforce rights and exercise remedies against the Company and any Guarantor as unsecured creditors (other than initiating or joining in an involuntary case or proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code prior to the end of the Standstill Period); provided that no such action is otherwise inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the acceleration of the Second Lien Obligations, the receipt by the Second Lien Administrative Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party of the required payments of principal, premium, interest, fees and other amounts due under the Second Lien Loan Documents so long as such receipt is not the direct or indirect result of the enforcement or exercise by the Second Lien Administrative Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party of rights or remedies as a secured creditor (including any right of setoff) or enforcement in contravention of this Agreement of any Second Priority Lien (including any judgment Lien resulting from the exercise of remedies available to an unsecured creditor).

 

Section 3.04                              Automatic Release of Second Priority Liens .

 

(a)                                  If, in connection with (i) any Disposition of any Collateral permitted under the terms of the First Lien Loan Documents other than pursuant to an Enforcement Action or (ii) an Enforcement Action, the First Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other First Lien Secured Parties, (x) releases any of the First Priority Liens, or (y) releases any Guarantor from its obligations under its guarantee of the First Lien Obligations (in each case, a “ Release ”), other than any such Release granted following the Discharge of First Lien Obligations, then, subject to Section 3.04(b) , the Second Priority Liens on such Collateral, and the obligations of such Guarantor under its guarantee of the Second Lien Obligations, shall be automatically, unconditionally and simultaneously released, and the Second Lien Administrative Agent shall, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, promptly execute and deliver to the First Lien Administrative Agent, the relevant Grantor or such Guarantor such termination

 

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statements, releases and other documents as the First Lien Administrative Agent or the relevant Grantor or Guarantor may reasonably request to effectively confirm such Release; provided that, (i) in the case of a Disposition of Collateral (other than any such Disposition in connection with an Enforcement Action taken in connection with the First Lien Obligations with respect to the Collateral), the Second Priority Liens shall not be so released if such Disposition is not permitted under the terms of the Second Lien Credit Agreement (other than solely as the result of the existence of a default or event of default under the Second Lien Loan Documents), and (ii) any proceeds received from such Disposition in connection with an Enforcement Action taken in connection with the First Lien Obligations with respect to the Collateral shall be applied by the First Lien Administrative Agent to the First Lien Obligations and permanently reduce the Borrowing Base with respect to the First Lien Obligations to the extent required by the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

(b)                                  Except in connection with any Disposition of any Collateral permitted under the terms of the Loan Documents, in the event that the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of the loans and letters of credit under the First Lien Credit Agreement, plus (ii) the Credit Exposure under Lender Swap Agreements, at any time, is less than 25% of the sum of such amount and the aggregate principal amount of the loans outstanding under the Second Lien Loan Documents, then any Release (other than a Release in connection with a Disposition of Collateral in connection with the enforcement or exercise of any rights or remedies with respect to the Collateral permitted hereunder) shall require the consent of the holders of First Lien Obligations and Second Lien Obligations representing in the aggregate more than 50% of the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of loans and letters of credit under the First Lien Loan Documents and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of the loans outstanding under the Second Lien Loan Documents.

 

(c)                                   Until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations occurs, the Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Lien Secured Party, hereby appoints the First Lien Administrative Agent, and any officer or agent of the First Lien Administrative Agent, with full power of substitution, as the attorney-in-fact of each Second Lien Secured Party for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Section 3.4 and taking any action and executing any instrument that the First Lien Administrative Agent may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Section 3.04 (including any endorsements or other instruments of transfer or release), which appointment is irrevocable and coupled with an interest.

 

Section 3.05  Automatic Release of First Priority Liens .  If, in connection with a sale of Collateral for fair market value for cash pursuant to enforcement or exercise of any rights or remedies with respect to such Collateral after the expiration of the Standstill Period that is permitted in accordance with clause (B) of the second proviso to Section 3.02(a)(i), including any Disposition of Collateral, the Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, (x) releases any of the Second Priority Liens, or (y) releases any Guarantor from its obligations under its guarantee of the Second Lien Obligations (in each case, a “ Second Lien Release ”), then upon the closing of such sale the First Lien Administrative Agent shall, for itself and on

 

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behalf of the other First Lien Secured Parties, promptly execute and deliver to the Second Lien Administrative Agent such termination statements and releases as shall be reasonably requested by the Second Lien Administrative Agent to release the First Priority Liens on such Collateral and to release the obligations of such Guarantor under its guarantee of the First Lien Obligations; provided that so long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, the proceeds of such sale shall be delivered to the First Lien Administrative Agent for the benefit of the First Lien Secured Parties, and any payments with respect to such Second Lien Release that are received by the Second Lien Administrative Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party, shall be segregated and held in trust and forthwith transferred or paid over to the First Lien Administrative Agent for the benefit of the First Lien Secured Parties, in accordance with Section 4.02.

 

Section 3.06 Notice of Exercise of Second Liens . Each Second Lien Lender agrees that upon termination of the Standstill Period or such longer period as provided in Section 3.02(a) if any Second Lien Lender or the Second Lien Administrative Agent or other representative of such Second Lien Lender intends to commence any Enforcement Action, then such Second Lien Lender or the Second Lien Administrative Agent or other representative shall first deliver notice thereof in writing to the First Lien Administrative Agent both (i) not less than five (5) days prior to taking any such Enforcement Action, and (ii) within three (3) days after such Enforcement Action is taken. Such notices may be given during the Standstill Period.

 

Section 3.07 Insurance and Condemnation Awards .  So long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, the First Lien Administrative Agent and the other First Lien Secured Parties shall have the exclusive right (to the extent that any such rights have been granted to the First Lien Administrative Agent and the other First Lien Secured Parties under the First Lien Loan Documents), subject to the rights of the Grantors under the First Lien Loan Documents, to settle and adjust claims in respect of Collateral under policies of insurance covering Collateral and to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding, or any deed in lieu of condemnation, in respect of the Collateral. All proceeds of any such policy and any such award, or any payments with respect to a deed in lieu of condemnation to the extent that any proceeds of any such policy or reward are not permitted to be retained by the Grantors under the First Lien Loan Documents, shall (a) first, prior to the Discharge of First Lien Obligations and subject to the rights of the Grantors under the First Lien Loan Documents, be paid to the First Lien Administrative Agent for the benefit of First Lien Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the First Lien Loan Documents, (b) second, after the Discharge of First Lien Obligations and subject to the rights of the Grantors under the Second Lien Loan Documents, be paid to the Second Lien Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Second Lien Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the Second Lien Loan Documents, and (c) third, if no Second Lien Obligations are outstanding, be paid to the owner of the subject property, such other Person as may be entitled thereto or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. Until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, if the Second Lien Administrative Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such award or payment, it shall hold such proceeds in trust for the benefit of the

 

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First Lien Secured Parties and forthwith transfer and pay over such proceeds to the First Lien Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 4.02.

 

Article IV

 

Payments

 

Section 4.01                                    Application of Proceeds .  So long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, and regardless of whether an Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced, any Collateral or proceeds thereof received by the First Lien Administrative Agent in connection with any Disposition of, or collection on, such Collateral following an Enforcement Action shall be applied by the First Lien Administrative Agent to the First Lien Obligations (including to cash collateralize such First Lien Obligations) together with the concurrent permanent reduction of any revolving credit commitment thereunder in an amount equal to the amount of such payment. Upon the Discharge of First Lien Obligations, the First Lien Administrative Agent shall deliver to the Second Lien Administrative Agent any remaining Collateral and any proceeds thereof then held by it in the same form as received, together with any nece sary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, to be applied by the Second Lien Administrative Agent to the Second Lien Obligations, and the Grantors hereby consent to, and direct the First Lien Administrative Agent and the First Lien Secured Parties to make such deliveries of remaining Collateral and any proceeds thereof.

 

Section 4.02                              Payment Over . So long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, any Collateral, or any proceeds thereof or payment with respect thereto (together with assets or proceeds subject to Liens referred to in the final sentence of Section 2.03) , received by the Second Lien Administrative Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party in connection with any Disposition of, or collection on, such Collateral upon the enforcement or the exercise of any right or remedy (including any right of setoff) with respect to the Collateral, shall be segregated and held in trust and forthwith transferred or paid over to the First Lien Administrative Agent for the benefit of the First Lien Secured Parties in the same form as received, together with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. Until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations occurs, the Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Lien Secured Party, hereby appoints the First Lien Administrative Agent,and any officer or agent of the First Lien Administrative Agent, with full power of substitution, the attorney-in-fact of each Second Lien Secured Party for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Section 4.02 and taking any action and executing any instrument that the First Lien Administrative Agent may deem nece sary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Section  4.02, which appointment is irrevocable and coupled with an interest.

 

Section 4.03                              Certain Agreements with Respect to Unenforceable Liens . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if in any Insolvency Proceeding a determination is made that any Lien encumbering any Collateral is not enforceable for any reason, then the Second Lien Administrative Agent and the Second

 

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Lien Secured Parties agree that, any distribution or recovery they may receive with respect to, or allocable to, the value of the assets intended to constitute such Collateral or any proceeds thereof shall (for so long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred) be segregated and held in trust and forthwith paid over to the First Lien Administrative Agent for the benefit of the First Lien Secured Parties in the same form as received without recourse, representation or warranty (other than a representation of the Second Lien Administrative Agent that it has not otherwise sold, assigned, transferred or pledged any right, title or interest in and to such distribution or recovery) but with any nece sary endorsements or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct until such time as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred. Until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations occurs, the Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Lien Secured Party, hereby appoints the First Lien Administrative Agent, and any officer or agent of the First Lien Administrative Agent, with full power of substitution, the attorney-in-fact of each Second Lien Secured Party for the limited purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Section 4.03 and taking any action and executing any instrument that the First Lien Administrative Agent may deem nece sary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Section  4.03,  which appointment is irrevocable and coupled with an interest.

 

Article V

 

Bailment

 

Section 5.01                             Bailment for Perfection of Certain Security Interests .

 

(a)                                  The First Lien Administrative Agent agrees that if it shall at any time hold a First Priority Lien on any Collateral that can be perfected by the possession or control of such Collateral or of any account in which such Collateral is held, and if such Collateral or any such account is in fact in the possession or under the control of the First Lien Administrative Agent, or of agents or bailees of the First Lien Administrative Agent (such Collateral being referred to herein as the “ Pledged or Controlled Collateral ”), the First Lien Administrative Agent shall, solely for the purpose of perfecting the Second Priority Liens granted under the Second Lien Loan Documents and subject to the terms and conditions o this Article V, also hold such Pledged or Controlled Collateral as bailee for the Second Lien Administrative Agent. The First Lien Administrative Agent shall not charge the Second Lien Secured Parties a fee for holding such Collateral as bailee pursuant hereto.

 

(b)                                  S long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, the First Lien Administrative Agent shall be entitled to deal with the Pledged or Controlled Collateral in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the other First Lien LoanDocuments as if the Second Priority Liens did not exist until the expiration of the Stan still Period or such longer period as provided under Section 3.02(a) . The obligations and responsibilities of the First Lien Administrative Agent to the Second Lien Administrative Agent and the other Second Lien Secured Parties under this Article V shall be limited solely to holding or controlling the Pledged or Controlled Collateral as bailee in accordance with this Article V . Without limiting the foregoing, the First Lien

 

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Administrative Agent shall have no obligation or responsibility to ensure that any Pledged or Controlled Collateral is genuine or owned by any of the Grantors. The First Lien Administrative Agent acting pursuant to this Article V shall not, by reason of this Agreement, any other Security Document or any other document, have a fiduciary relationship in respect of any other First Lien Secured Party, the Second Lien Administrative Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party.

 

(c)                                   Upon the Discharge of First Lien Obligations, the First Lien Administrative Agent shall transfer the possession and control of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements but without recourse or warranty (other than a representation of the First Lien Administrative Agent that it has not otherwise sold, assigned, transferred or pledged any right, title or interest in and to such Pledged or Controlled Collateral), (i) if the Second Lien Obligations are outstanding at such time, to the Second Lien Administrative Agent, and (ii) if no Second Lien Obligations are outstanding at such time, to the applicable Grantor or to whomever shall be entitled thereto, in each case so as to allow such Person to obtain possession and control of such Pledged or Controlled Collateral. In connection with any transfer under clause (i) of the immediately preceding sentence, subject to the provisions of Section 5.01(d), the First Lien Administrative Agent agrees to take all actions in its power as shall be reasonably requested by the Second Lien Administrative Agent to permit the Second Lien Administrative Agent to obtain, for the benefit of the Second Lien Secured Parties, a first priority security interest in the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, and the Grantors hereby consent, and direct the First Lien Administrative Agent and the First Lien Secured Parties to, deliver such Pledged or Controlled Collateral to the Second Lien Administrative Agent.

 

(d)                                  The First Lien Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any such action requested by the Second Lien Administrative Agent that the First Lien Administrative Agent in good faith believes exposes it to personal liability for expenses or other amounts unless the First Lien Administrative Agent receives an indemnity satisfactory to it from the Second Lien Administrative Agent or Second Lien Secured Parties with respect to such action.

 

Section 5.02                              Bailment for Perfection of Certain Security Interests — Other Control Collateral (Second Lien Administrative Agent) . Each of the Second Lien Administrative Agent, each Second Lien Lender and each First Lien Lender agrees that if it shall at any time hold a Lien on any Collateral that can be perfected by the possession or control of such Collateral or of any account in which such Collateral is held, and if such Collateral or any such account is in fact in the possession or under the control of the Second Lien Administrative Agent, such Second Lien Lender or such First Lien Lender or of their respective agents or bailees (such Collateral being referred to herein as the “ Other Pledged or Controlled Collateral ”), such Second Lien Administrative Agent, Second Lien Lender or First Lien Lender, as applicable, shall, solely for the purpose of perfecting the First Priority Liens granted under the First Lien Loan Documents and the Second Priority Liens granted under the Second Lien Loan Documents, also hold such Other Pledged or Controlled Collateral as bailee for, and hereby acknowledges that it shall hold possession of such Other Pledged or Controlled Collateral for the benefit of,

 

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the First Lien Administrative Agent and, in the case of a Second Lien Lender or a First Lien Lender, also hold such Other Pledged or Controlled Collateral as bailee for, and hereby acknowledges that it shall hold possession of such Other Pledged or Controlled Collateral for the benefit of, the Second Lien Administrative Agent. No obligations shall be imposed on the Second Lien Administrative Agent, any First Lien Lender or Second Lien Lender by reason of this Section 5.02 , and none of the First Lien Administrative Agent, Second Lien Administrative Agent, First Lien Lender or Second Lien Lender shall have a fiduciary relationship in respect of any other party. No party shall be required to take any action requested y any other party that such party in good faith believes exposes it to personal liability for expenses or other amounts unless such party receives an indemnity sat sfactory to it from the party requesting action.No Second Lien Lender,First Lien Lender or Second Lien Administrative Agent shall charge the First Lien Administrative Agent a fee for holding such Collateral as bailee pursuant hereto.

 

Article VI

 

Insolvency Proceedings

 

Section 6.01                              Finance and Sale Matters .

 

(a)                                  Until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, the Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, agrees that, in the event of any Insolvency Proceeding, the Second Lien Secured Parties:

 

(i)                                      will not oppose or object to the use of any Collateral constituting cash collateral under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any comparable provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, unless the First Lien Secured Parties, or a representative authorized by the First Lien Secured Parties, shall oppose or object to such use of cash collateral;

 

(ii)                                   will not oppose or object to any post-petition financing, whether provided by the First Lien Secured Parties or any other Person, under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any comparable provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (a DIP Financing ”), or the Liens securing any DIP Financing ( DIP Financing Liens ”), unless the First Lien Secured Parties, or a representative authorized by the First Lien Secured Parties, shall then oppose or object to such DIP Financing or such DIP Financing Liens, and, to the extent that such DIP Financing Liens are senior to, or rank pari passu with, the First Priority Liens, the Second Lien Administrative Agent will, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, subordinate the Second Priority Liens to the First Priority Liens and the DIP Financing Liens on the terms of this Agreement; provided that the foregoing shall not prevent the Second Lien Secured Parties from proposing any other DIP Financing to any Grantors or to a court of competent jurisdiction and provided further that the foregoing shall not prohibit the Second Lien Administrative Agent or the Second Lien Secured Parties from objecting to any provisions in any DIP Financing to the extent under a plan of

 

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reorganization providing that the DIP Financing can be rolled into an exit financing;

 

(iii)                                except to the extent permitted by paragraph (b)  of this Section 6.01, in connection with the use of cash collateral as described in clause (i) above or a DIP Financing, will not request adequate protection or any other relief in connection with such use of cash collateral, DIP Financing or DIP Financing Liens unless the First Lien Secured Parties are deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to be fully secured on the petition date of any Insolvency Proceeding and have received payment in full in cash of current post-petition interest, incurred fees and expenses, then the Second Lien Secured Parties shall not be prohibited from seeking adequate protection in the form of payments in the amount of current post-petition interest, incurred fees and expenses or other cash payments;

 

(iv)                               unless the First Lien Secured Parties agree that the First Lien Secured Parties are fully secured, then the Second Lien Administrative Agent and the Second Lien Secured Parties shall not be prohibited from seeking adequate protection in the form of additional collateral, provided the First Lien Secured Parties shall also be granted a Lien on such additional collateral as security for the First Lien Obligations and for any DIP Financing and that any Lien on such additional collateral securing the Second Lien Obligations shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing the First Lien Obligations and any DIP Financing (and all Obligations relating thereto) and to any other Liens granted to the First Lien Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other First Priority Liens under this Agreement and the Liens securing any DIP Financing; and

 

(v)                                  will not oppose or object to any Disposition of any Collateral free and clear of the Second Priority Liens or other claims under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any comparable provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, if the First Lien Secured Parties, or a representative authorized by the First Lien Secured Parties, shall consent to such Disposition so long as the interests of the Second Lien Secured Parties in the Collateral (and any post-petition assets subject to adequate protection liens, if any, in favor of the Second Lien Administrative Agent) attach to the proceeds thereof, subject to the terms of this Agreement.

 

(b)                                  The Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, agrees that no Second Lien Secured Party shall contest, or support any other Person in contesting, (i) any request by the First Lien Administrative Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party for adequate protection or (ii) any objection, based on a claim of a lack of adequate protection, by the First Lien Administrative Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party to any motion, relief, action or proceeding. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, if, in connection with any DIP Financing or use of cash collateral, (A) any First Lien Secured Party is granted adequate protection in the form of a Lien on additional collateral, the Second Lien Administrative Agent may, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured

 

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Parties, seek or request adequate protection in the form of a Lien on such additional collateral, which Lien will be subordinated to the First Priority Liens and DIP Financing Liens on the same basis as the other Second Priority Liens are subordinated to the First Priority Liens under this Agreement or (B) any Second Lien Secured Party is granted adequate protection in the form of a Lien on additional collateral, the First Lien Administrative Agent shall, for itself and on behalf of the other First Lien Secured Parties, be granted adequate protection in the form of a Lien on such additional collateral that is senior to such Second Priority Lien as security for the First Lien Obligations.

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding the foregoing, the applicable provisions of Section 6.01(a)  and (b)  shall only be binding on the Second Lien Secured Parties with respect to any DIP Financing to the extent that the amount of such DIP Financing does not exceed the sum of (i) to the extent Refinanced in connection with, and included as part of, such DIP Financing, the aggregate principal amount of the pre-petition First Lien Obligations, and (ii) the lesser of (A) $5,000,000 and (B) an amount equal to 15% of the greater of (1) the aggregate existing principal amount of the pre-petition First Lien Obligations outstanding and (2) the pre-petition Borrowing Base under the First Lien Credit Agreement ( provided that, for purposes of this Section 6.01(c), such “Borrowing Base” complies with the First Lien Administrative Agent’s conforming traditional corporate banking borrowing base for oil and gas secured loan transactions, including customary mechanisms for periodic redeterminations thereof).

 

Section 6.02                           Relief from the Automatic Stay . The Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, agrees that, so long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, no Second Lien Secured Party shall, without the prior written consent of the First Lien Administrative Agent, seek or request relief from or modification of the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency Proceeding in respect of any part of the Collateral, any proceeds thereof or any Second Priority Lien.

 

Section 6.03                              Reorganization Securities . If, in any Insolvency Proceeding, debt obligations of the reorganized debtor secured by Liens upon any property of the reorganized debtor are distributed, pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan, on account of both the First Lien Obligations and the Second Lien Obligations, then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of the First Lien Obligations and on account of the Second Lien Obligations are secured by Liens upon the same assets or property, the provisions of this Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations.

 

Section 6.04                              Post-Petition Interest .

 

(a)                                  The Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, agrees that no Second Lien Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the First Lien Administrative Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency Proceeding of First Lien Obligations consisting of post-petition interest, fees or expenses to the extent of the value

 

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of the First Priority Liens (it being understood and agreed that such value shall be determined without regard to the existence of the Second Priority Liens on the Collateral).

 

(b)                                  The First Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other First Lien Secured Parties, agrees that no First Lien Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Second Lien Administrative Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency Proceeding of Second Lien Obligations consisting of post-petition interest, fees or expenses to the extent of the value of the Second Priority Liens (it being understood and agreed that such value shall be determined taking into account the First Priority Liens on the Collateral).

 

Section 6.05                           Certain Waivers by the Second Lien Secured Parties . The Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, waives any claim any Second Lien Secured Party may hereafter have against any First Lien Secured Party arising out of (a) the election by any First Lien Secured Party of the application of Section 1111(b)(2)  of the Bankruptcy Code, or any comparable provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, or (b) any use of cash collateral or financing arrangement, or any grant of a security interest in the Collateral, in any Insolvency Proceeding.

 

Section 6.06                              Certain Voting Matters . Each of the First Lien Administrative Agent, on behalf of the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Administrative Agent on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties, agrees that, without the written consent of the other, it will not seek to vote with the other as a single class in connection with any plan of reorganization in any Insolvency Proceeding. Except as provided in this Section 6.06, nothing in this Agreement is intended, or shall be construed, to limit the ability of the Second Lien Administrative Agent or the Second Lien Secured Parties to vote on any plan of reorganization.

 

Section 6.07                              Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classification . Each of the First Lien Administrative Agent, on behalf of the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Administrative Agent on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties, acknowledges and agrees that (a) the grants of Liens pursuant to the First Lien Loan Documents and the Second Lien Loan Documents constitute two separate and distinct grants of Liens and (b) because of, among other things, their differing rights in the Collateral, the Second Lien Obligations are fundamentally different from the First Lien Obligations and must be separately classified in any plan of reorganization proposed or adopted in an Insolvency Proceeding. To further effectuate the intent of the parties as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, if it is held that the claims against the First Lien Lenders and Second Lien Lenders in respect of the Collateral constitute only one secured claim (rather than separate classes of first lien and second lien senior secured claims), then the Second Lien Lenders hereby acknowledge and agree that all distributions shall be made as if there were separate classes of first lien and second lien senior secured claims against the Company and/or other Grantors in respect of the Collateral with the effect being that (i) to the extent that the aggregate value of the Collateral is sufficient (for this purpose ignoring all claims held by the Second Lien

 

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Lenders), the First Lien Lenders shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest before any distribution is made in respect of the claims held by the Second Lien Lenders and (ii) the Second Lien Lenders hereby acknowledge and agree to turn over to the First Lien Lenders amounts otherwise received or receivable by them to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Second Lien Lenders.

 

Article VII

 

Other Agreements

 

Section 7.01            Matters Relating to Loan Documents .

 

(a)                                  The First Lien Loan Documents may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, and the Indebtedness under the First Lien Credit Agreement may be Refinanced, in each case, without the consent of any Second Lien Secured Party; provided, however , that, without the consent of the Second Lien Required Lenders, no such amendment, restatement, supplement, modification or Refinancing (or successive amendments, restatements, supplements, modifications or Refinancings) shall (i) contravene any provision of this Agreement, (ii) result in the sum of (A) the aggregate principal amount of all loans (which includes unreimbursed letter of credit obligations outstanding under the First Lien Loan Documents) at such time, plus (B) the unused portion of the Borrowing Base at such time, to exceed $300,000,000 less the amount of all mandatory repayments of any loans to the extent accompanied by a corresponding permanent and mandatory reduction in the available revolving commitments thereunder, (iii) increase the “Applicable Margin” or similar component of the interest rate under the First Lien Loan Documents by more than 30 basis points (excluding incre ses resulting from the accrual of interest at the default rate) without the Company offering an equivalent increase in the “Applicable Margin” or similar component of the interest rate under the Second Lien Loan Documents (excluding increases resulting from the accrual of interest at the default rate) to the Second Lien Administrative Agent and the Second Lien Lenders, (iv) subject to the last sentence of this lause (a), increase any recurring fees or add any other fees to the First Lien Loan Documents by more than 50 basis points per fee or by 300 basis points in the aggregate to the fees set forth in the First Lien Loan Documents (as in effect on the date hereof), (v) extend the Maturity Date of the Indebtedness under the First Lien Credit Agreement or any Refinancing thereof ( provided that the holders of the Indebtedness resulting from any such Refinancing, or a duly authorized agent on their behalf, agree in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement) beyond the Maturity Date under the Second Lien Credit Agreement; (vi) permit the Company to incur new loans thereunder, such that the aggregate princi al amount of all outstanding loans (which includes unreimbursed letter of credit obligations outstanding under the First Lien Loan Documents) plus any new loans are in excess of a Borrowing Base that complies with the First Lien Administrative Agent’s conforming traditional corporate banking borrowing base for oil and gas secured loan transactions, including customary mechanisms for periodic redeterminations thereof;

 

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or (vii) increase the two percent (2%) additional margin of interest that becomes due in connection with a default. For the avoidance of doubt, the limitations in clause (iv) above shall not apply to any borrowing base increase fee, upfront fees paid in a syndication, letter of credit issuance fee or any fee which may be payable only to the First Lien Administrative Agent, acting in such capacity or to the Issuing Bank, acting in such capacity, in each case, whether payable at one time or in multiple installments.

 

(b)                                  Until the Discharge of the First Lien Obligations occurs, without the prior written consent of the First Lien Majority Lenders, no Second Lien Loan Document may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, or entered into, or Refinanced to the extent such amendment, restatement, supplement or modification, or the terms of such new Second Lien Loan Document, or such Refinancing would (i) contravene the provisions of this Agreement, (ii) result in the aggregate principal amount of the loans made under the Second Lien Loan Documents to exceed $30,000,000 (or such higher amount as may be permitted by the First Lien Credit Agreement), (iii) increase the “Applicable Margin” or similar component of the interest rate under the Second Lien Loan Documents by more than 300 basis points (excluding increases resulting from the accrual of interest at the default rate) without the Company offering an equivalent increase in the “Applicable Margin” or similar component of the interest rate under the First Lien Loan Documents (excluding increases resulting from the accrual of interest at the default rate) to the First Lien Administrative Agent and the First Lien Lenders, (iv) subject to the last sentence of this clause (b), add or increase any recurring fees to the Second Lien Loan Documents by more than 50 basis points per fee or by 300 basis points in the aggregate to the fees set forth in the Second Lien Loan Documents (as in effect on the date hereof), (v) increase the two percent (2.00%) additional margin of interest that becomes due in connection with a default, (vi) change to earlier dates any scheduled dates for payment of principal or of interest on Indebtedness under the Second Lien Loan Documents, (vii) change any default or event of default provisions set forth in the Second Lien Loan Documents in a manner adverse to the First Lien Secured Parties, (viii) change the redemption, prepayment, repurchase, tender or defeasance provisions set forth in the Second Lien Loan Documents in a manner that would require a redemption, prepayment, repurchase, tender or defeasance not required pursuant to the terms of the Second Lien Loan Documents as of the date hereof or in a manner otherwise adverse to First Lien Secured Parties, (ix) add to the Second Lien Collateral other than as specifically provided by this Agreement, (x) modify any financial covenant or negative covenant to make it more restrictive than the First Lien Credit Agreement, or (xi) otherwise materially increase the obligations of the Company or the other Credit Parties thereunder or confer additional rights on the Second Lien Secured Parties in a manner materially adverse to the First Lien Secured Parties. Without prejudice to any rights of the First Lien Lenders under the First Lien Credit Agreement (including any covenants therein that may restrict such Refinancings), Indebtedness under the Second Lien Loan Documents may be Refinanced if (A) the terms and conditions of such Refinancing Indebtedness are no less favorable in the aggregate to the First Lien Secured Parties and no less favorable in the aggregate to the Credit Parties, in each case, than the terms and conditions of the Indebtedness then outstanding under the Second Lien Credit Agreement, (B) the final maturity and the average life to maturity of such Refinancing Indebtedness is at least equal to that of the

 

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Indebtedness then outstanding under the Second Lien Credit Agreement and (C) if such Refinancing Indebtedness is secured, the holders of such Refinancing Indebtedness, or a duly authorized agent on their behalf, agree in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the limitations in clause (iv) above shall not apply to any fee (i) which may be payable only to the Second Lien Administrative Agent, acting in such capacity, whether payable at one time or in multiple installments, (ii) payable to the Second Lien Administrative Agent as a fee or original issue discount on any increase in the Commitments or the Loans under the Second Lien Credit Agreement or (iii) payable to the Second Lien Administrative Agent and the Second Lien Lenders as an upfront fee paid in a syndication.

 

(c)                                           Each of the Company and the Second Lien Administrative Agent agrees that the Second Lien Credit Agreement and each Second Lien Security Document shall contain the applicable provisions set forth on Annex I hereto, or similar provisions approved by the First Lien Administrative Agent, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Each of the Company and the Second Lien Administrative Agent further agrees that each Second Lien Security Document covering any Collateral shall contain such other language as the First Lien Administrative Agent may reasonably request to reflect the subordination of such Second Lien Security Document to the First Lien Security Document covering such Collateral pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(d)                                  Until the Discharge of the First Lien Obligations occurs, in the event that the First Lien Administrative Agent or the other First Lien Secured Parties and the relevant Grantor enter into any amendment, modification, waiver or consent in respect of any of the First Lien Security Documents (other than this Agreement), then such amendment, modification, waiver or consent shall apply automatically to any comparable provisions of the applicable Comparable Second Lien Security Document, in each case, without the consent of any Second Lien Secured Party and without any action by the Second Lien Administrative Agent, the Company or any other Grantor; provided , that (i) no such amendment, modification, waiver or consent shall (A) remove assets subject to the Second Priority Liens or release any such Liens, except to the extent that such release is permitted or required by Section 3.04 and provided that there is a concurrent release of the corresponding First Priority Liens, (B) amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Second Lien Administrative Agent without its prior written consent, (C) permit Liens on the Collateral which are not permitted under the terms of the Second Lien Loan Documents, (D) reduce the principal of, or interest or other amounts payable on, any amount payable under the Second Lien Credit Agreement or any Second Lien Loan Document, (E) postpone any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest or other amounts payable on, any amounts payable under the Second Lien Credit Agreement or any Second Lien Loan Document, and (ii) notice of such amendment, modification waiver or consent shall have been given to the Second Lien Administrative Agent by the First Lien Administrative Agent no later than the tenth Business Day following the effective date of such amendment, modification, waiver or consent.

 

Section 7.02 Effect of Refinancing of Indebtedness under First Lien Loan Documents .  If, substantially contemporaneously with the Discharge of First Lien

 

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Obligations and subject to consent of the Second Lien Required Lenders, the Company Refinances the First Lien Obligations (including an increase thereof, or any change to the terms thereof to the extent permitted by Section 7.01 hereof) and provided that (a) such Refinancing is permitted hereby and (b) the Company gives to the Second Lien Administrative Agent written notice (the “ Refinancing Notice ”) electing the application of the provisions of this Section 7.02 to such Refinancing Indebtedness, then (i) such Discharge of First Lien Obligations shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement, (ii) such Refinancing Indebtedness and all other obligations under the loan documents evidencing such Indebtedness (the “ New First Lien Obligations ”) shall automatically be treated as First Lien Obligations for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Collateral set forth herein, (iii) the credit agreement and the other loan documents evidencing such Refinancing Indebtedness (the “ New First Lien Loan Documents ”) shall automatically be treated as the First Lien Credit Agreement and the First Lien Loan Documents and, in the case of New First Lien Loan Documents that are security documents, as the First Lien Security Documents for all purposes of this Agreement, (iv) the Administrative Agent under the New First Lien Loan Documents (the “ New First Lien Administrative Agent ”) shall be deemed to be the First Lien Administrative Agent for all purposes of this Agreement and (v) the lenders under the New First Lien Loan Documents shall be deemed to be the First Lien Lenders for all purposes of this Agreement. Upon receipt of a Refinancing Notice, which notice shall include the identity of the New First Lien Administrative Agent, the Second Lien Administrative Agent shall promptly enter into such documents and agreements (including amendments or supplements to this Agreement) as the Company or such New First Lien Administrative Agent may reasonably request in order to provide to the New First Lien Administrative Agent the rights and powers contemplated hereby, in each case consistent in all material respects with the terms of this Agreement. The Company shall cause the agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which the New First Lien Administrative Agent is appointed to provide that the New First Lien Administrative Agent agrees to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. In furtherance of Section 2.03, if the New First Lien Obligations are secured by assets of the Grantors that do not also secure the Second Lien Obligations, the applicable Grantors shall promptly grant a Second Priority Lien on such assets to secure the Second Lien Obligations.

 

Section 7.03                           No Waiver by First Lien Secured Parties . Other than with respect to the Second Lien Permitted Actions, nothing contained herein shall prohibit or in any way limit the First Lien Administrative Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party from opposing, challenging or objecting to, in any Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise, any action taken, or any claim made, by the Second Lien Administrative Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party, including any request by the Second Lien Administrative Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party for adequate protection or any exercise by the Second Lien Administrative Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Second Lien Loan Documents or otherwise.

 

Section 7.04                              Reinstatement . If, in any Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise, all or part of any payment with respect to the First Lien Obligations previously made shall

 

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be rescinded for any reason whatsoever, then the First Lien Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of the amount so rescinded and, if theretofore terminated, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the Lien priorities and the relative rights and obligations of the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties provided for herein.

 

Section 7.05                           Further Assurances . Each of the First Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other First Lien Secured Parties, and the Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, and the Company, for itself and on behalf of its Subsidiaries that are Grantors, agrees that it will execute, or will cause to be executed, any and all further documents, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions, as may be required under any applicable law, or which the First Lien Administrative Agent or the Second Lien Administrative Agent may reasonably request, to effectuate the terms of this Agreement, including the relative Lien priorities provided for herein. The parties further agree that, notwithstanding any failure to take the actions required by the immediately preceding sentence, each Person that becomes a Grantor at any time (and any security granted by any such Person) will be subject to the provisions hereof as fully as if it constituted a Guarantor party hereto and had complied with the requirements of the immediately preceding sentence.

 

Section 7.06                              Notice of Exercise of Remedies . Subject to the terms of this Agreement, each of the First Lien Administrative Agent and the Second Lien Administrative Agent shall endeavor to provide advance notice to each other of an acceleration of any Indebtedness in respect of the First Lien Obligations or the Second Lien Obligations, as the case may be (other than with respect to any automatic accelerations thereunder); provided, however, neither party’s failure to give such notice under this Section 7.06 shall create any claim or cause of action on the part of the other party against the party failing to give such notice for any reason whatsoever. Nothing contained in this Section 7.6 shall limit, restrict, alleviate, or amend any notice requirement otherwise provided in this Agreement or otherwise required under applicable law.

 

Article VIII

 

Representations and Warranties

 

Section 8.01                              Representations and Warranties of Each Party . Each party hereto represents and warrants to the other parties hereto as follows:

 

(a)                                  Such party is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization or formation and has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder.

 

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(b)           This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such party and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such party, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar Laws of general application relating to the enforcement of creditors’ rights and by general principles of equity.

 

(c)           The execution, delivery and performance by such party of this Agreement (i) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with or any other action by any Governmental Authority and (ii) will not violate any provision of law, statu e, rule or regulation, or of the certificate or articles of incorporation or other constitutive documents or by-laws of such party or any order of any Governmental Authority or any provision of any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon such party.

 

Section 8.02       Representations and Warranties of Each Administrative Agent .  Each Administrative Agent represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that it has been authorized by the Lenders under and as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement or the Second Agreement. Lien Credit Agreement, as applicable, to enter into this Agreement.

 

Article IX

 

No Reliance; No Liability; Obligations Absolute

 

Section 9.01       No Reliance; Information . Each Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the applicable other Secured Parties, acknowledges that (a) it and such Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance upon, in the case of the First Lien Secured Parties, any Second Lien Secured Party and, in the case of the Second Lien Secured Parties, any First Lien Secured Party, and based on such documents and information as hey have deemed appropriate, made their own credit analyses and decisions to enter into the Loan Documents to which they are party and (b) it and such Secured Parties will, independently and without reliance upon, in the case of the First Lien Secured Parties, any Second Lien Secured Party and, in the case of the Second Lien Secured Parties, any First Lien Secured Party, and based on such documents and information as they shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make their own credit decisions in taking or not taking any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which they are party. The First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties shall have no duty to disclose to any Second Lien Secured Party or to any First Lien Secured Party, respectively, any information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any other circumstance bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of any of the First Lien Obligations or the Second Lien Obligations, as the case may be, that is known or becomes know to any of them or any of their Affiliates. In the event any First Lien Secured Party or any Second Lien Secured Party, in its sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to, respectively, any Second Lien Secured Party or any First Lien Secured Party, it shall be under no obligation (i) to make, and shall not make or be deemed to have made, any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the accuracy,

 

32



 

completeness, truthfulness or validity of the information so provided, (ii) to provide any additional information or to provide any such information on any subsequent occasion or (iii) to undertake any investigation.

 

Section 9.02          No Warranties or Liability .

 

(a)              The First Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other First Lien Secured Parties, acknowledges and agrees that, except for the representations and warranties set forth in Article VIII, neither the Second Lien Administrative Agent nor any other Second Lien Secured Party has made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectibility or enforceability of any of the Second Lien Loan Documents, the ownership of any Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. The Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, acknowledges and agrees that, except for the representations and warranties set forth in Article VIII, neither the First Lien Administrative Agent nor any other First Lien Secured Party has made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectibility or enforceability of any of the First Lien Loan Documents, the ownership of any Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon.

 

(b)              The Second Lien Administrative Agent and the other Second Lien Secured Parties shall have no express or implied duty to the First Lien Administrative Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party, and the First Lien Administrative Agent and the other First Lien Secured Parties shall have no express or implied duty to the Second Lien Administrative Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party, to act or refrain from acting in a manner which allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of a default or an event of default under any First Lien Loan Document and any Second Lien Loan Document (other than, in each case, this Agreement), regardless of any knowledge thereof which they may have or be charged with.

 

(c)              The Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, agrees that no First Lien Secured Party shall have any liability to the Second Lien Administrative Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party, and hereby waives any claim against any First Lien Secured Party, arising out of any and all actions which the First Lien Administrative Agent or the other First Lien Secured Parties may take or permit or omit to take with respect to (i) the First Lien Loan Documents (other than this Agreement), (ii) the collection of the First Lien Obligations or (iii) the maintenance of, the preservation of, the foreclosure upon or the Disposition of any Collateral.

 

(d)              The First Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other First Lien Secured Parties, agrees that no Second Lien Secured Party shall have any liability to the First Lien Administrative Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party, and hereby waives any claim against any Second Lien Secured Party, arising out of any and all actions which the Second Lien Administrative Agent or the other Second Lien Secured Parties may take or permit or omit to take with respect to (i) the Second Lien

 

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Loan Documents (other than this Agreement), (ii) the collection of the Second Lien Obligations or (iii) the maintenance of, the preservation of, the foreclosure upon or the Disposition of any Collateral.

 

Section 9.03          Obligations Absolute . The Lien priorities provided for herein and the respective rights, interests, agreements and obligations hereunder of the First Lien Administrative Agent and the other First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Administrative Agent and the other Second Lien Secured Parties shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:

 

(a)           any lack of validity or enforceability of any Loan Document;

 

(b)           subject to the limitations set forth in Section 7.01 , any change in the time, place or manner of payment of, or in any other term of (including the Refinancing of), all or any portion of the First Lien Obligations or the Second Lien Obligations, it being specifically acknowledged that a portion of the First Lien Obligations consists or may consist of Indebtedness that are revolving in nature, and the amount thereof that may be outstanding at any time or from time to time may be increased or reduced and subsequently reborrowed;

 

(c)           subject to the limitations set forth in Section 7.01 , any change in the time, place or manner of payment of, or, in any other term of, all or any portion of the First Lien Obligations or the Second Lien Obligations;

 

(d)           any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, of any Loan Document;

 

(e)           the securing of any First Lien Obligations or Second Lien Obligations with any additional collateral or guaranty agreements, or any exchange, release, voiding, avoidance or non-perfection of any security interest in any Collateral or any other collateral or any release of any guarantee securing any First Lien Obligations or Second Lien Obligations; or

 

(f)            any other circumstances that otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the Company or any other Credit Party in respect of the First Lien Obligations, or the Second Lien Obligations or this Agreement, or any of the Second Lien Secured Parties in respect of this Agreement.

 

Article X

 

Miscellaneous

 

Section 10.01 Notices .        (a) Notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopier, or delivered by electronic mail to the electronic mail address, as follows:

 

34



 

(i)            if to the Company or any other Grantor, to it at its address for notices set forth in the Credit Agreements; and

 

(ii)           if to the First Lien Administrative Agent, to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 1700 Lincoln, Sixth Floor, MAC: C7300-061, Denver, Colorado, Attention of Oleg Kogan, Facsimile: (303) 863-5196, Email Address: oleg.kogan@wellsfargo.com; and

 

(iii)          if to the Second Lien Administrative Agent, to Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., at 1000 Louisiana Street, 9 th Floor, Houston, TX 77002, Attention Ryan L. Sauer, Facsimile: (713) 652-5874, Email Address: ryan.l.sauer@wellsfargo.com.

 

Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by telecopier shall be deemed to have been given when sent if the sender receives an acknowledgement of receipt (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient). Notices delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in subsection (b) below, shall be effective as provided in said subsection (b).

 

(b)           Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agents, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any party if such party has notified the other parties hereto that it is incapable of receiving notices by electronic communication.

 

Unless the applicable Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if such notice or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient, and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.

 

(c)           Change of Address, Etc. Each Grantor and each Administrative Agent may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

Section 10.02 Conflicts . In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Agreement shall control.

 

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Section 10.03 Effectiveness; Survival . This Agreement shall become effective when executed and delivered by the parties hereto. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by any party in this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement. The terms of this Agreement shall survive, and shall continue in full force and effect, in any Insolvency Proceeding. The Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, hereby waives any and all rights the Second Lien Secured Parties may now or hereafter have under applicable law to revoke this Agreement or any of the provisions of this Agreement. The First Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other First Lien Secured Parties, hereby waives any and all rights the First Lien Secured Parties may now or hereafter have under applicable law to revoke this Agreement or any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

Section 10.04 Severability . In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby (it being understood that the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not in and of itself affect the validity of such provision in any other jurisdiction). The parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

Section 10.05 Amendments; Waivers .

 

(a)           No failure or delay on the part of any party hereto in exercising any power or right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the parties hereto are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b)  of this Section 10.05, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given.

 

(b)           Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the First Lien Administrative Agent and the Second Lien Administrative Agent, provided that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or obligations of the Company or any Grantor without such Person’s prior written consent (including, without limitation, any amendments to Sections 3.05, 3.07, 5.01, 5.02, 7.01, 7.02, 7.05, 8.01 and 10.05).

 

Section 10.06 Subrogation . The Second Lien Administrative Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, hereby waives any rights of

 

36



 

subrogation it or they may acquire as a result of any payment hereunder until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred; provided, however, that, as between the Company and the other Grantors, on the one hand, and the Second Lien Secured Parties, on the other hand, any such payment that is paid over to the First Lien Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed not to reduce any of the Second Lien Obligations unless and until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations shall have occurred and the First Lien Administrative Agent delivers any such payment to the Second Lien Administrative Agent.

 

Section 10.07 Applicable Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process .

 

(a)           THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSE OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF COLORADO.

 

(b)           Each party hereto irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that it will not commence any action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against any other party hereto, in any forum other than the courts of the State of Colorado, sitting in Denver County, and of the United States District Court of the District of Colorado, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and agrees that all claims in respect of any such action, litigation or proceeding may be heard and determined in such Colorado State court or, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in such federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action, litigation or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

(c)           Each party to this Agreement agrees that service of process in any such action or proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to the Company, as the case may be at its address set forth in Section 10.01 or at such other address of which the Administrative Agents shall have been notified pursuant thereto. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

Section 10.08 Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE

 

37



 

FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT, BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 10.08.

 

Section 10.09 Parties in Interest . The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, as well as the other First Lien Secured Parties and Second Lien Secured Parties, all of whom are intended to be bound by, and to be third party beneficiaries of, this Agreement. No other Person shall have or be entitled to assert rights or benefits hereunder other than the Grantors with respect to Sections. 3.05, 3.07, 5.01, 5.02, 7.01, 7.02, 7.05, 8.01 and 10.05.

 

Section 10.10 Specific Performance . Each Administrative Agent may demand specific performance of this Agreement and, on behalf of itself and the respective other Secured Parties, hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense that might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action which may be brought by the respective Secured Parties.

 

Section 10.11 Headings . Article and Section headings used herein and the Table of Contents hereto are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and are not to affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

Section 10.12 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract, and shall become effective as provided in Section 10.03. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

Section 10.13 Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights . The provisions of this Agreement are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the First Lien Secured Parties, on the one hand, and the Second Lien Secured Parties, on the other hand. No Person is a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, none of the Company, any other Grantor, any Guarantor or any other creditor thereof shall have any rights or obligations hereunder and none of the Company, any other Grantor or any Guarantor may rely on the terms hereof, except Sections. 3.05, 3.07, 5.01, 5.02, 7.01, 7.02, 7.05, 8.01 and 10.05. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair the obligations of the Company or any other Grantor or any Guarantor, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay the First Lien Obligations and the Second Lien Obligations as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms.

 

Section 10.14 Sharing of Information . The Grantors agree that any information provided to the First Lien Administrative Agent, the Second Lien Administrative Agent, any First Lien Secured Party or any Second Lien Secured Party may be shared by such

 

38



 

Person with any First Lien Secured Party, any Second Lien Secured Party, the First Lien Administrative Agent or the Second Lien Administrative Agent notwithstanding a request or demand by such Grantor that such information be kept confidential; provided, that such information shall otherwise be subject to the respective confidentiality provisions in the First Lien Credit Agreement and the Second Lien Credit Agreement, as applicable.

 

Section 10.15 No Indirect Actions . Unless otherwise expressly stated, if a party may not take an action under this Agreement, then it may not take that action indirectly, or support any other Person in taking that action directly or indirectly. “Taking an action indirectly” means taking an action that is not expressly prohibited for the party but is intended to have substantially the same effects as the prohibited action.

 

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Eric P. McCrady

 

 

President & Chief Executive Officer

 

S-1



 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as First Lien

Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Suzanne F. Ridenhour

 

 

Director

 

S-2



 

 

WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC.,

as Second Lien Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

S-3



 

EXHIBIT H

 

FORM OF

CERTIFICATE OF FINANCIAL OFFICER REGARDING
ASSET COVERAGE RATIO COMPLIANCE

 

The undersigned hereby certifies that he/she is the [            ] of Sundance Energy Inc., a Colorado corporation (the “ Borrower” ), and that as such he/she is authorized to execute this certificate on behalf of the Borrower. With reference to the Second Lien Credit Agreement dated as of August 30, 2013 (together with all amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto being the “ Agreement” ) among the Borrower, Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as Administrative Agent, and the lenders (the “ Lenders” ) which are or become a party thereto, and such Lenders, the undersigned represents and warrants as follows (each capitalized term used herein having the same meaning given to it in the Agreement unless otherwise specified):

 

(a)         Here are the detailed computations necessary to determine whether the Borrower is in compliance with Section     as of the Test Date         , 20   .

 

(a)

Total Proved PV-10

$

 

 

 

(b)

Consolidated Funded Debt

$

 

 

 

 

Ratio a/b =       to 1.00

 

 

 

 

 

Required minimum 1.50 to 1.00

 

EXECUTED AND DELIVERED this [      ] day of [             ].

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Its:

 

 

SECOND LIEN CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Exhibit G - 1

 




Exhibit 4.5

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

SECOND LIEN

 

SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

 

dated as of August 30, 2013

 

 

of

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC., each other Grantor listed on the signature pages hereof and each

other Grantor that otherwise may become a party hereto

 

 

in favor of

 

 

WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC., as Administrative Agent

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

ARTICLE I Definitions and References

1

 

 

Section 1.1.

Definitions in Credit Agreement

1

 

 

 

Section 1.2.

Definitions in the UCC, etc.

1

 

 

 

Section 1.3.

Definitions in this Agreement

2

 

 

 

Section 1.4.

Rules of Construction; References and Titles

4

 

 

 

ARTICLE II Security Interest

5

 

 

Section 2.1.

Grant of Security Interest

5

 

 

 

Section 2.2.

Secured Obligations Secured

6

 

 

 

ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties

6

 

 

Section 3.1.

Representations and Warranties

6

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV Covenants

10

 

 

Section 4.1.

General Covenants Applicable to Collateral

10

 

 

 

Section 4.2.

Covenants for Specified Types of Collateral

11

 

 

 

ARTICLE V Voting and Distribution Rights in Respect Of Pledged Equity

14

 

 

Section 5.1.

Voting Rights

14

 

 

 

Section 5.2.

Dividend Rights While No Event of Default Exists

14

 

 

 

Section 5.3.

Actions by Secured Party

14

 

 

 

Section 5.4.

Rights While an Event of Default Exists

14

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI Remedies, Powers and Authorizations

15

 

 

Section 6.1.

Normal Provisions Concerning the Collateral

15

 

 

 

Section 6.2.

Event of Default Remedies

17

 

 

 

Section 6.3.

Application of Proceeds

19

 

 

 

Section 6.4.

Deficiency

19

 

 

 

Section 6.5.

Private Sales of Investment Property and Other Pledged Equity

20

 

 

 

Section 6.6.

Indemnity and Expenses

20

 

 

 

Section 6.7.

Non-Judicial Remedies

21

 

 

 

Section 6.8.

Limitation on Duty of the Secured Party in Respect of Collateral

21

 

 

 

Section 6.9.

Appointment of Other Agents

21

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII Miscellaneous

21

 

 

Section 7.1.

Notices

21

 

i



 

Section 7.2.

Amendments and Waivers

21

 

 

 

Section 7.3.

Additional Grantors

22

 

 

 

Section 7.4.

Preservation of Rights

22

 

 

 

Section 7.5.

Severability

22

 

 

 

Section 7.6.

Survival

22

 

 

 

Section 7.7.

Binding Effect and Assignment

22

 

 

 

Section 7.8.

Release of Collateral; Termination

23

 

 

 

Section 7.9.

Limitation on Interest

24

 

 

 

Section 7.10.

Governing Law

24

 

 

 

Section 7.11.

Final Agreement

24

 

 

 

Section 7.12.

Counterparts; Facsimile

24

 

 

 

Section 7.13.

Acceptance by the Secured Party

24

 

 

 

Section 7.14.

Intercreditor Agreement

24

 

Schedules

 

 

Schedule 1

Address for Notices and Jurisdiction of Organization

 

Schedule 2

Scheduled Collateral

 

 

 

 

Exhibits

 

 

Exhibit A

Form of Grantor Accession Agreement

 

 

ii



 

THIS SECOND LIEN SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement” ) is made as of August 30, 2103 by SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC., a Colorado corporation (“ Borrower” ) and each other Grantor listed on the signature pages hereof and that may become parties hereto pursuant to Section 7.3 in favor of WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC., as administrative agent under the Credit Agreement (the “ Secured Party” ), for the benefit of the Beneficiaries.

 

RECITALS

 

A.                              The Borrower, the Secured Party, and certain lenders (collectively, the “Lenders”) are parties to the Second Lien Credit Agreement of even date herewith (as from time to time supplemented, amended or restated, the “Credit Agreement”).

 

B.                              Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower.

 

C.                              In order to induce the Beneficiaries to extend such credit, Grantor has agreed to grant to the Secured Party, for the benefit of the Beneficiaries, a security interest in the Collateral.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which the parties acknowledge, each Grantor agrees as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

Definitions and References

 

Section 1.1.                                  Definitions in Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the respective meanings specified in the Credit Agreement.

 

Section 1.2.                                  Definitions in the UCC, etc. The following terms have the meanings specified in the UCC:

 

(a)                                  Account.

 

(b)                                  Chattel Paper.

 

(c)                                   Commercial Tort Claim.

 

(d)                                  Deposit Account.

 

(e)                                   Document.

 

(f)                                    Electronic Chattel Paper.

 

(g)                                   Equipment.

 

(h)                                  General Intangible.

 

1



 

(i)                                      Instrument.

 

(j)                                     Inventory.

 

(k)                                  Investment Property.

 

(l)                                      Letter-of-Credit Right.

 

(m)                              Payment Intangible.

 

(n)                                  Proceeds.

 

(o)                                  Securities Account.

 

(p)                                  Security.

 

(q)                                  Uncertificated Security.

 

Other terms used in this Agreement that are defined in the UCC and not otherwise defined herein or in the Credit Agreement have the meanings specified in the UCC, unless the context otherwise requires.

 

Section 1.3.                                  Definitions in this Agreement. The following terms have the following meanings:

 

Beneficiaries” means the Secured Party, the Lenders, and any other Person to which any Secured Obligation is owing.

 

Collateral” means, with respect to any Grantor, all property described in Section 2.1 in which such Grantor has any right, title or interest, but shall not, for the avoidance of doubt, include any of the Excluded Collateral.

 

Credit Agreement” has the meaning specified in Recital A.

 

Excluded Collateral” means (a) any property to the extent that such grant is prohibited under any agreement relating to such property or requires the consent of any Person other than Grantor or any of its Affiliates, except to the extent that Part 4 of Article 9 of the UCC would render such prohibition ineffective, (b) all Excluded Equity, (c) assets sold to a Person who is not a Credit Party in compliance with the Credit Agreement, and (d) property owned by a Guarantor after the release of the guaranty of such Guarantor pursuant to Section 9.11 of the Credit Agreement.

 

Excluded Equity” means any voting stock of any First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary in excess of 65% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of such First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary that are entitled to vote.

 

Grantor” means each Person granting a security interest in any Collateral pursuant to this Agreement. References to “Grantor” in this Agreement are intended to refer to each such Person as if such Person were the only grantor pursuant to this Agreement, except:

 

2



 

(a)                                  that references to “any Grantor” are meant to refer to each Person that is a Grantor,

 

(b)                                  that references to “the Grantors” are meant to refer to collectively to all Persons that are Grantors and

 

(c)                                   as otherwise may be specifically set forth herein.

 

Lenders” has the meaning specified in Recital A.

 

Intellectual Property Collateral” means any and all of the following which is not Excluded Collateral:

 

(a)                          any copyright under the laws of any country (whether or not the underlying works of authorship have been published), all registrations and recordings thereof, all intellectual property rights to works of authorship (whether or not published), and all application for copyrights under the laws of any country, any reissue, renewal or extension thereof, any claim for, or right to sue for, past or future infringement of any of the foregoing;

 

(b)                          any letter patent and design letter patent of any country and all applications for letters patent and design letters patent of any country, any reissue, division, continuation, continuation-in-part, renewal or extension thereof, and any claim for, or right to sue for, past or future infringement of any of the foregoing;

 

(c)                           any trademark, trade name, corporate name, company name, business name, fictitious business name, trade style, service mark, logo, brand name, trade dress, domain name, design, slogan, print or label on which any of the foregoing have appeared or appear, package and other designs, and any other source or business identifiers, and general intangibles of like nature, and the rights in any of the foregoing that arise under applicable law, the goodwill of the business symbolized thereby or associated with each of them, and any registration or application in connection therewith, and any claim for, or right to sue for, past or future infringements of any of the foregoing; and

 

(d)                          any income, royalties, damages and payments now or hereafter due or payable with respect to any of the foregoing, including damages and payments for past or future infringements thereof.

 

Pledged Debt” means all Investment Property and General Intangibles constituting or pertaining to Indebtedness owing by any Person to Grantor and which is not Excluded Collateral.

 

Pledged Equity” means all Investment Property and General Intangibles constituting or pertaining to Equity in Persons and which is not Excluded Collateral.

 

Secured Obligations” means all Obligations of all Credit Parties now or hereafter arising under the Loan Documents.

 

Secured Party” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

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Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933.

 

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of Colorado from time to time; provided that, if perfection or the effect of perfection or non-perfection or the priority of any security interest in any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of Colorado, “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection, effect of perfection or non-perfection or priority.

 

Section 1.4.                           Rules of Construction; References and Titles. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise:

 

(a)                           Any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein).

 

(b)                           Unless otherwise specified, any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns.

 

(c)                            The words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof.

 

(d)                           All references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement.

 

(e)                            Any reference to any Law herein shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

 

(f)                             The words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

(g)                            Except as specified otherwise, references to any document, instrument, or agreement shall include:

 

(i)                                   all exhibits, schedules, and other attachments thereto, and

 

(ii)                                all documents, instruments, or agreements issued or executed in replacement thereof.

 

(h)                           A title appearing at the beginning of any subdivision is for convenience only, does not constitute any part of such subdivision and shall be disregarded in construing the language contained in such subdivision.

 

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(i)                               The phrases “this Section” and “this subsection” and similar phrases refer only to the section or subsection hereof in which such phrases occur.

 

(j)                              The word “or” is not exclusive, and the word “including” (in all of its grammatical variations) means “including without limitation”.

 

ARTICLE II

 

Security Interest

 

Section 2.1.                                  Grant of Security Interest. As collateral security for the payment and performance of all Secured Obligations, Grantor pledges, collaterally assigns and grants to the Secured Party for the benefit of the Beneficiaries a continuing security interest in all right, title and interest of Grantor in and to all of the following property, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or arising, regardless of where located and howsoever Grantor’s interests therein arise, whether by ownership, security interest, claim or otherwise:

 

(a)                           Accounts.

 

(b)                           All Equity listed on Schedule 2, whether constituting General Intangibles or Investment Property.

 

(c)                            General Intangibles, including all Payment Intangibles.

 

(d)                           Documents.

 

(e)                            Instruments.

 

(f)                             Inventory.

 

(g)                            Equipment, including, all parts thereof, all accessions thereto, and all replacements therefor.

 

(h)                           Deposit Accounts.

 

(i)                               Investment Property, and all dividends, distributions, return of capital, interest, distributions, value, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any investment property and all subscription warrants, rights or options issued thereon or with respect thereto.

 

(j)                              Commercial Tort Claims that are listed opposite Grantor’s name on Schedule 2, as in effect on the date hereof or as hereafter modified pursuant to Section 4.2

 

(k)                           Pledged Debt.

 

(l)                               Letter-of-Credit Rights.

 

(m)                       Chattel Paper.

 

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(n)                           Intellectual Property Collateral.

 

(o)                           Books and records (including customer lists, marketing information, credit files, price lists, operating records, vendor and supplier price lists, land and title records, geological and geophysical records and data, reserve engineering records and data, computer software, computer hardware, computer disks and tapes and other storage media, printouts and other materials and records) pertaining to any Collateral or to any oil, gas or mineral properties and interests.

 

(p)                           Money and personal property of any kind from time to time in the possession or under the control of any Beneficiary.

 

(q)                           Proceeds of the foregoing.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 2.1 does not grant a security interest in any Excluded Collateral. For the avoidance of doubt, no representation or warranty made by Grantor herein, and no covenant or agreement of Grantor contained herein, shall apply to any Excluded Collateral.

 

Section 2.2.                           Secured Obligations Secured.

 

(a)                          The security interest created hereby in the Collateral secures the payment and performance of all Secured Obligations.

 

(b)                          Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement secures, as to Grantor, the payment of all amounts that constitute part of the Secured Obligations and would be owed by any Credit Party to any Beneficiary under the Loan Documents but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of a bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding involving a Restricted Person.

 

(c)                           Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, with respect to any Grantor, the liability of such Grantor hereunder and under each other Loan Document to which it is a party shall be limited to the maximum liability that such Grantor may incur without rendering this Agreement and such other Loan Document subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the United States Bankruptcy Code or any comparable provision or any applicable state or federal law. This subsection (c) shall not apply to the Borrower.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Representations and Warranties

 

Section 3.1.                          Representations and Warranties. Grantor represents and warrants to the Beneficiaries as follows:

 

(a)                          If Grantor is not the Borrower, each representation and warranty made by the Borrower with respect to any Grantor in any other Loan Document is correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representation or warranty that already is qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof).

 

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(b)                          Grantor has and will have at all times the right, power and authority to grant to the Secured Party as provided herein a security interest in the Collateral, free and clear of any Lien, except for Permitted Liens. This Agreement creates a valid and binding security interest in favor of the Secured Party in the Collateral, securing the Secured Obligations.

 

(c)                           None of the Collateral in which Grantor has granted a security interest that constitutes goods:

 

(i)                                    is covered by any Document, except for Documents that are subject hereto and have been delivered to the Secured Party at its request;

 

(ii)                                 is subject to any landlord’s lien or similar Lien, except for Permitted Liens; or

 

(iii)                              is in the possession of any Person other than Grantor or the Secured Party, except for Collateral being transported in the ordinary course of business and Collateral subject to a joint operating agreement that is in the possession of the operator under the agreement.

 

(d)                          With respect to Pledged Equity:

 

(i)                                    All units and other securities constituting Pledged Equity have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable, and to the best knowledge of Debtor were not issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any Person or of any agreement by which Grantor or any issuer of Pledged Equity is bound.

 

(ii)                                 The Pledged Equity listed on Schedule 2 constitutes all equity interests owned by Grantor in its Subsidiaries. All endorsements, deliveries, notifications, and other actions required by Section 4.2(d)(i) and (ii) have been taken with respect to such Pledged Equity and all other Pledged Equity.

 

(iii)                              All documentary, stamp or other taxes or fees owing in connection with the issuance, transfer or pledge of any Pledged Equity (or rights in respect thereof) have been paid.

 

(iv)                             Except as disclosed on Schedule 2, no restriction or condition exists with respect to the transfer, voting or capital of any Pledged Equity.

 

(v)                                Except as disclosed on Schedule 2, no Grantor or issuer of Pledged Equity has any outstanding subscription agreement, option, warrant or convertible security outstanding or any other right outstanding pursuant to which any Person would be entitled to have issued to it units of ownership interest in any issuer of Pledged Equity.

 

(vi)                             Except as disclosed on Schedule 2, no third party has any security interest in the Pledged Equity.

 

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(vii)                    Schedule 2 correctly and completely reflects all Pledged Equity owned by Grantor as of the date hereof, and Schedule 2 accurately sets forth the percentage of each class or series of Equity issued by the issuer of such Pledged Equity that is held by Grantor.

 

(viii)                 Schedule 2 sets forth all agreements, including all operating, management, voting and shareholder agreements to which Grantor is a party or by which it is bound and that relate to Pledged Equity and a correct and complete copy of each such Agreement has been delivered to counsel for the Secured Party.

 

(ix)                       No issuer of Pledged Equity has made any call for capital that has not been fully paid by Grantor and each other holder of Equity of such issuer.

 

(x)                          Neither Grantor nor any other holder of equity issued by any issuer of Pledged Equity is in default under any agreement relating to Pledged Equity.

 

(xi)                       Neither the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement nor the exercise of any right or remedy of the Secured Party hereunder will cause a default under any agreement in respect of Pledged Equity or otherwise adversely affect or diminish any Pledged Equity.

 

(xii)                    Grantor’s rights under any agreement in respect of Pledged Equity are enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws of general application relating to the enforcement of creditors’ rights and general principles of equity.

 

(xiii)                 Grantor has taken or concurrently herewith is taking all actions necessary to perfect Secured Party’s security interest in Pledged Equity, including any registration, filing or notice that may be necessary or advisable under Article 8 or 9 of the UCC, and no other Person has any such registration, filing or notice in effect.

 

(xiv)                The Pledged Equity that is an equity interest in a limited liability company or a limited partnership is a General Intangible, not a Security, under the UCC.

 

(e)                           To the full extent requested by the Secured Party, Grantor has delivered to the Secured Party all Instruments and other writings evidencing Pledged Debt in existence on the date hereof, in suitable form for transfer by delivery with any necessary endorsement or accompanied by fully executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank.

 

(f)                            The Pledged Equity listed on Schedule 2 constitutes all equity interests owned by Grantor in its Subsidiaries as of the date hereof. None of such Pledged Equity is certificated.

 

(g)                           Grantor has no Securities Account as of the date hereof.

 

(h)                          Grantor is not aware of any Commercial Tort Claim that it may have other than those listed on Schedule 2.

 

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(i)                               Grantor is an entity of the type specified on Schedule 1 (or Schedule 1 to any security agreement supplement delivered by it pursuant to Section 7.3) opposite its name and is organized under the laws of the jurisdiction specified in such Schedule opposite its name, which is Grantor’s location pursuant to the UCC. Except as disclosed on Schedule 1, Grantor has not conducted business under any name except the name in which it has executed this Agreement, which is the exact name that appears in Grantor’s Organizational Documents.

 

(j)                              Grantor has good and marketable title to the Collateral, free and clear of all Liens, except for the security interest created by this Agreement and any Permitted Liens. No effective financing statement or other registration or instrument similar in effect covering any Collateral is on file in any recording office except any that have been filed in favor of the Secured Party relating to this Agreement and any that has been filed to perfect or protect any Permitted Lien.

 

(k)                           There is no condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement that has not been satisfied or waived.

 

(l)                               Grantor as of the date hereof has no material Intellectual Property Collateral.

 

(m)                       Grantor, if other than Borrower, has independently and without reliance upon any Beneficiary and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which it is or is to be a party, and Grantor, if other than the Borrower, has established adequate means of obtaining from other Restricted Persons on a continuing basis information pertaining to, and is now and on a continuing basis will be completely familiar with the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, performance, properties and prospects of each other Restricted Person.

 

(n)                           The direct or indirect value of the consideration received and to be received by Grantor in connection herewith is reasonably worth at least as much as the liability of Grantor hereunder and under each other Loan Document to which Grantor is a party, and the incurrence of such liability in return for such consideration may reasonably be expected to benefit Grantor, directly or indirectly. To the best of Grantor’s knowledge, all balance sheets, earning statements, financial data and other information concerning Grantor that have been furnished to Agent and each Lender to induce it to accept this Agreement (or otherwise furnished to Agent and each Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or associated herewith) fairly represent the financial condition of Grantor as of the dates and the results of Grantor’s operations for the periods for which the same are furnished. To the best of Grantor’s knowledge, none of such balance sheets, earnings and cash flow statements, financial data and other information contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact that is necessary to make any statements contained therein not misleading as of the respective date(s) thereof.

 

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ARTICLE IV

 

Covenants

 

Section 4.1.                  General Covenants Applicable to Collateral. Grantor will at all times perform and observe the covenants contained in the Credit Agreement that are applicable to Grantor (whether made by Grantor or made by the Borrower with respect to Grantor) for so long as any Secured Obligation is outstanding. In addition, Grantor will, so long as this Agreement shall be in effect, perform and observe the following:

 

(a)                          Without limitation of any other covenant herein, Grantor shall not cause or permit any change in its name, identity or organizational structure, or any change to its jurisdiction of organization, unless Grantor shall have first:

 

(i)                                      notified the Secured Party of such change at least 30 days prior to the effective date of such change (or such shorter notice as the Secured Party may approve), and

 

(ii)                                   taken all action reasonably requested by the Secured Party (under the following subsection (b) or otherwise) for the purpose of further confirming and protecting the Secured Party’s security interest and rights under this Agreement and the perfection and priority thereof.

 

In any notice delivered pursuant to this subsection, Grantor will expressly state that the notice is required by this Agreement and contains facts that may require additional filings of financing statements or other notices for the purposes of continuing perfection of the Secured Party’s security interest in the Collateral.

 

(b)                          Grantor will, at its expense and as from time to time reasonably requested by the Secured Party, promptly execute and deliver all further instruments, agreements, filings and registrations, and take all further action, in order:

 

(i)                                      to confirm and validate this Agreement and the Secured Party’s rights and remedies hereunder;

 

(ii)                                   to correct any error or omission in the description herein of the Secured Obligations or the Collateral or in any other provision hereof;

 

(iii)                                to perfect, register and protect the security interest and rights created or purported to be created hereby or to maintain or upgrade in rank the priority of such security interests and rights;

 

(iv)                               to enable the Secured Party to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder; or

 

(v)                                  otherwise to give the Secured Party the full benefits of the rights and remedies described in or granted under this Agreement.

 

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In connection with the foregoing, Grantor will, whenever reasonably requested by the Secured Party:

 

(A)                                execute and file any financing statement, continuation statement or other filing or registration relating to the Secured Party’s security interest and rights hereunder, and any amendment thereto,

 

(B)                                mark its books and records relating to any Collateral to reflect that such Collateral is subject to this Agreement and the security interests hereunder, and

 

(C)                                obtain from any account debtor or other obligor in respect of any property included in the Collateral an acknowledgment by such account debtor or obligor that such property is subject to this Agreement.

 

(c)                            Grantor shall not take any action that would, or fail to take any action if such failure would, impair the enforceability, perfection or priority of the Secured Party’s security interest in any Collateral.

 

Section 4.2.                           Covenants for Specified Types of Collateral. For so long as any Secured Obligation is outstanding:

 

(a)                           Grantor will, promptly upon request by the Secured Party, deliver to the Secured Party all Documents and Instruments related to Collateral with a value in excess of $100,000 or related to any Pledged Equity. All such Documents and Instruments shall be held by or on behalf of the Secured Party pursuant hereto and shall be delivered in suitable form for transfer by delivery with any necessary endorsement or shall be accompanied by fully executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Secured Party.

 

(b)                           If at any time there exists Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected by a notation on the certificate of title or similar evidence of ownership of such Collateral, Grantor will, if reasonably requested to do so by Secured Party, promptly upon request by the Secured Party, deliver to the Secured Party all certificates of title and similar evidences of ownership, all applications therefor, and all other documents that are necessary or appropriate in order to register the Secured Party’s security interest in such Collateral on such certificate of title or other evidence of ownership or in otherwise perfecting the Secured Party’s security interest in such Collateral.

 

(c)                            For each Deposit Account that Grantor at any time maintains, Grantor will, if reasonably requested to do so by Secured Party, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Secured Party, at the Secured Party’s option, cause the depository bank that maintains such Deposit Account to agree to comply, at any time when an Event of Default exists, with instructions from the Secured Party to such depository bank directing the disposition of funds from time to time credited to such Deposit Account, without further consent of Grantor, or take such other action as the Secured Party may approve in order to perfect the Secured Party’s security interest in such Deposit Account. This subsection shall not apply to any Deposit Account:

 

(i)                                      for which the Secured Party is the depository bank, or

 

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(ii)                                   that is specially and exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes, and other employee wage and benefit payments to or for the benefit of Grantor’s salaried employees.

 

(d)                                  (i)   If Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire any certificated security constituting Pledged Equity, Grantor will forthwith endorse, assign, and deliver the same to the Secured Party, accompanied by such instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Secured Party may from time to time specify.

 

(ii)                                   If any security constituting Pledged Equity now or hereafter acquired by Grantor is uncertificated and is issued to Grantor or its nominee directly by the issuer thereof, Grantor will immediately notify the Secured Party of such issuance and, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Secured Party, cause the issuer thereof to agree to comply with instructions from the Secured Party as to such security, without further consent of Grantor or such nominee, or take such other action as the Secured Party may approve in order to perfect the Secured Party’s security interest in such security.

 

(iii)                                Grantor shall not permit any Pledged Equity to be held by a securities intermediary or held in a Securities Account unless the Secured Party shall have control of such Securities Account within the meaning of Section 8-106 of the UCC. Grantor shall not permit any Pledged Equity that is an equity interest in a limited liability company or a limited partnership and that is a General Intangible to become Investment Property unless the Secured Party shall have control of such Investment Property within the meaning of Section 8-106 of the UCC.

 

(iv)                               Grantor shall not:

 

(A)                                adjust, settle, compromise, amend or modify any right in respect of any Pledged Equity or any agreement relating thereto;

 

(B)                                permit the creation of any additional equity interest in any issuer of Pledged Equity, if more than 50% of the Equity of such issuer is owned by a Restricted Person, unless immediately upon creation the same is pledged to the Secured Party pursuant hereto to the extent necessary to give the Secured Party a first-priority security interest (except for any Liens created by the First Lien Loan Documents) in such Pledged Equity after such creation that is in the aggregate at least the same percentage of such Pledged Equity as was subject hereto before such issue, whether such additional interest is presently vested or will vest upon the payment of money or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other condition; or

 

(C)                                enter into any agreement, other than the Loan Documents, creating, or otherwise permit to exist, any restriction or condition upon the transfer or exercise of any rights in respect of any Pledged Equity, including any restriction or condition upon the transfer, voting or control of any Pledged Equity.

 

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(e)                            If Grantor is, at any time when an Event of Default exists, a beneficiary under a letter of credit now or hereafter issued in favor of Grantor, Grantor shall promptly notify the Secured Party thereof and, at the request and option of the Secured Party, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Secured Party, either:

 

(i)                                      arrange for the issuer and any confirmer of such letter of credit to consent to an assignment to the Secured Party of the proceeds of any drawing under such letter of credit; or

 

(ii)                                   arrange for the Secured Party to become the transferee beneficiary of such letter of credit.

 

(f)                             If Grantor shall at any time after the date hereof have a Commercial Tort Claim in an amount in excess of $100,000, Grantor shall promptly notify the Secured Party in writing of the details thereof and execute and deliver to the Secured Party a supplement to Schedule 2 listing such Commercial Tort Claim, which supplement shall take effect without further action on the part of any party hereto or beneficiary hereof and shall make such Commercial Tort Claim collateral security subject to this Agreement.

 

(g)                            (i)    If Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire any certificated Security that is part of the Pledged Equity, Grantor will forthwith endorse, assign, and deliver the same to the Secured Party, accompanied by such instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Secured Party may from time to time specify.

 

(ii)                                   If any Security that is part of the Pledged Equity now or hereafter acquired by Grantor is an Uncertificated Security and is issued to Grantor or its nominee directly by the issuer thereof, Grantor will immediately notify the Secured Party of such issuance and, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Secured Party, cause the issuer thereof to agree to comply with instructions from the Secured Party as to such Security, without further consent of Grantor or such nominee, or take such other action as the Secured Party may approve in order to perfect the Secured Party’s security interest in such Security.

 

(iii)                                Grantor will at least 30 days prior to filing any application for registration of any material Intellectual Property Collateral (or any similar request) with the United States Copyright Office, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or any similar office or agency of the United States, any State thereof or other country, or any political subdivision thereof (or by such shorter notice as the Secured Party may approve), give the Secured Party notice of such intended filing and, upon the Secured Party’s request, execute, deliver and file any agreement, instrument, registration or filing (including an Intellectual Property Security Agreement, with the schedules thereto appropriately completed) that the Secured Party may reasonably request to confirm the Secured Party’s security interest therein and to put such security interest of record in such office.

 

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ARTICLE V

 

Voting and Distribution Rights in Respect Of Pledged Equity

 

Section 5.1.                  Voting Rights. Grantor shall be entitled to exercise all voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the Pledged Equity or any part thereof for any purpose; provided that Grantor shall not exercise or refrain from exercising any such right if such action would have a material adverse effect on the value of any Pledged Equity or on the Secured Party’s security interest or the value thereof.

 

Section 5.2.                  Dividend Rights While No Event of Default Exists.                  Grantor shall be entitled to receive and retain all dividends, interest and other distributions paid in respect of the Pledged Equity if and to the extent that the payment thereof is not otherwise prohibited by the Loan Documents; provided that:

 

(a)                          all dividends, interest and other distributions paid or payable other than in cash in respect of, and instruments and other property received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Equity;

 

(b)                          all dividends and other distributions paid or payable in cash in respect of any Pledged Equity in connection with a partial or total liquidation or dissolution or in connection with a reduction of capital, capital surplus or paid in surplus; and

 

(c)                           all cash paid, payable or otherwise distributed in respect of principal of, or in redemption of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Equity,

 

shall be, and shall be forthwith delivered to the Secured Party to hold as, Collateral and shall, if received by Grantor, be received in trust for the benefit of the Secured Party, be segregated from the other property or funds of Grantor and be forthwith delivered to the Secured Party as Pledged Equity in the same form as so received (with any necessary indorsement).

 

Section 5.3.                          Actions by Secured Party. The Secured Party will promptly execute and deliver (or promptly cause to be executed and delivered) to Grantor all such instruments as Grantor may reasonably request for the purpose of enabling Grantor to receive the benefits of Section 5.1 above and to receive the dividends or interest payments that it is authorized to receive and retain pursuant to Section 5.2 above.

 

Section 5.4.                          Rights While an Event of Default Exists. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default:

 

(a)                          All rights of Grantor to receive the dividends, interest and other distributions that it would otherwise be authorized to receive and retain pursuant to Section 5.2 shall automatically cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Secured Party, which shall thereupon have the sole right to receive and hold as Pledged Equity such dividends, interest and other distributions.

 

(b)                          All dividends, interest and other distributions that are received by Grantor contrary to subsection (a) above shall be received in trust for the benefit of the Secured Party,

 

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shall be segregated from other funds of Grantor, and shall be forthwith paid over to the Secured Party as Pledged Equity in the same form as so received (with any necessary indorsement).

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Remedies, Powers and Authorizations

 

Section 6.1.                   Normal Provisions Concerning the Collateral.

 

(a)                           Grantor irrevocably authorizes the Secured Party at any time and from time to time to file, without the signature of Grantor, in any jurisdiction any amendments to existing financing statements and any initial financing statements and amendments thereto that:

 

(i)                                 indicate the Collateral as being:

 

(A)                                “all personal property of Grantor and all proceeds thereof, and all rights and privileges with respect thereto” or words of similar effect, regardless of whether any particular asset comprised in the Collateral falls within the scope of Article 9 of the UCC or the granting clause of this Agreement, or

 

(B)                                of an equal or lesser scope or with greater detail;

 

(ii)                              contain any other information required for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance of any financing statement or amendment, including whether Grantor is an organization, the type of organization and any organization identification number issued to Grantor; and

 

(iii)                           properly effectuate the transactions described in the Loan Documents, as determined by the Secured Party in its discretion.

 

Grantor will furnish any such information to the Secured Party promptly upon request. A carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Agreement or any financing statement describing any Collateral is sufficient as a financing statement and may be filed in any jurisdiction by the Secured Party. Grantor ratifies and approves all financing statements heretofore filed by or on behalf of the Secured Party in any jurisdiction in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(b)                           Grantor appoints the Secured Party as Grantor’s attorney in fact and proxy, with full authority in the place and stead of Grantor and in the name of Grantor or otherwise, from time to time upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and during the continuance thereof, in the Secured Party’s discretion, to take any action and to execute any instrument that the Secured Party may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement including any action or instrument:

 

(i)                                 to obtain and adjust any insurance obtained by Borrower pursuant to Section 6.8 of the Credit Agreement that is required to be paid to the Secured Party pursuant to the Loan Documents;

 

15



 

(ii)                              to ask for, demand, collect, sue for, recover, compound, receive and give acquittance and receipts for moneys due and to become due under or in respect of any Collateral;

 

(iii)                           to receive, indorse and collect any drafts or other Instruments or Documents;

 

(iv)                          to enforce any obligations included in the Collateral; and

 

(v)                             to file any claims or take any action or institute any proceedings that the Secured Party may deem necessary or desirable for the collection of any Collateral or otherwise to enforce the rights of Grantor or the Secured Party with respect to any Collateral.

 

Such power of attorney and proxy are coupled with an interest, are irrevocable, and are to be used by the Secured Party for the sole benefit of the Beneficiaries.

 

(c)                           If Grantor fails to perform any agreement or obligation contained herein, the Secured Party may, but shall have no obligation to, itself perform, or cause performance of, such agreement or obligation, and the expenses of the Secured Party incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by Grantor under Section 6.6.

 

(d)                          If any Collateral in which Grantor has granted a security interest hereunder is at any time in the possession or control of any warehouseman, bailee or any of Grantor’s agents, Grantor shall, upon the request of the Secured Party, notify such warehouseman, bailee or agent of the Secured Party’s rights hereunder and instruct such Person to hold all such Collateral for the Secured Party’s account subject to the Secured Party’s instructions. No such request by the Secured Party shall be deemed a waiver of any provision hereof that was otherwise violated by such Collateral being held by such Person prior to such instructions by Grantor.

 

(e)                           The Secured Party shall have the right, at any time when an Event of Default exists, in its discretion and without notice to Grantor, to transfer to or to register in the name of the Secured Party or any of its nominees any Investment Property or other Pledged Equity, subject only to the voting rights retained pursuant to Section 5.1.

 

(f)                            Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding:

 

(i)                                      Grantor shall remain liable to perform all duties and obligations under the agreements included in the Collateral to the same extent as if this Agreement had not been executed.

 

(ii)                                   The exercise by the Secured Party of any right hereunder shall not release Grantor from any duty or obligation under any agreement included in the Collateral.

 

(iii)                                No Beneficiary shall have any obligation or liability under the agreements included in the Collateral by reason of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, nor shall any Beneficiary be obligated to perform any duty or obligation of Grantor

 

16



 

thereunder or take any action to collect or enforce any claim for payment assigned hereunder.

 

Section 6.2.                  Event of Default Remedies. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Secured Party may from time to time in its discretion, without limitation and without notice except as expressly provided below:

 

(a)                          Exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to any other right and remedy provided for herein, under the other Loan Documents, or otherwise available to it, all the rights and remedies of a secured party on default under the UCC and any other applicable law.

 

(b)                          Require Grantor to, and Grantor will at its expense and upon request of the Secured Party forthwith, assemble all or part of the Collateral as directed by the Secured Party and make it (together with all books, records and information of Grantor relating thereto) available to the Secured Party at a place to be designated by the Secured Party that is reasonably convenient to both parties.

 

(c)                           Prior to the disposition of any Collateral:

 

(i)                                      to the extent permitted by applicable Law, enter, with or without process of law and without breach of the peace, any premises where any Collateral is or may be located, and without charge or liability to the Secured Party seize and remove such Collateral from such premises;

 

(ii)                                   have access to and use the Company’s books, records, and information relating to the Collateral; and

 

(iii)                                store or transfer any Collateral without charge in or by means of any storage or transportation facility owned or leased by Grantor, process, repair or recondition any Collateral or otherwise prepare it for disposition in any manner and to the extent the Secured Party deems appropriate and, in connection with such preparation and disposition, use without charge any copyright, trademark, trade name, patent or technical process used by Grantor.

 

(d)                          Reduce its claim to judgment or foreclose or otherwise enforce, in whole or in part, the security interest created hereby by any available judicial procedure.

 

(e)                           Dispose of, at its office, on the premises of Grantor or elsewhere, any Collateral, as a unit or in parcels, by public or private proceedings, and by way of one or more contracts (but that the sale of any Collateral shall not exhaust the Secured Party’s power of sale, and sales may be made from time to time, and at any time, until all of the Collateral has been sold or until the Secured Obligations have been paid and performed in full), and at any such sale it shall not be necessary to exhibit any Collateral.

 

(f)                            Buy (or allow any Beneficiary to buy) Collateral, or any part thereof, at any public sale.

 

17



 

(g)                           Buy (or allow any Beneficiary to buy) Collateral, or any part thereof, at any private sale if any Collateral is of a type customarily sold in a recognized market or is of a type that is the subject of widely distributed standard price quotations.

 

(h)                          Apply by appropriate judicial proceedings for appointment of a receiver for the Collateral, or any part thereof, and Grantor consents to any such appointment.

 

(i)                              Comply with any applicable state or federal Law requirement in connection with a disposition of Collateral and such compliance shall not be considered to affect adversely the commercial reasonableness of any sale of Collateral.

 

(j)                             Sell Collateral without giving any warranty, with respect to title or any other matter.

 

(k)                          Notify (or to require Grantor to notify) any and all obligors under any Account, Payment Intangible, Instrument or other right to payment included in the Collateral of the assignment thereof to the Secured Party under this Agreement and to direct such obligors to make payment of all amounts due or to become due to Grantor thereunder directly to the Secured Party and, upon such notification and at the expense of Grantor and to the extent permitted by law, to enforce collection of any such Account, Payment Intangible, Instrument or other right to payment and to adjust, settle or compromise the amount or payment thereof, in the same manner and to the same extent as Grantor could have done. After Grantor receives notice that the Secured Party has given (or after the Secured Party has required Grantor to give) any notice referred to above in this subsection:

 

(i)                               all amounts and proceeds (including instruments and writings) received by Grantor in respect of any Account, Payment Intangible, Instrument or other right to payment included in the Collateral shall be received in trust for the benefit of the Secured Party hereunder, shall be segregated from other funds of Grantor and shall be forthwith paid over to the Secured Party in the same form as so received (with any necessary indorsement) to be, at the Secured Party’s discretion, either:

 

(A)                                held as cash collateral and released to Grantor upon the remedy of all Defaults and Events of Default, or

 

(B)                                while an Event of Default is continuing, applied as specified in Section 6.3, and

 

(ii)                            Grantor shall not adjust, settle or compromise the amount or payment of any Account, Payment Intangible, Instrument, or other right to payment included in the Collateral or release wholly or partly any account debtor or obligor thereon or allow any credit or discount thereon.

 

(l)                              Give any entitlement order, instruction or direction in respect of any of Investment Property to any issuer, securities intermediary, or commodity intermediary, and to withhold its consent to the exercise of any withdrawal rights or dealing rights by Grantor.

 

18


 

(m)                                      Give an instruction to any depository bank that maintains a Deposit Account for Grantor with respect to the disposition of funds credited thereto or restrict the ability of Grantor to withdraw funds credited thereto, except as authorized in any other Loan Document.

 

To the extent notice of sale shall be required by law with respect to Collateral, at least 10-days’ notice to Grantor of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale is to be made shall constitute reasonable notification; provided that, if the Secured Party fails in any respect to give such notice, its liability for such failure shall be limited to the liability (if any) imposed on it by law under the UCC. The Secured Party shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless of notice of sale having been given. The Secured Party may adjourn any public or private sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned.

 

Section 6.3.                                  Application of Proceeds. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, any cash held by or on behalf of the Secured Party and all cash proceeds received by or on behalf of the Secured Party in respect of any sale of, collection from, or other realization upon any Collateral may, in the discretion of the Secured Party, be held by the Secured Party as collateral for, and/or then or at any time thereafter applied in whole or in part by the Secured Party for the benefit of the Beneficiaries against, any Secured Obligation, in the following manner:

 

(a)                                          First, paid to the Secured Party for any amounts then owing to the Secured Party pursuant to the Credit Agreement or otherwise under the Loan Documents or that has otherwise been incurred by the Secured Party in connection with the payment or other satisfaction of any Lien, encumbrance or adverse claim upon or against any Collateral or any other action that the Secured Party determines is reasonably appropriate in connection with the preservation or maintenance of the Collateral.

 

(b)                                          Second, paid to the Beneficiaries in payment of the Secured Obligations, ratably in accordance with the respective amounts thereof then owing to the Beneficiaries or as otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

(c)                                           Third, any surplus of such cash or cash proceeds held by or on the behalf of the Secured Party and remaining after payment in full of all the Secured Obligations shall be paid over to the applicable Grantor or to whatever Person may be lawfully entitled to receive such surplus.

 

Section 6.4.                                  Deficiency. If the proceeds of any sale, collection or realization of or upon the Collateral of the Grantors by the Secured Party are insufficient to pay all Secured Obligations and all other amounts to which the Secured Party is entitled, Grantor shall be liable for the deficiency, together with interest thereon as provided in the Loan Documents or (if no interest is so provided) at such other rate as shall be fixed by applicable law, together with the costs of collection and the reasonable fees of any attorneys representing the Secured Party and/or the other Beneficiaries that are not employees of the Secured Party and/or any other Beneficiary or any Affiliate of the Secured Party and/or any other Beneficiary to collect such deficiency. Collateral may be sold at a loss to Grantor, and the Secured Party shall have no liability or

 

19



 

responsibility to Grantor for such loss. Grantor acknowledges that a private sale may result in less proceeds than a public sale.

 

Section 6.5.                                  Private Sales of Investment Property and Other Pledged Equity. The Beneficiaries may deem it impracticable to effect a public sale of any Investment Property or other Pledged Equity and may determine to make one or more private sales of such Investment Property or other Pledged Equity to a restricted group of purchasers that will be obligated to agree, among other things, to acquire the same for their own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof. Any such private sale may be at a price and on other terms less favorable to the seller than the price and other terms that might have been obtained at a public sale. Any such private sale nevertheless shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner, and neither the Secured Party nor any other Beneficiary shall have any obligation to delay sale of any such Investment Property or other Pledged Equity for the period of time necessary to permit their registration for public sale under the Securities Act. Any offer to sell any such Collateral that has been:

 

(i)                                      publicly advertised on a bona-fide basis in a newspaper or other publication of general circulation in the financial community of Denver, Colorado (to the extent that such an offer may be so advertised without prior registration under the Securities Act), or

 

(ii)                                   made privately in the manner described above to not less than 15 bona-fide offerees,

 

shall be deemed to involve a “public disposition” under Section 9-610(c) of the UCC, notwithstanding that such sale may not constitute a “public offering” under the Securities Act, and any Beneficiary may bid for such Collateral.

 

Section 6.6.                                 Indemnity and Expenses. In addition to, but not in qualification or limitation of, any similar obligations under other Loan Documents:

 

(a)                                 Grantors jointly and severally will indemnify the Secured Party, each other Beneficiary and any agent appointed pursuant to Section 6.9 (each an “ Indemnified Party” ) from and against all claims, losses and liabilities growing out of or resulting from this Agreement (including enforcement of this Agreement), WHETHER OR NOT SUCH CLAIMS, LOSSES AND LIABILITIES ARE IN ANY WAY OR TO ANY EXTENT CAUSED BY OR ARISING OUT OF SUCH INDEMNIFIED PARTY’S OWN NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY , except to the extent such claims, losses or liabilities are proximately caused by such Indemnified Party’s individual gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

(b)                                 Grantors jointly and severally will upon demand pay to the Secured Party the amount of all costs and expenses, including the fees and disbursements of the Secured Party’s counsel that are not employees of the Secured Party or any Affiliate of the Secured Party, and of any experts and agents, that the Secured Party may incur in connection with:

 

(i)                                      the custody, preservation, use or operation of, or the sale of, collection from, or other realization upon, any Collateral;

 

20



 

(ii)                                   the exercise or enforcement of any right of the Secured Party hereunder; or

 

(iii)                                the failure by any Grantor to perform or observe any of the provisions hereof.

 

Section 6.7.                                  Non-Judicial Remedies. In granting to the Secured Party the power to enforce its rights hereunder without prior judicial process or judicial hearing, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, Grantor waives, renounces and knowingly relinquishes any legal right that might otherwise require the Secured Party to enforce its rights by judicial process and confirms that such remedies are consistent with the usage of trade, are responsive to commercial necessity and are the result of a bargain at arm’s length. The Secured Party may, however, in its discretion, resort to judicial process.

 

Section 6.8.                                  Limitation on Duty of the Secured Party in Respect of Collateral. Beyond the exercise of reasonable care in the custody thereof, the Secured Party shall have no duty as to any Collateral in its possession or control or in the possession or control of any agent or bailee or as to the preservation of rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining thereto. The Secured Party shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody of Collateral in its possession if such Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to which that it accords its own property, and the Secured Party shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or damage to any Collateral, or for any diminution in the value thereof, by reason of the act or omission of any warehouseman, carrier, forwarding agency, consignee or other agent or bailee selected by the Secured Party in good faith.

 

Section 6.9.                                  Appointment of Other Agents. At any time, in order to comply with any legal requirement in any jurisdiction, the Secured Party may appoint any bank or trust company or one or more other Persons, either to act as co-agent or co-agents, jointly with the Secured Party, or to act as separate agent or agents on behalf of the Secured Party, with such power and authority as may be necessary for the effective operation of the provisions hereof and may be specified in the instrument of appointment.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Miscellaneous

 

Section 7.1.                                  Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing or by electronic transmission, sent in the manner provided in the Credit Agreement, if to the Secured Party or to a Grantor that is a party to the Credit Agreement, to the address set forth in the Credit Agreement and, for any other Grantor, to the address specified opposite its name on Schedule 1, or to such other address or to the attention of such other individual as hereafter shall be designated in writing by the applicable party sent in accordance herewith. Any such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given as provided in the Credit Agreement for notices given thereunder.

 

Section 7.2.                                  Amendments and Waivers. Except as provided in Section 4.2(f) or 7.3, no amendment of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by Grantor and the Secured Party, and no waiver of this Agreement or consent to any departure by Grantor

 

21



 

herefrom shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the Secured Party, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for that given and to the extent specified in such writing. In addition, all such amendments and waivers shall be effective only if given with the necessary approvals required in the Credit Agreement. No such amendment shall bind any Grantor not a party thereto, but no such amendment with respect to any Grantor shall require the consent of any other Grantor.

 

Section 7.3.                                  Additional Grantors. Upon the execution and delivery, or authentication, by any Person of a security agreement supplement in substantially the form of Exhibit A:

 

(a)                                          such Person shall become a Grantor hereunder, each reference in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to “Grantor” shall also mean and be a reference to such Person, and each reference in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to “Collateral” shall also mean and be a reference to the Collateral of such Person, and

 

(b)                                          Schedule 2 attached to such security agreement supplement shall be incorporated into and become a part of and supplement Schedule 2 hereto, and the Secured Party may attach such supplemental schedule to such Schedule; and each reference to such Schedule shall mean and be a reference to such Schedule as supplemented pursuant to such supplement.

 

Section 7.4.                                  Preservation of Rights . No failure on the part of the Secured Party or any other Beneficiary to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The rights and remedies of the Secured Party provided herein and in the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies provided by law or otherwise.

 

Section 7.5.                                  Severability.                                 Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remaining portions hereof or thereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

Section 7.6.                                  Survival. Each representation and warranty, covenant and other obligation of Grantor herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the execution and delivery of any other Loan Document and the creation of the Secured Obligations.

 

Section 7.7.                                  Binding Effect and Assignment. This Agreement shall:

 

(a)                                          be binding on Grantor and its successors and permitted assigns, and

 

(b)                                          inure, together with all rights and remedies of the Secured Party hereunder, to the benefit of the Secured Party and the other Beneficiaries and their respective successors, transferees and assigns who acquire their interests in accordance with the assignment provisions of the Credit Agreement.

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Secured Party and any other Beneficiary may (in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Documents) pledge, assign or otherwise

 

22



 

transfer any right under any Loan Document to any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all benefits in respect thereof granted herein or otherwise. No right or duty of Grantor hereunder may be assigned or otherwise transferred without the prior written consent of the Secured Party.

 

Section 7.8.                                  Release of Collateral; Termination.

 

(a)                                          Upon any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of any Collateral of Grantor in accordance with the Loan Documents (other than sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of business), the Secured Party will, at Grantor’s expense, execute and deliver to Grantor such documents as Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence the release of such Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted hereby; provided that:

 

(i)                                      at the time of such request and such release no Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

 

(ii)                                   Grantor shall have delivered to the Secured Party, at least 10 Business Days prior to the date of the proposed release (or by such lesser notice as the Secured Party may approve), a written request for release describing the item of Collateral and the terms of the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition in reasonable detail, including the price thereof and any expenses in connection therewith, together with a form of release for execution by the Secured Party and a certificate of Grantor to the effect that the transaction is in compliance with the Loan Documents and such other matters as the Secured Party may request; and

 

(iii)                                if any Loan Document provides for any application of the proceeds of any such sale, lease, transfer or other disposition, or any payment to be made, in connection therewith, such proceeds shall have been applied or payment made as provided therein, or arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent for such application or payment have been made.

 

(b)                                          Upon, and only upon the payment and satisfaction in full in cash of the Secured Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations), and the termination or expiration of all Commitments of the Lenders under the Credit Agreement, this Agreement and the security interest created hereby shall terminate, all rights in the Collateral shall revert to Grantors and the Secured Party, at a Grantor’s request and at its expense, will:

 

(i)                                      return to Grantor such of Grantor’s Collateral in the Secured Party’s possession as shall not have been sold or otherwise disposed of or applied pursuant to the terms hereof, and

 

(ii)                                   execute and deliver to Grantor such documents as Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination.

 

No Grantor is authorized to file any financing statement or amendment or termination statement with respect to any financing statement originally filed in connection with this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Secured Party, subject to Grantors’ rights under Sections

 

23



 

9-509(d)(2) and 9-518 of the UCC. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 6.6 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 7.9.    Limitation on Interest. Section 10.8 of the Credit Agreement, which limits the interest for which Grantor is obligated, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Section 7.10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado.

 

Section 7.11. Final Agreement. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents represent the final agreement between the parties hereto and may not be contradicted by evidence of prior, contemporaneous, or subsequent oral agreements of the parties hereto. There are no unwritten oral agreements between the parties hereto.

 

Section 7.12. Counterparts; Facsimile. This Agreement may be separately executed in any number of counterparts, all of that when so executed shall be deemed to constitute one and the same Agreement. This Agreement may be validly delivered by facsimile or other electronic transmission of an executed counterpart of the signature page hereof.

 

Section 7.13. Acceptance by the Secured Party. By its acceptance of the benefits hereof, the Secured Party and the Beneficiaries shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound hereby and to perform any obligation on their part set forth herein.

 

Section 7.14. Intercreditor Agreement. Reference is made to the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of even date herewith (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Intercreditor Agreement” ), among the Borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as First Lien Administrative Agent (as defined therein), and Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as Second Lien Administrative Agent (as defined therein). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the lien and security interest granted to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, pursuant to this Agreement and the exercise of any right or remedy by the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement, the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement shall control. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, any obligation of any Grantor hereunder or under any other Loan Document with respect to delivery and control of collateral (including, without limitation, the requirements to endorse, assign and/or deliver any certificates, instruments, documents or other possessory collateral to the Secured Party), the novation of any lien on any certificate of title, bill of lading or other document, the giving of any notice to any bailee or other Person, the provision of voting rights or the obtaining of any consent of any Person, shall be deemed to be satisfied if the applicable Grantor complies with the requirements of the similar provision of the applicable First Lien Loan Document.

 

(Remainder of page intentionally left blank)

 

24



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor has executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first-above written.

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name: Eric P. Mccrady

 

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

SUNDANCE ROYALTIES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name: Eric P. McCrady

 

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY OKLAHOMA, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name: Eric P. McCrady

 

Title: Manager

 

 

 

 

 

ARMADILLO EAGLE FORD HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Eric P. McCrady

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

ARMADILLO E&P, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Eric P. McCrady

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

SEA EAGLE FORD, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Eric P. McCrady

 

Title: Manager

 

S-1



 

ACCEPTED AND AGREED AS OF THE DATE
FIRST ABOVE STATED.

 

WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL INC.

as Secured Party

 

By

 

 

 

Na e: Ryan Sauer

 

Title: Vice President

 

S-2


 

EXHIBIT A

to

SECOND LIEN SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

FORM OF GRANTOR ACCESSION AGREEMENT

 

     ,  20 

 

WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC.,

as the Secured Party for the Beneficiaries referred to
in the Security Agreement referred to below

1000 Louisiana, 9 th Floor
Houston, TX 77002

Attention: Ryan Sauer

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

The undersigned refers to:

 

(i)                                      the Second Lien Credit Agreement dated as of August 30, 2013 as from time to time amended, supplemented or restated, the “ Credit Agreement” ) among Sundance Energy, Inc., a Colorado corporation, the Lenders party thereto, and you, as administrative agent, and

 

(ii)                                   the Second Lien Security Agreement dated as of August 30, 2013 (as from time to time amended, supplemented or restated, the “ Security Agreement” ) made by the Grantors from time to time party thereto in your favor for the benefit of the Beneficiaries.

 

Terms defined in the Credit Agreement or the Security Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement or the Security Agreement.

 

SECTION 1. Grant of Security. The undersigned grants to you, for the benefit of the Beneficiaries, a security interest in all of its right, title and interest in and to all of the Collateral of the undersigned, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by the undersigned, wherever located and whether now or hereafter existing or arising, including the property of the undersigned set forth on the attached supplemental schedules to the Schedules to the Security Agreement.

 

SECTION 2. Security for Obligations. The grant of a security interest in, the Collateral by the undersigned under this Agreement and the Security Agreement secures the payment of the Secured Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement and the Security Agreement secure the payment of all amounts that constitute part of the Secured Obligations and that would be owed by any Restricted Person to any Beneficiary under the Loan Documents but for the fact that such Secured Obligations are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of a bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding involving a Restricted Person.

 

EXHIBIT A-1



 

SECTION 3. Information Relating to the Undersigned. The undersigned is an entity of the type specified on Schedule 1 and is organized under the laws of the jurisdiction specified on Schedule 1 and its address for notices is specified on Schedule 1.

 

SECTION 4. Supplement to Security Agreement Schedule 2. The undersigned has attached hereto a supplemental Schedule 2 to Schedule 2 to the Security Agreement, and the undersigned certifies, as of the date first-above written, that such supplemental schedule has been prepared by the undersigned in substantially the form of Schedule 2 to the Security Agreement and is true and complete in all material respects.

 

SECTION 5. Representations, Warranties, Agreements, Waivers. The undersigned as of the date hereof makes each representation, warranty, agreement (including indemnification agreements), waiver, and acknowledgement set forth in the Security Agreement (as supplemented by the attached supplemental schedules).

 

SECTION 6. Obligations Under the Security Agreement. As of the date first-above written, the undersigned hereby joins the Security Agreement as a party thereto and as a Grantor thereunder and hereby agrees to be bound as a Grantor by all of the terms and provisions of the Security Agreement. As of the date first-above written, each reference in the Security Agreement to a “Grantor” shall also mean and be a reference to the undersigned.

 

SECTION 7. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the jurisdiction whose laws the Security Agreement provides will govern such agreement.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

[Name of Entity]

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

EXHIBIT A-2



 

ACCEPTED AND AGREED AS OF THE DATE FIRST-

ABOVE STATED.

 

WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC.

as Secured Party

 

By

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

EXHIBIT A-3




Exhibit 4.6

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

SECOND LIEN STOCK PLEDGE AGREEMENT

 

 

dated as of August 30, 2013

 

 

of

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED (ACN 112 202 883)

 

in favor of

 

 

WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC., as Administrative Agent

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

 

 

ARTICLE I Definitions and References

1

 

 

Section 1.1.

Definitions in Credit Agreement

1

 

 

 

Section 1.2.

Definitions in the UCC, etc.

1

 

 

 

Section 1.3.

Definitions in this Agreement

2

 

 

 

Section 1.4.

Rules of Construction; References and Titles

3

 

 

 

ARTICLE II Security Interest

4

 

 

Section 2.1.

Grant of Security Interest

4

 

 

 

Section 2.2.

Secured Obligations Secured

4

 

 

 

ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties

4

 

 

Section 3.1.

Representations and Warranties

4

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV Covenants

7

 

 

Section 4.1.

General Covenants

7

 

 

 

Section 4.2.

Covenants Relating Specifically to the Nature of the Collateral

9

 

 

 

ARTICLE V Voting and Distribution Rights in Respect Of Pledged Equity

10

 

 

Section 5.1.

Voting Rights

10

 

 

 

Section 5.2.

Dividend Rights While No Event of Default Exists

10

 

 

 

Section 5.3.

Actions by Secured Party

10

 

 

 

Section 5.4.

Rights While an Event of Default Exists

10

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI Remedies, Powers and Authorizations

11

 

 

Section 6.1.

Normal Provisions Concerning the Collateral

11

 

 

 

Section 6.2.

Event of Default Remedies

12

 

 

 

Section 6.3.

Application of Proceeds

14

 

 

 

Section 6.4.

Deficiency

14

 

 

 

Section 6.5.

Private Sales of Pledged Equity

14

 

 

 

Section 6.6.

Indemnity and Expenses

15

 

 

 

Section 6.7.

Non-Judicial Remedies

16

 

 

 

Section 6.8.

Limitation on Duty of the Secured Party in Respect of Collateral

16

 

 

 

Section 6.9.

Appointment of Other Agents

16

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII Miscellaneous

16

 

 

Section 7.1.

Notices

16

 

i



 

Section 7.2.

Amendments and Waivers

17

 

 

 

Section 7.3.

Preservation of Rights

17

 

 

 

Section 7.4.

Severability

17

 

 

 

Section 7.5.

Survival

17

 

 

 

Section 7.6.

Binding Effect and Assignment

17

 

 

 

Section 7.7.

Release of Collateral; Termination

17

 

 

 

Section 7.8.

Governing Law

18

 

 

 

Section 7.9.

Final Agreement

18

 

 

 

Section 7.10.

Facsimile

18

 

 

 

Section 7.11.

Acceptance by the Secured Party

19

 

 

 

Section 7.12.

Intercreditor Agreement

19

 

Schedule

 

 

Schedule 1

Schedule of Pledged Equity

 

 



 

THIS SECOND LIEN STOCK PLEDGE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement” ) is made as of August 30, 2013, by SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED (ACN 112 202 883), a company organized under the laws of South Australia (“ Grantor” ), in favor of WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC., individually and as administrative agent under the Credit Agreement, as defined below (the “ Secured Party ”) for the benefit of the Beneficiaries.

 

RECITALS

 

A.                                     Sundance Energy, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“ Borrower” ), is executing in favor of Lenders those certain promissory notes of even date herewith, payable to the order of Lenders in the aggregate principal amount of up to $100,000,000 (such promissory notes, as from time to time amended, and all promissory notes given in substitution, renewal or extension therefor or thereof, in whole or in part, being herein collectively called the “ Note” ).

 

B.                                     The Note is being executed pursuant to a Second Lien Credit Agreement of even date herewith, (herein, as from time to time amended, supplemented or restated, called the “ Credit Agreement” ), by and among Borrower, Administrative Agent and Lenders, pursuant to which Lenders have agreed to advance funds to Borrower under the Note.

 

C.                                     It is a condition precedent to Lenders’ obligations to advance funds pursuant to the Credit Agreement that Grantor shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent a satisfactory pledge to secure Borrower’s obligations under the Note, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

D.                                     In order to induce the Beneficiaries to extend such credit, Grantor has agreed to grant to the Secured Party, for the benefit of the Beneficiaries, a security interest in the Collateral.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which the parties acknowledge, Grantor agrees as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

Definitions and References

 

Section 1.1.                                  Definitions in Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the respective meanings specified in the Credit Agreement.

 

Section 1.2.                                  Definitions in the UCC, etc. The following terms have the meanings specified in the UCC:

 

(a)                                  Investment Property.

 

(b)                                  Proceeds.

 

(c)                                   Securities Account.

 



 

(d)                                  Security.

 

(e)                                   Uncertificated Security.

 

Other terms used in this Agreement that are defined in the UCC and not otherwise defined herein or in the Credit Agreement have the meanings specified in the UCC, unless the context otherwise requires.

 

Section 1.3.                                  Definitions in this Agreement.  The following terms have the following meanings:

 

Agreement” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

Beneficiaries” means the Secured Party, the Lenders, and any other Person to which any Secured Obligation is owed.

 

Borrower” has the meaning specified in Recital A.

 

Collateral” means all property described in Section 2.1 in which Grantor has any right, title or interest.

 

Credit Agreement” has the meaning specified in Recital B.

 

Credit Parties” means Grantor and all Restricted Persons.

 

Grantor” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

Lenders” has the meaning specified in Recital A.

 

Permitted First Lien” has the meaning set forth in clause (n) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” in the Credit Agreement.

 

Pledged Equity” has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a).

 

Secured Obligations” means all Obligations of the Credit Parties now or hereafter arising under the Loan Documents, including all amounts that constitute part of the Secured Obligations and would be owed by any Credit Party to any Beneficiary but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of a bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding involving such Credit Party.

 

Secured Party” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of Colorado from time to time; provided that, if perfection or the effect of perfection or non-perfection or the priority of any security interest in any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of Colorado, “UCC” means the Uniform

 

2



 

Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection, effect of perfection or non-perfection or priority.

 

Section 1.4.                                  Rules of Construction; References and Titles. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise:

 

(a)                                  Any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein).

 

(b)                                  Unless otherwise specified, any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns.

 

(c)                                   The words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof.

 

(d)                                  All references herein to Articles, Sections and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Schedules to, this Agreement.

 

(e)                                   Any reference to any Law herein shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

 

(f)                                    The words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

(g)                                   Except as specified otherwise, references to any document, instrument, or agreement shall include:

 

(i)                                      all exhibits, schedules, and other attachments thereto, and

 

(ii)                                   all documents, instruments, or agreements issued or executed in replacement thereof.

 

(h)                                  A title appearing at the beginning of any subdivision is for convenience only, does not constitute any part of such subdivision and shall be disregarded in construing the language contained in such subdivision.

 

(i)                                      The phrases “this Section” and “this subsection” and similar phrases refer only to the section or subsection hereof in which such phrases occur.

 

(j)                                     The word “or” is not exclusive, and the word “including” (in all of its grammatical variations) means “including without limitation”.

 

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ARTICLE II

 

Security Interest

 

Section 2.1.                                  Grant of Security Interest. As collateral security for the payment and performance of all Secured Obligations, Grantor pledges, collaterally assigns and grants to the Secured Party for the benefit of the Beneficiaries a continuing security interest in all right, title and interest of Grantor in and to all of the following property, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or arising, regardless of where located and howsoever Grantor’s interests therein arise, whether by ownership, security interest, claim or otherwise:

 

(a)                                  All Equity in Borrower including the Equity listed on Schedule 1 and all Equity in Borrower issued after the date hereof, all Equity that it may acquire in the future that is issued by any Person referred to in Schedule 1, all Equity that it may hold at any time in the future that is issued by any of its Domestic Subsidiaries and 65% of the issued and outstanding Equity that it may hold at any time in the future that is issued by any of its First-Tier Foreign Subsidiaries (the “ Pledged Equity” ).

 

(b)                                  All rights and benefits, but no duty or obligation, of Grantor under all agreements, documents and instruments relating to the Pledged Equity.

 

(c)                                   Proceeds of the foregoing.

 

Section 2.2.                                  Secured Obligations Secured.

 

(a)                                  The security interest created hereby in the Collateral secures the payment and performance of all Secured Obligations.

 

(b)                                  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement secures the payment of all amounts that constitute part of the Secured Obligations and would be owed by any Credit Party to any Beneficiary under the Loan Documents but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of a bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding involving a Credit Party.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Representations and Warranties

 

Section 3.1.                                  Representations and Warranties. Grantor represents and warrants to the Beneficiaries as follows:

 

(a)                                  Each representation and warranty made by the Borrower with respect to Grantor in any other Loan Document is correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representation or warranty that already is qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof).

 

(b)                                  Grantor has and will have at all times the right, power and authority to grant to the Secured Party as provided herein a security interest in the Collateral, free and clear of any Lien

 

4



 

other than Permitted First Liens. This Agreement creates a valid and binding security interest in favor of the Secured Party in the Collateral, securing the Secured Obligations.

 

(c)                                   With respect to Pledged Equity:

 

(i)                                      All securities constituting Pledged Equity have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable, and were not issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any Person or of any agreement by which Grantor or any issuer of Pledged Equity is bound.

 

(ii)                                   All documentary, stamp or other taxes or fees owing in connection with the issuance, transfer or pledge of any Pledged Equity (or rights in respect thereof) have been paid.

 

(iii)                                No restriction or condition exists with respect to the transfer, voting or capital of any Pledged Equity.

 

(iv)                               Except as disclosed on Schedule 1, neither Grantor nor any issuer of Pledged Equity has any outstanding subscription agreement, option, warrant or convertible security outstanding or any other right outstanding pursuant to which any Person would be entitled to have issued to it units of ownership interest in any issuer of Pledged Equity.

 

(v)                                  Grantor has taken or concurrently herewith is taking all actions necessary to perfect the Secured Party’s security interest in Pledged Equity, including any registration, filing or notice that may be necessary or advisable under Article 8 or 9 of the UCC, and no other Person has any such registration, filing or notice in effect.

 

(vi)                               Schedule 1 correctly and completely reflects all Pledged Equity owned by Grantor as of the date hereof and Schedule 1 accurately sets forth the percentage of each class or series of Equity issued by the issuer of such Pledged Equity that is held by Grantor.

 

(vii)                            Schedule 1 sets forth all agreements, including all operating, management, voting and shareholder agreements to which Grantor is a party or by which it is bound and that relate to Pledged Equity and a correct and complete copy of each such agreement has been delivered to counsel for the Secured Party.

 

(viii)                         No issuer of Pledged Equity has made any call for capital that has not been fully paid by Grantor and each other holder of Equity of such issuer.

 

(ix)                               Neither Grantor nor any other holder of equity issued by any issuer of Pledged Equity is in default under any agreement relating to Pledged Equity.

 

(x)                                  Neither the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement nor the exercise of any right or remedy of the Secured Party hereunder will cause a default under any agreement in respect of Pledged Equity or otherwise adversely affect or diminish any Pledged Equity.

 

5



 

(xi)                               Grantor’s rights under any agreement in respect of Pledged Equity are enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws of general application relating to the enforcement of creditors’ rights.

 

(d)                                  The Pledged Equity listed on Schedule 1 constitutes all Equity owned by Grantor in Borrower as of the date hereof. None of such Pledged Equity is certificated.

 

(e)                                   Grantor is an entity of the type specified in the preamble and is organized under the laws of the jurisdiction specified in the preamble. Grantor has not conducted business under any name except the name in which it has executed this Agreement, which is the exact name that appears in Grantor’s Organizational Documents.

 

(f)                                    Grantor has good and marketable title to the Collateral, free and clear of all Liens, except for the security interest created by this Agreement and any Permitted First Liens. No effective financing statement or other registration or instrument similar in effect covering any Collateral is on file in any recording office except any that have been filed in favor of the Secured Party relating to this Agreement and any that has been filed to perfect or protect any Permitted First Liens.

 

(g)                                   Neither the ownership or intended use of the Collateral by Grantor, nor the grant of the security interest by Grantor to the Secured Party hereunder:

 

(i)                                      conflicts with:

 

(A)                                any domestic or foreign Law,

 

(B)                                any Organizational Document of Grantor or any issuer of Pledged Equity, or

 

(C)                                any agreement, judgment, license, order or permit applicable to or binding upon Grantor or any issuer of Pledged Equity, or

 

(ii)                                   results in or requires the creation of any Lien, charge or encumbrance upon any asset of Grantor (other than in favor of the Secured Party).

 

(h)                                  Except as expressly contemplated in the Loan Documents, no consent, approval, authorization or order of, and no notice to or filing with, any court, governmental authority or third party is required under the UCC in connection with the grant by Grantor of the security interest hereunder.

 

(i)                                      This Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation of Grantor, enforceable against Grantor in accordance with its terms, except as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws of general application relating to the enforcement of creditors’ rights and general principles of equity.

 

(j)                                     There is no action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Grantor, threatened against or otherwise affecting Grantor before any court, arbitrator or governmental

 

6



 

department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality that could reasonably be expected materially and adversely to affect Grantor’s financial condition or its ability to perform its obligations hereunder.

 

(k)                                  There is no condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement that has not been satisfied or waived.

 

(l)                                      Grantor has, independently and without reliance upon any Beneficiary and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which it is or is to be a party, and Grantor has established adequate means of obtaining from each other Credit Party on a continuing basis information pertaining to, and is now and on a continuing basis will be completely familiar with, the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, performance, properties and prospects of each other Credit Party.

 

(m)                              The direct or indirect value of the consideration received and to be received by Grantor in connection herewith is reasonably worth at least as much as the liability of Grantor hereunder and under each other Loan Document to which Grantor is a party, and the incurrence of such liability in return for such consideration may reasonably be expected to benefit Grantor, directly or indirectly.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Covenants

 

Section 4.1.                                  General Covenants. Grantor will at all times perform and observe the covenants contained in the Loan Documents that are applicable to Grantor for so long as any Secured Obligation is outstanding. In addition, Grantor will, so long as this Agreement shall be in effect, perform and observe the following:

 

(a)                                  Without limitation of any other covenant herein, Grantor shall not cause or permit any change in its name, identity or organizational structure, or any change to its jurisdiction of organization, unless Grantor shall have first:

 

(i)                                      notified the Secured Party of such change at least 30 days prior to the effective date of such change (or such shorter notice as the Secured Party may approve),

 

(ii)                                   taken all action reasonably requested by the Secured Party (under the following subsection (b) or otherwise) for the purpose of further confirming and protecting the Secured Party’s security interest and rights under this Agreement and the perfection and priority thereof, and

 

(iii)                                if requested by the Secured Party, provided to the Secured Party a legal opinion to the Secured Party’s satisfaction confirming that such change shall not adversely affect the Secured Party’s security interest and rights under this Agreement or the perfection or priority of such security interest.

 

7


 

In any notice delivered pursuant to this subsection, Grantor will expressly state that the notice is required by this Agreement and contains facts that may require additional filings of financing statements or other notices for the purposes of continuing perfection of the Secured Party’s security interest in the Collateral.

 

(b)                                  Grantor will, at its expense and as from time to time reasonably requested by the Secured Party, promptly execute and deliver all further instruments, agreements, filings and registrations, and take all further action, in order:

 

(i)                                      to confirm and validate this Agreement and the Secured Party’s rights and remedies hereunder;

 

(ii)                                   to correct any error or omission in the description herein of the Secured Obligations or the Collateral or in any other provision hereof;

 

(iii)                                to perfect, register and protect the security interest and rights created or purported to be created hereby or to maintain or upgrade in rank the priority of such security interests and rights;

 

(iv)                               to enable the Secured Party to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder; or

 

(v)                                  otherwise to give the Secured Party the full benefits of the rights and remedies described in or granted under this Agreement.

 

As part of the foregoing, Grantor will, whenever reasonably requested by the Secured Party:

 

(A)                                execute and file any financing statement, continuation statement or other filing or registration relating to the Secured Party’s security interest and rights hereunder, and any amendment thereto, and

 

(B)                                mark its books and records relating to any Collateral to reflect that such Collateral is subject to this Agreement and the security interests hereunder.

 

(c)                                   Grantor will:

 

(i)                                      Maintain good and marketable title to all Collateral, free and clear of all Liens except for the security interest created by this Agreement and any Permitted First Lien, and not grant or allow any such Lien to exist.

 

(ii)                                   Not allow to remain in effect, and cause to be terminated, any financing statement or other registration or instrument similar in effect covering any Collateral, except any that has been filed in favor of the Secured Party relating to this Agreement and any that has been filed to perfect or protect any Permitted First Lien.

 

(iii)                                Defend the Secured Party’s right, title and special property and security interest in and to the Collateral against the claims of any Person.

 

8



 

(d)                                  Grantor shall not take any action that would, or fail to take any action if such failure would, impair the enforceability, perfection or priority of the Secured Party’s security interest in any Collateral.

 

Section 4.2.                                  Covenants Relating Specifically to the Nature of the Collateral. Grantor will, for so long as any Secured Obligation is outstanding, perform and observe the following:

 

(a)                                  (i) If Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire any certificated Security evidencing Collateral, Grantor will forthwith endorse, assign, and deliver the same to the Secured Party, accompanied by such instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Secured Party may from time to time specify.

 

(ii)                                   If any Pledged Equity is an Uncertificated Security and is issued to Grantor or its nominee directly by the issuer thereof, Grantor will immediately notify the Secured Party of such issuance and, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Secured Party, cause the issuer thereof to agree to comply with instructions from the Secured Party as to such Security, without further consent of Grantor or such nominee, or take such other action as the Secured Party may approve in order to perfect the Secured Party’s security interest in such Security.

 

(iii)                                Grantor shall not permit any Pledged Equity to be held by a securities intermediary or held in a Securities Account.

 

(iv)                               Grantor shall not permit any Pledged Equity that is an equity interest in a limited liability company or a limited partnership and that is a General Intangible to become Investment Property unless the Secured Party shall have control of such Investment Property within the meaning of Section 8-106 of the UCC.

 

(v)                                  Grantor shall not:

 

(A)                                adjust, settle, compromise, amend or modify any right in respect of any Pledged Equity or any agreement relating thereto;

 

(B)                                permit the creation of any additional equity interest in any issuer of Pledged Equity, unless immediately upon creation the same is pledged to the Secured Party pursuant hereto to the extent necessary to give the Secured Party a first-priority security interest in such Pledged Equity after such creation that is in the aggregate at least the same percentage of such Pledged Equity as was subject hereto before such issue, whether such additional interest is presently vested or will vest upon the payment of money or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other condition; or

 

(C)                                enter into any agreement, other than the Loan Documents, creating, or otherwise permit to exist, any restriction or condition upon the transfer or exercise of any rights in respect of any Pledged Equity, including any restriction or condition upon the transfer, voting or control of any Pledged Equity.

 

9



 

(b)                                  If Grantor shall acquire at any time any additional Equity constituting Collateral, Grantor shall promptly notify the Secured Party in writing of the details thereof and execute and deliver to the Secured Party a supplement to Schedule 1 listing such Equity, which supplement shall take effect without further action on the part of any party hereto or beneficiary hereof.

 

ARTICLE V

 

Voting and Distribution Rights in Respect Of Pledged Equity

 

Section 5.1.                                  Voting Rights. Grantor shall be entitled to exercise all voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the Pledged Equity or any part thereof for any purpose; provided that Grantor shall not exercise or refrain from exercising any such right if such action would have a material adverse effect on the value of any Pledged Equity or on the Secured Party’s security interest or the value thereof.

 

Section 5.2.                                  Dividend Rights While No Event of Default Exists. Grantor shall be entitled to receive and retain all dividends and other distributions paid in respect of the Pledged Equity if and to the extent that the payment thereof is not otherwise prohibited by the Loan Documents; provided that:

 

(a)                                  all dividends, interest and other distributions paid or payable other than in cash in respect of, and instruments and other property received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Equity;

 

(b)                                  all dividends and other distributions paid or payable in cash in respect of any Pledged Equity in connection with a partial or total liquidation or dissolution or in connection with a reduction of capital, capital surplus or paid-in surplus; and

 

(c)                                   all cash paid, payable or otherwise distributed in redemption of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Equity,

 

shall be, and shall be forthwith delivered to the Secured Party to hold as Collateral and shall, if received by Grantor, be received in trust for the benefit of the Secured Party, be segregated from the other property or funds of Grantor and be forthwith delivered by Grantor to the Secured Party as Pledged Equity in the same form as so received (with any necessary indorsement).

 

Section 5.3.                                  Actions by Secured Party. The Secured Party will promptly execute and deliver (or promptly cause to be executed and delivered) to Grantor all such proxies and other instruments as Grantor may reasonably request for the purpose of enabling Grantor to exercise the voting and other rights that it is entitled to exercise pursuant to Section 5.1 above and to receive the dividends or interest payments that it is authorized to receive and retain pursuant to Section 5.2 above.

 

Section 5.4.                                  Rights While an Event of Default Exists. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default:

 

(a)                                  All rights of Grantor to receive the dividends and other distributions that it would otherwise be authorized to receive and retain pursuant to Section 5.2 shall automatically cease,

 

10



 

and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Secured Party, which shall thereupon have the sole right to exercise or refrain from exercising such voting and other consensual rights and to receive and hold as Pledged Equity such dividends and other distributions.

 

(b)                                  All dividends and other distributions that are received by Grantor contrary to subsection (a) above shall be received in trust for the benefit of the Secured Party, shall be segregated from other funds of Grantor and shall be forthwith paid over to the Secured Party as Pledged Equity in the same form as so received (with any necessary indorsement).

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Remedies, Powers and Authorizations

 

Section 6.1.                                  Normal Provisions Concerning the Collateral.

 

(a)                                  Grantor irrevocably authorizes the Secured Party at any time and from time to time to file, without the signature of Grantor, in any jurisdiction any amendments to existing financing statements and any initial financing statements and amendments thereto that:

 

(i)                                      indicate the nature of the Collateral;

 

(ii)                                   contain any other information required for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance of any financing statement or amendment, including whether Grantor is an organization, the type of organization and any organization identification number issued to Grantor; and

 

(iii)                                properly effectuate the transactions described in the Loan Documents, as determined by the Secured Party in its discretion.

 

Grantor will furnish any such information to the Secured Party promptly upon request. A carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Agreement or any financing statement describing any Collateral is sufficient as a financing statement and may be filed in any jurisdiction by the Secured Party. Grantor ratifies and approves all financing statements heretofore filed by or on behalf of the Secured Party in any jurisdiction in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(b)                                  Grantor appoints the Secured Party as Grantor’s attorney in fact and proxy, with full authority in the place and stead of Grantor and in the name of Grantor or otherwise, from time to time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to take any action and to execute any instrument that the Secured Party may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement including any action or instrument:

 

(i)                                      to ask for, demand, collect, sue for, recover, compound, receive and give acquittance and receipts for moneys due and to become due under or in respect of any Collateral;

 

(ii)                                   to receive, indorse and collect any drafts or other Instruments or Documents;

 

11



 

(iii)                                to enforce any obligations included in the Collateral; and

 

(iv)                               to file any claims or take any action or institute any proceedings that the Secured Party may deem necessary or desirable for the collection of any Collateral or otherwise to enforce the rights of Grantor or the Secured Party with respect to any Collateral.

 

Such power of attorney and proxy are coupled with an interest, are irrevocable, and are to be used by the Secured Party for the sole benefit of the Beneficiaries.

 

(c)                                   If Grantor fails to perform any agreement or obligation contained herein, the Secured Party may, but shall have no obligation to, itself perform, or cause performance of, such agreement or obligation, and the expenses of the Secured Party incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by Grantor under Section 6.6.

 

(d)                                  The Secured Party shall have the right, at any time upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and without notice to Grantor, to transfer to or to register in the name of the Secured Party or any of its nominees any Pledged Equity, subject only to the revocable rights specified in Section 5.1.

 

(e)                                   Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding:

 

(i)                                      Grantor shall remain liable to perform all duties and obligations under the agreements included in the Collateral to the same extent as if this Agreement had not been executed.

 

(ii)                                   The exercise by the Secured Party of any right hereunder shall not release Grantor from any duty or obligation under any agreement included in the Collateral.

 

(iii)                                No Beneficiary shall have any obligation or liability under the agreements in respect of the Collateral by reason of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, nor shall any Beneficiary be obligated to perform any duty or obligation of Grantor thereunder or take any action to collect or enforce any claim for payment assigned hereunder.

 

Section 6.2.                                  Event of Default Remedies. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Secured Party may from time to time in its discretion, without limitation and without notice except as expressly provided below:

 

(a)                                  Exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to any other right and remedy provided for herein, under the other Loan Documents, or otherwise available to it, all the rights and remedies of a secured party on default under the UCC (whether or not the UCC applies to the affected Collateral) and any other applicable law.

 

(b)                                  Require Grantor to, and Grantor will at its expense and upon request of the Secured Party forthwith, assemble all or part of the Collateral as directed by the Secured Party and make it (together with all books, records and information of Grantor relating thereto)

 

12



 

available to the Secured Party at a place to be designated by the Secured Party that is reasonably convenient to both parties.

 

(c)                                   Prior to the disposition of any Collateral:

 

(i)                                      to the extent permitted by applicable Law, enter, with or without process of law and without breach of the peace, any premises where any Collateral is or may be located, and without charge or liability to the Secured Party seize and remove such Collateral from such premises;

 

(ii)                                   have access to and use the Company’s books, records, and information relating to the Collateral; and

 

(iii)                                store or transfer any Collateral without charge in or by means of any storage or transportation facility owned or leased by Grantor, process, repair or recondition any Collateral or otherwise prepare it for disposition in any manner and to the extent the Secured Party deems appropriate and, in connection with such preparation and disposition, use without charge any copyright, trademark, trade name, patent or technical process used by Grantor.

 

(d)                                  Reduce its claim to judgment or foreclose or otherwise enforce, in whole or in part, the security interest created hereby by any available judicial procedure.

 

(e)                                   Dispose of, at its office, on the premises of Grantor or elsewhere, any Collateral, as a unit or in parcels, by public or private proceedings, and by way of one or more contracts (but that the sale of any Collateral shall not exhaust the Secured Party’s power of sale, and sales may be made from time to time, and at any time, until all of the Collateral has been sold or until the Secured Obligations have been paid and performed in full), and at any such sale it shall not be necessary to exhibit any Collateral.

 

(f)                                    Buy (or allow any Beneficiary to buy) Collateral, or any part thereof, at any public sale.

 

(g)                                   Buy (or allow any Beneficiary to buy) Collateral, or any part thereof, at any private sale if any Collateral is of a type customarily sold in a recognized market or is of a type that is the subject of widely distributed standard price quotations.

 

(h)                                  Apply by appropriate judicial proceedings for appointment of a receiver for the Collateral, or any part thereof, and Grantor consents to any such appointment.

 

(i)                                      Comply with any applicable state or federal Law requirement in connection with a disposition of Collateral and such compliance shall not be considered to affect adversely the commercial reasonableness of any sale of Collateral.

 

(j)                                     Sell Collateral without giving any warranty with respect to title or any other matter and for cash, on credit or for non-cash consideration as the Secured Party determines is appropriate.

 

13



 

(k)                                  To the extent notice of sale shall be required by law with respect to Collateral, at least 10-days’ notice to Grantor of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale is to be made shall constitute reasonable notification; provided that, if the Secured Party fails in any respect to give such notice, its liability for such failure shall be limited to the liability (if any) imposed on it by law under the UCC. The Secured Party shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless of notice of sale having been given. The Secured Party may adjourn any public or private sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned.

 

Section 6.3.                                  Application of Proceeds. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, any cash held by or on behalf of the Secured Party and all cash proceeds received by or on behalf of the Secured Party in respect of any sale of, collection from, or other realization upon any Collateral may, in the discretion of the Secured Party, be held by the Secured Party as collateral for, and/or then or at any time thereafter applied in whole or in part by the Secured Party for the benefit of the Beneficiaries against, any Secured Obligation, in the following manner:

 

(a)                                  First, paid to the Secured Party for any amounts then owing to the Secured Party pursuant to the Credit Agreement or otherwise under the Loan Documents or that has otherwise been incurred by the Secured Party in connection with the payment or other satisfaction of any Lien, encumbrance or adverse claim upon or against any Collateral or any other action that the Secured Party determines is reasonably appropriate in connection with the preservation or maintenance of the Collateral.

 

(b)                                  Second, paid to the Beneficiaries in payment of the Secured Obligations, ratably in accordance with the respective amounts thereof then owing to the Beneficiaries or as otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

(c)                                   Third, any surplus of such cash or cash proceeds held by or on the behalf of the Secured Party and remaining after payment in full of all the Secured Obligations shall be paid over to Grantor or to whatever Person may be lawfully entitled to receive such surplus.

 

Section 6.4.                                  Deficiency. If the proceeds of any sale, collection or realization of or upon the Collateral of Grantor by the Secured Party are insufficient to pay all Secured Obligations and all other amounts to which the Secured Party is entitled, Grantor shall be liable for the deficiency, together with interest thereon as provided in the Loan Documents or (if no interest is so provided) at such other rate as shall be fixed by applicable law, together with the costs of collection and the reasonable fees of any attorneys employed by the Secured Party (that are not employees of the Secured Party or any Affiliate of the Secured Party) and/or the other Beneficiaries to collect such deficiency. Collateral may be sold at a loss to Grantor, and the Secured Party shall have no liability or responsibility to Grantor for such loss. Grantor acknowledges that a private sale may result in less proceeds than a public sale.

 

Section 6.5.                                  Private Sales of Pledged Equity. The Beneficiaries may deem it impracticable to effect a public sale of any Pledged Equity and may determine to make one or more private sales of such Pledged Equity to a restricted group of purchasers that will be

 

14



 

obligated to agree, among other things, to acquire the same for their own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof. Any such private sale may be at a price and on other terms less favorable to the seller than the price and other terms that might have been obtained at a public sale. Any such private sale nevertheless shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner, and neither the Secured Party nor any other Beneficiary shall have any obligation to delay sale of any such Pledged Equity for the period of time necessary to permit their registration for public sale under the Securities Act. Any offer to sell any such Collateral that has been:

 

(i)                                      publicly advertised on a bona-fide basis in a newspaper or other publication of general circulation in the financial community of Denver, Colorado (to the extent that such an offer may be so advertised without prior registration under the Securities Act), or

 

(ii)                                   made privately in the manner described above to not less than 15 bona-fide offerees,

 

shall be deemed to involve a “public disposition” under Section 9-610(c) of the UCC, notwithstanding that such sale may not constitute a “public offering” under the Securities Act, and any Beneficiary may bid for such Collateral.

 

Section 6.6.                                  Indemnity and Expenses. In addition to, but not in qualification or limitation of, any similar obligations under other Loan Documents:

 

(a)                                  Grantor will indemnify the Secured Party, each other Beneficiary and any agent appointed pursuant to Section 6.9 from and against all claims, losses and liabilities growing out of or resulting from this Agreement (including enforcement of this Agreement), WHETHER OR NOT SUCH CLAIMS, LOSSES AND LIABILITIES ARE IN ANY WAY OR TO ANY EXTENT CAUSED BY OR ARISING OUT OF SUCH INDEMNIFIED PARTY’S OWN NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY , except to the extent such claims, losses or liabilities are proximately caused by such indemnified party’s individual gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

(b)                                  Grantor will upon demand pay to the Secured Party the amount of all costs and expenses, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of the Secured Party’s counsel (that are not employees of the Secured Party or any of its Affiliates) and of any experts and agents, that the Secured Party may incur in connection with:

 

(i)                                      the transactions that give rise to this Agreement;

 

(ii)                                   the preparation of this Agreement and the perfection and preservation of this security interest created under this Agreement; or

 

(iii)                                the administration of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   Grantor will upon demand pay to the Secured Party the amount of all costs and expenses, including the fees and disbursements of the Secured Party’s counsel (that are not

 

15



 

employees of the Secured Party or any of its Affiliates) and of any experts and agents, that the Secured Party may incur in connection with:

 

(i)                                      the custody, preservation, use or operation of, or the sale of, collection from, or other realization upon, any Collateral;

 

(ii)                                   the exercise or enforcement of any right of the Secured Party hereunder; or

 

(iii)                                the failure by Grantor to perform or observe any of the provisions hereof.

 

Section 6.7.                                  Non-Judicial Remedies. In granting to the Secured Party the power to enforce its rights hereunder without prior judicial process or judicial hearing, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, Grantor waives, renounces and knowingly relinquishes any legal right that might otherwise require the Secured Party to enforce its rights by judicial process and confirms that such remedies are consistent with the usage of trade, are responsive to commercial necessity and are the result of a bargain at arm’s length. The Secured Party may, however, in its discretion, resort to judicial process.

 

Section 6.8.                                  Limitation on Duty of the Secured Party in Respect of Collateral. Beyond the exercise of reasonable care in the custody thereof, the Secured Party shall have no duty as to any Collateral in its possession or control or in the possession or control of any agent or bailee or as to the preservation of rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining thereto. The Secured Party shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody of Collateral in its possession if such Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to which that it accords its own property, and the Secured Party shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or damage to any Collateral, or for any diminution in the value thereof, by reason of the act or omission of any warehouseman, carrier, forwarding agency, consignee or other agent or bailee selected by the Secured Party in good faith.

 

Section 6.9.                                  Appointment of Other Agents. At any time, in order to comply with any legal requirement in any jurisdiction, the Secured Party may appoint any bank or trust company or one or more other Persons, either to act as co-agent or co-agents, jointly with the Secured Party, or to act as separate agent or agents on behalf of the Secured Party, with such power and authority as may be necessary for the effective operation of the provisions hereof and may be specified in the instrument of appointment.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Miscellaneous

 

Section 7.1.                                  Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing, sent in the manner provided in the Second Lien Guaranty of even date herewith by Grantor in favor of Secured Party (“ Guaranty” ), or to such other address or to the attention of such other individual as hereafter shall be designated in writing by the applicable party sent in accordance herewith. Any such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given as provided in the Guaranty for notices given thereunder.

 

16


 

Section 7.2.                                  Amendments and Waivers. Except as provided in Section 4.2(b) or 7.3, no amendment of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by Grantor and the Secured Party, and no waiver of this Agreement or consent to any departure by Grantor herefrom shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the Secured Party, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for that given and to the extent specified in such writing. In addition, all such amendments and waivers shall be effective only if given with the necessary approvals required in the Credit Agreement.

 

Section 7.3.                                  Preservation of Rights . No failure on the part of the Secured Party or any other Beneficiary to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The rights and remedies of the Secured Party provided herein and in the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies provided by law or otherwise.

 

Section 7.4.                                  Severability. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remaining portions hereof or thereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

Section 7.5.                                  Survival. Each representation and warranty, covenant and other obligation of Grantor herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the execution and delivery of any other Loan Document and the creation of the Secured Obligations.

 

Section 7.6.                                  Binding Effect and Assignment. This Agreement shall:

 

(a)                                  be binding on Grantor and its successors and permitted assigns, and

 

(b)                                  inure, together with all rights and remedies of the Secured Party hereunder, to the benefit of the Secured Party and the other Beneficiaries and their respective successors, transferees and assigns who acquire their interests in accordance with the assignment provisions of the Credit Agreement.

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Secured Party and any other Beneficiary may (in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Documents) pledge, assign or otherwise transfer any right under any Loan Document to any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all benefits in respect thereof granted herein or otherwise. No right or duty of Grantor hereunder may be assigned or otherwise transferred without the prior written consent of the Secured Party.

 

Section 7.7.                                  Release of Collateral; Termination.

 

(a)                                  Upon any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of any Collateral of Grantor in accordance with the Loan Documents, the Secured Party will, at Grantor’s expense, execute and deliver to Grantor such documents as Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence the release of such Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted hereby; provided that:

 

17



 

(i)                                      at the time of such request and such release no Default shall have occurred and be continuing,

 

(ii)                                   Grantor shall have delivered to the Secured Party, at least 10 Business Days prior to the date of the proposed release (or by such lesser notice as the Secured Party may approve), a written request for release describing the item of Collateral and the terms of the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition in reasonable detail, including the price thereof and any expenses in connection therewith, together with a form of release for execution by the Secured Party and a certificate of Grantor to the effect that the transaction is in compliance with the Loan Documents and such other matters as the Secured Party may request, and

 

(iii)                                if any Loan Document provides for any application of the proceeds of any such sale, lease, transfer or other disposition, or any payment to be made, in connection therewith, such proceeds shall have been applied or payment made as provided therein, or arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent for such application or payment have been made.

 

(b)                                  Upon, and only upon the payment and satisfaction in full in cash of the Secured Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations) and the termination or expiration of all Commitments of the Lenders under the Credit Agreement, this Agreement and the security interest created hereby shall terminate, all rights in the Collateral shall revert to Grantors and the Secured Party, at a Grantor’s request and at its expense, will:

 

(i)                                      return to Grantor such of Grantor’s Collateral in the Secured Party’s possession as shall not have been sold or otherwise disposed of or applied pursuant to the terms hereof, and

 

(ii)                                   execute and deliver to Grantor such documents as Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 6.6 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   No Grantor is authorized to file any financing statement or amendment or termination statement with respect to any financing statement originally filed in connection with this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Secured Party, subject to Grantors’ rights under Sections 9-509(d)(2) and 9-518 of the UCC.

 

Section 7.8.                                  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado.

 

Section 7.9.                                  Final Agreement. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents represent the final agreement between the parties hereto and may not be contradicted by evidence of prior, contemporaneous, or subsequent oral agreements of the parties hereto. There are no unwritten oral agreements between the parties hereto.

 

Section 7.10.                           Facsimile. This Agreement may be validly delivered by facsimile or other electronic transmission of an executed counterpart of the signature page hereof.

 

18



 

Section 7.11.                           Acceptance by the Secured Party. By their acceptance of the benefits hereof, the Secured Party and the Beneficiaries shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound hereby and to perform any obligation on their part set forth herein.

 

Section 7.12.                           Intercreditor Agreement. Reference is made to the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of August 30, 2013 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Intercreditor Agreement” ), among the Borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as First Lien Administrative Agent (as defined therein), and Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as Second Lien Administrative Agent (as defined therein). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the lien and security interest granted to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, pursuant to this Agreement and the exercise of any right or remedy by the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement, the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement shall control. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, any obligation of any Grantor hereunder or under any other Loan Document with respect to delivery and control of collateral (including, without limitation, the requirements to endorse, assign and/or deliver any certificates, instruments, documents or other possessory collateral to the Secured Party), the provision of voting rights or the obtaining of any consent of any Person, shall be deemed to be satisfied if the applicable Grantor complies with the requirements of the similar provision of the applicable First Lien Loan Document.

 

[ Remainder of page intentionally left blank ]

 

19



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor has executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first-above written.

 

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

 

ACN 112 202 883 in accordance with Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Australia)

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

Michael Hannell

 

 

Title:

Chairman of the Board

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

Damien Connor

 

 

Title:

Secretary

 

S-1



 

 

WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

Ryan Sauer

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

S-2




Exhibit 4.7

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

SECOND LIEN GUARANTY

 

 

dated as of August 30, 2013

 

 

of

 

 

the Guarantors listed on the signature pages hereof
and that otherwise may become a party hereto

 

 

in favor of

 

 

WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC., as Administrative Agent

 

Subsidiary Guaranty

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

ARTICLE I Definitions and References

1

 

 

 

Section 1.1.

Definitions in Credit Agreement

1

 

 

 

Section 1.2.

Definitions in this Guaranty

1

 

 

 

Section 1.3.

Rules of Construction; References and Titles

2

 

 

 

ARTICLE II Guaranty

3

 

 

 

Section 2.1.

Guaranty

3

 

 

 

Section 2.2.

Obligation as a Guarantor

3

 

 

 

Section 2.3.

Fees and Expenses

4

 

 

 

Section 2.4.

Limitation of Liability of Certain Guarantors

4

 

 

 

ARTICLE III Guaranty Absolute

4

 

 

 

Section 3.1.

Unconditional Guaranty

4

 

 

 

Section 3.2.

No Release Based on Actions of the Guaranteed Parties

5

 

 

 

Section 3.3.

Waivers

5

 

 

 

Section 3.4.

Continuing Guaranty; Reinstatement

7

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV Representations and Warranties

8

 

 

 

Section 4.1.

Representations and Warranties

8

 

 

 

ARTICLE V Covenants

9

 

 

 

Section 5.1.

Covenants

9

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI Remedies of the Guaranteed Parties

10

 

 

 

Section 6.1.

Exercise of Remedies

10

 

 

 

Section 6.2.

Liability for Deficiencies

10

 

 

 

Section 6.3.

Delay not a Waiver; Remedies Cumulative

10

 

 

 

Section 6.4.

Right of Set-Off

10

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII Subordination; Subrogation; Contribution

11

 

 

 

Section 7.1.

Subordination

11

 

 

 

Section 7.2.

Limited Right of Subrogation

11

 

 

 

Section 7.3.

Right of Contribution

12

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII Limitation of Liability

12

 

 

 

Section 8.1.

Limitation on Liability of the Indemnified Parties

12

 

 

 

ARTICLE IX Miscellaneous

13

 

i



 

Section 9.1.

Notices

13

 

 

 

Section 9.2.

Amendments and Waivers

13

 

 

 

Section 9.3.

Additional Guarantors

13

 

 

 

Section 9.4.

Severability

13

 

 

 

Section 9.5.

Survival of Agreements

13

 

 

 

Section 9.6.

Binding Effect and Assignment

13

 

 

 

Section 9.7.

Governing Law

14

 

 

 

Section 9.8.

Final Agreement

14

 

 

 

Section 9.9.

Counterparts; Facsimile

14

 

 

 

Section 9.10.

Acceptance by the Guaranteed Parties

14

 

 

 

Section 9.11.

Limitation on Interest

14

 

 

 

Section 9.12.

Jurisdiction, Etc.

14

 

 

 

Section 9.13.

Waiver of Jury Trial

15

 

 

 

Section 9.14.

Intercreditor Agreement

15

 

Schedule 1                                      Guarantor Information

 

Exhibit A                                              Form of Guaranty Supplement

 

ii



 

SECOND LIEN GUARANTY

 

THIS SECOND LIEN GUARANTY is made as of August 30, 2013, by the Persons listed on the signature pages hereof and that may become parties hereto pursuant to Section 9.3, in favor of WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC., individually and as administrative agent under the Credit Agreement, as defined below (the “ Administrative Agent” ) for the benefit of the Guaranteed Parties.

 

RECITALS

 

A.                                     Sundance Energy, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“ Borrower” ), is executing in favor of Lenders those certain promissory notes of even date herewith, payable to the order of Lenders in the aggregate principal amount of up to $100,000,000 (such promissory notes, as from time to time amended, and all promissory notes given in substitution, renewal or extension therefor or thereof, in whole or in part, being herein collectively called the “ Note” ).

 

B.                                     The Note is being executed pursuant to the Second Lien Credit Agreement of even date herewith, (herein, as from time to time amended, supplemented or restated, called the “ Credit Agreement” ), by and among Borrower, Administrative Agent and Lenders, pursuant to which Lenders have agreed to advance funds to Borrower under the Note.

 

C.                                     It is a condition precedent to Lenders’ obligations to advance funds to the Borrower that Guarantors shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent a satisfactory guaranty of Borrower’s obligations under the Note, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

D.                                     In order to induce the Guaranteed Parties to extend such credit, and to enter into the other Loan Documents, each Guarantor has agreed to enter into this Guaranty.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of that the parties acknowledge, the Guarantors agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

Definitions and References

 

Section 1.1.                                  Definitions in Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the respective meanings specified in the Credit Agreement.

 

Section 1.2.                                  Definitions in this Guaranty. The following terms have the following meanings:

 

Administrative Agent” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

Borrower” has the meaning specified in Recital A.

 

Credit Agreement” has the meaning specified in Recital B.

 



 

Credit Parties” means SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED (ACN 112 202 883), a company organized under the laws of South Australia, and all Restricted Persons.

 

Guaranteed Documents” means each Loan Document.

 

Guaranteed Obligations” means all Obligations, including all amounts that constitute part of the Guaranteed Obligations and would be owed by any Credit Party to any Guaranteed Party but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of a bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding involving such Credit Party.

 

Guaranteed Parties ” means the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and any other Person to which Guaranteed Obligations are owing.

 

Guarantor ” means each Person guarantying the Guaranteed Obligations pursuant to this Guaranty. References to “Guarantor” in this Guaranty are intended to refer to each such Person as if such Person were the only guarantor pursuant to this Guaranty, except:

 

(a)                                  that references to “any Guarantor” or “each Guarantor” or words of similar import are meant to refer to each Person that is a Guarantor,

 

(b)                                  that references to “the Guarantors” are meant to refer collectively to all Persons that are Guarantors and

 

(c)                                   as otherwise may be specifically set forth herein.

 

Indemnified Party” means each Guaranteed Party and each of its Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents and advisors.

 

Net Worth” has the meaning specified in Section 7.3.

 

Post-Petition Interest” has the meaning specified in Section 7.1(b).

 

Subordinated Obligations” has the meaning specified in Section 7.1.

 

Section 1.3.                                  Rules of Construction; References and Titles. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise:

 

(a)                                  Any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein).

 

(b)                                  Any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns.

 

2



 

(c)                                   The words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Guaranty in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof.

 

(d)                                  All references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Guaranty.

 

(e)                                   Any reference to any Law herein shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such Law as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

 

(f)                                    The words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

(g)                                   Except as specified otherwise, references to any document, instrument, or agreement shall include:

 

(i)                                      all exhibits, schedules, and other attachments thereto, and

 

(ii)                                   all documents, instruments, or agreements issued or executed in replacement thereof.

 

(h)                                  A title appearing at the beginning of any subdivision is for convenience only, does not constitute any part of such subdivision and shall be disregarded in construing the language contained in such subdivision.

 

(i)                                      The phrases “this Section” and “this subsection” and similar phrases refer only to the section or subsection hereof in which such phrases occur.

 

(j)                                     The word “or” is not exclusive, and the word “including” (in all of its grammatical variations) means “including without limitation”.

 

(k)                                  Unless otherwise specified, references herein to any particular Person also refer to its successors and permitted assigns.

 

ARTICLE II

 

Guaranty

 

Section 2.1.                                  Guaranty. The Guarantors, jointly and severally, irrevocably, absolutely and unconditionally guarantee to each Guaranteed Party the prompt and complete payment and performance when due, no matter how the same shall become due, of all Guaranteed Obligations.

 

Section 2.2.                                  Obligation as a Guarantor. If the Borrower shall for any reason fail to pay any Guaranteed Obligation, as and when such Guaranteed Obligation shall become due and payable, whether at its stated maturity, as a result of the exercise of any power to accelerate, or otherwise, Guarantor will, upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay such Guaranteed Obligation in full to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Guaranteed Party to which

 

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such Guaranteed Obligation is owed. If the Borrower shall for any reason fail to perform promptly any Guaranteed Obligation that is not for the payment of money, Guarantor will, upon demand by the Administrative Agent, cause such Guaranteed Obligation to be performed or, if specified by the Administrative Agent, provide sufficient funds, in such amount and manner as the Administrative Agent shall in good faith determine, for the prompt, full and faithful performance of such Guaranteed Obligation by the Administrative Agent or such other Person as the Administrative Agent shall designate. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Guarantor will pay all amounts that constitute part of the Guaranteed Obligations and would be owing but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of a bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding.

 

Section 2.3.                                  Fees and Expenses. The Guarantors, jointly and severally, forthwith upon demand by the Administrative Agent, will pay all expenses (including fees and expenses of counsel that are not employees of the Administrative Agent or any Affiliate of the Administrative Agent) incurred by the Administrative Agent or any other Guaranteed Party in enforcing against any Guarantor any right under this Guaranty or any other Guaranteed Document.

 

Section 2.4.                                  Limitation of Liability of Certain Guarantors. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Guaranty, the liability of any Guarantor for all obligations under this Guaranty and any other Guaranteed Document to which it is a party shall be limited to the maximum liability that can be incurred by such Guarantor without rendering this Guaranty subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the United States Bankruptcy Code or any comparable provisions of any applicable state or federal Law.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Guaranty Absolute

 

Section 3.1.                                  Unconditional Guaranty.    (a)   Guarantor will pay the Guaranteed Obligations strictly in accordance with the terms of the Guaranteed Documents, to the extent permitted by Law regardless of any Law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any such term or any right of any Guaranteed Party with respect thereto.

 

(b)                                  This is a guaranty of payment and not of collection. The obligations of Guarantor under or in respect of this Guaranty and each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party are independent of the Guaranteed Obligations or any other obligation of any other Credit Party under or in respect of the Guaranteed Documents, and a separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted against Guarantor to enforce this Guaranty or any other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party, irrespective of whether any action is brought against the Borrower or any other Credit Party or whether the Borrower or any other Credit Party is joined in any such action or actions.

 

(c)                                   The obligations of Guarantor under this Guaranty and each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party shall not be affected by:

 

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(i)                                      any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of all or substantially all assets, marshalling of assets or liabilities, receivership, conservatorship, assignment for the benefit of creditors, insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, or composition of any Credit Party;

 

(ii)                                   any other proceeding involving any Credit Party or any asset of any Credit Party under any Law for the protection of debtors; or

 

(iii)                                any discharge, impairment, modification, release, or limitation of the liability of, or stay of actions or lien enforcement proceeding against, any Credit Party, any property of any Credit Party, or the estate in bankruptcy of any Credit Party in the course of or resulting from any such proceeding.

 

Section 3.2.                                  No Release Based on Actions of the Guaranteed Parties. No action that the Administrative Agent or any other Guaranteed Party may take or omit to take in connection with any Guaranteed Document, any Guaranteed Obligation (or any other indebtedness owing by the Borrower to any Guaranteed Party), or any collateral security, and no course of dealing between any Guaranteed Party and the Borrower, any Guarantor or any other Person, shall release or diminish Guarantor’s Guaranteed Obligations, liabilities, agreements or duties hereunder, affect this Guaranty or any other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party, or afford Guarantor any recourse against any Guaranteed Party, regardless of whether any such action or inaction may increase any risk to or liability of any Guaranteed Party, the Borrower or any Credit Party or increase any risk to or diminish any safeguard of any collateral security.

 

Section 3.3.                                  Waivers. The liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty and each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party shall be irrevocable, absolute and unconditional irrespective of, and Guarantor irrevocably waives, for purposes of this Guaranty and each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party, any defense that it may now have or hereafter acquire relating to, any or all of the following, (and Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive substantial direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by the Guaranteed Documents and that the waivers set forth below and otherwise in this Guaranty are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits):

 

(a)                                  Any lack of validity or enforceability of any Guaranteed Document, any agreement or instrument relating thereto, any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of any other Person or the cessation from any cause whatsoever of the liability of any other Person.

 

(b)                                  Any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, any Guaranteed Obligation or any other obligation of any other Credit Party in respect of the Guaranteed Documents, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to departure from any Guaranteed Document, including any increase in the Guaranteed Obligations resulting from the extension of additional credit to any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or otherwise.

 

(c)                                   Any taking, exchange, release or non-perfection of any collateral security, or any taking, release or amendment or waiver of, or consent to departure from any other guaranty of any Guaranteed Obligation.

 

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(d)                                  Any manner of application of collateral security, or proceeds thereof, to any Guaranteed Obligation, or any manner of sale or other disposition of any collateral security securing any Guaranteed Obligation or any other obligation of any Credit Party under the Guaranteed Documents or any other asset of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries, and any other obligation to marshall assets.

 

(e)                                   Any right to require any Guaranteed Party to proceed against any other Person, to exhaust any collateral security for the Guaranteed Obligations, to have any other Person joined with Guarantor in any suit arising out of the Guaranteed Obligations or this Guaranty or to pursue any other remedy in any Guaranteed Party’s power.

 

(f)                                    Any change or restructuring of the corporate structure or termination of the existence of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

(g)                                   Any failure of any Guaranteed Party to disclose to any Credit Party any information relating to the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, performance, properties or prospects of any other Credit Party now or hereafter known to such Guaranteed Party (each Guarantor waiving any duty on the part of the Guaranteed Parties to disclose such information).

 

(h)                                  Any failure of any other Person to execute or deliver this Guaranty, any supplement hereto or any other guaranty or agreement.

 

(i)                                      Any release or reduction of the liability of any Guarantor or other guarantor or surety with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations or any other compromise or settlement of the Guaranteed Obligations.

 

(j)                                     Promptness, diligence, notice of acceptance, presentment, demand for performance, notice of non-performance, default, acceleration, protest or dishonor and, to the extent permitted by Law, any other notice with respect to any Guaranteed Obligation and this Guaranty.

 

(k)                                  Any requirement that any Guaranteed Party create or perfect any Lien or protect or insure any property subject thereto.

 

(l)                                      Any right to revoke this Guaranty or any other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party.

 

(m)                              Any election of remedies by any Guaranteed Party that in any manner impairs, reduces, releases or otherwise adversely affects any collateral security or any subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution or indemnification right of Guarantor or other right of Guarantor to proceed against any other Credit Party, any other guarantor, any other Person or any collateral security.

 

(n)                                  Any right of set-off or counterclaim against or in respect of the Obligations of Guarantor hereunder or any other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party.

 

(o)                                  Any neglect, failure or refusal to take any action:

 

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(i)                                      for the collection or enforcement of any Guaranteed Obligation,

 

(ii)                                   to realize on any collateral security,

 

(iii)                                to enforce any Guaranteed Document,

 

(iv)                               to file or enforce a claim in any proceeding described in Section 3.1(c),

 

(v)                                  in connection with the administration of any Guaranteed Document or

 

(vi)                               otherwise concerning the Guaranteed Obligations or the Guaranteed Documents,

 

or any delay in taking any such action.

 

(p)                                  The fact that any Guarantor may have incurred directly any Guaranteed Obligation or is otherwise primarily liable therefor.

 

(q)                                  Any duty of any Guaranteed Party to disclose to Guarantor any matter, fact or thing relating to the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, performance, properties or prospects of any other Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries now or hereafter known by such Guaranteed Party.

 

(r)                                     Any defense to the recovery by any Guaranteed Party against Guarantor of any deficiency after a non-judicial sale and any defense or benefit that may be afforded by applicable Law (and in that connection Guarantor acknowledges that the Administrative Agent may, without notice to or demand upon Guarantor and without affecting the liability of such Guarantor under this Guaranty, foreclose under any mortgage by non-judicial sale).

 

(s)                                    Any statute of limitations applicable to the Guaranteed Obligations.

 

(t)                                     To the extent permitted by Law, any other circumstance or any existence of or reliance on any representation by any Guaranteed Party, except for indefeasible payment in full in cash and performance in full of each Obligation, that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, Guarantor, any Credit Party or any other guarantor or surety.

 

Section 3.4.                                  Continuing Guaranty; Reinstatement. (a) This Guaranty is a continuing guaranty and shall remain in full force and effect until the latest of:

 

(i)                                      the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed Obligations and all other amounts payable under this Guaranty (other than contingent indemnification obligations); and

 

(ii)                                   the date on which all commitments of the Guaranteed Parties under the Credit Agreement shall terminate and all Loans shall be indefeasibly paid in full.

 

(b) This Guaranty and each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any

 

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payment of any Guaranteed Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by any Guaranteed Party as a result of the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Credit Party or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made, and the Guarantors jointly and severally will pay such amount to the applicable Guaranteed Party on demand. Any transfer by subrogation that is made as contemplated in Section 7.2 prior to any such payment shall (regardless of the terms of such transfer) be automatically voided upon the making of any such payment or payments, and all rights so transferred shall thereupon automatically revert to and be vested in the Guaranteed Parties.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Representations and Warranties

 

Section 4.1.                                  Representations and Warranties. Guarantor represents and warrants to the Guaranteed Parties as follows:

 

(a)                                  Each representation and warranty made with respect to it in any other Guaranteed Document is correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof).

 

(b)                                  Guarantor is an entity of the type specified opposite its name on Schedule 1 (or Schedule 1 to any guaranty supplement delivered by it pursuant to Section 9.3) opposite its name and is organized under the Laws of the jurisdiction specified in such Schedule opposite its name.

 

(c)                                   None of the execution, delivery or performance by Guarantor of this Guaranty and each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party:

 

(i)                                      conflicts with:

 

(A)                                any domestic or foreign Law,

 

(B)                                any Organizational Document of Guarantor, or

 

(C)                                any material agreement, judgment, license, order or permit applicable to or binding upon Guarantor, or

 

(ii)                                   results in or requires the creation of any Lien, charge or encumbrance upon any asset of Guarantor (except in favor of the Guaranteed Parties).

 

(d)                                  No authorization or approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority or other regulatory body or third party is required for the due execution, delivery and performance by Guarantor of this Guaranty or any other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party.

 

(e)                                   Each of this Guaranty and each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party is the legal, valid and binding obligation of Guarantor, enforceable against Guarantor in accordance with its terms, except as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar Laws of

 

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general application relating to the enforcement of creditors’ rights and general principles of equity.

 

(f)                                    There is no action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Guarantor, threatened against or otherwise affecting Guarantor before any court, arbitrator or governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality that could reasonably be expected materially and adversely to affect Guarantor’s financial condition or its ability to perform its Obligations under this Guaranty or any other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party.

 

(g)                                   There is no condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Guaranty or any other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party that has not been satisfied or waived.

 

(h)                                  Guarantor has, independently and without reliance upon any Guaranteed Party and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Guaranty and each other Guaranteed Document to which it is a party, and Guarantor has established adequate means of obtaining from each other Credit Party on a continuing basis information pertaining to, and is now and on a continuing basis will be completely familiar with, the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, performance, properties and prospects of each other Credit Party.

 

(i)                                      The direct or indirect value of the consideration received and to be received by Guarantor in connection herewith is reasonably worth at least as much as the liability and Guaranteed Obligations of Guarantor hereunder and under each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party, and the incurrence of such liability in return for such consideration may reasonably be expected to benefit Guarantor, directly or indirectly. To the best of Guarantor’s knowledge, all balance sheets, earning statements, financial data and other information concerning Guarantor which have been furnished to the Administrative Agent and each Lender by or on behalf of Guarantor to induce it to accept this Guaranty (or otherwise furnished to the Administrative Agent and each Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or associated herewith) fairly represent the financial condition of Guarantor as of the dates and the results of Guarantor’s operations for the periods for which the same are furnished. To the best of Guarantor’s knowledge, none of such balance sheets, earnings and cash flow statements, financial data and other information contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact that is necessary to make any statements contained therein not misleading as of the respective date(s) thereof.

 

ARTICLE V

 

Covenants

 

Section 5.1.                                  Covenants. Guarantor will, so long as any Guaranteed Obligation shall remain unpaid, or any Guaranteed Party shall have any Commitment, perform and observe, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to perform and observe, all of the terms, covenants and agreements in the Guaranteed Documents on its or their part to be performed or observed or that the Borrower has agreed to cause Guarantor or such Subsidiaries to perform or observe.

 

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ARTICLE VI

 

Remedies of the Guaranteed Parties

 

Section 6.1.                                  Exercise of Remedies. In accordance with the terms of Section 8.2 of the Credit Agreement and of the other Guaranteed Documents, each Guaranteed Party may enforce, from time to time, in any order and at such Guaranteed Party’s sole discretion, any right, power or remedy that such Guaranteed Party may have under the Guaranteed Documents or otherwise, including judicial foreclosure, the exercise of a right of power of sale, the taking of a deed or assignment in lieu of foreclosure, the appointment of a receiver to collect rents, issues and profits, the exercise of remedies against personal property, or the enforcement of any assignment of leases, rentals, oil or gas production or other property or right, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible.

 

Section 6.2.                                  Liability for Deficiencies. Guarantor shall be liable to each Guaranteed Party for any deficiency resulting from the exercise by any Guaranteed Party of any right or remedy, even though any right that Guarantor may have against the Borrower or others may be eliminated or diminished by the exercise of any such right or remedy.

 

Section 6.3.                                  Delay not a Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. No failure on the part of the Administrative Agent or any other Guaranteed Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right under this Guaranty or any other Guaranteed Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the other Guaranteed Parties provided in this Guaranty and the Guaranteed Documents are cumulative and are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any other right or remedy provided by Law or otherwise.

 

Section 6.4.                                  Right of Set-Off. Guarantor grants to the Guaranteed Parties and their Affiliates a right of set-off on any and all money, securities and other property (and the proceeds therefrom) of Guarantor now or hereafter held or received by or in transit to any Guaranteed Party from or for the account of Guarantor, whether for safekeeping, custody, pledge, transmission, collection or otherwise, and also upon any and all deposits (general or special), credits and claims of Guarantor at any time existing against any Guaranteed Party. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, after obtaining the prior written consent of Administrative Agent, each Guaranteed Party and its Affiliates are authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to Guarantor, to set-off, appropriate and apply any such items against the Guaranteed Obligations and Guarantor’s obligations and liabilities hereunder irrespective of whether or not such Guaranteed Party shall have made any demand under this Guaranty and although such Guaranteed Obligations and liabilities may be contingent or unmatured. Each Guaranteed Party will notify Guarantor after any such set-off and application made by it; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set-off and application.

 

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ARTICLE VII

 

Subordination; Subrogation; Contribution

 

Section 7.1.                                  Subordination. Guarantor subordinates all debts, liabilities and other obligations owed to Guarantor by each other Credit Party (the “ Subordinated Obligations” ) to the Guaranteed Obligations as follows:

 

(a)                                  Except during the continuance of an Event of Default (including the commencement and continuation of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any other Credit Party), Guarantor may receive regularly scheduled payments from any other Credit Party on account of the Subordinated Obligations. After the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default (including the commencement and continuation of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any other Credit Party), unless the Administrative Agent otherwise agrees, Guarantor shall not demand, accept or take any action to collect any payment on account of any Subordinated Obligation.

 

(b)                                  In any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any other Credit Party, the Guaranteed Parties shall be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of all Guaranteed Obligations (including all interest and expenses accruing after the commencement of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, whether or not constituting an allowed claim in such proceeding (“ Post-Petition Interest” )) before Guarantor receives payment of any Subordinated Obligation.

 

(c)                                   After the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default (including the commencement and continuation of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any other Credit Party), Guarantor shall, if the Administrative Agent so requests, collect, enforce and receive payments on account of the Subordinated Obligations as trustee for the Guaranteed Parties and deliver such payments to the Administrative Agent on account of the Guaranteed Obligations (including all Post-Petition Interest), together with any necessary endorsements or other instruments of transfer, but without reducing or affecting in any manner the liability of Guarantor under the other provisions of this Guaranty.

 

Section 7.2.                                  Limited Right of Subrogation. (a) Until all Guaranteed Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash and otherwise performed in full, and all obligations under each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party have been paid and performed in full, Guarantor shall have no right of subrogation, reimbursement, indemnity, exoneration, contribution or any other claim against any Credit Party or any collateral security in connection with this Guaranty. Until such time, Guarantor waives any right to enforce any remedy that Guarantor may have against Borrower and any right to participate in any collateral security.

 

(b)                                  If any amount shall be paid to Guarantor on account of any subrogation or other right, any such other remedy, or any collateral security at any time when all of the Guaranteed Obligations and all other expenses guaranteed pursuant hereto shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Guaranteed Parties, shall be segregated from the other funds of Guarantor and shall forthwith be paid over to the Administrative Agent to be held by the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Guaranteed Parties as collateral

 

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security for, or then or at any time thereafter applied in whole or in part by the Administrative Agent against, any Guaranteed Obligation, whether matured or unmatured, in such order as the Administrative Agent shall elect.

 

(c)                                   If Guarantor shall have paid off any Guaranteed Obligation and if all of the Guaranteed Obligations shall have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash, the Administrative Agent will, at Guarantor’s expense and reasonable request, execute and deliver to Guarantor (without recourse, representation or warranty) appropriate documents necessary to evidence the transfer, without representation or warranty, by subrogation to Guarantor of an interest in the Guaranteed Obligations resulting from such payment by Guarantor; provided that:

 

(i)                                      such transfer shall be subject to Section 3.4(b), and

 

(ii)                                   without the consent of the Administrative Agent (which the Administrative Agent may withhold in its discretion) Guarantor shall not have the right to be subrogated to any claim or right against any Credit Party that has become owned by any Guaranteed Party, whose ownership has otherwise changed in the course of enforcement of the Guaranteed Documents, or that the Administrative Agent otherwise has released or wishes to release from its Guaranteed Obligations.

 

Section 7.3.                                  Right of Contribution. After all Guaranteed Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash and otherwise performed in full, and all obligations under each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party have been paid and performed in full, the Guarantors that have made payments in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be entitled to contribution from the other Guarantors, to the end that all such payments upon the Guaranteed Obligations shall be shared among all such Guarantors in proportion to their respective Net Worths; provided that the contribution obligations of each such Guarantor shall be limited to the maximum amount that it can pay at such time without rendering its contribution obligations voidable under applicable Law relating to fraudulent conveyances or fraudulent transfers. “ Net Worth” means, at any time and for any Guarantor:

 

(a)                                  the fair value of such Guarantor’s assets (other than such right of contribution), minus

 

(b)                                  the fair value of such Guarantor’s liabilities (other than its liabilities under its guaranty of the Guaranteed Obligations).

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

Limitation of Liability

 

Section 8.1.                                  Limitation on Liability of the Indemnified Parties. No Indemnified Party shall have any liability (whether direct or indirect, in contract, tort or otherwise) to Guarantor or any of its Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents and advisors, and Guarantor shall not to assert any claim against any Indemnified Party on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages arising out of or otherwise relating to the Guaranteed Documents, the actual or proposed use of proceeds of any borrowing or any other transaction contemplated by the Guaranteed Documents.

 

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ARTICLE IX

 

Miscellaneous

 

Section 9.1.                                  Notices. Except as may otherwise be provided in any other Guaranteed Document, any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder or any other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party shall be given in writing, sent in the manner provided in the Credit Agreement, if to the Administrative Agent, to the address set forth in the Credit Agreement and, for any Guarantor to the address specified opposite its name on Schedule 1, or to such other address or to the attention of such other individual as hereafter shall be designated in writing by the applicable party sent in accordance herewith. Any such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given as provided in the Credit Agreement for notices given thereunder.

 

Section 9.2.                                  Amendments and Waivers. No amendment of this Guaranty shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by Guarantor and the Administrative Agent, and no waiver of this Guaranty or consent to any departure by Guarantor herefrom shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for that given and to the extent specified in such writing. In addition, all such amendments and waivers shall be effective only if given with the necessary approvals required in the Credit Agreement. No such amendment shall bind any Guarantor not a party thereto, but no such amendment with respect to any Guarantor shall require the consent of any other Guarantor.

 

Section 9.3.                                  Additional Guarantors. Upon the execution          and delivery, or authentication, by any Person of a Guaranty supplement in substantially the form of Exhibit A, such Person shall become a Guarantor hereunder, and each reference in this Guaranty and the other Guaranteed Documents to “Guarantor” shall also mean and be a reference to such Person.

 

Section 9.4.                                  Severability. Any provision of this Guaranty or any other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remaining portions hereof or thereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

Section 9.5.                                  Survival of Agreements. All representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of Guarantor herein and in each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party shall survive the execution and delivery of this Guaranty, the execution and delivery of any other Guaranteed Document and the creation of the Guaranteed Obligations.

 

Section 9.6.                                  Binding Effect and Assignment. This Guaranty and each Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party shall:

 

(a)                                  be binding on Guarantor and its successors and permitted assigns, and

 

(b)                                  inure, together with all rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent hereunder, to the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Guaranteed Parties and their

 

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respective successors, transferees and assigns who acquire their interests in accordance with the assignment provisions of the Credit Agreement.

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent and any other Guaranteed Party may (except as otherwise provided in any Guaranteed Document) pledge, assign or otherwise transfer any right under any Guaranteed Document to any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all of the benefits in respect thereof granted herein or otherwise. No right or duty of Guarantor hereunder may be assigned or otherwise transferred without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.

 

Section 9.7.                                  Governing Law. This Guaranty shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Colorado.

 

Section 9.8.                                  Final Agreement. This Guaranty and the other Guaranteed Documents represent the final agreement of the Guarantors and the Guaranteed Parties and may not be contradicted by evidence of prior, contemporaneous, or subsequent oral agreements of the parties hereto. There are no unwritten oral agreements between the Guarantors and the Guaranteed Parties.

 

Section 9.9.                                  Counterparts; Facsimile. This Guaranty and each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party may be separately executed in any number of counterparts, all of which when so executed shall be deemed to constitute one and the same Agreement. This Guaranty and each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party may be validly delivered by facsimile or other electronic transmission of an executed counterpart of the signature page hereof.

 

Section 9.10.                           Acceptance by the Guaranteed Parties. By their acceptance of the benefits hereof, the Guaranteed Parties shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound hereby and to perform any obligation on their part set forth herein.

 

Section 9.11.                           Limitation on Interest. Section 10.8 of the Credit Agreement, which limits the interest for which Guarantor is obligated, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Section 9.12.                           Jurisdiction, Etc. Guarantor:

 

(a)                                  irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the non- exclusive jurisdiction of any Colorado State court or federal court of the United States of America sitting in Denver County, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Guaranty or any other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment;

 

(b)                                  irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in any such Colorado State court or, to the extent permitted by Law, in such federal court;

 

(c)                                   agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law;

 

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(d)                                  irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Guaranty or any other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party in any Colorado State or federal court; and

 

(e)                                   irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

Nothing in this Guaranty or any other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party shall affect any right that any party may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Guaranty in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

Section 9.13.                           Waiver of Jury Trial. Guarantor irrevocably waives all right to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim (whether based on contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of or relating to this Guaranty or any other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party or the actions of any Guaranteed Party in the negotiation, administration, performance or enforcement hereof or thereof.

 

Section 9.14.                           Intercreditor Agreement. Reference is made to the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of even date herewith (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Intercreditor Agreement” ), among the Borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as First Lien Administrative Agent (as defined therein), and Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as Second Lien Administrative Agent (as defined therein). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the lien and security interest granted to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, pursuant to this Guaranty and the exercise of any right or remedy by the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and this Guaranty, the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement shall control.

 

( Remainder of page intentionally left blank)

 

15



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Guarantor has executed and delivered this Guaranty as of the date first written above.

 

 

SUNDANCE ENERGY OKLAHOMA, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

Name: Eric P. McCrady

 

Title: Manager

 

 

 

 

 

SUNDANCE ROYALTIES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

Name: Eric P. Mccrady

 

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

ARMADILLO EAGLE FORD HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

Name: Eric P. Mccrady

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

ARMADILLO E&P, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

Name: Eric P. Mccrady

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

SEA EAGLE FORD, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name: Eric P. Mccrady

 

Title: Manager

 

 

S-1



 

SCHEDULE 1

to

GUARANTY

 

Name of Guarantor

 

Type of
Organization

 

Jurisdiction of
Organization

 

Address for Notices

Sundance Energy Oklahoma LLC

 

Limited liability company

 

Delaware

 

633 17th Street, Suite 1950
Denver, CO 80202
Attention: Eric P. McCrady

Sundance Royalties, Inc.

 

Corporation

 

Colorado

 

633 17th Street, Suite 1950
Denver, CO 80202
Attention: Eric P. McCrady

Armadillo Eagle Ford Holdings, Inc.

 

Corporation

 

Delaware

 

633 17 th Street, Suite 1950
Denver, CO 80202
Attention: Eric P. McCrady

Armadillo E&P, Inc.

 

Corporation

 

Delaware

 

633 17 th Street, Suite 1950
Denver, CO 80202
Attention: Eric P. McCrady

SEA Eagle Ford, LLC

 

Limited liability company

 

Texas

 

633 17 th Street, Suite 1950
Denver, CO 80202
Attention: Eric P. McCrady

 



 

EXHIBIT A

to

SECOND LIEN GUARANTY
FORM OF GUARANTY SUPPLEMENT

 

         , 20 

 

Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc.,

as the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Guaranteed Parties

referred to in the Guaranty referred to below

1000 Louisiana, 9 th Floor

Houston, TX 77002

Attn: Ryan Sauer

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

The undersigned refers to:

 

(i)                                      the Second Lien Credit Agreement dated as of August , 2013 (as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, the “ Credit Agreement” ) among Sundance Energy, Inc., a Colorado corporation, the Lenders party thereto, and you, as administrative agent, and

 

(ii)                                   the Second Lien Guaranty dated as of August , 2013 (the “ Guaranty” ) made by the Guarantors from time to time party thereto in your favor for the benefit of the Guaranteed Parties.

 

Terms defined in the Credit Agreement or the Guaranty and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined, and rules regarding construction, references and titles are as provided, in the Credit Agreement or the Guaranty.

 

SECTION 1.   Guaranty. The undersigned, jointly and severally with the other Guarantors, irrevocably, absolutely, and unconditionally guarantees to each Guaranteed Party the prompt and complete payment and performance when due, and no matter how the same shall become due, of all Guaranteed Obligations and otherwise agrees to be bound in all respects by the Guaranty as if an original Guarantor party thereto, subject to any limitation set forth therein. As of the date first-above written, each reference in the Guaranty to a “Guarantor” shall also mean and be a reference to the undersigned.

 

SECTION 2. Information Relating to the Undersigned. The undersigned is an entity of the type specified on Schedule 1 and is organized under the Laws of the jurisdiction specified on Schedule 1 and its address for notices is specified on Schedule 1.

 

SECTION 3. Representations and Warranties. The undersigned as of the date hereof makes each representation and warranty set forth in Section 4.1 of the Guaranty.

 

EXHIBIT A - 1



 

SECTION 4.   Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the jurisdiction whose Laws the Guaranty provides will govern it.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

(GUARANTOR)

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

ACCEPTED AND AGREED AS OF THE DATE FIRST-
ABOVE STATED.

 

WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC. , as Administrative Agent
on behalf of the Guaranteed Parties

 

 

By

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

EXHIBIT A - 2




Exhibit 4.8

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

SECOND LIEN GUARANTY

 

THIS SECOND LIEN GUARANTY is made as of August 30, 2013, by SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED (ACN 112 202 883), a company organized under the laws of South Australia (“ Guarantor” ), in favor of WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL, INC., individually and as Administrative Agent for the Guaranteed Parties.

 

RECITALS:

 

1.                                       Sundance Energy, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“ Borrower” ), is executing in favor of Lenders those certain promissory notes of even date herewith, payable to the order of Lenders in the aggregate principal amount of up to $100,000,000 (such promissory notes, as from time to time amended, and all promissory notes given in substitution, renewal or extension therefor or thereof, in whole or in part, being herein collectively called the “ Note” ).

 

2.                                       The Note is being executed pursuant to a Second Lien Credit Agreement of even date herewith, (herein, as from time to time amended, supplemented or restated, called the “ Credit Agreement” ), by and among Borrower, Administrative Agent and Lenders, pursuant to which Lenders have agreed to advance funds to Borrower under the Note.

 

3.                                       It is a condition precedent to Lenders’ obligations to advance funds pursuant to the Credit Agreement that Guarantor shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent a satisfactory guaranty of the Obligations.

 

4.                                       Guarantor owns directly, or indirectly through one or more subsidiaries, one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding shares of common stock of Borrower.

 

5.                                       The board of directors of Guarantor has determined that Guarantor’s execution, delivery and performance of this Guaranty may reasonably be expected to benefit Guarantor, directly or indirectly, and are in the best interests of Guarantor.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, of the benefits which will inure to Guarantor from Lenders’ advances of funds to Borrower under the Credit Agreement, and of Ten Dollars and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of all of which are hereby acknowledged, and in order to induce Lenders to advance funds under the Credit Agreement, Guarantor hereby agrees with Administrative Agent, for the benefit of Administrative Agent and Lenders as follows:

 

AGREEMENTS:

 

Section 1.                                            Definitions. Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement for all purposes. All terms used in this Guaranty which are defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings when used herein. All references herein to any Obligation Document, Loan Document, or other document or instrument refer to the same as from time to time amended, supplemented or restated. As used herein the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

PARENT GUARANTY

 



 

Administrative Agent” means the Person who, at the time in question, is the “Administrative Agent” under the Credit Agreement.

 

Borrower” has the meaning specified in Recital 1.

 

Credit Agreement” has the meaning specified in Recital 1.

 

Guaranteed Parties” means Administrative Agent, Lenders, and any other Person to which Obligations are owing.

 

Lenders” means Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and all other Persons who at any time are “Lenders” under the Credit Agreement.

 

Obligations” means collectively all of the indebtedness, obligations, and undertakings which are guaranteed by Guarantor and described in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 2.

 

Obligation Documents” means this Guaranty, the Note, the Credit Agreement, the Loan Documents, all other documents and instruments under, by reason of which, or pursuant to which any or all of the Obligations are evidenced, governed, secured, or otherwise dealt with, and all other documents, instruments, agreements, certificates, legal opinions and other writings heretofore or hereafter delivered in connection herewith or therewith.

 

Obligors” means Borrower, Guarantor and any other endorsers, guarantors or obligors, primary or secondary, of any or all of the Obligations.

 

Security” means any rights, properties, or interests of Administrative Agent or Lenders, under the Obligation Documents or otherwise, which provide recourse or other benefits to Administrative Agent or Lenders in connection with the Obligations or the non-payment or non-performance thereof, including collateral (whether real or personal, tangible or intangible) in which Administrative Agent or Lenders have rights under or pursuant to any Obligation Documents, guaranties of the payment or performance of any Obligation, bonds, surety agreements, keep-well agreements, letters of credit, rights of subrogation, rights of set off.

 

Section 2.                                            Guaranty.

 

(a)                                  Guarantor hereby irrevocably, absolutely, and unconditionally guarantees to each Guaranteed Party the prompt, complete, and full payment when due, and no matter how the same shall become due, of:

 

(i)                                      The Note, including all principal, all interest thereon and all other sums payable thereunder; and

 

(ii)                                   All other sums payable under the other Obligation Documents, whether for principal, interest, fees or otherwise.

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Guarantor’s liability hereunder shall extend to and include all post-petition interest, expenses, and other duties and liabilities of each Restricted Person described above in this subsection (a), or below in the following subsection (b), which

 

2



 

would be owed by such Restricted Person but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of a bankruptcy, reorganization, or similar proceeding involving a Restricted Person.

 

(b)                                  Guarantor hereby irrevocably, absolutely, and unconditionally guarantees to Administrative Agent and each Lender the prompt, complete and full performance, when due, and no matter how the same shall become due, of all obligations and undertakings of the Restricted Persons to Administrative Agent or such Lender under, by reason of, or pursuant to any of the Obligation Documents.

 

(c)                                   If any Restricted Person shall for any reason fail to pay any Obligation, as and when such Obligation shall become due and payable, whether at its stated maturity, as a result of the exercise of any power to accelerate, or otherwise, Guarantor will, upon demand by Administrative Agent, pay such Obligation in full to Administrative Agent for the benefit of Administrative Agent or the Lender to whom such Obligation is owed. If any Restricted Person shall for any reason fail to perform promptly any Obligation, Guarantor will, upon demand by Administrative Agent, cause such Obligation to be performed or, if specified by Administrative Agent, provide sufficient funds, in such amount and manner as Administrative Agent shall in good faith determine, for the prompt, full and faithful performance of such Obligation by Administrative Agent or such other Person as Administrative Agent shall designate.

 

(d)                                  If any Restricted Person or Guarantor fails to pay or perform any Obligation as described in the immediately preceding subsections (a), (b), or (c) Guarantor will incur the additional obligation to pay to Administrative Agent, and Guarantor will forthwith upon demand by Administrative Agent pay to Administrative Agent, the amount of any and all reasonable expenses, including fees and disbursements of Administrative Agent’s counsel that are not employees of Administrative Agent or any Affiliate of Administrative Agent and of any experts or agents retained by Administrative Agent, which Administrative Agent may incur as a result of such failure.

 

(e)                                   As between Guarantor and Administrative Agent or Lenders, this Guaranty shall be considered a primary and liquidated liability of Guarantor.

 

Section 3.                                            Unconditional Guaranty.

 

(a)                                  No action which Administrative Agent or any Lender may take or omit to take in connection with any of the Obligation Documents which does not violate the terms thereof, any of the Obligations (or any other indebtedness owing by Borrower to Administrative Agent or any Lender), or any Security, and no course of dealing of Administrative Agent or any Lender with any Obligor or any other Person, shall release or diminish Guarantor’s obligations, liabilities, agreements or duties hereunder, affect this Guaranty in any way, or afford Guarantor any recourse against Administrative Agent or any Lender, regardless of whether any such action or inaction may increase any risks to or liabilities of Administrative Agent or any Lender or any Obligor or increase any risk to or diminish any safeguard of any Security. Without limiting the foregoing, Guarantor hereby expressly agrees that Administrative Agent and Lenders may, from time to time, without notice to or the consent of Guarantor, do any or all of the following:

 

3



 

(i)                                      Amend, change or modify, in whole or in part, any one or more of the Obligation Documents and give or refuse to give any waivers or other indulgences with respect thereto.

 

(ii)                                   Neglect, delay, fail, or refuse to take or prosecute any action for the collection or enforcement of any of the Obligations, to foreclose or take or prosecute any action in connection with any Security or Obligation Document, to bring suit against any Obligor or any other Person, or to take any other action concerning the Obligations or the Obligation Documents.

 

(iii)                                Accelerate, change, rearrange, extend, or renew the time, rate, terms, or manner for payment or performance of any one or more of the Obligations (whether for principal, interest, fees, expenses, indemnifications, affirmative or negative covenants, or otherwise).

 

(iv)                               Compromise or settle any unpaid or unperformed Obligation or any other obligation or amount due or owing, or claimed to be due or owing, under any one or more of the Obligation Documents.

 

(v)                                  Take, exchange, amend, eliminate, surrender, release, or subordinate any or all Security for any or all of the Obligations, accept additional or substituted Security therefor, and perfect or fail to perfect Administrative Agent’s or Lenders’ rights in any or all Security.

 

(vi)                               Discharge, release, substitute or add Obligors.

 

(vii)                            Apply all monies received from Obligors or others, or from any Security for any of the Obligations, as Administrative Agent or Lenders may determine to be in their best interest, without in any way being required to marshall Security or assets or to apply all or any part of such monies upon any particular Obligations.

 

(b)                                  No action or inaction of any Obligor or any other Person, and no change of law or circumstances, shall release or diminish Guarantor’s obligations, liabilities, agreements, or duties hereunder, affect this Guaranty in any way, or afford Guarantor any recourse against Administrative Agent or any Lender. Without limiting the foregoing, the obligations, liabilities, agreements, and duties of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall not be released, diminished, impaired, reduced, or affected by the occurrence of any or all of the following from time to time, even if occurring without notice to or without the consent of Guarantor:

 

(i)                                      Any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of all or substantially all assets, marshalling of assets or liabilities, receivership, conservatorship, assignment for the benefit of creditors, insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, or composition of any Obligor or any other proceedings involving any Obligor or any of the assets of any Obligor under laws for the protection of debtors, or any discharge, impairment, modification, release, or limitation of the liability of, or stay of actions or lien enforcement proceedings

 

4



 

against, any Obligor, any properties of any Obligor, or the estate in bankruptcy of any Obligor in the course of or resulting from any such proceedings.

 

(ii)                                   The failure by Administrative Agent or any Lender to file or enforce a claim in any proceeding described in the immediately preceding subsection (i) or to take any other action in any proceeding to which any Obligor is a party.

 

(iii)                                The release by operation of law of any Obligor from any of the Obligations or any other obligations to Administrative Agent or any Lender.

 

(iv)                               The invalidity, deficiency, illegality, or unenforceability of any of the Obligations or the Obligation Documents, in whole or in part, any bar by any statute of limitations or other law of recovery on any of the Obligations, or any defense or excuse for failure to perform on account of force majeure, act of God, casualty, impossibility, impracticability, or other defense or excuse whatsoever.

 

(v)                                  The fact that Guarantor may have incurred directly part of the Obligations or is otherwise primarily liable therefor.

 

(vi)                               Without limiting any of the foregoing, any fact or event (whether or not similar to any of the foregoing) which in the absence of this provision would or might constitute or afford a legal or equitable discharge or release of or defense to a guarantor or surety other than the actual payment and performance by Guarantor under this Guaranty.

 

(c)                                   This is a guaranty of payment and not of collection. Administrative Agent and Lenders may invoke the benefits of this Guaranty before pursuing any remedies against any Obligor or any other Person and before proceeding against any Security now or hereafter existing for the payment or performance of any of the Obligations. Administrative Agent and Lenders may maintain an action against Guarantor on this Guaranty without joining any other Obligor therein and without bringing a separate action against any other Obligor.

 

(d)                                  If any payment to Administrative Agent or any Lender by any Obligor is held to constitute a preference or a voidable transfer under applicable state or federal laws, or if for any other reason Administrative Agent or any Lender is required to refund such payment to the payor thereof or to pay the amount thereof to any other Person, such payment to Administrative Agent or such Lender shall not constitute a release of Guarantor from any liability hereunder, and Guarantor agrees to pay such amount to Administrative Agent or such Lender on demand and agrees and acknowledges that this Guaranty shall continue to be effective or shall be reinstated, as the case may be, to the extent of any such payment or payments. Any transfer by subrogation which is made as contemplated in Section 6 prior to any such payment or payments shall (regardless of the terms of such transfer) be automatically voided upon the making of any such payment or payments, and all rights so transferred shall thereupon revert to and be vested in Administrative Agent and Lenders.

 

(e)                                   This is a continuing guaranty and shall apply to and cover all Obligations and renewals and extensions thereof and substitutions therefor from time to time.

 

5



 

Section 4.                                            Waiver. Guarantor hereby waives, with respect to the Obligations, this Guaranty, and the other Obligation Documents:

 

(a)                                  notice of the incurrence of any Obligation by any Restricted Person, and notice of any kind concerning the assets, liabilities, financial condition, creditworthiness, businesses, prospects, or other affairs of any Restricted Person (it being understood and agreed that: (i) Guarantor shall take full responsibility for informing itself of such matters, (ii) neither Administrative Agent nor any other Guaranteed Party shall have any responsibility of any kind to inform Guarantor of such matters, and (iii) Guaranteed Parties are hereby authorized to assume that Guarantor, by virtue of its relationships with Borrower which are independent of this Guaranty, has full and complete knowledge of such matters whenever Guaranteed Parties extend credit to any Restricted Person or take any other action which may change or increase Guarantor’s liabilities or losses hereunder).

 

(b)                                  notice that Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Obligor, or any other Person has taken or omitted to take any action under any Obligation Document or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto or relating to any Obligation.

 

(c)                                   default, demand, presentment for payment, and notice of default, demand, dishonor, nonpayment, or nonperformance.

 

(d)                                  notice of intention to accelerate, notice of acceleration, protest, notice of protest, notice of any exercise of remedies (as described in the following Section 5 or otherwise), and all other notices of any kind whatsoever.

 

Section 5.                                            Exercise of Remedies.      Administrative Agent shall have the right to enforce, from time to time, in any order and at Administrative Agent’s sole discretion, any rights, powers and remedies which Administrative Agent or Lenders may have under the Obligation Documents or otherwise, including judicial foreclosure, the exercise of rights of power of sale, the taking of a deed or assignment in lieu of foreclosure, the appointment of a receiver to collect rents, issues and profits, the exercise of remedies against personal property, or the enforcement of any assignment of leases, rentals, oil or gas production, or other properties or rights, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible; and Guarantor shall be liable to Administrative Agent and each Lender hereunder for any deficiency resulting from the exercise by Administrative Agent of any such right or remedy even though any rights which Guarantor may have against Borrower or others may be destroyed or diminished by exercise of any such right or remedy. No failure on the part of Administrative Agent or any Lender to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any other Obligation Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The rights, powers and remedies of Administrative Agent and each Lender provided herein and in the other Obligation Documents are cumulative and are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any other rights, powers or remedies provided by law or in equity. The rights of Administrative Agent and each Lender hereunder are not conditional or contingent on any attempt by Administrative Agent or any Lender to exercise any of its rights under any other Obligation Document against any Obligor or any other Person.

 

6


 

Section 6.              Limited Subrogation.

 

(a)           Until all of the Obligations have been paid and performed in full Guarantor shall have no right to exercise any right of subrogation, reimbursement, indemnity, exoneration, contribution or any other claim which it may now or hereafter have against or to any Obligor or any Security in connection with this Guaranty, and Guarantor hereby waives any rights to enforce any remedy which Guarantor may have against any Restricted Person and any right to participate in any Security until such time. If any amount shall be paid to Guarantor on account of any such subrogation or other rights, any such other remedy, or any Security at any time when all of the Obligations and all other expenses guaranteed pursuant hereto shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of Administrative Agent, shall be segregated from the other funds of Guarantor and shall forthwith be paid over to Administrative Agent to be held by Administrative Agent as collateral for, or then or at any time thereafter applied in whole or in part by Administrative Agent against, all or any portion of the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in such order as Administrative Agent shall elect.

 

(b)           If Guarantor shall make payment to Administrative Agent of all or any portion of the Obligations and if all of the Obligations shall be finally paid in full in cash, Administrative Agent will, at Guarantor’s request and expense, execute and deliver to Guarantor (without recourse, representation or warranty) appropriate documents necessary to evidence the transfer by subrogation to Guarantor of an interest in the Obligations resulting from such payment by Guarantor; provided that such transfer shall be subject to Section 3(d) above and that without the consent of Administrative Agent (which Administrative Agent may withhold in its discretion) Guarantor shall not have the right to be subrogated to any claim or right against any Obligor which has become owned by Administrative Agent or any Lender, whose ownership has otherwise changed in the course of enforcement of the Obligation Documents.

 

Section 7.              Successors and Assigns. Guarantor’s rights or obligations hereunder may not be assigned or delegated, but this Guaranty and such obligations shall pass to and be fully binding upon the successors of Guarantor, as well as Guarantor. This Guaranty shall apply to and inure to the benefit of Administrative Agent and Lenders and their successors or assigns who acquire their interests in accordance with the assignment provisions of the Credit Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding sentence, Administrative Agent and each Lender may assign, grant a participation in, or otherwise transfer any Obligation held by it or any portion thereof, and Administrative Agent and each Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or any portion thereof under any Obligation Document, to any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become entitled to all of the benefits in respect thereof granted to Administrative Agent or such Lender hereunder unless otherwise expressly provided by Administrative Agent or such Lender in connection with such assignment or transfer.

 

Section 8.              Subordination and Set Off.     Guarantor hereby subordinates and makes inferior to the Obligations any and all indebtedness now or at any time hereafter owed by Restricted Persons to Guarantor. Guarantor agrees that after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default (including the commencement and continuation of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any Restricted Person) it will neither permit any Restricted Person to repay such indebtedness or any part thereof nor accept payment from any Restricted Person of such indebtedness or any part thereof without the prior written consent

 

7



 

of Administrative Agent. If Guarantor receives any such payment without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent, the amount so paid shall be held in trust for the benefit of Lenders, shall be segregated from the other funds of Guarantor, and shall forthwith be paid over to Administrative Agent to be held by Administrative Agent as collateral for, or then or at any time thereafter applied in whole or in part by Administrative Agent against, all or any portions of the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in such order as Administrative Agent shall elect. In any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any Restricted Person, the Guaranteed Parties shall be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of all Obligations (including all interest and expenses accruing after the commencement of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, whether or not constituting an allowed claim in such proceeding) before Guarantor receives payment of any Subordinated Obligation.

 

If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Guaranteed Party is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time after obtaining the prior written consent of Administrative Agent , 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 such Guaranteed Party to or for the credit or the account of Guarantor against any and all of the obligations of Guarantor now or hereafter existing under this Guaranty to such Guaranteed Party. The rights of each Guaranteed Party under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of set off) that such Guaranteed Party may have.

 

Section 9.              Representations and Warranties.      Guarantor hereby represents and warrants to Administrative Agent and each Lender as follows:

 

(a)           The Recitals at the beginning of this Guaranty are true and correct in all respects.

 

(b)           Guarantor is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization as set forth in the Recitals to this Guaranty; and Guarantor has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Guaranty.

 

(c)           The execution, delivery and performance by Guarantor of this Guaranty have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and do not and will not contravene its certificate or articles of incorporation or bylaws.

 

(d)           The execution, delivery and performance by Guarantor of this Guaranty do not and will not contravene any law or governmental regulation or any material contractual restriction binding on or affecting Guarantor or any of its Affiliates or properties, and do not and will not result in or require the creation of any lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance upon or with respect to any of its properties.

 

(e)           No authorization or approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority or other regulatory body or third party is required for the due execution, delivery and performance by Guarantor of this Guaranty, other than reporting requirements to the ASX, with which Guarantor agrees to comply.

 

(f)            This Guaranty is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Guarantor, enforceable against Guarantor in accordance with its terms except as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or

 

8



 

similar laws of general application relating to the enforcement of creditors’ rights and general principles of equity.

 

(g)           There is no action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Guarantor, threatened against or otherwise affecting Guarantor before any court, arbitrator or governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality which may materially and adversely affect Guarantor’s financial condition or its ability to perform its obligations hereunder.

 

(h)           The direct or indirect value of the consideration received and to be received by Guarantor in connection herewith is reasonably worth at least as much as the liability and obligations of Guarantor hereunder, and the incurrence of such liability and obligations in return for such consideration may reasonably be expected to benefit Guarantor, directly or indirectly.

 

(i)            Each representation and warranty made by Borrower with respect to Guarantor in any other Loan Document is correct in all material respects (expect that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representation or warranty that already is qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof).

 

Section 10.            Covenants.

 

(a)           General. Guarantor will, so long as any Obligation shall remain unpaid, or any Guaranteed Party shall have any Commitment, perform and observe, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to perform and observe, all of the terms, covenants and agreements in the Obligation Documents on its or their part to be performed or observed or that the Borrower has agreed to cause Guarantor or such Subsidiaries to perform.

 

(b)           Indebtedness .  Guarantor will not in any manner owe or be liable for Indebtedness except the Obligations and the guarantee of Indebtedness under the First Lien Credit Agreement in an amount not to exceed $300,000,000 at any one time outstanding.

 

Section 11.            No Oral Change. No amendment of any provision of this Guaranty shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by Guarantor and Lenders, and no waiver of any provision of this Guaranty, and no consent to any departure by Guarantor therefrom, shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by Lenders, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.

 

Section 12.            Invalidity of Particular Provisions.      If any term or provision of this Guaranty shall be determined to be illegal or unenforceable all other terms and provisions hereof shall nevertheless remain effective and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

 

Section 13.            Headings and References. The headings used herein are for purposes of convenience only and shall not be used in construing the provisions hereof. The words “this Guaranty,” “this instrument,” “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby” and words of similar import refer to this Guaranty as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The phrases “this section” and “this subsection” and similar phrases refer only to the subdivisions hereof in which such phrases occur.  The word “or” is not exclusive, and the word “including”

 

9



 

(in its various forms) means “including without limitation”. Pronouns in masculine, feminine and neuter genders shall be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires.

 

Section 14.            Term . This Guaranty shall be irrevocable until the date (the “ Termination Date” ) on which (a) all of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations) have been completely and finally paid and performed, no Lender has any obligation to make any loans or other advances to Borrower, and all obligations and undertakings of Borrower under, by reason of, or pursuant to the Obligation Documents have been completely performed; or (b) the Guarantor has been provided with a written release from its obligations under this Guaranty by the Administrative Agent. This Guaranty is thereafter subject to reinstatement as provided in Section 3(d). All extensions of credit and financial accommodations heretofore or hereafter made by Administrative Agent or Lenders to Borrower shall be conclusively presumed to have been made in acceptance hereof and in reliance hereon.

 

Section 15.            Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing, sent by personal delivery, by telecopy, by delivery service with proof of delivery, or by registered or certified United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the appropriate party as follows:

 

To Guarantor:

 

Sundance Energy Australia Limited
c/o Sundance Energy, Inc.

633 17 th Street, Suite 1950

Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Eric P. McCrady
Facsimile: 303/543-5701

 

Sundance Energy Australia Limited
32 Beulah Road

Norwood, SA, Australia 5067
Attention: Craig Gooden
Facsimile: 08 8132 0766

 

To Administrative Agent:

 

Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc.
1000 Louisiana, 9
th Floor
Houston, TX 77002

Attention: Ryan Sauer
Facsimile: 713/652-5874

 

or to such other address or to the attention of such other individual as hereafter shall be designated in writing by the applicable party sent in accordance herewith. Any such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given (a) in the case of personal delivery or

 

10



 

delivery service, as of the date of first attempted delivery at the address or in the manner provided herein, (b) in the case of telecopy, upon receipt, or (c) in the case of registered or certified United States mail, three days after deposit in the mail.

 

Section 16.            Limitation on Interest.      Administrative Agent, Lenders and Guarantor intend to contract in strict compliance with applicable usury law from time to time in effect, and the provisions of the Credit Agreement limiting the interest for which Guarantor is obligated are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

 

Section 17.            Loan Document. This Guaranty is a Loan Document, as defined in the Credit Agreement, and is subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement governing Loan Documents. Guarantor hereby agrees to comply with all of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement which are applicable to Guarantor.

 

Section 18.            Counterparts; Fax.       This Guaranty may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to constitute one and the same Guaranty. This Guaranty may be validly executed and delivered by facsimile or other electronic transmission.

 

Section 19.            Governing Law; Submission to Process.

 

(a)           GOVERNING LAW . THIS GUARANTY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF COLORADO.

 

(b)           SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION .      GUARANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF COLORADO SITTING IN DENVER COUNTY, COLORADO AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SITTING IN DENVER, COLORADO, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER OBLIGATION DOCUMENT, OR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND GUARANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH STATE COURTS OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS GUARANTY OR IN ANY OTHER OBLIGATION DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER OBLIGATION DOCUMENT AGAINST BORROWER OR ANY OTHER RESTRICTED PERSON OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

 

(c)            WAIVER OF VENUE.       GUARANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY

 

11



 

APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER OBLIGATION DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

 

(d)           SERVICE OF PROCESS.       EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 15. GUARANTOR HEREBY APPOINTS SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC. AS ITS AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS AT ITS ADDRESS OF 633 17 th STREET, SUITE 1950, DENVER, COLORADO 80202, AND AGREES AND CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS ON GUARANTOR BY NOTICE TO SUNDANCE ENERGY, INC. NOTHING IN THIS GUARANTY WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

Section 20.            Waiver of Jury Trial, Punitive Damages, etc. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, (A) ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER OBLIGATION DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY), AND (B) ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO CLAIM OR RECOVER IN ANY SUCH LEGAL PROCEEDING ANY “SPECIAL DAMAGES,” AS DEFINED BELOW. EACH PARTY HERETO (X) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (Y) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS GUARANTY AND THE OTHER OBLIGATION DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION. AS USED IN THIS SECTION, “SPECIAL DAMAGES” INCLUDES ALL SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (REGARDLESS OF HOW NAMED), BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY PAYMENTS OR FUNDS WHICH ANY PARTY HERETO HAS EXPRESSLY PROMISED TO PAY OR DELIVER TO ANY OTHER PARTY HERETO.

 

Section 21.            Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any taxes or other charges, provided that if Guarantor shall be required by applicable law to deduct any such taxes or other charges from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the applicable Guaranteed Party receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) Guarantor shall make such deductions; and (iii) Guarantor shall

 

12



 

timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

 

Section 22.            Currency Equivalents Generally. Any amount specified in this Guaranty to be in Dollars shall also include the equivalent of such amount in any currency other than Dollars, such equivalent amount thereof in the applicable currency to be determined by the Administrative Agent at such time on the basis of the Spot Rate (as defined below) for the purchase of such currency with Dollars. For purposes of this Section 22, the “ Spot Rate” for a currency means the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate quoted by the Person acting in such capacity as the spot rate for the purchase by such Person of such currency with another currency through its or its Affiliate’s principal foreign exchange trading office at approximately 11:00 a.m. on the date two Business Days prior to the date of such determination; provided that the Administrative Agent may obtain such spot rate from another financial institution designated by the Administrative Agent if the Person acting in such capacity does not have as of the date of determination a spot buying rate for any such currency.

 

Section 23.            Amendments and Waivers.      No amendment of this Guaranty shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by Guarantor and the Administrative Agent, and no waiver of this Guaranty or consent to any departure by Guarantor herefrom shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for that given and to the extent specified in such writing. In addition, all such amendments and waivers shall be effective only if given with the necessary approvals required in the Credit Agreement. No such amendment shall bind any Guarantor not a party thereto, but no such amendment with respect to any Guarantor shall require the consent of any other Guarantor.

 

Section 24.            Acceptance by the Guaranteed Parties. By their acceptance of the benefits hereof, the Guaranteed Parties shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound hereby and to perform any obligation on their part set forth herein.

 

Section 25.            Survival of Agreements. All representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of Guarantor herein and in each other Guaranteed Document to which Guarantor is a party shall survive the execution and delivery of this Guaranty, the execution and delivery of any other Guaranteed Document and the creation of the Obligations.

 

Section 26.            FINAL AGREEMENT . THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER OBLIGATION DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES HERETO. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO.

 

Section 27.            INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT .       Reference is made to the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of even date herewith (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Intercreditor Agreement” ), among the Borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as First Lien Administrative Agent (as defined therein), and Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc., as Second Lien Administrative Agent (as defined therein).  Notwithstanding

 

13



 

anything herein to the contrary, the lien and security interest granted to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, pursuant to this Guaranty and the exercise of any right or remedy by the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and this Guaranty, the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement shall control.

 

(The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.)

 

14



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Guarantor has executed and delivered this Guaranty as of the date first written above.

 

 

Executed by SUNDANCE ENERGY

 

AUSTRALIA LIMITED ACN 112 202 883 in

 

accordance with Section 127 of the Corporations

 

Act 2001 (Australia) by:

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

Michael Hannell

 

 

Title:

Chairman of the Board

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

Damien Connor

 

 

Title:

Secretary

 

S-1



 

ACCEPTED AS OF THE DATE FIRST

WRITTEN ABOVE BY:

 

WELLS FARGO ENERGY CAPITAL INC.,

as Administrative Agent

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

Ryan Sauer

 

Title:

Vice President  

 

 

S-2


 



Exhibit 4.9

 

Deed of access, insurance and indemnity

 

Sundance Energy Australia Limited ( Company )

( Director )

 

Indemnity Nelson

 



 

Deed of access, insurance and indemnity

 

Details

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

Agreed terms

 

5

 

 

 

1.

 

Defined terms & interpretation

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

1.1

 

Defined terms

 

5

1.2

 

Interpretation

 

6

1.3

 

Headings

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

2.

 

Indemnity

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

2.1

 

Indemnities

 

7

2.2

 

Limitation on indemnity

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

3.

 

Claim by Director

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

Notification by Director

 

8

3.2

 

Defence of legal action

 

8

3.3

 

Obligations of Director

 

8

3.4

 

Reimbursement

 

8

3.5

 

Settlement of a Claim

 

8

3.6

 

Failure to comply

 

9

3.7

 

Legal representation

 

9

3.8

 

Effect of clauses 3.2 and 3.3

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

4.

 

Advances and payments

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

4.1

 

Indemnity before expense incurred

 

10

4.2

 

Payment when Director becomes liable

 

10

4.3

 

Advances to Director

 

10

4.4

 

Repayment by Director

 

10

4.5

 

Reimbursement of Director

 

10

4.6

 

Interest

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

5.

 

Insurance

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

5.1

 

Obligation to insure

 

11

5.2

 

Terms and conditions of D&O Policy

 

11

5.3

 

Notice to Director

 

11

5.4

 

Extension of insurance

 

12

5.5

 

Copies of insurance policies

 

12

5.6

 

Certificate of Currency

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

6.

 

Access to Board Documents

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

6.1

 

Right to inspect Board Documents

 

12

6.2

 

Request for access to Board Documents

 

13

6.3

 

Access to Director

 

13

6.4

 

Obligations of Company

 

13

6.5

 

Right to copy Board Documents

 

13

6.6

 

Return of documents

 

13

6.7

 

Privileged Documents

 

13

6.8

 

Waiver of privilege

 

14

6.9

 

Limitation on access to Privileged Documents

 

14

6.10

 

Director’s obligations

 

14

 

Minter Ellison | Ref: AMH 55770/1

 

Deed of access, insurance and indemnity

 

2



 

6.11

 

Access permitted under Corporations Act

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

7.

 

Confidentiality

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

7.1

 

Obligation of confidentiality

 

15

7.2

 

Relief

 

15

7.3

 

Limitation

 

15

7.4

 

Survival of Confidentiality Obligations

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

8.

 

Taxation

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

8.1

 

Taxation

 

15

8.2

 

GST

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

9.

 

Notices and other communications

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

9.1

 

Service of notices

 

16

9.2

 

Effective on receipt

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

10.

 

Document priority

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

11.

 

Miscellaneous

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

11.1

 

Alterations

 

16

11.2

 

Approvals and consents

 

16

11.3

 

Assignment

 

17

11.4

 

Costs

 

17

11.5

 

Stamp duty

 

17

11.6

 

Survival

 

17

11.7

 

Counterparts

 

17

11.8

 

No merger

 

17

11.9

 

Entire agreement

 

17

11.10

 

Further action

 

17

11.11

 

Severability

 

17

11.12

 

Waiver

 

17

11.13

 

Relationship

 

17

11.14

 

Announcements

 

17

11.15

 

Governing law and jurisdiction

 

18

 

 

 

 

 

Signing page

 

19

 

3



 

Details

 

Date

 

Parties

 

Name

 

Sundance Energy Australia Limited

ACN

 

112 202 883

Short form name

 

Company

Notice details

 

32 Beulah Road
Norwood SA 5067

 

 

Facsimile:
Attention:

(08) 8363 0388
Company Secretary

 

Name

 

 

Short form name

 

Director

Notice details

 

 

 

Background

 

A                                     The Company Constitution contains certain indemnities for Officers of the Company.

 

B                                     The Company has agreed to:

 

(i)                                    indemnify the Director to the extent permitted by law against certain liabilities and legal costs incurred by the Director as an Officer of the Company;

 

(ii)                                 maintain, and pay the premium on, a D&O Policy in respect of the Director; and

 

(iii)                              provide the Director with access to the board papers and other documents provided or available to the Director as an officer of the Company,

 

both during the time that the Director holds office and for a fifteen year period after the Director ceases to be an officer of the Company, on the terms and conditions contained in this Deed.

 

4



 

Agreed terms

 

1.                                    Defined terms & interpretation

 

1.1                             Defined terms

 

In this Deed:

 

Authorised Person means any person authorised in writing by the Director and approved by the Company, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

 

Board means, as the context requires:

 

(a)                                     the board of directors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or

 

(b)                                     any committee of the board of directors of the Company.

 

Board Documents means the Documents recording, providing or disseminating information for the Board.

 

Books has the meaning given in section 9 of the Corporations Act.

 

Business Day means:

 

(a)                                for receiving a notice under clause 9, a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, public holiday or bank holiday in the place where the notice is sent; and

 

(b)                                for all other purposes, a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, bank holiday or public holiday in Adelaide, South Australia.

 

Business Hours means the hours between 9.00am and 5.00pm on a Business Day.

 

Claim means any:

 

(a)                                 legal proceeding (whether civil or criminal), administrative proceeding, arbitral proceeding, mediation or other form of alternative dispute resolution (whether or not held in conjunction with any legal, administrative or arbitral proceeding); or

 

(b)                                 investigation or inquiry by any regulatory authority or external administrator relating to or connected with any actual or alleged act or omission of the Director as an Officer of the Company; or

 

(c)                                  any written or oral threat, complaint, demand or other circumstance that might reasonably cause the Director to believe that any proceedings, investigation or inquiry referred to in paragraph (a) above will be initiated.

 

Company Constitution means the constitution of the Company as defined in section 9 of the Corporations Act.

 

Corporations Act means the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

 

D&O Policy means a contract or contracts:

 

(a)                                insuring against liability incurred by a person in the person’s capacity as director or Officer of a body corporate; and

 

(b)                                allowing the body corporate to obtain reimbursement for any claims paid by it to a director or Officer of the body corporate under an indemnity.

 

Document has the meaning set out in Chapter 9 of the Corporations Act.

 

5



 

Indemnities means the indemnities granted to the Director by the Company under clause 2.

 

Information means all or any part of information contained in or related to a transaction of the Company, a Board Document or a discussion at a meeting of the Company.

 

Interest means interest charged by the Company in accordance with clause 4.6 on moneys advanced to the Director under clause 4.3.

 

Liabilities means all liabilities, losses, damages, outgoings, costs and expenses of whatever description.

 

Notified Claim has the meaning given in clause 3.1.

 

Officer has the meaning given in section 9 of the Corporations Act.

 

Permitted Purpose has the meaning given in clause 6.1.

 

Privileged Document means any document in respect of which any form of privilege applies:

 

(a)                                     solely in favour of the Company;

 

(b)                                     jointly in favour of the Company and the Director; or

 

(c)                                      jointly in favour of the Director and one or more other directors of the Company.

 

Related Body Corporate has the meaning given to it by section 9 of the Corporations Act.

 

Relevant Costs has the meaning given in clause 4.4.

 

Relevant Period means the period:

 

(a)                                     beginning on the date of this Deed; and

 

(b)                                     ending on the twelfth anniversary of the date on which both of the following conditions are first satisfied:

 

(i)                                            the Director has ceased to be an officer of the Company; and

 

(ii)                                         the Director has ceased to be an officer of all Related Bodies Corporate.

 

Requested Documents has the meaning given in clause 6.2(b).

 

Subsidiary has the meaning set out in Division 6, Part 1.2 of the Corporations Act.

 

1.2                             Interpretation

 

In this Deed, except where the context otherwise requires:

 

(a)                                the singular includes the plural and vice versa, and a gender includes other genders;

 

(b)                                another grammatical form of a defined word or expression has a corresponding meaning;

 

(c)                                 a reference to a clause, paragraph, schedule or annexure is to a clause or paragraph of, or schedule or annexure to, this Deed, and a reference to this Deed includes any schedule or annexure;

 

(d)                                a reference to a document or instrument includes the document or instrument as novated, altered, supplemented or replaced from time to time;

 

(e)                                 a reference to A$ , $A , dollar or $ is to Australian currency;

 

(f)                                  a reference to time is to Adelaide, South Australia time;

 

(g)                                 a reference to a party is to a party to this Deed, and a reference to a party to a document includes the party’s executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns and substitutes;

 

6



 

(h)                                a reference to a person includes a natural person, partnership, body corporate, association, governmental or local authority or agency or other entity;

 

(i)                                    a reference to a statute, ordinance, code or other law includes regulations and other instruments under it and consolidations, amendments, re-enactments or replacements of any of them;

 

(j)                                   a word or expression defined in the Corporations Act has the meaning given to it in the Corporations Act;

 

(k)                                the meaning of general words is not limited by specific examples introduced by including , for example or similar expressions;

 

(l)                                    any agreement, representation, warranty or indemnity by two or more parties (including where two or more persons are included in the same defined term) binds them jointly and severally;

 

(m)                            any agreement, representation, warranty or indemnity in favour of two or more parties (including where two or more persons are included in the same defined term) is for the benefit of them jointly and severally;

 

(n)                                a rule of construction does not apply to the disadvantage of a party because the party was responsible for the preparation of this Deed or any part of it; and

 

(o)                                if a day on or by which an obligation must be performed or an event must occur is not a Business Day, the obligation must be performed or the event must occur on or by the next Business Day.

 

1.3                             Headings

 

Headings are for ease of reference only and do not affect interpretation.

 

2.                                    Indemnity

 

2.1                             Indemnities

 

To the extent permitted by law and subject to clause 2.2, the Company indemnifies the Director against:

 

(a)                                any and all Liabilities (other than for legal costs of a kind referred to in clause 2.1(b)); and

 

(b)                                any reasonable legal costs and expenses incurred by the Director in defending an action for a Liability,

 

incurred by the Director as an Officer or former Officer of the Company.

 

2.2                             Limitation on indemnity

 

The Indemnities:

 

(a)                                have effect from the date that the Director became a director of the Company;

 

(b)                                continue to have full force and effect even if the Director ceases to be an Officer of the Company before a claim is made by the Director under this Deed; and

 

(c)                                 apply to any Liability or legal costs incurred by the Director as an Officer of the Company only if and to the extent that the Director is not indemnified against that Liability or those legal costs:

 

(i)                                   by the Company; or

 

(ii)                                under an insurance policy, other than the D&O Policy maintained in accordance with clause 5.1.

 

7



 

3.                                    Claim by Director

 

3.1                             Notification by Director

 

The Director must, as soon as reasonably practicable, advise the Company in writing on the Director becoming aware of any Claim that may give rise to a right under this Deed (‘ Notified Claim ’).

 

3.2                             Defence of legal action

 

Subject to clauses 3.7 and 3.8, where there is a Notified Claim, the Company may:

 

(a)                                assume conduct of the defence of the Notified Claim;

 

(b)                                institute a cross claim or counter claim to the Notified Claim;

 

(c)                                 subject to clause 3.5, settle the Notified Claim;

 

(d)                                agree to any form of alternative dispute resolution in relation to the Notified Claim; and

 

(e)                                 retain lawyers to act on behalf of both the Director and the Company in relation to the Notified Claim.

 

3.3                             Obligations of Director

 

Subject to clauses 3.7 and 3.8, where there is a Notified Claim, the Director must:

 

(a)                                allow the Company, in the Company’s discretion, to take control of the conduct of the Notified Claim;

 

(b)                                allow the Company, in the Company’s discretion, to retain lawyers on behalf of both the Director and the Company;

 

(c)                                 take such action or provide such information as the Company may reasonably require;

 

(d)                                assist the Company to the best of the Director’s abilities in any action the Company takes to avoid, dispute, defend or appeal any legal action connected with a Notified Claim;

 

(e)                                 not admit any liability for or settle any action connected to a Notified Claim without the prior consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld); and

 

(f)                                  keep the Company fully informed in relation to the conduct of any Notified Claim.

 

3.4                             Reimbursement

 

(a)                                Except to the extent prohibited by law from so doing, the Company must reimburse the Director for actual costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the Director in taking action or providing assistance or information at the request, or under the direction, of the Company under clause 3.3.

 

(b)                                Despite any other provision of this Deed, the Company is under no obligation to reimburse the Director for any costs and expenses incurred by the Director in relation to a Claim that is not a Notified Claim.

 

3.5                             Settlement of a Claim

 

(a)                                Before the Company or its insurers settle or compromise a Notified Claim, the Company must (or must ensure that its insurers):

 

(i)                                   give the Director notice of its intention to do so;

 

(ii)                                provide to the Director the proposed terms of settlement or compromise; and

 

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(iii)                             allow the Director a reasonable period (to be specified in the notice) in which the Director may object to the proposed terms of settlement or compromise and declare the Director’s intention to assume conduct of the Claim.

 

(b)                                If, within the period allowed under clause 3.5(a)(iii) in respect of a Notified Claim, the Director gives notice that the Director intends to assume conduct of a Notified Claim, the:

 

(i)                                   Company must (or must ensure that its insurers) relinquish to the Director the control of the conduct of the Notified Claim (to the extent that it relates to the Director);and

 

(ii)                                liability of the Company under this Deed in respect of that Notified Claim will not exceed the amount for which the Notified Claim could have been compromised or settled at the time notice was given to the Director under clause 3.5(a) in respect of that Notified Claim together with costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the Director up to that time.

 

3.6                             Failure to comply

 

Despite the Indemnities, if the Director fails to perform an obligation required under clause 3.3 to the material prejudice of the Company in respect of a Notified Claim, the Company will be under no obligation to indemnify the Director in respect of the Notified Claim.

 

3.7                             Legal representation

 

Nothing in this clause 3 prevents the Director from obtaining independent legal advice or engaging separate legal or other representation in connection with the conduct of a Notified Claim but any costs or expenses incurred by the Director in so doing will be paid or reimbursed by the Company only to the extent that those expenses are otherwise payable by the Company under this Deed and were:

 

(a)                                incurred prior to the Company (or its insurers) assuming conduct of the Notified Claim;

 

(b)                                incurred with the prior written authority of the Company (which must not be unreasonably withheld); or

 

(c)                                 reasonable and incurred in circumstances where there is a reasonable likelihood that the interests of the Director and the Company would conflict were the same lawyers to act on behalf of both the Company and the Director.

 

3.8                             Effect of clauses 3.2 and 3.3

 

(a)                                Nothing in clauses 3.2 or 3.3 permits the Company, or requires the Director, to take any action or do anything (including giving any consent) in respect of a Notified Claim that would be likely to cause significant harm to the reputation of the Director, except where the Company determines in good faith and on reasonable grounds that the interests of the Company or the conduct of that Claim would be materially prejudiced unless the Company or the Director (as the case may be) takes that action or does that thing.

 

(b)                                Clauses 3.2 or 3.3 do not apply where:

 

(i)                                   the Notified Claim arises from a Claim by the Company against the Director; or

 

(ii)                                where each of the Director and the Company are defendants or respondents to a Claim and in the reasonable opinion of the Director’s lawyers there is an actual or potential conflict of interest between the Director and the Company in respect of the conduct of the Notified Claim.

 

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4.                                    Advances and payments

 

4.1                             Indemnity before expense incurred

 

Despite any other provision of this Deed, it is not necessary for the Director to make any payment before enforcing the Director’s rights under the Indemnities.

 

4.2                             Payment when Director becomes liable

 

If the Director becomes liable to pay any amount for which the Director is or is entitled to be indemnified under this Deed, the Company must pay that amount to the person to whom the amount is due within 10 Business Days after the date on which the Director provides evidence satisfactory to the Company that the Director is liable to pay that amount and is entitled to be indemnified under this Deed.

 

4.3                             Advances to Director

 

Subject to clause 4.4, the Company must, within 10 Business Days after receiving a request from the Director to do so, and on such terms (including Interest) as the Company thinks reasonable in the circumstances, advance moneys to the Director to enable the Director to pay, or to reimburse the Director for, any legal costs reasonably incurred by the Director (before the outcome of the action is known) in defending an action for a Liability incurred or allegedly incurred by the Director as an officer of the Company (including any such legal costs incurred after the Director ceases to be an officer of the Company).

 

4.4                             Repayment by Director

 

If the Company advances moneys to the Director under clause 4.3 or otherwise pays or reimburses the Director (or any other person) in accordance with this Deed in respect of a Liability, costs or expenses (‘ Relevant Costs ’) incurred by the Director in relation to a Claim, then if, upon the final determination of the Claim (whether as a result of the settlement, withdrawal or final adjudication of the Claim or otherwise), the Relevant Costs become costs in respect of which the Director is not entitled to be indemnified under the Indemnities, the Director must, within 10 Business Days after the outcome of the Claim is finally determined:

 

(a)                                repay to the Company the amount advanced or paid by the Company in respect of the Relevant Costs;

 

(b)                                repay to the Company any payments received by the Director under the D&O Policy maintained under clause 5.1 or any other insurance policy;

 

(c)                                 where the Relevant Costs were advanced to the Director under clause 4.3, pay to the Company the Interest (if any) accrued on any advance in accordance with the terms of the advance determined by the Company under clause 4.3; and

 

(d)                                the Company will be under no obligation to pay or reimburse the Director for any further liability or legal costs incurred by the Director in respect of, or arising out of, that Claim.

 

4.5                            Reimbursement of Director

 

If the Company advances moneys to the Director under clause 4.3 or otherwise pays or reimburses the Director (or any other person) in accordance with this Deed in respect of Relevant Costs incurred by the Director in relation to a Claim, then if, upon the final determination of the Claim (whether as a result of the settlement, withdrawal or final adjudication of the Claim or otherwise):

 

(a)                                the Relevant Costs become costs in respect of which the Director is entitled to be indemnified under the Indemnities, the Director will not be required to pay to the Company the Relevant Costs;

 

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(b)                                no Interest will have been accrued in respect of the Relevant Costs; and

 

(c)                                 if the Director also receives payment in respect of some or all of those Relevant Costs under any of the following:

 

(i)                                   the D&O Policy maintained under clause 5.1 or any other insurance policy; or

 

(ii)                                an indemnity given by the Company,

 

then the Director must, within 10 Business Days after receiving payment under the relevant insurance policy or indemnity, pay to the Company an amount equal to the amount recovered by the Director under the insurance policy or indemnity in respect of the Relevant Costs. .

 

4.6                             Interest

 

(a)                                The Company may charge Interest on any money advanced to the Director under clause 4.3, only in the event that any amount advanced in respect of any Liability or legal costs becomes an amount in respect of which the Director is not entitled to be indemnified under the Indemnities.

 

(b)                                Any Interest charged by the Company, shall:

 

(i)                                   be calculated daily from the date the money was advanced until the date of repayment; and

 

(ii)                                be equal to the rate (on the day payment is due), quoted by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia on unsecured overdraft accommodation over $100,000.

 

5.                                    Insurance

 

5.1                             Obligation to insure

 

To the extent permitted by law, the Company must at all times during the Relevant Period, maintain and pay the premium on a D&O Policy that complies with clause 5.2.

 

5.2                             Terms and conditions of D&O Policy

 

The D&O Policy must:

 

(a)                                cover (but only to the extent required by clause 5.2(b)) Liabilities incurred by the Director (or the Company under the Indemnities) in respect of, or arising out of, actual or alleged acts or omissions of the Director that occurred while the Director was an Officer of the Company;

 

(b)                                be for an amount and on terms and conditions (including premium, insuring clauses, exclusions and excess amounts) as are appropriate and available in the market for a reasonably prudent company in the Company’s circumstances acting fairly; and

 

(c)                                 without limiting clause 5.1(b) and at any given time from time to time, be on terms and conditions that, taken as a whole, are not materially less favourable to the Director than:

 

(i)                                   the Company had in place for the Director immediately prior to the Director ceasing to be a Director of the Company; or

 

(ii)                                the Company has in place in respect of any other director or former director of the Company.

 

5.3                             Notice to Director

 

The Company must notify the Director immediately on the Company becoming aware that:

 

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(a)                                the D&O Policy required to be maintained under clause 5.1 has been cancelled or not renewed; or

 

(b)                                there is a material diminution in the terms of the D&O Policy maintained under clause 5.1 for the Director.

 

5.4                             Extension of insurance

 

Prior to the expiry of the Relevant Period, the Director may, by written notice to the Company, request that the Company continues to maintain and pay the premium on the D&O Policy required under clause 5.1 for a longer period provided that the Director agrees to:

 

(a)                                reimburse the Company for such premiums as are payable in respect of the period after the expiry of the Relevant Period; and

 

(b)                                indemnify the Company against any reasonable costs associated with maintaining the D&O Policy for that Director in respect of the period after the expiry of the Relevant Period.

 

5.5                             Copies of insurance policies

 

At the request of the Director, the Company must provide the Director with a copy of:

 

(a)                                the policy of insurance; and

 

(b)                                the certificate of insurance,

 

in respect of the D&O Policy maintained in accordance with clause 5.1 at the time of the request, except where such disclosure would involve a breach of the terms and conditions of the policy.

 

5.6                             Certificate of Currency

 

The Company must produce to the Director, a copy of the certificate of currency with respect to the D&O Policy described in clause 5.1:

 

(a)                                each time that D&O Policy is renewed; and

 

(b)                                within 21 days of receipt of a written request from the Director for a copy of that certificate.

 

6.                                    Access to Board Documents

 

6.1                             Right to inspect Board Documents

 

The Company must permit the Director to inspect and copy, during Business Hours, those Board Documents of the Company as are then in the possession or control of the Company for any of the following purposes (‘ Permitted Purpose ’):

 

(a)                                to discharge the Director’s duties as an Officer of the Company; or

 

(b)                                in connection with a Notified Claim commenced or arising during the Relevant Period:

 

(i)                                   to which the Director is subject or is a party;

 

(ii)                                that the Director is directly involved in;

 

(iii)                             that the Director proposes in good faith to bring; or

 

(iv)                            that the Director believes on reasonable grounds will be brought against the Director; or

 

(c)                                 any other purpose in respect of which the Company gives its written consent.

 

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6.2                             Request for access to Board Documents

 

A request for access to Board Documents of the Company must:

 

(a)                                be in writing addressed and given to the Company;

 

(b)                                include particulars of the Board Documents required by the Director (‘ Requested Documents ’); and

 

(c)                                 state the purpose for which the Requested Documents are required, which must be for a Permitted Purpose.

 

6.3                             Access to Director

 

On receiving a request for access under clause 6.2, the Company must give the Director (or any Authorised Person) access to the Requested Documents so that they are available for inspection and copying as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of the request but no later than 10 Business Days after receipt of the request.

 

6.4                             Obligations of Company

 

The Company must use its reasonable efforts to keep:

 

(a)                                all Board Documents of the Company safe and secure from damage; and

 

(b)                                at least one copy of the Board Documents of the Company,

 

for the Relevant Period and for a longer period if any of the Board Documents are relevant to any Claim notified to the Company by the Director that has not been concluded during the Relevant Period.

 

6.5                             Right to copy Board Documents

 

Where the Director obtains access to Board Documents under this clause 6, the Director will be entitled to make copies (at the Director’s cost) of those Board Documents (but only for a Permitted Purpose).

 

6.6                             Return of documents

 

The Director:

 

(a)                                subject to clause 6.6(b), on ceasing to be a director of the Company, must deliver to the company secretary of the Company any Board Documents of the Company that the Director holds;

 

(b)                                may retain any specific Board Document necessary for use in connection with any Notified Claim referred to in clause 6.1(b); and

 

(c)                                 must return any Board Document and copies retained under clause 6.6(b) or obtained under clause 6.1 to the company secretary for destruction as soon as possible after they are no longer required for use in connection with any Notified Claim referred to in clause 6.1(b).

 

6.7                            Privileged Documents

 

If a Director requests access to any Board Documents which is or refers to a Privileged Document, the Company must notify the Director:

 

(a)                                that privilege exists; and

 

(b)                                of the general nature of acts and omissions that could cause that privilege to be waived or lost.

 

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6.8                             Waiver of privilege

 

(a)                                Subject to clause 6.8(b), if a Director requests access to a Board Document that is or refers to a Privileged Document, the Company must waive its claim to such privilege but only if the loss of the right to claim privilege in respect of that Privileged Document would not, in the reasonable opinion of the Company, result in material prejudice to the Company.

 

(b)                                Where clause 6.8(a) requires a waiver to be given or procured by the Company, that waiver is required to be given or procured only to the extent necessary to enable the Director to:

 

(i)                                   have access to the Privileged Document;

 

(ii)                                disclose the Information in the Privileged Document in circumstances permitted under clause 7.2; and

 

(iii)                             use the Privileged Document for the Permitted Purpose specified in the notice given by the Director under clause 6.2(c).

 

6.9                             Limitation on access to Privileged Documents

 

Despite any other provision of this clause 6 other than clause 6.11, if the giving of access to a Board Document under this clause 6 to a Director:

 

(a)                                would, in the reasonable opinion of the Company, jeopardise the ability of the Company to claim legal privilege in respect of a Privileged Document; and

 

(b)                                the loss by the Company of the ability to claim such privilege would, in the reasonable opinion of the Company, result in material prejudice to the Company,

 

then the Company may:

 

(c)                                 impose such conditions on the Director’s access to that Board Document as it determines, in good faith, are appropriate to ensure that the ability of the Company to claim privilege in respect of that Board Document is not jeopardised by such access; or

 

(d)                                if the Company determines in good faith and acting reasonably that it is not possible to ensure, by the imposition of conditions, that the ability of the Company to claim privilege in respect of that Board Document would not be jeopardised by such access, refuse to permit the Director to have access to that Board Document.

 

6.10                      Director’s obligations

 

(a)                                Without limiting the Director’s right to obtain access to Privileged Documents under clause 6 or to disclose Information under clause 7, the Director must not waive any privilege of the Company nor do or omit to do anything that will cause that privilege to be waived or lost, without the prior consent of the Company.

 

(b)                                Where the Director obtains access to Board Documents subject to conditions imposed by the Company under clause 6.9, the Director must comply with those conditions.

 

6.11                      Access permitted under Corporations Act

 

Despite any other provision of this Deed, if and to the extent that the Corporations Act gives the Director the right to inspect a Board Document that is, or refers to, a Privileged Document, the Company must allow the Director to inspect that Board Document in accordance with the Corporations Act.

 

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7.                                    Confidentiality

 

7.1                             Obligation of confidentiality

 

Without limiting the Director’s duties to the Company, the Director must keep all Information confidential.

 

7.2                             Relief

 

The obligation of confidentiality set out in clause 7.1 will cease to apply to:

 

(a)                                Information which is or comes into the public domain (otherwise than as a result of a breach of this Deed);

 

(b)                                Information in respect of which disclosure is required by law;

 

(c)                                 disclosure of Information where disclosure is reasonably necessary for the purposes of bone fide court proceedings that arise out of the Director’s involvement with the Company if one of the following conditions has been met:

 

(i)                                   the Company has waived any claim to privilege in respect of all or some of that Information;

 

(ii)                                disclosure will not cause the Company’s right to claim privilege in regard to any other Information to be waived;

 

(iii)                             the Company is not entitled to claim privilege in respect of some or all of that Information; or

 

(iv)                            the proposed disclosure (whether subject to conditions or not) would not jeopardise the Company’s right to claim privilege;

 

(d)                                disclosure in confidence to legal, financial or accounting advisers to the Director for the purposes of obtaining advice; or

 

(e)                                 disclosure for the purposes of the discharge of the duties of the Director as an Officer of the Company.

 

7.3                             Limitation

 

If the Director is permitted to disclose Information under clause 7.2, the Director must:

 

(a)                                disclose only the minimum Information reasonably necessary in the circumstances;

 

(b)                                disclose the Information only to persons who have a need to know and only to the extent that they have a need to know; and

 

(c)                                 comply with any conditions imposed by the Company under clause 6.9(c).

 

7.4                             Survival of Confidentiality Obligations

 

The obligation of confidentiality set out in this clause 7 will continue to apply after the termination of this Deed.

 

8.                                    Taxation

 

8.1                             Taxation

 

If for any reason any governmental authority imposes any tax on any sum paid to the Director under the Indemnities, then the Company must pay to the Director such additional amount as is required to ensure that the total amount paid, less any tax imposed on such amount, is equal to the amount that would otherwise be payable under the Indemnities.

 

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8.2                             GST

 

(a)                                In addition to any payment by the Company to the Director under the Indemnities, the Company must pay the Director an amount equal to any GST that is or becomes payable by the Director on the supply for which the indemnity payment is made, provided that no additional amount is payable on account of GST under this clause until the Director has issued a tax invoice to the Company for that supply.

 

(b)                                Any payment by the Company to the Director for a loss, cost or expense incurred by the Director must be reduced by the amount of any input tax credit to which the Director is entitled for that loss, cost or expense.

 

(c)                                 Words or expressions used in the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 have the same meaning in this clause 8.2.

 

9.                                    Notices and other communications

 

9.1                             Service of notices

 

A notice, demand, consent, approval or communication under this Deed ( Notice ) must be:

 

(a)                                in writing and in English directed to the recipient’s address for notices specified in the Details, as varied by any notice; and

 

(b)                                hand delivered or sent by prepaid post or facsimile to that address.

 

9.2                             Effective on receipt

 

A Notice given in accordance with clause 9.1 takes effect when received (or at a later time specified in it), and is taken to be received:

 

(a)                                if hand delivered, on delivery;

 

(b)                                if sent by prepaid post, two Business Days after the date of posting (or seven Business Days after the date of posting if posted to or from outside Australia);

 

(c)                                 if sent by facsimile, when the sender’s facsimile system generates a message confirming successful transmission of the entire Notice unless, within eight Business Hours after the transmission, the recipient informs the sender that it has not received the entire Notice,

 

but if the delivery, receipt or transmission is not on a Business Day or is after 5.00pm on a Business Day, the Notice is taken to be received at 9.00am on the Business Day after that delivery, receipt or transmission.

 

10.                             Document priority

 

If there is an inconsistency between this Deed and the Company Constitution, to the extent permitted by law, the provisions of this Deed will prevail.

 

11.                             Miscellaneous

 

11.1                      Alterations

 

This Deed may be altered only in writing signed by each party.

 

11.2                      Approvals and consents

 

Except where this Deed expressly states otherwise, a party may, in its discretion, give conditionally or unconditionally or withhold any approval or consent under this Deed.

 

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11.3                      Assignment

 

A party may only assign this Deed or a right under this Deed with the prior written consent of each other party.

 

11.4                      Costs

 

Each party must pay its own costs of negotiating, preparing and executing this Deed.

 

11.5                      Stamp duty

 

Any stamp duty, duties or other taxes of a similar nature (including fines, penalties and interest) in connection with this Deed or a transaction contemplated by this Deed, must be paid by the Company.

 

11.6                      Survival

 

Each indemnity in this Deed is independent and survives termination of this Deed.  Any other provision by its nature intended to survive termination of this Deed survives termination of this Deed.

 

11.7                      Counterparts

 

This Deed may be executed in counterparts.  All executed counterparts constitute one document.

 

11.8                      No merger

 

The rights and obligations of the parties under this Deed do not merge on completion of any transaction contemplated by this Deed.

 

11.9                      Entire agreement

 

This Deed constitutes the entire agreement between the parties in connection with its subject matter and supersedes all previous agreements or understandings between the parties in connection with its subject matter.

 

11.10               Further action

 

Each party must do, at its own expense, everything reasonably necessary (including executing documents) to give full effect to this Deed and the transactions contemplated by it.

 

11.11               Severability

 

A provision or part of a provision of this Deed that is illegal or unenforceable may be severed from this Deed and the remaining provisions or parts of the provision of this Deed continue in force.

 

11.12               Waiver

 

A party does not waive a right, power or remedy if it fails to exercise or delays in exercising the right, power or remedy.  A single or partial exercise of a right, power or remedy does not prevent another or further exercise of that or another right, power or remedy.  A waiver of a right, power or remedy must be in writing and signed by the party giving the waiver.

 

11.13               Relationship

 

Except where this Deed expressly states otherwise, it does not create a relationship of employment, trust, agency or partnership between the parties.

 

11.14               Announcements

 

A public announcement in connection with this Deed or a transaction contemplated by it must be agreed by the parties before it is made, except if required by law or a regulatory body (including a relevant stock exchange).

 

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11.15               Governing law and jurisdiction

 

This Deed is governed by the law of South Australia and each party irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Australia.

 

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Signing page

 

EXECUTED as a Deed

 

 

Executed by Sundance Energy Australia

 

 

Limited ACN 112 202 883

 

 

 

 

 

 

!

 

!

Signature of director

 

Signature of director/company secretary

 

 

(Please delete as applicable)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of director (print)

 

Name of director/company secretary (print)

 

 

Signed by         in the presence of

 

 

 

 

 

 

!

 

!

Signature of witness

 

H W Holcombe

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of witness (print)

 

 

 

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Exhibit 4.10

 

FORM OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (“ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of                          , by and between Sundance Energy Inc, a Colorado limited liability company, and its successors, affiliates or assigns (“ Employer ”) and Eric McCrady (“ Employee ”).  The Employer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sundance Energy Australia Ltd, a public company incorporated in Australia and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and subject to the ASX Listing Rules (“ Sundance ”). The parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Employment Term

 

Employer hereby employs Employee as its Chief Executive Officer upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.  The term (“ Services Term ”) of Employee’s employment hereunder shall commence on 1 January 2014 and shall continue until the first of the following to occur:

 

(a)                                  2 January 2017; or

 

(b)                                  upon the sooner termination as hereinafter provided in paragraph 8 hereof.

 

2.                                       Duties: Reporting

 

(a)                                  During the Services Term, except as is otherwise expressly set forth herein, Employee shall devote his full business time and attention to Employer and the diligent performance of his duties hereunder.  Employee shall run the day-to-day operations of Employer in all material respects within the parameters of the then operative Business Plan and Budget of Employer and shall personally supervise the day-to-day operations of Employer in the Business.

 

(b)                                  Employee shall report directly to both the Board of Employer and to the Chairman of Sundance, and if the Chairman of Sundance is unavailable, to the Board of Sundance.  Employee hereby accepts such employment and agrees to perform his services hereunder faithfully, diligently and to the best of his ability.  Employee shall observe all reasonable rules and regulations adopted by Employer in connection with the operation of its business, including, but not limited to, with respect to confidential information, and carry out to the best of Employee’s ability all lawful instructions of Employer.

 

(c)                                   As long as such activities do not materially interfere with Employee’s services to Employer hereunder, Employee may serve on boards of directors of other entities not related to the oil and gas and related businesses (collectively, the “Excluded Businesses” ) or on boards of charitable or similar organizations.

 

(d)                                  For the purposes of this Agreement Employee acknowledges that any reference to the interest, operations, reasonable rules and regulations and lawful directions of Employer will be taken to include the interest, operations, reasonable rules and regulations and lawful directions of Sundance, and Employee will have the same regard to the interests of Sundance as to the interests of Employer.

 



 

3.                                       Duties: Scope

 

During the Services Term, Employee shall perform the following duties:

 

(a)                                  evaluate, define, get approval from the Boards of Employer and Sundance, and execute strategy;

 

(b)                                  manage day to day operations;

 

(c)                                   build an effective and professional management team;

 

(d)                                  hire/fire/manage compensation with the Remuneration Committees of the Employer and of Sundance;

 

(e)                                   raise and allocate capital, and manage debt when appropriate;

 

(f)                                    manage costs;

 

(g)                                   seek opportunities to grow the business (M&A, projects, partnerships, structures, etc.);

 

(h)                                  communication with the market and investors;

 

(i)                                      be the public face of Employer and Sundance, and expand Sundance’s investor base and capital markets exposure;

 

(j)                                     perform the role of Chief Executive Officer of Employer as directed by the Board of Employer;

 

(k)                                  perform the role of Managing Director of Sundance as directed by the Board of Sundance, and immediately resign from that office if directed to do so by the Board of Sundance;

 

(l)                                      communicate effectively with the Boards of Employer and Sundance;

 

(m)                              manage compliance, accounting, control framework and regulatory matters;

 

(n)                                  build and maintain relationships with our partners;

 

(o)                                  manage safety and environmental matters; and

 

(p)                                  all ancillary activities to the duties set forth in this Agreement.

 

4.                                       Salary and Bonuses

 

In full consideration for all rights granted and services rendered by Employee hereunder, Employer shall pay Employee the following compensation:

 

(a)                                  An annual base salary at the rate of US$275,000.00 per annum, plus any increases to that base salary as determined by the Board of Sundance in accordance with the Incentive Compensation Plan that was approved by the Board of Sundance on 7 April 2011 ( “Plan” ).  Such annual salary shall be adjusted on a pro rata basis for any partial year and shall be paid in equal installments in accordance with Employer’s then prevailing payroll policy.

 

2



 

(b)                                  Any additional amount as determined in accordance with the Plan, which may include an annual bonus and equity component, and any additional discretionary bonus approved under the Plan (which bonus will given by the Employer to the Employee at the sole discretion of the Board of Sundance).

 

5.                                       Expenses

 

To the extent that Employee incurs necessary and reasonable business expenses including without limitation, air travel, accommodations and entertainment expenses during the course of his employment hereunder, Employee shall be reimbursed for such expenses upon receipt by Employer of satisfactory evidence thereof.  Employee’s travel and accommodation expenses shall include travel to Australia and within the United States for business meetings and conferences related to the Business as well as other activities customarily undertaken by executives in the oil and gas business.

 

6.                                       Benefits

 

Employee shall be entitled to vacation, health insurance and other Employee benefits in accordance with Exhibit A hereto.

 

7.                                       Protection of Employer’s Interest

 

Restrictive Covenants

 

(a)                                Non-Competition .  Employee acknowledges that, in the course of his responsibilities hereunder, Employee will form relationships and become acquainted with certain confidential and proprietary information as further described in paragraph 7(h).  Employee further acknowledges that such relationships and information are and will remain valuable to the Employer and Sundance and that the restrictions on future employment, if any, are reasonably necessary in order for Employer to remain competitive.  In recognition of their heightened need for protection from abuse of relationships formed or information garnered before and during the Services Term of the Employee’s employment hereunder, Employee covenants and agrees for the six (6) month period immediately following termination of employment for any reason (the “Restrictive Period” ), Employee will not be involved in any way (whether directly or indirectly, or solely or jointly with or as a partner, joint venturer, associate, advisor, consultant, manager, employee, independent contractor, agent, principal, director or officer of a body corporate, shareholder, unit holder, trustee, beneficiary or in any other capacity) in:

 

(i)                                      competing for the acquisition of any project or business, the acquisition of which is known by Employee to be under active consideration by Employer;

 

(ii)                                   diverting or attempting to divert any business opportunity from Employer;

 

(iii)                                causing or attempting to cause any person who is or was a customer of Employer and with whom Employee has had dealings within the last 12 months of the termination of Employee’s employment, not to do business with Employer;

 

3



 

(iv)                               canvassing, inducing or soliciting any employee or agent of Employer to leave the employment or agency of Employer;

 

(v)                                  canvassing, soliciting, approaching or accepting any solicited or unsolicited approach from any person who is or was a customer of the business of Employer at any time during the term of this Agreement with a view to securing the business of that customer;  or

 

(vi)                               using or disclosing to the detriment or possible detriment of Employer information concerning the business of Employer’s customers or suppliers or divulging to any person any information concerning the business of Employer or its dealings, transactions or affairs.

 

(b)                                  Each of the separate obligations referred to in paragraph 7(a) is severable and has an independent operation from each of the other obligations referred to; however, each separate obligation will be cumulative in effect.  Employee understands and acknowledges that this restraint is reasonable to protect the goodwill of Employer’s business.

 

(c)                                   Employee agrees with Employer that he will not, without the prior written consent of Employer either directly or indirectly, participate in or be engaged, concerned or interested in the commission of each prescribed act within each prescribed area and for each prescribed period.

 

(d)                                  For the purposes of paragraph 7, each of the following is a prescribed area:

 

(i)                                      The United States of America;

 

(ii)                                   Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Wyoming and North Dakota;

 

(iii)                                Australia; and

 

(iv)                               South Australia.

 

(e)                                   Employee acknowledges:

 

(i)                                      that Employer has expended substantial time, money and other resources in establishing Employer’s business, customer base and market relationships, and the goodwill associated with them;

 

(ii)                                   that as a consequence of servicing that business, customer base, market relationships and goodwill, he:

 

(1)                            acquires no personal interest or benefit; and

 

(2)                            will establish a personal relationship and rapport with Employer’s customers and market relationships in the course of the Appointment;

 

(iii)                                that Employer is likely to suffer loss and damage if Employee takes or attempts to take personal advantage of his relationship and rapport with the customers and market relationships of Employer, contrary to paragraph 7 of this Agreement;

 

(iv)                               that the goodwill associated with the customer base and market relationships of Employer has value as property of Employer capable of sale; and

 

4



 

(v)                                  that to the extent that Employee has been introduced to that business, customer base and market relationships (and associated goodwill) by Employer it has been with a view to Employee servicing them either directly or indirectly for the benefit of Employer.

 

(f)                                    Employee acknowledges that each of the separate obligations referred to in paragraph 7:

 

(i)                                      is reasonable having regard to the nature of the conduct restrained, the duration and the scope of the restraint and the reasonable necessity of the restraints for the protection of the business and goodwill of Employer; and

 

(ii)                                   extends no further (in any respect) than is reasonably necessary and is solely to protect the legitimate business interests of Employer and its goodwill; and

 

(g)                                   If Employee contravenes any of the obligations contained in paragraph 7 then irrespective of any other provision of this Agreement and any other remedies available to Employer, Employer may seek injunctive relief, it being acknowledged that damages would not be an adequate remedy.

 

(h)                                  Confidentiality .  Employee covenants and agrees that Employee shall not at any time during the Services Term or thereafter, without Employer’s prior written consent, such consent to be within Employer’s sole and absolute discretion, disclose or make known to any person or entity outside of the Employer any Trade Secret (as defined below), or proprietary or other confidential information concerning Employer, including without limitation, Employer’s customers and its scientific, business or other data practices, procedures, management policies or any other information regarding Employer, which is not already and generally known to the public through no wrongful act of Employee or any other party.  Employee covenants and agrees that Employee shall not at any time during the Services Term, or thereafter, without the Employer’s prior written consent, utilize any such Trade Secrets, proprietary or confidential information in any way, including communications with or contact with any such customer other than in connection with employment hereunder.  For purposes of this paragraph 7, “Trade Secrets” is defined as data or information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, know-how, technique or process, that derives any economic value, present or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who may or could obtain any economic value from its disclosure or use.

 

(i)                                      Former Employer Information .  Employee will not intentionally, during the Services Term, improperly use or disclose any proprietary information or Trade Secrets of any former employer or other person or entity and will not improperly bring onto the premises of the Employer any unpublished document or proprietary information belonging to any such employer, person or entity.

 

(j)                                     Third Party Information .  Employee acknowledges that Employer has received and in the future will receive from third parties their confidential or proprietary information subject to a duty to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes.  Employee will hold

 

5



 

all such confidential or proprietary information in the strictest confidence and will not disclose it to any person or entity or to use it except as necessary in carrying out Employee’s duties hereunder consistent with Employer’s agreement with such third party.

 

(k)                                  Employer’s Property .  Employee hereby confirms that Trade Secrets, proprietary or confidential information including, but not limited to, all information concerning Employer’s processes, procedures, customers, pricing, employee matters, scientific date, etc. constitute Employer’s exclusive property.  Employee agrees that upon termination of employment, Employee shall promptly return to the Employer all notes, notebooks, memoranda, computer disks, and any other similar repositories of information containing or relating in any way to the Trade Secrets or proprietary or confidential information of the Employer, including but not limited to, the documents referred to in paragraph 7(h).  Such repositories of information also include but are not limited to any so-called personal files or other personal data compilations in any form, which in any manner contain any Trade Secrets, or proprietary or confidential information of Employer.

 

(l)                                      Notice to Employer .  Employee agrees to notify Employer immediately of any employers for whom Employee works or provides services (whether or not for remuneration to Employee or a third party) during the Services Term or within the Restrictive Period.

 

(m)                              During the Services Term, except as permitted pursuant to paragraph 2(c) hereof, Employee agrees not to engage in any activity, directly or indirectly, whether as a consultant, principal, employee, agent or owner, or otherwise, in the Excluded Businesses other than through Employer or any Permitted Entity (as hereinafter defined); provided, however, the foregoing will not prevent Employee from:

 

(i)                                      holding at any time less than 20% of the outstanding capital stock of any company engaged in an Excluded Business whose stock is publicly traded, or

 

(ii)                                   making an investment (irrespective of the size of the investment) in any privately held entity provided that Employee complies with the provisions of paragraph 7(n).  As used herein, a “Permitted Entity” shall mean:

 

(i)                                      any subsidiary of Employer;

 

(ii)                                   affiliate owned or controlled by Employer; or

 

(iii)                                any entity in which Employer has an ownership interest that is engaged in the exploration, production, or acquisition of any oil and gas assets.

 

(n)                                  Except for activities and business opportunities engaged in by Employee pursuant to paragraph 2(c), during the Services Term Employee will offer to Employer on a “first look” basis all business opportunities or potential business opportunities relating to the Excluded Businesses that are offered to Employee.  If, after offering a business opportunity to Employer, Employer determines not to pursue such business opportunity (or fails to respond in writing to such offer within ten (10) business days following the date such opportunity is offered in

 

6



 

writing to Employer), Employee may engage in any such opportunity in the event that:

 

(i)                                      such engagement does not interfere with Employee’s obligations hereunder; and

 

(ii)                                   the Board has expressly consented in writing to such engagement by Employee, including with respect to the scope and terms thereof.

 

(o)                                  To the extent permitted by law, all rights worldwide with respect to any and all intellectual or other property of any nature produced, created, developed or written, or suggested by Employee resulting from Employee’s services for Employer (“ Intellectual Property ”) shall be deemed to be a work made for hire and shall be the sole and exclusive property of Employer.  Employee agrees to execute, acknowledge and deliver to Employer, at Employer’s request, such further documents as Employer finds appropriate to evidence Employer’s rights in such property.

 

(p)                                  For the purposes of this paragraph 7 Employee acknowledges that:

 

(i)                                      any reference to the interest of Employer will be taken to include the interest of Sundance and its related bodies corporate, and Employee will have the same regard to the interest of Sundance and its related bodies corporate as to the interest of Employer; and

 

(ii)                                   any reference to Employer will be taken to be a reference to Sundance and its related bodies corporate, to the maximum extent permitted by the context.

 

8.                                       Termination

 

(a)                                  Employer may terminate Employee’s employment only for “Good Cause”.  As used hereunder, “Good Cause” shall mean:

 

(i)                                      willful misconduct which results in a material breach or substantial failure by Employee to comply with or perform a material term of this Agreement;

 

(ii)                                   Employee’s gross negligence in the performance of his duties for Employer;

 

(iii)                                the commitment of a fraud on Employer, or

 

(iv)                               any conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, any felony involving a crime of moral turpitude.

 

In the event of termination for Good Cause, all of Employer’s obligations hereunder shall terminate immediately, except that Employer shall be obligated to pay or accord to Employee the salary, benefits and other compensation provided herein accruing or earned through the date of termination.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Good Cause” shall not be deemed to exist unless Employee has received written notice of termination for Good Cause (which written notice shall state the cause), and, if curable, Employee fails to cure such element of Good Cause within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of such notice or, if longer, such reasonable period as

 

7


 

is required to cure such element, provided Employee pursues such cure diligently.

 

(b)                                  In the event of Employee’s death during the Services Term hereof, this Agreement shall terminate and Employer shall only be obligated to pay Employee’s estate or legal representative the salary provided for herein to the extent accrued or earned by Employee prior to such event and to accord Employee’s estate or legal representative such accrued benefits and other compensation to which Employee was then entitled at the time of such event.

 

(c)                                   In the event Employee is unable to perform substantially the services required of Employee hereunder as a result of any disability due to physical or mental injury, disability or illness and such disability continues for a period of one hundred fifty (150) or more consecutive days or an aggregate of two hundred (200) or more days during any 12 month period during the Services Term hereof, then at any time thereafter while such disability continues, Employer shall have the right, at its option, to terminate Employee’s employment hereunder.  Unless and until so terminated, during any period of disability during which Employee is unable to perform the services required of Employee hereunder, Employee’s salary hereunder shall nevertheless be paid, and Employer shall be obligated to pay or accord to Employee the benefits and other compensation provided herein.  In the event of a dispute as to whether the Employee is disabled within the meaning of this paragraph 8(c), or the duration of any disability, either party may request a medical examination of the Employee by a doctor appointed by the Chief of Staff of a hospital selected by mutual agreement of the parties, or as the parties may otherwise agree, and the written medical opinion of such doctor shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties as to whether the Employee has become disabled and the date when such disability arose.  The cost of any such medical examinations shall be borne by Employer.

 

(d)                                  If this Agreement shall be terminated by Employer for any reason, Employee shall have no duty to seek other employment or otherwise mitigate damages, and any compensation or other consideration received by Employee followed by any such termination shall not be offset against any of Employer’s obligations hereunder.

 

(e)                                   This Agreement can be terminated by Employee with ninety (90) days written notice to Employer. If Employee so terminates the Agreement pursuant to this paragraph 8(e), then this Agreement shall terminate and Employer shall only be obligated to pay Employee the salary provided for herein to the extent accrued or earned by Employee prior to such event and to accord Employee such accrued benefits and other compensation to which Employee was then entitled at the time of such event.

 

(f)                                    If, as a direct result of change in the control of Sundance, at the instigation of the Sundance Board Employee suffers a material diminution in his status as Chief Executive Officer of Employer or Managing Director of Sundance or both, including, without limitation, through a material change in his authority in respect of the business of Sundance or any subsidiary of Sundance or in his reporting relationship with the Sundance Board, then:

 

8



 

(i)                                      Employee may, within two months of such diminution in status, elect by giving two weeks written notice to Employer to treat his employment as being terminated by Employer other than for “Good Cause” under this Agreement;

 

(ii)                                   if Employee gives such notice his employment will cease at the end of the period of two weeks written notice; and

 

(iii)                                any cessation of employment will have no effect on the other continuing rights and obligations that are created by this Agreement.

 

9.                                       Assignment

 

Employer may assign this Agreement or all or any part of its rights and obligations hereunder in connection with any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of Employer’s assets, or other sale of the business to which this Agreement relates to an acquiring or surviving party that succeeds to all or substantially all of Employer’s business or assets, and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of such assignee, provided that nothing shall diminish Employee’s rights, status, position or duties hereunder. Such assignment shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement by Employer. Employee acknowledges that this Agreement is a personal services contract and that Employee’s rights and obligations hereunder are not assignable.

 

10.                                Notices

 

All notices, statements and other documents required or desired to be given shall be made in writing and should be made by personal (or messenger) delivery by mail or by telecopier or fax and should be addressed to the parties as follows:

 

To Employer:                      Sundance Energy Inc

 

633 17 th  Street

Suite 1950

Denver, Colorado 80202

Fax: (303) 543-5701

 

To Employee:                    Eric McCrady

919 South Gilpin Street

Denver, Colorado 80209

 

Any party may change its address for purposes of receiving notices, statements or other documents by a notice to the other parties. Notice given by mail shall be deemed to be given three days after the date of mailing thereof. Notice given by telecopier or fax shall be deemed given upon confirmed receipt. Notice by personal (or messenger) delivery shall be deemed given upon confirmed receipt.

 

11.                                Employer

 

Employee acknowledges that any consent, waiver, negotiation, decision or approval by “Employer” pursuant to this Agreement (including, without limitation, any

 

9



 

amendment to this Agreement) may only be made by Employer with the approval of Employer’s Board.

 

12.                                Representations and warranties of Employee

 

Employee hereby represents and warrants that:

 

(a)                                  Employee has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement;

 

(b)                                  the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby will not result in a breach of or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any contact or agreement to which such Employee is a party or by which Employee is bound;

 

(c)                                   Employee is under no obligations or commitments, whether contractual or otherwise, that are inconsistent with Employee’s obligations under this Agreement.

 

13.                                Specific Enforcement

 

Employee acknowledges that a breach of this Agreement is likely to result in irreparable and unreasonable harm to Employer, and that injunctive relief, as well as damages would be an appropriate remedy.

 

14.                                Arbitration

 

Any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with any provision of this Agreement will be finally settled by binding arbitration in Denver County, Colorado in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association by one arbitrator appointed in accordance with said rules. The arbitrator shall apply Colorado law, without reference to rules of conflicts of law or rules or statutory arbitration, to the resolution of any dispute. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for preliminary or interim equitable relief, or to compel arbitration in accordance with this paragraph, without breach of this arbitration provision.

 

15.                                Miscellaneous

 

(a)                                  This Agreement supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements and statements, whether written or oral, concerning the terms of Employee’s employment, and no amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be binding against Employer unless set forth in writing signed by Employer and delivered to Employee. No waiver by either party of any breach by the other party of any provision or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of any similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same or any prior or subsequent time.

 

(b)                                  The headings set forth herein are included solely for the purpose of identification and shall not be used for the purpose of construing the meaning of the provisions of this agreement.

 

10



 

(c)                                   Nothing herein contained shall be construed so as to require the commission of any act contrary to law, and wherever there is any conflict between any provision of this Agreement and any present or future statute, law, ordinance or regulation, the latter shall prevail, but in such event the provision of this Agreement affected shall be curtailed and limited only to the extent necessary to bring it within legal requirements.

 

(d)                                  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, without regard to any choice of law provision of that state or the laws of any jurisdiction. In accordance with the Immigration Report and Control Act of 1986, employment hereunder is conditioned upon satisfactory proof of Employee’s identity and legal ability to work in the United States.

 

(e)                                   All payments and other compensation provided or to be provided to Employee pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to reduction for withholding requirements in accordance with applicable law.

 

(f)                                    This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(g)                                   In the event of any action or suit based upon or arising out of this Agreement, the prevailing party will be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs of such action or suit from other party.

 

(h)                                  Part or all of any clause of this Agreement that is illegal or unenforceable will be severed from this Agreement and the remaining provisions of this Agreement will continue in force.

 

(i)                                      If this Agreement provides for any payment(s) or benefit(s) that is or are (whether alone or in conjunction with any other payments or benefits):

 

(i)                                      greater than permitted under the Australian Corporations Act 2001 ( “Corporations Act” ) or the ASX Listing Rules without the need to obtain any form of shareholder approval; or

 

(ii)                                   not permitted under the Corporations Act or the ASX Listing Rules,

 

then the payment or benefit will be reduced to the greatest amount permitted (if any), either:

 

(iii)                                without the need for such shareholder approval, or;

 

(iv)                               by the Corporations Act or ASX Listing Rules,

 

or not paid or provided as the case may be and such reduction or non payment or provision will not amount to a breach of this Agreement.  Employer may, in its absolute discretion, apportion such a reduction between any one or more payments or benefits under this Agreement.  For the avoidance of doubt, where:

 

11



 

(A)                                shareholder approval has been obtained for Sundance or the Employer (as applicable) to make a payment or provide a benefit to the Employee, including but not limited to any issue of shares, options or other securities by Sundance; and

 

(B)                                that payment or benefit is permitted under the Corporations Act and the ASX Listing Rules,

 

this paragraph 15(i) will not apply to Sundance or the Employer providing that payment or benefit to the Employee.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

12



 

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

 

Employer:

 

Employee:

 

 

 

Sundance Energy Inc

 

Eric McCrady

 

 

 

BY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITS: Manager

 

 

 

13



 

Exhibit A

 

LIST OF BENEFITS

 

·                                           21 days per year of paid time off

 

·                                           All Employer-observed holidays

 

·                                           Medical insurance for Employee

 

·                                           Employer stock options/restricted share units as approved by the Board of the Employer and the Board of Sundance, and the shareholders of Sundance where applicable.

 

14




Exhibit 8.1

 

SUBSIDIARIES OF SUNDANCE ENERGY AUSTRALIA LIMITED

 

Sundance Energy, Inc., a Colorado corporation

 

Sundance Energy Oklahoma, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

 

SEA Eagle Ford, LLC, a Texas limited liability company

 

Armadillo Eagle Ford Holdings, Inc., a Delaware limited liability company

 

Armadillo E&P, Inc., a Delaware corporation

 

1




Exhibit 15.1

 

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE

Washington, DC 20549

 

January 21, 2014

 

Dear Sir or Madam:

 

We have read the statements made by Sundance Energy Australia Limited in the section titled “Changes in Certifying Accountant” in this Registration Statement on Form F-1 as amended and agree with the statements concerning our Firm contained therein.

 

Very truly yours,

 

/s/ GRANT THORNTON SOUTH AUSTRALIAN PARTNERSHIP

 




Exhibit 15.2

 

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE

Washington, DC 20549

 

July 11, 2014

 

Dear Sir or Madam:

 

We have read the statements made by Sundance Energy Australia Limited in the section titled “Changes in Certifying Accountant” in this Registration Statement on Form 20-F and agree with the statements concerning our Firm contained therein.

 

Very truly yours,

 

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 


 



Exhibit 15.3

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” and to the use of our report dated 11 July 2014, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Sundance Energy Australia Limited as of December 31, 2013 and the year then ended and as of December 31, 2012 and for the six-month period then ended and our report dated 18 October 2013, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Sundance Energy Australia Limited as of December, 31 2012 and the six months ended December 31, 2012, included in the this Registration Statement (Form 20-F), filed with the Securities Exchange Commission.

 

 

/s/ Ernst & Young

680 George Street

Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

11 July 2014

 




Exhibit 15.4

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We have issued our report dated October 18, 2013, with respect to the financial statements of Sundance Energy Australia Limited contained in the Registration Statement.  We consent to the use of the aforementioned report in the Registration Statement and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption “Experts.”

 

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 

 

 

Denver, Colorado

 

July 11 , 2014

 

 




Exhibit 15.5

 

 

 

Audit

Riparian Plaza
71 Eagle Street
Brisbane Qld 4000


GPO Box 223
Brisbane Qld 4001
Australia

 

 

ABN: 51 194 660 183

Telephone: +61 7 3233 3111
Facsimile: +61 7 3233 3100
www.kpmg.com.au

 

The Board of Directors

Our ref

21452710_1.DOCX

Armadillo Petroleum Limited (formerly Texon Petroleum Limited)

 

32 Beulah Road

Contact

Stephen J Board (+61 7 3233 3259)

Norwood SA 5067

 

 

 

11 July 2014

 

 

Dear Sirs/Mesdames

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We consent to the use of our report dated 18 October 2013, with respect to the consolidated statements of financial position of Armadillo Petroleum Limited (formerly Texon Petroleum Limited) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes 1 to 30 of the consolidated financial statements, incorporated herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Statement by Experts” in the Form 20-F.

 

 

/s/ KPMG

 

KPMG

Brisbane, Australia

11 July 2014

 

KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity.

 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

 




Exhibit 15.6

 

GRAPHIC

 

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS AND GEOLOGISTS

 

We hereby consent to the use of our estimates of proved reserves and future revenue of Sundance Energy, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sundance Energy Australia Limited, as of June 30, 2011; June 30, 2012; December 31, 2012; and December 31, 2013, and information based on our reserves reports in this Form 20-F.

 

 

NETHERLAND, SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ C.H. (Scott) Rees III

 

 

C.H. (Scott) Rees III, P.E.

 

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Dallas, Texas

July 11, 2014

 

 

Please be advised that the digital document you are viewing is provided by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (NSAI) as a convenience to our clients. The digital document is intended to be substantively the same as the original signed document maintained by NSAI. The digital document is subject to the parameters, limitations, and conditions stated in the original document. In the event of any differences between the digital document and the original document, the original document shall control and supersede the digital document.

 

 




Exhibit 15.7

 

GRAPHIC

 

December 5, 2013

 

Mr. Eric McCrady

Sundance Energy, Inc.

633 17 th  Street, Suite 1950

Denver, Colorado 80202

 

Dear Mr. McCrady:

 

In accordance with your request, we have estimated the proved reserves and future revenue, as of June 30, 2011, to the Sundance Energy, Inc. (Sundance) interest in certain oil and gas properties located in Colorado, Kansas, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.  We completed our evaluation on or about September 16, 2011.  It is our understanding that the proved reserves estimated in this report constitute all of the proved reserves owned by Sundance as June 30, 2011.  The estimates in this report have been prepared in accordance with the definitions and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and, with the exception of the exclusion of future income taxes, conform to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas.  Definitions are presented immediately following this letter.  This report has been prepared for Sundance’s use in filing with the SEC; in our opinion the assumptions, data, methods, and procedures used in the preparation of this report are appropriate for such purpose.

 

We estimate the net reserves and future net revenue to the Sundance interest in these properties, as of June 30, 2011, to be:

 

 

 

Net Reserves

 

Future Net Revenue (M$)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil

 

Gas

 

 

 

Present Worth

 

Category

 

(MBBL)

 

(MMCF)

 

Total

 

at 10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved Developed Producing

 

1,160.9

 

1,748.2

 

62,604.9

 

38,046.1

 

Proved Developed Non-Producing

 

335.6

 

889.0

 

13,090.0

 

5,584.5

 

Proved Undeveloped

 

3,291.4

 

5,055.0

 

109,532.1

 

33,865.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Proved

 

4,787.9

 

7,692.2

 

185,227.0

 

77,495.9

 

 

The oil volumes shown include crude oil and condensate.  Oil volumes are expressed in thousands of barrels (MBBL); a barrel is equivalent to 42 United States gallons.  Gas volumes are expressed in millions of cubic feet (MMCF) at standard temperature and pressure bases.

 

The estimates shown in this report are for proved reserves.  As requested, probable and possible reserves that exist for these properties have not been included.  This report does not include any value that could be attributed to interests in undeveloped acreage beyond those tracts for which undeveloped reserves have been estimated.  Reserves categorization conveys the relative degree of certainty; reserves subcategorization is based on development and production status.  The estimates of reserves and future revenue included herein have not been adjusted for risk.

 

Gross revenue is Sundance’s share of the gross (100 percent) revenue from the properties prior to any deductions.  Future net revenue is after deductions for Sundance’s share of production taxes, ad valorem taxes, capital costs, and operating expenses but before consideration of any income taxes.  The future net revenue has been discounted at an annual rate of 10 percent to determine its present worth, which is shown to indicate the effect of time on the value of money.  Future net revenue presented in this report, whether discounted or undiscounted, should not be construed as being the fair market value of the properties.

 

 



 

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Prices used in this report are based on the 12-month unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month in the period July 2010 through June 2011.  For oil volumes, the average NYMEX West Texas Intermediate (WTI) price of $90.09 per barrel is adjusted by field for quality, transportation fees, and regional price differentials.  For gas volumes, the average NYMEX Henry Hub price of $4.313 per MMBTU is adjusted by field for energy content, transportation fees, and regional price differentials.  As a reference, for the same time period the average Plains Marketing, L.P. WTI posted price was $86.60 per barrel and the average Platts Gas Daily Henry Hub spot price was $4.209 per MMBTU.  All prices are held constant throughout the lives of the properties.  For the proved reserves, the average adjusted product prices weighted by production over the remaining lives of the properties are $77.70 per barrel of oil and $5.030 per MCF of gas.

 

Operating costs used in this report are based on operating expense records of Sundance.  These costs include the per-well overhead expenses allowed under joint operating agreements along with estimates of costs to be incurred at and below the district and field levels.  Operating costs have been divided into per-well costs and per-unit-of-production costs.  Headquarters general and administrative overhead expenses of Sundance are included to the extent that they are covered under joint operating agreements for the operated properties.  Operating costs are not escalated for inflation.

 

Capital costs used in this report were provided by Sundance and are based on authorizations for expenditure and actual costs from recent activity.  Capital costs are included as required for workovers, new development wells, and production equipment.  Based on our understanding of future development plans, a review of the records provided to us, and our knowledge of similar properties, we regard these estimated capital costs to be reasonable.  Capital costs costs are not escalated for inflation.  As requested, our estimates do not include any salvage value for the lease and well equipment or the cost of abandoning the properties.

 

For the purposes of this report, we did not perform any field inspection of the properties, nor did we examine the mechanical operation or condition of the wells and facilities.  We have not investigated possible environmental liability related to the properties; therefore, our estimates do not include any costs due to such possible liability.

 

We have made no investigation of potential volume and value imbalances resulting from overdelivery or underdelivery to the Sundance interest.  Therefore, our estimates of reserves and future revenue do not include adjustments for the settlement of any such imbalances; our projections are based on Sundance receiving its net revenue interest share of estimated future gross production.

 

The reserves shown in this report are estimates only and should not be construed as exact quantities.  Proved reserves are those quantities of oil and gas which, by analysis of engineering and geoscience data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible; probable and possible reserves are those additional reserves which are sequentially less certain to be recovered than proved reserves.  Estimates of reserves may increase or decrease as a result of market conditions, future operations, changes in regulations, or actual reservoir performance.  In addition to the primary economic assumptions discussed herein, our estimates are based on certain assumptions including, but not limited to, that the properties will be developed consistent with current development plans, that the properties will be operated in a prudent manner, that no governmental regulations or controls will be put in place that would impact the ability of the interest owner to recover the reserves, and that our projections of future production will prove consistent with actual performance.  If the reserves are recovered, the revenues therefrom and the costs related thereto could be more or less than the estimated amounts.  Because of governmental policies and uncertainties of supply and demand, the sales rates, prices received for the reserves, and costs incurred in recovering such reserves may vary from assumptions made while preparing this report.

 

For the purposes of this report, we used technical and economic data including, but not limited to, geologic maps, well test data, production data, historical price and cost information, and property ownership interests.  The reserves in this report have been estimated using deterministic methods; these estimates have been prepared in accordance with the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Standards).  We used standard engineering and

 



 

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geoscience methods, or a combination of methods, including performance analysis and analogy, that we considered to be appropriate and necessary to categorize and estimate reserves in accordance with SEC definitions and regulations.  A substantial portion of these reserves are for behind-pipe zones, non-producing zones, undeveloped locations, and producing wells that lack sufficient production history upon which performance-related estimates of reserves can be based; such reserves are based on analogy to properties with similar geologic and reservoir characteristics.  As in all aspects of oil and gas evaluation, there are uncertainties inherent in the interpretation of engineering and geoscience data; therefore, our conclusions necessarily represent only informed professional judgment.

 

The data used in our estimates were obtained from Sundance, public data sources, and the nonconfidential files of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. and were accepted as accurate.  Supporting work data are on file in our office.  We have not examined the titles to the properties or independently confirmed the actual degree or type of interest owned.  The technical persons responsible for preparing the estimates presented herein meet the requirements regarding qualifications, independence, objectivity, and confidentiality set forth in the SPE Standards.  We are independent petroleum engineers, geologists, geophysicists, and petrophysicists; we do not own an interest in these properties nor are we employed on a contingent basis.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

NETHERLAND, SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.

 

Texas Registered Engineering Firm F-2699

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ C.H. (Scott) Rees III

 

By:

 

 

 

C.H. (Scott) Rees III, P.E.

 

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Joseph J. Spellman

 

By:

 

 

 

Joseph J. Spellman, P.E. 73709

 

 

Senior Vice President

 

 

 

 

Date Signed: December 5, 2013

 

DMA:TNU

 

 

Please be advised that the digital document you are viewing is provided by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (NSAI) as a convenience to our clients. The digital document is intended to be substantively the same as the original signed document maintained by NSAI. The digital document is subject to the parameters, limitations, and conditions stated in the original document. In the event of any differences between the digital document and the original document, the original document shall control and supersede the digital document.

 

 

 



 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

The following definitions are set forth in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a).  Also included is supplemental information from (1) the 2007 Petroleum Resources Management System approved by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, (2) the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas, and (3) the SEC’s Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations.

 

(1)  Acquisition of properties.  Costs incurred to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire a property, including costs of lease bonuses and options to purchase or lease properties, the portion of costs applicable to minerals when land including mineral rights is purchased in fee, brokers’ fees, recording fees, legal costs, and other costs incurred in acquiring properties.

 

(2)  Analogous reservoir .  Analogous reservoirs, as used in resources assessments, have similar rock and fluid properties, reservoir conditions (depth, temperature, and pressure) and drive mechanisms, but are typically at a more advanced stage of development than the reservoir of interest and thus may provide concepts to assist in the interpretation of more limited data and estimation of recovery.  When used to support proved reserves, an “analogous reservoir” refers to a reservoir that shares the following characteristics with the reservoir of interest:

 

(i)              Same geological formation (but not necessarily in pressure communication with the reservoir of interest);

 

(ii)           Same environment of deposition;

 

(iii)        Similar geological structure; and

 

(iv)        Same drive mechanism.

 

Instruction to paragraph (a)(2) : Reservoir properties must, in the aggregate, be no more favorable in the analog than in the reservoir of interest.

 

(3)  Bitumen .  Bitumen, sometimes referred to as natural bitumen, is petroleum in a solid or semi-solid state in natural deposits with a viscosity greater than 10,000 centipoise measured at original temperature in the deposit and atmospheric pressure, on a gas free basis.  In its natural state it usually contains sulfur, metals, and other non-hydrocarbons.

 

(4)  Condensate .  Condensate is a mixture of hydrocarbons that exists in the gaseous phase at original reservoir temperature and pressure, but that, when produced, is in the liquid phase at surface pressure and temperature.

 

(5)  Deterministic estimate .  The method of estimating reserves or resources is called deterministic when a single value for each parameter (from the geoscience, engineering, or economic data) in the reserves calculation is used in the reserves estimation procedure.

 

(6)  Developed oil and gas reserves .  Developed oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that can be expected to be recovered:

 

(i)              Through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods or in which the cost of the required equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well; and

 

(ii)           Through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well.

 

 

 

Supplemental definitions from the 2007 Petroleum Resources Management System:

 

Developed Producing Reserves — Developed Producing Reserves are expected to be recovered from completion intervals that are open and producing at the time of the estimate. Improved recovery reserves are considered producing only after the improved recovery project is in operation.

 

Developed Non-Producing Reserves — Developed Non-Producing Reserves include shut-in and behind-pipe Reserves. Shut-in Reserves are expected to be recovered from (1) completion intervals which are open at the time of the estimate but which have not yet started producing, (2) wells which were shut-in for market conditions or pipeline connections, or (3) wells not capable of production for mechanical reasons. Behind-pipe Reserves are expected to be recovered from zones in existing wells which will require additional completion work or future recompletion prior to start of production. In all cases, production can be initiated or restored with relatively low expenditure compared to the cost of drilling a new well.

 

 

 

(7)  Development costs.  Costs incurred to obtain access to proved reserves and to provide facilities for extracting, treating, gathering and storing the oil and gas.  More specifically, development costs, including depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of development activities, are costs incurred to:

 

(i)              Gain access to and prepare well locations for drilling, including surveying well locations for the purpose of determining specific development drilling sites, clearing ground, draining, road building, and relocating public roads, gas lines, and power lines, to the extent necessary in developing the proved reserves.

(ii)           Drill and equip development wells, development-type stratigraphic test wells, and service wells, including the costs of platforms and of well equipment such as casing, tubing, pumping equipment, and the wellhead assembly.

 

Definitions - Page 1 of 6



 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(iii)        Acquire, construct, and install production facilities such as lease flow lines, separators, treaters, heaters, manifolds, measuring devices, and production storage tanks, natural gas cycling and processing plants, and central utility and waste disposal systems.

(iv)        Provide improved recovery systems.

 

(8)  Development project .  A development project is the means by which petroleum resources are brought to the status of economically producible.  As examples, the development of a single reservoir or field, an incremental development in a producing field, or the integrated development of a group of several fields and associated facilities with a common ownership may constitute a development project.

 

(9)  Development well .  A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.

 

(10)  Economically producible .  The term economically producible, as it relates to a resource, means a resource which generates revenue that exceeds, or is reasonably expected to exceed, the costs of the operation.  The value of the products that generate revenue shall be determined at the terminal point of oil and gas producing activities as defined in paragraph (a)(16) of this section.

 

(11) Estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) .  Estimated ultimate recovery is the sum of reserves remaining as of a given date and cumulative production as of that date.

 

(12) Exploration costs .  Costs incurred in identifying areas that may warrant examination and in examining specific areas that are considered to have prospects of containing oil and gas reserves, including costs of drilling exploratory wells and exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells.  Exploration costs may be incurred both before acquiring the related property (sometimes referred to in part as prospecting costs) and after acquiring the property.  Principal types of exploration costs, which include depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of exploration activities, are:

 

(i)              Costs of topographical, geographical and geophysical studies, rights of access to properties to conduct those studies, and salaries and other expenses of geologists, geophysical crews, and others conducting those studies.  Collectively, these are sometimes referred to as geological and geophysical or “G&G” costs.

(ii)           Costs of carrying and retaining undeveloped properties, such as delay rentals, ad valorem taxes on properties, legal costs for title defense, and the maintenance of land and lease records.

(iii)        Dry hole contributions and bottom hole contributions.

(iv)        Costs of drilling and equipping exploratory wells.

(v)           Costs of drilling exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells.

 

(13) Exploratory well .  An exploratory well is a well drilled to find a new field or to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or gas in another reservoir.  Generally, an exploratory well is any well that is not a development well, an extension well, a service well, or a stratigraphic test well as those items are defined in this section.

 

(14) Extension well .  An extension well is a well drilled to extend the limits of a known reservoir.

 

(15) Field .  An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on or related to the same individual geological structural feature and/or stratigraphic condition.  There may be two or more reservoirs in a field which are separated vertically by intervening impervious strata, or laterally by local geologic barriers, or by both.  Reservoirs that are associated by being in overlapping or adjacent fields may be treated as a single or common operational field.  The geological terms “structural feature” and “stratigraphic condition” are intended to identify localized geological features as opposed to the broader terms of basins, trends, provinces, plays, areas-of-interest, etc.

 

(16) Oil and gas producing activities .

 

(i)              Oil and gas producing activities include:

 

(A)         The search for crude oil, including condensate and natural gas liquids, or natural gas (“oil and gas”) in their natural states and original locations;

(B)         The acquisition of property rights or properties for the purpose of further exploration or for the purpose of removing the oil or gas from such properties;

(C)        The construction, drilling, and production activities necessary to retrieve oil and gas from their natural reservoirs, including the acquisition, construction, installation, and maintenance of field gathering and storage systems, such as:

(1)          Lifting the oil and gas to the surface; and

(2)          Gathering, treating, and field processing (as in the case of processing gas to extract liquid hydrocarbons); and

 

Definitions - Page 2 of 6


 

GRAPHIC

 

 

DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(D)       Extraction of saleable hydrocarbons, in the solid, liquid, or gaseous state, from oil sands, shale, coalbeds, or other nonrenewable natural resources which are intended to be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas, and activities undertaken with a view to such extraction.

 

Instruction 1 to paragraph (a)(16)(i) : The oil and gas production function shall be regarded as ending at a “terminal point”, which is the outlet valve on the lease or field storage tank.  If unusual physical or operational circumstances exist, it may be appropriate to regard the terminal point for the production function as:

 

a.              The first point at which oil, gas, or gas liquids, natural or synthetic, are delivered to a main pipeline, a common carrier, a refinery, or a marine terminal; and

b.             In the case of natural resources that are intended to be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas, if those natural resources are delivered to a purchaser prior to upgrading, the first point at which the natural resources are delivered to a main pipeline, a common carrier, a refinery, a marine terminal, or a facility which upgrades such natural resources into synthetic oil or gas.

 

Instruction 2 to paragraph (a)(16)(i): For purposes of this paragraph (a)(16), the term saleable hydrocarbons means hydrocarbons that are saleable in the state in which the hydrocarbons are delivered.

 

(ii)           Oil and gas producing activities do not include:

 

(A)        Transporting, refining, or marketing oil and gas;

(B)        Processing of produced oil, gas, or natural resources that can be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas by a registrant that does not have the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in such production;

(C)        Activities relating to the production of natural resources other than oil, gas, or natural resources from which synthetic oil and gas can be extracted; or

(D)       Production of geothermal steam.

 

(17) Possible reserves.  Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves.

 

(i)              When deterministic methods are used, the total quantities ultimately recovered from a project have a low probability of exceeding proved plus probable plus possible reserves.  When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 10% probability that the total quantities ultimately recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates.

(ii)           Possible reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to probable reserves where data control and interpretations of available data are progressively less certain.  Frequently, this will be in areas where geoscience and engineering data are unable to define clearly the area and vertical limits of commercial production from the reservoir by a defined project.

(iii)        Possible reserves also include incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than the recovery quantities assumed for probable reserves.

(iv)       The proved plus probable and proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates must be based on reasonable alternative technical and commercial interpretations within the reservoir or subject project that are clearly documented, including comparisons to results in successful similar projects.

(v)          Possible reserves may be assigned where geoscience and engineering data identify directly adjacent portions of a reservoir within the same accumulation that may be separated from proved areas by faults with displacement less than formation thickness or other geological discontinuities and that have not been penetrated by a wellbore, and the registrant believes that such adjacent portions are in communication with the known (proved) reservoir.  Possible reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher or lower than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.

(vi)       Pursuant to paragraph (a)(22)(iii) of this section, where direct observation has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves should be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir above the HKO only if the higher contact can be established with reasonable certainty through reliable technology.  Portions of the reservoir that do not meet this reasonable certainty criterion may be assigned as probable and possible oil or gas based on reservoir fluid properties and pressure gradient interpretations.

 

(18) Probable reserves.  Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.

 

(i)              When deterministic methods are used, it is as likely as not that actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of estimated proved plus probable reserves.  When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 50% probability that the actual quantities recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable reserves estimates.

 

Definitions - Page 3 of 6



 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(ii)           Probable reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to proved reserves where data control or interpretations of available data are less certain, even if the interpreted reservoir continuity of structure or productivity does not meet the reasonable certainty criterion.  Probable reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.

(iii)        Probable reserves estimates also include potential incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than assumed for proved reserves.

(iv)       See also guidelines in paragraphs (a)(17)(iv) and (a)(17)(vi) of this section.

 

(19) Probabilistic estimate.  The method of estimation of reserves or resources is called probabilistic when the full range of values that could reasonably occur for each unknown parameter (from the geoscience and engineering data) is used to generate a full range of possible outcomes and their associated probabilities of occurrence.

 

(20) Production costs .

 

(i)              Costs incurred to operate and maintain wells and related equipment and facilities, including depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of operating and maintaining those wells and related equipment and facilities.  They become part of the cost of oil and gas produced.  Examples of production costs (sometimes called lifting costs) are:

 

(A)        Costs of labor to operate the wells and related equipment and facilities.

(B)        Repairs and maintenance.

(C)        Materials, supplies, and fuel consumed and supplies utilized in operating the wells and related equipment and facilities.

(D)       Property taxes and insurance applicable to proved properties and wells and related equipment and facilities.

(E)        Severance taxes.

 

(ii)           Some support equipment or facilities may serve two or more oil and gas producing activities and may also serve transportation, refining, and marketing activities.  To the extent that the support equipment and facilities are used in oil and gas producing activities, their depreciation and applicable operating costs become exploration, development or production costs, as appropriate.  Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of capitalized acquisition, exploration, and development costs are not production costs but also become part of the cost of oil and gas produced along with production (lifting) costs identified above.

 

(21) Proved area.  The part of a property to which proved reserves have been specifically attributed.

 

(22) Proved oil and gas reserves.  Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation.  The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.

 

(i)              The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes:

 

(A)        The area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts, if any, and

(B)        Adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.

 

(ii)           In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (LKH) as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower contact with reasonable certainty.

(iii)        Where direct observation from well penetrations has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher contact with reasonable certainty.

(iv)       Reserves which can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when:

 

(A)        Successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous

 

Definitions - Page 4 of 6



 

GRAPHIC

 

 

DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based; and

(B)         The project has been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.

 

(v)           Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined.  The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.

 

(23) Proved properties.   Properties with proved reserves.

 

(24) Reasonable certainty.   If deterministic methods are used, reasonable certainty means a high degree of confidence that the quantities will be recovered.  If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 90% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate.  A high degree of confidence exists if the quantity is much more likely to be achieved than not, and, as changes due to increased availability of geoscience (geological, geophysical, and geochemical), engineering, and economic data are made to estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) with time, reasonably certain EUR is much more likely to increase or remain constant than to decrease.

 

(25) Reliable technology.  Reliable technology is a grouping of one or more technologies (including computational methods) that has been field tested and has been demonstrated to provide reasonably certain results with consistency and repeatability in the formation being evaluated or in an analogous formation.

 

(26) Reserves.  Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations.  In addition, there must exist, or there must be a reasonable expectation that there will exist, the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in the production, installed means of delivering oil and gas or related substances to market, and all permits and financing required to implement the project.

 

Note to paragraph (a)(26) : Reserves should not be assigned to adjacent reservoirs isolated by major, potentially sealing, faults until those reservoirs are penetrated and evaluated as economically producible.  Reserves should not be assigned to areas that are clearly separated from a known accumulation by a non-productive reservoir (i.e., absence of reservoir, structurally low reservoir, or negative test results). Such areas may contain prospective resources (i.e., potentially recoverable resources from undiscovered accumulations).

 

 

Excerpted from the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities Oil and Gas :

 

932-235-50-30  A standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to an entity’s interests in both of the following shall be disclosed as of the end of the year:

 

a.           Proved oil and gas reserves (see paragraphs 932-235-50-3 through 50-11B)

 

b.           Oil and gas subject to purchase under long-term supply, purchase, or similar agreements and contracts in which the entity participates in the operation of the properties on which the oil or gas is located or otherwise serves as the producer of those reserves (see paragraph 932-235-50-7).

 

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to those two types of interests in reserves may be combined for reporting purposes.

 

932-235-50-31  All of the following information shall be disclosed in the aggregate and for each geographic area for which reserve quantities are disclosed in accordance with paragraphs 932-235-50-3 through 50-11B:

 

a.           Future cash inflows.  These shall be computed by applying prices used in estimating the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves to the year-end quantities of those reserves.  Future price changes shall be considered only to the extent provided by contractual arrangements in existence at year-end.

 

b.           Future development and production costs.  These costs shall be computed by estimating the expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved oil and gas reserves at the end of the year, based on year-end costs and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions.  If estimated development expenditures are significant, they shall be presented separately from estimated production costs.

 

c.           Future income tax expenses.  These expenses shall be computed by applying the appropriate year-end statutory tax rates, with consideration of future tax rates already legislated, to the future pretax net cash flows relating to the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves, less the tax basis of the properties involved.  The future income tax expenses shall give effect to tax deductions and tax credits and allowances relating to the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves.

 

d.           Future net cash flows.  These amounts are the result of subtracting future development and production costs and future income tax expenses from future cash inflows.

 

 

 

Definitions - Page 5 of 6



 

GRAPHIC

 

 

DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

 

e.           Discount.  This amount shall be derived from using a discount rate of 10 percent a year to reflect the timing of the future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves.

 

  f.             Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows.  This amount is the future net cash flows less the computed discount.

 

 

 

 

(27) Reservoir.   A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible oil and/or gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is individual and separate from other reservoirs.

 

(28) Resources.   Resources are quantities of oil and gas estimated to exist in naturally occurring accumulations.  A portion of the resources may be estimated to be recoverable, and another portion may be considered to be unrecoverable.  Resources include both discovered and undiscovered accumulations.

 

(29) Service well.   A well drilled or completed for the purpose of supporting production in an existing field.  Specific purposes of service wells include gas injection, water injection, steam injection, air injection, salt-water disposal, water supply for injection, observation, or injection for in-situ combustion.

 

(30) Stratigraphic test well.   A stratigraphic test well is a drilling effort, geologically directed, to obtain information pertaining to a specific geologic condition.  Such wells customarily are drilled without the intent of being completed for hydrocarbon production.  The classification also includes tests identified as core tests and all types of expendable holes related to hydrocarbon exploration.  Stratigraphic tests are classified as “exploratory type” if not drilled in a known area or “development type” if drilled in a known area.

 

(31) Undeveloped oil and gas reserves.   Undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

 

(i)              Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those directly offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of economic producibility at greater distances.

(ii)           Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, unless the specific circumstances, justify a longer time.

 

 

 

From the SEC’s Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations (October 26, 2009):

 

Although several types of projects — such as constructing offshore platforms and development in urban areas, remote locations or environmentally sensitive locations — by their nature customarily take a longer time to develop and therefore often do justify longer time periods, this determination must always take into consideration all of the facts and circumstances. No particular type of project per se justifies a longer time period, and any extension beyond five years should be the exception, and not the rule.

 

Factors that a company should consider in determining whether or not circumstances justify recognizing reserves even though development may extend past five years include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

·                    The company’s level of ongoing significant development activities in the area to be developed (for example, drilling only the minimum number of wells necessary to maintain the lease generally would not constitute significant development activities);

 

·                    The company’s historical record at completing development of comparable long-term projects;

 

·                    The amount of time in which the company has maintained the leases, or booked the reserves, without significant development activities;

 

·                    The extent to which the company has followed a previously adopted development plan (for example, if a company has changed its development plan several times without taking significant steps to implement any of those plans, recognizing proved undeveloped reserves typically would not be appropriate); and

 

·                    The extent to which delays in development are caused by external factors related to the physical operating environment (for example, restrictions on development on Federal lands, but not obtaining government permits), rather than by internal factors (for example, shifting resources to develop properties with higher priority).

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)        Under no circumstances shall estimates for undeveloped reserves be attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir, as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, or by other evidence using reliable technology establishing reasonable certainty.

 

(32) Unproved properties.   Properties with no proved reserves.

 

Definitions - Page 6 of 6




Exhibit 15.8

 

GRAPHIC

 

 

December 9, 2013

 

Mr. Eric McCrady

Sundance Energy, Inc.

633 17 th  Street, Suite 1950

Denver, Colorado 80202

 

Dear Mr. McCrady:

 

In accordance with your request, we have estimated the proved reserves and future revenue, as of June 30, 2012, to the Sundance Energy, Inc. (Sundance) interest in certain oil and gas properties located in Colorado, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.  We completed our evaluation on or about September 13, 2012.  It is our understanding that the proved reserves estimated in this report constitute approximately all of the proved reserves owned by Sundance as of June 30, 2012.  The estimates in this report have been prepared in accordance with the definitions and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and, with the exception of the exclusion of future income taxes, conform to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas.  Definitions are presented immediately following this letter.  This report has been prepared for Sundance’s use in filing with the SEC; in our opinion the assumptions, data, methods, and procedures used in the preparation of this report are appropriate for such purpose.

 

We estimate the net reserves and future net revenue to the Sundance interest in these properties, as of June 30, 2012, to be:

 

 

 

Net Reserves

 

Future Net Revenue (M$)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil

 

Gas

 

 

 

Present Worth

Category

 

(MBBL)

 

(MMCF)

 

Total

 

at 10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved Developed Producing

 

2,287.5

 

4,083.6

 

151,610.9

 

85,563.9

Proved Developed Non-Producing

 

277.1

 

820.7

 

16,153.1

 

8,832.0

Proved Undeveloped

 

5,414.8

 

8,147.4

 

253,065.7

 

80,021.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Proved

 

7,979.5

 

13,051.8

 

420,829.7

 

174,417.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals may not add because of rounding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The oil volumes shown include crude oil and condensate.  Oil volumes are expressed in thousands of barrels (MBBL); a barrel is equivalent to 42 United States gallons.  Gas volumes are expressed in millions of cubic feet (MMCF) at standard temperature and pressure bases.

 

The estimates shown in this report are for proved reserves.  As requested, probable and possible reserves that exist for these properties have not been included.  This report does not include any value that could be attributed to interests in undeveloped acreage beyond those tracts for which undeveloped reserves have been estimated.  Reserves categorization conveys the relative degree of certainty; reserves subcategorization is based on development and production status.  The estimates of reserves and future revenue included herein have not been adjusted for risk.

 

Gross revenue is Sundance’s share of the gross (100 percent) revenue from the properties prior to any deductions.  Future net revenue is after deductions for Sundance’s share of production taxes, ad valorem taxes, capital costs, and operating expenses but before consideration of any income taxes.  The future net revenue has

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

been discounted at an annual rate of 10 percent to determine its present worth, which is shown to indicate the effect of time on the value of money.  Future net revenue presented in this report, whether discounted or undiscounted, should not be construed as being the fair market value of the properties.

 

Prices used in this report are based on the 12-month unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month in the period July 2011 through June 2012.  For oil volumes, the average NYMEX West Texas Intermediate (WTI) price of $95.67 per barrel is adjusted by field for quality, transportation fees, and regional price differentials.  For gas volumes, the average Henry Hub spot price of $3.146 per MMBTU is adjusted by field for energy content, transportation fees, and regional price differentials.  As a reference, for the same time period the average Plains Marketing, L.P. WTI posted price was $92.17 per barrel.  All prices are held constant throughout the lives of the properties.  For the proved reserves, the average adjusted product prices weighted by production over the remaining lives of the properties are $87.82 per barrel of oil and $5.552 per MCF of gas.

 

Operating costs used in this report are based on operating expense records of Sundance.  These costs include the per-well overhead expenses allowed under joint operating agreements along with estimates of costs to be incurred at and below the district and field levels.  Operating costs have been divided into per-well costs and per-unit-of-production costs.  Headquarters general and administrative overhead expenses of Sundance are included to the extent that they are covered under joint operating agreements for the operated properties.  Operating costs are not escalated for inflation.

 

Capital costs used in this report were provided by Sundance and are based on authorizations for expenditure and actual costs from recent activity.  Capital costs are included as required for workovers, new development wells, and production equipment.  Based on our understanding of future development plans, a review of the records provided to us, and our knowledge of similar properties, we regard these estimated capital costs to be reasonable.  Capital costs are not escalated for inflation.  As requested, our estimates do not include any salvage value for the lease and well equipment or the cost of abandoning the properties.

 

For the purposes of this report, we did not perform any field inspection of the properties, nor did we examine the mechanical operation or condition of the wells and facilities.  We have not investigated possible environmental liability related to the properties; therefore, our estimates do not include any costs due to such possible liability.

 

We have made no investigation of potential volume and value imbalances resulting from overdelivery or underdelivery to the Sundance interest.  Therefore, our estimates of reserves and future revenue do not include adjustments for the settlement of any such imbalances; our projections are based on Sundance receiving its net revenue interest share of estimated future gross production.

 

The reserves shown in this report are estimates only and should not be construed as exact quantities.  Proved reserves are those quantities of oil and gas which, by analysis of engineering and geoscience data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible; probable and possible reserves are those additional reserves which are sequentially less certain to be recovered than proved reserves.  Estimates of reserves may increase or decrease as a result of market conditions, future operations, changes in regulations, or actual reservoir performance.  In addition to the primary economic assumptions discussed herein, our estimates are based on certain assumptions including, but not limited to, that the properties will be developed consistent with current development plans, that the properties will be operated in a prudent manner, that no governmental regulations or controls will be put in place that would impact the ability of the interest owner to recover the reserves, and that our projections of future production will prove consistent with actual performance.  If the reserves are recovered, the revenues therefrom and the costs related thereto could be more or less than the estimated amounts.  Because of governmental policies and uncertainties of supply and demand, the sales rates, prices received for the reserves, and costs incurred in recovering such reserves may vary from assumptions made while preparing this report.

 

For the purposes of this report, we used technical and economic data including, but not limited to, geologic maps, well test data, production data, historical price and cost information, and property ownership interests.  The

 



 

 

 

 

reserves in this report have been estimated using deterministic methods; these estimates have been prepared in accordance with the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Standards).  We used standard engineering and geoscience methods, or a combination of methods, including performance analysis and analogy, that we considered to be appropriate and necessary to categorize and estimate reserves in accordance with SEC definitions and regulations.  A substantial portion of these reserves are for behind-pipe zones, non-producing zones, undeveloped locations, and producing wells that lack sufficient production history upon which performance-related estimates of reserves can be based; such reserves are based on analogy to properties with similar geologic and reservoir characteristics.  As in all aspects of oil and gas evaluation, there are uncertainties inherent in the interpretation of engineering and geoscience data; therefore, our conclusions necessarily represent only informed professional judgment.

 

The data used in our estimates were obtained from Sundance, public data sources, and the nonconfidential files of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. and were accepted as accurate.  Supporting work data are on file in our office.  We have not examined the titles to the properties or independently confirmed the actual degree or type of interest owned.  The technical persons responsible for preparing the estimates presented herein meet the requirements regarding qualifications, independence, objectivity, and confidentiality set forth in the SPE Standards.  We are independent petroleum engineers, geologists, geophysicists, and petrophysicists; we do not own an interest in these properties nor are we employed on a contingent basis.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

NETHERLAND, SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.

 

Texas Registered Engineering Firm F-2699

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ C.H. (Scott) Rees III

 

By:

 

C.H. (Scott) Rees III, P.E.

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Joseph J. Spellman

 

By:

 

Joseph J. Spellman, P.E. 73709

 

Senior Vice President

 

 

 

Date Signed: December 9, 2013

 

DMA:TNU

 

 

Please be advised that the digital document you are viewing is provided by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (NSAI) as a convenience to our clients. The digital document is intended to be substantively the same as the original signed document maintained by NSAI. The digital document is subject to the parameters, limitations, and conditions stated in the original document. In the event of any differences between the digital document and the original document, the original document shall control and supersede the digital document.

 

 


 

GRAPHIC

 

 

DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

The following definitions are set forth in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a).  Also included is supplemental information from (1) the 2007 Petroleum Resources Management System approved by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, (2) the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas, and (3) the SEC’s Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations.

 

(1)  Acquisition of properties.  Costs incurred to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire a property, including costs of lease bonuses and options to purchase or lease properties, the portion of costs applicable to minerals when land including mineral rights is purchased in fee, brokers’ fees, recording fees, legal costs, and other costs incurred in acquiring properties.

 

(2)  Analogous reservoir .  Analogous reservoirs, as used in resources assessments, have similar rock and fluid properties, reservoir conditions (depth, temperature, and pressure) and drive mechanisms, but are typically at a more advanced stage of development than the reservoir of interest and thus may provide concepts to assist in the interpretation of more limited data and estimation of recovery.  When used to support proved reserves, an “analogous reservoir” refers to a reservoir that shares the following characteristics with the reservoir of interest:

 

(i)              Same geological formation (but not necessarily in pressure communication with the reservoir of interest);

(ii)           Same environment of deposition;

(iii)        Similar geological structure; and

(iv)        Same drive mechanism.

 

Instruction to paragraph (a)(2) : Reservoir properties must, in the aggregate, be no more favorable in the analog than in the reservoir of interest.

 

(3)  Bitumen .  Bitumen, sometimes referred to as natural bitumen, is petroleum in a solid or semi-solid state in natural deposits with a viscosity greater than 10,000 centipoise measured at original temperature in the deposit and atmospheric pressure, on a gas free basis.  In its natural state it usually contains sulfur, metals, and other non-hydrocarbons.

 

(4)  Condensate .  Condensate is a mixture of hydrocarbons that exists in the gaseous phase at original reservoir temperature and pressure, but that, when produced, is in the liquid phase at surface pressure and temperature.

 

(5)  Deterministic estimate .  The method of estimating reserves or resources is called deterministic when a single value for each parameter (from the geoscience, engineering, or economic data) in the reserves calculation is used in the reserves estimation procedure.

 

(6)  Developed oil and gas reserves .  Developed oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that can be expected to be recovered:

 

(i)              Through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods or in which the cost of the required equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well; and

(ii)           Through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well.

 

 

 

 

Supplemental definitions from the 2007 Petroleum Resources Management System:

 

Developed Producing Reserves – Developed Producing Reserves are expected to be recovered from completion intervals that are open and producing at the time of the estimate.  Improved recovery reserves are considered producing only after the improved recovery project is in operation.

 

Developed Non-Producing Reserves – Developed Non-Producing Reserves include shut-in and behind-pipe Reserves.  Shut-in Reserves are expected to be recovered from (1) completion intervals which are open at the time of the estimate but which have not yet started producing, (2) wells which were shut-in for market conditions or pipeline connections, or (3) wells not capable of production for mechanical reasons.  Behind-pipe Reserves are expected to be recovered from zones in existing wells which will require additional completion work or future recompletion prior to start of production.  In all cases, production can be initiated or restored with relatively low expenditure compared to the cost of drilling a new well.

 

 

 

 

 

(7)  Development costs.  Costs incurred to obtain access to proved reserves and to provide facilities for extracting, treating, gathering and storing the oil and gas.  More specifically, development costs, including depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of development activities, are costs incurred to:

 

(i)              Gain access to and prepare well locations for drilling, including surveying well locations for the purpose of determining specific development drilling sites, clearing ground, draining, road building, and relocating public roads, gas lines, and power lines, to the extent necessary in developing the proved reserves.

(ii)           Drill and equip development wells, development-type stratigraphic test wells, and service wells, including the costs of platforms and of well equipment such as casing, tubing, pumping equipment, and the wellhead assembly.

 

Definitions - Page 1 of 6



 

GRAPHIC

 

 

DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(iii)        Acquire, construct, and install production facilities such as lease flow lines, separators, treaters, heaters, manifolds, measuring devices, and production storage tanks, natural gas cycling and processing plants, and central utility and waste disposal systems.

(iv)        Provide improved recovery systems.

 

(8)  Development project .  A development project is the means by which petroleum resources are brought to the status of economically producible.  As examples, the development of a single reservoir or field, an incremental development in a producing field, or the integrated development of a group of several fields and associated facilities with a common ownership may constitute a development project.

 

(9)  Development well .  A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.

 

(10)  Economically producible .  The term economically producible, as it relates to a resource, means a resource which generates revenue that exceeds, or is reasonably expected to exceed, the costs of the operation.  The value of the products that generate revenue shall be determined at the terminal point of oil and gas producing activities as defined in paragraph (a)(16) of this section.

 

(11) Estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) .  Estimated ultimate recovery is the sum of reserves remaining as of a given date and cumulative production as of that date.

 

(12) Exploration costs .  Costs incurred in identifying areas that may warrant examination and in examining specific areas that are considered to have prospects of containing oil and gas reserves, including costs of drilling exploratory wells and exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells.  Exploration costs may be incurred both before acquiring the related property (sometimes referred to in part as prospecting costs) and after acquiring the property.  Principal types of exploration costs, which include depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of exploration activities, are:

 

(i)              Costs of topographical, geographical and geophysical studies, rights of access to properties to conduct those studies, and salaries and other expenses of geologists, geophysical crews, and others conducting those studies.  Collectively, these are sometimes referred to as geological and geophysical or “G&G” costs.

(ii)           Costs of carrying and retaining undeveloped properties, such as delay rentals, ad valorem taxes on properties, legal costs for title defense, and the maintenance of land and lease records.

(iii)        Dry hole contributions and bottom hole contributions.

(iv)        Costs of drilling and equipping exploratory wells.

(v)           Costs of drilling exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells.

 

(13) Exploratory well .  An exploratory well is a well drilled to find a new field or to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or gas in another reservoir.  Generally, an exploratory well is any well that is not a development well, an extension well, a service well, or a stratigraphic test well as those items are defined in this section.

 

(14) Extension well .  An extension well is a well drilled to extend the limits of a known reservoir.

 

(15) Field .  An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on or related to the same individual geological structural feature and/or stratigraphic condition.  There may be two or more reservoirs in a field which are separated vertically by intervening impervious strata, or laterally by local geologic barriers, or by both.  Reservoirs that are associated by being in overlapping or adjacent fields may be treated as a single or common operational field.  The geological terms “structural feature” and “stratigraphic condition” are intended to identify localized geological features as opposed to the broader terms of basins, trends, provinces, plays, areas-of-interest, etc.

 

(16) Oil and gas producing activities .

 

(i)              Oil and gas producing activities include:

 

(A)         The search for crude oil, including condensate and natural gas liquids, or natural gas (“oil and gas”) in their natural states and original locations;

(B)         The acquisition of property rights or properties for the purpose of further exploration or for the purpose of removing the oil or gas from such properties;

(C)        The construction, drilling, and production activities necessary to retrieve oil and gas from their natural reservoirs, including the acquisition, construction, installation, and maintenance of field gathering and storage systems, such as:

(1)          Lifting the oil and gas to the surface; and

(2)          Gathering, treating, and field processing (as in the case of processing gas to extract liquid hydrocarbons); and

 

Definitions - Page 2 of 6



 

GRAPHIC

 

 

DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(D)        Extraction of saleable hydrocarbons, in the solid, liquid, or gaseous state, from oil sands, shale, coalbeds, or other nonrenewable natural resources which are intended to be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas, and activities undertaken with a view to such extraction.

 

Instruction 1 to paragraph (a)(16)(i) : The oil and gas production function shall be regarded as ending at a “terminal point”, which is the outlet valve on the lease or field storage tank.  If unusual physical or operational circumstances exist, it may be appropriate to regard the terminal point for the production function as:

 

a.               The first point at which oil, gas, or gas liquids, natural or synthetic, are delivered to a main pipeline, a common carrier, a refinery, or a marine terminal; and

b.               In the case of natural resources that are intended to be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas, if those natural resources are delivered to a purchaser prior to upgrading, the first point at which the natural resources are delivered to a main pipeline, a common carrier, a refinery, a marine terminal, or a facility which upgrades such natural resources into synthetic oil or gas.

 

Instruction 2 to paragraph (a)(16)(i): For purposes of this paragraph (a)(16), the term saleable hydrocarbons means hydrocarbons that are saleable in the state in which the hydrocarbons are delivered.

 

(ii)           Oil and gas producing activities do not include:

 

(A)         Transporting, refining, or marketing oil and gas;

(B)         Processing of produced oil, gas, or natural resources that can be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas by a registrant that does not have the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in such production;

(C)        Activities relating to the production of natural resources other than oil, gas, or natural resources from which synthetic oil and gas can be extracted; or

(D)        Production of geothermal steam.

 

(17) Possible reserves.  Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves.

 

(i)              When deterministic methods are used, the total quantities ultimately recovered from a project have a low probability of exceeding proved plus probable plus possible reserves.  When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 10% probability that the total quantities ultimately recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates.

(ii)           Possible reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to probable reserves where data control and interpretations of available data are progressively less certain.  Frequently, this will be in areas where geoscience and engineering data are unable to define clearly the area and vertical limits of commercial production from the reservoir by a defined project.

(iii)        Possible reserves also include incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than the recovery quantities assumed for probable reserves.

(iv)        The proved plus probable and proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates must be based on reasonable alternative technical and commercial interpretations within the reservoir or subject project that are clearly documented, including comparisons to results in successful similar projects.

(v)           Possible reserves may be assigned where geoscience and engineering data identify directly adjacent portions of a reservoir within the same accumulation that may be separated from proved areas by faults with displacement less than formation thickness or other geological discontinuities and that have not been penetrated by a wellbore, and the registrant believes that such adjacent portions are in communication with the known (proved) reservoir.  Possible reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher or lower than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.

(vi)        Pursuant to paragraph (a)(22)(iii) of this section, where direct observation has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves should be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir above the HKO only if the higher contact can be established with reasonable certainty through reliable technology.  Portions of the reservoir that do not meet this reasonable certainty criterion may be assigned as probable and possible oil or gas based on reservoir fluid properties and pressure gradient interpretations.

 

(18) Probable reserves.  Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.

 

(i)              When deterministic methods are used, it is as likely as not that actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of estimated proved plus probable reserves.  When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 50% probability that the actual quantities recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable reserves estimates.

 

Definitions - Page 3 of 6



 

GRAPHIC

 

 

DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(ii)           Probable reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to proved reserves where data control or interpretations of available data are less certain, even if the interpreted reservoir continuity of structure or productivity does not meet the reasonable certainty criterion.  Probable reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.

(iii)        Probable reserves estimates also include potential incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than assumed for proved reserves.

(iv)        See also guidelines in paragraphs (a)(17)(iv) and (a)(17)(vi) of this section.

 

(19) Probabilistic estimate.  The method of estimation of reserves or resources is called probabilistic when the full range of values that could reasonably occur for each unknown parameter (from the geoscience and engineering data) is used to generate a full range of possible outcomes and their associated probabilities of occurrence.

 

(20) Production costs .

 

(i)              Costs incurred to operate and maintain wells and related equipment and facilities, including depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of operating and maintaining those wells and related equipment and facilities.  They become part of the cost of oil and gas produced.  Examples of production costs (sometimes called lifting costs) are:

 

(A)         Costs of labor to operate the wells and related equipment and facilities.

(B)         Repairs and maintenance.

(C)        Materials, supplies, and fuel consumed and supplies utilized in operating the wells and related equipment and facilities.

(D)        Property taxes and insurance applicable to proved properties and wells and related equipment and facilities.

(E)         Severance taxes.

 

(ii)           Some support equipment or facilities may serve two or more oil and gas producing activities and may also serve transportation, refining, and marketing activities.  To the extent that the support equipment and facilities are used in oil and gas producing activities, their depreciation and applicable operating costs become exploration, development or production costs, as appropriate.  Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of capitalized acquisition, exploration, and development costs are not production costs but also become part of the cost of oil and gas produced along with production (lifting) costs identified above.

 

(21) Proved area.  The part of a property to which proved reserves have been specifically attributed.

 

(22) Proved oil and gas reserves.  Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation.  The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.

 

(i)              The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes:

 

(A)         The area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts, if any, and

(B)         Adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.

 

(ii)           In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (LKH) as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower contact with reasonable certainty.

(iii)        Where direct observation from well penetrations has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher contact with reasonable certainty.

(iv)        Reserves which can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when:

 

(A)         Successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous

 

Definitions - Page 4 of 6



 

GRAPHIC

 

 

DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based; and

(B)         The project has been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.

 

(v)           Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined.  The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.

 

(23) Proved properties.   Properties with proved reserves.

 

(24) Reasonable certainty.   If deterministic methods are used, reasonable certainty means a high degree of confidence that the quantities will be recovered.  If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 90% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate.  A high degree of confidence exists if the quantity is much more likely to be achieved than not, and, as changes due to increased availability of geoscience (geological, geophysical, and geochemical), engineering, and economic data are made to estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) with time, reasonably certain EUR is much more likely to increase or remain constant than to decrease.

 

(25) Reliable technology.  Reliable technology is a grouping of one or more technologies (including computational methods) that has been field tested and has been demonstrated to provide reasonably certain results with consistency and repeatability in the formation being evaluated or in an analogous formation.

 

(26) Reserves.  Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations.  In addition, there must exist, or there must be a reasonable expectation that there will exist, the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in the production, installed means of delivering oil and gas or related substances to market, and all permits and financing required to implement the project.

 

Note to paragraph (a)(26) : Reserves should not be assigned to adjacent reservoirs isolated by major, potentially sealing, faults until those reservoirs are penetrated and evaluated as economically producible.  Reserves should not be assigned to areas that are clearly separated from a known accumulation by a non-productive reservoir (i.e., absence of reservoir, structurally low reservoir, or negative test results). Such areas may contain prospective resources (i.e., potentially recoverable resources from undiscovered accumulations).

 

 

 

Excerpted from the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities Oil and Gas :

 

932-235-50-30  A standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to an entity’s interests in both of the following shall be disclosed as of the end of the year:

 

a.          Proved oil and gas reserves (see paragraphs 932-235-50-3 through 50-11B)

b.          Oil and gas subject to purchase under long-term supply, purchase, or similar agreements and contracts in which the entity participates in the operation of the properties on which the oil or gas is located or otherwise serves as the producer of those reserves (see paragraph 932-235-50-7).

 

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to those two types of interests in reserves may be combined for reporting purposes.

 

932-235-50-31  All of the following information shall be disclosed in the aggregate and for each geographic area for which reserve quantities are disclosed in accordance with paragraphs 932-235-50-3 through 50-11B:

 

a.          Future cash inflows.  These shall be computed by applying prices used in estimating the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves to the year-end quantities of those reserves.  Future price changes shall be considered only to the extent provided by contractual arrangements in existence at year-end.

b.          Future development and production costs.  These costs shall be computed by estimating the expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved oil and gas reserves at the end of the year, based on year-end costs and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions.  If estimated development expenditures are significant, they shall be presented separately from estimated production costs.

c.          Future income tax expenses.  These expenses shall be computed by applying the appropriate year-end statutory tax rates, with consideration of future tax rates already legislated, to the future pretax net cash flows relating to the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves, less the tax basis of the properties involved.  The future income tax expenses shall give effect to tax deductions and tax credits and allowances relating to the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves.

d.          Future net cash flows.  These amounts are the result of subtracting future development and production costs and future income tax expenses from future cash inflows.

 

 

 

 

 

Definitions - Page 5 of 6



 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

 

 

e.    Discount.  This amount shall be derived from using a discount rate of 10 percent a year to reflect the timing of the future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves.

f.       Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows.  This amount is the future net cash flows less the computed discount.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(27) Reservoir.   A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible oil and/or gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is individual and separate from other reservoirs.

 

(28) Resources.   Resources are quantities of oil and gas estimated to exist in naturally occurring accumulations.  A portion of the resources may be estimated to be recoverable, and another portion may be considered to be unrecoverable.  Resources include both discovered and undiscovered accumulations.

 

(29) Service well.   A well drilled or completed for the purpose of supporting production in an existing field.  Specific purposes of service wells include gas injection, water injection, steam injection, air injection, salt-water disposal, water supply for injection, observation, or injection for in-situ combustion.

 

(30) Stratigraphic test well.   A stratigraphic test well is a drilling effort, geologically directed, to obtain information pertaining to a specific geologic condition.  Such wells customarily are drilled without the intent of being completed for hydrocarbon production.  The classification also includes tests identified as core tests and all types of expendable holes related to hydrocarbon exploration.  Stratigraphic tests are classified as “exploratory type” if not drilled in a known area or “development type” if drilled in a known area.

 

(31) Undeveloped oil and gas reserves.   Undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

 

(i)              Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those directly offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of economic producibility at greater distances.

(ii)           Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, unless the specific circumstances, justify a longer time.

 

 

 

 

From the SEC’s Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations (October 26, 2009):

 

Although several types of projects — such as constructing offshore platforms and development in urban areas, remote locations or environmentally sensitive locations — by their nature customarily take a longer time to develop and therefore often do justify longer time periods, this determination must always take into consideration all of the facts and circumstances. No particular type of project per se justifies a longer time period, and any extension beyond five years should be the exception, and not the rule.

 

Factors that a company should consider in determining whether or not circumstances justify recognizing reserves even though development may extend past five years include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

·              The company’s level of ongoing significant development activities in the area to be developed (for example, drilling only the minimum number of wells necessary to maintain the lease generally would not constitute significant development activities);

·              The company’s historical record at completing development of comparable long-term projects;

·              The amount of time in which the company has maintained the leases, or booked the reserves, without significant development activities;

·              The extent to which the company has followed a previously adopted development plan (for example, if a company has changed its development plan several times without taking significant steps to implement any of those plans, recognizing proved undeveloped reserves typically would not be appropriate); and

·              The extent to which delays in development are caused by external factors related to the physical operating environment (for example, restrictions on development on Federal lands, but not obtaining government permits), rather than by internal factors (for example, shifting resources to develop properties with higher priority).

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)        Under no circumstances shall estimates for undeveloped reserves be attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir, as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, or by other evidence using reliable technology establishing reasonable certainty.

 

(32) Unproved properties.   Properties with no proved reserves.

 

Definitions - Page 6 of 6




Exhibit 15.9

 

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December 3, 2013

 

 

 

 

Mr. Eric McCrady

Sundance Energy, Inc.

633 17 th  Street, Suite 1950

Denver, Colorado 80202

 

Dear Mr. McCrady:

 

In accordance with your request, we have estimated the proved reserves and future revenue, as of December 31, 2012, to the Sundance Energy, Inc. (Sundance) interest in certain oil and gas properties located in Colorado, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.  We completed our evaluation on or about March 14, 2013.  It is our understanding that the proved reserves estimated in this report constitute all of the proved reserves owned by Sundance.  The estimates in this report have been prepared in accordance with the definitions and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and, with the exception of the exclusion of future income taxes, conform to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas.  Definitions are presented immediately following this letter.  This report has been prepared for Sundance’s use in filing with the SEC; in our opinion the assumptions, data, methods, and procedures used in the preparation of this report are appropriate for such purpose.

 

We estimate the net reserves and future net revenue to the Sundance interest in these properties, as of December 31, 2012, to be:

 

 

 

Net Reserves

 

Future Net Revenue (M$)

 

 

 

Oil

 

 

Gas

 

 

 

 

Present Worth

Category

 

(MBBL)

 

(MMCF)

 

Total

 

at 10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved Developed Producing

 

1,414.6

 

3,549.8

 

85,507.6

 

54,840.3

Proved Developed Non-Producing

 

517.1

 

1,691.9

 

28,302.0

 

15,180.1

Proved Undeveloped

 

3,825.8

 

11,646.4

 

168,904.5

 

65,561.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Proved

 

5,757.5

 

16,888.0

 

282,714.1

 

135,582.2

 

Totals may not add because of rounding.

 

The oil reserves shown include crude oil and condensate.  Oil volumes are expressed in thousands of barrels (MBBL); a barrel is equivalent to 42 United States gallons.  Gas volumes are expressed in millions of cubic feet (MMCF) at standard temperature and pressure bases.

 

The estimates shown in this report are for proved reserves.  As requested, probable and possible reserves that exist for these properties have not been included.  This report does not include any value that could be attributed to interests in undeveloped acreage beyond those tracts for which undeveloped reserves have been estimated.  Reserves categorization conveys the relative degree of certainty; reserves subcategorization is based on development and production status.  The estimates of reserves and future revenue included herein have not been adjusted for risk.

 

Gross revenue is Sundance’s share of the gross (100 percent) revenue from the properties prior to any deductions.  Future net revenue is after deductions for Sundance’s share of production taxes, ad valorem taxes,

 

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capital costs, and operating expenses but before consideration of any income taxes.  The future net revenue has been discounted at an annual rate of 10 percent to determine its present worth, which is shown to indicate the effect of time on the value of money.  Future net revenue presented in this report, whether discounted or undiscounted, should not be construed as being the fair market value of the properties.

 

Prices used in this report are based on the 12-month unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month in the period January through December 2012.  For oil volumes, the average West Texas Intermediate spot price of $94.71 per barrel is adjusted for quality, transportation fees, and regional price differentials.  For gas volumes, the average Wall Street Journal Henry Hub spot price of $2.752 per MMBTU is adjusted for energy content, transportation fees, and regional price differentials.  All prices are held constant throughout the lives of the properties.  For the proved reserves, the average adjusted product prices weighted by production over the remaining lives of the properties are $90.03 per barrel of oil and $4.512 per MCF of gas.

 

Operating costs used in this report are based on operating expense records of Sundance.  These costs include the per-well overhead expenses allowed under joint operating agreements along with estimates of costs to be incurred at and below the district and field levels.  Headquarters general and administrative overhead expenses of Sundance are included to the extent that they are covered under joint operating agreements for the operated properties.  Operating costs are held constant throughout the lives of the properties.

 

Capital costs used in this report were provided by Sundance and are based on authorizations for expenditure and actual costs from recent activity.  Capital costs are included as required for workovers, new development wells, and production equipment.  Based on our understanding of future development plans, a review of the records provided to us, and our knowledge of similar properties, we regard these estimated capital costs to be reasonable.  Capital costs are held constant to the date of expenditure.  As requested, our estimates do not include any salvage value for the lease and well equipment or the cost of abandoning the properties.

 

For the purposes of this report, we did not perform any field inspection of the properties, nor did we examine the mechanical operation or condition of the wells and facilities.  We have not investigated possible environmental liability related to the properties; therefore, our estimates do not include any costs due to such possible liability.

 

We have made no investigation of potential gas volume and value imbalances resulting from overdelivery or underdelivery to the Sundance interest.  Therefore, our estimates of reserves and future revenue do not include adjustments for the settlement of any such imbalances; our projections are based on Sundance receiving its net revenue interest share of estimated future gross gas production.

 

The reserves shown in this report are estimates only and should not be construed as exact quantities.  Proved reserves are those quantities of oil and gas which, by analysis of engineering and geoscience data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be commercially recoverable; probable and possible reserves are those additional reserves which are sequentially less certain to be recovered than proved reserves.  Estimates of reserves may increase or decrease as a result of market conditions, future operations, changes in regulations, or actual reservoir performance.  In addition to the primary economic assumptions discussed herein, our estimates are based on certain assumptions including, but not limited to, that the properties will be developed consistent with current development plans, that the properties will be operated in a prudent manner, that no governmental regulations or controls will be put in place that would impact the ability of the interest owner to recover the reserves, and that our projections of future production will prove consistent with actual performance.  If the reserves are recovered, the revenues therefrom and the costs related thereto could be more or less than the estimated amounts.  Because of governmental policies and uncertainties of supply and demand, the sales rates, prices received for the reserves, and costs incurred in recovering such reserves may vary from assumptions made while preparing this report.

 

For the purposes of this report, we used technical and economic data including, but not limited to, geologic maps, well test data, production data, historical price and cost information, and property ownership interests.  The reserves in this report have been estimated using deterministic methods; these estimates have been prepared in

 



 

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accordance with the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Standards).  We used standard engineering and geoscience methods, or a combination of methods, including performance analysis and analogy, that we considered to be appropriate and necessary to categorize and estimate reserves in accordance with SEC definitions and regulations.  A substantial portion of these reserves are for behind-pipe zones, non-producing zones, undeveloped locations, and producing wells that lack sufficient production history upon which performance-related estimates of reserves can be based; such reserves are based on analogy to properties with similar geologic and reservoir characteristics.  As in all aspects of oil and gas evaluation, there are uncertainties inherent in the interpretation of engineering and geoscience data; therefore, our conclusions necessarily represent only informed professional judgment.

 

The data used in our estimates were obtained from Sundance, public data sources, and the nonconfidential files of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (NSAI) and were accepted as accurate.  Supporting work data are on file in our office.  The titles to the properties have not been examined by NSAI, nor has the actual degree or type of interest owned been independently confirmed.  The technical persons responsible for preparing the estimates presented herein meet the requirements regarding qualifications, independence, objectivity, and confidentiality set forth in the SPE Standards.  We are independent petroleum engineers, geologists, geophysicists, and petrophysicists; we do not own an interest in these properties nor are we employed on a contingent basis.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

NETHERLAND, SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.

 

Texas Registered Engineering Firm F-2699

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ C.H. (Scott) Rees III

 

By:

 

 

 

C.H. (Scott) Rees III, P.E.

 

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Joseph J. Spellman

 

By:

 

 

 

Joseph J. Spellman, P.E. 73709

 

 

Senior Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

Date Signed: December 3, 2013

 

 

DMA:TNU

 

 

Please be advised that the digital document you are viewing is provided by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (NSAI) as a convenience to our clients.  The digital document is intended to be substantively the same as the original signed document maintained by NSAI.  The digital document is subject to the parameters, limitations, and conditions stated in the original document.  In the event of any differences between the digital document and the original document, the original document shall control and supersede the digital document.

 

 



 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

The following definitions are set forth in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a).  Also included is supplemental information from (1) the 2007 Petroleum Resources Management System approved by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, (2) the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas, and (3) the SEC’s Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations.

 

(1)  Acquisition of properties.  Costs incurred to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire a property, including costs of lease bonuses and options to purchase or lease properties, the portion of costs applicable to minerals when land including mineral rights is purchased in fee, brokers’ fees, recording fees, legal costs, and other costs incurred in acquiring properties.

 

(2)  Analogous reservoir .  Analogous reservoirs, as used in resources assessments, have similar rock and fluid properties, reservoir conditions (depth, temperature, and pressure) and drive mechanisms, but are typically at a more advanced stage of development than the reservoir of interest and thus may provide concepts to assist in the interpretation of more limited data and estimation of recovery.  When used to support proved reserves, an “analogous reservoir” refers to a reservoir that shares the following characteristics with the reservoir of interest:

 

(i)              Same geological formation (but not necessarily in pressure communication with the reservoir of interest);

(ii)           Same environment of deposition;

(iii)        Similar geological structure; and

(iv)        Same drive mechanism.

 

Instruction to paragraph (a)(2) : Reservoir properties must, in the aggregate, be no more favorable in the analog than in the reservoir of interest.

 

(3)  Bitumen .  Bitumen, sometimes referred to as natural bitumen, is petroleum in a solid or semi-solid state in natural deposits with a viscosity greater than 10,000 centipoise measured at original temperature in the deposit and atmospheric pressure, on a gas free basis.  In its natural state it usually contains sulfur, metals, and other non-hydrocarbons.

 

(4)  Condensate .  Condensate is a mixture of hydrocarbons that exists in the gaseous phase at original reservoir temperature and pressure, but that, when produced, is in the liquid phase at surface pressure and temperature.

 

(5)  Deterministic estimate .  The method of estimating reserves or resources is called deterministic when a single value for each parameter (from the geoscience, engineering, or economic data) in the reserves calculation is used in the reserves estimation procedure.

 

(6)  Developed oil and gas reserves .  Developed oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that can be expected to be recovered:

 

(i)              Through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods or in which the cost of the required equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well; and

(ii)           Through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well.

 

Supplemental definitions from the 2007 Petroleum Resources Management System:

 

Developed Producing Reserves – Developed Producing Reserves are expected to be recovered from completion intervals that are open and producing at the time of the estimate.  Improved recovery reserves are considered producing only after the improved recovery project is in operation.

 

Developed Non-Producing Reserves – Developed Non-Producing Reserves include shut-in and behind-pipe Reserves.  Shut-in Reserves are expected to be recovered from (1) completion intervals which are open at the time of the estimate but which have not yet started producing, (2) wells which were shut-in for market conditions or pipeline connections, or (3) wells not capable of production for mechanical reasons.  Behind-pipe Reserves are expected to be recovered from zones in existing wells which will require additional completion work or future recompletion prior to start of production.  In all cases, production can be initiated or restored with relatively low expenditure compared to the cost of drilling a new well.

 

 

(7)  Development costs.  Costs incurred to obtain access to proved reserves and to provide facilities for extracting, treating, gathering and storing the oil and gas.  More specifically, development costs, including depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of development activities, are costs incurred to:

 

(i)              Gain access to and prepare well locations for drilling, including surveying well locations for the purpose of determining specific development drilling sites, clearing ground, draining, road building, and relocating public roads, gas lines, and power lines, to the extent necessary in developing the proved reserves.

(ii)           Drill and equip development wells, development-type stratigraphic test wells, and service wells, including the costs of platforms and of well equipment such as casing, tubing, pumping equipment, and the wellhead assembly.

 

Definitions - Page 1 of 6


 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(iii)        Acquire, construct, and install production facilities such as lease flow lines, separators, treaters, heaters, manifolds, measuring devices, and production storage tanks, natural gas cycling and processing plants, and central utility and waste disposal systems.

(iv)        Provide improved recovery systems.

 

(8)  Development project .  A development project is the means by which petroleum resources are brought to the status of economically producible.  As examples, the development of a single reservoir or field, an incremental development in a producing field, or the integrated development of a group of several fields and associated facilities with a common ownership may constitute a development project.

 

(9)  Development well .  A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.

 

(10)  Economically producible .  The term economically producible, as it relates to a resource, means a resource which generates revenue that exceeds, or is reasonably expected to exceed, the costs of the operation.  The value of the products that generate revenue shall be determined at the terminal point of oil and gas producing activities as defined in paragraph (a)(16) of this section.

 

(11) Estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) .  Estimated ultimate recovery is the sum of reserves remaining as of a given date and cumulative production as of that date.

 

(12) Exploration costs .  Costs incurred in identifying areas that may warrant examination and in examining specific areas that are considered to have prospects of containing oil and gas reserves, including costs of drilling exploratory wells and exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells.  Exploration costs may be incurred both before acquiring the related property (sometimes referred to in part as prospecting costs) and after acquiring the property.  Principal types of exploration costs, which include depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of exploration activities, are:

 

(i)              Costs of topographical, geographical and geophysical studies, rights of access to properties to conduct those studies, and salaries and other expenses of geologists, geophysical crews, and others conducting those studies.  Collectively, these are sometimes referred to as geological and geophysical or “G&G” costs.

(ii)           Costs of carrying and retaining undeveloped properties, such as delay rentals, ad valorem taxes on properties, legal costs for title defense, and the maintenance of land and lease records.

(iii)        Dry hole contributions and bottom hole contributions.

(iv)        Costs of drilling and equipping exploratory wells.

(v)           Costs of drilling exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells.

 

(13) Exploratory well .  An exploratory well is a well drilled to find a new field or to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or gas in another reservoir.  Generally, an exploratory well is any well that is not a development well, an extension well, a service well, or a stratigraphic test well as those items are defined in this section.

 

(14) Extension well .  An extension well is a well drilled to extend the limits of a known reservoir.

 

(15) Field .  An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on or related to the same individual geological structural feature and/or stratigraphic condition.  There may be two or more reservoirs in a field which are separated vertically by intervening impervious strata, or laterally by local geologic barriers, or by both.  Reservoirs that are associated by being in overlapping or adjacent fields may be treated as a single or common operational field.  The geological terms “structural feature” and “stratigraphic condition” are intended to identify localized geological features as opposed to the broader terms of basins, trends, provinces, plays, areas-of-interest, etc.

 

(16) Oil and gas producing activities .

 

(i)              Oil and gas producing activities include:

 

(A)         The search for crude oil, including condensate and natural gas liquids, or natural gas (“oil and gas”) in their natural states and original locations;

(B)         The acquisition of property rights or properties for the purpose of further exploration or for the purpose of removing the oil or gas from such properties;

(C)        The construction, drilling, and production activities necessary to retrieve oil and gas from their natural reservoirs, including the acquisition, construction, installation, and maintenance of field gathering and storage systems, such as:

(1)          Lifting the oil and gas to the surface; and

(2)          Gathering, treating, and field processing (as in the case of processing gas to extract liquid hydrocarbons); and

 

Definitions - Page 2 of 6



 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(D)        Extraction of saleable hydrocarbons, in the solid, liquid, or gaseous state, from oil sands, shale, coalbeds, or other nonrenewable natural resources which are intended to be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas, and activities undertaken with a view to such extraction.

 

Instruction 1 to paragraph (a)(16)(i) : The oil and gas production function shall be regarded as ending at a “terminal point”, which is the outlet valve on the lease or field storage tank.  If unusual physical or operational circumstances exist, it may be appropriate to regard the terminal point for the production function as:

 

a.               The first point at which oil, gas, or gas liquids, natural or synthetic, are delivered to a main pipeline, a common carrier, a refinery, or a marine terminal; and

b.               In the case of natural resources that are intended to be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas, if those natural resources are delivered to a purchaser prior to upgrading, the first point at which the natural resources are delivered to a main pipeline, a common carrier, a refinery, a marine terminal, or a facility which upgrades such natural resources into synthetic oil or gas.

 

Instruction 2 to paragraph (a)(16)(i): For purposes of this paragraph (a)(16), the term saleable hydrocarbons means hydrocarbons that are saleable in the state in which the hydrocarbons are delivered.

 

(ii)           Oil and gas producing activities do not include:

 

(A)         Transporting, refining, or marketing oil and gas;

(B)         Processing of produced oil, gas, or natural resources that can be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas by a registrant that does not have the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in such production;

(C)        Activities relating to the production of natural resources other than oil, gas, or natural resources from which synthetic oil and gas can be extracted; or

(D)        Production of geothermal steam.

 

(17) Possible reserves.  Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves.

 

(i)              When deterministic methods are used, the total quantities ultimately recovered from a project have a low probability of exceeding proved plus probable plus possible reserves.  When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 10% probability that the total quantities ultimately recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates.

(ii)           Possible reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to probable reserves where data control and interpretations of available data are progressively less certain.  Frequently, this will be in areas where geoscience and engineering data are unable to define clearly the area and vertical limits of commercial production from the reservoir by a defined project.

(iii)        Possible reserves also include incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than the recovery quantities assumed for probable reserves.

(iv)        The proved plus probable and proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates must be based on reasonable alternative technical and commercial interpretations within the reservoir or subject project that are clearly documented, including comparisons to results in successful similar projects.

(v)           Possible reserves may be assigned where geoscience and engineering data identify directly adjacent portions of a reservoir within the same accumulation that may be separated from proved areas by faults with displacement less than formation thickness or other geological discontinuities and that have not been penetrated by a wellbore, and the registrant believes that such adjacent portions are in communication with the known (proved) reservoir.  Possible reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher or lower than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.

(vi)        Pursuant to paragraph (a)(22)(iii) of this section, where direct observation has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves should be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir above the HKO only if the higher contact can be established with reasonable certainty through reliable technology.  Portions of the reservoir that do not meet this reasonable certainty criterion may be assigned as probable and possible oil or gas based on reservoir fluid properties and pressure gradient interpretations.

 

(18) Probable reserves.  Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.

 

(i)              When deterministic methods are used, it is as likely as not that actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of estimated proved plus probable reserves.  When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 50% probability that the actual quantities recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable reserves estimates.

 

Definitions - Page 3 of 6



 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(ii)           Probable reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to proved reserves where data control or interpretations of available data are less certain, even if the interpreted reservoir continuity of structure or productivity does not meet the reasonable certainty criterion.  Probable reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.

(iii)        Probable reserves estimates also include potential incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than assumed for proved reserves.

(iv)        See also guidelines in paragraphs (a)(17)(iv) and (a)(17)(vi) of this section.

 

(19) Probabilistic estimate.  The method of estimation of reserves or resources is called probabilistic when the full range of values that could reasonably occur for each unknown parameter (from the geoscience and engineering data) is used to generate a full range of possible outcomes and their associated probabilities of occurrence.

 

(20) Production costs .

 

(i)              Costs incurred to operate and maintain wells and related equipment and facilities, including depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of operating and maintaining those wells and related equipment and facilities.  They become part of the cost of oil and gas produced.  Examples of production costs (sometimes called lifting costs) are:

 

(A)         Costs of labor to operate the wells and related equipment and facilities.

(B)         Repairs and maintenance.

(C)        Materials, supplies, and fuel consumed and supplies utilized in operating the wells and related equipment and facilities.

(D)        Property taxes and insurance applicable to proved properties and wells and related equipment and facilities.

(E)         Severance taxes.

 

(ii)           Some support equipment or facilities may serve two or more oil and gas producing activities and may also serve transportation, refining, and marketing activities.  To the extent that the support equipment and facilities are used in oil and gas producing activities, their depreciation and applicable operating costs become exploration, development or production costs, as appropriate.  Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of capitalized acquisition, exploration, and development costs are not production costs but also become part of the cost of oil and gas produced along with production (lifting) costs identified above.

 

(21) Proved area.  The part of a property to which proved reserves have been specifically attributed.

 

(22) Proved oil and gas reserves.  Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation.  The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.

 

(i)              The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes:

 

(A)         The area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts, if any, and

(B)         Adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.

 

(ii)           In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (LKH) as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower contact with reasonable certainty.

(iii)        Where direct observation from well penetrations has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher contact with reasonable certainty.

(iv)        Reserves which can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when:

 

(A)         Successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous

 

Definitions - Page 4 of 6



 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based; and

(B)         The project has been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.

 

(v)           Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined.  The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.

 

(23) Proved properties.   Properties with proved reserves.

 

(24) Reasonable certainty.   If deterministic methods are used, reasonable certainty means a high degree of confidence that the quantities will be recovered.  If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 90% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate.  A high degree of confidence exists if the quantity is much more likely to be achieved than not, and, as changes due to increased availability of geoscience (geological, geophysical, and geochemical), engineering, and economic data are made to estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) with time, reasonably certain EUR is much more likely to increase or remain constant than to decrease.

 

(25) Reliable technology.  Reliable technology is a grouping of one or more technologies (including computational methods) that has been field tested and has been demonstrated to provide reasonably certain results with consistency and repeatability in the formation being evaluated or in an analogous formation.

 

(26) Reserves.  Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations.  In addition, there must exist, or there must be a reasonable expectation that there will exist, the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in the production, installed means of delivering oil and gas or related substances to market, and all permits and financing required to implement the project.

 

Note to paragraph (a)(26) : Reserves should not be assigned to adjacent reservoirs isolated by major, potentially sealing, faults until those reservoirs are penetrated and evaluated as economically producible.  Reserves should not be assigned to areas that are clearly separated from a known accumulation by a non-productive reservoir (i.e., absence of reservoir, structurally low reservoir, or negative test results). Such areas may contain prospective resources (i.e., potentially recoverable resources from undiscovered accumulations).

 

 

Excerpted from the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities Oil and Gas :

 

932-235-50-30  A standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to an entity’s interests in both of the following shall be disclosed as of the end of the year:

 

a.       Proved oil and gas reserves (see paragraphs 932-235-50-3 through 50-11B)

b.       Oil and gas subject to purchase under long-term supply, purchase, or similar agreements and contracts in which the entity participates in the operation of the properties on which the oil or gas is located or otherwise serves as the producer of those reserves (see paragraph 932-235-50-7).

 

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to those two types of interests in reserves may be combined for reporting purposes.

 

932-235-50-31  All of the following information shall be disclosed in the aggregate and for each geographic area for which reserve quantities are disclosed in accordance with paragraphs 932-235-50-3 through 50-11B:

 

a.       Future cash inflows.  These shall be computed by applying prices used in estimating the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves to the year-end quantities of those reserves.  Future price changes shall be considered only to the extent provided by contractual arrangements in existence at year-end.

b.       Future development and production costs.  These costs shall be computed by estimating the expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved oil and gas reserves at the end of the year, based on year-end costs and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions.  If estimated development expenditures are significant, they shall be presented separately from estimated production costs.

c.       Future income tax expenses.  These expenses shall be computed by applying the appropriate year-end statutory tax rates, with consideration of future tax rates already legislated, to the future pretax net cash flows relating to the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves, less the tax basis of the properties involved.  The future income tax expenses shall give effect to tax deductions and tax credits and allowances relating to the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves.

d.       Future net cash flows.  These amounts are the result of subtracting future development and production costs and future income tax expenses from future cash inflows.

 

 

 

Definitions - Page 5 of 6



 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

 

e.       Discount.  This amount shall be derived from using a discount rate of 10 percent a year to reflect the timing of the future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves.

f.          Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows.  This amount is the future net cash flows less the computed discount.

 

 

(27) Reservoir.   A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible oil and/or gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is individual and separate from other reservoirs.

 

(28) Resources.   Resources are quantities of oil and gas estimated to exist in naturally occurring accumulations.  A portion of the resources may be estimated to be recoverable, and another portion may be considered to be unrecoverable.  Resources include both discovered and undiscovered accumulations.

 

(29) Service well.   A well drilled or completed for the purpose of supporting production in an existing field.  Specific purposes of service wells include gas injection, water injection, steam injection, air injection, salt-water disposal, water supply for injection, observation, or injection for in-situ combustion.

 

(30) Stratigraphic test well.   A stratigraphic test well is a drilling effort, geologically directed, to obtain information pertaining to a specific geologic condition.  Such wells customarily are drilled without the intent of being completed for hydrocarbon production.  The classification also includes tests identified as core tests and all types of expendable holes related to hydrocarbon exploration.  Stratigraphic tests are classified as “exploratory type” if not drilled in a known area or “development type” if drilled in a known area.

 

(31) Undeveloped oil and gas reserves.   Undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

 

(i)              Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those directly offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of economic producibility at greater distances.

(ii)           Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, unless the specific circumstances, justify a longer time.

 

 

From the SEC’s Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations (October 26, 2009):

 

Although several types of projects — such as constructing offshore platforms and development in urban areas, remote locations or environmentally sensitive locations — by their nature customarily take a longer time to develop and therefore often do justify longer time periods, this determination must always take into consideration all of the facts and circumstances. No particular type of project per se justifies a longer time period, and any extension beyond five years should be the exception, and not the rule.

 

Factors that a company should consider in determining whether or not circumstances justify recognizing reserves even though development may extend past five years include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

·     The company’s level of ongoing significant development activities in the area to be developed (for example, drilling only the minimum number of wells necessary to maintain the lease generally would not constitute significant development activities);

·     The company’s historical record at completing development of comparable long-term projects;

·     The amount of time in which the company has maintained the leases, or booked the reserves, without significant development activities;

·     The extent to which the company has followed a previously adopted development plan (for example, if a company has changed its development plan several times without taking significant steps to implement any of those plans, recognizing proved undeveloped reserves typically would not be appropriate); and

·     The extent to which delays in development are caused by external factors related to the physical operating environment (for example, restrictions on development on Federal lands, but not obtaining government permits), rather than by internal factors (for example, shifting resources to develop properties with higher priority).

 

 

 

(iii)        Under no circumstances shall estimates for undeveloped reserves be attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir, as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, or by other evidence using reliable technology establishing reasonable certainty.

 

(32) Unproved properties.   Properties with no proved reserves.

 

Definitions - Page 6 of 6




Exhibit 15.10

 

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July 3, 2014

 

 

 

Mr. Eric McCrady

Sundance Energy, Inc.

633 17 th  Street, Suite 1950

Denver, Colorado 80202

 

Dear Mr. McCrady:

 

In accordance with your request, we have estimated the proved reserves and future revenue, as of December 31, 2013, to the Sundance Energy, Inc. (Sundance) interest in certain oil and gas properties located in the United States.  We completed our evaluation on or about March 17, 2014.  It is our understanding that the proved reserves estimated in this report constitute all of the proved reserves owned by Sundance.  The estimates in this report have been prepared in accordance with the definitions and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and, with the exception of the exclusion of future income taxes, conform to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas.  Definitions are presented immediately following this letter.  This report has been prepared for Sundance’s use in filing with the SEC; in our opinion the assumptions, data, methods, and procedures used in the preparation of this report are appropriate for such purpose.

 

We estimate the net reserves and future net revenue to the Sundance interest in these properties, as of December 31, 2013, to be:

 

 

 

Net Reserves

 

Future Net Revenue (M$)

 

 

Oil

 

NGL

 

Gas

 

 

 

Present Worth

Category

 

(MBBL)

 

(MBBL)

 

(MMCF)

 

Total

 

at 10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved Developed Producing

 

3,616.9

 

977.7

 

8,728.9

 

271,372.8

 

192,304.6

Proved Developed Non-Producing

 

523.3

 

109.5

 

2,036.4

 

40,526.8

 

20,753.2

Proved Undeveloped

 

8,815.4

 

1,595.3

 

19,889.6

 

320,413.0

 

123,926.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Total Proved

 

12,955.7

 

2,682.6

 

30,654.8

 

632,312.6

 

336,983.9

 

Totals may not add because of rounding.

 

The oil volumes shown include crude oil and condensate.  Oil and natural gas liquids (NGL) volumes are expressed in thousands of barrels (MBBL); a barrel is equivalent to 42 United States gallons.  Gas volumes are expressed in millions of cubic feet (MMCF) at standard temperature and pressure bases.

 

The estimates shown in this report are for proved reserves.  As requested, probable and possible reserves that exist for these properties have not been included.  This report does not include any value that could be attributed to interests in undeveloped acreage beyond those tracts for which undeveloped reserves have been estimated.  Reserves categorization conveys the relative degree of certainty; reserves subcategorization is based on development and production status.  The estimates of reserves and future revenue included herein have not been adjusted for risk.

 

Gross revenue is Sundance’s share of the gross (100 percent) revenue from the properties prior to any deductions.  Future net revenue is after deductions for Sundance’s share of production taxes, ad valorem taxes, capital costs, and operating expenses but before consideration of any income taxes.  The future net revenue has been discounted at an annual rate of 10 percent to determine its present worth, which is shown to indicate the

 

 

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effect of time on the value of money.  Future net revenue presented in this report, whether discounted or undiscounted, should not be construed as being the fair market value of the properties.

 

Prices used in this report are based on the 12-month unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month in the period January through December 2013.  For oil and NGL volumes, the average West Texas Intermediate posted price of $93.42 per barrel is adjusted by field for quality, transportation fees, and regional price differentials.  For gas volumes, the average Henry Hub spot price of $3.670 per MMBTU is adjusted by field for energy content, transportation fees, and regional price differentials.  All prices are held constant throughout the lives of the properties.  The average adjusted product prices weighted by production over the remaining lives of the properties are $94.55 per barrel of oil, $28.78 per barrel of NGL, and $3.449 per MCF of gas.

 

Operating costs used in this report are based on operating expense records of Sundance.  These costs include the per-well overhead expenses allowed under joint operating agreements along with estimates of costs to be incurred at and below the district and field levels.  Operating costs have been divided into per-well costs and per-unit-of-production costs.  Headquarters general and administrative overhead expenses of Sundance are included to the extent that they are covered under joint operating agreements for the operated properties.  Operating costs are not escalated for inflation.

 

Capital costs used in this report were provided by Sundance and are based on authorizations for expenditure and actual costs from recent activity.  Capital costs are included as required for workovers, new development wells, and production equipment.  Based on our understanding of future development plans, a review of the records provided to us, and our knowledge of similar properties, we regard these estimated capital costs to be reasonable.  Capital costs are not escalated for inflation.  As requested, our estimates do not include any salvage value for the lease and well equipment or the cost of abandoning the properties.

 

For the purposes of this report, we did not perform any field inspection of the properties, nor did we examine the mechanical operation or condition of the wells and facilities.  We have not investigated possible environmental liability related to the properties; therefore, our estimates do not include any costs due to such possible liability.

 

We have made no investigation of potential volume and value imbalances resulting from overdelivery or underdelivery to the Sundance interest.  Therefore, our estimates of reserves and future revenue do not include adjustments for the settlement of any such imbalances; our projections are based on Sundance receiving its net revenue interest share of estimated future gross production.

 

The reserves shown in this report are estimates only and should not be construed as exact quantities.  Proved reserves are those quantities of oil and gas which, by analysis of engineering and geoscience data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible; probable and possible reserves are those additional reserves which are sequentially less certain to be recovered than proved reserves.  Estimates of reserves may increase or decrease as a result of market conditions, future operations, changes in regulations, or actual reservoir performance.  In addition to the primary economic assumptions discussed herein, our estimates are based on certain assumptions including, but not limited to, that the properties will be developed consistent with current development plans, that the properties will be operated in a prudent manner, that no governmental regulations or controls will be put in place that would impact the ability of the interest owner to recover the reserves, and that our projections of future production will prove consistent with actual performance.  If the reserves are recovered, the revenues therefrom and the costs related thereto could be more or less than the estimated amounts.  Because of governmental policies and uncertainties of supply and demand, the sales rates, prices received for the reserves, and costs incurred in recovering such reserves may vary from assumptions made while preparing this report.

 

For the purposes of this report, we used technical and economic data including, but not limited to, geologic maps, well test data, production data, historical price and cost information, and property ownership interests.  The reserves in this report have been estimated using deterministic methods; these estimates have been prepared in accordance with the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Standards).  We used standard engineering and geoscience methods, or a combination of methods, including performance analysis and analogy, that we

 



 

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considered to be appropriate and necessary to categorize and estimate reserves in accordance with SEC definitions and regulations.  A substantial portion of these reserves are for behind-pipe zones, non-producing zones, undeveloped locations, and producing wells that lack sufficient production history upon which performance-related estimates of reserves can be based; such reserves are based on analogy to properties with similar geologic and reservoir characteristics.  As in all aspects of oil and gas evaluation, there are uncertainties inherent in the interpretation of engineering and geoscience data; therefore, our conclusions necessarily represent only informed professional judgment.

 

The data used in our estimates were obtained from Sundance, public data sources, and the nonconfidential files of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. and were accepted as accurate.  Supporting work data are on file in our office.  We have not examined the titles to the properties or independently confirmed the actual degree or type of interest owned.  The technical persons responsible for preparing the estimates presented herein meet the requirements regarding qualifications, independence, objectivity, and confidentiality set forth in the SPE Standards.  We are independent petroleum engineers, geologists, geophysicists, and petrophysicists; we do not own an interest in these properties nor are we employed on a contingent basis.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

NETHERLAND, SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.

 

Texas Registered Engineering Firm F-2699

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ C.H. (Scott) Rees III

 

By:

 

C.H. (Scott) Rees III, P.E.

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Joseph J. Spellman

 

By:

 

Joseph J. Spellman, P.E. 73709

 

Senior Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

Date Signed: July 3, 2014

 

 

DMA:TNU

 

 

Please be advised that the digital document you are viewing is provided by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (NSAI) as a convenience to our clients. The digital document is intended to be substantively the same as the original signed document maintained by NSAI. The digital document is subject to the parameters, limitations, and conditions stated in the original document. In the event of any differences between the digital document and the original document, the original document shall control and supersede the digital document.

 

 


 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

The following definitions are set forth in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a).  Also included is supplemental information from (1) the 2007 Petroleum Resources Management System approved by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, (2) the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas, and (3) the SEC’s Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations.

 

(1)  Acquisition of properties.  Costs incurred to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire a property, including costs of lease bonuses and options to purchase or lease properties, the portion of costs applicable to minerals when land including mineral rights is purchased in fee, brokers’ fees, recording fees, legal costs, and other costs incurred in acquiring properties.

 

(2)  Analogous reservoir .  Analogous reservoirs, as used in resources assessments, have similar rock and fluid properties, reservoir conditions (depth, temperature, and pressure) and drive mechanisms, but are typically at a more advanced stage of development than the reservoir of interest and thus may provide concepts to assist in the interpretation of more limited data and estimation of recovery.  When used to support proved reserves, an “analogous reservoir” refers to a reservoir that shares the following characteristics with the reservoir of interest:

 

(i)              Same geological formation (but not necessarily in pressure communication with the reservoir of interest);

(ii)           Same environment of deposition;

(iii)        Similar geological structure; and

(iv)       Same drive mechanism.

 

Instruction to paragraph (a)(2) : Reservoir properties must, in the aggregate, be no more favorable in the analog than in the reservoir of interest.

 

(3)  Bitumen .  Bitumen, sometimes referred to as natural bitumen, is petroleum in a solid or semi-solid state in natural deposits with a viscosity greater than 10,000 centipoise measured at original temperature in the deposit and atmospheric pressure, on a gas free basis.  In its natural state it usually contains sulfur, metals, and other non-hydrocarbons.

 

(4)  Condensate .  Condensate is a mixture of hydrocarbons that exists in the gaseous phase at original reservoir temperature and pressure, but that, when produced, is in the liquid phase at surface pressure and temperature.

 

(5)  Deterministic estimate .  The method of estimating reserves or resources is called deterministic when a single value for each parameter (from the geoscience, engineering, or economic data) in the reserves calculation is used in the reserves estimation procedure.

 

(6)  Developed oil and gas reserves .  Developed oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that can be expected to be recovered:

 

(i)              Through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods or in which the cost of the required equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well; and

(ii)           Through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well.

 

 

Supplemental definitions from the 2007 Petroleum Resources Management System:

 

Developed Producing Reserves – Developed Producing Reserves are expected to be recovered from completion intervals that are open and producing at the time of the estimate. Improved recovery reserves are considered producing only after the improved recovery project is in operation.

 

Developed Non-Producing Reserves – Developed Non-Producing Reserves include shut-in and behind-pipe Reserves. Shut-in Reserves are expected to be recovered from (1) completion intervals which are open at the time of the estimate but which have not yet started producing, (2) wells which were shut-in for market conditions or pipeline connections, or (3) wells not capable of production for mechanical reasons. Behind-pipe Reserves are expected to be recovered from zones in existing wells which will require additional completion work or future recompletion prior to start of production. In all cases, production can be initiated or restored with relatively low expenditure compared to the cost of drilling a new well.

 

 

 

(7)  Development costs.  Costs incurred to obtain access to proved reserves and to provide facilities for extracting, treating, gathering and storing the oil and gas.  More specifically, development costs, including depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of development activities, are costs incurred to:

 

(i)              Gain access to and prepare well locations for drilling, including surveying well locations for the purpose of determining specific development drilling sites, clearing ground, draining, road building, and relocating public roads, gas lines, and power lines, to the extent necessary in developing the proved reserves.

(ii)           Drill and equip development wells, development-type stratigraphic test wells, and service wells, including the costs of platforms and of well equipment such as casing, tubing, pumping equipment, and the wellhead assembly.

 

Definitions - Page 1 of 6



 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(iii)        Acquire, construct, and install production facilities such as lease flow lines, separators, treaters, heaters, manifolds, measuring devices, and production storage tanks, natural gas cycling and processing plants, and central utility and waste disposal systems.

(iv)       Provide improved recovery systems.

 

(8)  Development project .  A development project is the means by which petroleum resources are brought to the status of economically producible.  As examples, the development of a single reservoir or field, an incremental development in a producing field, or the integrated development of a group of several fields and associated facilities with a common ownership may constitute a development project.

 

(9)  Development well .  A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.

 

(10)  Economically producible .  The term economically producible, as it relates to a resource, means a resource which generates revenue that exceeds, or is reasonably expected to exceed, the costs of the operation.  The value of the products that generate revenue shall be determined at the terminal point of oil and gas producing activities as defined in paragraph (a)(16) of this section.

 

(11) Estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) .  Estimated ultimate recovery is the sum of reserves remaining as of a given date and cumulative production as of that date.

 

(12) Exploration costs .  Costs incurred in identifying areas that may warrant examination and in examining specific areas that are considered to have prospects of containing oil and gas reserves, including costs of drilling exploratory wells and exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells.  Exploration costs may be incurred both before acquiring the related property (sometimes referred to in part as prospecting costs) and after acquiring the property.  Principal types of exploration costs, which include depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of exploration activities, are:

 

(i)              Costs of topographical, geographical and geophysical studies, rights of access to properties to conduct those studies, and salaries and other expenses of geologists, geophysical crews, and others conducting those studies.  Collectively, these are sometimes referred to as geological and geophysical or “G&G” costs.

(ii)           Costs of carrying and retaining undeveloped properties, such as delay rentals, ad valorem taxes on properties, legal costs for title defense, and the maintenance of land and lease records.

(iii)        Dry hole contributions and bottom hole contributions.

(iv)       Costs of drilling and equipping exploratory wells.

(v)          Costs of drilling exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells.

 

(13) Exploratory well .  An exploratory well is a well drilled to find a new field or to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or gas in another reservoir.  Generally, an exploratory well is any well that is not a development well, an extension well, a service well, or a stratigraphic test well as those items are defined in this section.

 

(14) Extension well .  An extension well is a well drilled to extend the limits of a known reservoir.

 

(15) Field .  An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on or related to the same individual geological structural feature and/or stratigraphic condition.  There may be two or more reservoirs in a field which are separated vertically by intervening impervious strata, or laterally by local geologic barriers, or by both.  Reservoirs that are associated by being in overlapping or adjacent fields may be treated as a single or common operational field.  The geological terms “structural feature” and “stratigraphic condition” are intended to identify localized geological features as opposed to the broader terms of basins, trends, provinces, plays, areas-of-interest, etc.

 

(16) Oil and gas producing activities.

 

(i)              Oil and gas producing activities include:

 

(A)        The search for crude oil, including condensate and natural gas liquids, or natural gas (“oil and gas”) in their natural states and original locations;

(B)        The acquisition of property rights or properties for the purpose of further exploration or for the purpose of removing the oil or gas from such properties;

(C)        The construction, drilling, and production activities necessary to retrieve oil and gas from their natural reservoirs, including the acquisition, construction, installation, and maintenance of field gathering and storage systems, such as:

(1)          Lifting the oil and gas to the surface; and

(2)          Gathering, treating, and field processing (as in the case of processing gas to extract liquid hydrocarbons); and

 

Definitions - Page 2 of 6



 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(D)       Extraction of saleable hydrocarbons, in the solid, liquid, or gaseous state, from oil sands, shale, coalbeds, or other nonrenewable natural resources which are intended to be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas, and activities undertaken with a view to such extraction.

 

Instruction 1 to paragraph (a)(16)(i) : The oil and gas production function shall be regarded as ending at a “terminal point”, which is the outlet valve on the lease or field storage tank.  If unusual physical or operational circumstances exist, it may be appropriate to regard the terminal point for the production function as:

 

a.              The first point at which oil, gas, or gas liquids, natural or synthetic, are delivered to a main pipeline, a common carrier, a refinery, or a marine terminal; and

b.             In the case of natural resources that are intended to be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas, if those natural resources are delivered to a purchaser prior to upgrading, the first point at which the natural resources are delivered to a main pipeline, a common carrier, a refinery, a marine terminal, or a facility which upgrades such natural resources into synthetic oil or gas.

 

Instruction 2 to paragraph (a)(16)(i): For purposes of this paragraph (a)(16), the term saleable hydrocarbons means hydrocarbons that are saleable in the state in which the hydrocarbons are delivered.

 

(ii)           Oil and gas producing activities do not include:

 

(A)        Transporting, refining, or marketing oil and gas;

(B)        Processing of produced oil, gas, or natural resources that can be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas by a registrant that does not have the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in such production;

(C)        Activities relating to the production of natural resources other than oil, gas, or natural resources from which synthetic oil and gas can be extracted; or

(D)       Production of geothermal steam.

 

(17) Possible reserves.  Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves.

 

(i)              When deterministic methods are used, the total quantities ultimately recovered from a project have a low probability of exceeding proved plus probable plus possible reserves.  When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 10% probability that the total quantities ultimately recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates.

(ii)           Possible reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to probable reserves where data control and interpretations of available data are progressively less certain.  Frequently, this will be in areas where geoscience and engineering data are unable to define clearly the area and vertical limits of commercial production from the reservoir by a defined project.

(iii)        Possible reserves also include incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than the recovery quantities assumed for probable reserves.

(iv)       The proved plus probable and proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates must be based on reasonable alternative technical and commercial interpretations within the reservoir or subject project that are clearly documented, including comparisons to results in successful similar projects.

(v)          Possible reserves may be assigned where geoscience and engineering data identify directly adjacent portions of a reservoir within the same accumulation that may be separated from proved areas by faults with displacement less than formation thickness or other geological discontinuities and that have not been penetrated by a wellbore, and the registrant believes that such adjacent portions are in communication with the known (proved) reservoir.  Possible reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher or lower than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.

(vi)       Pursuant to paragraph (a)(22)(iii) of this section, where direct observation has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves should be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir above the HKO only if the higher contact can be established with reasonable certainty through reliable technology.  Portions of the reservoir that do not meet this reasonable certainty criterion may be assigned as probable and possible oil or gas based on reservoir fluid properties and pressure gradient interpretations.

 

(18) Probable reserves.  Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.

 

(i)              When deterministic methods are used, it is as likely as not that actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of estimated proved plus probable reserves.  When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 50% probability that the actual quantities recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable reserves estimates.

 

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Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(ii)           Probable reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to proved reserves where data control or interpretations of available data are less certain, even if the interpreted reservoir continuity of structure or productivity does not meet the reasonable certainty criterion.  Probable reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.

(iii)        Probable reserves estimates also include potential incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than assumed for proved reserves.

(iv)       See also guidelines in paragraphs (a)(17)(iv) and (a)(17)(vi) of this section.

 

(19) Probabilistic estimate.  The method of estimation of reserves or resources is called probabilistic when the full range of values that could reasonably occur for each unknown parameter (from the geoscience and engineering data) is used to generate a full range of possible outcomes and their associated probabilities of occurrence.

 

(20) Production costs.

 

(i)              Costs incurred to operate and maintain wells and related equipment and facilities, including depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of operating and maintaining those wells and related equipment and facilities.  They become part of the cost of oil and gas produced.  Examples of production costs (sometimes called lifting costs) are:

 

(A)        Costs of labor to operate the wells and related equipment and facilities.

(B)        Repairs and maintenance.

(C)        Materials, supplies, and fuel consumed and supplies utilized in operating the wells and related equipment and facilities.

(D)       Property taxes and insurance applicable to proved properties and wells and related equipment and facilities.

(E)        Severance taxes.

 

(ii)           Some support equipment or facilities may serve two or more oil and gas producing activities and may also serve transportation, refining, and marketing activities.  To the extent that the support equipment and facilities are used in oil and gas producing activities, their depreciation and applicable operating costs become exploration, development or production costs, as appropriate.  Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of capitalized acquisition, exploration, and development costs are not production costs but also become part of the cost of oil and gas produced along with production (lifting) costs identified above.

 

(21) Proved area.  The part of a property to which proved reserves have been specifically attributed.

 

(22) Proved oil and gas reserves.  Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation.  The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.

 

(i)              The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes:

 

(A)        The area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts, if any, and

(B)        Adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.

 

(ii)           In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (LKH) as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower contact with reasonable certainty.

(iii)        Where direct observation from well penetrations has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher contact with reasonable certainty.

(iv)       Reserves which can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when:

 

(A)        Successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous

 

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Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based; and

(B)        The project has been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.

 

(v)          Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined.  The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.

 

(23) Proved properties.   Properties with proved reserves.

 

(24) Reasonable certainty.   If deterministic methods are used, reasonable certainty means a high degree of confidence that the quantities will be recovered.  If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 90% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate.  A high degree of confidence exists if the quantity is much more likely to be achieved than not, and, as changes due to increased availability of geoscience (geological, geophysical, and geochemical), engineering, and economic data are made to estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) with time, reasonably certain EUR is much more likely to increase or remain constant than to decrease.

 

(25) Reliable technology.  Reliable technology is a grouping of one or more technologies (including computational methods) that has been field tested and has been demonstrated to provide reasonably certain results with consistency and repeatability in the formation being evaluated or in an analogous formation.

 

(26) Reserves.  Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations.  In addition, there must exist, or there must be a reasonable expectation that there will exist, the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in the production, installed means of delivering oil and gas or related substances to market, and all permits and financing required to implement the project.

 

Note to paragraph (a)(26) : Reserves should not be assigned to adjacent reservoirs isolated by major, potentially sealing, faults until those reservoirs are penetrated and evaluated as economically producible.  Reserves should not be assigned to areas that are clearly separated from a known accumulation by a non-productive reservoir (i.e., absence of reservoir, structurally low reservoir, or negative test results). Such areas may contain prospective resources (i.e., potentially recoverable resources from undiscovered accumulations).

 

 

Excerpted from the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas:

 

932-235-50-30 A standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to an entity’s interests in both of the following shall be disclosed as of the end of the year:

 

a.           Proved oil and gas reserves (see paragraphs 932-235-50-3 through 50-11B)

b.           Oil and gas subject to purchase under long-term supply, purchase, or similar agreements and contracts in which the entity participates in the operation of the properties on which the oil or gas is located or otherwise serves as the producer of those reserves (see paragraph 932-235-50-7).

 

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to those two types of interests in reserves may be combined for reporting purposes.

 

932-235-50-31 All of the following information shall be disclosed in the aggregate and for each geographic area for which reserve quantities are disclosed in accordance with paragraphs 932-235-50-3 through 50-11B:

 

a.           Future cash inflows.  These shall be computed by applying prices used in estimating the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves to the year-end quantities of those reserves.  Future price changes shall be considered only to the extent provided by contractual arrangements in existence at year-end.

b.           Future development and production costs.  These costs shall be computed by estimating the expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved oil and gas reserves at the end of the year, based on year-end costs and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions.  If estimated development expenditures are significant, they shall be presented separately from estimated production costs.

c.           Future income tax expenses.  These expenses shall be computed by applying the appropriate year-end statutory tax rates, with consideration of future tax rates already legislated, to the future pretax net cash flows relating to the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves, less the tax basis of the properties involved.  The future income tax expenses shall give effect to tax deductions and tax credits and allowances relating to the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves.

d.           Future net cash flows.  These amounts are the result of subtracting future development and production costs and future income tax expenses from future cash inflows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

 

e.           Discount.  This amount shall be derived from using a discount rate of 10 percent a year to reflect the timing of the future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves.

f.              Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows.  This amount is the future net cash flows less the computed discount.

 

 

 

(27) Reservoir.   A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible oil and/or gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is individual and separate from other reservoirs.

 

(28) Resources.   Resources are quantities of oil and gas estimated to exist in naturally occurring accumulations.  A portion of the resources may be estimated to be recoverable, and another portion may be considered to be unrecoverable.  Resources include both discovered and undiscovered accumulations.

 

(29) Service well.   A well drilled or completed for the purpose of supporting production in an existing field.  Specific purposes of service wells include gas injection, water injection, steam injection, air injection, salt-water disposal, water supply for injection, observation, or injection for in-situ combustion.

 

(30) Stratigraphic test well.   A stratigraphic test well is a drilling effort, geologically directed, to obtain information pertaining to a specific geologic condition.  Such wells customarily are drilled without the intent of being completed for hydrocarbon production.  The classification also includes tests identified as core tests and all types of expendable holes related to hydrocarbon exploration.  Stratigraphic tests are classified as “exploratory type” if not drilled in a known area or “development type” if drilled in a known area.

 

(31) Undeveloped oil and gas reserves.   Undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

 

(i)              Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those directly offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of economic producibility at greater distances.

(ii)           Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, unless the specific circumstances, justify a longer time.

 

 

From the SEC’s Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations (October 26, 2009):

 

Although several types of projects — such as constructing offshore platforms and development in urban areas, remote locations or environmentally sensitive locations — by their nature customarily take a longer time to develop and therefore often do justify longer time periods, this determination must always take into consideration all of the facts and circumstances. No particular type of project per se justifies a longer time period, and any extension beyond five years should be the exception, and not the rule.

 

Factors that a company should consider in determining whether or not circumstances justify recognizing reserves even though development may extend past five years include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

·                    The company’s level of ongoing significant development activities in the area to be developed (for example, drilling only the minimum number of wells necessary to maintain the lease generally would not constitute significant development activities);

·                    The company’s historical record at completing development of comparable long-term projects;

·                    The amount of time in which the company has maintained the leases, or booked the reserves, without significant development activities;

·                    The extent to which the company has followed a previously adopted development plan (for example, if a company has changed its development plan several times without taking significant steps to implement any of those plans, recognizing proved undeveloped reserves typically would not be appropriate); and

·                    The extent to which delays in development are caused by external factors related to the physical operating environment (for example, restrictions on development on Federal lands, but not obtaining government permits), rather than by internal factors (for example, shifting resources to develop properties with higher priority) .

 

 

 

 

(iii)        Under no circumstances shall estimates for undeveloped reserves be attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir, as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, or by other evidence using reliable technology establishing reasonable certainty.

 

(32) Unproved properties.   Properties with no proved reserves.

 

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