
Delaware | | | 1531 | | | 93-1969003 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | | (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) | | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
Marc D. Jaffe Senet Bischoff Benjamin J. Cohen Latham & Watkins LLP 1271 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10022 Telephone: (212) 906-1200 Fax: (212) 751-4864 | | | Shane Tintle Michael Kaplan Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP 450 Lexington Avenue New York, New York 10017 Telephone: (212) 450-4000 |
Large accelerated filer | | | ☐ | | | Accelerated filer | | | ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer | | | ☒ | | | Smaller reporting company | | | ☐ |
Emerging growth company | | | ☒ | | | | |
| | Per Share | | | Total | |
Initial public offering price | | | $ | | | $ |
Underwriting discount(1) | | | $ | | | $ |
Proceeds, before expenses, to Smith Douglas Homes Corp. | | | $ | | | $ |
(1) | We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain expenses in connection with this offering. See “Underwriting (conflicts of interest).” |
J.P. Morgan | | | BofA Securities | | | RBC Capital Markets | | | Wells Fargo Securities |
Wolfe | Nomura Alliance |
Wedbush Securities | | | Fifth Third Securities | | | Regions Securities LLC | | | Whelan Advisory Capital Markets |
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• | “adjusted return on equity” or “adj. ROE” refers, for us, to pre-tax income attributable to Smith Douglas Holdings LLC tax effected for our anticipated 25% federal and state blended tax rate, assuming 100% public ownership to adjust for the impact of taxes on earnings attributable to Smith Douglas Holdings LLC as if Smith Douglas Holdings LLC was a subchapter C corporation in the periods presented, divided by average total equity (excluding the Devon Street Homes Acquisition). For the public company homebuilders, “adjusted return on equity” or “adj. ROE” refers to net income divided by average total equity. |
• | “adjusted return on inventory” refers to, unless stated otherwise, pre-tax income attributable to Smith Douglas Holdings LLC tax effected for our anticipated 25% federal and state blended tax rate, assuming 100% public ownership to adjust for the impact of taxes on earnings attributable to Smith Douglas Holdings LLC as if Smith Douglas Holdings LLC was a subchapter C corporation in the periods presented, divided by the average of current and prior period closing real estate inventory (excluding the Devon Street Homes Acquisition). |
• | “Average sales price” or “ASP” refers to the average sales price of either our homes closed, our new home orders, or our backlog homes (at period end). |
• | “average total equity” refers to average of current and prior period closing total equity. |
• | “Basis Adjustments” refers to an allocable share (and increases thereto) of existing tax basis, in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC’s assets and tax basis adjustments with respect to such assets resulting from (a) Smith Douglas Homes Corp.’s purchase of LLC Interests from Smith Douglas Holdings LLC and each Continuing Equity Owner in connection with the Transactions, as described under “Use of proceeds”, (b) any future redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests from the Continuing Equity Owners, (c) certain distributions (or deemed distributions) by Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, and (d) payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement. |
• | “construction cycle time” refers, unless stated otherwise, to the number of business days between the start of the construction of foundations in a home and quality acceptance. |
• | “CAGR” refers to compound annual growth rate. |
• | “Continuing Equity Owners” refers collectively to the owners of LLC Interests in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC prior to the consummation of the Transactions, who will also be holders of LLC Interests and our Class B common stock immediately following consummation of the Transactions, including the Founder Fund and GSB Holdings, who may, following the consummation of this offering, exchange at each of their respective options, in whole or in part from time to time, their LLC Interests, as applicable, for, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the Exchange rules) who are disinterested), cash or newly-issued shares of our Class A common stock as described in “Certain relationships and related person transactions—Smith Douglas LLC Agreement—Agreement in effect upon consummation of the Transactions.” In connection with an exchange of LLC Interests, a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock shall be immediately and automatically transferred to Smith Douglas Homes Corp. for no consideration and canceled. |
• | “controlled lots” refers to lots that are either owned or held under an option to be acquired for the relevant time frame set forth in the option contracts. |
• | “Exchange” or “NYSE” refers to the New York Stock Exchange. |
• | “Founder Fund” refers to The Bradbury Family Trust II A U/A/D December 29, 2015, for which our founder and Executive Chairman, Tom Bradbury, is co-trustee. |
• | “GSB Holdings” refers to GSB Holdings LLC, for which our Chief Executive Officer, President, and Vice Chairman, Greg Bennett, is the sole member. |
• | “inventory turnover” refers, unless stated otherwise, to cost of sales divided by the average of current and prior period real estate inventory. |
• | “LLC Interests” refers to the membership units of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, including those that we purchase with the net proceeds from this offering. |
• | “pro forma for the Transactions” refers, unless stated otherwise, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial information of Smith Douglas Homes Corp. giving pro forma effect to the Transactions, including the offering and sale of shares of Class A common stock in this offering at an initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and the proposed use of proceeds. |
• | “public company homebuilders” refers to Beazer Homes USA, Inc., Century Communities, Inc., Dream Finders Homes, Inc., D.R. Horton, Inc., Green Brick Partners, Inc., KB Home, Landsea Homes Corp., Lennar Corporation, LGI Homes, Inc., M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., Meritage Homes Corporation, M/I Homes, Inc., NVR, Inc., PulteGroup, Inc., Taylor Morrison Home Corporation, Toll Brothers, Inc., and TRI Pointe Group, Inc. |
• | “Section 704(c) Allocations” refers to disproportionate allocations (if any) of income and gain from inventory property held by Smith Douglas Holdings LLC as of the date of this offering under Section 704(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), resulting from our acquisition of LLC Interests from Smith Douglas Holdings LLC including in connection with the Transactions. |
• | “Sunset Date” refers to the date upon which the aggregate number of shares of Class B common stock then outstanding is less than 10% of the aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock then outstanding. |
• | “Smith Douglas LLC Agreement” refers, as applicable, to Smith Douglas Holdings LLC’s amended and restated limited liability company agreement, as currently in effect, or to the amended and restated limited liability company agreement effective prior to the consummation of this offering, and as such agreement may thereafter be amended and/or restated. |
• | “Tax Receivable Agreement” refers to the Tax Receivable Agreement to be entered into by and among Smith Douglas Homes Corp., Smith Douglas Holdings LLC and the Continuing Equity Owners in connection with this offering, pursuant to which, among other things, Smith Douglas Homes Corp. will be required to pay to each Continuing Equity Owner 85% of certain tax benefits, if any, that it realizes (or in certain cases is deemed to realize) as a result of the tax benefits provided by Basis Adjustments, Section 704(c) Allocations, and certain other tax benefits (such as interest deductions) covered by the Tax Receivable Agreement as described in “Certain relationships and related person transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.” |
• | “Transactions” refers to the organizational transactions described in the section titled “Our organizational structure” and this offering, and the application of the net proceeds therefrom. |
• | “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,” “Smith Douglas,” and similar references refer: (i) following the consummation of the Transactions, including this offering, to Smith Douglas Homes Corp., and, unless otherwise stated, all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, and (ii) prior to the completion of the Transactions, including this offering, to Smith Douglas Holdings LLC. |
• | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. Other than the inception balance sheet, dated as of June 20, 2023 and the interim financial statements as of June 30, 2023, the historical financial information of Smith Douglas Homes Corp. has not been included in this prospectus as it is a newly incorporated entity, has had no business transactions or activities to date, besides our initial capitalization. |
• | Smith Douglas Holdings LLC. Because Smith Douglas Homes Corp. will have no interest in any operations other than those of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, the historical financial information included in this prospectus is that of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC. |
• | adjusted home closing gross profit, defined as home closing revenue less cost of home closings, excluding capitalized interest charged to cost of home closings, impairment charges and adjustments resulting from the application of purchase accounting included in cost of sales, if applicable; |
• | adjusted home closing gross margin, defined as adjusted home closing gross profit as a percentage of home closing revenue; |
• | adjusted net income, defined as net income adjusted for the income tax expense effect of the pass-through entity taxable income of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC as if Smith Douglas Holdings LLC was a subchapter C corporation in periods presented. This assumption uses an effective tax rate of 25% for pass-through taxable income, which is our anticipated federal and state blended tax rate as a public company; |
• | EBITDA, defined as net income before (i) interest income, (ii) capitalized interest charged to cost of home closings, (iii) interest expense, (iv) income tax expense, and (v) depreciation; and |
• | EBITDA margin, defined as EBITDA as a percentage of home closing revenue. |
(1) | Based on Builder Magazine’s Top 100 list; achievements correspond to the year the ranking was based on. |
(2) | Purchase price of $79.1 million, primarily from cash on hand, availability under the Existing Credit Facility (as defined below), and a three-year promissory note in the principal amount of $5.0 million payable to the seller, exclusive of contingent consideration to the seller of up to $5.0 million. We do not intend to use the proceeds from this offering for the payment of any outstanding amounts under the APA (as defined below) that may be paid pursuant to the contingent consideration. See “Recent developments—Devon Street Homes Acquisition.” |
• | our inability to successfully identify, secure, and control an adequate inventory of lots at reasonable prices; |
• | the tightening of mortgage lending standards and mortgage financing requirements; |
• | the housing market may not continue to grow at the same rate, or may decline; |
• | the availability, skill, and performance of trade partners; |
• | a shortage or increase in the costs of building materials could delay or increase the cost of home construction; |
• | efforts to impose joint employer liability on us for labor, safety, or worker’s compensation law violations committed by our trade partners; |
• | volatility in the credit and capital markets may impact our cost of capital and our ability to access necessary financing and the difficulty in obtaining sufficient capital could prevent us from acquiring lots for our development or increase costs and delays in the completion of our homebuilding expenditures; |
• | no market currently exists for our Class A common stock, and an active, liquid trading market for our Class A common stock may not develop, which may cause our Class A common stock to trade at a discount from the initial offering price and make it difficult for you to sell the Class A common stock you purchase; |
• | we cannot predict the effect our dual class structure may have on the market price of our Class A common stock; |
• | the Tax Receivable Agreement requires us to make cash payments to the Continuing Equity Owners in respect of certain tax benefits to which we may become entitled, and we expect that such payments will be substantial; |
• | our organizational structure, including the Tax Receivable Agreement, confers certain benefits upon the Continuing Equity Owners that will not benefit holders of our Class A common stock to the same extent that it will benefit the Continuing Equity Owners; and |
• | the significant influence the Continuing Equity Owners will have over us after the Transactions, including control over decisions that require the approval of stockholders. |
• | we will amend and restate the existing limited liability company agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, which will become effective prior to the consummation of this offering, to, among other things, (i) recapitalize all existing ownership interests in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC into LLC Interests (before giving effect to the use of proceeds described below), (ii) appoint Smith Douglas Homes Corp. as the sole managing member of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC upon its acquisition of LLC Interests in connection with this offering, and (iii) provide certain redemption rights to the Continuing Equity Owners; |
• | we will amend and restate Smith Douglas Homes Corp.’s certificate of incorporation to, among other things, provide (i) for Class A common stock, with each share of our Class A common stock entitling its holder to one vote per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally, (ii) for Class B common stock, with each share of our Class B common stock entitling its holder to ten votes per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally prior to the Sunset Date and from and after the occurrence of the Sunset Date each share of our Class B common stock will entitle its holder to one vote per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally, (iii) that shares of our Class B common stock may only be held by the Continuing Equity Owners and their respective permitted transferees as described in “Description of capital stock—Common Stock—Class B common stock;” and (iv) for preferred stock, which can be issued by our board in one or more series without stockholder approval; |
• | we will issue shares of our Class B common stock (after giving effect to the use of net proceeds as described below) to the Continuing Equity Owners, which is equal to the number of LLC Interests held by such Continuing Equity Owners, at the time of such issuance of Class B common stock, for nominal consideration; |
• | we will issue shares of our Class A common stock to the purchasers in this offering (or shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $ million (or approximately $ million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share (which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), less the underwriting discount; |
• | use of the net proceeds from this offering (i) to purchase newly issued LLC Interests for approximately $ million directly from Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (or newly issued LLC Interests for approximately $ million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) at a price per unit equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering less the underwriting discount; and (ii) to purchase LLC Interests from the Continuing Equity Owners on a pro rata basis for $ million in aggregate (or LLC Interests for $ million in aggregate if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) at a price per unit equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering less the underwriting discount; |
• | Smith Douglas Holdings LLC intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of LLC Interests to Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (i) to repay approximately $ million of borrowings outstanding under our Existing Credit |
• | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. will enter into (i) the Registration Rights Agreement with our Continuing Equity Owners and (ii) the Tax Receivable Agreement with Smith Douglas Holdings LLC and the Continuing Equity Owners. For a description of the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement and the Tax Receivable Agreement, see “Certain relationships and related person transactions.” |
• | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. will be a holding company and its principal asset will consist of LLC Interests it acquires directly from Smith Douglas Holdings LLC and from each Continuing Equity Owner; |
• | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. will be the sole managing member of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC and will control the business and affairs of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC; |
• | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. will own, directly or indirectly, LLC Interests of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, representing approximately % of the economic interest in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (or LLC Interests, representing approximately % of the economic interest in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock); |
• | the Continuing Equity Owners will own (i) LLC Interests of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, representing approximately % of the economic interest in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (or LLC Interests, representing approximately % of the economic interest in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and (ii) shares of Class B common stock of Smith Douglas Homes Corp., representing approximately % of the combined voting power of all of Smith Douglas Homes Corp.’s common stock (or shares of Class B common stock of Smith Douglas Homes Corp., representing approximately % of the combined voting power if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock); |
• | the purchasers in this offering will own (i) shares of Class A common stock of Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (or shares of Class A common stock of Smith Douglas Homes Corp. if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), representing approximately % of the combined voting power of all of Smith Douglas Homes Corp.’s common stock and 100% of the economic interest in Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (or approximately % of the combined voting power and 100% of the economic interest if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), and (ii) through Smith Douglas Homes Corp.’s ownership of LLC Interests, indirectly will hold approximately % of the economic interest in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (or approximately % of the economic interest in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock); and |
• | our Class A common stock and Class B common stock will have what is commonly referred to as a “high/low vote structure,” which means that shares of our Class B common stock will initially have ten votes per share and our Class A common stock will have one vote per share. Upon the occurrence of the Sunset Date, each share of Class B common stock will then be entitled to one vote per share. This high/low vote structure will enable the Continuing Equity Owners to control the outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of our directors, as well as the overall management and direction of our company. Furthermore, the Continuing Equity Owners will continue to exert a significant degree of influence, or actual control, over matters requiring stockholder approval. We believe that maintaining this control by the Continuing Equity Owners will help enable them to successfully guide the implementation of our Company’s growth strategies and strategic vision. Meanwhile, holders of our Class A common stock will have economic and voting rights similar to those of holders of common stock of non-Up-C structured public companies that have a high/low vote structure. See “Description of capital stock.” |
(1) | Includes Founder Fund and GSB Holdings. |
• | we are required to have only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related selected financial data and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations disclosure; |
• | we are not required to engage an auditor to report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”); |
• | we are not required to comply with the requirement of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), regarding the communication of critical audit matters in the auditor’s report on the financial statements; |
• | we are not required to submit certain executive compensation matters to stockholder advisory votes, such as “say-on-pay,” “say-on-frequency,” and “say-on-golden parachutes;” and |
• | we are not required to comply with certain disclosure requirements related to executive compensation, such as the requirement to present a comparison of our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation to our median employee compensation. |
• | gives effect to the amendment and restatement of the Smith Douglas LLC Agreement that converts all existing ownership interests in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC into LLC Interests, as well as the filing of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation; |
• | gives effect to the other Transactions, including the Refinancing, the consummation of this offering and proposed use of proceeds; |
• | excludes shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under the 2023 Incentive Award Plan (the “2023 Plan”), as described under the caption “Executive compensation—Equity compensation plans—2023 Incentive Award Plan”, including approximately shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to the settlement of restricted stock units that we intend to grant to certain of our directors, executive officers and other employees, including certain of our named executive officers, in connection with this offering as described in “Executive compensation—Narrative to summary compensation table—Equity compensation—IPO equity awards”; |
• | assumes an initial public offering price of $ per share of Class A common stock, which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus; and |
• | assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock from us. |
| | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. Pro Forma(1) | | | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | |||||||||||||
| | Six months ended June 30, | | | Year ended December 31, | | | Six months ended June 30, | | | Year ended December 31, | |||||||
| | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | (In thousands) | | | (Unaudited, in thousands) | | | (In thousands) | ||||||||||
Summary statement of income data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Home closing revenue | | | $ | | | $ | | | $349,666 | | | $325,487 | | | $755,353 | | | $518,863 |
Cost of home closings | | | | | | | 248,435 | | | 230,046 | | | 532,599 | | | 395,917 | ||
Home closing gross profit | | | | | | | 101,231 | | | 95,441 | | | 222,754 | | | 122,946 | ||
Selling, general, and administrative costs | | | | | | | 41,868 | | | 35,136 | | | 83,269 | | | 64,231 | ||
Equity in income from unconsolidated entities | | | | | | | (436) | | | (460) | | | (1,120) | | | (595) | ||
Interest expense | | | | | | | 400 | | | 353 | | | 734 | | | 1,733 | ||
Other (income) loss, net | | | | | | | (168) | | | (246) | | | (573) | | | 188 | ||
Forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program Loan | | | | | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (5,141) | ||
Income before income taxes | | | | | | | $59,567 | | | $60,658 | | | $140,444 | | | $62,530 | ||
Provision for income taxes | | | | | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | ||
Net income | | | | | | | 59,567 | | | 60,658 | | | 140,444 | | | 62,530 | ||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Net income attributable to Smith Douglas Homes Corp. | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ |
Pro forma per share data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Pro forma net income per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Basic and diluted | | | $ | | | $ | | | | | | | | | ||||
Pro forma weighted-average shares used to compute pro forma net income per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Basic and diluted | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. Pro Forma(1) | | | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | |||||||
| | As of June 30, | | | As of June 30, | | | As of December 31, | ||||
| | 2023 | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | (In thousands) | | | (Unaudited, in thousands) | | | (In thousands) | ||||
Summary balance sheet data: | | | | | | | | | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | | | $ | | | $11,392 | | | $29,601 | | | $25,340 |
Total assets | | | | | 225,563 | | | 223,372 | | | 201,188 | |
Revolving line of credit | | | | | 10,000 | | | 15,000 | | | 72,000 | |
Total liabilities | | | | | 49,657 | | | 58,861 | | | 105,672 | |
Members’ equity | | | $ | | | $175,906 | | | $164,511 | | | $95,516 |
Equity attributable to Smith Douglas Homes Corp. | | | | | | | | | ||||
Noncontrolling interests | | | | | | | | | ||||
Total stockholders’/members’ equity | | | | | 175,906 | | | 164,511 | | | 95,516 | |
Total liabilities and stockholders’/members’ equity | | | | | $225,563 | | | $223,372 | | | $201,188 |
| | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. Pro Forma(1) | | | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | |||||||||||||
| | Six months ended June 30, | | | Year ended December 31, | | | Six months ended June 30, | | | Year ended December 31, | |||||||
| | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | (In thousands) | | | (Unaudited, in thousands) | | | (In thousands) | ||||||||||
Summary statements of cash flows data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | | | | | $35,902 | | | $28,995 | | | $132,095 | | | $30,870 | ||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | | | | | | | (180) | | | 572 | | | 361 | | | 847 | ||
Net cash used in financing activities | | | | | | | (53,931) | | | (29,982) | | | (128,195) | | | (38,541) | ||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | | | | | | (18,209) | | | (415) | | | 4,261 | | | (6,824) | ||
Other financial data(2): | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Home closing gross profit(3) | | | | | | | $101,231 | | | $95,441 | | | $222,754 | | | $122,946 | ||
Adj. home closing gross profit(5) | | | | | | | $102,186 | | | $96,560 | | | $225,511 | | | $124,981 | ||
Home closing gross margin(4) | | | | | | | 29.0% | | | 29.3% | | | 29.5% | | | 23.7% | ||
Adj. home closing gross margin(4) | | | | | | | 29.2% | | | 29.7% | | | 29.9% | | | 24.1% | ||
Adj. net income(5) | | | | | | | $44,675 | | | $45,494 | | | $105,333 | | | $46,898 | ||
EBITDA(5) | | | | | | | $61,344 | | | $62,570 | | | $144,707 | | | $67,284 | ||
Net income margin | | | | | | | 17.0% | | | 18.6% | | | 18.6% | | | 12.1% | ||
EBITDA margin(4)(5) | | | | | | | 17.5% | | | 19.2% | | | 19.2% | | | 13.0% | ||
Other operating data(2): | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Home closings | | | | | | | 1,060 | | | 978 | | | 2,200 | | | 1,848 | ||
ASP of homes closed | | | | | | | $330 | | | $333 | | | $343 | | | $281 | ||
Net new home orders | | | | | | | 1,276 | | | 1,048 | | | 1,928 | | | 1,920 | ||
Contract value of net new home orders | | | | | | | $421,248 | | | $374,892 | | | $667,530 | | | $597,761 | ||
ASP of net new home orders | | | | | | | $330 | | | $358 | | | $346 | | | $311 | ||
Cancellation rate(6) | | | | | | | 8.8% | | | 7.3% | | | 10.9% | | | 6.7% | ||
Backlog homes (period end)(7) | | | | | | | 985 | | | 1,113 | | | 771 | | | 1,043 | ||
Contract value of backlog homes (period end) | | | | | | | $330,258 | | | $397,125 | | | $258,718 | | | $345,521 | ||
ASP of backlog homes (period end) | | | | | | | $335 | | | $357 | | | $336 | | | $331 | ||
Active communities (period end)(8) | | | | | | | 44 | | | 50 | | | 53 | | | 52 | ||
Controlled lots (period end): | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Homes under construction | | | | | | | 706 | | | 898 | | | 623 | | | 711 | ||
Owned lots | | | | | | | 405 | | | 292 | | | 342 | | | 319 | ||
Optioned lots | | | | | | | 7,659 | | | 10,106 | | | 7,848 | | | 9,840 | ||
Total controlled lots | | | | | | | 8,770 | | | 11,296 | | | 8,813 | | | 10,870 |
(1) | Pro forma for the Transactions, the Refinancing and the Devon Street Homes Acquisition. See “Unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information.” |
(2) | For definitions and further information about how we calculate financial and operating data, including a reconciliation of adjusted home closing gross profit, adjusted net income, EBITDA, adjusted home closing gross margin, and EBITDA margin, please see “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Reorganization transactions—Non-GAAP financial measures.” |
(3) | Home closing gross profit is home closing revenue less cost of home closings. |
(4) | Calculated as a percentage of home closing revenue. |
(5) | Adjusted home closing gross profit, adjusted home closing gross margin, adjusted net income, EBITDA, and EBITDA margin are included in this prospectus because they are non-GAAP financial measures used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance. For definitions of adjusted homes closing gross profit, adjusted home closing gross margin, adjusted net income, EBITDA, and EBITDA margin and reconciliations to our most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, see “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Reorganization transactions—Non-GAAP financial measures.” Our non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as substitutes for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted homes closing gross profit, adjusted home closing gross margin, adjusted net income, EBITDA, and EBITDA margin may be different than a similarly titled measure used by other companies. |
(6) | The cancellation rate is the total number of cancellations during the period divided by the total gross new home orders during the period. |
(7) | Backlog homes (period end) is the number of homes in backlog from the previous period plus the number of net new home orders generated during the current period minus the number of homes closed during the current period. |
(8) | A community becomes active once the model is completed or the community has its first sale. A community becomes inactive when it has fewer than two units remaining to sell. |
• | increases in short- and long-term interest rates; |
• | high inflation; |
• | supply-chain disruptions and the cost or availability of building materials; |
• | the availability of trade partners, vendors, or other third parties; |
• | housing affordability; |
• | the availability and cost of financing for homebuyers; |
• | federal and state income and real estate tax laws, including limitations on, or the elimination of, the deduction of mortgage interest or property tax payments; |
• | employment levels, job and personal income growth and household debt-to-income levels; |
• | consumer confidence generally and the confidence of potential homebuyers in particular; |
• | the ability of homeowners to sell their existing homes at acceptable prices; |
• | the U.S. and global financial systems and credit markets, including stock market and credit market volatility; |
• | inclement weather and natural and man-made disasters, including risks associated with global climate change, such as increased frequency or intensity of adverse weather events; |
• | environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations, and the environmental conditions of our properties; |
• | civil unrest, acts of terrorism, other acts of violence, threats to national security, global economic and political instability, and conflicts such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, escalating global trade tensions, the adoption of trade restrictions, or a public health issue such as COVID-19 or another major epidemic or pandemic; |
• | mortgage financing programs and regulation of lending practices; |
• | housing demand from population growth, household formations and demographic changes (including immigration levels and trends or other costs of home ownership in urban and suburban migration); |
• | demand from foreign homebuyers for our homes; |
• | the supply of available new or existing homes and other housing alternatives; |
• | energy prices; and |
• | the supply of developable land in our markets and in the United States generally. |
• | allocation of expenses to and among different jurisdictions; |
• | changes to our assessment about our ability to realize, or in the valuation of, our deferred tax assets that are based on estimates of our future results, the prudence and feasibility of possible tax planning strategies, and the economic and political environments in which we do business; |
• | expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances; |
• | tax effects of stock-based compensation; |
• | costs related to intercompany restructurings; |
• | changes in tax laws, regulations, or interpretations thereof; |
• | the outcome of current and future tax audits, examinations, or administrative appeals; |
• | lower than anticipated future earnings in jurisdictions where we have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated future earnings in jurisdictions where we have higher statutory tax rates; and |
• | limitations or adverse findings regarding our ability to do business in some jurisdictions. |
• | making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our debt or to our trade or other creditors; |
• | increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic or industry conditions; |
• | limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions, particularly when the availability of financing in the capital markets is limited; |
• | requiring a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations and the proceeds from this offering for the payment of interest on our debt and reducing our ability to use our cash flows and the proceeds from this offering to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and general corporate requirements; |
• | limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; and |
• | placing us at a competitive disadvantage to less leveraged competitors. |
• | results of operations that vary from the expectations of securities analysts and investors; |
• | results of operations that vary from those of our competitors; |
• | changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates and investment recommendations by securities analysts and investors; |
• | technology changes, changes in consumer behavior in our industry; |
• | security breaches related to our systems or those of our affiliates or strategic partners; |
• | changes in economic conditions for companies in our industry; |
• | changes in market valuations of, or earnings and other announcements by, companies in our industry; |
• | declines in the market prices of stocks generally, particularly those of residential construction; |
• | strategic actions by us or our competitors; |
• | announcements by us, our competitors or our strategic partners of significant contracts, new products, acquisitions, joint marketing relationships, joint ventures or other unconsolidated entities, other strategic relationships, or capital commitments; |
• | changes in general economic or market conditions or trends in our industry or the economy as a whole and, in particular, in the residential construction environment; |
• | changes in business or regulatory conditions; |
• | future sales of our Class A common stock or other securities; |
• | investor perceptions of the investment opportunity associated with our Class A common stock relative to other investment alternatives; |
• | the public’s response to press releases or other public announcements by us or third parties, including our filings with the SEC; |
• | announcements relating to litigation or governmental investigations; |
• | guidance, if any, that we provide to the public, any changes in this guidance, or our failure to meet this guidance; |
• | the development and sustainability of an active trading market for our stock; |
• | changes in accounting principles; and |
• | other events or factors, including those resulting from system failures and disruptions, natural or man-made disasters, extreme weather events, war, acts of terrorism, an outbreak of highly infectious or contagious diseases, such as COVID-19, or responses to these events. |
• | the ability of our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock without stockholder approval; |
• | at any time prior to the Sunset Date, our stockholders may take action by consent without a meeting, and from and after the occurrence of the Sunset Date, our stockholders may not take action by consent without a meeting, but may only take action at a meeting of stockholders; |
• | vacancies on our board of directors will be able to be filled only by our board of directors and not by stockholders; |
• | advance notice procedures apply for stockholders to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring matters before an annual meeting of stockholders; |
• | at any time prior to the Sunset Date, the Secretary (or other officer or our board of directors) at the request of any Continuing Equity Owner owning at least 5% of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon may call a special meeting of stockholders, and from and after the occurrence of the Sunset Date, our stockholders will be unable to call a special meeting of stockholders; |
• | no cumulative voting in the election of directors; |
• | prior to the Sunset Date, directors may be removed at any time with or without cause upon the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon, and from and after the occurrence of the Sunset Date, directors may be removed with or without cause and only upon the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon; and |
• | that certain provisions of amended and restated certificate of incorporation may be amended only by the affirmative vote of holder of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of our then-outstanding capital stock entitled to vote thereon. |
• | the last day of its fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of its initial public offering of common equity securities; |
• | the last day of its fiscal year in which it has annual gross revenue of $1.235 billion or more; |
• | the date on which it has, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1 billion in nonconvertible debt; and |
• | the date on which it is deemed to be a “large accelerated filer,” which will occur at such time as we (i) have an aggregate worldwide market value of common equity securities held by non-affiliates of $700 million or more as of the last business day of its most recently completed second fiscal quarter, (ii) have been required to file annual and quarterly reports under the Exchange, for a period of at least 12 months, and (iii) have filed at least one annual report pursuant to the Exchange Act. |
• | not be required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes Oxley Act; |
• | not be required to hold a nonbinding advisory stockholder vote on executive compensation pursuant to Section 14A(a) of the Exchange Act; |
• | not be required to seek stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved pursuant to Section 14A(b) of the Exchange Act; |
• | be exempt from the requirement of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) regarding the communication of critical audit matters in the auditor’s report on the financial statements; and |
• | be subject to reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements. |
• | general market conditions, including inflation and rising interest rates; |
• | the market’s perception of our growth potential; |
• | with respect to acquisition and/or development financing, the market’s perception of the value of the land parcels to be acquired and/or developed; |
• | our current debt levels; |
• | our current and expected future earnings; |
• | our cash flow; and |
• | the market price per share of our Class A common stock. |
• | our ability to successfully identify, secure, and control an adequate inventory of lots at reasonable prices; |
• | our market opportunity and the potential growth of that market; |
• | our ability to expand into new regions; |
• | our strategy, expected outcomes, and growth prospects; |
• | trends in our operations, industry, and markets; |
• | our future profitability, indebtedness, liquidity, access to capital, and financial condition; |
• | the effects of seasonal trends on our results of operations; |
• | the increased expenses associated with being a public company; |
• | our ability to remain in compliance with extensive laws and regulations that apply to our business and operations; |
• | the effect our dual class structure may have on the market price of our Class A common stock; |
• | the completion of the concurrent Refinancing and |
• | the future trading prices of our Class A common stock. |
• | we will amend and restate the existing limited liability company agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, which will become effective prior to the consummation of this offering, to, among other things, (i) recapitalize all existing ownership interests in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC into LLC Interests (before giving effect to the use of proceeds described below), (ii) appoint Smith Douglas Homes Corp. as the sole managing member of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC upon its acquisition of LLC Interests in connection with this offering, and (iii) provide certain redemption rights to the Continuing Equity Owners; |
• | we will amend and restate Smith Douglas Homes Corp.’s certificate of incorporation to, among other things, provide (i) for Class A common stock, with each share of our Class A common stock entitling its holder to one vote per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally; (ii) for Class B common stock, with each share of our Class B common stock entitling its holder to ten votes per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally prior to the Sunset Date and from and after the occurrence of the Sunset Date each share of our Class B common stock will entitle its holder to one vote per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally; (iii) that shares of our Class B common stock may only be held by the Continuing Equity Owners and their respective permitted transferees as described in “Description of capital stock—Common stock—Class B common stock;” and (iv) for preferred stock, which can be issued by our board in one or more series without stockholder approval; |
• | we will issue shares of our Class B common stock (after giving effect to the use of net proceeds as described below) to the Continuing Equity Owners at the time of such issuance of Class B common stock, which is equal to the number of LLC Interests held by such Continuing Equity Owners, for nominal consideration; |
• | we will issue shares of our Class A common stock to the purchasers in this offering (or shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $ million (or approximately $ million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share (which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), less the underwriting discount; |
• | we will use the net proceeds from this offering (i) to purchase newly issued LLC Interests for approximately $ million directly from Smith Douglas Holdings LLC at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount; and (ii) to purchase LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners on a pro rata basis for $ million in aggregate (or LLC Interests for $ million in aggregate if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) at a price per unit equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering less the underwriting discount; |
• | Smith Douglas Holdings LLC intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of LLC Interests to Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (i) for the Refinancing, (ii) to redeem all outstanding Class C Units and Class D Units of Smith |
• | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. will enter into (i) the Registration Rights Agreement with certain of the Continuing Equity Owners and (ii) the Tax Receivable Agreement with Smith Douglas Holdings LLC and the Continuing Equity Owners. For a description of the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement and the Tax Receivable Agreement, see “Certain relationships and related person transactions.” |
• | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. will be a holding company and its principal asset will consist of LLC Interests it acquires directly from Smith Douglas Holdings LLC and from each Continuing Equity Owner; |
• | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. will be the sole managing member of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC and will control the business and affairs of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC; |
• | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. will own, directly or indirectly, LLC Interests of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, representing approximately % of the economic interest in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (or LLC Interests, representing approximately % of the economic interest in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock); |
• | the Continuing Equity Owners will own (i) LLC Interests of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, representing approximately % of the economic interest in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (or LLC Interests, representing approximately % of the economic interest in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and (ii) shares of Class B common stock of Smith Douglas Homes Corp., representing approximately % of the combined voting power of all of Smith Douglas Homes Corp.’s common stock (or shares of Class B common stock of Smith Douglas Homes Corp., representing approximately % if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock); and |
• | the purchasers in this offering will own (i) shares of Class A common stock of Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (or shares of Class A common stock of Smith Douglas Homes Corp. if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), representing approximately % of the combined voting power of all of Smith Douglas Homes Corp.’s common stock and approximately % of the economic interest in Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (or approximately % of the combined voting power and approximately % of the economic interest if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), and (ii) through Smith Douglas Homes Corp.’s ownership of LLC Interests, indirectly will hold approximately % of the economic interest in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (or approximately % of the economic interest in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). |
(1) | Includes Founder Fund and GSB Holdings. |
• | of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC on a historical basis; |
• | of Smith Douglas Homes LLC pro forma for the Devon Street Homes Acquisition; and |
• | of Smith Douglas Homes Corp. and its subsidiaries, pro forma for the Transactions and the Devon Street Homes Acquisition, including the sale of the shares of Class A common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share (which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting the underwriting discount, and the application of the net proceeds therefrom as described under “Use of proceeds,” including the Refinancing. |
(1) | A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma amount of each of cash and cash equivalents, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity, and total capitalization by approximately $ million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. |
(2) | As of June 30, 2023, we had $10.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Existing Credit Facility. Subsequent to June 30, 2023, we borrowed an additional $72.0 million under the Existing Credit Facility to partially fund the purchase price of the Devon Street Homes Acquisition. The Existing Credit Facility is a $175.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility, which includes a $25.0 million accordion feature, subject to additional commitments, and provides that up to $10.0 million may be used for letters of credit. Concurrently with, and conditioned upon, the pricing of this offering, we intend to enter into the Amended Existing Credit Facility and, as part of the Refinancing, pay down $ outstanding under our unsecured revolver. For a further description of our Existing Credit Facility, see “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Liquidity and capital resources—Existing Credit Facility” and “Use of proceeds.” |
Assumed initial public offering price per share | | | | | $ | |
Pro forma net tangible book value as of June 30, 2023 before this offering | | | $ | | | |
Increase per share attributable to new investors in this offering | | | $ | | | |
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering | | | | |||
Dilution per share to new Class A common stock investors in this offering | | | | | $ |
(in thousands) | | | Shares Purchased | | | Total Consideration | | | Average Price Per Share | ||||||
| Number | | | Percent | | | Amount | | | Percent | | ||||
Continuing Equity Owners | | | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | |||
New public investors | | | | | | | | | | | $ | ||||
Total | | | | | 100% | | | $ | | | | | $ |
• | the percentage of shares of Class A common stock held by the Continuing Equity Owners will decrease to approximately % of the total number of shares of our Class A common stock outstanding after this offering; and |
• | the number of shares of Class A common stock held by new investors in this offering will increase to , or approximately % of the total number of shares of our Class A common stock outstanding after this offering. |
• | The acquisition of Devon Street Homes on July 31, 2023, for a purchase price of approximately $79.1 million funded by $2.1 million of cash on hand, $72.0 million of draws on our Existing Credit Facility, and $5.0 million from the issuance of a three-year promissory note payable to the seller, exclusive of contingent consideration to the seller of up to $5.0 million. We do not intend to use the proceeds from this offering for the payment of any outstanding amounts under the APA that may be paid pursuant to the contingent consideration. |
• | the amendment and restatement of the existing limited liability company agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, which will become effective prior to the consummation of this offering, to, among other things, (i) appoint Smith Douglas Homes Corp. as the sole managing member of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC upon its acquisition of LLC Interests in connection with this offering and (ii) provide certain redemption rights to the Continuing Equity Owners; |
• | the amendment and restatement of Smith Douglas Homes Corp’s certificate of incorporation to, among other things, provide (i) for Class A common stock, with each share of our Class A common stock entitling its holder to one vote per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally and (ii) for Class B common stock, with each share of our Class B common stock entitling its holder to ten votes per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally prior to the Sunset Date and from and after the occurrence of the Sunset Date each share of our Class B common stock will entitle its holder to one vote per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally, and that shares of our Class B common stock may only be held by the Continuing Equity Owners and their respective permitted transferees as described in “Description of capital stock—Common stock—Class B common stock;” |
• | the issuance of shares of our Class B common stock to the Continuing Equity Owners, which is equal to the number of LLC Interests held by such Continuing Equity Owners, for nominal consideration; and |
• | the entrance into the TRA with Smith Douglas Holdings LLC and the Continuing Equity Owners that will provide for the payment by Smith Douglas Homes Corp. to the Continuing Equity Owners of 85% of the amount of tax benefits, if any, that Smith Douglas Homes Corp. actually realizes (or in some circumstances is deemed to realize) related to certain Basis Adjustments, Section 704(c) Allocations, and payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See “Certain relationships and related person transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement” for a description of the Tax Receivable Agreement. |
• | issuance of shares of our Class A common stock to the purchasers in this offering (or shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $ million (or approximately $ million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share (which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), less the underwriting discount; |
• | use of the net proceeds from this offering (i) to purchase newly issued LLC Interests for approximately $ million directly from Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (or newly issued LLC Interests for approximately |
• | the use by Smith Douglas Holdings LLC of the proceeds from the sale of its LLC Interests to us to repay existing indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility, to redeem all outstanding Class C Units and Class D Units of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC at par aggregating $2.6 million, repay $1.3 million in notes payable to certain related parties and the remainder, if any, for general corporate purposes, as described under “Use of Proceeds” and “Certain relationships and related person transactions;” |
• | the purchase of LLC Interests from the Continuing Equity Owners will reduce their ownership interest from LLC Interests to ; |
• | recognition of the obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement triggered by the purchase of LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners discussed above, and related set-up of deferred tax assets on the TRA and on the basis difference associated with the purchase of LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners; and |
• | the grant of restricted stock unit awards pursuant to the 2023 Plan to certain of our directors and employees upon completion of this offering with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $9.2 million, which awards will cover shares of our Class A common stock based on the initial public offering price of per share, of which shares of our Class A common stock (subject to awards with an aggregate grant date fair value of $3.2 million) are expected to vest in full upon the one-year anniversary of the closing date of this offering, and shares of our Class A common stock (subject to an award with a grant date fair value of $6.0 million) are expected to vest in six equal installments on each of the first six anniversaries of the closing date of this offering, in each case subject to the applicable grantee's continued employment or service (as applicable) through the applicable vesting date, and further subject to accelerated vesting upon certain qualifying terminations of employment or service (as applicable) that occur following a change in control (as further described under the caption “Executive compensation—Narrative to summary compensation table—Equity compensation—IPO equity awards”). |
• | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. Other than the inception balance sheet dated as of June 20, 2023 and the interim financial statements dated as of June 30, 2023, the historical financial information of Smith Douglas Homes Corp. has not been included in this prospectus as it is a newly incorporated entity and has had no business transactions or activities to date, besides our initial capitalization. |
• | Smith Douglas Holdings LLC. Because Smith Douglas Homes Corp. will have no interest in any operations other than those of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, the historical financial information included in this prospectus is that of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC. |
| | Smith Douglas Holdings LLC historical | | | Devon Street Homes, L.P. historical | | | Transaction accounting adjustments (Acquisition of Devon Street Homes) | | | Notes | | | Smith Douglas Holdings LLC Pro forma for Devon Street Homes | | | Reorganization and offering adjustments | | | Notes | | | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. pro forma | |
Home closing revenue | | | $ 349,666 | | | $ 41,060 | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | $ | | | | | $ | ||
Cost of home closings | | | 248,435 | | | 32,151 | | | | | (aa) | | | | | | | | | |||||
Home closing gross profit | | | 101,231 | | | 8,909 | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Selling, general, and administrative costs | | | 41,868 | | | $3,419 | | | | | (cc) | | | | | | | (ff) | | | ||||
Equity in income from unconsolidated entities | | | (436) | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Interest expense | | | 400 | | | 580 | | | | | (dd) | | | | | | | (gg) | | | ||||
Other income, net | | | (168) | | | (125) | | | | | (ee) | | | | | | | | | |||||
Income before income taxes | | | 59,567 | | | $5,035 | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Provisions for income taxes | | | | | $49 | | | | | | | | | | | (hh) | | | ||||||
Net income | | | $59,567 | | | $4,986 | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | $ | | | | | $ | ||
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (ii) | | | |||||||
Net income attributable to Smith Douglas Homes Corp. | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | $ | | | | | $ | ||
Pro forma per share data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||
Pro forma net income per share | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||
Basic and diluted | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (jj) | | | $ | ||||||
Pro forma weighted average shares used to compute pro forma net income per share | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||
Basic and diluted | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (jj) | | | $ |
| | Smith Douglas Holdings LLC historical | | | Devon Street Homes, L.P. historical | | | Transaction accounting adjustments (Acquisition of Devon Street Homes) | | | Notes | | | Smith Douglas Holdings LLC Pro forma for Devon Street Homes | | | Reorganization and offering adjustments | | | Notes | | | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. pro forma | |
Home closing revenue | | | $755,353 | | | $107,888 | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | $ | | | | | $ | ||
Cost of home closings | | | 532,599 | | | 80,390 | | | | | (aa) | | | | | | | | | |||||
Home closing gross profit | | | 222,754 | | | 27,498 | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Selling, general, and administrative costs | | | 83,269 | | | $7,640 | | | | | (bb) | | | | | | | (ff) | | | ||||
| | | | | | | | (cc) | | | | | | | | | ||||||||
Equity in income from unconsolidated entities | | | (1,120) | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Interest expense | | | 734 | | | 460 | | | | | (dd) | | | | | | | (gg) | | | ||||
Other income, net | | | (573) | | | (117) | | | | | (ee) | | | | | | | | | |||||
Income before income taxes | | | 140,444 | | | $19,515 | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Provisions for income taxes | | | | | $193 | | | | | | | | | | | (hh) | | | ||||||
Net income | | | $140,444 | | | $19,322 | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | $ | | | | | $ | ||
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (ii) | | | |||||||
Net income attributable to Smith Douglas Homes Corp. | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | $ | | | | | $ | ||
Pro forma per share data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||
Pro forma net income per share | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||
Basic and diluted | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (jj) | | | $ | ||||||
Pro forma weighted average shares used to compute pro forma net income per share | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||
Basic and diluted | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (jj) | | | $ |
Cash consideration(1) | | | $74,100 |
Promissory note payable | | | 5,000 |
Contingent consideration(2) | | | |
Total estimated consideration to be paid | | | $ |
(1) | The cash consideration is funded by $2.1 million of cash on hand and $72.0 million of draws on our Existing Credit Facility. |
(2) | The contingent consideration represents management’s preliminary estimate of the fair value of the future payment to be made to the former owner of Devon Street Homes under the terms of the Gross Margin Earnout feature included in the executed Asset Purchase Agreement for the Devon Street Homes acquisition. Per the terms of the Gross Margin Earnout feature, the seller is entitled to receive a one time payment in the first quarter of 2025 based on the newly established Houston division’s gross margin (as defined) for the year ending December 31, 2024. The payout will be determined in accordance with the Gross Margin Calculation Payout Grid and ranges from a minimum of zero to a maximum of $5.0 million. |
Real estate inventory | | | $ |
Other assets | | | |
Property and equipment, net | | | |
Goodwill | | | |
Accounts payable | | | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | | |
Customer deposits | | | |
Fair value of consideration transferred | | | $ |
(a) | Reflects $72.0 million of draws on our Existing Credit Facility to substantially fund the Devon Street Homes Acquisition. |
(b) | Reflects the acquisition of Devon Street Homes for a purchase price of approximately $ million funded by $2.1 million of cash on hand, $72.0 million of draws on our Existing Credit Facility, $5.0 million from the issuance of a three-year promissory note payable to the seller and approximately $ million of estimated contingent consideration to the seller. Also reflects adjustments to the book basis of cash, construction loans, lot loans and partners’ equity not acquired by us. The resulting goodwill from the Devon Street Homes Acquisition after allocating purchase price on a preliminary basis to the assets and liabilities acquired is $ million. |
(c) | Represents the accrual of additional transaction costs incurred subsequent to June 30, 2023 related to the Devon Street Homes Acquisition. |
(d) | Reflects the net effect on cash and cash equivalents and stockholders’ equity of the issuance of shares of Class B common stock to the Continuing Equity Owners, which is equal to the number of LLC Interests held by such Continuing Equity Owners at the time of such issuance of Class B common stock, for nominal consideration. |
(e) | Reflects the net effect on cash and cash equivalents and stockholders’ equity of the receipt of offering proceeds to us of $ million, based on the sale of shares of Class A common stock (or shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) at the initial public offering price of $ per share (which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover pages of this prospectus), after deducting the estimated underwriting discount. See “Use of proceeds.” |
(f) | Reflects the expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions, including this offering, that Smith Douglas Holdings LLC will bear or reimburse to Smith Douglas Homes Corp. |
(g) | Reflects the purchase of LLC Interests from the Continuing Equity Owners on a pro rata basis for $ million in aggregate (or LLC Interests from the Continuing Equity Owners for $ million in aggregate if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) at a price per unit equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering less the underwriting discount. |
(h) | Upon completion of the Transactions, we will become the sole managing member of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC. Although we will have a minority economic interest in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, we will have the sole voting interest in, and control of the management of, Smith Douglas Holdings LLC. As a result, we will consolidate the financial results of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC and will report a non-controlling interest related to the interests in Smith Douglas Holdings LLC held by the Continuing Equity Holders in our consolidated balance sheet. Immediately following the Transactions, the economic interests held by the noncontrolling interest will be approximately %. If the underwriters were to exercise their option to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock in full, the economic interests held by the noncontrolling interest would be approximately %. |
(i) | Reflects repayment of all outstanding borrowings under our Existing Credit Facility on June 30, 2023, as if the Devon Street Homes Acquisition and the Offering had occurred on that date. See “Use of proceeds.” |
(j) | Reflects a decrease in cash and cash equivalents and accrued expenses and other liabilities for the repayment of approximately $1.3 million in notes payable to related parties as if it occurred on June 30, 2023. See “Use of proceeds.” |
(k) | Reflects a decrease in cash and cash equivalents and members' equity for repurchases of 2,000 Class C Units and 600 Class D Units as if they occurred on June 30, 2023. See “Use of proceeds.” |
(l) | Reflects adjustments for deferred tax assets and obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement triggered by the purchase of LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners, as described in greater detail under “Our organizational structure” and “Certain relationships and related person transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement,” in connection with the completion of this offering. The pro forma adjustments reflect the following: |
• | Estimated deferred tax benefit of approximately $ million recognized for the tax benefit of the difference in basis between reporting under generally accepted accounting principles and income tax reporting purposes associated with the purchase of LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners. In connection with this purchase, we intend to make an IRC 754 election, which will allow us to succeed to the aggregate historical tax basis of the LLC Interests. The total tax benefit from such historical tax basis, including any increases thereto as a result of the Transactions, will primarily be amortized over 15 years pursuant to Section 197 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), subject to further allocation adjustments to be made at the time of preparation of our tax returns. |
• | Estimated deferred tax benefit of $ million associated with the obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement. |
• | Corresponding liability under the Tax Receivable Agreement triggered by the purchase of LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners of $ million representing % of the amount of tax benefits that Smith Douglas Homes Corp. expects to realize related to certain tax basis adjustments and payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement. |
• | Credit to Additional paid-in capital associated with the deferred tax assets ($ million and $ million) reduced by a charge for the obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement for a total adjustment of $ million, for a total net credit of $ million. |
(aa) | Reflects an increase in cost of home closings due to the $ million fair value adjustment of real estate inventory completed and under construction as of January 1, 2022. This adjustment is being relieved into cost of home closings on a ratable basis over an estimated 48 months, with half of the adjustment relieved in the first 12 months and the remaining half relieved in the following 36 months. |
(bb) | Represents the accrual of additional transaction costs incurred subsequent to June 30, 2023 related to the Devon Street Homes Acquisition. |
(cc) | Reflects estimated additional compensation payable to a key employee for each lot acquired after the acquisition of Devon Street Homes. Compensation is equal to $3,125 per lot approved by our Investment Committee and $3,125 per lot taken down, up to a maximum aggregate payout of $7.5 million. In the first 12 months after the acquisition, we estimate that 600 lots will be approved and 60 lots will be taken down. In the following 6 months, we estimate that an additional 300 lots will be approved and another 30 lots will be taken down. |
(dd) | Reflects a net increase in interest expense as if the new borrowings to finance the acquisition of Devon Street Homes and the pay off of Devon Street Homes' existing debt occurred on January 1, 2022. |
(ee) | Reflects an increase in other expense associated with accreting the fair value of contingent consideration to the estimated probability-weighted average payout, as if the acquisition of Devon Street Homes occurred on January 1, 2022. The estimated probability-weighted average payout is $ million discounted at a rate of %. |
(ff) | Reflects share-based compensation expense from the grant of restricted stock unit awards pursuant to the 2023 Plan to certain of our directors and employees upon completion of this offering. This adjustment reflects compensation expense associated with the grant had it occurred on January 1, 2022, of which shares of our Class A common stock (subject to awards with an aggregate grant date fair value of $3.2 million) are expected to vest in full upon the one-year anniversary of the closing date of this offering, and shares of our Class A common stock (subject to an award with a grant date fair value of $6.0 million) are expected to vest in six equal installments on each of the first six anniversaries of the closing date of this offering, in each case subject to the applicable grantee's continued employment or service (as applicable) through the applicable vesting date, and further subject to accelerated vesting upon certain qualifying terminations of employment or service (as applicable) that occur following a change in control (as further described under the caption “Executive compensation—Narrative to summary compensation table—Equity compensation—IPO equity awards”). |
(gg) | Reflects a decrease in interest expense due to the repayment of all outstanding borrowings on our Existing Credit Facility on January 1, 2022, as if the Devon Street Homes Acquisition and the Offering had occurred on that date. See “Use of proceeds.” After this adjustment, remaining interest expense is interest on the promissory note and amortization of deferred Existing Credit Facility costs. |
(hh) | Provides for an assumed income tax expense on our earnings which is calculated at 25% of income before income tax expense. Following the Transactions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income taxes in addition to applicable state and local taxes with respect to our allocable share of net taxable income of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC. Accordingly, we have provided income taxes assuming a blended federal, state, and local rate of 25% on our allocable share of taxable income, and assuming no adjustments for non-taxable or non-deductible amounts of income and expenses. The actual rate could vary from the rate used in the pro forma financial statements. |
(ii) | Reflects the portion of our net income allocable to the non-controlling interest. After the Transactions, we will become the managing member of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC with a % economic interest but will control |
(jj) | Pro forma basic and dilutive net income per share is computed by dividing the net income attributable to holders of Class A common stock by the weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the period. Class A common stock outstanding is also adjusted for any vested Class A common stock under the 2023 Plan. Shares of Class B common stock do not participate in earnings of Smith Douglas Homes Corp. As a result, the shares of Class B common stock are not considered participating securities and are not included in the weighted-average shares outstanding for purposes of computing pro forma net income per share. There are no outstanding dilutive securities due to the following: |
• | Continuing Equity Owners may cause a pro rata redemption of LLC Interests for shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, which would concurrently require Class B common stock to be transferred to Smith Douglas Homes Corp. for no consideration and be cancelled. Upon such redemption, net income per share attributable to Smith Douglas Homes Corp. would remain unchanged due to a corresponding increase in net income attributable to Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (and a decrease in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests) and the number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding. |
• | Outstanding restricted stock unit awards are not dilutive when applying the treasury stock method. |
Six months ended June 30, (Unaudited, in thousands, except percentages) | | | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. pro forma(1) | | | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | |||
| 2023 | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | ||
Home closing revenue | | | $ | | | $349,666 | | | $325,487 |
Cost of home closings | | | | | 248,435 | | | 230,046 | |
Home closing gross profit(2) | | | $ | | | $101,231 | | | $95,441 |
Capitalized interest charged to cost of home closings | | | | | 955 | | | 1,119 | |
Adj. home closing gross profit | | | $ | | | $102,186 | | | $96,560 |
Home closing gross margin(3) | | | % | | | 29.0% | | | 29.3% |
Adj. home closing gross margin(3) | | | % | | | 29.2% | | | 29.7% |
(1) | Pro forma for the Transactions and the Devon Street Homes Acquisition. See “Unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information.” |
(2) | Home closing gross profit is home closing revenue less cost of home closings. |
(3) | Calculated as a percentage of home closing revenue. |
Year ended December 31, (in thousands, except percentages) | | | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. pro forma(1) | | | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | |||
| 2022 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | ||
Home closing revenue | | | $ | | | $755,353 | | | $518,863 |
Cost of home closings | | | | | 532,599 | | | 395,917 | |
Home closing gross profit(2) | | | $ | | | $222,754 | | | $122,946 |
Capitalized interest charged to cost of home closings | | | | | 2,757 | | | 2,035 | |
Adj. home closing gross profit | | | $ | | | $225,511 | | | $124,981 |
Home closing gross margin(3) | | | % | | | 29.5% | | | 23.7% |
Adj. home closing gross margin(3) | | | % | | | 29.9% | | | 24.1% |
(1) | Pro forma for the Transactions and the Devon Street Homes Acquisition. See “Unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information.” |
(2) | Home closing gross profit is home closing revenue less cost of home closings. |
(3) | Calculated as a percentage of home closing revenue. |
Six months ended June 30, (Unaudited, in thousands, except percentages) | | | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. pro forma(1) | | | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | |||
| 2023 | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | ||
Net income | | | $ | | | $59,567 | | | $60,658 |
Tax-effected adjustments(1) | | | | | 14,892 | | | 15,164 | |
Adjusted net income | | | $ | | | $44,675 | | | $45,494 |
(1) | For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, our tax expenses assumes an anticipated 25% federal and state blended tax rate (assuming 100% public ownership to adjust for the impact of taxes on earnings attributable to Smith Douglas Holdings LLC as if Smith Douglas Holdings LLC was a subchapter C corporation in the periods presented) |
Year ended December 31, (in thousands, except percentages) | | | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. pro forma(1) | | | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | |||
| 2022 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | ||
Net income | | | $ | | | $140,444 | | | $62,530 |
Tax-effected adjustments(1) | | | | | 35,111 | | | 15,632 | |
Adjusted net income | | | $ | | | $105,333 | | | $46,898 |
(1) | For the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, our tax expenses assumes an anticipated 25% federal and state blended tax rate (assuming 100% public ownership to adjust for the impact of taxes on earnings attributable to Smith Douglas Holdings LLC as if Smith Douglas Holdings LLC was a subchapter C corporation in the periods presented) |
Six months ended June 30, (Unaudited, in thousands, except percentages) | | | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. pro forma(1) | | | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | |||
| 2023 | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | ||
Net income | | | $ | | | $59,567 | | | $60,658 |
Capitalized interest charged to cost of home closings | | | | | 955 | | | 1,119 | |
Interest expense | | | | | 400 | | | 353 | |
Interest income | | | | | (81) | | | — | |
Provision for income taxes | | | | | — | | | — | |
Depreciation | | | | | 503 | | | 440 | |
EBITDA | | | $ | | | $61,344 | | | $62,570 |
Net income margin(2) | | | | | 17.0% | | | 18.6% | |
EBITDA margin(2) | | | | | 17.5% | | | 19.2% |
(1) | Pro forma for the Transactions and the Devon Street Homes Acquisition. See “Unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information.” |
(2) | Calculated as a percentage of home closing revenue. |
Year ended December 31, (in thousands, except percentages) | | | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. pro forma(1) | | | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | |||
| 2022 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | ||
Net income | | | $ | | | $140,444 | | | $62,530 |
Capitalized interest charged to cost of home closings | | | | | 2,757 | | | 2,035 | |
Interest expense | | | | | 734 | | | 1,733 | |
Interest income | | | | | (92) | | | (1) | |
Provision for income taxes | | | | | — | | | — | |
Depreciation | | | | | 864 | | | 987 | |
EBITDA | | | $ | | | $144,707 | | | $67,284 |
Net income margin(2) | | | | | 18.6% | | | 12.1% | |
EBITDA margin(2) | | | | | 19.2% | | | 13.0% |
(1) | Pro forma for the Transactions and the Devon Street Homes Acquisition. See “Unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information.” |
(2) | Calculated as a percentage of home closing revenue. |
Six months ended June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | Period change | |||
| | Amount | | | Amount | | | Amount | | | Percent | |
Consolidated Statements of Income Data: | | | | | | | | | ||||
Home closing revenue | | | $349,666 | | | $325,487 | | | $24,179 | | | 7.4% |
Cost of home closings | | | 248,435 | | | 230,046 | | | 18,389 | | | 8.0% |
Home closing gross profit | | | 101,231 | | | 95,441 | | | 5,790 | | | 6.1% |
Selling, general, and administrative costs | | | 41,868 | | | 35,136 | | | 6,732 | | | 19.2% |
Equity in income from unconsolidated entities | | | (436) | | | (460) | | | 24 | | | (5.2)% |
Interest expense | | | 400 | | | 353 | | | 47 | | | 13.3% |
Other (income) loss, net | | | (168) | | | (246) | | | 78 | | | (31.7)% |
Income before income taxes | | | $59,567 | | | $60,658 | | | $(1,091) | | | (1.8)% |
Net income | | | $59,567 | | | $60,658 | | | $(1,091) | | | (1.8)% |
Six months ended June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | Period change | |||
| | Amount | | | Amount | | | Amount | | | Percent | |
Other operating data (unaudited): | | | | | | | | | ||||
Home closings | | | 1,060 | | | 978 | | | 82 | | | 8.4% |
ASP of homes closed | | | $330 | | | $333 | | | $(3) | | | (0.9)% |
Net new home orders | | | 1,276 | | | 1,048 | | | 228 | | | 21.8% |
Contract value of net new home orders | | | $421,248 | | | $374,892 | | | $46,356 | | | 12.4% |
ASP of net new home orders | | | $330 | | | $358 | | | $(28) | | | (7.8)% |
Cancellation rate(1) | | | 8.8% | | | 7.3% | | | 1.5% | | | 20.5% |
Backlog homes (period end)(2) | | | 985 | | | 1,113 | | | (128) | | | (11.5)% |
Contract value of backlog homes (period end) | | | $330,258 | | | $397,125 | | | $(66,867) | | | (16.8)% |
ASP of backlog homes (period end) | | | $335 | | | $357 | | | $(22) | | | (6.2)% |
Active communities (period end)(3) | | | 44 | | | 50 | | | (6) | | | (12)% |
Controlled lots: | | | | | | | | | ||||
Homes under construction | | | 706 | | | 898 | | | (192) | | | (21.4)% |
Owned lots | | | 405 | | | 292 | | | 113 | | | 38.7% |
Optioned lots | | | 7,659 | | | 10,106 | | | (2,447) | | | (24.2)% |
Total controlled lots | | | 8,770 | | | 11,296 | | | (2,526) | | | (22.4)% |
nm* | Not meaningful |
1. | The cancellation rate is the total number of cancellations during the period divided by the total gross new home orders during the period. |
2. | Backlog homes (period end) is the number of homes in backlog from the previous period plus the number of net new home orders generated during the current period minus the number of homes closed during the current period. |
3. | A community becomes active once the model is completed or the community has its first sale. A community becomes inactive when it has fewer than two homes remaining to sell. |
Six months ended June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| | Home closing revenue | | | Home closings | | | ASP of homes closed | | | Home closing revenue | | | Home closings | | | ASP of homes closed | |
Alabama | | | $42,867 | | | 147 | | | $292 | | | $38,898 | | | 147 | | | $265 |
Atlanta | | | 170,278 | | | 537 | | | 317 | | | 142,688 | | | 449 | | | 318 |
Charlotte | | | 26,871 | | | 73 | | | 368 | | | 43,962 | | | 114 | | | 386 |
Nashville | | | 51,908 | | | 144 | | | 360 | | | 47,835 | | | 125 | | | 383 |
Raleigh | | | 57,742 | | | 159 | | | 363 | | | 52,104 | | | 143 | | | 364 |
Total | | | $349,666 | | | 1,060 | | | $330 | | | $325,487 | | | 978 | | | $333 |
As of June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | Period change | ||||||||||||||||||
| | Backlog homes | | | Contract value of backlog homes | | | ASP of backlog homes | | | Backlog homes | | | Contract value of backlog homes | | | ASP of backlog homes | | | Backlog homes | | | Contract value of backlog homes | | | ASP of backlog homes | |
Alabama | | | 246 | | | $73,028 | | | $297 | | | 191 | | | $58,441 | | | $306 | | | 55 | | | $14,587 | | | $(9) |
Atlanta | | | 374 | | | 125,606 | | | 336 | | | 435 | | | 143,901 | | | 331 | | | (61) | | | (18,295) | | | 5 |
Charlotte | | | 70 | | | 25,035 | | | 358 | | | 112 | | | 47,371 | | | 423 | | | (42) | | | (22,336) | | | (65) |
Nashville | | | 129 | | | 47,346 | | | 367 | | | 186 | | | 74,171 | | | 399 | | | (57) | | | (26,825) | | | (32) |
Raleigh | | | 166 | | | 59,243 | | | 357 | | | 189 | | | 73,241 | | | 388 | | | (23) | | | (13,998) | | | (31) |
Total | | | 985 | | | $330,258 | | | $335 | | | 1,113 | | | $397,125 | | | $357 | | | (128) | | | $(66,867) | | | $(22) |
Six months ended June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | Period change |
Alabama | | | $3,676 | | | $3,376 | | | $300 |
Atlanta | | | 42,928 | | | 34,226 | | | 8,702 |
Charlotte | | | 4,313 | | | 8,895 | | | (4,582) |
Nashville | | | 7,732 | | | 10,705 | | | (2,973) |
Raleigh | | | 12,846 | | | 12,844 | | | 2 |
Segment total | | | 71,495 | | | 70,046 | | | 1,449 |
Corporate(1) | | | (11,928) | | | (9,388) | | | (2,540) |
Total | | | $59,567 | | | $60,658 | | | $(1,091) |
(1) | Corporate primarily includes corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and benefits, business insurance, information technology, office costs, outside professional services and travel costs, and certain other amounts that are not allocated to the reportable segments. |
Year ended December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | Year over year change | |||
| | Amount | | | Amount | | | Amount | | | Percent | |
Consolidated Statements of Income Data: | | | | | | | | | ||||
Home closing revenue | | | $755,353 | | | $518,863 | | | $236,490 | | | 45.6% |
Cost of home closings | | | 532,599 | | | 395,917 | | | 136,682 | | | 34.5% |
Home closing gross profit | | | 222,754 | | | 122,946 | | | 99,808 | | | 81.2% |
Selling, general, and administrative costs | | | 83,269 | | | 64,231 | | | 19,038 | | | 29.6% |
Equity in income from unconsolidated entities | | | (1,120) | | | (595) | | | (525) | | | 88.2% |
Interest expense | | | 734 | | | 1,733 | | | (999) | | | (57.6)% |
Other (income) loss, net | | | (573) | | | 188 | | | 761 | | | 404.8% |
Year ended December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | Year over year change | |||
| | Amount | | | Amount | | | Amount | | | Percent | |
Forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program Loan | | | — | | | (5,141) | | | 5,141 | | | *nm |
Income before income taxes | | | 140,444 | | | 62,530 | | | 77,914 | | | 124.6% |
Net income | | | $140,444 | | | $62,530 | | | $77,914 | | | 124.6% |
Other operating data (unaudited): | | | | | | | | | ||||
Home closings | | | 2,200 | | | 1,848 | | | 352 | | | 19.0% |
ASP of homes closed | | | $343 | | | $281 | | | $62 | | | 22.1% |
Net new home orders | | | 1,928 | | | 1,920 | | | 8 | | | 0.4% |
Contract value of net new home orders | | | $667,530 | | | $597,761 | | | $69,769 | | | 11.7% |
ASP of net new home orders | | | $346 | | | $311 | | | $35 | | | 11.3% |
Cancellation rate(1) | | | 10.9% | | | 6.7% | | | 4.2% | | | 62.7% |
Backlog homes (period end)(2) | | | 771 | | | 1,043 | | | (272) | | | (26.1)% |
Contract value of backlog homes (period end) | | | $258,718 | | | $345,521 | | | $(86,803) | | | (25.1)% |
ASP of backlog homes (period end) | | | $336 | | | $331 | | | $5 | | | 1.5% |
Active communities (period end)(3) | | | 53 | | | 52 | | | 1 | | | 1.9% |
Controlled lots: | | | | | | | | | ||||
Homes under construction | | | 623 | | | 711 | | | (88) | | | (12.4)% |
Owned lots | | | 342 | | | 319 | | | 23 | | | 7.2% |
Optioned lots | | | 7,848 | | | 9,840 | | | (1,992) | | | (20.2)% |
Total controlled lots | | | 8,813 | | | 10,870 | | | (2,057) | | | (18.9)% |
nm* | Not meaningful |
1. | The cancellation rate is the total number of cancellations during the period divided by the total gross new home orders during the period. |
2. | Backlog homes (period end) is the number of homes in backlog from the previous period plus the number of net new home orders generated during the current period minus the number of homes closed during the current period. |
3. | A community becomes active once the model is completed or the community has its first sale. A community becomes inactive when it has fewer than two homes remaining to sell. |
Year ended December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | ||||||||||||
| | Home closing revenue | | | Home closings | | | ASP of homes closed | | | Home closing revenue | | | Home closings | | | ASP of homes closed | |
Alabama | | | $96,660 | | | 338 | | | $286 | | | $56,034 | | | 240 | | | $233 |
Atlanta | | | 332,102 | | | 1,016 | | | 327 | | | 235,387 | | | 843 | | | 279 |
Charlotte | | | 89,310 | | | 223 | | | 400 | | | 83,497 | | | 263 | | | 317 |
Nashville | | | 120,243 | | | 307 | | | 392 | | | 68,287 | | | 231 | | | 296 |
Raleigh | | | 117,038 | | | 316 | | | 370 | | | 75,658 | | | 271 | | | 279 |
Total | | | $755,353 | | | 2,200 | | | $343 | | | $518,863 | | | 1,848 | | | $281 |
As of December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | Year over year change | ||||||||||||||||||
| | Backlog homes | | | Contract value of backlog homes | | | ASP of backlog homes | | | Backlog homes | | | Contract value of backlog homes | | | ASP of backlog homes | | | Backlog homes | | | Contract value of backlog homes | | | ASP of backlog homes | |
Alabama | | | 90 | | | $27,398 | | | $304 | | | 211 | | | $57,486 | | | $272 | | | (121) | | | $(30,088) | | | $ 32 |
Atlanta | | | 385 | | | 119,854 | | | 311 | | | 404 | | | 127,231 | | | 315 | | | (19) | | | (7,377) | | | (4) |
Charlotte | | | 66 | | | 24,887 | | | 377 | | | 124 | | | 47,700 | | | 385 | | | (58) | | | (22,813) | | | (8) |
Nashville | | | 81 | | | 31,259 | | | 386 | | | 138 | | | 52,158 | | | 378 | | | (57) | | | (20,899) | | | 8 |
Raleigh | | | 149 | | | 55,320 | | | 371 | | | 166 | | | 60,946 | | | 367 | | | (17) | | | (5,626) | | | 4 |
Total | | | 771 | | | $ 258,718 | | | $336 | | | 1,043 | | | $ 345,521 | | | $331 | | | (272) | | | $(86,803) | | | $5 |
Year ended December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | Year over year change |
Alabama | | | $10,694 | | | $3,920 | | | $6,774 |
Atlanta | | | 81,403 | | | 43,969 | | | 37,434 |
Charlotte | | | 19,209 | | | 10,084 | | | 9,125 |
Nashville | | | 24,914 | | | 9,376 | | | 15,538 |
Raleigh | | | 28,819 | | | 8,855 | | | 19,964 |
Segment total | | | 165,039 | | | 76,204 | | | 88,835 |
Corporate(1) | | | (24,595) | | | (13,674) | | | (10,921) |
Total | | | $140,444 | | | $62,530 | | | $77,914 |
(1) | Corporate primarily includes corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and benefits, business insurance, information technology, office costs, outside professional services and travel costs, and certain other amounts that are not allocated to the reportable segments. |
Three months ended (unaudited and in thousands) | | | Sep. 30, 2021 | | | Dec. 31, 2021 | | | Mar. 31, 2022 | | | Jun. 30, 2022 | | | Sep. 30, 2022 | | | Dec. 31, 2022 | | | Mar. 31, 2023 | | | Jun. 30, 2023 |
Consolidated Statements of Income Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||
Home closing revenue | | | $137,891 | | | $121,637 | | | $155,216 | | | $170,271 | | | $206,457 | | | $223,409 | | | $168,144 | | | $181,522 |
Cost of home closings | | | 106,531 | | | 94,237 | | | 110,737 | | | 119,309 | | | 147,295 | | | 155,258 | | | 119,611 | | | 128,824 |
Home closing gross profit | | | 31,360 | | | $27,400 | | | 44,479 | | | 50,962 | | | 59,162 | | | 68,151 | | | 48,533 | | | 52,698 |
Selling, general, and administrative costs | | | 16,404 | | | 15,881 | | | 16,514 | | | 18,622 | | | 20,944 | | | 27,189 | | | 19,860 | | | 22,008 |
Equity in income from unconsolidated entities | | | (120) | | | (118) | | | (209) | | | (251) | | | (329) | | | (331) | | | (210) | | | (226) |
Interest expense | | | 260 | | | 976 | | | 176 | | | 177 | | | 175 | | | 206 | | | 179 | | | 221 |
Other (income) loss, net | | | 132 | | | 131 | | | (239) | | | (7) | | | (106) | | | (221) | | | (122) | | | (46) |
Forgiveness of paycheck protection program loan | | | (5,141) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Income before income taxes | | | 19,825 | | | 10,530 | | | 28,237 | | | 32,421 | | | 38,478 | | | 41,308 | | | 28,826 | | | 30,741 |
Net income | | | $19,825 | | | $10,530 | | | $28,237 | | | $32,421 | | | $38,478 | | | $41,308 | | | $28,826 | | | $30,741 |
Three months ended (unaudited and in thousands) | | | Sep. 30, 2021 | | | Dec. 31, 2021 | | | Mar. 31, 2022 | | | Jun. 30, 2022 | | | Sep. 30, 2022 | | | Dec. 31, 2022 | | | Mar. 31, 2023 | | | Jun. 30, 2023 |
Home closing revenue | | | $137,891 | | | $121,637 | | | $155,216 | | | $170,271 | | | $206,457 | | | $223,409 | | | $168,144 | | | $181,522 |
Cost of home closings | | | 106,531 | | | 94,237 | | | 110,737 | | | 119,309 | | | 147,295 | | | 155,258 | | | 119,611 | | | 128,824 |
Home closing gross profit(1) | | | 31,360 | | | 27,400 | | | 44,479 | | | 50,962 | | | 59,162 | | | 68,151 | | | 48,533 | | | 52,698 |
Capitalized interest charged to cost of home closings | | | 560 | | | 500 | | | 578 | | | 541 | | | 723 | | | 915 | | | 603 | | | 352 |
Adj. home closing gross profit | | | $31,920 | | | $27,900 | | | $45,057 | | | $51,503 | | | $59,885 | | | $69,066 | | | $49,136 | | | $53,050 |
Home closing gross margin(1) | | | 22.7% | | | 22.5% | | | 28.7% | | | 29.9% | | | 28.7% | | | 30.5% | | | 28.9% | | | 29.0% |
Adj. home closing gross margin(2) | | | 23.1% | | | 22.9% | | | 29.0% | | | 30.2% | | | 29.0% | | | 30.9% | | | 29.2% | | | 29.2% |
(1) | Home closing gross profit is home closing revenue less cost of home closings. |
(2) | Calculated as a percentage of home closing revenue. |
Three months ended (unaudited and in thousands) | | | Sep. 30, 2021 | | | Dec. 31, 2021 | | | Mar. 31, 2022 | | | Jun. 30, 2022 | | | Sep. 30, 2022 | | | Dec. 31, 2022 | | | Mar. 31, 2023 | | | Jun. 30, 2023 |
Net income | | | $19,825 | | | $10,530 | | | $28,237 | | | $32,421 | | | $38,478 | | | $41,308 | | | $28,826 | | | $30,741 |
Capitalized interest charged to cost of home closings | | | 560 | | | 500 | | | 578 | | | 541 | | | 723 | | | 915 | | | 603 | | | 352 |
Interest expense | | | 260 | | | 976 | | | 176 | | | 177 | | | 175 | | | 206 | | | 179 | | | 221 |
Interest income | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (92) | | | (62) | | | (19) |
Provision for income taxes | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Depreciation | | | 348 | | | 240 | | | 220 | | | 220 | | | 210 | | | 214 | | | 250 | | | 253 |
EBITDA | | | $20,993 | | | $12,246 | | | $29,211 | | | $33,359 | | | $39,586 | | | $42,551 | | | $29,796 | | | $31,548 |
Net income margin(1) | | | 14.4% | | | 8.7% | | | 18.2% | | | 19.0% | | | 18.6% | | | 18.5% | | | 17.1% | | | 16.9% |
EBITDA margin(1) | | | 15.2% | | | 10.1% | | | 18.8% | | | 19.6% | | | 19.2% | | | 19.0% | | | 17.7% | | | 17.4% |
(1) | Calculated as a percentage of home closing revenue. |
Three months ended (unaudited) | | | Sep. 30, 2021 | | | Dec. 31, 2021 | | | Mar. 31, 2022 | | | Jun. 30, 2022 | | | Sep. 30, 2022 | | | Dec. 31, 2022 | | | Mar. 31, 2023 | | | Jun. 30, 2023 |
Consolidated Statements of Income Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||
Home closing revenue | | | 100% | | | 100% | | | 100% | | | 100% | | | 100% | | | 100% | | | 100% | | | 100% |
Cost of home closings | | | 77.3% | | | 77.5% | | | 71.3% | | | 70.1% | | | 71.3% | | | 69.5% | | | 71.1% | | | 71.0% |
Home closing gross profit | | | 22.7% | | | 22.5% | | | 28.7% | | | 29.9% | | | 28.7% | | | 30.5% | | | 28.9% | | | 29.0% |
Selling, general, and administrative costs | | | 11.9% | | | 13.0% | | | 10.6% | | | 10.9% | | | 10.2% | | | 12.2% | | | 11.9% | | | 12.1% |
Equity in income from unconsolidated entities | | | (0.1)% | | | (0.1)% | | | (0.1)% | | | (0.1)% | | | (0.1)% | | | (0.2)% | | | (0.1)% | | | (0.1)% |
Interest expense | | | 0.2% | | | 0.8% | | | 0.1% | | | 0.1% | | | 0.1% | | | 0.1% | | | 0.1% | | | 0.1% |
Other (income) loss, net | | | 0.1% | | | 0.1% | | | (0.1)% | | | —% | | | (0.1)% | | | (0.1)% | | | (0.1)% | | | —% |
Forgiveness of paycheck protection program loan | | | (3.8)% | | | —% | | | —% | | | —% | | | —% | | | —% | | | —% | | | —% |
Income before income taxes | | | 14.4% | | | 8.7% | | | 18.2% | | | 19.0% | | | 18.6% | | | 18.5% | | | 17.1% | | | 16.9% |
Net income | | | 14.4% | | | 8.7% | | | 18.2% | | | 19.0% | | | 18.6% | | | 18.5% | | | 17.1% | | | 16.9% |
Six months ended June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | $35,902 | | | $28,995 |
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | | | (180) | | | 572 |
Net cash used in financing activities | | | (53,931) | | | (29,982) |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | | (18,209) | | | (415) |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | | | 29,601 | | | 25,340 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | | | $11,392 | | | $24,925 |
Year ended December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | $132,095 | | | $30,870 |
Net cash provided by investing activities | | | 361 | | | 847 |
Net cash used in financing activities | | | (128,195) | | | (38,541) |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | | 4,261 | | | (6,824) |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | | 25,340 | | | 32,164 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | | | $29,601 | | | $25,340 |
• | mortgage rates above 5.0% will continue through at least 2025; |
• | housing affordability will improve as incomes rise, home prices fall, and mortgage rates decline from today’s elevated levels; and |
• | the low unemployment rate will gradually recede, with flat job growth expected in 2025. |
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1) | Raleigh-Durham is a custom market area by John Burns that includes the Franklin, Johnston, Wake, Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Person counties. |
(1) | Based on Builder Magazine’s Top 100 list; achievements correspond to the year the ranking was based on. |
(2) | Purchase price of $79.1 million, primarily from cash on hand, availability under the Existing Credit Facility, and a three-year promissory note in the principal amount of $5.0 million payable to the seller, exclusive of contingent consideration to the seller of up to $5.0 million. We do not intend to use the proceeds from this offering for the payment of any outstanding amounts under the APA that may be paid pursuant to the contingent consideration. See “Prospectus summary—Recent developments—Devon Street Homes Acquisition.” |
| | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | ||||||||||||||||
As of June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | ||||||||||||
Market | | | Owned(2) | | | Optioned | | | Total Controlled | | | Owned(2) | | | Optioned | | | Total Controlled |
Alabama(1) | | | 315 | | | 1,483 | | | 1,798 | | | 239 | | | 2,620 | | | 2,859 |
Atlanta | | | 338 | | | 3,384 | | | 3,722 | | | 477 | | | 4,120 | | | 4,597 |
Charlotte | | | 81 | | | 1,127 | | | 1,208 | | | 89 | | | 1,203 | | | 1,292 |
Nashville | | | 207 | | | 662 | | | 869 | | | 215 | | | 1,051 | | | 1,266 |
Raleigh | | | 170 | | | 1,003 | | | 1,173 | | | 170 | | | 1,112 | | | 1,282 |
Total | | | 1,111 | | | 7,659 | | | 8,770 | | | 1,190 | | | 10,106 | | | 11,296 |
| | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | ||||||||||||||||
As of December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Market | | | Owned(2) | | | Optioned | | | Total Controlled | | | Owned(2) | | | Optioned | | | Total Controlled |
Alabama(1) | | | 152 | | | 2,005 | | | 2,157 | | | 224 | | | 2,264 | | | 2,488 |
Atlanta | | | 430 | | | 3,201 | | | 3,631 | | | 388 | | | 4,171 | | | 4,559 |
Charlotte | | | 55 | | | 931 | | | 986 | | | 92 | | | 1,311 | | | 1,403 |
Nashville | | | 168 | | | 705 | | | 873 | | | 192 | | | 1,088 | | | 1,280 |
Raleigh | | | 160 | | | 1,006 | | | 1,166 | | | 134 | | | 1,006 | | | 1,140 |
Total | | | 965 | | | 7,848 | | | 8,813 | | | 1,030 | | | 9,840 | | | 10,870 |
(1) | Includes lots controlled in Birmingham and Huntsville. |
(2) | Includes homes under construction |
| | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | ||||
As of June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 |
Backlog homes finished or under construction | | | 55% | | | 64% |
Unsold homes under construction | | | 4% | | | 4% |
Unsold completed homes | | | 1% | | | 0% |
Model homes | | | 4% | | | 4% |
Owned unstarted finished lots | | | 36% | | | 27% |
Total | | | 100% | | | 100% |
| | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | ||||
As of December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
Backlog homes finished or under construction | | | 47% | | | 64% |
Unsold homes under construction | | | 9% | | | 1% |
Unsold completed homes | | | 4% | | | 0% |
Model homes | | | 5% | | | 4% |
Owned unstarted finished lots | | | 35% | | | 31% |
Total | | | 100% | | | 100% |
• | Real Time |
• | Readiness & responsibility |
• | Respect |
• | Repeatable & responsible growth |
• | Reliable workmanship |
• | Recession resistant |
• | Recognition |
| | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six months ended June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | Period Over Period Change | ||||||||||||||||||
Market | | | Orders | | | Starts | | | Closings | | | Orders | | | Starts | | | Closings | | | Orders | | | Starts | | | Closings |
Alabama | | | 304 | | | 246 | | | 147 | | | 127 | | | 147 | | | 147 | | | 177 | | | 99 | | | 0 |
Atlanta | | | 526 | | | 548 | | | 537 | | | 480 | | | 506 | | | 449 | | | 46 | | | 42 | | | 88 |
Charlotte | | | 77 | | | 78 | | | 73 | | | 102 | | | 110 | | | 114 | | | (25) | | | (32) | | | (41) |
Nashville | | | 193 | | | 155 | | | 144 | | | 173 | | | 177 | | | 125 | | | 20 | | | (22) | | | 19 |
Raleigh | | | 176 | | | 160 | | | 159 | | | 166 | | | 166 | | | 143 | | | 10 | | | (6) | | | 16 |
Totals | | | 1,276 | | | 1,187 | | | 1,060 | | | 1,048 | | | 1,106 | | | 978 | | | 228 | | | 81 | | | 82 |
| | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | Year Over Year Change | ||||||||||||||||||
Market | | | Orders | | | Starts | | | Closings | | | Orders | | | Starts | | | Closings | | | Orders | | | Starts | | | Closings |
Alabama | | | 217 | | | 267 | | | 338 | | | 352 | | | 332 | | | 240 | | | (135) | | | (65) | | | 98 |
Atlanta | | | 997 | | | 1,051 | | | 1,016 | | | 779 | | | 748 | | | 843 | | | 218 | | | 303 | | | 173 |
Charlotte | | | 165 | | | 185 | | | 223 | | | 227 | | | 258 | | | 263 | | | (62) | | | (73) | | | (40) |
Nashville | | | 250 | | | 297 | | | 307 | | | 261 | | | 245 | | | 231 | | | (11) | | | 52 | | | 76 |
Raleigh | | | 299 | | | 312 | | | 316 | | | 301 | | | 296 | | | 271 | | | (2) | | | 16 | | | 45 |
Totals | | | 1,928 | | | 2,112 | | | 2,200 | | | 1,920 | | | 1,879 | | | 1,848 | | | 8 | | | 233 | | | 352 |
| | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | ||||
As of June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 |
Net new home orders | | | 1,276 | | | 1,048 |
Contract value of net new home orders | | | $421,248 | | | $374,892 |
ASP of net new home orders | | | $330 | | | $358 |
Cancellation rate | | | 8.8% | | | 7.3% |
| | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | ||||
As of December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
Net new home orders | | | 1,928 | | | 1,920 |
Contract value of net new home orders | | | $667,530 | | | $597,761 |
ASP of net new home orders | | | $346 | | | $311 |
Cancellation rate | | | 10.9% | | | 6.7% |
| | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | ||||
As of June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 |
Backlog homes (period end) | | | 985 | | | 1,113 |
Contract value of backlog homes (period end) | | | $330,258 | | | $397,125 |
ASP of backlog homes (period end) | | | $335 | | | $357 |
| | Historical Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | ||||
As of December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
Backlog homes (period end) | | | 771 | | | 1,043 |
Contract value of backlog homes (period end) | | | $258,718 | | | $345,521 |
ASP of backlog homes (period end) | | | $336 | | | $331 |
Name | | | Age | | | Position(s) |
Thomas L. Bradbury | | | 79 | | | Executive Chairman and Director |
Gregory S. Bennett | | | 58 | | | President, Chief Executive Officer, Vice Chairman, and Director |
Russell Devendorf | | | 50 | | | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Brett A. Steele | | | 53 | | | Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary |
Julie Bradbury | | | 48 | | | Director |
Jeffrey T. Jackson | | | 57 | | | Director |
Neil B. Wedewer | | | 70 | | | Director |
Neill B. Faucett | | | 78 | | | Director Nominee |
George Ervin Perdue III | | | 76 | | | Director Nominee |
Janice E. Walker | | | 51 | | | Director Nominee |
• | appointing, approving the fees of, retaining, and overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm; |
• | discussing with our independent registered public accounting firm their independence from management; |
• | discussing with our independent registered public accounting firm any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response; |
• | approving all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm; |
• | overseeing the financial reporting process and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the interim and annual financial statements that we file with the SEC; |
• | reviewing our policies on risk assessment and risk management; |
• | reviewing related person transactions; |
• | preparing the annual audit committee report required by the SEC rules; and |
• | establishing procedures for the confidential anonymous submission of complaints regarding questionable accounting, internal controls, or auditing matters. |
• | identifying individuals qualified to become members of our board of directors, consistent with criteria approved by our board of directors as set forth in our corporate governance guidelines; |
• | recommending to the board of directors the persons to be nominated for election as directors; |
• | annually reviewing the committee structure of the board of directors and recommending to the board of the directors the directors to serve as members of each committee; and |
• | developing and recommending to our board of directors a set of corporate governance guidelines. |
• | reviewing and approving, or recommending that the board of directors approve, the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers; |
• | making recommendations to the board of directors regarding non-employee director compensation; |
• | reviewing and approving or making recommendations to our board of directors regarding our incentive compensation and equity-based plans; |
• | appointing and overseeing any compensation consultants; |
• | when and to the extent required, reviewing and discussing annually with management our “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”; and |
• | when and to the extent required, preparing the annual compensation committee report required by the SEC rules. |
• | Gregory S. Bennett, President, Chief Executive Officer, & Vice Chairman; |
• | Thomas L. Bradbury, Executive Chairman; |
• | Russell Devendorf, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer; and |
• | Brett A. Steele, Vice President, General Counsel, & Secretary. |
Name and Principal Position | | | Year | | | Salary ($) | | | Stock Awards ($) | | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(1) | | | All Other Compensation ($)(2) | | | Total ($) |
Gregory S. Bennett President, Chief Executive Officer, & Vice Chairman | | | 2022 | | | 250,000 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,131,617 | | | 1,381,617 |
Thomas L. Bradbury Executive Chairman | | | 2022 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 56,807 | | | 56,807 |
Russell Devendorf Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer | | | 2022 | | | 650,000 | | | — | | | 860,510 | | | 13,100 | | | 1,523,610 |
Brett A. Steele Vice President, General Counsel, & Secretary | | | 2022 | | | 251,125 | | | — | | | 240,833 | | | 13,100 | | | 505,058 |
(1) | Amounts reflect annual and long-term cash incentive bonuses paid to Messrs. Devendorf and Steele with respect to 2022. We provide additional information regarding such bonuses in “—Narrative to Summary Compensation Table—2022 Cash Incentive Compensation” below. |
(2) | Amounts reported for each of the named executive officers include (i) safe harbor matching contributions made by us under our 401(k) plan ($10,437 for Mr. Bennett, $12,200 for Mr. Devendorf, and $12,200 for Mr. Steele); (ii) Company-paid reimbursement of cell phone expenses ($900 for each of Messrs. Bennett, Devendorf and Steele); (iii) the aggregate incremental cost to us of personal use of our aircraft ($70,280 for Mr. Bennett and $56,807 for Mr. Bradbury); and (iv) non-pro rata distributions to Mr. Bennett in respect of his Class A units pursuant to our operating agreement ($1,050,000 for Mr. Bennett). |
Named Executive Officer | | | Title | | | Annual Base Salary ($) | | | Target Annual Bonus ($) | | | Target Long-Term Incentive Award ($) |
Gregory S. Bennett | | | President, Chief Executive Officer, & Vice Chairman | | | $1,000,000 | | | $3,000,000 | | | $2,000,000 |
Thomas L. Bradbury | | | Executive Chairman | | | $1,000,000 | | | $250,000 | | | $250,000 |
Russell Devendorf | | | Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer | | | $650,000 | | | $500,000 | | | $500,000 |
Brett A. Steele | | | Vice President, General Counsel, & Secretary | | | $350,000 | | | $150,000 | | | $150,000 |
• | Stock Options and SARs. Stock options provide for the purchase of shares of our common stock in the future at an exercise price set on the grant date. ISOs, in contrast to NSOs, may provide tax deferral beyond exercise and favorable capital gains tax treatment to their holders if certain holding period and other requirements of the Code are satisfied. SARs entitle their holder, upon exercise, to receive from us an amount equal to the appreciation of the shares subject to the award between the grant date and the exercise date. Unless otherwise determined by our board, the exercise price of a stock option or SAR may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the underlying share on the grant date (or 110% in the case of ISOs granted to certain significant stockholders), except with respect to certain substitute awards granted in connection with a corporate transaction. The term of a stock option or SAR may not be longer than ten years (or five years in the case of ISOs granted to certain significant stockholders). Conditions applicable to stock options and/or SARs may be based on continuing service, the attainment of performance goals and/or such other conditions as the plan administrator may determine. |
• | Restricted Stock and RSUs. Restricted stock is an award of nontransferable shares of our common stock that are subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions. RSUs are contractual promises to deliver shares of our common stock in the future, which may also remain forfeitable unless and until specified conditions are met and may be accompanied by the right to receive the equivalent value of dividends paid on shares of our common stock prior to the delivery of the underlying shares (i.e., dividend equivalent rights). The plan administrator may provide that the delivery of the shares underlying RSUs will be deferred on a mandatory basis or at the election of the participant. The terms and conditions applicable to RSUs will be determined by the plan administrator, subject to the conditions and limitations contained in the 2023 Plan. Conditions applicable to restricted stock and RSUs may be based on continuing service, the attainment of performance goals and/or such other conditions as the plan administrator may determine. |
• | Other Stock or Cash Based Awards. Other stock or cash based awards are awards of cash, fully vested shares of our common stock and other awards valued wholly or partially by referring to, or otherwise based on, shares of our common stock. Other stock or cash based awards may be granted to participants and may also be available as a payment form in the settlement of other awards, as standalone payments and as payment in lieu of compensation to which a participant is otherwise entitled. |
• | Dividend Equivalents. Dividend equivalents represent the right to receive the equivalent value of dividends paid on shares of our common stock and may be granted alone or in tandem with awards other than stock options or SARs. Dividend equivalents are credited as of the dividend record dates during the period between the date an award is granted and the date such award vests, is exercised, is distributed, or expires, as determined by the plan administrator. Dividend equivalents payable with respect to an award prior to the vesting of such award instead will be paid out to the participant only to the extent that the vesting conditions are subsequently satisfied and the award vests. |
Name | | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | | | All Other Compensation ($) | | | Total ($) |
Julie Bradbury | | | 75,000 | | | — | | | 75,000 |
Jeffrey T. Jackson | | | 95,000 | | | — | | | 95,000 |
David McPherson | | | 75,000 | | | 1,397,741(2) | | | 1,472,741 |
Name | | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | | | All Other Compensation ($) | | | Total ($) |
Neil B. Wedewer | | | 18,750(1) | | | — | | | 18,750 |
Howe Whitman | | | 56,250 | | | 18,750(3) | | | 75,000 |
(1) | Mr. Wedewer commenced service as a non-employee director in December 2022, and his cash retainer fees reflect his partial year of service. |
(2) | Amount represents consulting fees earned and cell phone expense reimbursements paid to Mr. McPherson during 2022. Mr. McPherson is party to a consulting agreement with us pursuant to which he shall provide consulting services to us during the period beginning August 1, 2016 and ending July 31, 2025 in exchange for (i) an annual fee equal to $550,000 plus (ii) eligibility to earn an annual bonus. Mr. McPherson earned a bonus equal to $846,841 with respect to 2022, which was paid in February 2023. We also reimbursed Mr. McPherson for cell phone expenses in the amount of $900 during 2022. |
(3) | Mr. Whitman’s cash retainer fee with respect to the fourth quarter of 2022 ($18,750) was paid in the form of a charitable contribution in his name to the Wilberforce School. |
• | Annual Retainer: $70,000 |
• | Lead Independent Director Retainer: $25,000 |
• | Annual Committee Chair Retainer: $15,000 |
• | Annual Non-Chair Committee Member Retainer: $5,000 |
Participants(1) | | | LLC Interests purchased by us | | | Total purchase price |
Founder Fund(2) | | | | | $ | |
GSB Holdings(3) | | | | | $ |
(1) | Additional details regarding these stockholders and their equity holdings are provided in this prospectus under the caption “Principal stockholders.” |
(2) | Thomas Bradbury, our Executive Chairman of the board of directors, is co-trustee of Founder Fund. |
(3) | Gregory Bennett, our Chief Executive Officer, and Vice Chairman of our board of directors, is sole member of GSB Holdings. |
• | the timing of any future redemptions or exchanges—for instance, the increase in any tax deductions will vary depending on the fair value, which may fluctuate over time, of the depreciable or amortizable assets of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC at the time of each redemption, exchange, or distribution (or deemed distribution) as well as the amount of remaining existing tax basis at the time of such redemption, exchange, or distribution (or deemed distribution); |
• | the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of the purchases from the Continuing Equity Owners in connection with this offering and any applicable redemptions or exchanges—Basis Adjustments, as well as any related increase in any tax deductions, are directly related to the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of such purchases or future redemptions or exchanges; |
• | the extent to which redemptions or exchanges are taxable—if a redemption or exchange is not taxable for any reason, increased tax deductions will not be available; |
• | the extent to which such Basis Adjustments are immediately deductible—we may be permitted to immediately expense a portion of the Basis Adjustments (e.g., Basis Adjustments related to certain property and equipment that may be subject to accelerated depreciation methods) attributable to a redemption or exchange, which could significantly accelerate the timing of our realization of the associated tax benefits. Under the Smith Douglas LLC Agreement, the determination of whether to immediately expense such Basis Adjustments will be made in our sole discretion; and |
• | the amount and timing of our income—the Tax Receivable Agreement generally will require us to pay 85% of the tax benefits as and when those benefits are treated as realized under the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement. If we do not have sufficient taxable income to realize any of the applicable tax benefits, we generally will not be required (absent a material breach of a material obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement, change of control, or other circumstances requiring an early termination payment) to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for that taxable year because no tax benefits will have been actually realized. However, any tax benefits that do not result in realized tax benefits in a given taxable year may generate tax attributes that may be utilized to generate tax benefits in previous or future taxable years. The utilization of any such tax attributes will result in payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. |
• | each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock; |
• | each of our directors; |
• | each of our named executive officers; and |
• | all of our executive officers and directors as a group. |
* | Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%. |
(1) | Each Continuing Equity Owner will be entitled to redeem their LLC Interests from time to time at each holder’s option, for shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. LLC Interests may also be redeemed in the event that the majority of the holders of LLC Interests, in connection with an IPO, deliver redemption notices, provided that such redemption is pro rata from all members, each at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the Exchange rules) who are disinterested), for shares of Class A common stock, on a one-for-one basis or, to the extent there is cash available from a secondary offering, a cash payment equal to a volume weighted average market price of one share of Class A common stock, for each LLC Interest so redeemed, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the Smith Douglas LLC Agreement; provided that, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the Exchange rules) who are disinterested), we may effect a direct exchange by Smith Douglas Homes Corp. of such Class A common stock, or such cash, as applicable, for such LLC Interests. The Continuing Equity Owners may, subject to certain exceptions, exercise such redemption right for as long as their LLC Interests remain outstanding. See “Certain relationships and related person transactions—Smith Douglas LLC Agreement.” In this table, beneficial ownership of LLC Interests has been reflected as beneficial ownership of shares of our Class A common stock for which such LLC Interests may be exchanged. When an LLC Interest is exchanged by a Continuing Equity Holder, a corresponding share of Class B common stock automatically be transferred to Smith Douglas Homes Corp. for no consideration and canceled. |
(2) | Represents the percentage of voting power of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock, voting as a single class. Each share of Class A common stock entitles the registered holder thereof to one vote per share, and each share of Class B common stock entitles the registered holder thereof to ten votes per share prior to the Sunset Date, in each case, on all matters presented to stockholders for a vote generally, including the election of directors. From and after the occurrence of the Sunset Date each share of our Class B common stock will entitle its holder to one vote per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally. The Class A common stock and Class B common stock will vote as a single class on all matters except as required by law or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Our Class B common stock does not have any of the economic rights (including rights to dividends and distributions upon dissolution or liquidation) associated with our Class A common stock. See “Description of capital stock.” |
(3) | Consists of LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) held by Bradbury Family Trust II A (“Founder Fund”) that will be issued in connection with the Transactions. As a co-trustee of Founder Fund, Mr. Bradbury may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power with respect to such securities. The address for Founder Fund is 110 Village Trail, Suite 115, Woodstock, GA 30188. |
(4) | Consists of LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) held by GSB Holdings LLC (“GSB Holdings”), that will be issued in connection with the Transactions. Mr. Bennett is the sole member of GSB Holdings, and may be deemed to have sole voting and investment power with regard to the securities held GSB Holdings. The address for GSB Holdings is 210 Road 1 South, Cartersville, GA, 30120. |
(5) | Consists of LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock), all of which will be issued in connection with the Transactions. |
• | shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; |
• | shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; and |
• | shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. |
• | offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, lend or otherwise dispose of any shares of our Class A common stock, or any options or warrants to purchase any shares of our Class A common stock, or any securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, shares of our Class A common stock; or |
• | engage in any hedging or other transaction or arrangement (including, without limitation, any short sale or the purchase or sale of, or entry into, any put or call option, or combination thereof, forward, swap or any other derivative transaction or instrument, however described or defined) which is designed to, or which reasonably could be expected to lead to, or result in, a sale, loan, pledge or other disposition of shares of our Class A common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our Class A common stock, whether any transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of our Class A common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise. |
• | U.S. expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents of the United States; |
• | persons holding our Class A common stock as part of a straddle or other risk reduction strategy or as part of a conversion transaction or other integrated investment; |
• | banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions; |
• | brokers, dealers, or certain electing traders in securities that are subject to a mark-to-market method of tax accounting for their securities; |
• | “controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies,” and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax; |
• | partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein); |
• | tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations; |
• | persons deemed to sell our Class A common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code; |
• | persons required for U.S. federal income tax purposes to conform the timing of income accruals with respect to our Class A common stock to their financial statements under Section 451(b) of the Code; |
• | persons who hold or receive our Class A common stock pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation; |
• | tax-qualified retirement plans; and |
• | “qualified foreign pension funds” as defined in Section 897(l)(2) of the Code and entities all of the interests of which are held by qualified foreign pension funds. |
• | 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 under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia; |
• | an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or |
• | a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one or more “United States persons” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code), or (2) has a valid election in effect to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes. |
• | the gain is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the Non-U.S. Holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such gain is attributable); |
• | the Non-U.S. Holder is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition and certain other requirements are met; or |
• | our Class A common stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest (“USRPI”) by reason of our status as a U.S. real property holding corporation (“USRPHC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. |
Name | | | Number of Shares |
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC | | | |
BofA Securities, Inc. | | | |
RBC Capital Markets, LLC | | | |
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC | | | |
Nomura Securities International, Inc. | | | |
WR Securities, LLC | | | |
Wedbush Securities Inc. | | | |
Fifth Third Securities, Inc. | | | |
Regions Securities LLC | | | |
Whelan Advisory Capital Markets | | | |
Total | | |
| | Without option to purchase additional shares exercise | | | With full option to purchase additional shares exercise | |
Per Share | | | | | ||
Total | | | | |
• | the information set forth in this prospectus and otherwise available to the representatives; |
• | our prospects and the history and prospects for the industry in which we compete; |
• | an assessment of our management; |
• | our prospects for future earnings; |
• | the general condition of the securities markets at the time of this offering; |
• | the recent market prices of, and demand for, publicly traded common stock of generally comparable companies; and |
• | other factors deemed relevant by the underwriters and us. |
• | to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Regulation; |
• | to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives; or |
• | in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation; |
• | to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation; |
• | to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation); or |
• | in any other circumstances falling within section 86 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“FSMA”); |
• | does not constitute a disclosure document or a prospectus under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the “Corporations Act”); |
• | has not been, and will not be, lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”) as a disclosure document for the purposes of the Corporations Act and does not purport to include the information required of a disclosure document for the purposes of the Corporations Act; and |
• | may only be provided in Australia to select investors who are able to demonstrate that they fall within one or more of the categories of investors, available under section 708 of the Corporations Act, or Exempt Investors. |
Smith Douglas Homes Corp. | | | |
Financial Statements | |||
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Interim Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited) | | | |
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Smith Douglas Holdings LLC | | | |
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Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) | | | |
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Devon Street Homes, L.P. | | | |
Consolidated Financial Statements | | | |
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Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) | | | |
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| | June 20, 2023 (Date of Formation) | |
Assets: | | | |
Contributions receivable | | | — |
Total assets | | | $— |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 4) | | | |
Stockholder’s equity | | | |
Common stock $0.0001 per share, 100 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding | | | — |
Total stockholders’ equity | | | $— |
| | June 30, 2023 | | | June 20, 2023 (Date of Formation) | |
| | (unaudited) | ||||
Assets: | | | | | ||
Contributions receivable | | | — | | | — |
Total assets | | | $— | | | $— |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 4) | | | | | ||
Stockholder’s equity | | | | | ||
Common stock $0.0001 per share, 100 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding as of June 30, 2023 and June 20, 2023 (Date of Formation) | | | — | | | — |
Total stockholders’ equity | | | $— | | | $— |
December 31, (in thousands) | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
Assets: | | | | | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | | | $29,601 | | | $25,340 |
Real estate inventory | | | 142,065 | | | 138,931 |
Deposits on real estate under option or contract | | | 33,027 | | | 24,803 |
Real estate not owned | | | 2,446 | | | 1,466 |
Investments in unconsolidated entities | | | 448 | | | 2,310 |
Property and equipment, net | | | 1,306 | | | 1,187 |
Other assets | | | 14,479 | | | 7,151 |
Total assets | | | $223,372 | | | $201,188 |
| | | | |||
Liabilities: | | | | | ||
Accounts payable | | | $10,935 | | | $8,822 |
Customer deposits | | | 9,439 | | | 9,874 |
Revolving line of credit | | | 15,000 | | | 72,000 |
Liabilities related to real estate not owned | | | 2,446 | | | 1,466 |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | | 21,041 | | | 13,510 |
Total liabilities | | | 58,861 | | | 105,672 |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) | | | | | ||
Members’ equity | | | 164,511 | | | 95,516 |
Total liabilities and members’ equity | | | $223,372 | | | $201,188 |
Year ended December 31, (in thousands) | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
Home closing revenue | | | $755,353 | | | $518,863 |
Cost of home closings | | | 532,599 | | | 395,917 |
| | | | |||
Home closing gross profit | | | 222,754 | | | 122,946 |
| | | | |||
Selling, general, and administrative costs | | | 83,269 | | | 64,231 |
Equity in income from unconsolidated entities | | | (1,120) | | | (595) |
Interest expense | | | 734 | | | 1,733 |
Other (income) loss, net | | | (573) | | | 188 |
Forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program Loan | | | — | | | (5,141) |
Net income | | | $140,444 | | | $62,530 |
Years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (In thousands, except number of units) | | | Class A Units | | | Class C Units | | | Class D Units | | | Total Members’ Equity | |||||||||
| Units | | | Amount | | | Units | | | Amount | | | Units | | | Amount | | ||||
Balance December 31, 2020 | | | 111,111 | | | $71,372 | | | 2,000 | | | $2,000 | | | 600 | | | $600 | | | $73,972 |
Distributions | | | — | | | (40,798) | | | — | | | (80) | | | — | | | (108) | | | (40,986) |
Net income | | | — | | | 62,342 | | | — | | | 80 | | | — | | | 108 | | | 62,530 |
Balance December 31, 2021 | | | 111,111 | | | 92,916 | | | 2,000 | | | 2,000 | | | 600 | | | 600 | | | 95,516 |
Distributions | | | — | | | (71,261) | | | — | | | (80) | | | — | | | (108) | | | (71,449) |
Net income | | | — | | | 140,256 | | | — | | | 80 | | | — | | | 108 | | | 140,444 |
Balance December 31, 2022 | | | 111,111 | | | $161,911 | | | 2,000 | | | $2,000 | | | 600 | | | $600 | | | $164,511 |
Year ended December 31, (in thousands) | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | ||
Net income | | | $140,444 | | | $62,530 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | ||
Depreciation | | | 864 | | | 987 |
Gain on sale of property and equipment | | | (23) | | | (3) |
Accrued incentive compensation expense | | | 2,189 | | | 1,450 |
Abandonment of lot option contracts | | | 366 | | | — |
Forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program Loan | | | — | | | (5,141) |
Amortization of debt issuance costs | | | 616 | | | 938 |
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities | | | (1,120) | | | (595) |
Distributions of income from unconsolidated entities | | | 1,046 | | | 625 |
Noncash lease expense | | | 439 | | | 467 |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | | | | | ||
Real estate inventory | | | (3,499) | | | (16,600) |
Deposits on real estate under option or contract | | | (8,590) | | | (15,181) |
Other assets | | | (6,287) | | | (1,017) |
Accounts payable | | | 2,113 | | | (654) |
Customer deposits | | | (435) | | | 3,664 |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | | 3,972 | | | (600) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 132,095 | | | 30,870 |
| | | | |||
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | ||
Purchases of property and equipment | | | (1,000) | | | (730) |
Net payments to related party | | | — | | | (38) |
Cash paid for investments in unconsolidated entities | | | (9) | | | (844) |
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated entities | | | 1,330 | | | 2,403 |
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment | | | 40 | | | 56 |
Net cash provided by investing activities | | | 361 | | | 847 |
| | | | |||
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | ||
Borrowings under revolving credit facility and construction loans | | | 40,000 | | | 393,079 |
Repayments under revolving credit facility and construction loans | | | (97,000) | | | (384,956) |
Payments on notes payable | | | (33) | | | (5,066) |
Payments on notes payable - related party | | | (177) | | | (82) |
Proceeds from sales of real estate not owned | | | 9,146 | | | 2,783 |
Payments related to repurchases of real estate not owned | | | (8,166) | | | (1,317) |
Distributions to members | | | (71,449) | | | (40,986) |
Payment of debt issuance costs | | | (516) | | | (1,996) |
Net cash used in financing activities | | | (128,195) | | | (38,541) |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | | 4,261 | | | (6,824) |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | | 25,340 | | | 32,164 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | | | $29,601 | | | $25,340 |
Year ended December 31, (in thousands) | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: | | | | | ||
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized | | | $134 | | | $988 |
Real estate inventory distributed to the Company by unconsolidated entities | | | $615 | | | $345 |
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | | | $1,580 | | | $241 |
| | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
Development reimbursement receivables from land bankers (Note 11) | | | $8,993 | | | $3,608 |
Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization | | | 1,315 | | | 1,416 |
Prepaid insurance and other expenses | | | 995 | | | 558 |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | | | 2,048 | | | 907 |
Other assets | | | 1,128 | | | 662 |
Total other assets | | | $14,479 | | | $7,151 |
• | Level 1 – Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; |
• | Level 2 – Valuation is determined from quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, or by model-based techniques in which all significant inputs are observable in the market; |
• | Level 3 – Valuation is derived from model-based techniques in which at least one significant input is unobservable and based on the Company’s own estimates about the assumptions that market participants would use to value the asset or liability. |
| | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
Lots held for construction | | | $27,467 | | | $20,629 |
Homes under construction, completed homes, and model homes | | | 114,598 | | | 118,302 |
Total real estate inventory | | | $142,065 | | | $138,931 |
| | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
Capitalized interest, beginning of year | | | $1,017 | | | $958 |
Interest incurred | | | 3,591 | | | 3,827 |
Interest expensed | | | (734) | | | (1,733) |
Interest charged to cost of home closings | | | (2,757) | | | (2,035) |
Capitalized interest, end of year | | | $1,117 | | | $1,017 |
| | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
Automobiles | | | $311 | | | $368 |
Airplanes | | | 1,141 | | | 1,141 |
Furniture and fixtures | | | 2,954 | | | 2,473 |
Computer equipment | | | 40 | | | 97 |
| | 4,446 | | | 4,079 | |
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | (3,140) | | | (2,892) |
Net property and equipment | | | $1,306 | | | $1,187 |
Year ending December 31, | | | |
2023 | | | $— |
2024 | | | — |
2025 | | | 15,000 |
| | $15,000 |
| | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
Payroll and related liabilities | | | $8,486 | | | $5,395 |
Accrued incentive compensation | | | 4,528 | | | 2,794 |
Warranty reserves | | | 2,071 | | | 1,516 |
Lease liabilities | | | 2,077 | | | 920 |
Due to related parties and notes payable - related party | | | 1,316 | | | 1,493 |
Other liabilities | | | 2,563 | | | 1,392 |
Total accrued expenses and other liabilities | | | $21,041 | | | $13,510 |
Year ended December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
Balance, beginning of year | | | $1,516 | | | $1,177 |
Additions to reserve from new home closings | | | 1,509 | | | 1,028 |
Warranty claims | | | (774) | | | (581) |
Adjustments to pre-existing reserves | | | (180) | | | (108) |
Balance, end of year | | | $2,071 | | | $1,516 |
Year ended December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
Operating lease costs | | | $528 | | | $501 |
Variable lease costs - operating | | | $166 | | | $179 |
As of December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
ROU assets | | | $2,048 | | | $907 |
Lease liabilities | | | $2,077 | | | $920 |
Weighted average remaining lease term (in months) | | | 61 | | | 32 |
Weighted average discount rate | | | 6.01% | | | 3.79% |
Year ending December 31, | | | |
2023 | | | $555 |
2024 | | | 437 |
2025 | | | 403 |
2026 | | | 410 |
2027 | | | 368 |
Thereafter | | | 250 |
Total lease payments | | | 2,423 |
Less imputed interest | | | (346) |
Total lease liability | | | $2,077 |
December 31, 2022 | | | Deposits or investments | | | Remaining purchase price |
Option contracts | | | $33,027 | | | $420,136 |
Option contracts with unconsolidated entities | | | 319 | | | 3,145 |
Total option contracts | | | $33,346 | | | $423,281 |
December 31, 2021 | | | Deposits or investments | | | Remaining purchase price |
Option contracts | | | $24,889 | | | $426,580 |
Option contracts with unconsolidated entities | | | 2,255 | | | 13,936 |
Total option contracts | | | $27,144 | | | $440,516 |
(a) | First, to the holders of outstanding Class D Units (ratably based upon the number of Class D Units held by each) until such holders have received an amount equal to any unpaid Class D preferred distribution plus $1,000 for each outstanding Class D Unit; |
(b) | Second, if assets remain to be distributed, to the holders of outstanding Class C Units (ratably based upon the number of Class C Units held by each) until such holders have received an amount equal to any unpaid Class C preferred distribution plus $2,000,000; |
(c) | Then any assets remaining are distributed among Class A Unitholders. |
Year ended December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
Operating lease costs (related party) | | | $314 | | | $268 |
Variable lease costs - operating (related party) | | | $73 | | | $99 |
Year ending December 31, | | | |
2023 | | | $327 |
2024 | | | 337 |
2025 | | | 347 |
2026 | | | 357 |
2027 | | | 368 |
Thereafter | | | 250 |
Total lease payments | | | 1,986 |
Less imputed interest | | | (323) |
Total lease liability (related party) | | | $1,663 |
Year ended December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
Home closing revenue: | | | | | ||
Alabama | | | $96,660 | | | $56,034 |
Atlanta | | | 332,102 | | | 235,387 |
Charlotte | | | 89,310 | | | 83,497 |
Nashville | | | 120,243 | | | 68,287 |
Raleigh | | | 117,038 | | | 75,658 |
Total | | | $755,353 | | | $518,863 |
Year ended December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
Net income (loss): | | | | | ||
Alabama | | | $10,694 | | | $3,920 |
Atlanta | | | 81,403 | | | 43,969 |
Charlotte | | | 19,209 | | | 10,084 |
Nashville | | | 24,914 | | | 9,376 |
Raleigh | | | 28,819 | | | 8,855 |
Segment total | | | 165,039 | | | 76,204 |
Corporate(1) | | | (24,595) | | | (13,674) |
Total | | | $140,444 | | | $62,530 |
(1) | Corporate primarily includes corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and benefits, business insurance, information technology, office costs, outside professional services and travel costs, and certain other amounts that are not allocated to the reportable segments. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Corporate balance includes $5.1 million of income from forgiveness of a PPP loan. |
As of December 31, | | | 2022 | | | 2021 |
Assets: | | | | | ||
Alabama | | | $32,840 | | | $33,621 |
Atlanta | | | 83,343 | | | 62,333 |
Charlotte | | | 17,659 | | | 20,350 |
Nashville | | | 25,921 | | | 28,580 |
Raleigh | | | 28,900 | | | 27,019 |
Segment total | | | 188,663 | | | 171,903 |
Corporate(1) | | | 34,709 | | | 29,285 |
Total | | | $223,372 | | | $201,188 |
(1) | Corporate primarily includes cash and cash equivalents, property and equipment, and other assets that are not allocated to the segments. |
(Unaudited, in thousands) | | | June 30, 2023 | | | December 31, 2022 |
Assets: | | | | | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | | | $11,392 | | | $29,601 |
Real estate inventory | | | 164,084 | | | 142,065 |
Deposits on real estate under option or contract | | | 35,742 | | | 33,027 |
Real estate not owned | | | 1,737 | | | 2,446 |
Investments in unconsolidated entities | | | 136 | | | 448 |
Property and equipment, net | | | 1,264 | | | 1,306 |
Other assets | | | 11,208 | | | 14,479 |
Total assets | | | $225,563 | | | $223,372 |
| | | | |||
Liabilities: | | | | | ||
Accounts payable | | | $10,688 | | | $10,935 |
Customer deposits | | | 9,461 | | | 9,439 |
Revolving line of credit | | | 10,000 | | | 15,000 |
Liabilities related to real estate not owned | | | 1,737 | | | 2,446 |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | | 17,771 | | | 21,041 |
Total liabilities | | | 49,657 | | | 58,861 |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13) | | | | | ||
Members’ equity | | | 175,906 | | | 164,511 |
Total liabilities and members’ equity | | | $225,563 | | | $223,372 |
Six Months Ended June 30, (Unaudited, in thousands) | | | 2023 | | | 2022 |
Home closing revenue | | | $349,666 | | | $325,487 |
Cost of home closings | | | 248,435 | | | 230,046 |
| | | | |||
Home closing gross profit | | | 101,231 | | | 95,441 |
| | | | |||
Selling, general and administrative costs | | | 41,868 | | | 35,136 |
Equity in income from unconsolidated entities | | | (436) | | | (460) |
Interest expense | | | 400 | | | 353 |
Other income, net | | | (168) | | | (246) |
Net income | | | $59,567 | | | $60,658 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 (Unaudited, in thousands, except number of units) | | | Class A Units | | | Class C Units | | | Class D Units | | | Total Members’ Equity | |||||||||
| Units | | | Amount | | | Units | | | Amount | | | Units | | | Amount | | ||||
Balance December 31, 2021 | | | 111,111 | | | $92,916 | | | 2,000 | | | $2,000 | | | 600 | | | $600 | | | $95,516 |
Distributions | | | — | | | (36,490) | | | — | | | (40) | | | — | | | (54) | | | (36,584) |
Net income | | | — | | | 60,564 | | | — | | | 40 | | | — | | | 54 | | | 60,658 |
Balance June 30, 2022 | | | 111,111 | | | $116,990 | | | 2,000 | | | $2,000 | | | 600 | | | $600 | | | $119,590 |
Balance December 31, 2022 | | | 111,111 | | | $161,911 | | | 2,000 | | | $2,000 | | | 600 | | | $600 | | | $164,511 |
Distributions | | | — | | | (48,078) | | | — | | | (40) | | | — | | | (54) | | | (48,172) |
Net income | | | — | | | 59,473 | | | — | | | 40 | | | — | | | 54 | | | 59,567 |
Balance June 30, 2023 | | | 111,111 | | | $173,306 | | | 2,000 | | | $2,000 | | | 600 | | | $600 | | | $175,906 |
Six Months Ended June 30, (Unaudited, in thousands) | | | 2023 | | | 2022 |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | ||
Net income | | | $59,567 | | | $60,658 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | ||
Depreciation | | | 503 | | | 440 |
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment | | | 5 | | | (4) |
Accrued incentive compensation expense | | | 755 | | | 632 |
Abandonment of lot option contracts | | | 10 | | | 20 |
Amortization of debt issuance costs | | | 339 | | | 292 |
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities | | | (436) | | | (460) |
Distributions of income from unconsolidated entities | | | 462 | | | 436 |
Noncash lease expense | | | 228 | | | 217 |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | | | | | ||
Real estate inventory | | | (21,310) | | | (35,621) |
Deposits on real estate under option or contract | | | (2,725) | | | (8,662) |
Other assets | | | 2,704 | | | (587) |
Accounts payable | | | (247) | | | 11,959 |
Customer deposits | | | 22 | | | 2,308 |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | | (3,975) | | | (2,633) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 35,902 | | | 28,995 |
| | | | |||
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | ||
Purchases of property and equipment | | | (486) | | | (434) |
Net payments to related party | | | — | | | (28) |
Cash paid for investments in unconsolidated entities | | | — | | | (9) |
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated entities | | | 286 | | | 1,033 |
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment | | | 20 | | | 10 |
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | | | (180) | | | 572 |
| | | | |||
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | ||
Borrowings under revolving credit facility and construction loans | | | 43,000 | | | 27,000 |
Repayments under revolving credit facility and construction loans | | | (48,000) | | | (24,000) |
Payments on notes payable | | | (3) | | | (29) |
Payments on notes payable - related party | | | (47) | | | (42) |
Proceeds from sales of real estate not owned | | | 1,044 | | | 8,586 |
Payments related to repurchases of real estate not owned | | | (1,753) | | | (4,913) |
Distributions to members | | | (48,172) | | | (36,584) |
Net cash used in financing activities | | | (53,931) | | | (29,982) |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | | (18,209) | | | (415) |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | | | 29,601 | | | 25,340 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | | | $11,392 | | | $24,925 |
| | | | |||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: | | | | | ||
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized | | | $143 | | | $3 |
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | | | $— | | | $1,580 |
| | June 30, 2023 | | | December 31, 2022 | |
Development reimbursement receivables from land bankers (Note 10) | | | $6,159 | | | $8,993 |
Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization | | | 976 | | | 1,315 |
Prepaid insurance and other expenses | | | 825 | | | 995 |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | | | 1,820 | | | 2,048 |
Other assets | | | 1,428 | | | 1,128 |
Total other assets | | | $11,208 | | | $14,479 |
• | Level 1 - Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; |
• | Level 2 - Valuation is determined from quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, or by model-based techniques in which all significant inputs are observable in the market; |
• | Level 3 - Valuation is derived from model-based techniques in which at least one significant input is unobservable and based on the Company’s own estimates about the assumptions that market participants would use to value the asset or liability. |
| | June 30, 2023 | | | December 31, 2022 | |
Lots held for construction | | | $28,812 | | | $27,467 |
Homes under construction, completed homes and model homes | | | 135,272 | | | 114,598 |
Total real estate inventory | | | $164,084 | | | $142,065 |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||
| | 2023 | | | 2022 | |
Capitalized interest, beginning of period | | | $1,117 | | | $1,017 |
Interest incurred | | | 572 | | | 1,247 |
Interest expensed | | | (400) | | | (353) |
Interest charged to cost of home closings | | | (955) | | | (1,119) |
Capitalized interest, end of period | | | $334 | | | $792 |
| | June 30, 2023 | | | December 31, 2022 | |
Automobiles | | | $311 | | | $311 |
Airplanes | | | 1,141 | | | 1,141 |
Furniture and fixtures | | | 3,056 | | | 2,954 |
Computer equipment | | | 80 | | | 40 |
| | 4,588 | | | 4,446 | |
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | (3,324) | | | (3,140) |
Net property and equipment | | | $1,264 | | | $1,306 |
Year ending December 31, | | | |
2023 (1) | | | $— |
2024 | | | — |
2025 | | | 10,000 |
| | $10,000 |
(1) | Remaining payments are for the six months ending December 31, 2023. |
| | June 30, 2023 | | | December 31, 2022 | |
Payroll and related liabilities | | | $3,358 | | | $8,486 |
Accrued incentive compensation | | | 4,619 | | | 4,528 |
Warranty reserves | | | 2,383 | | | 2,071 |
Lease liabilities | | | 1,861 | | | 2,077 |
Due to related parties and notes payable – related party | | | 1,269 | | | 1,316 |
Accruals related to real estate development and other liabilities | | | 4,281 | | | 2,563 |
Total accrued expenses and other liabilities | | | $17,771 | | | $21,041 |
Six Months Ended June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 |
Balance, beginning of period | | | $2,071 | | | $1,516 |
Additions to reserve from new home closings | | | 698 | | | 651 |
Warranty claims | | | (331) | | | (337) |
Adjustments to pre-existing reserves | | | (55) | | | (127) |
Balance, end of period | | | $2,383 | | | $1,703 |
Six Months Ended June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 |
Operating lease costs | | | $286 | | | $242 |
Variable lease costs - operating | | | $88 | | | $91 |
| | June 30, 2023 | | | December 31, 2022 | |
ROU assets | | | $1,820 | | | $2,048 |
Lease liabilities | | | $1,861 | | | $2,077 |
Weighted average remaining lease term (in months) | | | 56 | | | 61 |
Weighted average discount rate | | | 6.07% | | | 6.01% |
Year ending December 31, | | | |
2023 (1) | | | $281 |
2024 | | | 437 |
2025 | | | 403 |
2026 | | | 410 |
2027 | | | 368 |
Thereafter | | | 250 |
Total lease payments | | | 2,149 |
Less imputed interest | | | (288) |
Total lease liability | | | $1,861 |
(1) | Remaining payments are for the six months ending December 31, 2023. |
June 30, 2023 | | | Deposits or investments | | | Remaining purchase price |
Option contracts | | | $35,742 | | | $455,144 |
Option contracts with unconsolidated entities | | | 33 | | | 425 |
Total option contracts | | | $35,775 | | | $455,569 |
December 31, 2022 | | | Deposits or investments | | | Remaining purchase price |
Option contracts | | | $33,027 | | | $420,136 |
Option contracts with unconsolidated entities | | | 319 | | | 3,145 |
Total option contracts | | | $33,346 | | | $423,281 |
(a) | First, to the holders of outstanding Class D Units (ratably based upon the number of Class D Units held by each) until such holders have received an amount equal to any unpaid Class D preferred distribution plus $1,000 for each outstanding Class D Unit; |
(b) | Second, if assets remain to be distributed, to the holders of outstanding Class C Units (ratably based upon the number of Class C Units held by each) until such holders have received an amount equal to any unpaid Class C preferred distribution plus $2,000,000; |
(c) | Then any assets remaining are distributed among Class A Unitholders. |
Six Months Ended June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 |
Operating lease costs (related party) | | | $173 | | | $140 |
Variable lease costs - operating (related party) | | | $40 | | | $36 |
Year ending December 31, | | | |
2023 (1) | | | $165 |
2024 | | | 337 |
2025 | | | 347 |
2026 | | | 357 |
2027 | | | 368 |
Thereafter | | | 250 |
Total lease payments | | | 1,824 |
Less imputed interest | | | (272) |
Total lease liability (related party) | | | $1,552 |
(1) | Remaining payments are for the six months ending December 31, 2023. |
Six Months Ended June 30, | | | 2023 | | | 2022 |
Net income (loss): | | | | | ||
Alabama | | | $3,676 | | | $3,376 |
Atlanta | | | 42,928 | | | 34,226 |
Charlotte | | | 4,313 | | | 8,895 |
Nashville | | | 7,732 | | | 10,705 |
Raleigh | | | 12,846 | | | 12,844 |
Segment total | | | 71,495 | | | 70,046 |
Corporate (1) | | | (11,928) | | | (9,388) |
Total | | | $59,567 | | | $60,658 |
(1) | Corporate primarily includes corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and benefits, business insurance, information technology, office costs, outside professional services and travel costs, and certain other amounts that are not allocated to the reportable segments. |
| | June 30, 2023 | | | December 31, 2022 | |
Assets: | | | | | ||
Alabama | | | $42,089 | | | $32,840 |
Atlanta | | | 81,421 | | | 83,343 |
Charlotte | | | 24,607 | | | 17,659 |
Nashville | | | 30,436 | | | 25,921 |
Raleigh | | | 31,299 | | | 28,900 |
Segment total | | | 209,852 | | | 188,663 |
Corporate (1) | | | 15,711 | | | 34,709 |
Total | | | $225,563 | | | $223,372 |
(1) | Corporate primarily includes cash and cash equivalents, property and equipment, and other assets that are not allocated to the segments. |
• | Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. |
• | Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. |
• | Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 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 Company’s internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed. |
• | Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements. |
• | Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. |
Assets | | | |
Cash | | | $17,030,181 |
Real estate inventories (note 3) | | | 56,054,672 |
Other assets | | | 171,968 |
Furniture and equipment, net | | | 239,398 |
Total assets | | | $73,496,219 |
| | ||
Liabilities and Partners' Equity | | | |
| | ||
Liabilities: | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | $2,220,852 |
Customer deposits | | | 203,845 |
Construction loans (note 4) | | | 261,474 |
Lot loans (note 4) | | | 16,975,158 |
Total liabilities | | | 19,661,329 |
Partners' equity | | | 53,834,890 |
Total liabilities and partners' equity | | | $73,496,219 |
Revenues | | | $107,887,747 |
Cost of sales | | | 77,369,809 |
Indirect construction costs | | | 3,020,376 |
Total cost of sales | | | 80,390,185 |
Gross profit | | | 27,497,562 |
Operating expenses: | | | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 7,525,825 |
Depreciation expense | | | 113,924 |
Interest expense | | | 460,266 |
Total operating expenses | | | 8,100,015 |
Income from operations | | | 19,397,547 |
Other income | | | 117,390 |
Income before provision for Texas franchise tax | | | 19,514,937 |
Texas franchise tax | | | 192,778 |
Net income | | | $19,322,159 |
| | General Partner | | | Limited Partners | | | Total | |
Balance - January 1, 2022 | | | $402,770 | | | $39,938,786 | | | $40,341,556 |
Partner distributions | | | (58,288) | | | (5,770,537) | | | (5,828,825) |
Net income | | | 193,222 | | | 19,128,937 | | | 19,322,159 |
Balance - December 31, 2022 | | | $537,704 | | | $53,297,186 | | | $53,834,890 |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | |
Net income | | | $19,322,159 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | |
Depreciation | | | 113,924 |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | | | |
(Increase) decrease in: | | | |
Real estate inventories | | | (2,540,608) |
Other assets | | | 244,015 |
Increase (decrease) in: | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | (1,802,359) |
Customer deposits | | | (368,129) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 14,969,002 |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | |
Purchases of furniture and equipment | | | (37,105) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (37,105) |
| | ||
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | |
Net proceeds from (payments on) construction loans | | | (4,662,400) |
Net proceeds from lot loans | | | 4,864,228 |
Partner distributions | | | (5,828,825) |
Net cash used in financing activities | | | (5,626,997) |
Net increase (decrease) in cash | | | 9,304,900 |
Cash - beginning | | | 7,725,281 |
Cash - ending | | | $17,030,181 |
Balance, beginning of year | | | $217,474 |
Accruals during the year | | | 269,010 |
Payments during the year | | | (63,975) |
Reversal of accruals | | | (198,120) |
Balance, end of year | | | $224,389 |
| | Ending | | | Beginning | |
Customer deposits | | | $203,845 | | | $571,974 |
Completed homes and inventory lots | | | $460,266 |
Capitalized interest - sold homes | | | 283,439 |
Capitalized interest - inventory homes and lots | | | 97,664 |
Model homes | | | 27,324 |
Total interest | | | $868,693 |
Interest income | | | $2,360 |
Miscellaneous | | | 115,030 |
Total other income | | | $117,390 |
Completed: | | | | | ||
Under contract for sale | | | $1,378,822 | | ||
Unsold | | | 4,026,747 | | ||
Models | | | 2,153,547 | | ||
Under construction: | | | | |||
Under contract for sale | | | 9,664,595 | | ||
Unsold | | | 14,594,062 | | ||
Models | | | 345,627 | | ||
Improved lots | | | 17,020,317 | | ||
Indirect construction costs | | | 1,979,205 | | ||
Lot option deposits | | | 4,891,750 | | ||
Total real estate inventories | | | $56,054,672 | |
| | Total Line Commitment | | | Total Commitment Used | | | Outstanding Balance | | | Residential Inventory Collateral | | | Interest Rate | | | Line Maturity Date | |
| | $25,000,000 | | | $5,323,794 | | | $2,887,365 | | | $7,394,247 | | | 7.5% | | | 4/24/2024 | |
| | 25,000,000 | | | 6,058,610 | | | 7,199,669 | | | 12,081,403 | | | 7.5% | | | 12/21/2024 | |
| | 20,000,000 | | | 6,772,425 | | | 5,350,825 | | | 9,381,000 | | | 7.5% | | | 9/17/2023 | |
| | 7,000,000 | | | 2,636,197 | | | 1,798,773 | | | 2,636,197 | | | 7.5% | | | 7/25/2023 | |
Total | | | $77,000,000 | | | $20,791,026 | | | $17,236,632 | | | $31,492,847 | | | | |
Interest and financing costs paid | | | $868,693 |
Interest and financing costs capitalized | | | $381,103 |
Texas franchise taxes paid | | | $150,000 |
Assets | | | |
Cash | | | $16,172,100 |
Real estate inventories (note 3) | | | 60,390,979 |
Other assets | | | 102,922 |
Furniture and equipment, net | | | 310,118 |
Total assets | | | $76,976,119 |
| | ||
Liabilities and Partners' Equity | | ||
| | ||
Liabilities: | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | $2,729,691 |
Customer deposits | | | 173,694 |
Construction loans (note 4) | | | 271,051 |
Lot loans (note 4) | | | 20,539,758 |
Total liabilities | | | 23,714,194 |
Partners' equity | | | 53,261,925 |
Total liabilities and partners' equity | | | $76,976,119 |
Revenues | | | $41,059,664 |
Cost of sales | | | 31,012,919 |
Indirect construction costs | | | 1,138,080 |
Total cost of sales | | | 32,150,999 |
Gross profit | | | 8,908,665 |
| | ||
Operating expenses: | | | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 3,366,688 |
Depreciation expense | | | 52,689 |
Interest expense | | | 580,483 |
Total operating expenses | | | 3,999,860 |
Income from operations | | | 4,908,805 |
Other income | | | 125,773 |
Income before provision for Texas franchise tax | | | 5,034,578 |
Texas franchise tax | | | 49,024 |
Net income | | | $4,985,554 |
| | General Partner | | | Limited Partners | | | Total | |
Balance - January 1, 2023, audited | | | $537,704 | | | $53,297,186 | | | $53,834,890 |
Partner distributions | | | (55,585) | | | (5,502,934) | | | (5,558,519) |
Net income | | | 49,856 | | | 4,935,698 | | | 4,985,554 |
Balance - June 30, 2023, reviewed | | | $531,975 | | | $52,729,950 | | | $53,261,925 |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | |
Net income | | | $4,985,554 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | |
Depreciation | | | 52,689 |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | | | |
(Increase) decrease in: | | | |
Real estate inventories | | | (4,336,307) |
Other assets | | | 69,046 |
Increase (decrease) in: | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | 508,839 |
Customer deposits | | | (30,151) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 1,249,670 |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | |
Purchases of furniture and equipment | | | (123,409) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (123,409) |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | |
Net proceeds from construction loans | | | 9,577 |
Net proceeds from lot loans | | | 3,564,600 |
Partner distributions | | | (5,558,519) |
Net cash used in financing activities | | | (1,984,342) |
Net decrease in cash | | | (858,081) |
Cash - beginning | | | 17,030,181 |
Cash - ending | | | $16,172,100 |
Balance, beginning of period | | | $224,389 |
Accruals during the period | | | 126,444 |
Payments during the period | | | (46,581) |
Reversal of accruals | | | (115,266) |
Balance, end of period | | | $188,986 |
| | Ending | | | Beginning | |
Customer deposits - June 30, 2023 | | | $173,694 | | | $203,845 |
Customer deposits - December 31, 2022 | | | $203,845 | | | $571,974 |
Completed homes and inventory lots | | | $580,483 |
Capitalized interest - sold homes | | | 186,609 |
Capitalized interest - inventory homes and lots | | | 82,633 |
Model homes | | | 19,406 |
Total interest | | | $869,131 |
Completed: | | | |
Under contract for sale | | | $2,820,151 |
Unsold | | | 3,477,151 |
Models | | | 2,519,946 |
Under construction: | | | |
Under contract for sale | | | 9,405,674 |
Unsold | | | 11,946,680 |
Models | | | 203,616 |
Improved lots | | | 23,913,053 |
Indirect construction costs | | | 2,095,162 |
Lot option deposits | | | 4,009,546 |
Total real estate inventories | | | $60,390,979 |
| | Total Line Commitment | | | Total Commitment Used | | | Outstanding Balance | | | Residential Inventory Collateral | | | Interest Rate | | | Line Maturity Date | |
| | $25,000,000 | | | $5,448,573 | | | $5,367,369 | | | $7,581,820 | | | 8.25% | | | 4/24/2025 | |
| | 25,000,000 | | | 7,887,573 | | | 6,599,425 | | | 10,352,055 | | | 8.25% | | | 12/21/2024 | |
| | 20,000,000 | | | 2,488,910 | | | 1,771,140 | | | 1,771,140 | | | 8.25% | | | 9/17/2023 | |
| | 7,000,000 | | | 7,072,875 | | | 7,072,875 | | | 10,379,488 | | | 8.00% | | | 7/25/2023 | |
Total | | | $77,000,000 | | | $22,897,931 | | | $20,810,809 | | | $30,084,503 | | | | |
Interest and financing costs paid | | | $869,131 |
Interest and financing costs capitalized | | | $269,242 |
Texas franchise taxes paid | | | $195,000 |
Item 13. | Other expenses of issuance and distribution. |
SEC registration fee | | | $11,020* |
FINRA filing fee | | | 15,500* |
Exchange listing fee | | | 25,000* |
Printing and engraving expenses | | | * |
Legal fees and expenses | | | * |
Accounting fees and expenses | | | * |
Transfer agent fees and expenses | | | * |
Miscellaneous fees and expenses | | | * |
Total | | | $* |
* | To be provided by amendment. |
Item 14. | Indemnification of directors and officers. |
Item 15. | Recent sales of unregistered securities. |
Item 16. | Exhibits and financial statements. |
Exhibit No. | | | |
| | Form of Underwriting Agreement. | |
| | Asset Purchase Agreement, dated July 31, 2023, by and among SDH Houston LLC, Devon Street Homes, L.P., Devon Street Homes G.P., L.L.C., and John Stephen Ray, The BRR 2022 Trust U/T/A dated April 20, 2022, The CAR 2022 Trust U/T/A dated April 20, 2022 and The TTR 2022 Trust U/T/A dated April 20, 2022. | |
| | Certificate of Incorporation of Smith Douglas Homes Corp., as in effect prior to the consummation of the Transactions. | |
| | Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Smith Douglas Homes Corp., to be in effect upon the consummation of the Transactions. | |
| | Bylaws of Smith Douglas Homes Corp., as in effect prior to the consummation of the Transactions. | |
| | Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Smith Douglas Homes Corp. to be in effect upon the consummation of the Transactions. | |
| | Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate of Smith Douglas Homes Corp. | |
5.1*** | | | Opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP. |
10.1***† | | | Form of Amended Credit Facility |
| | Form of Tax Receivable Agreement, to be effective upon the consummation of the Transactions. | |
| | Form of LLC Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, to be effective upon the consummation of the Transactions. | |
| | Form of Registration Rights Agreement, to be effective upon the consummation of the Transactions. | |
| | Form of 2023 Incentive Award Plan. | |
| | Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement under the 2023 Incentive Award Plan. | |
| | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2023 Incentive Award Plan. | |
| | Form of Non-Employee Director Compensation Program. | |
| | Form of Indemnification Agreement. | |
10.10#*** | | | Employment Agreement by and among Smith Douglas Homes Corp., Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, SDH Management Services LLC and Gregory S. Bennett, to be effective upon the consummation of the Transactions |
10.11#*** | | | Employment Agreement by and among Smith Douglas Homes Corp., Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, SDH Management Services LLC and Thomas L. Bradbury, to be effective upon the consummation of the Transactions |
10.12#*** | | | Employment Agreement by and among Smith Douglas Homes Corp., Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, SDH Management Services LLC and Russell Devendorf, to be effective upon the consummation of the Transactions |
10.13#*** | | | Employment Agreement by and among Smith Douglas Homes Corp., Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, SDH Management Services LLC and Brett A. Steele, to be effective upon the consummation of the Transactions |
| | Letter regarding change in certifying accountant. | |
| | List of Subsidiaries. | |
| | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, as to Smith Douglas Homes Corp. | |
| | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, as to Smith Douglas Holdings LLC. | |
| | Consent of Doeren Mayhew & Co., P.C., as to Devon Street Homes, L.P. | |
23.4*** | | | Consent of Latham & Watkins LLP (contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 hereto). |
| | Consent of John Burns Research and Consulting, LLC. | |
| | Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of the initial filing of the Registration Statement). | |
| | Consent of Neill B. Faucett, to be named as Director Nominee. | |
| | Consent of George Ervin Perdue III, to be named as Director Nominee. | |
| | Consent of Janice E. Walker, to be named as Director Nominee. | |
| | Filing Fee Table. |
* | Filed herewith |
** | Previously filed |
*** | To be filed by amendment |
# | Indicates management contract or compensatory plan |
† | Certain portions of this exhibit (indicated by “[***]”) have been omitted pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item (601)(b)(10). The Registrant undertakes to furnish supplemental copies including the omitted portions upon request by the SEC. |
^ | Schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant undertakes to furnish supplemental copies of any of the omitted schedules upon request by the SEC. |
Item 17. | Undertakings. |
(h) | The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser. |
(i) | Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of Smith Douglas Homes Corp. pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, Smith Douglas Homes Corp. has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Smith Douglas Homes Corp. of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of Smith Douglas Homes Corp. in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, Smith Douglas Homes Corp. will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction, the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
(j) | The undersigned hereby further undertakes that: |
(1) | For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by Smith Douglas Homes Corp. pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective. |
(2) | For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
| | Smith Douglas Homes Corp. | ||||
| | | | |||
| | By: | | | /s/Gregory S. Bennett | |
| | Name: | | | Gregory S. Bennett | |
| | Title: | | | President, Chief Executive Officer, Vice Chairman, and Director |
Signature | | | Title | |
| | | ||
/s/Gregory S. Bennett | | | President, Chief Executive Officer, Vice Chairman, and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | |
Gregory S. Bennett | | | ||
| | | ||
/s/Russell Devendorf | | | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | |
Russell Devendorf | | | ||
| | | ||
* | | | Executive Chairman and Director | |
Thomas L. Bradbury | | | ||
| | | ||
* | | | Director | |
Julie Bradbury | | | ||
| | | ||
* | | | Director | |
Jeffrey T. Jackson | | | ||
| | | ||
* | | | Director | |
Neil B. Wedewer | | |
*By: | | | /s/ Gregory S. Bennett | | | |
| | Gregory S. Bennett | | | ||
| | Attorney-in-fact | | |
Exhibit 1.1
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
[●] Shares of Class A Common Stock
Underwriting Agreement
[●], 2023
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
BofA Securities, Inc.
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
As Representatives of the
several Underwriters listed
in Schedule I hereto
c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
383 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10179
c/o BofA Securities, Inc.
One Bryant Park
New York, New York 10036
c/o RBC Capital Markets, LLC
200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor
New York, New York 10281
c/o Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
500 West 33rd Street, 14th Floor
New York, New York 10001
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes to issue and sell to the several underwriters listed in Schedule I hereto (the “Underwriters”), for whom you are acting as representatives (the “Representatives”), an aggregate of [●] shares of Class A common stock, par value $[●] per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), of the Company (the “Underwritten Shares”) and, at the option of the Underwriters, up to an additional [●] shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company (the “Option Shares”). The Underwritten Shares and the Option Shares are herein referred to as the “Shares.” The shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company to be outstanding after giving effect to the sale of the Shares, together with the shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company (the “Class B Common Stock”), are referred to herein as the “Stock.”
In connection with the offering contemplated by this Agreement, the “Transactions” (as such term is defined in the Registration Statement and the Preliminary Prospectus (each as defined below) under the caption “Our organizational structure—Transactions”) were or will be effected, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company will become the sole managing member of Smith Douglas Homes LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “LLC”), and will operate and control all of the business and affairs of the LLC and, through the LLC and its subsidiaries, conduct its business. The Company and the LLC are each referred to herein as an “SDH Party” and, collectively, as the “SDH Parties.”
Each SDH Party hereby confirms its agreement with the several Underwriters concerning the purchase and sale of the Shares, as follows:
1. Registration Statement. The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (collectively, the “Securities Act”), a registration statement (File No. 333-274379), including a prospectus, relating to the Shares. Such registration statement, as amended at the time it became effective, including the information, if any, deemed pursuant to Rule 430A, 430B or 430C under the Securities Act to be part of the registration statement at the time of its effectiveness (“Rule 430 Information”), is referred to herein as the “Registration Statement”; and as used herein, the term “Preliminary Prospectus” means each prospectus included in such registration statement (and any amendments thereto) before effectiveness, any prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(a) under the Securities Act and the prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the time of its effectiveness that omits Rule 430 Information, and the term “Prospectus” means the prospectus in the form first used (or made available upon request of purchasers pursuant to Rule 173 under the Securities Act) in connection with confirmation of sales of the Shares. If the Company has filed an abbreviated registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (the “Rule 462 Registration Statement”), then any reference herein to the term “Registration Statement” shall be deemed to include such Rule 462 Registration Statement. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
At or prior to the Applicable Time (as defined below), the Company had prepared the following information (collectively with the pricing information set forth on Annex A, the “Pricing Disclosure Package”): a Preliminary Prospectus dated [●], 2023 and each “free-writing prospectus” (as defined pursuant to Rule 405 under the Securities Act) listed on Annex A hereto.
“Applicable Time” means [●] [A/P].M., New York City time, on [●], 2023.
2. Purchase of the Shares.
(a) The Company agrees to issue and sell the Underwritten Shares to the several Underwriters as provided in this Agreement, and each Underwriter, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements set forth herein and subject to the conditions set forth herein, agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase at a price per share of $[●] (the “Purchase Price”) from the Company the respective number of Underwritten Shares set forth opposite such Underwriter’s name in Schedule I hereto.
In addition, the Company agrees to issue and sell the Option Shares to the several Underwriters as provided in this Agreement, and the Underwriters, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements set forth herein and subject to the conditions set forth herein, shall have the option to purchase, severally and not jointly, from the Company the Option Shares at the Purchase Price less an amount per share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the Company and payable on the Underwritten Shares but not payable on the Option Shares.
If any Option Shares are to be purchased, the number of Option Shares to be purchased by each Underwriter shall be the number of Option Shares which bears the same ratio to the aggregate number of Option Shares being purchased as the number of Underwritten Shares set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto (or such number increased as set forth in Section 10 hereof) bears to the aggregate number of Underwritten Shares being purchased from the Company by the several Underwriters, subject, however, to such adjustments to eliminate any fractional Shares as the Representatives in their sole discretion shall make.
The Underwriters may exercise the option to purchase Option Shares at any time in whole, or from time to time in part, on or before the thirtieth day following the date of the Prospectus, by written notice from the Representatives to the Company. Such notice shall set forth the aggregate number of Option Shares as to which the option is being exercised and the date and time when the Option Shares are to be delivered and paid for, which may be the same date and time as the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) but shall not be earlier than the Closing Date nor later than the tenth full business day (as hereinafter defined) after the date of such notice (unless such time and date are postponed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 hereof). Any such notice shall be given at least two business days prior to the date and time of delivery specified therein.
(b) The Company understands that the Underwriters intend to make a public offering of the Shares, and initially to offer the Shares on the terms set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriters may offer and sell Shares to or through any affiliate of an Underwriter.
(c) Payment for the Shares shall be made by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the account specified by the Company to the Representatives in the case of the Underwritten Shares, at the offices of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017 at 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on [●], 2023, or at such other time or place on the same or such other date, not later than the fifth business day thereafter, as the Representatives and the Company may agree upon in writing or, in the case of the Option Shares, on the date and at the time and place specified by the Representatives in the written notice of the Underwriters’ election to purchase such Option Shares. The time and date of such payment for the Underwritten Shares is referred to herein as the “Closing Date,” and the time and date for such payment for the Option Shares, if other than the Closing Date, is herein referred to as the “Additional Closing Date.”
Payment for the Shares to be purchased on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall be made against delivery to the Representatives for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters of the Shares to be purchased on such date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, with any transfer taxes payable in connection with the sale of such Shares duly paid by the Company. Delivery of the Shares shall be made through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) unless the Representatives shall otherwise instruct.
(d) Each SDH Party acknowledges and agrees that the Representatives and the other Underwriters are acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to the SDH Parties with respect to the offering of Shares contemplated hereby (including in connection with determining the terms of the offering) and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, the SDH Parties or any other person. Additionally, neither the Representatives nor any other Underwriter is advising the SDH Parties or any other person as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting or regulatory matters in any jurisdiction. The SDH Parties shall consult with their own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making their own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated hereby, and neither the Representatives nor the other Underwriters shall have any responsibility or liability to the SDH Parties with respect thereto. Any review by the Representatives and the other Underwriters of the SDH Parties, the transactions contemplated hereby or other matters relating to such transactions will be performed solely for the benefit of the Underwriters and shall not be on behalf of the SDH Parties.
3. Representations and Warranties of the SDH Parties. Each SDH Party, jointly and severally, represents and warrants to each Underwriter that:
(a) Preliminary Prospectus. No order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus has been issued by the Commission, and each Preliminary Prospectus included in the Pricing Disclosure Package, at the time of filing thereof, complied in all material respects with the Securities Act, and no Preliminary Prospectus, at the time of filing thereof, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the SDH Parties make no representation or warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the SDH Parties in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in any Preliminary Prospectus, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 7(b) hereof.
(b) Pricing Disclosure Package. The Pricing Disclosure Package as of the Applicable Time did not, and as of the Closing Date and as of the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the SDH Parties make no representation or warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in such Pricing Disclosure Package, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 7(b) hereof. No statement of material fact included in the Prospectus has been omitted from the Pricing Disclosure Package and no statement of material fact included in the Pricing Disclosure Package that is required to be included in the Prospectus has been omitted therefrom.
(c) Issuer Free Writing Prospectus. Other than the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, the Company (including its agents and representatives, other than the Underwriters in their capacity as such) has not prepared, made, used, authorized, approved or referred to and will not prepare, make, use, authorize, approve or refer to any “written communication” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the Shares (each such communication by the Company or its agents and representatives (other than a communication referred to in clause (i) below) an “Issuer Free Writing Prospectus”) other than (i) any document not constituting a prospectus pursuant to Section 2(a)(10)(a) of the Securities Act or Rule 134 under the Securities Act or (ii) the documents listed on Annex A hereto, each electronic road show and any other written communications approved in writing in advance by the Representatives. Each such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus complies in all material respects with the Securities Act, has been or will be (within the time period specified in Rule 433) filed in accordance with the Securities Act (to the extent required thereby) and does not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Pricing Disclosure Package, and, when taken together with the Preliminary Prospectus accompanying, or delivered prior to delivery of, such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, did not, and as of the Closing Date and as of the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the SDH Parties make no representation or warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in each such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Preliminary Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Preliminary Prospectus, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 7(b) hereof.
(d) Emerging Growth Company. From the time of initial confidential submission of the Registration Statement to the Commission (or, if earlier, the first date on which the Company engaged directly or through any person authorized to act on its behalf in any Testing-the-Waters Communication undertaken in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act) through the date hereof, the Company has been and is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act (an “Emerging Growth Company”). “Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any oral or written communication with potential investors undertaken in reliance on either Section 5(d) of, or Rule 163B under, the Securities Act.
(e) Testing-the-Waters Materials. The Company (i) has not engaged in any Testing-the-Waters Communications other than Testing-the-Waters Communications with the consent of the Representatives with (x) entities that are qualified institutional buyers (“QIBs”) within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act or institutions that are accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501 (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7) or (a)(8), (a)(9), (a)(12) or (a)(13) under the Securities Act (“IAIs”) and otherwise in compliance with the requirements of Section 5(d) of the Securities Act or (y) with entities that the Company reasonably believed to be QIBs or IAIs and otherwise in compliance with the requirements of Rule 163B under the Securities Act and (ii) has not authorized anyone other than the Representatives to engage in Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company reconfirms that the Representatives have been authorized to act on its behalf in undertaking Testing-the-Waters Communications by virtue of a writing substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The Company has not distributed or approved for distribution any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications other than those listed on Annex B hereto. “Written Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act. Any individual Written Testing-the-Waters Communication does not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Pricing Disclosure Package, complied in all material respects with the Securities Act, and when taken together with the Pricing Disclosure Package as of the Applicable Time, did not, and as of the Closing Date and as of the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(f) Registration Statement and Prospectus. The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission. No order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued by the Commission, and no proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act against the Company or related to the offering of the Shares has been initiated or, to the knowledge of the SDH Parties, threatened by the Commission; as of the applicable effective date of the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, the Registration Statement and any such post-effective amendment complied and will comply in all material respects with the Securities Act, and did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; and as of the date of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto and as of the Closing Date and as of the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, the Prospectus will comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the SDH Parties make no representation or warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the SDH Parties in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 7(b) hereof.
(g) Financial Statements. The financial statements (including the related notes thereto) of the Company, the LLC and their respective consolidated subsidiaries, and Devon Street Homes, L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries, included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Company, the LLC and their respective consolidated subsidiaries, and Devon Street Homes, L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries, as of the dates indicated and the results of their operations and the changes in their cash flows for the periods specified; such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered thereby, except in the case of unaudited financial statements, which are subject to normal period and adjustments and do not contain footnotes as permitted by the applicable rules of the Commission, and any supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement present fairly in all material respects the information required to be stated therein; and the other financial information included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus has been derived from the accounting records of the Company, the LLC and their respective consolidated subsidiaries, and Devon Street Homes, L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries, as applicable, and presents fairly in all material respects the information shown thereby; all disclosures included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of Commission) comply in all material respects with Regulation G of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (collectively, the “Exchange Act”) and Item 10 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act, to the extent applicable; and the pro forma financial information and the related notes thereto included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus have been prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the assumptions underlying such pro forma financial information are reasonable and are set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(h) No Material Adverse Change. Since the date of the most recent financial statements of the SDH Parties included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (i) there has not been any material change in the capital stock or outstanding equity, as applicable (other than (a) the Organizational Transactions and (b) the issuance of shares of Common Stock (as defined below) upon exercise of stock options and warrants described as outstanding in, and the exchange, if any, of equity interests of the LLC in, and the grant of options and awards under, existing equity incentive plans, in each case, described in, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus), short-term debt or long-term debt of any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries (other than borrowings described in or expressly contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus), or any dividend or distribution of any kind declared, set aside for payment, paid or made by the Company or the LLC on any class of capital stock or other equity interests, as applicable (other than redemptions described in or expressly contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus) or any material adverse change, or any development that would reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse change, in or affecting the business, properties, management, financial position, stockholders’ equity, members’ equity or results of operations of the SDH Parties and their subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the performance of the SDH Parties of their obligations under this Agreement; (ii) none of the SDH Parties or any of their respective subsidiaries has entered into any transaction or agreement (whether or not in the ordinary course of business) that is material to the SDH Parties and their subsidiaries taken as a whole or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, that is material to the SDH Parties and their subsidiaries taken as a whole; and (iii) none of the SDH Parties or any of their respective subsidiaries has sustained any loss or interference with its business that is material to the SDH Parties and their subsidiaries taken as a whole and that is either from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor disturbance or dispute or any action, order or decree of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, except in each case as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(i) Organization and Good Standing. Each SDH Party and each of their subsidiaries have been duly organized and are validly existing and, to the extent such concept is applicable, in good standing under the laws of their respective jurisdictions of organization, are duly qualified to do business and, to the extent such concept is applicable, are in good standing in each jurisdiction in which their respective ownership or lease of property or the conduct of their respective businesses requires such qualification, and have all power and authority necessary to own or hold their respective properties and to conduct the businesses in which they are engaged, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing or have such power or authority would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, properties, management, financial position, stockholders’ equity, members’ equity, results of operations or prospects of the SDH Parties and their subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the performance by the SDH Parties of their respective obligations under the Transaction Documents (as defined below) (a “Material Adverse Effect”). The subsidiaries listed in Exhibit 21 to the Registration Statement are the only “significant subsidiaries” of the Company.
(j) Capitalization. Each SDH Party has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the heading “Capitalization”; all the outstanding shares of Stock have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable and are not subject to any pre-emptive or similar rights; except as described in or expressly contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, upon consummation of the Organizational Transactions there will be no outstanding rights (including, without limitation, pre-emptive rights), warrants or options to acquire, or instruments convertible into or exchangeable for, any shares of capital stock or other equity interest in the Company or any of its subsidiaries (including, without limitation, the LLC), or any contract, commitment, agreement, understanding or arrangement of any kind relating to the issuance of any capital stock or equity interest of the Company or any such subsidiary (including, without limitation, the LLC), any such convertible or exchangeable securities or any such rights, warrants or options; upon consummation of the Organizational Transactions the capital stock of the Company and the equity interests of the LLC will conform in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; and all the outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interests of each subsidiary owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable, except as otherwise described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (and in the case of equity interests in any such subsidiary that is not a corporation, the Company or other holder of such equity interests has no obligation to make payments or contributions to such subsidiary or its creditors solely by reason of its ownership of such equity interests) and are owned directly or indirectly by the Company, free and clear of any lien, charge, encumbrance, security interest, restriction on voting or transfer or any other claim of any third party.
(k) Stock Options. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no stock options or other equity awards granted or otherwise currently outstanding pursuant to any stock-based compensation plan of any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries.
(l) Due Authorization. Each SDH Party has full right, power and authority to execute and deliver, to the extent a party thereto, (i) this Agreement, (ii) the tax receivable agreement among the Company, the LLC and each member of the LLC party thereto (the “Tax Receivable Agreement”), (iii) the amended and restated operating agreement of the LLC (the “LLC Agreement”), and (iv) the registration rights agreement among the Company and certain stockholders party thereto (the “Registration Rights Agreement” and, together with this Agreement, the Tax Receivable Agreement and the LLC Agreement, the “Transaction Documents”) and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder; and all action required to be taken for the due and proper authorization, execution and delivery by it of this Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby has been duly and validly taken.
(m) Underwriting Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each SDH Party.
(n) The Shares. The Shares to be issued and sold by the Company hereunder and the shares of Class B Common Stock to be issued by the Company in the Organizational Transactions have been duly authorized by the Company and, when issued and delivered and paid for as provided herein, or, for the shares of Class B Common Stock, pursuant to the LLC Agreement, will be duly and validly issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable and will conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; and the issuances of the Shares and of the shares of Class B Common Stock are not subject to any preemptive or similar rights.
(o) Other Transaction Documents. Each of the Tax Receivable Agreement, the LLC Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement, in each case, to be entered into on or prior to the Closing Date, has been duly authorized, and, as of the Closing Date, will have been duly executed and delivered by each SDH Party, to the extent a party thereto, and, when duly executed and delivered in accordance with its terms by each of the parties thereto, will constitute a valid and legally binding agreement of each such SDH Party enforceable against such SDH Party in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles relating to enforceability.
(p) Descriptions of the Transaction Documents. Each Transaction Document conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(q) No Violation or Default. None of the SDH Parties or any of their respective subsidiaries is (i) in violation of its charter or by-laws or similar organizational documents; (ii) in default, and no event has occurred that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default, in the due performance or observance of any term, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries is a party or by which any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries is bound or to which any property, right or asset of any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries is subject; or (iii) in violation of any law or statute applicable to the SDH Parties or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries, except, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) above, for any such default or violation that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(r) No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance by each SDH Party of each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, the issuance and sale of the Shares and the consummation of the transactions (including, without limitation, the Organizational Transactions) contemplated by the Transaction Documents or the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus will not (i) conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, result in the termination, modification or acceleration of, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property, right or asset of any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries pursuant to, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries is a party or by which any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries is bound or to which any property, right or asset of any SDH Party or any of their subsidiaries is subject, (ii) result in any violation of the provisions of the charter or by-laws or similar organizational documents of any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries or (iii) result in the violation of any law or statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, except, in the case of clauses (i) and (iii) above, for any such conflict, breach, violation, default, lien, charge or encumbrance that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(s) No Consents Required. No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority is required for the execution, delivery and performance by each SDH Party of each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, the issuance and sale of the Shares and the consummation of the transactions (including, without limitation, the Organizational Transactions) contemplated by the Transaction Documents, except for the registration of the Shares under the Securities Act and such consents, approvals, authorizations, orders and registrations or qualifications as may be required by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and under applicable state securities laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters.
(t) Legal Proceedings. There are no legal, governmental or regulatory investigations, actions, demands, claims, suits, arbitrations, inquiries or proceedings (“Actions”) pending to which any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries is or may be a party or to which any property of any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries is or may be the subject that, individually or in the aggregate, if determined adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; no such Actions are threatened or, to the knowledge of the SDH Parties, contemplated by any governmental or regulatory authority or threatened by others that would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (i) there are no current or pending Actions that are required under the Securities Act to be described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus that are not so described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and (ii) there are no statutes, regulations or contracts or other documents that are required under the Securities Act to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement or described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus that are not so filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement or described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(u) Independent Accountants. Ernst & Young LLP, who have certified certain financial statements of the Company, the LLC and their respective subsidiaries, is an independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the Company, the LLC and their respective subsidiaries within the applicable rules and regulations adopted by the Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and as required by the Securities Act. Doeren Mayhew, who have certified certain financial statements of Devon Street Homes, L.P. and its respective subsidiaries, is an independent accounting firm with respect to Devon Street Homes, L.P. and its subsidiaries within the applicable rules and regulations adopted under rule 101 of the AICPA’s Code of Professional Conduct, and its interpretations and rulings.
(v) Title to Real and Personal Property. Each SDH Party and its subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to, or have valid, subsisting and enforceable leases or otherwise valid rights to use, all items of real and personal tangible property that are material to the respective businesses of each SDH Party and its subsidiaries, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, claims and defects and imperfections of title except those that (i) do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by each SDH Party and its subsidiaries, or (ii) could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(w) Intellectual Property. Except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect: (i) Each SDH Party and its subsidiaries own or have the right to use all patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, social media identifiers and accounts, and other source indicators, copyrights and copyrightable works, know-how, trade secrets, systems, procedures, proprietary or confidential information, and all other intellectual property in any and all jurisdictions throughout the world (including all goodwill associated with, and all registrations and issuances of and applications for registration or issuance of, any of the foregoing) (collectively, “Intellectual Property”) used or held for use in, or otherwise necessary for, the conduct of their respective businesses as currently conducted and, to the knowledge of the SDH Parties, as proposed to be conducted in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; (ii) the Intellectual Property owned by each SDH Party and its subsidiaries is valid, subsisting and enforceable, provided the foregoing representation is made to the knowledge of the SDH Parties with respect to applications for registration of any Intellectual Property, (iii) each SDH Party’s and its subsidiaries’ conduct of their respective businesses does not infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate any Intellectual Property of any Person; (iv) each SDH Party and its subsidiaries have not received any written notice of any claim relating to the infringement, misappropriation or other violation of any Intellectual Property; (v) to the knowledge of the SDH Parties, the Intellectual Property owned by the SDH Parties and their respective subsidiaries is not being infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated by any person; and (vi) each SDH Party and its subsidiaries take, and have taken, commercially reasonable steps in accordance with customary industry practice to maintain the confidentiality of all Intellectual Property, the value of which to such SDH Party and its subsidiaries is contingent upon maintaining the confidentiality thereof.
(x) No Undisclosed Relationships. No relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the directors, officers, stockholders, customers, suppliers or other affiliates of any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries, on the other, that is required by the Securities Act to be described in each of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and that is not so described in such documents and in the Pricing Disclosure Package.
(y) Investment Company Act. Each SDH Party is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds thereof received by the Company as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, will not be required to register as an “investment company” or an entity “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (collectively, the “Investment Company Act”).
(z) Taxes. (i) Each SDH Party and its subsidiaries have paid all federal, state, local and foreign taxes and filed all tax returns required to be paid or filed through the date hereof, and (ii) except as otherwise disclosed in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, or as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, there is no tax deficiency that has been, or could reasonably be expected to be, asserted against any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets.
(aa) Licenses and Permits. Each SDH Party and its subsidiaries possess all licenses, sub-licenses, certificates, permits and other authorizations issued by, and have made all declarations and filings with, the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory authorities that are necessary for the ownership or lease of their respective properties or the conduct of their respective businesses as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except where the failure to possess or make the same would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and except as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, none of the SDH Parties or any of their respective subsidiaries has received notice of any revocation or modification of any such license, sub-license, certificate, permit or authorization or has any reason to believe that any such license, sub-license, certificate, permit or authorization will not be renewed in the ordinary course, except where such revocation, modification or non-renewal would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(bb) No Labor Disputes. No labor disturbance by or dispute with employees of any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the SDH Parties, is contemplated or threatened, and no SDH Party is aware of any existing or imminent labor disturbance by, or dispute with, the employees of any of its or its subsidiaries’ principal suppliers, contractors or customers, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. None of the SDH Parties or any of their respective subsidiaries has received any notice of cancellation or termination with respect to any collective bargaining agreement to which it is a party.
(cc) Certain Environmental Matters. (i) Each SDH Party and its subsidiaries (x) are in compliance with all, and have not violated any, applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws (including common law), rules, regulations, requirements, decisions, judgments, decrees, orders and other legally enforceable requirements relating to pollution, the protection of human health or safety, the environment, natural resources, or hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants, chemicals or contaminants (collectively, “Environmental Laws”); (y) have received and are in compliance with all, and have not violated any, permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations or approvals required of them under any Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses; and (z) have not received notice of any actual or potential liability or obligation under or relating to, or any actual or potential violation of, any Environmental Laws, including for the investigation or remediation of any disposal or release of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants, chemicals or contaminants, and have no knowledge of any event or condition that would reasonably be expected to result in any such notice, liability or violation; (ii) there are no costs, obligations or liabilities associated with Environmental Laws of or relating to any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries, except in the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, for any such matter as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (iii) except as described in each of the Registration Statement, Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (x) there is no proceeding that is pending, or that is known to be contemplated, against any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries under any Environmental Laws in which a governmental entity is also a party, other than such proceeding regarding which it is reasonably believed no monetary sanctions of $300,000 or more will be imposed, (y) none of the SDH Parties or any of their respective subsidiaries is aware of any facts or issues regarding compliance with Environmental Laws, or liabilities or other obligations under Environmental Laws or concerning hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants, chemicals or contaminants, that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the SDH Parties and their subsidiaries, and (z) none of the SDH Parties or any of their respective subsidiaries anticipates material capital expenditures relating to any Environmental Laws.
(dd) Compliance with ERISA. (i) Each employee benefit plan, within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), for which any SDH Party would have any liability (each, a “Plan”), has been maintained in compliance with its terms and the requirements of any applicable statutes, orders, rules and regulations, including but not limited to ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); (ii) none of the SDH Parties or any member of its “Controlled Group” (defined as any entity, whether or not incorporated, that is under common control with the SDH Parties within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA or any entity that would be regarded as a single employer with the Company under Section 414(b),(c),(m) or (o) of the Code) maintains or has maintained within the past six years a Plan or an employee benefit plan (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA) that is subject to Title IV of ERISA; and (iii) a material increase in any SDH Party and its subsidiaries’ “accumulated post-retirement benefit obligations” (within the meaning of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 715-60) compared to the amount of such obligations in any SDH Party and its subsidiaries’ most recently completed fiscal year has not occurred or is reasonably likely to occur, except in each case with respect to the events or conditions set forth in (i) through (iii) hereof, as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
(ee) Disclosure Controls. The Company and its subsidiaries maintain an effective system of “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) that complies with the requirements of the Exchange Act and that has been designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, including controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(ff) Accounting Controls. The SDH Parties and their respective subsidiaries maintain systems of “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that are designed to comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act and have been designed by, or under the supervision of, their respective principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. The SDH Parties and their respective subsidiaries maintain internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. There are no material weaknesses in any SDH Party’s internal controls (it being understood that the Company is not required as of the date hereof to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act (as defined below)). The auditors of each SDH Party and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company have been advised of: (i) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which have adversely affected or are reasonably likely to adversely affect such SDH Party’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in such SDH Party’s internal controls over financial reporting.
(gg) Insurance. Each SDH Party and its subsidiaries have insurance covering their respective properties, operations, personnel and businesses, including business interruption insurance, which insurance is in amounts and insures against such losses and risks as are generally maintained by similar situated companies and which the SDH Parties believe are reasonably adequate to protect such SDH Party and its subsidiaries and their respective businesses; and none of the SDH Parties or any of their respective subsidiaries has (i) received notice from any insurer or agent of such insurer that capital improvements or other expenditures are required or necessary to be made in order to continue such insurance or (ii) any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage at reasonable cost from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business.
(hh) Cybersecurity; Data Protection. Each SDH Party and its subsidiaries’ information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications, and databases (collectively, “IT Systems”) are: (i) adequate for, and operate and perform in all material respects as required in connection with, the operation of the business of each SDH Party and its subsidiaries as currently conducted, and (ii) to the knowledge of the SDH Parties, free and clear of all material bugs, errors, defects, Trojan horses, time bombs, malware and other corruptants. Each SDH Party and its subsidiaries have implemented and maintained commercially reasonable controls, policies, procedures, and safeguards designed to maintain and protect their material confidential information and the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of all owned IT Systems and data (including all personal, personally identifiable, sensitive, confidential or regulated data (“Personal Data”)) used in connection with their businesses. To the knowledge of the SDH Parties, there have been no breaches, violations, outages or unauthorized uses of or accesses to any such IT Systems or data, except for those that have been remedied without material cost or liability or the duty to notify any governmental or regulatory authority or any other Person, nor any incidents under internal review or investigation relating to the same. Each SDH Party and its subsidiaries are presently in material compliance with all applicable laws and statutes, judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, published policies, and contractual obligations, in each case, relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Personal Data (collectively, the “Data Security Obligations”). None of the SDH Parties has received any written notification of or written complaint regarding, or is aware of any other facts that, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably indicate, material non-compliance with any Data Security Obligation, and there is no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body pending or, to the knowledge of the SDH Parties, threatened alleging non-compliance with any Data Security Obligation.
(ii) No Unlawful Payments. None of the SDH Parties, any of their respective subsidiaries, any director, officer or employee, of any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the SDH Parties, any agent, affiliate, representative or other person associated with or acting on behalf of any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries has (i) used any corporate funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity; (ii) made or taken an act in furtherance of an offer, promise or authorization of any direct or indirect unlawful payment or benefit to any foreign or domestic government official or employee, including of any government-owned or controlled entity or of a public international organization, or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any of the foregoing, or any political party or party official or candidate for political office; (iii) violated or is in violation of any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any applicable law or regulation implementing the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, or committed an offence under the Bribery Act 2010 of the United Kingdom or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law; or (iv) made, offered, agreed, requested or taken an act in furtherance of any unlawful bribe or other unlawful benefit, including, without limitation, any rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful or improper payment or benefit. Each SDH Party and its subsidiaries have instituted, maintain and enforce, and will continue to maintain and enforce policies and procedures designed to promote and ensure compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws. None of the SDH Parties or any of their respective subsidiaries will use, directly or indirectly, the proceeds of the offering in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any person in violation of any applicable anti-corruption laws.
(jj) Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering Laws. The operations of each SDH Party and its subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including those of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the applicable money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions where any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries conducts business, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the “Anti-Money Laundering Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the SDH Parties, threatened.
(kk) No Conflicts with Sanctions Laws. None of the SDH Parties, any of their respective subsidiaries, directors, officers, or employees, or, to the knowledge of the SDH Parties, any agent, affiliate, representative or other person associated with or acting on behalf of any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries is an individual or entity (“Person”) that is, or is owned or controlled by one or more Persons that are (i) currently the subject or the target of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. government (including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State and including, without limitation, the designation as a “specially designated national” or “blocked person”), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), or (ii) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject or target of Sanctions, including, without limitation, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, the Crimea Region and the non-government controlled areas of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Regions of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic and any other Covered Region of Ukraine identified pursuant to Executive Order 14065 (each, a “Sanctioned Country”). The SDH Parties will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering of the Shares hereunder, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person (i) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business with any Person that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject or target of Sanctions, (ii) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business in any Sanctioned Country or (iii) in any other manner that will result in a violation by any Person (including any Person participating in the transaction, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions. For the past five years, the SDH Parties and their respective subsidiaries have not knowingly engaged in, are not now knowingly engaged in and will not engage in any dealings or transactions with any Person that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject or the target of Sanctions or with any Sanctioned Country.
(ll) No Restrictions on Subsidiaries. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no subsidiary of the Company is currently prohibited, directly or indirectly, under any agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or is subject, from paying any dividends to any SDH Party, from making any other distribution on such subsidiary’s capital stock or similar ownership interest, from repaying any SDH Party any loans or advances to such subsidiary from such SDH Party or from transferring any of such subsidiary’s properties or assets to any SDH Party or any other subsidiary of any SDH Party.
(mm) No Broker’s Fees. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to any contract, agreement or understanding with any person (other than this Agreement) that would give rise to a valid claim against any of them or any Underwriter for a brokerage commission, finder’s fee or like payment in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares.
(nn) No Registration Rights. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no person has the right to require any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries to register any securities for sale under the Securities Act by reason of the filing of the Registration Statement with the Commission or the issuance and sale of the Shares by the Company.
(oo) No Stabilization. None of the SDH Parties or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates has taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that could reasonably be expected to cause or result in any stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Shares.
(pp) Margin Rules. Neither the issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares nor the application of the proceeds thereof by the Company as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus will violate Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any other regulation of such Board of Governors.
(qq) Forward-Looking Statements. No forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) included in any of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus has been made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith.
(rr) Statistical and Market Data. Nothing has come to the attention of any SDH Party that has caused such SDH Party to believe that the statistical and market-related data included in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus is not based on or derived from sources that are reliable and accurate in all material respects.
(ss) Sarbanes-Oxley Act. There is and has been no failure on the part of the Company or any of the Company’s directors or officers, in their capacities as such, to comply with any provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), including Section 402 related to loans.
(tt) Status under the Securities Act. At the time of filing the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the earliest time thereafter that the Company or any offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) under the Securities Act) of the Shares and at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.
(uu) No Ratings. There are (and prior to the Closing Date, will be) no debt securities, convertible securities or preferred stock issued or guaranteed by any SDH Party or any of their respective subsidiaries that are rated by a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization,” as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(62) under the Exchange Act.
4. Further Agreements of the SDH Parties. Each SDH Party, jointly and severally, covenants and agrees with each Underwriter that:
(a) Required Filings. The Company will file the final Prospectus with the Commission within the time periods specified by Rule 424(b) and Rule 430A, 430B or 430C under the Securities Act, will file any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus to the extent required by Rule 433 under the Securities Act; and the Company will furnish copies of the Prospectus and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (to the extent not previously delivered) to the Underwriters in New York City prior to 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on the business day next succeeding the date of this Agreement in such quantities as the Representatives may reasonably request.
(b) Delivery of Copies. The Company will deliver, if requested, without charge, (i) to the Representatives, two signed copies of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto, in each case including all exhibits and consents filed therewith; and (ii) to each Underwriter (A) a conformed copy of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto (without exhibits) and (B) during the Prospectus Delivery Period (as defined below), as many copies of the Prospectus (including all amendments and supplements thereto and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus) as the Representatives may reasonably request. As used herein, the term “Prospectus Delivery Period” means such period of time after the first date of the public offering of the Shares as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters a prospectus relating to the Shares is required by law to be delivered (or required to be delivered but for Rule 172 under the Securities Act) in connection with sales of the Shares by any Underwriter or dealer.
(c) Amendments or Supplements, Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses. Before making, preparing, using, authorizing, approving, referring to or filing any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and before filing any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, the Company will furnish to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters a copy of the proposed Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, amendment or supplement for review and will not make, prepare, use, authorize, approve, refer to or file any such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representatives reasonably object.
(d) Notice to the Representatives. The Company will advise the Representatives promptly, and confirm such advice in writing (which may be by electronic mail), (i) when the Registration Statement has become effective; (ii) when any amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed or becomes effective; (iii) when any supplement to the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication or any amendment to the Prospectus has been filed or distributed; (iv) of any request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or the receipt of any comments from the Commission relating to the Registration Statement or any other request by the Commission for any additional information including, but not limited to, any request for information concerning any Testing-the-Waters Communication; (v) of the issuance by the Commission or any other governmental or regulatory authority of any order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus, any of the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication or the initiation or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatening of any proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act; (vi) of the occurrence of any event or development within the Prospectus Delivery Period as a result of which the Prospectus, any of the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading; and (vii) of the receipt by the Company of any notice with respect to any suspension of the qualification of the Shares for offer and sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus, any of the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication or suspending any such qualification of the Shares and, if any such order is issued, will obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal thereof.
(e) Ongoing Compliance. (1) If during the Prospectus Delivery Period (i) any event or development shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading or (ii) it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with applicable law, the Company will promptly notify the Underwriters thereof and forthwith prepare and, subject to paragraph (c) above, file with the Commission and furnish to the Underwriters and to such dealers as the Representatives may designate such amendments or supplements to the Prospectus as may be necessary so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus will comply with law and (2) if at any time prior to the Closing Date (i) any event or development shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which the Pricing Disclosure Package as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Pricing Disclosure Package is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading or (ii) it is necessary to amend or supplement the Pricing Disclosure Package to comply with applicable law, the Company will promptly notify the Underwriters thereof and forthwith prepare and, subject to paragraph (c) above, file with the Commission (to the extent required) and furnish to the Underwriters and to such dealers as the Representatives may designate such amendments or supplements to the Pricing Disclosure Package as may be necessary so that the statements in the Pricing Disclosure Package as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Pricing Disclosure Package is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Pricing Disclosure Package will comply with applicable law.
(f) Blue Sky Compliance. If required by the applicable law, the Company will qualify the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives shall reasonably request and will continue such qualifications in effect so long as required for distribution of the Shares; provided that the Company shall not be required to (i) qualify as a foreign corporation or other entity or as a dealer in securities in any such jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to so qualify, (ii) file any general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction or (iii) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction if it is not otherwise so subject.
(g) Earning Statement. The Company will make generally available to its security holders and the Representatives as soon as practicable an earning statement that satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 of the Commission promulgated thereunder covering a period of at least twelve months beginning with the first fiscal quarter of the Company occurring after the “effective date” (as defined in Rule 158) of the Registration Statement; provided that the Company will be deemed to comply with such requirement by furnishing such earnings statements on the Commission’s Electronic, Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (“EDGAR”) (or any successor system).
(h) Clear Market. For a period of 180 days after the date of the Prospectus (the “Company Lock-Up Period”), the Company will not (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or submit to, or file with, the Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of Class A Common Stock, or any options, rights or warrants to purchase any shares of Class A Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, Class A Common Stock, including limited liability company interests in the LLC convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive Class A Common Stock, or publicly disclose the intention to undertake any of the foregoing, or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of Class A Common Stock or any such other securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Class A Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and BofA Securities, Inc., other than (i) the Shares to be sold hereunder, (ii) the issuance or acquisition by the Company of shares of Common Stock in connection with the exercise of an option or warrant, vesting and/or settlement of a restricted stock or restricted stock unit award, or the conversion of a security as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (iii) the grant or amendment of compensatory equity-based awards, and/or the issuance of shares of Common Stock with respect thereto, made pursuant to the equity incentive plans of the SDH Parties referenced in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (iv) any shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to any non-employee director compensation plan or program disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (v) the purchase of shares of Common Stock pursuant to any employee stock purchase plan described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (vi) facilitating the establishment of a trading plan on behalf of a stockholder, officer or director of the Company pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of Common Stock; provided that (a) such plans do not provide for the transfer of Shares during the Company Lock-Up Period and (b) no filing by any party under the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be required or made voluntarily in connection with such trading plan (other than the required disclosure on Form 10-Q or Form 10-K, as applicable, of the entrance into any trading plan during the relevant fiscal quarter, provided that such disclosure includes a statement to the effect that no transfers may be made pursuant to such trading plan during the Restricted Period), (vii) Common Stock otherwise issued in connection with the Organizational Transactions and (viii) the filing of any registration statement on Form S-8 relating to securities granted or to be granted pursuant to any plan in effect on the date of this Agreement and described in the Prospectus or any assumed benefit plan pursuant to an acquisition or similar strategic transaction..
If J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and BofA Securities, Inc., in their sole discretion, agree to release or waive the restrictions set forth in a lock-up letter described in Section 6(l) hereof for an officer or director of the Company and provide the Company with notice of the impending release or waiver substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto at least three business days before the effective date of the release or waiver (indicating the effective date of such release or waiver in such notice to the Company), the Company agrees to announce the impending release or waiver substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver.
(i) Use of Proceeds. Each of the SDH Parties will apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the heading “Use of proceeds.”
(j) No Stabilization. Neither the Company nor its subsidiaries or affiliates will take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that could reasonably be expected to cause or result in any stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Stock.
(k) Exchange Listing. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to list, subject to notice of issuance, the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”).
(l) Reports. For a period of three years from the date of this Agreement, the Company will furnish to the Representatives, as soon as they are available, copies of all reports or other communications (financial or other) furnished to holders of the Shares, and copies of any reports and financial statements furnished to or filed with the Commission or any national securities exchange or automatic quotation system; provided the Company will be deemed to have furnished such reports and financial statements to the Representatives to the extent they are filed on the Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system.
(m) Record Retention. The Company will, pursuant to reasonable procedures developed in good faith, retain copies of each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is not filed with the Commission in accordance with Rule 433 under the Securities Act.
(n) Filings. The Company will file with the Commission such reports as may be required by Rule 463 under the Securities Act.
(o) Emerging Growth Company. The Company will promptly notify the Representatives if the Company ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company at any time prior to the later of (i) completion of the distribution of Shares within the meaning of the Securities Act and (ii) completion of the 180-day restricted period referred to in Section 4(h) hereof.
5. Certain Agreements of the Underwriters. Each Underwriter hereby severally represents and agrees that:
(a) It has not and will not use, authorize use of, refer to or participate in the planning for use of, any “free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act (which term includes use of any written information furnished to the Commission by the Company and not incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement and any press release issued by the Company) other than (i) a free writing prospectus that contains no “issuer information” (as defined in Rule 433(h)(2) under the Securities Act) that was not included (including through incorporation by reference) in the Preliminary Prospectus or a previously filed Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, (ii) any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus listed on Annex A or prepared pursuant to Section 3(c) or Section 4(c) above (including any electronic road show), or (iii) any free writing prospectus prepared by such Underwriter and approved by the Company in advance in writing (each such free writing prospectus referred to in clauses (i) or (iii), an “Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus”).
(b) It has not and will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use any free writing prospectus that contains the final terms of the Shares unless such terms have previously been included in a free writing prospectus filed with the Commission; provided that Underwriters may use a term sheet substantially in the form of Annex C hereto without the consent of the Company; provided, further, that any Underwriter using such term sheet shall notify the Company, and provide a copy of such term sheet to the Company, prior to, or substantially concurrently with, the first use of such term sheet.
(c) It is not subject to any pending proceeding under Section 8A of the Securities Act with respect to the offering (and will promptly notify the Company if any such proceeding against it is initiated during the Prospectus Delivery Period).
6. Conditions of Underwriters’ Obligations. The obligation of each Underwriter to purchase the Underwritten Shares on the Closing Date or the Option Shares on the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, as provided herein is subject to the performance by the Company of its covenants and other obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions:
(a) Registration Compliance; No Stop Order. No order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be in effect, and no proceeding for such purpose or pursuant to Section 8A under the Securities Act shall be pending before or threatened by the Commission; the Prospectus and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus shall have been timely filed with the Commission under the Securities Act (in the case of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, to the extent required by Rule 433 under the Securities Act) and in accordance with Section 4(a) hereof; and all requests by the Commission for additional information shall have been complied with to the reasonable satisfaction of the Representatives.
(b) Representations and Warranties. The respective representations and warranties of each SDH Party contained herein shall be true and correct on the date hereof and on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be; and the statements of each SDH Party and its officers made in any certificates delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be.
(c) No Material Adverse Change. No event or condition of a type described in Section 3(h) hereof shall have occurred or shall exist, which event or condition is not described in the Pricing Disclosure Package (excluding any amendment or supplement thereto) and the Prospectus (excluding any amendment or supplement thereto) and the effect of which in the judgment of the Representatives makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Shares on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, on the terms and in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(d) Officers’ Certificates. The Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, a certificate of the chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of each SDH Party and one additional senior executive officer of such SDH Party who is satisfactory to the Representatives on behalf of the SDH Parties, and not in their personal capacities, (i) confirming that such officers have carefully reviewed the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and, to the knowledge of such officers, the representations set forth in Sections 3(b) and 3(f) hereof are true and correct, (ii) confirming that the other representations and warranties of each SDH Party in this Agreement are true and correct and that each SDH Party has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, and (iii) to the effect set forth in paragraphs (a) and (c) above.
(e) Comfort Letters. On the date of this Agreement and on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, (i) Ernst & Young LLP shall have furnished to the Representatives, at the request of the Company, letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, containing statements and information of the type customarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; provided that the letter delivered on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall use a “cut-off” date no more than two business days prior to such Closing Date or such Additional Closing Date, as the case may be and (ii) Doeren Mayhew shall have furnished to the Representatives, at the request of the Company, letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, containing statements and information of the type customarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information of Devon Street Homes, L.P. contained in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Information and the Prospectus.
(f) Opinion and 10b-5 Statement of Counsel for the Company. Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel for the Company, shall have furnished to the Representatives, at the request of the Company, their written opinion and 10b-5 statement, dated the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives.
(g) Opinion and 10b-5 Statement of Counsel for the Underwriters. The Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion and 10b-5 statement, addressed to the Underwriters, of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, with respect to such matters as the Representatives may reasonably request, and such counsel shall have received such documents and information as they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters.
(h) No Legal Impediment to Issuance and Sale. No action shall have been taken and no statute, rule, regulation or order shall have been enacted, adopted or issued by any federal, state or foreign governmental or regulatory authority that would, as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, prevent the issuance or sale of the Shares by the Company; and no injunction or order of any federal, state or foreign court shall have been issued that would, as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, prevent the issuance or sale of the Shares by the Company.
(i) Good Standing. The Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, satisfactory evidence of the good standing of each SDH Party and its subsidiaries in their respective jurisdictions of organization and their good standing in such other jurisdictions as the Representatives may reasonably request, in each case in writing or any standard form of telecommunication from the appropriate governmental authorities of such jurisdictions.
(j) Exchange Listing. The Shares to be delivered on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance.
(k) Lock-up Agreements. The “lock-up” agreements, each substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto, between you and certain shareholders, officers and directors of the SDH Parties relating to sales and certain other dispositions of shares of Stock or certain other securities, delivered to you on or before the date hereof, shall be full force and effect on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be.
(l) Organizational Transactions. Prior to or substantially concurrent with the issuance of the Underwritten Shares and payment therefor in accordance with this Agreement, the Organizational Transactions shall have been consummated in a manner consistent in all material respects with the descriptions thereof in the Registration Statement, Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(m) Additional Documents. On or prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, the SDH Parties shall have furnished to the Representatives such further certificates and documents as the Representatives may reasonably request.
All opinions, letters, certificates and evidence mentioned above or elsewhere in this Agreement shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters.
7. Indemnification and Contribution.
(a) Indemnification of the Underwriters. The SDH Parties, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its affiliates, directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls such Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and other reasonably incurred expenses incurred in connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted, as such fees and expenses are incurred), joint or several, that arise out of, or are based upon, (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, not misleading, or (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any “issuer information” filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication prepared or authorized by the Company, any road show as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act (a “road show”) or any Pricing Disclosure Package (including any Pricing Disclosure Package that has subsequently been amended), or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in paragraph (b) below.
(b) Indemnification of the SDH Parties. Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless each SDH Party, the directors and officers of the Company who signed the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the indemnity set forth in paragraph (a) above, but only with respect to any losses, claims, damages or liabilities that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to such Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, any road show or any Pricing Disclosure Package (including any Pricing Disclosure Package that has subsequently been amended), it being understood and agreed upon that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the following information in the Prospectus furnished on behalf of each Underwriter: the concession and reallowance figures appearing in the fourth paragraph under the caption “Underwriting,” the discretionary accounts information contained in the second and third sentences of the eighth paragraph under the caption “Underwriting” and the stabilization information contained in the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth paragraphs under the caption “Underwriting.”
(c) Notice and Procedures. If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against any person in respect of which indemnification may be sought pursuant to the preceding paragraphs of this Section 7, such person (the “Indemnified Person”) shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnification may be sought (the “Indemnifying Person”) in writing; provided that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have under the preceding paragraphs of this Section 7 except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses) by such failure; and provided, further, that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to an Indemnified Person otherwise than under the preceding paragraphs of this Section 7. If any such proceeding shall be brought or asserted against an Indemnified Person and it shall have notified the Indemnifying Person thereof, the Indemnifying Person shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person (who shall not, without the consent of the Indemnified Person, be counsel to the Indemnifying Person) to represent the Indemnified Person and any others entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Section that the Indemnifying Person may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonably incurred fees and expenses in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonably incurred fees and expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding, as incurred. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person unless (i) the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the contrary; (ii) the Indemnifying Person has failed within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person; (iii) the Indemnified Person shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those available to the Indemnifying Person; or (iv) the named parties in any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood and agreed that the Indemnifying Person shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonably incurred fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons, and that all such reasonably incurred fees and expenses shall be paid or reimbursed as they are incurred. Any such separate firm for any Underwriter, its affiliates, directors and officers and any control persons of such Underwriter shall be designated in writing by the J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and any such separate firm for the SDH Parties, the directors and officers of the Company who signed the Registration Statement and any control persons of the Company shall be designated in writing by the Company. The Indemnifying Person shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent (which, but if settled with such consent, the Indemnifying Person agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement). Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an Indemnified Person shall have requested that an Indemnifying Person reimburse the Indemnified Person for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by this paragraph, the Indemnifying Person shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by the Indemnifying Person of such request and (ii) the Indemnifying Person shall not have reimbursed the Indemnified Person in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No Indemnifying Person shall, without the written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and indemnification could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement (x) includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person, from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (y) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Person.
(d) Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in paragraphs (a) or (b) above is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each Indemnifying Person under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the SDH Parties, on the one hand, and the Underwriters on the other, from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the SDH Parties, on the one hand, and the Underwriters on the other, in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the SDH Parties, on the one hand, and the Underwriters on the other, shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds (before deducting expenses) received by the Company from the sale of the Shares and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters in connection therewith, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate offering price of the Shares. The relative fault of the SDH Parties, on the one hand, and the Underwriters on the other, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the SDH Parties or by the Underwriters and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
(e) Limitation on Liability. The SDH Parties and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to paragraph (d) above were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in paragraph (d) above. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in paragraph (d) above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any reasonably incurred legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (d) and (e), in no event shall an Underwriter be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriter with respect to the offering of the Shares exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters’ obligations to contribute pursuant to paragraphs (d) and (e) are several in proportion to their respective purchase obligations hereunder and not joint.
(f) Non-Exclusive Remedies. The remedies provided for in this Section 7 paragraphs (a) through (e) are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any Indemnified Person at law or in equity.
8. Effectiveness of Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above.
9. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated in the absolute discretion of the Representatives, by notice to the Company, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and on or prior to the Closing Date or, in the case of the Option Shares, prior to the Additional Closing Date (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially limited on or by any of the New York Stock Exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market; (ii) trading of any securities issued or guaranteed by the Company shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any over-the-counter market; (iii) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by federal or New York State authorities; or (iv) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis, either within or outside the United States, that, in the judgment of the Representatives, is material and adverse and makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Shares on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, on the terms and in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
10. Defaulting Underwriter.
(a) If, on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, any Underwriter defaults on its obligation to purchase the Shares that it has agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, the non-defaulting Underwriters may in their discretion arrange for the purchase of such Shares by other persons satisfactory to the Company on the terms contained in this Agreement. If, within 36 hours after any such default by any Underwriter, the non-defaulting Underwriters do not arrange for the purchase of such Shares, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of 36 hours within which to procure other persons satisfactory to the non-defaulting Underwriters to purchase such Shares on such terms. If other persons become obligated or agree to purchase the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter, either the non-defaulting Underwriters or the Company may postpone the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, for up to five full business days in order to effect any changes that in the opinion of counsel for the Company or counsel for the Underwriters may be necessary in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or in any other document or arrangement, and the Company agrees to promptly prepare any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus that effects any such changes. As used in this Agreement, the term “Underwriter” includes, for all purposes of this Agreement unless the context otherwise requires, any person not listed in Schedule I hereto that, pursuant to this Section 10, purchases Shares that a defaulting Underwriter agreed but failed to purchase.
(b) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the non-defaulting Underwriters and the Company as provided in paragraph (a) above, the aggregate number of Shares that remain unpurchased on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, does not exceed one-eleventh of the aggregate number of Shares to be purchased on such date, then the Company shall have the right to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase the number of Shares that such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder on such date plus such Underwriter’s pro rata share (based on the number of Shares that such Underwriter agreed to purchase on such date) of the Shares of such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters for which such arrangements have not been made.
(c) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the non-defaulting Underwriters and the Company as provided in paragraph (a) above, the aggregate number of Shares that remain unpurchased on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, exceeds one-eleventh of the aggregate amount of Shares to be purchased on such date, or if the Company shall not exercise the right described in paragraph (b) above, then this Agreement or, with respect to any Additional Closing Date, the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase Shares on the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall terminate without liability on the part of the non-defaulting Underwriters. Any termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10 shall be without liability on the part of the SDH Parties, except that the SDH Parties, jointly and severally, will continue to be liable for the payment of expenses as set forth in Section 11 hereof and except that the provisions of Section 7 hereof shall not terminate and shall remain in effect.
(d) Nothing contained herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter of any liability it may have to the SDH Parties or any non-defaulting Underwriter for damages caused by its default.
11. Payment of Expenses.
(a) Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, the SDH Parties, jointly and severally, will pay or cause to be paid all costs and expenses incident to the performance of their obligations hereunder, including without limitation, (i) the costs incident to the authorization, issuance, sale, preparation and delivery of the Shares and any taxes payable in that connection; (ii) the costs incident to the preparation, printing and filing under the Securities Act of the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (including all exhibits, amendments and supplements thereto) and the distribution thereof; (iii) the costs of reproducing and distributing each of the Transaction Documents; (iv) the fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel and independent accountants; (v) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the registration or qualification and determination of eligibility for investment of the Shares under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may designate and the preparation, printing and distribution of a Blue Sky Memorandum (including the related fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters); (vi) the cost of preparing stock certificates, if applicable; (vii) the costs and charges of any transfer agent and any registrar; (viii) all expenses and application fees incurred in connection with any filing with, and clearance of the offering by, FINRA provided that the fees and expenses pursuant to clauses (v) and (viii) shall not, in the aggregate, exceed $40,000; (ix) all expenses incurred by the Company in connection with any “road show” presentation to potential investors; and (x) all expenses and application fees related to the listing of the Shares on the NYSE
(b) If (i) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9, (ii) the Company for any reason fails to tender the Shares for delivery to the Underwriters or (iii) the Underwriters decline to purchase the Shares for any reason permitted under this Agreement, the SDH Parties agree, jointly and severally, to reimburse the Underwriters for all reasonably incurred out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including the reasonably incurred fees and expenses of their counsel) reasonably incurred by the Underwriters in connection with this Agreement and the offering contemplated hereby; provided that in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 10(c) hereto, the Company shall only reimburse the non-defaulting Underwriters.
12. Persons Entitled to Benefit of Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and the officers and directors and any controlling persons referred to herein, and the affiliates of each Underwriter referred to in Section 7 hereof. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any other person any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision contained herein. No purchaser of Shares from any Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor merely by reason of such purchase.
13. Survival. The respective indemnities, rights of contribution, representations, warranties and agreements of the SDH Parties and the Underwriters contained in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of the SDH Parties or the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement or any certificate delivered pursuant hereto shall survive the delivery of and payment for the Shares and shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any termination of this Agreement or any investigation made by or on behalf of the SDH Parties or the Underwriters or the directors, officers, controlling persons or affiliates referred to in Section 7 hereof.
14. Certain Defined Terms. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) except where otherwise expressly provided, the term “affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act; (b) the term “business day” means any day other than a day on which banks are permitted or required to be closed in New York City; (c) the term “subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act; and (d) the term “significant subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act.
15. Compliance with USA Patriot Act. In accordance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), the Underwriters are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies their respective clients, including the Company, which information may include the name and address of their respective clients, as well as other information that will allow the Underwriters to properly identify their respective clients.
16. Miscellaneous.
(a) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or transmitted and confirmed by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the Underwriters shall be given to the Representatives at:
J.P.
Morgan Securities LLC
383 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10179
Fax: (212) 622-8358
Attention: Equity Syndicate Desk;
BofA
Securities, Inc.
One Bryant Park
New York, New York 10036
Fax:
(646) 855-3073; (212) 230-8730
Attention: Syndicate Department, with a copy to ECM Legal;
RBC
Capital Markets, LLC
200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor
New York, New York 10281
Fax: (212) 428-6260
Attention: Equity Capital Markets;
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
500 West 33rd Street
New York, New York 10001
Fax:
(212) 214-5918
Attention: Equity Syndicate Department
Notices to the Company shall be given to it at:
Smith
Douglas Homes Corp.
110 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, Georgia 30188
Email: bsteele@smithdouglas.com
Attention: Brett Steele, General Counsel
(b) Governing Law. This Agreement and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
(c) Submission to Jurisdiction. Each SDH Party hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the U.S. federal and New York state courts in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Each SDH Party waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such suit or proceeding in such courts. Each SDH Party agrees that final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such court shall be conclusive and binding upon such SDH Party and may be enforced in any court to the jurisdiction of which such SDH Party is subject by a suit upon such judgment.
(d) Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the parties hereto hereby waives any right to trial by jury in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.
(e) Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes.
(i) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
(ii) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
As used in this Section 16(e):
“BHC Act Affiliate” has the meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k).
“Covered Entity” means any of the following:
(i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);
(ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or
(iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).
“Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.
“U.S. Special Resolution Regime” means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(f) Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via electronic mail (including any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
(g) Amendments or Waivers. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, nor any consent or approval to any departure therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the parties hereto.
(h) Headings. The headings herein are included for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of, or to affect the meaning or interpretation of, this Agreement.
If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please indicate your acceptance of this Agreement by signing in the space provided below.
Very truly yours, | ||
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Accepted: As of the date first written above
For
themselves and on behalf of the
several Underwriters listed
in Schedule I hereto.
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
BOFA SECURITIES, INC.
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Schedule I
Underwriter | Number of Shares |
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC | [●] |
BofA Securities, Inc. | [●] |
RBC Capital Markets, LLC | [●] |
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC | [●] |
Nomura Securities International, Inc. | [●] |
WR Securities, LLC | [●] |
Wedbush Securities Inc. | [●] |
Regions Securities LLC | [●] |
Whelan Advisory Capital Markets | [●] |
[●] | |
Total | [●] |
Annex A
a. Pricing Disclosure Package
None
b. Pricing Information Provided Orally by Underwriters
Underwritten Shares: [●] Class A Common Shares
Public Offering Price Per Share: $[●]
Annex B
Written Testing-the-Waters Communications
None
Annex C
Pricing Term Sheet
None
Exhibit A
AUTHORIZATION LETTER
(to be delivered by the issuer to J.P. Morgan and BofA in email or letter form)
In reliance on Section 5(d) of and/or Rule 163B under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (the “Issuer”) hereby authorizes J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“J.P. Morgan”) and BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofA”) (collectively, the “Authorized Underwriters”) and their affiliates and their respective employees (“Authorized Persons”), to engage on behalf of the Issuer in oral and written communications with potential investors that are, or are reasonably believed to be, “qualified institutional buyers”, as defined in Rule 144A under the Act, or institutions that are, or are reasonably believed to be, “accredited investors”, within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7), (a)(8), (a)(9), (a)(12) or (a)(13) under the Act, to determine whether such investors might have an interest in the Issuer’s contemplated initial public offering (“Testing-the-Waters Communications”).
A “Written Testing-the Waters Communication” means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Act. Each of the Authorized Underwriters, individually and not jointly, agrees that it shall not distribute any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication that has not been approved by the Issuer.
The Issuer represents that it is an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Act (“Emerging Growth Company”) and agrees to promptly notify the Authorized Underwriters in writing if the Issuer hereafter ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company while this authorization is in effect. If at any time following the distribution of any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication there occurs an event or development as a result of which such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Issuer will promptly notify the Authorized Underwriters and will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication to eliminate or correct such untrue statement or omission.
Nothing in this authorization is intended to limit or otherwise affect the ability of the Authorized Underwriters and the Authorized Persons, to engage in communications in which they could otherwise lawfully engage in the absence of this authorization, including, without limitation, any written communication containing only one or more of the statements specified under Rule 134(a) under the Act. This authorization shall remain in effect until the Issuer has provided to the Authorized Underwriters a written notice revoking this authorization. All notices as described herein shall be sent by email to the attention of Haley Trethaway at haley.o.trethaway@jpmorgan.com and Crista Khong at crista.khong@bofa.com with copies to Dana Sorbi at dana.sorbi@davispolk.com.
Exhibit B
Form of Waiver of Lock-up
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC
BOFA SECURITIES, INC.
Smith
Douglas Homes Corp.
Public Offering of Common Stock
[●], 2023
[Name
and Address of
Officer or Director
Requesting Waiver]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]:
This letter is being delivered to you in connection with the offering by Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (the “Company”) of [●] shares of Class A common stock, $[●] par value (the “Common Stock”), of the Company and the lock-up letter dated [●], 2023 (the “Lock-up Letter”), executed by you in connection with such offering, and your request for a [waiver] [release] dated [●], with respect to [●] shares of Common Stock (the “Shares”).
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and BofA Securities, Inc. hereby agrees to [waive] [release] the transfer restrictions set forth in the Lock-up Letter, but only with respect to the Shares, effective [●]; provided, however, that such [waiver] [release] is conditioned on the Company announcing the impending [waiver] [release] by press release through a major news service at least two business days before effectiveness of such [waiver] [release]. This letter will serve as notice to the Company of the impending [waiver] [release].
Except as expressly [waived] [released] hereby, the Lock-up Letter shall remain in full force and effect.
Yours very truly, | |
[Signature of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC Representative] | |
[Signature of BofA Securities, Inc. Representative] |
cc: Company
Exhibit C
Form of Press Release
Smith
Douglas Homes Corp.
[●], 2023
Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (“Company”) announced today that J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and BofA Securities, Inc., on behalf of the underwriters in the Company’s recent public sale of [●] shares of common stock, are [waiving] [releasing] a lock-up restriction with respect to [●] shares of the Company’s common stock held by certain officers or directors of the Company. The [waiver] [release] will take effect on [●], and the shares may be sold on or after such date.
This press release is not an offer for sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such offer is prohibited, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Exhibit D
FORM OF LOCK-UP AGREEMENT
[●], 2023
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC
BOFA SECURITIES, INC.
RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC
WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC
As Representatives of
the several Underwriters listed in
Schedule I to the Underwriting
Agreement referred to below
c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
383 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10179
c/o BofA Securities, Inc.
One Bryant Park
New York, New York 10036
c/o RBC Capital Markets, LLC
200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor
New York, New York 10281
c/o Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
500 West 33rd Street, 14th Floor
New York, New York 10001
Re: | SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP. – Public Offering |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned understands that you, as representatives of the several Underwriters (the “Representatives”), propose to enter into an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), providing for the initial public offering (the “Public Offering”) by the several Underwriters named in Schedule I to the Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriters”), of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share,, of the Company (the “Securities” or the “Common Stock”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Underwriting Agreement.
In consideration of the Underwriters’ agreement to purchase and make the Public Offering of the Securities, and for other good and valuable consideration receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned hereby agrees that, without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and BofA Securities, Inc. on behalf of the Underwriters, the undersigned will not, and will not cause any direct or indirect affiliate to, during the period beginning on the date of this letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) and ending at the close of business 180 days after the date of the final prospectus relating to the Public Offering (the “Prospectus”) (such period, the “Restricted Period”), (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, the Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock (including without limitation, Common Stock or such other securities which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by the undersigned in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and securities which may be issued upon exercise of a stock option or warrant) (collectively with the Common Stock, “Lock-Up Securities”), (2) enter into any hedging, swap or other agreement or transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Lock-Up Securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of Lock-Up Securities, in cash or otherwise, (3) make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any Lock-Up Securities provided that, to the extent the undersigned has demand and/or piggyback registration rights, the foregoing shall not prohibit the undersigned from notifying the Company privately that it is or will be exercising its demand and/or piggyback registration rights following the expiration of the Restricted Period and undertaking any preparations related thereto, or (4) publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing. The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing precludes the undersigned from engaging in any hedging or other transactions or arrangements (including, without limitation, any short sale or the purchase or sale of, or entry into, any put or call option, or combination thereof, forward, swap or any other derivative transaction or instrument, however described or defined) designed or intended, or which could reasonably be expected to lead to or result in, a sale or disposition or transfer (whether by the undersigned or any other person) of any economic consequences of ownership, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, of any Lock-Up Securities, whether any such transaction or arrangement (or instrument provided for thereunder) would be settled by delivery of Lock-Up Securities, in cash or otherwise. The undersigned further confirms that it has furnished J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and BofA Securities, Inc. with the details of any transaction the undersigned, or any of its affiliates, is a party to as of the date hereof, which transaction would have been restricted by this Letter Agreement if it had been entered into by the undersigned during the Restricted Period.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the undersigned may:
(a) transfer, distribute, cause the disposition of or surrender (as the case may be) the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities:
(i) as a bona fide gift or gifts, or for bona fide estate planning purposes,
(ii) by will, testamentary document or intestacy,
(iii) to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the undersigned or the immediate family of the undersigned, or if the undersigned is a trust, to a trustor or beneficiary of the trust or to the estate of a beneficiary of such trust (for purposes of this Letter Agreement, “immediate family” shall mean any relationship by blood, current or former marriage, domestic partnership or adoption, not more remote than first cousin),
(iv) to a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which the undersigned and the immediate family of the undersigned are the legal and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding equity securities or similar interests,
(v) to a nominee or custodian of a person or entity to whom a disposition or transfer would be permissible under clauses (i) through (iv) above,
(vi) if the undersigned is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity, (A) to another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity that is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) of the undersigned, or to any investment fund or other entity controlling, controlled by, managing or managed by or under common control with the undersigned or affiliates of the undersigned (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where the undersigned is a partnership, to its general partner or a successor partnership or fund, or any other funds managed by such partnership), or (B) as part of a distribution to partners, members or shareholders of the undersigned,
(vii) by operation of law, such as pursuant to a qualified domestic order, divorce settlement, divorce decree or separation agreement,
(viii) to the Company from an employee of the Company upon death, disability or termination of employment, in each case, of such employee,
(ix) as part of a sale of the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities acquired in open market transactions after the closing date for the Public Offering,
(x) to the Company in connection with the vesting, settlement, or exercise of restricted stock units, options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of Common Stock (including, in each case, by way of “net” or “cashless” exercise), including for the payment of exercise price and tax and remittance payments due as a result of the vesting, settlement, or exercise of such restricted stock units, options, warrants or rights, provided that any such shares of Common Stock received upon such exercise, vesting or settlement shall be subject to the terms of this Letter Agreement, and provided further that any such restricted stock units, options, warrants or rights are held by the undersigned pursuant to an agreement or equity awards granted under a stock incentive plan or other equity award plan, each such agreement or plan which is described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, or
(xi) pursuant to a bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction that is approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and made to all holders of the Company’s capital stock involving a Change of Control (as defined below) of the Company (for purposes hereof, “Change of Control” shall mean the transfer (whether by tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction), in one transaction or a series of related transactions, to a person or group of affiliated persons, of shares of capital stock if, after such transfer, such person or group of affiliated persons would hold at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company (or the surviving entity)); provided that in the event that such tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction is not completed, the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities shall remain subject to the provisions of this Letter Agreement; and
(xii) transfers, conversion, reclassification, redemption or exchange of Common Stock or such other securities to the Company or any of its affiliates in connection with the Organizational Transactions, as described in the Registration Statement, Pricing Disclosure Package and Prospectus relating to the offering.
provided that (A) in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (a)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) and (vii), such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value and each donee, devisee, transferee or distributee shall execute and deliver to the Representative a lock-up letter in the form of this Letter Agreement, (B) in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (a) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (ix) and (x), no filing by any party (donor, donee, devisee, transferor, transferee, distributer or distributee) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or other public announcement shall be required or shall be made voluntarily in connection with such transfer or distribution (other than a filing on a Form 5 made after the expiration of the Restricted Period referred to above) and if any filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, or other public filing, report or announcement reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock in connection with such transfer or distribution shall be legally required during the Restricted Period, such filing, report or announcement shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto the nature and conditions of such transfer and (C) in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (a)(vii) and (viii) it shall be a condition to such transfer that no public filing, report or announcement shall be voluntarily made and if any filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, or other public filing, report or announcement reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock in connection with such transfer or distribution shall be legally required during the Restricted Period, such filing, report or announcement shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto the nature and conditions of such transfer;
(b) exercise outstanding options, settle restricted stock units or other equity awards or exercise warrants pursuant to plans or other equity compensation arrangements described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; provided that any Lock-up Securities received upon such exercise, vesting or settlement shall be subject to the terms of this Letter Agreement;
(c) convert outstanding preferred stock, warrants to acquire preferred stock or convertible securities into shares of Common Stock or warrants to acquire shares of Common Stock; provided that any such shares of Common Stock or warrants received upon such conversion shall be subject to the terms of this Letter Agreement;
(d) establish trading plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of Lock-Up Securities; provided that (1) such plans do not provide for the transfer of Lock-Up Securities during the Restricted Period and (2) no filing by any party under the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be required or made voluntarily in connection with such trading plan (other than the required disclosure on Form 10-Q or Form 10-K, as applicable, of the entrance into any trading plan during the relevant fiscal quarter, provided that such disclosure includes a statement to the effect that no transfers may be made pursuant to such trading plan during the Restricted Period); and
(e) sell the Securities to be sold by the undersigned pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement.
If the undersigned is not a natural person, the undersigned represents and warrants that no single natural person, entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the common equity interests, or 50% or more of the voting power, in the undersigned.
If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, the undersigned further agrees that the foregoing provisions shall be equally applicable to any Company-directed Securities the undersigned may purchase in the Public Offering.
If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, (i) J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and BofA Securities, Inc. on behalf of the Underwriters agrees that, at least three business days before the effective date of any release or waiver of the foregoing restrictions in connection with a transfer of shares of Lock-Up Securities, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and BofA Securities, Inc. on behalf of the Underwriters will notify the Company of the impending release or waiver, and (ii) the Company has agreed in the Underwriting Agreement to announce the impending release or waiver through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver. Any release or waiver granted by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and BofA Securities, Inc. on behalf of the Underwriters hereunder to any such officer or director shall only be effective two business days after the publication date of such announcement. The provisions of this paragraph will not apply if (a) the release or waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer not for consideration or that is to an immediate family member as defined in FINRA Rule 5130(i)(5) and (b) the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this letter to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of the transfer.
In furtherance of the foregoing, the Company, and any duly appointed transfer agent for the registration or transfer of the securities described herein, are hereby authorized to decline to make any transfer of securities if such transfer would constitute a violation or breach of this Letter Agreement.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to enter into this Letter Agreement. All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred and any obligations of the undersigned shall be binding upon the successors, assigns, heirs or personal representatives of the undersigned.
The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriters have not provided any recommendation or investment advice nor have the Underwriters solicited any action from the undersigned with respect to the Public Offering of the Securities and the undersigned has consulted their own legal, accounting, financial, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent deemed appropriate. The undersigned further acknowledges and agrees that, although the Representative may be required or choose to provide certain Regulation Best Interest and Form CRS disclosures to you in connection with the Public Offering, the Representative and the other Underwriters are not making a recommendation to you to enter into this Letter Agreement, participate in the Public Offering, or sell any Shares at the price determined in the Public Offering, and nothing set forth in such disclosures is intended to suggest that the Representative or any Underwriter is making such a recommendation.
The undersigned understands that, if (i) the Underwriting Agreement does not become effective by [●], 2023, (ii) the Underwriting Agreement (other than the provisions thereof which survive termination) shall terminate or be terminated prior to payment for and delivery of the Common Stock to be sold thereunder, (iii) prior to the execution of the Underwriting Agreement, either the Company, on the one hand, or the Representatives, on the other hand, notifies the other in writing that it does not intend to proceed with the public offering, or (iv) the registration statement filed with the SEC in connection with the public offering is withdrawn, the undersigned shall be automatically released from all obligations under this Letter Agreement. The undersigned understands that the Underwriters are entering into the Underwriting Agreement and proceeding with the Public Offering in reliance upon this Letter Agreement.
This Letter Agreement and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to this Letter Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Signatures transmitted by facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
Very truly yours, | ||
[NAME OF STOCKHOLDER] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
53
Exhibit 3.2
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, hereby certifies as follows:
1. The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was filed with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on June 20, 2023 (the “Original Certificate”).
2. The Corporation is filing this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), which restates, integrates and further amends the Original Certificate, as heretofore amended, and which was duly adopted by all necessary action of the board of directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) and the stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242, 245 and 228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
3. The text of the Original Certificate is hereby amended, integrated and restated in its entirety by this Certificate of Incorporation to read in full as follows:
Article I.
The name of the corporation is Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (the “Corporation”).
Article II.
The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 251 Little Falls Drive, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19808. The name of its registered agent at such address is Corporation Service Company.
Article III.
The nature of the business of the Corporation and the objects or purposes to be transacted, promoted or carried on by the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), including, without limitation, (i) investing in securities of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, or any successor entities thereto (“Smith Douglas Holdings LLC”) and any of its subsidiaries, (ii) exercising all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to the Corporation’s assets, including managing, holding, selling and disposing of such assets and (iii) engaging in any other activities incidental or ancillary thereto.
Article IV.
Section 4.1 Authorized Stock. The total number of shares of all classes of stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is [ ● ], consisting of the following three classes:
(a) [ ● ] shares of Class A common stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”);
(b) [ ● ] shares of Class B common stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Class B Common Stock”); and
(c) [ ● ] shares of preferred stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”).
Section 4.2 Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors is authorized to provide, out of the unissued shares of Preferred Stock, for the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Delaware (such certificate being hereinafter referred to as a “Preferred Stock Designation”), to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series and to fix the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including, without limitation, the authority to fix or alter the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, exchange rights, voting powers, rights and terms of redemption (including sinking and purchase fund provisions), the redemption price or prices, restrictions on the issuance of shares of such series, the dissolution preferences and the rights in respect of any distribution of assets of any wholly unissued series of Preferred Stock and the number of shares constituting any such series, and the designation thereof, or any of them and to increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock) or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any series so created (except where otherwise provided in a Preferred Stock Designation), subsequent to the issue of that series. In case the authorized number of shares of any series shall be so decreased, the shares constituting such decrease shall, unless otherwise provided in the Preferred Stock Designation, resume the status as authorized, but undesignated Preferred Stock. There shall be no limitation or restriction on any variation between any of the different series of Preferred Stock as to the designations, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof; and the several series of Preferred Stock may vary in any and all respects as fixed and determined by the resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors or by a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors, providing for the issuance of the various series of Preferred Stock.
Section 4.3 Reclassification of Common Stock. Upon the filing and effectiveness of this Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of the State of Delaware (the “Effective Time”), and without any further action required by the Corporation or its stockholders: (i) each share of Common Stock (as defined in the prior certificate of incorporation of the Company, dated June 20, 2023) issued and outstanding or held in treasury, immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be automatically reclassified into one validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of Class A Common Stock without any further action by the Corporation or the holder of any share. Each stock certificate representing shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be cancelled without any further action required by stockholders and the shares of Class A Common Stock into which the shares of Common Stock previously represented by such stock certificate have been reclassified pursuant to this Section 4.3 shall be uncertificated shares.
Section 4.4 Number of Authorized Shares. The number of authorized shares of any of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) without a separate vote of any holders of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Preferred Stock, unless a separate vote of any such holders is required pursuant to the terms of any Preferred Stock Designation, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto).
Section 4.5 Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The powers, preferences and rights of the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof are as follows:
(a) Voting Rights. Except as otherwise required by law,
(i) Each share of Class A Common Stock shall entitle the record holder thereof as of the applicable record date to one (1) vote per share in person or by proxy on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of Class A Common Stock, whether voting separately as a class or otherwise.
(ii) Each share of Class B Common Stock shall entitle the record holder thereof as of the applicable record date to one (1) vote per share in person or by proxy on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of Class B Common Stock, whether voting separately as a class or otherwise; provided however, that until the date the aggregate number of shares of Class B Common Stock then outstanding is less than ten percent (10%) of the aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock then outstanding (the “Sunset Date”), each share of the outstanding Class B Common Stock shall entitle the record holder thereof as of the applicable record date to ten (10) votes per share in person or by proxy on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of Class B Common Stock, whether voting separately as a class or otherwise.
(iii) Except as otherwise required by applicable law or this Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall vote together as a single class (or, if any holders of shares of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, as a single class with such holders of Preferred Stock) on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.
(b) Dividends. Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over or the right to participate with the Class A Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends, dividends may be declared and paid on the Class A Common Stock out of the assets or funds of the Corporation that are by law available therefor, at such times and in such amounts as the Board of Directors in its discretion shall determine. Other than in connection with a dividend declared by the Board of Directors in connection with a “poison pill” or similar stockholder rights plan, dividends shall not be declared or paid on the Class B Common Stock and the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock shall have no right to receive dividends in respect of such shares of Class B Common Stock.
(c) Liquidation Rights. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation and after making provisions for preferential and other amounts, if any, to which the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over or the right to participate with the Class A Common Stock with respect to the distribution of assets of the Corporation upon such dissolution, liquidation or winding up shall be entitled, the remaining assets and funds of the Corporation available for distribution shall be divided among and paid ratably to the holders of all outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock in proportion to the number of shares held by each such stockholder. The holders of shares of Class B Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to receive any assets of the Corporation in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation. A consolidation, reorganization or merger of the Corporation with any other Person or Persons (as defined below), a conversion of the Corporation, or a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, shall not be considered to be a dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation within the meaning of this Section 4.4(c).
(d) Class B Common Stock.
(i) (x) shares of Class B Common Stock may be issued only to, and registered only in the name of, the Continuing Equity Owners (as defined below) and their respective Permitted Transferees (as defined below) in accordance with Section 4.5 (including all subsequent Permitted Transferees) (the Continuing Equity Owners together with such Persons, collectively, the “Permitted Class B Owners”) or in the name of the Corporation and (y) the aggregate number of shares of Class B Common Stock at any time registered in the name of each such Permitted Class B Owner must be equal to the aggregate number of Common Units (as defined below) held of record at such time by such Permitted Class B Owner under the LLC Agreement (as defined below). As used in this Certificate of Incorporation, (A) “Continuing Equity Owner” means each of the holders of Common Units (other than the Corporation) of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, as from time to time set forth on Schedule 1 of the LLC Agreement, (B) “Common Unit” has the meaning set forth in the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, dated as of the date hereof, as such agreement may be further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time (the “LLC Agreement”), and (C) “Permitted Transfer” means a transfer or assignment of Class B Common Stock (or any legal or beneficial interest in such shares) by the holder thereof to any transferee or assignee only to the extent permitted by the LLC Agreement (and a holder of Class B Common Stock, as applicable pursuant to a Permitted Transfer, a “Permitted Transferee”) and only if such holder also simultaneously Transfers an equal number of such holder’s Common Units to such Permitted Transferee, if applicable, in compliance with the LLC Agreement.
(ii) The Corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, undertake all necessary and appropriate action within its control to ensure that the number of shares of Class B Common Stock issued by the Corporation at any time to, or otherwise held of record by, any Permitted Class B Owner shall be equal to the aggregate number of Common Units held of record by such Permitted Class B Owner in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement.
(iii) In the event that there is a merger, consolidation, conversion, transfer or Change of Control (as defined below) of the Corporation that was approved by the Board of Directors prior to such merger, consolidation, conversion, transfer or Change of Control, without limiting the rights of the holders of Class B Common Stock to have their Common Units redeemed or exchanged in accordance with Article XI of the LLC Agreement, the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock shall not be entitled to receive more than $0.0001 per share of Class B Common Stock, whether in the form of consideration for such shares or in the form of a distribution of the proceeds of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation with respect to such shares.
(e) Adjustments for Subdivisions, Combinations or Reclassifications of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. If the Corporation in any manner subdivides, combines or reclassifies the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, the outstanding shares of the other such class shall, concurrently therewith, be subdivided, combined, or reclassified in the same proportion and manner such that the same proportionate equity ownership between the holders of outstanding Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock on the record date for such subdivision, combination or reclassification is preserved, unless different treatment of the shares of each such class is approved by (i) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A Common Stock and (ii) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class B Common Stock, each of (i) and (ii) voting as separate classes. In the event of any such subdivision, combination or reclassification, the Corporation shall cause Smith Douglas Holdings LLC to make corresponding changes to the Common Units to give effect to such subdivision, combination or reclassification, as applicable.
Section 4.6 Transfer of Class B Common Stock.
(a) A holder of Class B Common Stock may surrender and transfer shares of such Class B Common Stock to the Corporation for cancellation for no consideration at any time. Following the surrender and transfer, or other acquisition, of any shares of Class B Common Stock to or by the Corporation, the Corporation will take all actions necessary to cancel and retire such shares and such shares shall not be re-issued by the Corporation.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.6(a), a holder of Class B Common Stock may Transfer shares of Class B Common Stock only to a Permitted Transferee of such holder, and only if such holder also simultaneously Transfers an equal number of such holder’s Common Units to such Permitted Transferee in compliance with the LLC Agreement. The Transfer restrictions described in this Section 4.6(b) are referred to as the “Restrictions”.
(c) Any purported Transfer of shares of Class B Common Stock in violation of the Restrictions shall be null and void ab initio. If, notwithstanding the Restrictions, a Person, voluntarily or involuntarily (including by way of a foreclosure), purportedly becomes or attempts to become, the purported owner (the “Purported Owner”) of shares of Class B Common Stock, in violation of the Restrictions, then the Purported Owner shall not obtain any rights in, to or with respect to such shares of (i) Class B Common Stock, and the purported Transfer of the Class B Common Stock to the Purported Owner shall not be recognized by the Corporation, the Corporation’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) or the Secretary of the Corporation and (ii) each holder of such Class B Common Stock shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, automatically, without any further action on the part of the Corporation, the holder thereof, the Purported Owner or any other party, not be entitled to any voting rights with respect to those shares.
(d) Upon a determination by the Board of Directors that a Person has attempted or may attempt to Transfer or to acquire Class B Common Stock in violation of the Restrictions, the Corporation may take such action as it deems necessary or advisable to refuse to give effect to such Transfer or acquisition on the books and records of the Corporation, including without limitation to cause the Transfer Agent or the Secretary of the Corporation, as applicable, to not record the Purported Owner as the record owner of the Class B Common Stock on the books and records of the Corporation and to institute proceedings to enjoin or rescind any such Transfer or acquisition.
(e) The Board of Directors may, to the extent permitted by law, from time to time establish, modify, amend or rescind, by bylaw or otherwise, regulations and procedures not inconsistent with the provisions of this Section 4.6 for determining whether any Transfer or acquisition of shares of Class B Common Stock would violate the Restrictions, and for the orderly application, administration and implementation of the provisions of this Section 4.6. Any such procedures and regulations shall be kept on file with the Secretary of the Corporation and with the Transfer Agent and shall be made available for inspection by and, upon written request shall be mailed to, any requesting holders of shares of stock of the Corporation.
Section 4.7 Certificates. All certificates or book entries representing shares of Class B Common Stock shall bear a legend substantially in the following form (or in such other form as the Board of Directors may determine):
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS [CERTIFICATE][BOOK ENTRY] ARE SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIONS (INCLUDING RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER) SET FORTH IN THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE CORPORATION AS IT MAY BE AMENDED AND/OR RESTATED AND THE Limited Liability Company Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC AS IT MAY BE AMENDED AND/OR RESTATED (COPIES OF WHICH ARE ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE CORPORATION AND SHALL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO ANY STOCKHOLDER MAKING A REQUEST THEREFOR).
Section 4.8 Amendment to Preferred Stock terms.
Except as otherwise required by law, neither the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) or the DGCL.
Article V.
Section 5.1 Shares Reserved for Issuance.
(a) The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock that shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the exchange of all outstanding Common Units held by the holders of the Class B Common Stock (together with Class B Common Stock) for shares of Class A Common Stock; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of the exchange of the Common Units (together with Class B Common Stock) by delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock that are held in the treasury of the Corporation.
(b) The Corporation shall use its best efforts to cause to be reserved and kept available for issuance at all times a sufficient number of authorized but unissued shares of Class B Common Stock, such number of shares of Class B Common Stock that shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the issuance of shares of Class B Common Stock to holders of newly issued Common Units for such consideration and for such corporate purposes as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
Article VI.
In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by the DGCL, the Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. The stockholders may not adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation unless such action is approved, in addition to any other vote required by this Certificate of Incorporation or applicable law, (a) prior to the occurrence of the Sunset Date, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, or (b) from and after the occurrence of the Sunset Date, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class.
Article VII.
Section 7.1 Ballot. Elections of directors (each such director, in such capacity, a “Director” and collectively the “Directors”) need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws shall so provide.
Section 7.2 Number of Directors. Except as otherwise provided by the DGCL or this Certificate of Incorporation, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect Directors under specified circumstances, the number of Directors shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by a majority of the Whole Board of Directors. For purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, the term “Whole Board of Directors” shall mean the total number of authorized Directors (from time to time) whether or not there exist any vacancies.
Section 7.3 Terms of Office. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect Directors, each Director shall serve for a term ending on the date of the next annual meeting of stockholders; provided that each Director shall continue in office until the election and qualification of his or her successor or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation. No decrease in the number of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent Director.
Section 7.4 Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock to elect Directors, except as otherwise provided by law, any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, retirement, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of Directors shall be filled exclusively by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining Director, and shall not be filled by the stockholders. Any Director appointed in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office until the expiration of the term to which such Director shall have been appointed or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, or removal.
Section 7.5 Removal. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock to elect Directors, the Board of Directors or any individual Director may be removed from office at any time either with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of capital stock representing a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon; provided, however, that from and after the Sunset Date, the Board of Directors or any individual Director may be removed from office either with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of capital stock representing at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class.
Section 7.6 Notice. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for election of Directors and other business to be brought by stockholders before a meeting of stockholders shall be given in the manner provided by the Bylaws.
Section 7.7 Preferred Directors. Whenever the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more such other series, to elect Directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, removal and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) applicable thereto. The number of Directors that may be elected by the holders of any such series of Preferred Stock shall be in addition to the number fixed pursuant to Section 7.2 hereof, and the total number of Directors constituting the Whole Board of Directors shall be automatically adjusted accordingly. Except as otherwise provided by the Board of Directors in the resolution or resolutions establishing such series, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect additional Directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation), the terms of office of all such additional Directors elected by the holders of such stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such additional Directors, shall forthwith terminate (in which case each such Director thereupon shall cease to be qualified as, and shall cease to be, a Director) and the total authorized number of Directors of the Corporation shall automatically be reduced accordingly.
Article VIII.
Section 8.1 Consent of Stockholders In Lieu of Meeting. Prior to the occurrence of the Sunset Date, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents, setting forth the action so taken, are (1) signed by the holders of outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation representing not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares of stock of the Corporation then issued and outstanding entitled to vote thereon were present and voted, and (2) delivered to the Corporation in accordance with applicable law. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, from and after the occurrence of Sunset Date, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, and shall not be taken by consent in lieu of a meeting.
Section 8.2 Special Meetings of Stockholders. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock and to the requirements of applicable law, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called, for any purpose or purposes, at any time only by or at the direction of (i) the Chairperson of the Board of Directors (if any), (ii) the Chief Executive Officer, (iii) the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board of Directors, or (iv) prior to the occurrence of the Sunset Date, by the Secretary (or other officer or the Board of Directors) at the request of any of the Continuing Equity Owners owning at least 5% of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, and shall not be called by any other person or persons.
Article IX.
The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change, adopt or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation; provided, however, that from and after the occurrence of the Sunset Date, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend or repeal, or adopt any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with Sections 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 and 4.6 of Article IV or with Articles V, VI, VII, VIII, VIII, IX, X, XII and XIII; provided further, that any amendment (including by merger, consolidation conversion, transfer or otherwise) to this Certificate of Incorporation (whether prior to or following the occurrence of the Sunset Date) that gives holders of the Class B Common Stock (i) any rights to receive dividends (other than as set forth in the last sentence of Section 4.4(b) of Article IV) or any other kind of distribution, (ii) any right to convert into or be exchanged for shares of Class A Common Stock or (iii) any other economic rights (except for payments in cash in lieu of receipt of fractional stock) shall, in addition to the vote of the holders of shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation, also require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock voting separately as a class. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation effecting changes set forth in (i) Section 242(d)(1) of the DGCL can be affected without a stockholder vote and (ii) Section 242(d)(2) of the DGCL shall only require the vote of stockholders set forth in Section 242(d)(2) of the DGCL.
Article X.
The Corporation is authorized to indemnify, and to advance expenses to, each current or former Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto) as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended. To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware as it exists on the date hereof or as it may hereafter be amended, no Director or officer shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a Director or officer, as applicable. No amendment to, or modification or repeal of, this Article X, or adoption of any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, or, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, any modification of law, shall eliminate, reduce or otherwise adversely affect any right or protection of a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation existing hereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment, adoption, modification or repeal.
Article XI.
Section 11.1 Corporate Opportunity.
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware and in accordance with Section 122(17) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto), (i) the Corporation hereby renounces all interest and expectancy that it otherwise would be entitled to have in, and all rights to be offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunity that from time to time may be presented to any Director or stockholder who is not employed by the Corporation or its subsidiaries (each such Person, an “Exempt Person”); (ii) no Exempt Person will have any duty to refrain from (1) engaging in a corporate opportunity in the same or similar lines of business in which the Corporation or its subsidiaries from time to time is engaged or proposes to engage or (2) otherwise competing, directly or indirectly, with the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; and (iii) if any Exempt Person acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity both for such Exempt Person or any of his or her respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and for the Corporation or its subsidiaries, on the other hand, such Exempt Person shall have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or business opportunity to the Corporation or its subsidiaries and such Exempt Person or any of his or her respective Affiliates may take any and all such transactions or opportunities for itself or offer such transactions or opportunities to any other Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the preceding sentence of this Section 11.1(a) shall not apply to any potential transaction or business opportunity that is expressly offered to a Director, executive officer or employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, solely in his or her capacity as a Director, executive officer or employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware, no potential transaction or business opportunity may be deemed to be a corporate opportunity of the Corporation or its subsidiaries unless (i) the Corporation or its subsidiaries would be permitted to undertake such transaction or opportunity in accordance with this Certificate of Incorporation, (ii) the Corporation or its subsidiaries at such time have sufficient financial resources to undertake such transaction or opportunity, (iii) the Corporation or its subsidiaries have an interest or expectancy in such transaction or opportunity and (iv) such transaction or opportunity would be in the same or similar line of business in which the Corporation or its subsidiaries are then engaged or a line of business that is reasonably related to, or a reasonable extension of, such line of business.
Section 11.2 Liability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no stockholder and no Director will be liable to the Corporation or its subsidiaries or stockholders for breach of any duty solely by reason of any activities or omissions of the types referred to in this Article XI, except to the extent such actions or omissions are in breach of this Article XI.
Article XII.
Section 12.1 Section 203 of the DGCL. The Corporation expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL and the restrictions and limitations set forth therein.
Section 12.2 Interested Stockholder Transactions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Certificate of Incorporation, the Corporation shall not engage in any Business Combination (as defined below) at any point in time at which the Corporation’s Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act (as defined below) with any Interested Stockholder (as defined below) for a period of three (3) years following the time that such stockholder became an Interested Stockholder, unless:
(a) prior to such time that such stockholder became an Interested Stockholder, the Board of Directors approved either the Business Combination or the transaction which resulted in such stockholder becoming an Interested Stockholder;
(b) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an Interested Stockholder, the Interested Stockholder owned at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the voting stock (as defined below) of the Corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the Interested Stockholder) those shares owned by (A) Persons who are Directors and also officers and (B) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or
(c) at or subsequent to such time that such stockholder became an Interested Stockholder, the Business Combination is approved by the Board of Directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation which is not owned by such Interested Stockholder.
Section 12.3 Definitions. As used in this Certificate of Incorporation, the following terms shall have the following meaning:
(a) “Affiliate” means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another Person and, for purposes of the definition of Affiliate “control,” (including the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting stock, by contract, or otherwise. A Person who is the owner, of twenty percent (20%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of a corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity shall be presumed to have control of such entity, in the absence of proof by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a presumption of control shall not apply where such Person holds voting stock, in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing this Article XII, as an agent, bank, broker, nominee, custodian or trustee for one or more owners who do not individually or as a group have control of such entity.
(b) “Associate”, when used to indicate a relationship with any Person, means: (i) any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity of which such Person is a Director, officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the owner of twenty percent (20%) or more of any class of shares of voting stock of the Corporation; (ii) any trust or other estate in which such Person has at least a twenty percent (20%) beneficial interest or as to which such Person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and (iii) any relative or spouse of such Person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same residence as such Person.
(c) “Business Combination” means (i) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation (A) with the Interested Stockholder, or (B) with any other corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity if the merger or consolidation is caused by the Interested Stockholder and as a result of such merger or consolidation this Article XII is not applicable to the surviving entity; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, Transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation, to or with the Interested Stockholder, whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Corporation or of any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation which assets have an aggregate market value equal to ten percent (10%) or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the Corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation; (iii) any transaction which results in the issuance or Transfer by the Corporation or by any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation of any stock of the Corporation or of such subsidiary to the Interested Stockholder, except: (A) pursuant to the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any such subsidiary which securities were outstanding prior to the time that the Interested Stockholder became such; (B) pursuant to a merger under Section 251(g) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto); (C) pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made, or the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any such subsidiary which security is distributed, pro rata to all holders of a class or series of stock of the Corporation subsequent to the time the Interested Stockholder became such; (D) pursuant to an exchange offer by the Corporation to purchase stock made on the same terms to all holders of said stock; or (E) any issuance or Transfer of stock by the Corporation; provided, however, that in no case under items (C) through (E) of this subsection shall there be an increase in the Interested Stockholder’s proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the Corporation or of the voting stock of the Corporation (except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments); (iv) any transaction involving the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series, or securities convertible into the stock of any class or series, of the Corporation or of any such subsidiary which is owned by the Interested Stockholder, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of any purchase or redemption of any shares of stock not caused, directly or indirectly, by the Interested Stockholder; or (v) or any receipt by the Interested Stockholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges, or other financial benefits (other than those expressly permitted in subsections (i) through (iv) above) provided by or through the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary.
(d) “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events: (1) any “Person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such Person and its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becomes the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Preferred Stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation (if any) representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote; (2) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or there is consummated a transaction or series of related transactions for the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets (including a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC); (3) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation or entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, the voting securities of the Corporation immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not continue to represent, or are not converted into, voting securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or (4) the Corporation ceases to be the sole managing member of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC; provided, however, that a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of related transactions immediately following which (a) the beneficial owners of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Preferred Stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in and voting control over, and own substantially all of the shares of, an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation immediately following such transaction or series of transactions or (b) in the case of the foregoing clauses (1) or (3), the Continuing Equity Owners are the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Preferred Stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation (if any) representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote (or, in the case of a transaction described in the foregoing clause (3), more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger of consolidation or, if the surviving company is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof).
(e) “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations.
(f) “Founder Fund” means The Bradbury Family Trust II A U/A/D December 29, 2015, a trust.
(g) “Founder Fund Related Parties” means Founder Fund and its Affiliates.
(h) “GSB Holdings” means GSB Holdings LLC.
(i) “GSB Holdings Related Parties” means GSB Holdings LLC and its Affiliates.
(j) “Interested Stockholder” means any Person (other than the Corporation and any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation) that (i) is the owner of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation, or (ii) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and was the owner of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether such Person is an Interested Stockholder, and the Affiliates and Associates of such Person. Notwithstanding anything in this Article XII to the contrary, the term “Interested Stockholder” shall not include: (u) the Founder Fund Related Parties or any of their current and future Affiliates (so long as such Affiliate remains an Affiliate) or Associates, including any investment funds managed, directly or indirectly, by Founder Fund or any other Person with whom any of the foregoing are acting as a group or in concert for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting, or disposing of shares of capital stock of the Corporation; (v) the GSB Holdings Related Parties or any of their current and future Affiliates (so long as such Affiliate remains an Affiliate) or Associates, including any investment funds managed, directly or indirectly, by GSB Holdings, or any other Person with whom any of the foregoing are acting as a group or in concert for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of shares of capital stock of the Corporation; (w) any Person who acquires ownership of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the then-outstanding voting stock of the Corporation directly or indirectly from a Founder Fund Related Party or a GSB Holdings Related Party, and excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any Person who acquires voting stock of the Corporation through a broker’s transaction executed on any securities exchange or other over-the-counter market or pursuant to an underwritten public offering; (x) a stockholder that becomes an Interested Stockholder inadvertently and (A) as soon as practicable divests itself of ownership of sufficient shares so that such stockholder ceases to be an Interested Stockholder and (B) would not, at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to a Business Combination between the Corporation and such stockholder, have been an Interested Stockholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership or (y) any person whose ownership of shares in excess of the fifteen percent (15%) limitation set forth herein is the result of any action taken solely by the Corporation; provided, however, that such Person specified in this clause (y) shall be an Interested Stockholder if thereafter such Person acquires additional shares of voting stock of the Corporation, except as a result of further corporate action not caused, directly or indirectly, by such Person. For the purpose of determining whether a Person is an Interested Stockholder, the voting stock of the Corporation deemed to be outstanding shall include stock deemed to be owned by the Person through application of the definition of “owner” below but shall not include any other unissued stock of the Corporation which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise.
(k) “owner,” including the terms “own” and “owned,” when used with respect to any stock, means, for purposes of this Article XII, a Person that individually or with or through any of its Affiliates or Associates:
(i) beneficially owns such stock, directly or indirectly;
(ii) has (A) the right to acquire such stock (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise; provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the owner of stock tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates until such tendered stock is accepted for purchase or exchange; or (B) the right to vote such stock pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding; provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the owner of any stock because of such Person’s right to vote such stock if the agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such stock arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent given in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made to ten (10) or more Persons; or
(iii) has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or consent as described in clause (B) of subsection (ii) above), or disposing of such stock with any other person that beneficially owns, or whose Affiliates or Associates beneficially own, directly or indirectly, such stock.
(l) “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, unincorporated association or other entity.
(m) “Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations.
(n) “stock” means, for purposes of this Article XII, with respect to any corporation, capital stock and, with respect to any other entity, any equity interest.
(o) “Transfer” (and, with a correlative meaning, “Transferring”) means any sale, transfer, assignment, redemption or other disposition of (whether directly or indirectly, whether with or without consideration and whether voluntarily or involuntarily or by operation of law) (a) any interest (legal or beneficial) in any shares of capital of stock of the Corporation or (b) any equity or other interest (legal or beneficial) in any stockholder if substantially all of the assets of such stockholder consist solely of shares of capital stock of the Corporation; provided, however, that the following shall not be considered a Transfer:
(i) the granting of a revocable proxy to officers or directors of the Corporation at the request of the Board of Directors in connection with (i) actions to be taken at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, or (ii) any other action of the stockholders permitted by this Certificate of Incorporation;
(ii) the pledge of shares of Class B Common Stock by a stockholder that creates a mere security interest in such shares pursuant to a bona fide loan or indebtedness transaction for so long as such stockholder continues to exercise voting control over such pledged shares; provided, however, that a foreclosure on such shares or other similar action by the pledgee shall constitute a Transfer unless such foreclosure or similar action qualifies as a Permitted Transfer at such time; or
(iii) entering into a support, voting, tender or similar agreement or arrangement (with or without granting a proxy) or tendering any shares in any tender or exchange offer for all of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, in each case, in connection with a Change of Control transaction, sale of all or substantially all assets, or any merger, consolidation or other business combination involving the Corporation, whether effectuated through one transaction or series of related transactions, that, in each case, has been approved by the Board of Directors.
(p) “voting stock” means stock of any class or series entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors and, with respect to any entity that is not a corporation, any equity interest entitled to vote generally in the election of the governing body of such entity. Every reference in this Article XII to a percentage or proportion of voting stock shall refer to such percentage or other proportion of the votes of such voting stock.
Article XIII.
If any provision or provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any Person or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) and the application of such provision to other Persons and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed on this [ ● ] day of [ ● ], 2023.
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP. | ||
By: | ||
Name: Greg Bennett | ||
Title: Chief Executive Officer & President |
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Article I - Corporate Offices
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1
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1.1
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Registered Office
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1
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1.2
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Other Offices
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1
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Article II - Meetings of Stockholders
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1
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2.1
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Place of Meetings
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1
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2.2
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Annual Meeting
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1
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2.3
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Special Meeting
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1
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2.4
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Notice of Business to be Brought before a Meeting.
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2
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2.5
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Notice of Nominations for Election to the Board.
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5
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2.6
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Additional Requirements for Valid Nomination of Candidates to Serve as Director and, if Elected, to be Seated as Directors.
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8
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2.7
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Notice of Stockholders’ Meetings
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10
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2.8
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Quorum
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10
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2.9
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Adjourned Meeting; Notice
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10
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2.10
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Conduct of Business
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11
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2.11
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Voting
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11
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2.12
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Record Date for Stockholder Meetings and Other Purposes
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12
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2.13
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Proxies
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12
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2.14
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List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote
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13
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2.15
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Inspectors of Election
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13
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2.16
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Delivery to the Corporation.
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14
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Article III - Directors
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14
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3.1
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Powers
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14
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3.2
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Number of Directors
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14
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3.3
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Election, Qualification and Term of Office of Directors
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14
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3.4
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Resignation and Vacancies
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14
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3.5
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Place of Meetings; Meetings by Remote Communication
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15
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3.6
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Regular Meetings
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15
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3.7
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Special Meetings; Notice
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15
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3.8
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Quorum.
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16
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3.9
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Board Action without a Meeting
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16
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3.10
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Fees and Compensation of Directors
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16
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3.11
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Reliance on Books and Records.
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16
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Article IV - Committees
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16
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4.1
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Committees of Directors
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16
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4.2
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Committee Minutes
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17
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4.3
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Meetings and Actions of Committees
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17
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4.4
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Subcommittees.
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17
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Article V - Officers
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18
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5.1
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Officers
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18
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5.2
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Appointment of Officers
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18
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5.3
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Subordinate Officers
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18
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5.4
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Removal and Resignation of Officers
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18
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5.5
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Vacancies in Offices
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19
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5.6
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Representation of Shares of Other Entities
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19
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5.7
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Authority and Duties of Officers
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19
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5.8
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Compensation.
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19
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Article VI - Records
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19
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Article VII - General Matters
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20
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7.1
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Execution of Corporate Contracts and Instruments
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20
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7.2
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Stock Certificates
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20
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7.3
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Special Designation of Certificates.
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20
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7.4
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Lost Certificates
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20
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7.5
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Shares Without Certificates
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21
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7.6
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Construction; Definitions
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21
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7.7
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Dividends
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21
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7.8
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Fiscal Year
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21
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7.9
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Seal
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21
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7.10
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Transfer of Stock
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21
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7.11
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Stock Transfer Agreements
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22
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7.12
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Registered Stockholders
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22
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7.13
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Waiver of Notice
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22
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Article VIII - Notice
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22
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8.1
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Delivery of Notice; Notice by Electronic Transmission
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22
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Article IX - Indemnification
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23
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9.1
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Indemnification of Directors and Officers
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23
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9.2
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Indemnification of Others
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24
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9.3
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Prepayment of Expenses
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24
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9.4
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Determination; Claim
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24
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9.5
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Non-Exclusivity of Rights
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24
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9.6
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Insurance
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24
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9.7
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Other Indemnification
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25
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9.8
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Continuation of Indemnification
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25
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9.9
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Amendment or Repeal; Interpretation
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25
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Article X - Amendments
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26
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Article XI - Forum Selection
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26
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Article XII - Definitions
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27
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Brett Steele
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Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary
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Exhibit 10.2
TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT
by and among
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC
TRA PARTIES
and
OTHER PERSONS FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO
Dated as of [ ● ], 2023
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I Definitions | 3 | |
Section 1.1. | Definitions | 3 |
Section 1.2. | Rules of Construction | 12 |
ARTICLE II Determination of Realized Tax Benefit | 13 | |
Section 2.1. | Basis Adjustments; the LLC 754 Election | 13 |
Section 2.2. | Attribute Schedules | 13 |
Section 2.3. | Tax Benefit Schedules | 14 |
Section 2.4. | Procedures; Amendments | 14 |
ARTICLE III Tax Benefit Payments | 15 | |
Section 3.1. | Timing and Amount of Tax Benefit Payments | 15 |
Section 3.2. | No Duplicative Payments | 17 |
Section 3.3. | Pro-Ration of Payments as Between the TRA Parties | 17 |
Section 3.4. | Overpayments | 18 |
ARTICLE IV Termination | 18 | |
Section 4.1. | Early Termination of Agreement; Acceleration Events | 18 |
Section 4.2. | Early Termination Notice | 20 |
Section 4.3. | Payment upon Early Termination | 20 |
ARTICLE V Subordination and Late Payments | 21 | |
Section 5.1. | Subordination | 21 |
Section 5.2. | Late Payments by the Corporation | 21 |
ARTICLE VI Tax Matters; Consistency; Cooperation | 21 | |
Section 6.1. | Participation in the Corporation’s and the LLC’s Tax Matters | 21 |
Section 6.2. | Consistency | 22 |
Section 6.3. | Cooperation | 22 |
ARTICLE VII Miscellaneous | 22 | |
Section 7.1. | Notices | 22 |
Section 7.2. | Counterparts | 23 |
Section 7.3. | Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries | 23 |
Section 7.4. | Severability | 23 |
Section 7.5. | Assignments; Amendments; Successors; No Waiver | 24 |
Section 7.6. | Titles and Subtitles | 25 |
Section 7.7. | Resolution of Disputes; Governing Law | 25 |
Section 7.8. | Reconciliation Procedures | 26 |
Section 7.9. | Withholding | 27 |
Section 7.10. | Admission of the Corporation into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets | 27 |
Section 7.11. | Confidentiality | 28 |
Section 7.12. | Change in Law | 29 |
Section 7.13. | Interest Rate Limitation | 29 |
Section 7.14. | Independent Nature of Rights and Obligations | 29 |
Section 7.15. | Coordination with Operating Agreement | 30 |
Exhibits
Exhibit A - Form of Joinder Agreement
TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT
This TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [ ● ], 2023, is hereby entered into by and among Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “LLC”) and each of the TRA Parties.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the LLC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
WHEREAS, immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO (as defined below), the LLC entered into the Operating Agreement wherein the LLC recapitalized all existing ownership interests in the LLC into membership interests in the form of Common Units (the “Recapitalization”) and admitted the Corporation as the sole managing member of the LLC;
WHEREAS, the TRA Parties hold membership interests in the LLC designated as Common Units as of the date hereof;
WHEREAS, on the date hereof, the Corporation issued shares of its Class A Common Stock in an initial public offering of its Class A Common Stock (the “IPO”);
WHEREAS, immediately following the consummation of the IPO, the Corporation acquired Common Units from TRA Parties and newly issued Common Units from the LLC using the net proceeds from the IPO (the “Unit Purchase”);
WHEREAS, the Operating Agreement provides each TRA Party a redemption right pursuant to which each TRA Party may cause the LLC to redeem all or a portion of its Common Units from time to time for shares of Class A Common Stock or, under certain circumstances, cash (a “Redemption”), subject to the Corporation’s right, in its sole discretion, to elect to effect a direct exchange of cash or shares of Class A Common Stock for such Common Units between the Corporation and the applicable TRA Party in lieu of such a Redemption (a “Direct Exchange”);
WHEREAS, as a result of the Unit Purchase, any Redemption, any Direct Exchange or any other Exchange the Corporation may be entitled to utilize (or otherwise be entitled to the benefits arising out of) certain Covered Tax Assets;
WHEREAS, the Parties to this Agreement desire to provide for certain payments and make certain arrangements with respect to any tax benefits to be derived by the Corporation as the result of Covered Tax Assets and the making of payments under this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE
I
Definitions
Section 1.1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the terms set forth in this Article I shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to (i) the singular and plural, (ii) the active and passive and (iii) for defined terms that are nouns, the verified forms of the terms defined).
“Actual Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, the liability for Covered Taxes of the Corporation (a) appearing on Tax Returns of the Corporation or the LLC (but only to the extent allocable to the Corporation) for such Taxable Year or (b) if applicable, determined in accordance with a Determination; provided, that for purposes of determining Actual Tax Liability, the Corporation shall use the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate for purposes of determining liabilities for all state and local Covered Taxes (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the U.S. federal income tax benefit realized by the Corporation with respect to such state and local Covered Taxes).
“Advisory Firm” means an accounting firm that is nationally recognized as being expert in Covered Tax matters selected by the Corporation.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such first Person.
“Agreed Rate” means SOFR plus 100 basis points.
“Agreement” is defined in the preamble.
“Amended Schedule” is defined in Section 2.4(b).
“Amount Realized” means, with respect to any Exchange that is not eligible for nonrecognition treatment (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes), at any time, the sum of (i) the Market Value of the shares of Class A Common Stock or the amount of cash (as applicable) transferred to a TRA Party pursuant to such Exchange, (ii) the amount of payments made pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such Exchange (but excluding any portions thereof attributable to Imputed Interest) and (iii) the amount of liabilities allocated to the Common Units acquired pursuant to the Exchange under Section 752 of the Code.
“Assumed State and Local Tax Rate” means the tax rate equal to the sum of the products of (i) the Corporation’s or the LLC’s income tax apportionment factor for each state and local jurisdiction in which the Corporation or the LLC files income or franchise tax returns for the relevant Taxable Year and (ii) the highest corporate income and franchise tax rate(s) for each such state and local jurisdiction in which the Corporation or the LLC files income Tax Returns for each relevant Taxable Year.
“Attributable” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(i).
“Attribute Schedule” is defined in Section 2.2.
“Audit Committee” means the audit committee of the Board.
“Basis Adjustment” means an increase or decrease to, or the Corporation’s proportionate share of, the tax basis of the Reference Assets under Section 362(a), 732, 734(b), 743(b) or 1012 of the Code (or any similar provisions of state, local or foreign tax Law); provided, that for purposes of determining the Corporation’s proportionate share of the tax basis of the Reference Assets with respect to the Common Units transferred in an Exchange under Treasury Regulations Section 1.743-1(b) (or any similar provisions of state, local or foreign tax Law), the consideration paid by the Corporation for such Common Units shall be the Amount Realized.
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday or a Sunday or a day on which banks located in New York City, New York generally are authorized or required by Law to close.
“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person and its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan, and excluding the TRA Parties) becomes the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of voting securities representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation;
(ii) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or there is consummated a sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets (including a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the LLC);
(iii) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation or entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, the voting securities of the Corporation outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not continue to represent, or are not converted into, voting securities representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or
(iv) the Corporation ceases to be the sole Manager (as defined in the Operating Agreement) of the LLC.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred (i) by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, preferred stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in and voting control over, and own substantially all of the shares of, an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation immediately following such transaction or series of transactions; or (ii) if the TRA Parties unanimously agree in writing to elect for a “Change in Control” to not have occurred upon the occurrence of any transaction, series of related transactions or any other occurrence that may otherwise qualify as a “Change of Control”.
“Class A Common Stock” means the Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation.
“Class B Common Stock” means the Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation.
“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Unless the context requires otherwise, any reference herein to a specific section of the Code shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future Law as in effect for the relevant taxable period.
“Common Units” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Operating Agreement.
“Control” means the direct or indirect possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
“Corporation” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.
“Covered Tax Assets” means (i) Basis Adjustments; (ii) Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts and (iii) Imputed Interest reasonably determined to be allocable to payments pursuant to this Agreement arising from the items described in clauses (i) through (ii). For the avoidance of doubt, Covered Tax Assets shall include any carryforwards, carrybacks or similar attributes that are attributable to the tax items described in clauses (i) through (iii).
“Covered Taxes” means any U.S. federal, state and local taxes, assessments or similar charges that are based on or measured with respect to net income or profits and any interest imposed in respect thereof under applicable Law.
“Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(iii).
“Default Rate” means SOFR plus 500 basis points.
“Default Rate Interest” is defined in Section 5.2.
“Determination” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1313(a) of the Code or any similar provisions of state, local or foreign tax Law, as applicable, or any other event (including the execution of IRS Form 870-AD) that finally and conclusively establishes the amount of any liability for tax.
“Direct Exchange” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Dispute” is defined in Section 7.7(a).
“Early Termination Effective Date” means (i) with respect to an early termination pursuant to Section 4.1(a), the date an Early Termination Notice is delivered, (ii) with respect to an early termination pursuant to Section 4.1(b), the date of the applicable Change of Control and (iii) with respect to an early termination pursuant to Section 4.1(c), the date of the applicable Material Breach.
“Early Termination Notice” is defined in Section 4.2(a).
“Early Termination Payment” is defined in Section 4.3(b).
“Early Termination Reference Date” is defined in Section 4.2(b).
“Early Termination Schedule” is defined in Section 4.2(b).
“Exchange” means any (i) Direct Exchange, (ii) Redemption, (iii) other transfer (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) of Common Units to the Corporation from a TRA Party or (iv) distribution (including a deemed distribution) by the LLC to a TRA Party, in each case, that results in a Basis Adjustment.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations.
“Expert” is defined in Section 7.8(a).
“Final Payment Date” means any date on which a Payment is required to be made pursuant to this Agreement. The Final Payment Date in respect of (i) a Tax Benefit Payment is determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a) and (ii) an Early Termination Payment is determined pursuant to Section 4.3(a).
“Hypothetical Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, the hypothetical liability of the Corporation that would arise in respect of Covered Taxes, using the same methods, elections, conventions and similar practices used on the actual relevant Tax Returns of the Corporation but calculated without taking into account the Covered Tax Assets (e.g., (i) by calculating depreciation, amortization or other similar deductions, or otherwise calculating any items of income, gain or loss using the tax basis that the Reference Assets would have had at such time if no Basis Adjustments had been made; (ii) by taking into account Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts and (iii) by excluding any deduction attributable to Imputed Interest); provided, that for purposes of determining the Hypothetical Tax Liability, (i) the combined tax rate for U.S. state and local Covered Taxes shall be the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate, and (ii) the Corporation shall be entitled to make reasonable simplifying assumptions in making any determinations contemplated by this definition.
“Imputed Interest” means any interest imputed under Section 483, 1272 or 1274 or any other provision of the Code or any similar provisions of state, local or foreign tax Law with respect to the Corporation’s payment obligations under this Agreement.
“Independent Directors” means the members of the Board who are “independent” under the standards of the principal U.S. securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is traded or quoted.
“Interest Amount” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(vi).
“IPO” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
“IRS” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
“Joinder” means a joinder to this Agreement, in form and substance substantially similar to Exhibit A to this Agreement.
“Joinder Requirement” is defined in Section 7.5(a).
“Law” means all laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations of the U.S., any foreign country and each state, commonwealth, city, county, municipality, regulatory or self-regulatory body, agency or other political subdivision thereof.
“LLC” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.
“LLC Group” means the LLC and each of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries that is treated as a partnership or disregarded entity for applicable tax purposes (but excluding any such Subsidiary to the extent it is directly or indirectly held by any entity treated as a corporation for applicable tax purposes (other than the Corporation)).
“Market Value” means (i) with respect to an Exchange (other than a deemed Exchange described in clause (ii) below), the value of the Class A Common Stock on the applicable Redemption or Direct Exchange date determined by the Corporation on a reasonable and consistent basis and used by the Corporation in its U.S. federal income tax reporting with respect to such Exchange, and (ii) with respect to a deemed Exchange pursuant to the Valuation Assumptions, (a) if the Class A Common Stock trades on a securities exchange or automated or electronic quotation system, the arithmetic average of the high trading price on such date (or if such date is not a Trading Day, the immediately preceding Trading Day) and the low trading price on such date (or if such date is not a Trading Day, the immediately preceding Trading Day) or (b) if the Class A Common Stock no longer trades on a securities exchange or automated or electronic quotation system, the fair market value of one share of Class A Common Stock, as determined by the Corporation in good faith, that would be obtained in an arms’ length transaction for cash between an informed and willing buyer and an informed and willing seller, neither of whom is under any compulsion to buy or sell, and without regard to the particular circumstances of the buyer or seller and without any discounts for liquidity or minority discount.
“Material Breach” means the (i) material breach by the Corporation of a material obligation under this Agreement or (ii) the rejection of this Agreement by operation of law in a case commenced in bankruptcy or otherwise.
“Maximum Rate” is defined in Section 7.13.
“Net Tax Benefit” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(ii).
“Non-TRA Portion” is defined in Section 2.3(b).
“Objection Notice” is defined in Section 2.4(a)(ii).
“Operating Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC, as such agreement may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Parties” means the parties named on the signature pages to this agreement and each additional party that satisfies the Joinder Requirement, in each case with their respective successors and assigns.
“Payment” means any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment and in each case, unless otherwise specified, refers to the entire amount of such Payment or any portion thereof.
“Permitted Transferee” means a holder of Common Units pursuant to any transfer of such Common Units permitted by the Operating Agreement.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity.
“Pre-Exchange Transfer” means any transfer (or deemed transfer) of one or more Common Units (i) that occurs after the consummation of the IPO but prior to an Exchange of such Common Units and (ii) to which Section 743(b) of the Code applies.
“Realized Tax Benefit” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(iv).
“Realized Tax Detriment” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(v).
“Recapitalization” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Reconciliation Dispute” is defined in Section 7.8(a).
“Reconciliation Procedures” is defined in Section 7.8(a).
“Redemption” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Reference Asset” means any asset of any member of the LLC Group on the relevant date of determination under this Agreement (including at the time of an Exchange or the IPO, as applicable). A Reference Asset also includes any asset the tax basis of which is determined, in whole or in part, by reference to the tax basis of an asset that is described in the preceding sentence, including “substituted basis property” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(42) of the Code.
“Reference Inventory Asset” means any asset held as inventory of homes (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any costs paid for an option to purchase land) of any member of the LLC Group at the time of the IPO. A Reference Inventory Asset also includes any asset the tax basis of which is determined, in whole or in part, by reference to the tax basis of an asset that is described in the preceding sentence, including “substituted basis property” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(42) of the Code.
“Schedule” means any of the following: (i) an Attribute Schedule; (ii) a Tax Benefit Schedule; (iii) an Early Termination Schedule; and (iv) any Amended Schedule.
“Section 704(c) Allocations” means disproportionate allocations (relative to economic percentage interests of the members of the LLC) of items of taxable income, gain, loss and deduction in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-3 with respect to Reference Inventory Assets.
“Section 704(c) Allocation Amount” means an amount equal to the Section 704(c) Allocations that were made by the LLC since the Effective Date of income and gain to a TRA Party with respect to Common Units that are Exchanged by such TRA Party during the relevant Taxable Year; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts shall include any such Section 704(c) Allocations arising from the Corporation’s Unit Purchase and any subsequent purchase of equity interests by the Corporation directly from the LLC.
“Senior Obligations” is defined in Section 5.1.
“SOFR” means the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person and as of any determination date, any other Person as to which such first Person (i) owns, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controls, more than 50% of the voting power or other similar interests of such other Person or (ii) is the sole general partner interest, or managing member or similar interest, of such other Person.
“Tax Benefit Payment” is defined in Section 3.1(b).
“Tax Benefit Schedule” is defined in Section 2.3(a).
“Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report or similar statement filed or required to be filed with respect to taxes (including any attached schedules), including any information return, claim for refund, amended return and declaration of estimated tax.
“Taxable Year” means a taxable year of the Corporation as defined in Section 441(b) of the Code or any similar provisions of U.S. state or local tax Law, as applicable (and, therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, may include a period of less than 12 months for which a Tax Return is filed), ending on or after the closing date of the IPO.
“Taxing Authority” means any national, federal, state, county, municipal or local government, or any subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental body, or any other authority of any kind, exercising regulatory or other authority in relation to tax matters.
“Trading Day” means a day on which the NYSE or such other principal United States securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business (unless such trading shall have been suspended for the entire day).
“TRA Parties” means each of the members of the LLC as of the date hereof (other than the Corporation) party hereto and their Permitted Transferees.
“TRA Portion” is defined in Section 2.3(b).
“Treasury Regulations” means the final, temporary and (to the extent they can be relied upon) proposed regulations under the Code, as promulgated from time to time (including corresponding provisions and succeeding provisions) and as in effect for the relevant taxable period.
“U.S.” means the United States of America.
“Unit Purchase” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Valuation Assumptions” means, as of an Early Termination Effective Date, the assumptions that:
(i) in each Taxable Year ending on or after such Early Termination Effective Date, the Corporation will have taxable income sufficient to fully use the Covered Tax Assets (other than any such Covered Tax Assets that constitute or have resulted in net operating losses, disallowed interest expense carryforwards, or credit carryforwards or carryovers (determined as of the Early Termination Effective Date), which shall be governed by paragraph (iv) below) during such Taxable Year or future Taxable Years (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest that would result from future Tax Benefit Payments that would be paid in accordance with the Valuation Assumptions) in which such deductions would become available;
(ii) the U.S. federal income tax rates that will be in effect for each such Taxable Year will be those specified for each such Taxable Year by the Code and other applicable Law as in effect on the Early Termination Effective Date, except to the extent any change to such tax rates for such Taxable Year have already been enacted into Law, and the combined U.S. state and local income tax rates shall be the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate in effect for each such Taxable Year;
(iii) all taxable income of the Corporation will be subject to the maximum applicable tax rates for each Covered Tax throughout the relevant period; provided, that the combined tax rate for U.S. state and local income taxes shall be the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate;
(iv) any carryovers or carrybacks of losses, credits, or disallowed interest expense generated by any Covered Tax Assets (including any Basis Adjustments, Section 704(c) Allocation Amount or Imputed Interest generated as a result of payments made or deemed to be made under this Agreement) and available (taking into account any known and applicable limitations) as of the date of the Early Termination Schedule will be used by the Corporation ratably in each of the five consecutive Taxable Years beginning with the Taxable Year that includes the date of the Early Termination Schedule (but, in the case of any such carryover or carryback that has less than five remaining Taxable Years, ratably through the scheduled expiration date of such carryover or carryback) (by way of example, if on the date of the Early Termination Schedule the Corporation had $100 of net operating losses, $20 of such net operating losses would be used in each of the five consecutive Taxable Years beginning in the Taxable Year of such Early Termination Schedule);
(v) any non-amortizable assets will be disposed of on the fifteenth anniversary of the Early Termination Effective Date; provided, that in the event of a Change of Control that includes the sale of any non-amortizable assets (or the sale of equity interests in a partnership or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes that directly or indirectly owns non-amortizable assets), such non-amortizable assets shall be disposed of at the time of the direct or indirect sale of the relevant asset in such Change of Control (if earlier than such fifteenth anniversary) for such price;
(vi) if, on the Early Termination Effective Date, any TRA Party has Common Units that have not been Exchanged, then such Common Units shall be deemed to be Exchanged for the Market Value of the shares of Class A Common Stock or the amount of cash that would be received by such TRA Party had such Common Units actually been Exchanged on the Early Termination Effective Date;
(vii) any future payment obligations pursuant to this Agreement that are used to calculate the Early Termination Payment will be satisfied on the date that any Tax Return to which any such payment obligation relates is required to be filed excluding any extensions; and
(viii) with respect to Taxable Years ending prior to the Early Termination Effective Date, any unpaid Tax Benefit Payments and any applicable Default Rate Interest will be paid.
“Voluntary Early Termination” is defined in Section 4.2(a)(i).
Section 1.2. Rules of Construction. Unless otherwise specified herein:
(a) For purposes of interpretation of this Agreement:
(i) The words “herein,” “hereto,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof.
(ii) Unless specified otherwise, references to an Article, Section or clause refer to the appropriate Article, Section or clause in this Agreement.
(iii) References to dollars or “$” refer to the lawful currency of the U.S.
(iv) The terms “include” or “including” are by way of example and not limitation and shall be deemed followed by the words “without limitation”.
(v) The term “or”, when used in a list of two or more items, means “and/or” and may indicate any combination of the items.
(vi) The term “documents” includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form.
(b) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including”, the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding” and the word “through” means “to and including.”
(c) Section headings herein are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.
Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (i) references to organizational documents (including the Operating Agreement), agreements (including this Agreement) and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are permitted hereby, and (ii) references to any Law (including the Code and the Treasury Regulations) include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Law.
ARTICLE
II
Determination of Realized Tax Benefit
Section 2.1. Basis Adjustments and Section 704(c) Allocations; The LLC 754 Election.
(a) Basis Adjustments and Section 704(c) Allocations. The Parties acknowledge and agree that (i) each Redemption shall be treated as a direct purchase of Common Units by the Corporation from the applicable TRA Party pursuant to Section 707(a)(2)(B) of the Code (or any similar provisions of applicable state, local or foreign tax Law) (i.e., equivalent to a Direct Exchange), (ii) each (A) Exchange and (B) payment made by the Corporation under this Agreement (excluding payments with respect to amounts that constitute Imputed Interest, but, for the avoidance of doubt, including payments made with respect to Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts) to a TRA Party in connection with an Exchange will give rise to Basis Adjustments, (iii) the Unit Purchase and Exchanges will give rise to Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts and (iv) the Interest Amount and Default Rate Interest payable with respect to any Exchange shall not be treated as interest for tax purposes but instead shall be treated as additional consideration for the Common Units transferred by the TRA Party in the relevant Exchange, unless otherwise required by applicable Law. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the amount of any Basis Adjustment or Section 704(c) Allocation Amount resulting from an Exchange of one or more Common Units is to be determined as if any Pre-Exchange Transfer of such Common Units had not occurred.
(b) LLC Section 754 Election. The Corporation shall cause each of the LLC and its Subsidiaries that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes to have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code (or any similar provisions of applicable state, local or foreign tax Law) for each Taxable Year. The Corporation shall take commercially reasonable efforts to cause each Person in which the LLC owns a direct or indirect equity interest (other than a Subsidiary) that is so treated as a partnership to have in effect any such election for each Taxable Year as reasonably determined by the Corporation.
Section 2.2. Attribute Schedules. Within ninety (90) calendar days after the filing of the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for each relevant Taxable Year, the Corporation shall deliver to the TRA Parties a schedule showing, in reasonable detail, (i) the Covered Tax Assets that are available for use by the Corporation with respect to such Taxable Year with respect to each TRA Party that has effected an Exchange, (ii) the portion of the Covered Tax Assets that are available for use by the Corporation in future Taxable Years with respect to each TRA Party that has effected an Exchange and (iii) any limitations on the ability of the Corporation to utilize any Covered Tax Assets under applicable Laws (including as a result of the operation of Section 382 of the Code or Section 383 of the Code) (such schedule, an “Attribute Schedule”). An Attribute Schedule will become final and binding on the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(a) and may be amended by the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(b).
Section 2.3. Tax Benefit Schedules.
(a) Tax Benefit Schedule. Within ninety (90) days after the filing of the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for any Taxable Year in which there is a Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment, the Corporation shall provide to the TRA Parties a schedule showing, in reasonable detail, the calculation of the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year (a “Tax Benefit Schedule”). A Tax Benefit Schedule will become final and binding on the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(a) and may be amended by the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(b).
(b) Applicable Principles. Subject to the provisions hereunder, the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for each Taxable Year is intended to measure the decrease or increase in the Actual Tax Liability of the Corporation for such Taxable Year attributable to the Covered Tax Assets, as determined using a “with and without” methodology (i.e., the Actual Tax Liability being the “with” calculation and the Hypothetical Tax Liability being the “without” calculation). Carryovers or carrybacks of any tax item attributable to any of the Covered Tax Assets shall be considered to be subject to the rules of the Code and the Treasury Regulations, and the appropriate provisions of state, local and foreign tax Law, governing the use, limitation or expiration of carryovers or carrybacks of the relevant type. If a carryover or carryback of any tax item includes a portion that is attributable to any Covered Tax Assets (a “TRA Portion”) and another portion that is not attributable to any Covered Tax Assets (a “Non-TRA Portion”), such portions shall be considered to be used in accordance with the “with and without” methodology so that (i) the amount of any Non-TRA Portion is deemed utilized first, followed by the amount of any TRA Portion (with the TRA Portion being applied on a proportionate basis consistent with the provisions of Section 3.3(a)) and (ii) in the case of a carryback of a Non-TRA Portion, such carryback shall not affect the original “with and without” calculation made in the prior Taxable Year.
Section 2.4. Procedures; Amendments.
(a) Procedures. Each time the Corporation delivers a Schedule to any TRA Party under this Agreement, the Corporation shall, with respect to such Schedule, also (i) deliver to the TRA Parties supporting schedules and work papers, as reasonably requested by any TRA Party, that provide a reasonable level of detail regarding relevant data and calculations and (ii) allow the TRA Parties and their advisors to have reasonable access to the appropriate representatives, as reasonably requested by the TRA Parties, at the Corporation or the Advisory Firm in connection with a review of relevant information. A Schedule will become final and binding on the TRA Parties thirty (30) calendar days from the date on which the TRA Party first received the applicable Schedule unless a TRA Party, within such period, provides the Corporation with written notice of a material objection (made in good faith) to such Schedule and sets forth in reasonable detail such TRA Party’s material objection (an “Objection Notice”). If the Parties, for any reason, are unable to resolve the issues raised in such Objection Notice within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt by the Corporation of the Objection Notice, the Corporation and the applicable TRA Party shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures described in Section 7.8 and the finalization of the Schedule will be conducted in accordance therewith.
(b) Amended Schedule. A Schedule (other than an Early Termination Schedule) for any Taxable Year may only be and shall be amended from time to time by the Corporation (i) in connection with a Determination affecting such Schedule, (ii) to correct inaccuracies in such Schedule identified as a result of the receipt of additional factual information relating to a Taxable Year after the date such Schedule was originally provided to the TRA Parties, (iii) to comply with an Expert’s determination under the Reconciliation Procedures, (iv) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to a carryover or carryback of a loss or other tax item to such Taxable Year or (v) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to an amended Tax Return filed for such Taxable Year (any such Schedule in its amended form, an “Amended Schedule”). The Corporation shall provide any Amended Schedule to the applicable TRA Parties within sixty (60) calendar days of the occurrence of an event referred to in any of clauses (i) through (v) of the preceding sentence, and the delivery and finalization of any such Amended Schedule shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be subject to the procedures described in Section 2.4(a).
ARTICLE
III
Tax Benefit Payments
Section 3.1. Timing and Amount of Tax Benefit Payments.
(a) Timing of Payments. Subject to Sections 3.2 and 3.3, by the date that is five (5) Business Days following the date on which each Tax Benefit Schedule becomes final in accordance with Section 2.4(a) (such date, the “Final Payment Date” in respect of any Tax Benefit Payment), the Corporation shall pay in full to each relevant TRA Party the Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(b). Each such Tax Benefit Payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account designated by such TRA Party.
(b) Amount of Payments. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Tax Benefit Payment” with respect to any TRA Party means an amount equal to the sum of the Net Tax Benefit that is Attributable to such TRA Party and the Interest Amount with respect thereto. No Tax Benefit Payment shall be calculated or made in respect of any estimated tax payments, including any estimated U.S. federal income tax payments.
(i) Attributable. A Net Tax Benefit (and related Realized Tax Benefit) is “Attributable” to a TRA Party in accordance with the following principles:
(A) any Basis Adjustments shall be determined separately with respect to each TRA Party and are Attributable to each TRA Party in an amount equal to the total Basis Adjustment relating to Common Units delivered to the Corporation by such TRA Party in the Exchange;
(B) any deduction to the Corporation in respect of Imputed Interest is Attributable to the TRA Party that is required to include the Imputed Interest in income (without regard to whether such Person is actually subject to tax thereon); and
(C) any Section 704(c) Allocation Amount shall be determined separately with respect to each TRA Party and with respect to each Exchange of Common Units by such TRA Party and is Attributable to a TRA Party and an Exchange of Common Units by such TRA Party (I) to the extent the ratio of the number of Common Units exchanged by such TRA Party in such Exchange bears to the number of all Common Units held by such TRA Party (or its successor) on the Effective Date; (II) to the extent a Section 704(c) Allocation results in income or gain allocated to such TRA Party, which income or gain would otherwise have been allocated to the Corporation if the LLC were not required to make such Section 704(c) Allocation and instead such allocations were made in accordance with the TRA Party’s and the Corporation’s economic percentage interests in the LLC at the relevant time of determination; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, a TRA Party shall not be entitled to any Tax Benefit Payment with respect to Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts pursuant to this Agreement until Common Units are Exchanged (or deemed Exchanged pursuant to this Agreement) and at such time as Common Units are Exchanged (or deemed Exchanged) a TRA Party shall only be entitled to that portion of the Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts that are Attributable to such Common Units exchanged by the TRA Party in such Exchange in accordance with the foregoing.
(ii) Net Tax Benefit. The “Net Tax Benefit” with respect to a TRA Party for a Taxable Year equals the amount of the excess, if any, of (A) 85% of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit Attributable to such TRA Party as of the end of such Taxable Year over (B) the aggregate amount of all Tax Benefit Payments previously made to such TRA Party under this Section 3.1 (excluding payments attributable to Interest Amounts).
(iii) Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit. The “Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit” for a Taxable Year equals the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Benefits for all Taxable Years of the Corporation up to and including such Taxable Year, net of the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Detriments for the same period. The Realized Tax Benefit and Realized Tax Detriment for each Taxable Year shall be determined based on the most recent Tax Benefit Schedule or Amended Schedule, if any, in existence at the time of such determination.
(iv) Realized Tax Benefit. The “Realized Tax Benefit” for a Taxable Year equals the excess, if any, of the Hypothetical Tax Liability over the Actual Tax Liability for such Taxable Year. If all or a portion of the Actual Tax Liability for such Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit or similar proceeding by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Benefit unless and until there has been a Determination.
(v) Realized Tax Detriment. The “Realized Tax Detriment” for a Taxable Year equals the excess, if any, of the Actual Tax Liability over the Hypothetical Tax Liability for such Taxable Year. If all or a portion of the Actual Tax Liability for such Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit or similar proceeding by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Detriment unless and until there has been a Determination.
(vi) Interest Amount. The “Interest Amount” in respect of a TRA Party equals interest on the unpaid amount of the Net Tax Benefit with respect to such TRA Party for a Taxable Year, calculated at the Agreed Rate from the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for such Taxable Year until the earlier of (A) the date on which no remaining Tax Benefit Payment to the TRA Party is due in respect of such Net Tax Benefit and (B) the applicable Final Payment Date.
(vii) The TRA Parties, the LLC and the Corporation acknowledge and agree that, as of the date of this Agreement and the date of any future Exchange that may be subject to this Agreement, the aggregate value of the Tax Benefit Payments cannot be reasonably ascertained for U.S. federal income or other applicable tax purposes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if a TRA Party notifies the Corporation in accordance with the following, the stated maximum selling price (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 15A.453-1(c)(2)) with respect to any transfer of Common Units by a TRA Party pursuant to an Exchange shall not exceed the sum of (A) the amounts described in clauses (i) and (iii) of the definition of Amount Realized with respect to such Exchange plus (B) the amount, if any, set forth in the Redemption Notice (as defined in the Operating Agreement) or other written notification delivered by such TRA Party to the Corporation with respect to the relevant Exchange, and the aggregate Payments under this Agreement to such TRA Party (other than amounts accounted for as interest under the Code) in respect of the Covered Tax Assets relating to the Exchange shall not exceed the amount described in this clause (B).
Section 3.2. No Duplicative Payments. It is intended that the provisions hereunder will not result in the duplicative payment of any amount that may be required under this Agreement, and the provisions hereunder shall be consistently interpreted and applied in accordance with that intent.
Section 3.3. Pro-Ration of Payments as Between the TRA Parties.
(a) Insufficient Taxable Income. Notwithstanding anything in Section 3.1(b) to the contrary, if the aggregate potential Covered Tax benefit of the Corporation as calculated with respect to the Covered Tax Assets (in each case, without regard to the Taxable Year of origination) is limited in a particular Taxable Year because the Corporation does not have sufficient actual taxable income, then the available Covered Tax benefit for the Corporation shall be allocated among the TRA Parties in proportion to the respective Tax Benefit Payment that would have been payable if the Corporation had sufficient taxable income. For example, if the Corporation had $200 of aggregate potential Covered Tax benefits with respect to the Covered Tax Assets in a particular Taxable Year (with $50 of such Covered Tax benefits Attributable to TRA Party A and $150 Attributable to TRA Party B), such that TRA Party A would have been entitled to a Tax Benefit Payment of $42.50 and TRA Party B would have been entitled to a Tax Benefit Payment of $127.50 if the Corporation had sufficient actual taxable income, and if the Corporation instead had insufficient actual taxable income in such Taxable Year, such that the Covered Tax benefit was limited to $100, then $25 of the aggregate $100 actual Covered Tax benefit for the Corporation for such Taxable Year would be allocated to TRA Party A and $75 would be allocated to TRA Party B, such that TRA Party A would receive a Tax Benefit Payment of $21.25 and TRA Party B would receive a Tax Benefit Payment of $63.75.
(b) Late Payments. If for any reason the Corporation is not able to fully satisfy its payment obligations to make all Tax Benefit Payments due in respect of a particular Taxable Year, then (i) Default Rate Interest will accrue pursuant to Section 5.2, (ii) the Corporation shall pay the available amount of such Tax Benefit Payments (and any applicable Default Rate Interest) in respect of such Taxable Year to each TRA Party pro rata in accordance with Section 3.3(a) and (iii) no Tax Benefit Payment shall be made in respect of any Taxable Year until all Tax Benefit Payments (and any applicable Default Rate Interest) to all TRA Parties in respect of all prior Taxable Years have been made in full.
Section 3.4. Overpayments. Subject to the procedures described in Section 2.4(a), to the extent the Corporation makes a payment to a TRA Party in respect of a particular Taxable Year under Section 3.1(a) in an amount in excess of the amount of such payment that should have been made to such TRA Party in respect of such Taxable Year (taking into account Section 3.3) under the terms of this Agreement, then such TRA Party shall not receive further payments under Section 3.1(a) or Section 4.3(a) until such TRA Party has foregone an amount of payments equal to such excess; provided, that for the avoidance of the doubt, no TRA Party shall be required to return any payment paid by the Corporation to such TRA Party.
ARTICLE
IV
Termination
Section 4.1. Early Termination of Agreement; Acceleration Events.
(a) Corporation’s Early Termination Right. With the written approval of a majority of the Independent Directors, the Corporation may terminate this Agreement, as and to the extent provided herein, by paying in full each and every TRA Party the Early Termination Payment (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) due to such TRA Party.
(b) Acceleration upon Change of Control. In the event of a Change of Control, the Early Termination Payment (calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of the Change of Control) shall become due and payable in accordance with Section 4.3 and the Agreement shall terminate, as and to the extent provided herein.
(c) Acceleration upon Breach of Agreement. In the event of a Material Breach, the Early Termination Payment (calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of the Material Breach) shall become due and payable in accordance with Section 4.3 and the Agreement shall terminate, as and to the extent provided herein. Subject to the next sentence, the Corporation’s failure to make a Payment (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) within ninety (90) calendar days of the applicable Final Payment Date shall be deemed to constitute a Material Breach. To the extent that any Tax Benefit Payment is not made by the date that is ninety (90) calendar days after the relevant Final Payment Date because the Corporation (i) is prohibited from making such payment under Section 5.1 or the terms of any agreement governing any Senior Obligations or (ii) does not have, and cannot take commercially reasonable actions to obtain, sufficient funds to make such payment, such failure will not constitute a Material Breach; provided, that (A) such payment obligation nevertheless will accrue at the Default Rate Interest for the benefit of the TRA Parties, (B) the Corporation shall promptly (and in any event, within five (5) Business Days) pay the entirety of the unpaid amount (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) once the Corporation is not prohibited from making such payment under Section 5.1 or the terms of the agreements governing the Senior Obligations and the Corporation has sufficient funds to make such payment and (C) the failure of the Corporation to comply with the foregoing clause (B) will constitute a Material Breach; provided further, that the interest provision of Section 5.2 shall apply to such late payment (unless the Corporation does not have sufficient funds to make such payment as a result of limitations imposed by any Senior Obligations, in which case Section 5.2 shall apply, but the Default Rate shall be replaced by the Agreed Rate). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, it shall be a Material Breach if the Corporation makes any distribution of cash or other property (other than shares of Class A Common Stock) to its stockholders or uses cash or other property to repurchase any capital stock of the Corporation (including Class A Common Stock), in each case, before (x) all Tax Benefit Payments (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) that are due and payable as of the date the Corporation enters into a binding commitment to make such distribution or repurchase have been paid or (y) sufficient funds for the payment of all Tax Benefits Payments (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) that are due and payable on the date of the distribution or repurchase have been reserved therefor. The Corporation shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (1) obtain sufficient available funds for the purpose of making Tax Benefit Payments under this Agreement and (2) avoid entering into any agreements that could be reasonably anticipated to materially delay the timing of the making of any Tax Benefit Payments under this Agreement.
(d) In the case of a termination pursuant to any of the foregoing paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), upon the Corporation’s payment in full of the Early Termination Payment (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) to each TRA Party, the Corporation shall have no further payment obligations under this Agreement other than with respect to any Tax Benefit Payments (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) in respect of any Taxable Year ending prior to the Early Termination Effective Date, and such payment obligations shall survive the termination of, and be calculated and paid in accordance with, this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, if an Exchange subsequently occurs with respect to Common Units for which the Corporation has paid the Early Termination Payment in full, the Corporation shall have no obligations under this Agreement with respect to such Exchange or the related Covered Tax Assets.
Section 4.2. Early Termination Notice.
(a) If (i) the Corporation chooses to exercise its termination right under Section 4.1(a) (“Voluntary Early Termination”), (ii) a Change of Control occurs or (iii) a Material Breach occurs, the Corporation shall, in each case, deliver to the TRA Parties a reasonably detailed notice of the Corporation’s decision to exercise such right or the occurrence of such event, as applicable (an “Early Termination Notice”). In the case of an Early Termination Notice delivered with respect to a Voluntary Early Termination, the Corporation may withdraw such Early Termination Notice and rescind its Voluntary Early Termination at any time prior to the time at which any Early Termination Payment is paid and the terms of this Agreement shall apply as if such Early Termination Notice had never been delivered.
(b) The Corporation shall deliver a schedule showing in reasonable detail the calculation of the Early Termination Payment (an “Early Termination Schedule”) (i) simultaneously with the delivery of an Early Termination Notice or (ii) in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 4.1(b) or Section 4.1(c), as soon as reasonably practicable following the occurrence of the Change of Control or Material Breach giving rise to such termination. The date on which such Early Termination Schedule becomes final in accordance with Section 2.4(a) shall be the “Early Termination Reference Date”.
Section 4.3. Payment upon Early Termination.
(a) Timing of Payment. By the date that is five (5) Business Days after the Early Termination Reference Date (such date, the “Final Payment Date” in respect of the Early Termination Payment), the Corporation shall pay in full to each TRA Party an amount equal to the Early Termination Payment applicable to such TRA Party. Such Early Termination Payment shall be made by the Corporation by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account or accounts designated by the applicable TRA Party.
(b) Amount of Payment. The “Early Termination Payment” payable to a TRA Party pursuant to Section 4.3(a) shall equal the present value, discounted at the Default Rate and determined as of the Early Termination Reference Date, of all Tax Benefit Payments (other than any Tax Benefit Payments in respect of Taxable Years ending prior to the Early Termination Effective Date) that would be required to be paid by the Corporation to such TRA Party, beginning from the Early Termination Effective Date and using the Valuation Assumptions. For the avoidance of doubt, an Early Termination Payment shall be made to each TRA Party in accordance with this Agreement, regardless of whether a TRA Party has Exchanged all of its Common Units as of the Early Termination Effective Date.
ARTICLE
V
Subordination and Late Payments
Section 5.1. Subordination. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any payment required to be made by the Corporation to the TRA Parties under this Agreement shall rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to any principal, interest or other amounts due and payable in respect of any obligations owed in respect of indebtedness for borrowed money of the Corporation (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any trade payables, intercompany debt or other similar obligations) (“Senior Obligations”) and shall rank pari passu in right of payment with all current or future obligations of the Corporation that are not Senior Obligations.
Section 5.2. Late Payments by the Corporation. Subject to the second proviso in the third sentence of Section 4.1(c), the amount of any Payment not made to any TRA Party by the applicable Final Payment Date shall be payable together with “Default Rate Interest”, calculated at the Default Rate and accruing on the amount of the unpaid Payment from the applicable Final Payment Date until the date on which the Corporation makes such Payment to such TRA Party.
ARTICLE
VI
Tax Matters; Consistency; Cooperation
Section 6.1. Participation in the Corporation’s and the LLC’s Tax Matters. Except as otherwise provided herein or in Article IX of the Operating Agreement, the Corporation shall have full responsibility for, and sole discretion over, all tax matters concerning the Corporation and the LLC, including preparing, filing or amending any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to taxes; provided, however, that the Corporation shall not settle any issue pertaining to Covered Taxes that is reasonably expected to materially and adversely affect the TRA Parties’ rights and obligations under this Agreement without the consent of the TRA Parties, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If any TRA Party fails to respond to any notice with respect to the settlement of any such issue within thirty (30) calendar days of its receipt of the applicable notice, such TRA Party shall be deemed to have consented to the proposed settlement or other disposition. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Corporation shall notify the TRA Parties of, and keep them reasonably informed with respect to, the portion of any audit by any Taxing Authority of the Corporation, the LLC or any of the LLC’s Subsidiaries, the outcome of which is reasonably expected to materially and adversely affect the TRA Parties’ rights and obligations under this Agreement, including the timing of anticipated Tax Benefit Payments and (ii) the TRA Parties shall have the right to participate in and to monitor at their own expense (but, for the avoidance of doubt, not to control) any such issue in any such tax audit. To the extent there is a conflict between this Agreement and the Operating Agreement as it relates to tax matters concerning Covered Taxes and the Corporation and the LLC, including preparation, filing or amending of any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to taxes, this Agreement shall control.
Section 6.2. Consistency. Except upon the written advice of the Advisory Firm, all calculations and determinations made hereunder, including any Basis Adjustments and Section 704(c) Allocation Amounts, the Schedules and the determination of any Realized Tax Benefits or Realized Tax Detriments, shall be made in accordance with the elections, methodologies and positions taken by the Corporation and the LLC on their respective Tax Returns. Each TRA Party shall prepare its Tax Returns in a manner consistent with the terms of this Agreement and any related calculations or determinations made hereunder, including the terms of Section 2.1 and the Schedules provided to each such TRA Party, except as otherwise required by Law. In the event that an Advisory Firm is replaced with another Advisory Firm acceptable to the Audit Committee, the TRA Parties shall cause such replacement Advisory Firm to perform its services necessitated by this Agreement using procedures and methodologies consistent with those of the previous Advisory Firm, unless otherwise required by Law or unless the Corporation and all of the TRA Parties agree to the use of other procedures and methodologies.
Section 6.3. Cooperation.
(a) Each TRA Party shall (i) furnish to the Corporation in a timely manner such information, documents and other materials as the Corporation may reasonably request for purposes of making any determination or computation necessary or appropriate under this Agreement, preparing any Tax Return of the LLC or any of its Subsidiaries or contesting or defending any related audit, examination or controversy with any Taxing Authority, (ii) make itself available to the Corporation and its representatives to provide explanations of documents and materials and such other information as the Corporation or its representatives may reasonably request in connection with any of the matters described in clause (i) above and (iii) reasonably cooperate in connection with any such matter.
(b) The Corporation shall reimburse the TRA Parties for any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred pursuant to Section 6.3(a).
ARTICLE
VII
Miscellaneous
Section 7.1. Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and (i) delivered personally, (ii) sent by e-mail or (iii) sent by overnight courier, in each case, addressed as follows:
If to the Corporation, to:
Smith
Douglas Homes Corp.
110 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, GA30188
Attn: Brett Steele, General Counsel
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Latham
& Watkins LLP
1271 6th Avenue,
New
York, New York 10020
Attn: Marc Jaffe, Senet Bischoff and Benjamin Cohen
(212) 906-1200
E-mail:
marc.jaffe@lw.com, senet.bischoff@lw.com and
benjamin.cohen@lw.com
If to any TRA Party, to the address and e-mail address specified on such TRA Party’s signature page to the applicable Joinder or otherwise on file with the Corporation or the LLC.
Any Party may change its address or e-mail address by giving each of the other Party written notice thereof in the manner set forth above.
Section 7.2. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the TRA Parties and delivered to the other TRA Parties, it being understood that all TRA Parties need not sign the same counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by e-mail transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.
Section 7.3. Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each Party hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
Section 7.4. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law or public policy, all other terms and provisions hereunder shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner.
Section 7.5. Assignments; Amendments; Successors; No Waiver.
(a) Assignment. No TRA Party may assign, sell, pledge or otherwise alienate or transfer any interest in this Agreement, including the right to receive any payments under this Agreement, to any Person without such Person executing and delivering a Joinder agreeing to succeed to the applicable portion of such TRA Party’s interest in this Agreement and to become a TRA Party for all purposes of this Agreement (the “Joinder Requirement”); provided, that the TRA Parties’ approval and consent rights described in Section 6.1 shall not be transferrable or assignable to any Person (other than Permitted Transferees) without the prior written consent of the Corporation, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any TRA Party sells, exchanges, distributes or otherwise transfers Common Units to any Person (other than the Corporation or the LLC) in accordance with the terms of the Operating Agreement, such TRA Party shall have the option to assign to the transferee of such Common Units its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Common Units; provided, that such transferee has satisfied the Joinder Requirement. For the avoidance of doubt, if a TRA Party transfers Common Units in accordance with the terms of the Operating Agreement but does not assign to the transferee of such Common Units its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Common Units, such TRA Party shall continue to be entitled to receive the Tax Benefit Payments arising in respect of a subsequent Exchange of such Common Units (and any such transferred Common Units shall be separately identified, so as to facilitate the determination of payments hereunder). The Corporation may not assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement to any Person without the TRA Parties’ consent (and any purported assignment without such consent shall be null and void).
(b) Amendments. No provision of this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is approved in writing by the Corporation and the TRA Parties; provided, that amendment of the definition of Change of Control will also require the written approval of a majority of the Independent Directors; provided, further that any amendment that materially and adversely affects one or more TRA Parties on a materially disproportionate basis relative to other similarly situated TRA Parties shall require the consent of a majority (measured by Tax Benefit Payments receivable) of such similarly situated TRA Parties so materially disproportionately affected.
(c) Successors. Except as provided in Section 7.5(a), all of the terms and provisions hereunder shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by, the Parties and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives. The Corporation shall require and cause any direct or indirect successor (whether by equity purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporation, by written agreement, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Corporation would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.
(d) Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be waived unless such waiver is in writing and signed by the Party against whom the waiver is to be effective. No failure by any Party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement, or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof, shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.
Section 7.6. Titles and Subtitles. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.
Section 7.7. Resolution of Disputes; Governing Law.
(a) Except for Reconciliation Disputes subject to Section 7.8, any and all disputes which cannot be settled after good faith negotiation within sixty (60) calendar days, including any ancillary claims of any Party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this Section 7.7 or Section 7.8) (each, a “Dispute”) shall be finally resolved by arbitration in accordance with the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration by the majority vote of a panel of three arbitrators, of which the Corporation shall designate one arbitrator and the TRA Parties that are party to such Dispute shall designate one arbitrator, in each case in accordance with the “screened” appointment procedure provided in Resolution Rule 5.4. In addition to monetary damages, the arbitrators shall be empowered and permitted to award equitable relief, including an injunction and specific performance of any obligation under this Agreement. The arbitrators are not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages, and each TRA Party hereby irrevocably waives any right to recover punitive, exemplary or similar damages with respect to any Dispute. Any award shall be the sole and exclusive remedy between the TRA Parties regarding any claims, counterclaims, issues or accounting presented to the arbitrators. The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq., and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof. The place of the arbitration shall be the State of Delaware.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) above, any Party may bring an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling another Party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Party (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this Section 7.7 to any such action or proceeding and (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions hereunder would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate.
(c) This Agreement shall be governed in all respects, including as to validity, interpretation and effect, by the internal Laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws rules thereof. Subject to this Section 7.7 and Section 7.8, the Parties agree that any suit or proceeding in connection with, arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be instituted only in a Delaware state court (or U.S. federal court), and the Parties, for the purpose of any such suit or proceeding, irrevocably consent and submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction and venue of any such court in any such suit or proceeding. Each Party 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.
(d) Each Party irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, (i) 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 Agreement in any court referred to in Section 7.7(b) or 7.7(c) and (ii) the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court.
(e) Each Party irrevocably consents to service of process by means of notice in the manner provided for in Section 7.1. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect the right of any Party to serve process in any other manner permitted by Law.
(f) WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ITS COUNSEL, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, WHETHER A CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM, CROSS-CLAIM, OR THIRD PARTY CLAIM, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).
Section 7.8. Reconciliation Procedures.
(a) In the event that the Corporation and any TRA Party are unable to resolve a disagreement with respect to a Schedule prepared in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.4 or Section 4.2, as applicable, within the relevant time period designated in this Agreement (a “Reconciliation Dispute”), the procedures described in this paragraph (the “Reconciliation Procedures”) will apply. The applicable TRA Parties shall, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the commencement of a Reconciliation Dispute, mutually select a nationally recognized expert in the particular area of disagreement (the “Expert”) and submit the Reconciliation Dispute to such Expert for determination. The Expert shall be a partner or principal in a nationally recognized accounting firm, and unless the Corporation and such TRA Party agree otherwise, the Expert (and its employing firm) shall not have any material relationship with the Corporation or such TRA Party or other actual or potential conflict of interest. If the applicable Parties are unable to agree on an Expert within such fifteen (15) calendar-day time period, the selection of an Expert shall be treated as a Dispute subject to Section 7.7 and an arbitration panel shall pick an Expert from a nationally recognized accounting firm that does not have any material relationship with the applicable Parties or other actual or potential conflict of interest. The Expert shall resolve any matter relating to (i) an Attribute Schedule, Early Termination Schedule or an amendment to either within thirty (30) calendar days and (ii) a Tax Benefit Schedule or an amendment thereto within fifteen (15) calendar days or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, in each case after the matter has been submitted to the Expert for resolution. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if the matter is not resolved before any payment that is the subject of a disagreement would be due (in the absence of such disagreement) or any Tax Return reflecting the subject of a disagreement is due, the undisputed amount shall be paid by the date prescribed by this Agreement and such Tax Return may be filed as prepared by the Corporation, subject to adjustment or amendment upon resolution. The Expert shall finally determine any Reconciliation Dispute, and its determinations pursuant to this Section 7.8(a) shall be binding on the applicable Parties and may be entered and enforced in any court having competent jurisdiction. Any dispute as to whether a dispute is a Reconciliation Dispute within the meaning of this Section 7.8 or a Dispute within the meaning of Section 7.7 shall be decided and resolved as a Dispute subject to the procedures set forth in Section 7.7.
(b) Subject to the next sentence, the applicable Parties shall bear their own costs and expenses of such proceeding, unless (i) the Expert adopts the TRA Party’s position, in which case the Corporation shall reimburse the TRA Party for any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses in such proceeding or (ii) the Expert adopts the Corporation’s position, in which case the TRA Parties shall reimburse the Corporation for any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses in such proceeding. The costs and expenses relating to the engagement of such Expert or amending any Tax Return shall be borne by the Corporation.
Section 7.9. Withholding. The Corporation and its Affiliates shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any payment that is payable to any TRA Party pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as the Corporation is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment by applicable Law. To the extent that amounts are so deducted and withheld and paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority by the Corporation, such deducted and withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid by the Corporation to the relevant TRA Party in respect of whom the deduction and withholding was made. Each TRA Party shall promptly provide the Corporation with any applicable tax forms and certifications reasonably requested by the Corporation in connection with determining whether any such deductions and withholdings are required by applicable Law.
Section 7.10. Admission of the Corporation into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets.
(a) If the Corporation is or becomes a member of an affiliated or consolidated group of corporations that files a consolidated income Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 or other applicable sections of the Code governing affiliated or consolidated groups, or any corresponding provisions of state, local or foreign tax Law, then (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall be applied with respect to the group as a whole, and (ii) Payments and other applicable items hereunder shall be computed with reference to the consolidated taxable income of the group as a whole.
(b) If the Corporation or any member of the LLC Group transfers one or more Reference Assets to a Person treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (with which the Corporation does not file a consolidated Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 of the Code), such transferor, for purposes of calculating the amount of any Payment due hereunder, shall be treated as having disposed of such asset in a fully taxable transaction on the date of such transfer. The consideration deemed to be received by the Corporation or the LLC Group member, as the applicable transferor, shall be equal to the fair market value of the transferred asset plus the amount of debt to which such asset is subject, in the case of a transfer of an encumbered asset. For purposes of this Section 7.10, a transfer of a partnership interest shall be treated as a transfer of the transferring partner’s applicable share of each of the assets and liabilities of that partnership. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, if the Corporation or any member of a group described in Section 7.10(a) transfers its assets pursuant to a transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” (within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code) in which such entity does not survive, pursuant to a contribution described in Section 351(a) of the Code or pursuant to any other transaction to which Section 381(a) of the Code applies (other than any such reorganization or any such other transaction, in each case, pursuant to which such entity transfers assets to a corporation with which the Corporation or any member of the group described in Section 7.10(a) (excluding any such member being transferred in such reorganization or other transaction) does not file a consolidated Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 of the Code), the transfer will not cause such entity to be treated as having transferred any assets to a corporation (or a Person classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) pursuant to this Section 7.10(b).
Section 7.11. Confidentiality. Each TRA Party and each of its respective assignees acknowledges and agrees that the information of the Corporation is confidential and, except in the course of performing any duties as necessary for the Corporation and its Affiliates, as required by Law or legal process or to enforce the terms of this Agreement, such Person shall keep and retain in the strictest confidence and not disclose to any other Person any confidential information acquired pursuant to this Agreement of the Corporation or its controlled Affiliates or their successors. This Section 7.11 shall not apply to (i) any information that has been made publicly available by the Corporation or any of its controlled Affiliates, becomes public knowledge (except as a result of an act of any TRA Party in violation of this Agreement) or is generally known to the business community, (ii) the disclosure of information to the extent necessary for a TRA Party to prosecute or defend claims arising under or relating to this Agreement and (iii) the disclosure of information to the extent necessary for a TRA Party to prepare and file its Tax Returns, to respond to any inquiries regarding the same from any Taxing Authority or to prosecute or defend any action, proceeding or audit by any Taxing Authority with respect to such Tax Returns. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the TRA Parties and each of their assignees (and each employee, representative or other agent of the TRA Parties or their assignees, as applicable) may disclose at their discretion to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Corporation, the TRA Parties and any of their transactions, and all materials of any kind (including tax opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to the TRA Parties relating to such tax treatment and tax structure. If a TRA Party or an assignee commits, or threatens to commit, a breach of any of the provisions of this Section 7.11, the Corporation shall have the right and remedy to have the provisions of this Section 7.11 specifically enforced by injunctive relief or otherwise by any court of competent jurisdiction without the need to post any bond or other security, it being acknowledged and agreed that any such breach or threatened breach will cause irreparable injury to the Corporation or any of its controlled Affiliates and that money damages alone will not provide an adequate remedy to such Persons. Such rights and remedies shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available at Law or in equity.
Section 7.12. Change in Law. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if, in connection with an actual or proposed change in Law, a TRA Party reasonably believes that the existence of this Agreement could cause income (other than income arising from receipt of a payment under this Agreement) recognized by such TRA Party (or direct or indirect equity holders in such TRA Party) in connection with any Exchange to be treated as ordinary income (other than with respect to assets described in Section 751(a) of the Code) rather than capital gain (or otherwise taxed at ordinary income rates) for U.S. federal income tax purposes or would have other material adverse tax consequences to such TRA Party or any direct or indirect owner of such TRA Party, then, at the written election of such TRA Party in its sole discretion (in an instrument signed by such TRA Party and delivered to the Corporation) and to the extent specified therein by such TRA Party, this Agreement shall cease to have further effect and shall not apply to an Exchange occurring after a date specified by such TRA Party; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, such voluntary termination of rights by a TRA Party shall not result in or cause a termination or acceleration event under Section 4.1.
Section 7.13. Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the interest paid or agreed to be paid hereunder with respect to amounts due to any TRA Party hereunder shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “Maximum Rate”). If any TRA Party shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the applicable payment (but in each case exclusive of any component thereof comprising interest) or, if it exceeds such unpaid non-interest amount, refunded to the Corporation. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged or received by any TRA Party exceeds the Maximum Rate, such TRA Party may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (i) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee or premium rather than interest, (ii) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof or (iii) amortize, prorate, allocate and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the payment obligations owed by the Corporation to such TRA Party hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is the intention of the Parties to conform strictly to any applicable usury Laws.
Section 7.14. Independent Nature of Rights and Obligations
(a) The rights and obligations of each TRA Party hereunder are several and not joint with the rights and obligations of any other Person. A TRA Party shall not be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Person hereunder, nor shall a TRA Party have the right to enforce the rights or obligations of any other Person hereunder (other than obligations of the Corporation). The obligations of a TRA Party hereunder are solely for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable solely by, the Corporation. Nothing contained herein or in any other agreement or document delivered in connection herewith, and no action taken by any TRA Party pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the TRA Parties acting as a partnership, association, joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the TRA Parties are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such rights or obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Except as otherwise explicitly provided in this Agreement, (i) the actions of the TRA Parties pursuant to and in accordance with this Agreement shall be binding on all TRA Parties. To the fullest extent permitted by law, none of the TRA Parties shall owe any duties (fiduciary or otherwise) to any other TRA Parties or any other Person in determining to take or refrain from taking any action or decision under or in connection with this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, the TRA Parties acknowledge that, in taking or omitting to take any action or decision hereunder, each TRA Party shall be permitted to take into consideration solely its own interests and shall have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting any other TRA Party or any other Person.
Section 7.15. Coordination with Operating Agreement. To the extent this Agreement imposes obligations on the LLC or a member of the LLC, this Agreement shall be treated as part of the Operating Agreement as described in Section 761(c) of the Code and Sections 1.761-1(c) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(h) of the Treasury Regulations.
[Signature Page Follows this Page]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed or caused to be executed on their behalf this Agreement as of the date first written above.
CORPORATION: |
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP. |
By: |
Name: |
Title: |
THE LLC: |
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC |
By: |
Name: |
Title: |
TRA PARTIES: |
The Bradbury Family Trust II A U/A/D December 29, 2015 |
By: |
Name: |
Title: |
GSB HOLDINGS LLC |
By: |
Name: |
Title: |
Exhibit A
FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT
This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of _______________, 20___ (this “Joinder”), is delivered pursuant to that certain Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of [ ● ] (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Tax Receivable Agreement”), by and among Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and each of the TRA Parties from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement.
1. | Joinder to the Tax Receivable Agreement. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to the Corporation that, as of the date hereof, the undersigned has been assigned an interest in the Tax Receivable Agreement from a TRA Party. |
2. | Joinder to the Tax Receivable Agreement. Upon the execution of this Joinder by the undersigned and delivery hereof to the Corporation, the undersigned hereby is and hereafter will be a TRA Party under the Tax Receivable Agreement, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a party thereunder. The undersigned hereby agrees that it shall comply with and be fully bound by the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement as if it had been a signatory thereto as of the date thereof. |
3. | Incorporation by Reference. All terms and conditions of the Tax Receivable Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joinder as if set forth herein in full. |
4. | Address. All notices under the Tax Receivable Agreement to the undersigned shall be direct to: |
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Attn:
Facsimile:
E-mail:
[Signature Page Follows this Page]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Joinder as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW TRA PARTY]
by |
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Acknowledged
and agreed
as of the date first set forth above:
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
By |
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
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Exhibit 10.3
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC
AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
Dated as of [ ● ], 2023
THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS REPRESENTED BY THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNDER ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS. SUCH LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF AT ANY TIME WITHOUT EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT AND LAWS OR EXEMPTION THEREFROM, AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE OTHER SUBSTANTIAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY SET FORTH HEREIN.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Article I. DEFINITIONS | 2 |
Article II. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS | 13 |
Section 2.01 Formation and Conversion of Company | 13 |
Section 2.02 Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement | 14 |
Section 2.03 Name | 14 |
Section 2.04 Purpose; Powers | 14 |
Section 2.05 Principal Office; Registered Office | 14 |
Section 2.06 Term | 14 |
Section 2.07 No State-Law Partnership | 14 |
Section 2.08 Liability | 15 |
Article III. MEMBERS; UNITS; CAPITALIZATION | 15 |
Section 3.01 Members | 15 |
Section 3.02 Units | 15 |
Section 3.03 Recapitalization; the Corporation’s Capital Contribution; the Corporation’s Purchase of Common Units. | 16 |
Section 3.04 Authorization and Issuance of Additional Units. | 17 |
Section 3.05 Repurchase or Redemption of Shares of Class A Common Stock; Other Redemptions or Repurchases | 19 |
Section 3.06 Certificates Representing Units; Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates; Registration and Transfer of Units | 19 |
Section 3.07 Negative Capital Accounts | 20 |
Section 3.08 No Withdrawal | 20 |
Section 3.09 Loans From Members | 20 |
Section 3.10 Equity Plans | 20 |
Section 3.11 Dividend Reinvestment Plan, Cash Option Purchase Plan, Stock Incentive Plan or Other Plan | 21 |
Article IV. DISTRIBUTIONS | 21 |
Section 4.01 Distributions | 21 |
Article V. CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS | 24 |
Section 5.01 Capital Accounts | 24 |
Section 5.02 Allocations | 25 |
Section 5.03 Regulatory Allocations | 25 |
Section 5.04 Final Allocations | 26 |
Section 5.05 Tax Allocations | 27 |
Section 5.06 Indemnification and Reimbursement for Payments on Behalf of a Member | 28 |
Article VI. MANAGEMENT | 29 |
Section 6.01 Authority of Manager | 29 |
Section 6.02 Actions of the Manager | 30 |
Section 6.03 Resignation; No Removal | 30 |
Section 6.04 Vacancies | 30 |
Section 6.05 Transactions Between the Company and the Manager | 30 |
Section 6.06 Reimbursement for Expenses | 31 |
Section 6.07 Delegation of Authority | 31 |
Section 6.08 Limitation of Liability of Manager | 32 |
Section 6.09 Investment Company Act | 32 |
Article VII. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS AND MANAGER | 32 |
Section 7.01 Limitation of Liability and Duties of Members | 32 |
Section 7.02 Lack of Authority | 33 |
Section 7.03 No Right of Partition | 33 |
Section 7.04 Indemnification | 34 |
Article VIII. BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS, AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS | 35 |
Section 8.01 Records and Accounting | 35 |
Section 8.02 Fiscal Year | 35 |
Section 8.03 Inspection Rights | 35 |
Article IX. TAX MATTERS | 36 |
Section 9.01 Preparation of Tax Returns | 36 |
Section 9.02 Tax Elections | 36 |
Section 9.03 Tax Controversies | 36 |
Article X. RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF UNITS; CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS | 38 |
Section 10.01 Transfers by Members | 38 |
Section 10.02 Permitted Transfers | 38 |
Section 10.03 Restricted Units Legend | 38 |
Section 10.04 Transfer | 39 |
Section 10.05 Assignee’s Rights | 39 |
Section 10.06 Assignor’s Rights and Obligations | 40 |
Section 10.07 Overriding Provisions | 40 |
Section 10.08 Spousal Consent | 41 |
Section 10.09 Certain Transactions with respect to the Corporation | 41 |
Article XI. REDEMPTION AND DIRECT EXCHANGE RIGHTS | 43 |
Section 11.01 Redemption Right of a Member | 43 |
Section 11.02 Election and Contribution of the Corporation | 46 |
Section 11.03 Direct Exchange Right of the Corporation | 47 |
Section 11.04 Reservation of Shares of Class A Common Stock; Listing; Certificate of the Corporation | 48 |
Section 11.05 Effect of Exercise of Redemption or Direct Exchange | 49 |
Section 11.06 Tax Treatment | 49 |
Article XII. ADMISSION OF MEMBERS | 50 |
Section 12.01 Substituted Members | 50 |
Section 12.02 Additional Members | 50 |
Article XIII. WITHDRAWAL AND RESIGNATION; TERMINATION OF RIGHTS | 50 |
Section 13.01 Withdrawal and Resignation of Members | 50 |
Article XIV. DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION | 50 |
Section 14.01 Dissolution | 50 |
Section 14.02 Winding Up | 51 |
Section 14.03 Deferment; Distribution in Kind | 52 |
Section 14.04 Cancellation of Certificate | 52 |
Section 14.05 Reasonable Time for Winding Up | 52 |
Section 14.06 Return of Capital | 52 |
Article XV. GENERAL PROVISIONS | 53 |
Section 15.01 Power of Attorney | 53 |
Section 15.02 Confidentiality | 53 |
Section 15.03 Amendments | 54 |
Section 15.04 Title to Company Assets | 55 |
Section 15.05 Addresses and Notices | 55 |
Section 15.06 Binding Effect; Intended Beneficiaries | 56 |
Section 15.07 Creditors | 56 |
Section 15.08 Waiver | 56 |
Section 15.09 Counterparts | 57 |
Section 15.10 Applicable Law | 57 |
Section 15.11 Severability | 57 |
Section 15.12 Further Action | 57 |
Section 15.13 Execution and Delivery by Electronic Signature and Electronic Transmission | 57 |
Section 15.14 Right of Offset | 58 |
Section 15.15 Entire Agreement | 58 |
Section 15.16 Remedies | 58 |
Section 15.17 Descriptive Headings; Interpretation | 58 |
Schedules
Schedule 1 | – | Schedule of Pre-IPO Members |
Schedule 2 | – | Schedule of Members |
Exhibits
Exhibit A | – | Form of Joinder Agreement |
Exhibit B-1 | – | Form of Agreement and Consent of Spouse |
Exhibit B-2 | – | Form of Spouse’s Confirmation of Separate Property |
Exhibit C | – | Policy Regarding Certain Equity Issuances |
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC
AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
This AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT (as the same may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Agreement”) of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), dated as of [ ● ], 2023 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and among the Company, Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), as the sole managing member of the Company, and each of the other Members (as defined herein).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, unless the context otherwise requires, capitalized terms used herein have the respective meaning ascribed to them in Article I;
WHEREAS, Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Georgia limited liability company (the “Converting Entity”), was formed pursuant to and in accordance with the Georgia Limited Liability Company Act, as amended from time to time (the “Georgia Act”), by the filing of Articles of Organization (the “Articles of Organization”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Georgia on August 27, 2015;
WHEREAS, the Converting Entity converted (the “Conversion”) to a Delaware limited liability company pursuant to the laws of the State of Delaware pursuant to and in accordance with Section 18-214 of the Delaware Act and applicable Georgia law by the filing of a Certificate of Conversion and a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on September 21, 2023 and the filing of a Certificate of Conversion with the Secretary of State of the State of Georgia on September 21, 2023;
WHEREAS, immediately prior to the date hereof, the Company was governed by that certain Operating Agreement of the Company, dated as of September 21, 2023 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with all schedules, exhibits and annexes thereto, the “Original LLC Agreement”), among the parties listed on Schedule 1 hereto in their capacity as members (including pursuant to consents and joinders thereto) (collectively, the “Pre-IPO Members”) and adopted and approved by the board of managers of the Company;
WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO, the Company, the Corporation and the Pre-IPO Members desire to recapitalize and convert the Original Units into Common Units (as defined below) (the “Recapitalization”) as provided herein;
WHEREAS, the Corporation will sell shares of its Class A Common Stock to public investors in the IPO and will use the net proceeds received from the IPO (the “IPO Net Proceeds”) to (i) purchase newly issued Common Units from the Company pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement and (ii) purchase certain Common Units held by the Members;
WHEREAS, the Corporation may issue additional shares of Class A Common Stock in connection with the IPO as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option (the “Over-Allotment Option”) and, if the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in whole or in part, any additional net proceeds (the “Over-Allotment Option Net Proceeds”) shall be used by the Corporation to purchase newly issued Common Units from the Company and Common Units held by the Members;
WHEREAS, in connection with the foregoing matters, the Company and the Members desire to continue the Company without dissolution and amend and restate the Original LLC Agreement in its entirety as of the Effective Date to reflect, among other things, (a) the Recapitalization, (b) the admission of the Corporation as a Member and its designation as sole Manager of the Company and (c) the other rights and obligations of the Members as provided and agreed upon in the terms of this Agreement as of the Effective Date, at which time the Original LLC Agreement shall be superseded entirely by this Agreement and shall be of no further force or effect; and
WHEREAS, the Board (as defined in the Original LLC Agreement), by resolution dated, [ ● ], 2023, has consented to the amendment and restatement of the Original LLC Agreement and the adoption of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Original LLC Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety and the Company, the Corporation and the other Members, each intending to be legally bound, each hereby agrees as follows:
Article I.
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall be applied to the terms used in this Agreement for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary.
“Additional Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.02.
“Adjusted Capital Account Deficit” means, with respect to the Capital Account of any Member as of the end of any Taxable Year, the amount by which the balance in such Capital Account is less than zero. For this purpose, such Member’s Capital Account balance shall be:
(a) | reduced for any items described in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5), and (6); and |
(b) | increased for any amount such Member is obligated to contribute or is treated as being obligated to contribute to the Company pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) (relating to partner liabilities to a partnership) or 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5) (relating to minimum gain). |
“Admission Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.06.
“Affiliate” (and, with a correlative meaning, “Affiliated”) means, with respect to a specified Person, each other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified. As used in this definition, “control” (including with correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of voting securities or by contract or other agreement or otherwise).
“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Assignee” means a Person to whom a Unit has been transferred but who has not become a Member pursuant to Article XII.
“Assumed Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Member, an amount equal to the excess of (i) the product of (A) the Distribution Tax Rate multiplied by (B) the estimated or actual cumulative taxable income or gain of the Company, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, allocated to such Member for Taxable Years (or portions thereof) commencing on or after the Effective Date, less prior losses of the Company allocated to such Member for Taxable Years (or portions thereof) commencing on or after the Effective Date, to the extent such prior losses are available to reduce such income and have not previously been taken into account in the calculation of Assumed Tax Liability for any prior period, in each case, as determined by the Manager and, for the avoidance of doubt, taking into account any Code Section 704(c) allocations (including “reverse” Section 704(c) allocations) over (ii) the cumulative Tax Distributions made to such Member after the Effective Date pursuant to Sections 4.01(b)(i), 4.01(b)(ii) and 4.01(b)(iii); provided that, in the case of the Corporation, such Assumed Tax Liability shall in no event be less than an amount that will enable the Corporation to meet both its tax obligations and its obligations pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement for the relevant Taxable Year.
“Base Rate” means, on any date, a variable rate per annum equal to the rate of interest most recently published by The Wall Street Journal as the “prime rate” at large U.S. money center banks.
“Black-Out Period” means any “black-out” or similar period under the Corporation’s policies covering trading in the Corporation’s securities to which the applicable Redeeming Member is subject (or will be subject at such time as it owns Class A Common Stock), which period restricts the ability of such Redeeming Member to immediately resell shares of Class A Common Stock to be delivered to such Redeeming Member in connection with a Share Settlement.
“Book Value” means, with respect to any property of the Company, the Company’s adjusted basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, adjusted from time to time to reflect the adjustments required or permitted by Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(d) through (g) and (m) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s).
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or day on which banks located in New York City, New York are authorized or required by Law to close.
“Capital Account” means the capital account maintained for a Member in accordance with Section 5.01.
“Capital Contribution” means, with respect to any Member, the amount of any cash, cash equivalents, promissory obligations or the Fair Market Value of other property that such Member (or such Member’s predecessor) contributes (or is deemed to contribute) to the Company pursuant to Article III hereof.
“Cash Settlement” means immediately available funds in U.S. dollars in an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Redeemed Units Equivalent and (ii) if the Redemption Notice provides that the Redemption is to be contingent upon the consummation of a transaction with another Person and specifies the amount of cash to be received therein, such amount of cash which the Redeeming Member would be entitled to receive in such transaction; provided that such funds are (x) in the case of a Redemption occurring in connection with the closing of the IPO, funds that are received from the IPO and (y) in any other case, funds received from a Qualifying Offering.
“Certificate of Formation” means the Certificate of Formation of the Company, as amended from time to time.
“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(1) any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person and its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan, and excluding the Permitted Transferees) becomes the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of voting securities representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation;
(2) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or there is consummated a sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets (including a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company);
(3) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation or entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, the voting securities of the Corporation outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not continue to represent, or are not converted into, voting securities representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or
(4) the Corporation ceases to be the sole Manager of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, preferred stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in and voting control over, and own substantially all of the shares of, an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.
“Change of Control Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.09(a).
“Change of Control Transaction” means any Change of Control that was approved by the Corporate Board prior to such Change of Control.
“Class A Common Stock” means the shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation.
“Class B Common Stock” means the shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation.
“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Unless the context requires otherwise, any reference herein to a specific section of the Code shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future Law as in effect for the relevant taxable period.
“Common Unit” means a Unit designated as a “Common Unit” and having the rights and obligations specified with respect to the Common Units in this Agreement.
“Common Unit Redemption Price” means, with respect to any Redemption, the VWAP for the five (5) consecutive full Trading Days ending on and including the last full Trading Day immediately prior to the applicable Redemption Date, subject to appropriate and equitable adjustment for any stock splits, reverse splits, stock dividends or similar events affecting the Class A Common Stock. If the Class A Common Stock no longer trades on the Stock Exchange or any other securities exchange or automated or electronic quotation system as of any particular Redemption Date, then the Manager (through a Disinterested Majority of the Corporate Board) shall determine the Common Unit Redemption Price in good faith.
“Company” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Confidential Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.02(a).
“Conversion” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Converting Entity” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Corporate Board” means the board of directors of the Corporation.
“Corporate Charter” means the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Corporation in effect as of the date hereof, as it may be amended or restated.
“Corporate Incentive Award Plan” means the 2023 Incentive Award Plan of the Corporation, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Corporation” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, together with its successors and assigns.
“Corresponding Rights” means any rights issued with respect to a share of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock pursuant to a “poison pill” or similar stockholder rights plan approved by the Corporate Board.
“Credit Agreements” means any promissory note, mortgage, loan agreement, indenture or similar instrument or agreement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or becomes a borrower, as such instruments or agreements may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time and including any one or more refinancing or replacements thereof, in whole or in part, with any other debt facility or debt obligation, for as long as the payee or creditor to whom the Company or any of its Subsidiaries owes such obligation is not an Affiliate of the Company.
“Delaware Act” means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. § 18-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time, and any successor thereto.
“DGCL” means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as it may be amended from time to time.
“Direct Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.03(a).
“Discount” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.06.
“Disinterested Majority” means a majority of the directors of the Corporate Board who are disinterested, as determined by the Corporate Board in accordance with the DGCL, with respect to the matter being considered by the Corporate Board; provided, that to the extent a matter being considered by the Corporate Board is required to be considered by disinterested directors under the rules of the Stock Exchange or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange, the principal national securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading, the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, such rules with respect to the definition of disinterested director shall apply solely with respect to such matter.
“Distributable Cash” means, as of any relevant date on which a determination is being made by the Manager regarding a potential distribution pursuant to Section 4.01(a) or Section 4.01(b), the amount of cash that could be distributed by the Company for such purposes in accordance with any applicable Credit Agreements (and without otherwise violating any applicable provisions of any applicable Credit Agreements) and applicable Law.
“Distribution” (and, with a correlative meaning, “Distribute”) means each distribution made by the Company to a Member with respect to such Member’s Units, whether in cash, property or securities of the Company and whether by liquidating distribution or otherwise; provided, however, that none of the following shall be a Distribution: (a) any recapitalization or any exchange of securities of the Company, in each case, that does not result in the distribution of cash or property (other than securities of the Company) to Members, and any subdivision (by Unit split or otherwise) or any combination (by reverse Unit split or otherwise) of any outstanding Units or (b) any other payment made by the Company to a Member that is not properly treated as a “distribution” for purposes of Sections 731, 732, or 733 or other applicable provisions of the Code.
“Distribution Tax Rate” means a rate equal to the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate for a Taxable Year applicable to a corporate taxpayer or an individual taxpayer resident in Atlanta, Georgia (whichever combined rate is highest) that may potentially apply to any Member or any direct or indirect partner or member (that is tax resident in only the United States) of any Member for such Taxable Year, taking into account the character of the relevant items of income or gain (e.g., ordinary or capital) and the estimated deductibility of state and local income taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes (but only to the extent such taxes are deductible under the Code), as reasonably determined by the Manager. For the avoidance of doubt, there shall be a single Distribution Tax Rate for all Members.
“Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Election Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(b).
“Equity Plan” means any option, stock, unit, stock unit, appreciation right, phantom equity or other incentive equity or equity-based compensation plan or program, in each case, now or hereafter adopted by the Company or the Corporation, including the Corporate Incentive Award Plan.
“Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, (a) Units or other equity interests in such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person (including, with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, other classes or groups thereof having such relative rights, powers and duties as may from time to time be established by the Manager pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including rights, powers and/or duties senior to existing classes and groups of Units and other equity interests in the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company), (b) obligations, evidences of indebtedness or other securities or interests convertible or exchangeable into any equity interests in such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person, and (c) warrants, options or other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire any equity interests in such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person.
“Estate Planning Vehicle” means, with respect to any Member (or former Member) that is a natural person, (a) a trust which is at all times controlled by such Member (or former Member) under which a distribution of such Member’s (or former Member’s) Units may be made only to beneficiaries who are such Member (or former Member) , his or her spouse, his or her parents or his or her lineal descendants, (b) a charitable remainder trust which is at all times controlled by such Member (or former Member) , the income from which will be paid to such Member (or former Member) during his or her life, (c) a corporation, the sole assets of which are Equity Securities in the Company, and at all times the majority and controlling shareholder of which is only such Member (or former Member) and the remaining shareholders of which are either such Member (or former Member) or his or her spouse, his or her parents or his or her lineal descendants and (d) a partnership or limited liability company, the sole assets of which are Equity Securities in the Company, and at all times the general partner or managing or majority member of which is only such Member (or former Member), and the remaining partners or members of which are either such Member (or former Member) or his or her spouse, his or her parents or his or her lineal descendants.
“Event of Withdrawal” means the occurrence of any event that terminates the continued membership of a Member in the Company. “Event of Withdrawal” shall not include an event that (a) terminates the existence of a Member for income tax purposes (including, without limitation, (i) a change in entity classification of a Member under Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-3, (ii) a sale of assets by, or liquidation of, a Member pursuant to an election under Code Sections 336 or 338, or (iii) merger, severance, or allocation within a trust or among sub-trusts of a trust that is a Member) but that (b) does not terminate the existence of such Member under applicable state law (or, in the case of a trust that is a Member, does not terminate the trusteeship of the fiduciaries under such trust with respect to all the Units of such trust that is a Member).
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations.
“Exchange Election Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.03(b).
“Fair Market Value” of a specific asset of the Company will mean the amount which the Company would receive in an all-cash sale of such asset in an arms-length transaction with a willing unaffiliated third party, with neither party having any compulsion to buy or sell, consummated on the day immediately preceding the date on which the event occurred which necessitated the determination of the Fair Market Value (and after giving effect to any transfer taxes payable in connection with such sale), as such amount is determined by the Manager (or, if pursuant to Section 14.02, the Liquidators) in its good faith judgment using all factors, information and data it deems to be pertinent.
“Fiscal Period” means any interim accounting period within a Taxable Year established by the Manager and which is permitted or required by Section 706 of the Code.
“Fiscal Year” means the Company’s annual accounting period established pursuant to Section 8.02.
“Founder Fund Related Parties” has the meaning set forth in the Corporate Charter.
“Georgia Act” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Governmental Entity” means (a) the United States of America, (b) any other sovereign nation, (c) any state, province, county, municipal, district, territory or other political subdivision of (a) or (b) of this definition, including, but not limited to, any county, municipal or other local subdivision of the foregoing, or (d) any agency, arbitrator or arbitral body (public or private), authority, board, body, bureau, commission, court, department, entity, instrumentality, organization (including any public international organization such as the United Nations) or tribunal exercising executive, legislative, judicial, quasi-judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government on behalf of (a), (b) or (c) of this definition.
“GSB Holdings Related Parties” has the meaning set forth in the Corporate Charter.
“Indemnified Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.04(a).
“Internal Revenue Service” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
“Investment Company Act” means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time.
“IPO” means the initial underwritten public offering of the shares of the Corporation’s Class A Common Stock.
“IPO Common Unit Subscription” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(b).
“IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement” means that certain Subscription Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date, by and between the Corporation and the Company, relating to the subscription by the Corporation for Common Units.
“IPO Net Proceeds” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Joinder” means a joinder to this Agreement, in form and substance substantially similar to Exhibit A to this Agreement.
“Law” means all laws, statutes, acts, constitutions, treaties, principles of common law, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations of any Governmental Entity.
“Liquidator” has the meaning set forth in Section 14.02.
“LLC Employee” means an employee of, or other service provider (including, without limitation, any management member whether or not treated as an employee for the purposes of U.S. federal income tax) to, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case acting in such capacity.
“Losses” means items of loss or deduction of the Company determined according to Section 5.01(b).
“Manager” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.
“Member” means, as of any date of determination, (a) each of the members named on the Schedule of Members and (b) any Person admitted to the Company as a Substituted Member or Additional Member in accordance with Article XII, but in each case only so long as such Person is shown on the Company’s books and records as the owner of one or more Units, each in its capacity as a member of the Company.
“Minimum Gain” means “partnership minimum gain” determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(d).
“Net Loss” means, with respect to a Taxable Year, the excess if any, of Losses for such Taxable Year over Profits for such Taxable Year (excluding Profits and Losses specially allocated pursuant to Section 5.03 and Section 5.04).
“Net Profit” means, with respect to a Taxable Year, the excess if any, of Profits for such Taxable Year over Losses for such Taxable Year (excluding Profits and Losses specially allocated pursuant to Section 5.03 and Section 5.04).
“Non-Foreign Person Certificate” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.06(a).
“Officer” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01(b).
“Original LLC Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Original Units” means the Class A Units, the Class C Units and the Class D Units (each as defined on Exhibit A to the Original LLC Agreement) of the Company.
“Other Agreements” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.04.
“Over-Allotment Option” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Over-Allotment Option Net Proceeds” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Partnership Representative” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03.
“Percentage Interest” means, with respect to a Member at a particular time, such Member’s percentage interest in the Company determined by dividing the number of such Member’s Units by the total number of Units of all Members at such time. The Percentage Interest of each Member shall be calculated to the fourth decimal place.
“Permitted Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02.
“Permitted Transferee” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02.
“Person” means an individual or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization, association, joint venture or any other organization or entity, whether or not a legal entity.
“Pre-IPO Members” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Pro rata,” “pro rata portion,” “according to their interests,” “ratably,” “proportionately,” “proportional,” “in proportion to,” “based on the number of Units held,” “based upon the percentage of Units held,” “based upon the number of Units outstanding,” and other terms with similar meanings, when used in the context of a number of Units of the Company relative to other Units, means as amongst an individual class of Units, pro rata based upon the number of such Units within such class of Units.
“Profits” means items of income and gain of the Company determined according to Section 5.01(b).
“Pubco Offer” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.09(b).
“Qualifying Offering” means any public or private offering of shares of Class A Common Stock by the Corporation following the date hereof.
“Quarterly Tax Distribution” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
“Recapitalization” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Redeemed Units” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
“Redeemed Units Equivalent” means the product of (a) the applicable number of Redeemed Units, multiplied by (b) the Common Unit Redemption Price.
“Redeeming Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
“Redemption” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
“Redemption Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
“Redemption Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
“Redemption Right” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
“Registration Rights Agreement” means that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Corporation, certain of the Members as of the date hereof and certain other Persons whose signatures are affixed thereto (together with any joinder thereto from time to time by any successor or assign to any party to such agreement).
“Regulatory Allocations” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.03(f).
“Retraction Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(c).
“Revised Partnership Audit Provisions” means Section 1101 of Title XI (Revenue Provisions Related to Tax Compliance) of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, H.R. 1314, Public Law Number 114-74, as amended. Unless the context requires otherwise, any reference herein to a specific section of the Revised Partnership Audit Provisions shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future Law as in effect for the relevant taxable period.
“Schedule of Members” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b).
“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including any governmental body or agency succeeding to the functions thereof.
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations. Any reference herein to a specific section, rule or regulation of the Securities Act shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future Law.
“Share Settlement” means a number of shares of Class A Common Stock (together with any Corresponding Rights) equal to the number of Redeemed Units.
“Specified Members” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03.
“Stock Exchange” means The New York Stock Exchange.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, variable interest entity, or business entity of which (a) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (b) if a limited liability company, partnership, association, variable interest entity, or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of the voting interests thereof are at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, references to a “Subsidiary” of the Company shall be given effect only at such times that the Company has one or more Subsidiaries, and, unless otherwise indicated, the term “Subsidiary” refers to a Subsidiary of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, the “Subsidiaries” of the Company shall include any and all of the Company’s direct and indirect, greater than fifty percent (50%) owned joint ventures.
“Substituted Member” means a Person that is admitted as a Member to the Company pursuant to Section 12.01.
“Tax Distributions” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
“Tax Receivable Agreement” means that certain Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Corporation and the Company, on the one hand, and the TRA Parties (as such term is defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement) party thereto, on the other hand (together with any joinder thereto from time to time by any successor or assign to any party to such agreement) (as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with its terms).
“Taxable Year” means the Company’s accounting period for U.S. federal income tax purposes determined pursuant to Section 9.02.
“Trading Day” means a day on which the Stock Exchange or such other principal United States securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business (unless such trading shall have been suspended for the entire day).
“Transfer” (and, with a correlative meaning, “Transferred” and “Transferring”) means any sale, transfer, assignment, redemption, pledge, encumbrance or other disposition of (whether directly or indirectly, whether with or without consideration and whether voluntarily or involuntarily or by operation of Law) (a) any interest (legal or beneficial) in any Equity Securities of the Company or (b) any equity or other interest (legal or beneficial) in any Member that is not an institutional investor if substantially all of the assets of such Member consist solely of Units.
“Treasury Regulations” means the final, temporary and (to the extent they can be relied upon) proposed regulations under the Code, as promulgated from time to time (including corresponding provisions and succeeding provisions) as in effect for the relevant taxable period.
“Underwriting Agreement” means the Underwriting Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Company, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BofA Securities, Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC.
“Unit” means the fractional interest of a Member in Profits, Losses and Distributions of the Company, and otherwise having the rights and obligations specified with respect to “Units” in this Agreement; provided, however, that any class or group of Units issued shall have the relative rights, powers and duties set forth in this Agreement applicable to such class or group of Units.
“Unvested Corporate Shares” means shares of Class A Common Stock issuable pursuant to awards granted under an Equity Plan that are not Vested Corporate Shares.
“Vested Corporate Shares” means the shares of Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to awards granted under an Equity Plan that are vested pursuant to the terms thereof or any award or similar agreement relating thereto.
“VWAP” means with respect to shares of Class A Common Stock, the daily per share volume-weighted average price per share of Class A Common Stock, regular way, or if no such sale took place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices per share of Class A Common Stock, regular way, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange, as reported on the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the last quoted price, or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System or, if such system is no longer in use, the principal other automated quotation system that may then be in use or, if the Class A Common Stock is not quoted by any such system, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in shares of Class A Common Stock selected by the Corporate Board or, in the event that no trading price is available for the shares of Class A Common Stock, the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock, as determined in good faith by the Corporate Board.
Article II.ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
Section 2.01 Formation and Conversion of Company. The Converting Entity was formed on August 27, 2015 pursuant to the provisions of the Georgia Act. The Converting Entity was converted to a Delaware limited liability company on September 21, 2023 pursuant to the provisions of the Georgia Act and the Delaware Act.
Section 2.02 Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement. The Members hereby execute this Agreement for the purpose of amending, restating and superseding the Original LLC Agreement in its entirety and otherwise establishing the affairs of the Company and the conduct of its business in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Act. The Members hereby agree that during the term of the Company set forth in Section 2.06 the rights and obligations of the Members with respect to the Company will be determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Delaware Act. No provision of this Agreement shall be in violation of the Delaware Act and to the extent any provision of this Agreement is in violation of the Delaware Act, such provision shall be void and of no effect to the extent of such violation without affecting the validity of the other provisions of this Agreement. Neither any Member nor the Manager nor any other Person shall have appraisal rights with respect to any Units.
Section 2.03 Name. The name of the Company is “Smith Douglas Holdings LLC”. The Manager in its sole discretion may change the name of the Company at any time and from time to time. Notification of any such change shall be given to all of the Members. The Company’s business may be conducted under its name and/or any other name or names deemed advisable by the Manager.
Section 2.04 Purpose; Powers. The primary business and purpose of the Company shall be to engage in such activities as are permitted under the Delaware Act and determined from time to time by the Manager in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Company shall have the power and authority to take (directly or indirectly through its Subsidiaries) any and all actions and engage in any and all activities necessary, appropriate, desirable, advisable, ancillary or incidental to accomplish the foregoing purpose.
Section 2.05 Principal Office; Registered Office. The principal office of the Company shall be located at such place or places as the Manager may from time to time designate, each of which may be within or outside the State of Delaware. The address of the registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware shall be c/o Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware, 19808, and the registered agent for service of process on the Company in the State of Delaware at such registered office shall be Corporation Service Company. The Manager may from time to time change the Company’s registered agent and registered office in the State of Delaware.
Section 2.06 Term. The Company shall continue in perpetuity unless dissolved in accordance with the provisions of Article XIV.
Section 2.07 No State-Law Partnership. The Members intend that the Company not be a partnership (including, without limitation, a limited partnership) or joint venture, and that no Member be a partner or joint venturer of any other Member by virtue of this Agreement, for any purposes other than as set forth in the last sentence of this Section 2.07, and neither this Agreement nor any other document entered into by the Company or any Member relating to the subject matter hereof shall be construed to suggest otherwise. The Members intend that the Company shall be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and, if applicable, state or local income tax purposes, and that each Member and the Company shall file all tax returns and shall otherwise take all tax and financial reporting positions in a manner consistent with such treatment.
Section 2.08 Liability. Except as otherwise provided by the Delaware Act, the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be solely the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, and no Member or Manager shall be obligated personally for any such debt, obligation or liability of the Company solely by reason of being a Member or acting as Manager.
Article III.
MEMBERS; UNITS; CAPITALIZATION
Section 3.01 Members.
(a) In connection with the IPO, the Corporation was admitted as a Member and will acquire Common Units pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement.
(b) The Company shall maintain a schedule setting forth: (i) the name and address of each Member and (ii) the aggregate number of outstanding Units and the number and class of Units held by each Member (such schedule, the “Schedule of Members”). The applicable Schedule of Members in effect as of the Effective Date and after giving effect to the Recapitalization, the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement and any Common Units to be purchased by the Corporation from the Members with the IPO Net Proceeds is set forth as Schedule 2 to this Agreement. The Company shall also maintain a record of (1) the Capital Account of each Member on the Effective Date; (2) the aggregate amount of cash Capital Contributions that has been made by the Members with respect to their Units; and (3) the Fair Market Value of any property other than cash contributed by the Members with respect to their Units (including, if applicable, a description and the amount of any liability assumed by the Company or to which contributed property is subject) in its books and records. The Schedule of Members may be updated by the Manager without the consent of any Member in the Company’s books and records from time to time, and as so updated, it shall be the definitive record of ownership of each Unit of the Company and all relevant information with respect to each Member. The Company shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a Person properly registered on its records as the owner of Units for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in Units on the part of any other Person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the Delaware Act or other applicable Law.
(c) No Member shall be required, except for a Capital Contribution by the Corporation pursuant to Section 3.04(c) or Section 11.02, or, except as approved by the Manager pursuant to Section 6.01 and in accordance with the other provisions of this Agreement, or except for a loan by the Corporation pursuant to Section 3.04(c), permitted to (i) loan any money or property to the Company, (ii) borrow any money or property from the Company or (iii) make any additional Capital Contributions.
Section 3.02 Units.
(a) Interests in the Company shall be represented by Units, or such other securities of the Company, in each case as the Manager may establish in its discretion in accordance with the terms and subject to the restrictions hereof. At the Effective Date, the Units will be comprised of a single class of Common Units.
(b) Subject to Section 3.04(a), the Manager may (i) issue additional Common Units at any time in its sole discretion and (ii) create one or more classes or series of Units or preferred Units solely to the extent such new class or series of Units or preferred Units are substantially economically equivalent to a class of common or other stock of the Corporation or class or series of preferred stock of the Corporation, respectively; provided, that as long as there are any Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) (i) no such new class or series of Units may deprive such Members of, or dilute or reduce, the allocations and distributions they would have received, and the other rights and benefits to which they would have been entitled, in respect of their Units if such new class or series of Units had not been created and (ii) no such new class or series of Units may be issued, in each case, except to the extent (and solely to the extent) the Company actually receives cash in an aggregate amount, or other property with a Fair Market Value in an aggregate amount, equal to the aggregate distributions that would be made in respect of such new class or series of Units if the Company were liquidated immediately after the issuance of such new class or series of Units. When any such other Units or other Equity Securities are authorized and issued, the Schedule of Members and this Agreement shall be amended by the Manager without the consent of any Member or any other Person to reflect such additional issuances.
(c) Subject to Sections 15.03(b) and Section 15.03(c), the Manager may amend this Agreement, without the consent of any Member or any other Person, in connection with the creation and issuance of such classes or series of Units, pursuant to Sections 3.02(b), 3.04(b) or 3.10.
Section 3.03 Recapitalization; the Corporation’s Capital Contribution; the Corporation’s Purchase of Common Units.
(a) In order to effect the Recapitalization, the number of Original Units that were issued and outstanding and held by the Pre-IPO Members prior to the Effective Date as set forth opposite the respective Pre-IPO Member’s name in Schedule 1 are hereby recapitalized and converted, as of the Effective Date, and after giving effect to such recapitalization and conversion and the other transactions related to the Recapitalization, into the number of Common Units set forth opposite the name of the respective Pre-IPO Member’s name on the Schedule of Members attached hereto as Schedule 2 (provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that the number of Common Units set forth on Schedule 2 includes the Common Units issued to the Corporation pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement and reflects any Common Units to be purchased by the Corporation from the Members with the IPO Net Proceeds), and such Common Units are hereby issued and outstanding (or remain issued and outstanding with respect to any Common Units to be purchased by the Corporation from the Members with the IPO Net Proceeds) as of the Effective Date and the holders of such Common Units hereby continue as members of the Company (and, for the avoidance of doubt, are Members hereunder) and the Company is hereby continued without dissolution.
(b) Following the Recapitalization, (i) the Company shall issue to the Corporation, and the Corporation will acquire [ ● ] newly issued Common Units in exchange for a portion of the IPO Net Proceeds payable to the Company upon consummation of the IPO pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement (the “IPO Common Unit Subscription”) and (ii) the Corporation will purchase (A) [ ● ] Common Units from the Company and (B) [ ● ] Common Units from The Bradbury Family Trust II A U/A/D December 29, 2015 and [ ● ] Common Units from GSB Holdings LLC, with a portion of the IPO Net Proceeds payable to the Members upon consummation of the IPO, and the Corporation is hereby admitted as a Member. In addition, to the extent the underwriters in the IPO exercise the Over-Allotment Option in whole or in part, upon the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option, the Company shall issue to the Corporation, and the Corporation will acquire [ ● ] newly issued Common Units in exchange for a portion of the Over-Allotment Option Net Proceeds payable to the Company upon exercise of the Over-Allotment Option pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement and (ii) the Corporation will purchase (A) [ ● ] Common Units from the Company and (B) [ ● ] Common Units from The Bradbury Family Trust II A U/A/D December 29, 2015 and [ ● ] Common Units from GSB Holdings LLC, with a portion of the Over-Allotment Option Net Proceeds payable to the Members upon exercise of the Over-Allotment Option. For the avoidance of doubt, the Corporation shall be automatically admitted as a Member with respect to all Common Units it holds from time to time.
Section 3.04 Authorization and Issuance of Additional Units.
(a) The Company, and the Corporation shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, undertake all actions, including, without limitation, an issuance, reclassification, distribution, division, repurchase, redemption, cancellation or recapitalization, with respect to the Common Units, the Class A Common Stock or the Class B Common Stock, as applicable, to maintain at all times (i) a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by the Corporation, directly or indirectly, and the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and (ii) a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries), directly or indirectly, and the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock owned by such Members, directly or indirectly, in each case disregarding, for purposes of maintaining the one-to-one ratio, (A) Unvested Corporate Shares, (B) treasury stock or (C) preferred stock or other debt or Equity Securities (including any Corresponding Rights) issued by the Corporation that are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock (except to the extent the net proceeds from such other securities, including any exercise or purchase price payable upon conversion, exercise or exchange thereof, has been contributed by the Corporation to the equity capital of the Company). In the event the Corporation issues, transfers or delivers from treasury stock or repurchases or redeems Class A Common Stock in a transaction not contemplated in this Agreement, the Manager, the Company and the Corporation shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, take all actions such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries, repurchases or redemptions, the number of outstanding Common Units owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation will equal on a one-for-one basis the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock. In the event the Corporation issues, transfers or delivers from treasury stock or repurchases or redeems the Corporation’s capital stock (other than the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock) or preferred stock in a transaction not contemplated in this Agreement, the Manager, the Company and the Corporation shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, take all actions such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries, repurchases or redemptions, the Corporation, directly or indirectly, holds (in the case of any issuance, transfer or delivery) or ceases to hold (in the case of any repurchase or redemption) Equity Securities issued by the Company which (in the good faith determination by the Manager) are in the aggregate substantially economically equivalent to the outstanding capital stock (other than the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock) or preferred stock of the Corporation so issued, transferred, delivered, repurchased or redeemed. In the event the Corporation issues, transfers or delivers from treasury stock or repurchases or redeems Class B Common Stock in a transaction not contemplated in this Agreement, the Manager and the Company shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, take all actions such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries, repurchases or redemptions, the number of outstanding Common Units owned, directly or indirectly, by the Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries), directly or indirectly, will equal on a one-for-one basis the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock. The Company, the Manager and the Corporation shall not undertake any subdivision (by any Common Unit split, stock split, Common Unit distribution, stock distribution, reclassification, division, recapitalization or similar event) or combination (by reverse Common Unit split, reverse stock split, reclassification, division, recapitalization or similar event) of the Common Units or the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, as applicable, that is not accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or Common Units respectively, to maintain at all times (x) a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation and the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and (y) a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) and the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, in each case, unless such action is necessary to maintain at all times a one-to-one ratio between each of (i) the number of Common Units owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation and the aggregate number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and (ii) the number of Common Units owned by Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) and the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, in each case as contemplated by the first sentence of this Section 3.04(a).
(b) The Company shall only be permitted to issue additional Common Units, and/or establish other classes or series of Units or other Equity Securities in the Company to the Persons and on the terms and conditions provided for in Section 3.02, this Section 3.04, Section 3.10 and Section 3.11. Subject to the foregoing, the Manager may cause the Company to issue additional Common Units authorized under this Agreement and/or establish other classes or series of Units or other Equity Securities in the Company at such times and upon such terms as the Manager shall determine and the Manager shall amend this Agreement solely to the extent necessary in connection with the issuance of additional Common Units, to establish other classes or series of Units or other Equity Securities in the Company, or admission of additional Members under this Section 3.04, in each case without the requirement of any consent or acknowledgement of any other Member or any other Person and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, including Section 15.03.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, except to the extent described in Section 3.04(a) and (b), from time to time at its sole discretion, (i) the Corporation may make loans to the Company and its Subsidiaries, and (ii) the Corporation may contribute property (including cash and/or the loans described in the foregoing clause (i)) to the Company. Upon each contribution described in the foregoing clause (ii), and after giving proper effect to all related transactions, the Company shall (x) issue to the Corporation such number of Common Units or Equity Securities of the Company as necessary to maintain the one-to-one ratios, if any, or the economic parity between one share of Class A Common Stock and one Common Unit and (y) cancel such number of Common Units or Equity Securities of the Company held by Members other than the Corporation on a pro rata basis (based on the number of Common Units held by each such Member) as necessary to maintain the one-to-one ratios or the economic parity between one share of Class A Common Stock and one Common Unit.
Section 3.05 Repurchase or Redemption of Shares of Class A Common Stock; Other Redemptions or Repurchases. If at any time, any shares of Class A Common Stock are repurchased or redeemed (whether by exercise of a put or call, automatically or by means of another arrangement) by the Corporation for cash, then the Manager shall cause the Company, immediately prior to such repurchase or redemption of Class A Common Stock, to redeem a corresponding number of Common Units held (directly or indirectly) by the Corporation, at an aggregate redemption price equal to the aggregate purchase or redemption price of the shares of Class A Common Stock being repurchased or redeemed by the Corporation (plus any expenses related thereto) and upon such other terms as are the same for the shares of Class A Common Stock being repurchased or redeemed by the Corporation; provided, if the Corporation uses funds received from distributions from the Company or the net proceeds from an issuance of Class A Common Stock to fund such repurchase or redemption, then the Company shall cancel a corresponding number of Common Units held (directly or indirectly) by the Corporation for no consideration. The Corporation may not redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any other Equity Securities of the Corporation unless substantially simultaneously the Company redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires (and the Company agrees to so redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire) from the Corporation (and the Corporation agrees to deliver to the Company) an equal number of Equity Securities of the Company of a corresponding class or series with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of the Corporation for the same price per security. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, neither the Company nor the Corporation shall make any repurchase, redemption or other acquisition if such repurchase, redemption or other acquisition, or the corresponding repurchase, redemption or other acquisition at the other of the Company or the Corporation, would violate any applicable Law.
Section 3.06 Certificates Representing Units; Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates; Registration and Transfer of Units.
(a) Units shall not be certificated unless otherwise determined by the Manager. If the Manager determines that one or more Units shall be certificated, each such certificate shall be signed by or in the name of the Company, by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel, Secretary or any other officer designated by the Manager, representing the number of Units held by such holder. Such certificate shall, subject to Section 10.03, be in such form (and shall contain such legends) as the Manager may determine. Any or all of such signatures on any certificate representing one or more Units may be a facsimile, engraved or printed, to the extent permitted by applicable Law. Unless otherwise determined by the Manager, no Units shall be treated as a “security” within the meaning of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code unless all Units then outstanding are certificated; notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, including Section 15.03, the Manager is authorized to amend this Agreement in order for the Company to opt-in to the provisions of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code without the consent or approval of any Member or any other Person.
(b) If Units are certificated, the Manager may direct that a new certificate representing one or more Units be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Company alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon delivery to the Manager of an affidavit of the owner or owners of such certificate, setting forth such allegation. The Manager may require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the Company a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of any such new certificate.
(c) To the extent Units are certificated, upon surrender to the Company or the transfer agent of the Company, if any, of a certificate for one or more Units, duly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, in compliance with the provisions hereof, the Company shall issue a new certificate representing one or more Units to the Person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Manager may prescribe such additional rules and regulations as it may deem appropriate relating to the issue, Transfer and registration of Units.
Section 3.07 Negative Capital Accounts. No Member shall be required to pay to any other Member or the Company any deficit or negative balance which may exist from time to time in such Member’s Capital Account (including upon and after dissolution of the Company).
Section 3.08 No Withdrawal. No Person shall be entitled to withdraw any part of such Person’s Capital Contribution or Capital Account or to receive any Distribution from the Company, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
Section 3.09 Loans From Members. Loans by Members to the Company shall not be considered Capital Contributions. Subject to the provisions of Section 3.01(c) and/or Section 3.04(c), the amount of any such loans shall be a debt of the Company to such Member and shall be payable or collectible in accordance with the terms and conditions upon which such loans are made.
Section 3.10 Equity Plans. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed or applied to preclude or restrain the Corporation from adopting, modifying or terminating an Equity Plan or from issuing shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to any such plans. The Corporation may implement such Equity Plans and any actions taken under such Equity Plans (such as the grant or exercise of options to acquire shares of Class A Common Stock, or the issuance of Unvested Corporate Shares), whether taken with respect to or by an employee or other service provider of the Corporation, the Company or its Subsidiaries, in a manner determined by the Corporation, in accordance with the Policy Regarding Certain Equity Issuances attached to this Agreement as Exhibit C, which may be amended by the Corporation from time to time without the consent or approval of any Member or any other Person. The Manager may, without the consent of any Member or any other Person and notwithstanding Section 15.03, amend this Agreement (including Exhibit C) as necessary or advisable in its sole discretion to adopt, implement, modify or terminate an Equity Plan. In the event of such an amendment by the Manager, the Company shall provide notice of such amendment to the Members. The Company is expressly authorized to issue Units (i) in accordance with the terms of any such Equity Plan, or (ii) in an amount equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to any such Equity Plan, without any further act, approval or vote of any Member or any other Persons.
Section 3.11 Dividend Reinvestment Plan, Cash Option Purchase Plan, Stock Incentive Plan or Other Plan. Except as may otherwise be provided in this Article III, all amounts received or deemed received by the Corporation in respect of any dividend reinvestment plan, cash option purchase plan, stock incentive or other stock or subscription plan or agreement, either (a) shall be utilized by the Corporation to effect open market purchases of a like number of shares of Class A Common Stock, or (b) if the Corporation elects instead to issue new shares of Class A Common Stock with respect to such amounts, shall be contributed by the Corporation to the Company in exchange for a like number of additional Common Units. Upon such contribution, the Company will issue to the Corporation a number of Common Units equal to the number of new shares of Class A Common Stock so issued.
Article IV.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 4.01 Distributions.
(a) | Distributable Cash; Other Distributions. |
(i) To the extent permitted by applicable Law and hereunder, Distributions to Members may be declared by the Manager out of Distributable Cash or other funds or property legally available therefor in such amounts, at such time and on such terms (including the payment dates of such Distributions) as the Manager in its sole discretion shall determine using such record date as the Manager may designate. All Distributions made under this Section 4.01 shall be made to the Members holding Common Units as of the close of business on such record date on a pro rata basis in accordance with each Member’s Percentage Interest (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any distributions made pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(v)) as of the close of business on such record date; provided, however, that the Manager shall have the obligation to make Distributions as set forth in Sections 4.01(b) and 14.02; provided, further, that notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, no distributions shall be made to any Member to the extent such distribution would render the Company insolvent or violate the Delaware Act. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, “insolvent” means the inability of the Company to meet its payment obligations when due. In furtherance of the foregoing, it is intended that the Manager shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law and hereunder, have the right in its sole discretion to make Distributions of Distributable Cash to the Members pursuant to this Section 4.01(a) in such amounts as shall enable the Corporation to meet its obligations, including its obligations pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement (to the extent such obligations are not otherwise able to be satisfied as a result of Tax Distributions required to be made pursuant to Section 4.01(b)).
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4.01(a)(i), (i) the Company shall not make a distribution (other than Tax Distributions under Section 4.01(b)) to any Member in respect of any Common Units which remain subject to vesting conditions in accordance with any applicable equity plan or individual award agreement and (ii) with respect to any amounts that would otherwise have been distributed to a Member but for the preceding clause (i), such amount shall be held in trust by the Company for the benefit of such Member unless and until such time as such Common Units have vested or been forfeited in accordance with the applicable equity plan or individual award agreement, and within five (5) Business Days of such time, the Company shall distribute such amounts to such Member; provided, that, if any condition to the vesting of such unvested Common Units becomes incapable of being satisfied, then any amounts that have not been distributed with respect to such unvested Common Units may be distributed to all other Members in accordance with Section 4.01(a)(i) as if such distribution were a new distribution pursuant to Section 4.01(a)(i).
(b) | Tax Distributions. |
(i) With respect to each Taxable Year, the Company shall, to the extent it has Distributable Cash, make cash distributions (“Tax Distributions”) to each Member in accordance with this Section 4.01(b) and such Member’s Assumed Tax Liability. Tax Distributions pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)(i) shall be estimated by the Company on a quarterly basis and, to the extent feasible, shall be distributed to the Members (together with a statement showing the calculation of such Tax Distribution and an estimate of the Company’s net taxable income allocable to each Member for such period) on a quarterly basis on April 15th, June 15th, September 15th and December 15th (or such other dates for which corporations or individuals are required to make quarterly estimated tax payments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, whichever is earlier) (each, a “Quarterly Tax Distribution”); provided, that the foregoing shall not restrict the Company from making a Tax Distribution on any other date as the Company determines is necessary to enable the Members to timely make estimated income tax payments. Quarterly Tax Distributions shall take into account the estimated taxable income or loss of the Company for the Taxable Year through the end of the relevant quarterly period. A final accounting for Tax Distributions shall be made for each Taxable Year after the allocation of the Company’s actual net taxable income or loss has been determined and any shortfall in the amount of Tax Distributions a Member received for such Taxable Year based on such final accounting shall promptly be distributed to such Member. For the avoidance of doubt, any excess Tax Distributions a Member receives with respect to any Taxable Year shall reduce future Tax Distributions otherwise required to be made to such Member with respect to any subsequent Taxable Year. For the avoidance of doubt, Tax Distributions shall not be treated as an advance on any Distributions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Manager shall make, in its reasonable discretion, equitable adjustments (downward (but not below zero) or upward) to the Members’ Tax Distributions to take into account increases or decreases in the number of Common Units held by each Member during the relevant taxable period or portion thereof; provided that any such equitable adjustments are made in a manner that results in Tax Distributions being made pro rata in proportion to the Members’ respective Percentage Interests for any relevant taxable period or portion thereof.
(ii) To the extent a Member otherwise would be entitled to receive less than its Percentage Interest of the aggregate Tax Distributions to be paid pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) (other than any distributions made pursuant to the last sentence of this Section 4.01(b)(ii) in respect of a shortfall, pursuant to the last sentence of Section 4.01(b)(iii) in respect of a shortfall, or pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(v)) on any given date, the Tax Distributions to such Member shall be increased to ensure that all Distributions made pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) are made pro rata in accordance with the Members’ respective Percentage Interests. If, on the date of a Tax Distribution, there are insufficient funds on hand to distribute to the Members the full amount of the Tax Distributions to which such Members are otherwise entitled, Distributions pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) shall be made to the Members to the extent of available funds in accordance with their Percentage Interests and the Company shall make future Tax Distributions in accordance with the Members’ Percentage Interests at the time of such shortfalls as soon as sufficient funds become available to pay the remaining portion of the Tax Distributions to which such Members are otherwise entitled.
(iii) In the event of any audit by, or similar event with, a Governmental Entity that affects the calculation of any Member’s Assumed Tax Liability for any Taxable Year (other than an audit conducted pursuant to the Revised Partnership Audit Provisions for which no election is made pursuant to Section 6226 thereof and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder), or in the event the Company files an amended tax return or administrative adjustment request, each Member’s Assumed Tax Liability with respect to such year shall be recalculated by giving effect to such event (for the avoidance of doubt, taking into account interest or penalties). Any shortfall in the amount of Tax Distributions the Members and former Members received for the relevant Taxable Years based on such recalculated Assumed Tax Liability promptly shall be distributed to such Members and the successors of such former Members in accordance with the applicable Members’ and former Members’ Percentage Interests at the time of such shortfalls, except, for the avoidance of doubt, to the extent Distributions were made to such Members and former Members pursuant to Section 4.01(a) and this Section 4.01(b) in the relevant Taxable Years sufficient to cover such shortfall.
(iv) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tax Distributions pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any distributions made pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(v)), if any, shall be made to a Member only to the extent all previous Tax Distributions to such Member pursuant to Section 4.01(b) with respect to the Taxable Year are less than the Tax Distributions such Member otherwise would have been entitled to receive with respect to such Taxable Year pursuant to this Section 4.01(b).
(v) Notwithstanding the foregoing and anything to the contrary in this Agreement, a final accounting for distributions under Section 4.1(a) of the Original LLC Agreement in respect of the taxable income of the Company for the Taxable Years (or portions thereof) of the Company that end on or prior to the Effective Date shall be made by the Company following the closing date of the IPO and, based on such final accounting, the Company shall make a distribution to the Pre-IPO Members (or in the case of any Pre-IPO Member that no longer exists, the successor of such Pre-IPO Member) to the extent of the excess of the amount of distributions the Pre-IPO Members would have been entitled to receive pursuant to such subsections (without regard to the amendment and restatement of such Original LLC Agreement as of the Effective Date) over the amount of distributions the Pre-IPO Members received prior to the Effective Date under Section 4.1(a) of the Original LLC Agreement with respect to taxable income of the Company for such portion of such Taxable Year that will be allocated to the Pre-IPO Members (determined pursuant to Section 706 of the Code). For the avoidance of doubt, the amount of distributions to be made pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)(v) shall be calculated pursuant to the methodology set forth in Section 4.1(a) of the Original LLC Agreement.
Article V.
CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS
Section 5.01 Capital Accounts.
(a) The Company shall maintain a separate Capital Account for each Member according to the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). For this purpose, the Company may (in the discretion of the Manager), upon the occurrence of the events specified in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), and shall, in connection with the execution of this Agreement, the IPO Common Unit Subscription and other transactions taking place in connection therewith, increase or decrease the Capital Accounts in accordance with the rules of such Treasury Regulations and Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g) to reflect a revaluation of the Company’s property.
(b) For purposes of computing the amount of any item of income, gain, loss or deduction with respect to the Company to be allocated pursuant to this Article V and to be reflected in the Capital Accounts of the Members, the determination, recognition and classification of any such item shall be the same as its determination, recognition and classification for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including any method of depreciation, cost recovery or amortization used for this purpose); provided, however, that:
(i) the computation of all items of income, gain, loss and deduction shall include those items described in Code Section 705(a)(l)(B) or Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) and Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i), without regard to the fact that such items are not includable in gross income or are not deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
(ii) if the Book Value of any property of the Company is adjusted pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(e) or (f), the amount of such adjustment shall be taken into account as gain or loss from the disposition of such property;
(iii) items of income, gain, loss or deduction attributable to the disposition of property of the Company having a Book Value that differs from its adjusted basis for tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the Book Value of such property;
(iv) items of depreciation, amortization and other cost recovery deductions with respect to property of the Company having a Book Value that differs from its adjusted basis for tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the property’s Book Value in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g); and
(v) to the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any asset of the Company pursuant to Code Sections 732(d), 734(b) or 743(b) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis).
Section 5.02 Allocations. Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.03 and Section 5.04, Net Profits and Net Losses for any Taxable Year or Fiscal Period shall be allocated among the Capital Accounts of the Members pro rata in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests, assuming that any Common Units which are subject to vesting conditions in accordance with any applicable Equity Plan or individual award agreement are fully vested.
Section 5.03 Regulatory Allocations.
(a) Losses attributable to partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4)) shall be allocated in the manner required by Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i). Except as otherwise provided for in Section 5.03(b), if there is a net decrease during a Taxable Year in partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(3)), Profits for such Taxable Year (and, if necessary, for subsequent Taxable Years) shall be allocated to the Members in the amounts and of such character as determined according to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4).
(b) Nonrecourse deductions (as determined according to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(1)) for any Taxable Year shall be allocated pro rata among the Members in accordance with their Percentage Interests. If there is a net decrease in the Minimum Gain during any Taxable Year, each Member shall be allocated Profits for such Taxable Year (and, if necessary, for subsequent Taxable Years) in the amounts and of such character as determined according to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). This Section 5.03(b) is intended to be a minimum gain chargeback provision that complies with the requirements of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f), and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.
(c) If any Member that unexpectedly receives an adjustment, allocation or Distribution described in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6) has an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit as of the end of any Taxable Year, after all other allocations pursuant to Sections 5.02, 5.03, 5.04 and 5.05 have been tentatively made as if this Section 5.03(c) were not in this Agreement, then Profits for such Taxable Year shall be allocated to such Member in proportion to, and to the extent of, such Adjusted Capital Account Deficit. This Section 5.03(c) is intended to be a qualified income offset provision as described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.
(d) If the allocation of Net Losses (or items of Losses) to a Member as provided in Section 5.02 would create or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit, there shall be allocated to such Member only that amount of Losses as will not create or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit. The Net Losses that would, absent the application of the preceding sentence, otherwise be allocated to such Member shall be allocated to the other Members in accordance with their relative Percentage Interests, subject to this Section 5.03(d).
(e) Profits and Losses described in Section 5.01(b)(v) shall be allocated in a manner consistent with the manner that the adjustments to the Capital Accounts are required to be made pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(j) and (m).
(f) The allocations set forth in Section 5.03(a) through and including Section 5.03(e) (the “Regulatory Allocations”) are intended to comply with certain requirements of Sections 1.704-1(b) and 1.704-2 of the Treasury Regulations. The Regulatory Allocations may not be consistent with the manner in which the Members intend to allocate Net Profit and Net Loss of the Company or make Distributions. Accordingly, notwithstanding the other provisions of this Article V, but subject to the Regulatory Allocations, income, gain, deduction and loss with respect to the Company shall be reallocated among the Members so as to eliminate the effect of the Regulatory Allocations and thereby cause the respective Capital Accounts of the Members to be in the amounts (or as close thereto as possible) they would have been if Net Profit and Net Loss (and such other items of income, gain, deduction and loss) had been allocated without reference to the Regulatory Allocations. In general, the Members anticipate that this will be accomplished by specially allocating other Profit and Loss (and such other items of income, gain, deduction and loss) among the Members so that the net amount of the Regulatory Allocations and such special allocations to each such Member is zero. In addition, if in any Taxable Year or Fiscal Period there is a decrease in partnership minimum gain, or in partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain, and application of the minimum gain chargeback requirements set forth in Section 5.03(a) or Section 5.03(b) would cause a distortion in the economic arrangement among the Members, the Manager may, if it does not expect that the Company will have sufficient other income to correct such distortion, request the Internal Revenue Service to waive either or both of such minimum gain chargeback requirements pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f)(4). If such request is granted, this Agreement shall be applied in such instance as if it did not contain such minimum gain chargeback requirement.
Section 5.04 Final Allocations.
(a) Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement except Section 5.03, the Manager shall make appropriate adjustments to allocations of Net Profits and Net Losses to (or, if necessary, allocate items of gross income, gain, loss or deduction of the Company among) the Members upon the liquidation of the Company (within the meaning of Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g) of the Treasury Regulations), upon the transfer of substantially all the Units (whether by sale or exchange or merger), upon the sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company, to the extent necessary in the connection with a distribution in respect of a shortfall pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(ii) or Section 4.01(b)(iii) or at any other time reasonably determined by the Manager, such that, to the maximum extent possible, the Capital Accounts of the Members are proportionate to their Percentage Interests. In each case, such adjustments or allocations shall occur, to the maximum extent possible, in the Taxable Year of the event requiring such adjustments or allocations.
(b) If any holder of Common Units which are subject to vesting conditions forfeits (or the Company has repurchased at less than fair market value) all or a portion of such holder’s unvested Common Units, the Company shall make forfeiture allocations in respect of such unvested Common Units in the manner and to the extent required by Proposed Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(xii) (as such Proposed Treasury Regulations may be amended or modified, including upon the issuance of temporary or final Treasury Regulations).
Section 5.05 Tax Allocations.
(a) The income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of the Company will be allocated, for federal, state and local income tax purposes, among the Members in accordance with the allocation of such income, gains, losses, deductions and credits among the Members for computing their Capital Accounts; provided that if any such allocation is not permitted by the Code or other applicable Law, the Company’s subsequent income, gains, losses, deductions and credits will be allocated among the Members so as to reflect as nearly as possible the allocation set forth herein in computing their Capital Accounts.
(b) Items of taxable income, gain, loss and deduction of the Company with respect to any property contributed to the capital of the Company shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with Code Section 704(c) so as to take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the Company for federal income tax purposes and its Book Value using the traditional method set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(b).
(c) If the Book Value of any asset of the Company is adjusted pursuant to Section 5.01(b), including adjustments to the Book Value of any asset of the Company in connection with the execution of this Agreement, subsequent allocations of items of taxable income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to such asset shall take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such asset for federal income tax purposes and its Book Value using the traditional method set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(b).
(d) Allocations of tax credits, tax credit recapture, and any items related thereto shall be allocated to the Members as determined by the Manager taking into account the principles of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(ii).
(e) For purposes of determining a Member’s share of the Company’s “excess nonrecourse liabilities” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-3(a)(3), each Member’s interest in income and gain shall be determined pursuant to any proper method, as reasonably determined by the Manager; provided, that each year the Manager shall use its reasonable best efforts (using in all instances any proper method permitted under applicable Law, including without limitation the “additional method” described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-3(a)(3)) to allocate a sufficient amount of the excess nonrecourse liabilities to those Members who would have at the end of the applicable Taxable Year, but for such allocation, taxable income due to the deemed distribution of money to such Member pursuant to Section 752(b) of the Code that is in excess of such Member’s adjusted tax basis in its Units.
(f) In the event any Common Units issued pursuant to Section 1(b) of the Policy Regarding Certain Equity Issuances attached to this Agreement as Exhibit C are subsequently forfeited, the Company may make forfeiture allocations with respect to such Common Units in the Taxable Year of such forfeiture in accordance with the principles of proposed Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(xii)(c), taking into account any amendments thereto and any temporary or final Treasury Regulations issued pursuant thereto.
(g) Allocations pursuant to this Section 5.05 are solely for purposes of federal, state and local income taxes and shall not affect, or in any way be taken into account in computing, any Member’s Capital Account or share of Profits, Losses, Distributions or other items of the Company pursuant to any provision of this Agreement.
Section 5.06 Indemnification and Reimbursement for Payments on Behalf of a Member. Except as otherwise determined by the Manager, if the Company or any other Person in which the Company holds an interest is obligated to pay any amount to a Governmental Entity (or otherwise makes a payment to a Governmental Entity) that is specifically attributable to a Member or a Member’s status as such (including federal income taxes, additions to tax, interest and penalties as a result of obligations of the Company pursuant to the Revised Partnership Audit Provisions, federal withholding taxes, state personal property taxes and state unincorporated business taxes, but excluding payments such as payroll taxes, withholding taxes, benefits or professional association fees and the like required to be made or made voluntarily by the Company on behalf of any Member based upon such Member’s status as an employee of the Company), then such Member shall indemnify the Company in full for the entire amount paid (including interest, penalties and related expenses). The Manager may offset Distributions to which a Member is otherwise entitled under this Agreement against such Member’s obligation to indemnify the Company under this Section 5.06. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, each Member agrees that any Cash Settlement such Member is entitled to receive pursuant to Article XI may be offset by an amount equal to such Member’s obligation to indemnify the Company under this Section 5.06 and that such Member shall be treated as receiving the full amount of such Cash Settlement and paying to the Company an amount equal to such obligation. A Member’s obligation to make payments to the Company under this Section 5.06 shall survive the transfer or termination of any Member’s interest in any Units of the Company, the termination of this Agreement and the dissolution, liquidation, winding up and termination of the Company. In the event that the Company has been terminated prior to the date such payment is due, such Member shall make such payment to the Manager (or its designee), which shall distribute such funds in accordance with this Agreement. The Company may pursue and enforce all rights and remedies it may have against each Member under this Section 5.06, including instituting a lawsuit to collect such contribution with interest calculated at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Base Rate plus 300 basis points (but not in excess of the highest rate per annum permitted by Law). Each Member hereby agrees to furnish to the Company such information and forms as required or reasonably requested by the Company in order to comply with any Laws and regulations governing withholding of tax or in order to claim any reduced rate of, or exemption from, withholding to which the Member is legally entitled. The Company may withhold any amount that it determines is required to be withheld from any amount otherwise payable to any Member hereunder, and any such withheld amount shall be deemed to have been paid to such Member for all purposes of this Agreement, unless otherwise reimbursed by such Member under this Section 5.06. For the avoidance of doubt, any income taxes, penalties, additions to tax and interest payable by the Company or any fiscally transparent entity in which the Company owns an interest that are attributable to income or gain that is (or otherwise would be) passed through to the Members under applicable Law shall be treated as specifically attributable to the Members and shall be allocated among the Members such that the burden of (or any diminution in distributable proceeds resulting from) any such amounts is borne by those Members to whom such amounts are specifically attributable, in each case as reasonably determined by the Manager.
Article VI.
MANAGEMENT
Section 6.01 Authority of Manager; Officer Delegation.
(a) Except for situations in which the approval of any Member(s) is specifically required by this Agreement, (i) all management powers over the business and affairs of the Company shall be exclusively vested in the Corporation, as the sole managing member of the Company (the Corporation, in such capacity, the “Manager”), (ii) the Manager shall conduct, direct and exercise full control over all activities of the Company and (iii) no other Member shall have any right, authority or power to vote, consent or approve any matter, whether under the Delaware Act, this Agreement or otherwise. The Manager shall be the “manager” of the Company for the purposes of the Delaware Act. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein and subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Members hereby consent to the exercise by the Manager of all such powers and rights conferred on the Members by the Delaware Act with respect to the management and control of the Company. Any vacancies in the position of Manager shall be filled in accordance with Section 6.04.
(b) Without limiting the authority of the Manager to act on behalf of the Company, the day-to-day business and operations of the Company shall be overseen and implemented by officers of the Company (each, an “Officer” and collectively, the “Officers”), subject to the limitations imposed by the Manager. An Officer may, but need not, be a Member. Each Officer shall be appointed by the Manager and shall hold office until his or her successor shall be duly designated and shall qualify or until his or her death or until he or she shall resign or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided. Any one Person may hold more than one office. Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement (including in Section 6.07), the salaries or other compensation, if any, of the Officers of the Company shall be fixed from time to time by the Manager. The authority and responsibility of the Officers shall be limited to such duties as the Manager may, from time to time, delegate to them. Unless the Manager decides otherwise, if the title is one commonly used for officers of a business corporation formed under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the assignment of such title shall constitute the delegation to such person of the authorities and duties that are normally associated with that office. All Officers shall be, and shall be deemed to be, officers and employees of the Company. An Officer may also perform one or more roles as an officer of the Manager. Any Officer may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the Manager.
(c) Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Manager shall have the power and authority to effectuate the sale, lease, transfer, exchange or other disposition of any, all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (including the exercise or grant of any conversion, option, privilege or subscription right or any other right available in connection with any assets at any time held by the Company) or the merger, consolidation, conversion, division, reorganization or other combination of the Company with or into another entity, for the avoidance of doubt, without the prior consent of any Member or any other Person being required.
Section 6.02 Actions of the Manager. The Manager may act through any Officer or through any other Person or Persons to whom authority and duties have been delegated pursuant to Section 6.07.
Section 6.03 Resignation; No Removal. The Manager may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Members; provided, however, that any such resignation shall be subject to the appointment of a new Manager in accordance with Section 6.04. Unless otherwise specified in the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Members (subject to the appointment of a new Manager in accordance with Section 6.04), and the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. For the avoidance of doubt, the Members have no right under this Agreement to remove or replace the Manager. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no replacement of the Corporation as the Manager shall be effective unless proper provision is made, in compliance with this Agreement, so that the obligations of the Corporation, its successor or assign (if applicable), and any new Manager and the rights of all Members under this Agreement and applicable Law remain in full force and effect. No appointment of a Person other than the Corporation (or its successor or assign, as applicable) as the Manager shall be effective unless the Corporation (or its successor or assign, as applicable) and the new Manager (as applicable) provide all other Members with contractual rights, directly enforceable by such other Members against the Corporation (or its successor, as applicable) and the new Manager (as applicable), to cause (a) the Corporation to comply with all of the Corporation’s obligations under this Agreement (in its capacity as a Member) and (b) the new Manager to comply with all of the Manager’s obligations under this Agreement.
Section 6.04 Vacancies. Vacancies in the position of Manager occurring for any reason shall be filled by the Corporation (or, if the Corporation has ceased to exist without any successor or assign, then by the holders of a majority in interest of the voting capital stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such cessation). For the avoidance of doubt, the Members (other than the Corporation) have no right under this Agreement to fill any vacancy in the position of Manager.
Section 6.05 Transactions Between the Company and the Manager. The Manager may cause the Company to contract and deal with the Manager, or any Affiliate of the Manager, provided, that such contracts and dealings (other than contracts and dealings between the Company and its Subsidiaries) are (i) on terms comparable to and competitive with those available to the Company from others dealing at arm’s length, (ii) approved by the disinterested Members (other than the Manager) holding a majority of the Percentage Interests of the disinterested Members (other than the Manager) or (iii) approved by the Disinterested Majority, and in each case, otherwise are permitted by the Credit Agreements; provided that the foregoing shall in no way limit the Manager’s rights under Sections 3.02, 3.04, 3.05 or 3.10. The Members hereby approve each of the contracts or agreements between or among the Manager or its Affiliates (other than the Company (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Converting Entity) and its Subsidiaries), on the one hand, and the Company (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Converting Entity) or its Affiliates (other than the Manager and any of the Company’s (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Converting Entity’s) Subsidiaries), on the other hand, entered into on or prior to the date of this Agreement in accordance with the limited liability company agreement governing the Company (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Converting Entity) at such time or that the board of managers of the Company or the Corporate Board has approved in connection with the Recapitalization or the IPO as of the date of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement and the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Section 6.06 Reimbursement for Expenses. The Manager shall not be compensated for its services as Manager of the Company except as expressly provided in this Agreement. The Members acknowledge and agree that, upon consummation of the IPO, the Manager’s Class A Common Stock will be publicly traded and, therefore, the Manager will have access to the public capital markets and that such status and the services performed by the Manager will inure to the benefit of the Company and all Members; therefore, the Manager shall be reimbursed by the Company for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the Company, including, without limitation, all fees, expenses and costs associated with the IPO and all fees, expenses and costs of being a public company (including, without limitation, public reporting obligations, proxy statements, stockholder meetings, Stock Exchange fees, transfer agent fees, legal fees, SEC and FINRA filing fees and offering expenses) and maintaining its corporate existence. In the event that shares of Class A Common Stock are sold to underwriters in the IPO (or in any Qualifying Offering) at a price per share that is lower than the price per share for which such shares of Class A Common Stock are sold to the public in the IPO (or in such Qualifying Offering), after taking into account underwriters’ discounts or commissions and brokers’ fees or commissions (such difference, the “Discount”) (i) the Manager shall be deemed to have contributed to the Company in exchange for newly issued Common Units the full amount for which such shares of Class A Common Stock were sold to the public and (ii) the Company shall be deemed to have paid the Discount as an expense. To the extent practicable, expenses incurred by the Manager on behalf of or for the benefit of the Company shall be billed directly to and paid by the Company and, if and to the extent any reimbursements to the Manager or any of its Affiliates by the Company pursuant to this Section 6.06 constitute gross income to such Person (as opposed to the repayment of advances made by such Person on behalf of the Company), such amounts shall be treated as “guaranteed payments” within the meaning of Code Section 707(c) (unless otherwise required by the Code and Treasury Regulations) and shall not be treated as distributions for purposes of computing the Members’ Capital Accounts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not bear any obligations with respect to income tax of the Manager or any payments made pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement other than in a manner that is expressly contemplated under this Agreement or the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Section 6.07 Delegation of Authority. The Manager (a) may, from time to time, delegate to one or more Persons such authority and duties as the Manager may deem advisable, and (b) may assign titles (including, without limitation, chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, general counsel, senior vice president, vice president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer or assistant treasurer) and delegate certain authority and duties to such Persons, which may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time. Any number of titles may be held by the same individual. The salaries or other compensation, if any, of such agents of the Company shall be fixed from time to time by the Manager, subject to the other provisions in this Agreement.
Section 6.08 Limitation of Liability of Manager.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein or in an agreement entered into by such Person and the Company, neither the Manager nor any of the Manager’s Affiliates or Manager’s officers, directors, employees or other agents (collectively “Manager’s Representatives”) shall be liable to the Company, to any Member that is not the Manager or to any other Person (other than the Manager) bound by this Agreement for any act or omission performed or omitted by the Manager or such Manager’s Representative in its capacity as the managing member of the Company or as an Affiliate, officer, director, employee or agent of the Manager, as applicable, pursuant to authority granted to the Manager by this Agreement; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided herein, such limitation of liability shall not apply to the extent the act or omission was attributable to the Manager’s or a Manager’s Representative’s fraud, willful misconduct or knowing violation of Law or for any present or future material breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by the Manager or any Manager’s Representative contained herein or in the Other Agreements with the Company. The Manager may exercise any of the powers granted to it by this Agreement and perform any of the duties imposed upon it hereunder either directly or by or through its agents, and shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent (so long as such agent was selected in good faith and with reasonable care). The Manager and each Manager’s Representative shall be entitled to rely upon the advice of legal counsel, independent public accountants and other experts, including financial advisors, as to matters the Manager or such Manager’s Representative reasonably believes are within such other Person’s professional or expert competence and any act of or failure to act by the Manager or such Manager’s Representative in good faith reliance on such advice shall in no event subject the Manager or any Manager’s Representative to liability to the Company or any Member that is not the Manager or any other Person (other than the Manager) bound by this Agreement.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, whenever this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein provides that the Manager shall act in its reasonable discretion or in a manner which is, or provide terms which are, “fair and reasonable” to the Company or any Member that is not the Manager, the Manager shall determine such appropriate action or provide such terms considering, in each case, the relative interests of each party to such agreement, transaction or situation and the benefits and burdens relating to such interests, any customary or accepted industry practices, and any applicable United States generally accepted accounting practices or principles, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or in any agreement contemplated herein or applicable provisions of Law or equity or otherwise.
Section 6.09 Investment Company Act. The Manager shall use its best efforts to ensure that the Company shall not be subject to registration as an investment company pursuant to the Investment Company Act.
Article VII.
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS AND MANAGER
Section 7.01 Limitation of Liability and Duties of Members.
(a) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the failure of the Company to observe any formalities or requirements relating to the exercise of its powers or management of its business and affairs under this Agreement or the Delaware Act shall not be grounds for imposing personal liability on the Members or the Manager for liabilities of the Company.
(b) In accordance with the Delaware Act and the laws of the State of Delaware, a Member may, under certain circumstances, be required to return amounts previously distributed to such Member. It is the intent of the Members that no Distribution to any Member pursuant to Articles IV or XIV shall be deemed a return of money or other property paid or distributed in violation of the Delaware Act. The payment of any such money or Distribution of any such property to a Member shall be deemed to be a compromise within the meaning of Section 18-502(b) of the Delaware Act, and, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any Member receiving any such money or property shall not be required to return any such money or property to the Company or any other Person, unless such distribution was made by the Company to its Members in clerical error. However, if any court of competent jurisdiction holds that, notwithstanding the provisions of this Agreement, any Member is obligated to make any such payment, such obligation shall be the obligation of such Member and not of any other Member.
(c) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, including Section 18-1101(c) of the Delaware Act, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or in any agreement contemplated herein or applicable provisions of Law or equity or otherwise, the parties hereto hereby agree that to the extent that any Member in its capacity as such (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, the Manager in its capacity as such) (or any Member’s Affiliate or any manager, managing member, general partner, director, officer, employee, agent, fiduciary or trustee of any Member or of any Affiliate of a Member) has duties (including fiduciary duties) to the Company, to the Manager, to another Member, to any Person who acquires an interest in a Unit or to any other Person bound by this Agreement, all such duties (including fiduciary duties) are hereby eliminated, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, and replaced with the duties or standards expressly set forth herein, if any; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not eliminate the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The elimination of duties (including fiduciary duties) to the Company, the Manager, each of the Members, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Unit and each other Person bound by this Agreement and replacement thereof with the duties or standards expressly set forth herein, if any, are approved by the Company, the Manager, each of the Members, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Unit and each other Person bound by this Agreement. Any exculpation or indemnification standards contained in this Agreement shall not restore or create, whether in contract or otherwise, any duties otherwise restricted or eliminated by this Agreement.
Section 7.02 Lack of Authority. No Member, other than the Manager or a duly appointed Officer or other agent of the Company, in each case in its capacity as such, has the authority or power to act for or on behalf of the Company, to do any act that would be binding on the Company or to make any expenditure on behalf of the Company. The Members hereby consent to the exercise by the Manager of the powers conferred on them by Law and this Agreement.
Section 7.03 No Right of Partition. No Member, other than the Manager, shall have the right to seek or obtain partition by court decree or operation of Law of any property of the Company, or the right to own or use particular or individual assets of the Company.
Section 7.04 Indemnification.
(a) Subject to Section 5.06, the Company hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any Person (each an “Indemnified Person”) to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended, substituted or replaced (but, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, in the case of any such amendment, substitution or replacement only to the extent that such amendment, substitution or replacement permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than the Company is providing immediately prior to such amendment, substitution or replacement), against all expenses, liabilities and losses (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes or penalties) reasonably incurred or suffered by such Person (or one or more of such Person’s Affiliates) by reason of the fact that such Person is or was a Member or an Affiliate thereof (other than solely as a result of an ownership interest in the Corporation) or is or was serving as the Manager or a director, officer, employee or other agent of the Manager, the Partnership Representative, or a director, manager, Officer, employee or other agent of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a manager, officer, director, principal, member, employee or agent of another Person; provided, however, that no Indemnified Person shall be indemnified for any expenses, liabilities and losses suffered that are attributable to such Indemnified Person’s or its Affiliates’ fraud, willful misconduct or knowing violation of Law or for any present or future material breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by such Indemnified Person or its Affiliates contained herein or in Other Agreements with the Company; provided, that the foregoing shall not limit the Company’s ability to provide indemnification to the Manager and its officers in respect of the performance of its or their duties to the fullest extent permitted by Law. Reasonable expenses, including out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees, incurred by any such Indemnified Person in defending a proceeding shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding, including any appeal therefrom, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.
(b) The right to indemnification and the advancement of expenses conferred in this Section 7.04 shall not be exclusive of any other right which any Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, agreement, bylaw, action by the Manager or otherwise.
(c) The Company shall maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, or substantially equivalent insurance, at its expense, to protect any Indemnified Person against any expense, liability or loss described in Section 7.04(a) whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such Indemnified Person against such expense, liability or loss under the provisions of this Section 7.04. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to purchase and maintain property, casualty and liability insurance in types and at levels customary for companies of similar size engaged in similar lines of business, as determined in good faith by the Manager, and the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to purchase directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (including employment practices coverage) with a carrier and in an amount determined necessary or desirable as determined in good faith by the Manager.
(d) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided for in this Section 7.04 shall be provided out of and to the extent of Company assets only. No Member (unless such Member otherwise agrees in writing or is found in a non-appealable decision by a Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction to have personal liability on account thereof) shall have personal liability on account thereof or shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions to help satisfy such indemnity of the Company. The Company (i) shall be the primary indemnitor of first resort for such Indemnified Person pursuant to this Section 7.04 and (ii) shall be fully responsible for the advancement of all expenses and the payment of all damages or liabilities with respect to such Indemnified Person which are addressed by this Section 7.04.
(e) If this Section 7.04 or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person pursuant to this Section 7.04 to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Section 7.04 that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law.
(f) Except as otherwise provided herein or in an agreement entered into by such Person and the Company, no Indemnified Person shall be liable to the Company, to any Member that is not the Manager or to any other Person (other than the Manager) bound by this Agreement for any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided herein, such limitation of liability shall not apply to the extent the act or omission was attributable to such Indemnified Person’s fraud, willful misconduct or knowing violation of Law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the exculpation rights in this Section 7.04(f) shall not apply to the Manager or any Manager’s Representative, whose exculpation rights shall be governed by Section 6.08.
Article VIII.
BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS, AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
Section 8.01 Records and Accounting. The Company shall keep, or cause to be kept, appropriate books and records with respect to the Company’s business, including all books and records necessary to provide any information, lists and copies of documents required pursuant to applicable Laws. All matters concerning (a) the determination of the relative amount of allocations and Distributions among the Members pursuant to Articles IV and V and (b) accounting procedures and determinations, and other determinations not specifically and expressly provided for by the terms of this Agreement, shall be determined by the Manager in a fair and reasonable manner, whose determination shall be final and conclusive as to all of the Members absent manifest clerical error or common law fraud.
Section 8.02 Fiscal Year. The Fiscal Year of the Company shall end on December 31 of each year or such other date as may be established by the Manager.
Section 8.03 Inspection Rights. The Company shall permit each Member and each of its designated representatives, at such Member’s sole cost and expense, to examine the books and records of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries at the principal office of the Company or such other location as the Manager shall reasonably approve during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice for any purpose reasonably related to such Member’s interest as a member of the Company; provided, that the Manager has a right to keep confidential from the Members certain information in accordance with Section 18-305 of the Delaware Act.
Article IX.
TAX MATTERS
Section 9.01 Preparation of Tax Returns. The Manager shall arrange for the preparation and timely filing of all tax returns required to be filed by the Company. The Manager shall use reasonable efforts (taking into account applicable extensions of time to file tax returns) to furnish, within one hundred and fifty (150) days of the close of each Taxable Year, to each Member a completed IRS Schedule K-1 (and any comparable state and local income tax form) and such other information as is reasonably requested by such Member relating to the Company that is necessary for such Member to comply with its tax reporting obligations. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, in its capacity as Partnership Representative, the Corporation shall have the authority to prepare the tax returns of the Company using such permissible methods and elections as it determines in its reasonable discretion, including without limitation the use of any permissible method under Section 706 of the Code for purposes of determining the varying Units of its Members.
Section 9.02 Tax Elections. The Taxable Year shall be the Fiscal Year set forth in Section 8.02, unless otherwise required by Section 706 of the Code. The Manager shall cause the Company and each of its Subsidiaries that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes to have in effect an election pursuant to Section 754 of the Code (or any similar provisions of applicable state, local or foreign tax Law) for the Taxable Year that includes the Effective Date and each subsequent Taxable Year, and the Manager shall take commercially reasonable efforts to cause each Person in which the Company owns a direct or indirect equity interest (other than a Subsidiary) that is so treated as a partnership to have in effect any such election for such Taxable Years. Each Member will upon request supply any information reasonably necessary to give proper effect to any such elections.
Section 9.03 Tax Controversies. The Manager shall cause the Company to take all necessary actions required by Law to designate the Corporation as the “tax matters partner” of the Company within the meaning of Section 6231 of the Code (as in effect prior to repeal of such section pursuant to the Revised Partnership Audit Provisions) with respect any Taxable Year beginning on or before December 31, 2017. The Manager shall further cause the Company to take all necessary actions required by Law to designate the Corporation as the “partnership representative” of the Company as provided in Section 6223(a) of the Code with respect to any Taxable Year of the Company beginning after December 31, 2017, and the Corporation is hereby authorized to designate an individual to be the sole individual through which such entity “partnership representative” will act (in such capacities, including in similar capacities under analogous provisions of state or local Law, collectively, the “Partnership Representative”). The Company and the Members shall cooperate fully with each other and shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the Corporation (or its designated individual, as applicable) to become the Partnership Representative with respect to any taxable period of the Company with respect to which the statute of limitations has not yet expired (and causing any tax matters partner, partnership representative or designated individual designated prior to the Effective Date to resign, be revoked or replaced, as applicable), including (as applicable) by filing certifications pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 301.6231(a)(7)-1(d) and completing IRS Form 8979 or any other form or certificate required pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 301.6223-1(e)(1). The Partnership Representative shall have the right and obligation to take all actions authorized and required, by the Code and Treasury Regulations (and analogous provisions of state or local Law) for the Partnership Representative and is authorized and required to represent the Company (at the Company’s expense) in connection with all examinations of the Company’s affairs by tax authorities, including any resulting administrative and judicial proceedings, and to expend Company funds for professional services reasonably incurred in connection therewith. Each Member agrees to cooperate with the Company and the Partnership Representative and to do or refrain from doing any or all things reasonably requested by the Company or the Partnership Representative with respect to the conduct of such proceedings. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, with respect to any audit or other proceeding, the Partnership Representative shall be entitled to cause the Company (and any of its Subsidiaries) to make any available elections pursuant to Section 6226 of the Code (and similar provisions of state, local and other Law), and the Members shall cooperate to the extent reasonably requested by the Company in connection therewith. The Company shall reimburse the Partnership Representative for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Partnership Representative, including reasonable fees of any professional attorneys, in carrying out its duties as the Partnership Representative. The provisions of this Section 9.03 shall survive the transfer or termination of any Member’s interest in any Units of the Company, the termination of this Agreement and the termination of the Company, and shall remain binding on each Member for the period of time necessary to resolve all tax matters relating to the Company, and shall be subject to the provisions of the Tax Receivable Agreement, as applicable. The Partnership Representative will, within ten (10) days of the receipt of any notice from the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority of any audit, investigation or other proceeding relating to any flow-through income tax matters, mail a copy of such notice to each Member. The Partnership Representative shall not, with respect to tax matters related to a taxable period prior to the date of this Agreement, (i) enter into a settlement agreement with the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority that purports to bind (or has the effect of binding) the Founder Fund Related Parties and the GSB Holdings Related Parties (the “Specified Members”) (or their equityholders or successors or assigns) without the written consent of such Specified Members (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) enter into an agreement extending the period of limitations for assessing an income tax deficiency with respect to any Company flow-through income tax matters without the consent of the Specified Members for so long as any Specified Member or its equityholders or successors or assigns could be affected by such action (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). The Partnership Representative shall: (i) keep the Specified Members reasonably informed of the material developments and status of any such audit or proceeding; (ii) permit the Specified Members (or their designees) to participate (including using separate counsel) in, in each case at the Specified Members’ sole cost and expense, but not control, any such audit or proceeding; and (iii) promptly notify the Specified Members of receipt of a notice of a final partnership adjustment (or equivalent under applicable laws) or a final decision of a court or IRS Appeals panel (or equivalent body under applicable laws) with respect to any such audit or proceeding. The Partnership Representative and the Company shall use reasonable efforts to promptly provide the Specified Members with copies of all material correspondence between the Partnership Representative or the Company (as applicable) and any governmental authority in connection with such audit or proceeding, and to give the Specified Members a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any material correspondence, submission (including settlement or compromise offers) or filing in connection with any such audit or proceeding.
Article X.
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF UNITS; CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Section 10.01 Transfers by Members. No holder of Units shall Transfer any interest in any Units, except Transfers (a) pursuant to and in accordance with Sections 10.02 and 10.09 or (b) approved in advance and in writing by the Manager, in the case of Transfers by any Member other than the Manager, or (c) in the case of Transfers by the Manager, to any Person who succeeds to the Manager in accordance with Section 6.04. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Transfer” shall not include (i) an event that terminates the existence of a Member for income tax purposes (including, without limitation, a change in entity classification of a Member under Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-3, a sale of assets by, or liquidation of, a Member pursuant to an election under Code Sections 336 or 338, or merger, severance, or allocation within a trust or among sub-trusts of a trust that is a Member), but that does not terminate the existence of such Member under applicable state Law (or, in the case of a trust that is a Member, does not terminate the trusteeship of the fiduciaries under such trust with respect to all the Units of such trust that is a Member) or (ii) any indirect Transfer of Units held by the Manager by virtue of any Transfer of Equity Securities in the Corporation.
Section 10.02 Permitted Transfers. The restrictions contained in Section 10.01 shall not apply to any of the following Transfers (each, a “Permitted Transfer” and each transferee, a “Permitted Transferee”): (i)(A) a Transfer pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange in accordance with Article XI hereof or that are necessary or desirable to comply with Sections 3.04 or 3.05 as determined by the Manager, or (B) a Transfer by a Member to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) a Transfer to an Affiliate of such Member, or (iii) a Transfer by a Member that is a natural person for estate-planning purposes of such Member to an Estate Planning Vehicle of such Member; provided, however, that (x) the restrictions contained in this Agreement will continue to apply to Units after any Permitted Transfer of such Units, and (y) in the case of the foregoing clauses (ii) or (iii), the Permitted Transferees of the Units so Transferred shall at the time of the Permitted Transfer agree in writing to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement and the Other Agreements pursuant to Section 10.04, and prior to such Transfer the transferor will deliver a written notice to the Company and the Members, which notice will disclose in reasonable detail the identity of the proposed Permitted Transferee. If a Permitted Transfer pursuant to clauses (ii) or (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence would result in a Change of Control, such Member must provide the Manager with written notice of such proposed Permitted Transfer at least sixty (60) calendar days prior to the consummation of such Permitted Transfer. In the case of a Permitted Transfer of any Common Units by any Member holding Class B Common Stock to a Permitted Transferee in accordance with this Section 10.02, such Member shall also transfer a number of shares of Class B Common Stock equal to the number of Common Units that were transferred by such Member in the transaction to such Permitted Transferee. All Permitted Transfers are subject to the additional limitations set forth in Section 10.07(b).
Section 10.03 Restricted Units Legend. The Units have not been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, in addition to the other restrictions on Transfer contained in this Agreement, cannot be sold unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or if an exemption from such registration is then available with respect to such sale. To the extent such Units have been certificated, each certificate evidencing Units and each certificate issued in exchange for or upon the Transfer of any Units shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:
“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION THEREUNDER. THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SPECIFIED IN THE AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT OF SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC, AS IT MAY BE AMENDED, RESTATED, AMENDED AND RESTATED, OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE THE TRANSFER OF SUCH SECURITIES UNTIL SUCH CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN FULFILLED WITH RESPECT TO ANY TRANSFER. A COPY OF SUCH CONDITIONS SHALL BE FURNISHED BY SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST AND WITHOUT CHARGE.”
The Company shall imprint such legend on certificates (if any) evidencing Units. The legend set forth above shall be removed from the certificates (if any) evidencing any Units which cease to be Units in accordance with the definition thereof.
Section 10.04 Transfer. Prior to Transferring any Units (other than in connection with Redemption or Direct Exchange in accordance with Article XI), the Transferring holder of Units shall cause the prospective Permitted Transferee to be bound by this Agreement and any other agreements executed by the holders of Units and relating to such Units in the aggregate to which the Transferring Member was a party (collectively, the “Other Agreements”) by executing and delivering to the Company counterparts of this Agreement and any applicable Other Agreements.
Section 10.05 Assignee’s Rights.
(a) The Transfer of a Unit in accordance with this Agreement shall be effective as of the date of such Transfer (assuming compliance with all of the conditions to such Transfer set forth herein), and such Transfer shall be shown on the books and records of the Company. Profits, Losses and other items of the Company shall be allocated between the transferor and the transferee according to Code Section 706, using any permissible method as determined in the reasonable discretion of the Manager. Distributions made before the effective date of such Transfer shall be paid to the transferor, and Distributions made on or after such date shall be paid to the Assignee.
(b) Unless and until an Assignee becomes a Member pursuant to Article XII, the Assignee shall not be entitled to any of the rights granted to a Member hereunder or under applicable Law, other than the rights granted specifically to Assignees pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that, without relieving the Transferring Member from any such limitations or obligations as more fully described in Section 10.06, such Assignee shall be bound by any limitations and obligations of a Member contained herein by which a Member would be bound on account of the Assignee’s Units (including the obligation to make Capital Contributions on account of such Units).
Section 10.06 Assignor’s Rights and Obligations. Any Member who shall Transfer any Unit in a manner in accordance with this Agreement shall cease to be a Member with respect to such Units and shall no longer have any rights or privileges, or, except as set forth in Section 5.06, Section 9.03 or this Section 10.06, duties, liabilities or obligations, of a Member with respect to such Units (it being understood, however, that the applicable provisions of Sections 6.08 and 7.04 shall continue to inure to such Person’s benefit), except that unless and until the Assignee (if not already a Member) is admitted as a Substituted Member in accordance with the provisions of Article XII (the “Admission Date”), (i) such Transferring Member shall retain all of the duties, liabilities and obligations of a Member with respect to such Units, and (ii) the Manager may, in its sole discretion, reinstate all or any portion of the rights and privileges of such Member with respect to such Units for any period of time prior to the Admission Date. Nothing contained herein shall relieve any Member who Transfers any Units in the Company from any liability of such Member to the Company with respect to such Units that may exist as of the Admission Date or that is otherwise specified in the Delaware Act or for any liability to the Company or any other Person for any materially false statement made by such Member (in its capacity as such) or for any present or future breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by such Member (in its capacity as such) contained herein or in the Other Agreements with the Company or as otherwise expressly set forth in Section 5.06 or Section 9.03 of this Agreement.
Section 10.07 Overriding Provisions.
(a) Any Transfer or attempted Transfer of any Units in violation of this Agreement (including any prohibited indirect Transfers) shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, null and void ab initio, and the provisions of Sections 10.05 and 10.06 shall not apply to any such Transfers. For the avoidance of doubt, any Person to whom a Transfer is made or attempted in violation of this Agreement shall not become a Member and shall not have any other rights in or with respect to any rights of a Member of the Company with respect to the applicable Units. The approval of any Transfer in any one or more instances shall not limit or waive the requirement for such approval in any other or future instance. The Manager shall promptly amend the Schedule of Members without the consent or approval of any Member or any other Person to reflect any Permitted Transfer pursuant to this Article X.
(b) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Section 10.01 and Article XI and Article XII), in no event shall any Member Transfer any Units to the extent such Transfer would:
(i) result in the violation of the Securities Act, or any other applicable federal, state or foreign Laws;
(ii) cause an assignment under the Investment Company Act;
(iii) be a Transfer to a Person who is not legally competent or who has not achieved his or her majority of age under applicable Law (excluding trusts for the benefit of minors);
(iv) cause the Company to be treated as a “publicly traded partnership” or to be taxed as a corporation pursuant to Section 7704 of the Code or any successor provision thereto under the Code; or
(v) result in the Company having more than one hundred (100) partners, within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(1) (determined pursuant to the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(3)).
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, in no event shall any Member that is not a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code Transfer any Units (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with a Redemption or a Direct Exchange), unless such Member and the transferee have delivered to the Company, in respect of the relevant Transfer (or Redemption or Direct Exchange, as applicable), written evidence that all required withholding under Section 1446(f) of the Code will have been done and duly remitted to the applicable Governmental Entity or duly executed certifications (prepared in accordance with the applicable Treasury Regulations or other authorities) of an exemption from such withholding; provided, that the Company shall cooperate in the manner set forth in Section 11.06(a) with any reasonable requests from such Member for certifications or other information from the Company in connection with satisfying this Section 10.07(c) prior to the relevant Transfer (or Redemption or Direct Exchange, as applicable).
Section 10.08 Spousal Consent. In connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, any Member who is a natural person will deliver to the Company an executed consent from such Member’s spouse (if any) in the form of Exhibit B-1 attached hereto or a Member’s spouse confirmation of separate property in the form of Exhibit B-2 attached hereto. If, at any time subsequent to the date of this Agreement such Member becomes legally married (whether in the first instance or to a different spouse), such Member shall cause his or her spouse to execute and deliver to the Company a consent in the form of Exhibit B-1 or Exhibit B-2 attached hereto. Such Member’s non-delivery to the Company of an executed consent in the form of Exhibit B-1 or Exhibit B-2 at any time shall constitute such Member’s continuing representation and warranty that such Member is not legally married as of such date.
Section 10.09 Certain Transactions with respect to the Corporation.
(a) In connection with a Change of Control Transaction, the Manager shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to require each Member (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) to effect a Redemption of all or a portion of such Member’s Units together with an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock, pursuant to which such Units and such shares of Class B Common Stock will be exchanged for shares of Class A Common Stock (or to the extent being received by or offered to other stockholders of the Corporation economically equivalent cash or securities of a successor entity (or an offer thereof)), provided, however, that in the event of a Change of Control Transaction pursuant to which the Members (other than the Corporation) would be required to exchange Units for securities, without the written consent of such Members, such Members shall not be required to exchange Units pursuant to this Section 10.09 unless, as a part of such transaction, the Members are permitted to exchange their Units for securities in a transaction that is expected to permit such exchange without current recognition of gain or loss, for U.S. and non-U.S. tax purposes, for such Members (or such Members’ direct or indirect beneficial owners). Any such Redemption pursuant to this Section 10.09(a) shall be effective immediately prior to the consummation of such Change of Control Transaction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be contingent upon the consummation of such Change of Control Transaction and shall not be effective if such Change of Control Transaction is not consummated) (the date of such Redemption pursuant to this Section 10.09(a), the “Change of Control Date”). From and after the Change of Control Date, (i) the Units and any shares of Class B Common Stock subject to such Redemption shall be deemed to be transferred to the Company and the Corporation, as applicable, on the Change of Control Date and (ii) each such Member shall cease to have any rights with respect to the Units and any shares of Class B Common Stock subject to such Redemption (other than the right to receive shares of Class A Common Stock (or economically equivalent cash or Equity Securities in a successor entity) pursuant to such Redemption). In the event the Manager desires to initiate the provisions of this Section 10.09, the Manager shall provide written notice of an expected Change of Control Transaction to all Members no later than the earlier of (x) five (5) Business Days following the execution of a definitive agreement with respect to such Change of Control Transaction and (y) ten (10) Business Days before the proposed date upon which the contemplated Change of Control Transaction is to be effected, including in such notice such information as may reasonably describe the Change of Control Transaction, subject to applicable Law, including the date of execution of such definitive agreement or such proposed effective date, as applicable, the amount and types of consideration to be paid for shares of Class A Common Stock in the Change of Control Transaction and any election with respect to types of consideration that a holder of shares of Class A Common Stock, as applicable, shall be entitled to make in connection with a Change of Control Transaction (which election shall be available to each Member on the same terms as holders of shares of Class A Common Stock). Following delivery of such notice and on or prior to the Change of Control Date, the Members shall take all actions necessary to effect such Redemption, including taking any action and delivering any document required pursuant to this Section 10.09(a) to effect such Redemption.
(b) In the event that a tender offer, share exchange offer, issuer bid, take-over bid, recapitalization, or similar transaction with respect to Class A Common Stock (a “Pubco Offer”) is proposed by the Corporation or is proposed to the Corporation or its stockholders and approved by the Corporate Board or is otherwise effected or to be effected with the consent or approval of the Corporate Board, the Manager shall provide written notice of the Pubco Offer to all Members no later than the earlier of (i) five (5) Business Days following the execution of a definitive agreement (if applicable) with respect to, or the commencement of (if applicable), such Pubco Offer and (ii) ten (10) Business Days before the proposed date upon which the Pubco Offer is to be effected, including in such notice such information as may reasonably describe the Pubco Offer, subject to applicable Law, including the date of execution of such definitive agreement (if applicable) or of such commencement (if applicable), the material terms of such Pubco Offer, including the amount and types of consideration to be received by holders of shares of Class A Common Stock in the Pubco Offer, any election with respect to types of consideration that a holder of shares of Class A Common Stock, as applicable, shall be entitled to make in connection with such Pubco Offer, and the number of Units (and the corresponding shares of Class B Common Stock) held by such Member that is applicable to such Pubco Offer. The Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) shall be permitted to participate in such Pubco Offer by delivering a written notice of participation that is effective immediately prior to the consummation of such Pubco Offer (and that is contingent upon consummation of such offer and shall not be effective if such Pubco Offer is not consummated), and shall include such information necessary for consummation of such offer as requested by the Corporation. In the case of any Pubco Offer that was initially proposed by the Corporation, the Corporation shall use reasonable best efforts to enable and permit the Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) to participate in such transaction to the same extent or on an economically equivalent basis as the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock, and to enable such Members to participate in such transaction without being required to exchange Units or shares of Class B Common Stock prior to the consummation of such transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall the Members be entitled to receive in such Pubco Offer aggregate consideration for each Common Unit that is less or greater than the consideration payable in respect of each share of Class A Common Stock in connection with a Pubco Offer (it being understood that payments under or in respect of the Tax Receivable Agreement shall not be considered part of any such consideration).
(c) In the event that a transaction or proposed transaction constitutes both a Change of Control Transaction and a Pubco Offer, the provisions of Section 10.09(b) shall take precedence over the provisions of Section 10.09(a) with respect to such transaction, and the provisions of Section 10.09(a) shall be subordinate to provisions of Section 10.09(b).
Article XI.
REDEMPTION AND DIRECT EXCHANGE RIGHTS
Section 11.01 Redemption Right of a Member.
(a) Each Member (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries), from and after the expiration of any contractual lockup period relating to the shares of the Corporation that may be applicable to such Members, shall be entitled to cause the Company to redeem (a “Redemption”) all or a portion of its Common Units (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any Common Units that are subject to vesting conditions or the Transfer of which is prohibited pursuant to Section 10.07(b) or Section 10.07(c) of this Agreement) in whole or in part (the “Redemption Right”). A Member desiring to exercise its Redemption Right (each, a “Redeeming Member”) shall exercise such right by giving written notice (the “Redemption Notice”) to the Company with a copy to the Corporation. The Redemption Notice shall specify the number of Common Units (the “Redeemed Units”) that the Redeeming Member intends to have the Company redeem and a date, not less than two (2) Business Days after delivery of such Redemption Notice (unless and to the extent that the Manager in its sole discretion agrees in writing to waive such time period), on which exercise of the Redemption Right shall be completed (the “Redemption Date”), and may specify that the Redemption is to be contingent (including as to timing) upon the consummation of a purchase by or exchange with another Person (whether in a tender offer, an underwritten offering, a block sale or otherwise) of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon Redemption of the Units and the transfer of the Class B Common Stock or contingent (including as to timing) upon the closing of an announced merger, consolidation or other transaction or event in which the Class A Common Stock would be exchanged or converted or become exchangeable for or convertible into cash or other securities or property or upon the closing or occurrence of any other event, in which case the Redemption shall be consummated immediately prior to and contingent upon such closing or occurrence, and in any such case specify the amount of cash or amount and type of property to be received by the Redeeming Member therein; provided, however, that, the Redeeming Member, by written notice at least one (1) Business Day prior to the previously specified Redemption Date, or the Company, the Corporation and the Redeeming Member, by mutual agreement signed in writing by each of them, may change the number of Redeemed Units and/or the Redemption Date specified in such Redemption Notice to another number and/or date; provided, further, that in the event the Corporation elects a Share Settlement, the Redemption may be conditioned (including as to timing) by the Redeeming Member on the closing of an underwritten distribution of the shares of Class A Common Stock that may be issued in connection with such proposed Redemption. Subject to Section 11.03 and unless the Redeeming Member timely has delivered a Retraction Notice as provided in Section 11.01(c) or has revoked or delayed a Redemption as provided in Section 11.01(d), on the Redemption Date (to be effective immediately prior to the close of business on the Redemption Date):
(i) the Redeeming Member shall Transfer and surrender, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances (x) the Redeemed Units to the Company (including any certificates representing the Redeemed Units if they are certificated), and (y) a number of shares of Class B Common Stock (together with any Corresponding Rights), equal to the number of Redeemed Units to the Corporation, to the extent applicable;
(ii) the Company shall (x) cancel the Redeemed Units, (y) transfer to the Redeeming Member the consideration to which the Redeeming Member is entitled under Section 11.01(b), and (z) if the Common Units are certificated, issue to the Redeeming Member a certificate for a number of Common Units equal to the difference (if any) between the number of Common Units evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeeming Member pursuant to clause (i) of this Section 11.01(a) and the Redeemed Units; and
(iii) the Corporation shall (x) cancel and retire for no consideration the shares of Class B Common Stock (together with any Corresponding Rights), that were Transferred to the Corporation pursuant to Section 11.01(a)(i)(y) above and (y) to the extent the Member holds certificated Class B Common Stock, issue to the Redeeming Member a certificate for a number of shares of Class B Common Stock equal to the difference (if any) between the number of shares of Class B Common Stock evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeeming Member pursuant to clause (i) of this Section 11.01(a) and the Redeemed Units.
(b) The Corporation shall have the option (as determined solely by the Disinterested Majority) as provided in Section 11.02 to elect to have the Redeemed Units be redeemed in consideration for either a Share Settlement or a Cash Settlement; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that the Corporation may elect to have the Redeemed Units be redeemed in consideration for a Cash Settlement only to the extent that the Corporation has cash available in an amount equal to at least the Redeemed Units Equivalent, which cash was received from a Qualifying Offering. The Corporation shall give written notice (the “Election Notice”) to the Company (with a copy to the Redeeming Member) of such election on the earlier of (i) three (3) Business Days of receiving the Redemption Notice and (ii) the Redemption Date specified in the Redemption Notice; provided, that if the Corporation does not timely deliver an Election Notice, the Corporation shall be deemed to have elected the Share Settlement method.
(c) In the event the Corporation elects the Cash Settlement in connection with a Redemption, the Redeeming Member may retract its Redemption Notice by giving written notice (the “Retraction Notice”) to the Company (with a copy to the Corporation) on or before the earlier of (i) the Redemption Date specified in the Redemption Notice and (ii) three (3) Business Days after delivery of the Election Notice. The timely delivery of a Retraction Notice shall terminate all of the Redeeming Member’s, the Company’s and the Corporation’s rights and obligations under this Section 11.01 arising from the related Redemption Notice.
(d) In the event the Corporation elects a Share Settlement in connection with a Redemption, a Redeeming Member shall be entitled to revoke its Redemption Notice or delay the consummation of a Redemption if any of the following conditions exists:
(i) any registration statement pursuant to which the resale of the Class A Common Stock to be registered for such Redeeming Member at or immediately following the consummation of the Redemption shall have ceased to be effective pursuant to any action or inaction by the SEC or no such resale registration statement has yet become effective;
(ii) the Corporation shall have failed to cause any related prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement necessary to effect such Redemption or resale of the Class A Common Stock;
(iii) the Corporation shall have exercised its right to defer, delay or suspend the filing or effectiveness of a registration statement and such deferral, delay or suspension shall affect the ability of such Redeeming Member to have its Class A Common Stock registered at or immediately following the consummation of the Redemption or to have its Class A Common Stock resold;
(iv) the Redeeming Member is in possession of any material non-public information concerning the Corporation, the receipt of which results in such Redeeming Member being prohibited or restricted from selling Class A Common Stock at or immediately following the Redemption or resale of its Class A Common Stock without disclosure of such information (and the Corporation does not permit disclosure of such information);
(v) any stop order relating to the registration statement pursuant to which the Class A Common Stock was to be registered by such Redeeming Member at or immediately following the Redemption shall have been issued by the SEC;
(vi) there shall have occurred a material disruption in the securities markets generally or in the market or markets in which the Class A Common Stock is then traded;
(vii) there shall be in effect an injunction, a restraining order or a decree of any nature of any Governmental Entity that restrains or prohibits the Redemption;
(viii) the Corporation shall have failed to comply in all material respects with its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, and such failure shall have affected the ability of such Redeeming Member to consummate the resale of Class A Common Stock to be received upon such Redemption pursuant to an effective registration statement;
(ix) the Redemption Date would occur during a Black-Out Period; or
(x) the Redeeming Member so elects by written notice to the Company no later than three (3) Business Days prior to the scheduled Redemption Date.
If a Redeeming Member delays the consummation of a Redemption pursuant to this Section 11.01(d)(i)-(ix), the Redemption Date shall occur on the fifth (5th) Business Day following the date on which the condition(s) giving rise to such delay cease to exist (or such earlier day as the Corporation, the Company and such Redeeming Member may agree in writing) or, pursuant to Section 11.01(d)(x), the Redemption Date shall occur on the fourth (4th) Business Day following the date on which the condition(s) giving rise to such delay cease to exist (or such earlier day as the Corporation, the Company and such Redeeming Member may agree in writing).
(e) The number of shares of Class A Common Stock (or Redeemed Units Equivalent, if applicable) (together with any Corresponding Rights) applicable to any Share Settlement or Cash Settlement shall not be adjusted on account of any Distributions previously made with respect to the Redeemed Units or dividends previously paid with respect to Class A Common Stock; provided, however, that if a Redeeming Member causes the Company to redeem Redeemed Units and the Redemption Date occurs subsequent to the record date for any Distribution with respect to the Redeemed Units but prior to payment of such Distribution, the Redeeming Member shall be entitled to receive such Distribution with respect to the Redeemed Units on the date that it is made notwithstanding that the Redeeming Member Transferred and surrendered the Redeemed Units to the Company prior to such date; provided, further, however, that a Redeeming Member shall be entitled to receive any and all Tax Distributions that such Redeeming Member otherwise would have received in respect of income allocated to such Member for the portion of any Fiscal Year irrespective of whether such Tax Distribution(s) are declared or made after the Redemption Date.
(f) In the case of a Share Settlement, in the event a reclassification or other similar transaction occurs following delivery of a Redemption Notice, but prior to the Redemption Date, as a result of which shares of Class A Common Stock are converted into another security, then a Redeeming Member shall be entitled to receive the amount of such other security (and, if applicable, any Corresponding Rights) that the Redeeming Member would have received if such Redemption Right had been exercised and the Redemption Date had occurred immediately prior to the record date of such reclassification or other similar transaction.
(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, neither the Company nor the Corporation shall be obligated to effectuate a Redemption if such Redemption could (as determined in the sole discretion of the Manager) cause the Company to be treated as a “publicly traded partnership” or to be taxed as a corporation pursuant to Section 7704 of the Code or successor provisions of the Code.
Section 11.02 Election and Contribution of the Corporation. Unless the Redeeming Member has timely delivered a Retraction Notice as provided in Section 11.01(c), or has revoked or delayed a Redemption as provided in Sections 11.01(d), subject to Section 11.03, on the Redemption Date (to be effective immediately prior to the close of business on the Redemption Date) (i) the Corporation shall make a Capital Contribution to the Company (in the form of the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as determined by the Corporation in accordance with Section 11.01(b)), and (ii) the Company shall issue to the Corporation a number of Common Units equal to (A) in the case of a Share Settlement, the number of Redeemed Units surrendered by the Redeeming Member and (B) in the case of a Cash Settlement the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issued (or to be issued) by the Corporation in the IPO or Qualifying Offering that provided the funds to effect the Cash Settlement in accordance with the proviso in the definition of “Cash Settlement”. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, but subject to Section 11.03, in the event that the Corporation elects a Cash Settlement, the Corporation shall only be obligated to contribute to the Company an amount in respect of such Cash Settlement equal to the Redeemed Units Equivalent with respect to such Cash Settlement, which in no event shall exceed the amount actually paid by the Company to the Redeeming Member as the Cash Settlement. The timely delivery of a Retraction Notice shall terminate all of the Company’s and the Corporation’s rights and obligations under this Section 11.02 arising from the Redemption Notice.
Section 11.03 Direct Exchange Right of the Corporation.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article XI (save for the limitations set forth in Section 11.01(b) regarding the Corporation’s option to select the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, and without limitation to the rights of the Members under Section 11.01, including the right to revoke a Redemption Notice or otherwise alter or delay the consummation of a Redemption), the Corporation may, in its sole and absolute discretion (as determined solely by the Disinterested Majority) (subject to the limitations set forth on such discretion in Section 11.01(b)), elect to effect on the Redemption Date the exchange of Redeemed Units for the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as the case may be, through a direct exchange of such Redeemed Units and the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as applicable, between the Redeeming Member and the Corporation (a “Direct Exchange”) (rather than contributing the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as the case may be, to the Company in accordance with Section 11.02 for purposes of the Company redeeming the Redeemed Units from the Redeeming Member in consideration of the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as applicable). Upon such Direct Exchange pursuant to this Section 11.03, the Corporation shall acquire the Redeemed Units and shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as the owner of such Units. In connection with any Direct Exchange, the Company is hereby authorized to execute, deliver and perform, and the Manager or any officer of the Company on behalf of the Company is hereby authorized to execute and deliver, any unit and share transfer and cancellation agreement (or similar document) and any documents contemplated thereby or related thereto and any amendments thereto, without any further act, vote or approval of any Person, including any Member, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement.
(b) The Corporation may, at any time prior to a Redemption Date (including after delivery of an Election Notice pursuant to Section 11.01(b)), deliver written notice (an “Exchange Election Notice”) to the Company and the Redeeming Member setting forth its election to exercise its right to consummate a Direct Exchange; provided, that such election is subject to the limitations set forth in Section 11.01(b) and does not unreasonably prejudice the ability of the parties to consummate a Redemption or Direct Exchange on the Redemption Date. An Exchange Election Notice may be revoked by the Corporation at any time; provided, that any such revocation does not unreasonably prejudice the ability of the parties to consummate a Redemption or Direct Exchange on the Redemption Date. The right to consummate a Direct Exchange in all events shall be exercisable for all of the Redeemed Units that would have otherwise been subject to a Redemption.
(c) Except as otherwise provided by this Section 11.03, a Direct Exchange shall be consummated pursuant to the same timeframe as the relevant Redemption would have been consummated if the Corporation had not delivered an Exchange Election Notice and as follows:
(i) the Redeeming Member shall transfer, assign and surrender, as applicable, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances (x) the Redeemed Units and (y) a number of shares of Class B Common Stock (together with any Corresponding Rights), equal to the number of Redeemed Units, to the extent applicable, in each case, to the Corporation;
(ii) the Corporation shall (x) pay to the Redeeming Member the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as applicable, (y) cancel and retire for no consideration the shares of Class B Common Stock (together with any Corresponding Rights), that were Transferred to the Corporation pursuant to Section 11.03(c)(i)(y) above, and (z) to the extent the Redeeming Member holds certificated Class B Common Stock issue to the Redeeming Member a certificate for a number of shares of Class B Common Stock equal to the difference (if any) between the number of shares of Class B Common Stock evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeeming Member and the Redeemed Units; and
(iii) the Company shall (x) register the Corporation as the owner of the Redeemed Units and (y) if the Common Units are certificated, issue to the Redeeming Member a certificate for a number of Units equal to the difference (if any) between the number of Common Units evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeeming Member pursuant to Section 11.03(c)(i)(x) and the Redeemed Units, and issue to the Corporation a certificate for the number of Redeemed Units.
Section 11.04 Reservation of Shares of Class A Common Stock; Listing; Certificate of the Corporation. At all times the Corporation shall reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon a Share Settlement in connection with a Redemption or Direct Exchange, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as shall be issuable upon any such Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of any such Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange by delivery of purchased Class A Common Stock (which may or may not be held in the treasury of the Corporation), or by way of Cash Settlement. The Corporation shall deliver Class A Common Stock that has been registered under the Securities Act with respect to any Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange to the extent a registration statement is effective and available with respect to such shares. The Corporation shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to list the Class A Common Stock required to be delivered upon any such Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange prior to such delivery upon each national securities exchange upon which the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock are listed at the time of such Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange (it being understood that any such shares may be subject to transfer restrictions under applicable securities Laws). The Corporation covenants that all shares of Class A Common Stock issued in connection with a Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange will, upon issuance, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The provisions of this Article XI shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with any corresponding provisions of the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation (if any).
Section 11.05 Effect of Exercise of Redemption or Direct Exchange. This Agreement shall continue notwithstanding the consummation of a Redemption or Direct Exchange by a Member and all rights set forth herein shall continue in effect with respect to the remaining Members and, to the extent the Redeeming Member has any remaining Units following such Redemption or Direct Exchange, the Redeeming Member. No Redemption or Direct Exchange shall relieve a Redeeming Member of any prior breach of this Agreement by such Redeeming Member.
Section 11.06 Tax Treatment.
(a) In connection with any Redemption or Direct Exchange, the Redeeming Member shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to deliver such form, deliver to the Manager or the Company, as applicable, a certificate, dated as of the Redemption Date, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Manager or the Company, as applicable, certifying as to such Redeeming Member’s taxpayer identification number and that such Redeeming Member is a not a foreign person for purposes of Section 1445 and Section 1446(f) of the Code (which certificate may be an IRS Form W-9 if then sufficient for such purposes under applicable Law) (such certificate a “Non-Foreign Person Certificate”). If a Redeeming Member is unable to provide a Non-Foreign Person Certificate in connection with a Redemption or a Direct Exchange, then (i) such Redeeming Member and the Company shall cooperate to provide any other certification or determination described in proposed Treasury Regulations Sections 1.1446(f)-2(b) and 1.1446(f)-2(c) or otherwise permitted under applicable Law at the time of such Redemption or Direct Exchange, and the Manager or the Company, as applicable, shall be permitted to withhold on the amount realized by such Redeeming Member in respect of such Redemption or Direct Exchange to the extent required under in Section 1446(f) of the Code and Treasury Regulations thereunder after taking into account the certificate or other determination provided pursuant this sentence and (ii) upon request and to the extent permitted under applicable Law, the Company shall deliver a certificate pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-11T(d)(2) certifying that fifty percent (50%) or more of the value of the gross assets of the Company does not consist of “U.S. real property interests” (as used in Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-11T), or that ninety percent (90%) or more of the value of the gross assets of the Company does not consist of “U.S. real property interests” plus “cash or cash equivalents” (as used in Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-11T); provided, that if the Company is not legally entitled to provide the certificate described in clause (ii), the Corporation shall be permitted to withhold on the amount realized by such Redeeming Member in respect of such Redemption or Direct Exchange to the extent required under in Section 1445 of the Code and Treasury Regulations.
(b) Unless otherwise required by applicable Law, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that a Redemption or a Direct Exchange, as the case may be, shall be treated as a direct exchange of a Share Settlement or a Cash Settlement, as applicable, on the one hand, and the Redeemed Units, on the other hand, between the Corporation and the Redeeming Member for U.S. federal and applicable state and local income tax purposes.
Article XII.
ADMISSION OF MEMBERS
Section 12.01 Substituted Members. Subject to the provisions of Article X hereof, in connection with the Permitted Transfer of a Unit hereunder, the Permitted Transferee shall become a Substituted Member on the effective date of such Transfer, which effective date shall not be earlier than the date of compliance with the conditions to such Transfer, and such admission shall be shown on the books and records of the Company, including the Schedule of Members.
Section 12.02 Additional Members. Subject to the provisions of Article X hereof, any Person that is not a Member as of the Effective Date may be admitted to the Company as an additional Member (any such Person, an “Additional Member”) only upon furnishing to the Manager (a) duly executed Joinder and counterparts to any applicable Other Agreements and (b) such other documents or instruments as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to effect such Person’s admission as a Member (including entering into such documents as may reasonably be requested by the Manager). Such admission shall become effective on the date on which the Manager determines in its sole discretion that such conditions have been satisfied and when any such admission is shown on the books and records of the Company, including the Schedule of Members.
Article XIII.
WITHDRAWAL AND RESIGNATION; TERMINATION OF RIGHTS
Section 13.01 Withdrawal and Resignation of Members. Except in the event of Transfers pursuant to Section 10.06 or redemptions pursuant to Section 3.05 or Article XI and the Manager’s right to resign pursuant to Section 6.03, no Member shall have the power or right to withdraw or otherwise resign as a Member from the Company prior to the dissolution and winding up of the Company pursuant to Article XIV. Any Member, however, that attempts to withdraw or otherwise resign as a Member from the Company without the prior written consent of the Manager upon or following the dissolution and winding up of the Company pursuant to Article XIV, but prior to such Member receiving the full amount of Distributions from the Company to which such Member is entitled pursuant to Article XIV, shall be liable to the Company for all damages (including all lost profits and special, indirect and consequential damages) directly or indirectly caused by the withdrawal or resignation of such Member. Upon a Transfer of all of a Member’s Units in a Transfer or a redemption of all of a Member’s Units, in each case as permitted by this Agreement, subject to the provisions of Section 10.06, such Member shall cease to be a Member.
Article XIV.
DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION
Section 14.01 Dissolution. The Company shall not be dissolved solely by the admission of Additional Members or Substituted Members or the attempted resignation, removal, dissolution, bankruptcy or resignation of a Member. The Company shall dissolve, and its affairs shall be wound up, upon:
(a) the decision of the Manager together with the written approval of the Members holding a majority of the Units then outstanding to dissolve the Company (excluding for purposes of such calculation the Corporation and all Units held directly or indirectly by it);
(b) a dissolution of the Company under Section 18-801(a)(4) of the Delaware Act, unless the Company is continued without dissolution pursuant thereto; or
(c) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Company under Section 18-802 of the Delaware Act.
Except as otherwise set forth in this Article XIV, the Company is intended to have perpetual existence. An Event of Withdrawal shall not in and of itself cause a dissolution of the Company and the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, continue in existence without dissolution subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Section 14.02 Winding Up. Subject to Section 14.05, on dissolution of the Company, the Manager shall act as liquidating trustee or may appoint one or more Persons as liquidating trustee (each such Person, a “Liquidator”). The Liquidators shall proceed diligently to wind up the affairs of the Company and make final distributions as provided herein and in the Delaware Act. The costs of liquidation shall be borne as an expense of the Company. Until final distribution, the Liquidators shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, continue to operate the properties of the Company with all of the power and authority of the Manager. The steps to be accomplished by the Liquidators are as follows:
(a) as promptly as possible after dissolution and again after final liquidation, the Liquidators shall cause a proper accounting to be made by a recognized firm of certified public accountants of the Company’s assets, liabilities and operations through the last day of the calendar month in which the dissolution occurs or the final liquidation is completed, as applicable;
(b) the Liquidators shall pay, satisfy or discharge from the Company’s funds, or otherwise make adequate provision for payment and discharge thereof (including, without limitation, the establishment of a cash fund for contingent, conditional and unmatured liabilities in such amount and for such term as the Liquidators may reasonably determine) the following: first, all of the debts, liabilities and obligations of the Company owed to creditors other than the Members, including all expenses incurred in connection with the liquidation and winding up of the Company; and second, all of the debts, liabilities and obligations of the Company owed to the Members (other than any payments or distributions owed to such Members in their capacity as Members pursuant to this Agreement); and
(c) following satisfaction of the Company’s debts, liabilities and obligations pursuant to the foregoing Section 14.02(b), all remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed to the Members in accordance with Section 4.01(a)(i) by the end of the Taxable Year during which the liquidation of the Company occurs (or, if later, by ninety (90) days after the date of the liquidation).
The distribution of cash and/or property to the Members in accordance with the provisions of this Section 14.02 and Section 14.03 below shall constitute a complete return to the Members of their Capital Contributions, a complete distribution to the Members of their interest in the Company and all of the Company’s property and shall constitute a compromise to which all Members have consented within the meaning of the Delaware Act. To the extent that a Member returns funds to the Company, it has no claim against any other Member for those funds.
Section 14.03 Deferment; Distribution in Kind. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 14.02, but subject to the order of priorities set forth therein, if upon dissolution of the Company the Liquidators determine that an immediate sale of part or all of the Company’s assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss (or would otherwise not be beneficial) to the Members, the Liquidators may, in their sole discretion and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, defer for a reasonable time the liquidation of any assets except those necessary to satisfy the Company’s liabilities (other than loans to the Company by any Member(s)) and reserves. Subject to the order of priorities set forth in Section 14.02, the Liquidators may, with the written approval of (i) both the Founder Fund Related Parties and the GSB Holdings Related Parties that are Members, at any time that the GSB Holdings Related Parties and the Founder Fund Related Parties that are Members continue to hold a majority of the Units then outstanding (excluding in each case for purposes of such calculations the Corporation and all Units held directly or indirectly by it), and (ii) the Members holding a majority of the Units then outstanding, at any other time (excluding for purposes of such calculation the Corporation and all Units held directly or indirectly by it), distribute to the Members, in lieu of cash, either (a) all or any portion of such remaining assets in-kind of the Company in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.02(c), (b) as tenants in common and in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.02(c), undivided interests in all or any portion of such assets of the Company or (c) a combination of the foregoing. Any such Distributions in-kind shall be subject to (y) such conditions relating to the disposition and management of such assets as the Liquidators deem reasonable and equitable and (z) the terms and conditions of any agreements governing such assets (or the operation thereof or the holders thereof) at such time. Any assets of the Company distributed in kind will first be written up or down to their Fair Market Value, thus creating Profit or Loss (if any), which shall be allocated in accordance with Article V. The Liquidators shall determine the Fair Market Value of any property distributed.
Section 14.04 Cancellation of Certificate. On completion of the winding up of the Company as provided herein, the Manager (or such other Person or Persons as the Delaware Act may require or permit) shall file a certificate of cancellation of the Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State of Delaware, cancel any other filings made pursuant to this Agreement that should be canceled and take such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the existence of the Company. The Company shall continue in existence for all purposes of this Agreement until it is terminated pursuant to this Section 14.04.
Section 14.05 Reasonable Time for Winding Up. A reasonable time shall be allowed for the orderly winding up of the business and affairs of the Company and the liquidation of its assets pursuant to Sections 14.02 and 14.03 in order to minimize any losses otherwise attendant upon such winding up.
Section 14.06 Return of Capital. The Liquidators shall not be personally liable for the return of Capital Contributions or any portion thereof to the Members (it being understood that any such return shall be made solely from assets of the Company).
Article XV.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 15.01 Power of Attorney.
(a) Each Member hereby constitutes and appoints the Manager (or the Liquidator, if applicable) with full power of substitution, as his or her true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority in his, her or its name, place and stead, to:
(i) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record in the appropriate public offices (A) this Agreement, all certificates and other instruments and all amendments thereof which the Manager deems appropriate or necessary to form, qualify, or continue the qualification of, the Company as a limited liability company in the State of Delaware and in all other jurisdictions in which the Company may conduct business or own property; (B) all conveyances and other instruments or documents which the Manager deems appropriate or necessary to reflect the dissolution, winding up and termination of the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including a certificate of cancellation; and (C) all instruments relating to the admission, substitution or resignation of any Member pursuant to Article XII or XIII; and
(ii) sign, execute, swear to and acknowledge all ballots, consents, approvals, waivers, certificates and other instruments appropriate or necessary, in the reasonable judgment of the Manager, to evidence, confirm or ratify any vote, consent, approval, agreement or other action which is made or given by the Members hereunder.
(b) The foregoing power of attorney coupled with an interest and, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, is irrevocable, and shall survive the death, disability, incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or termination of any Member and the transfer of all or any portion of his, her or its Units and shall extend to such Member’s heirs, successors, assigns and personal representatives.
Section 15.02 Confidentiality.
(a) Each of the Members (other than the Corporation) agrees to hold the Company’s Confidential Information in confidence and may not disclose or use such information except as otherwise authorized separately in writing by the Manager. “Confidential Information” as used herein includes all information concerning the Corporation, the Company or their Subsidiaries, in whatever form, whether written, electronic or oral, including, but not limited to, ideas, financial product structuring, business strategies, innovations and materials, all aspects of the Corporation’s and/or the Company’s business plan, proposed operation and products, corporate structure, financial and organizational information, analyses, proposed partners, software code and system and product designs, employees and their identities, equity ownership, the methods and means by which either the Corporation or the Company plans to conduct its business, all trade secrets, trademarks, tradenames and all intellectual property associated with the Corporation’s and/or Company’s business. With respect to each Member, Confidential Information does not include information or material that: (a) is, or becomes, generally available to the public other than as a direct or indirect result of a disclosure by such Member or its Affiliates or representatives; (b) is, or becomes, available to such Member from a source other than the Corporation, the Company or their representatives, provided that such source is not, and was not, known to such Member to be bound by a confidentiality agreement with, or any other contractual, fiduciary or other legal obligation of confidentiality to, the Corporation, the Company or any of their Affiliates or representatives; (c) is approved for release by written authorization of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel of the Company or of the Corporation, or any other officer designated by the Manager; or (d) is or becomes independently developed by such Member or its respective representatives without use of or reference to the Confidential Information.
(b) Solely to the extent it is reasonably necessary or appropriate to fulfill its obligations or to exercise its rights under this Agreement, any Other Agreement or any other agreement to which such Member is party with the Corporation, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, each of the Members may disclose Confidential Information to its Subsidiaries, Affiliates, partners, members, directors, officers, employees, counsel, advisers, consultants, outside contractors and other agents, on the condition that such Persons keep the Confidential Information confidential to the same extent as such Member is required to keep the Confidential Information confidential; provided, that such Member shall remain liable with respect to any breach of this Section 15.02 by any such Subsidiaries, Affiliates, partners, directors, officers, employees, counsel, advisers, consultants, outside contractors and other agents (as if such Persons were party to this Agreement for purposes of this Section 15.02).
(c) Notwithstanding Section 15.02(a) or Section 15.02(b), each of the Members may disclose Confidential Information (i) to the extent that such Member is required by Law (by oral questions, interrogatories, request for information or documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose any of the Confidential Information or to regulatory authorities requesting information from such Member, (ii) for purposes of reporting to its stockholders and direct and indirect equity holders (each of whom are bound by customary confidentiality obligations) the performance of the Company and its Subsidiaries and for purposes of including applicable information in its financial statements to the extent required by applicable Law or applicable accounting standards, or (iii) to any bona fide prospective purchaser of the equity or assets of a Member, or the Units held by such Member, or a prospective merger partner of such Member (provided, that (i) such Persons will be informed by such Member of the confidential nature of such information and shall agree in writing to keep such information confidential in accordance with the contents of this Agreement and (ii) each Member will be liable for any breaches of this Section 15.02 by any such Persons (as if such Persons were party to this Agreement for purposes of this Section 15.02)). Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, nothing in this Section 15.02 will restrict in any manner the ability of the Corporation to comply with its disclosure obligations under Law, and the extent to which any Confidential Information is necessary or desirable to disclose.
Section 15.03 Amendments. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, this Agreement may be amended or modified upon the prior written consent of the Manager, together with the prior written consent of the holders of a majority of the Units then outstanding (excluding all Units held directly or indirectly by the Corporation). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment or modification:
(a) to this Section 15.03 that would adversely affect the Members may be made without the prior written consent of the Manager and each of the Members;
(b) to any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, which terms and conditions expressly require the approval or action of certain Persons, may be made without obtaining the consent of the requisite number or specified percentage of such Persons who are entitled to approve or take action on such matter; and
(c) to any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement which would (A) reduce the amounts distributable to a Member pursuant to Articles IV and XIV in a manner that is not pro rata with respect to all Members, (B) increase the liabilities of such Member hereunder, (C) otherwise adversely affect in any material respect a holder of Units in a manner materially disproportionate to any other holder of Units (other than amendments, modifications and waivers necessary to implement the provisions of Article XII) or (D) adversely affect in any material respect the rights of any Member under Section 7.01 or Article XI, shall be effective against such affected Member or holder of Units, as the case may be, without the prior written consent of such Member or holder of Units, as the case may be.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Manager may make any amendment to this Agreement (i) of an administrative nature that is necessary in order to implement the substantive provisions hereof, without the consent of any other Member; provided, that any such amendment does not adversely change the rights of the Members hereunder in any respect, or (ii) to reflect any changes to the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or the issuance of any other capital stock of the Corporation without the consent of any Member or any other Person. The Manager shall deliver a copy of any amendment or modification to this Agreement that does not receive the consent of all Members promptly (but in any event within 30 days) after the effectiveness thereof to all Members that did not consent to such amendment or modification.
Section 15.04 Title to Company Assets. Company assets shall be owned by the Company as an entity, and no Member, individually or collectively, shall have any ownership interest in such assets of the Company or any portion thereof. The Company shall hold title to all of its property in the name of the Company and not in the name of any Member. All assets of the Company shall be recorded as the property of the Company on its books and records, irrespective of the name in which legal title to such assets is held. The Company’s credit and assets shall be used solely for the benefit of the Company, and no asset of the Company shall be transferred or encumbered for, or in payment of, any individual obligation of any Member.
Section 15.05 Addresses and Notices. All notices and other communications to be given to any party hereunder shall be sufficiently given for all purposes hereunder if in writing and delivered by hand, courier or overnight delivery service, or when received in the form of an electronic transmission (receipt confirmation requested), and shall be directed to the address set forth, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the Company or the sending party.
To the Company:
Smith Douglas Holdings LLC
11 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, Georgia 30188
(770) 213-8067
Attention: Brett Steele, General Counsel
Email: bsteele@smithdouglas.com
with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:
Latham & Watkins LLP
1271 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Attn: Marc Jaffe, Senet Bischoff and Benjamin Cohen
(212) 906-1200
E-mail: marc.jaffe@lw.com, senet.bischoff@lw.com and benjamin.cohen@lw.com
To the Corporation:
Smith Douglas Homes Corp.
11 Village Trail, Suite 215
Woodstock, Georgia 30188
(770) 213-8067
Attention: Brett Steele, General Counsel
Email: bsteele@smithdouglas.com
with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:
Latham & Watkins LLP
1271 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Attn: Marc Jaffe, Senet Bischoff and Benjamin Cohen
(212) 906-1200
E-mail: marc.jaffe@lw.com, senet.bischoff@lw.com and benjamin.cohen@lw.com
To the Members, as set forth on Schedule 2.
Section 15.06 Binding Effect; Intended Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.
Section 15.07 Creditors. None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of or enforceable by any creditors of the Company (other than Indemnified Persons) or any of its Affiliates, and no creditor who makes a loan to the Company or any of its Affiliates may have or acquire (except pursuant to the terms of a separate agreement executed by the Company in favor of such creditor) at any time as a result of making the loan any direct or indirect interest in Profits, Losses, Distributions, capital or property of the Company other than as a secured creditor.
Section 15.08 Waiver. No failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.
Section 15.09 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which will be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement binding on all the parties hereto.
Section 15.10 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. Any suit, dispute, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement shall be heard in the state or federal courts of the State of Delaware, and the parties hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such suit, action or proceeding and waives any objection to venue laid therein. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, PROCESS IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE SERVED ON ANY PARTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHETHER WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT (INCLUDING BY PREPAID CERTIFIED MAIL WITH A VALIDATED PROOF OF MAILING RECEIPT) AND SHALL HAVE THE SAME LEGAL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IF SERVED UPON SUCH PARTY PERSONALLY WITHIN THE STATE OF DELAWARE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS REFERRED TO IN SECTION 15.05 (INCLUDING BY PREPAID CERTIFIED MAIL WITH A VALIDATED PROOF OF MAILING RECEIPT), TOGETHER WITH WRITTEN NOTICE OF SUCH SERVICE TO SUCH PARTY, SHALL BE DEEMED EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON SUCH PARTY.
Section 15.11 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable Law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or the effectiveness or validity of any provision in any other jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
Section 15.12 Further Action. The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.
Section 15.13 Execution and Delivery by Electronic Signature and Electronic Transmission. This Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement or contemplated hereby or entered into by the Company in accordance herewith, and any amendments hereto or thereto, to the extent signed and delivered by means of an electronic signature and/or electronic transmission, including by a facsimile machine or via email, shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. At the request of any party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument, each other party hereto or thereto shall re-execute original forms thereof and deliver them to all other parties. No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise the use of electronic signature or electronic transmission to execute and/or deliver a document or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through such electronic transmission as a defense to the formation of a contract and each such party forever waives any such defense.
Section 15.14 Right of Offset. Whenever the Company or the Corporation is to pay any sum (other than pursuant to Article IV) to any Member, any amounts that such Member owes to the Company or the Corporation which are not the subject of a good faith dispute may be deducted from that sum before payment. For the avoidance of doubt, the distribution of Units to the Corporation shall not be subject to this Section 15.14.
Section 15.15 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, those documents expressly referred to herein (including the Registration Rights Agreement and the Tax Receivable Agreement), any indemnity agreements entered into in connection with the limited liability company agreement governing the Company (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Converting Company) prior to the Effective Date with any member of the board of directors, board of managers or other management body at that time and other documents of even date herewith embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties and supersede and preempt any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way. For the avoidance of doubt, the Original LLC Agreement is superseded in its entirety by this Agreement as of the Effective Date and shall be of no further force and effect thereafter, except to the extent reference thereto is contemplated in this Agreement, and only for such limited purposes as stated herein.
Section 15.16 Remedies. Each Member shall have all rights and remedies set forth in this Agreement and all rights and remedies which such Person has been granted at any time under any other agreement or contract and all of the rights which such Person has under any Law. Any Person having any rights under any provision of this Agreement or any other agreements contemplated hereby shall be entitled to enforce such rights specifically (without posting a bond or other security), to recover damages by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights granted by Law.
Section 15.17 Descriptive Headings; Interpretation. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a substantive part of this Agreement. Whenever required by the context, any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa. The use of the word “including” in this Agreement shall be by way of example rather than by limitation. Reference to any agreement, document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument as amended or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, and if applicable hereof. Without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding sentence, no amendment or other modification to any agreement, document or instrument that requires the consent of any Person pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other agreement will be given effect hereunder unless such Person has consented in writing to such amendment or modification. Wherever required by the context, references to a Fiscal Year shall refer to a portion thereof. The use of the words “or,” “either” and “any” shall not be exclusive. Each of the parties hereto agrees that they have been represented by independent counsel of its own choice during the negotiation and execution of this Agreement and the parties hereto and their counsel have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. To the fullest extent permitted by Law, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed or caused to be executed on their behalf this Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement as of the date first written above.
COMPANY: | |||
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: | |||
MANAGER: | |||
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP. | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: | |||
MEMBERS: | |||
THE BRADBURY FAMILY TRUST II A U/A/D | |||
DECEMBER 29, 2015 | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: | |||
GSB HOLDINGS LLC | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: | |||
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP. | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]
SCHEDULE 1
SCHEDULE OF PRE-IPO MEMBERS
Member | Class A Units | Class C Units |
Class D Units |
The Bradbury Family Trust II A U/A/D December 29, 2015 | 100,000 | 2,000 | 600 |
GSB Holdings LLC | 11,111 | — | —- |
SCHEDULE 2*
SCHEDULE OF MEMBERS
[ ● ], 2023
Member |
Common Units (Vested)
|
Common Units (Unvested)
|
Contact Information for Notice |
1. Smith Douglas Homes Corp. | [ ] | None | |
2. The Bradbury Family Trust II A U/A/D December 29, 2015 | [ ] | None | |
3. GSB Holdings LLC | [ ] | None |
* This Schedule of Members shall be updated from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, including to reflect any adjustment with respect to any subdivision (by Unit split or otherwise) or any combination (by reverse Unit split or otherwise) of any outstanding Units, or to reflect any additional issuances of Units pursuant to this Agreement.
Exhibit A
FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT
This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of _________________, 20___ (this “Joinder”), is delivered pursuant to that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), dated as of [ — ], 2023 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “LLC Agreement”) by and among the Company, Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation and the sole managing member of the Company (the “Corporation”), and each of the Members from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the LLC Agreement.
1. | Joinder to the LLC Agreement. Upon the execution of this Joinder by the undersigned and delivery hereof to the Corporation, the undersigned hereby is and hereafter will be a Member under the LLC Agreement and a party thereto, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a Member thereunder. The undersigned hereby agrees that it shall comply with and be fully bound by the terms of the LLC Agreement as if it had been a signatory thereto as of the date thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that it has received a copy of the LLC Agreement and has reviewed the same and understands its contents. |
2. | Incorporation by Reference. All terms and conditions of the LLC Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joinder as if set forth herein in full. |
3. | Address. All notices under the LLC Agreement to the undersigned shall be direct to: |
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Attn:
Facsimile:
E-mail:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Joinder as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW MEMBER] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Acknowledged and agreed
as of the date first set forth above:
SMITH DOUGLAS HOLDINGS LLC
By: SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP., its Managing Member
By: | |
Name: | |
Title: |
Exhibit B-1
FORM OF AGREEMENT AND CONSENT OF SPOUSE
The undersigned spouse of _____________________________ (the “Member”), a party to that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), dated as of [ — ], 2023 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) by and among the Company, Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation and the sole managing member of the Company, and each of the Members from time to time party thereto (capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Agreement), acknowledges on his or her own behalf that:
I have read the Agreement and understand its contents. I acknowledge and understand that under the Agreement, any interest I may have, community property or otherwise, in the Units owned by the Member is subject to the terms of the Agreement, which include certain restrictions on Transfer.
I hereby consent to and approve the Agreement. I agree that said Units and any interest I may have, community property or otherwise, in such Units are subject to the provisions of the Agreement and that I will take no action at any time to hinder operation of the Agreement on said Units or any interest I may have, community property or otherwise, in said Units.
I hereby acknowledge that the meaning and legal consequences of the Agreement have been explained fully to me and are understood by me, and that I am signing this Agreement and consent without any duress and of free will.
Dated: _____________________________
[NAME OF SPOUSE] | ||
By: | ||
Name: |
Exhibit B-2
FORM OF SPOUSE’S CONFIRMATION OF SEPARATE PROPERTY
I, the undersigned, the spouse of _____________________________ (the “Member”), who is a party to that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), dated as of [ — ], 2023 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) by and among the Company, Smith Douglas Homes Corp., a Delaware corporation and the sole managing member of the Company, and each of the Members from time to time party thereto (capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Agreement), acknowledge and confirm that the Units owned by said Member are the sole and separate property of said Member, and I hereby disclaim any interest in same.
I hereby acknowledge that the meaning and legal consequences of this Member’s spouse’s confirmation of separate property have been fully explained to me and are understood by me, and that I am signing this Member’s spouse’s confirmation of separate property without any duress and of free will.
Dated: _____________________________
[NAME OF SPOUSE] | ||
By: | ||
Name: |
Exhibit C
POLICY REGARDING CERTAIN EQUITY ISSUANCES
[see attached]
SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
2023 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN
Policy Regarding Certain Equity Issuances
All capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the 2023 Incentive Award Plan (the “Plan”).
Pursuant to Sections 3.1 and 10.17 of the Plan, this Policy Regarding Certain Equity Issuances (this “Policy”), effective as of [ ● ], 2023, is established to provide for the method by which shares of Common Stock or other securities and/or payment therefor may be exchanged or contributed between Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (the “Corporation”) and Smith Douglas Holdings LLC (the “Operating Company”), or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or may be returned to the Corporation upon any forfeiture of such shares of Common Stock or other securities by the Participant, for the purpose of (i) ensuring that the relationship between the Corporation, the Operating Company and their respective Subsidiaries remains at arm’s-length, and (ii) maintaining economic parity between one share of Class A Common Stock and one Common Unit (as defined in the Operating Agreement) by preserving the one-to-one ratio between (x) the aggregate number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock and (y) the number of Common Units held by the Corporation.
In the event of any conflict between the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Smith Douglas Holdings LLC, dated as of [ ● ], 2023 (the “Operating Agreement”) or the Plan and this Policy, the Operating Agreement or the Plan, as applicable, will control. In the event of any conflict between the Operating Agreement and the Plan, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the Operating Agreement will control. This Policy may be modified, supplemented or terminated at any time and from time to time in the Corporation’s discretion.
For purposes of this Policy, where this Policy refers to a Service Provider who is an Operating Company Service Provider (as defined below) or is an employee or service provider to a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, all such references shall be deemed to include a former employee of or service provider to the Operating Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, who at the time of grant of the relevant award was then an employee or service provider of such entity.
1. | Restricted Stock Awards |
a. | Transfers of Restricted Stock to Corporation Employees, Corporation Consultants or Corporation Directors. The following shall apply to Restricted Stock granted under the Plan to Employees and Consultants of the Corporation and Directors (collectively, “Corporation Service Providers”) in consideration for services performed by such Corporation Service Providers for the Corporation (but not for the Operating Company or its Subsidiaries): |
i. | Issuance of Restricted Stock. |
A. | The Corporation shall issue such number of shares of Restricted Stock as are to be issued to the Corporation Service Provider in accordance with the terms of the Plan. |
B. | Concurrently with or prior to such issuance, a Corporation Service Provider shall pay the purchase price (if any) of the Restricted Stock to the Corporation in exchange for the issuance of the Restricted Stock. |
C. | Prior to the Vesting Date (as defined below), the Corporation shall pay dividends to the holder of the Restricted Stock and make any other payments to the Corporation Service Provider (less any applicable withholding and other payroll taxes) as the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement provide for. The Corporation and the Operating Company shall treat such payments as having been made by the Corporation, and the Corporation shall report such payments as compensation to the Corporation Service Provider for all purposes. Prior to the Vesting Date (as defined below), the Operating Company shall pay to, or with respect to, the Corporation the amount of any such payments that the Corporation is required to pay to or with respect to the Corporation Service Provider as a reimbursement of Corporation expenses pursuant to Section 6.06 of the Operating Agreement. |
ii. | Vesting of Restricted Stock. On the date when the value of any share of Restricted Stock is includible in the taxable income (with respect to each such share, the “Vesting Date”) of the Corporation Service Provider, the following events shall occur or be deemed to have occurred: |
A. | If required by Section 6.06 of the Operating Agreement, the Operating Company shall be deemed to or actually reimburse the Corporation for the compensation expense equal to, or with respect to, the amount includible in the taxable income of the Corporation Service Provider. |
B. | The Operating Company shall issue to the Corporation on the Vesting Date a number of Common Units (as defined in the Operating Agreement) equal to the number of such shares of Restricted Stock (or portion thereof) that are includible in the taxable income of the Corporation Service Provider as of the applicable Vesting Date and any Restricted Stock (or portion thereof) purchased by the Corporation Service Provider in consideration for a deemed or actual Capital Contribution (as defined in the Operating Agreement) from the Corporation in an amount equal to the number of Common Units issued in accordance with this section, multiplied by the per-Common Unit Fair Market Value (as defined in the Operating Agreement). |
b. | Transfers of Restricted Stock to Employees and other Service Providers of the Operating Company. The following shall apply to Restricted Stock granted under the Plan to Employees and other Service Providers of the Operating Company or its Subsidiaries (each, “Operating Company Service Providers”) in consideration for services performed by such Operating Company Service Providers for the Operating Company or its Subsidiaries: |
i. | Issuance of Restricted Stock. |
A. | The Corporation shall issue such number of shares of Restricted Stock as are to be issued to the Operating Company Service Provider in accordance with the terms of the Plan. |
B. | Concurrently with or prior to such issuance, an Operating Company Service Provider shall pay the purchase price (if any) of the Restricted Stock to the Corporation in exchange for the issuance of the Restricted Stock. |
C. | The Corporation shall transfer any such purchase price to the Operating Company (and, if the Operating Company Service Provider is an Employee or other Service Provider of a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, the Operating Company shall transfer such purchase price to such Subsidiary of the Operating Company).For tax purposes, any such purchase price shall be treated as paid by the Operating Company Service Provider to the Operating Company (or an applicable Subsidiary) as the employer of the Employee or the recipient of the Consultant’s services (i.e., not a capital contribution). |
D. | Prior to the Vesting Date, the Corporation shall pay dividends to the holder of the Restricted Stock and make any other payments to the Operating Company Service Provider (less any applicable withholding and other payroll taxes) as provided by the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, provided that the Operating Company (or, if the Operating Company Service Provider is an Employee or other Service Providers of a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, the Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall reimburse the Corporation for such amounts, handle any applicable withholding and deduct such amounts as compensation. In order to effectuate the foregoing, in addition to the Operating Company’s distributions to the Corporation with respect to the Common Units held by the Corporation, the Operating Company (or the applicable Subsidiary) shall make an additional payment to the Corporation in the amount of this reimbursement, which shall not be treated as a partnership distribution. Such dividend or other payments shall be treated as having been made by the Operating Company (or the applicable Subsidiary), and not by the Corporation, to such Operating Company Service Provider, and the Operating Company (or the applicable Subsidiary) shall report such payments as compensation to the Operating Company Service Provider for all purposes. |
ii. | Vesting of Restricted Stock. On the Vesting Date of any shares of Restricted Stock of the Operating Company Service Provider, the following events shall occur or be deemed to have occurred: |
A. | The Corporation shall be deemed to sell to the Operating Company (or, if the Operating Company Service Provider is an Employee or other Service Provider of a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, to such Subsidiary of the Operating Company), and the Operating Company (or such Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall be deemed to purchase from the Corporation, such shares of Restricted Stock (or portion thereof) that are includible in the taxable income of the Operating Company Service Provider on such Vesting Date (the “Operating Company Purchased Restricted Stock”), which shall not include any Restricted Stock (or portion thereof) purchased by the Operating Company Service Provider. The deemed price paid by the Operating Company (or a Subsidiary of the Operating Company) to the Corporation for Operating Company Purchased Restricted Stock shall be an amount equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of Operating Company Purchased Restricted Stock and (y) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Vesting Date. |
B. | The Operating Company (or any Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall be deemed to transfer Operating Company Purchased Restricted Stock to the Participant at no additional cost, as additional compensation. |
C. | The Operating Company shall issue to the Corporation on the Vesting Date a number of Common Units equal to (i) the number of shares of Operating Company Purchased Restricted Stock in consideration for a deemed Capital Contribution from the Corporation in an amount equal to the number of Common Units issued in accordance with this section, multiplied by the per-Common Unit Fair Market Value and (ii) the number of shares of Restricted Stock (or portion thereof) purchased by the Operating Company Service Provider in consideration for the Capital Contribution from the Corporation of any purchase price paid by the Operating Company Service Provider for the applicable Restricted Stock (or portion thereof) to the Corporation. In the case where an Operating Company Service Provider is an employee or service provider to a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, then the Operating Company shall be deemed to have contributed such amount to the capital of such Subsidiary of the Operating Company. |
2. | Restricted Stock Unit and Other Stock or Cash Based Awards. The following shall apply to all Restricted Stock Units and Other Stock or Cash Based Awards (other than cash awards) granted under the Plan and settled in shares of Common Stock: |
a. | Transfers of Common Stock to Corporation Service Providers. The Corporation shall issue such number of shares of Common Stock as are to be issued to the Corporation Service Provider in accordance with the terms of the Plan and any Restricted Stock Unit or applicable Other Stock or Cash Based Award to a Corporation Service Provider in accordance with Section 6.3 or Article VII of the Plan. As soon as reasonably practicable after such Award is settled, with respect to each such settlement: |
i. | If required by Section 6.06 of the Operating Agreement, the Operating Company shall be deemed to or actually reimburse the Corporation for the compensation expense equal to, or with respect to, the amount includible in the taxable income of the Corporation Service Provider with respect to such Award. |
ii. | The Operating Company shall issue to the Corporation on the date of settlement a number of Common Units equal to the number of shares of Common Stock issued in settlement of the Restricted Stock Unit or applicable Other Stock or Cash Based Award in consideration for a deemed Capital Contribution from the Corporation in an amount equal to the number of Common Units issued in accordance with this section, multiplied by the per-Common Unit Fair Market Value. |
b. | Transfer of Common Stock to Operating Company Service Providers. The Corporation shall issue such number of shares of Common Stock as are to be issued to an Operating Company Service Provider in accordance with the terms of the Plan and any Restricted Stock Unit or applicable Other Stock or Cash Based Award to an Operating Company Service Provider in accordance with Section 6.3 or Article VII of the Plan. As soon as reasonably practicable after such Award is settled, with respect to each such settlement: |
i. | The Corporation shall be deemed to sell to the Operating Company (or, if the Operating Company Service Provider is an Employee or other Service Provider of a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, to such Subsidiary of the Operating Company), and the Operating Company (or such Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall be deemed to purchase from the Corporation, the number of shares of Common Stock (the “Operating Company Purchased RSU/Other Award Shares”) equal to the number issued in settlement of the Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock or Cash Based Awards. The deemed price paid by the Operating Company (or Subsidiary of the Operating Company) to the Corporation for Operating Company Purchased RSU/Other Award Shares shall be an amount equal to the product of (x) the number of Operating Company Purchased RSU/Other Award Shares and (y) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at the time of settlement. |
ii. | The Operating Company (or Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall be deemed to transfer such shares of Common Stock to the Participant at no additional cost, as additional compensation. |
iii. | The Operating Company shall issue to the Corporation on the date of settlement a number of Common Units equal to the number of Operating Company Purchased RSU/Other Award Shares in consideration for a deemed Capital Contribution from the Corporation in an amount equal to the number of Common Units issued in accordance with this section, multiplied by the per-Common Unit Fair Market Value. In the case where an Operating Company Service Provider is an employee or service provider to a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, the Operating Company shall be deemed to have contributed such amount to the capital of such Subsidiary of the Operating Company. |
c. | Other Full-Value Awards. To the extent the Corporation grants full-value Awards (other than Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other Stock and Cash Based Awards), the provisions of this Section 2 shall apply mutatis mutandis with respect to such full-value Awards, to the extent applicable (as determined by the Administrator). |
3. | Stock Options. The following shall apply to Options granted under the Plan: |
a. | Transfer of Common Stock to Corporation Service Providers. As soon as reasonably practicable after receipt by the Corporation, pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Plan, of payment for the shares of Common Stock with respect to which an Option (which in the case of a Corporation Service Provider was issued to and is held by such Participant in such capacity), or portion thereof, is exercised by a Participant who is a Corporation Service Provider: |
i. | The Corporation shall transfer to the holder of such Option the number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Option (or portion thereof) that is exercised subject to the terms of the Plan. |
ii. | The Corporation, shall, as soon as practicable after such exercise, make a Capital Contribution to the Operating Company in an amount equal to the exercise price paid to the Corporation by such Participant in connection with the exercise of the Option. If required by Section 6.06 of the Operating Agreement, the Operating Company shall reimburse the Corporation for the compensation expense equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of exercise multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock then being issued in connection with the exercise of such Option less the exercise price paid to the Corporation by such Participant in connection with the exercise of the Option. Notwithstanding the amount of the Capital Contribution actually made pursuant to this Section 3(a)(ii), the Corporation shall be deemed to have contributed in the aggregate to the Operating Company as a Capital Contribution, inclusive of any Capital Contribution actually made, an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of exercise multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock then being issued in connection with the exercise of such Option. |
iii. | The Operating Company shall issue to the Corporation, on the date of the issuance of any Common Stock described in Section 3(a)(i) hereof, a number of Common Units equal to the number of issued shares of Common Stock pursuant to Section 3(a)(i) hereof, in consideration for the Capital Contributions described in Section 3(a)(ii) hereof. |
b. | Transfer of Common Stock to Operating Company Service Providers. As soon as reasonably practicable after receipt by the Corporation, pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Plan, of payment for the shares of Common Stock with respect to which an Option (which was issued to and is held by an Operating Company Service Provider in such capacity), or portion thereof, is exercised by a Participant who is an Operating Company Service Provider: |
i. | The Corporation shall transfer to the Participant the total number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Option was exercised subject to the terms of the Plan (the “Total Purchased Shares”). Of the Total Purchased Shares, the number of shares of Common Stock that shall be deemed to be transferred directly to the Participant shall be equal to (A) the amount of the exercise price paid by the Participant to the Corporation pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Plan (the “Exercise Price Paid”) divided by (B) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at the time of exercise (the “Operating Company Holder Purchased Shares”). |
ii. | The Corporation shall be deemed to sell to the Operating Company (or, if the Operating Company Service Provider is an Employee or other Service Provider of a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, to such Subsidiary of the Operating Company), and the Operating Company (or such Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall be deemed to purchase from the Corporation, the number of shares of Common Stock (the “Operating Company Purchased Option Shares”) equal to the excess of (A) the number of Total Purchased Shares, over (B) the number of Operating Company Holder Purchased Shares. The deemed price paid by the Operating Company (or a Subsidiary of the Operating Company) to the Corporation for Operating Company Purchased Option Shares shall be an amount equal to the product of (x) the number of Operating Company Purchased Option Shares and (y) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at the time of the exercise. |
iii. | The Operating Company (or a Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall be deemed to transfer the Operating Company Purchased Option Shares to the Participant at no additional cost, as additional compensation. |
iv. | The Operating Company shall issue to the Corporation on the date of exercise a number of Common Units equal to the sum of the number of Total Purchased Shares in consideration for (i) a deemed Capital Contribution from the Corporation in an amount equal to the number of Operating Company Purchased Option Shares, multiplied by the per-Common Unit Fair Market Value and (ii) a Capital Contribution from the Corporation in amount equal to the Exercise Price Paid. In the case where an Operating Company Service Provider is an Employee or other Service Provider to a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, the Operating Company shall be deemed to have contributed such amount to the capital of such Subsidiary of the Operating Company. |
c. | Stock Appreciation Rights. To the extent the Corporation grants any Stock Appreciation Rights, the provisions of this Section 3 shall apply mutatis mutandis with respect to such Stock Appreciation Rights, to the extent applicable (as determined by the Administrator). |
4. | Dividend Equivalent Awards. The following shall apply to Dividend Equivalents granted under the Plan: |
a. | The Corporation shall make any payments to a Corporation Service Provider under the terms of the Dividend Equivalent award, provided that the Corporation and the Operating Company shall treat such payments as having been made by the Corporation, and the Corporation shall report such payments as compensation to the Corporation Service Provider for all purposes. The Operating Company shall pay to the Corporation the amount of any such payments that the Corporation is required to pay to, or with respect to, the Corporation Service Provider as a reimbursement of Corporation expenses pursuant to Section 6.06 of the Operating Agreement. |
b. | The Corporation shall make any payments to an Operating Company Service Provider (less any applicable withholding and other payroll taxes) under the terms of the Dividend Equivalent award, provided that the Operating Company (or, if the Operating Company Service Provider is an Employee or other Service Provider of a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, such Subsidiary of the Operating Company) shall reimburse the Corporation for such amounts, handle any applicable withholding and deduct such amounts as compensation. In order to effectuate the foregoing, in addition to the Operating Company’s (or the applicable Subsidiary’s) distributions to the Corporation with respect to Common Units held by the Corporation, the Operating Company (or the applicable Subsidiary) shall make an additional payment to the Corporation in the amount of this reimbursement, which shall not be treated as a partnership distribution. Such payments shall be treated as having been made by the Operating Company (or the applicable Subsidiary), and not by the Corporation, to such Operating Company Service Provider, and the Operating Company (or the applicable Subsidiary) shall report such payments as compensation to such Operating Company Service Provider for all purposes. |
5. | Forfeiture, Surrender or Repurchase of Common Stock. If any shares of Common Stock granted under the Plan are (a) forfeited or surrendered by any Service Provider eligible to participate in the Plan (an “Eligible Service Provider”) or (b) repurchased from any Eligible Service Provider by the Corporation, the Operating Company or a Subsidiary, (i) the shares of Common Stock forfeited, surrendered or repurchased shall be returned to the Corporation, (ii) the Corporation (or, if the Eligible Service Provider is an Operating Company Service Provider, the Operating Company or a Subsidiary of the Operating Company, as applicable) shall pay the repurchase price (if any) of the repurchased shares of Common Stock to such Eligible Service Provider, and (iii) if corresponding Common Units had theretofore been issued in respect of the shares of Common Stock that were so forfeited, surrendered or repurchased, the Operating Company shall, contemporaneously with such forfeiture, surrender or repurchase of shares of Common Stock, redeem or repurchase a number of the Common Units held by the Corporation equal to the number of forfeited, surrendered or repurchased shares of Common Stock, such redemption or repurchase to be upon the same terms and for the same price per Common Unit as such shares of Common Stock are forfeited, surrendered or repurchased. |
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Smith Douglas Homes Corp.
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110 Village Trail, Suite 215
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Woodstock, Georgia 30188
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Attn: Brett Steele, General Counsel
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With a copy to:
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Latham & Watkins LLP
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1271 Avenue of the Americas
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New York, New York 10022
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Attn: Marc Jaffe
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Facsimile: (212) 906-1200
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SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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GSB HOLDINGS LLC
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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THE BRADBURY FAMILY TRUST II A U/A/D
DECEMBER 29, 2015
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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Holder
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GSB Holdings LLC
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The Bradbury Family Trust II A
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U/A/D December 29, 2015 |
Signature of Stockholder
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Print Name of Stockholder
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Its:
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Address:
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Smith Douglas Homes Corp.
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By:
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Name:
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Its:
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SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
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2023 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN
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SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
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2023 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN
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Participant:
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[To be specified]
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Grant Date:
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[To be specified]
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Exercise Price per Share:
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[To be specified]
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Shares Subject to the Option:
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[To be specified]
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Final Expiration Date:
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[To be specified]
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Vesting Commencement Date:
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[To be specified]
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Vesting Schedule:
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[To be specified]
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Type of Option
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[Incentive Stock Option]/[Non-Qualified Stock Option]
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SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
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PARTICIPANT
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By:
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Name:
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[Participant Name]
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Title:
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SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
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2023 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN
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Participant:
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[To be specified]
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Grant Date:
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[To be specified]
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Number of RSUs:
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[To be specified]
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Vesting Commencement Date:
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[To be specified]
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Vesting Schedule:
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[To be specified]
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SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
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PARTICIPANT
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By:
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Name:
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[Participant Name]
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Title:
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1) |
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
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2) |
“Person” has the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Person excludes (i) the Company, (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an
employee benefit plan of the Company, and (iii) any entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.
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3) |
“Beneficial Owner” has the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Beneficial Owner excludes any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of the
stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another entity.
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1) |
the Proceeding or part of any Proceeding is to enforce Indemnitee’s rights to obtain indemnification or advancement of Expenses from the Company or Enterprise, including a proceeding initiated pursuant to Section
14 of this Agreement, or
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2) |
the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation.
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(b)
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If to the Company to: |
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Name: |
Smith Douglas Homes Corp:
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Address: |
110 Village Trail, Suite 215 Woodstock, Georgia 30188
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Attention: |
General Counsel
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Email: |
[ ● ]
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SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES CORP.
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INDEMNITEE
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By: |
Name:
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Office:
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Name:
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Address: | |||||
/s/ George E. Perdue III
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George E. Perdue III
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/s/ Neill B. Faucett
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Neill B. Faucett
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/s/ Janice E. Walker
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Janice E. Walker
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